INBOX
How classy and humble of Johnny Manziel (SCORECARD) to make the money sign while walking onstage during the NFL draft. With any luck, he will be brought down a few pegs during training camp.
Allan J. Baber, Albuquerque
The issue with Carlos Gomez (Why Can't Everyone Love Carlos Gomez?) isn't his lack of respect for the game, it's his lack of respect for other players, including his own teammates. His attitude has less to do with Dominican pride and more to do with his ego.
Tom Patton, Cumming, Ga.
The spirit of Josh Burton (Death at the Track) will live on in hundreds of other young racers as they seek to follow in the footsteps of Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart and make it to the big leagues.
Eric Wold, Raleigh
Loved your story on the Class A LumberKings (The Comebacks). One of the greatest comebacks in college baseball history happened on April 26, 1997, when the University of Redlands fell behind 18--0 to Pomona-Pitzer before rallying to win 28--27 in 10 innings.
Michelle Nolan Bellingham, Wash.
Kevin Durant had an outstanding season, capped off with an MVP award and a brilliant, heartfelt acceptance speech and your cover harps on how he's not as great as Jordan because he has yet to win a ring?
Ed Koenig, Brooklyn
pg. 20
SCORECARD
It was refreshing to read about Cal Ripken's financial success and stability after retiring from baseball. Not only has he provided for himself, but he is also providing for today's youth and the future of the game.
Robert Curtner Fayetteville, Ark.
pg. 64
POINT AFTER
While I enjoy Jon Hamm the actor, I was highly impressed by his turn as a writer in his essay Converts to the Church. Please keep writing, Mr. Hamm!
Thomas Fromm Charlottesville, Va.
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SOCIAL MEDIA
Do you think Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook will ever win an NBA title together in Oklahoma City?
Chris Hancock
Not together. They don't complement each other. And KD, as great as he is, plays with the emotion of a zombie.
Catalino Lastimosa Jr.
Heck yeah they can! They just need to add a couple more pieces to become more dominant inside.
Mathiew DeFalco
Probably not. The best chance they had was in 2012, when they lost to the Heat. James Harden was a big piece of that puzzle.
Darryel Harris
No, because Westbrook thinks he's Kobe and has to shoot every time he touches the ball.
Raheel Umair R. Bowleg
I just think they need a better coach. The Thunder's coach doesn't seem like he knows how to run the offense or the team. Look at all the dumb shots they take.
Damjan Raknic
If Westbrook is playing the point, no. If he moves to the two, then yes.
Allester Nemiada Teves
Nope, not unless Westbrook changes his game. What Durant needs is a pure passing point guard, along with a center. They should trade Westbrook because he is not a pure point guard. He is a points guard.
TWEETS OF THE WEEK
Not qualified to have an opinion on Landon Donovan, but it makes me feel old that a guy born in 1982 is being put out to pasture.
Michael David Smith (@MichaelDavSmith)
I don't understand all of this speculation about LeBron going back to Cleveland. Dan Gilbert is still the owner, right?
Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops)
Adam Scott gets secretly married. Rory McIlroy gets publicly broken up. This just in: There is no magic formula to winning.
Jason Sobel (@JasonSobelGC)
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BRAD PENNER/USA TODAY SPORTS (MANZIEL)
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JOHN W. MCDONOUGH/SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (COVER)
FOR MAY 19, 2014
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JONATHAN HANSON (RIPKEN)
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ALBERTO E. RODRIGUEZ/GETTY IMAGES FOR CINEMACON (HAMM)
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DILIP VISHWANAT FOR SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (LUMBERKINGS)
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MIKE MCGINNIS/GETTY IMAGES (GOMEZ)
TWO PHOTOS
GREG NELSON FOR SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (DURANT AND WESTBROOK)
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EIGHT ILLUSTRATIONS