Athlebrities

Admittedly I love my blog, I really do. Call me arrogant, wistful, delusional, whatever, but Athlebrities is my baby. Born from a love of athletes…with the intent of spreading good news and charitable acts that go unnoticed…it’s been a long road, a long difficult road sifting through the who’s who of charity work, deciphering whether intent is based on ego or love…hoping that each reader think twice about blind-hero worship (unless of course its Drogba, Melo, Rafa or our Kitten)…in any case, I’m at a cross-road.

As much as I would like to say this has nothing to do with Tiger Woods, he does come into play here for one simple reason. He is a living breathing example of the industry which I’ve come to love, and hate. Here we have one of the world’s most beloved athletes and in less than two weeks he’s become media-fodder and placed into a wood-chipper ala Fargo. Not that he doesn’t deserve our anger over the sham of his image but….but….really?

It seems I can’t fight human nature. I can’t fight the insatiable public thirst for all things scandalous, negative, hurtful…Athlebrities has tried hard to get your attention…divert it towards something positive…yet gossip sites continue to suck the life out of my Little Train That Could, leaving my soul sad and my spirits damaged. Stella just can’t seem to get her groove back.

So as this year comes to an end, I wonder if…if I can find my groove again. I know its there…I can sense it…but it appears to be hibernating at the moment. I suppose the question is, does anybody really care what our hotties are doing off the field when it’s not scandalous? Judging by recent events, I tend to think not. Is the general public content with scandalous media created spoon-fed stories that do nothing except spread hate? I tend to think so.

A few years ago I predicted a trend towards an interest in athlete giving and yes, I stand by that as I count the number of sites attempting to do what I have. Don’t mistake this for arrogance-trust me I’m humble- I’m simply frustrated. Maybe someone should give me a larger platform? (a-hem NBA Cares)(photo above, Kyle Korver, NBAE via Getty Images)

In the meantime, I’m reevaluating which direction to take Athlebrities. Of course, I’d love your feedback, suggestions etc…so until next time kids, have a very happy and safe holiday season, I hope to be back soon.

As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com

Drogba Goes RED with Bono and Nike

“With (RED) we need to speak very loudly for people to hear.” Didier Drogba

As preparations for the World Cup in South Africa are underway, I can barely sit still in anticipation of all the face painted-costumed-goal-frenzied-fans and hot soccer players set to take over the region. And I am thrilled that the World outside of Euro soccer fans are finally getting a chance to see why I love me some Didier Drogba…

The temperamental Chelsea striker might be a bit dramatic on the pitch at times, but it’s his off-field drama that has me screaming goal…especially after scoring a double whammy against Arsenal while wearing his new RED laces. “I was wearing the new laces at the weekend,” said my Drogba, “I scored, not because of them, but the thing is I wear them because I want to defend something really important to me. Something really important to my country.”

That’s right…a partnership seemingly born straight from my libido…Drogba and Bono, Product RED and Nike. Other Premier League hotties such as Joe Cole, have also agreed to join the “Lace-Up Save Lives” campaign where all proceeds from the Red laces going to battle Aids in Africa.

More from the sexiest man to emerge form the Ivory Coast: “I want people to understand why I am wearing these laces. That is something more important, maybe even more important than scoring two goals. Of course the two goals are special to me…But more special to me is that it gives me the ability to show the laces and explain to people about the situation in Africa.”

“I think a lot of players are doing good things,” said Drogba, “But maybe individually, behind closed doors. Maybe you don’t know it because they don’t want to say. With (RED) we need to speak very loudly for people to hear. That is why Bono is here. When he speaks, people listen.”

And this girl can hear a pin drop…

As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com

World Cup Countdown

Children on the outskirts of Cape Town (South Africa) held a soccer clinic with players of the Ajax Cape Town soccer team over the weekend to celebrate the fact that we only have 200 days to go before the kick-off of the FIFA World Cup…

And if I’m not mistaken, I’ve worked 200 days straight and will be taking a vacation…but not before I say thank you to the Galaxy for an amazing effort last night…be good kids, I’ll be back soon.

As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com

Lebron James May Have Redeemed Himself

It’s not a photo of him holding a starving child but its close enough…I once said, until I see a photo of Lebron James holding a starving infant, I wouldn’t give him any love in the charity world. Lebron landed on my shit list after seemingly refusing to participate in any pre-Olympic boycotts that were going on in efforts to raise awareness about the Chinese government funding the atrocities we see happening in the Sudan. He further enhanced his standing in my eyes, when he said the only thing he needs to give back to his community was “an appearance.” Ego much Lebron?

In any case, as we all know, on the season finale of Entourage, Lebron James appeared as himself alongside Matt Damon as they hounded Vinnie to donate to Damon’s ONEXONE Foundation. I speculated that Lebron’s appearance was nothing more than a ‘jump on the trendy celebrity giving train’ and earn some good PR points. During the last few minutes of the show, Lebron tells Vinnie that he donated “$1M” to the foundation. I laughed out loud.

