Chicago Blackhawks on Cover of This Week’s Sports Illustrated

(NEW YORK – March 13, 2013) – Led by Hart Trophy favorite Patrick Kane, young captain Jonathan Toews and a ragtag group of role players, the Chicago Blackhawks’ historic 21-0-3 start to the lockout shortened season captivated a city and reinvigorated the beleaguered NHL. This week’s Sports Illustrated,  which features the Blackhawks on the cover, examines the resilient team that has helped bring hockey back. This is the third time the Blackhawks have appeared on an SI cover.

Brian Cazeneuve writes that the ‘Hawks, who suffered their first loss of the season last Friday, revived the spirit of Chicago fans still upset over the departure of key players from the 2010 Stanley Cup team and have shown the resilience of the NHL (arenas are filled to 96.7% of capacity since the season started, and 109.4% in Chicago). Cazeneuve says:  “And just like that—from completely locked out to totally locked in—Chicago has given the league a much needed boost.” (PAGE 39)

No player has stepped up more in the streak than Kane, who was previously known more for his off-the-ice antics than his skills on it. A mature Kane says a win streak like this is even more impressive in the parity-driven NHL. Kane says:

“The Miami Heat can win 15, 16 games in a row, but how many teams can really win an NBA Title? Three? Four? I mean, the Kings won the Cup as an eight seed last year. In our league, if the 30^th team beats the first team one night, it’s not a big deal. No game is a gimme.” (PAGE 36)

Despite the historic streak, Toews and the Blackhawks know it’s not about how you start. Toews says: “The wins now are great, but we know they won’t mean anything if we can’t reset our sights on winning in June.” (PAGE 39)

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Also Inside SI This Week:

Alexander Wolff examines the rise and the fall of the Big East | Tim Layden checks in on Lindsey Vonn’s quest to return for the 2014 Sochi Olympics | Kelli Anderson reports on the biggest surprise of this year’s NCAA tournament: Canadian born stars

Find more coverage on these stories here

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Tom Verducci wonders what Bryce Harper has in mind for his sophomore season; Jack McCallum examines the key characters in the Lakers’ disastrous start; Lee Jenkins takes a look at Rajon Rondo on and off the court and how the Celtics’ recent success will motivate him to come back even stronger; Arizona swingman Kevin Parrom has rebounded from tragedy, injury and a shooting writes Kelli Anderson

(NEW YORK – Feb. 20, 2013) – Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper, who last season helped the Nats win their first NL East title in franchise history and won the NL Rookie of the Year, is on the cover of the Feb. 25, 2013 issue of SPORTS ILLUSTRATED, on newsstands Wednesday. This is the second time Harper has appeared on the cover, as he was featured on the June 8, 2009 SI cover when he was a 16 year-old prodigy at Las Vegas High School.

With the success of Harper, AL Rookie of the Year Mike Trout and other first year stars, 2012 proved to be one of the most accomplished rookie classes in MLB history. In this week’s SPORTS ILLUSTRATED, senior writer Tom Verducci examines what Harper has in mind for his second season and whether or not he will fall victim to the most unscientific explanation in baseball mythology for second-season flops: the sophomore jinx. Verducci writes:

“Of the 32 pitchers and 48 position players who received Rookie of the Year Award votes from 2007 to ’11, 59 had a worse ERA or OPS in the follow-up act—a 74% attrition rate.” (PAGE 46)

Harper, who set teenage major league records last year for total bases (254), extra-base hits (57) and WAR (5.0), and ranked second all time amongst teenagers in homeruns (22) and runs (98), feels any talk of a sophomore slump is “stupid”. He says: “I’m not going to put it my head. Sophomore slump? I was a sophomore in college and raked. Why can’t you rake in the big leagues?” (PAGE 49)

Verducci agrees: “It’s not difficult to imagine Harper or Trout joining Cal Ripken (1983), Ryan Howard (2007) and Dustin Pedroia (2008) in the exclusive club of players to follow their Rookie of the Year act with an MVP.” (PAGES 46-47)

Harper is used to having his doubters. He was told he shouldn’t play varsity high school baseball at age 14, but he dominated. He was advised not to take his GED at age 16, but he got a 98. Harper was warned not to play junior college ball at 16 against mature 22 year olds throwing 94 mph, but he dominated again. While strenuous offseason preparation and previous experience silencing doubters may not get in Harper’s way, Verducci wonders:

“Maybe, more than pitchers and scouts searching for a weaknesses with the fervor of geneticists, more than all the scrutiny young stars attract in the Internet age, what brings life to the idea of a sophomore jinx is the added weight of expectations. Maybe having succeeded the first time is the real curse.” (PAGE 51)

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CHAOS THEORY—JACK MCCALLUM ( @McCallum12)

Despite modest improvement over the last few weeks, the Lakers still sit 3 ½ games out of a postseason spot with 28 to go. In this week’s SPORTS ILLUSTRATED, Jack McCallum examines the key characters and storylines behind the Lakers disastrous start and wonders if Mike D’Antoni can turn them around in time to sneak into the playoffs.

