Letters

Greener Pastures
Dale Earnhardt Jr. seems to be a lot happier with his new racing team, Hendrick Motorsports. You can see from your story that Rick Hendrick really cares about his drivers. The fans who call Earnhardt a traitor for leaving DEI really make me mad. They are the traitors and were not really fans of his to begin with.
Angie Baldwin, New Castle, Ind.

As a Kyle Busch fan, I say, Let the SI cover jinx continue!
Todd Walsh, Byram, Conn.

NBA at the Half
Why would SI name Kevin Garnett as its MVP ( NBA Midseason Report, Feb. 18)? He is one of the top three players in the league, but when he missed games with an abdominal strain, the Celtics showed they could win without him. Players like Chris Paul, Carlos Boozer and Dwight Howard are all more instrumental to their teams' success.
Scott Etkin, New York City

Ian Thomsen predicts that Dallas's Dirk Nowitzki will become the first European to lead his team to an NBA championship. What about Tony Parker of France, who has three NBA titles with San Antonio and last year was MVP of the Finals?
John Medina, New York City

Jack McCallum's article about Chris Paul and David West leading the Hornets' resurgence (Wild West Shootout, Feb. 18) was a great tribute to the late Skip Prosser, who coached both players in college: West at Xavier and Paul at Wake Forest. Skip would be proud.
Jason Mazda, Avalon, N.J.

In your midseason report Deron Williams got no love, even though Williams dominated Paul in their first two meetings this year. Williams had a combined 41 points and 18 assists, compared with Paul's 21 points and 12 assists, while the Jazz outscored the Hornets 209--159.
Colin Soisson, Cottonwood Heights, Utah

Knight Vision
Dan Patrick's "gut feeling" (Just My Type, Feb. 18) is that if Bob Knight returns from retirement, it will be to a school "where RPI doesn't matter." I say, how about RPI itself—Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
Elliott Denman, West Long Branch, N.J.

Ice Dreams
Michael Farber's story about Jo� Juneau's efforts to bring hockey into a part of Canada plagued by drugs and teen suicide (A Northern Light, Feb. 18) was inspirational. Juneau can live three lifetimes off his NHL earnings, but he has moved far from his true home and dedicated himself to helping those less fortunate. Ex-players in every sport should take note.
Pete Wiesner, Hamilton, Ont.

Many think that Americans (and Canadians) have an unhealthy obsession with sports. Stories like Juneau's show how sports can tie a community together, teach kids life lessons and brighten the lives of countless individuals.
Joe D. Genco, Buffalo

Juneau has no competition as SI's next Sportsman of the Year.
Randy Emery, Dallas