CAMILO VILLEGAS FOR ST. JUDE
No one has really capitalized on the marketability of our kitten Camilo Villegas…we’ve gotten a few good magazine layouts, rewind-worthy commercials, and a not-to-be-missed-on-air-work-out…now, thankfully, we can add Villegas to the growing list of hotties signing up for the 2008 Eagles for St. Jude program. Villegas has pledged to donate $3,000 to St. Jude for every eagle he makes on the 2008 PGA TOUR. Earlier this year, Vijay Singh continued his participation by committing to donate $5,000 for each of his eagles.

Villegas: “I can’t think of a better motivation to play well than to know you are helping the kids at St. Jude,” he purred. “And while I look forward to making the most eagles I can each season, this year I’ll have an added incentive.” Indeed. As of today, Eagles for St. Jude has a year-to-date-tally of $249,383. To learn more about the program, other hotties involved, or how to contribute, please visit Eagles For St. Jude.

PISTONS HOST TELETHON
For the first time in Detroit sports history, a team will devote an entire day, including their game and their broadcast, to a telethon that will raise money for charity….no this isnt a dream…and yes, I said the entire day. On Friday, March 14, the Detroit Pistons will host the Pistons Cares Telethon Benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation — Michigan Chapter. The telethon will run throughout the day and into the evening on WDIV-TV4. During the game that night, representatives from the Pistons community will ask fans to call and pledge. Sponsors will present their donations and the Pistons will introduce stories of past and present Make-A-Wish kids. “We want everyone involved — fans, sponsors, staff, players – because Make-A-Wish does so much good, for so many kids,” said Tom Wilson, CEO of Palace Sports & Entertainment. “The day we grant these wishes will be a great day … for all of us.”

The Pistons also have a ‘Make-a-Wish-Monday’ on their site; for every order that’s placed on the site, whether the order is for the Monday special or not, a donation of $5.00 will be made to the Pistons Cares Telethon. And starting March 9 and running to Mach 21, AT&T will donate $50 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan for every new subscriber to AT&T Advance TV that mentions the Pistons Cares Telethon. Donations can be made immediately by visiting http://www.pistons.com and clicking on the “DONATE NOW” button. Online donations will be taken up to March 14 at 6 p.m. Donors interested in participating immediately can call toll free 1-877- DPC-WISH (1-877-372-9474) to contribute to the telethon.

IS IT STILL THE BEAUTIFUL GAME?

Today marks the 100-day countdown before the opening match of Euro 2008. This wonderfully sporntastic event runs through June 29, 2008. Adding to the beauty of it the sport is former England and Newcastle footballer Alan Shearer. Shearer stood in a glass advertising board in London yesterday, for the largest global football survey ever undertaken. Futbol? Still the Beautiful Game? (Umbro.com) Seems kinda obvious to me what the answer is…

As always, thanks for reading.
delinda@athlebrities.

LOOK TO THE STARS
Just wanted to post a quick update on what I’ve been doing aside from blogging about the pro’s and their exceptional humanitarian efforts combined with a bit of objectification…there’s a link on the right, under category’s, titled ‘contributing pieces.’ It takes you to a site called Look to the Stars (looktothestars.org). The site covers celebrities and their charitable efforts, complete with a database of celebrity supported causes and events. Of course, I noticed a lack of athletes being covered on LTS and quickly secured a spot as a ‘special correspondent.’ Yesterday, I attended a conference for LTS, which focused on athletes, fundraisers, and foundations. Let me just say- it was the bomb. It reinforced my belief that there are endless ways for our hotties to give back to society and people are indeed interested. Its refreshing to see so many others intent on guiding the off-field focus towards giving. In the upcoming months, I’ll be covering some awesome events for LTS (as well as Athlebrities)…this upcoming weekend, for example, I’ll be hitting up the World Poker Tour Invitational at Commerce Casino in L.A., where poker pros and celebrities will be playing for various charities…LTS also has me going out to Phoenix on April 5th for Celebrity Fight Night honoring Mohammad Ali, and the Magic Johnson Hollywood Hero Award in May…I try to list all upcoming events on my Athlete Charity Event Calender, but some events do get by me, so please let me know if there’s one I need to mention!

ECKO SENDS KIDS TO NETS GAME

After fashion designer Marc Ecko rocked the sports world by buying and branding Bonds’ record setting homerun ball, I wasn’t too keen on him. But Ecko may not be so bad after all…Ecko purchased 5,000 tickets for tonight’s Magic-Nets game and donated them to Newark-area children through various recreational centers. “Every kid should have an opportunity to go to a Nets game and I want to help make that happen.”

MIGHTY-MIGHT FINE HALL O FAMER

You know what’s a shame about this story? Its not headline news…in fact, its barely mentioned anywhere on the web…in any case, Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Thurman Thomas and his wife have adopted the Cinelli family in efforts to raise money for 6 year-old Jon-Jon Cinelli’s medical expenses and to help find a cure. Jon-Jon was diagnosed in December with Intrinsic Pontillar Glioma, a tumor that wraps around the brain stem, which controls body functions. Thomas, learned about Jon-Jon’s situation through a mutual friend of the Cinelli family, and he and his wife are planning to host a fundraiser for Jon-Jon. Check out jonjonsjourney.com for more info.

