I can handle green-teamers, Patriot suck ups and the Tim Thomas fan club without any problems. They may hate me, but I still consider them my people. I almost enjoy their abuse.

But the nutty dog crowd? Yikes. Those people represent another level, and this week I got to experience it. As you might imagine, they were all fired up over my column on Tuesday, which led off with the inspired line, “Pit bull owners typically fall into two categories: Creeps. Or imbeciles.”

Brilliant!

Hey, Rob Bradford. I demand a raise. Either that or you have to start fielding the e-mails from these kooks.

As you’ll find, this is by far the longest edition of the d-bag mailbag ever, coming in at over 12,000 words. (Sorry, editor boy.) The funny thing is that the original column didn’t generate all that much traffic. It was read by about half as many people as usually read my mailbag. Yet the response was roughly two to three times what I normally get.

The reason?

The furries, of course. They’re possessed. You should see the doggy affirmations they put at the end of their letters. You should see their e-mail addresses. I think a few actually peed on the floor when they read my column.

But no one can accuse me of being unfair or ducking criticism. So I let them have their say -- and then some -- this week. I give them more space than they deserve, but what the heck? Maybe it will help keep the picketers away from my house.

(If you care to skip it, the sports section begins about fourth-fifths of the way down).

Okay, pit bull nation. Sick ‘em!.....

--

Michael Felger,

Do some research, idiot.

James Lohmeier

A: Don’t really have to, James, because I have eyes and I have a brain. Pit bulls are dangerous. I don’t want them anywhere near me or my family. Usually, the only thing worse than those dogs are the people that own them. Now, I don’t consider people who rescue them from shelters for humane reasons to be as bad as guys like Michael Vick or James Harrison, but I still want nothing to do with them or their “pets.” I prefer they do their good work on the other side of town.

But, James, if you want some statistics, an individual by the name of Colleen Lynn can help you out at a site called DogsBite.org. They have a lot of relevant research, but I’ll just stick with one study that caught my eye. It tracked dog attack deaths and “maimings” in the U.S. and Canada between 1982 and 2007. That 25-year study concluded that pit bulls, rottweilers and wolf hybrids accounted for:

•77 percent of attacks that induced bodily harm.

•70 percent of attacks that resulted in fatalities.

•73 percent of attacks on children.

Blame the owners or blame the dogs, I don’t care. Just keep them away from me.

--

Hi Michael,

In response to your column, ``NFL Dogged By Pit Bull Problem:’’

The American Humane Association (www.americanhumane.org) strongly disagrees with the implication that the tragic accident that affected Harrison is in the same vein as Vick’s deliberate and illegal choices. 

In the vast majority of cases, dog attacks on children can be prevented with education and responsible dog ownership. Dog attacks tend to be the result of several factors that are statistically more dangerous than a simple breakdown of breed culpability. The overwhelming majority of dog bite research indicates that specific factors play into the scenario, two of which include adequate socialization and spaying/neutering. Social isolation, such as that which occurs when dogs are tethered or penned extensively, results in frustration and potentially dangerous behavior. In fact, one out of every four fatal dog attacks involves a chained dog.

While the American Humane Association supports efforts to keep the public safe by dealing with potentially dangerous dogs on an individual basis, we oppose your suggestion that pit bulls are dangerous based on their breed alone. It is not specific breeds that are dangerous, but specific situations that create dangerous dogs and dangerous situations. All dogs can attack, regardless of their size or breed.

Your article goes on to state that other countries restrict pit bulls and implies that America should follow in the footsteps of countries like France and Italy. American Humane is opposed to automatically declaring certain breeds of dogs as dangerous and believes the key to preventing attacks starts with responsible ownership -- not laws that target breeds.

Although the physical characteristics of particular dogs cannot be changed, dogs’ behavior certainly can be influenced by the people who raise them. Breed-specific legislation and the demonizing of certain breeds only furthers the dogs’ appeal to irresponsible owners while scaring off potential suitable owners. Dogs of all breeds deserve to be loved, to learn good behavior, and to have a home of their own.

Allie Phillips, J.D.

Director of Public Policy

Debrah Schnackenberg,

Vice President Animal Protection Services

American Humane Association – Protecting Children and Animals Since 1877

A: I did not mean to “imply” that Vick and Harrison were cut from the same creepy/imbecilic cloth. I meant to state it as fact. That’s my fault. Also, do you guys really think the Harrison attack was an “accident” and a “tragedy”? I call it an incredible case of child neglect and stupidity. What a creep. Or imbecile. Pick it. And if I made the “suggestion” that the pit bull problem is the fault of the breed alone, then I apologize for that, too. I thought my article made it clear that the only thing worse than pit bulls are their owners, but perhaps I was ambiguous on that point. Either way, you seem to agree that “irresponsible owners” are the problem. So, please, go get the creeps and imbeciles. I’m all for it.

--

Subj: Your ignorance

Michael Felger,

How can you possibly say that pit bull owners ``typically’’ fall into two categories? Do you know how hard it is on these dogs and the bad raps they get? How they suffer from the hands of idiots such as Michael Vick?

This week I rescued four moms/26 pit bull puppies from death because they deserve to live a life filled with love and compassion. Perhaps you should really take a look at the people that own pit bulls (as an owner of two), devote their lives to saving them. I would not say I am an imbecile or a creep, as you so easily said in your comments. I work VERY hard to educate people on the breed, work in rescue on my spare time, which is actually a full time job, AND work a full time job in the corporate world.

I hope you are bombarded with emails and that the station manager receives the complaints and that there’s a retraction. Your editorial is typical of an uneducated moron about this breed.

Best Regards,

Tyler

 Volunteer -- Pit Bull Rescue Groups

``It’s amazing how many other kinds of dogs in the best homes bite. It’s amazing how many pit bulls in the worst homes don’t.’’

A: Again, I guess a guy like Tyler doesn’t deserve to be lumped in with the Mike Vicks and James Harrisons’ of the world. He’s a bleeding heart dog lover. He saved four mothers and 26 pit bull pups because they “deserve a life of love,” after all. Thank you so much for keeping those dogs in circulation, Tyler. Maybe one day my young daughter will be fortunate enough to meet one of them.

Do I understand how hard it is on these dogs? Hey Tyler: IT’S A DOG. Harrison’s pit bull nearly killed his son, and yet you folks seem far more concerned about the fate of these farkakte animals than the young boy.

The quote from my Tuesday story that says it all was from the family friend, the one who witnessed Harrison’s dog attack the boy and put two other adults in the hospital. The one who had to toss the child over a fence to save him and then watched as the pit bull tried to chew his way through the fence to get back at the toddler. Her comment?

“I feel bad for the dog.”

She feels bad for THE DOG!?!?

--

To: Michael Felger

You will receiving lots of angry, at best, email about your pit bull piece, so let me send you one congratulating you on your courage. The ASPCA, which has rescued the Vick dogs, is the major defender of the bully breeds and against any breed specific legislation. I have been a witness for breed bans for the City of Denver and the Province of Ontario; I analyzed the bite epidemiology of dog attack and agreed with the public health measure of restricting ownership based on dog breed.

After the mail comes in you should have enough material for another article or two.

Alan M. Beck, Sc.D.

