The 2014 SI Sportsman of the Year

Yeah, I like the Popovich idea because of his accomplishments from both a one-year and lifetime perspective -- though I wonder if the fact that he often comes across as an irascible jerk would be a consideration.

 

One thing I have noted about the history of this award is that SI has a tendency to pass over deserving winners who it believes will continue to be equally deserving in subsequent years. I'm sure that's why McIlroy didn't get it (as a story, a golfer actually replacing Tiger Woods as golf's main attraction is a big one). That's probably why Jimmie Johnson didn't get it during his Cup streak. But sometimes this screws guys for whom the clock runs out. They never picked Federer or Nadal, and now probably they never will.

 

Great points Michael. Would add Adrian Peterson to your list

 

I don't mind putting certain individuals in their place when I think it's merited. Make fun of people at times. Not sure that's "trolling." To a lot of people, disagreement means trolling. Most of them are on Twitter, and cannot produce or understand nuance in 140 characters.

Manky is absolutely an act.

And he is hilarious.

This is probably the greatest post in the history of Michael Gee as a poster here.

 

Will #ChevyGuy return and present the keys to another Chevy for winning this award? That new Corvette Z06 has really impressive #TechnologyAndStuff, you know.

 

I doubt anyone held Popovich's personality against him. He's the good kind of irascible--entertaining and bluntly honest rather than annoying. And when the targets of your irascibility are David Stern, Joey Crawford and ESPN sideline interviewers posing inane mid-game questions ...well, fine by me.

 

It wouldn't sell magazines but Meb Keflezighi would have been a nice choice.

 

Popovich would have been a good choice. Although Tim Duncan has already won the Sportsman of the Year.

If we are not going to allow repeat winners, Roger Goodell would be my choice.

 

Absolutely. Pop is absolutely great in my pre- and post-game experiences as long as the questions are good.

 

But what about the risk of Pop saying he needed rest and sending an assistant coach to receive the award?