espn.com Ali Contest
Page 2's Gregg Easterbrook tried to watch the NBA Finals and couldn't. Next to the Miss Universe of his beloved National Football League, professional hoops is ... well, not a pretty sight. Meaning no offense, of course. And speaking of beauty pageants, TMQ reveals the biggest difference between America and the Universe. TMQ: GOOD RIDDANCE, NBA




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One way for the Nets to get back into the Finals, says Page 2's Charley Rosen, is to find somebody other than Kerry Kittles or Lucious Harris who actually wants to shoot the ball against San Antonio's bewildering zone. Charley has some other notions, too, as he takes you inside a game plan to keep New Jersey competitive.

The Daily Quickie Tales from the Dark Side
The Daily Quickie has advice for anyone thinking about taking "The Steve De Sena Pledge" anytime soon: Win first, propose later. Then there's Rupp-a-mania in Jersey and 'Bron in Boston. And how 'bout them Bobcats?
 Nobody does conspiracy theories better than Page 2's Hunter S. Thompson. His latest has to do with Funny Cide, mint juleps and the Triple Crown that wasn't. As always, the Good Doctor's advice is to bet the dark side.

WHAT THE HECK?
What the heck was Jennifer Lopez thinking when she dissed P. Diddy's faithfulness? What could have been going through Rudy Giuliani's head at Yankee Stadium? And what was Martha Stewart noodling about?


Earlier this month, NFL teams had to pare payroll to get in line with the salary cap. Lots of high-priced players got the axe. Page 2 is left wondering, what if Major League Baseball had a similar June cutdown day? Who needs to go?

10]  Rob Nen (Giants)
Savings: About $6 million this year. $15 million total. We have just two words for you: shoulder surgery.
9]  Andy Ashby (Dodgers)
Savings: About $5.5 million. Are the Dodgers trying to justify his outsized salary by moving him into the starting rotation?
8]  Damion Easley (Tigers, Rays)
Savings: Tigers: About $12 million. Devil Rays: $7,000? Easley set a record on March 28, when he became the most expensive player in MLB history to be released.
  • GET THE FULL LIST


NBA FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Wednesday Nets 2 Spurs 183
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.


PILLOW TALK
What could Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher possibly have in common? Page 2's Eric Neel provides the answer.

THE WATER COOLER
Of course the power of Wrigley Field was too much for Roger Clemens, not to mention Shermer, Ill., writes Page 2's Brian Murphy.

THE SPORTS GUY
The 2003 NBA Finals might not post huge ratings, but Page 2's Bill Simmons expects it to be a great show.

JUST SAY NO
Page 2's Stacey Pressman loves women's sports, but she's still not buying the WNBA.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


It's defeated Duck Adam Oates, left, and Simpsons bartender Moe. This match was requested by Tim Coakley of Washington, DC. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo.


MLB: Cardinals at Red Sox
7 p.m. ET, ESPN
Pedro's return to the hill.
 
MLB: Astros at Yankees
7 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Yanks are 14-15 at the Stadium.
 
NBA Finals: Spurs at Nets
8:30 p.m. ET, ABC
Nets can't afford 3-1 hole.
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Mon., June 9: Ageless Love
• Fri., June 6: Unfriendly Confines
• Thurs., June 5: Time to Grow Up
• Wed., June 4: Cork-screwed

Other featured content:
• Why do men fear the WNBA?
• The Sports Guy vs. The Good Doctor
• Is Jennie Finch the most popular?
• The Sports Guy on Roger Clemens
• Page 2's 2003 Wacky Bracket
Tuesday, June 10, 2003
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