Letters

Hex-a-Gone

The next time someone brings up the SPORTS ILLUSTRATED cover jinx, you should show them the Olympic Preview and then your Aug. 18 issue, both of which feature swimmer Michael Phelps. Two covers, eight gold medals and all those world records. That is a jinx that I would love to be a part of.
Randy Knecht, Buffalo City, Wis.

Eight gold medals for Michael Phelps but "only" seven world records. I guess the jinx lives.
John Deushane, Alpharetta, Ga.

I very much admire Phelps's Olympic achievements (Gold Mind, Aug. 18), but more credit should be going to Jason Lezak for swimming the anchor leg in the monumental come-from-behind victory for the U.S. 4�100 free relay team. Although Beijing will be remembered as Phelps's Olympics, the key moment in this Olympiad was Lezak's Lunge.
Bob Stomber, Basking Ridge, N.J.

Wow! Until I got my latest SI, I had absolutely no idea there were athletes in Beijing competing in sports other than beach volleyball, swimming or gymnastics. Come on, NBC. What about the other athletes who have devoted their lives to becoming the best in the world? I know nothing about fencing, but man, wouldn't it have been cool to see Mariel Zagunis, Sada Jacobson and Becca Ward sweep in sabre for the U.S. (Sabre Sisters, Aug. 18)? Thanks, SI, from those of us who want to know something more than whether Michael Phelps won his heat or that the beach volleyball girls went to see the Great Wall of China.
Joe Vierhile, Indianapolis

I have to laugh at the people who are criticizing certain less-mainstream Olympic competitions for not being "true sports." Most likely these critics are the kind of "sports fans" who haven't left the couch in years.
Christina Farrall, Gypsum, Colo.

I agree with Selena Roberts that we should not ramp up our spending on Olympic training (POINT AFTER, Aug. 18), even if our program becomes second to China's. More spending on the Olympics means less spending elsewhere. I take pride in our athletic accomplishments, but I would be even prouder if no one in this country wanted for health care or a decent education.
Paul Agathen, Washington, Mo.

G-Rated Seats

Dan Patrick questions the viability of the NFL's new fan rules of conduct (JUST MY TYPE, Aug. 18) and suggests that the NFL institute family-friendly sections. As the founder of the Redskins' Hogettes and a member of the Professional Football Ultimate Fan Association, I ask, Dan, who are you kidding? Few families of four can afford NFL tickets, parking, food and drink costs. And then if they do make it to the game, they are confronted with foul language? PFUFA endorses the new NFL fan policy. The whole stadium should be "family friendly."
Michael Mayne Torbert, Fairfax, Va.

Moody's Many Moods