CAMILO VILLEGAS WINS TAKAI CLASSIC

There are some days I wake up and think maybe I can take the day off, but today’s Sunday sail is the last thing on my mind. The battle between ‘work’ and ‘hormones’ was easily won by my libido, which is producing an overload of estrogen thanks to Camilo Villegas, Lewis Hamilton and a few ballers in Europe.

East Coast Camilo Villegas correspondent Elena was the first person to tip me off about the delicious victory our kitten grabbed today in Japan. The Coca Cola Takai Classic red-jacket goes to our own Camilo Villegas. Last year, he crawled his way to a third place victory before promising a return: “I’ll be back in Japan in September for the Coca-Cola Tokai Classic. I really enjoyed the tough course settings and the various Japanese cultures during my stay last year. I’m honored to be invited again to such a prestigious tournament and would like to play my best game to add my name to the list of great champions.” BAM! And now the sexiest man to swing a club can add his beautiful name to the list of champions. And while I may speak a bit of Mandarin, this doesn’t translate into Japanese, so since there is very limited info available in English, we’ll just have to wait for the news to break here before getting all the juicy details.

LEWIS HAMILTON WINS JAPAN
Seems like I should have jetted over to Japan last week. Not only was Villegas kicking ass and taking names, but Lewis Hamilton practically led the entire Japanese Formula One race. The sexy 22-year has inched his way ‘this’ much closer to becoming the first man to win the world championship in his rookie season as he grabbed the title to extend his championship lead to 12 points over team-mate and cry-baby Fernando Alonso. This is Hamilton’s fourth win of the season, which means if he places second in China next weekend, it would virtually guarantee that he becomes the first rookie to win the world title.

“It was the longest race of my life,” said Hamilton. “It just went on and on. It was just so eventful. I think there were so many times when I thought the race could have been stopped, but the fact that it kept drying a little bit and then raining harder again, it just was very tricky” The race was riddled with crashes, rain, and testosterone. “I was pretty eager to go away at the front. I got a decent start and had no pressure from Fernando early on. I was just saving fuel and was able to pull away,” he added. “If Fernando would have challenged me then for sure I could have pushed harder, but there wasn’t a need.” An important moment came for Hamilton on lap 34, where he found himself battling for third place with Robert Kubica. The pair collided at turn ten when Kubica tapped Hamilton and both went spinning. Fortunately for both, they both only lost a few seconds, but Kubica was later judged responsible and given a drive-through penalty. “Yeah, I collided with Robert. I just couldn’t see him. It was really misty and my visor had fogged up completely. I’m not taking the blame for the collision at all. When you’re behind you have to take it easy, especially in these conditions. Maybe he was a little too far behind to make the move, because I don’t think he needed to take the risk. He could have taken me down the straight after all.” And I’d like to take Hamilton down the straight in Shaghai for next weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix where its predicted that this beast will become the world champion because Alonso will fail to beat him by two points or more.

NBA TOUCHES DOWN IN EUROPE
Seriously, kill me now. Why? Because one of my best friends lives in Rome and has been begging me to get over there. If her pleas had been accompanied by photos of the NBA hotties currently taking part in the NBA Live activities, I’d be blogging from their hotel, or more accurately, whispering sweet Italian nothings into their ears…

The Celtics and Raptors have both touched down in Italy. The Celtics are in Rome, staying at the Exedra Hotel, where Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce can rest peacefully knowing that Delinda is not there.

And the Raptors can also focus on the game without Delinda attacking them during practice at the La Ghirada Sports Complex in Treviso. Jose Calderon (L) stretched my hormones to the limit, while T.J. Ford wetted my appetite.

But had I walked into this restaurant while the Raptors enjoyed lunch together, I’m pretty sure the carabiniere would have yanked my passport and sent me home packing.

But it’s not just about Habanera hotness the boys have added to an already smoking hot country, it’s about the love they plan on giving back. As part of the NBA’s commitment to spreading worldwide love, the Celtics, Grizzlies, Timberwolves and Raptors will host 14 community outreach activities over 11 days in Turkey, Spain, Italy and England during the NBA Europe Live events from October 1-11th.

Following is a schedule of Europe Live NBA Cares events:
The Minnesota Timberwolves will be in Istanbul October 3-5th for an NBA Cares/adidas Court Dedication and Clinic; NBA Cares Learn & Play Center Dedication; Starkey Foundation Hearing Aid Fitting; and the Starkey Hearing Foundation Gala.

The Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors will be in Italy October 1-5th for the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Special Olympics Clinic; U.S. Military Personnel at Scrimmage, and the NBA Cares/adidas Court Dedication and Clinic.

The Memphis Grizzlies and Toronto Raptors will be in Spain October 5-10th for a visit to Hospital Materno Infantil De Malaga; Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Special Olympics Clinic; U.S. Embassy “Basketball & Education Youth Outreach” Reception; and NBA Cares/adidas Court Dedication and Clinic.

The Boston Celtics and Minnesota Timberwolves will be in London on the 8th and 9th for an NBA Cares Basketball Clinic and Court Dedication.

FREE CUSTOM WALLBANGER
From now until October 15th, send me your photo, and I’ll select one winner to receive a free custom Wallbanger. Photos must be NOT be blown-up, and it needs to be a full-body shot. Only photos that contain “all your limbs” will be considered. No head shots or missing feet, plus the higher resolution the better. Send all photos and a brief summary of why you should be immortalized as a Wallbanger to Delinda@athlebrities, subject line: Wallbangers Contest. The winner will be announced on October 15th and will have their Wallbanger included in the Wallbangers gallery. In addition, anyone who purchases a Banger through my site will receive free shipping. (They’re from the UK, so shipping is pricey). And take note- I do not collect or sell email addresses. Im just a lowly writer who loves to give away free stuff to my readers, its that simple.

SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE: YA GOTTA LOVE ‘EM

As always, thanks for reading.
delinda@athlebrities.

