espn.com Ali Contest
Sports and sex. Anymore, you can't have one without the other. If it isn't Sue Bird willing to be spanked, it's Mike Piazza declaring his heterosexuality. If it isn't Andy Roddick as a racket-toting sex symbol, it's Nikki Ziering as a lingerie-wearing football player. And don't even get us started on that Miller Lite "Catfight" commercial ...
SEX AND SPORTS, 2003: PART I | PART II




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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 our 10 Burning Questions, it's clear he's working through a few "issues" about his beloved Red Sox.

The Sports Guy The Daily Quickie
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.
 The Daily Quickie knows mojo when he sees it, and he sees it all over Brett Favre and the Packers. So Mr. Quickie plots Green Bay's road map to Houston. Plus, NFL awards, and 114 very riveting yards.

PAGE 2'S BOWL CHEERLEADER SERIES
As the big bowl games approach, Page 2 winds up its own BCS: the Bowl Cheerleader Series. Watch the video, and then vote in the championship matchup between Southern Cal and Ohio State.


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
    • LAST UPDATED WEDNESDAY 3 P.M. ET



    NFL THOUGHT BALLOONS
    Page 2's Ralph Wiley gives us a holiday look into the minds of our friendly, neighborhood NFLers.

    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 HOT LIST
    Page 2's Dan Shanoff offers a sports take on that holiday classic, " 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.'"
    If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


    It's "A Christmas Story" bully Scut Farcus, left, and Islanders RW Jason Blake, right. This match was requested by Sean in New York. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo.


    ESPN 100: 2003 Year in Review
    7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
    People and things that mattered most.
     
    College Football: Alamo Bowl
    9 p.m. ET, ESPN
    Michigan State vs. Nebraska.
     
    News Now: "Out in the Real World"
    10:30 p.m. ET, MTV
    No Monday Night Football, try this.
     
    • 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
    Weekend Edition, Dec. 26-28, 2003
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