Steve Nash Nabs Charity Award
Steve Nash Nabs Charity Award
Did any of my readers catch NBA stud Steve Nash playing soccer with former homeless graduates of Street Soccer USA last Thursday evening in Sarah Roosevelt Park in New York City’s Chinatown? The 2-time NBA MVP and undeniable humanitarian, has essentially put Street Soccer USA on the map with his years of unwavering support. And last week, Nash was presented the prestigious Sport for Social Change Award at the French Cultural Embassy in Manhattan.
“Steve both personally and through his foundation sets the gold standard in term of athletes using sport to drive outcomes for a better world, which is why we are so pleased to recognize him,” said Lawrence Cann, founder of Street Soccer USA and creator of the Sport For Social Change Awards.
I daresay that this is proof that sports and athlebrities can change the world for the better? Street Soccer USA is a national organization teaching job and life skills to homeless youth and adults through sport in 18 cities with 75% success rate in terms of educational and job placement outcomes. And yes, they have a homeless World Cup which, if watched, will change you in ways I can’t describe. Currently Street Soccer USA is sending 8 men and 8 women who have overcome homelessness through the Street Soccer USA program during the last year to Paris for the games and are seeking sponsors for the last few members of the team.
Street Soccer USA or Check em on Facebook.
To read more about the event, go HERE.
As always, thanks for reading~
delinda@athlebrities.com
Steve Nash Signs Shaq’s Shoe
Steve Nash Signs Shaq’s Shoe
Steve Nash has put a smile on my face this morning. Not for reasons that I dream about, but because he’s starring in some funny Vitaminwater spots. My favorite, of course, is his XXX spot in which he declares he’s faster than sharks while going through a bevy of sexy-poses, “I am great. I’m just like you but ten times better.” Now, there are some ballers who’ve got ‘it’ and some who don’t. Comedy ain’t easy and Nash has nailed it.
Below is another priceless spot from Nash…the Sexy beast made a visit to the Vitaminwater headquarters one afternoon. While he was there, he noticed Shaquille O’Neal’s autographed size 23 sneaker on Marci’s desk…Nash decides to “make it better” for her by also planting his autograph on it. “Are you F*cking kidding me right now?” she says to an oblivious Nash…after the shock wore off, Marci decided to auction off the Shaq-Steve Nash signed kick and donate the proceeds to Nash’s foundation.
The auction is live and the bidding starts at $13.00. And I’m pretty sure-as are the Vitaminwater people- that this is the only sneaker that exists which is signed by both Steve Nash and Shaquille O’Neal…to access the auction, visit the VITAMINWATER group on Facebook and follow the links…or you may be able to access it via Steve Nash’s Foundation website. Good luck and happy bidding…auction ends April 13.
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
Steve Nash: Showdown in Nashty Town
Showdown in Nashty Town
My favorite baller, sexy Sun Steve Nash, has more up his sleeve than a basketball. In fact, I’d call the humanitarian a true-cross over athlete. He can land a three-pointer from center court and he can dribble a soccer ball better than Beckham.
If you don’t believe me, get to one of Nash’s charity soccer games. Last year, Nashty’s Showdown in Chinatown (NY) had fans climbing light posts and breaking into buildings just to catch a glimpse of Sir Steve and his roster of hot soccer players and NBA studs. Although the official roster hasn’t been released yet, we can hopefully expect to see some of last years’ participants, which included Thierry Henry, Claudia Reyna, Jason Kidd, Raja Bell, Leandro Barbosa, and Baron Davis.
This year, Nash will ‘Showdown’ in three separate cities. Although he was born in South Africa, he was raised in Canada, so he’s including Vancouver in on the action when he ‘Showdowns’ on Sept. 19. Showdown’s will also be held in Los Angeles and New York.
Much more info at the Steve Nash Foundation website.
