THE MAIL
Commissioner Roger Goodell faces an uphill battle if he wants to mimic the Euro soccer fan experience at NFL games. The ubiquitous entertainment at NFL games and at most American sporting events—halftime shows, promotional giveaways, mascot performances—distracts from the purity of the on-field play and makes unified interaction in the stands almost impossible.
H.L. Cork, Colorado Springs
High-performance Fans
I couldn't agree more with Grant Wahl's essay on the differences between European soccer fans and American sports fans (SCORECARD). I was in Warsaw at the opening match of Euro 2012, between Poland and Greece, and was completely blown away by the atmosphere. Not even the Super Bowl can compare to the passion and energy of f√∫tbol.
Nicholas Kulawiak, Santa Rosa, Calif.
Fans at soccer games often feel the need to entertain themselves. Turning one's back to the field or singing and dancing only happen because the action is so slow-paced and the scoring is minimal.
Keith Brown, Birmingham
The Next Generation
Alan Shipnuck's article on Webb Simpson's win at the U.S. Open was spectacular (It Came Down to This). I have really been impressed with the young golfers on the PGA Tour. Simpson's commitment, determination and class should serve as an example to his peers.
Connor Clemens, Shaker Heights, Ohio
Aid to Perfection
In his column on the sudden frequency of no-hitters (INSIDE BASEBALL), Joe Sheehan wrote that the Giants' Matt Cain didn't need any help in achieving his perfect game last month. Well, what about rightfielder Gregor Blanco's diving catch in the seventh inning, which saved the perfecto?
Scotty Heslop, Marietta, Ohio
A-OK in ABQ
I can't believe that the beautiful city of Albuquerque got such a bad rap in your article on MMA and Jackson's Gym (War and Peace). I have lived in Albuquerque my entire life, and I have never noticed that tempers run shorter or that lines at bars run longer than in other cities. The people here are caring, considerate and always looking out for the betterment of their community.
Joseph DeBonis, Albuquerque
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FEEDBACK
If you were the Knicks' general manager, would you bring JEREMY LIN back to New York or let him go to Houston?
Jason Adams: Signing Lin at $25 million, plus the up to $45 million more in luxury tax it would cost the Knicks in 2014--15, is like overpaying for a used product on eBay. When it shows up, it's half the advertised size and has clearly been repaired.
Andrew Garcia: I'd re-sign him, even with the luxury tax. Lin made the Knicks relevant this season. Without him, the Nets will quickly overtake them as the must-see team in New York.
Kyle D'Souza: It doesn't matter if Lin is good or not. The amount of revenue he will bring to the Knicks' franchise will make up for his contract. I would re-sign him.
Luke Hollenbeck: He's done nothing to deserve the offer that Houston gave him. He hasn't even started half a season. I'd let him go.
Jeremy Carson: The funny thing is, the Rockets are the same team that released Lin before the start of the 2011--12 season. Now they're paying big bucks to get him back? Something tells me they know he is worth it.
TWEET OF THE WEEK
"Drew Brees will make more money in 2012 [$40 million] than every single player in the CFL combined. #justsaying"
DUSTIN NIELSON (@NIELSON1260)
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GREG NELSON
FOR June 25, 2012
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