Letters

Elf You
At least the New England Patriots finished the regular season undefeated. I heard that Santa didn't have as much luck. Two of his reindeer came up lame on Christmas Eve, his sled got lost in Poland, and somehow half a dozen kids on the naughty list received presents anyway. Way to go, SI cover jinx.
John McBride, Fort Dodge, Iowa

You should have colored Patriots coach Bill Belichick's face green (The Year in Sports, Dec. 31--Jan. 7). To many football fans, he is the Grinch.
Ken Glazener, Clemmons, N.C.

Highlighting athletes in each sport who are giving back was an awesome addition to your annual year-end review. We are quick to hammer spoiled athletes for their transgressions, so it's great to showcase the deeds of these philanthropic role models.
Dean Johnson, The Woodlands, Texas

As a Texas Rangers fan who has suffered through hard times with his team, I was surprised to see you define one of our better moments with a downward-turned thumb. Scoring 30 runs against Baltimore on Aug. 22 was just about the only bright spot in an otherwise thumbs-down season.
Adam C. McCloskey, Navarre, Fla.

Obituaries
Your recounting of sports figures who left us in 2007 (Farewell, Dec. 31--Jan 7) failed to mention the toughest hockey player of all time. John Ferguson skated eight seasons for the Montreal Canadiens, winning five Stanley Cups and racking up more than 1,200 penalty minutes.
Steve Lansky, Toronto

You should have noted the passing of Wally Parks, founder of the National Hot Rod Association, and Eric Medlin, champion Funny Car driver.
Ted Hunter, Brunswick, Maine

... Bill Robinson. Between 1966 and '83 the infielder-outfielder played for the Braves, Yankees, Phillies and Pirates, and he was a valuable member of the Bucs' '79 championship team.
Wayne Holton, Scotch Plains, N.J.

... Shelby Metcalf, who coached men's basketball at Texas A&M for 27 years.
Gary Spence, College Station, Texas

... USC kicker Mario Danelo.
Brian Bernstein, Oak Park, Calif.

... Damien Nash, Broncos tailback, and Marquise Hill, a Patriots lineman.
Chris Nelson, Berkeley Lake, Ga.