IS TIGER WOODS GOD?
According to some, Tiger Woods is God. Actually, there is an entire website-a rather creepy one I might add- called tigerwoodsisgod.com.-and according to one of their posts, Sports Illustrated is planning for an upcoming issue with a cover photo depicting Tiger Woods as Jesus Christ in a parody of Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.”

Look-alikes of golfers including Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson, Vijay Singh and Fred Couples will reportedly be at a photo shoot in L.A. next month. The Nicklaus look-alike will depict Peter, who three times denied knowing Jesus, a Fuzzy Zoeller look-alike will portray Judas, presumably a reference to Zoeller’s suggestion that fried chicken or collard greens may be served at Woods’ Champion’s Dinner at The Masters in ‘98. An SI spokesperson said he could neither confirm nor deny the report, but did acknowledge that the magazine was “planning a thematic act around the Champions Dinner” this year. The alleged call sheet picked up by various blogs lists Drew Gardner as the photographer. Melissa Hennessy, a spokesperson for the London-based photographer, confirmed that he had been hired by SI to conduct the shoot. (Sportsbusinessdaily)

RBS SIX NATIONS
I’ve never been big on Rugby, but after watching some of the worlds top rugby players battle it out ala ‘300’ in efforts to promote the RBS Six Nations tournement, (which begins Saturday) I just may give the sport another chance.

NO LOVE FOR MIKE TYSON
Former heavyweight boxing champion and convicted rapist Mike Tyson, is in South Africa country as part of a series of promotional events culminating in a boxing tournament on Saturday where he will be a celebrity commentator. Tyson has also planned a benefit for charities that care for abused children…but more than one person doesn’t agree with a convicted rapist holding a charity event.

Jacob Zuma, the newly-elected leader of the governing African National Congress, opted out of Mike Tyson’s charity auction. Helen Zille, (Mayor of Cape Town), “I associate myself with the concerns of women’s organisations around the very, very serious crimes Mike Tyson has been convicted of. Those sorts of people should not be turned into heroes or role models,” Zille said. (www.iol.co.za)

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

BECKHAM’S WORLD OF SPORT
Yesterday, David Beckham and developer Torben Frantzen officially unveiled the new Cabo Sao Roque luxury resort in Brazil. The resort will contain the David Beckham World of Sport, a pro athlete-training center with eight soccer fields that was partly designed and planned by Beckham, and a scholarship program for Brazial kids. The resort will also include two motor sports attractions developed by F1 driver Rubens Barrichello.

“I am honored to be associated with this incredible project, which will build world class sporting facilities in Brazil, hopefully having a major impact at a local level and internationally,” Beckham said. “I am incredibly proud of the work my Academies do both in London and Los Angeles and I am happy Brazilian children will benefit from access to the top class facilities and coaching at this resort,” Becks said. Below is a great video of Golden Balls kicking it on the beach in Brazil, but I gotta warn you-its best viewed with the sound off.

PERFECTLY POULTER
While David Beckham has done an exceptional job at selling soccer in the US, Ian Poulter has just sealed the deal in terms of golf-hotties. From here on out, I propose a mandatory Tour media day in which all players pose with their bags ala Poulter.

The wacky beast has caused a stir on the eve of the Dubai Desert Classic, not by posing nude, but by saying he was the only player capable of challenging the supremacy of world number one Tiger Woods. “Don’t get me wrong, I really respect every professional golfer, but I know I haven’t played to my full potential and when that happens, it will be just me and Tiger.” Poulter is ranked 22nd in the world and has seven European Tour wins to his credit, all of which is fine and dandy, but I was much more interested in hearing that he spent his honeymoon reading a book which inspired his bare-all cover. “I read Muhammad Ali’s biography on honeymoon. It was the first book I have read cover to cover in my life. It was fascinating. I am not classing myself in any way on his level, but I found many similarities in the book with what I am trying to achieve in my life. His belief was unbelievable. There was nothing, in his mind, that he couldn’t do.” It’s one thing to carry a paperback to read on the plane, but Poulter decided to read ‘The Goat’, (’greatest of all time’), an opus book on Ali weighs 59 pounds and has 3,000 photographs of the boxer including one of him boxing underwater. (dailymail.co.uk)

TONY ROMO SINGS WITH JESSIE?