But when I’m wrong, I’m the first to admit it and last night, as my good friend was interviewing Lebron from the game, I called his cell phone and said “Please ask Lebron if he REALLY donated a million to ONEXONE.” Not long after, my phone rang. “Yes,” my friend told me. WHAT? “Yeah, he just confirmed his donation of a million to the ONEXONE foundation as stated on Entourage.” My jaw is still on the floor. A million dollar bomb dropped under the radar so to speak? Maybe I had his ego all wrong? Maybe it’s all ego on the court…whatever the case; I shall stand down and respect Lebron James for helping those in need. Wow, just wow.

ONEXONE is committed to supporting, preserving and improving the lives of children at home in the U.S., Canada, and around the world. Through its ongoing campaigns, ONEXONE is dedicated to helping create a world where children can live safely and with dignity.

As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com

First Star’s Celebration for Children’s Rights Honors Humanitarians & Visionaries

First Star is a leading national advocacy group dedicated to strengthening rights and improving lives of abused and neglected children…and last weekend, they held their sixth annual Celebration for Children’s Rights event…the family friendly event hosted members from the Los Angeles community who mingled with celebrities to honor this year’s award recipients.

Celebrity guests included: First Star Youth Ambassador Dakota Fanning (L)-adorable as ever; and Robert Knepper (R) of Heroes-better known to some as Theodore Bagwell from Prison Break. Knepper is-excuse me, T-bagg is one of my favorite character actors and I was thrilled to learn that he and his family are “big supporters of First Star.”

During the event, First Star honored musician, actor, philanthropist, Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges with the Image Award. And it’s easy to see why…The Ludacris Foundation inspires youth through education and memorable experiences and has won more awards than I can count.

First Star also awarded the following: Community Award: Jeff Bleich, Former-Special Counsel to the President of the United States and Partner, Munger, Tolles and Olson, LLP. The Humanitarian Award went to Stephen Davis, President, Hasbro Studios, and his family: the Visionary Award was given to Melissa Helmbrecht, Chair and CEO, SplashLife; and the Lifetime Service Award went to Louise Horvitz, MSW, Psy.D.

ABOUT FIRST STAR: First Star works to create a future in which America’s abused and neglected children have won their right to be heard and protected within the systems legally entrusted with their care, and in which those systems are fully resourced, transparent, and accountable to the public. For more information, please visit: www.firststar.org

As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com

Dikembe Mutombo Named NBA Global Ambassador

“I want to be remembered as someone who made a difference.” Dikembe Mutombo

Smart move on behalf of the NBA this week as Commissioner David Stern named Dikembe Mutombo the NBA’s Global Ambassador…the big guy recently retired after 18 seasons, and in efforts to hang-on to the best thing to happen to the NBA since I came along, the league created this position for Dikembe, essentially unleashing his unlimited potential.

Check out this beautiful promo of Dikembe opening his hospital from Unicef…seems criminal to me that its only been viewed about 1500 times on Youtube and not 150,000.

In his new role as Global Ambassador, Mutombo will work on numerous international events and programs, including Basketball without Borders: “Dikembe’s extraordinary accomplishments on the court and in the community demonstrate why he is one of sports’ outstanding humanitarians,” Stern said. “His commitment to using the values of our game to improve the lives of so many is an example of the special role we have in being leaders in social responsibility. We know the impact programs such as NBA Cares and Basketball without Borders have in being catalysts for change on a global scale, and Dikembe’s continued contributions will be invaluable in our global efforts to bring attention to important social issues.”

Additionally, Dikembe will work closely on NBA Cares outreach efforts with Hall of Famer Bob Lanier who serves as Special Assistant to the Commissioner. “I am looking forward to working closely with Dikembe as he enters this next phase of his brilliant career. I have seen first hand the impact and inspiration he provides,” said Lanier. “His passion for improving the lives of people in Africa and elsewhere is a great example of how NBA players understand their obligations to the global community.”

In case you’ve been out of the loop, Dikembe’s resume includes opening a hospital and research center in his native Democratic Republic of Congo; he received the National Civil Rights Museum Sports Legacy Award, was inducted into the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame…and is the only 2-time winner of the NBA’s J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award given for outstanding service and dedication to the community.

As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com

Carmelo Anthony Renders Blogger Speachless

Carmelo Anthony distributed meals at the Johnson Branch of the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Denver on November 16, 2009 in Denver, Colorado…not much more I can say about the hottest beast in the West except Melo needs to feed this blogger soon…oh, and Lala Vazquez was there too, yay.

Seriously, that’s about all I can manage to write without convulsing…except all photos are Copyright 2009 NBAE via Getty Images.

As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com

Brooklyn Beckham Charity Work?

Say what you will about the most beautiful family on earth, but how many 10 year old children of mega-rich celebrities have you seen take a charity trip? I’ll save you the time, none. In fact, it was Brooklyn Beckham’s idea to accompany mama Posh on a recent trip.

Yes, the son of Victoria and David Beckham has become one of the world’s youngest celebrity charity advocates after he joined Posh on a ‘Save the Children’ trip to Clay County in Kentucky, where half the kids exist below the poverty line.

