·With two young boys, it scares me that the mentality of athletes (role models or not) continues to shift. Korey Stringer would not quit, it killed him, and his teammates and coaches let it happen. Whatever happened to true leadership where someone sees something wrong and stops it cold, despite being unpopular?
Doug

·Couldn't agree more about your thoughts about Korey Stringer. There's no reason for it. My question is, where is OSHA on this? It is obvious that the work conditions are not very favorable. Guess the power of the NFL has been able to keep OSHA away on this one.
Eric

·I grew up in Columbia, S.C., which is about one and-a-half hours from both Falcons' and Panthers' training camps. I played football in the same heat for 16 years. I feel with as much money that is invested in our athletes, the NFL coaches should adopt similar practice methods. I personally don't believe the NFL would ask its players to push themselves to the point of a stroke. It is up to the individual to "suck it up" and tell the coach he needs a breather. Self preservation far exceeds pride.
David

·I took my kids to see the Vikings' opening practice in Mankato on Monday morning. It started at 8:45 and by 10:00 I was roasting, and I was just sitting in the bleachers. As the players came back to the dressing room, every single one of them was drenched in sweat, even Gary Andersen the kicker. I remember seeing Stringer and marveling at his bulk, but I also remember thinking to myself that to be that size in this kind of weather had to really stink. Little did I know how much.
Todd

·I almost died from heat exhaustion playing stupid three-on-three basketball. Why? Because I was too embarrassed to sit down or call time. Macho or alive? I'll choose alive anytime.
Kit

·Obviously you never played the game or you wouldn't cry like a pansy. Heat is part of football, especially in the South. You cannot escape it. In my high school and college days, we didn't have a "heat index" but we had a thermometer and I know the temperature exceeded 100 degrees on occasion. Real men tough it out. We don't need to go sit in the shade or play inside like a little girl. It's unfortunate that Stringer and these other kids have died from the heat, but sometimes that is part of the game. Why don't you just stick to covering tennis or golf? They're probably more your speed.
Patrick

·I hope you can understand my point without thinking that I am without a heart. The loss of Korey Stringer makes us all stop and prioritize. We are talking about a six-year veteran here, not a rookie. It's easy to blame the NFL, the Vikings, or even the summer heat for his death. As I understand it, he needed to leave practice Monday due to dehydration. Then he vomited three times during practice, not having told a trainer until the end of drills. At this point in his career, he should know his body and its limitations. He made a huge mistake in judgement, and I hope all athletes learn from this. You're not necessarily a wimp if you need to sit one out. Testosterone, as in this case, can be deadly. The system is not necessarily at fault. These men are paid a lot of money to work hard. But we also know, thanks to unions, contracts, and player value, no one will question an athlete if he needs a breather. More often than not, we complain about players that don't give enough. This is a case of a player that gave too much.
Glen

·The problem I have with everyone sympathizing with what's going on is, these guys are getting paid millions of dollars to do what I and others (would do) for free. They should not get so fat and out of shape during the off season. I mean, they do have a little more incentive than collegiate athletes, or anyone for that matter. It is sad that this had to happen for the public to realize what goes on, but the American public is that way about just about everything -- out of sight, out of mind until something bad happens, then they whine like they care.
FV

·I'm not sure about not practicing in the heat. Before I moved down to southern Georgia I would have endorsed the indoor practice (or NO practice) in the heat . But having seen what these guys play in down here -- where it stays like this until the end of October, I've concluded it's even worse for player to have to play in the heat without acclimating to it. The Panthers, Jags, Bucs, Fins and all teams that visit them need to be ready or they'll be having deaths during play instead of practice. But they should be monitored -- they should be ordered to stop at the first sign of danger -- they should be sent indoors, hydrated and sent to do something else and live.
Sandy

·Every rational person who knows anything about training understands that training in high heat is pointless. Unless you are Tampa Bay, those temperatures will most likely not be replicated in a competition. Furthermore, any trainer will tell you that large people have more trouble with the heat that small people.
Keith

·An article with valid suggestions but delivered in a preachy "why are the powers that be so stupid" tone would still be acceptable had it come three days ago, before someone of the highest profile died. Coming the day after it is just opportunistic heckling and bandwagon jumping of the worst kind. Everyone possesses hindsight. It is not a skill to be boasted of.
Patrick

·Maybe some coaches will read your column and understand that it's just one practice. They're also forgetting that the game of football is just that -- it's a game. The coaches take it as a life or death situation.
Pat

·How many times does a player have to throw up before you check on him ? Its clear that three is not enough. I think so many times we blur the line between tough and insane, but you can call me weak if you want as long as I am around to play another day.
Gsad

David Fleming is a senior writer for ESPN The Magazine. E-mail flemfile@aol.com.