Letters

We all know that Bill Murray is a pro when it comes to performing, but to see his Carl Spackler in action at age 60, knowing that he can still walk for four rounds with the same fervor he had 30 years ago and provide the same comic relief, should be an inspiration to us all.

Bob Stowers, Lenexa, Kans.

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Alan Shipnuck's article on Murray at Pebble Beach (No Joke, Feb. 21) belongs in a collection of best sports stories of the 21st century. It was a tale that contained all the necessary elements: drama, humor, rising action, a chance to see the human side of a notoriously funny man and, of course, a victory.

Joan Galvin, Clearwater, Fla.

I love Murray, but I question his choice of attire for a nationally televised golf tournament. While the celebrities are entertaining and popular, I feel they need to respect that this stage is for the pros and dress appropriately so as not to show up the actual golfers.

Ken Jacobsen

Prospect Heights, Ill.

Timeless Legacy

E. M. Swift's story on the airplane crash involving the U.S. figure skaters in 1961 (The Day the Music Stopped, Feb. 21) was both moving and enlightening. Americans dominated the sport from 1940 until this tragic accident, and one can only wonder how many more world championships and Olympic medals there would have been for the U.S. had this disaster not happened.

David Lawler

Santa Maria, Calif.

As a lowly graduate student at Harvard in 1958, I had the privilege of joining a figure skating class taught by coach Maribel Vinson Owen. Maribel was such a joy—tolerant, encouraging and passionate about her sport and her lessons. I happened to be feeding my five-month-old son when I heard the news about the crash on the radio. I immediately wept. The loss was incalculable.

Margaret H. Whitfield

Briones, Calif.

Losing Ground

I want to thank SI for honoring Dale Earnhardt Sr. (Number 3 Still Roars Ten Years After, Feb. 21). However, I was disappointed that you didn't address the larger issues concerning NASCAR: falling attendance and a declining television audience. While NASCAR did replace an arcane scoring system to identify the top 12 Sprint drivers to compete for the title, that alone hasn't been enough to reverse the decline with fans. The real culprit is in the lack of excitement in the last 10 races that make up the Chase, which determine the driving champion.

N. John Garcia

Isle of Palms, S.C.

Life After LeBron

The only reason Cleveland ranks third in NBA attendance (POINT AFTER, Feb. 21) is because season-ticket holders were forced to renew their seats before "the Decision." Since we all paid the money, we either show up for the games or give our tickets away. I have been a Cavs season-ticket holder for almost 40 years but will not be renewing next season. Attendance will surely plummet, as few fans will want to pay steep prices to watch a losing team.

Dave Plagman

Rocky River, Ohio

I loved Joe Posnanski's column on the city of Cleveland and its resiliency. No one personifies this more than Joe Tait, the Cavaliers' longtime play-by-play announcer. Although Tait has been battling a host of health problems over the past few months and is set to retire at the end of the season, he has remained true to the home team. I only hope the Cavs get hot down the stretch so he can come back and call a few more wins before he retires.

Michael Lee Swan

El Dorado, Kans.

Correction

On behalf of my law firm, SNR Denton US LLP, I am writing in regard to an article on Kansas forward Thomas Robinson (INSIDE COLLEGE BASKETBALL, Feb. 7). In it the author states that the University of Kansas hired SNR Denton to establish a scholarship fund for Robinson's seven-year-old sister, Jayla, after the untimely death of their mother, Lisa. That statement is incorrect. The university did not hire our law firm, nor has it paid us any fees. Rather, we are representing Robinson and his family pro bono.

Kevin Chavous

Washington, D.C.

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