CONTENTS

12
WHY IS THIS MAN SMILING?
Eric Dickerson's grin is just one subject to ponder as the opening of the NFL season approaches
BY PETER KING

18
THE WILD WEST SHOW
The American League West has become the scene of the fiercest divisional shootout in recent years
BY TIM KURKJIAN

22
RISING TO THE OCCASION
After years of preparation, Cuba had reason to be proud as the 11th Pan American Games began in Havana
BY ALEXANDER WOLFF

THE BLACK ATHLETE REVISITED

26
A DAUNTING PROPOSITION
A year as a Prop 48 athlete is humbling, but Memphis State's Anfernee Hardaway has made the grade
BY RALPH WILEY

46
EXPLOITATION OR OPPORTUNITY?
USC is asking itself whether it has fulfilled its promise to help African-American athletes succeed in the classroom
BY PHIL TAYLOR and SHELLEY SMITH

52
CULTURE SHOCK IN DIXIELAND
During the last two decades, blacks have come to dominate the once lily-white Southeastern Conference
BY WILLIAM F. REED

60
THE EYE OF THE STORM
The lives of the U.S. track and field stars who protested racism at the 1968 Olympics were changed forever
BY KENNY MOORE

DEPARTMENTS

4
LETTERS

7
SCORECARD

56
BASEBALL

75
FOR THE RECORD

77
POINT AFTER

COVER PHOTOGRAPH BY HEINZ KLUETMEIER

PHOTO

DAVID WALBERG

Whoa, Bo!: Bo Jackson has made considerable strides since injuring his hip in January, so it's no stretch to say that he might suit up for the White Sox in time to help them try to win the rugged American League West (page 18). Does Bo know if he'll play football this season? Find out on page 16.