THE MAIL

The next time I'm whining about my problems, I hope to remember the inspirational perspectives of Johnathan Taylor and Chance Veazey (Why Ask Why?). These two young men face the possibility of living the rest of their lives in wheelchairs, yet they do so with courage, dignity and humor. I plan to hang their pictures near my bed so I can be reminded of their stories and attempt to live my life with at least half of their class and optimism.

John Walsh, Mercer Island, Wash.

Trojan Horses

Thank you for your profile on Matt Barkley (Trophy Life). In a day when Christian athletes who are open about their faith are often derided and mocked, your article highlighted the fact that most carry themselves with class and dignity and are a great asset to their schools and legions of fans.

Clark Chilton, Clemmons, N.C.

I was very pleased to learn that Barkley is familiar with the life story of distance runner Louie Zamperini. Aside from being a former Olympian, Zamperini's life story is quite fascinating: Surviving a B-24 plane crash in the middle of the Pacific Ocean in 1943 and floating for weeks in life rafts while fighting off sharks only to be captured by the Japanese and forced into a POW camp makes for a riveting tale of survival.

John Albin, Omaha

Gimme Some More

I normally enjoy your various preview issues; there seemed to be, however, some shocking omissions from this year's college football preview. Gone were the schedules for the Top 25 teams, the bowl predictions and the conference breakdowns. And what happened to the skinnies on the other 95 schools competing in the FBS or the Division II and III reports? Die-hard college football fans appreciate a full overview of the upcoming season, not just of the Top 25 teams.

Michael Deusinger, Stroudsburg, Pa.

Honorable Mention

On behalf of the Southern Athletic Association, I want to thank you for acknowledging the 113-year history of the Rhodes-Sewanee football game (Uncle SI's Football Feedlot). Division III traditions and the spirited rivalries among its member schools are rarely promoted in the national spotlight, so I was delighted to see SI highlight one of our conference's most famed matchups as one to watch.

Jay Gardiner Commissioner Southern Athletic Association, Atlanta

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TRENDING

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCOUTING

AUG. 20

OLYMPIC PARENTS

AUG. 13

MATT BARKLEY

AUG. 20

ZACH CONE AND JOHNATHAN TAYLOR

AUG. 20

TWEET OF THE WEEK

SEAHAWKS ACTUALLY ATTEMPTED TO CUT TERRELL OWENS SEVERAL TIMES [ON SUNDAY], HE JUST DROPPED THEIR FIRST FEW ATTEMPTS.

BEN MALLER (@BENMALLER)

FEEDBACK

What are your thoughts on the strict off-the-field rules set by the Cowboys for Dez Bryant, which include no alcohol, no strip clubs and a midnight curfew?

Scott Atherton: It's finally time that someone did something for this young man. Dallas needs a definite leader on their team, and perhaps these restrictions will help Dez mature.

Brian Ybarra: Unfortunately, even as adults, some people need looking after. It sounds as if the Cowboys are protecting their investment and also helping to protect Bryant from himself.

Mark Pompeo: Dallas has no right to impose restrictions like that on Bryant's personal activities off the field. He's an adult, even if he doesn't always act like it; he has a right to do what he wants in his free time. They should either deal with it or let him go.

Beran Young: Yes, Bryant is an adult, but he needs to make smarter decisions. If you act like a child, you will be treated like a child, especially if you are being paid millions to perform to a certain standard.

Liliana Montero: This is ridiculous. If these players cannot conduct themselves in an appropriate manner, then they should not be part of any team.

PHOTO

PETER READ MILLER (COVER)

FOR Aug. 20, 2012

PHOTO

LM OTERO/AP (BRYANT)

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