How to Reward Racism?
This got me fired up today. Mike Bianchi at the Orlando Sentinel has penned a piece about Hooman Hamzehloui. You most likely don’t recognize his name, but you most certainly recognize his words: “Hey, Dikembe, you look like a monkey!” How can we ever forget this guy? Hooman is the racist fan who was banned by the NBA and the Orlando Magic for a full season after a heckling incident two years ago.
Bianchi makes excuse after excuse for Hooman, exalting the transformation of an ‘unknowing racist’ to ‘motivational speaker’…in the article Bianchi writes ‘Maybe it’s a cultural divide (Hooman was born in Iran and came to this country when he was a kid), but to this day Hooman claims he didn’t know “monkey” was a racially offensive term.’ “I had no idea why everybody was so upset,” Hooman says. “I was just trying to have some fun with Mutombo.” (excuse my language kids) but that’s straight up bullshit. The article promotes Hoomans new out-look on life, and includes this (excuse me again) bullshit apology: “I take full responsibility for what I said,” Hooman says now, “even though I really didn’t know what I was saying.”
You can NOT take full responsibility for something and then turn around and say “yeah but…” But nothing…Hoomans words got him banned from the arena…he was so depressed he sat around hosting a pity party for himself because his words were misunderstood…he didn’t know calling Dikembe a monkey was racist…insert finger down throat…and now, Bianchi is actually helping this guy promote his new career as a “motivational speaker” and hawk his new book ‘Mutombo and Me’…are you kidding me? Yet another racist has capitalized on his own behavior and got a welcoming hug from the media…no doubt some cash was exchanged somewhere along the way…seriously, Dikembe is one of the brightest men in the NBA, his humanitarian work makes me cry, and his heart is so full of love that you can actually feel it a mile away.
“If they didn’t kick him out of this arena, he would have seen me off the court,” Mutombo said after the incident in 2006. “I will not accept that. We are not in the ‘60s. People have paid the price for us to be where we are today. For him to call a black man a monkey in the middle of the game, he was in the second row, for him to stand up and call, ‘Mutombo the monkey,’ is an insult. It insulted my integrity, my body, my family, my race.”
Why not chose to write a piece on the effect of Hoomans words? How his words cut through the soul of a man who speaks five languages? How his words incited anger in those with an ounce of intelligence? Tell me again Bianchi, what was the point of your article? To help sell Hoomans book? Drive traffic to his website? Or anger those of us who will NEVER forget those seven-little-words?
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Delinda Lombardo
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Ryan Lochte: More Coverage Please
AND CAN WE PRONOUNCE HIS NAME RIGHT?
I’ll start off by saying that NBC’s coverage of the Olympics suck. Thankfully, I’m not the only one who thinks so. Yesterday, I’m waiting to watch the men’s swimming, but it’s not on. So I switch to ESPN with my fingers crossed that they’re not talking about Brett Favre and the first thing I see is Favre’s face on the screen…the ticker along the bottom tells me Phelps just set another World record…did I miss it…damn…switch back to NBC…huh, what, volleyball…back to Universal HD channel…boxing…ESPN…Favre…NBC…volleyball…Universal…boxing…damn, what’s on HBO, set DVR and call it a night.
Aside from the delayed coverage and number of commercials I fast forwarded through on my DVR, my bigger issue was the fact that Bob Costas and Jim Lampley couldn’t agree on how to properly pronounce Ryan Lochte’s name. Is it pronounced ‘Lock-T’ as Costas asserts, or is it ‘Lock’ as pronounced by Lampley? Seeing as Lampley is the most experienced Olympic Games broadcaster in history (this is his 14th) I tend to think he might be right…but why didn’t they have this ‘How do you prounce his name again’ conversation before going on air? Or during a commercial? Am I the only one who noticed they were both saying Lochte’s name differently? Just curious.
OUCH
This just in…Costas is pronoucing Lochte’s name correctly. From a reader:
- “Ryan attended the HS in Florida where I used to teach. His name is pronounced “Lock-T”. He does not get the attention that he deserves. I hope he can win the Gold in the backstroke. He also has a brother at UF..he swims but is not as talented as his big brother. So, Costas was right. Can you mention this on the site?
