SI: LeBron flak instead of sticking to journalistic standards?

Was Sports Illustrated practicing journalism or just getting in bed with superstar LeBron James by running his letter on its web site, rather than putting together a new story?

Did that make SI LeBron’s PR flak instead of a strong journalistic standard-setter?

To read the entire story, click on http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/12/sports/basketball/role-of-sports-illustrated-in-lebron-jamess-announcement-raises-journalistic-questions.html?_r=0