According to Internet chit-chat, Tony Romo hit up the infamous Key Club in LA on Monday night, with Jessica Simpson. The love-birds enjoyed the ambiance of Metal Skool, a spandex and hairspray weekly show, before being enticed to join the band, also called Metal Skool, on stage. Romo grabbed the mic and rocked out to the Journey classic “Don’t Stop Believing” before embarrassing his woman by butchering Guns ‘N Roses “Sweet Child O’ Mine.”

SUPER BOWL TICKETS FOR CHARITY

You only have a few days left before the biggest event of the year. I, for one, will watch it from home, but for those of you scrambling to get last minute Super Bowl tickets and don’t mind paying the big bucks, you can fork out the cash with comfort because there’s a few available that benefit charity. News/Talk 92.3 KTAR will auction off a premium Super Bowl ticket package, donated by Arizona State Credit Union to benefit Children’s Miracle Network. The auction will kick off on Thursday, January 31st during the Darrell Ankarlo Show (8:30 am - Noon), continuing through the Mac Watson Show (3 pm - 7 pm) and the Gaydos After Dark Program (7 pm – 10 pm). The bidding action will begin again on Friday, February 1st and conclude on the Darrell Ankarlo Show in the morning. Listeners can call in their bids to News/Talk 92.3 KTAR at (602) 200-2671. Bid updates will be posted on www.ktar.com. The winning bidder will receive a premium package that includes two tickets on the lower level in the 20 to Goal area and entrance for two to a VIP Party before and after the game. The funds raised from the auction will support the 1 Darn Cool School program that continues the educational needs of Phoenix Children’s Hospital patients who are hospitalized.

PRINCESS THE CAMEL PICKS GIANTS

John Bergmann, general manager of Popcorn Park Zoo, and Princess the Camel use graham crackers to predict the outcome of SuperBowl. If you doubt the prowess of Princess, keep in mind that she went 11-6 during the regular season and is 8-out-of-10 in the playoffs in 2008. Princess predicts the Giants over the Patriots. For more stats and activity from Princess, please visit her website.

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

BRADYFAN83 TACKLES LADAINIAN TOMLINSON
Ain’t nothing better than BradyFan83 (of YouTube fame) adapting my theme song to create another hysterical video-dig, this time aimed at San Diego Charger LaDainian Tomlinson.

JUST WHAT HE NEEDS

Oh god no…Nike is about to deposit $13M into R-Feds ego-bank. Sources say Nike is close to signing Roger Federer to a new ten-year contract extension that stands to be the most lucrative tennis endorsement ever, which could be worth as much as $13M annually according to sources cited by Kaplan & Lefton of Sportsbusiness Journal. Sources couldn’t confirm whether the $13M is fully guaranteed or if it in part depends on Federer’s on-court performance, but if it does go through, it will make R-Fed one of the top-paid endorsers at Nike in any sport. A source indicated that “a deal is expected to be signed” next month.

BRANDON ROY iROYS

Trail Blazers Brandon Roy is getting some great NBA All-Star promotional activity from team officials, who sent a special edition iPod nano or “iRoys” to about 60 media members. The iPod features a picture of Roy on the front and ‘#7 Brandon Roy, Special All-Star Edition’ etched on the back. The campaign wasn’t intended to influence the media, but some members have opted to return the iRoy to the TB’s because it may appear unethical. Blazers President Larry Miller: “It was a bit of a concern but we thought we’d take a chance because it was such a creative idea.” Indeed it was- and if anyone wants to sell me theirs, hit me up, mama wants one bad.

