Letters
This may strike some as being odd because I was in charge of Michael Vick's prosecution in 2007, but I too am rooting for him. I have seen hundreds of men and women go to prison. Many, the greedy and the reckless alike, serve their time and come out again with a second chance at life, as is their right. Vick has a better shot than most, and I honestly hope he makes it.
Chuck Rosenberg, Washington, D.C.
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The Ravens' Donte' Stallworth served 24 days in jail and was suspended by the NFL for the entire 2009 season after he killed a pedestrian while driving under the influence. He is now back in uniform, and no one blinks an eye. Vick (Is It O.K. to Cheer? Nov. 29) served 19 months in prison for his involvement in a dogfighting enterprise. All things considered, I think he has paid his debt to society.
Jack Ross, Holden, Mass.
I ripped off the cover of Vick as soon as I received the magazine in the mail. Yes, Vick served his time in prison and as a free man has every right to play and earn his millions, but that does not mean he is any less of a monster. Football success aside, he still remains a big bad wolf disguised not as a sheep but as an Eagle.
Erik Ormberg
Bellingham, Mass.
After reading the article about Vick, I realized that he only spoke about what he had lost during his punishment. He never once showed empathy for the animals he harmed and killed. He came across as someone focused on himself with no evidence of a conscience.
Stan Crandall, Falconer, N.Y.
Braveheart
With tears in my eyes, I sit here hoping that Michael Vick reads your heart-wrenching article about Jill Costello's battle with cancer (The Courage of Jill Costello, Nov. 29) and fully realizes what having a second chance means. He should also note the loving role of Jack, Jill's Maltese puppy, who was an inspiration to her in her final days.
Jim McCormick
Lake St. Louis, Mo.
What a moving story by Chris Ballard on the dedication of a young woman to her sport and her school. Costello's courage is a testament to the human spirit, and her story is a poignant reminder of the true meaning of life and sport.
Howard Haddock
Rockwall, Texas
There's an adage that says, Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take but by the moments that take your breath away. Reading your heroic, gallant story on this brave young woman was such a moment for me.
Mark N. Levine
Chubbuck, Idaho
Not So Fast
SI got a bit carried away with its declaration on the cover that, JIMMIE JOHNSON IS THE GREATEST DRIVER EVER, YES (The Fifth Cup Is the Sweetest, Nov. 29). As good as he unquestionably is, Johnson is competing in the minor leagues of auto racing. The most technically advanced vehicles in sports race on the Formula One circuit.
Bob Sherwood
Pound Ridge, N.Y.
A year ago I wrote a letter to SI, furious that Johnson was labeled the "greatest ever" in a story about his fourth consecutive championship. However, after watching his magnificent racing in the Chase this year, I must say that I regret those words. Seeing a champion crowned for the fifth straight time doesn't happen every day.
Conner J. Viets
Overland Park, Kans.
A Little Too Late
Thank you for giving President Bill Clinton a forum in which he was able to explain the U.S.'s case for hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup (SCORECARD, Nov. 29). I enjoyed his essay and was hoping the U.S. would get the bid and bring the Cup back stateside. I am confused, however, as to why you chose to publish this article only a week before the announcement. Maybe if it had run a year ago, more people would have been behind the effort and would have rallied for the cause.
Mark Rhudy
Indianapolis
Giant Relief
Cody Ross (POINT AFTER, Nov. 29) represents everything good about baseball and professional sports. To see him beat my Phillies in the NL Championship Series single-handedly didn't make me happy, but his enthusiasm for the game far outshined my disappointment. If Barry Bonds had Ross's attitude, maybe the Giants would have won the World Series a long time ago.
Joe Dugan
Boca Raton, Fla.
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