Vonn's SI Cover Causes a Stir

It looks like Sports Illustrated is publishing its 2010 Olympic preview with two different covers: one with skiing phenom Lindsey Vonn and a second with hockey star Sidney Crosby.

Vonn’s cover has become a hot topic of conversation. Sports psychologist Nicole LaVoi is taking a lot of heat after writing in her blog that Vonn’s tuck position is a sexualized pose. (Personally, I’ve seen a lot worse on SI’s swimsuit editions.) While I don’t think this is a sexualized pose, I do think it’s an unattractive one for a magazine cover, even if it is a downhill skiing position. And I speak as a magazine editor here. I’m sure the SI editors could have photographed Vonn in a way that better showcases her athleticism. But then, SI's job is to sell magazines. If the cover photo doesn't do that, at least the debate about it will.

On that note, I’m counting down the days to the start of the Vancouver Winter Games which begin next week. For two whole weeks, I plan to hibernate in the comfort of my living room watching the Games. The aforementioned SI and the Chicago Tribune has provided guides to watching the Olympic Games to help you become familiar with the top contenders in each event.

Enjoy, and may the best athletes win.

NHL’s Winter Classic Lives Up to Its Name

A fan’s sign at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo said it all. “Look Mom, No Roof.”

In a throwback to the old days, the NHL’s Winter Classic between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Buffalo Sabres was held outdoors in a rink built inside the stadium where the Buffalo Bills play. Hampered by the weather conditions, the game wasn’t exactly hockey at its greatest. The Penguins prevailed, defeating the Sabres 2-1 in a shootout on a goal by Sidney Crosby. But Crosby was not the only star of the show.

Amazingly, more than 71,000 hearty souls filled the seats to watch the game, a NHL record. The game lacked the speed and quickness most fans are used to seeing due to the sleet, snow and swirling winds. It was a nostalgic reminder of how hockey used to be played half a century ago.

The NHL took a big gamble by showing the game on New Year’s Day, when college bowl games dominate the TV landscape. I doubt that NBC, which broadcast the Winter Classic, will get high ratings. Regardless how it does in the ratings, those who tuned in saw a memorable game, one that is likely to prompt the NHL to repeat the Winter Classic in future years.