espn.com Ali Contest
In addition to his enlightening discourse on Election Day, TMQ offers a shocking but sure-fire cure for the epidemic of helmet-to-helmet and helmet-to-body hits, excoriates the outbreak of 'fraidy-cat football, goes on a voyage of discovery to uncover the NFL's best long snapper and, of course, dishes out a slice of cheesecake.
TMQ: ELECTION DIFFICULTY

POLL RESULTS



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In Part 9 of his series on playing for the defending Super Bowl champion Oakland Raiders in 1977, Pat Toomay begins a two-column examination of one of that team's most misunderstood men -- head coach John Madden, who was so different from Toomay's other coaches that, at first, he really didn't know what to make of him.

Hunter S. Thompson Sportoon
When it comes to betting on the 49ers, Page 2's Hunter S. Thompson leads with his heart and wallet, not his cool and calculating brain. The Niners and the inventor of Gonzo Journalism go way back together, in weird and complex ways.
 As the NFL tries to find the right balance of violence, safety and entertainment, Page 2 cartoonist Kurt Snibbe has compiled a handy fan's guide to the NFL hitting policy. Make sure you're well padded and don't forget your helmet.

WHAT THE HECK WERE THEY THINKING?
We need your help again to explain some strange stories. From Christina Aguilera's new video to Dusty Baker's kid to Larry King stroking an artificial leg, we have to know "What the Heck Are They Thinking?"


This week, Page 2 lists the 10 biggest cancers in NBA history. After taking a look at our list, drop us a note with your choice for the biggest locker room trouble-maker. Then later this week, we'll compile our readers picks along with a poll to crown the biggest cancer of them all.

10]  Vin Baker
"There was a bad aura around him ..."
9]  Micheal Ray Richardson
Became the league's first player to be banned for drug use after he tested positive for cocaine for the third time.
8]  Rasheed Wallace
The Rage Against The Refs act is just old, and it doesn't work.
  • GET THE FULL LIST


NFL FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Sunday Steelers 5 Falcons 43
Sunday Rams 6½ Chargers 44½
Sunday 49ers 6 Chiefs 51½
Sunday Packers 10 Lions 42
COLLEGE FB FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Saturday Miami (Fla.) 9 Tennessee NL
Saturday Oklahoma 10 Texas A&M NL
Saturday Washington St. 6 Oregon NL
All Times ET | 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.


BASKETBALL DIARY
Following up Part 1 of trouble in Lakers paradise, Page 2's Charley Rosen explains how Kobe Bryant's blessings and travails can both be traced back to his father.

HERE'S THE DEAL
Dan Shanoff previews the season finale of "Beg, Borrow & Deal," including a recap to get you up to speed.

THE WATER COOLER
Cue it up, Bocephus. It's midseason, and we're finally READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!

THE SPORTS GUY
We hope you're sitting down, folks, because Page 2's Bill Simmons is moving out of Boston and goin' Hollywood.

REEL LIFE
Sex, drugs and ... football? Page 2's Jeff Merron takes a closer look at the football film "North Dallas Forty."
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


As U2 releases another greatest hits collection Tuesday, we found 38 readers who saw a resemblance between Bono and hard-hitting San Jose Sharks captain Mike Ricci, right. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo.


Kings at Magic
7 p.m. ET, NBA League Pass
Will Grant Hill be OK to play West powerhouse Sacramento?
 
Blackhawks at Red Wings
7:30 p.m. ET, NHL Center Ice
Chicago's added toughness makes old rivalry interesting.
 
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If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Mon., Nov. 4: Pulling Our Leg
• Fri., Nov. 1: Out of Control
• Thurs., Oct. 31: Back from Dead
• Wed., Oct. 30: Hunting Season

Other featured content:
• Justice Ligue Top 10
• NFL Week 9 Stud and Dud
• Makin' It Better
• NBA slogans for all 29 teams
• When vixens attack ...
• Terrell Owens' secret stash
• Page 2 Goes to the Movies
Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2002
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