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
Charity Madness: Adonal Foyle Lights Way for Kids
Charity Madness: Adonal Foyle Lights Way for Kids
Now, some of you may be wondering why I chose to spotlight Adonal Foyle and his charity work. Several reasons…one, the beast received a Community Contribution award from the NBA Players Association during All Star Weekend. Foyle was honored along with sexy Sun Steve Nash and Dwayne Wade. Obviously, all things Steve Nash are of great interest to me…while on the other end of the spectrum is D-Wade who has sorely disappointed me based on his questionable off-court behavior I’ve been hearing about…anyway, Lakers hottie Derek Fisher, who is also President of the NBPA, presented the award to Adonal Foyle and commended him on his 11 and a half years of making a difference in the NBA as well as in the community…the modest baller said that ‘he does not work in the community for public acknowledgement, but rather for the opportunity to pass on some of his own good fortune’…
This month, the NBA beast and his Kerosene Lamp Foundation (KLF) are running a ‘March $10K Campaign’ in efforts to raise money for camps in St. Vincent and The Grenadines. As Adonal prepares to celebrate his 34th birthday on March 9, he’s asking us all to pitch in as little as ten bucks to help thousands of kids enjoy hoops in his hometown. “I launched the Athletics & Academics Camps as an avenue through which the Kerosene Lamp Foundation could, in some small way, encourage a child to strive for success in the classroom and beyond,” said Foyle. “St. Vincent & The Grenadines is a tiny nation, one that is dependent on the potential of the next generation to make it thrive. With these camps, I use basketball to connect with the kids to promote a healthy lifestyle and stress their need to take an active role in their education.”
The March $10K Campaign gives fans the option of purchasing a $10 raffle ticket for a chance to win a ton of schwag including autographed goodies from the big guy well as from Dwight Hot-Hot Howard…you can also help by bidding on online auction items or by donating gifts such as basketballs or books to the camp. Also, be sure to check out the “D.C. KLF Fundraiser” on March 13th at the Wizards/Magic NBA game. Just a minimum donation of $10 per person will help KLF reach the goal of $10,000…check it all out here www.KeroseneLampFoundation.org and help support one of the NBA’s mighty-mighty-good men put smiles on the faces of kids..
Due to Foyle’s trade from Orlando to Memphis last month, JJ Redick has agreed to step up and take AF’s place at the upcoming Boston & DC fundraisers. Also, as a result of the trade, the KLF fundraisers in New York City, Orlando & Atlanta have been canceled.
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
Steve Nash Grants Make-a-Wish, ‘Nash Bash’ All Star Event
Steve Nash Grants Make-A-Wish
Phoenix Sun Steve Nash recently hung out with some kids from the Make-a-Wish Foundation…the video pretty much covers it all…the mighty-mighty fine beast always goes above and beyond to make wishes come true…my wish? A ticket to the vitaminwater Nash Bash to benefit the Steve Nash Foundation. “All-Star’s in Phoenix this year, and I’m really looking forward to hosting some of my Foundation’s best supporters, new friends and just having my family around’” said Nashty. “All-Star Weekend is one of the most entertaining events of the year, and, for me, it’s another opportunity to mesh my job with my other passions.” If you wanna mesh your job with other passions, the love fest goes down on Friday, February 13 at the Mondrian Scottsdale. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Steve Nash Foundation’s local initiative, Educare Arizona. “Educare is one of the best things we can do for our community,” said Steve. “It’s a holistic approach to the child and family, and will make an incredible impact nationally.” (Stevenash.org)
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
NBA Round Up: Steve Nash Honored, Gilbert Arenas Get Waxed and Carmelo Anthony Launches M5
Publishing Notice
I’m taking the rest of the year off See ya in January kids…
STEVE NASH: PATTERSON AWARD
Steve Nash earned some serious love for his philanthropy…but not really sure if anyone noticed? Apparently, Nashty was given the award during a pre-game ceremony at the Sun-Lakers game…maybe the photogs didn’t notice or care but I can’t find any photos…regardless, the Sports Philanthropy Project (SPP) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) presented the 2008 Steve Patterson Award for Excellence in Sports Philanthropy to Nash’s foundation…
“It is an honor to receive this type of recognition for the work that I care about so deeply,” said Nash. “The Steve Nash Foundation is dedicated to assisting underserved children in their health, personal development, education and enjoyment of life. Steve Patterson is the kind of person that always sought out to improve the lives and well being of others and to be awarded in his name is truly an honor. I am humbled by your acknowledgement of our work in the global community. This is just the beginning and we look forward to continuing these efforts and building on the foundation we have established.” The award was created in memory of Steve Patterson, former UCLA basketball star, NBA player and Arizona State University college coach, who died of cancer in 2004 and believed in and practiced the power of sports philanthropy. Carlette Patterson, President of Patterson Sports Ventures. “My husband spent his life building partnerships on and off the court, and we hope his life and legacy will inspire more and more sports teams and athletes who have the power to create substantial change in their own backyards. The fact that Steve Nash will receive his award for work here in the same community in which my husband Steve and our family lived and worked and cherished makes it that much more meaningful.”