23/501

Today, Jordan Brand and Levi Strauss & Co. announced that their limited edition co-designed collection, known as 23 / 501 will be available in 23 markets starting March 1, 2008. Doug Sweeny, Levi’s® Director of Marketing: “What makes the 23 / 501 collection so special is that it represents the harmonious union of these two iconic and innovative brands.” The limited-edition collection pairs exclusive co-branded Air Jordan Retro 1 style sneakers with a pair of Levi’s Original, Button-Fly 501 jeans and a signature tee shirt. All three pieces will be sold together as a set for a retail price of $395, and no doubt will be on Ebay for triple that price after they sell-out in about ten-seconds. For information on specific locations, please visit www.levi.com or www.Jumpman23.com. And keep in mind if you do shell out the $395 bucks, Jordan Brand remains active in the community by donating a portion of its proceeds to Jordan Fundamentals.

THE NFL DISSES WOMAN

Oddly enough, this story is spreading like wildfire…hold your breath people, because player weigh-ins at the NFL Scouting Combine will no longer be broadcast on NFL Network’s coverage of the event. Combine Dir Jeff Foster said, “There was concern from current NFL players that the participants would be more comfortable if they were not paraded around without their shirts on.” He added that any drills “that would potentially involve a shirtless player also are off-limits to NFL Network.” Oh pa-lease, these guys love parading around with their shirts off…I think its more likely that by airing coverage of our topless hotties, one too many homophobic male viewers felt “uncomfortable” and ruined it for the rest of us.

BECKHAM AND THE BOYS

Golden Balls and his posse arrived in South Korea today as part of the 3-match Asian Tour. Thankfully, Beckham made no comment on arrival at Incheon International Airport outside the South Korean capital, but does plan to hold a news conference Wednesday. Hopefully, he will introduce his teammates by name, as they’ve routinely become referred to as “other players” in recent days.

POULTERIZED

The Johnnie Walker Classic tees off at the DLF Golf and Country Club in Gurgaon, about 30 kms from the Indian capital from February 28 to March 2. Ian Poulter and Johnny Walker? Kill me now….

As always, thanks for reading.
delinda@athlebrities.

SOCCER BALLS SAVE LIVES
We take our soccer balls for granted here in the US, unaware of thier potential for saving lives…but one person smart enough to figure it out is Steve Kosier. Kosier is a DynCorp International advisor to an Afghan explosive ordnance disposal team, and when faced with the task of finding the unearthed weapons, he turned to the kids living among dangerous ordnance left from several decades of warfare. “After 35 years of war, there have been a couple of generations raised around these items that have been laying around. [The children] know where they are, and the best we can do is to educate them and get them to participate to help make their country safe again,” said Steve.

But the kids weren’t talking-until he offered soccer balls for info. “The villages and children have been talked to by many other organizations and, as far as they were concerned, we were just another one on the long list. So, I was thinking, what could we do to make us different and stand out to the kids to make an impact in their minds?” After his normal presentation to villagers about explosive ordnance disposal, Steve asked the kids to raise their hands if they knew the location of any unexploded ordnance. The kids were mum. Steve then produced two soccer balls. He asked the children if they wanted to learn how to earn a ball. It was simple, he said. Lead his team to unexploded ordnance and earn a soccer ball…So far, the team has recovered or destroyed more than 150 explosive remnants of war. In one month, they distributed 50 soccer balls and trained more than 2,200 children not to tamper with any of the dangerous devices they find. “[The kids’] faces light up when they see the balls, and when we drive around we always see numerous kids playing in the fields with our soccer balls, where previously there were no children,” Steve said. (Foxbusiness) It really is so much more than a beautiful game…

SPIELBERG VERSUS CHINA
Yesterday, Visa introduced a group of 15 U.S. Olympic athletes and its ‘08 Olympic marketing program; ‘The Fastest Way to Beijing’. The athletes include swimmers Michael Phelps and Katie Hoff, track star Allyson Felix, beach volleyball ace Kerri Walsh, gymnast Paul Hamm, and taekwondo expert Steven Lopez. Later, Walsh, Lopez and Hamm appeared on Fox Business, where Lopez addressed the controversy surrounding athletes speaking out on China’s human rights record: “We are all ambassadors to our countries and we go out there to represent our countries the best way we possibly can. As far as everything else, that’s something that’s out of our hands.” Out of your hands? Are you insane? It’s exactly that kind of thinking that impedes progress. It certainly wasn’t out of Steven Spielberg’s hands. After he pulled out of the event, an editorial appeared in the Chinese Communist Party’s official paper: “A certain Western director is very naïve and has come out with an over-the-top act that defies common sense. Perhaps that’s just the special temperament of Hollywood figures.”