SNL-LEBRON JAMES STYLE

Tomorrow night, the freshly Lasiked Lebron James will host Saturday Night Live. NBC held a conference call today, in which the Cav’s forward discussed his strategy for hosting the show: “This is definitely the biggest thing that I’ve done,” James said, “I think I’m going to just wing it.” Should be very interesting, seeing as Lebron has an abundance of confidence in his skills and said “everything that comes out of my mouth is going to feel comfortable for me. I’m not going to put myself, and I don’t think the writers are going to put me in a situation where it doesn’t feel comfortable and where it’s not authentic to what LeBron James is.” Obviously, he doesn’t watch SNL….

ASTROS SAVE THE ANIMALS

Hotties and dogs are just a few things that Im a sucker for. Combining the two are the Houston Astros players who joined the Saving Animals organization to produce the 2008 Astros Player and Pet Calendar now available at http://www.astros.com/petcalendar or http://www.savinganimals.org. The $15 donation for the calendar benefits the adoption of homeless animals at Saving Animals’ Pet Adoption Center in Houston and community service programs of the Astros in Action Foundation. If any of you live in the Huston area, get your butts over to the Pet Adoption Center Saturday, September 29, 2007 from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon to get your pet calendars autographed by the hotties. Astro’s Pitcher Dave Borkowski spearheaded the project. “My wife, Jill, and I have three adopted pets so promoting adoption of homeless animals from shelters and spaying or neutering are very important to us. We started the Astro’s Player and Pet Calendar to raise funds for Saving Animals and to raise awareness about the beautiful dogs and cats available for adoption at both the City of Houston’s and Harris County’s animal shelter. The city and county shelters are often overlooked when looking for a new family member; collectively they admit around 50,000 animals a year, the majority of which are euthanized simply for lack of a home.” Astro’s babes in the calendar include Brad Ausmus, Brandon Backe, Dave Borkowski, Adam Everett, Jason Jennings, Jason Lane, Brad Lidge, Carlos Lee, Mark Loretta, Trever Miller, Roy Oswalt, Chad Qualls, Chris Sampson and Woody Williams. All donated their time for the cause.

WANNA BE A WALLBANGER?
Once again, its time for me to bang the wall. Ya all know I love the life-sized wall mountable hotties made by Wallbangers. Waking up to the likes of Allesandro Del Piero, Andriv Shevchenko, and now my beautiful Didier Drogba running at me from the bedroom wall makes for a great way to start the day. Now, in a cool new twist to the product, Wallbangers are offering personalized Wallbangers. Yeah, I made a Delinda Wallbanger, because, well, I guess I’m an egomaniac who wanted to ‘test’ the product before exhaling its unique and creative way to solidify your place in Wallbangers history.

Basically, you send them a photo of yourself, your kid, husband, boyfriend- whoever, and Wallbangers will create “the coolest, most thoughtful gift you can give away this year.” (Mine is reserved for Camilo Villegas -since Ian Poulter got married he doesn’t get it-, or I just may sneak in and hang it in the clubhouse for the U.S. Open?) In any case, which one of my fabulous readers would like to win a Free Custom Wallbanger? Yeah, free. Starting today through October 15th, send me your photo, and I’ll select one winner to receive a free custom Wallbanger. Photos must be NOT be blown-up, and it needs to be a full-body shot. Only photos that contain “all your limbs” will be considered. No head shots or missing feet, plus the higher resolution the better. Send all photos and a brief summary of why you should be immortalized as a Wallbanger to Delinda@athlebrities, subject line: Wallbangers Contest. The winner will be announced on October 15th and will have their Wallbanger included in the Wallbangers gallery. In addition, anyone who purchases a Banger through my site will receive free shipping. (They’re from the UK, so shipping is pricey). And take note- I do not collect or sell email addresses. Im just a lowly writer who loves to give away free stuff to my readers, its that simple.

CANCER FOR COLLEGE

Fourteen years ago, Craig Pollard (L), a two-time Hodgkin’s disease survivor, started a charity golf tournement to create scholarships for other cancer survivors, and today, the 2007 Cancer For College Golf Tournament was held at the Temecula Creek Inn. Special celebrity guest Will Ferrell was on hand for the fifth or six year in a row, to help raise money for this worthy cause. Ferrell, Craig’s longtime friend and fraternity brother said: “Each year I’ve gotten more and more involved directly, I think Craig first just invited me as a friend, you know a former fraternity brother to come and have a good time, and each year we started thinking of more ways to give time to charity and so you know its grown…There is such a sweet nature to this whole event, and its really only run by Craig and his wife Stacey, so to see how far its grown- it just makes you wanna help people in any way you can, and also to meet the kids it effects and also the fact that they don’t turn any applicant away.” While 240 or so golfers were eagerly waiting to tee-off, Ferrell was quick to remind us that we really don’t have it so bad. “Craig is one of the more special individuals you’ll ever get to meet. Between surviving cancer and having the amputations and things like that, it’s just someone that you really look up to. If you feel sorry for yourself for some reason one day, you kinda think about someone like Craig Pollard and you don’t really have a reason to (feel bad for yourself).” Indeed. Pollard has both legs amputated below the knees, but dude took to the greens and hit a line drive that seemed to disappear into space. Not only does he have a wicked swing, but a fierce spirit that inspires anyone who meets him.

While here, Ferrell will also be taping an interview to air on The Golf Channel during this weekend’s Presidents Cup. Assuming his “George Bush persona,” he’ll answer questions such as: “If you won the cup, what would you fill it with?” and “What’s your favorite cup – Presidents Cup, Ryder Cup, Stanley Cup or some other cup . . . Coffee Cup?”
And in efforts not to ignore the wonderful world of sports, Ferrell was asked about last his three roles and lightened up a bit.
Q: “You’ve done a couple of sports roles. Ice skater?”
Ferrell: “Right.”
Q: “Stock car driver?”
Ferrell: “Right.”
Q: “What’s next?”
Ferrell: “Basketball player. 70’s basketball player. Big Afro, tight shorts. Semi-Pro. It’s a comedy about the old ABA, I play the owner, head coach and power forward from the Flint Tropics.”
Q: “Do you enjoy the sports genre?”
Ferrell:” Yeah, I do. It just kinda happened by chance that I did three movies in a row of it, but of course, I love sports and to do comedies about it is kinda the best of both worlds.”
Q: “Do you think performance-enhancing drugs are a problem in golf?”
Ferrell: “Ah, well it’s pretty apparent, I mean you can tell the golfers are juiced, yeah from ah, all their massive physiques and slight potbellys yeah. That’s one of the after effects of performance enhancing drugs, a potbelly.”
For more on Ferrell’s involvement with Cancer for College, please check www.Looktothestars.org for my review next week.

