THE MAIL

Nearly halfway through Albert Chen's article on Roberto Alomar and John Hirschbeck, I felt compelled to search for the infamous spitting incident on YouTube. I wasn't able to find the clip, but after finishing the article, I was glad that I hadn't. The legacy of both Alomar and Hirschbeck is enriched more by not being able to relive such an awful moment, one that both men now obviously regret.

Mike Kunkel, Sioux Falls, S.D.

Uncommon Bond

I grew up watching Alomar play second base so effortlessly that everyone took notice; however, I was not familiar with Hirschbeck until their confrontation. Reading the story of how the two were able to develop a friendship brought me to tears. It's amazing what the human spirit can endure and overcome.

Greg McElroy, St. Louis

Equal Share

I always enjoy the annual Where Are They Now? edition of SPORTS ILLUSTRATED, and this year's issue was no exception. From well-known athletes to ones I had never heard of, each story was compelling and well-written. Still, I was disappointed and slightly irritated that there was only one article in the entire magazine involving a female athlete. There have been so many great iconic women in sports over the years that I'm sure SI could have found a way to present more balanced coverage.

Carol O'Neill, Cherry Hill, N.J.

No Average Joe

Thank you for the article on Joe Montana. He was so beloved in San Francisco that many 49ers fans cried when he left the Bay Area, feeling that he should have finished out his career there. It was nice to be able to get a glimpse of his life now and see that he's been both happy and content.

Marilyn Hanson, Mesa, Ariz.

At the Game

I was pleasantly surprised to see movie critic Gene Siskel observing the action from the front row in your 1997 photo of Dennis Rodman diving for a loose ball (LEADING OFF). It would have been great if, in the picture, Siskel had been giving Rodman a thumb up for his spectacular effort on that play.

Dennis R. Appleyard, Davidson, N.C.

As Bad As He Wants to Be

Dennis Rodman is like the little boy who stands at the side of the pool screaming, "Look at me! Look at me!" before jumping in. Fortunately, most of us outgrow this type of juvenile narcissism.

Bill Helwig, Summerville, S.C.

Although I grew up during the Michael Jordan era, the Worm was always my favorite player. Yes, he's made some ridiculous comments lately, but one has to admire a guy who is completely comfortable in his own skin and who is not afraid to take risks. Thinking of the picture of him in the wedding gown from 1996 reminds me just how boring sports have become. We need more guys like Rodman in the game to liven things up.

Jen Shipley, Glen Burnie, Md.

Contact

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SOCIAL MEDIA

As NFL training camps get under way, what do you think will be the biggest story in the league?

Lance Shirley It will be nonstop buzz about the Eagles' Chip Kelly and how when the NCAA came sniffing around, he bolted for the NFL à la Pete Carroll.

Linda Emmett Aaron Hernandez. That's all we're going to hear about.

Dan Hastings In the beginning Hernandez, but then Rex Ryan will say something stupid, Mark Sanchez will do something dumb and then the rest of America will once again get sick of how much publicity the Jets get.

Chris Nelson East Coast bias will have Kelly as the biggest story when it should be how the Browns are building a winner.

Neil Macias How Tom Brady is going to have to prove his Superman abilities by leading the Patriots without Hernandez and Wes Welker.

Curtis Colons It'll be RG3: To knee, or not to knee. The Redskins have all of the pressure.

Alvaro Velasquez Theysen How to reduce crime in the NFL.

TWEET OF THE WEEK

"I SYMPATHIZE W/ UF'S ANTONIO MORRISON. I MEAN, IF A POLICE DOG BARKS AT ME, THE ONLY WAY I KNOW TO REACT WOULD BE TO REPEATEDLY BARK BACK."

HAYES HOOPER (@HAYESHOOPER)

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FOR July 8--15, 2013

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