espn.com Ali Contest
They say "life begins at 40," but what they fail to mention is that the good times end at 39. Page 2's Jim Armstrong, who has been down that winding road, is happy to pass along some of his hard-earned knowledge about when pills become more important than basketballs, and what to do about those annoying prostate exams.
ARMSTRONG: DEAR MICHAEL ...




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It sure looked to Page 2's Brian Murphy -- who was there in San Diego, in person, annoying the paying customers -- as if Tiger Woods had the superior equipment ... and his clubs and golf balls stood up well, too. All Phil Mickelson could do was, literally, refuse to look at the disaster that was raining down.

Sportoon How To Say Good-Bye?
Just because Michael Jordan is now 40 doesn't mean the reign is over for His Airness. Page 2 cartoonist Kurt Snibbe finds that MJ can still be a great pitchman, player and media force ... as long as he's willing to make a few changes.
 As Michael Jordan's career winds down, Page 2's Eric Neel tries to imagine how it will all end. Will it be a reprise of the championship winner against Utah in '98, or something far messier? And does it really matter?

THE DAILY QUICKIE
The Daily Quickie has been bold in its predictions lately -- Tiger will lose in the Buick, Louisville will lose to Marquette, winter is over in the East -- and now it's time to pay up. Check out a special edition of the DQ, which tries to dig out from all these foolish prognostications.


As the greatest basketball player ever hits the Big 4-oh, Page 2 lists the 10 greatest over-40 athletes in sports history. Check out our list and then vote in the poll to pick the superstar for the aged ... oops, ages.
10]  Al Oerter
Oerter returned to competition as he neared 40, preparing to compete in the 1980 Moscow Games -- when he would be 43 years old. We'll never know how he would have done, because the U.S. boycotted those Olympics and Oerter finished fourth in the essentially meaningless Olympic trials.
9]  Carlton Fisk
Almost all catchers wear down long before other position players, but Fisk broke the mold. Playing with the White Sox, he caught an average of almost 100 games a season between the ages of 40 and 43, years when most catchers leave the dugout only as managers.
8]  John Stockton
A model of consistency (82 games a year in 15 of his 18 seasons), the Jazz star went from an A to an A- game six years ago after knee surgery, but he hasn't budged from A- since. As Jason Kidd said, "The best player at the point guard is still playing. He's 40 years old in Stockton. We all have to be patient until he retires."
  • GET THE FULL LIST


VEGAS' ODDS TO WIN 2003 NBA Finals
Kings 9-5   Nets 11-2
Mavericks 3-1   Trail Blazers 15-1
Lakers 3-1   Pistons 33-1
Pacers 9-2   Celtics 40-1
Spurs 5-1   Sixers 45-1
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 LIST
To celebrate Valentine's Day, Page 2's Jeff Merron presents the 10 most heartbreaking moments in sports history. Kleenex not included.

THE TODAY SHOW
Still living in the '80s NBA, with Magic and Bird? Eric Neel says the NBA is better now than ever and has 26 reasons why.

BASKETBALL DIARY
Charley Rosen sorts through his mail to explain why Bob Cousy couldn't play today and explore the latest Laker conspiracy theory.

LEBRON-GATE
Sure LeBron will tear up the NBA, but what about the people he meets along the way? Page 2's Gregg Easterbrook gives a glimpse at a world where James is king.

OSCAR BUZZ
While the entertainment world goes crazy with Oscar buzz, Page 2's Jim Caple hands out his Sports Academy Award nominations.

THE SPORTS GUY
It's been awhile, but The Sports Guy is back in the NBA saddle, and he's handing out scratch tickets to the lottery bound.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


It's rock star Jon Bon Jovi, left, and Maple Leafs defenseman Jyrki Lumme. This match was requested by Brendan Murphy of Boston. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo for Page 2.


Knicks at Blazers
10 p.m. ET, MSG
Knicks soaring after win in L.A.
 
Men's hoop: Texas Tech at Texas
9 p.m. ET, ESPN
Longhorns need a win for a chance at conference crown.
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Fri., Feb. 14: The New Retros
• Thurs., Feb. 13: The Today Show
• Wed., Feb. 12: Being Furry
• Tues., Feb. 11: Oscar Time

Other featured content:
• Vote for the best throwback jerseys
• The newest "throwbacks"
• What the Heck Are They Thinking?
• Sex and the Super Bowl
• MJ vs. MJ commerical
• The Bad Sports Hair Hall of Shame
Monday, Feb. 17, 2003
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