Letters

Ray's Redemption

We humans will forever struggle with our place in this world, and few of us want to admit our faults. S.L. Price's piece on Ray Lewis showed a balance between brokenness and redemption in a man who has become one of the NFL's most beloved and hated players (The Gospel According to Ray, Nov. 13). Price gave no excuse for Lewis's behavior, but he explained Lewis's background, leaving the judgment to the reader.
Nikki Troxell, Spencer, S.D.

As a youth ministry leader I have had enough of athletes covering their bad acts and irresponsible decisions by proclaiming to be disciples of God. Lewis is perceived as a villain because of what he has done, not because of some "master plan." His "trials" are the result of his own arrogance, entitlement and poor decision-making.
Michael Bricker, Harrisburg, Pa.

Pity poor Ray Lewis. He lost his street cred—outside of Baltimore, anyway—for testifying, sort of, against his thug pals but gained no good-citizen points because the web of lies he orchestrated resulted in a not-guilty verdict in a double-murder case. Perhaps he should open his Bible to Galatians 6:7, "...for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."
Thomas M. Moriarty, Niantic, Conn.

If Ray Lewis is "God's linebacker," as your cover says he is, then O.J. Simpson is God's running back.
Zack Faris, Batavia, Ohio

Patriotism, charity and religion are the last refuges of a scoundrel.
Allan Silverstein, Hamden, Conn.

I'm glad Lewis is making progress in his life, but his preaching is deficient. The Bible doesn't say, "Use a condom." It states unambiguously that sexual activity of any sort is to be restricted to married couples. God does care about "how many women you see." He wants you to "see" one. Also, the greatest gift a man can give his child is the indelible image of being committed to the child's mother.
Reverend Robert McLeod, Oracle, Ariz.

I wonder how the friends and families of Jacinth Baker and Richard Lollar—the two men whom Lewis was charged with murdering—felt when they saw his picture on the cover of SI?
Rob Picciotto, Brooklyn

Lewis appears to be mixed-up: Jesus was persecuted, Ray was prosecuted.
Ed Glass, Albuquerque

Sooner the Better