An Open Letter to Tony Kornheiser

To: Tony Kornheiser
c/o ESPN 980

Dear Mr. Kornheiser,

I'm sure you are a very busy man, but I'd like to take a few moments of your time.

I'd like to show you a picture.

Now I'd like you to read a story.

It is the story of two people, husband and wife, parents of a beautiful seven year old girl, who were killed when they were hit by a truck while riding their bicycle:

Two people were killed after a truck hit them when they were bicycling Thursday morning.

Deputies say Gregory, 42, and Alexandra Bruehler, 36, were riding a tandem bike (one bike, two riders) southbound on Highway 16 in Northwest Bexar County, when a pickup truck veered onto the shoulder and struck them from behind. Their bike was reportedly dragged for about 200 feet.

Alexandra was pronounced dead at the scene. Gregory Bruehler was taken to an area hospital where he later died.

It is also the story of a little girl who will spend the rest of her life without her parents. They will not be at her 8th birthday party, or at her college graduation, or her wedding. They will still be dead.

The End.

Did you like the story Mr. Kornheiser?

Now I'd like you to take another look at the picture of the young girl. Her name is Kylie.

Now, can you please tell me if there is anything funny about this story?

Because I just don't see it. I'm assuming you thought you were being humorous, and I've already seen people come to your defense, making the argument that you were only joking, so it's okay and everybody just needs to relax. Sadly, other simply take your comments at face value. They think you are serious, and they think you are right.

But it's hard to relax when hundreds are killed and thousands are injured each year when cyclists are hit by motorists. Many of us know someone who was injured or killed by an intoxicated, impatient, reckless, or inattentive driver. Some of us have been injured ourselves, or have had very close calls.

Kylie's story is just one of many.

Last week, a young man of 23 was killed by a sleeping driver a few miles from my home. Two years ago a college student and triathlete was struck by a car, and after months in a coma and a year and half of rehabilitation, he is still relearning to walk, talk, eat, and think like he used to.

Or maybe because cyclists dress funny (in our "shiny pants") and take up 3 whole feet of space on the road and don't go as fast as cars because we are our own engines - you'd think at a sports network you'd at least respect the athletic aspect of cycling - we deserve to be mocked, taunted, ridiculed, injured, or killed?

While I'm sure it was just a joke, joking about intentionally running down human beings because they annoy you isn't funny.

Once again, you've gone too far, but this time it's about so much more than someone's wardrobe.

It's about human life.

Well, I should be going. I've got a few things to wrap up here at work before I head home - on a bicycle - to spend the evening with my wife and kids. Hopefully I'll avoid being run down by those motorists who share your "sense of humor." I'm sure my kids would like their dad to come home tonight.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
VeloLoser
East Lansing, Michigan