Why no boos for Payton, Jordan?
Regarding Mark Kiszla’s Sept. 23 column:
I believe there is racism in America. But I don’t agree at all with the idea that Barry Bonds is booed because he is black. Barry Bonds is booed because he has been a jerk for much of his career. If race were the reason for the boos, then Tony Gwynn would have been booed in his chase for batting .400, Walter Payton would have been booed every time he touched the ball and Michael Jordan would have been booed throughout his brilliant career. Athletes are embraced as heroes. If Bonds handled himself like a true professional and not a spoiled ballplayer, he too would be embraced and would receive the same cheers as so many other black athletes.
Matt DeJong, Racine, Wis.
Kiszla misses the point
“Bigotry follows Denver Post columnist to typewriter.” Would that be an appropriate response to Mark Kiszla’s Sept. 23 column titled “Bigotry follows slugger to plate”? Kiszla states that sports fans who voice disapproval of San Francisco baseball player Barry Bonds are racist, bigots and “white Americans.” Suspicion of the use of performance-enhancing substances on the part of Bonds, and the use of such substances on the part of other high-profile athletes concern sports fans. Who is more hung up on race – the fan or Mr. Kiszla? Must The Denver Post condone what appears to be contrived use of sensitive race issues by its columnists?
Ben Huntington, Evergreen
Just what did you mean by that?
It’s uncertain whether your Sept. 19 headline, “Game 2: Whew!” indicated a sigh of relief or a comment on the odoriferous performance by the Broncos.
John DeFrancesco, Monument
How to reach us
What in the sports world has you hot under the collar? Send your thoughts on any sport to “Speak your mind,” Denver Post Sports, 1560 Broadway, Denver, CO 80202. The Post welcomes letters of up to 100 words. Letters must include full name, home address and evening phone number. All letters will be confirmed and may be edited for length, grammar and accuracy. Feel free to e-mail us at sportsletters@denverpost.com. Or send a fax. The number is 303-866-9004.