One of those key characters was the architect of five championships for the Lakers—Phil Jackson. Count Jackson among the doubters of this year’s Lakers team:

“The players don’t mach well with the system,” Jackson says of D’Anonti’s Lakers. “I like Mike as a coach, just not with this personnel.” (PAGE 37)

McCallum notes that some portion of the Lakers brain trust saw D’Antoni as the coach who could help restore the run-and-gun Showtime style of Magic’s Lakers—the beloved style of the late team owner Jerry Buss, who just passed away Monday. Yet, the Lakers feature older players who like to play with their backs to the basket. 39-year-old point guard Steve Nash believes the key to turning around the season is simple: more pick-and-rolls. McCallum sees this as a shot at Dwight Howard. He says:

“That message was clearly directed at one person. Howard’s inability—or unwillingness—to embrace a pick-and-roll offense has been a major subplot of the Lakers’ season.” (PAGE 38)

Then there’s the popular belief that Howard is flat out immature. McCallum says: “At times his flakiness gives the impression that he’s playing some version of a Sesame Street character—Mr. Smiley Long Legs one day, Mr. Mopey Pants another.” (PAGE 38)

In his defense, McCallum notes that Howard has clearly not recovered fully from his offseason back surgery, not to mention the torn labrum he suffered in early January. The Lakers could manage Howard’s issues if the other key post player—Pao Gasol, who is out until mid-March with his own injury—wasn’t also off to a rocky start in the new system.

And what about Kobe Bryant? He’s tried everything from leading the league in scoring the first few months to cutting down his shot attempts to even calling out Howard. One thing is for sure—Kobe and D’Antoni must find a way to get through to Howard, keep Gasol happy and get production from younger players off the bench. Kobe remains confident.

“It’s not a question of if we make the playoffs,” Bryant says. “We will. And when we get there, I have no fear of anyone—Oklahoma City, San Antonia, Denver…whoever.” (PAGE 40)

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RONDO—LEE JENKINS (@SI_LeeJenkins)

Rajon Rondo, the Celtics’ starting point guard who was voted in as a starter to this year’s All-Star Game, suffered a torn ACL on Jan. 27 and has since watched his team play its best basketball of the year.  In this week’s SPORTS ILLUSTRATED, senior writer Lee Jenkins takes a look at Boston’s floor general both on and off the court, and how the Celtics stellar play with Rondo injured will inspire him to work even harder to come back stronger.

Prior to being lost for the season, Rondo was averaging 13.7 points and a league high 11.1 assists per game. Jenkins finds that Rondo’s ability to think a few steps ahead on the court is due large in part to the fact that grew up playing Connect Four on his front porch with anyone who dared to challenge him. Back then and now, Rondo is the first to let his opponents know how well he is doing. Jenkins writes:

“Opposing point guards, weary of Rondo’s jawing and jostling, wonder if he is picking a fight with them or simply doesn’t like them.” (PAGE 58)

Rondo admits:  “I’m not a great people person…I’m not trying to make friends on the court…we can talk in the summer.” (PAGE 58)

Yet, Rondo is a hit with kids in his community. For the past six years, Rondo spends time with children at the Blue Hill Boys & Girls Club in Dorchester, Mass.  What do they do when he is there? Play Connect Four.

On the court, Rondo has racked up assist averages over the past two seasons not seen since Magic Johnson and John Stockton, as well as recording the most triple-doubles as the rest of the Eastern Conference combined.

“Everybody wants to score, score, score, score…So I want to pass. I like to be different. I could never be a follower.” Says Rondo (PAGE 60).

Rondo is always thinking three moves ahead and one would think he’ll take the same approach to his ACL rehab. Says Danny Ainge, Boston Celtics General Manager: “He’s the smartest guy in the room.” (PAGE 63)

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THE CAT COMES BACK – KELLI ANDERSON (@KelliAndersonSI)

After losing three family members to cancer, sustaining severe nerve damage from a gunshot wound and enduring his second broken foot in his collegiate career, University of Arizona swingman Kevin Parrom knows a thing or two about challenges. In this week’s SPORTS ILLUSTRATED, senior writer Kelli Anderson explores the impact of Parrom’s personal tragedies and how he has rebounded from them in time to complete his degree and contribute to the No. 12 Arizona Wildcats.

“Kevin’s not just the comeback player of the year, he’s the most courageous player,” says Wildcats assistant Emanuel (Book) Richardson. “What he went through would have broken a lot of players.” (PAGE 52)

With another top ten recruiting class on its way to Arizona and limited speed due to his injuries, Parrom worked tirelessly this past summer on his three-point shot and has improved from beyond the arc to 36.1%. And across the board, Parrom has put up impressive numbers as one of the top sixth men in the country, averaging 8.0 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 22.9 minutes.

When asked how he has dealt with so much tragedy in such a short time span, Parrom echoes his late mother’s words—“All you can do is stay strong”. (PAGE 55)

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THIS WEEK IN SPORTS ILLUSTRATED

Baltimore Raven’s Wide Receiver Jacoby Jones on the Cover of This Week’s Sports Illustrated

Plus: SI’s First Ever Off-Season Preview

(NEW YORK – Feb. 5, 2013) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver and kick returner Jacoby Jones, who opened the second half of the Ravens Super Bowl XLVII victory over the 49ers with a postseason record 108-yard kickoff return for a TD, is on the cover of the Feb. 11, 2013, issue of SPORTS ILLUSTRATED, on newsstands Wednesday.

