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Reactions: Giving Thanks

Users thankful for Lance Armstrong

Many CNNSI.com users are thankful for the inspiring stories of athletes such as Lance Armstrong. Allsport

CNNSI.com users were asked to name the athletes for which they are most thankful this year. A sample of the responses received follows:

I give thanks to Dennis Erickson and the Oregon State football team. Oregon State football was a joke for almost three decades. But in just two short years, Erickson and his players have helped turn things around. Just five years ago, this team was a 1-10. Now they are a 10-1 with a No. 5 ranking in the BCS.
David Horning, Corvallis, Ore.

Vince Carter may have an impressive vertical leap, but I was dismayed to see him among your athletes to be thankful for. His postgame comments after the U.S. escaped with a win against Lithuania in Sydney showed that he lacks any sense of sportsmanship -- you did see that interview with Craig Sager, didn't you? He deserves a place in your turkeys list, not on the other. Sports are about appreciating the competition and learning a respect for one's competitors. To Vince, it's more about the money and being noticed. A sad, sad display, and one echoed by the entire "Dream Team." Hey, Vince, get a life.
Lance Levy, Ketchum, Idaho

I am thankful for Joe Tiller and the boys getting the job done at Purdue, and heading out West for New Years, and the Rose Bowl. Boiler Up! Turkey of the year: Bob Knight. He better be careful this is hunting season. His friend might decide to shoot at him, stuff him and cook him! He is a first-class jerk, although I will miss him coming to Mackey Arena and losing.
Patrick R., Indianapolis

Let's give credit to Butch Davis and the Miami Hurricanes' seniors. Even though the players were all recruited by other schools that weren't looking at NCAA sanctions, they believed in Davis enough to play for Miami. And my, oh my, how they have delivered. Regardless of their standing at the end of the year, they are already champions in the things that matter. They are a class act across the board. And while the rest of Division I may not be thankful that "The Attack is Back," the 'Canes' fans sure are!
Steve Newell, Honolulu

Hey, what about Lance Armstrong? The guy comes back from cancer and wins what is arguably the most difficult and taxing major sporting event of the year -- twice. This year, he didn't just win, he dominated truly world class competition. Then, after being hit by a car and fracturing a vertebra in his neck, he goes on to win a medal at the Olympics. What gives here? Let's give a little thanks where thanks are due.
Chad Davies, Barnesville, Ga.

I can't believe you are thankful for athletes like Tiger Woods. Yes, he is the best golfer ever to step up to a tee, but he is also a big part of what is wrong with professional athletes. His $100 million from Nike isn't enough. His winnings at every tournament aren't enough. His endorsement deals from American Express and Buick aren't enough. No, he has to gripe about not being properly compensated for the money he brings to the Tour. I'm not for the Tour either, Tiger does bring in a lot of money for them. But Tiger missed out on an opportunity to set an example. He could have called for that money to be distributed to charities, used to help spread the sport, etc. Instead, he disgraced himself by looking like the money-grubbing, pampered whiner that he is.
Eric Reyhle, Chicago

Please add the inspiring Lance Armstrong to your list of athletes you are thankful for. I can't believe you left him out of your gallery.
Liza Sheker, New York

I think that I am most thankful for Lennox Lewis. Finally, there is a heavyweight champion that does not make me ashamed to be a boxing fan. The biggest turkey is Mike Tyson. I will take extreme pleasure in watching Lennox knock him out!
Michael Smalley, Anchorage, Alaska

Big Turkey: Jerry Jones for not understanding that he is not a general manager, and that the Cowboys need to rebuild through the draft and not through older veterans! Thankful For: Mark Cuban for bringing the Dallas Mavericks back to being respectful in the NBA.
Mike Bowers, Plano, Texas

Lance Armstrong. Proving last year's Tour de France was not a fluke or the result of a reduced field. His rise from lonely rides on the dusty highways of north Texas, where drivers as likely to knock you over as salute you, to striking fear in the hearts of men who grew up as heroes in their homelands is an amazing accomplishment. To paraphrase an Sports Illustrated columnist earlier this year: As Americans, we laud Michael Johnson and Maurice Green -- but come on guys, pulling up in a 200-meter race. Try 200 miles sometime.
Rohit, New York

Being thankful for Tiger Woods? Please, I think this time next year you will find yourself putting him on the 'turkey' list. I hope he tries to start his own tour. He and Greg Norman can play with the Nike Tour guys ALL they want. I thought Tiger had some class and dignity -- NOPE!
Jason Deegan, Atlanta

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