INBOX

FOR DEC. 21, 2015

Every young athlete, especially those who earn a living through sports, should not just read Michael Bamberger's article about Jack Nicklaus but also commit to living a life that mirrors his. On and off the course, he is a fierce competitor but also a gentleman who thinks of others and acts on it.

Martin Blackman, Hyde Park, Mass.

All you need to do is read Tim Layden's story on American Pharoah to see that you erred in your selection for Sportsperson of the Year.

Jim Stimple, Bethel Park, Pa.

I admit I questioned your Sportsperson choice, given the list of other deserving candidates. But after reading S.L. Price's article, I realized Serena Williams epitomizes the elite sportsperson: She's a preternatural talent with a flair for the dramatic, an indomitable will and the power to make us want to watch her.

Eric Atwood, Marietta, Ga.

For sports lovers, 2015 was an incredibly rewarding year. You brought it all back in this issue. Serena was an excellent choice. Jordan Spieth, American Pharoah, the U.S. women's soccer team and the many others that made this year memorable were all there. Your story on Nicklaus made me cry. Thank you.

Bridget Arroyo

San Francisco

COVER

Your selection of Serena Williams as Sportsperson of the Year was sensational, but the cover shot was not. Serena is an amazing athlete and a beautiful woman. However, I feel the photograph should have reflected her gifts as an athlete, not as an undergarment model.

Kelly Kroll, Ambler, Pa.

PAGE 33

SCORECARD

By continuing to ban Pete Rose from baseball, commissioner Rob Manfred has inadvertently given Rose what he has always craved: publicity. Now writers like Tom Verducci will pen stories about Rose forever.

Mike Perricone

Adairsville, Ga.

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POINT AFTER

After reading Steve Rushin's insightful column about time, I thought, Isn't it time that SI (a division of Time Inc.) nominates him for the Nobel Prize in literature? Why are you wasting time?

Jim Pavlacic

Peoria, Ill.

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PHIL SANDLIN/AP (NICKLAUS)

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YU TSAI FOR SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (COVER)

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DAMIAN STROHMEYER FOR SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (RUSHIN)

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BOB MARTIN FOR SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (WILLIAMS)

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BILL FRAKES FOR SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (AMERICAN PHAROAH)