espn.com Ali Contest
The NFL is caroling through the holiday (not to mention the end of the regular) season, so Ralph Wiley goes deep inside the heads of Steve McNair, Bill Parcells, Ray Lewis and the others who are singing the loudest. What bubbles up might not always be in tune, but it is always entertaining. Hark, we herald the playoffs.
WILEY: HOLIDAY CHEERS




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Sure, he has a new film out. "Paycheck" is the latest flick from action/adventure director-extraordinaire John Woo. But Ben Affleck has more on his mind than movies. In fact, as we pepper him with questions, it's clear he's working through a few "issues" about his beloved Red Sox.

The Sports Guy Bowl Cheerleader Series
Why is this man smiling? Page 2's Bill Simmons wants compensation for his pain and suffering during the Alex Rodriguez trade talks. The Sports Guy rambles on about the Red Sox, Jessica Alba and more.
 Southern Cal and Ohio State dispatched their semifinal foes as if they weren't even there. Now it's the final showdown in our Bowl Cheerleader Series bracket: Trojans vs. Buckeyes. Watch the video, and then vote!

THE DAILY QUICKIE
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.


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.


Too Gifted
It seemed like a holiday tale that would delight millions -- or at least millionaires. But somewhere along the way, the story of the A-Rod trade went terribly wrong.

With apologies to O. Henry, Jim Caple of the Writers' Bloc explains all in his classic rewrite, "The Gift of the A-Rod."

  • Archive: Holiday memories | Fathers & sons
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    ONE SEXY YEAR
    In part 2 of our annual review, Jeff Merron chronicles the raciest sports stories of the past 12 months.

    ALL-STAR NUTCRACKER
    With Sugar Plum Fairies dancing in her head, Page 2's Alysse Minkoff joins Tony La Russa and Co. for the 18th annual All-Star 'Nutcracker'.

    THE LIST
    Tim Keown is anxiously awaiting the college bowl season, especially the earth-shattering halftime interviews.
    If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


    It's SF Giants ace Jason Schmidt, left, and Foreman the Elf from the Rudolph Christmas Special. This match was requested by Kgtoy in Koriyama, Japan. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo.


    NBA: Mavericks at Kings
    6 p.m. ET, ABC
    NBA'S two highest scorers.
     
     
    College Football: Hawaii Bowl
    8 p.m. ET, ESPN
    Houston vs. Hawaii.
     
    NBA: Rockets at Lakers
    8:30 p.m. ET, ABC
    Shaq and Yao square off again.
     
    • Complete TV Listings


    If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
    • Wed., Dec. 24: NFL Uncensored
    • Tue., Dec. 23: Real Men Wear Tutus
    • Mon., Dec. 22: Sexy Beasts
    • Fri., Dec. 19: The Amazing Bennifer

    Other featured content:
    • Page 2's Person of the Year
    • All-Time World Series Rankings
    • 100 Greatest Home Runs of All Time
    • Ultimate Scorecard: 101 best uniform numbers
    Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2003
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