Is Lavin Proving to Be a Leader or a Follower?

As a UCLA alum living in Chicago, I have curiously followed the seemingly ongoing strained relationship between Steve Lavin and Bruin faithful from afar. Having had the opportunity to read Bill Plaschke’s article [Nov. 18], I am beginning to understand why Bruin faithful are concerned.

The last time I was in Los Angeles, Jaron Rush was AWOL. Lo and behold, I come to spend the Thanksgiving holidays with my parents one year later, and this time Jaron has an “excused absence” for another in-season jaunt to Kansas City. Please.

Coach Lavin’s argument that “Duke and North Carolina went to a third uniform and nobody said anything” is most galling. Steve, UCLA used to set the bar in all things basketball, and others followed. Not vice versa.

As for Coach Lavin not apologizing for “trying to relate” to today’s younger players, may I suggest that the true greatness in any coach is not so much in trying to relate to the players, but in having the players relate to the coach. This seems to be the formula in Tucson and Palo Alto.

JOE ANLAUF

Hinsdale, Ill.