Professor and Director

Center for the Human-Animal Bond

Purdue University

School of Veterinary Medicine

A: Hey, we actually have someone putting the interests of PEOPLE ahead of dogs. Imagine that. What a concept.

--

Michael,

I’m writing to ask if I’m a ``creep’’ or an ``imbecile,’’ as I own a pit bull. His name is Sarge and he’s 15 years old. He was rescued from a dog fighting ring where he was used as a bait dog. He’s the nicest, most gentle dog I’ve ever owned (I have 5 dogs right now). Last week, he passed his Therapy Dog evaluation, so now we’ll be visiting nursing homes and hospitals together to help those in need. I used to be a geriatric social worker, so it’s right up my alley.

Just curious, which one am I -- creep or imbecile? Looking forward to hearing your response.

Kim

Philadelphia, PA

A: You’re that third category I mentioned above: the do-gooder who I still want no part of. But if you’re making me pick one of the two from my article, I’ll go with imbecile, definitely. A goopy, bleeding-heart dog nut. Only five dogs, Kim? Why stop there?

And I’m sure you were happy to learn that after finally seeing his son released from the hospital on Tuesday, Harrison declared through his agent that he’s looking into ways to keep his pit bull from being destroyed. You know, find him a home. Relocate him. Sort of like a pedophile priest.

--

Michael Felger,

Creeps or imbeciles eh? I’m curious to know which of those categories I fall into. I can’t even begin to describe how ignorant of a statement that is. You have a career in the media You REALLY ought to be careful what you say, because insanely false and offensive statements like that have the potential to have an impact and affect a lot of people’s opinions. You don’t have the right to perpetuate discrimination against GOOD PEOPLE/dogs. I am a proud responsible pit bull owner (there are many of us out here) NOT a creep or an imbecile.

Maria Espeut

A: I don’t have the right to discriminate against certain dogs? We’re talking about DOGS, right? Can you show me the statutes on that one?

--

Michael Felger,

Your article on Michael Vick really stank. You have no knowledge of pit bulls or dogs in general, and yet you spew out this crap. I don’t care how aggressive a dog is, it does not deserve to be abused, fought or killed. I’m not going to go on about how wonderful these dogs are because I feel I would be wasting my time talking to someone like you. It’s people like you that keep the fear of these dogs going just to sell papers or get your name out there. And as for Harrison’s wife, she should be arrested for endangering the welfare of a child. ANYONE who knows ANYTHING about dogs is that you do not leave a child alone with ANY dog. But if you knew anything about dogs you would have said that right?

Michael Vick should stay with his $10 an hour construction job and should not be allowed back in the NFL. Anyone that abuses anyone, dog or human, does not deserve the limelight that the NFL brings.

You should stick to sports since you obviously know nothing about dogs.

Sincerely

Deb Sanford

mydogsnme@(redacted)

``Handle every situation like a dog -- if you can’t eat it or screw it. Piss on it and walk away’’

A: See what I mean about the doggy affirmations and e-mail addresses?

Anyway, the mother didn’t leave the toddler alone with the pit bull, Deb. She was right there. And the dog still attacked the child, the mother and a third person on the scene. That’s three people in the hospital, including a two-year-old boy who could have died or been disfigured. And you wack jobs are worried about the dog being put to sleep?

--

Felger,

I must say that I am impressed that you even have a Wikipedia entry. However, I found it quite amusing to read the following: ``He also hosted a talk radio show from 3-6pm on weekdays on ESPN radio’s Boston affiliate, WAMG, called the Mike Felger Show. The show ran from 2005 to 2008, and was cancelled due to exceptionally low and often unmeasureable ratings.’’ Impressive. Truly, truly impressive. But I’m sure you already knew that.

I am actually writing in response to your pathetic name calling of pit bull owners. You make an attempt to sound intelligent by stating items about how they’re treated or controlled in Italy and the UK. Actual research would have yielded much different results. Unfortunately for individuals like myself, we are often punished because of the behavior of others. Clearly there are plenty of individuals who use the animals for dog fighting and other criminal activities, but how quickly we forget that the US military used them as mascots in both world wars. Why are these dogs used as therapy dogs and search and rescue dogs? The dog in the iconic television show, the Little Rascals?

Ignorance is bliss when it comes to pit bulls. It’s easy to make them the face of all that is wrong with people and pets. In the 80’s and 90’s it was the rottweiler and the doberman, but dog attacks have a new face. Think about it next time to write such irresponsible comments. Some education in this field may be beneficial to your writing. Simply writing things or making comments just to be controversial is pathetic and may always keep you as a fill in host.

Always willing to help,

Sean,

RI

A: I’ll respond to a few items here. First, has Dale Arnold been editing my Wikipedia page again? Second, you mention that the U.S. military has used pit bulls in the past as mascots. Just so you know, pit bulls have been banned from U.S. military bases. Too dangerous and unstable. Third, I’m supposed to like pit bulls because they were in the Little Rascals? Sorry, I hated that show. Fourth, I don’t have much use for rottweilers or dobermans either. Typically, I try to avoid any animal that has the ability to rip my daughter’s face off. But the pit bull is still in a class by itself.

--

Dear imbecile (a.k.a. Felger),

Sportswriters are either ignorant, knee-jerk douche bags or surprisingly informed and insightful. In this case, you are an ignorant, knee-jerk douche to a surprising level, as you have admittedly written about something that you know nothing about. Great way to preface an article on dogs, admitting your bias and ignorance against dog ownership). Or maybe I should blame your idiot mom -- she obviously did an (expletive) job -- or your idiot bloodlines, or maybe even the entire white race (yes, I am white, too, before you jump to another dog crap conclusion based on your whiny emotional modus operandi). This would make as much sense as you stereotyping pit bull owners and insinuating the elimination of the pit bull in our country. Maybe you should have been the first round of abortion when we found out the potential ignorance of your genes, similar to your desire to eliminate the pit bull, of which you really know nothing.

I am not a pit bull owner, but a boxer owner, I get the opportunity to have idiots like you make comments about my dogs all the time. Let me ask you, describe a pit bull? Would you even know how without goggling your way to an explanation? Kind of like you google about pit bull owners because you need ammo for your (expletive) blog.

Ditka was right about people like you (though I am a Packers fan, I have to go back to Ditka to find the right words about you). He said people like you are the speculators of life. You clearly sit in a vacuum willing to spew your knee-jerk all over the internet. It blows me away that your article is posted on national sites. How disappointing. As opposed to you losing your job, you get your (expletive) posted everywhere.

I know I am mistaking that you care, but idiots like you should be held accountable at one level or another. Whether you realize it or not, you are reinforcing a perspective that is completely sensational and uneducated. In other words, what you say is no different from the actions of the dog or the actions of the people who owned the dog. You are the pot calling the kettle black.

In any event, I’d encourage you to get out of the way and let real journalists and writers do your job. Everything you stand for sucks. You are a speculator of life and no more.  Get out of your microcosm and go experience something real. Then you MIGHT be qualified to write on it.

Mel

A: Again, I’ll respond to a few items: First, go Packers. Second, I went national? Really? Yes!

--

Dear Michael,

I am truly embarrassed for you that you had to write a column on a subject that you clearly are not very well educated on.  It’s easy to pick a few highlights from the media and focus on those to create more and more propaganda and ignorance.

