Letters

A word on why a woman golfer's ability to speak English matters (PLAYERS, Sept. 15). For many years while it was staged at the Moon Valley Golf Club in Phoenix, I sponsored and played in the LPGA pro-am. What made the experience worthwhile was the banter with the professionals during the round. While it might be enjoyable to watch a lady pro play, no matter what language she can or cannot speak, I would not pay for the privilege of playing with one who could not speak English. LPGA commissioner Carolyn Bivens did a lousy job of explaining that the LPGA tour, unlike the PGA Tour, survives because of pro-ams. Nevertheless, she should have stuck by her guns about the basic principle. If the South Koreans want to help the tour, let them learn English.
Brent Moody, Phoenix

Enjoying the Ride

A small point in Luke Winn's story on the Brewers fans and CC Sabathia, but Winn refers to Harley-Davidson as a 107-year-old company. It actually turned 105 this year. (I just rode my Heritage Softail cross-country to celebrate the anniversary.) I wish Winn would turn out to be wrong about the Brewers losing CC in free agency after this season, but he's probably got his facts straight on that one. Still, we're giddy every fifth day knowing that CC (Cubs Crusher) Sabathia will be on the mound. In Wisconsin we hope to ride our Harleys through late November. Brewers fans will be happy just to ride CC through late October.
Ted Perry, Whitefish Bay, Wis.

Suck It Up

NFL players must be soft. Chargers center Nick Hardwick says he can't envision an 18-game schedule (INSIDE THE NFL, Sept. 8). What's the big deal? In the CFL, teams play 18 games over 19 weeks, after playing two preseason games. The players don't complain—they just play football.
Robert Ristoff, Scarborough, Ont.

Politically Incorrect

I don't deny any athlete his or her right to be involved in politics. I recognize and celebrate my constitutional obligation to allow others to publicly speak their mind without persecution, and it is refreshing to see athletes who can think beyond a playbook (Choosing Sides, Sept. 8). However, I view sports as an escape from the pressures and stressors of everyday life. Let me pretend for a couple of hours that the only thing that really matters is if my team scores enough points. Tell me about your favorite humanitarian cause but not what politician or political party you support. Help keep sports a safe haven of escape.
Joel Adour, Camillus, N.Y.

In your Pop Culture Grid (PLAYERS, Sept. 15) two of the four athletes questioned did not even know who vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin was. I'm not sure if it's just a sad example of the disconnect of professional athletes or the blissful cluelessness of young Americans in general. But if either of these two athletes ever tries to use his platform to comment on issues facing the nation, I hope someone will remember his answers to SI.
Jason Davis, Sevierville, Tenn.

For reprints of SI covers, visit SIcovers.com.

To Contact SI > LETTERS • E-mail SI at letters@SI.timeinc.com or fax SI at 212-467-2417. Letters should include the writer's full name, address and home telephone number and may be edited for clarity and space. CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SUBSCRIPTIONS • For 24/7 service, go to SI.com/customerservice. Call 1-800-528-5000 or write to SI at P.O. Box 30602, Tampa, FL 33630-0602. To purchase reprints of SI covers, go to SIcovers.com. ADVERTISING • For ad rates, an editorial calendar or a media kit, e-mail SI at SIpubqueries@timeinc.com.