Don’t worry, I wont come out with an ‘over-the-top-act’ and go on a rant. You know what’s happening in China. Aside from the bloodline leading from China to Darfur, I’m sure you’ve heard about the displacement of the Chinese people who were forced to move because their homes were in the path of Olympic construction. I’m sure you’ve heard about those arrested for complaining. Maybe you even read about Yang Chunlin, a local land rights activist, who was “tried for inciting subversion” after he gathered thousands of signatures from disaffected farmers and protested against the Olympics, saying: “We want human rights, not the Olympics.”

HE’S ONLY 13

How cute is this kid, Thomas Daley? The precious Brit started diving at the age of eight; is a member of Plymouth Diving Club; won the 2007 BBC Sports Young Personality of the Year Award; is considered a medal prospect for the 2012 Games in London; is being tracked through the years leading up to London 2012 by the BBC television series Olympic Dreams; and its now expected that Daley will make his Olympic debut in Beijing. If he does so, he will become the youngest ever male British Olympian. What a mighty-mighty-fine ah, kid?

NIKE TEAMS WITH TOWER RECORDS JAPAN

Nike and Tower Records Japan have come up with a great marketing campaign, which launched last month. Not sure if it’s the music fans love, or the covers-but they’re already sold out. Tower Records Japan offered limited editions of six new albums from Japanese record companies-complete with specially designed cardboard cases featuring artists posing with Nike shoes. For South Korean pop group Tohoshinki, Tower made two editions of the cover, one featuring the five band members “holding Nike shoes with their eyes open; on the other, their eyes are closed.” Hidetoshi Ohata, who created the campaign at Tower, said, “We’ve seen more buzz about the Nike editions than we imagined.” (Wall Street Journal).

JOE LOUIS
Saturday night at 8:00 pm ET, HBO will premier “Joe Louis: America’s Hero… Betrayed.” The 75-minute documentary contains carefully researched film clips and explores what Louis’s victories brought to black America. I, for one, will be front and center since my grandfather once fought on the same card as Louis. In a perfect world, I’d like to think my undefeated grandpa (right photo, left) would have found his way into this little film, as his victories were notorious in his time. But if not, the documentary is worth watching…at least according to those who’ve seen it.

Sports Illustrated: “The film is a moving portrait of an athlete who truly transcended his sport.” In Detroit, Mike Brudenell: the documentary is a “poignant study of a simple man who became a symbol of strength, courage and goodness in America in the 20th Century.” In Milwaukee, Bob Wolfley: the film “captures the glory of how Louis’ emergence as a boxer carried the hopes of both black America and white America.” In Akron, George Thomas writes the “subject is compelling and edgy and the filmmakers do a masterful job of placing Louis into context culturally and historically.” In Ft. Worth, Ray Buck writes the film “shouldn’t be missed. It’s that good. … You owe it to yourself to see such a well-conceived, unabridged version of the Joe Louis story.” In California, Chuck Barney: “The film is a must-see, even if you’re not into boxing or sports.”

As always, thanks for reading.
delinda@athlebrities.

SHAQ ATTACK

Too bad the Lakers defeated the Suns 130-124…Shaq’s big debut wasn’t nearly as eventful as the foul he inflicted upon Pau Gasol. “I’m in better shape than I thought I was,” Shaq said, “the adrenaline factor and just being out there with the guys.” Shaq-Daddy scored nine of his 15 points in the final quarter and nabbed nine rebounds in 29 minutes. “He did seem to get stronger as the game went on, which is incredible,” Suns coach Mike D’Antoni said. “I did really think he’d run out of steam sometime in the second half, and he really didn’t. Him not being used to anything that we do—124 points—I didn’t think we could put that many up, just starting out.”

OUR LADY OF GOLF
What the hell are publishers thinking these days? We’re still licking our GolfWeek Noose-Cover wounds and in steps Colorado’s Avid Golfer Magazine to stir things up again. Golfer Lorena Ochoa is profiled in a fantastic article-but it’s the accompanying illustration that has a few panties in a twist. The image in the current edition of Colorado AvidGolfer Magazine features the Our Lady of Guadalupe image with Ochoa’s face in place of the Virgin Mary’s. Funny shit if you ask me-at least they didn’t sere her face into a grilled-cheese sandwich.

Editor Jon Rizzi e-mailed this statement to the local news: “Colorado AvidGolfer deeply regrets offending anyone with the illustration that accompanied our feature on Lorena Ochoa. Because the piece was so overwhelmingly positive, praising Ms. Ochoa’s accomplishments and painting a glowing portrait of her as both a golfer and an inspiring humanitarian, we created a clearly iconic image for our illustration. We respect the opinions of those who objected to the image and apologize if it offended them, but we certainly did not intend to show disrespect to anyone.”
If people would just open the magazine and read the article, they may find that the comparison is not far off the mark. The Lorena Ochoa Foundation is one of Mexico’s most successful philanthropic programs; she’s won Mexico’s National Sports Award four times; was named 2007 Sportswoman of the Year; recorded 21 top-10 finishes in 25 starts; won a major title; tied for second in the U.S. Women’s Open; is involved in a new project, El Rio, on the outskirts of Guadalajara; and is in the process of launching the Ochoa Golf Academy…her accomplishments are astonishing considering she’s only 26…seems to me that someone is indeed walking on water.