All sorts of dogs attack children every single day of your life, but you don’t talk about these dogs do you? They do not perk up the ears of the ignorant as quickly as the pit bull. I do agree that there are many dog owners that are imbeciles and should not own dogs but that is of all breeds not just one. What was this dog doing being kept in a cage to start with? How would someone expect to have a social and mentally sound dog if they kept it in a cage?

I have owned all types of dogs, from labs to American bulldogs (pit bull) and I now own a staffordshire terrier mix (pit pull).  All of these dogs needed a stable environment. All of these dogs needed love and guidance. None of these dogs bit children or anyone else because I am a responsible dog owner and if I had children I would be a responsible parent.

I am so tired of people spewing garbage about ``pit bulls.’’ We need to regulate dog ownership and make better laws to protect these animals from the abuse they have been subject to. Laws that protect them from being chained outside all day (which by the way makes a dog, ANY dog, aggressive). We need to shut down back yard breeders and puppy mills and the selling of animals and pet stores. 

We do have a lot of work to do....but trying to villianize a breed of dogs will solve nothing. Did you ever stop to think that by the media making these animals out to be something they are not, it only creates more interest with the wrong type of people?

Warmest regards,

Tammi B

A: Tammi cited the No. 1 piece of rationale in the pro-pit bull handbook: “I’ve had this dog for years. He’s played with my children all their lives and has been nothing but gentile and loving. I am a responsible pit bull owner. My dog would never hurt anyone.”

This statement is usually followed by a small child being pinned against a fence while a pit bull attempts to rip his leg off.

--

Dear Stupid,

I have to say being called an imbecile or creep by you is beyond stupid. I happen to have two pit bull mixes, I volunteer for a shelter and also hold a position on an advisory commission for Philadelphia’s animals. Our shelter houses about 70% pit bulls/mixes just like most others in this country. The population of a breed may cause more incidents but it is usually shoddy reporting and a different breed is at fault with bites incidents when all is said and done. I am not claiming no pit bull will bite, I am stating the majority do not, more so than most other breeds. Making them the perfect choice for families.

I do not have time or negative energy to waste writing you a lengthy letter. Do some research, learn about the breed you just bashed. APBT’s surpassed most others in temperament testing. You are shoddy reporter at best. I have been bitten as a child by a collie and as an adult by a beagle. I know someone whose child was attacked by a  white fluffy dog. I think the owners of all white fluffy dogs are imbeciles....sound right to you?

Why don’t you go after dachshunds they are the number one dog to attack. Perhaps they remind you of yourself.  Small minded.

Alicia Oxenhorn

savecritters@(redacted)

``An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language,’’ Martin Buber.

A: Dachshunds have small brains? Now there’s a dog racist for you.

--

Hi Mike,

Thanks for that refreshing column on Michael Vick, pit bulls, and supposed dog-lovers. I’m getting so sick of virtually everyone in America deciding that Michael Vick should essentially be excommunicated from the NFL because of what he did. Now obviously, dog-fighting is immoral, disgusting, and deserves punishment. And Michael Vick has certainly faced that punishment, living in prison for almost two years, and in effect, being ``suspended’’ from the NFL for those two seasons. But is what he did really that much worse than the actions of Rams defensive end Leonard Little? Who drove drunk, killed a woman, got off with community service, and then got arrested for another DUI?

Furthermore, you say that James Harrison should be held responsible for endangering his son, but let’s also not forget that he was arrested for domestic abuse (with the charges later dropped after he took anger management classes), something which I would consider to be just as grave an offense as dog-fighting. But does anyone criticize James Harrison, or stand up for victims of domestic abuse worldwide? Of course not. Maybe all the ``dog-lovers’’ who continue to demonize Michael Vick and scream about the rights of dogs should consider protesting for women’s rights as well?

Jeff W

A: Wait, Jeff. Don’t you understand? The biggest issue here is the well-being of Harrison’s pit bull, Patron, and the sigma he’s had to carry through life because of dog racists like me. Forget Harrison’s son, who could have died in the attack, or Harrison’s ex-girlfriend, who suffered from another form of physical violence. Those are just people Mere humans. Here in dog-nut nation we show far more compassion and concern for Patron, the poor fella.

Seriously, you would consider domestic violence “just as grave” an offense as dog fighting? Don’t you mean to say, “far worse”? Again, I know I’m the bad guy, but I’d put the guy who beats his wife behind bars before I put the dog fighter there.

--

Subj: Idiots with dogs

Mike,

I own a Labrador retriever. If I kept this Labrador retriever caged its entire life, without socialization, limiting its only outside-the-cage interactions to sudden, vicious dogfights, he’d be a very dangerous dog to anyone nearby.

I’m betting you’ll hear from others who own so-called ``pit bulls’’ (not a breed) that when they are NOT badly abused and subjected to such horrific lives, they are loyal, gentle, and safe dogs. I won’t belabor that strongly supportable point.

Maybe just Google ``Nanny Dog.’’ Seriously, please do!

It’s too bad that the media, of which I am a part, so zealously reports ``pit bull attacks’’ for any of myriad breeds while largely ignoring all other breeds’ bites -- and more importantly, patently ignoring the obvious preconditions which precipitate dog attacks. I myself was bitten by a stranger’s shepherd/husky mix when I was younger. It didn’t make the news.

Pit bull owners, sadly, do fall into two categories: A-holes who abuse animals because of some self-image issue; and the people who do their best to rescue them.

Thanks,

Phil Medeiros

longtime fan of the Red Sox, and dogs

A: Watched Nanny Dog. Only one word would describe the video. Imbecilic. Made me queasy.

--

Mike:

After reading your commentary this morning I had to drop you a quick line. If I didn’t know better I would swear you were in the back seat yesterday as my wife and I discussed this very topic.

I think ``imbecile’’ might not be strong enough a word. While I understand that James Harrison may feel that due to his celebrity he needs some extra protection around the house, a mindless killing machine that could have easily taken his child’s life is not the answer. I wonder if he has ever heard of security systems or even trained dogs that will behave with the kids like everyone’s favorite family pet yet when called on will effectively defend any family member with their very lives if necessary. Just the site and/or sound of these controlled animals would give anyone second thought before acting in a negative manner toward Harrison’s property or family. You mean to tell me JH couldn’t afford a trained animal like that?

What ticks me off is the fact a child paid for this stupidity. I don’t know the permanency of the physical damage, or worse yet, the psychological effect of such an event. I would bet though that there will indeed be a lasting effect.

I don’t know what Roger Goodell can do about an act of idiocy that does not involve breaking the law or league rules. I think taking action would be difficult at best, and would start a firestorm about scope of power, individual rights, etc. at worst. It’s just too bad JH’s child has already paid the price for dad’s ignorance.

Mike

Putnam, CT

A: But wait, Mike. Haven’t you watched “Nanny Dog” yet?

--

To: Michael Felger

Wow. I just read your article about Michael Vick and your scathing comments about ``typical’’ Pit Bull owners. What shocks me more than the idiocy of some dog owners is the ignorant ``writers’’ such as yourself that haven’t got a clue after all that schooling. I sure hope you paid for your post high school education and not your mom and dad, because it would seem they may have wasted their money.

