Includes bibliographical references.

Author's note: Brief thougths on the use of the word "fanifesto" in the title -- Introduction: Autographs, clich�es, and the summer of my discontent -- It's hard to say I'm sorry: sin, confession, and the jock apology -- Wilder at heart: steroids, HGH, and building the bigger athlete -- Honesty (authenticity) and sports: why I love Mike Tyson and Ricky Williams and you should too -- Dishonesty and sports: Nick Saban, Jason Kidd, and letting your yes be yes -- What might have been: Tony Dungy and games of inches -- Is this all there is?: Tom Brady and the mixed blessings of blessing -- Pride and the mixed blessing of curses: the incredible bulk (bust): Tony Mandarich -- A reflection: when bad fantasy teams happen to good people ; An aside on David Mame and mixed martial arts -- Sports and film: on man's need to have friends and feel heroic -- Sports and sexuality: why the NFL scouting combine and Viagra commercials make me feel like a piece of meat -- Sports and humility: why I love Muhammad Ali (but why he also may have ruined sports) -- Black like me: sports--one place wehre racial reconciliation doesn't feel awkward or forced -- Epilogue: a town, a tornado, and a team -- Acknowledgments