As always, thanks for reading.
delinda@athlebrities.

BEDSIDE BECKHAM

David Beckham has rushed from Los Angeles to London after his father suffered a serious heart attack. Beck’s said nothing to waiting reporters outside the London Chest Hospital in east London, where Ted Beckham, 59, was being treated. “His priority is to see his dad and that is his first concern,” said Beckham’s spokesman. Posh wasn’t with her hubby when he landed, but is expected to be back in London today after cutting short a trip to Japan. The Sun newspaper’s website reported that Beckham’s father suffered a heart attack at home and had to be resuscitated by paramedics in the ambulance on the way to hospital. A hospital source quoted by the newspaper added: “Ted was in a bad way and actually died on his way to hospital. The paramedics managed to bring him back. He was further stabilized in hospital before being transferred,” the source said. Let’s all send a collective wave of love to Becks and his daddy in hopes of a safe recovery.

ZIDANE V BECKHAM

I feel slightly guilty for objectifying David Beckham while he’s attending to his father, but I cant help myself. Hot stuff himself and my favorite humanitarian, Zinedine Zidane may be pitted against each other in what is sure to be the match of the century. England’s Pro Footballers’ Association CEO Gordon Taylor said there could be “one or two surprises (Beckham-Zidane)” in a soccer match between England and a group of global players as part of the organization’s centenary celebration. The game, scheduled for December 2 in the UK, will showcase a delicious ‘England legends side’ taking on the ‘Rest of the World’. And the event just isnt for our viewing pleasure, the game will help raise money for a new children’s rehabilitation and physiotherapy unit at the University Children’s Hospital. (inthenews.co.uk)

CHELSEA BLUES CONTINUE
Drogba has finally calmed down and said he’ll stay with Chelsea. But the carnage from the Blues 2-0 loss to Man-U on Sunday continues as Chelsea have been charged with “failing to control their players and using foul language” over the fracas that erupted following the sending-off of Mikel during their defeat. Pa-leeze. As Chelsea aficionado Angela said to me “Why is it that every other team can swarm and yell at the referee, but the second we do it we get fined?” I say it’s the long-arm of corruption.

Chelsea’s troubles are related to the conduct of the hotties after official Mike Dean made a bullsh*t decision to red card Mikel John Obi for his tackle on United’s Patrice Evra, and they are also being charged with (Oh-No) “using foul and/or insulting behavior to match officials after the game.” And oh how I would have loved to be a fly on the wall for that post-match extravaganza. A Chelsea statement read: ‘Chelsea Football Club will be strongly defending the two charges issued by the Football Association and will be considering that defense until we have to respond on October 12.’ Ah, yes, it is indeed a beautiful game. (soccernet.espn.go.com)

GOLDEN STATE GOODNESS

On September 26th, Kelenna Azubuike of the Golden State Warriors helped kick-off the local Rescue Recess campaign to enlist and train adults to ‘pitch in on the playground’ at Reach Academy in Oakland. Team mascot Thunder was also on hand to scare the crap outta the kids. Mayors in 20 major cities across the country have officially proclaimed Sept. 24-28 as their city’s “National Recess Week.” Their shared goal is to help encourage more schools to participate in local Rescuing Recess events and volunteer efforts now and throughout the current school year.

National Recess Week comes compliments of the Cartoon Network, and this week they announced their partnership with the NBA Cares program to help enlist one million volunteer hours to rescue recess across America. Heat hottie Dwyane ‘Lips’ Wade has signed on to serve as the national spokesperson and said: “I’ve been extremely fortunate and blessed to work with people who’ve helped me along the way, so I’ve made it a priority to give my time and energy back to young people whenever I have the opportunity…Rescuing Recess is a perfect fit for me to meet with kids and share how being active and healthy is an important part of being a good student, in fact, using recess to blow off steam and to re-energize will actually help them do better with their schoolwork.” Wade will lead fellow NBA babes in making public school appearances during the school year as volunteer recess monitors and I really got some steam I need to blow off, so once again, does anyone got a kid I can borrow? Rescuing Recess (www.rescuingrecess.com) is the award-winning campaign created by Cartoon Network to champion the benefits and importance of daily recess in schools.

SAMUEL DALEMBERT
Philadelphia 76ers beast Samuel Dalembert has just completed a one-week visit to his homeland of Haiti. “I always have ideas of what I can do, lots of projects in mind, but its time to pass from talk to action,” he said. “I came here with UNICEF to see what I could do for youth here in Haiti.” Dalembert visited the UNICEF-supported St. Vincent de Paul Cultural Center and school. “A school like that means so much. They must have over 2,000 kids, and there are still a lot of other kids out there that are unable to enroll in school because there are not enough schools,” he said. UNICEF Deputy Representative in Haiti Njanja Fassu underlined the importance of Mr. Dalembert’s visit in advocating and raising public awareness about the well-being and development of thousands of vulnerable children in Haiti. “In a country where an estimated 11 per cent of children – over 400,000 – are orphaned by the death of one or both parents, and about 8 per cent of children between the ages of 5 and 17 are in domestic service, such a visit can only bring hope,” said Mr. Fassu. Indeed. Dalembert has been active with the NBA and UNICEF in the Unite for Children, Unite against AIDS campaign, and for this, he gets a mighty-mighty-good-man nod. When asked what he hoped to accomplish through his visit, hottie replied that his goal was simply to help children. For more on his visit and how you can help, visit www.unicef.org.