Posh - an ambassador for the charity - told Hello magazine that Brooklyn helped her distribute shoes, backpacks and books at two local schools before they both joined in a game of football. “I’m pleased Brooklyn is learning that by helping and joining other children he can play a role in making his generation the greatest yet,” she said, “What I saw in Clay County was the hope and promise inherent in every child. That’s why we have to make sure every single child has a fair and equal start in life.”

Interesting…props to Victoria and David Beckham because although it may feel like the Beckham kids were born with a head start on the ‘fair’ and ‘equal’ part in life, it makes me happy to see a celebrity couple (of their stature) doing a great job at keeping their kids humble.

About SAVE THE CHILDREN: Their mission is to create lasting, positive change in the lives of children in need. With your support, Save the Children will ensure that children in need grow up safe, educated and healthy, and better able to attain their rights.

As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com

Tony Gonzalez Gets Nude for PETA

Atlanta Falcons’ Tony Gonzalez and his wife, October, have done what I wish every athlete on the planet would do (or at least all the soccer players)…bare all for PETA. The decision to pose nude for PETA’s anti-fur campaign was an easy choice for the tight-end and his wife: “It’s something me and my wife talked about. It’s something we feel very strongly about. That’s a great cause, especially when you educate yourself and find out what is happening out there in the world.”

“I’ve never done something like this before. I’m usually not a political person…the pictures I saw were pretty gruesome, pretty cruel. If done the right way, maybe. But done the way I saw it, it’s definitely inhumane.”

The 10-time Pro Bowler, who holds the NFL record for most receptions by a tight end, is taking the campaign seriously (as he should), and has made changes to his diet, “I eat a little meat now, but it comes from clean sources: grass-fed cows, free-range chickens, wild fish, stuff like that,” he said. “I’m OK with it as long as you do it humanely.”

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), is the largest animal rights organization in the world.. PETA focuses its attention on the four areas in which the largest numbers of animals suffer the most intensely for the longest periods of time: on factory farms, in laboratories, in the clothing trade, and in the entertainment industry. They also work on a variety of other issues, including the cruel killing of beavers, birds and other “pests,” and the abuse of backyard dogs. PETA works through public education, cruelty investigations, research, animal rescue, legislation, special events, celebrity involvement, and protest campaigns.

As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com

Magic Johnson Surprises Ashley Judd at 4th Annual USA Today Hollywood Hero Awards

Last night, Ashley Judd was honored for her work as a her work as a Global Ambassador for YouthAIDS, the education and prevention program of Population Services International (PSI) where she graciously received the 4th annual USA TODAY Hollywood Hero Award from USA TODAY Editor, John Hillkirk. When Hillkirk asked Judd how it felt to be named a Hero? “I’m just the front woman,” said Judd, “I was just lucky that this wonderful organization was put in my lap and I had the opportunity to be involved with them.”

Just the front woman? Ashers pa-leeze, you are far more than just a front woman…what other long-time humanitarian and social advocate could attract guests such as: Morgan Freeman, Councilman Bobby Shriver, Debra Messing, Mandy Moore (R), Ellen Burstyn, Molly Sims (L), Eva Amurri, Catt Sadler, Naya Rivera, Rick Yune, Tami Farrell, Omar Miller, Zina Bethune (my favorite Hollywood Hero from 2006), and of course, hot supportive hubby, Dario Franchitti?

Even last year’s USA Today Hollywood Hero, Magic Johnson, didn’t hesitate to honor Ashley Judd…one of the greatest humanitarians of all time flew in to surprise her, “After I received the award last year, I said, ‘The next person has to be beautiful.’ They have to care about the community, give back to the community, do it with passion, love and a big heart. When I found out it was Ashley Judd, it couldn’t have been a better person. The only thing I don’t like about her is she’s a Kentucky Wildcat fan. Sometimes they play against my Michigan Spartans.”

The event was held at Montage in Beverly Hills…guests to the by-invitation-only gala enjoyed special celebrity tributes to Judd by Morgan Freeman, Councilman Bobby Shriver, Debra Messing, Ellen Burstyn, Magic Johnson, Zina Bethune, Kate Roberts and Ambassador Swanee Hunt. Guests dined on sustainable Chilean Sea Bass, Vegetarian Lasagna, Roasted Peppers and Potato Gratin with an Estate Chocolate layer cake for dessert. Additionally, PSI hosted a silent auction at the event.

The USA TODAY Hollywood Hero Award is presented annually to an entertainment industry humanitarian who has made remarkable contributions of time and energies with non-profit organizations dedicated to enriching the quality of life for others. The USA TODAY Hollywood Hero Award recipient is unique in that his or her efforts extend far beyond charitable contributions or lending one’s celebrity to enhance a cause or concern. For more info, please visit: www.hollywoodhero.usatoday.com

PSI is a leading global health organization with programs targeting malaria, child survival, HIV and reproductive health. Working in partnership within the public and private sectors, and harnessing the power of the markets, PSI provides life-saving products, clinical services and behavior change communications that empower the world’s most vulnerable populations to lead healthier lives.

As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com