espn.com Ali Contest
Ben Affleck is getting a hall pass from J-Lo to attend. Fredo Corleone will defy his brother's orders and show up. And, of course, your pal The Sports Guy will be there ... it was his idea in the first place. We're talking about the inaugural class of the Las Vegas Hall of Fame, and Bill Simmons has all the details in his mailbag. THE SPORTS GUY'S MAILBAG




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UCLA, the same progressive school that brought you Jackie Robinson and Arthur Ashe, hired an African-American as its head football coach Wednesday. So, you'd think that Page 2's Jason Whitlock -- an African-American who played college football -- would be elated to hear that Karl Dorrell had landed the job. However, our man says that something about the Bruins' move just doesn't sit well with him.

Not A Kid Anymore What Are They Thinking?
Remember the kid who wore his cap backward, smiled widely and made us think Hank Aaron's homer record was in danger? Yep, we're talking about the artist formerly known as Ken Griffey Jr. Page 2's Eric Neel tries to figure out how that Griffey turned into the guy we currently see in Cincy ... and if he'll ever return.
Brenda Warner is locking horns with Mike Martz. Shaq is sparring (verbally) with his teammates. And Rocky Balboa will soon be throwing more punches with his 57-year-old hands. All this prompts Page 2 to ask two simple questions: Can't we all just get along? And, of course, "What the Heck Are They Thinking?"

THE HOT LIST
If you don't know what the hot movie is this week, you really need to get out a little more. However, if you're wondering who's bringing the pre-Christmas heat in the sports world, all you need to do is check out Dan Shanoff's list of What's Hot and What's Not.


Although it's the season of good cheer, it's also a time to reflect. And Page 2 is here to reflect on the 10 things that ticked off sports fans the most in 2002. Check out our list of grievances and then vote for the one that irked you the most.

10]  The Exploitation of LeBron James
Lots of folks are making money already off a kid who's only 17 years old. He might be wise beyond his years, he might have the best advisors, and he might end up OK in the long run. But we're still very concerned.
9]  Loooong games
When baseball fans, who tend to really appreciate the leisurely aspects of the sport, start to get fidgety, you know there's something seriously wrong.
8]  Figure skating scandal
As we saw at Salt Lake this year, the method of determining the winners depends on unreliable, corrupt judges and a scoring system that doesn't work. The pairs judging and the bumbling bureaucratic aftermath at the Winter Games was a disgrace.
7]  Baseball's new drug policy
Baseball's new labor agreement includes steroid testing -- with so many caveats and conditions that it's laughable.
  • GET THE FULL LIST


NFL FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Sunday Raiders 4 Broncos 47½
Sunday Packers 6½ Bills 42½
Sunday Patriots 4 Jets 41½
Monday Bucs 4½ Steelers 40½
COLLEGE FB FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Fiesta Bowl Miami 13 Ohio State 51
Orange Bowl USC 6 Iowa 57
Rose Bowl Oklahoma 6½ Wash. State NL
Sugar Bowl Georgia 3½ Florida 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.



NFL MAESTROS
Ralph Wiley goes inside the heads of NFL coaches and players for some more uncensored thoughts from the NFL, but he finds no masterminds.

TUESDAY MORNING QB
Ever the patriot, TMQ comes up with slogans for U.S. agencies and departments, just so those British don't get too full of themselves.

THE LAKE SHOW
How do you build team chemistry while trying to four-peat? You go on the Jenny Jones Show of course, writes Page 2's Eric Immerman.

KEEP IT SHORT
The fewer syllables the better, if you want to make a name for yourself with Bob Halloran.

BASKETBALL DIARY
Is Gary Payton ever going to be happy? Charley Rosen catches up with the Sonics in the latest edition of his 2002-03 Basketball Diary.

THE SPORTS GUY
When it comes to fantasy sports trades, Page 2's Bill Simmons is a cold-blodded killer -- and he's ready to pass on his craft..
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


It's Red Wings center Henrik Zetterberg, left, and actor Jared Leto of "Panic Room" and "My So-Called Life." This match was requested by George Johnson of Detroit. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo.


Pro Bowl Selection Show
7 p.m. ET, ESPN
Start griping about the snubs.
 
Lakers at Nets
7:30 p.m. ET, TNT
Finals rematch loses luster as combined records are 26-25.
 
Stars at Red Wings
8 p.m. ET, ESPN (split national coverage)
Two of the West's best or Bruins at Capitals.
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Wed., Dec. 18: Who's Been Naughty?
• Tues., Dec. 17: In TMQ We Trust
• Mon., Dec. 16: Basketball Jones
• Fri., Dec. 13: Charlie Hustling

Other featured content:
• LeBron James gives up basketball
• Sportoon: Food for thought
• 10 Burning Questions with Tom Berenger
• Vote for the best hat in sports history
• The List: 10 most hyped phenoms of all-time
• The List: 10 phenoms who flopped the most
Thursday, Dec. 19, 2002
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