This is the first time that Jones, who appears above the headline: “Fear the Bird. Revere the Bird”, has appeared on the SI cover and the 12th time that a member of the Ravens has appeared on the SI cover. You can purchase this week’s cover here.

Jones, a New Orleans native who also caught a 56 yard touchdown pass from Joe Flacco in the first half, set a number of Super Bowl records in Baltimore’s 34-31 victory over San Francisco, including most combined yards in a game (290) and longest play (his 108-yard kickoff return). Jones also tied a record with two plays of 50-or-more yards. Senior writer Peter King (@SI_PeterKing) writes:

“In the span of two game minutes, Jones had touched the ball twice, gained 164 yards, and scored two touchdowns.” (PAGE 31)

This week’s issue also includes the first ever SPORTS ILLUSTRATED NFL Off-season Preview. Our NFL experts provide solutions and fixes for all 32 teams as they head into the 2013 offseason (PAGE 59). Other features in the off-season preview include:

ARE YOU READY FOR MORE FOOTBALL?—PETER KING(@SI_PeterKing)

Anchored by Russell Wilson, Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III, the new crop of NFL starting quarterbacks are changing the belief that signal callers need time on the sidelines before taking control of the team. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED Senior Writer Peter King writes that the recent surge of young quarterbacks making an impact instead of the “carry-a-clipboard-for-years credo” shows a distinct change in the NFL game. King writes: “Learning curve? They don’t need no stinkin’ learning curve.” (PAGE 40)

In addition to rolling right away with young quarterbacks, teams have embraced a variety of changes, such as implementing schemes from the college game, embracing the no-huddle, pistol, and option offenses, and taking a chance on short quarterbacks (Wilson stands at 5’10 7/8”.) King says: “As running threats with great arms force defenses to change on the fly, Sunday’s game looks an awful lot like Saturday’s.” (PAGE 40)

Seattle head coach Pete Carroll, who took a chance on starting the short, young Wilson this season, is one of the examples of the new forward-thinking NFL. “When we gave Russell the job, I thought, Well, buckle up: it’s gonna be a Disney ride. It wasn’t conventional thinking. But conventional thinking, that’s not always what wins.” (PAGE 43)

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YOU GOT IT, OR YOU DON’T—TIM LAYDEN (@SITimLayden)

How do I get a franchise quarterback? This is the nonstop question every NFL team must ask if they don’t believe their signal caller can win it all. In this week’s SPORTS ILLUSTRATED, senior writer Tim Layden (@SITimLayden) examines the most prized currency in the league and explores… “When do you cut loose a quarterback and start over?” (PAGE 47)

Bill Polian, former Vice Chairman and General Manager of the Indianapolis Colts says: “You never forget what it feels like to not have a quarterback…It’s an ongoing thing. Every single minute you don’t have that guy, you think about it.” (PAGE 46)

The pressure intensified for General Manager’s in 2013 because of the immediate success of rookie QB’s Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III, Russell Wilson and second –year quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Because of their instant success this season, front offices and fan bases hope the draft can now help them find the next great quarterback who can succeed right away.

SPORTS ILLUSTRATED writer Andrew Perloff (@andrewperloff) complements the article by listing five current quarterbacks in which he feels won enough to tease and lost enough to have their G.M.’s consider change: Ryan Fitzpatrick (Bills), Tony Romo (Cowboys), Matt Cassel (Chiefs), Josh Freeman (Buccaneers), and Mark Sanchez (Jets). (PAGE 46)

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THE YODA OF THE YARD MARKER—ANDY STAPLES (@Andy­_Staples)

After independently training two consecutive No. 1 NFL draft picks, assisting Johnny Manziel in procuring the starting quarterback position at Texas A&M and working with Ben Roethlisberger through his four-game suspension in 2010, George Whitfield is gaining a reputation as a “quarterback whisperer” in the football world. In this week’s SPORTS ILLUSTRATED, senior writer Andy Staples explores how this college hopping, former arena football playing quarterback coach has grown into the Jedi master to quarterback elite. Whitfield stresses that preparing QB’s for real game situations is the key to success on any level.

“There’s a notion with regard to training or practice that it’s always pristine. The conditions are always perfect,” says Whitfield. “O-lines aren’t some Great Wall of China at any level. Set [QBs} up for what they’re really going to walk into. You can’t set them up for the streets of New York when they’re really going to Guatemala.” (PAGE 53)

Whitfield’s small time operation in San Diego, California attracts big names from all over, and the list of aspiring students continues to grow. His teachings can cater to any QBs needs and the success rate of his trainees knows no bounds. With 2013 draft hopefuls such as Landry Jones and Johnny McEntee under Whitfield’s wing, who will be his next top student?  Whatever a quarterback needs to survive in today’s game, Pep Hamilton (the newly appointed Colts’ offensive coordinator) says, Whitfield can find a way to teach it. “He’s a Jedi,” (PAGE 55).

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THIS WEEK IN SPORTS ILLUSTRATED

DOES GOD CARE WHO WINS THE SUPER BOWL?

(NEW YORK – Jan. 30, 2013) Ravens linebacker and team leader Ray Lewis is featured under the headline “Does God Care Who Wins the Super Bowl?” on the cover of the Feb. 4, 2013 SPORTS ILLUSTRATED, on newsstands Wednesday.

