Scalpers come in several guises, but they all see themselves as essential to the commerce of sport. Inside this last bastion of pure capitalism, only one rule prevails—buy low, sell high

Martina MaravcovaPIESTANY, SLOVAKIA

The Celtics great wants to return—but where, and as what?, Big leap for Heat's Austin, The Calipari flap

If the Heat's Isaac Austin (above), our choice for Most Improved Player, wins the award, maybe he should consider rejecting it, based on the lamentable histories of the last six recipients....

Ronnie Duquette, aka Sneaker Man, collects shoes worn by celebrity athletes

Alonzo Highsmith, former NFL back, hopes to be a heavyweight contender

With a feint toward the door, basketball coaches can cash in by staying where they are

Remembering Robinson...Rookie of the Year Flops...The Worm Takes an Acting Turn...Bye to the Hapless Whalers...Between Bush's Leaps...NCAA Hockey: The Sioux Do

165,000Value, in dollars, of rented earrings that Oscar-winner Jessica Yu (documentary short subject) wore to the Academy Awards.

The Kansas City Royals last week released first baseman-designated hitter Bob (the Hammer) Hamelin, the 1994 American League Rookie of the Year, who, like several past top rookies, including...

When Cincinnati's lineup was announced at an exhibition game last Thursday against the Texas Rangers, fans may have thought they were flashing hack to the 1970s, the era of the Big Red Machine.

George Bush's parachute jump last week in Yuma, Ariz., was his first since he exited a burning bomber in 1944. Much has happened in the intervening years, including a most famous leap.

On March 26 dozens of high school students in Cincinnati skipped classes, with their parents' consent, so they could queue up to buy Nike Is new Michael Jordan basketball sneakers, at $140 a pair.

Larry DierkerHouston Astros manager, on his move from the team's broadcast booth to the dugout: "In broadcasting, I was an analyst. By the time I finish managing, I might need one."

Double Team, Columbia Pictures, opens Friday

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Of drinking songs and red lights: North Dakota wins the other Final Four

In a Cat fight that went into overtime, youthful Arizona upset Kentucky to win the NCAA title

Few people expected Tennessee to repeat as national champion, but guess what?

Fans of the national pastime have five new volumes to add to their collections

Agent Dwight Manley has shown client Dennis Rodman the money

Turkey vultures will flock to a bird feeder if it's well stocked with carrion

If James Joyce is your cup of tea, the Ramble 10K is a run to savor

APRIL 4, 1977

By re-signing solid citizen Daryl Johnston, the Cowboys took a step toward restoring class to their organization

Since the salary cap was implemented in 1994, the Cowboys have had to do some serious number-crunching. But you ain't seen nothin' yet. According to salary lists obtained by SI, the cap cost of...

Improving as the season rolls along, Shareef Abdur-Rahim of the Grizzlies is at the top of this year's rookie class

Saturday 4/5

The only Johnny-on-the-spot among the nominees announced last week for the 18th annual Sports Emmy Awards (to be awarded April 23) was NBC golf analyst Johnny Miller. Kudos to Miller, who deserves...

Martina Hingis blew through the Upton and became, at 16, the youngest women's No. 1 ever

A WEEK OF WACKINESS COULDN'T UPSTAGE A RUNAWAY WIN BY STEVE ELKINGTON AT THE PLAYERS

Suddenly surging Dallas has a few words for the defending NHL champs: Colorado, here we come!

Besides being the only team in the league that is always interesting to watch, the Bulls elevate the play of their opponents.JANICE NOLAND, VENTURA, CALIF.

In striving for long-term success, Indians general manager John Hart has made tough player moves that weren't immediately popular

After nine years in the NBA, the Bulls' Steve Kerr is still a hardworking overachiever

Utah coach Jerry Sloan likes to scour flea markets, hut one bauble has eluded him

FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 24-30

Once considered a heads-up play, it is now the move that our panel of 29 players, coaches and executives would most like to outlaw. Asked to name the one rule they would change if they could, nine...

For a former player to become a referee is, to Bullets guard Tim Legler, like a sports-writer becoming a coach. "First you spend all that time criticizing them," Legler says, "and then you're one...

Hard to believe, but after an 0-13 start the Suns have ridden a three-guard offense to climb back into the Western Conference playoff picture. At 33-39 through Sunday, Phoenix stands as the...

76ers center Michael Cage has been preaching the gospel of juice since his salad days at San Diego State. He credits his juice habit with sustaining him through his run of 645 straight games...

Think Tigermania is at a fever pitch? Wait until he wins the green jacket next week in Augusta

Showing her old Hall of Fame form, Betsy King won the Dinah for one fundamental reason

Amen Corner may be more famous, but a stretch on the front nine's more dangerous

1 Which green at Augusta National rests atop a Native American burial ground?

With a little help from a gang of regulars at Bay Hill Mr. Palmer became Arnie again

Augusta's Kid Next Door

What used to be a slow trickle of golf books has turned into a torrent in recent years. Everybody, it seems, from Tour players such as Davis Love III with his upcoming Every Shot I Take to...

2Percentage of woods actually made of wood purchased by U.S. golfers in 1996, according to a poll of amateurs conducted by the Darrell Survey.

O.J. SIMPSON ON GETTING A GAME AT PUBLIC COURSES: "NOBODY'S WALKED AWAY YET"

Ever since a reporter from the Athens Tablet first pulled a scroll from his tunic to interview a wrestler at Olympia, the relationship between the media and athletes has been in decline. The...

Women go to the Dinah for the golf and for the scene that has grown up around the tournament