espn.com Ali Contest
At some point over the last month, one thing became abundantly clear about the NFL: It's Mike Vick's league now, and everyone else is just playing in it. As he probed the uncensored thoughts of NFL stars after Week 13, Page 2's Ralph Wiley found that everyone was thinking about the Falcon phenom ... and how they can get a piece of him. WILEY: VICK BE NIMBLE




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What's the average work day really like for an NBA player? Well, you might think they clock in around 7 p.m. and clock out a little before 10, but there's more to it than that. In Part 1 of his look at the Hidden NBA, Page 2's Charley Rosen sheds some light on all the preparation we never see -- from the morning shootaround to the pregame lunch to the afternoon nap.

Sportoon Eric Neel
If you've been to the shopping mall lately, you're either (a.) insane or (b.) the parent of a child who wanted to see Santa Claus. Page 2 cartoonist Kurt Snibbe can only imagine what aspiring sports fans will be asking for this Christmas. Hint: It's not an Official Red Rider Carbine Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle.
 As Gaylord Focker will tell you, it's not always to easy find common ground with your in-laws. Page 2's Eric Neel has learned to communicate with his father-in-law using one simple technique: Gambling on pro football. After all, every man can speak the language of the pigskin, especially when there's a little coin involved.

TUESDAY MORNING QUARTERBACK
Was that Bobby Layne under center for the Lions? Forgive TMQ, but he was a little confused by the NFL's Throwback Week. In fact, our man is experiencing such serious flashbacks that he transported his column back to 1930. We recommend bed rest.


We always love to second-guess, so this week's list is the 10 worst coaching decisions of all time. Check out our list, then vote in the poll to crown the top coaching blunder of them all.
10]  Bird-brained
With the Pacers and Lakers tied near the end of regulation in Game 4 of the 2000 NBA Finals, Indiana coach Larry Bird calls on Travis Best over Reggie Miller as the go-to guy.
9]  Dennis Green sits on it
The Vikings and Falcons are tied at 27 in the NFC championship game on Jan. 17, 1999. Vikings ball, 30 seconds on the clock, third-and-three on their own 30-yard line. Minnesota still has two timeouts remaining, but Green decides to run out the clock.
8]  Switzer's decision
On a frigid December Sunday in 1995 at Veterans Stadium, Dallas has the ball on its own 29 with 2 minutes remaining. Fourth and a foot. Head coach Barry Switzer goes for a first down, and Philly's defense stops Emmitt Smith cold.
  • GET THE FULL LIST


NFL FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Sunday Patriots 4½ Bills 44½
Sunday Chiefs 3 Rams 46½
Sunday Buccaneers 3½ Falcons 39
Sunday Titans 2 Colts 43½
COLLEGE FB FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Thursday Fresno State 1½ La. Tech NL
Saturday Navy 3 Army 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.


GAME TIME
From offense to defense to the mental game, Page 2's Ralph Wiley tries to identify the best all-around baller in the NBA.

HEY, RUBE
After a dismal week of NFL wagers, The Good Doctor looks to clear his head while preparing for the Honolulu Marathon.

FREE STYLE
Jerry West's time has passed. That's why he must go as the NBA logo silhouette in favor of something more timely, writes Eric Neel.

THE SPORTS GUY
As he hit the road for Hollywood, Page 2's Bill Simmons reflected on his decade in Boston.

THE WATER COOLER
A weekend of overdosing on turkey and television provided the familiar voices of the Old School Broadcasters for Brian Murphy.

SUV HELL
Driving an SUV hardly makes you a rugged outdoorsman, writes Page 2's Jim Caple.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


According to Marty Mornhinweg, you defer in OT. "According to Jim," a guy like Jim Belushi can be married to a babe like Courtney Thorne-Smith. According to 78 requests, these two look a lot alike. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo.


Celtics at 76ers
7 p.m. ET, NBA League Pass
Top teams in Atlantic clash.
 
Men's hoops: Virginia at Michigan St.
9 p.m. ET, ESPN
No. 21 Spartans take on No. 23 Cavaliers.
 
Men's hoops: Wake Forest at Wisconsin
9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2
ACC/Big Ten Challenge finale.
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Tues., Dec. 3: Bedtime for TMQ
• Mon., Dec. 2: How Lo Can You Go?
• Fri., Nov. 22: Boston in his Rearview Mirror
• Thanksgiving: Get Your Freak On

Other featured content:
• Page 2's Gallery of Weird Photos
• How to improve NFL video games
• NFL Stud & Dud for Week 13
• What the Heck Are They Thinking?
• "The Gospel According To ESPN"
• Bizarre & Bogus
Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2002
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