In a special piece for SPORTS ILLUSTRATED, Mark Oppenheimer (@markopp1), religion columnist for The New York Times, tackles the paradox of big-time football: The sport with the biggest Christian presence, most famous Christian athletes and most religious leaders affiliated with teams features a culture that seemingly goes against the values of Christianity.

“Church and pro football both revolve around Sunday, and 50 years into our national experiment of mixing the two, it is not at all clear that faith has won the day,” writes Oppenheimer (PAGE 40).

Oppenheimer notes what has become customary for many NFL players: They point to heaven, pray on their knees and thank Jesus in post-game interviews. This Sunday at the Super Bowl, Ray Lewis will wear his customary black T-shirt under his uniform that says PSALMS 91 and 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, if successful on a big play, will kiss either his tattoo of the words GOD TO GLORY or the one that reads FAITH.

Justin Tuck, New York Giants defensive end and leader of the Giants’ team Bible study says:

“A lot of people rely on the game for their identity. My happiness and joy aren’t based on how well I play or if I get a sack. I should live a life that God is pleased with, not live a life total strangers are pleased with on Sunday.” (PAGE 40)

However, Oppenheimer wonders if the violent nature of the game, not to mention the lifestyle of many wealthy NFL players contradicts what the Christianity stands for. He writes:

“Football brings a level of violence that is deeply at odds with Christ’s message.” (PAGE 41)

He also notes that the Bible is filled with passages that emphasize the weak over the strong and the poor at the expense of the rich, and that it instructs followers to keep the Sabbath holy.

On the contrary, others argue, including many religious leaders, that football builds character and thereby makes a man more of a Christian—a commingling of faith and football now accepted by fans.

“God loves us just the way we are” says Les Steckel, a former NFL head and assistant coach, who now is president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, “but at the same time he does require excellence. And in the NFL, performance is ultimate.” (PAGE 38)

Former Redskins and Cardinals running back Tim Hightower, a devout Christian, understands the dilemma faced by religious football players. Hightower says:

“You have to stop and ask yourself: Am I a football player who is Christian, or a Christian who is a football player?” (PAGE43)

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THIS WEEK IN SPORTS ILLUSTRATED

Harbaugh Brothers, Frank Gore, Ray Lewis and Joe Flacco Featured on Special Four-Cover Series of This Week’s Sports Illustrated

Stan Musial Tribute Series on Regional Covers of This Week’s Sports Illustrated

12 pages of Super Bowl coverage, including “10 Things We Think we Think” and Peter King’s pick of the ravens over the 49ers; Richard Hoffer says Stan Musial was the perfect Midwest hero; L. Jon Wertheim examines the party culture of the Australian Open; Alexander Wolff takes a look at what makes Aaron Craft so good at defense; L. Jon Wertheim sits down with UFC boss Dana White

(NEW YORK – Jan. 23, 2013) – Brothers Jim and John Harbaugh, San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore; Ravens linebacker and emotional leader Ray Lewis, and Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco are featured on a special 4-cover spread of the Jan. 28, 2013 Sports Illustrated, on newsstands Wednesday.

The first three covers feature the headlines: “There Will Be Blood”, “There Will be Gore”, and “There Will be a Valiant Last Stand”. They lead up to the final cover, which predicts “There Will Be a Parade in Baltimore”. This is the 3rd time that both Lewis and Flacco have appeared on the cover and the 2^nd time Gore has appeared on the cover.

This week’s Sports Illustrated includes12 pages of Super Bowl XLVII coverage, featuring “10 Things We Think We Think”.  Highlights include:

• Senior writer Peter King (@SI_PeterKing) says that you must expect the unexpected from the unpredictable 49ers offense, as they have proven they can beat you in multiple ways (PAGE 40). However, King still picks the Ravens to defeat the 49ers, 27-23. King says: “I’ve doubted Flacco one too many times this winter, and I won’t make that mistake a third time (PAGE 49).”

• Ray Lewis and the reinvigorated Ravens defense will contest the 49ers explosive offensive attack writes senior writer Austin Murphy (@si_austinmurphy). Murphy says: “Galvanized by hardships earlier in the season and rallying around spiritual leader Lewis, they are headed to the Big Easy brimming with the confidence that comes from confounding the doubters three weeks in a row (PAGE 42).”

• They may share the same last name, but Jim and John Harbaugh have taken different journeys and approaches en route to leading their teams to the Super Bowl. Senior writer Michael Rosenberg (@Rosenberg_Mike) writes that while most Super Bowl storylines tend to overwhelm the game itself, this story—the HarBowl—is a worthy one will certainly live up to the hype. Rosenberg writes: “Two brothers, who were born 15 months apart and spent much of their childhoods sharing a room, will be coaching against one another on the biggest stage in American sports (PAGE 47).”

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STAN MUSIAL 1920-2013—RICHARD HOFFER

St. Louis Cardinals legend Stan Musial, who passed away last week at the age of 92, is also on a special four-cover regional series of the Jan. 28, 2013 issue of Sports Illustrated, on newsstands Wednesday. This is the first time Sports Illustrated has run an issue with four consecutive covers of the same person and is the second time Musial has been featured by himself on a Sports Illustrated cover. In 1957, Musial was Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year.

