Reilly leaves SI

  • John Sleeper
  • Monday, October 22, 2007 12:02pm
  • Life

Just saw the report that longtome Sports Illustrated back-cover columnist Rick Reilly is leaving the magazine to join ESPN The Magazine. It’s been rumored for a while, but confirmed only today.

I don’t know how I feel about this. At his best, Reilly replaced Jim Murray as the king of the one-liners. He was hysterical. Consistently great columns. Great books, like “Who’s Your Caddy?”

But it’s been years since he was at his best. Oh, you could count on him for the occasional prize-winner, but I’ve sensed a steady decline in the quality of his work in the last few years. I’m not alone in that regard, either.

So between him and Steve Rushin leaving a couple of years ago, I’m finding it increasingly difficult to continue my subscription, which I’ve had since my parents started it when I was 11 or 12. I used to read it cover to cover. I just don’t anymore.

No, I won’t apply to replace Reilly. Nyuk, nyuk, nyuk.

The times I’ve read ESPN The Magazine, I’ve gotten sensory overload. It’s just really, really busy and I’ve had to put it down. It has some great writers, but I never felt that it reached the level SI did. It’s flashy and it’s out there. Maybe that’s good.

Do any of you feel the same? I’m curious. Shoot me an e-mail.

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