espn.com Ali Contest
Since 1995, there have been 112 openings for head football coaches at Division I-A schools. Five of them have gone to black men -- and two went to Ty Willingham. Page 2's David Halberstam says those numbers are a disgrace, but they illustrate why Willingham's success at Notre Dame was clearly the most meaningful story of 2002. HALBERSTAM: THE YEAR OF TY




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You're probably not surprised to hear that Deion Sanders thinks he can still play. You're definitely not surprised to hear that Al Davis wanted to take a chance on another aging future Hall of Famer. Page 2's Ralph Wiley has always been a Deion fan, but he's thankful that he never had to witness the marriage of Neon Deion and the Silver & Black.

The Hot List The Uncensored NFL
Didn't the Lakers learn anything from the Irish or the Chargers? If you're going to break out an alternate jersey, Page 2's Dan Shanoff says you do it against a cupcake opponent. You don't do it against your rival on national TV, and that's why our Hot List gives the cold shoulder to L.A.'s White Christmas.
There's one game left in the regular season, but not all NFL minds are thinking about their finales. In fact, Page 2's Ralph Wiley finds that a lot of folks are already thinking ahead to 2003. Chief among them, of course, is Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who has had visions of Tuna dancing in his head all week.

2002-03 BASKETBALL DIARY
Just when you thought the Lakers might be awakening from their winter hibernation, L.A. blew a 12-point lead and lost to the rival Kings in the Christmas Day spotlight. So, will the champs ever get off the canvas? Page 2's Charley Rosen examines whether Dr. Phil might be able to find a remedy.


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.



TUESDAY MORNING QB
TMQ takes the final two weeks of the season very seriously, unlike the honchos at the NFL who pick the Pro Bowl teams way too early.

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
Page 2's Jim Caple says 2002 was a year only Seinfeld would love -- a year about nothing.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Page 2's Eric Immerman takes a sneak peek at Anna Kournikova's calendar for 2003 to see what the tennis temptress has planned.

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.

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.


It's The Sports Guy's favorite player, Kings guard Doug Christie, left, and Eagles receiver James Thrash. Page 2 has received 29 requests for this match. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo.


Pistons at Wizards
7:30 p.m. ET, TNT
Jerry Stackhouse faces ex-mates.
 
Avalanche at Blues
8 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Colorado 3-0 under Tony Granato.
 
College football: Insight Bowl
8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Pittsburgh vs. Oregon State.
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Tues., Dec. 24: All-Trash Team
• Mon., Dec. 23: Date Anna
• Fri., Dec. 20: Bear Facts
• Thurs., Dec. 19: Vegas, baby!

Other featured content:
• Win A Date With Anna!
• 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
Thursday, Dec. 26, 2002
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