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ESPN The Magazine Unveils Body Issue Showcasing Wide Range Of Athlete Physiques

ESPN The Magazine "unveiled six covers this week" for the '15 Body Issue, and the juxtaposition of Nationals RF Bryce Harper and track & field athlete Amanda Bingson "is the sort of contrast the continues to make the edition interesting," according to Ed Graney of the LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL. While Harper's "ripped torso" is what many "have come to expect from the Body Issue, the shots of Bingson humanize things." Bingson, who competes in the hammer throw from 210 to 215 pounds, said of her physique, "I embrace it. I love myself." Graney writes this is "the most important message any Body Issue can impart" (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 7/8). But in Miami, Greg Cote wrote there is a sense of "comically outsized narcissism reflected" in the Body Issue. Athletes are "famous for proudly taking care of their bods." But Cote asked, "Famous athletes don't get enough figurative exposure so they need the literal kind, too?" It is "funny how the line has blurred," as a top female athlete posing in Playboy "would be lambasted for exploiting her sexuality and setting a bad example for young girls." But that same athlete "going au naturale for ESPN is celebrated for being proud of her body." It is also "funny ... how ESPN fires a preemptive strike against any criticism that they are promoting only the perfect image of perfect bodies" with the "annual token inclusion of imperfect bodies" (MIAMIHERALD.com, 7/7).

DRAWING THE LINE: In Toledo, David Briggs noted Colts G Jack Mewhort (6'6", 312 lbs.), OT Anthony Castonzo (6'7", 311 lbs.) and G Todd Herremans (6'6", 323 lbs.) "appear in the buff" in the Body Issue. Mewhort said that the chance to "unveil his ... physique" is a "once-in-a-lifetime experience." Mewhort: "You can’t really pass on something like this. The coolest thing is that it's different. I think we’ll give people a different perspective on how athletes’ bodies are used." Briggs noted the idea of this year's Body Issue is to "show that the best athletes in the world come in all sizes." Mewhort, Castonzo, and Herremans "are the first NFL offensive linemen the issue -- now in its seventh year -- has showcased." Mewhort: "It’s going to be different than anything they’ve ever done before." Also included in this year's Body Issue are Cavaliers F Kevin Love, NFL Giants WR Odell Beckham, Jr., swimmer Natalie Coughlin, gymnast Aly Raisman and WNBA Mercury C Brittney Griner (Toledo BLADE, 7/6).

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