espn.com Ali Contest
To us, "American Idol" looks a heck of a lot like "Star Search." Yet millions of viewers are strangely drawn to Fox's new "reality" talent show. It's all because of Simon Cowell, that vicious judge who lives to rip helpless teenagers. What would happen if sports' finest faced Sneering Simon? Page 2 imagines the possibilities.
VOTE FOR THE AMERICAN SPORTS IDOL




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Sergio Garcia waggles for hours. Ernie Els evaporates. And Phil Mickelson can't wait to run home to his gorgeous wife. Golf is desperately in need of someone who won't cower when Tiger's on the prowl, and Page 2's Jim Caple says a worthy challenger might be emerging. Mark McGwire has traded in his Louisville Slugger for a driver, and Caple says Big Mac is just what golf needs.

Critical Mass Mystery Photo
He watched Playboy bunnies romp with pro athletes at Hugh Hefner's pad. He got a hug from Bootsy Collins. He spoke to Snoop Dogg, Wayne Gretzky and Kobe Bryant in a span of 10 minutes. Page 2's Eric Neel had an incredible week of star-gazing at the ESPYs in L.A., and he recaps it all in "Critical Mass."
 Byung-Hyun Kim would like to put the World Series behind him, but elephants never forget. So, Page 2 couldn't figure out why Kim would possibly be hanging out with "Stomper," the A's mascot, in this week's Mystery Photo. We asked for your explanations, and obviously you haven't forgotten last October, either.

SEEKING AN ANSWER
Allen Iverson is a free man again after spending 11 hours in police custody Tuesday. So, how did The Answer end up in this ugly mess? Page 2's Ralph Wiley examines where Iverson came from, while Eric Immerman can only imagine what happened inside Iverson's estate over the weekend.


You've already seen Page 2's list of the greediest owners in sports. Now we've compiled our readers choices for the stingiest owners, along with a poll to crown the greediest of them all.

10]  Al Davis, Oakland Raiders
"Al's greed is all about his ego and his wallet."
9]  Jerry Reinsdorf, Chicago Bulls
"He ruined one of the greatest basketball teams ever and ran Michael Jordan out of Chicago -- twice."
8]  Peter Angelos, Baltimore Orioles
"How can he claim D.C. is part of the Orioles' market when he applied for an NFL expansion team in Baltimore, despite the Redskins franchise 40 miles to the south?"
  • GET THE FULL LIST


VEGAS' ODDS TO WIN 2003 SUPER BOWL
Rams 4-1   Dolphins 15-1
Steelers 10-1   Colts 15-1
Eagles 11-1   Packers 15-1
Buccaneers 12-1   Broncos 15-1
Raiders 15-1   Patriots 20-1
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
In the latest edition of his mailbag, Page 2's Bill Simmons ponders the five greatest in-game dunks in NBA history and other tough questions.

REEL LIFE
He had us at hello, but we showed Jeff Merron the money, and he took a closer look at Cameron Crowe's "Jerry Maguire."

PREGNANT PAUSE
Chris McKendry is at the post in a battle with filly Spain to see whether a pregnant sports anchor can outdo a race horse that's in foal.

GIVE ME AN I
Page 2's Bob Halloran finds there's a lot more to NFL cheerleaders than just bare midriffs and pretty faces.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


It's Dan LeBatard of ESPN The Magazine and "Pardon the Interruption," and actor Stephen Furst, who played Kent "Flounder" Dorfman in "Animal House." Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo.


Tour de France
9:30 a.m. ET, OLN
Stage 10: Baza to Pau.
 
NBA summer hoops
2 p.m. ET, ESPN
Atlanta vs. Milwaukee at Boston.
 
Giants at Cardinals
7 p.m. ET, ESPN (regional) coverage
Or Twins at Indians for some.
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Tues., July 16; Slam Dance
• Mon., July 15: No Easy Answer
• Fri., July 12: Give Me An I
• Thurs., July 11: Extra ESPYs

Other featured content:
• The Power Poll
• Sportoon: Inside the baseball talks
• Page 2 goes backstage at ESPYs
• Trading Spaces in the NHL
• ESPY fashion winners and losers
• 10 Burning Questions for Deacon Jones
• Top 10 reasons Anna blew her top
Wednesday, July 17, 2002
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