HAPPY 50TH

Ivory Coast captain Didier Drogba will earn his 50th cap against Mali in the African Nations Cup today…

THANK YOU
Prince Charles has snubbed the Chinese Government by refusing to attend the ‘08 Beijing Olympic Games. Prince did not give a reason for his decision and has confirmed to the London-based Free Tibet Campaign that he has no plans to attend the opening ceremony in the Chinese capital. The Free Tibet Campaign, which opposes the Chinese occupation of the Himalayan country, is not calling for athletes to stay away from the summer’s Olympics. But it is hoping to encourage public figures to declare that they will stay away in protest at human rights abuses and China’s refusal to grant Tibet independence. “We are not calling for any sort of boycott by the athletes, they have been training for years,” said Anne Holmes, director of the Free Tibet Campaign. “What we would like to see is as many as possible high profile public figures making a principled decision to stop at home - and watch it on TV.

The Prince has met the Dalai Lama several times. In a letter to the campaign, Clive Alderton, his deputy private secretary, confirmed the Prince would not attend the opening ceremony. “As you know, His Royal Highness has long taken a close interest in Tibet and indeed has been pleased to meet His Holiness the Dalai Lama on several occasions,” he wrote. “You asked if the Prince of Wales would be attending the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics in 2008. His Royal Highness will not be attending the ceremony.”

SWEET MELON KNOCKS UP LALA AGAIN

Like a knife through my heart…according to MediaTakeOut.com…January 28, 2008. Congratulations are in order. MediaTakeOut.com has EXCLUSIVELY learned that La La Vasquez and NBA superstar Carmelo Anthony are expecting their second child. We spoke with one of La La’s family friend’s who broke the news. The woman told MediaTakeOut.com, “When we heard the news everyone was so happy … La La is such a great mother.” La La and Carmelo already have a son, Kiyan, together. The happy couple has been engaged since 2004.

As always, thanks for reading.
delinda@athlebrities.

GREAT BALLS OF SCOTT
The biggest distraction I had while working the Buick was the TV, which was tuned to the Qatar Masters for part of the day. With one eye on our lovely Columbian kitten, Camilo Villegas, and the other battling focus on Adam Scott and Johan Edfors, I was just about beside myself.

Adam Scott grabbed the Pearl trophy after shooting an 11-under 61 Sunday to win the Qatar Masters by three strokes over Henrik Stenson. The Burberry babe delivered 11 birdies at the Doha Golf Club to finish at 20-under 268. But more importantly, this victory gives Adam Scott the honor of being the first repeat winner of the tournament since its inception in 1998. “It’s a move in the right direction, getting back to where I was,” said Scott after nabbing his 14th professional title. “I haven’t played that poorly over the last six months, it just hasn’t been anything special, just solid stuff and nothing exciting. There are so many good players that you slowly slip away, this time last year I was No. 3 in the world and feeling pretty good about myself. It’s now important to build on this momentum. There are two world golf events and the Masters in the next 2½ months, hopefully I will keep this form rolling and then get in the mix in those [tournaments], that is my aim.”

Finishing the tourney in 4th place was Johan Edfors. Edfors and his perfectly fit Puma gear continue to knock my panties socks off with his sexy swing and feisty persona. If dude can’t sell the sport of golf to you, then I suggest you make an appointment to see your doctor.

And just a few words about the Buick Invitational. Tiger has obviously kicked it up an unexpected notch. Woods finished at 19-under 269 to win the Buick for the fourth consecutive year, tying a PGA Tour record for consecutive wins in a single tournament. “I’m starting to get better,” he said. “I’m hitting shots that I never could hit before, even in 2000. People think, ‘Yeah, you played great.’ But I made everything. I’m actually hitting the ball better now than I did during that stretch.” Dare I say he’s beginning to sound like his friend R-Fed…on a much sweeter note, Camilo Villegas was also frolicking at the Buick, finishing T13 at 3-under. But what surprised me about our kitten was his interaction with the fans. With my eyes focused on his finely sculpted forearms, I watched as he stopped and signed about 31 autographs for spectators- mostly children. But before walking away, he would tussle the child’s hair, or pat them on the head- sending them into squeals of delight. It was one of the most touching ‘sports’ moments I’ve seen in a long time, and just goes to show ya, it only takes a few seconds to improve a child’s life. Thank you Camilo…for everything.