KEVIN DURANT: IT’S IN HIM

Kevin Durant, second overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, was the first-ever college freshman to be named National Player of the Year. And now the Seattle Sonics beast had added another first to his resume. He has officially become the first NBA rookie athlete ever signed by Gatorade. “Gatorade has been part of my game for a long time and I am excited that I will now officially be part of their team,” said Durant. “Not only is it an honor to follow in the footsteps of great Gatorade athletes like Michael Jordan, Kevin Garnett and Dwyane Wade, but just as important is Gatorade’s commitment to sports performance. It’s a big transition from college to the demanding pro basketball season so having Gatorade by my side will help me perform my best.” In addition to Jordan, Lips Wade and Lupine Hottie Garnett, Durant joins athlebrities Peyton Manning, Derek Jeter, Mia Hamm, Matt Kenseth, Jimmie Johnson, Sydney Crosby, Maria Sharapova, Kerri Walsh, Abby Wambach, Kristine Lilly and Landon Donovan among others in the Gatorade athlete family…I’d say we got some fresh meat to devour this season.

JONES SODA DISHONORS SEAHAWKS

I was waiting for the punch line, but never got it, as read the press release from the Jones Soda Company which made me throw up a little. The company has announced its limited edition Seahawks Collector Pack of five new football-inspired flavors which includes: Dirt Soda, Sports Cream Soda, Perspiration Soda, Natural Field Turf Soda, and Sweet Victory Soda. And no, I did NOT make this up. “Throughout their career, the average NFL player will spend 2 years of their life in the gym, eat 3 pounds of dirt and perspire 10,000 gallons of sweat. These players must withstand incredibly tough conditions to be ready for every game, which is why we thought we’d bring the fans the full experience in a bottle,” says Peter van Stolk, President & C.E.O. “Now, you can enjoy all the sweat and dirt an NFL player experiences, along with the ultimate taste of Sweet Victory.” Are they smoking crack? The only one of those flavors that is even remotely appealing is the Sports Cream, which would have for a much more appetizing campaign. If you wanna buy the (thankfully) limited edition Seahawks Collector Pack, they will be available for pre-sale beginning today on www.jonessodastore.com.

OUR LADY OF RUGBY CHURCH

Now this is my kinda ‘place of worship’. Our Lady of Rugby is the only church in the world dedicated to the rugby union, Notre-Dame-du-Rugby in Larrivire St. Savin, France. The church was dedicated in 1963 by Father Michel Devert after three hotties from the Dax club died in a car accident. A stained glass window depicts rugby players and dozens of donated jerseys hang on the walls. But my favorite part has got to be the Baby Jesus holding a rugby ball. Priceless.

As always, thanks for reading.
delinda@athlebrities.

MELO BREAKS GROUND
Last November, Carmelo Anthony donated $3 million toward the construction of an athletics complex at Syracuse University. “It’s a legacy thing,” Anthony said of his gift at a press conference in November. “It’s not just for this year or the year after. It’s for a lifetime.” And today, the Nuggets nugget is in Syracuse to help break ground on the new Carmelo K. Anthony Basketball Center. Construction could take up to 18 months, and the building is already being referred to as “The ‘Melo Center.” It will house two full practice courts, locker rooms and office space for both the men’s and women’s coaching staffs. No word yet on whether Melo will accept Delindas invitation to melt his way over to the ribbon cutting ceremony at the hot tub.

Photos from the event aren’t available yet, so I’ve opted to post the hottest daddy in the world with his baby. There seems to be only one ‘blog’ that got the photos when I was asleep in May, and I gotta say thanks to www.lovebscot.com for posting these are-you-kidding-me photos of Melo caramelizing my hormones. Dear god this kid is gonna be the death of me.

DON’T DO IT
Lee Westwood buried my sexy Ian Poulter by five-strokes to win the Quinn Direct British Masters at The Belfry. “All credit to Lee,” he said. “It’s nice to see a British winner, but unfortunately it wasn’t me.”

And my sexy flashkat, ranked 27th in the world, almost didn’t play. “It’s been a long season and five tournaments in a row is something I don’t normally do, so I wasn’t sure if I was going to play on Wednesday night,” Poulter purred. “My manager kept me going and convinced me to play. It’s a big tournament, the Ryder Cup points (he’s ranked fourth in the world for RC points) have started and decent world-ranking points are available too - on a course I love to play. I’m going to try to put in a big performance and then I’ll have a great week off next week. Getting married has been a long time coming so I’m really excited.” Ouch, ouch and ouch.

TEAM CHELSEA DEFIES AVRAM

Team Chelsea has a mutiny on its hands. Last night, new boss Avram ‘Frankenstein” Grant was dissed hard by the sexy boys in blue. The boys refused to change travel arrangements for tonight’s Carling Cup clash at Hull, and instead chose to stick by what Jose Mourinho would have done. Senior players said “no” to Avrams request to travel to Hull on the day of the tie. They instead flew from Gatwick to Humberside at 7pm last night. When Jose was calling the shots, the hotties traveled to away matches the night before a game and stayed in a luxury hotel. Senior players discussed the new proposals but refused to alter their arrangements. Instead, they followed Mourinho’s plans and trained at 3.30pm before flying from Gatwick.

And what about Ronaldinho? Will he follow the rules and put his tongue away? Chelsea have offered the beast a contract worth $116M (£58million) if he decides to join the Blues. The Barcelona forwards agent “reportedly” has accepted the five-year deal but the longhaired Brazilian could still reject the offer and choose to go elsewhere. If he does say ‘yes,’ Ronaldinho would be unveiled at the end of the season, and he would also become the highest-paid player ever on £223,000 a week- do the currency conversion and it amounts to an insane salary, roughly $500k a week!

