The Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic knows disrespect when he sees it
Re: “Jokic ejected for charging McDaniels at end of Game 4,” April 26 sports story
The shenanigans over the weekend remind me of some youth leagues where they don’t run set plays, and a defender might clap in a shooter’s face.
First, it was the Timberwolves’ Jaden McDaniels taking a layup as time expired. A day later, the Spurs’ Stephon Castle pushed the ball into a defender’s chest after play had stopped.
Were these egregious or fair game? Our interpretations of the “unwritten rules” are biased by which team we root for.
But as someone with zero stake in which team comes out of the Western Conference, I’d say this: The Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic, arguably the best player in the league right now, has been around long enough to know how it’s done. If he reacts that strongly and immediately to something, saying it is disrespectful, chances are it is.
Adam Silbert, New York, N.Y.
Journalists should rethink the correspondents’ dinner
Re: “Trump unharmed after D.C. incident,” April 26 news story
It took a shooting to make the correspondents’ dinner relevant.
At best, the annual dinner has become a glitzy anachronism, an event far beyond the reach of everyday Americans. It is only for the rich and powerful. Professional journalists who pride themselves on their objectivity jump at the chance to don a tux or a gown and hobnob with billionaires and Hollywood stars. It’s certainly not about news gathering. It’s more about eating, imbibing and celebrating the fact that they, the journalists, occupy a niche in the upper stratosphere, a lofty perch from which they can squint at the huddled masses far below.
Like presidential inaugural balls, the correspondents’ dinner has become an over-produced, expensive extravaganza for the kids at the cool table. Inaugural balls are worse because they cost millions of dollars donated by corporations seeking favor with the incoming administration. But the correspondents’ dinner creates the impression (or reality) that with a wink and a bodice, these people comprise one big happy family.
Gunfire made Americans pay attention to an event that otherwise wouldn’t be worthy of any attention at all. Journalists should rethink their role and keep public officials at arm’s length. Perhaps the public might trust the journalists more.
Barry Noreen, Denver
New scooter contract brings many benefits to Denver residents and visitors
Re: “Lime, Bird scooters are out, Veo is in,” April 28 news story
The new Veo scooter contract is a huge win for downtown and all of Denver. Rides will be cheaper. There will be more types of scooters. The scooter corrals will be more clearly identifiable. The scooter technology is much more advanced than what Lime or Bird offered.
The free ride program will continue. The city will be paid per deployed scooter. And, most importantly, there will be a way for the new scooter ordinance and contract to be enforced. Since 25% of all scooter rides start or end downtown, itap critical for the safety of pedestrians that scooters are parked properly (not blocking sidewalks), and that riders (even the free riders) stay off the sidewalks. These are issues that both the Upper Downtown and Lower Downtown Neighborhood Associations have worked tirelessly on for over a year, with the support of Councilman Chris Hinds, to create this positive change.
Kudos to all those involved who have helped make this happen! Letap make sure sidewalks belong to the pedestrians (and wheelchairs) again.
Now, we need to make sure the sidewalks are in good shape.
Don Ku, Denver
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