TSONGA DOWNED BY DJOKOVIC

Is it me or is Jo-Wilfried Tsonga trying out for a modeling job? Just about every photo I come across looks like an ad for his adidas gear…perhaps lending credit to the age-old joke ‘what does adidas stand for’-All Day I Dream About Sex. In any case, hottie has put himself on the map despite his loss to Novak Djokovic. Djokovic won the Australian Open championship by beating Tsonga 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6, in a match attended by Sting and Andy Summer of the Police.

SPIN ME ROUND

Louis Williams of the 76ers is doing double duty. Aside from lending some spark to the bench, the 21-year-old is launching his own radio show called “The Louis Williams Show” on February 10. “My main goal is just to go out there and promote myself, my teammates and the Sixers’ organization and just try to get some more fans in the seats at the Wachovia Center,” Williams said. “Just think, if I’m on the road in Cleveland, I can interview LeBron [James] or if I’m Los Angeles I can have Kobe [Bryant] be a guest on my show,” Williams said. “It’s the ‘Louis Williams Show,’ I can do whatever I want, really.” Williams also said the money he earns while working at the station will support his Caps for Kids Drive. (Philly.com)

GOLDEN STATE PENN

While getting my daily intake of Golden State Warriors action via Baron Davis/his Beard/Matt Barnes/and his ink, I stumbled across Sean Penn chilling in the stands during the GS/Knicks game. Funny thing is, Sean Penn seems to be more important than Sir Anthony Hopkins? Hopkins is clearly sitting next to Penn, but got no mention in the photo cap. Tsk-tsk…

As always, thanks for reading.
delinda@athlebrities.

**David Feherty**
If you’re reading this, please call me!

NOVAK MY HERO

If you’re a regular reader, then you know I’m doing cartwheels today…Yes, I may be the devil for relishing Novak Djokovic’s stunning upset of Roger Federer, but what can I say, I prefer my hotties humble. The Swiss-Mister had reached 10 straight Grand Slam finals, and won 19 matches in a row at Melbourne Park, until Djokovic pulled some magic outta his racket and downed the Worlds Number One 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (5) in the Australian Open semifinals Friday.

“I’ve created a monster that I need to win every tournament,” Federer said. “Still, the semifinals isn’t bad.” Of course its not Roger….and what did our 20-year old Serbian beast have to say for himself? “I am just very amazed I coped with the pressure today. In the most important moments, I played my best tennis. It’s just amazing, indescribable, to beat the No. 1 player of the world, one of the best players this sport has ever had, in straight sets.” The sexy Serb now faces the unseeded Tsonga in Sundays Final.

WHAT?

I was in the middle of a Drogba induced libido-feeding frenzy while reading about the Ivory Coast’s 4-1 victory over Benin in the Africa Nations Cup, until I came across a Drogba ‘quote’ which sent a nail through my heart…Drogba scored one goal…yada, yada, yada…helped Ivory Coast to a victory…yada, yada, yada…making the Elephants the first team to qualify for the quarterfinals of the African Cup of Nations…good, I love that….”We played against a team that was very compact and didn’t want to come out,” Drogba said. “It’s nice for me to score my first goal.” Indeed it is…the Ivory Coast climbed alone atop Group B with six points, two more than Mali…good…Mali needs only a draw against Ivory Coast in its final group game on Tuesday to advance…yada, yada, yada…that leaves Drogba in somewhat of a dilemma…”It’s going to be difficult,” he said. “I’m from Ivory Coast. My WIFE is from Mali.” Wife? Kill me now…the last time I heard such heartbreaking news was when Sweet Melon reproduced with LaLa.