And the Chelsea’s blues seems to have hit Ivory Coast hottie Didier Drogba the hardest. After his tearful goodbye to Jose, Drogba just hasn’t been the same. He was scheduled to belt out his rendition of ‘Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend’ at the Albert Royal Hall for an African benefit on Saturday, but he just couldn’t do it. Drogba instead asked the audience if they could “forgive him” and explained that rehearsals were called off in the wake of Mournihos departure. The beast was met with a standing ovation- before he graciously singed autographs for over an hour.

BALLS TO ECKO
After 22 seasons in the Majors, the general public has finally gotten it revenge on Barry Bonds. And I gotta say, this makes me sick. The ball Barry Bonds hit for his record-breaking 756th home run will be branded with an asterisk and sent to the Baseball Hall of Fame, thanks to Marc Ecko and his call for public input. Speculation about his alleged steroids abuse overshadowed the juicing of other MLBers, but Bonds was singled out for one reason. The media painted a picture of him as an inaccessible, arrogant, egotistical jerk, when in fact many of them never had a chance to really get to know who he was off the field. This entire situation is based on media shaping the publics perception of Bonds and nothing more. Maybe if the media were kinder to Bonds over the years, he would have been nicer to them? The fact is that Barry Bonds was slamming ‘em outta the park long before the juicing allegations, and he’s continued to do so even while under the microscope. Like I said, I ain’t happy about the asterisk.

ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST

Andy Roddick hurt his left foot. Rafael Nadal is battling a knee injury, and Novak Djokovic has a bad back. All three have withdrawn from the ATP Thailand Open. Andy hurt his foot on Wednesday and decided to pull out ahead of his match against Wang Yeu-tzuoo. “I woke up this morning and it felt OK,” Roddick said. “But when I practiced, it happened again. I’m going to get back as soon as possible to start my recovery.” On Sunday, my beast o biceps, Rafa Nadal withdrew after I tacked him on the court. “I have sought medical advice and have been advised to rest my knees for at least another few weeks,” Nadal said. Ah, does that mean you’re, a-hem- bedridden.

NIKE AIR NATIVE N7

Okay, in my opinion, this is really bizarre. Nike today unveiled the Nike Air Native N7, a unique athletic performance shoe designed specifically for Native Americans. Nike spent two years researching, developing and fit testing the shoe in partnership with the Native American community. This first-of-a-kind performance shoe is built on a new and unique last created to address the specific fit and width requirements for the Native American foot. Huh? I had no idea their feet were different than ours? Are there any doctors out there that can tell me how their feet specifically differ? In any case, it’s for a good cause. Profits from the sale of the (sorry, ugly) kicks will support “Let Me Play” programs on Native American lands that leverage sport to promote an active and healthy lifestyle. They are only available through Nike’s Native Business Program for preferential prices to members through health promotion and disease prevention programs.

As always, thanks for reading.
delinda@athlebrities.

LET THE JOURNEY BEGIN

All eyes are looking up to Yao Ming as the big guy kicks off Reebok’s largest Chinese marketing campaign titled “Fuel Yao’s Unlimited Power” in support of Yao’s journey to the 2008 Olympic Games to be held in his homeland. In a follow up to yesterdays post about Yao skipping practice for the Special Olympics Opening Ceremonies, it looks like the fine is gonna be h-e-f-t-y. Team rules stipulate a player must pay $2,500 for defaulting in the first training and pay double for the second consecutive default. Absence from the media day will cost him $20,000, adding up to about $27,500. Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey said the fine is unavoidable, but he does understand how important it is for Yao to take part in the Shanghai event.

TENNIS EDIBLES

I am loving this trend of hot tennis players cooking exotic dishes…first, we had Andy Roddick, Tommy Hass and imported treasure Rafael Nadal all taking part in the Dacor Taste of Tennis event in NY last month, and now, gulp- Carlos Moya (above) is making Pad Thai in Bangkok? The ATP promotional event is certain to garner the attention it desires…mainly, pumping us up for the Thailand Open that runs today through the 30th of September. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I need mo-mo-mo-Moya, especially if he’s mixing his hot peppers with my noodles. Look for my ‘tame’ review of the Décor Taste of Tennis event at Looktothestars.org.

The Décor Taste of Tennis event was beyond hot. Chef Marcus Samuelsson taught Andy Roddick how to make mango, raisin and jalapeño couscous with Moroccan-spiced lamb and a side dish of Delinda. And it wasn’t just Andy making me drool. Nicolas Kiefer served up some hamachi crudo, Tomas Berdych spiked some tuna with sesame oil, and sexy Croatin Mario Ancic drizzled olive oil over steaks in the same manner which I’d like him to drizzle baby oil all over my body. But the best food served by far was the imported tapa, Rapahel Nadal, who as usual, looked good enough to eat alive.

CHARITY FOLKS

The good peeps at Charity Folks are currently raising money to Save the Children. You can bid on a signed Guillermo Canas racket from the 2007 US Open (current bid $405), a signed skateboard from cutie-pie Ryan Sheckler (current bid only $150), and my favorite item, an autographed copy of James Booty Blake’s New York Times bestseller: Breaking Back, (current bid only $160). They are also auctioning off a ton of other items to benefit various charities, so check ‘em out at: http://www.charityfolks.com/

SHAKEDOWN IN ATP TENNIS?
Is nothing sacred anymore in sports? Especially in the pristine world of tennis? The UK Guardian reports that worlds number three, Novak Djokovic, said that he was offered $221,000 “to lose in the first round of a tournament in St. Petersburg last year,” but that he “flatly refused the offer and did not even” play in the event. There is no evidence that the organizers of the tournament were involved, but the ATP is focusing its investigations in Russia and Ukraine. Even the retired Tim Henman warned the authorities to be “very vigilant” about the dangers of gambling in tennis. “I personally have never experienced it but, listening to the players talking, it seems it goes on,” the former British No. 1 said. “Tennis doesn’t want to be associated with that.” Indeed it doesn’t.

SEXIEST MLB FAN?