SAY WHAT?

“It’s nice to be back on the field playing again,” Beckham said. “It’s our first game preseason. We’re still trying to get our fitness.” Golden Balls played the full ninety minutes but Gamba Osaka defeated the Galaxy 1-0 in the opener of the inaugural Pan-Pacific Championship exhibition tournament on Wednesday night. “The first 15 minutes, we were terrible and they capitalized on the first breakthrough,” Becks said. “The second was a lot, lot better. We started playing football. We started playing with confidence. We started defending a lot better. We created chances. But you don’t get any thing unless you put them away.” And I think it’s high-time for Becks to permanently ‘put-away’ all of his shirts.

As always, thanks for reading.
delinda@athlebrities.

NBA’s GOOD BEHAVIOR

Am I the only one surprised that there wasn’t more ‘tomfoolery’ during All Star week in New Orleans? After last year’s extremely dark shenanigans in Vegas, I was sure we’d have some misbehaving headlines to gossip about. But the New Orleans Police Department reported only 98 arrests related to All-Star festivities Friday-Sunday, and 502 arrests citywide. Last year in Vegas, police made 1,039 arrests during the four-day event, 392 were directly related to the All-Star weekend. Maybe everyone was busy with the NBA Cares All-Star Day of Service, in which an estimated 2,500 volunteers helped with various community service projects? But maybe, just maybe, the city itself infused a little juju into NBA Cares slogan ‘Where Amazing Happens’. Indeed.

DWIGHT HOWARD’S NO JESUS

Dwight Howard issued a collective ‘holy-shit’ via his insane Superman Dunk. (Ironically enough-Howard is repped by Goodwin Sports Management, which includes DC Comics as a client). Aside from his adidas endorsement deal being among the most lucrative at $36M over six years, dudes got the personality, smile, body, skills and charisma to melt a polar ice-cap, so I find it crazy that anyone would dislike him. But let the Crusades begin. Howard has irked a certain magazine focused on Christian athletes after they discovered he had an (oh-god-no) unplanned pregnancy with a former Magic dancer. The magazine dropped a scheduled article about him after learning of this mortal sin. Howard: “I’m not Jesus. You make a mistake, it’s about how you deal with it.” Speaking of Jesus, I came across an interesting tid-bit on Jacoby Ellsbury…

BABY JESUS IN CLEATS

Hudson Morgan begins his article on Red Sox CF Jacoby Ellsbury in the latest edition of Men’s Vogue with the line; “It’s hard to pinpoint the exact moment that Red Sox Nation realized their rookie Jacoby Ellsbury was the Baby Jesus in cleats.” Yes, I had to. Baby Jesus in cleats is about as funnny as touch-down Jesus…in any case, Baby Jesus in cleats is featured in a several-page spread in the new issue of Men’s Vogue. Not sure if it’s a sin to appear in that magazine or not, but maybe the unnamed Christian magazine can get Baby Jesus in cleats for an interview?

LAUREUS WINNERS
“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to unite people in a way little else does. Sport can create hope, where once there was only despair.” Nelson Mandela.
Last week, a panel of the world’s leading sports editors, writers and broadcasters from over 120 countries voted on a list of nominees in various categories including; Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year, Laureus World Team of the Year, Laureus Sport for Good Award and Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year. And this year’s winners? Swiss Mister Roger Federer nabbed his fourth Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, and as painful as it is to report, Federer made history by becoming the first winner of four awards. Federer: “I had hoped that they might not think three is enough - and indeed, they gave me a fourth. That’s awesome!” Yes Roger, we know…Justine Henin walked away with the Sportswoman of the Year award, Brendan and Sean Tuohey, who in ‘01 founded the basketball-based humanitarian project Peace Players International, were awarded the Laureus Sport for Good Award….

And the World Breakthrough of the Year Award went to the classy and humble Formula One babe, Lewis Hamilton. “I remember last year I was in Bahrain for a test and watched the Laureus Awards on the television in my hotel room and now I am here with all these amazing people,” he said. “It has been a fantastic year and I am very grateful for this award. Actually I feel a bit overwhelmed as looking around the other nominees I didn’t think I deserved it but I am really happy.”

ALOHA BECKHAM

David Beckham. Just the name itself can induce a hot flash. As expected, the kids in Hawaii are going nuts for Sir Golden Balls…hot stuff took part in a community soccer event held at Waianae High School on Tuesday.

THANK YOU

Just wanted to send a shout-out to photographer Glyn Kirk for snapping a much-needed image of Paulo Maldini for my hormones.

FAN OR FOE?
There are some whacked out idiots out there claiming to be fans of Chelsea. The problem is, these “fans” have been bombarding Chelsea’s Israeli manager Avram Grant with anti-Semitic e-mails and letters. Aside from the anti-Semitic death threats, someone sent a suspicious note containing powder to Grant at the teams training facility, which led to an emergency evacuation. A police source was quoted today as saying that the note to Grant included the words: “You are a back-stabbing Jewish b******. When you open this letter you will die a very slow and painful death.” Grants wife, Tzofit, has also been pulled into this disgusting display of hate, as she has been receiving “death threats of a sexual nature.”

