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).