THE MAIL

I was shocked to read about Penn State's dismissal of head physician Wayne Sebastianelli. He is the epitome of a sports orthopedic surgeon, one who is respected and admired by his peers for his competence in caring for athletes. To remove someone of his excellence is a travesty.

Patrick E. Clare, University of Nebraska, Team Orthopedic Surgeon, Lincoln, Neb.

Penn Statement

As a lifelong Penn State fan I was disheartened by David Epstein's story about the training and medical staff problem (What Still Ails Penn State). While this is a serious issue, and I understand that the school is under the microscope after the Jerry Sandusky scandal, why was this considered newsworthy? This is not the first internal power struggle at a major university, nor will it be the last. We've suffered enough. Let it go.

Jim Brown, New Martinsville, W.Va.

Of the many, many things Joe Paterno did, his requirement that an orthopedic surgeon be available at all times stands near the top. The decision to erase this legacy seems petty and dangerous.

John W. Carlson, Beavercreek, Ohio

I was disappointed to read that Penn State's operation has not become transparent but even more opaque.

Doris Raney, Athens, Texas

Rich Roll

After reading The Fortunate 50, I would be interested in hearing how much those well-compensated athletes pay in taxes.

Robin Loughman, Adams, Mass.

Tough Call

Umpiring is hard—I still think about that bang-bang play I had while I was umpiring a kids' game. Joe Sheehan's solutions (POINT AFTER) are right on. Today's umps are a little too arrogant, a little too old and a little too incompetent. And MLB is acting a little too slowly.

Ed Goeringer, Schererville, Ind.

One thing I've noticed over the last few years is that when some umpires call a third strike, it looks as if they're auditioning for Dancing with the Stars. If a player can't show up an ump without consequences, the ump should not be able to show up the player, either.

Tim Madgar, Baltimore

Sheehan perpetuates the ongoing belief that umpires should be perfect their first day on the job and get better thereafter. Why are the lowest-paid men in the majors held to the highest standard? Just like the players, they make errors. That's baseball.

Todd Bolton, Smithsburg, Md.

So Sheehan's plan is to hire inexperienced workers at twice the pay to do half the work. Where do I sign up?

Roger Bolton, Elkins, W.Va.

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SOCIAL MEDIA

With the suspension of Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson for the 2013 season, do you think the Irish stand a chance of making another BCS title run?

Jon McClure Considering backup QB Tommy Rees had to come in and bail out Golson several times in 2012, the success of the football team never revolved around him entirely. It was always a team effort, including a strong defense, that led Notre Dame to last season's title game.

Dan Kavanagh A BCS bowl bid will still be possible but certainly less likely now. Rees is serviceable when not under duress, but having two new offensive linemen come in doesn't bode well for this situation.

Mark Bruso Golson was a game manager, not a game changer. I believe the Irish will see the same results with either Rees or senior Andrew Hendrix under center.

Steve Zimmerman Nope. The Irish were at best going to win eight games with or without Golson on the field.

Nate Confer I'm still not sure how they got there last year even with Golson, so there's always a chance.

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