Baby Drama

Jimmy eat world: What happened to "Jimmy the Fetus"? That little bundle of wit was the best thing in this paper.

Michael Rost
Lawrence

Editor's note: As we reported back on August 11, Jimmy the Fetus was last seen river rafting with Sen. Sam Brownback, saying he'd be back after a Bible-study refresher. We haven't heard from the little guy since. And believe us, we've been keeping our eyes open, hoping to catch a glimpse of him in the background of one of Brownback's press conferences on Harriet Miers. Still no luck, though. We fear it may be time to let Jimmy go.

Chief of State
Forward pass: Kudos for Kendrick Blackwood! I just finished reading his article on Larry Johnson ("Big Johnson," September 22). It was thorough, interesting and insightful. Instead of the two-paragraph rehash of a police blotter item that I saw recently in another publication, the Pitch's best writer gives us a respectful and comprehensive glimpse into the life of the Chiefs' next big thing.

Much like you have to get past the Pitch's sophomoric double-entendre on the cover to read the article inside, Blackwood peels away the posturing, hype and gossip to introduce us to a strong young man who just might run our beloved Chiefs all the way to a Super Bowl. Thanks, Kendrick, for the complete picture and for showing us what the Pitch can do best.

Joe R. Fox III
Shawnee

Larry, quite contrary:I have a few comments to make about Kendrick Blackwood's article.

First off, I'd just like to say that this is a prime example of how no one knows how ignorant you are until you open your mouth. Unfortunately, Mr. Johnson should keep his shut. There's a lot to be said about being your own man and not taking any crap off of anyone, but making yourself look foolish in the process defeats the purpose.

Not that my opinion counts for too much — I'm just a 26-year-old African-American woman living in Kansas City — but Mr. Johnson needs to learn who his supporters are. I sit in front of the television during every game yelling at the screen as he makes yardage and cursing at it when he's not in the game. I also took his side when he was accused the first and the second time of abusing women — 'cause women know how women lie sometimes. But I won't take his side anymore, nor will I cheer for him or buy the clothing he endorses. Why not? He alienated his African-American female fanbase.

It's America — date whomever you want — but don't act like every other woman is beneath you. Don't underestimate the purchasing power of African-American women; we buy a lot of clothes. We buy for our sons, husbands, boyfriends, fathers, uncles, cousins, nephews and friends. Just something for Big Johnson to marinate on.

Name withheld by request

In the pink: Larry Johnson might be talented on the field, but after reading this article, I was disgusted. His attitude displayed just another black man who has absolutely no respect for himself or others, especially women.

To earn the name "King Pink" doesn't say a lot about him. He's just another stereotypical black man who swims in the pool of easy white women. And the reason that he's allegedly shoving or pushing these women, just look at his comments: "He's mad because I'm fucking his bitch."

Once again, no respect. Once again, Big Johnson — Big Bitch!

Name withheld by request

Game ball: Thank you, Kendrick Blackwood, for the article on Larry Johnson

My husband and I are from Baltimore, and I just wanted to just encourage Larry Johnson to continue to stay focused on his dreams and not be sidetracked by what the media says and anyone else that's trying to discourage him. Please, tell him it's an adjustment, but he'll be fine and there are some really great people here who are going to be a blessing for him and if he ever wants to talk Baltimore.

There are a few families from Baltimore living in the Northland that would be glad to encourage him.

Tell him that we are praying for him and that God has a plan for him here in KCMO and it's not of calamity, but it's of hope and a future.

Be encouraged.

May God bless you, Kendrick Blackwood, for that story. It's always good to hear truths.

Regina Sanders
Kansas City, Missouri

Bottoms Up
Dental damn: Just wanted to let you know that Ben Paynter's "Party Pooper" (September 15) was an excellent read. It was fun and twisted and cool in a quirky sort of way. I rarely read the cover stories, but this one I couldn't stop reading. So keep up the good work.

Maybe Paynter should write a screenplay for this story. I think it would make an excellent movie or something.

Corey Aguilar
Lawrence

Wayward Opinion
Let the record show: Thank you for Jason Harper's article on Molloy Brothers and the Record Bar (Wayward Son, September 29). I could probably do my blood pressure a favor by avoiding his column, but I guess I'm a glutton for punishment. Nevertheless, his comment about Molloy's never having good live music struck a nerve.