19th Hole: The Readers Take Over

CAPITAL LEADERS
Sir:
I have been a faithful reader of your magazine since 1965, but I have never written a letter to you before. However, when I saw your Nov. 26 cover photograph of President Reagan, John Thompson and Patrick Ewing, I knew that the time had come. It's absolutely spectacular.
BRENT BILLINGSLEA
Campbell, Texas

Sir:
As a charter subscriber, I believe I am qualified to say that your Nov. 26 cover is one of the greatest ever.

I'd like to add, however, that the handsome lad in the middle, the one with the winning smile, will never go far in any field of amateur sport until he learns the basics: When your picture is being taken, hold your bat, racket or basketball so that the manufacturer's name is clearly displayed.
VINT STEGEMAN
Fort Thomas, Ky.

Sir:
Why didn't you print this cover before the election?
CARROLL RICKMAN
Canton, N.C.

Sir:
When I see a right-winger on your cover, I expect it to be a speedy French Canadian on skates, not a newly reelected President.
MICHAEL DAPPER
Albert Lea, Minn.

JOHN THOMPSON & CO.
Sir:
John Wideman's piece on John Thompson (Listen To The Drum, Nov. 26) was nothing short of courageous. Basketball, especially the college game, is a perfect mirror of the good and bad of America. As a quote, attributed to Joseph C. Pearce, on one of my calendars said, "It is possible that in changing the way we view a thing, we may actually change the thing viewed."
BOB GILBERT
Carlsbad, Calif.

Sir:
How nice to know, now, the real John Thompson. I hope SI will continue to publish articles by John Wideman.

Incidentally, I am a University of Pennsylvania graduate and saw Wideman play. He was marvelous.
JOHN B. HANNUM JR.
Unionville, Pa.

Sir:
Concerning John Thompson and the negative press he has received, I think it is clear that a double standard exists in the U.S. media. America will accept with open arms a black sports hero who does his job and keeps his mouth shut. When men like Thompson, Carl Lewis, Jim Brown or Reggie Jackson state their opinions, they are labeled outspoken or controversial.

The bottom line is that Thompson is an intelligent, articulate, successful coach. Instead of criticizing Thompson, we should criticize all of the coaches who cannot match his graduation rate (44 of the 46 who have played four years for Thompson at Georgetown "left school with their degrees").
TOM MAZZA
Huntingdon Valley, Pa.