Who will be the most fascinating athlete of '14? Best journalism of 2013

• The New York Times' Year In Pictures.

Richard Deitsch | Dec 29, 2013

Who will be the most fascinating athlete of '14? Best journalism of 2013 /

LeBron James heightened his global influence in 2013 by winning his second consecutive NBA title. — LeBron James heightened his global influence in 2013 by winning his second consecutive NBA title :: Greg Nelson/SI

As long as he is NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell will be one of the most powerful people in sports. — As long as he is NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell will be one of the most powerful people in sports :: Elise Amendola/AP

Whether or not he enters the NFL draft, Johnny Manziel will be scrutinized by the media in 2014. — Whether or not he enters the NFL draft, Johnny Manziel will be scrutinized by the media in 2014 :: Scott Halleran/Getty Images

Rolling Stone's coverage of the Aaron Hernandez charges was one of the most compelling reads of 2013. — Rolling Stone's coverage of the Aaron Hernandez charges was one of the most compelling reads of 2013 :: Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

• The New York Times' Year In Pictures.

Published Dec 29, 2013

RICHARD DEITSCH

Richard Deitsch is a writer & editor for Sports Illustrated. He has worked at nearly every division of SI and now primarily covers sports media, women’s sports & the Olympics.