espn.com Ali Contest
So, you plan to do some damage at the family Fourth of July picnic? Trust us, that's nothing compared with what Takeru Kobayashi has in mind. The Japanese phenom is the world champion in hot dog eating, and he'll be trying to defend the Coveted Mustard Yellow Belt. Page 2's Jim Caple explores the "sport" of competitive eating. CAPLE: A MAN-EAT-DOG WORLD




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In the classic Martin Scorsese film, "Raging Bull," former middleweight champ Jake La Motta (played by Robert De Niro) comes across as one bad dude. But is this an accurate protrayal ... or a typical Hollywood attempt to rewrite history to hype up the drama? Page 2's Jeff Merron compares "reel" life with "real" life.

The Hot List Can Kareem Coach?
Sammy Sosa is hot under the collar. Rick Reilly stumbled on a very hot story. But how does the newest steroid controversy register on our list of What's Hot and What's Not? Page 2's Dan Shanoff weighs in with his verdict, along with thoughts on Raul Mondesi, "Like Mike" and (of course!) Anna Kournikova.
 He's Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. So, why was he coaching minor-league players in the USBL instead of millionaires in the NBA? Page 2 sent Eric Neel to Oklahoma City -- yes, Oklahoma City -- to explain Kareem's exile. Check out a revealing Q&A with the normally reticent Hall of Famer and a photo gallery of the journey.

WIN, LOSE OR DRAW
How did the Yankees manage to get Raul Mondesi for a run-of-the-mill prospect? Page 2 cartoonist Larry Johnson takes a look inside the top-secret negotiations and uncovers George Steinbrenner's strategy.


You've already taken a look at Page 2's list of the 10 most overpaid players in baseball. Now we present our readers' selections along with a poll to crown the No. 1 overpaid ballplayer of them all.

10]  Darren Dreifort, Los Angeles Dodgers
"Despite the fact he's never had an ERA under 4.00 as a starter, the Dodgers continue to pay him millions of dollars every year."
9]  Mo Vaughn, New York Mets
"Hey Mo, hit above .214, then you can tell us how great you are!"
8]  Kevin Brown, Los Angeles Dodgers
"He's only halfway through his seven-year, $105 million deal, and he's spent most of that time on the DL."
  • GET THE FULL LIST


UPDATED ODDS TO WIN 2002 WORLD SERIES
Yankees 2-1   Braves 10-1
Red Sox 5-1   Giants 12-1
Mariners 6-1   Angels 13-1
Diamondbacks 6-1   Mets 13-1
Cardinals 8-1   Athletics 15-1
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.


THE SPORTS GUY
From Billy Joel to Elvis Costello to the Osbournes to Ivan Drago, The Sports Guy has some strange thoughts inside his head.

DIRTY 30S
Dan Shanoff takes baseball's strategy of Internet voting to decide the "30th man" for the All-Star teams and applies it to the real world.

CUP DIARY
As his month-long run in Japan comes to an end, Page 2's Michael Davies reflects on the '02 World Cup and looks ahead to Germany in '06.

THE WATER COOLER
After rising at 4 a.m. to watch the World Cup final, Page 2's Brian Murphy explains why no true sports fan would use TiVo.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


It's golfer Rocco Mediate, left, and actor/comedian Bob Saget of "Full House" fame. Page 2 has received four requests for this match. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo for Page 2.


Tennis: Wimbledon Championships
7 a.m. and 1 p.m. ET, TNT
Men's quarterfinals.
 
Expos at Braves
7 p.m. ET, ESPN (regional)
Or Indians at Yankees.
 
Dodgers at Diamondbacks
10 p.m. ET, ESPN2 (regional)
Or Twins at Athletics.
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Tues., July 2: Kareem at Crossroads
• Mon., July 1: Flying Home
• Fri., June 28: Juiced Up
• Thurs., June 27: Draft Diary

Other featured content:
• Mystery Photo responses
• The Power Poll
• Sportoon: All-Star qualifications
• All-Hair Team for '02 World Cup
• 10 reasons Anna blew her top
• 10 Burning Questions with Jay Williams
• Britney and sports movies
• Anna or Not Anna? The Penthouse Quiz
Holiday Edition, July 3-4, 2002
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