The problem with specific breed legislation is all the idiots and imbeciles such as Vick will turn to another dog breed to destroy. Had you done any homework, you would know that American Staffordshire Terriers/Pit Bull Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers were the dogs of choice to be used as nanny dogs before they became notorious in the pits. It’s tiring and infuriating to have to constantly educate people like you on why the dogs have such a bad name. I have many years of experience with dogs and particularly American Staffies and I can tell you I’d rather be in a room full of Pit Bulls then a room full of Pomeranians.  Ahhh but the difference is the size of the bark and the bite.  Doesn’t make them a bad dog. Working at a vet clinic I had more Labs and Shepherds try to bite me than any ``bull’’ type dog.  You don’t read about those stories in the paper and we aren’t trying to ban them.

So while I realize some of what you say is correct, there are a lot of idiot owners out there, let’s not lump them all in to the same category. We can’t profile people by the dog that they own and you should know better than that. Tougher laws and/or restrictions on owners of ALL dogs is the only way we can even begin to control the behavior of their pets.

Julie Cascagnette

A: What am I, a doggy sociologist? Who give’s a rat’s ass how pit bulls were used a hundred years ago? What does that have to do with Harrison’s son pinned underneath his father’s pit bull? Call me crazy, but I’d rather have my five-year-old playing with the Pomeranian. You can go nuts with the pit bulls.

--

Good morning,

I’m sure you are being inundated with emails on your uninformed article. Pit bulls are just as sweet as your favorite cuddly dog, whatever that might be. It’s not the dogs’ fault ever. It’s all the owners’ fault....I hope you update your article, do some serious research about it and apologize to all those people out there who have wonderful Pit bulls.  Unfortunately I do not have one because of the laws in this province. Otherwise I (and many others I know) would have one (or two).

Debbie Bauer

Rockland, Ontario

``There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face,’’ Ben Williams.

A: You mean that the people in Rockland, Ontario, have deemed pit bulls dangerous and a threat to society? Wow. What ever gave them that idea? Come on down to America, Debbie, we’ve got a lot of “wonderful pit bulls” down here for you.

--

Michael Felger

I rescued two Pit Bulls last summer. They are great dogs. We are against people who use their dogs for dog fighting and we also like to educate people that those dogs are not monsters. There just like any other dogs. You can turn any dog into a aggressive beast if you don’t treat them right. As a matter of fact, I got bitten many times by much smaller dogs. Do I blame the dog ? No. Since then I educated myself how to confront strange dogs.

Please don’t call me an idiot or a creep just because I care for these dogs. In fact I care for all life and don’t judge a book by his cover. Please educate yourself about these dogs and their responsible owners before you stereotype.

Sincerely,

Kathrin

``Punish the deed not the breed’’

A: More doggy affirmations. Anyway, Kathrin talks about educating herself on how to confront strange dogs. I must have something wrong with me, but I have no interest in “confronting” strange and/or menacing dogs. I avoid them. You talk like we all need to bridge some huge, cultural gap. What is this, a political movement? “Together we can”? Why can’t you dog nuts get this through your head? THEY AREN’T PEOPLE.

But, then again, I’m the bad guy.

--

Dear Michael,

Thank you for you blog. I sent the following (letter) to my ``friend" who runs the Indianapolis Humane Society. My wife (a pit bull victim) has been trying to get the law changed in

Indianapolis to control this menace but the Humane Society and their buddies in the pit bull world intimidated all our clueless local politicians.

Pat Garten

Indianapolis 

A: Pat attached his lengthy letter to this e-mail. An edited excerpt:

“While sitting at my desk in November of 1992, I got a phone call from a frantic, distraught witness that my wife had been seriously injured and I needed to ‘come quick.’ I asked what had happened and he could not describe it -- just that I had to ‘come quick.’ Nothing could have prepared me for what I saw when I got to the scene. Caress (the wife) was covered in blood, her calf muscle had been pulled away from her leg bone, her face slashed open, her hand injured. And it was because she had been attacked -- not bitten, attacked -- by two pit bulls running loose in Fall Creek Park. The owner had pulled the dogs off of her -- told her she wouldn’t die -- and left her alone to walk the hundred yards to the street and try to flag down someone, anyone, to help her. The ambulance drivers told me it was the worst injuries they had ever seen.  Her blood pressure dropped precipitously on the way to the hospital, and she came close to dying.  Her surgeon told me the injuries were like war wounds.  

“In the seventeen years since her mauling, I have heard Caress speak to mothers of children from all over the United States who call her about the injuries and deaths of their children because of pit bulls. I have gone with her to hospitals to visit children with their ears torn off.

“The breed is just that -- it’s a breed.  It was bred for a purpose -- not to herd like border collies, not to retrieve birds for a hunter -- it was bred to kill other dogs. It was to never show emotion, to never give up, to hold on with a force that takes a parting stick to break. Of course there are pit bulls that never cause a problem. But, unfortunately for this dog, much of it is in the genes, and genes do matter. Those honest enough to look at it know it’s true. And they also know that with the numbers of pit bulls left unchecked, this breed will continue to flood the shelters, to be too much dog for most people, and they will continue to be the most abused dog in the city. And with too many pit bulls, there will be more victims.”

Unfortunately, Pat is just another poor sap who doesn’t get it here in dog-nut nation. Victims? You mean people? Ha!

--

Michael,

You should include a disclaimer that not all pit bull owners are creeps and/or imbeciles. I one two pit bulls and I’m pretty sure I’m neither of those things. My pits have been attacked twice by a neighborhood dog and they are big wimps who cower and hide behind me. Can you guess what kind of dog it was? A little POS Yorkie whose owner is a MORON. Like many Americans they think the dog is a toy to be ignored most of the time and played with when it fancies them. There are way too many dogs that have behavioral problems, but when a pit or other big dog attacks that is what makes headlines.

It’s the owners who should be kept under surveillance because destroying one breed WILL NOT fix the problem. They will just find another powerful dog to abuse -- any moron can see that.

Ryan

A: Fine. We’re on the same page. Round up the imbeciles and creeps. As for your yorkie story, I call bullcrap.

--

Mr. Felger,

I would appreciate a retraction of your discriminatory statements.  If not, would you please give me the email or the address of your paper or radio station?

Thank you,

Fran Coughlin

A: The man you want to talk to is Rob Bradford. Reach him at: rbradford@weei.com.

On this recurring charge of doggy discrimination, I just want everyone to know that I considered the ramifications before I wrote the article. Then a half-second later it occurred to me. We’re talking about DOGS!

--

Dear Mr. Felger,

I’m not sure your poorly written and researched article justifies a response. Thanks for perpetuating myths and falsehoods about the original American family dog and offending many in the process. Next time take a moment and do a little research before spewing hateful comments.  Honestly you just seem to be another media hack regurgitating what you’ve been spoon fed by other media hacks who go for sensationalism over substance. What an easy job you have if that’s all you do.

The Cohen Family

savabull@(redacted)

A: I would describe this more as being fun than easy.

--

Michael Felger,

Let’s just ban all dogs not just pit bulls. Heck while we are at it, let’s ban smoking. Smoking kills between 400 and 500k people a year and costs us about $92 billion. Let’s see, alcohol -- let’s get into that one. Let’s ban it, too. Then there’s driving -- how many people die every year driving?

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Mike Mann

A: A worthy compilation, Mike. I’ll tell you what: Let’s start with pit bulls and their owners and then I’ll agree to work my down the rest of the list. I’d address the hiking problem second.

