Letter to the editor: Pickett deserves Heisman

I didn’t expect the Pittsburgh Panthers’ Kenny Pickett to win the Heisman, but after watching his disappointing third-place finish, I must call out the media, once again. Just like our political media, even our sports media seem to follow a herd mentality.

Certainly Alabama quarterback Bryce Young was an exceptional player, but he was playing for a storied Alabama SEC team with an exceptional coach, Nick Saban, and a surrounding cast of 4- and 5-star players. He is a freshman, and he could have three years ahead of him to prove his mettle.

Pickett supposedly came out of nowhere, with very little coverage from the sports media who revere the SEC and Big Ten compared to the lowly ACC, who barely recognized Pickett themselves. For the past four years, he has almost carried this team single-handedly when he had little protection from his offensive line, no running game to count on and a less-than-stellar crew of receivers, as well as ACC refs who threw flags against Pitt at every opportunity.

In his last year, Pickett’s commitment to Pitt was rewarded by a supporting cast. In spite of a know-nothing media, I believe Pickett was deserving of the Heisman because of his skill and competitiveness, his selfless character and his dedication, but maybe that doesn’t figure into Heisman voting.

By the way, who did Larry Fitzgerald lose the Heisman to? Look it up. Hail to Pitt.

Michael Contes

New Kensington