Great idea coming from People Magazine, who have partnered with MLB in efforts to discover the “Sexiest Baseball Fan Alive.” The promotion is the first time that People has partnered with a major professional sports league and runs today through November with the winner to be named in the Nov. 26 issue in conjunction with it’s annual “Sexiest Man Alive” effort. But, its not limited to just the hot men who fills the stands, the sexiest baseball fan can be a male or female. The winner will be featured in the magazine as well as get tickets to a 2008 World Series Game. To nominate yourself, or one of your buds, check out peoplesexiestfan.com.

MAGIC MAN

Basketball legend Earvin ” Magic ” Johnson was the guest of honor in Athens today, where he attended a charity basketball to raise money for the fight against HIV and for the victims of the recent fires in Greece that killed at least 65 people. “Thank you for allowing me to come to your beautiful country” said Magic, who did not play in the game “this is to help all the people with HIV/AIDS and for the people affected by that terrible fire.” The government announced that the fire relief fund has raised $212 million in donations from the public and private sector. Yes, $212M…I’d say that should be enough to cover the fire damage, no?

As always, thanks for reading.
delinda@athlebrities.

Aside from my usual posts, I’ll be contributing to a great site called Look To The Stars. This site was launched in 2006 by Myrlia Associates Ltd., a UK registered company founded by husband-and-wife team, Steve & Lia Purcell. Lia had become highly aware of the many wonderful things that celebrities are doing to help the world, and wanted to set up a site that would focus on publicizing those good things. We hope to help charities with celebrity supporters by giving those celebrities’ fans the inspiration and information they need to follow their heroes’ example.

Contributing pieces:

SEPTEMBER
The Yao-Ming Steve Nash Charity Basketball Game in China; Sept. 19, 2007
Tennis Star Andy Roddick Takes Time for Charity; Sept. 27, 2007
The Inaugural Steve Nash Celebrity Roast; Sept. 26, 2007
Former NBA Star Dennis Rodman Rides for Charity, Sept. 29, 2007
Dacor Taste of Tennis w/Andy Roddick, Sept. 30

OCTOBER
Jenny McCarthy Raising Awareness for Autism; Oct. 1, 2007
Ferrell Attends Cancer for College Golf Tournament ; Oct. 2nd, 2007
Curtis Stone’s Recipe for Comfort; Oct. 3rd 2007
Linda’s Tournament of Love; Oct. 5th, 2007
Red Versus Blue; Oct. 8th, 2007
Andre Agassi Benefit Concert; Oct. 10, 2007
Tiger Woods’ Block Party; Oct.14, 2007
GuluWalk 2007; Oct. 18, 2007
Steve Nash Roast A Success; Oct. 22nd, 2007

NOVEMBER
Justin Timberlake Golf Event; Nov.27th, 2007

DECEMBER
Columbian Charities BeLive 2007; Dec. 5th, 2007

JANUARY 2008
Shawn Marion Poker Event; Jan. 2nd, 2008
Curtis Granderson Basketball Event; Jan 7th, 2008
Tracy McGrady Stands Up for Darfur; Jan. 9th, 2008
NBA Stars Support Lost Boys of Sudan; Jan. 10th, 2008
Vijay Singh Donates to Children’s Hospital; Jan. 11, 2008
Celebrity Soccer Match for Charity; Jan 30, 2008

FEBRUARY 2008
Bob Barker Donates $1M; Feb. 11, 2008
Black Eyed Peas Rock Out for Peapod Foundation Feb.12, 2008
Bono Raises $41M for Red; Feb. 18, 2008
Jordon Brand $500k Donation; Feb. 19, 2008
Calgary Flames Reunite for Charity; Feb 22, 2008.
Former NFLer Helps Jon-Jon; Feb. 28,2008
Global Green Oscar Party; Feb. 29, 2008

MARCH 2008
Detriot Pistons Host Telethon; March 3, 2008.
Celebrities Ante up at WPT Invitational; March 6, 2008
Tracy McGrady Foundation Gets Donation; March 13 2008

APRIL 2008
Dikembe Mutombo Honored; April 1, 2008
Ricky Martin Fights Human Trafficking; April 1, 2008
Celebrity Fight Night A Knock-Out Success; April 9, 2008
Help for Heroes Gets Royal Treatment; April 14, 2008
BJ Flores, Kermit Cintron Work To Knock Out Cystic Fibrosis; April 16, 2008
Charles Barkley Donates To Fire Victims; April 17, 2008
Amare Stoudemire Gives Kids a Boost; April 18, 2008
Miranda Lambert Gives Cause for the Paws; April 21, 2008
Charles Barkley’s Pro Team Challenge; April 27, 2008
Pat LaFontaine Scores Xboxs for Charity; April 30, 2008
Kate Hudson Launches Natural Hair Care Products; April 30, 2008

MAY 2008
Ben Affleck to Host OneXOne Gala; May 1, 2008
Eddie Vedder Rocks for Kelly Slater Foundation; May 3, 2008
Magic Johnson Honored by USA TODAY; May 8, 2008
Vince Neil Skylar Golf Event; May 9, 2008
Metallica Plays for Silverlake: May 12, 2008
Glen Close Throws a Bone to Charity: May 12, 2008
First Star Childrens Event; May 12, 2008
John Cusacks $3Trillion Shopping Spree; May 13, 2008
Liam Neeson Honored; May 13, 2008
Usher Teams Up With Dream Team; May 14, 2008
Laird Hamilton Wonderwall Collection; May 15, 2008
Loukoumi Author Grants Three Wishes; May 15, 2008
Yoa Ming PSA’s for Earthquake Relief; May 19, 2008
Interview with Bryon Friedman; May 20, 2008
Queen of Hearts Raise Money for Cancer; May 20, 2008
Beckham to Climb Kilimanjaro; May 21, 2008
Lost Boys Nominated for Stevie; May 22, 2008
Soccer Babes Play for Mandela; May 28, 2008
Chef Ramsey Appeal for help; May 29, 2008
Maxim Model Plays Poker for Charity; May 29, 2008
Interview Greg Halstead: May 30, 2008
David Cook Idol Worth Watching; May 30, 2008
Tom Brady, Best Buddies; May 30, 2008

