McKnight Column Draws Return Fire

I’ve just completed reading the article written by Chris Foster concerning Gary McKnight, basketball coach at Mater Dei High. I found myself upset at an article written by a person who doesn’t even know Coach McKnight but for two hours of game time and postgame interviews.

I believe there is a vendetta being carried out by you, Mr. Foster. You are no longer reporting a basketball sporting event. Your journalistic abilities have sunk to the level of the National Enquirer, or is it The Times that has sunk?

BEN VILLA

San Clemente

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Doesn’t Foster have anything better to do than slam high school coaches? Aren’t you paid for something other than the dribble you spewed in your article.

Mater Dei is by far one of the finest high schools in Southern California. If you have never experienced it, I can imagine that you would have difficulty understanding it. And to read your hate-filled article made me think long and hard about why you said it.

It made me realize that your only intent was to sell papers. Your only intent was to take a cheap shot at a school of prominence to build your reputation as a learned man. You’re one-dimensional, Mr. Foster.

PAT DUFFY

Costa Mesa

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I’m sure Mater Dei backers will side with their blindness to facts, but others in the profession applaud your article.

Gary McKnight spends all of his deadball and timeouts away from the team huddle, at the court sideline baiting, intimidating and berating any official who dares call a foul on his players. . . . His action on the sidelines cost him a crucial “T” and a loss in last year’s State playoffs.

People wonder why McKnight doesn’t land a college job. His antics are too obvious to the people from colleges who have seen him. The way he allows his players to taunt, strut, tease and embarrass others is a reflection of him (no class) and an embarrassment to the profession.

BILL STEINRIEDE

Coach, Capistrano Valley High