Sports Illustrated has named the hottest beasts of 2006. NBA babes on the list include Dwyane Wade & Emeka Okafor. (Where’s my Melo?) NFL hotties named are Jason Taylor, Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush, Jesse Palmer, delicious David Carr, and of course, Tom Brady. Tennis kats aptly named are James Blake, Rafael Nadal, Marat Safin, and Andy Roddick. Hockey only produced one hottie, Jose Theodore (below).

From the delicious world of European futbol, Zidane and his big head made the S.I. list. As did Beckham, Thierry Henry, and Freddie Ljungberg. What a massive opportunity to introduce the world to some of the finest athletes alive, and they take up space by naming Zidane and Beckham? Granted, the list reads more like a popularity contest, but why not branch out and include Didier Drogba, Andriy Shevchenko, or any Italian player? The list also gives love to Jeremy Bloom and Kelly Slater, who are staples in my libido, while omitting MLB hottie of the year, the NY Mets’ Jose Reyes.

The most confusing thing about the list is the absence of golfers. How on earth did they overlook Camilo Villegas? Talk about missing the boat. The mere mention of his name sends women, and men, into a lustful bliss. And where is Adam Scott or Ian Poulter? Might be a good idea for the S.I. peeps to check out the greens once in a while.

HOLIDAY LOVE

On December 21st, a few ballers spread some love while participating in the “Miracle on 138th Street” event in N.Y. This event was apparently the largest single day food distribution effort in the city, feeding close to 10,000 families. Love the sexy beanie on Kwame Brown, and I love to see Kobe lifting a box to boost his ego. Shorthaired should’ve-made-the-SI-list Luke Walton was also there assisting in the distribution of 355 tons of food and love.

The patients at the Jackson Memorial Children’s Hospital in Miami also enjoyed some beastly love. Heat babe Udonis Haslem backed up the gift-laden-big- rig while Earl Barron, Gary Payton and other Heat hotties delivered gifts to patients on December 22.

Suns lover Raja Bell hosted a holiday party for 50 children from the Boys and Girls Club of Phoenix on the 22nd. Hottie held the event at the Phoenix Zoo, along with his lucky wife Cindy.

NASCAR babe Jeff Gordon has also been busy donating love. The mega-rich speedster opened the Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital in Concord. N.C. on the 16th. Gordon was flanked by Dr. Linny Baker, Malachi Johnson, 7, Ralph Barnhardt (chairman of the Board of Directors), Jack Ward, 8, and his wife, Ingrid, during the grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony. Gordon’s parents, John and Carol were also in attendance.

And last but not least, Allen Iverson is as precious as possible in his new team colors. Can’t wait until the sporn-tastic day when he’s playing alongside my naughty but nice Melo and his flawless bod. Go Nuggets.

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