|
Sidelines Kalani Simpson |
Wie will still have
to earn greatnessDEAR sports columnist (the best of the week):
» "In the good old days, people who wanted respect had to earn it. Being labeled a champion or superstar was a title earned through years of accomplishments with a closet full of trophies to prove it. Winning tournaments or competitions against the very best nationwide or around the world proved to all that you were the very best. Nowadays, especially with the Michelle Wie case, certain media -- TV, magazines and newspaper writers and even top sports management reps like IMG -- use their power to reach out to the public and influence people into believing the hype.
"You can't blame everyone for trying to jump on this media circus train that M. Wie is currently on, but time will tell if this will be another child prodigy that already has hit her prime. There is no doubt she will make her money through endorsements and so forth, probably signing with IMG. ... Nobody is going to hand her the trophies, she still has to play and earn it. Is she capable of winning an LPGA tournament? YES. Is she capable of getting to the Masters without another special exemption? Probably NOT?
"Can she play on to the PGA Tour without exemptions? Again, No?
"Well, now she has inadvertently put pressure on herself, and the talking must end.
"I will be the first to give her props if she can back it up. Time will tell."
COMMENT: I'm exhausted just reading that letter.
» "(In reference to your Nov. 15 column) there goes that Wie girl again. Now she's reigning on the LPGA's greatet parade.
"The devil made me do it."
COMMENT: (As Jerry Seinfeld): Newman!
Good one. Actually, you would have really stuck it to me if you hadn't misspelled "greatest."
» "Too bad Chris Berman isn't from Hawaii. He might refer to (Wednesday's) Brewers pitcher as Chris 'Haina Mai' Capuano."
COMMENT: I am not a violent person, but if that came across my TV I would want to shoot someone. Possibly myself ...
» "I'm sure I speak for all Laker fans when I say: BOOOOO on you! You crossed the line between good journalism (if there is such a thing today) and bad judgment. Your use of the word 'hate' certainly doesn't set a good example for our youth, especially during these times. With regards to Kobe Bryant -- why not withhold judgment until there is a verdict? The Lakers' owners, management and players (for the most part) are a class act. ... So for now, let us Laker fans enjoy this championship season! And try to be a little more constructive with your criticism.
"P.S. I 'dislike' the Yankees too!"
COMMENT: That may be my favorite letter, ever.
See the Columnists section for some past articles.
Kalani Simpson can be reached at ksimpson@starbulletin.com