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In a move that’s sure to make Mike Bianchi happy, Sports Illustrated is trying to do what the NCAA wouldn’t and what the SEC couldn’t do: Stop Cam Newton.

Instead of relying on collegiate-level defenses and the sheer hypocrisy of the NCAA — Enes Kanter says “hi” to the Cam Newton ruling — SI turned to their tried-and-true method, the SI cover jinx.

Newton graces their latest cover, and it’s pretty clear, at least to me, SI is doing it because they have money on Oregon winning and putting Newton on the cover is the only way they can conceive of stopping him. I mean, you can almost see Phil Knight’s fingerprints all over this, and I’m sure the discussion went something like:

“Hey, you guys want some free Air Jordans? Put Cammy-Cam on the cover. I warn you, however: if my Ducks don’t win, I’m buying the company.”

Apparently, the folks at Sports Illustrated are tired of the Boston Celtics’ surprising playoff run, and have decided to take matters into their own hands: Put the Celtics best playoff player on the cover. Welcome to the SI Jinx, Rajon Rondo. Judging by last night’s less-than-stellar performance (9 points [3-10 from the field], 8 assists), SI’s considerable influence may have already kicked in.

Game 5 and 6 (if necessary) will tell the entire whole story, but after last night, Celtics fans have to be a little concerned.

H/t to KSR for the find.

Apparently, Sports Illustrated has had enough of this John Wall nonsense and has decided to do something about it: Jinx Wall and his team by putting him on the cover of this week’s issue. While the cover image looks great, we all know how this will probably turn out: With Wall slowed by some nagging injury that reduces his effectiveness by just the right amount. Anyway, here’s SI’s contribution to the John Wall craze:

Surely you’ve learned not to question the validity of the SI jinx by now. Its record is hard to dispute.

H/t to KentuckySportsRadio for the find.

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Apparently, the guys at Sports Illustrated have had enough of this “I am fine now, but there were a couple of times in the off-season…” talk and wanted to put their stamp on Campbell’s upcoming season — not to mention, they’ve added a little bit of pressure, provided he survives the SI cover jinx. “[Campbell] might be under the harshest spotlight of any NFL player as training camps open across the country.” Add that to all the “fan support” he’s been receiving, and one starts to wonder why Campbell didn’t push even harder for a trade.

And then you have Clinton Portis and his non-gay blond/courtesy of Sisqo dye job. Looks like good times are indeed coming for Redskins fans.

H/t to Mister Irrelevant for the find.

Houston Nutt says “Damn your cover jinx, SI!!! It’s Ole Miss time!!!” Or, it could’ve went down something like this.

Find out after the jump >>

Last week, I did a post discussing Zack Greinke’s appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated, and how that designation could jinx what is looking like a promising season for the Kansas City Royals. The thought was either Greinke or the Royals as a team would experience some kind of fall off now that the sporting world knows about them. Fortunately for the Royals, Zack Greinke — who is living up to that “best pitcher in baseball” hype — is laughing at such a suggestion.

More on Greinke’s torrid start after the jump >>

Well, that was fun while it lasted. Thanks to Sports Illustrated, a promising season for the Kansas City Royals, led by the unable-to-score-on Zack Greinke, looks like it might be coming to an end. What would cause such an early season collapse after a respectable 10-9 start? Injuries? Bad hitting? Bad pitching? Bad managerial moves? Nope, none of that. The culprit can be found on the upcoming SI cover, featuring the Royals’ ace, Greinke (I know Gil Meche is the Opening Day pitcher, but Greinke has been just nasty, something his 0.00 ERA — after four starts — suggests).

I suppose the silver lining is if the Royals — and Greinke — do go in the tank this summer, they now have something to place the blame on: Sports Illustrated and the cover jinx. Yes, it’s an age-old, built-in excuse, but it’s hard to argue with history.

So there you go, Royals fans — and there should be more of you now, supporting your young team that shows signs of competing in the AL Central for the whole season — if the bottom falls out on this promising season, or worse, Greinke gets injured, you know who to blame.

H/t to Joe Posnanski for the find.

Our last SI feature of the day is Daniella Sarahyba, another Brazilian who looks absolutely stunning, especially that megawatt smile of hers. According to her personal information, Daniella started swimsuit modeling when she was 12, count ‘em, TWELVE years old. Apparently, the term “they start them early down there” was meant for Brazil’s modeling industry. Now that she’s safely legal, I have no problem enjoying everything Daniella brings to the table. From what I understand, she too likes guys named “Chris Richardson,” helping her get this coveted spot even more.

Could you imagine what Rio’s Carnival would be like if she was on your arm? As long as you can handle everybody in the place looking at who you arrived with, it’d all be gravy. Just make sure to leave your insecurities at home because a woman like Daniella would surely test them.

More Daniella after the jump >>