--

To: Michael Felger

That was one seriously misguided lede, Michael. I know dozens of intelligent, successful, wonder pit bull owners -- and their dogs. Just because creeps and imbeciles use them to make themselves look big doesn’t mean that everybody is a creep or an imbecile or that pit bulls are bad dogs. Shame on you for spreading around a stereotype that has resulted in untold cruelty and tragedy.

Antonia Zerbisias

Columnist, Living Section

The Toronto Star

A: I guess up in Toronto they call the lead the lede. Cute Canadians. Anyway, what “untold cruelty and tragedy” are you talking about? You mean doggy discrimination and stereotyping has led to a social stigma that has caused pain and suffering among pit bulls? I thought the pain and suffering came as a result of creepy/imbecilic owners who fight them, not from the people, like me, who DON’T WANT TO GET BIT BY A PIT BULL! It seems like Antonia is another one looking for a doggy equal rights amendment.

--

Mr. Felger,

You’ve latched on to one common (albeit flawed) denominator in dog attacks on children, the fact that the dog was a ``pit bull," but you’ve overlooked a much more telling, more specific commonality. 

I challenge you to find a breed known as a pit bull. You won’t, because it doesn’t exist. There is an American Pit Bull Terrier, but they’re not the ones that are most commonly involved in this. The media’s creation of the ``pit bull’’ encompasses the APBT already mentioned, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Cane Corso, Presa Canario, American Bulldog, Boxer, and many other types of bulldogs and terriers. This would be like blaming every mid-sized sedan accident on a Chevy Malibu. Somewhat ridiculous, is it not?

Thank you,

Adam Moran

Dogs Deserve Better, San Antonio TX area rep

http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org

A: It’s not ridiculous at all. Those Chevy Malibus are all over the place, mucking up the roads and getting in my way. I have no use for them, either.

Anyway, I accept your challenge to identify the dog known as the “pit bull.” It’s the one that pinned James Harrison’s son to the ground. It’s the one that nearly chewed his leg off and then tried to gnaw through a fence to finish him off. You can make that the official identification there at “Dogs Deserves Better.”

--

Thank you, Michael!

I’m a pit bull victim and I appreciate your honesty and logic.  You will take a LOT of abuse for the column you have written about the pit bull problem. Pit bull owners, and those who profit from unregulated pit bulls are tremendously vocal. Their shrill ``it’s all in how you raise them” defense tends to drown out quiet, honest statements about the risks to the public.

My life will never be the same. My partner in sport, my horse, took the worst of the attack by far. He is traumatized and scarred, never be the same again, either. Thanks for speaking up for us.

Carol Miller

Olmsted Township, Ohio

A: I’d like to add another identification for those of you who say we can’t define what a pit bull is:

How about any dog that would attack and maim a HORSE?

--

Mike,

I admire the fact that you are not afraid to pontificate on subjects you know nothing about, a trait you share with my mother in-law. I have owned dogs of several breeds over the years, and I was reluctant to take a six-month old pit bull on reputation alone. I thank GOD I was persuaded (ok, hounded) to! I had a yorkshire terrier that looked like a teddy bear but would attack with no provocation. Please don’t follow the crowd with ignorance if you are a reporter please use due diligence before you make what in human terms would be a racist stereotype.

Jim Rein

Weymouth

A: Key phrase: “In human terms.” We’re not talking about humans, Jim. We’re talking about DOGS. I’ve also come to realize that pit bull owners like to throw yorkies under the bus. Somehow, these little rats have turned out to be the real killers. It’s sort of like me asking Greg Dickerson and Cedric Maxwell what happened to the Celtics in Game 7 against the Magic and them responding by asking me what happened to the Bruins in Game 7 against Carolina. Pathetic.

--

To: Michael Felger

I believe that everyone has the right to voice their opinion, but needs to do so thoughtfully. Discrimination is very unpleasant. I will not make assumptions about you because of the car you drive, job you hold, or color of your skin. In return, I ask for the same respect. I graduated, with honors, at the age of twenty from the University of Toledo. Then I completed a master’s degree. I have held a professional job for over twenty years and have raised five children. Do not call me insulting names because I own American Staffordshire Terriers. My dogs are canine good citizen certified and have never hurt anyone. Responsible owners raise well mannered dogs, regardless of breed. Do not insult my intelligence or condemn my dogs because drug dealers and dog fighters have destroyed their dogs. Are all owners of Mercedes Benz vehicles drug dealers? Are all blacks criminals? Are all Hispanics physically abusive? Is every man who owns a pug gay? The stereotypes can go on forever but they never lead to meaningful dialogue.

Jean Keating

Stand Up, Speak Out, Teach Tolerance

canineadvocate1@(redacted)

A: I feel a dog march mobilizing against me. The million-mutt march. And how did you know I owned a pug?

--

To: Michael Felger

Shouldn’t someone who works in the press (even sports radio) be more aware of the fact that making gross generalizations often does more harm than good? Unless you made your grand statement about pit bulls for the sole purpose of riling up potential readers in a classless attempt at self-promotion -- you have done a great disservice to what are wonderful dogs. 

I don’t question the fact that Harrison is an idiot, his comments about going to the White House are proof enough of that. Nor do I question the fact that Vick is a creep, to use your words. Anyone who has the capacity to strangle, electrocute, or fight a living creature for his personal enjoyment obviously doesn’t deserve anyone’s praise or admiration. But what about you? Did you look into all the organizations that have devoted volunteers and members that have put thousands of hours into giving this wonderful breed the opportunity to live a life the deserve?

Maybe you should spend some time at a local shelter with the pit bulls who need to be rescued. Then maybe you will realize that you are the creep and the imbecile.

Thad

http://www.badrap.org/rescue/

http://www.pitbulllovers.com/    

A: I went to a shelter with my (then) four-year-old daughter to look at some dogs last year. Most of them pit bulls. She got scared and we left. Also, I see you’ve accused me of making a statement just to rile up readers. You think I would do that, Thad? Moi?

Anyone out there care to do some good, old-fashioned Felger-bashing on sports? Remember that?

--

Subj: Bonehead

What part of ``the Celtics lost their starting forward and first sub off the bench’’ do you not understand? Do you not link the extended minutes and extra effort that Pierce, especially, expended in order to keep the No. 2 seed with his blah playoffs? Why do you think coaches normally try to limit their veterans’ minutes down the stretch of a season?  Hello, Felger? Hello?

The Celtics had three somewhat reliable bigs for the playoffs: Perk, Baby, and Brian Freaking Scalabrine (and Perk, if you weren’t paying attention, was having shoulder issues again).  Don’t give me the ``everybody’s-banged-up-at-this-time-of-year’’ routine.  Perk has what now seems will be a chronic shoulder problem, and he was up against one of the most physical players in the league -- and he battled him nearly to a standstill.

Even Rondo wore down with the ridiculous effort he had to make on both ends of the floor, and he’s ten years younger than Pierce & Allen. The Celtics couldn’t overcome the absence of Kevin Garnett, and particularly not with an exhausted Paul Pierce. Ever seen a fighter go out for the 15th as a dead man walking, where it’s clear he can barely raise his fists, let alone land a good punch? Doesn’t mean he didn’t give it all in the previous 14 rounds. And that was the Celtics in Game 7, pretty much. For the record I think they should’ve been able to close out game 6 -- that was my biggest disappointment.

