Letters

Unreal

Your Dec. 19 cover asks, DO YOU KNOW HIS NAME?, but anyone who has played fantasy football in the last five years knows who Shaun Alexander is. I was a genius last year when I stole him as the No. 6 pick in our draft and rode him to a championship. This year he was the No. 2 pick, and the league winner is the guy who picked him.
Gary Wagner, Austin

Your cover almost makes it look as if you had Alexander pose and then dropped his image into a picture from a 49ers game. The Heisman Trophy stance is just too perfect.
Nathan Davis, Chicago

When Shaun Alexander was preparing for his senior season at Alabama, I had the opportunity to work with him in a speed-training program in Cincinnati. One day after his workout he, a few of the trainers and I were talking about the Heisman candidates for the coming season. Strengths and weaknesses were discussed, and someone asked Shaun, "What's your weakness?" He was always humble, so we all got a good laugh when Shaun smiled broadly and said, "Kryptonite."
Eric Seibert, Amelia, Ohio

American Idols

I really enjoyed A Star in the West (Dec. 19), which depicted the friendship between Gonzaga's Adam Morrison and Duke's J.J. Redick. My son Daniel, 16, a high school shooting guard, has a PLAY LIKE J.J.�sign in his room. Meanwhile, my son Michael, 13, a type 1 diabetic (like Morrison) and a middle school shooting guard, has a shrine to Morrison with photos, an autographed basketball and quotes from Adam hanging by his bed. To have my sons idolize these two college greats is fantastic.
Melinda Vahradian, Santa Cruz, Calif.

Frozen Moment

The photo by Bob Rosato that leads off INSIDE THE WEEK IN SPORTS�(Dec. 19) is a classic: Bears versus Steelers, December, snowstorm, Terrible Towels waving, playoffs on the line. It captures the ultimate moment in the ultimate spectator sport.
Jack Amrein, Abingdon, Md.

Mourning Person

It was great to see the update on Alonzo Mourning (Playstrong, Dec. 19). As someone who has focal glomerulosclerosis, the same kidney disease that afflicts Mourning, I have rooted for Zo to get that elusive NBA ring to show the world that kidney patients can lead productive lives. Although I must do daily dialysis and I'm awaiting a transplant, I do my best not to let FSGS slow me down. Play on, Zo.
Adrian Smith, Gastonia, N.C.