Grant has been a target of racists since he was appointed the club’s boss last September. Now, MP’s are calling for a specific campaign against anti-Semitism in soccer to go alongside the ‘Kick Racism Out of Football’ project currently in operation. One message, sent to the MP, Grant and Abramovich, forwarded to Times Online, said: “I have been a Chelsea supporter since 1968. And Chelsea has always been a White, English, Christian football club in the land of St George. I would rather see Chelsea playing in the Isthmian league, than see you Jewish b******* ruin it with Russian, American and nasty israeli terrorist jews.” (Timesonline.co.uk)

MY FOOTBALL CLUB

I don’t think the owners of Ebbsfleet United will suffer at the hands of their fans. The English soccer club has been taken over by the fans. Web site, MyFootballClub, has 28,000 members in 80 countries, and just completed their $1.24M takeover of Ebbsfleet United. The site’s members will collectively hold a 75% interest, each paying $68 annually for the right to vote on team selection, player transfers as well as other decisions affecting the club. This historical ‘power-to-the-people’ move is believed to represent the first website-community takeover of a football club or business in the world. (BBC)

As always, thanks for reading.
delinda@athlebrities.

HE CAME, HE SAW, HE ANSWERED

“I felt like I need to come out, be forward with this,” Andy Pettitte said. “Whatever circumstances or repercussions come with it, I’ll take and I’ll take like a man and I’ll try to do my job.” Well-spoken words from a credible player, talk about refreshing. I don’t know about the rest of you, but during Andy Pettitte’s Steroid-Gate I-did-it-admission yesterday I found myself believing in his sincerity. He wasn’t speaking from a script, or licking his lips ala a liar, or shifting his beady eyes around the room, he spoke (I feel) from the heart. Maybe Pettitte seems like a good guy because he’s currently wedged in between a rapist and a ‘misremembering’ buddy of his, but in any case, he has taken it like a man and its just too bad the rest of the bozo’s didn’t follow the same path as he.

NEVER TOO YOUNG FOR SCHOOL

It’s raining men today as we have yet another pro setting a good example. Tennessee Titan quarterback Vince Young has been a busy little bee, buzzing around the School of Social Work on the University of Texas campus, where he has returned, he says, to complete his academic requirements and graduate. “I have to hunt for a parking space just like everyone else,” Young said. “And they still charge $50 for parking tickets. I know that.” Not sure Vince has to sweat over a $50 parking ticket, he signed a $58M contract two years ago, and has ditched the dorms for a house with a swimming pool, hot tub and weight room until he finishes the semester in June. “I like to get a workout in early, study and go to class and then take care of my NFL business and work on my foundation [for at-risk youth] in the afternoon,” Young said. Young even said “no” to attending the Super Bowl and all of its parties to focus on his studies. He wants his degree because he wouldn’t feel comfortable talking to kids about the importance of education if he didn’t complete his own. “It’s not about the money and fame,” Young said. “It’s about education.”

WHAT’S HIS NAME?

Ringside tickets should be given to the person who properly pronounces the last name of Wladimir Klitschko’s opponent for the upcoming IBF/IBO Heavyweight World Championship fight on February 23rd at Madison Square Garden. Klitschko (R) V Sultan-Achmed Magomedsalichowitsch Ibragimow.

BECKHAM GETS LEI’D

Honolulu got its first taste of Beckham-mania yesterday, as Golden Balls and others touched down on the island in preparation for the inaugural Pan-Pacific Championship exhibition tournament, which starts Wednesday. “I think the beaches are something to be admired and something that we’re all going to enjoy,” he said. “The atmosphere and the warmth of the place. Everybody has such a friendly aura about them in Hawaii.” Not to snub the other hotties playing in the match, the roster includes, among others, Houston Dynamo forward Brian Ching, Sydney FC defender Tony Popovic, and Gamba Osaka defender Satoshi Yamaguchi.

NASH LOVES THEM SPURS
Steve Nash loves the Spurs. And I’m not talking about the San Longoria Spurs; I’m talking about the English Premier League’s Tottenham Hotspurs. “My parents are from north London and so it’s not like I’m some Yank who wants to make a profit out of football. I don’t care about making money. I just want to see Spurs succeed and, if I can help, that’s great.” The sexy Sun recently spoke to the Guardian about his ‘I-want-a-piece-of-the-action’ conversations with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy and director of football Damien Comolli, but the two-time MVP insists any involvement from him would be much further down the line.

“I’m completely behind the group that’s there now and I love what’s going on at Spurs at the moment,” Nash said in the Guardian. But I would definitely love to be part of Spurs once my [basketball] career is over. I’ve got plenty on my plate right now and so I can’t imagine exactly how it might work but it’s a big goal of mine…At this stage I’m just in casual contact with Daniel Levy and Damien Comolli and we’re not necessarily speaking about how I might get involved. They know how much the club means to me but at this point it’s more a friendship than a business partnership.”

As always, thanks for reading.
delinda@athlebrities.

