espn.com Ali Contest
Don't say he didn't warn you. Page 2's Bill Simmons says "Playmakers" might shock you, thrill you and eventually wear you out. The series debuts Tuesday night with an over-the-top version of a pro-football drama that pushes the ESPN envelope on expletives but stops short of other compelling cable network dramas.
SIMMONS: THAT FOUR-BEER FEELING




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Tuesday Morning Quarterback says we'll soon know the legal future of the Redskins' evil trademark, which is as much in jeopardy in court as their season is under Dan Snyder and Steve Spurrier -- aka Lord Voldemort and Dobby the Elf. Page 2's Gregg Easterbrook paints the NFC picture.

East Coast Bias Week Bonds vs. Pujols
Page 2's East Coast Bias Week continues with West Coaster Brian Murphy's look back in anger and admiration at the face-painting fans who blow smoke about their East Coast teams.
Page 2's Tim Keown says it isn't just that Barry Bonds is 39 years old while Albert Pujols is a young 23. The MVP race is an Old Numbers vs. New Numbers battle, and Bonds' new numbers win.

THE DAILY QUICKIE
Pete Sampras cried at his U.S. Open retirement party, the sort of emotional display the Daily Quickie wanted to see more often. Plus, the Brunell bargain rack and the Manning looney-bin.



Does East Coast Bias exist? YES ...

10]  "Nails"
Lenny Dykstra "wrote" this book two years into his mediocre big-league career. You think somebody in Seattle or Denver or Minneapolis wanted to read that book?
9]  Stan Musial vs. Ted Williams
While Williams' stature grew through the years, the image of Musial has faded … because he didn't play in Boston or New York
  • GET THE FULL LIST
... NO ...

10]  Sports movies
Take a look at popular sports movies: Seabiscuit (West Coast horse); The Rookie (pitcher from Texas); Blue Crush (surf girls from Hawaii).
9]  College football voting
Of the All-Time AP College Football Top 20, only three of the top 10 can be considered "East Coast," and those only marginally -- Alabama (really more South than East), Tennessee (ditto), and Penn State.
  • GET THE FULL LIST


VEGAS' ODDS TO WIN 2003 WORLD SERIES
Yankees 7-2   Phillies 10-1
Braves 5-1   Mariners 11-1
Red Sox 7-1   White Sox 15-1
Giants 7-1   Astros 16-1
Athletics 9-1   Cardinals 18-1
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.


EAST COAST BIAS
Is there such a thing as East Coast Bias? Page 2's Eric Neel goes on a quest to find it.

BALLPARK TOUR
Page 2's Ballpark Tour stops in Minnesota, where The Metrodome has lots of memories but no chiropractor.

THE WATER COOLER
Page 2's Brian Murphy reflects on the late Bobby Bonds, his son Barry, and his good friend Willie Mays.

INVENTIONS
With the blackout still fresh in his mind, Page 2's Jim Caple ranks the most important inventions ever.

DRAG RACE
Fair warning to cornerbacks and safeties: You'll be burned by these speedsters before the year is out.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


It's Jets substitute QB Vinny Testaverde, left and actor Mandy Patinkin of "Dead Like Me." This match was suggested by Michael Uzdavines in Tampa, Fla. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo.


X-Games IX
4 p.m. ET, ESPN
Get in on the L.A. X-perience.
 
Cubs at Cardinals
7 p.m. ET, ESPN
Rivals get at it under the arch.
 
Orioles at Athletics
10 p.m. ET, ESPN2
A's racing hard in the West.
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Mon., Aug. 25: East Coast Bias!
• Fri., Aug. 22: Necessity's Babies
• Thur., Aug. 21: It's the System, Stupid!
• Wed., Aug. 20: Drag Racers

Other featured content:
• Ultimate Scorecard: 101 best uniform numbers
• The most underrated athletes of all time
• The most overrated athletes of all time
• Page 2's Top 10 Pop Icons
Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2003
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