Guillen's rant was inevitable

White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen had a lot to say this week about how difficult it has been to watch his team struggle this season. Some fans support him, but others say his outburst went too far.

Readers have their say

I think Ozzie Guillen's rant was inevitable considering the fortunes of the team, especially over the last couple of weeks when nothing seemed to go right.

I'm surprised Ozzie didn't go off sooner, and really, who can blame him? The team, from top to bottom, has underachieved all year long.

I believe Ozzie has, for the most part, protected his players - even taking the blame himself for the subpar performance of not only his stars but the parade of call-ups from the minor leagues who have looked overmatched and unprepared to play at the big-league level.

What White Sox fan or baseball fan does not appreciate Ozzie for his candor, humor and joy for the game?

Say what you will about the man, but the White Sox and baseball would be worse off without him. It's too bad you can't say the same about his team.

Marc Cheiken | Las Vegas

Character counts

The measure of a man's character is how he behaves in defeat. Victory is easy.

Contrast Ozzie Guillen with Dusty Baker. Guillen's English vocabulary seems to be limited to vulgarities, and his behavior is disgraceful. What a terrible example to young men and a disgrace to Chicago and baseball.

Barbara Laurin | Arlington Heights

Bite back at NFL

Professional sports are dependent upon society for financial support. Yet, there is an element in the pros, within the NFL in particular, that is defiant of the laws and morals of our society.

Contributing to the murder or maiming of a dog is a barbaric act of brutality. Canines are our companions, our allies and our protectors. They are not pawns.

I feel greater allegiance to a dog than to any league, team or athlete.

I am withdrawing all support for the NFL until Commissioner Roger Goodell and the other league officials adequately address the issue of animal cruelty. Significantly stronger modes of punishment and prevention must be established.

No more Vicktims!

John T. Napier | Buffalo Grove

Domestic violence needs more voices

Mr. Rozner, thank you for writing today's article -- being "stunned over Vick's crimes in relation to the lack of protest over domestic violence by athletes."

I had similar thoughts. I am a member of Voice of the Faithful, a lay organization of Catholics outraged at the hierarchy of our church for their crimes in not protecting children from sexual abuse by clergy.

I was very pleased that you went on to cite the horrid statistics from endabuse.org and many quotes from Leigh Goodmark.

I think mandatory treatment of some kind for first offense and loss of "job" and forfeiture of their salary and firing for second offenses would go a long ways in showing intolerance for such outrageous behavior.

Sandra Stilling Seehausen | Cary

Guillen was right

Ozzie Guillen had every right to call out his players. They've looked lethargic all season. My son and I were at Opening Day and they haven't looked right. The team looked like they came out of spring training with no drive or energy. We've been to six games, and the team looks like it doesn't care.

Hawk Harrelson commented that the players are putting in the time. They may have put in the time, but it doesn't come across during the games. No desire/heart.

I agree with Guillen, he should put in the Double A team.

Jerry Reinsdorf should offer refunds or free passes to fans who have sat through some of the games they've played this year.

Jan Cholke

Time to remove Guillen's spotlight

Let's compare Ozzie Guillen's situation to Bob Knight. When he was winning, people put up with his bull. When he became average, people were less tolerant.

Ozzie, and the team, are in last place. Nobody wants to hear his bull now. He needs to take the spotlight off of himself before it's too late.

Jeff Remble