Thanks, Scott
While we’re on the topic…is it at all possible to get some more coverage of Ryan Lochte? How about a story that doesn’t place Lochte is the shadows of Michael Phelps? Don’t get me wrong, I love Phelps…but Lochte deserves individual love. He was the only speed bump in the way of Phelps’ 400-meter individual medly, and granted, while we already know that Phelps had another world-record setting performance, lets not forget Ryan Lochte took home the bronze.
Lochte: “I did everything I could, so that’s all I can ask for. But he (Phelps) was amazing. Setting another world record, you can’t ask for anything else. That was a great way to start off the meet for USA.” Lochte has already established himself as one of the sexiest and most talented swimmers alive, and he’s got pa-lenty of records under his LZR Speedo worth mentioning. He is a multiple world record holder. He is a 2004 Olympic Champion in the 4×200m Freestyle, Olympic silver medalist in the 200m Medley and now, a 2008 Olympic bronze medalist in the 400m individual medley. His specialty is (gulp) the backstroke but is also a freestyle relay swimmer. And, the boy is a University of Florida alum…the only college in the nation that produces-per capita- more hot athletes than any other. Go Gators.
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Delinda Lombardo
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It’s Still the Dream Team in Most Parts of the World
SWEET DREAMS
We’ve been hearing about the ‘globalization of the NBA’ for a few years but it hasn’t been until recently that some of our babies have started jumping ship to chase the Euro dollar and capitalize on their international popularity. I say more power to ya boys. If I were one of the powers-that-be at the NBA offices (cough-cough Stern), I would be shaking in my boots. The likelihood of NBA ‘globalization’ isnt really very likely…but a mini-exodus of our ballers is going to happen. Who wouldn’t want to play and live in a European nation that adores you, pays you an obscene amount of money and has much more lax rules than the Ennnn-Beeee-Ayyyy?
The movement of players to Europe got a major jump-start recently when Atlanta Hawk Josh Childress signed a 3-year $20M deal with Greece. And now we’ve even got Sweet Melon and the Black Mamba entertaining the idea…or at least teasing us with it. Kobe Bryant told the Boston Globe that he would consider a $50 million offer to play in Europe. “As players, the business of the game (is) evolving,” Bryant said. “I think free agency now is becoming a global thing…When players become free agents, the team they’re currently with – their competition is no longer the rest of the teams in the NBA. But it’s global. So, the market’s opened up. So we’ll just have to see how the league responds to it.”
And what is swirling through the mind of my precious Carmelo Anthony. Is he gonna grab his family, ditch the States and capitalize on the NBA frenzy that has most of Europe spellbound? “If someone wants to throw $50 million on the table for me,” he said, chuckling, “we can talk.” Aside from the less stringent rules of the NBA, the appeal of playing hoops overseas has pa-lenty of perks. I don’t think I need to spell out what life in Greece would be like for an NBA player…or life in Italy? But we are certainly seeing what life in China would be like for some of our babes.
Take for example…um, I dunno…Carmelo Anthony? Mad props to the Chinese volunteers who swarmed the boys during a press conference. Great article in the Washington Post, which in part explains the feeding frenzy: ‘Then the players dispersed to individual stages around the room, and madness ensued. Half the crowd consisted of journalists attempting to interview pro basketball players. The other half consisted of volunteers attempting to take and/or pose for pictures with pro basketball players. Dozens—if not hundreds—roamed the room seeking autographs, with sharpies and everything.’ “They told us we can’t do that,” Dwight Howard said, as one autograph seeker interrupted his interview.
Speaking of ‘peace’…last month, NBA good-guys (and a gal) attended the Seeds of Peace International Camp in Maine. The 7th annual ‘Play for Peace’ clinic was attended by Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls), Brook Lopez (NJ Nets), Robin Lopez (Phoenix Suns), Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City), DJ Augustin (Charlotte Bobcats), Anthony Randolph (Golden State Warriors), with NBA ‘Play for Peace’ veterans Brian Scalabrine (Boston Celtics), Jordan Farmar (LA Lakers), and former WNBA star Sue Wicks (NY Liberty). Bulls great BJ Armstrong helped to lead the clinic. 160 Egyptian, Jordanian, Israeli, Palestinian and American kids warmly greeted the ‘peace-playas’ who were delighted to participate in the camp’s second session, which focused on the Arab – Israeli conflict. The camp’s goal is to get youngsters to interact and understand the viewpoint of those on the opposite side. Vists Seeds of Peace for more info.
