espn.com Ali Contest
The former manager of the St. Louis Cardinals recently raised the specter of reverse racism in baseball, claiming qualified white managers were not getting hired because minority candidates were getting preferential treatment. (No wonder the dude's nickname is "Whitey.") Page 2's Ralph Wiley is here to set Mr. Herzog straight.
WILEY: WHITE RAT POISON

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Reports of the Ravens' demise were greatly exaggerated. The champs are indeed still a factor in the NFL playoffs, but did their performance in Miami make them a factor in this week's Page 2 Power Poll? Well, here's a hint: We've got three NFL squads in the top 10 and two in the bottom five.

Sportoon Mascot 101
He's the highest-paid coach in the NFL, but that doesn't mean Steve Spurrier is really in charge of the Redskins, as Page 2 cartoonist Kurt Snibbe points out in today's Sportoon. And speaking of being in charge, Snibbe also offers a look at who's calling the shots so far in the NFL playoffs.
Indiana University's announcement that it is seeking a school mascot prompts two questions. First, what exactly is a "Hoosier"? And second, which types of mascots are the coolest these days? Page 2's Dan Shanoff tries to answer the latter query, as he sifts through all those wacky costumes.


This week, Page 2 lists 10 irritating things at sporting events that must stop immediately. After reading our top 10, break out your irks, pet peeves and gripes and let us know what you'd like to see stopped. Later this week, we'll run our readers' top 10 with a poll to pick the No. 1 irritating thing you'd like to see end.
10]  Singers who lip-synch "The Star-Spangled Banner"
Why bother?
9]   People who scramble over one another to get a $3 T-shirt thrown into the stands
Just let the kids have it.
8]   People talking on their cell phone behind home plate and then waving to the camera
As Vince Lombardi said about the end zone, "Act like you've been there before."
7]   NBA mascots who need springboards to dunk
Come back when you can do that somersault without the extra help.
  • GET THE FULL LIST


NFL FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Saturday Bears 2½ Eagles 32½
Saturday Patriots 3½ Raiders 40½
Sunday Steelers 5½ Ravens 32
Sunday Rams 10 Packers 54½
All Times ET -- Bold indicates home team
Complete Line


 
Got a comment about something you've seen on Page 2?
Here's your chance to sound off to the editors and columnists.


THE SPORTS GUY
Bill Simmons goes from Statler and Waldorf of "The Muppet Show" to Britney Spears in less than 100 moves in his latest ramblings column.

PERILOUS PRETZEL
George W. Bush isn't the first president to be put in harm's way while watching a sporting event. Jim Caple reviews a long history of peril in the Oval Office.

THE WATER COOLER
Torn between duty and desire, Page 2's Brian Murphy turns to a 21st century couch potato's best friend -- TiVo -- to save his weekend.

HEY, RUBE
As if the dangerous Ravens aren't enough of a problem, Hunter S. Thompson contends with cavity searches at airports.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


It's the winner of "Survivor Africa," Ethan Zohn, left, a soccer pro from Lexington, Mass., and a guy who couldn't survive the first round of the Australian Open, Gustavo Kuerten. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo for Page 2.

Spurs at Wizards
8 p.m. ET, TBS
Young vs. old; Duncan vs. Jordan.
 
Men's hoops: Iowa at Illinois
9 p.m. ET, ESPN
No. 15 Hawkeyes visit No. 10 Illini in tight Big 10.
 
Tennis: Australian Open
9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Any more upsets in store in Melbourne, Australia?
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Mon., Jan. 14: Pretzel peril
• Fri., Jan. 11: Lucky 13
• Thurs., Jan. 10: Knight moves
• Wed., Jan. 9: What are they thinking?
Other featured content:
• Review of "Monday Night Mayhem"
• 10 Burning Questions for Jeanette Lee
• What Are They Thinking?
• Berman Files: Tom Brady
Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2002
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