Letters

How San Antonio Rose

David Robinson's appearance on the cover could not have been more
deserved (High and Mighty, June 23). By picturing Jason Kidd in a
Spurs jersey, however, you watered down the Spurs' championship
celebration. Let's let the team--and especially Tony
Parker--enjoy its victory without having to share the cover with
the losers and trade rumors.
Brandon Faircloth, Dallas

What bizarro world have we entered? When a team made up of good
men and a couple of unbelievably classy superstars wins the
championship--and the fans don't destroy their city--people gripe
about a boring Finals. I'd say the NBA just experienced a breath
of much needed fresh air. Thank you, San Antonio Spurs.
Matt Seidenberger, Fredericksburg, Texas

I enjoyed learning about Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, but you
omitted one of his best qualities: his refusal to blame the
officials for any of his team's playoff losses. Other NBA
coaches--especially Phil Jackson--inevitably whine about the
officiating each time they lose in the playoffs.
Dave Kraus
Fountain Valley, Calif.

Beckham-mania

What's with the rest of the world's fascination with David
Beckham (Big Bend, June 23)? A big-money, model-handsome fashion
icon/soccer god who's linked to the two biggest clubs in the
world's most popular sport weds a beautiful pop-music diva
filling the media void left by the death of Princess Diana? All
while winning championships, having kids and dodging kidnappers.
Happens all the time, right?
Glenn Riley, Cincinnati

I've had quite enough of hearing about Beckham, thank you very
much. I know more about soccer than most Americans, but the only
thing that could make me want to read about him would be if he
signed as a placekicker for the Patriots.
Thomas Moran, Boston

Limning Rickey

I always rooted against Rickey Henderson because I despised his
cockiness on the field (What Is Rickey Henderson Doing in
Newark?, June 23). Your article showed me that cockiness was just
a unique individual being unique.
Jeff Appelgate, Prosser, Wash.

I was disappointed that your article instead chose to glorify
Henderson's egotism, greed, selfishness and ignorance. He is not
the type of person we want our young athletes to model themselves
after.
Rob Vogt, Western Springs, Ill.

Will Rickey introduce Rickey at his induction ceremony?
Pat McNeil, Sacramento

During spring training in 1981 I was a 12-year-old waiting for
Rickey to finish an interview with a reporter after a game at
Scottsdale Stadium. He saw me waiting, stopped the interview,
signed his rookie card (which I had brought) and then took
several minutes to speak with me--all while the reporter was
waiting for him to finish the interview. He is a true gentleman
and Hall of Famer. Thanks for the memories, Rickey!
Brian D. Hartstein
Scottsdale, Ariz.

Sabbatical

Dear Steve Rushin, I think your idea of taking a week off from
sports is just fantastic (Air and Space, June 23). I'm gonna do
it. Actually, would you mind if I wait until the Mariners'
pitching cools off a bit? I mean, they're incredible right now.
Shoot. That'll probably be just when Lance Armstrong starts his
pursuit of a fifth straight Tour de France title. I can't miss
that. Then the pennant races will heat up. And September brings
the Women's World Cup. And geez, my Wolverines are supposed to be
tough this fall. They might even make a Sugar Bowl run. So Steve,
I'm going to do this--really, I will--but would you mind calling
to remind me in January?
Dave Wilkins, Seattle

I tried to give up sports, I really did. My wife needs me, I've
got baby Benjamin to take care of, but I just can't. The local
paper just printed a banner headline that Grant Hill's ankle is
still hurt. Please ... must ... know ... more!
J.T. Crowder, Orlando

I was wondering how long it'd take after Rushin got married for
us to notice a significant change in his writing. His column
advocating a break from sports sounds just like the influence of
a good wife.
Mike Ratliff, Tyler, Texas

Stepping Out of the Shades

As a fan who has followed Matt Kenseth's career since his Busch
Series days (Top Secret, June 23), it's good to see him finally
get the recognition he deserves. He's not as outgoing as many
other drivers, but as this season continues, he will make
everyone remember who drives the number 17 car.
Jerry Gostomski, Palmyra, Pa.

Do you want to know why drivers like Kenseth remain relatively
anonymous? Look no further than your own pages. You include a
nice picture of his car, but the picture of Matt himself was
small and had most of his face obscured by his hat and
sunglasses.
Dave Maves Speedway, Ind.

COLOR PHOTO: GREG FOSTER TOP GUN Kenseth leads the Winston Cup points race.

COLOR PHOTO: JOHN W. MCDONOUGH (COVER)

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