INBOX

FOR OCT. 6, 2014

Thank you for your article on Bears running back Matt Forte. I enjoyed learning about his outstanding background and family history. He is a class act, both on and off the field, with a work ethic to be emulated.

Rob Hackett, Peoria, Ill.

If only you had waited until the regular season was over before chiding the White Sox for having no "retirement hoopla" for Paul Konerko (SCORECARD), you would have seen that Chicago honored him with a statue near leftfield on Paul Konerko Night on Sept. 27.

Marian Grote, Kankakee, Ill.

Despite Clayton Kershaw's playoff struggles, Lee Jenkins's fabulous article on him was long overdue. It gave great insight into the game's best pitcher. It may be hard to fathom, but Kershaw could surpass his mentor, Sandy Koufax.

Paul Knobloch, New Paltz, N.Y.

Brian Cazeneuve should have ranked the Islanders higher than 12th. John Tavares and underrated stars such as Kyle Okposo (27 goals and 69 points) and Frans Nielsen (25 goals and 58 points) form a deep, young core that will help the team challenge for a playoff spot in the weakened Metropolitan Division.

Zach Pearce, Norwalk, Conn.

COVER

I enjoyed your cover showcasing the top stars from the beltway teams, especially the stark contrast between Adam Jones's unblemished looks and Alex Ovechkin's missing tooth and crooked nose.

Jonathan Berger Macungie, Pa.

PAGE 26

FACES IN THE CROWD

It is worth noting that in addition to the amazing stats that Green Bay's Oneida Nation High halfback Dante Thomas has put up this season, he's done it while playing on an eight-man football team.

Donald Ray Milroy Jr. Pecatonica, Ill.

PAGE 68

POINT AFTER

Mike Tyson, Real Man? Really? Real men don't get convicted of rape. And as carnivorous as they can sometimes be, real men certainly don't bite chunks of flesh off people.

Tyrone Miller Sr. York, Pa.

CONTACT

SPORTS ILLUSTRATED

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COVER: JONATHAN BIELASKI FOR SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (JONES); SIMON BRUTY/SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (OVECHKIN)

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COURTESY OF DANTE THOMAS (THOMAS)

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ERIC GAILLARD/REUTERS (TYSON)

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FRED VUICH FOR SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (OKPOSO)

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ROBERT BECK/SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (KERSHAW)

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CHUCK SOLOMON FOR SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (KONERKO)

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TODD ROSENBERG FOR SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (FORTE)