Mike Sutherland

N Kingstown, RI

A: A fighter running out of gas in the 15th round is a fine analogy, Mike. It just doesn’t apply to the Celts. They were in the second.

--

Subj: Death with honor

Hi Mike,

For whatever it’s worth, you are absolutely, 100-percent correct. The Boston Celtics were a major disappointment in Game 7 against the Magic. They played with very little emotion and did not appear to have any sense of urgency, whatsoever! Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen simply were out of gas, and unable to step up to the next level and play like champions. How can you possibly not be ready to play the final game of a seven game series?

Their bench was not competitive and they desperately need a big man to match up with the benches of other NBA opponents. As a matter of fact, they need a couple of big men with shooting and defensive ability to come off the bench.  The lack of depth really showed during the playoffs. The loss of Kevin Garnett and Leon Powe was just too much to overcome.

Sincerely,

Mal Doyle

A: I don’t believe it was too much to overcome to beat the Magic. Again, the Celts were up 10 points in the second half of Game 6 and had Game 7 AT HOME. I used to believe, like the rest of you, that Cleveland would be the final stop, but now I don’t know. Maybe the C’s would have had a better chance against the Cavs than we gave them credit for, even without KG. I said it then and I’ll say it again: The Celtics may not have been able to get past Cleveland, but it sure would have been interesting to watch.

--

Felgy,

Great stuff the other night with ``Thanks Dad’’ Grousbeck! This guy is out to lunch without his credit cards. Did this guy really think his team could win 70 games? Whatever he is smoking I need some for the Phish show this weekend! That team had a legitimate chance to win 70+ games last year and the only thing that got in the way was DOC RIVERS! I can remember last season when the Celtics had a lead in the last three minutes of eight or ten games and they could not hang on against inferior teams. That’s coaching. Should Tom Thibodeau go for the head coaching position that he deserves somewhere else we’ll see what Doc is really made of.

And to your point that Pierce is not a top-five player, you could not be more correct. He’s maybe top 10. I don’t know of too many guys in the top five who have a free throw shooting percentage of 85 all season and postseason until the last two minutes of games, when their average drops to a percentage of about 45. Do you? I’m sure Wyc has an answer for me and you on this point.

Cougar of the week: Orla Brady.

Pete

N. Attleboro

A: Wyc is SUPPOSED to be a homer, by the way. I agree with you that he’s wrong about the 70-win thing (the C’s had started to lose at a 60-win clip well before the Garnett injury), but that’s what he’s supposed to say. As for Doc, I disagree with you completely. I think he’s the least of their issues. As for Orla Brady, yum.

--

Mr. Felger,

Since I am an avid Celtic fan, I too have noticed that the Celtics were not playing well. The much touted Chicago series was not quality player involvement by Celtic standards. The Chicago series should have been over in five. They were also beaten by a better team (Magic) because they made the Magic a better team by not playing at their best. In my humble opinion (or maybe not so humble), the media is ducking the real issue by not properly investigating the locker room interaction. It appears that the big three are only going through the motions and doing the ``right thing’’ in public. Looking at the press conferences and the interaction with Rondo makes it appear to this voice that there is definitely something wrong in dogpatch.

Clyde

A: Dogpatch? Are you talking about the thing on top of Dickerson’s head?

--

Alright Felger,

As a guy who isn’t a homer, I respect your opinion on Boston sports. Yes, sometimes this gets you in trouble and you have to eat your words and you know we don’t let you forget about it. To your credit though, at least you don’t pull the Ordway and sit on a fence (``If the Bruins win Game 7, I like their chances in the series. If they lose, I think that they’ll be playing golf). 

So here is another opportunity to eat crow or gloat. My question is about the B’s and the offseason. I think they are going to have a hard road ahead in signing some of their RFAs. If I am the agent for Krejci, Kessel or Hunwick, I lose Chiarelli’s number until July 15th. I don’t take his calls, don’t return his messages, nothing. I wait until free agency starts and I wait to see if any offer sheets come my way. By all accounts, the B’s will be looking for a three- or four-year deal in the $9-12 million range for the Ks. As their agent, I hope a Montreal, Toronto, or LA comes calling with a 5-for-25 offer and forces Chiraelli’s hand. I think that fans and media are assuming that Krejci, Hunwick and Bitz are a given to be back and that they won’t be as surprised if Kessel leaves. I wouldn’t be surprised if Bitz and another are back but the B’s are forced to match an offer sheet on one (Krejci).

Finally, everyone that is pissing and moaning about Jacobs these days has to wake up. This is a salary cap and as much as fans may not like him, the fact is that he is spending to the cap limit. His GM has built a solid team and has free reign to spend the money. Time for the Jacobs-is-the-reason-we-lost-and-he-is-happy-about-it act to be retired. Not a fan of his, but he’s not the issue these days.

Thanks,

Brian

A: Kessel is gone; Krejci stays and is their best player next year. Is that direct enough for you? And because of their injuries, I don’t wait for the offer sheets. If the B’s come in with competitive offers, I take them and put it in the bank.

As for Jacobs, you’re right. I’m not sure what we have left to blame him for -- other than the creation of the salary cap itself. This is an old story, but the Bruins should have been one of those big-market bullies, like the Wings, who use the resources to outspend and outmaneuver the rest of the league. They should have been the Red Sox of hockey. Instead, they wanted to spend like a small-market team, so we have the cap. But that’s water under the bridge, I guess. JJ will spend to the cap and the team will pay the price to keep the players they deem important (see Tim Thomas). The question is no longer whether the B’s will pay for talent; it’s whether they’ll give the money to the right guys. I’m not as confident in their ability to do it as some others, but overall I think we should feel good about the direction of the team.

--

Hey Felger,

I thought Hunwick was a huge loss for the Bruins in terms of a guy who could get it out of the zone. It went unreported, practically. I thought he was great in that area. When the B’s were having trouble getting it out of their end, it was maddening, because even with five guys they’d go into a box like they were defending a power play, letting Carolina pass it around untouched. To me, Julien should have made an adjustment, having the B’s attack and hit Carolina and not give them so much (expletive) space to operate -- kind of like the way Carolina attacked the B’s on the forecheck. They attacked, attacked, attacked -- and the B’s never made the adjustment. Despite it all, the best team won. But the B’s showed a lot of balls (especially playing with the injuries), skill and potential this year. And it’s sure fun to have some pro hockey that’s watchable.

Danny ``(expletive) BC" Fitz

A: Amen to that. The Bruins in 2008-09 did something I wasn’t sure was possible anymore – they got me to watch and care about regular season hockey. But you are absolutely right, Danny. The Carolina forecheck killed them. This was a fatal flaw that was going to catch up to them eventually. They will continue to be early-round fodder until they correct it.

--

Felger,

Nice to see how our ``stud’’ closer Pap is turning out the lights. Two homers given up this past weekend? Omir freaking Santos? Are you kidding me? Isn’t the definition of a lights-out closer one that will come in and completely dominate? Isn’t the definition of ``completely dominate’’ striking out the side with a perfect inning? Well I just looked this up -- the last time our ``amazing’’ closer did that was June 17, 2008! When he comes in the game, the game is NOT over by any stretch of the imagination, unlike 2006 or 2007. How has this guy gotten worse as he enters what should be the peak of his career?

