Brad Miller is my favorite King. I even have two of his jerseys. But the question-and-answer article in The Bee ("Miller vows he'll rebound," Friday) has me upset.

He can't sleep? Stressed out? Wondering how to spend his $11.3 million salary? Knowing that a third violation with marijuana would leave him suspended without pay for five games? Well, walk in my shoes … unemployed for eight months, wondering where my next paycheck will come from, wondering how much more gas will go up, cutting out grocery coupons to make ends meet.

Wouldn't I love to have just a portion of the $693,000 he will lose during his suspension. It would sure give me a peaceful night of sleep, which I haven't been able to enjoy lately, not to mention what it would do for my mental state.

Brad, you knew this would happen with a third violation, but with the money you make – and the money that you are going to lose – I just don't have any sympathy for you.

– Vicki Cabrera, Sacramento

Pot's not OK … anywhere

Ailene Voisin said it would have been OK if Brad Miller had waited until he was around his "favorite fishing hole" away from the NBA police to smoke pot. Way to go, Voisin. Send a message to kids that they can smoke pot if they pick and choose their spots. For Kings players to defend his actions is ludicrous.

– Carl Ladeck, Auburn

Skin color doesn't matter

Martin McNeal's note decrying the dearth of African Americans in major league baseball's All-Star Game ("All-Star Game a smoker, but … ," Thursday) reminded me of how upset I was that there were almost no white players in the NBA's All-Star Game. Then I realized the essence of these games was to showcase the best players regardless of skin color. I recognized my foolish initial reaction.

– Tom Griffin Sr.

Stop whining and play

I moved to Sacramento from Los Angeles last year. Both cites are homes to great basketball teams, the Kings and Lakers. Both teams also hold a common thread; their "stars" lack maturity and loyalty.

"They Got Game" all right, but their business relations are lame. The constant media hype concerning their unhappiness is unfair to the rest of the team and fans. If Ron Artest wants to make more money for his skills, he needs to earn it as the team leader and set aside other distractions.

Kobe Bryant's gripe was his owner not spending enough money to add another star. Artest's gripe is that he "isn't in the Kings' long-term plans," but the underlining thought is always money driven. Always.

You want to be in the Kings' long-term plans? Take it to the floor and earn it. They're not going to let go of a winner. After all the ranting, raving and crying Bryant did, the Lakers did end up playing in this year's NBA Finals. But that was because Kobe wised up, put the past behind him and focused on winning ballgames.

Artest, do us all a favor – play hard and give the mouth a rest.

– John Gohn, Rocklin

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