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Delinda Lombardo
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Lewis Hamilton, Kevin Federline and a Baseball Cap for Charity?
SAY WHAT?
The thing that bothers me is that Lewis Hamilton was less than 100 miles from my house and I didn’t know about it. (Where are all the good PR people these days?). The Formula One sensation has been ‘dating’ Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherziner for a few months, and I gotta say, they’ve had some incredible dates. They attended Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday bash in June, where they rubbed elbows with Bill Clinton, Oprah, Sir Elton John and many other A-listers.
And last Thursday, Hamilton and his lady were in Los Angeles for the launch of EA Sports’ Madden NFL 09 at the STK nightclub in West Hollywood. Yes, it pains me to even write about it…but regardless of Lewis evading his inevitable Delinda encounter, the British beast enjoyed the company of Britney Spears’ former husband Kevin Federline. Yes, Lewis Hamilton threw out a few hand signs as he enjoyed hanging with K-Fed and his crew…the gamut of celebs at the event included the likes of ‘Austin Powers’ star Verne ‘Mini-Me’ Troyer to Playboy boss Hugh Hefner.
Wanna get closer to Lewis Hamilton? Well, the closest I can get you is in his baseball cap. Hamilton has donated an autographed cap for a celebrity auction being held in London on September 21 to benefit the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.) It may not sound like much, but with Lewis’s fame, this simple donation could yield a windfall for the cause. You can check it out here.
Also, please check my Celebrity Athletes Charity Events Page for an event near you. Its updated almost daily. The latest not-to-be-missed-event is a three day Elton Brand Friends and Celebrity weekend.
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Delinda Lombardo
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Olympics: Let the Games Begin
ONE EYE ON SWEET MELON, THE OTHER ON A TAPA
Three American activists were arrested yesterday for “thinking” about unfurling a Tibetan flag during the opening ceremony, but that didn’t distract me nearly as much as the Men’s USA hoops team hotties looking all dapper and giddy as they entered the Birds Nest from Hell.
My Sweet Melon…where do I start? Will you pa-leeze share your video coverage with me? I’m not happy about you-know-who shaking your precious hand, but I’m sure it was a great moment for you. I just ask that you wash that hand before touching me before we cuddle up to watch videos…LaLa can make the popcorn and pour the bubbly for us. I promise Ill be good.
Our Hoops babes have a tough schedule ahead of them, after a prelim-game on Sunday against Yao Ming and China, they must defeat the teams placed alongside them in the dreaded Group of Death: Greece (Euro champs), Spain (World champs), Germany (with Dirk Nowitzki and his funky hair cut) and Angola who aren’t expected to go far.
Gonna give some props to Kobe for recognizing that they have some fierce competition ahead of them. “Other countries have All-Stars, too,” he said. And I hate to admit it, but I love this photo of Kobe getting his tie adjusted by La-Lame, although my money says this was staged. Kobe wouldn’t take the Worlds stage with a crooked tie, come on. These boys took hours to put on those crisp white pants and unnecessary tams before walking in…but like I said, it’s a great photo regardless of how it came to be.
The Opening Ceremonies looked like a lot of fun…something along the lines of a SuperBowl halftime show taken over by MTV meshed with a massive dose of Cirque de Soleil.
I wont mention all the displaced migrant workers who lost their homes to build the Birds Nest. I wont mention the thousands of people suffering at the hands of the Chinese government, but I certainly wont forget.
I also won’t forget that in ten-days our Spanish treat Rafael Nadal will ‘officially’ become the Worlds Number one…but dear god, the Spanish outfits are horrendous. Sorry Spain, this girl ain’t digging the red clown suits and straw hats.