I LOVE MADAME TUSSAUDS
The latest hormone tickler from Madame Tussauds is Washington Wizard babe Gilbert Arenas…his ‘figure’ was unveiled yesterday at the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in Washington D.C., and Arenas took along 50 kids from his Zer0 to Her0 Foundation….”It is an honor to join the ranks of sports icons such as Muhammad Ali and Tiger Woods by being immortalized in wax at Madame Tussauds Washington D.C.,” Arenas said. “Like the Wizards, Madame Tussauds has become a fixture in the nation’s capital and one that I’m proud to be a part of.” Now, I don’t know how or if I qualify for the job, but I’d like to take a stab as one of the artists who create these treats…Gil sat for over two hours while the ‘artists’ took hundreds of (a-hem) measurements and photos, as well as selected eye, hair and skin tone matches for his figure…artists even insert each strand of hair individually…the creation of Arenas’ figure’s head took nearly five weeks to complete.
CARMELO ANTHONY PARTIES IN LA WITHOUT ME
Last night, celebrities, artists and professional athletes hit up Siren Studios in Hollywood to celebrate Carmelo Anthony and Jordan Brand’s launch of the Jordan Melo M5 basketball shoe…luckily, I wasn’t not able to attend, if I had, I suspect I wouldn’t have made it passed the “unique images of Carmelo’s daily life off the court, including candid imagery of Carmelo taking breaks between games, interacting with his fans and just enjoying life.”…The black-carpet event replicated a modern art gallery opening…adding to the modern art feel was Kenyon Martin, Chauncey Billups and J.R. Smith. “Tonight’s event means a lot to me because the M5 is my fifth shoe and any time you can be associated with a brand like Jordan it’s special. The shoe fits me and my game so well and it’s my favorite shoe of them all since I’ve been a part of the process since day one.” For more info visit Nike.com and trust me when I say the splash page is a must see for all Sweet Melon lovers.
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As always, thanks for reading.
Delinda Lombardo
Tony Hawk and Desmond Tutu Appear on Iconoclasts while Michael Phelps Lands Three Covers, Lance Armstrong Wastes Water and the London Telegraph Echo’s Delinda’s Thoughts on Racism
WHAT DO DESMOND TUTU AND TONY HAWK HAVE IN COMMON?
The new season of Iconoclasts has just been announced. In case you’re not hip to the show on the Sundance channel…each thirty-minute episode features two “leading innovators” from different fields who come together to discuss their passion and creativity. Season four of the show looks to be the most interesting season yet with such parings as Archbishop Desmond Tutu and entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson-when either of these two men open their mouths its worth listening and its worth setting the DVR. Skateboarder Tony Hawk had a discussion with filmmaker/actor Jon Favreau…how about a conversation between political humorist Bill Maher and music industry executive Clive Davis? Hell yeah. And hello- tennis champion Venus Williams chillen with and musician/producer Wyclef Jean? Obviously, you’ll most likely learn something if ya tune in…other parings for season four include fashion designer Stella McCartney and artist Edward Ruscha; and actress Cameron Diaz and architect Cameron Sinclair.
PHELPS LANDS THREE COVERS AND ARMSTRONG WASTES WATER
Would love to see an episode between Michael Phelps and Lance Armstrong. Michael Phelps has earned his place in history and is set to grace the covers of Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes, Kellogg’s Corn Flakes and the August 25 edition of Sports Illustrated. For his fifth stint as an SI cover boy, Phelps will appear with his eight-gold medals hanging from that multi-million-dollar body. So I’m wondering what kind of conversation Phelps would have with Lance Armstrong about water. Mainly water usage. According to the NY Times, Armstrong, aka Sir Lance-A-Lot-of-Water, is one of the “biggest individual users of water” in Austin, Texas. The water-cops claim that Lance’s water usage for July was 330,000 gallons of water. His lush Spanish-colonial home has an acre of gardens and a swimming pool that cause Armstrong’s water usage to be “38 times what the average household in the city uses in the summer.” Armstrong has been informed that Texas is going through a dry spell and officials are asking people to cut back on watering their lawns…Armstrong said, “I’m a little shocked. There’s no justification for that much water. I need to fix this.”
