Letters

Drew Brees's dedication and unwavering faith have allowed him not only to overcome his own adversity but also to give millions of Gulf Coast residents the greatest gift of all: hope. Brees has inspired many in a multitude of ways and remains a driving force for an entire community as it continues to rebuild.

Raymond Paul Bailey, Ottawa, Ill.

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It is rare to see an athlete in today's world as well-rounded as Drew Brees (Sportsman of the Year, Dec. 6). His passion and the way in which he balances football, family and his community are truly unique and admirable.

Nick Samra, Fairfield, N.J.

Nothing against Brees and all he's done in New Orleans, but this year's best example of sportsmanship was shown by Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga and umpire Jim Joyce in the way they both handled Joyce's blown call at first base, which cost Galarraga a perfect game. Amid all the negative banter regarding Joyce's gaffe, these two men remained gracious and respectful to each other and to the game.

Jim Bernhold, Minster, Ohio

While I think that Brees was a profound selection for Sportsman of the Year, I can't help but ask, If NASCAR is going to be seriously considered a sport, shouldn't SI have considered Jimmie Johnson, the man who has won the Chase five years in a row, as its Sportsman?

Drew Houck, Portland, Ind.

What about Manny Pacquiao's record-setting accomplishments in the ring and his generosity in supporting the poor in his native Philippines? Yes, Brees is an inspiration to the Big Easy, but Pacquiao is an inspiration to an entire country.

Jovy Jose, Foster City, Calif.

Deadly Game

The most astounding disclosure in Thomas Lake's sad piece about Max Gilpin (The Boy Who Died of Football, Dec. 6) was that his coach, Jason Stinson, saw the natural disasters that struck Louisville as acts of God designed to keep Stinson off the front page. If nothing else the coach should have been convicted for his arrogance and ignorance.

Bill Endicott

Sacramento

It is amazing how Coach Stinson can absolve himself of any responsibility for what happened to Max and claim to be a Christian while showing no remorse or repentance for Max's death.

Rev. Phillip L. Griffin

Wichita Falls, Texas

Perhaps coaches and parents should stress to players the importance of listening to your body and responding to its warnings. I have participated in softball games and in half marathons. I've watched fellow runners vomit, cramp up and collapse. In those dire moments all of us had the same flaw as Max Gilpin: We didn't stop when we knew we were in trouble.

Leslie Fischgrund

Gloucester, Va.

National Treasure

Kudos to Michael Farber for his article on Sidney Crosby's golden goal (Eight Seconds, Dec. 6). I know hockey isn't the biggest sport in the U.S., but up north it's all we really care about. Reading through the drama of those eight seconds allowed me to relive the best moment of my life.

Stefan Wright, Calgary

Love and Marriage

Selena Roberts's article about the wives of pro athletes (POINT AFTER, Dec. 6) not only put unfaithful male athletes on notice but also shone the spotlight on those fans who emulate their every move. The mama's-boy syndrome is dominant in our society and is a result of a growing percentage of men who have abdicated their responsibility as husbands and fathers in favor of narcissistic pleasures. This leads to children being raised without father figures and to fathers who don't know how to care for a wife and family who love and depend on them.

Joe Grote, Cincinnati

If a woman marries a multimillionaire athlete, one with great power and who is constantly in the public eye, does she really expect him to remain faithful when there are thousands of other women out there who are following him?

Drew Mason, Huntsville, Ala.

Roberts's conclusion is completely unrealistic. Instead of telling a professional athlete to react to a vixen by saying, "Back off, I'm married," a better solution would be to urge him to avoid marriage until his playing days are finished and he can focus on his family.

Mark Meisenheimer

Kansas City, Mo.

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