THE MAIL
I didn't get to read your article about the security plans for Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium until the day after the big game. After reading it, however, I found it amazing that despite all the precautions and security details you documented, a man was still able to sneak his way into the postgame press conference and get as close as he did to MVP Malcolm Smith.
Mike Pukala, Danvers, Mass.
Not So High Security
In Thayer Evans's article on Super Bowl security (Protect This House), he stated that "select high-level officials aside, anyone entering MetLife must pass through one of 130 metal detectors." I stand in awe of the fact that there is still a special class of people in this country who remain above scrutiny when it comes to our national security. In this day and age everyone should be searched, regardless of who they are. Clearly, we are slow learners.
George Provol, Levittown, Pa.
The first rule of having a security plan: Don't tell everyone your security plan.
Ryan Woodbury, Salt Lake City
I just finished reading your articles highlighting security at the Super Bowl and the Winter Olympics (SCORECARD). I have to say, both left me profoundly depressed. Between safety concerns at those events and your past articles on the Boston Marathon bombings, I wonder if I will ever be able to look at a major sporting event again as pure entertainment rather than focusing on political opposition, safety and possible terrorism.
Laurence Siegel, Manteno, Ill.
Lower Class
I appreciate Richard Sherman's acknowledgement that he shouldn't have publicly made demeaning comments about Michael Crabtree in his postgame interview with Erin Andrews (POINT AFTER). However his allegations that the negative backlash he received was due to race is a total cop-out. Classless behavior is classless behavior, regardless of your skin color.
Dean Garland, Olathe, Kans.
I wish Sherman would explain why only a "conservative" football fan would expect decent, respectful, sportsmanlike behavior in a postgame interview.
John Lewis IV, Seymour, Ind.
As a lifelong conservative, yes, I was caught off guard by the raw emotion displayed by Sherman after he made a play that essentially sent the Seahawks to the Super Bowl, but I was not offended by it. My first thought was, I hope the Chiefs someday play with the same fire as Sherman. It validates the passion NFL fans have come to expect for the game.
Chris Carney, Springboro, Ohio
The striking photo of Gracie Gold on the cover of your Olympic Preview would have been more believable if she had removed her skate guards.
Bob Witkoski Marlton, N.J.
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SOCIAL MEDIA
How will news that Michael Sam is gay affect his NFL draft stock?
Cody D Staebler It shouldn't affect it at all. His draftability is based on skill, not sexual orientation.
Serena Giglio I think it will lower it. Not necessarily because he is gay, but because coaches and GMs aren't going to want to deal with all the media hype.
Scott Clayton I love how one NFL personnel guy thinks that an NFL locker room would be too immature for Sam, even though a Mizzou team of 18--22-year-olds embraced him as a team leader.
TWEET OF THE WEEK
I'm the last man standing, I need a trophy. So much bread in my pocket, I'm feeling toasty. I gotta go to work.
Jay Bilas (@JayBilas)
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SIMON BRUTY/SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (COVER)
FOR FEB. 3, 2014
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FOUR ILLUSTRATIONS