Gatorade launched its brilliant "Be Like Mike" advertising campaign 12 years ago, and it had millions of Americans singing the same tune. We wanted Michael Jordan's good looks, his guaranteed contract, his sick vertical leap.

But as MJ spends another new day as a 40-something, two other famous people -- who happen to share Jordan's first name -- are going toe-to-toe for the undisputed title of "Biggest Nut Job in Pop Culture."

We're talking about Michael Jackson and Mike Tyson. While these celebrities couldn't be further opposites on the exterior, their careers have shared a common pattern over the past 20 years. Both Tyson and Jackson reached the pinnacle of their popularity in the '80s, plummeted into dire times in the '90s, and have spent the first couple years of the new millennium as undeniable weirdos.

Of course, both have had their share of controversy, too. Tyson is on the verge of snapping like a Slim Jim during every fight and interview. Meanwhile, the word "allegedly" hangs over Jackson's head like an umbrella on a sunny day.

These days, the catchy chorus of "Be Like Mike" should carry a parental warning.

So which one deserves the title of "Biggest Nut Job in Pop Culture". Check out the list below and cast your vote in the poll at right.

JACKO VS. IRON MIKE
Category		Michael Jackson		Mike Tyson
Nickname		"King of Pop"		"King of Pain"
Trademark move		Moonwalk		Profanity-laced tantrums
Net worth		Depends on who you ask		Ask Robin Givens
Career highlight		"Thriller"		"Thrilling 91-second thumping of Michael Spinks"
How they describe themselves		"I'm Peter Pan"		"I'm Sonny Liston"
Comfort food		Snow cones		Ears
Was teased as a child for ...		Having a huge nose		Talking like Cindy Brady
Is teased as an adult for ...		Acting like a child		Are you crazy!?! We're not teasing Mike.
Current foe		Martin Bashir		The flu (according to his promoter)
Likes to throw		Water balloons		Right hooks
Facial adjustments		Nose hanging by a thread		African tribal tattoo
What he has in common with normal people		Lies about how much money he has		Hasn't been to the gym in a while
What he's looking forward to		Fox airing "Michael Jackson Take 2: The Interview They Wouldn't Show You."		Fox airing "Michael Jackson Take 2: The Interview They Wouldn't Show You." Aren't we all?
Favorite pet		12-year-old Gavin		Those damn pigeons
Memphis connection		Married Elvis Presley's daughter		Only place that lets him box
Reckless behavior		Playing "Dangle Doddle Dandy" over hotel balconies		Live press conferences
What they wish they could borrow from each other		Tyson's enviable falsetto		Prince Michael II's chiffon scarf to cover up the new ink
Favorite activity with children		Wants to share his bed with 'em		Wants to eat 'em
Worst beating		From Dad after messing up dance routine		(Tie) Buster Douglas, Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis
Authority figure who didn't do quite enough		Liz Taylor		Cus D'Amato
Las Vegas craving		Bizarro shopping sprees		The Nevada State Athletic Commission to reconsider
Startling transformation		From black man to white hermaphrodite		From the youngest heavyweight champ to America's 2nd-most beloved cannibal
It's a shame that		Macauley Culkin's too old now		Tonya Harding's pro debut will be delayed
Career low point		Stay tuned		Ditto

Gino Bona continually strives for rock bottom on his "Wink & The Gun" site, which can be reached at www.winkandthegun.com. E-mail him at gino@winkandthegun.com.