Seahawks

Is Carroll feeding his ego again?

What is it with Seahawks coach Pete Carroll and quarterbacks? He prides himself in defying conventional wisdom, but this is looking like a Pete ego thing. So far he has failed twice at trying to outsmart the league with his quarterback outside-of-the-box shenanigans, and it looks like we are heading down the same underwhelming path.

We all know how critical winning now is in this league. How is this quarterback controversy helping the Seahawks take a significant step toward success in the immediate future? It only seems to be stroking Pete's overly confident impression of himself.

— Ron van der Veen, Seattle

Seahawks have two elite QBs

The Seahawks might have a choice between not one, but two future elite quarterbacks. The conclusion we should come to so far is not whether Russell Wilson or Matt Flynn can lead this team through the season. They both can.

— Travis Coursey, Edmonds

Wilson starting is premature

This time of year seems to bring upon amnesia over the historic significance of NFL exhibition games.

From all appearances, Russell Wilson is a classy young man with a lot of NFL potential. But to advance a serious case for his being in the race for starting status based upon statistics generated against second- and third-team defenses is premature, at best.

— Lew Witham, Seattle

We needed to see more of Wilson

With Russell Wilson, you have a rookie with a lot of potential who has performed well against second-string defenses, and you have an experienced player in Matt Flynn who has been less than stellar against first-string opposition. If you started Flynn in game three and he did well or if he performed poorly you are no better off than you were before. You still don't know if Wilson can handle the pressure.

If Pete Carroll had started anyone except Wilson in game three he would deserve criticism.

— Dean Patterson, Auburn

Mariners

Addition by subtracting Ichiro

We're 18-9 since Ichiro's departure.

Loss of skills is one thing, but when you refuse to take a leadership role, you actually become a liability to the club, the morale and the true sense of team.

Look what the club is doing with a more relaxed and cohesive group, I feel the same way about Ken Griffey Jr. He refused to lead, but pouted when anyone got more attention or appreciation than him

I do appreciate Ichiro's skill and contribution to the game. It would be great to see him do well in the postseason and then retire. He can then go out a winner.

— Gary Halperin, Issaquah

UW basketball

Brad Jackson hire will help

How fortuitous that Brad Jackson decided to add his savvy and skill to the Washington men's basketball program desperately in need of both. Lorenzo Romar and his coaching staff have had trouble seeing the big picture, and they have never been able to walk with the big boys much less dance.

Jackson will help immensely in giving solid direction in the development of a plan that assures consistency from year to year. Unfortunately, Western Washington now has to replace this excellent coach.

— Les Smith, Bremerton

George Hickman

Kelley column shined a light

My compliments to Steve Kelley for writing such a sincere, warmhearted and insightful column on longtime Washington and Seahawks usher George Hickman ("Hickman's continual sunshine lit up all of Seattle," Tuesday).

Kelley's remarks transcended what is often repetitive and mundane in the sports of any newspaper or television reporting. You described Mr. Hickman as a person who radiated hope and vitality to all who passed his way. While I never met him, your reflections brought more than a portion of his "eternal sunshine" into my day.

— Tony Angell, Lake Forest Park

Needing another hug from George

For five years or so, I was the elevator operator to the Husky Stadium press box, never venturing farther out than the food area. At the last home game, I got the best gift of all, a tour of the entire press box, complete with its history. George Hickman was my tour guide.

He spent an hour and a half showing me around, telling me stories about the press box and the stadium, and we also talked a little about his experiences as an airman. Unfortunately, it became time for me to go back into my silver box, but the tour ended with a big hug. I wish I could have another.

He was such a wonderful man, and Steve Kelley's column was excellent. I will miss him so much!

— Megan Young, Seattle