SI.com's 10 most popular stories from the week ending Aug. 22
Here is a roundup of SI.com's 10 most popular stories this week. Be sure to read to the bottom for a bonus story from the SI Vault.
Football in Ferguson
David E. Klutho/SI
Amid the turmoil tearing through the Missouri town, a high school coach helps his players make sense of the madness around them. By Robert Klemko.
Out of power
“It’s a lot easier being a drug dealer than an AAU coach,” Curtis Malone said. How Malone - D.C.'s most prominent AAU leader - landed in jail. By Pete Thamel.
The emergence of Alex Gordon
Hannah Foslien/Getty Images
The Royals leftfielder last ate ice cream in 2011. He fields batting practice like it's a live game. How a former top pick struggling as a third baseman turned into a dark-horse MVP candidate. By Ben Reiter.
Michigan's man?
Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Brady Hoke says his Michigan program has laid the foundation for success. But after a 7-6 season, the coach has little margin for error. By Michael Rosenberg.
Roger Federer Q&A
Jonathan Moore/Getty Images
The U.S. Open starts Monday, and Federer, now 33, is one of the tournament favorites. He sat down with Sports Illustrated and discussed his historic career: "I never thought it would be like this." By Jon Wertheim.
Kobe Bryant's Twilight Saga
Robert Beck/SI
For even the most competitive athlete, the transition game is never easy. So what drives Kobe Bryant at age 36, as he comes off serious injury and prepares for his 19th NBA season — and all that lies beyond?By Chris Ballard.
The story of Mo'ne
Al Tielemans/SI
How Mo'ne Davis - the dominant 13-year-old pitcher who landed on the cover of this week's Sports Illustrated - and her teammates captured national fame at the Little League World Series. By Albert Chen.
The franchise backup
Al Tielemans/SI
His first NFL coach laments unrealized potential. His current ones question his drive. At 34, Michael Vick appears content watching from the Jets’ sideline and taking what he calls "a step back away from the game." By Jenny Vrentas.
The next commissioner
Steve Ruark/AP
Rob Manfred was named Major League Baseball's 10th commissioner last week. In his first exclusive interview as commissioner-elect, Manfred spoke to SI.com about the challenges he'll face. By Tom Verducci.
What Lance Armstrong regrets
Lynn Johnson/SI
Dan Patrick talked with Armstrong about his career. Could he have won without doping? "Not in that era. It was an arms race at the time."
SI Vault Bonus: The Ring Leader
John G. Zimmerman/SI
This story - one of 60 iconic stories being republished, in full, in honor of Sports Illustrated's 60th anniversary - tells how Bill Russell helped the Celtics rule their sport like no team ever has. By Frank Deford.
