Letters

Thank you for the story about the sacrifice that one individual and his family have made so that all Americans can enjoy the freedom and prosperity that we have today. Too often we take our blessings for granted. Lieut. Andrew Ferrara, I salute you on your decision to follow your brothers into the infantry.

Fred Trafton, Las Cruces, N.M.

David Epstein captured the essence of selfless service in his article about Army track star Andrew Ferrara (Spikes on the Ground, May 31). It has been more than 20 years since I wore cadet gray and competed for West Point, but there has not been a day since that I have not applied the lessons learned during that time. Lieut. Ferrara's education and training at West Point have already taught him that it's not all about him—a lesson that many of today's pro athletes would do well to learn.

Charles Kibler Jr.

Silsbee, Texas

Getting The Point

The story about Rajon Rondo (Beware Boston's Big 4, May 31) stated, "The Celtics haven't had such a flamboyant point guard since 1963, when Bob Cousy said farewell." I would add Nate (Tiny) Archibald to that mix. Archibald's 1981 playoff stats for 17 games (15.6 points and 6.3 assists) are comparable to Rondo's in 2010 through 21 (16.0 and 9.5) and Cousy's for 13 in 1963 (14.1 and 8.9). Although Archibald was a prolific scorer, he was asked by Red Auerbach to give up some points to direct the team to the title. And he did so flamboyantly.

Robert Skelton, Yorktown, Va.

The Rondo cover reminded me why I love the NBA. The Celtics guard's dominance in the playoffs can be credited to his athleticism as well as his ability to dribble the ball above his head without being whistled for a turnover.

Edward Cronin, Nashville

Try, Try Again

If Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez truly believes he gave his maximum effort chasing down the now infamous kicked ball on May 17 (Hanley Being Hanley, May 31), then he should read the stories on Ferrara and Rondo. Perhaps then he would realize what great athletes are all about: giving every ounce of effort you have, all the time.

Rick Bueti, Chappaqua, N.Y.

Ready to Shine

Kudos to S.L. Price on the Lionel Messi story (The World at His Feet, May 31). Messi is possibly the greatest athlete on the planet, at the age of 22, and the obstacles he has overcome are amazing. Soccer fanatics can only hope Messi becomes a household name in the U.S. this summer.

Timothy Moony, Cary, Ill.

A Case of Waste

It appalls me that a special agent for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is spending our tax dollars investigating whether riders were doping when they rode for the U.S. Postal Service team more than six years ago (Big Trouble, May 31). Lance Armstrong may have used PEDs, but he has also been an inspiration to millions of people battling life-threatening diseases. With oil gushing into the Gulf of Mexico, potential war looming on the Korean peninsula and crushing debt obligations threatening our financial well-being, doesn't our government have better ways to deploy its resources?

Eric Paltell, Timonium, Md.

The Wrong Road?

The article by Selena Roberts on the downturn in NASCAR's popularity was dead on (POINT AFTER, May 31). I have been a fan for more than 35 years and spent many Saturday nights at my local track watching those boys who had wrenched on their cars all week go out and have fun and provide great entertainment for all. Now with cookie-cutter cars and politically correct drivers, the whole sport is so watered down it isn't fun anymore. Bring back the cars that looked like the street models, scale back the big budgets and let the drivers drive.

Al DeFazio

Bethany Beach, Del.

Here's the fix for NASCAR: Introduce pari-mutuel betting similar to horse racing. The odds could be established based on drivers' records and standings. Bet win, place and show, as well as exacta and trifecta. It'll be a hit!

John Cord, Glen Mills, Pa.

NASCAR traded its credibility for a gimmicky title hunt. When the Chase starts in September, my Sundays belong to the NFL.

John Tindall, Milwaukee

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