
THE MAIL
I don't know which is more disturbing about the photo illustrating Richard Hoffer's SCORECARD essay: the flipped car crashing into the stands at the Nationwide DRIVE4COPD 300 or the two spectators in the last row celebrating the crash with their hands in the air as fans in front of them scramble to avoid flying debris.
Paul Forte, Penfield, N.Y.
Not So Accidental
I agree with Hoffer's cynical point of view regarding NASCAR, the one that suggests the governing body's bloodlust is turning stock car racing into a form of orchestrated entertainment much like professional wrestling (SCORECARD). Keeping the cars jumbled in a pack is exactly what NASCAR wants because it increases the likelihood of theatrics on the track. Why else would a car that has already been lapped (in some cases several times) be allowed to run with the leaders at full speed so late in a race, potentially causing a wreck, even though it has no shot of winning?
Clayton Krejci, Mooresville, N.C.
Vintage Martin
Ozzie Sweet's photo of Billy Martin holding a Coca-Cola bottle (LEADING OFF)—and not an alcoholic beverage—while relaxing with his Yankees teammates in 1957 is truly one of those rare shots for the ages.
Robert Rooks, Brownsville, Tenn.
Money Ain't a Thing
In The Case for Tom Brady (SCORECARD), Peter King describes Brady's restructuring of his contract in order to save the Patriots salary-cap money as something players just don't do. But other players have. For example, shortly after the Giants beat New England in Super Bowl XLVI, Eli Manning allowed New York to restructure his deal in order to free up $7 million in cap space.
Jordan Becker, Tarrytown, N.Y.
Brady's business smarts are a breath of fresh air in an era in which we often hear about players holding out for more money. By agreeing to take a pay cut, he not only enables the Patriots to bring in high-caliber players who can help them win, but he also makes himself more appealing to sponsors, allowing him to recoup in endorsements the money he gave up.
John E. Theese, Wantage, N.J.
One-Hit Wonder
Sure, Jadeveon Clowney's ferocious hit on Vincent Smith (The Hit) caught everyone's eye. But besides that one play, Clowney was almost invisible in South Carolina's 33--28 victory in the Outback Bowl. He had just three solo tackles, even though Michigan ran 82 offensive plays. He seemed so in awe of himself after the hit that he offered little resistance as the Wolverines marched down the field to score a touchdown that gave them the lead late in the game.
Chris Traczek, Bolingbrook, Ill.
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FEEDBACK
After Tiger Woods's wire-to-wire win at the WGC-Cadillac Championship on Sunday, is he your early pick to win the Masters next month?
Jimi Jamz Tiger should always be the favorite at Augusta. After all, they lengthened the course in 2002 to make it harder for him, and he still won.
Robert Samphire I don't think he'll win it. He won the Arnold Palmer Invitational two weeks before the Masters last year, and that didn't translate into anything.
Bob Kelly Great win at the WGC, but I am still going with Rory McIlroy at Augusta.
Andy York Tiger is the obvious favorite, but he won't win. He will finish in the top 10.
Doug Phillips I'm not ready to bet the house on Tiger winning the Masters just yet. There are far too many great players on the PGA Tour right now, so the field is wide open. If he wins a major this year, it will either be the Open Championship or the PGA Championship.
Henry Haber It all comes down to putting. If Tiger is able to knock down those 10-footers at Augusta, then his 15th major will be there for the taking.
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FOR March 4, 2013