espn.com Ali Contest
It started in January with Miller Lite's "Catfight" commercial. It continued through streakers and skimpy swimsuits and that fugitive from justice who kissed his sweetie for the cameras (and his parole officer) in Cincinnati. And of course, Anna is for always. Page 2's Jeff Merron presents The Year in Sex and Sports, Part One.
THE FIRST SIX SEXY MONTHS




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College hoops? Page 2's Brian Murphy loves this game. From the frenzy of the fans to the hustle of the players to the blaring of the bands, college basketball beats the pro game to smithereens, and that's before March Madness even starts. Here are five reasons to cheer for any ol' alma mater.

Bowl Cheerleader Bracket The Daily Quickie
The games? Sure, they're important. But the cheerleaders are the really critical factors in the big bowls. So we give you video and more to help you vote in our BCS (Bowl Cheerleader Series) bracket.
The Daily Quickie watched Mr. Knight's Red Raiders whup up on Mr. Alford's Iowa on Monday night, and saw Darth schooling Luke in "Star Wars." Plus, Brett Favre's reality check and Isiah's new cap.

PAGE 2'S PERSON OF THE YEAR
Jennie Finch has a lead that looks as commanding as her fastball. But it might not be too late for LeBron or Paris to mount a comeback. Vote now for Person of the Year in the PCS (Page 2 Computer Series).


We've seen some impressive debuts in the past year, on the field and off. Almost too many to choose from in our list of the best rookies of 2003.
10]  Laurence Maroney
Maroney, a freshman running back for the 9-3 Minnesota Gophers, ran for 990 yards (6th in the Big 10), and nine TDs. His average of 6.73 yards per carry was the highest among the top-10 rushers.
9]  Hideki Matsui
We know all about the arguments that Matsui isn't a "true rookie," but we don't have to care about rules for the purposes of this list -- Matsui was an MLB rookie, and, to put it briefly, came through on the biggest stage in the Bronx.
8]  Evans Rutto
We know what you're thinking -- who the heck is he? Rutto, a Kenyan, has become one of the best marathoners in the world. His first marathon in Chicago this year was the fastest first-time marathon of all time.
  • GET THE FULL LIST


NFL FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Monday Packers 5 Raiders 43½
Sunday Rams 10½ Lions 45½
Sunday Bengals 7 Browns 40½
Sunday Vikings 8 Cardinals 45
Sunday Ravens 7½ Steelers 38½
NCAA FOOTBALL FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Rose USC 6½ Michigan NL
Orange Florida State 2 Miami NL
Sugar Oklahoma 6 LSU NL
Fiesta Kansas St 7 Ohio St NL


 
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.


Fathers & Sons
Irvin Favre won't be there anymore when his son, Brett, comes off the field. Not Monday night in Oakland. Not ever again.

But he was there for Brett's other games, providing affirmation in a Jock Culture that sorely needs it. Robert Lipsyte's tale of the Favres is a touching Writers' Bloc tribute.

  • Archive: Starless NFL | A-Rod | Big mouths
    • LAST UPDATED FRIDAY 5:20 P.M. ET



    DIGGIN' DUNCAN
    He's a nightmare matchup, but Tim Duncan stacks up well with the stoic sports legends that came before him, says Page 2's Eric Neel.

    NFL CHRONICLES
    The Colts are looking good, thanks to Peyton Manning and Tony Dungy.

    HOSTAGE NEGOTIATIONS
    With millions on the line, Page 2's Jim Caple gets the scoop on the Rangers and Red Sox all-nighter.
    If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


    Yeah, we know D.Marshall is a dead ringer, but shave his head and rapper Ludacris, right, looks a lot like Browns' Dennis Northcutt, left. This match was requested by 15 Page 2 readers. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo.


    2003 Fort Worth Bowl
    7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
    TCU Horned Frogs go bowling.
     
    Simple Life
    8:30 p.m. ET, FOX
    Paris and Nicole, back in action.
     
    Men's Hoops: Illinois vs. Missouri
    9 ET, ESPN2
    For Big XII Busch braggin' rights.
     
    • Complete TV Listings


    If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
    • Fri., Dec. 19: The Amazing Bennifer
    • Thur., Dec. 18: Masters and Commander
    • Wed., Dec. 17: Menage a Deux
    • Tue., Dec. 16: Air Ainge?

    Other featured content:
    • Page 2's Couple of the Year
    • The Biggest Trades of All Time
    • All-Time World Series Rankings
    • 100 Greatest Home Runs of All Time
    • Ultimate Scorecard: 101 best uniform numbers
    Monday, Dec. 22, 2003
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