By Carol Hastings Santa Monica
I was drawn right into your article (“A little brotherly advice for Reggie,” page 4, Jan. 16) as I liked the concept of you and your friends proclaiming yourselves “brothers” to your Shanghai born friend. I Read on about Reggie Bush, even if football players are a segment of the population in whom I have no personal interest. I neither watch the sport, nor do its stars hold any excitement for me. Before today I never heard of Reggie Bush, nor of his recent troubles. I do, however, respect any athlete who reaches success in his/her career. I read on with interest as I appreciate the outing of your “brother” for being less than ethical in his choices to pursue the big bucks of endorsements and their photo ops over being loyal to his teammates and for being less than professional in his focus on the responsibility of his game. I thought it was a great message in a world where ignoring ethics seems to be justified when facing big monetary rewards for endorsing vapid products.
Then I got to the part that his “biggest problem” was his choice in his fiance. While porn stars are also not on my radar screen and I had never heard of Kim Kardashian until today, I find it ironic that his real problem is the woman he chooses for a mate. Hmmm, who watches those films? Probably plenty of Reggie’s fans. You thought it was fine that Reggie enjoyed “all the nubile, hard-bodied benefits of being a high profile LA bachelor” yet somehow he isn’t a “ho.” Don’t get me wrong, I’m not condoning pornography, but I don’t give a darn if Ms. Kardashian chooses this line of work. It’s her choice. In the end, you blamed her for “playing himself.” After all, these films are purchased predominately by men. Your male perspective in judging her for Reggie’s downfall is downright medieval. I still blame his unethical choices and what he has done. If you want to be judgmental, keep your eye on the ball and blame the person who made the choices: Reggie himself. If she is less than a savory person, then water seeks its own level. Don’t remove the blame from the source who created the problems. He is an adult, who is making adult decisions so let’s put the blame where it belongs — on him.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 18, 2008. Read the original PDF.