MEET THE VICK-TIMS

At 11:00 am today at the Oakland Animal Services in Oaktown, Jonny Justice and four of his friends, met the press. But these aren’t just any dogs, they are the infamous Michael Vick dogs. BAD RAP, the nonprofit pit bull rescue group, and Oakland Raider Jarrod Cooper were all on hand to introduce the adorable dogs slated for adoption and discuss the victims’ stories. Raiders’ Cooper discussed why he’s dedicated to helping dogs and the importance of the Vick case. BAD RAP extensively evaluated all 49 dogs from the Vick property and found that 48 of them were safe with people. They selected 10 of the most outgoing and social dogs to bring back to the Bay Area for care, training and re-homing. Donna Reynolds, Executive Director of BAD RAP states, “These dogs serve as examples of how pit bulls are often victimized and how they deserve the same consideration as other breeds: a chance to be treated humanely,
comforted, and viewed as individuals.” (www.badrap.org)

As always, thanks for reading.
delinda@athlebrities.

NO NOOSE IS GOOD NOOSE
Gotta say…still not much chitchat among patrons or employees at the Buick regarding noose-gate. The Golf Channel kicked off coverage with a taped apology from Tilghman. As Tilghman came on-screen and began speaking, there was no audio for the first five seconds, but when it was restored, Tilghman said, “(I) used an inappropriate word that was offensive to many. Over the last two weeks, I’ve taken the time to reflect and truly understand the impact of what I said. While I did not intend to offend anyone, I understand why those words were hurtful. I am terribly sorry for any hurt that I’ve caused. I would like to express my deepest apologies.” Coverage then shifted to a package narrated by Tilghman that introduced the tournament…Tiger seems to be biting back for keeping-mum for so long… Woods said, “I am socially active every day of my life, and that’s with my (Tiger Woods Foundation). … I know there are people who want me to be a champion of all causes, and I just can’t do that.” (Ah, yes you can Tiger) ESPN’s Jason Sobel said, “Has Woods become the unique athlete whose words are more cherished than his actions? Have we become so numb to the man with 13 majors and 61 PGA Tour victories that we seek more from him off the course?” Yes, we have…why? Because as fired Golfweek editor Seanor puts it: “It’s indicative of how, when you bring race and golf into the same sentence, everyone recoils. Look at the executive suites at the PGA Tour, or the USGA, or the PGA of America. There are very, very few people of color there. This is a situation in golf where there needs to be more dialogue. And when you get more dialogue, people don’t want to hear it, and they brush it under the rug.” So I guess we can now sweep noose-gate under that rug and call it a bogey.

TOM BRADY STETSON STUD

“I would be concerned about sex affecting him mentally, because his mind is in a different place” – Sports psychologist Dr. Todd Hays, on Patriots QB Tom Brady spending 24 straight hours earlier this week with girlfriend Gisele Bundchen in her Manhattan apartment…oh the visions dancing through my mind right now definitely include a Stetson man. The new ad featuring Brady has been released for our viewing pleasure…

TONY ROMO DUMPS JESSICA

Big surprise here…Tony Romo has reportedly dumped Jessica Simpson. Hot stuff allegedly called Jessie on January 17 to try to break up with her, but she was having none of it. A backstabbing (?) friend of Simpson revealed to OK! Magazine, “He said he thought it was better if they went back to being friends. ‘Just friends’ is not in Jessica’s vocabulary, and she is not a victim. She knows how bad this will look in the media.” Just recently, the couple had gone to a romantic Texas hunting trip (Huh-romance and hunting?) but the source says it was just part of his plan. According to the “friend,” the trip was planned by the Dallas Cowboys player, who hoped it would be the “worst date” of his diva girlfriend’s life. “It’s Tony’s way of punishing Jess. Jessica Simpson hunting - and without her entourage? Forget it. We’re talking diva status. She comes with an entourage, and that includes her dad, Joe Simpson.”

SHAQ DADDY HIGH MAINTENANCE

As Shaquille Daddy and his Heat continue their downward spiral, Shaq is trying to get his divorce finalized. Apparently, ExtraTV.com got their grubby little fingers on Shaq’s financial affidavit, which is part of the divorce files. Daddy earns nearly $2M a month, has monthly expenditures such as $22,000 in maid services, $17,000 in clothing, $110,000 on vacations, $23,000 at gas stations and a $1,500 monthly cable bill…$1,500 a month on cable? Sounds like someone watching a lot of porn….

