New York, NY, November 12, 2003 - This week's SPORTS ILLUSTRATED features sports in the state of Washington, as a part of the 50 state-specific sections that are being published in the magazine in conjunction with SI's yearlong 50th anniversary celebration.

Identifying rowing as an event unique to the state, the six-page feature also includes an accompanying essay by former Washington State quarterback Drew Bledsoe, plus a wide range of facts, figures and photographs highlighting the most memorable moments and personalities that have shaped the Evergreen State's sports landscape.

The Washington edition hits newsstands beginning today Wednesday, November 12, 2003 . Newsstand copies in Washington feature a cover-flap identifying the special Washington section.

Highlights from the special section include:

• "Vintage Rivalry," in which former Washington State quarterback Drew Bledsoe explains why he savored his showdowns with the Washington Huskies.
  

• "Water World," in which SI scribe Grant Wahl takes a look at the 100-year history of rowing in the state of Washington. From the 1949 men's team to the 2002 women's team, the University of Washington has won 77 national titles.
  

• The Poll: Washington state residents weigh in on sports in a Harris Interactive poll that found these results:
  
  o Favorite major league baseball team..................Seattle Mariners(75%)
  o Favorite NFL team..................Seattle Seahawks (42%)
  o State's biggest rival..................California (51%)
  o Favorite announcer..................Dave Niehaus (36%)

• Enemy of the State: This is the price Alex Rodriguez pays for signing that $252 million dollar contract with the Texas Rangers in 2000 instead of staying with the Mariners. Rodriguez received 25% of the vote, beating out George Steinbrenner (18%) and Al Davis (8%) for Washington's biggest sports villain title. Washington's most hated opponents? New York Yankees (31%), Oakland Raiders (21%) and Oakland A's (10%).

• Greatest Moment - Editor's pick . The Seattle SuperSonics - after dropping the opening game of the1979 NBA Finals - Seattle swept the next four and became the only team from the state of Washington to win a major pro sports title.

SI's 50th Anniversary program, America's Sports Illustrated: 50 Years, 50 States, 50 Sports, is a wide-ranging multimedia platform that is the most ambitious initiative in the history of the franchise. The grassroots effort is a year long celebration of sports in America and will continue through July 2004, is a yearlong celebration of sports in America. It will include editorial coverage in the magazine and online, a community sports outreach campaign with YMCA of the USA and National Recreation and Park Association, as well as The Toyota Presents Sports Illustrated's 50th Anniversary Tour that is traveling to unique sports events in cities and towns throughout the country. SI's actual 50th anniversary date is August 16, 2004. Toyota is the presenting sponsor of the Tour; Best Buy , MassMutual Financial Group and Starter are program sponsors.

Contacts: Danny Ferrauiola/Edelman (212) 704-8299 Michelle Naughton/Edelman (212) 642-7796