In defense of Mr. Nordeman's Sept. 24 column, "A tale of two cities finds resolution," I am compelled to respond to Haley Eveland's recent letter, "Recent intrastate matchup doesn't reflect team history" (Oct. 3).

Mr. Nordeman's deliberate exaggeration served to trivialize the rivalry between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, not glorify it. Ms. Eveland's complete misinterpretation of Mr. Nordeman's sarcasm validates his observation that certain Pennsylvanians regard professional football as a litmus test for a city's worth. That being said, my quarrel with Ms. Eveland's letter has nothing to do with football; rather her inability to perceive satire when she reads it.

Pat Byrne

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