STEVE NASH: THE GENTLEMAN
Maybe Steve Nash can appeal to Lance Armstrong? Nash recently made an appeal to the government of Ontario, via messages on YouTube and Facebook, urging them to help fund the only treatment available to those who suffer from Hunter syndrome, a rare progressive genetic enzyme deficiency disorder. “The earlier patients receive the treatment, the better chance they have of stopping the progression of Hunter syndrome,” Nash said. “A close childhood friend, Simon Ibell, has seen his health improve significantly since being on enzyme replacement therapy. I hope all Canadians will join me in asking their politicians to fund enzyme replacement therapy for Hunter syndrome in Ontario and across Canada.” Nash’s buddy was diagnosed with Hunter syndrome before there was a treatment for the disorder. After participating in enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) as part of a clinical trial, his pain and suffering have drastically declined. “Even at my age, the treatment has had such a positive impact on my life – improved breathing, decreased organ size, improved joint flexibility,” Simon said. “Daily tasks are so much easier.” Thank you Steve Nash for once again stepping up to the plate for those who need it. And thanks to the Gentlemen’s’ Fund. This year, The Gentlemen’s Fund initiative has partnered with five outstanding charities and five celebrity ambassadors-including Steve Nash- to support five cornerstones essential to men: Opportunity, Health, Education, Environment, Mentorship and Delinda. Established in 2007 to commemorate GQ’s 50th anniversary, The Gentlemen’s Fund hopes to encourage individuals to become agents of change by contributing to charities that champion these causes.
QB’S USING NIKE GOGGLES
In efforts to improve the concentration of Quarterbacks, Nike has come up with a great idea that they’ve already strapped onto the faces of the Vikings QB’s at training camp…dudes are wearing special goggles provided by Nike that have lights inside that flash at different speeds to force them to concentrate and stay focused (no, they are not the ones pictured above)(Houston Chron)
RACISM IN LATIN AMERICAN COUNTRIES?
Speaking of goggles, I found YET ANOTHER article which reiterates my feelings about racism in a certain little country named Spain. Actually, and oddly enough, it takes aim at ‘Latin American’ countries, which I thought was interesting after mentioning the ‘racist’ group of Brazilians I encountered at a Halloween party a few years ago…so, for those of you still thinking that I made it all up or have a skewed perception of racism…read the latest in the Telegraph.
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As always, thanks for reading.
Delinda Lombardo
delinda@athlebrities.com
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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As always, thanks for reading.
Delinda Lombardo
delinda@athlebrities.com
ESPN Anniversary Films, Will Ferrell Golfing for Cancer
ESPN 30/30
ESPN is turning 30 next year and plans to celebrate by airing a special series of 30 documentary films by 30 different filmmakers on 30 different moments in sports that occurred since September 1979, when the sports network first started in Connecticut.
Spike Lee has signed up for the “30/30” series, but won’t comment on the subject matter, “I have several ideas, but I have to have more discussions with individuals first, ” Lee said. “But it’s going to be good.” Lee’s participation in the “30/30” series is not to be confused with Lee’s recently completed film ‘Game Day With Kobe,’ where he, along with a crew of over 20 cameramen stalked Kobe for a day as he prepared for the April 13 game against the San Longoria Spurs. “For me it’s about not just him, but about the preparation,” said Lee, “With these guys, you don’t just show up, put on the uniform and go out play the game. I mean they get iced before the game. I had never heard of that.”
Of greater interest to my hormones, is the fact that Steve Nash is on-board with “30/30.” Instead of shadowing around a ‘superstar’ like Kobe, Nash will tell the story of Canadian athlete Terry Fox, who attempted to run across Canada with one prosthetic leg in 1980 to raise money for cancer research. “This is an exciting opportunity to tell a story that has in many ways been forgotten in the states and perhaps needs to be retold,” said Nash. Fox died in 1981 after his cancer returned during his Marathon of Hope run across Canada. “I remember as a six-year-old what it felt like to watch him run across our country,” Nash told reporters. “And I especially remember what it felt like the day he had to stop running because he had two tumors in each of his lungs. That feeling of going back to school and being heartbroken is something that stuck with me, and all Canadians. I’d just like to tell his story, and to have the opportunity to do it on film and do it in front of a big audience is exciting to me.”