“When we heard the news of Stan Musial’s passing, we recognized an extraordinary opportunity,” said Sports Illustrated Managing Editor Christian Stone. “Across a series of four covers with vintage images and accompanying quotes, we were able to better tell the story of an uncontroversial sports legend beloved by fans in St. Louis and baseball fans around the world. Who better to be the first person to ever be featured in four consecutive covers of SI than Stan the Man?”

Playing in an era that saw fellow stars Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays and Ted Williams gain more notoriety thanks in part to playing in larger media markets and also for being known for off the field feats, Sports Illustrated senior writer Richard Hoffer takes us back to the consistent greatness and legacy of Stan the Man in this week’s Sports Illustrated (PAGE 23).

Musial’s stats were astounding: Lifetime .331 hitter with 3,630 hits, including a 16-season run of .300-plus seasons and a 9-season stretch of .330 plus. And while you may not think of him as a home run hitter, he did hit 475 of them. His teams also won—St. Louis took home three World Series titles during his tenure. Musial was viewed by many as the most feared hitter in the game.“Throw him four wide ones,” was Preacher Roe’s advice, “and pick him off first.”

“Throw it under the plate,” suggested Leo Durocher (PAGE 24).”

Hoffer also notes how loyal Musial was: he spent 22 seasons with the Cardinals (and remained associated with the team up to his death); was married to his wife Lillian for 71 years; and served in the Navy, which briefly interrupted his playing career. He was the perfect Midwestern hero, always there, always cheerful and always ready to whip out his harmonica or tell a joke. Once asked the secret of his baseball longevity, he seemed to poke a little fun at his own stolid image. Musial once said: “Get eight hours of sleep regularly. Keep your weight down, run a mile a day. If you must smoke, try light cigars. They cut down on inhaling…Make it a point to bat .300 (PAGE 25).”

St. Louis has tried to repay its baseball figurehead with two statues, the first engraved with former commissioner Ford Frick’s words from Musial’s final game in 1963:

“Here stands baseball’s perfect warrior. Here stands baseball’s perfect knight (PAGE 26).”

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AUSSIE RULES TENNIS—L. JON WERTHEIM (@jon_wertheim)

Enter the Australian Open or the Uninhibited Open. With sombreros, body paint, costumes, flags and beer galore, one would think they had found themselves in the middle of a college football tailgate. However, this is grand slam tennis down under.  In this week’s Sports Illustrated, senior writer L. Jon Wertheim explores the culture of the Australian Open and its stark contrast to how its northern hemisphere partners entertain its patrons. Somewhere between the Wimbledon garden party, the fashion forward French Open and the bustling U.S open, Aussies mom-and-pop tournament had transformed itself into a global party. Tournament Director Craig Tiley says:

“Look, go have a good time…Buy yourself a drink, sit out on a [public] beanbag. You want to shout for a player? Shout. You’re hot? Go stand in the mister (PAGE 58 ).”

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THE ART OF AARON CRAFT—ALEXANDER WOLFF (@Alexander_Wolff)

After a sophomore season in which he was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Ohio State point guard Aaron Craft is wreaking havoc once again on both sides of the court, averaging 1.8 steals and  8.7 points per game this season. In this week’s Sports Illustrated, senior writer Alexander Wolff examines how Craft’s intelligence, experience as a high school football player, and dedication to studying opponents on film makes him as valuable in his own way to Ohio State as shot blockers like Lew Alcindor and Bill Walton were to UCLA in another era. Ohio State head coach Thad Matta says Craft’s name would come up most often: “if you polled every coach in this league and asked who they’d want on defense if they’re up one with the other team running an isolation (PAGE 66).”

Craft, an academic All-American (3.9 GPA), is almost too good to be true: he’s the first one in and out of the gym every day, he writes bible verses on his sneakers, still dates his high school sweetheart, can solve a Rubik’s Cube in 55 seconds and neither tweets nor follows anyone’s feed. Through the eyes of the most creative and intelligent defensive player in the game, his assignment isn’t so much a player to guard, it’s a problem to solve.

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ONE-ON-ONE WITH…DANA WHITE—L. JON WERTHEIM (@jon_wertheim)

Dana White has propelled UFC from a once small-time sport to a mainstream force to be reckoned with. The UFC president has conquered the corporate octagon with the brash honesty that only he can make so endearing. White sat down with senior writer L. Jon Wertheim to talk about his explosive career and the future of UFC.

But as we look toward the future, has the growth of UFC led to an inevitable plateau? White could not disagree more: “Eight out of 13 main events fell through in 2012. If we could have pulled off the fights that were supposed to happen in 2012, we would have had an even better year. But eight of 13 main events fell out and we still had a kick-ass year. If that doesn’t show you that the UFC is here to stay, nothing will (PAGE 62).”

With growing popularity and fighters such as Anderson Silva, Jon Jones and Georges St-Pierre becoming household names, the anticipation of “super fights” have begun to gain momentum. Silva versus St-Pierre or Silva versus Jones are weighing heavy on the minds of UFC fans.

