Letters

Let me get this straight: We're supposed to feel sorry for Helio Castroneves ("I'm Back in the Game," May 25), who resorted to sophisticated but questionable accounting schemes to reduce his tax bill on $5,550,000 in earnings and then claimed that he knew nothing about U.S. tax law when charged with tax evasion? The only part of his ordeal that I can sympathize with is his having to endure Wayne Newton's singing voice mail.
Ben Woods, Menlo Park, Calif.

Dungy and Vick

In Tony Dungy's plea on behalf of Michael Vick (SCORECARD, May 25), he writes, "I understand how appalling dog fighting is, and in no way do I condone it." But his 960-word essay does not use the words "dog killer" or "animal abuse." No mention of drowning, hanging, shooting or electrocution. No mention of slamming a dog to the ground because it did not want to fight. Dungy is hiding behind the phrase "dog fighting."
Bob Mantz, Princeton, N.J.

Dungy is right. We get an awful lot of things wrong in this country, not the least of which is knowing when someone ought to be punished for their wrongs, or when that punishment should end. If Vick is a changed man, we'll see it in how he conducts himself on and off the field. If he's not, we'll see that too.
Steven Kopischke
Hartford, Wis.

Dungy's discussion of his visit with Vick should be mandatory reading for those who would profess to follow Christian ideals but seem to have no inclination to even consider forgiveness.
Rodney K. Boswell
Thousand Oaks, Calif.

Answer Questioned

I have never understood how Allen Iverson was considered a great player (POINT AFTER, May 25). I've always thought that 75% of NBA players could outscore Iverson if they shot as often as he did. They say AI is the Answer. I think the question is, "Who is the most overrated player in the game?"
Ned Hall, Media, Pa.

Iverson was a small man playing among giants, and he could do things with a basketball that no one else could. He took one team to a championship series and lost—which is more than can be said for many others who are considered stars. Before Chris Ballard writes off Iverson's career, he should go back and watch some of the tape. Ignore the score and just watch how he played the game.
Daniel Robinson, Philadelphia

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