espn.com Ali Contest
You know the bombastic broadcaster who yells "Boom!" and travels by bus. You recall the fiery young coach who ranted on the sidelines. But do you know the real John Madden? Page 2's Pat Toomay played for Madden, and he explains why the man is deeper than most people think ... and why he refuses to get on an airplane.
TOOMAY: THE REAL MADDEN, PART 2

POLL RESULTS



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Before he leaves Boston for the bright lights of L.A., The Sports Guy had a little unfinished business in his hometown. Yes, we're talking about his annual NBA fantasy draft. So, how did our man fare this season? Well, his point guard plays like "Teen Wolf," his center has back problems and he ended up with the best 7-foot-6 Chinese player available ... but he did manage to avoid both Vin Baker and Shawn Bradley.

The Hot List Bol Puckey
Is this really a rebuilding year for Duke? What hairstyle will replace "The Dickau" as the hottest thing on campus? And who's got the Big Easy track to the Final Four in New Orleans? Page 2's Dan Shanoff is psyched for the tipoff of the college hoops season, and he offers the list of What's Hot and What's Not for 2002-03.
 So, you think Manute Bol's hockey career is just a circus sideshow? Well, as a guy who just tried to run a marathon for a good cause, Page 2's Jason Whitlock says circus sideshows can actually be a lot of fun. And Page 2 cartoonist Kurt Snibbe offers a glimpse of several ways in which Bol will be able to help his hockey club.

MYSTERY PHOTO
Can Barry Bonds' ego fit in the same dugout as a 626-pound sumo wrestler? That was the question for this week's Page 2 Mystery Photo. It looked like a fat pitch to our readers, who belted out some pretty clever answers.


By now you've already seen Page 2's list of 10 sports clichés that must be stopped. Now we've compiled our readers' list along with a poll to crown the No. 1 cliché that must go.

10]  "World champions"
"And you wonder why Americans are disliked?"
9]  "He's got great work ethic"
"If we made millions for playing a game -- we'd have a great work ethic, too!"
8]  "They just wanted it more"
"So, practice should now be replaced with desire seminars."
  • GET THE FULL LIST


NFL FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
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.


WHITE LIES
HBO's documentary on O.J. Simpson tells only half the story, writes Page 2's Ralph Wiley.

TUESDAY MORNING QB
We never thought it would happen, but TMQ has decided to give equal time, honoring a female and a male NFL cheerleader this week.

THE SPORTS GUY
If you say sports were better "back then," Bill Simmons says you must be too old to remember they weren't.

BASKETBALL DIARY
Everybody knows the Kings lost to the Lakers in the West finals last June ... everybody except the Kings, it seems, writes Charley Rosen.

HEY, RUBE
The Good Doctor always has an excuse when the spread doesn't go his way -- but this week's is really a good one.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


It's the guy with the No. 1 movie in the nation, rapper Eminem, left, and Bears offensive coordinator John Shoop. Page 2 has received 32 requests for this match. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo for Page 2.


Louisville at Southern Mississippi
7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Thursday Night Football.
 
Men's basketball: Syracuse vs. Memphis
7 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Coaches vs. Cancer Classic tips off.
 
Men's basketball: Oklahoma vs. Alabama
9 p.m. ET, ESPN2
No. 3 Sooners take on No. 8 Tide.
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Wed., Nov. 13: White Lies
• Tues., Nov. 12: TMQ Gives In
• Mon., Nov. 11: Walking "8 Mile"
• Fri., Nov. 8: Lookin' For Love

Other featured content:
• Manute Bol's ice capades
• What the Heck Are They Thinking?
• What "turns on" top athletes?
• Page 2 celebrates its 2nd birthday
• Page 2 Goes to the Movies
Thursday, Nov. 14, 2002
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