“They’re both likely to happen. The great thing about Anderson Silva is he falls right in the middle. He’s 185 [pounds], GSP is 170, Jones is 205. Silva is the best ever, and he’s right in the middle. He can fight both (PAGE 63). “

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THIS WEEK’S FACES IN THE CROWD

•  Karlie and Katie Lou Samuelson (Fullerton, Calif./Master Dei High School) – Basketball
• Dalton Ishmael (North Baltimore, Ohio/North Baltimore High) – Wrestling
• Vanessa Zamarripa (O’Fallon, Ill./UCLA) – Gymnastics
• Logan Owen (Bremerton, Wash./Bremerton High) – Cycling
• Amanda Kessel (Madison, Wis./Minnesota) – Ice Hockey
• Allan Chaney (Baltimore/High Point University) — Basketball

To submit a candidate for Faces in the Crowd, go to SI.com/faces. Follow on @SI_Faces.

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THIS WEEK IN SPORTS ILLUSTRATED

Rule Tide: BCS Champ Alabama on the Cover of This Week’s Sports Illustrated

Tim Layden highlights the legacy of Alabama and its head coach Nick Saban; Von Miller is already one of the best linebackers in the NFL but Jim Trotter writes he’s still a work in progress; Thomas Lake chronicles the heartbreak of being a lifelong falcons fan; Peter King picks the packers to win the super bowl

(NEW YORK – Jan.09, 2013) – Alabama running back Eddie Lacy, the offensive MVP of Monday’s BCS title game, tramples over two Notre Dame defenders on the cover of the Jan. 14, 2013, issue of Sports Illustrated, on newsstands Wednesday. This is the 23^rd time that Crimson Tide football has appeared on the cover, which includes 12 covers in the past four seasons. You can purchase this week’s cover here.

Alabama’s 42-14 dominating victory over Notre Dame earned the Crimson Tide their third BCS Title in four years, firmly securing Alabama’s place in history. Fans and players alike, including Alabama senior center Barrett Jones couldn’t help but speak of a dynasty. Jones spoke to senior writer Tim Layden (@SITimLayden) on the field after the game. He said: “There’s a SPORTS ILLUSTRATED cover hanging in my room because I’m on it—from 2010. It says, DYNASTY. CAN ANYONE STOP ALABAMA? I’ll never forget looking at that thing and wondering if we really could be a dynasty. Three out of four. I’m no dynasty expert, but that seems like a dynasty to me (page 33).”

Even more impressive is the run by Alabama head coach Nick Saban, who has now coached teams to national championships in four of the past 10 seasons. Only Paul “Bear” Bryant’s six titles at Alabama compare, yet Saban told Layden: “There is no continuum of success. History can’t help us win (page 34).”

Download a high res image of the cover here

WORK IN PROGRESS? SCARY— JIM TROTTER (@SI_JimTrotter)

While Peyton Manning’s arrival may be the most credited reason for Denver’s ascent to the top of the AFC this season, the maturation of Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller from one-trick pony to a complete linebacker may be just as significant. After earning Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2011 thanks in part to his 11 ½ sacks, Miller has taken his game to the next level this season, having recorded 18 ½ sacks, six forced fumbles and his first career NFL interception (which he returned for a TD). While initially being known just as a dominant pass rusher, Miller now wants to be considered amongst the best all around defenders in the league. “I’m a true linebacker. I believe that in my heart,” says Miller. “I want to be a dominant run stopper. I want guys to say when they see 58, they’ve got to go to the other side.”

Miller grew up in East Texas in a home where his parents instilled values such as hard work, respect and accountability. His father once told him, “You have to be your biggest critic.”  At only 23 years old, he has certainly taken his dad’s advice to heart. “It’s not the amount of success you’ve had,” says Miller, “it’s the respect you get in the locker room as a leader, as The Guy. The organization brought me in to be that guy, and I feel like I’ve taken steps in that direction. But I still have a long way to go (page 58).”

HELLO. MY NAME IS THOMAS, AND I’M A FALCONS ADDICT – THOMAS LAKE (@thomaslake)

After 46 years in the National Football League, the Atlanta Falcons remain one of 14 teams that have yet to hold the Vince Lombardi trophy and call themselves Super Bowl champions. To be a fan of the Falcons is to accept the inevitable feeling of complete and utter disappointment. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED senior writer Thomas Lake, a lifelong Falcon fan, describes how his fondest memories of the Falcons are fogged with the eerie understanding that even the most outstanding victories can be followed by season-halting losses. Whether it was the debacle that was their first Super Bowl appearance in 1999, the complicated love-hate relationship and bitter divorce with Michael Vick, or last year’s playoff shutout loss to the Giants, Falcons fans have learned to live with heartbreak. But as the Falcons gear up for this year’s playoffs, Thomas and his brother, Red, stand together amongst a sea of red and black waiting for their turn to come. Could this be their year? History says no, but their eternal optimism and devotion is telling them yes.

THE FINAL EIGHT FORECAST – PETER KING (@SI_PeterKing)

After a wildly entertaining—and often mind-boggling—18 weeks of football, Peter King is sticking with the Super Bowl pick he made at the start of it all: the Green Bay Packers.

