As a retired Los Angeles police officer, I was amazed at the column by Associated Press columnist Paul Newberry that appeared on page one and following of your sports section on Monday, July 30. Newberry seems devoted to a cause that is based on a false narrative, systemic oppression and police brutality in professional sports and, by extension, in American culture. He sounded as if we are still discussing the ’50s. I’ve always wanted to ask someone like him this “difficult” question: If a police officer works in a predominantly black section of town, do you or do you not expect said officer to confront mostly black people? Writers like Newberry maybe should go on a few ride-alongs before coming to any conclusions.

Speaking of conclusions, the data on police shootings show that white officers shoot considerably more whites than blacks. It does not take much homework to find that out.

Finally, has the columnist not noticed there are countless amounts of successful black people in every walk of life? They somehow achieved success in spite of the oppression and brutality. The false narrative in this column is a disservice to these people. Thank you for your time.

MARTY COON

Hayden