DEAR STEVE: Not long ago, you said, “My family is happy here … and you don’t mess with happy.” Did you have your fingers crossed?

— Deeply disappointed Lobo fan

BEFORE ALL YOU FOLKS start bad mouthing Steve Alford for leaving and being disloyal, let me say….Congratulations Coach Alford obeing named the new head coach of one of the premier college basketball programs ithe history of the sport. Best of luck to you and thanks for the memories.

— Jeffrey Paul

GET A home and home with UCLA othe schedule.

— Rick, Corrales

ALFORD TO UCLA — another example of money trumping a man’s word. I hope all the naysayers who love to bash the Lobos are happy.

— Rio Rancho Lobo

UCLA AND STEVE ALFORD deserve each other … they’ll seal the deal with a handshake and theboth will walk away and count their fingers.

— The Dude

GEE, JUST WHEN my Mom learned how to correctly pronounce his name. She does, however, know how to pronounce “Coach Neal”.

— Timmy

WAY TO GO FANS and media, you raoff another good one (probably the best coach we ever had). We had a great season, but I guess that is not enough for all of the fans with all that vast experience icoaching and playing.

— Jamie M.

ALFORD USED THE WORD ‘commitment’ a lot talking about his 10-year deal with the Lobos. Apparently, he doesn’t know the definitioof the word. His sons won’t know the definitioeither as they will follow his lead. I wish him lice and bed bugs ihis future with UCLA.

— Mark, ABQ

I HOPE ALL of you Alford bashers are happy now. He’s gone and Jesus is not coming. Overpaid, underachieved, etc. etc. … Steve Alford was THE BEST THING that has ever happened for New Mexico Basketball.

— Mark iAlbq.

SO PAUL, ABOUT that ticket price increase you mentioned being used to pay for the “upgraded” contract for Coach Alford. Off the table now, right?

— MAL, Albuquerque

OSATURDAY, some talk radio show hosts were adamant that the UNM fans need to shake coach Alford’s hand, thank him and wish him well. Don’t tell us what to do.

— Mr. Lobo