espn.com Ali Contest
Ever since we were born nearly two years ago, Page 2 has been obsessed with sports movies. But we'd never devoted an entire week to sports films ... until now. Our week in the cineplex begins with our choices for the Top 20 Sports Movies of All-Time. Start at No. 20 and count down to the No. 1 pick of our columnists and editors.
TOP 20 COUNTDOWN | MOVIES SECTION




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What is it about these sappy sports movies that keeps us coming back for more ... and loving it? Author David Shields says it's all about the evocation of timeless religious themes -- ressurection, the meek inheriting the earth and that one about "the last shall be first" -- and, believe it, he makes a compelling case.

Brian Murphy 10 Burning Questions
You can't remember when they fought the War of 1812, but you can recite every quote from "Caddyshack," and you've calculated Roy Hobbs' homer total from "The Natural." Page 2's Brian Murphy explains why sports movies have such a strong hold on our heads ... and our hearts.
What can you say about a young lady who can hang with a Backstreet Boy, compare her female coach to Paulie Walnuts of "The Sopranos" Paulie Walnuts, and hit the trailer off the fast break? Well, the real question is: What can Sue Bird say for herself when confronted by Page 2's 10 Burning Questions?

SPORTOON
Why can't the owners and players make any real progress in the labor talks? Page 2 cartoonist Kurt Snibbe says it all has to do with how the two sides view each other -- and, of course, the way they view their loyal fans.


Now that we've honored our "Best Picture," we list the 10 contenders for "Best Actor" in a sports movie. Check out our top 10 and vote in our poll to crown the winner.
10]  Ed Norton in "Rounders"
One of the best actors in any genre, Norton gets slimy as "Worm."
9]  Wesley Snipes in "White Men Can't Jump"
"It's like this, you either smoke or you get smoked." In this role, Wesley smokes.
8]  Burt Reynolds in "The Longest Yard"
Burt's specialty is acting with a permanent wink, and that fits this character to a T.
7]  Sylvester Stallone in "Rocky"
Sly created an icon. He wrote the words, imagined the world and played the part.
6]  Gene Hackman in "Hoosiers"
The film belongs to Hackman from the opening credits.
  • 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.


LET THEM PLAY
Page 2's Ralph Wiley ponders the real motivation of people who call the Harlem Little Leaguers "hot dogs."

THE HOT LIST
If the start of college football caught you off guard, don't fret. Dan Shanoff has a list of What's Hot and What's Not for the new campaign.

THE SPORTS GUY
A lot of strange things are rambling around in The Sports Guy's head, including thoughts on Kelly Preston, Rob Lowe, Allen Iverson and Kelly Osbourne.

TUESDAY MORNING QB
Gregg Easterbrook reviews some garish new uniforms and then offers his 2002 AFC preview.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


It's actor Kevin Costner, who played a big-league pitcher in "For Love of the Game," and an actual big-league pitcher, Cubs reliever Jeff Fassero. Page 2 has received 22 requests for this match. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo.


Tennis: U.S. Open
11a.m., 7 p.m., USA
Early-round coverage.
 
Browns at Packers
8 p.m. ET, ABC
Monday Night Football at Lambeau.
 
Diamondbacks at Dodgers
10 p.m. ET, ESPN
Schilling targets win No. 22.
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Fri., Aug. 23: Lay Off Hot Dogs
• Thurs., Aug. 22: Monster Finish
• Wed., Aug. 21: Strange Thinking
• Tues., Aug. 20: The Fans Strike
• Mon., Aug. 19: Bride of Chucky

Other featured content:
• What the Heck are They thinking?
• Mystery Photo
• Sportoon: The 2002 remix of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame"
• America's top 10 pop-culture icons
• 10 Burning Questions with Bud Selig
• The Power Poll
• Being Dr. Evil
Weekend Edition, Aug. 23-25, 2002
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