Letters

?Request granted (below).—ED.

SPORTSMAN (CONT.)
After reading William Nack's story about the recent Tyrell Biggs-Mike Tyson heavyweight title fight (Very Tough Night at the Office, Oct. 26), I am convinced that Tyson should be recognized as SI's 1987 Sportsman of the Year. For the past four years the heavyweight division has been as weak as it has ever been. Now, because of Tyson, it is back as the most prominent of all the weight classes, as it should be. Despite his-tender age of 21, Tyson has handled his opponents, the media and his newly acquired stardom like an old pro. I think he should be rewarded.
TOM DEMBIK
St. Bonaventure, N.Y.

The Veterans: Julius Erving, Mike Schmidt, Martina Navratilova, Walter Payton, Mike Bossy. Perhaps there are others. For the past 10 years, these athletes have been among the most dominant figures in sports.
MIKE HOLTZCLAW
Columbia, Mo.

The NFL replacement players. Watching them live out their dreams, have some fun and give their all during the NFL Players Association's strike was refreshing. They brought enthusiasm back to pro football.
JUDY JENNINGS
Alexandria, Va.

Who endured the greed of both the owners and the players during the recent pro football strike? Who literally screamed the Minnesota Twins to baseball's world championship in the Metrodome? Who will endure sub-zero temperatures to go to Soldier Field and support the Chicago Bears? Who has made every Nebraska home football game a sellout for the past 25 years? Who pays to support big-time sports?

The Fan.
BILL KLING JR.
Huntsville, Ala.