CONTENTS

A Walk on the Sordid Side 10
The trial in the $2 million Atkinson slander suit was a lurid match that did nothing to improve the image of pro football
by William Oscar Johnson

Devil of a Time for the Angels 16
Although Gene Autry lavished millions on free agents, the green promise of spring has turned into a hellish summer
by Larry Keith

On Gossamer Wings 18
A wondrous aircraft run by pedals could win a long-standing $86,000 prize for man-powered flight
by Sam Moses

Running the Colorado 24
The river has stretches of serenity, but taking on the rapids is like riding a spray-whipped roller coaster
Photographs by John Blaustein

Million-Dollar Heist 30
A mare in foal to Secretariat was stolen, and the mood at Kentucky's Claiborne Farm turned bluer than the grass
by Mike DelNagro

Pursuing Papa's Marlin 54
It is hardly the same Cuba he knew, but at a fishing tournament named in his honor, Hemingway's spirit lives on
by Robert F. Jones

The Departments

Scorecard 6
Baseball's Week 38
TV/Radio 42
Golf 45
Nature 48
Boating 50
For the Record 65
19th Hole 66

Credits on page 65

Cover photograph by John Blaustein

Next Week

The birds of Baltimore were supposed to fly low, very low, this season but fiery Manager Earl Weaver now has the patchwork Orioles battling the rich Red Sox and the richer Yankees for first place. Larry Keith pays a visit to the aviary.

For his next act durable middleweight champion Carlos Monzon plans to become a movie star, but first he must risk his profile and title against challenger Rodrigo Valdes in a rematch in Monte Carlo. Pat Putnam reports from ringside.