The Good Guys Award

Sporting News, The, August 16, 1999

Choice Voice `The Good Guys Award is long overdue. Aren't we all a little fired of reading only about the maladjusted, spoiled idiots?'

--Tom Swanson Richmond, Va.

Feeling Good

Thank you so much for your article on Good Guys in pro sports (TSN, August 2). It is refreshing finally to read about the great things some athletes do. You chose the perfect co-recipients of your first award.

I am thrilled to see David Robinson get recognition for everything he does, something he would not push for. He is such a terrific role model.

At times it is easy to get down on pro sports. It is discouraging to see some athletes get praised and held up as the American dream when they have displayed violence as the answer to their problems on more than one occasion. I would hope people such as The Admiral and Darrell Green get more recognition so their examples can be seen as the real American dream.

Kimberly Gill Nashville

It is encouraging to see an article focus on the positive activities of professional athletes. I, like so many other sports fans, am tired of the "whine and crime" of today's stars.

Jim McKenna Kingston, Mass.

Ninety-nine thank-yous for the Good Guys article. I've been a sports fan for 40 years, and more and more I find myself rooting for individuals rather than teams.

It was a pleasant surprise to see a national publication devote nine pages to these types of people.

The more good guys in the spotlight, the better chance for our youth to become good guys.

Norm Gough Sonora, Calif.

Thank you for the long list of Good Guys.

This article is a breath of fresh air. I wish more magazines and newspapers would give a little more attention to the good guys.

Drake Walush Aurora, Colo.

I am glad to see Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa make your list of good guys. Last year, the word "hero" was used by people to describe their achievements. A 450-foot homer is not heroic. Being a good father and citizen makes them good guys. Let's applaud the simple act of these two being good fathers and not the types who mail a check.

Tim Wurdock Park Rapids, Minn.

Thank you so much for publishing an article that gives hope our athletes-as-heroes society will not be run into the ground by people like Latrell Sprewell.

Mark Tisdahl St. Louis

Thank you. I am copying this article for all the people I work with who don't understand why people read magazines about overcompensated prima donnas with no socially redeeming qualities. My beef is with the owners, who have the greatest stake in promoting their teams' images but don't seem to care if their players are solid citizens and seemingly make no effort to reward those who are. Lawrence Phillips will get another chance to play in the NFL this year, but more important, he will get a chance to learn about being a real man like those on your list.

I will be following the progress of my new favorite NFL players as listed in TSN. Please make this an annual list.

Brett Kirkpatrick Camarillo, Calif.

I want to thank you for your article on the Good Guys. It is refreshing to read something good about athletes. When Cal Ripken Jr. broke the consecutive games streak and was rewarded with a 20-minute ovation, I know part of it was for the event, but I think part of it was because he was a nice guy, and people want to cheer for nice guys.

The same last year with Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire. Some of the cheers were not for their accomplishments but because they are good people.

Doug Bernabo Gresham, Ore.

It was a pleasure reading about the positives instead of all the antics of our athletes. As a parent, it was nice to be able to point out to my son the real activities that make heroes. As a sports fan, it even changed my preconceived notions about a few of the individuals on the list.

Wayne Larkin Tulsa, Okla.

How refreshing for the media to reflect on all the positive contributions these athletes make. Also, how refreshing to see that side of athletes. Thank you, TSN, for pointing out and appreciating the good folks. I wish other branches of the media would concentrate on the positive side of things for a change.

Rob Lary Ruston, La.

Special Spielman

After reading the tremendous article by Dennis Dillon about Chris Spielman (TSN, July 26), I have nothing but the utmost respect and admiration for Spielman.

In a time when there are too many whiners and crybaby athletes who want only the money, Spielman has his head on straight and his priorities in order. Cleveland has a great player and a world-class human being.

Vincent Hartich Bloomington, Ill.

The article on Chris Spielman brought tears to my eyes. His work ethic and passion for the game and his family are something the whole world could use.

Rick Lyons Saginaw, Mich.

That was a moving article on Chris Spielman.

Spielman shows a lot of heart on and off the field. His presence will definitely be felt by his new teammates in Cleveland.

Andrew Serrano Rochester, N. Y.

Thank you for your article on Chris Spielman. Often you hear about great parents. It is nice to hear about great spouses.

Robert T. Cole San Juan Capistrano, Calif.