Thanks to Nash, Fox’s story will be told…and hopefully, the annual Terry Fox Run for cancer research (September) will be a continued success. The first run was held in 1991 and attracted more than 300,000 Canadians…to date, the run has raised more than $400M…so thank you Steve Nash, you chose a mighty-mighty-good-subject for your film…
CANCER FOR COLLEGE
Gotta say, September is shaping up to be a great month in terms of giving back some love-especially for cancer related causes. In addition to Terry Fox’s run, and THE painful reminder that cancer kills, there is another event going down on September 19th. The Cancer for College Golf Tournement-featuring Will Ferrell…the event was founded by Wills buddy Craig Pollard. Pollard is a double-amputee cancer survivor that can swing the hell outta a golf club and do it with a smile on his face. Pollards annual tournement raises scholarship money for cancer victims to go to college…check out their website…tickets are selling fast…so, send someone to college for the price of an admission ticket AND meet Will Ferrell for less than $200…people always ask me, “How did you meet so and so, you’re soooo lucky.” No, Im not lucky- I just know where and how to meet people while giving back to the community at the same time. I think I may have to change the name of my blog to “You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink”- in any event, drink up people, I just gave you the best glass of how-to-meet-someone-water you’ll ever get. (Cancer for College)
Don’t know where to go this weekend? Check out the Athlete Charity Event Calendar- it is updated daily! Check it often for your daily dose of what might be happening in your own community.
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda Lombardo
delinda@athlebrities.com
Celebrity Athletes: Steve Nash and Thierry Henry Kick it for Charity, NBA Draft Babes Take Part in NBA Cares, Michael Beasley’s Ball for Ronnie Mac.
SHOWDOWN IN CHINATOWN WITH STEVE NASH
A few NBA good-guys like Steve Nash, Jason Kidd, Raja Bell, and Leandro Barbosa hooked up with some of the best soccer players on earth- Thierry Henry, Claudio Reyna, Robbie Fowler, Steve McManaman, Jozy Altidore, Juan Pablo Angel, and Gregg Berhalter for the ‘Showdown in Chinatown’ charity soccer game yesterday in NY. (Side note: Mad Props to Jason Kidd, who has popped up at just about every charity event imaginable during the off-season.)
The ‘Showdown’ was born from the beautiful humanitarian mind of Steve Nash, who spends most of his off-season showcasing the soccer skills that were passed down from his famous soccer-playing dad. Nash co-hosted the event along with buddy Claudio Reyna, who moved to MLS’s New York Red Bulls after making a name for himself in parts of the world where soccer is a religion. Following the game, the hotties held a private auction in SoHo to benefit their respective foundations. “Football and my foundation are two of my big passions,” said Nash, “And the chance to bring together guys like Thierry and Jason and Claudio. And the best part is that it (was) free to anyone who wanted to come watch us.”
“We had it completely wrong in terms of the excitement,” Reyna said. “We knew people were going to come out, but we just couldn’t believe it when we showed.” Uh-you didn’t know people were gonna come out? Actually, Reyna makes a good point. While my West Coast eyes had to search hard for info on this event, I’m wondering how much pre-event pumping up there was on the East Coast? This event could have sold more tickets than David Beckham has for the Galaxy- but seeing as it was Steve Nash holding the reins, it doesn’t surprise me that it was a free event. Thanks to the great fans who filmed the event and posted something fresh to look at on YouTube…if it weren’t for them, footage from this event may have gone by the wayside…the only stone in my shoe today is that I didn’t get my ass on a plane to NY to cover this event myself (a-hem, sponsors pa-leeze). Nash’s side won the 60-minute game, 9-4, while Thierry Henry entertained the crowd by juggling the ball for 20 yards at a time and balancing it on his head-stuff we only see in Reebok commercials…There’s a handful of post-related items…all the same standard wording…and maybe five images from the event making the rounds. And the ‘selling point’ of the story this morning is that Henry said he likes America-media translation? Henry may be following in the footsteps of Beckham and come to the states. “Why not?” he said Wednesday night, “I love America. I love it here. And whenever I come here, I feel free. Hopefully, one day. You never know what’s going to happen. But at the moment, I’m still over there.” But you were here yesterday Thierry, and we thank you for that. We thank you for adding an extra-bit of oomph to the most beautiful game to roll through NY in a long, long time. (And on a side note here-gotta call out a playa for a sham of a show…Baron Davis. While he also took part in this little shindig he gets no love from me-I ain’t buying his ‘charity efforts’ for one second. He may be one of the most charismatic and loved ballers around, but I’ve seen his dark side, his thug of a posse and his overbearing need to have his ego fed. In my book, he ain’t one of the good-guys until he clears up some dirty baggage that’s attached to his reputation.)