Final Eight (Divisional Round)

AFC: No. 1 Denver Bronocs defeat No. 4 Baltimore Ravens

AFC: No. 2 New England Patriots defeat No. 3 Houston Texans

NFC: No. 5 Seattle Seahawks defeat No. 1 Atlanta Falcons

NFC: No. 3 Green Bay Packers defeat No. 2 San Francisco 49ers

Final Four (Championship Round)

AFC: No. 1 Denver Bronocs defeat No. 2 New England Patriots

NFC: No. 3 Green Bay Packers defeat No. 5 Seattle Seahawks

Super Bowl

Green Bay Packers defeat Denver Bronocs

BEST OF 2012 IN THE NFL – PETER KING (@SI_PeterKing)

MVP: Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota

Offensive player: Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota

Defensive player: J.J. Watt, DE, Houston

Offensive rookie: Russell Wilson, QB, Seattle

Defensive rookie: Bobby Wagner, LB, Seattle

Coach (tie): Bruce Arians, Chuck Pagano, Indianapolis

Comeback player (tie): Peyton Manning, QB, Denver; Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota

Executive: John Schneider, GM, Seattle.

THIS WEEK’S FACES IN THE CROWD

• Anders Broman (Duluth, Minn./Lakeview Christian Academy) – Basketball
• Sydney Sladek (Pahrump, Nev./Pahrump Valley High) – Soccer
• Caeleb Dressel (Green Cove Springs, Fla./Clay High) – Swimming
• Kelly Hunter (Papillion, Neb./Papillion LaVista-South High) – Volleyball
• Tyrone Notice (Gardner, Mass/Framingham State) – Football
• Pearl Weggler (Northfield, VT./Bard College at Simon’s Rock) – Basketball

To submit a candidate for Faces in the Crowd, go to SI.com/faces. Follow on Twitter @SI_Faces.

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After a voting campaign that reached millions of sports fans across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, the fans have spoken. Michael Phelps capping off his storied career at the London 2012 Summer Olympics is Sports Illustrated’s 2012 Moment of The Year. Phelps will appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s year-end issue— the second time in the 58-year history of Sports Illustrated that the choice for the cover of the magazine has been made by fans. Last year’s 2011 Fans’ Choice was the return of Rutgers football player Eric LeGrand—one year after he was paralyzed from the neck down in a game vs. Army at Giants Stadium. This will be the eighth time Phelps has appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated and he was also named SI Sportsman of The Year in 2008. The issue is dated Dec. 31, 2012, and hits newsstands today (Wednesday). To download a high resolution JPEG of the cover click here.

For over one week, from Dec. 6–14, fans could visit a custom tab on Sports Illustrated’s Facebook page to rank their top five choices, knowing that the winning moment would appear on the Dec. 31 cover. In the end, Phelps beat out a future Hall of Fame quarterback (Peyton Manning), an all-around Olympic gold medal gymnast (Gabby Douglas) and a Jamaican sprinter widely regarded as the fastest person ever (Usain Bolt), who were among 15 iconic moments that fans could choose from. Below is a list of the top five first-place vote getters:

Top 5 Moments:

1. Phelps Caps a Storied Career — 21%

2. Gabby Strikes Gold — 19%

3. Peyton Manning Returns — 12%

4. Bolt Races into History — 12%

5. The San Francisco Giants Reign in the Rain — 8%

At the London 2012 Summer Olympics, Phelps won gold in the 100-meter butterfly, 200-meter medley and was on the winning 400-meter medley and 800-meter freestyle relay teams. He was also earned silver in the 200-meter butterfly and 400-meter freestyle relay. He finished his unprecedented career as the most decorated Olympian of all time — capturing a record 18 golds and 22 overall medals in three Olympics.

2012 Inspiring Performers

Gary Smith highlights R.A. Dickey and Kayla Harrison, two bright spots in the dark history of child sexual abuse; Linsanity may be over but Albert Chen writes the war over Jeremy Lin has just begun; S.L. Price says Giants quarterback Eli Manning has forced us to rethink what we expect in a star; forty years after Title IX, American women proved in London that equal opportunity pays off on the podium

(NEW YORK – Dec.12, 2012) – Some athletes wow us with their sheer physical brilliance, others through displays of courage, poise and passion, or by their willingness to push limits, break barriers and hoist fans’ hopes on their shoulders. This week’s Sports Illustrated celebrates those special stars—the inspiring performers who made 2012 a sports year to remember.

For their refusal to be silent victims of sexual abuse, two of those performers, New York Mets knuckleballer and 2012 National League Cy Young award winner R.A. Dickey and 2012 Olympic judo gold medalist Kayla Harrison are featured on the cover of this week’s Sports Illustrated. In a year when the Jerry Sandusky scandal at Penn State rocked the sports world, award-winning SI senior writer Gary Smith asks us to re-imagine, a century from now, looking back on the plague of sexual abuse and celebrating the courage of Dickey and Harrison, who shined a light on a dark history.

Both were abused as children—Dickey by a babysitter and a stranger, Harrison by her judo coach—and the pain of abuse became part of who they were. Smith describes the torture Dickey and Harrison had to endure en route to breaking their silence, and how they support victims who now have the courage to tell their own stories.

“My heart broke for those boys in the Penn State scandal because I knew what they would be up against,”Dickey would say. “And then … I felt for Jerry Sandusky because of what happened to him in his life. The toxicity of it all is so frightening. It energized me, made me see that there’s a real need for activism. The taboo’s been breached. Finally the elephant in the room is out—it’s raising its trunk and bellowing” (page 66).

