THE MAIL
For those who question what Joe Paterno's legacy will be, all they have to do is watch footage of his memorial service, and the face of every Penn State player and student who came out to pay his or her respects. Yes, Paterno was human and made mistakes. But we still believe that he was a man with integrity.
Al Cappelloni, Sudbury, Mass.
While I feel Paterno's death (Joe Paterno 1926--2012, Jan. 30) is genuinely sad, I think his legacy was tainted well before the Jerry Sandusky scandal came to light. Paterno was often an apologist whenever his players got into trouble or were charged with crimes that included drunk driving and assault. Paterno's disgrace in the end is another sad reminder that we should regard football as a source of entertainment and nothing more.
Brian Adamcik, San Antonio
It is ludicrous for SI to assert in its Paterno remembrance that Penn State had no significant football history before the arrival of Paterno. My grandfather Hugo F. Bezdek was coach of the Nittany Lions from 1918 through 1929 and led them to the Rose Bowl in 1923, when they lost to USC. In those days the Rose Bowl was the de facto national championship. Joe Paterno was a great coach, but good football was at Penn State long before he was.
Jim Bezdek, Milton, Fla.
Where's the Love?
I was shocked that you aimed disparaging commentary at the city of Winnipeg (Everybody Loves Winnipeg, Jan. 30). Pride in one's hometown is a sentiment that should always be encouraged. I've been to Winnipeg, and I think it's a fine place. Granted, it doesn't have the notoriety of New York City or even Toronto, but it's not exactly Cleveland either.
Ken Shier, Pembroke, Ont.
Losing with Dignity
I enjoyed Phil Taylor's column Goats Need Love Too (POINT AFTER, Jan. 30). When teams like the 49ers and the Ravens lose nail-biters, as they did in the conference championship games, the aftermath accentuates what it means to be part of a team. Pointing fingers divides a team and cripples it. Kyle Williams and Billy Cundiff made costly mistakes but then handled themselves with grace, a trait many athletes need to adopt.
Ryan Miller, Statesboro, Ga.
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#FEEDBACK
Which NBA player is the most clutch in the final seconds of a game?
Cable @cable8322: Kobe Bryant is still the guy that will bury you. I'd want him to shoot every ball at the end.
Brandon Suttles: No one else is as proven as Kobe. Until someone steps up and starts showing something, it's always going to be the Black Mamba.
Vernon Fycke @VernonFycke: You can argue either Kobe or Carmelo Anthony. I take Melo. He has led the league in fourth-quarter points most of the season.
Not Sure Yet @RealCoopDeVille: I would have to go with Tim Duncan in the paint, Kobe Bryant on the perimeter and Ray Allen from beyond the arc.
Arsaman Bahrami: It's closer than you would think with Chris Paul, Kevin Durant and Dirk Nowitzki out there, but I would still have Kobe at No. 1.
Shaaban Biggz @Shaaban_Biggz: I believe Kobe is still the player you want to have the ball in the end, but he's followed closely by Durant.
PaulandToby Gonzalez: Dirk is the best clutch player out there. He did it again in double overtime recently to beat Portland!
TWEET OF THE WEEK
"Somewhere Russell Westbrook is jealously watching Jeremy Lin shoot at will. So much for Kevin Durant getting the ball passed to him tonight."
THE BILL WALTON TRIP (@NOTBILLWALTON)
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SIMON BRUTY (COVER)
FOR January 30, 2012
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GREG NELSON (BRYANT)
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