Run, Bullet, Run: The Rise, Fall, and Recovery of Bob Hayes

Hayes, often dubbed the world's fastest human, first distinguished himself as the winner of two gold medals in the Tokyo Olympics in 1964. (Indeed, the evidence suggests that he ran the anchor lap in the 400-meter relay in 8.6 seconds, an almost incredible time.) He went on to enjoy an exceptional career in football as a pass receiver with the Dallas Cowboys. But after Hayes retired he became peripherally involved in a drug deal, spent 10 months in prison and then endured further troubles with alcohol. In this autobiography, written with freelancer Pack, he is as forthcoming as when he was in the public eye: he recalls his poverty-ridden childhood, his academically unsuccessful college career, his two failed marriages. Hayes proves equally outspoken on racism in America and on professional football's tolerance for players' drug and alcohol abuse so long as the sport's image is not damaged. The unswerving candor makes this book more than just another athlete's story. Photos not seen by PW. (Aug.)