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Delinda Lombardo
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Athletes, Olympics, Controversy and a Painted Protest
THE WRITING IS ON THE WALL
American pastor Eddie Romero has put an interesting new spin on protesting during the Olympic Games. Eddie checked himself into two “high-class downtown” hotels this week in Beijing and filmed himself painting the walls of his rooms with slogans such as “Beijing 2008 Our World, Our Nightmare” before disappearing…
The good peeps at the London based ‘Free Tibet Campaign’ have also come up with a clever way of getting around the ‘Athletes can’t speak out about human rights’ rule by urging them to make a simple “T” sign with their hand to show their support of Tibet. “Athletes competing at the Olympics have been told they must not mention human rights or Tibet, but no one can stop them making a simple signal that they care,” the group said. “’The T for Tibet hand signal is a quick, easy way to send a clear message: It’s time to free Tibet.” The group is also lashing out at China’s support of the Sudanese government, which has allowed widespread ethnic violence and severe rights violations in its Darfur region…look for athletes wearing black wristbands in support of Darfur and German athletes sporting green and blue bands for support. You can also get involved with the Free Tibet movement and upload your own “T” photo on their website. Many people, including REM frontman Michael Stipe have already signed up. Check it out HERE.
Others are taking it one step further with their protests, most notably (for today anyway) are Mr. Thom and his friend Phil Bartnell who climbed lighting posts near the “Bird’s Nest” stadium around 5.30am and unfurled banners saying “One World One Dream Free Tibet.” Mr Thom spoke to reporters from the top of the pole by telephone, saying he was a long-term activist on the Tibet issue. “This is a really critical time for Tibet,” he said. “The Olympic Games are being used as a propaganda tool by the Chinese government to whitewash their human rights record.” (See the video and full story here)
But perhaps the biggest stone in my shoe this morning in an article on Yahoo Sports by Dan Wetzel. His enticing headline: ‘Will Kobe, Lebron pass on Darfur?’ Now I understand the importance of getting as many hits as possible, so props to Dan for creative writing. (And I’m not talking about Kobe). But come on, “Will Lebron pass on Darfur”? He already has-more than once! Wetzel also wrote: “They have been among the most outspoken of the major American athletes on the subject.” WHAT? Am I the only one not kissing Bron-brons ass because he can shoot hoops? Sure, Lebron mumbled something back in May about Darfur in efforts to promote his oh-so-wonderful image, but seriously, he doesn’t even speak out about stuff here in the States, so why is he suddenly going to lend his voice to Darfur or Tibet? Pa-leeze. USA Men’s team coach Jerry Colangelo in Wetzle’s piece: “Let me ask you this, what carries more weight?” he said. “One of them making a comment about what’s happening in Tibet or Darfur or two nights ago in Shanghai when our players helped raise $430,000 for the earthquake relief program where 70,000 Chinese died? I think that’s a little bit more important.” Ah…not. I tend to think both are important, but since Jerry is into numbers, he may wanna think about the fact that 400,000 Sudanese people have been murdered…
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Delinda Lombardo
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The Olympic Oath, Darfur and Joey Cheek
HUMAN RIGHTS TRUMP ATHLETIC COMPETITION
In the name of all competitors
I promise that we shall take part in these Olympic games,
respecting and abiding by the rules that govern them,
in the true spirit of sportsmanship,
for the glory of the sport and the honor of our teams
The Olympics. 8.08.08. Opening ceremonies are just a few days away and it looks like a few brain-cells in President Bush’s head have finally realized that something funny is going on with China. Armed with “deep concerns” about the state of human rights in China, Bush is urging the communist nation to allow political freedoms for its citizens, “We speak out for a free press, freedom of assembly and labor rights — not to antagonize China’s leaders, but because trusting its people with greater freedom is the only way for China to develop its full potential.” In an interview aboard Air Force One with The Washington Post, Bush said it was “really hard to tell” whether human rights in China had improved over the past eight years. “I’m fired up to go. I can’t wait to salute our athletes, and I can’t wait to share in the joy of your triumphs,” he said. Huh?
