espn.com Ali Contest
Like most of America, Eric Neel will get his first look at LeBron James tonight on ESPN2. So, what does our man expect to see from the kid? Well, based on what he has heard, Neel predicts James will do the following: Levitate, sell popcorn, fly the Goodyear blimp ... and change the game forever. That's not too much to ask, is it?
NEEL: BUY THE HYPE! | BALLAD OF LEBRON




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We don't say anything when Britney Spears exposes her 18-year-old navel. We don't care when 13-year-old tennis prodigies leave home to attend an "academy." Yet when a young black kid like LeBron James prepares to sign a nine-figure contract, we becry the evils of "the system." Page 2's Jason Whitlock says it's all a bunch of crap ... and he suspects that it's racially motivated.

Phenoms & Flameouts The Hot List
Has anyone ever arrived with more hype than LeBron James? Page 2 asks that very question as we list the 10 most hyped athletes of all-time. And if the kid doesn't deliver, he won't be alone -- just ask The Boz, Todd Marinovich and Todd Van Poppel. Those guys are all on our list of the top 10 phenoms who ended up as flops.
Who will be the real winner of the Heisman Trophy on Saturday night? How about the Heisman Trophy itself. Page 2's Dan Shanoff says the Heisman has been never hotter because there's never been more suspense about the winner. Our Hot List takes a crack at who will be striking a pose ... and what else will sizzle this weekend.

MYSTERY SPORTOON
What is really being said in these secret conversations between Pete Rose and Bud Selig? We got no idea, but our readers were full of good suggestions as they weighed in with their punchlines for Page 2's Mystery Sportoon.


As we've watched Michael Vick explode onto the national stage, Page 2 got to thinking about the most electrifying athletes of all-time. Check out our top 10, and then vote in the poll to pick the most electric performer sports have ever seen.
10]  Babe Ruth
To paraphrase the Babe himself, they came out in groves to see him -- watching Ruth strike out, they said, was almost as exciting as watching him homer. And even his pithiest comments make us wish he were still around today.
9]  Michael Vick
Even if he flames out, Vick has provided enough excitement this season to fill a couple of hours worth of NFL Films reels. Or to put it another way: The bathroom is always empty when the Falcons have the ball.
8]  Mark Fidrych
There are lots of memorable players and moments from the relatively moribund baseball of the 1970s, but the only guy we'd take a time machine to see is The Bird.
  • GET THE FULL LIST


NFL FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Monday Dolphins 10 Bears 37
Sunday 49ers 3 Packers 46
Sunday Bills 3 Chargers 41½
Sunday Eagles 7½ Redkins 37½
Sunday Broncos 4 Chiefs 46½
COLLEGE FB FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Jan. 3 Miami 13 Ohio State 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.


HIDDEN MVPS
Forget those flashy media darlings, if you're looking for an MVP, head straight to Tennessee writes Page 2's Ralph Wiley.

TUESDAY MORNING QB
Can't anyone here recognize a reverse anymore? Tuesday Morning Quarterback points out the biggest error made by NFL broadcasters.

BASKETBALL DIARY
Charley Rosen checks in on Tracy McGrady. We know he can score, but even T-Mac admits his defense needs work.

THE SPORTS GUY
Just because he's living the SoCal life, doesn't mean Page 2's Bill Simmons isn't still rambling.

NO JUNK IN THIS TRUNK
Jim Caple sold his '89 Chrysler LeBaron, but first had to clean out eight years' worth of memories.

SANTA'S LIST
What do our favorite sports personalities want for Christmas? Who cares! Page 2's Eric Immerman lists what they're actually getting.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


It's Heisman hopeful Larry Johnson, left, of Penn State and actor Donald Faison of NBC's "Scrubs." Page 2 has received 19 requests for this match. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo for Page 2.


Prep hoops: Oak Hill Academy vs. St. Vincent-St. Mary
7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Get your first glimpse of LeBron James.
 
ESPN The Magazine: "Next"
9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Which athlete is about to blow up?
 
Penguins at Sharks
9 p.m. ET, ESPN
Like one of "The Sopranos," Super Mario will be wearing a wire.
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Wed., Dec. 11: Hidden Agenda
• Tues., Dec. 10: Stuck In Reverse
• Mon., Dec. 9: Who Turns Us On?
• Fri., Dec. 6: Playa Haters

Other featured content:
• 10 Burning Questions with Tom Berenger
• Athletes can be perfectly NORML
• Who's been naughty, nice in sports?
• Makin' It Better: NFL jerseys
• Page 2's Photo Gallery of the Weird
• What the Heck Are They Thinking?
Thursday, Dec. 12, 2002
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