to the editor: As questions circulate about leadership in Los Angeles sports institutions, it is worth remembering the example of Peter V. Ueberroth, who served as president of the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee for the 1984 Summer Olympics. In overseeing those Games, he made clear what his priorities were, saying“The integrity of the game is everything.” And because of his integrity and leadership, Ueberroth took over as commissioner of Major League Baseball that same year.
Compared to that standard, one must consider what Ueberroth could have done in circumstances similar to those now facing Casey Wasserman (“Is Casey Wasserman too big to fail as LA28 Olympics boss?”. February 12). Given how central public trust was to Ueberroth's leadership, it seems likely that he would have considered stepping aside, if necessary, to protect the credibility of the organization he served, as part of that responsibility.
At a time when trust in public leadership remains fragile, Ueberroth's example is a reminder that accountability and ethical management remain important.
Christian B. Teeter, Los Angeles
This writer teaches global business and international economics at Mount Saint Mary's University in Los Angeles.