I certainly will be watching the Olympics, but not without a heavy weight and dark cloud marring my view. I will cheer for all athletes, from all countries who have trained hard for this moment. But I will most certainly be keeping an ear out for those who take this opportunity to speak their mind about China’s abhorrent treatment of its citizens, the media and it’s involvement with the genocide in Darfur. I don’t think it comes as any surprise that Olympic gold medallist and outspoken Darfur activist Joey Cheek has had his visa revoked by the Chinese embassy hours before the speed skating beast was set to fly to China. As the founder of Team Darfur, Cheek has had a target on his back since its inception.
“I am saddened not to be able to attend the Games. The Olympic Games represent something powerful: that people can come together from around the world and do things that no one thought were possible. However, the denial of my visa is a part of a systemic effort by the Chinese government to coerce and threaten athletes who are speaking out on behalf of the innocent people of Darfur.”
The cash-strapped (at the time) Cheek ‘had me’ after he brought home the gold from Torino and promptly donated his $25,000 bonus to Darfur while begging his sponsors to do the same. I’m not asking anyone to ignore the spirit of competition or the thrill of victory, and neither is Cheek. Why is it that if we speak out against China and Darfur we are suddenly “anti-Olympics”? I don’t support our “war” but at the same time I do support our troops. Yes people, there is room for both.
As mentioned, I will be watching the Olympics. But, in my opinion, human rights trump sports. Simple as that. Imagine if you were one of the displaced children who witnessed your mother being raped and your father being hacked to pieces…imagine being that child-hiding, crammed into a shanty-hut with forty other people trying to escape the genocide…imagine if there was a small TV hooked-up and your only escape from the daily horrors of your reality was the static of the games coming through on the TV…and with the whole world watching, it takes just one Olympic athlete to issue a few words of hope about ending the genocide…about helping a country desperately calling for aid…a few simple words can give someone hope…hope for help, hope for a better life, hope that people care, hope that your suffering isnt being ignored, hope that one day it will all end. That’s what its all about. We don’t have to ignore any athletic accomplishment, we don’t have to ban Joey Cheek from skating or duct tape someone’s mouth shut because they may something bad about China that we already know. We only need to care. And for me, I care a hell of a lot more about stopping the horrific war crimes being committed than I do about who brings home the medal. So yes, I will be watching the games on my plasma TV inside my comfortable home surrounded by the daily comforts we take for granted. But there won’t be one single moment when I’m not thinking about those who need our help and have bigger things to worry about than who wins what where.
Lets enjoy the games but lets not use this as an excuse to escape from the realities of Darfur. We can’t stop and we can’t ignore humanity until the last machete is torn from the hands of a rebel.
Help Save Darfur.
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Delinda Lombardo
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Steve Nash Builds in Gulu versus Paul Pierce’s Traffic Stop?
WHERE’S OUR PRIORITIES?
So the big news from the sports world this morning is a ‘bench-clearing’ brawl in the roid-ravaged Major League’s and the fact that NBA good-guy Paul Pierce was ‘pulled over’ in Vegas. Pa-leeze…is it too much to ask for the headline: NBA Star to Build Youth Center in Uganda? As I peruse the news in search of worthwhile happenings, I find myself drawn more and more to Canada and their style of reporting. Canadian news outlets seem to be the best for reporting things we should actually care about…like Steve Nash and his humanitarian work.
Over the weekend, Nash was celebrating the one-year anniversary of his $5-million facility, the Steve Nash Sports Club in Vancouver. After his morning workout, Nash popped in on more than 150 kids at the center and signed everything from basketballs to jerseys. “I’m thrilled,” Nash said. “First of all, it’s beautiful. It’s the kind of place I want to come and spend my time at. To see membership grow and to see the atmosphere and the spirit is exactly what we had in mind when we started.”
And Nash isn’t done by a long shot. He’s taking his love to Africa where he has announced plans to build a Youth Center for Culture and Sports in Northern Uganda.
The Youth Centre for Culture and Sport will be a first of its kind in northern Uganda, where war has ravaged the area for the past 22 years. The youth centre, a project born from a partnership between the Steve Nash Foundation and Athletes for Africa, will bring together activities that will empower, heal, build confidence and provide leadership opportunities for youth affected by the conflict. Although construction is not anticipated to commence until 2009, stay tuned for updates and learn how you can help bring this amazing idea into fruition. Visit athletesforafrica.com/youthcentre for more information.
