SI.com's 10 most popular stories from the week ending Sept. 4
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.
How Brady beat the NFL
U.S. District Judge Richard Berman sided with Brady after the NFL failed to show that it applied the collective bargaining agreement in a fair and consistent way. By Michael McCann.
Top 100 NBA players
From Giannis Antetokounmpo to LeBron James, our staff lists the best players in pro basketball. By SI NBA staff.
"Hollywood" Higgins follows own script to stardom
How Colorado State's junior Biletnikoff Award finalist and coveted NFL prospect Rashard Higgins overcame obstacles on his way to college.By Ben Glicksman.
A stunning smackdown for the NFL
Judge Richard Berman’s reversal of the Tom Brady suspension is nothing less than a scathing rebuke of Roger Goodell and the NFL—and yet another major legal loss for the league. By Andrew Brandt.
College football bowl projections
On the eve of the football season, SI predicted which teams would make the second College Football Playoff and how the rest of bowl season would play out. By Zac Ellis.
World soccer's best connected American
How an ex-MLS general manager who became the most connected American in European soccer. By Grant Wahl.
No Regular Joe
Joe Flacco has the best postseason winning percentage of any active quarterback not named Tom Brady, to go along with elite size and amr strength. So when will he recognized as one the NFL’s superstars? By Andy Benoit.
Staying Alive in September
Mets manager Terry Collins has another shot at reaching the postseason, but can he and New York avoid another September collapse? By Tom Verducci.
Let it Lei
The Seahawks recovered from a heartbreaking Super Bowl loss with a players only training camp in Hawaii this offseason. By Greg Bishop.
The Breakout Sophomore Formula
From a championship game hero (Duke's Grayson Allen) to a Greek big man (Wake Forest's Konstantinos "Dinos" Mitoglou), here are five sophomores poised to breakout. By Luke Winn.
SI Vault: Ali's Entourage
What happened to the men and women who had surrounded Ali when he was the greatest show on earth? By Gary Smith.