Letters

Jeff Komlo

The story of the fall of former Lions quarterback Jeff Komlo (The Wrong Turn, June 15) typifies the perils of Western narcissism and excess. At least his children had the good sense to turn the page and move on with their lives. Komlo's was a life, and a fortune, wasted.
Richard Burjoski
Kitchener, Ont.

In March, I dined with former college teammates from Delaware, and there were three linemen at the table, including myself, who had blocked for Jeff Komlo. When we shared the news of his recent demise, not a tear was shed. He was a talented athlete but a more talented con. He cared for one thing: himself. His actions went against the traditions of our school and all that we were brought up to believe was right.
Joseph G. Susan Jr.
Princeton, N.J.

Inspiring Journey

Chris Ballard's column on Vivian White and her son, Brian, a soldier fighting in Iraq (POINT AFTER, June 15), was a real winner. We can all pray that this story about Vivian running for Brian will end happily in January 2010 with his safe return.
Kevin Link, Solon, Iowa

As I stare at my 10-year-old son and seven-year-old daughter, I can't even imagine them going to war. I run about four to five miles each day. Could you tell me how I can "donate" my miles to this mother and son?
Mark Manta, Tinley Park, Ill.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Many readers asked to give miles to White's cause. She welcomes these offers and can be reached at vbales@consolidated.net.

Body Language

As a former defensive end for the University at Buffalo, I identified with what former Nebraska center Brett Byford said about football players and their post-career weight issues (I Want My Body Back, June 8); it is a matter of telling your body, "Hey, I'm in charge." I went from 280 to 235 pounds while taking organic chemistry the summer after my last year of eligibility—I lost so much weight that my butt hurt from sitting in class. I've run into a couple of my former linemates who didn't trim weight, and it's truly sad.
Dan Poulsen, Lubbock, Texas

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