Construction should begin next year. “The youths of that community have experienced absolute horrors,” said Nash, “We want to create a center to give these youths the opportunity we’re afforded.” The center will provide free basketball, soccer and sports equipment, art materials, classes and counseling in Gulu- an area that has been the site of much bloodshed during the country’s 20-year civil war and has displaced more than 90% of the population. Nash’s partnership with Athletes in Africa seems a perfect fit…the international program helps professional athletes assist African development and I can’t think of a better man than Steve Nash to jump aboard the healing and aid of a nation in distress.
For more information, please visit Nash’s Foundation, or Athletes for Africa. If you’re anxious to do your part, you can sign up for the Athletes for Africa GuluWalk Day on October 25…an event that I’ve supported for years.
In other news…Paul Pierce was spotted by a star-struck cop in Las Vegas at around 3 a.m. this morning and pulled over. Officer Cassell (no relation to Sam?) pulled Pierce over, handcuffed him and released him after a sobriety test in efforts to gain his 15-minutes of fame. According to Cassell Pierce seemed “a little agitated” after he got out of the car. Can’t imagine why? Its not like NBA players get a bad rap in Vegas or cops are racist or anything? Officer ’15-Minutes’ gave Pierce a sobriety test which registered “below the legal limit.” Pierce was released, a valet was called to drive Pierces car, and he took a cab back to where he was staying…good job Officer ‘15’ for making a much-to-do about nothing…and on that note…I’ll add my 15 minutes of nothingness by running the below photo of AC Milan’s Paolo Maldini, who I admittedly would pull over, handcuff, stretch, and sobriety check if I were to see him drive by me…
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Delinda Lombardo
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Yao Ming and Dikembe Mutombo Interview on ESPN
Yao Ming and Dikembe Mutombo Interview on ESPN
Another writer who is fed up with reading crap stories by major media outlets who continually ignore the humanitarian efforts of celebrities and athletes tipped me off to this piece…The article was penned by Ric Bucher on www.sports.espn.go.com. Clearly, Yao Ming and Dikembe are schooling the rest of the boys on what it is to be “real men.” Real men have big hearts, souls, smiles and pa-lenty of love for those who need it most. They inspire us and make us forget about those who make it rain, steal from friends, assault women, drag race and create unnecessary controversy that contributes nothing to this world except grief.
In part, Bucher wrote: Mutombo is as well known for his humanitarian efforts throughout Africa—capped by the completion of a $29 million, 300-bed hospital in Kinshasa last fall—as he is for his NBA exploits, which include four Defensive Player of the Year awards. Yao has followed his lead and has been a one-man Red Cross in China, where he organized last summer’s charity game in Beijing between NBA and Chinese stars and has started a relief foundation for victims of Western China’s earthquake last spring. Still, Yao could always use some advice. So Mutombo flew down, and The Mag tagged along…
- My favorite paragraph from the entire piece comes from Yao Ming, who says:
“ What inspires me are the stories that have come out. There is a picture on a website of a teacher who, when the earthquake was happening, put four kids under a table and put his body on top of the table. When the school wall came down, the teacher died but the kids were saved. You can’t stay away when you hear stories like that. When my foundation raises the money to rebuild those schools, we’re going to name the schools after those teachers.”
Once again, if that doesn’t give you goose bumps or a lump in your throat, I would venture to guess you have no soul?
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Delinda Lombardo
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Rafael Nadal Worlds Number One?
RAFA and ROLIING INTO FIRST PLACE?
The tennis gods have opened their big, beautiful, tan, muscular arms and ushered our edible little tapa into the world’s number one spot, unofficially, but I’m still gonna declare August 1 a holiday. Rafa Day…Our baby ripped it like a Spanish warrior from the hands of a more than one opponent to climb over a Swiss Ego and land on both feet with class and humility, no?
