espn.com Ali Contest
What does Eminem have in common with Sugar Ray Leonard? Well, Page 2's Ralph Wiley says the rapper-turned-actor has world-class speed, a scientific approach and packs a serious punch. Maybe that's why "8 Mile" reminds Wiley a bit of "Rocky" -- the nation's No. 1 movie does for Detroit what the 1976 flick did for Philly.
WILEY: LOSE YOURSELF IN "8 MILE"




ESPN TOOLS
 
Email story
 
Most sent
 
Everybody knows the Kings lost to the Lakers back in June in a classic seven-game shootout for the West title. Everybody except the Kings themselves, that is. As Page 2's Charley Rosen checks on Sacramento in the latest edition of his 2002-03 Basketball Diaries, he finds the Kings have the swagger of a champion ... without the crown to match.

The Water Cooler Hunter S. Thompson
Page 2's Brian Murphy watched so much football this weekend that he's still a bit dizzy from the sights of dueling Hail Marys, BCS madness and announcers who don't even try to hide their true colors. Cartoonist Larry Johnson offers a clear picture of our NFL Stud and Dud for Week 10, including a Snake that strangled himself in the desert.
 Of all his numerous vices, gambling on pro football might be Hunter S. Thompson's favorite pastime. So, you can imagine our shock to hear the Good Doctor actually considered giving up wagering this weekend. But then Marvin Harrison's Colts came through, and the Doc was able to shift his focus to the activities of Donald Rumsfeld.

HAIL TO THE CHEATERS
No banners. No postseason money. No evidence that the Fab Five ever existed. Michigan went to great lengths to sanction itself for the violations of its men's basketball program, but if the NCAA wants to hit the Wolverines even harder, Page 2 has some suggested penalties that will really take a toll.


When the going gets tough, the tough get going. So this week, Page 2 has compiled 10 sports clichés that must be stopped. After checking out our choices, drop us a note with your pick for the cliché that must be retired. Later this week, we'll compile our readers' list along with a poll to crown the No. 1 cliché that must go.

10]  "You can't say enough about him"
Real meaning: "I've already said as much as I know about him, and repeated it many times over."
9]  "They've got great team chemistry"
No evidence whatsoever that, if such a thing exists, it makes much of a difference. td>
8]  "They have to come together as a team"
Usually uttered, sans real analysis, when a team isn't playing well for many different reasons.
  • GET THE FULL LIST


NFL FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Monday Broncos 6 Raiders 46
Sunday Falcons 3 Saints 51
Sunday Giants 3½ Redskins 37
Sunday Dolphins 4 Ravens 35½
Sunday Packers 7 Vikings 50
COLLEGE FB FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Saturday Ohio State 9½ Illinois NL
Saturday Iowa 10 Minnesota NL
Saturday Florida 15 South Carolina 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.


THE SPORTS GUY
Page 2's Bill Simmons has talked for years about the Unintentional Comedy Ratings. Now, he releases his official scale, from Nos. 65-100.

RAW BALL
Ralph Wiley answers all the pressing questions in the NBA, such as why is Kobe shooting so much, or will the Knicks be the NBA's worst team?

FOR THE KIDS
Leave the bowls and polls that give college football its unmatched drama, writes Jason Whitlock, who is tired of the self-serving pundits clamoring for a playoff system.

BASKETBALL DIARY
Charley Rosen checks in to see whether the Clippers will finally have smooth sailing or be shipwrecked on the rocky shores of Lottery Land.

I HEART NEW YORK
What's all the commotion? Page 2's Jim Caple thinks New York City and the Olympics are a perfect match.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


It's a couple of young stars on the rise: Steelers receiver Plaxico Burress, left, and Cavs guard Darius Miles. Page 2 has received 81 requests for this match. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo for Page 2.


Raiders at Broncos
9 p.m. ET, ABC
Great rivalry with big playoff implications.
 
Tennis: Home Depot Championships
9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Championship to decide final WTA rankings.
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Fri., Nov. 8: Lookin' For Love
• Thurs., Nov. 7: The Official UCR
• Wed., Nov. 6: Terrible Two
• Tues., Nov. 5: Election Difficulty

Other featured content:
• What "turns on" top athletes?
• Page 2's Guide to the Personal Ads
• Page 2 celebrates its 2nd birthday
• What the Heck Are They Thinking?
• Page 2 Goes to the Movies
Monday, Nov. 11, 2002
.