Click here to download a .jpg of this week’s cover.

For additional coverage on this piece, click here.

THE POLITICIZATION OF JEREMY LIN – ALBERT CHEN

Overnight, the winner of Sports Illustrated’s Most Inspiring Performer contest, became many things to many people: the Savior of the Knicks, a basketball hero in a city starved for one; a Harvard Man who glamorized Ivy League hoops; a Man of Faith, a devout Christian and the NBA’s answer to Tim Tebow; an Inspiring Underdog who gave home to against-all-odds ballers everywhere; an Asian-American Trailblazer who shattered math-science nerd stereotypes.

Born and raised in American suburbs, and of Chinese and Taiwanese descent, Lin is aware that China and Taiwan both want to call him their own, but he tries to avoid getting involved. His goal is to make all those who lay claim to him proud. “There will always be a battle over him, but I don’t think it matters what color you are or what country you’re from—I think he’s a role model for all Asians, and for everyone who’s suffered stereotypes,” says Jessica Kung, a reporter for Chinese television station CCTV who has covered Lin since he played at Harvard. “I think he will get to a point where his story is beyond race—where he transcends it” (page 48).

For additional coverage on this piece, click here.

THE BIG EASY – S.L. PRICE

The Redskins and the Cowboys are surging in the NFC East, and Peyton has come back from oblivion to fashion one of his typically flawless campaigns in Denver, but analysts are mapping ways the Giants could miss the playoffs entirely. In other words, Eli Manning has ’em all right where he wants ’em. Life just feels better when it’s played like an endless two-minute drill.

Call him a handhog hero, a sad-sack Superman, kid brother to a legend—but would you bet against Eli Manning when it’s all on the line in February? The MVP of two Super Bowls, a scion of football’s first family and the ultimate gamer, S.L. Price writes that the Giants’ quarterback, who plays with an air of simplicity and calm, has forced us to rethink what we expect in a star. “Every day the fans call in and ask, ‘What the hell’s the matter with Eli?’” says Boomer Esiason, talk-show host on New York’s WFAN radio station and former Jets QB. “And I say, ‘There’s nothing the matter with Eli. That’s who he is.’ He’s better suited for this than any of us idiots are” (page 37).

For additional coverage on this piece, click here.

THE YEAR OF THE WOMEN

On the 40^th anniversary of Title IX, female U.S. Olympians demonstrated in powerful and unmistakable terms how equal access to resources and equal opportunities to compete can pay off on the podium. For the first time women outnumbered men on the U.S. Olympic team, and their 29 gold medals in London accounted for two thirds of those won by the U.S. Brian Cazeneuve, Sarah Kwak, Grant Wahl, Melissa Segura, Phil Taylor, Chris Mannix, Kelli Anderson and L. Jon Wertheim look at the distinct characteristics the American women showed us—in performances ranging from the uplifting to the downright dominant—over the course of two historic weeks in London.

Gymnastics Team – Fierceness – Oozing flair, grace and poise, the Fierce Five led from the first rotation of the team finals and won the first Olympic team title for U.S. gymnasts since 1996.

Kim Rhode, shooting – Longevity – Rhode became the first American to win an individual medal in five straight Olympic games with her gold in skeet shooting.

Claressa Shields, boxing – Focus – After the American men struggled in their London matches, Claressa Shields showed maturity beyond her 17 years, blocking out distractions during the games, winning middleweight gold and staving off the first shutout of U.S. boxing at an Olympics.

Swim Team – Unity – If there was a defining characteristic of the women’s swim team in London, it was a spirit of sororal fun and connection, fostered in part by Teri McKeever, the U.S. women’s first female head coach.

Serena Williams, tennis – Dominance – On her way to gold in London, Williams swept aside the three players most recently ranked No.1, perhaps the most impressive showing of her career.

Women’s Soccer Team – Resilience – The U.S. team proved its mettle in an epic Olympic semifinal win over Canada, in which Megan Rapinoe keyed the comeback by scoring two goals.

Brenda Villa, water polo – Persistence – After her three previous trips to the Olympics ended with silver (twice) and bronze, Villa finally stood atop the medal stand in London.

Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings, Beach Volleyball – Wisdom – The dynamic duo knew everything there was to know about becoming an Olympic champion, and there wasn’t a situation on the sand that they hadn’t seen.

Women’s Basketball Team – Consistency – The U.S. women’s hoops team’s winning legacy has been gold or bust for the past 16 years.

For additional coverage on this piece, click here.

 THIS WEEK’S FACES IN THE CROWD

• Taylor Garcia (Holland, Mich./Holland High) – Swimming
• Logan Stieber (Monroeville, Ohio/Ohio State) – Wrestling
• T.J. Logan (Greensboro, N.C./Northern Guilford High) – Football
• Hannah Oneda (Westminster, Md./Johns Hopkins) – Cross-country
• Zach Veach (Stockdale, Ohio/K12 online school) – Auto Racing
• Madeline Kennedy and Katrina Berry (Minneapolis and Salt Lake City/University of Hawaii) – Sailing

To submit a candidate for Faces in the Crowd, go to SI.com/faces. Follow on Twitter @SI_Faces.

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