
CONTENTS
16
ROLLING A 7
That's 7, as in $7.1 million, the record new annual salary for the Chicago Cubs' second baseman, Ryne Sandberg
BY TIM KURKJIAN
22
THE BIG CHILL BY THE BAY
An aborted plan to rehire Bill Walsh hasn't been the only dose of cold reality to jolt the 49ers this off-season
BY PETER KING
30
ROCK CHALK SOLID
Kansas's victory over Missouri showed that in the mighty Big Eight the starless Jayhawks are, unexpectedly, the mightiest
BY WILLIAM F. REED
36
HAPPY TRIALS TO YOU
For some swimmers, the U.S. Olympic Trials ended in glory and relief: They made the team that will go to Barcelona
BY LEIGH MONTVILLE
44
SUDDEN IMPACT
That's exactly what Mark Messier had on the New York Rangers, who are anticipating nothing less than a banner year
BY LEIGH MONTVILLE
50
KING OF SWING
Fred Couples, the hottest player on the PGA Tour, has precious little to say, but his deft stroke speaks volumes
BY RICK REILLY
62
BLUE ANGEL
Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski's divine spirit and working-class ethics have forged an exemplary college basketball program
BY ALEXANDER WOLFF
DEPARTMENTS
4
LETTERS
9
SCORECARD
54
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
58
PRO BASKETBALL
77
FOR THE RECORD
80
POINT AFTER
COVER PHOTOGRAPH BY V.J. LOVERO
PHOTO
HEINZ KLUETMEIER
An Olympic Overture
Royce Sharp was just one of the U.S. swimmers who got off to a fast start on the road to Barcelona. Two world records and four American marks, including Sharp's 1:58.66 in the 200-meter backstroke, were set at the trials for the Summer Games (page 36).