Granted, Rafael Nadal’s official-official number one ranking wont be ‘acknowledged’ until he wins the tournament, Sunday, but even if he doesn’t, he has enough points in Cincinnati to overtake Roger Federer when the rankings are released on Aug. 18. “Yeah, very tough match” he panted after downing Nicolas Lapentti 7-6, 6-1 on Friday, “I was little bit tired…the weather here is very hot…important for me into semifinals, very, very happy…happy because I fight it a lot the last three years to be number one, but for sure be number one is always a goal, no?”
We have a new worlds number one, Rafael Nadal. Oh how I’ve waited to hear those words outside of my dreams…Rafa said he would wait until “after Davis Cup for party.” However, after sitting in second place for 158 straight weeks on the ATP World rankings, I hope he’s chugging down a few glasses of Sangria with his lady…after all, its not everyday you dethrone a man who was on a 235 week run. I will refrain from sending condolences to Roger Federer or making any kind of comments like Rafa deserves it because he trained harder, remained focused, and wasn’t busy texting his celeb-pals between sets in order to make sure they were watching him play. But I do hear Roger Federer will be carrying the Swiss flag at next Friday’s Olympic Games opening ceremony in Beijing-so that’s good, right? And it coincides with his 27th birthday, so I’m sure he’ll be just fine…
Congratulations Rafa for becoming the 24th player in the history of the ATP Rankings to hold the number one position and the third Spaniard to accomplish the feat, joining Carlos Moya (1999) and Juan Carlos Ferrero (2003).
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Luol Deng: Worth Every Penny of His New $70M+ Contract
LUOL DENG: WORTH EVERY PENNY OF HIS NEW $70M+ CONTRACT
The Chicago Bulls have locked in their best player, Luol Deng, to a six-year contract reportedly worth between $70-80M. And Deng is worth every penny. Why? Aside from being a versatile player, he’s one of the NBA’s top humanitarians, right alongside Dikembe Mutombo, Steve Nash, Etan Thomas, and Juwan Howard. “Obviously we’re incredibly happy to get Luol signed,” general manager John Paxson said. “It’s the type of thing that gives him security and gives us the direction we’re going to go here in the future.”
Sudanese-born Deng’s direction was founded a long time ago when he met former NBA player Manute Bol. “I’m from a nation where my whole lifetime and the life before me have been struggling,” said Deng in USA Today when asked why it was important to give back to the community. “To be blessed and to do what I’m doing puts a smile on everybody’s face. It’s not just me that’s blessed. It’s all of us. The little things that Americans see every day, we don’t see that often. [Manute Bol’s] time was before me, so I just try to make things special for all the kids from Sudan instead of them hearing negative all the time.”
Earlier this year, I wrote a piece for Look to the Stars about Deng’s involvement with the Chicago Association for the Lost Boys of Sudan. On January 6, Deng joined the Chicago Association for the Lost Boys of Sudan to host the ‘Hope for Sudan Celebration’ at Truman College in Chicago. The celebration marked the third anniversary of Sudan’s Comprehensive Peace Agreement, and doubled as the official birthday of the “Lost Boys of Sudan” refugees (immigration paperwork marks January 1 as the birthday of all Sudanese boys). “Playing in the NBA is a dream come true. Charity work is something that is a lot more powerful. I enjoy basketball, but giving back is something a lot of people can’t do.” Deng moved to Britain at the age of nine when his family fled civil war. He spent his formative years in the United Kingdom before moving to the States at aged 14 to play basketball on a scholarship. And today, Deng is once again living up to his words.
Deng spent this afternoon at an NBA JamVan press event in Trafalgar Square (London), spreading that Deng-love to all the kids in attendance. Deng is kicking it with Britain’s national team for the upcoming European Championships. His new contract makes him one of the highest paid British athletes and you can be sure that some of that cash is gonna find its way to one of the numerous charities he supports, including the Chicago Chapter of the Lost Boys of Sudan and the World Food Program who he is a spokesperson for. This mighty-mighty-fine man has also traveled to Africa, Asia and Europe with the NBA as part of their Basketball Without Borders Tour and is a staunch supporter of ninemillion.org.
Keep it up Luol…we need more good guys out there inspiring us both on, and off the court.
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As always, thanks for reading. Delinda Lombardo
delinda@athlebrities.com