Letters

As a proud Yankees hater I was ready to skip the interview with Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettitte. But this story is larger than the Yankees and these four remarkable players—it's about the heart and soul of baseball.

Kent Kauffman, Sarasota, Fla.

If these four players had broken in with a midmarket team, Tom Verducci's article never would have been written. The Core Four (So Far, So Good, May 3) would have been whittled down to the Core One or Two when the others were deemed unaffordable.

Jonathan Loch, Whittier, Calif.

What About the Players?

Austin Murphy's article (The Colossal Conference Grind-up, May 3) was a great read on the subject of conference realignment in college football. But let's not overlook the fact that these players are unpaid as they risk their bodies for their schools' broadcast fees.

Andrew Kirk, Boston

Breaking Out

Thank you for your powerful and unflinching article about Gareth Thomas (The World's Bravest Athlete, May 3). His life is an example of the shame and pain that comes from hiding your true self from the world, as well as the freedom and joy that comes from shining a light on a darkness that you've held inside you.

Peter LaBrusciano, Brooklyn

SI's competition for Sportsman of the Year is officially over. It would be impossible for another athlete to be as socially and culturally significant as Thomas.

Jon Bunch, Marshall, Wis.

As much as I love SI for writing about Thomas's bravery, I can't wait for the day when a openly gay athlete is featured not for his sexual orientation but for playing a sport that he loves and at which he excels.

Teresa Thompson, Enon, Ohio

Thomas cheats on his wife, but we should applaud him because it was with another man? I'm no fan of Tiger Woods, but can you say double standard?

Greg Ilukowicz, Chico, Calif.

Rolle Playing

Nothing against most of the 206 players drafted above Rhodes scholar Myron Rolle, but if I had to pick one guy for my kids to have as a role model, he'd be the one (POINT AFTER, May 3). Even if he never plays for the Titans, he will have great success. Shame on those in the NFL who downgraded him because he chose education over sports.

Steve Robinson, Marengo, Ohio

The NFL did what any business would do before determining whether to invest the time and expense necessary to train a new employee. Team officials asked Rolle, "How serious are you? How can we be sure that someday you won't want to step into the gap and take on 250-pound linebackers when you have such a bright future in other fields?" It's simple business logic.

James Flagg, Chino Hills, Calif.

For reprints of SI covers, visit SIcovers.com

Contact SI

LETTERS

E-mail SI at letters@SI.timeinc.com or fax SI at 212-467-2417. Letters should include the writer's full name, address and home telephone number and may be edited for clarity and space.

CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SUBSCRIPTIONS

For 24/7 service, go to SI.com/customerservice. Call 1-800-528-5000 or write to SI at P.O. Box 30602, Tampa, FL 33630-0602. To purchase reprints of SI covers, go to SIcovers.com.

ADVERTISING

For ad rates, an editorial calendar or a media kit, e-mail SI at SIpubqueries@timeinc.com.

PHOTO

WALTER IOOSS JR.