“You believe at least a half dozen Broncos should be in the Hall of Fame before Rod Smith. I was curious as to whom? I feel the franchise has been overlooked many times when it comes to football history for years now. I am a huge fan of Steve Atwater, and feel he should have already been inducted.”
James, Virginia Beach, Va.
Kiz: Although Smith and Atwater were true blue (and orange) Denver football heroes, neither player would be among my top six Broncos on the waiting list for a Hall pass. The guys I think should follow John Elway through the door at Canton? 1) Shannon Sharpe; 2) Randy Gradishar; 3) Gary Zimmerman; 4) Terrell Davis; 5) Louis Wright, and 6) Dennis Smith.
Kiszla: Gutsy call
“Kiz, you have some serious guts suggesting it’s probably the end of the line for Rod Smith. We are all thinking it, but you have to look him in the eyes in the locker room. Smith has been the ultimate Bronco. He has made fans proud for many, many moons. However, I also think Smith is now far too slow to compete in this game. He can’t get separation from a cornerback. I envision Javon Walker and Brandon Marshall being a very strong dominant duo.”
Brian, Evans
Kiz: It sure would be sweet to see Smith catch a game-winning touchdown to beat San Diego and clinch the AFC West title Dec. 24. But if ifs and buts were candy and nuts …
Legalizing gambling? Oh, no
“Could you explain why something like the NBA referee scandal wouldn’t happen if gambling was legalized? Legal or not, a player, manager or ref would still be able to influence the outcome of a game if there was enough money in it for him. I think your statement could be compared to saying if we legalized drugs, the crime rate would go down.”
Wayne, Denver
Kiz: Bet a game in Vegas, and the sports book demands money up front. More often than not, your “friendly” back-alley bookie will “generously” give a gambler a line of credit. But once those losses start mounting, the unregulated black market of betting can get real ugly real fast. How could an NBA ref in over his head in illegal wagers square those debts? You tell me, my man.
Gray area of cheating
“All cheats are to boost one’s chance of winning. Golfers are always pushing for cheats. They call it “better technology.” Today’s gray-area cheat could become tomorrow’s standard tool. Body development and healing techniques are not defined until “discovered” by authorities, then, depending on what results they produce, are labeled good or bad, legal or illegal in society. Darn that Gatorade for revving up the idea in sports. I can’t seem to get these subjects to fit in a nice, black-and-white box.”
Mark, Lakewood
Kiz: Chicks dig the long ball. And guys drool at the sight of Pamela Anderson. But do fans ever heckle a Hollywood starlet, waving a big asterisk sign in protest, because what makes her famous might not be 100 percent natural? Like him or loathe him, you’ve got to admit Barry Bonds is held to a higher standard than other entertainers in America.
Parting shot
And today’s parting shot inspires a tip of the cap in appreciation. You mean there really are baseball fans in Colorado who care enough about the game to argue Rockies strategy? Awesome.
“Todd Helton has completely lost his power. Could there possibly be a regular cleanup hitter in the National League with fewer home runs than Helton? He’s still a great singles and doubles hitter, and has a great eye. Move him up to No. 3 or down to No. 5, where he can do some good.”
Joe, Colorado Springs