JUNE 2008
Chrysalis Butterfly Ball, June 2, 2008
Jason Lewis (Sex and the City) Speaks Out; June 4, 2008
Jason Taylor Charity Golf; June 5, 2008
Bode Miller’s Lucky Turtle, June 6, 2008
Reality Cares Help Dogs in Danger, June 6, 2008
Colin Farrell ‘Kicking It’, June 9, 2008
Michael Strahan Golf Tournement, June 9, 2008
Interview: Kevin Sorbo, June 10, 2008
Charles Barkley Pro Team Event: June 12, 2008
Interview: Amy Sewell; June 13, 2008
Lewis Hamiltons Sleeping Bag; June 20, 2008
Ante Up for Africa; June 25, 2008
Montel Williams MS Charity Event; June 25, 2008
Aston Villa Gives Shirts Off Thier Backs; June 27,2008

JULY 2008
Ante Up For Africa; July 8, 2008

Please visit www.looktothestars.org for in-depth coverage of celebrities and their involvement with charity work.

VLADE DIVAC: ITS OFFICIAL
“My career has shown that an ordinary man from an ordinary town can achieve his dreams,” he said. Big, beautiful, scruffy Serbian basketball beast Vlade Divac, the legend himself, officially retired this weekend with a parting wish that his career would be an inspiration to others. Divac won two FIBA World Championship crowns, three European Championship titles, and numerous winks from my libido. He said goodbye in his home town of Prijepolje, where Chris Webber, Scot Pollard, Glen Rice and others attended a farewell bash that included street ball tournaments and a concert in Belgrade in aid of Divac’s charitable foundation.

“He was not just a great basketball player,” said Webber, who played alongside Divac at Sacramento. “He is the best human being I’ve ever met - the guy with the biggest heart.” (Fiba.com) And this girl is gonna miss her Vlade something fierce…

YAO SKIPS CAMP FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS
Another one of our basketball babes-er-players, Yao Ming, will miss the start of NBA training camp because he’s going to China where he’ll help open the 2007 Special Olympics World Games in Shanghai this October. “As a Global Ambassador of Special Olympics, I was requested to participate and play a role in the opening ceremony of 2007 Special Olympics World Games in my hometown of Shanghai. I feel it is an obligation that I must meet,” said Yao. “I realize that missing the first few days of camp will put me behind my team-mates in learning our new coach’s system, but I will work very hard to make sure that I do not hurt our team’s progress as we prepare for the start of the new season.”

Not only is Yao ditching camp for the kids, but he’s also gonna be slapped with a nasty fine for missing practice. Hot points earned by Yao for slapping back the NBA, paying the fine and putting the Special Olympics first. This is a man we should all look up to as having his priorities straight. (Fiba.com)

STEVE NASH
Not too long ago I mentioned an event called the Gulu Walk. The only reason I knew of this event was due to Stave Nash. Basically, at any given time or day, you’re most likely to find the Suns hottie giving back something to those in need. He’s already committed to participating in the Gulu Walk on October 20th. “I am walking for the children of northern Uganda. As soon as I heard about the night commuters, I knew I wanted to help. Margaret Mead is quoted as saying ‘never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world’. GuluWalk is a small, thoughtful, committed Canadian organization working to affect change in Uganda, but also in the way we look at children everywhere. These kids are far away, but they are no less children, and their lives are being ruined by a silent war. Children all over the world deserve the attention and voice of everyone anywhere in a position to do anything. Join GuluWalk. Be one more reason for hope.” I, for one, will be participating in the walk. Over 80 cities are participating this year in order to support the abandoned children of northern Uganda. If you check out the website, I don’t see how you could not be moved to the point of at least making a donation.

Prior to Nash hitting the pavement, he’ll be hosting the inaugural Steve Nash Celebrity Roast on October 12th in Scottsdale Arizona. Yummy. (See Athlebrity calendar events page for more info). The Steve Nash Celebrity Roast will benefit the Steve Nash Foundation, where the Foundation’s primary initiative is focused on improving outcomes for children through high-quality early development and education programs. The Roast will include dinner, entertainment, celebrity guests, an auction, a concert by John Legend, and of course a roast by friends, teammates and celebrities, all to assist our most valuable players: kids. Nash began the Steve Nash Foundation to focus on a cause close to his heart, children. Its mission reflects Steve’s genuine compassion for kids and his dedication to giving back to the community. Many times I’m often asked how I get into these events. Its simple, buy a ticket! What could be better than mingling with a bunch of Nash’s supporters while helping the kids? (Stevenash.org)

CHELSEA BLUES

Just a few words, non-charity related, about the Chelsea-Man-U match yesterday, which ended in a 2-0 victory for the Reds. First, stepping into Mourinho’s shoes, no class Avram Frankenstein was on the sidelines in a warm-up suit. I don’t think Jose Mourinho ever showed up to a match in anything less than a fine Italian suit. And referee Mike Dean- don’t get me started. This guy was obviously pro-Man-U, letting Rooney showcase his thug-skills and red-carding Chelsea’s Mikel outta the game for an imaginary two-footed contact with Man-U’s Evra. Playing without my injured Drogba, or sexy Lampard, I suspect the boys in blue are headed down a lonely road. Rumors of Drogba wanting out are rampant. Rumors of Lampard wanting out are rampant. And the Chelsea fans are livid. For a great review of the Chelsea’s first Mourinho-less match, read the Telegraph.

As always, thanks for reading.
delinda@athlebrities.