NBA DRAFT PROSPECTS MEET SPECIAL OLYMPIANS
Yesterday, NBA Cares held a Special Olympics Clinic at John Jay College in NY. A few NBA ‘draft prospects’ such as Brook Lopez (L), O.J. Mayo®, Robin Lopez, Russell Westbrook, Jerryd Bayless and Michael Beasley made the kids happy.
And in efforts to justify running this fab-photo of Michael Beasley, I found an auction by Topps who sponsored the McDonalds All American High School Basketball Games. Up for bids is a basketball signed by team members including Beasley. The exclusive Topps Vault eBay auctions features a limited number of Topps McDonald’s All-American High School “The Rock” Basketballs signed by the Boy’s East team, the Boy’s West team, and the Girls teams. 85% of the proceeds from the auctions will go to the Ronald McDonald House charities, so bid away my friends, bid away.
As always, thanks for reading.
delinda@athlebrities.com
Aid Still Required, Champions League, Beckham Gets Sharpie, Team Oden, Roller Soccer, Save Boom Boom
NBA HOTTIES REQUIRED
The crisis in Darfur has finally made it all the way to the N-B-A- via Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Grant Hill, Baron Davis, Derek Fisher, Emeka Okafor, Matt Barnes, Andrew Bynum, Ira Newble, Eric Snow, Luol Deng and others…Aid Still Required is determined to make sure we are all aware of the conflict in Darfur by filming a set of PSA’s starring our super-fine-big-hearted-ballers. “We believe everyone, everywhere is entitled to live in dignity, health and peace,” said Hunter Payne co-founder of Aid Still Required. “The people of Darfur have been utterly denied this. Villagers are being systematically tortured, disfigured and slaughtered. Collectively we have the means to stop the violence and to restore their lives. Who are we if we stand idly by and watch yet another genocide take place? We must act and we must act now before more unspeakable atrocities take place.” Get involved people!
CHAMPIONS OF MY LEAGUE
AS Roma babes, led by Francesco Totti©, have assured us that there will be Italian representation in the final eight of the Champions League, after spanking Real Madrid 2-1…Totti, in an ‘are-you-kidding-me-moment’, attempted to comfort Fabio Cannavaro…our Chelsea babes also advanced to the quarterfinals after beating Olympiakos 3-0 Wednesday, goals compliments of Lampard, Ballack and Kalou, but I had to run a photo of John Terry with his shirt off because its been a while since my eyes have seen his pasty-hotness. Arsenal, Man-U, L’Pool and Barca have also made it to the final eight.
GOLDEN BALLS
Just what David Beckham needs- another endorsement deal. Sharpie has found a spot alongside adidas, Georgio Armani, Pepsi, Motorola and Coty (among others), as one of David Beckham’s latest sponsors. The two-year deal marks the largest global integrated campaign in Sharpie’s history and includes Sir Golden Balls acting as their global ambassador…plus, if you’re felling lucky, a worldwide promo will be held in which one fan will win a meet-and-greet with the beast.
ROLLER SOCCER
Gotta give a massive shout-out to actor Luigi DeBiasse (not pictured) who I chatted with during the WPT last weekend. If you haven’t noticed yet, I’m sometimes outta the ‘actor’ loop, so I had no idea who this beast was until I Googled him- in any case; Luigi tipped me off to one of the coolest sports around-Roller Soccer. Luigi said this sport has all the necessary ingredients to be the next big thing and I couldn’t agree more- there’s even a RollerSoccer World Cup in SF this August (where it first started in 1995) and hotties around the world have plied their skills at this beautiful union of wheels and balls. Check it out…RollerSoccer.com.