8 BALLS FOR LOVE

Yeah, I’m still mad at myself for missing the All-Star fun in New Orleans, watching it from home just ain’t the same as being there. Non-the-less, props to some of our NBA babes for their wickedly delicious dunks, and love to all those who kicked in a few bucks to a city desperately in need…here’s my very brief review, because I dont feel like working today.

The 4th annual ‘Zo & Magic’s 8-Ball Challenge’ was a raging success. The celebrity pool tournement has raised more than $750,000 to-date in efforts to make the kids smile. Toyota also did their part by partnering with the dynamic due of Alonzo Mourning and Magic Johnson, and donated $10,000 to help West Jefferson High’s music department. “Partnering with community leaders like Alonzo (Mourning) and Magic (Johnson) gave us great direction as to how to best lend a helping hand,” said Keith Dahl, national marketing manager for Toyota. “Since they both leverage their celebrity status to assist others, we were able to step in and be a true vehicle of change for this community.” Among the long list of 8-Ball participants: Ludacris, Chris Tucker, Gabrielle Union, Reggie Bush, Julius Erving and my Melo.

OH 2 BE JET LI

One celebrity that is now earmarked for stalking at the next event is Jet Li.

ALYSSA

Another one that was everywhere was Alyssa Milano. While I wouldn’t necessarily say I’m a fan, I gotta give her a break. Milano was busy promoting her new line of jewelry during All-Star festivities, and if Dikembe Mutombo can give her support, then she’s gotta be all right.

AMORE FOR AMARE

Amare Stoudemire. Kill me now…For all the scoop on last weeks NBA All Star hotties in action, along with celebrity sightings, check out NBA.com.

BONO RAISES THE BAR

One person who wasn’t spotted in New Orleans was U2 front-man/humanitarian/god, Bono. Proving that indeed, one man can change the world, Bono held an auction for Red in NY on Valentines Day. Putting most celebrity fundraisers to shame, Bono raised over $40M for aids research. Think about it people, over $40 Million in one night. Read my full review at www.looktothestars.org.

As always, thanks for reading.
delinda@athlebrities.

MJ THROWS DOWN A HALF-MIL
NBA All Star festivities are underway in New Orleans, and tipping off the love is Michael Jordan, whose Jordan Brand just threw down a cool donation of $500,000 to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Louisiana’s Slidell Unit. The Unit was left in shambles after Katrina, but MJ plans on building a new Jordan Brand gym complete with a professional basketball court, scoreboard and bleachers to be used by the kids of the Boys & Girls Club and other related community events.

“The Boys and Girls Clubs of America has been a visible contributor to the families and children of New Orleans, during and post Hurricane Katrina,” said Michael Jordan. “Slidell is a community that has been somewhat overlooked in recovery efforts and we are proud to aid with its rebuilding and leave a lasting legacy for the community.” During the check presentation Jordan was flanked by All-Star babes Carmelo ‘Sweet Melon’ Anthony and good-guy Chris Paul (R), while hundreds of New Orleans-area kids looked on in anticipation. “I have a different perspective from any of the other all-stars,” said Chris Paul, “Everybody else that’s here for the weekend, they got to give back and do different things, then they go back to their cities. This is it for me. I’m facing these things every day. These are my people.”

More love from Jordan and Nike comes via the shoes, of course. Joining Nike’s ‘Considered’ movement is the new Air Jordan XX3, which was created with almost no chemical-based glues- good news for those ‘overseas-workers’ who have historically been wearing face masks during assembly. Nike VP/Innovation Design & Special Projects Tinker Hatfield, has worked with Michael Jordan for two decades in designing his shoes and said that Jordan “had his doubts when presented with the plan.” Hatfield: “The first words out of his mouth were, ‘It better work right.’” Hatfield added that a “key challenge was to create a shoe that could withstand the rigors of the basketball court while reducing the use of chemical glues.” The design team created the shoe’s outsole, midsole and upper sections to fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. (Wall Street Journal).

PULLING THEIR WEIGHT FOR CHARITY

More NBA All Star festivities…the Kenner Police Department challenged the Kenner Fire Department as part of the first-ever Southwest Airlines NBA All-Star Pro Tow. New Orleans Hornet Rasual Butler acted as coach for the Police Department, while Hilton Armstrong coached team Firemen. The Hornets ‘coaches’ walked alongside their teams while they pulled an 80,000 pound 737 over the course of 50-yards. “We’re doing this for the kids,” yelled Butler. “You all got to pull hard.” Team Butler pulled the jet several seconds faster than team Armstrong’s firefighters. Southwest donated $12,000 to the Police Department’s charity choice, Special Olympics Louisiana, and $8,000 to the Fire Department’s choice, the American Cancer Society’s New Orleans Chapter. (Nola.com)

As always, thanks for reading.
delinda@athlebrities.