Josh

Sharon

A: Wow. I’m all for negativity, Josh, but your anger here is a bit much. Even for me. Do you have Papelbon in fantasy? Is his WHIP (1.38) hurting you? Were you expecting more strikeouts? I don’t know, 24 Ks in 21 innings sounds pretty good to me. He’s had a few heart-attack saves, no doubt about it. But he’s blown only one. He remains a top three closer in baseball. Don’t we have bigger things to worry about on the Sox?

--

Felger,

Ortiz is done. DONE. Not maybe, not probably. Done. This is a more than enough sample. He has lost his bat speed period. Who cares why? It’s gone.  Either you or someone else, please say it. And if you are wrong, which I know for sure you are not, then oh well, plenty of guys have been wrong. You admit it, and that’s the end of it. We are now starting to loose close games, and every run is desperately needed. He looks absolutely horrible. A slump is when a guy is in a rut, hitting balls at people, good outs, etc. This is nothing like that. He hasn’t turned on a fastball in over a year.

Secondly, will someone please sound off about Papelbon? I have always maintained that stats are for losers. I don’t care what Papelbon’s stats are.  You can’t keep walking guys, giving up base hits in situations where you are closing a game. Eventually, with big league hitters, it will come back to haunt you. Even though he had his first blown save this year, he never has clean inning.  It’s unacceptable, and it needs to be addressed. I write to you because I feel you have the guts to say these things matter of factly, not in terms of maybe, think so, or probably. Please prove me right, speak up about this stuff.

Mike Difronzo

A: I started saying Ortiz was on the back nine over a year ago. Mike. So I consider everyone else late to the party. I didn’t know he would be passed out in a sand trap on the 18th fairway, but I wasn’t expecting big things from him this year, anyway.

As for Papelbon, et tu? You say the Sox need to address his lack of clean innings. How do you suggest they address it? Bench him? Trade him? Put him on the DL? Calm down, Mike. Papelbon told my last week that he’s been pacing himself a bit over the first two months, which makes total sense. Most times he’s had to bear down and get someone out, he’s done it. (Note: I said “most,” not “every.”) I can name 10 issues I think are bigger concerns for the Sox. (1. Defense at shortstop, including Jed Lowrie. I don’t know if he’s good enough. 2. A DH who can hit. 3. Lester’s troubles. 4. Lowell/Drew staying healthy. 5. Ellsbury staying at his current pace. 6. Beckett’s inconsistencies. 7. A catcher who can play in case Varitek breaks down. 8. Varitek. 9. Matsuzaka. 10. Pedroia with one HR on the year).

--

Mr. Felger,

``Papi stinks.’’ -- David Ortiz

The quote of the season. Here’s to hoping that our Red Sox journalists and Red Sox Nation join together to remember what he’s done here. We can be disappointed and concerned while being supportive and grateful. Here’s to hoping for a future column (perhaps from you?) dedicated to remembering Big Papi at his best. Let’s send the big guy some love. For me, Big Papi has earned a lifetime pass.

Respectfully,

Edward Koziol

Agawam

A: I would say that the fan reaction to Ortiz has been, on balance, supportive and civil, Edward. This has not gotten ugly, as it would have if it were someone else in this kind of slump. The media hasn’t bad, either. I hope Ortiz realizes that. He would have been toasted in the pre-title era.

--

Mike,

I read this quote in Peter King’s article on Monday and wondered if you thought the Pats brought in Ron Brace not to be a replacement for Wilfork, but a supplement:

``In the last three seasons, since the Williamses -- Viking defensive tackles Kevin and Pat -- have teamed together to systematically stop the run better than any other two men in football, Minnesota’s defense has been first, first and first against the run in NFL rankings in 2006 through 2008, a rare trifecta of greatness.’’

Could they look to do something similar with two massive DTs on first and second down? If you look at most of the top teams in the AFC they are pretty run heavy (Tennessee, Baltimore, Pittsburgh). I take my chances with Flacco, Collins, and even Big Ben beating me consistently with their arms. My sense is that the Patriots aren’t willing to bend for players they deem expendable, but they locked up players essential to what they see as their winning formula before they hit free agency (Brady, Seymour, Warren, etc).Wilfork seems like one of those guys.

Kevin

A: To me, stopping the run is not one of the Pats’ problems. Whenever they want to do it, they do. They don’t need to go 4-3 to get Brace on the field. Unfortunately, I think the team sees him as insurance in case they can’t resign Wilfork. Yes, the Pats typically lock up the “essential” guys, but at the same time, they very rarely overpay. Seymour was one of the few guys they did overpay for, and he hasn’t lived up to the contract. The Wilfork thing is going to be very interesting.

--

Felger,

I was bored so I broke out the three Pats Super Bowl DVDs and it friggin’ depressed me. Mike Vrabel is all over those tapes making huge plays in every one of them. The Pats traded the Tom Brady of the defense and they have a bunch JAGs to replace him. I hope they come up with a better replacement because a lot of big plays went to KC and no one in camp right now can come close to filling his shoes. I think he had plenty of gas in the tank.

Paul

Whitman

A: After all that dog abuse I needed a little old-school Vrabel love. Sorry.

--

Felgy,

In the last mailbag -- you said, ``I do think the Pats deserve some criticism for not making the playoffs.’’ Are you kidding me? They won 11 games without their stud quarterback in a league that sometimes lets eight-game winners into the postseason. The league needs to be criticized for what happened last year, not the Pats. Weren’t you one of the people who when Brady went down felt that an eight- or nine-win season should be considered a success? You also were touting how depth at quarterback was so critical, before the injury. If it is that critical, how can they be criticized for winning 11 games under a guy that many people thought was terrible in the preseason (including you)? By the way, I still feel that he sucks but got lucky and will soon join Steve Beuerlein and Tommy Maddox (among others) in the one-year wonder QB club, especially with that offensive line.

The playoffs were taken from the Pats. They should have been in there and normally would be 99-out-of-100 times (probably more). You misfired on this one, Felgy. Criticize them for 11 wins if you want, but don’t criticize them for not making the playoffs. Blame the NFL for that.

John

NH

A: Can’t win, can I? You guys got on me last week for saying the Pats reached their potential and the Celtics didn’t. So I decided to concede that, yes, the Pats still should have made the playoffs. Now I get this.

How about this? The Pats deserve criticism for having a sucky defense in 2008. Anyone care to argue that?

--

Subj: My issue

Michael,

The issue I have with you is the glee with which you revel in Boston teams struggles. You’ve made no secret of the fact that you’re a Milwaukee fan and I have no problem with that. I’m a transplanted Bostonian living now in Kansas City, and my passion for my (Boston) teams is stronger than ever.  But it seems odd to me that someone who really doesn’t like Boston teams would choose to make a living covering Boston teams. Your disdain is well-documented.

You say it’s the fawning media’s lack of objectivity that irks you the most.  But you take your viewpoint to the absurd, one hundred eighty degree opposition. You appear to be an intelligent guy, and your analysis is often on the money, but your cockiness and arrogance become a channel changer for me.

