Steve Rushin leaving Sports Illustrated

Steve Rushin is ending his 19-year run at Sports Illustrated. He will be missed. At least two other SI writers have been reportedly been let go. These departures appear to be part of a larger trend by SI to rid itself of much of its breathable "Air and Space" and turn the magazine over to a higher power: swimsuit models.

Of course, a picture of a scantily clad woman tells a 1000 words. By that word count, Rick Reilly better up his game.

I don't have a problem with magazines that show (tasteful) photos of beautiful woman, but leave it to the pros (Maxim, FHM, etc.). Sports Illustrated is Axe-ing readers to accept bread and circus over good writing. No subtlety here: "Spray more. Get more."

So goodbye Steve Rushin. Get ready for more Jenn Sterger. The title "Air and Space" remains appropriate, although now good writing will be replaced by gobs of silicon.

 

Additional reading
NBCSports.com's John Walters fond farewell to Rushin
Chicago Tribune's Teddy Greenstein on Rushin

2/26 UPDATE: The Big Lead's post mortem on Rushin and SI

Comments

[Willie]

We're not long from the argument, Seriously, I read Sports Illustrated for the articles.

[twins15]

What a joke. I'd take Rushin over Reilly anyday of the week.

[andy fine]

Sad. Steve Rushin is so clever and literate.I still enjoy SI, but it has become the People magazine of sports gossip rather than of real or investigative stories.Articles on pseudo-sports like poker,horseracing,x-games I could do without too.

[TC]

"Leave it to the pros"? SI has been doing its swimsuit issue for 43 years.....long before Maxim was even the glint in the eye of some coked up Maxim stooge. I'll throw Maxim away....but SI stays in the building.....SI swimsuit issues are keepers....