PAIN BEFORE PLEASURE

I’m still upset about his last injury…and now, sweet Rafa is hurt again and out of the Aussie Open. “I had problems in my leg so I couldn’t run properly. I just felt very tired. It was disappointing for me. Walking right now I have a lot of pain. It’s more than just feeling tired.” Our beast plans to have his injury assessed once he flies back to Spain on Friday, but he can always come to San Diego where I’d be happy to help with the ‘assessment’ of his injury. “I want to play in Davis Cup after one week. That’s my goal anyway,” said Nadal. His goal so far, has been to tease the hell outta us as he nears any match involving R-Fed. Proof of his teasing lies not only in his new scruffy hot look, but with his words: “I have pain not just in one place, I have it in my famous arse,” he said as I slipped off my sofa. As mentioned, I’d be happy to help ease the pain.

MELO MY SPACE

Finally, a reason to ‘use’ MySpace. Carmelt-in-my-mouth-Anthony has launched his MySpace page for purposes of “enhancing his marketability.” (He really needs enhancement?) Melo’s page (myspace.com/carmeloanthony) has a promotion for “Melo Mobile,” sexy photos of his nonprofit work, magazine covers, pictures of his Melo M3 shoes and a link to his online store. Basically, everything that defines him as an Athlebrity. Calvin Andrews, Anthony’s agent, said, “Everything these days is going to digital space, and if you’re going to maximize your business opportunities, you have to be connected to that space.” Maximize away Melo, maximize away.

BUICK INVITATIONAL UPDATE

Today at Torrey Pines the AT&T Pro-Am was played. For those of you who don’t know about the Pro-Am, it’s basically a round of golf with three amateurs who are paired up with a “Pro.” The most excited group, of course, was that playing with Tiger Woods. Tiger doesn’t usually play in the Pro-Am event, but this year was special. The Boys & Girls Club sold 1,000 tickets for $250 a pop. A drawing was held, and the winner won a round with Tiger. As the group was teeing off on the 14th hole, the ‘winner’ landed his ball a few inches from the hole, and Tigers ball landed in the sand, three inches from my feet. (A video of Tiger hitting the ball out of the sand has been added to the Athlebrities Group on YouTube.

My reasons for stalking the beasts today, aside from molesting them, was to get as many autographs as possible for my grandma. She’s a golf-savant. Ask her any question, about any player, no matter how random, and she knows the answer. So, the first victim was an absolutely adorable Rory Sabbatini, who floored me with his accent, eyes, demeanor and willingness to spell my grandmas name right.

A few minutes later, my favorite flash-kat Ian Poulter rolled up. I was breathless. Poulter has the “It” quality that separates the hotties from the average. Ian signed the card, with a big “Happy Birthday” across it, while my eyes were eating him alive. The eyes, hair, the clothing, stance, attitude- all top notch. And impeccably dressed. (And yes, I’m looking into getting you all more information regarding his clothing line etc.) Just before Ian delivered a gorgeous t-shot, I snapped a few photos and quick video…but was a fraction too late. I had turned away for one second and when I spun around, Ian was standing there, with his shirt off…. I fumbled for the camera before deciding I’d keep that heart-stopping action to myself and not document it. (Granted, I was THIS close to asking for his sweaty shirt). He undid his sexy Ian Poulter designed belt, tucked in his new shirt, and gave Delinda a much needed visual for her fantasies. Without a doubt, Poulter has to be one of the nicest, and most approachable guys on the greens…

Next up for grandma was John Cook, not really sure who he is, but he signed for her and I’m sure she’s got his statistics somewhere in her mind. Two other hotties that obliged were Sean O’Hair and Charles Howell III. Both were more than happy to sign, and although I didn’t snap any photos, I gotta tell you all that Charles Howell III has a hypnotic smile, champagne eyes and could sell the sport to anyone with a pulse. Hands down, one of Athlebrities new favorites. Thanks to all the golf-kittens for making my grandma, and me, smile.

DROGBA EARNS LOVE

Ivory Coast and Chelsea hottie Didier Drogba has been named a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Development Program. The beast, who signed for $47 million dollars in 2004, will receive symbolic earnings of one dollar per year for his work in UNDP’s anti-poverty campaign. “I have been given opportunities to succeed in life, but I constantly think about the ones who did not have this chance. We all need to contribute to help defeat poverty,” Drogba said. “As a man and a role model for many young boys in Africa I will do my best to promote the right messages to other men and boys to stop the pandemic.” Drogba will focus mainly on the fight against HIV and AIDS in Africa and the need to change male attitudes there. And for this, Drogba gets a ‘What a man, what a mighty, mighty good man’.

Due to the Buick, and my ‘duties’ there, I will most likely not be posting until next week.

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