Recommended reading: Esquire profile on Todd Marinovich

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Esquire magazine’s subhead, ‘Man at his best,’ is wildly inappropriate for one of the features in this month’s issue.

A 10-page profile on former USC and NFL quarterback Todd Marinovich might be the most comprehensive look at one of the most tragic tales in sports. Even for the non-sports fan, it’s a gripping story with fine writing by award-winning journalist Mike Sager.

There is no surprise ending. Marinovich took prep star hype to new heights, only to see his entire life crash down in a relentless pattern of drug abuse and arrests. Sager chronicles the dizzying series of events, with lots of colorful -- and occasionally crass -- anecdotes. Marinovich seems very candid throughout the piece.

One of the biggest gut-checks comes from looking at a photo of Marinovich in uniform, on heroin. You would have never known his condition without a caption. His on-field performance wasn’t always a good indicator. A David Wells or Anthony Kim hangover is kid stuff by comparison.

It appears the monthly magazine did a good job of updating the story around press time, including a recent relapse in February. But since the issue hit newsstands, Marinovich has found his way back into jail on a possible probation violation. He will remain behind bars until a hearing later this month, and potentially much longer.

Pick up a copy of the May 2009 issue. George Clooney is on the cover.

-- Adam Rose

Photo: Former USC and NFL quarterback Todd Marinovich in 2001. Credit: Los Angeles Times.