Every conspiracy theory revolves around a simple tenet: Nothing is ever quite as it seems. Yes, the truth is out there. You just have to know where to look.

The Mag’s first-ever Conspiracy issue steers head on into a vast array of topics including “The whistleblower’s last stand,” a profile on Mike McQueary, the former Penn State assistant football coach.  Some see him as a hero who brought down a monster, while others see a liar who railroaded a legend. The Mag’s Don Van Natta Jr. takes readers inside the world of McQueary in advance of the upcoming criminal trial that will close the book on the Jerry Sandusky scandal. Joe Paterno’s former protégé will have the last word. The Mag also features a story by Shaun Assael, who delves into point shaving at the University of San Diego in “Portrait of a point shaver.” He writes,  to Brandon Johnson, it seemed harmless enough to help rebuild the school’s hoops program – until the FBI got involved.

Also in this issue is a story entitled “I hope they go 0-162” featuring new Detroit Tiger Ian Kinsler, noted as the overlooked guy in baseball’s biggest offseason trade.  After eight years as a key cog in Texas, he was dealt in a blockbuster trade to Detroit. With his sights set on a new beginning in the Motor City, Kinsler is still not okay with how it all went down.

Conspiracy Issue Features:

No such thing as a bad conspiracy

Why does the NBA ignite more conspiracy theories than any other U.S. sport? It’s not always easy to separate the crazy from the implausible. By Pablo S. Torre

This is the way the case crumbles

With no eyewitnesses, no murder weapon and no motive, Aaron Hernandez could very well walk away from murder charges a free man. By L. Christopher Smith

The greatest sports conspiracy in the history of the universe

It took five brackets and more than 8,000 votes, but SportsNation has finally spoken on the one conspiracy theory that trumps it all. By Ty Wenger and LaRue Cook

#Beliebitornot

No, Blake Griffin didn’t actually slap Justin Bieber (at least not to The Mag’s knowledge). But everyone wishes he did. And that’s all that matters.  By Sam Alipour

Additional Conspiracy Issue Highlights:

• CBB: The Mag’s  Peter Keating and Jordan Brenner write that every March, a few Cinderellas light up the tournament — and shred your bracket. But thanks to their Giant Killers  model, this year you’ll see them coming.
• NBA: Scouts share their thoughts on Bucks rookie Giannis Antetokounmpo, also known as the “Greek Freak,” who is often compared to Kevin Durant in body type and skill set.
• Soccer: An inside look at the goal-line technology that will leave nothing to chance, making its debut at the 2014 World Cup.

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Media Contact: Carrie Kreiswirth – 860-766-6042