espn.com Ali Contest
Bill Simmons' blood pressure rose to unhealthy levels last week, and we had to make him lay down and listen to Enya. See, our man was outraged when Eric Neel argued that the NBA is better today than it was back in the Magic-Bird Era. The Sports Guy is presenting a video tape of Game 4 of the 1984 Finals as Exhibit A.
SIMMONS: I LOVED THIS GAME




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He sees Gary Payton wearing a purple jersey with No. 20 on it. He reads the name "Payton" in Milwaukee's box score. He can't find any evidence of the Glove left in Seattle. Yet Page 2's Eric Neel can't accept the fact that GP is no longer Seattle's property. Like AI in Philly, Garnett in Minny and Reggie in Indy, some players are meant to embody a city ... forever.

The Daily Quickie "Are You Hot?"
As Annika prepares to trade tee shots with Tiger and Phil, Serena says it'd be "impossible" for women to match men on the tennis court. So, what sport would provide the most level playing field for a "boys vs. girls" format? The Daily Quickie ponders that question and reflects on the end of Kobe's streak.
 Move over, Anna. It's Jennie's world now. Softball fire-baller Jennie Finch is scorching the competition in Page 2's search for the Hottest Female Athlete, but the polls remain open, so it's not too late to cast your vote. And, yes, we're already selling tickets for a Finch-Kournikova mega showdown for next week.

BASKETBALL DIARY
Eric Musselman doesn't have to hand out meal money, worry about players with untied shoelaces or take 10-hour bus rides to Rapid City now that he's in the NBA. In part 2 of Charley Rosen's look at Golden State's rookie coach, we learn Musselman has other issues to deal with: like being called "Mussel-head" by one of his players.


As we muse about how tough it is to play for George Steinbrenner or train Mike Tyson, Page 2 figured the time was perfect to list the 10 most thankless jobs in the sports world. Check out our list and then vote in the poll to pick the one job you'd never want to have.
10]  Head of security for the Masters
He's on the lookout for terrorists and other major threats. And he commands a corps of guards that won't even let badge-holders (read: CEOs, billionaires, mega-celebs) take mental snapshots of what they see. Now factor in that he's probably looking at a major protest this April.
9]  Head of payroll, Ottawa Senators and Buffalo Sabres
See those guys collecting cans on the side of the highway? Yep, that's them.
8]  Joe Torre, Brian Cashman and the Yankees coaching gang
Torre and Cashman have had great fortune, and the bad fortune to inherit the flip side of The Yankee Way -- you're expected to win it all each year. If you do the expected, well -- who couldn't win with those players and that payroll? If you fall short, which is inevitable at least once in a while, watch out.
  • 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.


MAN IN THE MIRROR
Are you like Mike Tyson? Believe it or not, Page 2's Ralph Wiley says there's a little bit of Iron Mike in all of us. Seriously.

THE SPORTS GUY
Page 2's Bill Simmons gives the play-by-play on the Grammy awards, including when the big winner broke his heart.

NEAR NAKED
Sports Illustrated's famous cheesecake issue is out, and Gregg Easterbrook says the cheese is tasty and the cake revealing.

USER'S GUIDE
Trying to sneak a peak at the SI swimsuit issue without getting in trouble from your girl? Eric Neel has some helpful advice.

WELL-SUITED
The SI swimsuit issue is not all palm trees and coconuts. Page 2's Jeff Merron gives you the 40-year history of the mag.

HOOSIERS REDUX
They're making a sequel to the hoops classic "Hoosiers," and Page 2's Jim Caple has written the script: LeBron goes to Hickory.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


It's new Bengals coach Marvin Lewis, left, and Kentucky men's hoop coach Tubby Smith. Page 2 has received 55 requests for this match. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo.


Men's hoop: Duke at Georgia Tech
7 p.m. ET, ESPN
Yellow Jackets want to be buzzin' in March.
 
Pacers at Celtics
7 p.m. ET, FOX Sports
Indiana on six-game winning streak.
 
Men's hoop: W. Kentucky at La.-Lafayette
9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2
The Sun Belt's co-No. 1s face off.
 
• Complete TV listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Tues., Feb. 25: Hot In Herre
• Mon., Feb. 24: Norah, Norah, Norah
• Fri., Feb. 21: Swimsuits!
• Thurs., Feb. 20: Oh, Bubba!

Other featured content:
• World according to Steinbrenner
• Vote on Mike Tyson's face tattoo
• Biggest Nut Job: Tyson vs. Jacko
• Vote for the best throwback jerseys
• What the Heck Are They Thinking?
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2003
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