Like most warm-blooded Americans, we take our sports very seriously here at WickedInfo. As such, we were thrilled to have the opportunity to interview none other than Jemele Hill, a columnist for Page 2 on ESPN.com. Ever since her debut with ESPN.com last year, she has covered a wide array of subjects including the Duke lacrosse scandal, Kobe's place in history, college sports, and everything in-between. Of course, you don't take have to take our word for it, you can read all of her columns over at ESPN.com's Page 2.

Q: In one of your recent articles, you stated that "Kobe Bryant is better than Michael Jordan," and that "Kobe can do everything Michael did, and even a few things Michael couldn't do."

While I humbly disagree with your assessment, I thought the piece was brave, insightful and thought-provoking. Some of the negative responses you drew were both immature and base. Why do you feel that some readers felt the need to attack you in such a manner?

JH: Sports fans are extremely passionate. I have to keep this in mind, otherwise I'd have really low self esteem. But I knew even entertaining the possibility that Kobe might be better than Michael Jordan would incense a lot of people. Jordan is a hero, but I wanted to look at it as strictly a basketball argument. Hey, go to YouTube and watch the clips of Jordan and Kobe. Their games are identical. If people think about it, it's not such a novel concept. Sports is about evolution. What you see today is supposed to be better than what you saw 20 years ago.

Q: What initially sparked your interest in writing about sports? Did you grow up in a sports-mind family?

JH: I was your classic tomboy. I played sports all while growing up. My stepfather was a huge sports fan and he was also the one who taught me how to play sports. And because I always hung out with the guys growing up, I just started watching sports like they did. But I also loved to write. I wrote short stories and kept a journal through most of my adult life. Then one semester in high school, I had the option of taking personal health or journalism, and I chose journalism. I couldn't imagine learning about sex from the football coach.

Q: Given the fact that it is basically a male-dominated field, were you initially criticized about being a female writer? If so, can you share how you responded to the sexism?

JH: You have to have tough skin. It does take awhile to develop because you're human. But I had to learn that some people just weren't going to judge me fairly. And there was nothing I could write, say or do to get them to change their minds. So I just had to focus on being the best columnist I could and not worry so much about what people thought or how they perceived me. I can only be me.

Q: David Stern's decision to enact a dress code in the NBA has struck some as "infused with racism." Do you feel this argument has any validity?

JH: Look, at most jobs in America, there is some kind of dress code. That's just life. Considering the television exposure the NBA receives, they have to worry about appearances to some degree. Besides, these guys are making millions. A nice suit and tie isn't too much to ask. Now, don't get me wrong, I think Stern has gone overboard with the image overhaul in some instances. The NBA, in my opinion, doesn't have nearly as many image issues as the NFL. What's going on in the NFL is pure madness, with the Pacman Jones situation and the number of arrests. The NBA often gets a bad rap and Stern sometimes exacerbates the problem by overreacting, like with this silly idea to move the NBA all-star game overseas.

Q: If you were on a board that served as the "Writer's Hall of Fame," who would you nominate on your first ballot?

JH: This is an awesome question. You didn't tell me how many nominees I get, so I'm just going to do five: Red Smith, Jim Murray, Ralph Wiley, Sally Jenkins and Dave Kindred. Some people think Sally is too young for a Hall of Fame vote, but there are not enough good adjectives to describe how good she is. Very underrated.

Q: Which athletes have been the most gracious in granting interviews?

JH: Most athletes are good to deal with. But Grant Hill is a favorite. Rasheed Wallace is a pretty fun interview. You never know what he's going to say, which makes it intriguing. To be honest, most NBA guys are gracious and honest. I like dealing with them a lot better than, say, baseball players. Now that's a moody group.

Q: What would readers be surprised to learn about you?

JH: That I bowl. I love bowling. I've been bowling since I was eight years old. I own my own ball and shoes. Sad, I know. I also love karaoking (is that a word?) even though I sound like a cat choking to death. By the way Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" is my all-time favorite song to karaoke.

Q: In your personal life, which sports are your favorites? In which do you excel?

JH: Baseball was probably my favorite sport to watch and play as a kid. I collected baseball cards and was completely obsessed with the Detroit Tigers, my hometown team. I started playing softball when I was about 9 or 10. Played in the outfield and then in high school, I started playing fast-pitch and played shortstop all through my high school career. I just loved the game so much. It's funny because, now, slow pitch is a little like non-alcoholic beer for me. In general, I enjoy competition. My second favorite sport to play is basketball. I play with a group of guys three times a week. Am I Cheryl Miller out there? Only in my mind. But I can hold my own.

Q: Where can we catch more of you in 2007? Have you considered authoring a book in the near future?

JH: The book thing has been tossed around. We'll see. I feel as if I have a lot more time to log as a columnist before I can turn my full attention to writing books. You'll probably see a lot more of me on television, though.

Q: We end all interviews with a word association game. We say wombat, you say.....

JH: Widget. I just love that word.