GOLDEN BOY WHITE

This kid just keeps getting better…Shaun White has inked a ten-year endorsement deal with Burton Snowboards, which the company said is the longest deal in snowboarding. White will continue to ride for Burton’s Global Team, in addition to working with the company to expand The White Collection, his signature line of hard goods and outerwear. The collection, which includes a signature board and boot, will also offer snowboarding-related bags, luggage and clothing accessories. (Burton Snowboards).

As always, thanks for reading.
delinda@athlebrities.

SABBATINI

Yesterday, while most of our golf babes were busy at the Buick Pro-Am, Rory Sabbatini donated $170,000 to the United Through Reading Military program at the 32nd Street Naval Station in San Diego. Sabbatini’s donation was the largest single donation to the program, which benefits families separated by deployments overseas.

BURBERRY ME

Adam Scott and Anton Haig are currently decorating the greens at the Qatar Masters. Scott put the ‘swing’ in “Desert Swing” by simply just standing there in his Burberry swag…and Anton Haig is killing me with those eyes….Scott put pressure on leaders Anton Haig and Lee Westwood this afternoon and moved within two shots of the early pace-setters. After Haig made a first-round five-under-par 67, Westwood quickly followed suit to join the Johnnie Walker Classic champion at the top of the leaderboard. Scott is at three under par.

NOT SO BAD?

“I can’t believe some volleys,” Rafael Nadal said. “I tried to play little bit slower. I tried to play a little bit faster. I tried to play more inside the court, behind the court. No chance. Not today.” Rafa, of course, was speaking about his loss to French tennis player Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-2, 6-3, 6-2. “It’s unbelievable, just amazing,” the Frenchman said. “Nothing can stop me today. It’s like a dream. I can’t believe it’s true. I was moving on the court like never I move. Everything was perfect.” Agreed…and I gotta say, this is one Frenchman I don’t mind rattling our Tapa’s feathers. “I was playing fine,” Nadal said. “He played unbelievable. Congratulate him.” Tsonga, who beat three top 12 players earlier in the tournament, had never gone beyond the fourth round in his four previous Grand Slams. Now, he will play the winner of Friday’s semifinal between Federer and Djokovic.

THE BEAUTIFUL GAME

A picture is worth a thousand words. Mad love to photographer Joe Klamar who should sell this image to Puma for an advertising campaign…Local boys speak with Egyptian goalkeeper Monsef Ahmed Abdel during Egypt’s football team’s practice in Kumasi, 23 January 2008 in the African Cup of Nations football championship. (Photo: Joe Klamar/AFP/Getty Images). Priceless.

As always, thanks for reading.
delinda@athlebrities.

BUICK INVITATIONAL

Posts will be a bit spotty this week- as it’s that wonderful time of year when they let the fox into the henhouse. I’ve been frolicking around the Buick Invitational, unfettered and fancy free, listening to the words exchanged between caddies, fans, players and staff. Not much mention of the whole “lynching” issue. Kelly Tilghman and Tiger were both out today, with Tilghman appearing to be in good spirits and eager to get back to ‘work’ after her suspension. But I actually had my sights set on bigger things, like Camilo Villegas. After getting my quick kitten-fix, I just about walked into Aaron Baddeley-who went unnoticed as he strolled by-you all now how fine he is-so I wont elaborate on his perfectly-fit trousers or drop-dead smile…all players, including Tiger, attended a mandatory meeting on Tuesday to enlighten the beasts about the Tours new ‘anti-doping’ policy….sad news coming from our caddies…popular PGA Tour caddie Steve Duplantis, was killed early Wednesday when he was struck by a taxi while crossing a street in Del Mar. (Just north of Torrey Pines). Duplantis stepped off a center median and into the path of a taxi, where the 35-year-old was pronounced dead on the scene. He was working at the Buick Invitational for Eric Axley. R.I.P. my friend…

