Letters

Shock Value

The picture of LeBron James was the third most intimidating to appear on SPORTS ILLUSTRATED's cover this decade, ranking closely behind the Troy Polamalu cover in '05 (Crunch Time, Nov. 14) and the Ricky Williams cover in '02 (Faces of the NFL, Dec. 9). This was one of the most powerful covers I have ever seen.
Charlie Greenwald, Westport, Conn.

The description of LeBron James's driving to the basket with such force that he sent a defender flying backward as if he were being sucked out of an airplane hold (The Power of LeBron, Feb. 2) had to have been frightening for Cavaliers fans. Is that the same airplane that eventually will fly LeBron out of Cleveland headed for the highest bidder?
Don Rindfuss, Jamesville, N.Y.

There's no arguing that LeBron is evolving, but he won't scale the championship pinnacle until the Cavs are more than their most important part. Five-on-five has a much better shot than one-on-five.
Brian Prokop, Plymouth, Minn.

Black-and-Gold Bond

As a son of a former steelworker and as a loyal Pittsburgh Steelers fan for 32 years, I can attest to the city's appreciation for the team's hard-nosed work ethic (We Are Family, Feb. 2). Yes, I am very proud of the Steelers' success, but I take greater pride in the fact that they have achieved it with class and dignity throughout the years.
Robert Wissert, Lansdale, Pa.

My wife grew up in a nonsports atmosphere and could only look on in amusement every Sunday in the fall when our three boys and I put on the black-and-gold and settled in to watch the Steelers. After she read your article, she now understands the origins of Steeler Nation's passion and what makes it so powerful.
Chris Sobota, Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Misplaced Youth

The Super Bowl preview on the Cardinals (Woe, Be Gone, Feb. 2) says that 94-year-old Nick Barbetta played for the 1925 Pottsville Maroons. They sure made 10-year-old kids tough back then!
Bryce Woods, Sun City, Ariz.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Barbetta watched the Maroons' games as a 10-year-old but never played for the team. SI regrets the error.