“Help me understand your stance on Carmelo Anthony. Is this personal and you just don’t like the guy? Or maybe you’re from Chicago or New Jersey and are secretly trying to improve the Bulls or Nets while destroying the Nuggets? If not, then you are clearly on Stan Kroenke’s payroll. Based on what sportswriters earn these days, I understand your financial need to please Nuggets ownership. But please stop this agenda that you and you alone are pushing.”
Scott, Denver
Kiz: No agenda. Nothing personal. In fact, Melo would join Chauncey Billups, Dikembe Mutombo, LaPhonso Ellis and Fat Lever as the Nuggets players I’m most thankful to have known during the past 25 years. But here’s the deal: How franchise ownership has responded to Anthony is the first real act of protest on behalf of NBA fans sick and tired of picking up the tab for players and agents who have turned the league into their private club.
Never forget Denver.
“If Melo no longer wishes to play in Denver, we have to let it go. He gave us seven years of winning b-ball, but I also hope he doesn’t forget Denver helped him grow up. I hope he remembers that on the way out the door.”
Mario, painter by trade
Kiz: Here’s hoping Melo plays against Denver in the NBA Finals one of these years . . . and Anthony averages 33 points per game, while the Nuggets win in six.
Cheers, not silence.
“Thank you for your well-measured column on the tragic death of Broncos receiver Kenny McKinley. In these cases, it is hard for those who knew him not think that maybe they could have done or said something to save him. But I know that the move from a normal to suicidal state can be very quick and difficult to counter, particularly when young men use a method that gives them no way back. There will be enough silence at his funeral. It would be more appropriate to celebrate his life and sporting achievements through a standing ovation at today’s game.”
Rex, England
Kiz: Suicide robs us of far more young American lives than war.
Constant pressure.
“All sports involve a ton of pressure to perform, and you are as replaceable as a waitress at Hooters. It’s sad but true. In any field, everyone behind you is waiting to take your place. A young athlete taking his life over a game or whatever is very sad. Hope McKinley is in a better place.”
Larry, Seattle
Kiz: The NFL is a dream come true full of so many harsh realities that it can test even the toughest athlete’s coping skills.
Rockies start too slowly.
“In the long term, the best thing that could happen to this Rockies team is to have the stretch run fail. Until these Colorado players figure out how to win and win early, even if the roster isn’t in perfect health, I don’t believe this franchise can be a true championship contender. Their approach reeks of the tortoise and the hare, not exactly the little engine that could.”
John, Denver
Kiz: This Rockies’ season has been brought to you by the letter P. They are the Purple Procrastinators.
Dusty old cowtown.
“Hey, Kiz, did you really write ‘When it comes to multitasking fans, New York or Chicago has got nothing on Denver’ because someone was checking a Rockies score on the cellphone at a Broncos game? The only thing Denver has on New York or Chicago is that games start earlier in this time zone. Period.”
Albert
Kiz: In addition to being great sports towns, let me be the first to acknowledge that Chicago has way nastier winters than Denver and New York grows way bigger rats than we do.
Curry-ing favor.
“Hey, Kiz, did you really write that New York Knicks center Eddy Curry can’t play dead? I thought he has been doing a pretty good job of that since he turned pro.”
John, Colorado Springs
Kiz: I stand corrected. Curry is quite the thespian. Somebody should paint Eddy green and cast him as Shrek on Broadway.
Ooh, La La: But Vivica can break Vazquez’s press
And today’s parting shot is from a TV viewer bitter that he will never get back those 30 minutes wasted by watching “La La’s Full Court Wedding” on VH1.
“La La Vazquez is talented? She was a VJ on MTV. I say the Nuggets trade her to Los Angeles for more attractive arm candy. Maybe for Vivica A. Fox.”
Woody, Franktown
Too much is never enough for ex-MTVer Vazquez.
