JULY 3, 1972

Vick's Rub

LETTERS

For an industry that produces free throws, free kicks, free drops, free agents, free safeties and freebasers--to say nothing of free spirits like World B. Free--sports gives us remarkably little...

With his hoops savvy and flair for the dramatic, Larry Brown is just the coach to bring the moribund Knicks back to life. What happens after that is anyone's guess

With the BALCO scandal behind him, a healthy Jason Giambi is slugging--and smiling--again

Announced

3

After finding himself, Ricky Williams finds himself back with the Dolphins

HIT

The 64-year-old is the subject of Pelé Eterno, which made its U.S. premiere at the Museum of Modern Art in July.

It's both saltier and safer, but the new Bad News Bears doesn't stray far from its roots

For a kid who first made his name by disrupting a New York City mayoral inauguration, Andrew Giuliani could be doing worse for himself. The 19-year-old, whose antics during his father Rudy's 1994...

Five teams were denied entry to Scotland for Homeless World Cup of soccer because they were too poor.

What to watch and watch for

Hayley Peirsol

At 17, hockey prodigy Sidney Crosby must measure up to lofty expectations

Who has the best fastball in the major leagues?

WHO'S Hot

Philly's Billy Wagner isn't built for speed, but he can bring the heat

Reds First Baseman

[This article contains a table. Please see hardcopy of magazine or PDF.]

Second baseman Rickie Weeks, 22, the Brewers' top pick in 2003, was called up on June 10 and has batted .270 with seven homers, helping Milwaukee move within seven games of the NL wild card....

Getting traded isn't easy. Take it from the tradees

Lance Armstrong added to his legacy as the greatest cyclist ever with his seventh straight victory in the Tour de France. What lies ahead for him--and his sport?

Now, for the cycling equivalent of filling Michael Jordan's shoes. These are the American riders most likely to succeed in future Tours.

Talented young backs abound in the NFL. That means that few teams want to invest anymore in a big-money, long-term contract for a top rusher. Even if it's Edgerrin James

After seeing how the Eagles do business, unhappy Terrell Owens says he'll report to camp on time

The new face of the franchise, Pedro Martinez, is making the Mets matter again in New York, and he's having fun doing it

The Mets have $282 million invested in free-agent signees on the current roster--Carlos Beltran, Mike Cameron, Cliff Floyd, Tom Glavine, Braden Looper, Pedro Martinez, Kaz Matsui and Steve...

• For daily Web-only galleries, go to SI.com/photos.

... ambitious? ... aggressive? ... asinine? Stephen A. Smith, the lightning-rod NBA commentator who now has his own show on ESPN, has been called much worse. But maybe all those haters--and there...

MIKE VEECK, the wizard of the minor leagues, has passed on his love of baseball and penchant for comic spectacle to his teenage daughter, REBECCA. She has taught him a few things too

The Week In Sports

Injured Jim Thome's extended absence opened the door for rookie slugger Ryan Howard. Will the Phils keep both?

Nick Swisher, RF, A's Oakland had won 26 of 32 games through Sunday, thanks to the rookie who had 10 home runs over that period.

National League West Every team had been outscored this season, and the Padres had lost seven straight--yet still led the division by 21/2 games.

MANNY'S MOOD SWINGS

When U.S. diver Laura Wilkinson (right) underwent surgery on her inflamed right wrist in January, it should have been a warning to other divers that the wounded tiger of the tower would be back...

Michael Phelps fizzled in his first event at the world championships but didn't waste any time bouncing back

Some people collect medieval torture devices. Others devote themselves to the study of plagues. Me, I just follow the Arizona Cardinals.

Birds and low-flying planes might want to watch out for a jump in air traffic in the Los Angeles area next week, when the 11th edition of the Summer X Games will take place at venues from Carson...

Lyn-z Adams Hawkins makes another great leap forward for female skaters

These are the moments that have stood out most in 10 years of over-the-top competition

ANNAPOLIS, MD.

ED VIESTURS, THE FIRST AMERICAN TO CONQUER THE WORLD'S 14 TALLEST PEAKS, COMES DOWN TO EARTH

LANCE ARMSTRONG What a Ride Seven Years of Pain and Purpose What's in the Future for Lance, and for Cycling ? BY AUSTIN MURPHY

For a name-brand celebrity golfer like David Feherty, schmoozing corporate clients is simply part of the business, but he's made it something of an art form

Corporate outings are nice work, if you can get it. Here's a sampling of what pros can command (plus expenses) for a day-long personal appearance, according to a prominent players' representative.

I was a hit in my Tour debut, and next time I hope it will be because of my golf

[This article consists of an illustration -- see below.]

Starting in 2007 the Players Championship will be held in May instead of in March.

Lord of the Links Tom Watson Is Typically Terrific in Scotland, Winning the British Senior Open page G5

What golfers are talking about

It took three extra holes, but Tom Watson beat Des Smyth to win his second Senior British Open in Scotland

$1,114,650

•KEVIN TWAY Great kid, great dad. •MICHELLE WIE She should play where she can win. •LANCE ARMSTRONG One of the greatest athletes of all time--but he can't top Tiger. •LARRY BROWN Whoever gets him...

WHO: Ben Crane

Should Ben Crane pick up the pace or stick with what got him into the winner's circle? •Pick it up 71% •Stick with it 29%

A hip injury coupled with travel difficulties persuaded Dana Quigley to skip last week's Senior British Open, thus ending his record streak of playing in 264 consecutive Champions tour events (278...

Years = 9 Rounds = 855 Strokes = 59,978 Stroke Avg. = 70.15 Wins = 10 2nds = 18 Top 10s = 108 Top 25s = 198 Earnings = $11,262,544 Per Start = $40,512 Per Round = $13,173 Per Swing = $187.78