Here's why:
* Correlation does not equal causation: Just because an athlete appears on the cover and then experiences a decline in performance, doesn't mean the cover caused it. There are countless factors that could contribute to a change in performance, such as injuries, fatigue, age, competition, and simply natural fluctuations in form.
* Selection bias: Athletes on the cover of Sports Illustrated are usually at the peak of their performance, making them more likely to experience a decline simply due to the nature of sports and the fact that it's impossible to maintain peak performance forever.
* Confirmation bias: People tend to remember and focus on instances that confirm their beliefs, while ignoring instances that disprove them. This leads to an exaggerated perception of the curse.
Despite the lack of evidence, the "Sports Illustrated Curse" remains a popular topic of discussion among sports fans, adding a fun element to the game. Ultimately, it's important to remember that it's just a superstition and not a real phenomenon.