O BEHAVE

What the hell is going on with these women? Seriously. Its hard enough to be a woman in a mans world, so why are some of these woman acting like idiots and ruining it for the rest of us? ESPN2 “First Take” co-host Dana Jacobson is the latest female to open her pie-hole and make us look bad. Jacobson is serving a one-week suspension for her behavior at a January 11 roast for ESPN’s Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic in Atlantic City. At the roast, Jacobson, apparently had way too much to drink, and seeing as she’s a Michigan graduate, made a “rambling speech that included vulgar references about Notre Dame.” (To be specific: “F*ck Notre Dame, touchdown Jesus”) Its just too bad for Jacobson that she said it in front of Golic, (a former Notre Dame defensive lineman), and Notre Dame football coach Charlie Weis. An eyewitness called Jacobson’s behavior an “embarrassing display,” and a newspaper account said that the crowd booed Jacobson. Jacobson reportedly “made a number of personal apologies the following day, including to Greenberg and Golic.” Jacobson, in a statement: “I am sorry. My remarks about Notre Dame were foolish and insensitive. I respect all religions and did not mean anything derogatory by my poorly chosen words.” (I gotta say though kids, ‘touchdown Jesus’ is funny.)

90210 RACING?
Here’s an interesting tid-bit for all you Beverly Hills 90210 fans…Jason Priestley will team with a former Kelley Racing exec to be the co-Owner of Rubicon Racing, a new IRL team scheduled to compete in the ‘08 Indianapolis 500. The team will be operated by Sam Schmidt Motorsports and has an advisory board that includes former Kelley Racing Owner Tom Kelley, Colts TE Dallas Clark, NFL Panthers Jason Baker and Ian Ziering.

Priestley began racing sports cars in 1991. He was a TV analyst for the IRL series prior to 2002, when he crashed during practice at Kentucky Speedway-JP slammed into a wall at 180 mph, broke his back and feet, suffered a concussion, a bruise around his left eye, cuts on his nose, left cheek and neck. “Dude, this is going to be so fun,” Priestley said Monday. “I’m excited to be able to spend the month of May in Indy with my good friends and be a part of the greatest open wheel race,” Priestley said, “It’s been more than five years since my accident, and it’s going to be so good to get to see everyone.” Kinda like a high school renunion….

As always, thanks for reading.
delinda@athlebrities.

AMBASSADOR BECKHAM

Fulfilling his role as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, Sir Golden Balls David Beckham spent last weekend in Sierra Leone. “He arrived yesterday as an ambassador of Unicef to see our work in the field. He visited several child survival programs in the north of the country, around Kabala, near the border with Guinea,” said Alison Parker, a spokesman for the UN body. Sierra Leone’s Infant and maternal mortality are among the highest in the world especially because roads, schools and hospitals were devastated by the civil conflict. “He’s here as a guest of UNICEF,” Parker said, “He’s covering programs on child survival in Sierra Leone; visiting a number of UNICEF programs in the northern part of the country on malaria prevention and immunization.” Parker added.

D’ BECKS AND THE DOGG

By now, you should be hip to the Snoop-Beckham connection. The two created quite a buzz after Beckham appeared on Snoop Dogg’s Fatherhood. (An episode not to be missed). But the dynamic duo has much higher aspirations than just eating friend chicken at Roscoe’s. Snoop Dogg and David Beckham are looking to “save lives” in California’s poverty and crime-stricken areas. Their vehicle for change? Football and soccer. “We’re going to be trying to save lives,” announced Snoop, a championship coach for his son’s junior football team. “We will be going in to do different things and I hope someone cares. I hope this proves I do other things than go to jail, smoke weed and go back to jail. With me, the media is usually most concerned with conflicts and altercations.” What? Snoop smokes weed? Ludacris.

HAMILTON ADDS ANOTHER TROPHY

Every year, the Hawthorn Memorial Trophy is presented to the most successful British or Commonwealth driver in the FIA Formula One World Championship. So I guess it’s a no-brainer that Lewis Hamilton picked this one up after finishing last season one point behind champion Kimi Raikkonen. “Lewis’ arrival on the F1 scene last season made a huge impact, capturing the public’s imagination not only in this country but around the world,” commented Colin Hilton, Chief Executive of the Motor Sports Association. “His performances have given us a great platform on which to raise the profile and develop the sport in this country.” Indeed. The Hawthorn Memorial Trophy was first presented by the Hawthorn family in memory of Mike Hawthorn, who became Britain’s first Formula One world champion in 1958 but tragically died a year later. Hamilton is the 18th driver to win the trophy, but the first to do so in his maiden year of Formula One competition.