NOW WE’RE TALKING

“This can be the beginning of my future, when I retire and have more time,” purred the sexy Spaniard as he launched the Rafa Nadal Foundation in his native town, Manacor, on the island of Mallorca. “I am doing very well and I owe society,” Nadal said. I have never heard such sweeter words at a foundations opening…Rafael Nadal launched the Rafa Nadal Foundation under the watchful eyes of parents, his uncles and his four grandparents at the restaurant of the Manacor Tennis Club. “A month-and-a-half ago I was in Chennai, in India. The truth is we live great here. And if I can contribute something with my image…” he said. Contribute something with his image? I know he’s only 21, but hasn’t he caught-on yet that his image is outstanding? Rafa’s foundation seeks to promote sports as an integration tool for those most needy, mainly childhood and youth. Nadal’s mother will chair the foundation, his father will be vice-chairman, and his uncle/coach Toni will be his agent. “I have wanted people who are close to me to make me build the beginning of my future. I am 21, I hope to have a long career, yes, but this can be a start,” Nadal said. “It is a beautiful time for my life and for my career.” Indeed it is.

LEWIS HAMILTON INSPIRES

Sometimes bad acts can inspire good things, case in point-those racist idiots in Spain who taunted Lewis Hamilton. Thanks to them, the FIA has asked teams, drivers and tracks to back a ‘Racing against Racism’ campaign to be launched at the Spanish Grand Prix in April. “The FIA was appalled by the scenes of racist abuse targeted at Lewis Hamilton,” an FIA spokesman said on Wednesday. “Such behavior runs counter to the fundamental principles of equality enshrined in the FIA’s statutes. Formula One is a global, multi-cultural sport and has never encountered such scenes before and will not tolerate them in future. International motor sport can reach a huge global audience to send out positive messages of racial and sporting equality. We will be encouraging all those involved in motor sport to support our new campaign, from recent world champions to the next generation of potential champions at the grass roots of our sport.”

STEVE NASH TRASH TALKING
The hippest environmentalist in the NBA, Steve Nash, will wear the first basketball shoe made from manufacturing waste. The Nike Trash Talk is comprised of used waste leather and synthetic materials from the factory floor, as well as environmentally preferred rubber. Conforming to Nike’s ‘Considered’ design standards, the shoes were inspired by Nash’s passion for environmental awareness. “Any opportunity to promote the environment and preserve our planet is a step in the right direction. I’m very excited to be one of the first athletes to wear the Nike Trash Talk.” Look for Nashty to be wearing the kicks during tonight’s Suns-Mav’s game. “I’ve practiced in them and I like them. They look great and they feel great.”

Nike will release Trash Talk in three color patterns: An All-Star version, which Nash will wear during Sunday’s game, and two Suns versions, which will be sold at House of Hoops by Foot Locker in N.Y. and New Orleans this week for $100. Nash: “I had nothing to do with the price point, but I was definitely supportive about reusing.”

MCNAMEE V CLEMENS
Jumping aboard the best sports-opera around, MediaCurves.com conducted a national poll that revealed the majority of Americans view Brian McNamee as more believable than Roger Clemens after watching portions of their testimonies in front of Congress. (read the full transcript here) I’m still baffled as to why our tax money is being spent to hold Congressional hearings on baseball-but I am enjoying the dog-and-pony-show that goes along with it. If you’ve been following Steroid-Gate, then certainly you recognize the entertainment value of the scandal…but, there are bigger issues at stake and they extend beyond the bozos involved, so bare with me while I rant for a moment…first of all, I think both Clemens and McNamee are lying. You may recall that McNamee was accused of raping a woman? Last December, ESPN ran a piece that everyone should read. In part, it explains the details of McNamee’s 2001 rape-incident, where he (allegedly) laced a woman’s drink with a near fatal dose of GHB, before (allegedly) raping her in the pool. No charges were filed because the woman didn’t want to reveal she was having an affair with another married Yankees employee. When investigators realized this, they declined to pursue the investigation of McNamee. A few months later, the Yankees quietly let McNamee go. But Clemens and Pettitte kept using him as their personal trainer.

The actions the Yankees took to cover-up the (alleged) rape, to make the situation go away, to protect the married Yankee and their prized players of Clemens and Pettitte, makes me sick. MLB, in my experience, is beyond corrupt. No one can convince me that when McNamee was ‘quietly let-go’ by the Yankees, that this wasn’t the time he started to collect syringes-he may be a liar and a rapist, but he’s not dumb. He was, as they say, holding the smoking syringes to protect himself and his credibility. But this isnt an expose on McNamee, it’s about the way MLB buried and continues to bury it’s dirty little off-field secrets. I know I’m not alone in my belief that MLB has known about steroids use since its inception. They turned a blind eye in efforts to increase attendance while ignoring the victims left behind by its abuse. And you can bet there’s a long road of MLB-road kill left behind waiting to be discovered. That’s the bigger issue. And one day, I really wish the AP or some other credible outlet would contact this little-known blogger and ask her what she knows about steroids, a few Mitchell Report players and another cover-up that flew under the media-radar. Until then, I’ll just sit quietly and watch it unfold and wonder why hasn’t anybody asked me anything?

As always, thanks for reading.
delinda@athlebrities.

