Skip to main content

THE MAIL

Save your ink if you feel that exposing the mess the NCAA enforcement division has become is going to change anything. The division would be hard-pressed to take any serious action against top athletic programs with any level of consistency because the money generated by TV contracts with athletic conferences and universities is far too lucrative. Why kill the goose that lays the golden egg?

John Larkin, Chicago

Reform School

You assert that the Division I reform agenda has failed (The Institution Has Lost Control). However, out of 49 proposals sent forward for action, 34 were adopted, 11 are in progress and only four were unsuccessful.

Bob Williams Vice President of Communications National Collegiate Athletic Association

While your story on the NCAA effectively paints a picture of an organization that is in disarray and is desperately coping with change, it failed to note how the media is also partially responsible for the professionalization of college athletics. It too sensationalizes athletes and profits from the constant coverage—so the NCAA is not the only one at fault.

Lance Melching, Independence, Ky.

Fo' Real

It's ironic how in your photo essay on Julius Erving (Doctor, Reveal Thyself), Dr. J refers to Moses Malone as being "underappreciated" by the media, while your headline saying Erving led the Sixers to the NBA title in 1983 appears to do just that. Malone, who coined the phrase Fo', Fo', Fo', was far and away the leader of that '83 team, winning the MVP award for both the NBA regular season and the Finals.

David Machlowitz, Westfield, N.J.

Justin's Time

I thought the image of Justin Rose (SCORECARD) taking a shot next to Ben Hogan's plaque at Merion Golf Club was quite fitting. Who would have thought just a few days later Rose would follow in Hogan's footsteps with a great approach of his own from near the same spot to lead him to the U.S. Open title?

Eric Skrout, Hudson, Ohio

Beyond Compare

I was excited to see Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder on your cover, until I noticed the BASH BROS headline. The first thing that came to mind was the hype around Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire from the '80s and later, their admitted steroid use. Detroit's duo shouldn't be forced to be in the same conversation with the likes of those two.

Todd Serafino, Center Line, Mich.

Comparing Cabrera (341 home runs, .321) and Fielder (272 HR, .286) to Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig is like putting the milk before the cow. Ruth hit 714 homers and had a lifetime .342 BA, while Gehrig hit 493 and had a lifetime .340 average.

John Lewis IV, Seymour, Ind.

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

How will Doc Rivers's departure affect Rajon Rondo and the Celtics?

Randy Williams Rondo will likely request a trade because once you've won a championship, you don't want to be a part of a rebuilding phase. That could take years.

Chase Wagner Rivers was the glue that held the Celtics together. Without him, the team will be in shambles.

Willy Annan It was time for Boston to seek new leadership. Rondo already acts like a coach during games so he should be fine leading a younger team. What is important now is to find a coach that can work with Rondo, help Avery Bradley continue to grow and who can use Jeff Green effectively.

Armando M Perez You should only allow a coach of Rivers's caliber leave if you have a better option, and that is not the case here. The Celtics should have just traded Rondo and gotten good value.

Londin Nflrz I think it will have a huge effect on the team mentally. Doc was a great influence on the players and they looked up to him. Losing a coach like that will have an immediate impact next season.

TWEET OF THE WEEK

"I ONCE PLAYED AGAINST GEORGE H.W. BUSH. HE PLAYED 1B FOR YALE, AND I PLAYED CF FOR FORDHAM. WE BOTH WENT 0-FOR-3." #TRUESTORY -#VINSCULLY

LOS ANGELES DODGERS (@DODGERS)

PHOTO

ROBERT SEALE FOR SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (COVER)

FOR June 17, 2013

PHOTO

NATHANIEL S. BUTLER/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES (RIVERS AND RONDO)

PHOTO

TWITTER.COM (TWEET)

PHOTO