THE MAIL

The photograph that graced the cover of your April 22 issue is one of the finest ever printed by your magazine. The image of the three police officers springing into action in the seconds following the Boston Marathon bombing serves as a reminder of how emergency responders risk their lives on a daily basis to protect the public. Thank you for showing some of the unsung heroes from that tragic day.

David Maull, Ocean View, Del.

I feel there is no place in your magazine for the gruesome and graphic photos from the Boston Marathon. I understand this horrific tragedy took place during a sporting event, but I do not see the need to publish the photo depicting blood, a severed foot, and injured and frightened people.

Rachel Harken, Pittsburgh

There was something jarring about David L. Ryan's LEADING OFF photo on pages 6 and 7. It shows the exact moment that John Tlumacki was taking the cover photo. Both are destined to be iconic pictures in American history.

Garon Hart, Roswell, Ga.

A Father's Day

Thanks to Steve Rushin for his POINT AFTER regarding the Boston tragedy. He summed up perfectly the feelings of parents as he described the emotions caused by the events in Sandy Hook as well as those on Patriots' Day. Superb writing in the midst of terror.

Karl Pister, Woodburn, Ore.

Paging King George

In The New Silver and Black, Jim Trotter writes, "No franchise in American sports has been more closely associated with its owner than the Raiders were with [Al] Davis." Really? I think anybody who has heard of George Steinbrenner might disagree.

Steve Villas, Summit, N.J.

Dropping the Ball

It's ironic that Tiger Woods was chastised for damaging the integrity of the game (Aussie, Rules) by not withdrawing from the Masters after unintentionally signing an incorrect scorecard, while Adam Scott was praised despite using a long putter, the same club that's likely to be banned for giving players an unfair advantage and damaging the integrity of the game.

Peter Bowling Anderson, Memphis

Yes, Tiger's drop was caught by a TV viewer. But almost all of Tiger's shots are televised. Until all shots of every tournament are shown, it seems unfair to single out one player for such an infraction.

Peter Marquard, Northridge, Calif.

Getting Defensive

As the parent of a youth hockey player, I thought Brian Cazeneuve's article (Chris Pronger Has a Headache) presents an unfortunate contrast. The story describes measures taken by the NHL to reduce concussions, yet a caption for a photo of Pronger delivering a high stick to Dustin Brown's head praises Pronger's "hard-hitting abandon." Perhaps concussions will be reduced when goon play ceases to be glorified.

David Wise, Hyde Park, N.Y.

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.

SOCIAL MEDIA

What do you think about Jason Collins becoming the first openly gay player on a major U.S. pro team?

Daniel Stout: Trailblazing! Well done, Mr. Collins.

Jessica Bridges: So awesome that a nonretired pro athlete is finally out! He wrote a very comprehensive explanation of his decision, his motivation and his intent for the future. We need more acceptance in pro sports, and it's good to see the tide is turning.

Thomas Rangel: How does this affect his playing? It doesn't? Then T.M.I.—that's his business.

Scott Holt: SI is a sporting magazine, not a political activism magazine.

Brian Lewis: Anyone who thinks sports and politics haven't become intertwined hasn't been paying attention for the last 80 years or so.

David Storms: Courageous, but nothing new under the sun. Here's hoping more come forward.

Ken Davis: But he still can't shoot.

Elizabeth Pax: Congrats on coming out! You have my support and love.

TWEET OF THE WEEK

"WE SALUTE YOU @JASONCOLLINS34 FOR YOUR COURAGE AND LEADERSHIP. ANY TIME YOU WANT TO THROW OUT A FIRST PITCH AT FENWAY PARK, LET US KNOW."

BOSTON RED SOX (@REDSOX)

PHOTO

JOHN TLUMACKI/THE BOSTON GLOBE/GETTY IMAGES (COVER)

FOR April 22, 2013

PHOTO

HARRY E. WALKER/MCT/ZUMAPRESS.COM (COLLINS)

PHOTO

TWITTER.COM (TWEET)

PHOTO