espn.com Ali Contest
The Pro Bowl squads were announced before any AFC team had clinched a playoff spot. You know TMQ has a little something to say about the NFL ignoring the year's most important games, but our man is more concerned with the star players no one wanted. Check out his roster of treasure that was once trash.
TUESDAY MORNING QUARTERBACK

POLL RESULTS



ESPN TOOLS
 
Email story
 
Most sent
 
To borrow a phrase from the brilliant Michael Ray Richardson, "The Lakers' ship be sinkin'." And, in Part 2 of his look at what's wrong in La-La land, Page 2's Charley Rosen tries to figure out if there's anything the three-time defending world champs can realistically do to keep the boat afloat.

Sounds of the Season Year in Review
If you're going to come Christmas caroling around the Page 2 offices, at least update your tunes. In an attempt to bring the classics into 2003, Page 2 cartoonist Kurt Snibbe pens a new version of "The 12 Days of Christmas," and Dan Shanoff offers a sports-themed edition of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas."
 Talk about much ado about nothing. Page 2's Jim Caple wonders why we spent the year worrying about pairs skating, Terrell Owens' pen and whether rich women could play golf at Augusta. As for meaningful issues, we'd like to get your votes for Athlete of the Year, Team of the Year and other awards for the best of 2003.

WIN A DATE WITH ANNA!
We're here to spread a little "goodwill toward men." All you have to do is tell us why you, of all the eligible bachelors in the world, are most qualified to take Anna Kournikova on a date. You could win Anna's new 2003 calendar ... and perhaps much more. So stop daydreaming and send your entry!


We don't want to be naughty this time of year, but with the NFL season ending, we must point out that several folks didn't really earn their paychecks. Check out our list of the 10 most overpaid people in the NFL and then vote in our poll to finger the top culprit.
10]  Greg Robinson, Chiefs defensive coordinator
The Chiefs are likely to miss the playoffs despite averaging 31.6 points per game, the most in the NFL. Gee, could defense be the problem? You betcha.
9]  Packers defensive end Joe Johnson
Even before the two-time Pro Bowl defensive end was sidelined early in October for the remainder of the season, the Packers were disappointed by their new free agent's performance.
8]  Jets running back Curtis Martin
At $13.5 million ($10 million bonus and $3.5 million annual salary), the Jets invested a lot in the NFL's 18th-leading rusher.
  • GET THE FULL LIST


NFL FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Saturday Eagles 1 Giants 36½
Saturday Raiders 7 Chiefs 48
Sunday Patriots 1½ Dolphins 38½
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.


THE WATER COOLER
Brian Murphy slaps on a Santa hat and hands out some gifts to the many deserving folks who graced the Cooler over the past year.

UN-BEAR-ABLE
Forget about Bear Bryant denying his players water. David Halberstam says the coach's real sin was his failure to push for the integration of Southern football.

STEEL-DRIVIN' MAN
As Ralph Wiley sees it, there has never been an athlete as respected -- and feared -- by other superstars as Jim Brown.

THE SPORTS GUY
Despite being busy in Hollywood, Page 2's Bill Simmons always has time to answer his mail. Especially when it's about Vegas.

FALLING STAR
Page 2's Eric Neel tries to figure out how Ken Griffey Jr. turned into the guy we currently see in Cincy ... and if he'll ever return.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


These guys are impossible to beat, especially this time of year: It's Miami football coach Larry Coker, left, and Snow Miser of "The Year Without A Santa Claus." This match was requested by Michale Jeffries of Myrtle Beach, Fla. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo.


The Best of SportsCenter
7 p.m. ET, ESPN
Revisit the highlights of 2002.
 
SportsCenter's Top 10 Games
8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
We doubt Bengals-Texans will make the cut.
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Mon., Dec. 23: Date Anna
• Fri., Dec. 20: Bear Facts
• Thurs., Dec. 19: Vegas, baby!
• Wed., Dec. 18: Who's Been Naughty?

Other featured content:
• NFL Stud & Dud for Week 16
• The Page 2 Karaoke Party
• Sportoon: LeBron's World
• What the Heck Are They Thinking?
• 10 Burning Questions with Tom Berenger
Christmas Edition, Dec. 24-25, 2002
.