GREG ODEN TEAM
Greg Oden was selected first overall draft by the Portland Trail Blazers in June of 2007, and in September his NBA career was put on hold due to an injury, which has him benched for the remainder of the season. So what’s a baller to do with all this free time? Give back, of course. Yesterday, Oden launched ‘Team Oden,’ a program designed to help attract volunteers to Oregon Mentors. The cool thing about this is that Oden has purchased a block of tickets to each Trail Blazers home game for mentors and mentees, plus, his Team Oden logo is classic-his silhouette holding a ball above two children: “It’s kind of mean.” Oden said, “I’m not even giving them the ball!” (www.oregonmentors.org)
SAVE BOOM BOOM
Who knew? The oldest gay bar in the western US is located in Laguna Beach, and in late 2005, the landmark Boom Boom Room dance club and the adjoining Coast Inn were sold to make way for an 11-room hotel and restaurant…and there’s nothing like the destruction of a historical landmark to get people fired up. Joining the likes of George Clooney and Brad Pitt, basketball greats Dennis Rodman and John Amaechi are the latest kats to voice their support to save the landmark gay bar in Laguna Beach. Help save the Boom…
As always, thanks for reading.
delinda@athlebrities.
Steve Nash Gets Star on Canada’s Walk Of Fame, Tiger Woods Rips NHL, Get Rondo’d, Bo-Sox Fan Runs Circles Around Security, Steve Francis at WNBA Game
STEVE NASH: WALK OF FAME
Steve Nash has become the 20th inductee from the world of sports to receive a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame (others include Bobby Orr, Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Jacques Villeneuve). Nashty’s induction will be held on Sept. 6, and televised on a date to be announced later. The sexy Sun is currently frolicking around the Caribbean and not available for comment…Among the other inductees to be added to Canada’s Walk of Fame in Toronto: Bryan Adams, k.d. lang, Michael J. Fox, Frances Bay, James Cameron, supermodel Daria Werbowy and the Kids in the Hall comedy troupe…And if you are one of those people that collect rubber wristbands for a cause, they got some cool NBA ones available with the proceeds going to prostate cancer research. The special edition NBA player wristbands feature 18 players with team colors, names, signatures and uniform numbers. Steve Nash’s are sold out, but you can still support the cause and get an Iverson, Wade, Kidd, Billups or Hamilton one, among others. (Prostate Cancer Foundation)
TIGER WOODS SINKS TO ANOTHER LEVEL
So let me get this straight…Tiger Woods kept mum when you-know-who created havoc with her “take him into an alley and lynch him” comments, but during a news conference Monday, he felt it was okay to –excuse me- piss all over the NHL? During the news conference, Woods was asked whether he was rooting for the Red Wings or the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals Monday night: “I don’t really care,” he said “It’s all about the Dodgers. I don’t think anyone really watches hockey anymore.”
Funny thing is-I live in sunny So-Cal and know more NHL fans than Dodger fans. In fact, I can honestly say in the 20 years I’ve been here, I have never heard anyone say “Lets go to a Dodger game.” So rest assured Tiger, there’ll be pa-lenty of seats for ya at Dodger Stadium next time you’re in town…such a pity that a man with great talent doesn’t think before he speaks, and when he does-he has nothing productive to say.
GET RONDO’D
Celtics beast Rajon Rondo is a great example of on-court quickness, agility and playmaking skills and has even inspired the phrase, “You Got Rondo’d!” Now, former Celtics and Patriots stars have teamed up to support the Reebok athlete and demonstrate how to ‘Rondo’ people in everyday life. Check out the videos featuring former Celtic greats, Jo Jo White and Dee Brown and New England Patriot, Vincent Wilfork on You Tube and on Reebok.com.
BO-SOX FAN GONE KRAZY
Ain’t nothing better than an unruly fan interrupting a game and making security look like a bunch of fools. Eighth-inning, Boston V Tampa at Fenway. Priceless.
PROPS TO STEVE FRANCIS
Houston Rocket Steve Francis and his daughter Shailyn gave some support to the WNBA at the Reliant Arena on June 3. The Houston Comets took on the San Antonio Silver Stars…and while I haven’t a clue about anything WNBA, I will certainly pay closer attention to hot ballers with their adorable kids watching the ladies hoop it up….
delinda@athlebrities.com