PONG IS BACK

Gotta give it up to American Express, who launched a U.S. Open campaign featuring Mr. Mojo himself, Andy Roddick. The campaign, titled “Roddick v. Pong,” includes a TV spot and a Web site (www.stoppong.com) where players can help Roddick in a match with Pong. In the TV spot, Roddick spanks the Pong “white bar” in a tennis match and says, “My life is about taking on all challenges. That’s why my card is American Express.” Love that AMEX has shifted their advertising focus from his mojo to his “challenges”…A slight blow to Andy’s Hot List status was dealt by People Magazine who reported a Roddapova sighting. Apparently the love-birds took some time off for a “quickie” together at the Bacara Resort & Spa in Santa Barbara: “The couple walked around the hotel holding hands, and at one point, Sharapova planted herself on his lap.” Oh, scandalous- held hands? I love that she publicly planted herself on his lap- marking her territory. You go girl! I might not like you, but I feel ya. And if you wanna meet Sir Hotness in person, this Thursday, (24th), Andy will appear at the Lacoste boutique store on 5th Avenue. He’ll be there from 5.00-7.00pm. If you make a purchase, Andy will personally sign a one of a kind Lacoste hat. Andy will also be available for topless photos with fans. The exact location of the Lacoste signing is: 608 5th Avenue (on the corner of 49th street).

BASKETBALL HOTTIES INTERNATIONAL

If you’re not watching the International Hotties Basketball Games, you’re missing out on a lot of fine baskets.
Dwyane Wade. Arms. My Wondertwin powers have so far ignored my request to be transformed into…a Slovenian baller.

I know what I wanna gobble up for Thanksgiving this year, Turkey’s Ersan Ilyasova. The arms, the hair, the lips…with a light basting of warm butter. Yummy. Turkey will play against Brazil today, which means another international hottie will be on the court…

Brazil’s NBA player Anderson Varejao definitely makes the Hot List. Aside from his pull-me-hair and double-de-licious lips, he was caught doing “it.” The tickle. Again, I’d be happy to help…..

ZO HITS THE GREENS

Yesterday, Alonzo Mourning’s 3rd Annual Zo’s Million Dollar Shoot-out fundraiser was held at the Trump National Golf Course in New York. The event was hosted by Big Daddy Shaq and included everything from a meet and greet, to a steak and lobster dinner. Aside from dressing to the nines, and looking super fine while doing so, Mourning is one of the most generous Athlebrities out there. He continually steps it up and gives back mad love to the community. Check out his various fundraising events and good deeds at: www.amcharities.org.

ENOUGH ABOUT “MY SPACE “ALREADY

Anyone can get their own MySpace page and boast about being friends with Tom, and just about anyone can claim to be someone else. Which brings us to the problem- are the Hottie pages really the Hotties page or an imposters? My Space rules “prohibit impostors” but unfortunately, the po-po are too busy to police the site. Step in Bryant McGill and Jim Karol. The dynamic duo have set up a group Web site on My Space called “100% Verified Celebs & My Space Personalities” which authenticates My Space celebrity profiles for free. Once they get approved, the verified hotties are listed on a group page. Heads up to all you Yankee fans, questionable pages currently under investigation include Alex Rodriguez and Johnny Damon. And I must add, Johnny Damons body-flawless.

SHOULD HAVE SEEN IT COMING
MLB is partnering with athlebrity-hound Alyssa Milano and GIII Apparel Group to design and distribute a line of MLB ladies apparel, which will be sold under the label “Touch – by Alyssa Milano.” The line is inspired by the long list of Athlebrity boyfriends that Alyssa has burned through over the years. “Touch” also apparently “falls to the floor” if touched by a hottie.

WHAT?
The Hindu Times ran a story today, the headline? “David Beckham grabbed Posh’s Butt!” Told ya they can’t inhale without making headlines…

THE NFL HAS GONE TOO FAR ON THIS ONE
Gimme a frigging break! The Online dating site eHarmony.com aired a commercial this weekend in which Shannon and L.J. discussed how they met through the site. They built a beautiful relationship despite their love for two rival NFL teams, the Steelers and the Browns. Now, their love is in jeopardy. Why? The NFL has gotten their panties in a wicked bunch, claiming it’s a possible “trademark violation.” NFL Dir of Corporate Communications Brian McCarthy said the company has no relationship with the league, and added, “Looks like they will soon have another success story to tout — a match between a member of our legal department and the company’s.” Are you kidding me? I saw the commercial and didn’t get the impression that the two lovers were selling anything related to the NFL, let alone an affiliation between the NFL and eHarmony. Brain McCarthy has earned a gold plaque on my wall of All Time Greatest Mensa Rejects.

NFL MERCHANDISE GETS A FACE LIFT

I hoped I don’t get sued for reporting that Pennsylvania-based Littlearth Productions has begun producing women’s purses, belts and key chains with NFL team colors and logos. The cool new items range from a mesh jersey purse to a Swarovski crystal-embellished “fender flair” purse. Steelers-themed merchandise is already available through the team’s catalog and will be sold online and in all five Steelers Sideline Stores by Sept. 1. My favorite thing about Littlearth is that has effectively established itself as “designers of the coolest recycled accessories on the planet.” Last year, Littlearth actively recycled more than 30 tons of rubber, 40,000 license plates and 1/4 million bottle caps. (www.littlearth.com)

PUP NIGHT PART TWO

I love all things Pirate right now. On September 26th, the Pirates will hold a second “Pup-Night” during their game against the Astros. (The first sold out within days) About 200-300 seats in the Southwest Flight Deck have been set aside for the pups and peeps, with tickets selling for $20 each. The Pirates will donate $5 from each ticket to the Animals Friends shelter. Pirates VP/Marketing, Sales & Broadcasting Tim Schuldt said, “There’s a big deck behind those seats on the Flight Deck. It will be a doggie comfort zone for the dogs. This event will be tasteful and first class. We want the dogs, their owners and all the fans to be comfortable.” The area will include water troughs, a lawn area, poop bags and tons of hot, sports-loving-dog-owning hotties.

Ask D&D questions to: delinda@athlebrities.com OR debbie@athlebrities.com

As always, thanks for reading. Delinda