to our list. So now that the belt is loosened and your top button is unfastened, it's time to go back for a second helping for your nominations. Here are some more samples of your responses:
Let us not forget Darryl Strawberry. I realize that this is a sad story, but it is also a self-inflicted degeneration. I am sorry for his illness, but I am appalled at his lack of personal responsibility and respect for his supporters.
Zacs, Atlanta
My turkey is A-Rod. In an era of inflated egos and wallets, he seemed refreshingly humble -- dare I even say, "normal," the consummate professional. But his contract demands, no doubt encouraged by "vampire" Scott Boras, are shameful. He said during the playoffs that his friend, Derek Jeter, had won enough rings, and that it was someone else's turn. With these Wizard of Oz-like demands, A-Rod the turkey made it clear that he really DOES want someone else to win some rings -- someone with a brain, some heart and the courage to put the team before himself.
Robert Worden, Indianapolis
I vote for Clem Haskins. Why didn't the fool just come clean and try to at least spin the situation? Instead, he lies through his teeth and ducks out of Minnesota like a thief in the night. Where's he now, serving turkey to the homeless? I hope so.
Ben Pollock, Petitcodiac, New Brunswick
An early nomination for 2001 turkey: Jesse Ventura, Dick Ebersol, Vince McMahon and the humiliation called the XFL. A disaster waiting to happen.
Spencer, Salt Lake City, Utah
No one has made a bigger fool out of himself this year than Darryl Strawberry! Not only was he caught with cocaine (again!), but he was caught driving under the influence. Now under house arrest after going AWOL from the drug rehab clinic, I can only wait in anticipation until the next stupid thing comes up.
Alfred Birtz, Washington, D.C.
Mark Chumura: "Partying" with high school girls at a prom party? Even if this turkey didn't rape the girl he is allegedly accused of raping, he's an idiot for even being there. He should easily be in the top five gobblers of the year!
John Ryan, Windsor, Ontario
How about the Knicks' front office for the way they treated Patrick Ewing? Here is a guy who played his heart out, and only once did the front office surround him with enough talent to win a championship (I still haven't forgiven Riley for keeping Starks in the game). He never left anything on the court, and was always showed class. And they replaced him with NOTHING.
Marci Feller, Greenbelt, Md.
The biggest turkeys of the year have to be all the Olympic athletes who condemn the use of performance-enhancing drugs. We all know that these athletes are heavy users (no matter what they say), and they use poor excuses to cover up when they are caught. Right, C.J. Hunter?
Jamil Barmania, London
Wade Philips is one juicy turkey! No matter what happens with Rob Johnson, the fact is that fans love Doug Flutie. We love his leadership, his attitude and his drive to win. Wade Philips' decision to bench Flutie, after he led them to the playoffs last year, has forever turned me and many of my friends off from Buffalo Bills football. For that, he is a turkey.
Steve, Toronto
How in the world could you leave out Keyshawn Johnson? All he does is run his big mouth about being a star and says Wayne Chrebet is a flashlight or something like that. What happens in the game after he made those comments? Chrebet makes a game-winning touchdown, while Keyshawn catches one pass from one yard. What a turkey.
Clint Perry, Atlanta
How about Marty McSorely? His two-hander to the head of Donald Brashear put a black mark on the sport, and probably hurt the NHL's quest to make its game more popular.
Hoops Carter, Woodbury, N.J.
For a good ol' Alabama boy, you have got to choose Mike Dubose. He said at the beginning of the year that they would have a decent team. Obviously with the talent that this team had, he did an awful job coaching. He lost at least three or four games for the Tide with his bone-headed decisions. I am glad he is no longer there.
Charles Swindle, Cypress Inn, Tenn.
I think that Butch Carter deserves mention on your turkey list. He completely destroyed the focus of a very talented Raptors team in this year's playoffs by turning the focus to his autobiography which made controversial comments about Bobby Knight and then he files a defamation of character suit against Marcus Camby. This guy deserves to be hailed as a turkey.
Jamie Maillet, Willow Grove, New Brunswick
In an era when one season's performance can make an ordinary player a standout, I think it's time to think big and recognize a consistent performer for the turkey award -- Albert Belle. Say what you want, but you can rely on him to live down to his own standards (or the significant lack of them) year in and year out.
Andy Sherman, Guilderland, N.Y.
No doubt the biggest turkey of the year was Ray Lewis. Whether it was his fault or not that two people were murdered, Mr. Lewis still brought embarrassment upon himself, his team, and his sport the moment he stepped foot in the club that night.
Peter Adler, Raleigh, N.C.
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