espn.com Ali Contest
We should all be in touch with our inner Sugar Plum Fairy this time of year, right? So Page 2's Alysse Minkoff puts on her stunning purple pants and twinkles her toes along with Tony La Russa, Barry Zito, C.C. Sabathia, Akbar Gbaja-Biamila and others through the Oakland Ballet's charity performance of "The Nutcracker."
MINKOFF: TRIPPING THE LIGHT FANTASTIC




ESPN TOOLS
 
Email story
 
Most sent
 
Page 2's Jeff Merron picks up where he left off on Monday, wrapping up the Year in Sex in Sports with Part II of his series. From underwater streaking to rubber sex doll rafting, from scoring at midfield to leopard-skin thongs in the locker room, it's all here -- including skater Jamie Salé's calendar pose.

Bowl Cheerleader Series The Daily Quickie
As the semifinal round launches in Page 2's Bowl Cheerleader Series bracket, the Volunteers from Tennessee meet Ohio State, while Southern Cal gets its showdown with LSU. Watch, and then vote!
Santa is overworked, so the Daily Quickie pitches in with his own naughty-and-nice list. And Clement Moore has nothin' on Dan Shanoff, who updates "'Twas the Night . . . ", Page 2-style.

'TIS THE SEASON FOR . . . THE LIST
Page 2's Tim Keown knows a heartwarming holiday story when he sees one, and he sees a humdinger in Darryl Strawberry's spiritual advice to Michael Jackson. Plus, the List's bowl season cheat-sheet.


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
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.


Leave a tender moment alone . . .
What's going on here? Are the members of the Writers' Bloc getting soft? With Christmas approaching, the WB members are reflecting today on their most tender holiday memories.

This display of softness comes one day after Robert Lipsyte penned a moving tribute to Brett Favre and his late father, Irvin.

  • Archive: Fathers | Starless NFL | A-Rod
    • LAST UPDATED TUESDAY 3:50 P.M. ET



    SEX & SPORTS
    In Part One of the Year in Sex in Sports, Page 2 looks back at some of the raciest stories of 2003.

    COLLEGE PROS
    Shaq vs. Yao on Christmas is a nice rush, but Page 2's Brian Murphy prefers the madness of college hoops.

    NFL CHRONICLES
    The Colts are looking good, thanks to Peyton Manning and Tony Dungy.
    If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


    It's the classic Brett Favre and Geoff Jenkins match. Can you tell them apart? Neither can 320 Page 2 readers. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo.


    College Football: Las Vegas Bowl
    7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
    Oregon State vs. New Mexico
     
    The Osbourne Family Christmas
    10 p.m. ET, MTV
    Ozzie and Sharon spread the yule.
     
    MTV Cribs: Shaq's pad
    11 p.m. ET, MTV
    Snoop around Big Daddy's den.
     
    • Complete TV Listings


    If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
    • Mon., Dec. 22: Sexy Beasts
    • Fri., Dec. 19: The Amazing Bennifer
    • Thur., Dec. 18: Masters and Commander
    • Wed., Dec. 17: Menage a Deux

    Other featured content:
    • Page 2's Person of the Year
    • 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
    Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2003
    .