Most sports fans complain about this time of year. The NFL season is over, spring training games are still a few weeks away, NBA and NHL games are, well, meaningless. Take 5 is here to tell you this is one of the best times of year for sports fans -- the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue hits newsstands this week. Staff writer Eric Breier has five reasons it's a fan's best bet this time of year.

5. Chargers

You would rather read about another Chargers assistant coach jumping ship?

4. Pro Bowl

Every February, the NFL flies a bunch of players over to Hawaii, has them play what amounts to two-hand touch, puts it on national television and calls it a sporting event. You're telling us that's more legit than the swimsuit issue?

3. Fashion

Let's face it, the swimsuit issue has long gotten a bad rap for showing scantily clad women frolicking in the sand (among other places). It's not the models people are interested in, it's that scanty attire. It's all about the couture. Really.

2. Mrs. Take 5

Even Mrs. Take 5 enjoys taking a gander at the swimsuit issue. She just can't imagine anybody actually taking a swim in any of those suits. Take 5 can.

1. Golden years

Some might compare the swimsuit issue to the NBA slam dunk contest -- something long past its prime. But this issue has history. Christie Brinkley and Kathy Ireland were the Magic and Bird of the issue. Elle MacPherson was clearly Michael Jordan, the difference being that Elle could come out of retirement and still dominate.