Just one example: Tommy Heinsohn. I love this guy for a ton of reasons.  He’s a Boston treasure. He’s a Hall of Famer. He’s got rings as both a player and a coach. In terms of the NBA, he’s done it all. There’s no question that he’s a homer. None whatsoever. He bleeds green. In the book of Boston sports history, he’d get his own chapter. Quite frankly, you’re not even worthy of a footnote. To listen to you take issue with Tommy’s lack of objectivity is fine enough. But when you’re commentary becomes disparaging and belittling, it’s time to remind you of your relevance when compared to this giant. This is but one example.

At the end of the day, your despicable ogre shtick probably gets good ratings. I’ll keep tuning in (with remote in hand) to watch Sports Tonight because I like Gary and most of your guests. But if you really were as genuine as you expect others to be, you’d find your way back to Milwaukee to cover the teams you like. The only reason you’re here is the money.  Milwaukee can’t hold a candle to Boston as a sports town and the paycheck there would pale in comparison to what you make now.

To thine own self, be true.

Bruce Olson

A: You like Gary and most of our guests? What’s your favorite combo: Gary and Bert Breer? Or is it Gary and Bradford; you know, the guy with the mangina on his chin? Anyway, say hello to Vrabes for me out there in KC.

--

Subj: 5 things I hate about 5 things I learned about 5 things...

Felgy:

Please tell Bradford enough with the 5 things…

1) He has everybody doing it, so there is a sameness to the different weei writers.

2) It forces the writers to come up with 5 things when there might not be 5 things, so there are always some insipid fifth thing, like what the weather was (rainbows!?!).

3) I know we all have short attention spans and like bullet point writing, but what’s wrong with a longer detailed piece about just a few aspects of the game or player. That is what is great about the internet; there is no limit to length except bad writing.

4) Bradford should shave.

5) I saw a rainbow….See what I mean Felgy? When you force five things the last two suck.

Greg

East Providence

A: No, just the last one, Greg. No. 4 was solid.

--

Felger,

This ``Mike from Attleboro’’ guy clearly thinks he is yet another annoying rendition of ``The Sports Guy.’’ Any chance you can stop publishing his lamewad emails? It’s embarrassing to read when someone is ``trying’’ to be funny.

Thanks bro,

BHL

A: Mike is d-bag, mailbag gold, bro. Not only will I not stop publishing his stuff, I’m considering starting a greatest hits blog featuring only his work.

Don’t let the critics get you, Mikey. You go right ahead…

--

Felger You DB!

I don’t know about you, but of the four major sports the only one that I can barely tolerate watching when the team I follow isn’t playing is basketball.  It’s not because I don’t like basketball, but because NBA game has so many annoying aspects, it makes watching a game feel like I am trapped is sports purgatory. The ins and outs of the NBA game is just so inherently aggravating to watch. The majority of play in a game can easily be mistaken for any episode of Saturday Night Live in the last 12 years. Random moments of entertainment sandwiched in-between long stretches of mundane ass-hatery.  

One of the most interesting parts of all the other sports is following trades and possible player movements. Unfortunately, in the NBA you need a Masters in Theoretical Mathematics to figure out the salary cap implications of these deals. Plus, just the thought that the expiring contract of some grossly overpaid stiff can somehow net you a top caliber player is enough to inspire Steinbrennerian levels of dementia.  

And players themselves are becoming more and more unlikable. Is it me, or is there some underground contest to see who can make the meanest face after making a basket? If there is, Kobe has another Scowlie locked up.  Seriously, it’s hysterical to watch these glorified soccer players try and look tough after accomplishing an activity that is replicated 70 or 80 times over the course of a game. I wouldn’t mind all that false bravado if there was a little payoff, but there hasn’t been a good fight, let alone clean punch landed, in a basketball fight since Jimmy Carter was in office. The majority of fights nowadays make a mosh pit at a Yanni concert look more dangerous.   

Now Mikey, have you ever seen any NHL team dropping confetti on their players after they won the first game of a seven-game series? Me neither.  But the celebration after LeBron hit his buzzer beating 3 in Game 2 of the Magic series would have lead the average observer to believe that not only did the Cavs win a title but that The Almighty was going to instantly transport Cleveland to a newly created island off the coast of Barbados.  

The officiating is so inconsistent, at best, and very likely corrupt at worst, that I end up watching a game with the same anticipation of shenanigans that only a Hulk Hogan vs. Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase cage match should inspire. In the span of five seconds Tuesday night we saw LeBron get bailed out with a bogus call for tripping over his own feet while driving and then see Sideshow Varejao dry hump Dwight Howard on a lob inbound play with no call. And given that the very real possibility exists of both Kobe and LeBron missing the finals, I expected the officiating crew in LA Wednesday for Game 5 to be Eric Gregg, Mr. Fuji and 1972 Olympic official Artenik Arabadjian. 

So naturally I am rooting for a Nuggets vs. Magic final. Nothing would make me happier than to see David Stern sitting courtside pretending to be interested after his dream finals went up in a giant mushroom cloud of Muppet filled smoke.

The NBA finals….Where (expletive) Happens.

Mike

Attleboro

A: You go, Mikey.

Anyone out there watch Man U and Barcelona on Wednesday? We all like to compare the NBA to international soccer when it comes to faking and flopping, but after watching Barcelona flail all over the pitch, I think we need to check ourselves at the door. The NBA is bad, but it’s not that bad.

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Subj: The Real Postgame Baseball Show

Felgy,

You’ve got to start exerting your inner DB-ness, which we all know you possess. You’ve go to put your foot down and stop this ``Jeff from Watertown’’ as the leadoff caller to the Baseball Show. If for no other reason than to upset Buckley and McAdam. Be the white Cleavon Little and show them there is a new sheriff in town. Please just purposely keep him on hold until the third hour. What time does Jeff call?  Does he call Planet Mikey Friday night and just ask to be left on hold? Do your producers call him when they get in Saturday? The Baseball Show is approaching the Pom-Pom Patriots Post Game Show with that yahoo ``Bob from Worcester’’ as the first caller who must call in before the coin flip.

Dave

Newton

A: So you’re suggesting I should “whip this out?” You know what they say about my people, Dave: “It’s trew! It’s trew!”

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Subj: Three backs one cup

Hey Felger,

Do you think Tanguay really knew what you and Curran were referring to when you guys made the ``Three backs, one cup’’ quip?

Radall

Lewiston

A: Greatest line in the history of Mohegan Sun Sports Tonight. If you didn’t hear it last Thursday (which is most of you, I know), I feel bad for you. Anyway, you ask a good question, Radall. Gary thought we were all going for ice cream.

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Felger,

Let’s see if I have your work schedule straight: Write for WEEI.com. On weeknights on Comcast Sportsnet at 6:30 and 10 p.m. Fill-in host on WEEI. Now you’re also on the new CSN baseball show on Saturdays and on the mew CSN Sunday late night wrap up show. WTF? Isn’t The Wood helping make ends meet? Do you really need to work every day of the week and make many of us suffer in the process? Michael Wilbon and Bob Ryan think you’re overexposed. I guess we can call you the hardest working douche bag in the media. HWDBITM.

Mo

Watertown   

A: IDWAPBBIDWTDNTDAGPODPIMMLTDTW.

(I’m done writing about pit bulls because I don’t want these dog nuts to drop another giant piece of dog poo in my mailbag like they did this week.)

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Felger can be seen on Sports Sunday this Sunday at 10 p.m. on Comcast Sportsnet. Reach him at mfelger@weei.com.