espn.com Ali Contest
Thank you all for coming. Thank you, Michael, Juanita and commissioner Stern. I'm here today to announce my retirement from writing. I feel I've accomplished all I've set out to do, and the fire just isn't there anymore. You won't hear any comeback rumors about The Sports Guy. I've written my last column.
SPORTS GUY: TIME TO WALK AWAY




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The bombs are flying fast and furious today in ESPN.com's Daily Quickie. First, there's Kobe Bryant, who unleashed a 3-point barrage from out of nowhere. Then there's the Falcons' Ray Buchanan, who fired some opening shots across the bow at Philadelphia. And finally, there's the NFL trying to defuse the bomb its officials lit Sunday in San Francisco.

The "Off" Season 10 Burning Questions
Jeremy Shockey will return to terrorizing nerds at Adams College. Randy Moss plans to star in "Law & Order SUV." And Steve Spurrier will make a major life change. With the NFL season finished for 24 of the 32 teams, Page 2's Eric Immerman offers a preview of how players and coaches plan to spend the next few months.
 One attractive young woman. Twenty-five eligible bachelors. Sounds like the worst bar on the face of the earth ... or the idea behind ABC's new reality show, "The Bachelorette," which debuts tonight at 9 ET. Page 2 caught up with bachelorette Trista Rehn to ask her how it feels to be the object of so many men's affection.

SHOCKING NBA STORIES!
What has been the biggest surprise of the 2002-03 NBA season? No, it's not the Mavs' hot start or the Lakers' woes. It's that Mark Cuban has yet to be fined by the league. Cuban's clean image is just one of the items on our list of the biggest shockers in pro hoops.


After watching all those thrilling playoff games over the weekend, Page 2 couldn't help but think about the 10 greatest NFL playoff performances of all-time. Check out our list of the 10 best individual efforts and vote in the poll to pick the best postseason performance ever.

10]  Jim Plunkett in the 1980 AFC Championship
Against the Chargers, Oakland's Plunkett throws just 18 passes, but 14 are completions for 261 yards and two TDs. Plunkett also scores another TD on a five-yard run as the wild-card Raiders beat the Chargers 34-27 in San Diego.
9]  Kurt Warner in the 1999 NFC divisional playoffs
A virtual unknown before the season began, Warner continues to amaze as he leads the Rams to a 49-37 victory over the Vikings and a trip to the NFC title game. Warner throws 33 times, connecting on 27 to 10 different receivers while racking up 391 passing yards.
8]  Terry Bradshaw in the 1976 AFC divisional playoffs
The Steelers QB sets a playoff record with a perfect passer rating of 158.3, as he completes 14 of 18 passes for 264 yards and three TDs and the Steelers rout the Colts 40-14.
  • GET THE FULL LIST


NFL FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Saturday Titans 4 Steelers 44
Saturday Eagles 7½ Falcons 39
Sunday Bucs 5 49ers 39
Sunday Raiders 5½ Jets 47
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
Sure, the blitz sounds like a good idea but when TMQ breaks it down -- you'll probably have second thoughts.

ARMED & DANGEROUS
QBs were once just pawns in the physical scheme of gridiron grit -- but palisades are so passé. Physical QBs are now at a premium.

HEY, RUBE
After writing up divorce papers, The Good Doctor and his beloved Niners have agreed to reconcile.

THE WATER COOLER
After watching the Steelers and Niners on Sunday, Page 2's Brian Murphy declares that nothing in sports is better than a comeback.

SEX & SPORTS '02
From Serena's catsuit to naked Romanian gymnasts, Page 2's Jeff Merron revisits the sexiest sports stories of 2002.

THE SPORTS GUY
With the NFL regular season over, Page 2's Bill Simmons hands out his second set of awards with help from Mike and Double-Down Trent.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


It's Jets receiver Wayne Chrebet, left, and U.S. soccer player Chris Armas. This match was requested by Chris Hall of Chicago. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo for Page 2.


Men's hoops: Georgetown at Duke
7 p.m. ET, ESPN
Hoyas try to hand Devils first defeat.
 
Coyotes at Blackhawks
8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Coyotes without Burke and Boucher.
 
Celtics at Hornets
9 p.m. ET, ESPN
Boston looks for first win of '03.
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Tues., Jan. 7: Suicide Kings
• Mon., Jan. 6: Final Curtain
• Fri., Jan. 3: Gang Green
• Thurs., Jan. 2: Tuna Helper

Other featured content:
• Ranking sports cities for '02
• The 10 worst sports marriages ever
• "Win a Date with Anna" winners
• What the Heck Are They Thinking?
Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2002
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