espn.com Ali Contest
Everyone's looking for a story at the Super Bowl, but Page 2's Bill Simmons became a story this week in New Orleans. Our man created a big fuss in the Big Easy when he didn't hold back with his impressions of the local scene. Today, he's here to stress that it was all meant in good fun.
SPORT GUY: BLACK HAT ON THE BAYOU




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Normally, his mind is monopolized by defensive game plans, but this week Bill Belichick actually had to spend some time thinking about a quarterback question. With that out of the way, Page 2 takes a look at what else the Pats coach might be pondering. It's a good bet that he's developing some scheme to get inside the head of Kurt Warner.

The Berman Files Bizarre & Bogus
He's a genius, and he knows it. But if Rams coach Mike Martz is so darned smart, how come he doesn't have a cool nickname, like Coach E-Equals-MC-Squared? Oh, never mind. When it comes to heavy lifting, we at Page 2 never hesitate to ask our readers for help, so send us your best suggestions.
Page 2 created "Bizarre & Bogus" to highlight the strange, unbelievable stories that originate in the sports world. We had never dedicated "B&B" to one individual before -- but then again, Mike Tyson isn't just any individual. Check out some of Iron Mike's recent quotes and see if you can spot the phony.


You've already checked out Page 2's list of the Top 10 commercials introduced during a Super Bowl, so now it's your turn. We've compiled your top 10 along with a poll to crown the No. 1 Super Bowl commercial ever.
10]  Budweiser: "Cedric" (2001)
Actually a public service announcement: Never, ever dance with a bottle in your hand.
9]  McDonald's: "Showdown" (1993)
The off-the-scoreboard, off-the-expressway shots are amusing, but the ad works because they're almost believable.
8]  Pepsi: "Security Camera" (1996)
Another in the series of Coke-Pepsi rivalry commercials.
7]   Monster.com: "When I Grow Up" (1999)
The kids look smart and ironic while the rest of us come off like dopes.
  • GET THE FULL LIST


SUPER BOWL FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Sunday Rams 14 Patriots 53½
NBA FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Thursday Nets 4½ Bucks 197½
Thursday Sonics 1 Kings 201
MEN'S HOOPS FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Thursday Duke 17 North Carolina 163
Thursday Maryland 2½ Virginia 157
Thursday Oregon 5½ UCLA 164
Thursday Indiana 13 Purdue 139
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.


A WHOLE WORLD
Ralph Wiley dishes off to Big Sleep, a 23-year-old NBA baller, for the real inside scoop on the first half of the NBA season.

THE HOT LIST
Page 2's Dan Shanoff shows you what you need to know to impress your friends and co-workers at your Super Bowl party.

THE SPORTS GUY
Holding back the urge to hug the Patriots, Page 2's Bill Simmons tells how he made it out of Media Day alive.

BETTER HALVES
When an NFL coach is fired, a part of the story is untold. Page 2's Chris McKendry talked with a few coaches' wives.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


It's Rams DE Grant Wistrom, left, and actor Donald Gibb, who played Ogre in "Revenge of the Nerds." Page 2 has received eight requests for this match. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo for Page 2.

Pebble Beach National Pro-Am
3 p.m. ET, USA
Spare us the other golfers, and just follow Bill Murray.
 
Celtics at Raptors
8 p.m. ET, TNT
Boston and Toronto battling for third in East.
 
Men's hoops: Duke at North Carolina
9 p.m. ET, ESPN
If this can't wake up Tar Heels, nothing will.
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Wed., Jan. 30: Media Day
• Tues., Jan. 29: Queasy in the Easy
• Mon., Jan. 28: Bliss on the Bayou
• Fri., Jan. 25: The "Pats" Guy
Other featured content:
• Win, Lose or Draw: Super storylines
• Power Poll
• Mystery Photo responses
• Sportoon: Road to Super Bowl
• Ask Mike Tyson, dietician
• Bizarre & Bogus
Thursday, Jan. 31, 2002
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