espn.com Ali Contest
When Ted Williams, the greatest hitter ever, died a few days ago, everyone grieved ... except his son, John Henry Williams. He had a better idea -- to turn his famous father into a popsicle. Now the kids are in court over who gets to do what with the remains, leaving Jim Caple to wonder -- once again -- about how low human beings can go.
CAPLE: HOOKED ON CRYONICS

POLL RESULTS



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Anybody remember Deacon Jones, cornerstone of the L.A. Rams Fearsome Foursome and quarterback-obliterater back in the day? Well, he doesn't give a damn if you do or not, 'cause he's got enough love for himself to go around. In fact, judging from his responses to our 10 Burning Questions, he thinks he's still the toughest guy in all of sports.

Critical Mass Overheard at ESPYs
If you saw "Black and White," you probably have high hopes for James Toback's new movie, "Harvard Man." If you never saw Ted Williams, you'll probably want to read John Updike's essay on The Kid's final game. In this week's Critical Mass, Page 2's Eric Neel offers his reviews of both.
 Ever wonder what's going through their heads as sports heroes and pop culture icons sit there breathlessly awaiting the announcement of the next award winner? Page 2's Eric Immerman apparently has a bit too much time on his hands, and here's what he thinks they will be thinking at tonight's ESPYs.

WIN, LOSE OR DRAW
There's no tying in baseball! Or is there? Now that the All-Star Game is on ice, Page 2 cartoonist Larry Johnson has an idea on what baseball plans to do to break the unfortunate 7-7 tie.


Page 2 turns its attention to the worst innovations in sports. Take a look at our list, then send us your choice for the worst sports innovation. Later this week, we'll run our readers' top 10 list along with a poll to crown the worst sports innovation of them all.

10]  Olympic hockey shootout
Like having a free throw or slam dunk contest to decide who wins in basketball.
9]  Off-Track Betting
OTB has ruined racing in New York and in lots of other places all over the country.
8]  Naming rights
Fans don't benefit, and what ballclub benefits by association with the losers of the business world?
  • 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
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
After his first visit to Miller Park, Bill Simmons might not be "in love" exactly, but he wouldn't say no to a second date.

THE HOT LIST
Dan Shanoff checks What's Hot and What's Not at the All-Star Game and the symbolic halfway point of the baseball season.

THE WATER COOLER
Brian Murphy imagines what a conversation would have been like with one of the last vestiges of the 20th century, Ted Williams.

GETTING INNUENDO
This column by Bob Halloran about words and phrases you can't say on television has been sanitized for your protection.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Reeves better not wander into any NOW rallies, or else he might be mistaken for Augusta National chairman Hootie Johnson, right. Fifteen readers suggested this match. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo.


Tour de France
9:30 a.m. ET, OLN
Stage 4 -- Epernay to Chateau-Theirry.
 
ESPY Awards
9 p.m. ET, ESPN
The greatest night in sports.
 
Minor-league baseball: Triple-A All-Star game
8 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Yee-haw, from Oklahoma City.
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Tues., July 9: Hotshots & Flameouts
• Mon., July 8: Channeling Teddy Ballgame
• Fri., July 5: All Riled Up
• Wed., July 3: World's Greatest

Other featured content:
• Mystery Photo
• Sportoon: One in every crowd
• Power Poll
• Kareem at the crossroads
• Kareem photo gallery
• All-Hair Team for '02 World Cup
• 10 reasons Anna blew her top
• Anna or Not Anna? The Penthouse Quiz
Wednesday, July 10, 2002
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