Readers React: Pat Haden works hard and makes a lot of money. So what?

To the editor: I fail to see the point of the article reporting USC Athletic Director Pat Haden’s numerous outside commitments, other than to take a cheap shot at a gentleman and a (Rhodes) scholar who is guilty of nothing more than trying to pack 40 hours into a 24-hour day. (“Outside of USC, Pat Haden holds more than a dozen roles that pay at least a half-million dollars a year,” Oct. 23)

That Haden may make a few extra bucks beyond his USC salary (which isn’t supported by taxpayers) is noteworthy to no one other than The Times, whose reporters spent an inordinate amount of time discovering that this guy works his tail off.

This is a front page, above-the-fold story?

Steve Switzer, San Pedro

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To the editor: Having volunteered on nonprofit boards over the last 40 years, I was shocked to see that Haden has been compensated for this public service work. I have received zero compensation from the numerous nonprofit boards that I have served on.

In addition, I am expected to contribute both time and money to these nonprofit organizations. I hope Haden donated the funds he received from these nonprofits for his “volunteer” service back to the organizations and then took the deduction when filing his taxes.

If not, then I am not sure ethics and public service were included in his Rhodes scholar program.

Philip S. Hart, Los Feliz

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To the editor: I didn’t know nonprofits paid so well. Where do I apply?

S.R. Fischer, Los Angeles

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