Letters

The Butler story was a great one, no doubt, but kudos to Tim Layden for capturing the essence of the 2009--10 Duke team in the NCAA championship story. The Blue Devils, led by seniors Jon Scheyer, Lance Thomas and Brian Zoubek, embraced their roles, excelled at them and reaped the rewards for that effort and commitment.

Scott Viebranz, Nashville

The Final Four article was a nice comment on Duke's championship (Tough As They Come, April 12) but totally missed the most important aspect of the event. In the new age of one-and-done players vying for a single shot at winning the NCAA title, this was a finish devoid of such players. Both Duke and Butler (along with Michigan State and West Virginia) got back to the basics of team basketball. For purists of the game, this was one of the best finals ever.

Tim Wiley, Zionsville, Ind.

I had never been a Butler fan, but it was hard to root against the Bulldogs in the NCAA tournament. They played great team defense and showed trust in one another. When the final buzzer sounded, Butler had shown fans across the world that they had everything champions are made of.

Andy Lundgren

Independence, Minn.

Missing the NIT

As a Dayton fan and alum, I was disappointed that SI did not cover the Flyers' victory in the NIT. Despite a disappointing season, during which the team lost eight games by five points or fewer, Dayton beat some strong contenders in convincing fashion—including the 2009 NCAA champion, North Carolina.

Thomas Dean, Loveland, Ohio

On Point

I'm not much of an NBA fan, but I have always liked the Suns' Steve Nash (The Genuine Point Guard, April 12). It is refreshing to read about professional athletes who are much more than their stats and salaries. Nash is both articulate and intelligent, and he speaks with conviction. It is rare today to hear athletes express their understanding of global and political issues.

Matthew Reppert

Bethlehem, Pa.

SI should not have allowed Nash, who is not a U.S. citizen but gets the privileges of this great country and a fabulous income from the NBA, to lecture Americans about U.S. war involvement, education and health care. Write about sports or start a political magazine.

Charles V. Seng, Lancaster, S.C.

Tiger's Tale

While Tiger Woods has clearly engaged in wrongdoing (Truth or Consequences, April 12), I do find it curious how overwhelmingly he is being vilified, while John Daly, a golfer with a long list of transgressions that includes quitting in the middle of rounds, probations, suspensions and various stints in rehab, is supported by fans and media alike.

Kevin Roberts, Kansas City, Mo.

The story that was chronicled by S.L. Price has nothing to do with golf and everything to do with Tiger Woods's being a brand. He became bigger than the game. That has brought him fame and now, more fittingly, infamy.

Charles L. Fasciano

Hasbrouck Heights, N.J.

Wandy's Choice

I had mixed feelings after reading Albert Chen's article (What's in a Name? April 12) on Houston Astros lefty Wandy Rodriguez. I was glad that his dream of becoming a successful major leaguer became a reality after a long journey. I was, however, troubled by his actions in fraudulently assuming the identity of another person to facilitate his journey. What message is being sent when the Astros allow this to happen with no punishment or consequences? Rodriguez's choice was an unacceptable way to try to obtain a pro contract.

Jeff Fischer, Herndon, Va.

Sports Speak

In POINT AFTER (April 12), Phil Taylor writes, "We have a sports term for nearly every life event except the last one, which is surprising." Most surprised might be Troy Maxson in August Wilson's play Fences, who says, "Death ain't nothing but a fastball on the outside corner."

Reid Cherner, Potomac, Md.

As a devoted sports fan who is married to an English teacher, I enjoyed this column. Now that poker has become a sport (at least on TV), I think we do have a sports term for death: "cashing in his/her chips." I hope to read a lot more issues before I go "all in."

Dave Hall, East Amherst, N.Y.

The column about sports metaphors got out of the blocks well and cleared the first hurdle, but you could have raised the bar and included some references from track and field.

Jeff Hetcher, Wautoma, Wis.

Taylor asks, "How would we communicate if we couldn't borrow from locker room lexicon?" Hmm, maybe like intelligent human beings?

Tom Sacco, Des Moines

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