espn.com Ali Contest
If there's one thing TV has taught us in the 21st century, it's that people will do anything for money. Page 2's Bill Simmons was reminded of that again Wednesday when he watched another batch of third-rate celebs and washed-up athletes embarrass themselves on Fox's "Celebrity Boxing II." His verdict? Funny ... but very depressing.
SPORTS GUY'S DIARY | MYSTERY PHOTO




ESPN TOOLS
 
Email story
 
Most sent
 
They've got that suffocating "blob" defense and the potent pair of Pierce and Walker, so are the Celtics legit? Page 2's Ralph Wiley says the C's might have enough to make it past the upstart Nets, but eventually 'Twan's aversion to mixing it up in the paint and Pierce's reckless drives to the basket will catch up with them. In other words, they'll just be toothpick fodder for the big, bad Lakers.

What's Hot, What's Not What Are They Thinking?
Mark Prior has started one big-league game, and yet the Cubs rookie is so hot that some folks expect to end a 94-year-old jinx. So who else joins Prior on the list of this week's "en fuego" performers? Page 2's Dan Shanoff provides the answer with his weekly check of Who's Hot and Who's Not.
 Why was Jeff Nelson peddling body parts on eBay? What do the Seahawks see in Ryan Leaf? What NBA fan wouldn't recognize Kobe Bryant? And is David Blaine just nuts? Page 2 tries to answer these questions and more in the latest edition of "What the Heck Are They Thinking?"

WIN, LOSE OR DRAW
Page 2 cartoonist Larry Johnson weighs in on the great Mike Piazza "Is he or isn't he?" debate with a simple plea for something we haven't seen much of lately -- a display of dignity by the New York sporting press.


You've already taken a look at Page 2's list of the 10 biggest chokes in Stanley Cup playoff history. Now we've compiled our readers' choices for the biggest NHL postseason choke job along with a poll to crown the No. 1 all-time Stanley Cup playoff choke.
10] tie  2002 Montreal Canadiens
"Up three goals against Carolina in the third period, about to go up 3-1, and not even close in any game after that."
10] tie  2001 Red Wings
"A rare case of a Scotty Bowman-coached team overlooking their opponent. "
9]  1942 Red Wings
"Detroit losing the Cup after going up 3-0 isn't just the biggest choke in Stanley Cup history, it's the biggest choke in playoff history of any of the four major sports."
  • GET THE FULL LIST


NBA FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Friday Lakers 6 Kings 193½
Saturday Celtics 4 Nets 187½
NHL FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Wednesday Avalanche PK Red Wings 5
Thursday Maple Leafs PK Hurricanes 4½
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. Plus, if you'd like to send an e-mail to The Sports Guy, here's your direct link to Bill Simmons.


TIGER'S STRIPES
He calls himself Cablinasian, but what ethnic groups claim Tiger Woods? Page 2's Ralph Wiley explains why we all feel connected to this inclusionary force.

CRITICAL MASS
Page 2's Eric Neel tries to make sense of IBM's bizarre new commercial featuring a handful of former NBA stars.

KNOW-IT-SOME
If Bob Halloran knows one thing, it's that he won't be mistaken for master of all things trivial Cliff Clavin of "Cheers."

JOSE CAN YOU SEE?
What will Jose Canseco really reveal in his tell-all book? Page 2's Jim Caple offers an exclusive examination of some explosive excerpts.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


It's Patriots coach Bill Belichick, left, and former Browns GM Dwight Clark. Page 2 has received five requests for this match. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo for Page 2.


Softball: UCLA vs. Florida State
11 a.m. ET, ESPN2
Top-seeded Bruins open NCAA tournament vs. Seminoles.
 
PGA Tour: The Memorial Tournament
3 p.m. ET, USA
Tiger to the field: "Who's playing for second?"
 
Hurricanes at Maple Leafs
7 p.m. ET, ESPN
Toronto needs to tie series before heading back to Carolina.
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Wed., May 22: Whoa, Nellie!
• Tues., May 21: Riddle Me This
• Mon., May 20: Paranoia Diaries
• Fri., May 17: Stock Watch

Other featured content:
• Bizarre & Bogus
• Sportoon: Who poisoned Kobe?
• The Power Poll
• Who should record NBA theme?
• Casting Call: "Attack of the Clones"
• Who's Soft & Who's Not
• Anna or Not Anna? The Penthouse Quiz
Thursday, May 23, 2002
.