Dear John

USC is not going to a bowl game, but John Robinson is. Today, at the Coliseum, at an hour when it's difficult to tell shadows from substance. USC versus Notre Dame, and one thing is clear: A coach who has spent four years waxing about big games finally has one. A game to decide his future. The Job Bowl. If the Trojans are competitive against the Irish, Robinson should be allowed a chance to lead this young team to the next level, as he has promised.

Seemingly contradicting depositions by O.J. Simpson, Paula Barbieri says he apparently received a "Dear John" letter from her a few hours before the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Lyle Goldman, sources said Tuesday. Simpson and his attorneys have said one reason he had no motive for the murders was that he had an ongoing relationship with Barbieri. But depositions by Barbieri seem to contradict Simpson, the sources said.

All right, Miss Blue Eyes, take a letter. To John Robinson, coach of the USC Trojans. Slug it, "Eyes Only, Not For Copying." He won't want to show this around. Ready? Let's go. "Dear John: "We've got to talk, John. I'm sorry it had to come to this. I don't quite know how to say this, but, John, it's about the game Saturday. "John, there's something you ought to know. You know those guys in the funky uniforms with the gold stripe around the arms and shoulders? "John, you got to beat those guys.

The writers and producers of the once-delightful "Dear John" (NBC) must be desperate. Ever since Harry Groener (Ralph) left the show, they've introduced two nowhere characters that add nothing to the series. Victoria Channon, Hollywood

Didn't it take John Robinson just about the same time to destroy the Rams as it took him to destroy the USC football program? MICHAEL HANNIN, Woodland Hills