What readers are saying

Seattle's

lightning rods

Here's some

positive names

I loved Steve Kelley's piece on the lightning rods in Seattle sports over the years ("Love them, loathe them," Tuesday). You said that lightning rods evoke bad and good feelings in the people of the NW. It's strange how negative emotions are often so much more intense that we tend to highlight them more. So, I would love to see a follow-up on this to accentuate the positive.

Here's mine: Dave Niehaus, Pete Gross, Chuck Knox, Ken Griffey Jr., Ichiro, Seattle Sounders, Jamie Moyer, Edgar Martinez, Gary Payton, Lenny Wilkens, Paul Allen, Mike Holmgren, Steve Largent, Cortez Kennedy, the Huard family, Don James.

And let's not forget the only organization to produce a championship for Seattle in recent history, the Seattle Storm!

The mere mention of these names makes me proud to be a Seattle fan.

— Christine Cole, Graham

A-Rod didn't do

long-term harm

I do not have the same animosity toward Alex Rodriguez that many have. Sure, the guy seems to be a narcissist and shameless, but he is not the only person like that in the sports and entertainment businesses. I actually have sort of an alternative view of looking at A-Rod's former presence in the Seattle sports scene. That is, I think A-Rod played a role in putting baseball more on the map in Seattle and ultimately creating more long-term Seattle major-league baseball fans.

No, I am not saying that I love the guy, but I do not think A-Rod really did any damage to any Seattle sports institution. Which is something that cannot be said when looking at how Howard Schultz was a contributor in allowing Seattle to lose the NBA, how Clay Bennett hijacked the Sonics, or how Rick Neuheisel's actions played a role in doing damage to the UW football program.

— Paul Schneiderman,

Seattle

Add Alexander

to the list

I was really surprised Shaun Alexander wasn't included on that list. Even a mention of his name at the office still sparks huge debate. I think he is probably one the most polarizing athletes we have ever had in Seattle.

— Brian Daniels

Ryan Leaf

Wishing the

ex-QB success

As a fan of Cougar football, I appreciate Steve Kelley's evenhanded perspective on Ryan Leaf ("Still reason to root for Ryan Leaf," June 19). Indeed, we can only speculate on the causes and motivations that make one athlete stand out and another fail, when they initially compare quite favorably.

I, too, wish Ryan success beyond the gridiron, as that is where the true measure of who he is as a man will have meaning, both to himself and to others.

— Dana Henrickson,

West Seattle

Reggie Rogers

He doesn't deserve

a second chance

Reggie Rogers believes he deserves a second chance because of all he represents to the state's sports fans ("Former UW player gets two years in prison," Friday). He says he can carry the whole state on his back like he did back in the day.

I am sorry, Mr. Rogers, it is a matter of character, or lack thereof. Model citizens do deserve second chances. You, however, have proven time and again that you lack the character you would have us believe you possess. I remember your glory days when you were playing for the Huskies. I remember all too well the character you displayed on the field in a home game against nemesis Oregon. I remember the cheap, late shot you gave Chris Miller when he was well out of bounds and the play long over. He was knocked out of the game and his history of concussions was begun, eventually derailing what could have been a more promising career.

I watched as you continued to represent the me-first generation with a string of incidents in Detroit.

Carry us on your back? I think not. I prefer to be led by persons of true moral character, not a begging-for-a-last-chance ninny!

— Dave Sharp, North Bend