THE MAIL
The blatant lies told by Lance Armstrong and Manti Te'o make me think that Friedrich Nietzsche was right after all with his statement, "The advantages of our time: Nothing is true, everything is permitted."
Franklin A. Morse II, Suttons Bay, Mich.
Not in the Same League
While I enjoyed your article on Armstrong and Te'o (What Just Happened?), I don't think there is anything similar about these two men. Armstrong cheated and then lied for more than a decade about his doping and his performance during the Tour de France. He also attempted to destroy the lives of those who spoke out against him. Te'o simply lied about the nature of a personal relationship he was having online. Not much of a comparison.
Michael Mohamed Hamilton, Ont.
Linking the lives of Joe McCarthy and Bill Clinton to illustrate how public figures handle truth was misleading. Clinton lied about his sex life. McCarthy used his lies and false accusations to attack innocent citizens and to destroy our nation's fabric.
William A. McCartney, Delaware, Ohio
Ready for Prime Time
I really enjoyed your piece on Aaron Craft (The Art of Aaron Craft). However, I think the story should have noted that after making all-state as a safety on the football team at Ohio's Liberty-Benton High as a sophomore and again at quarterback as a junior, Craft dropped football in order to focus solely on basketball his senior year. Ohio State coach Thad Matta said Craft, as a result, was the best-prepared freshman he had ever seen.
Lee Caryer, Columbus, Ohio
Still Strong
I want to thank Steve Rushin for his touching column about his brother Jim's cancer survival (POINT AFTER). I lost my father to cancer five years ago, and I was late coming to the "Lance Armstrong cheated" viewpoint. Like many, I wanted his story of always riding clean to be true, because of what he meant to Livestrong. Given his recent admission, I suspect I will remain conflicted about Armstrong's deeds but still thankful for his dedication to cancer research.
Steve Kopischke Riverview, Fla.
As a survivor of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, I too will always admire Armstrong for his struggle with cancer and his Livestrong organization. Nevertheless, as further punishment for his lies I think it should be mandatory for him to devote more time and effort to Livestrong. Let him bike again, but with cancer research as his focus. That way the purpose of Livestrong will live on.
Scott Magruder, Louisville
One of a Kind
In a day and age when the greatest heroes in sports are continually falling off their pedestals, Stan Musial (SCORECARD) remains a hero. His records were not tainted by steroids, his image was not altered by arrogance, and his devotion to St. Louis was never wavering. Musial rightfully earned respect as a terrific baseball player who lived an exemplary life both on and off the field.
Charles Joel Barchett Benton Harbor, Mich.
Correction
An SI Digital Bonus tout in the Feb. 4 issue misidentified PGA of America president Ted Bishop in a photo caption. Sports Illustrated regrets the error.
Contact
SPORTS ILLUSTRATED
Letters
E-mail SI at letters@SI.timeinc.com or fax SI at 212-467-2417. Letters should include the writer's full name, address and home telephone number and may be edited for clarity and space.
Customer Service and Subscriptions
For 24/7 service, go to SI.com/customerservice. Call 1-800-528-5000 or write to SI at P.O. Box 30602, Tampa, FL 33630-0602. To purchase reprints of SI covers, go to SIcovers.com.
Advertising
For ad rates, an editorial calendar or a media kit, e-mail SI at SIpubqueries@timeinc.com.
FEEDBACK
Clydesdales? Psy? M&Ms? What was your favorite Super Bowl commercial?
Chrystian Steven: The Joe Montana Miracle Stain commercial by Tide was my favorite. I actually blogged about it this morning.
Carol Ammons Chappuis: The Taco Bell one with all of the seniors partying! I want to go to that retirement home when I get old!
Marc Epstein: The GoDaddy Perfect Match spot with Bar Rafaeli. I haven't laughed so hard in a long time. It was so unexpected and awesome.
Michael Slattery: The Dodge trucks one with the Paul Harvey narrative, "So God made a farmer." Great tribute.
Sue Graber: I liked the NFL Network's Leon Sandcastle commercial. That kid is going to have a great career in the NFL.
Greta Kirkland: GoDaddy was disgusting. Budweiser and the Clydesdales were classy and perfect as usual.
Bradley A Kohler: Audi's prom commercial was my favorite.
TWEET OF THE WEEK
"I FORGOT ABOUT THAT PART IN THE BOOK OF REVELATIONS PREDICTING THE DESTINY'S CHILD REUNION WOULD CLOAK THE LAND IN DARKNESS."
ALEX SEPIOL (@ASEPIOL)
PHOTO
COVER: TERRY SCHMITT/UPI/LANDOV (JIM HARBAUGH), AL BELLO/GETTY IMAGES (JOHN HARBAUGH)
FOR Jan. 28, 2013
PHOTO
YOUTUBE.COM (FEEDBACK)
PHOTO
TWITTER.COM (TWEET)
PHOTO