In 55 wide-ranging lists, TIME surveys the highs and lows, the good and the bad of the past 12 months
LeBron James Named Sports Illustrated’s 2012 Sportsman of the Year
Even in an Olympic year, SI says LeBron James stands head and shoulders above the rest.
Better to Be Luck(y) than Good? Andrew Luck and the Colts Continue to Roll
Lucky and Good. Even though Robert Griffin III seems a lock to win rookie of the year, it may well be that the guy making the headlines in the post-season is the only player taken higher in the draft. Andrew Luck led his …
Keeping ScoreFootball
How the Kansas City Chiefs, and the NFL, Are Coping with Tragedy
Jovon Belcher allegedly murdered his girlfriend, before taking his own life in front of his coach and general manager. The tragedy is shaking the NFL.
Why Soccer Threatens the NHL
For years, the NHL has been the “fourth” pro sports league in the U.S. But as the hockey lockout continues, Major League Soccer may take its place
Why Liverpool Fans Are Loving Chelsea’s New Coach
Chelsea’s upheaval gives Liverpool great pleasure
Keeping ScoreBaseball
Wait, Who’s That Guy on the Hall of Fame Ballot?
Players like Todd Walker, Jeff Cirillo, and Woody Williams have no chance to make the Hall of Fame. So why in the world are they on the ballot?
Examining the 49ers Quarterback Controversy
Alex Smith is losing his starting spot to challenger Colin Kaepernick, and he may never get it back.
Jim Bunning Remembers Marvin Miller, Baseball’s ‘Moses’
Marvin Miller, a labor leader whose 16-year tenure as executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association led to the introduction of free agency and a revolution in professional sports, died of liver cancer …
Lobo Knows: Meet India’s Star Football — Yes, American Football — Player, Roshan Lobo
India’s fledgling Amercian football league lost some players to government jobs. But Roshan Lobo — who one coach compared to Bo Jackson — wants to keep winning.
Keeping ScoreBaseball
Remembering Marvin Miller, Father of Free Agency
The baseball union leader, who died on Tuesday, at 95, is one of the most influential figures in all of sports
Keeping ScoreCollege Sports
Should College Athletes Major in Sports?
One professor proposes that schools design an academic curriculum centered on sports, complete with credits for showing up to practice. Why the idea has merit
Keeping ScoreCollege Sports
How Notre Dame Has Lifted College Football
Led by Manti T’eo, a Heisman candidate at linebacker, the Fighting Irish have flourished