Letter to the Editor: Cheater

The Lexington Herald Leader (Kentucky)
September 30, 2010 Thursday

To the Editor:
Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter's acting to get a call seems to go down well with most sports fans and members of the sports commentariat.

Jeter faked being hit by a pitch that actually hit his bat. The ball was in play and he should have been out. Instead he was awarded first base. The next batter hit a homer. Jeter did it to help the team. It's all about winning, right?

Though he's considered a real Boy Scout, Jeter deliberately lied. Gulling the ump is good sportsmanship? A reputation for honesty is good because it can give you the edge?

The rules enforced by the umps are to protect both sides against dishonest play. Pitchers can't throw spitters or fake a pitch home to pick off a runner. Does Jeter's behavior fit the spirit of that scheme?

Nobody expects a player to argue against a call in his favor because he thinks it's wrong. The ump makes the call. But lying to get the call?

We say sports competitions should be decided by fair and honest play, free of dishonest manipulation. We tell our youth that sports builds character. Yet, as adults, it's OK to lie to win? What does that say to the kids, and what does it say about the way we conduct the rest of our lives?

Will Sutter
Lexington