THE VILLAGE: MECCA
Nestled just one mile from Estepona on the Southern Coast of Spain is a very special Village that seems to be resting at the end of a rainbow. Billed as Europe’s All Star Resort, the Village is nothing short of spectacular. The development is complete with apartments, 36 holes of championship golf, 3 swimming pools, 2 luxury spas, its own football academy and hotel.

But what makes its so special? It has the (gulp) official endorsement of 12 leading UK football clubs including Arsenal, Aston Villa, Birmingham City, Bolton Wanderers, Celtic, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, and others. Hotties have already began buying apartment for themselves there, as well as the teams-who have reserved apartments which are on sale exclusively to their fan base. The clubs receive a percentage from each sale, so fans purchasing an apartment know a portion of the money they pay goes back into their club. Among the hotties who could be your neighbor at The Village? Paul Robinson, David Bentley, Roberto Carlos, Iker Casillas (R), Raul, golf legend Steve Ballesteros, and our Spanish-treat Rafael Nadal.

LUNCH ANYONE

We got some hotties donating their time to help keep the kids in school. Current and former Super Bowl champions New York Giants’ Antonio Pierce (L) and Seattle Seahawks’ Shaun Alexander; and NASCAR driver Scott Riggs are just a few of the top babes in sports to be sent to the auction block for the sixth annual Lunch With A Leader auction. The online auction, which runs February 8 - 18 on eBay, benefits Communities In Schools, Inc., the nation’s largest dropout prevention organization. In addition to eating lunch across the table from one of these athlebrities, (after passing a background check of course) the winning Antonio Pierce bidder also gets a trip to the Giants’ training camp for practice.

SPEEDO

Aqualab spent three years of intensive reaserch…Speedo scanned the bodies of more than 400 elite swimmers…held technical tests involving more than 100 different fabrics…and the results are sensational. The Speedo LXR Racer is the world’s first fully bonded swimsuit-ultrasonically welded to give the effect of no seams at all…ultra low drag LZR panels are embedded into the base fabric to create a Hydro Form Compression System which compresses the swimmer’s entire body into a more streamlined shape, enabling them to cut through the water with more power and agility…it has a corset-like grip, and independent testing has shown it to be the world’s fastest swimsuit. “When I hit the water, I feel like a rocket,” said Michael Phelps, holder of six World Records. Phelps, who has been involved in the suit’s development, will be sporting the LZR as he sets out to achieve a record-setting eight gold medals later this year. “I can’t wait to race in it – this is going to take the sport of swimming to a new level.” Also involved with the design was Comme des Garcons founder Rei Kawakubo. In a perfect blend of high-fashion-meets-athletic wear, Kawakubo added a design on the side panel of the suit incorporates the character “kokoro” meaning Heart, Mind, Spirit.

MIGHTY-MIGHTY GOOD MAN
At least 200,000 people have been killed and two million forced from their homes in the five-year conflict in Darfur. And yesterday, director Steven Spielberg issued a statement formally announcing the end of his role as artistic adviser for the opening and closing ceremonies of the ‘08 Beijing Olympics. Here is his statement, in its entirety:

“After careful consideration, I have decided to formally announce the end of my involvement as one of the overseas artistic advisors to the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing Olympic Games. In anticipation that this day might one day come, I left unsigned the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games contract presented to me nearly a year ago. Since that time, I have made repeated efforts to encourage the Chinese government to use its unique influence to bring safety and stability to the Darfur region of Sudan. Although some progress has been made along the way, most notably, the passage of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1769, the situation in Darfur continues to worsen and the violence continues to accelerate.”

“With this in mind, I find that my conscience will not allow me to continue with business as usual. At this point, my time and energy must be spent not on Olympic ceremonies, but on doing all I can to help bring an end to the unspeakable crimes against humanity that continue to be committed in Darfur. Sudan’s government bears the bulk of the responsibility for these on-going crimes but the international community, and particularly China, should be doing more to end the continuing human suffering there. China’s economic, military and diplomatic ties to the government of Sudan continue to provide it with the opportunity and obligation to press for change.”

“The situation has never been more precarious – and while China’s representatives have conveyed to me that they are working to end the terrible tragedy in Darfur, the grim realities of the suffering continue unabated. This has been a very difficult decision for me, as I have cherished the relationships with my Chinese counterparts, in particular, the noted director Zhang Yimou, who is a close personal friend. I have learned a great deal from working with him and all the other creative artists along the way. There is little that is more rewarding than to collaborate with those who bring vision and imagination to a challenging artistic task. And I greatly appreciated the spirit in which we worked together - a spirit that embodied genuine friendship and respect.”
“For me, the Olympic Games represent an ideal of brotherhood designed to bridge cultural and political divides. I am committed to building bridges between peoples and I saw, and continue to see, the Beijing Games as an opportunity to help ease some of the tensions in the world. China has much to offer the world and I have no doubt that its international contributions will grow in the years ahead. With growing influence, however, also comes growing responsibilities. As China welcomes the world to Beijing for the 2008 Olympic Games, I hope to be among those in attendance; and it is also my great hope that, with renewed and intensified efforts from China, there will be peace and security in Darfur at last.”

As always, thanks for reading.
delinda@athlebrities.