NBA 2K8 HOTTIES

I’m not a video gamer by any means, but I wouldn’t have scoffed at the chance to check out club Tenjune in NY last night for an NBA 2K preview. Cover boy Chris Paul and Baron Davis were in the house along with Q-Tip. The 2K8 soundtrack features Common, Q-Tip, Run DMC, J-Dilla, Quasimotto, Cut Chemist, Devo, Stone Roses, Fishbone, Tommy Guerrero, Breakestra, G-Love, Quantic and others. Dime magazine reports that Baron Davis (thankfully growing the beard back) was really getting into the game. ‘At one time he was playing as the ‘02 Draft class and led a furious comeback against the ‘01 Draft class behind digital Gilbert Arenas, J-Rich and Pau Gasol. Baron was yelling at the video game ballers like he was in the middle of a real-life playoff game or something …while one of the 2K Sports producers was showing some of the game’s new features, Kobe hit a jumper and Baron yelled out “Jelly!” … (Dime Magazine)

MATT BARNES AND HIS INK

Oh. My. God. “They’re just so addicting. The next one will probably be flames on my right wrist because I play like I’m on fire.” Golden State Warrior Matt Barnes, commenting on his tattoos. I don’t know how many of you share my obsession with hot ballers and tattoos, but Im pretty sure you’re gonna jump aboard the Matt Barnes train. (You know I never point you in the wrong direction.) A few months ago, Barnes was fortunate enough to cross paths with this crazy redhead. At the time, he was wearing long sleeves, but had I known what was under that shirt, I would have ripped it from his body and performed a proper inspection of his ink instead of wasting time chatting about hoops. In any case, Barnes garners hot points for several reasons. One, he is hot. Two, he is one of the sweetest guys I’ve ever met. Three, he can play some wicked ball. Four, he’s covered in ink. Thanks to this spornworthy-oh-my-god-are-you-kidding-me video from DIME magazine, the Golden State beast gives us a full rundown on his tattoos in one the sexiest I-still-don’t-know-I’m-hot clips. Listen and watch the topless hoops stud as he describes how the Warriors got their ‘We Believe” motto from his ink. You’ll be a believer before the video is done buffering.

BEN WALLACE & THE NBA WIVES

This is the kind of thing that really makes me mad…last night at the Ralph Lauren Cancer Center in Harlem NY, big beautiful Ben Wallace and his wife Chanda attended the NBA Wives charity event held at the Center. And would believe that its not mentioned anywhere…I’ve scoured the Internet for any little tid-bit, but seems that we got another event which flew under the radar…in any case, if any of you are in NY City tomorrow (Saturday), Big Ben will appearing at the Manhattan Mall on 6th Avenue and 33rd Street and the Menlo Park Mall on 55 Parsonage Road in Edison NJ, to launch the Big Ben Wallace Collection of kicks for Steve & Barry’s.

HOLLYWOOD UNITED
Now this is what a call a beautiful team. The Hollywood United soccer team to be exact. Headed by actor Anthony LaPaglia, the amateur club hosts a roster of some of the finest celebrities and former hotties and even have a new uniform sponsor: adidas. Twice a week, the men get together to hoop it up in the Los Angeles league as well as charity and tour games. Unlike Jerry Bruckheimer and his Bad Boys of Hockey, LaPaglia isnt hiding his boys under a veil of secrecy, in fact, he wants to own a MLS team. “This is the most democratic sport in the world,” said LaPaglia, the lead actor in the TV crime drama ‘Without a Trace’, “When you cross the white line, it doesn’t matter if you are educated, uneducated, poor or rich. Everyone is the same.”

The hot ‘celebs’ playing for Hollywood United include: Vinnie Jones, soccer pro turned actor (”Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels,” “Snatch,” “X-Men: The Last Stand”): Jason Statham, actor (”The Transporter,” “The Italian Job,” “War”): Richard Gough, soccer pro and manager (Glasgow Rangers and Scotland national team): Danny Cannon, director and producer (”Goal! The Movie” and “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”): Frank Leboeuf, former soccer pro (Chelsea and France national team): Jimmy-Jean Louis, actor (”Heroes”): Steve Jones, musician, 80’s flashback inducer from The Sex Pistols: “Playing with these lads is one of the highlights of my life,” said Steve Jones, who helped bring punk music into the mainstream as the Sex Pistols’ guitarist. “I try to play twice a week, even if my back is killing me, and it gets rid of the mundane monotony of life. Here is the only place I can get this sort of camaraderie.” Alexi Lalas, soccer pro turned MLS president and big cry baby; Eric Wynalda, soccer pro hottie (USA’s all-time leading goal scorer and one of my childhood buds): Vivian Campbell, musician (Def Leppard): Ray Winstone, actor (”King Arthur,” “Cold Mountain,” “The Departed”): Ian Astbury, kick-ass musician (The Cult): Billy Duffy, musician (The Cult). For more info and upcoming events, check ‘em out at www.hollywoodunitedfc.net. And look for the team this weekend in Las Vegas where they’ll be dedicating a new McCarran Marketplace Park and a soccer field. The semi-pro Hollywood soccer team will kick-off the first official game on the fields and a local youth league game will follow immediately afterward. The event, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 22 at 9 a.m., will take place at 5800 Surrey St., just west of Eastern Avenue off Russell Road. Refreshments will be served and the event is open to the public, so go!

FORE PLAY

Thank you adidas! The company is bringing its TechFit PowerWeb technology to its golf line. The line “features form-fitting underwear reinforced in specific muscle areas to aid better posture, diminish fatigue and ‘promote solid and consistent ball-striking,’ among other claims. And no, I didn’t make this up, but I gotta say anything that promotes solid and consistent ball striking has me sold. The form fitting underwear is already reinforcing specific muscle areas on Reggie Bush and Djibril Cissé. Like I said, thank you adidas.

A TEARFUL GOODBYE

Chelsea fans gathered outside Stamford Bridge last night to say their goodbyes to Jose Mourinho and to protest his sudden departure from our boys in blue. It broke my heart to read that Didier Drogba broke down in tears and I wasn’t there to comfort him. And the mighty beast isnt just nursing a broken heart, but a knee injury which could keep him sidelined for up to six weeks, or until he gets over the loss of sexy Jose…just in case you’re not tuned into just how much Chelsea fans adore Mourinho, check out this priceless video from the protest at Stamford Bridge, and pay close attention to the fans in the background. I say goddamn I love this game!

As always, thanks for reading.
delinda@athlebrities.