Letters

Howard Bingham proves that what matters most is not the people you know, but the person you are.
—Roy Opochinski, Princeton, N.J.

The Greatest Friend
Frank Deford's story about Howard Bingham is a marvelous portrayal of friendship in today's adversarial times (The Best of Friends, July 13). Bingham is living proof that friendship given will be returned tenfold.
Larry Halstead, Clearwater, Fla.

Bingham has been a hero of mine since his friendship with Muhammad Ali was touchingly portrayed in Thomas Hauser's biography of Ali. Deford has been my favorite sportswriter since I became an SI subscriber more than 20 years ago. What a joy to see their lives and work come together.
John Hicks, Rochester, N.Y.

The night I received the July 13 issue, as my family sat in a New York City restaurant, my father struck up a conversation with a quiet man seated at the next table. It was Bingham, and one could immediately sense that his serenity hid an inner strength and confidence. That night I read Deford's article and discovered the depth of Bingham's character.
Ben Fishman, Brooklyn

In Deford's moving story on Ali (n� Cassius Clay) and Bingham he inadvertently degraded another great champion. Deford noted that Bingham met Clay in Los Angeles in late 1962 when Clay "was in town to knock over some tomato can." The fighter Clay fought happened to be one of the greatest light heavyweights in boxing history. Although past his prime, Archie Moore was no tomato can.
Theodore A. Goldberg, Los Angeles

We should all have a friend like Howard Bingham. It is too bad Arsenio Hall chose to bask in the limelight of Muhammad Ali instead of sharing this incredible relationship with his viewers. As a now former fan of Arsenio's, I will never watch anything he is involved with—if he ever makes it back to show business.
Jim Bridgeman, Jonesboro, Ga.

As a pastor in a sports-minded town, I have often quoted SPORTS ILLUSTRATED in my sermons. Unfortunately, Frank Deford is better informed on sports than on the Bible. Deford writes, " Bingham has played the dutiful younger son, the one who was always there, always faithful." The younger son was the prodigal. Actually, neither son's personality suits Bingham. The older son who stays home is self-righteous, vindictive and moody. Bingham is more thoughtful and caring—a breath of fresh air.
The Reverend Rob Morrison, Edmond, Okla.

Steelers Stalwart
Your article on Steelers linebacker Levon Kirkland hit home (Heavy Hitter, July 13). As a fellow student and friend of Kirkland's at Lamar High and at Clemson, I can affirm what a wonderful person he has always been. The quiet dignity of his father, Levern, shines through brilliantly in Levon. It is fortunate we still have a few positive role models in the athletic community.
Lila McLaurin Konecny, Hilton Head Island, S.C.

Having been raised in Cleveland, it is in my blood to hate the Steelers. Regardless, my thanks to Leigh Montville for an excellent, heartwarming piece on Kirkland. In a time when athletes are often in the news only after committing a crime, this article provided a refreshing insight on what sports should be.
Greg Tadych, Milwaukee

Picture Perfect
It was amazing to watch the reaction of Jenny Chuasiriporn as she sank her 45-foot birdie putt at the U.S. Women's Open, but in the picture by Jim Gund (LEADING OFF, July 13) it was even more interesting to see the reaction of the crowd gathered around the 18th green at Blackwolf Run. This picture captures all the individual facial expressions and shows the excitement of this year's U.S. Women's Open. If any picture speaks a thousand words, this one says volumes.
Jerry Herda, Milwaukee