IF YOU’VE GOT TOO MUCH TIME ON YOUR HANDS
I guess we can now officially call poker a sport? STATS provides data collection and analysis for 85 sports leagues including the NFL, NBA and MLB, will now deliver stats and information from every past and present World Poker Tour final table. STATS’ information will detail “playing style” along with situational analysis, breakdowns and trends for a more complete portrait of each World Poker Tour player. Examples include how often a player plays a pot; how often they take a hand to “showdown”; and the average bet size relative to the pot by player. Like I said, if you’ve got too much time on your hands and aspire to be at the WPT final table, then maybe this database is for you. (www.worldpokertour.com)

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

SUNS RISE FOR MLK
In 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King delivered his infamous “I Have a Dream” speech. A speech with a message that resonates as strongly today as it did then. We have many reasons to thank MLK, and some of those reasons are rooted in our sports.

Yesterday, Mark West, Michael Johnson, Bill Russell, Rick Welts, and Leonard “Truck” Robinson held a symposium honoring Dr. MLK, Jr. at the U.S. Airways Center in Phoenix, Arizona. What some of you may not know is that Bill Russell is the NBA’s first Black coach - or as he put it, “I was the first Black coach I played for.” In 1969, Russell’s Boston Celtics were in Lexington, Ky. When they went out to eat, he was told the team hotel restaurant did not serve Blacks. Russell went to his room, booked a flight home, and a few teammates followed. Last year, the president of Prairie View A&M University said he was a junior high student in Lexington at the time. “You have no idea what impact you had on my life,” he told Russell. “That was the first time the community realized everybody wasn’t going to let you treat them how you want. It changed the whole atmosphere.” (AZ Central)

My Chargers lost to those-oh-so-annoying-yet-outstanding-Patriots yesterday, essentially giving me no reason to watch Super Bowl XLII other than to get my Tom Brady fix, but, did ya know…referee Mike Carey will work the Super Bowl, making him the first Black ref in Super Bowl history. Once again, thank you MLK.

In New Orleans on Saturday, Hornets babes Maurice Peterson and Rasual Butler hooked-up with over 200 volunteers from NBA Cares to chase their own dream: Build a new playground in just one day. Joined by organizers from KaBoom, the Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association and residents of the community, the boys spread love while building the new, safe playground at the Olive Stallings Playground. And how cute is this- the new playground’s design is based on drawings provided by children who attended a Design Day event in November. Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association President Kathryn Parker said the association contacted Washington, D.C.-based Kaboom about the neglected and storm-damaged playground last year. Kaboom told Parker to contact NBA Cares, and they in turn kicked in most of the $100,000 needed for the project, as well as the two Hornets. (Neworleanscitybusiness)

AFRICA’S CUP

Am I the only person in the US excited about the 2008 African Cup of Nations?

For those who care…Ghana beat Guinea 2-1 in the opening match. More importantly, Drogba was back in action for the Ivory Coast, who beat Nigeria 1-0.

HOMELESS WORLD CUP: KICKING IT

I know Im not the only one who cares about the Homeless World Cup? The documentary “Kicking It” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival over the weekend, just in time for ESPN to snatch up the TV distribution rights to the documentary. The film chronicles the lives of seven players taking a once in a lifetime opportunity to represent their country while overcoming poverty and addiction. “Soccer is the world’s most popular sport and played in virtually every country around the globe, while homelessness is one of the world’s most pervasive problems,” said Susan Koch, Director. “When you bring the two together, lives can be transformed. We found extraordinary people who for the first time were given the chance to stand tall and not be invisible.” Kicking It is produced by Capitals Owner Ted Leonsis, narrated by actor Colin Farrell, and names WNBA Mystics President Sheila Johnson among the film’s executive producers.

As always, thanks for reading,
DeLinda Lombardo
delinda@athlebrities.