Celebrating Agassi, the Rebel and Role Model

Watching Andre Agassi in the U.S. Open this year reminds us that there was a time when athletes played with passion and love for the game. In this era of multi-millionaire athletes, we need athletic role models like Agassi to show that what is most important is the game itself, not the personalities.

Thank you, Andre, for nearly two decades of entertaining us and making us hold our breath on every volley. You will be missed.

RAMI HERNANDEZ

Los Angeles

In a way, Andre Agassi reminds me of my daughter. Let me explain.

When my daughter was a teenager, she was a rebel and very difficult to control. It drove my wife to distraction. I tried to console her by saying, “If we can keep her alive long enough, she’ll be fine.”

Well, our daughter went on to become an excellent registered nurse. She loves to take care of sick children, many of whom have leukemia or cancer.

Agassi, a rebel in his younger years, now is also an outstanding humanitarian who has his own youth tennis foundation. He also has gained the respect of his peers and his many fans during his 21-year pro career.

Agassi is now a rebel with a cause -- his family and his youth foundation.

JOE LYOU

Santa Paula

I’m sure it was very easy to get caught up in the moments after Andre Agassi’s tennis career ended at the U.S. Open. He represents all that we wish our sports heroes could be: gracious, humble and a champion.

This is why I could get past some of the parallels Bill Dwyre drew to Willis Reed and Kerri Strug, but when he compared Agassi’s farewell speech to Lou Gehrig’s (even with the disclaimer), well that goes beyond journalistic hyperbole.

MARK KUMMROW

Santa Monica