In the pink.

The use of Baker-Miller pink as a calming influence is well-known in the criminal justice and psychology fields ["Locker Room Dustup," November 8]. It is not surprising that an athletic coach chose to use it in the opponents' locker room. It's called the home field advantage. It has nothing to do with gays or women but rather with the subliminal ability to calm or defuse those in its presence. Any knowledgeable colorist is well aware of its psychological properties. The research is well-documented.

MERLE H. SYKORA via the Internet

Of course pink is being used to imply femininity or weakness, but let's show a little more sense of humor and rise above P.C. bullshit so we will be taken more seriously about the real issues facing all of us.

SAM MOLLOY Lexington, Ky.

If the color pink angers visiting teams, it only serves to make them more adversarial, not less. The University of Iowa is not homophobic, being the first public university to offer partner benefits and the first to offer a gay studies course (which always had a waiting list). I attended U.I. during Hayden Fry's tenure, and we had a good football team. Big deal. His supporters threatening [Erin] Buzuvis [a visiting law professor who accused the school of perpetuating negative stereotypes] with rape and death? Get a life, morons.

DOUGLAS MAAG via the Internet