N-G should have sidelined ornery Tate

I write in response to sports columnist Loran Tate's Oct. 28 column about Ron Zook and Illini football.

It is one thing for Loren to write a mean-spirited column, but The News-Gazette did not have to print it. Why? What good came out of that printing?

I am almost 60 years old, and have never written such an article or called in to a radio station. The article by Tate, and the printing of it, does not at all fall under the book of Midwestern values, which includes chapters on loyalty, respect and honor.

None of these values were demonstrated in Tate's article.

I realize that generating revenue is key and that our football team is struggling. But there is more to life than publicly kicking someone while he's down.

If Tate wants to campaign against Zook, that his choice. However, The News-Gazette did not have to enable his problem.

What damage was done to future recruiting? We are recruiting for a president, chancellor, provost, not to mention future coaches and athletes. If I were a potential recruit and read this article, I would question how I was going to be treated if I chose to become an Illini.

Tate's commentary may have done more damage than good.

Let's get back to what Illini Nation stands for. Remember the song, "We're loyal to you Illinois." Illinois embraces its people, not just the institution.

PATTY BINGAMAN

Champaign