FOR FEB. 12, 2018
OFF-BALANCE
In Tom Taylor's story about the aftermath of the Larry Nassar scandal, the question "Where does American gymnastics go now?" is far less relevant than, How do the USOC and the NCAA get off the hook so easily? They are the governing bodies of USA Gymnastics and Michigan State. Logic supports the notion that they failed the athletes just as badly. Heads should be rolling there too.
R. David Knapp
Singapore
THE BOSS
Tom Verducci should file away his brilliant article about new Marlins owner Derek Jeter as the first chapter of the next great Miami Mystery Novel. Jeter made his Hall of Fame career (and his money) by being able to read the signs of the game; however, that great skill may have diminished if he is really convinced the Marlins can increase ticket revenue by 25% and attendance by 19% with a product inferior to the one that produced eight straight losing seasons.
Andy Davis
Fanwood, N.J.
Many sports franchises are owned by faceless monoliths. Derek Jeter may be having good days and bad days, but at least he's putting his face out there for all to see. Accountability in ownership is quickly vanishing from pro sports. I admire Jeter for toughing it out.
Robert Kent
Ingersoll, Ont.
GAME OF STONES
SI's article on the Super Bowl devoted a mere eight words to Jake Elliott's final field goal, a 46-yarder that put the Eagles ahead 41--33. Tom Brady certainly realized he faced extraordinary odds to score eight points from inside his own 10-yard line with 58 seconds to go for just a tie. Contrast this with his mind-set if Elliott had missed: New England gets the ball on its 36 with about 66 seconds to go, needing just a touchdown to win. How many would bet against Tom Brady in that situation as compared with the one he actually faced?
Thomas T. Hanford
Pittsford, N.Y.
The call to have tight end Trey Burton throw a pass to quarterback Nick Foles was solid, but not the gutsiest call in Super Bowl history. That would be Sean Payton's decision to do an onside kick to start the second half of Super Bowl XLIV.
Dave Farquhar
Williston Park, N.Y.
SNEAKER WARS
L. Jon Wertheim's analysis of the shoe deal between Derrick Rose and Adidas exposes what is wrong with these contracts—that they exist at all. You don't actually need to play. All you need to do is sell overpriced sneakers.
Mike Morton
Gardnerville, Nev.
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