Nash in disguise for Beijing pick-up game

Phoenix Suns PG Steve Nash is currently in China for NBA promotional and charity work and stopped by a Beijing park over the weekend for some pick-up action. The two-time MVP showed up in disguise, however some Rec Specs and a bandana isn't the most mysterious costume. After a few games with some local players, Nash lost his disguise and played a little soccer as well. The lovely photo spread below is courtesy of Ball Don't Lie.

Mannings double stuff with the Donalds

Are you sick of the Manning brothers yet? As the NFL season is right around the corner, it seems as if Peyton and Eli are featured in every sports commercial on the air. Whether they are endorsing shoes, TVs, watches or cookies, these brothers are everywhere.

The latest TV spot launching today is from Oreo and announces the new Golden Double Stuf Oreo cookies. The cookies look delicious and the commercial features Donald Trump announcing that he is pursuing a "golden" business opportunity by attempting to purchase the Oreo Double Stuf Racing League (DSRL).

Much like the Manning brothers previously challenged Venus and Serena Williams, Trump challenges the quarterback brothers to a lick-off for the League and reveals a teammate of his own, SNL cast member and Trump impersonator, Darrell Hammond. Check out the new Oreos TV spot, directed by Peter Berg.

(via NESW Sports)

ESPN Announces Release Dates for First "30 for 30" Films

ESPN Films has released the viewing schedule for the first seven “30 for 30” films to be aired this fall on the network. Starting October 6th, the films will be aired on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET through November 10, with a special post-Heisman airing on Saturday, Dec. 12.

This marks the official beginning of the network's amazing “30 for 30” film project, which will celebrate ESPN’s 30th anniversary. ESPN has empowered well-known filmmakers to create documentaries centered on the last 30 years in sports. The network did not want to tell the most popular sports stories of the last 30 years, instead they wanted these filmakers to highlight topics, athletes and events that might not have been explored deeply.

Documentary topics include everything from the end of the USFL to the title fight between Muhammad Ali and Larry Holmes to the story of the Baltimore Colts Marching Band. Peter Berg’s film exploring the effects of the shocking Wayne Gretzky trade from Edmonton to Los Angeles in 1988 will kick off the "30 for 30" series on Tuesday, Oct. 6th.

Here is the finalized titles and air dates of the first seven films:
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 8 p.m. – Kings Ransom (Peter Berg)

Tuesday, Oct. 13, 8 p.m. – The Band That Wouldn’t Die (Barry Levinson)

Tuesday, Oct. 20, 8 p.m. – Small Potatoes: Who Killed the USFL? (Mike Tollin)

Tuesday, Oct. 27, 8 p.m. – Muhammad and Larry (Albert Maysles)

Tuesday, Nov. 3, 8 p.m. – Without Bias (Kirk Fraser)

Tuesday, Nov. 10, 8 p.m. – The Legend of Jimmy The Greek (Fritz Mitchell)

Saturday, Dec. 12, 9 p.m. – The U (Billy Corben)

Interesting to note that, "Kings Ransom" and "The Band That Wouldn’t Die" have both been named official selections of the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival’s Mavericks programme.

The remaining 23 films in the ESPN Films “30 for 30” project will be aired throughout 2010. For information about the “30 for 30” project and ESPN Films, check out ESPN Films or follow the project on Twitter at @30for30.

Irvin to own TV this fall

Although the first season of his Spike TV reality show "4th and Long" has already aired, Hall of Fame WR Michael Irvin will own the broadcast world this fall. NFL Network today will announce it has signed "The Playmaker" to work in the network's Sunday studio during the upcoming season.

The outspoken Irvin will work during the morning and afternoon games alongside former Dallas Cowboys teammate, Deion Sanders. This should be quite an entertaining combo on Sundays.

According to Michael Hiestand of USA Today, Irvin's hire may be proof that NFL Network "isn't a house organ afraid of risking controversy." Irvin's TV career was put on hold in February 2007, when ESPN didn't pick up the option on his contract. His tenure at ESPN included being suspended briefly in 2005 after a misdemeanor for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Fans are going to get quite a lot of Irvin this fall, as he will also be a contestant on the 9th season of ABC's "Dancing With The Stars." Irvin is part of the largest cast in the show's history that also features athletes Chuck Liddell (UFC legend), Louie Vito (pro skateboarder), Natalie Coughlin (Olympic swimmer) and Mark DaCascos (martial arts expert).

Don't worry fans, Irvin's NFL Network job won't conflict with his dancing. Irvin says he practices three hours each morning, and often more at night, to prepare for the upcoming "Dancing with the Stars" season. Irvin will try to follow in the foot steps of past athlete winners Emmitt Smith, Apolo Anton Ohno, Helio Castroneves, Kristi Yamaguchi and Shawn Johnson. Good luck Playmaker!

Peyton loses Super Bowl ring in Wheaties box

Last month, we reported that General Mills would be introducing a second brand of Wheaties called "Wheaties Fuel" on September 9th. General Mills used a panel of male athletes including Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning, Boston Celtics F Kevin Garnett and St. Louis Cardinals 1B Albert Pujols to consult on both the nutrition and flavor of the new brand.

From this athlete consultation, the brand created three prototypes of Wheaties Fuel and they are sending samples to over 1,000 everyday athletes who volunteered with Men's Health. The readers will vote on the best prototype and its formula will be announced on September 9th via a video on Wheaties.com.

Wheaties released this video of Manning, decathlete Bryan Clay and triathlete Hunter Kemper taking a tour of the factory with Garnett watching from his computer. Rough day for Manning, as he loses his Super Bowl ring in the cereal and attempts to bribe Wheaties into putting him on the box. We will have to wait until Sept. 9th to see who graces the cover of the new Wheaties Fuel box.

(via Sports Business Daily)

"Mayweather/Márquez 24/7" debuts Saturday

HBO Sports’ Emmy award winning reality mini-series, “24/7” returns tomorrow night starring Floyd “Money” Mayweather and Juan Manuel Márquez. The franchise's sixth installment airs for the next four weeks and follows the two fighters as they prepare their highly anticipated fight on September 19th in Las Vegas.

After almost two years away from boxing, the undefeated Mayweather hosts his training camp in Vegas while Marquez conducts workouts in Mexico City.

The “24/7” franchise earned three Sports Emmys in 2008 and four in 2009 for the Pacquiao-De la Hoya and Calzaghe-Jones mini-series. Even if you aren't a boxing fan, "24/7" is always entertaining and worth a season pass. Check out the trailer below and tune in on Saturday night 10:15 pm on HBO.

Shaq scrabbles with Kimmel

Shaquille O'Neal is still on the late night TV show circuit, promoting ABC's "Shaq Vs." and last night the Cleveland Cavaliers' center stopped by "Jimmy Kimmel Live" for an informative game of scrabble. Check out the creative vocabulary of the 7-footer.

(via Ball Don't Lie)

Vick shakes off rust in debut

For those who don't subscribe to WTEV-TV in Philadelphia, here are some highlights from Michael Vick's debut last night with the Eagles. Playing his first NFL game since his release from prison, the Eagles QB got a standing ovation when he entered the game in first quarter.

Although he only had 6 snaps, Vick lined up all over the field. He played quarterback, ran the Wildcat formation, lined up at wide receiver and completed a pass right-handed. His only down field throw was a 13-yard laser to Hank Baskett. His arm still looked strong, but his legs aren't back at NFL speed yet.

Watch out for the Eagles offense once Vick's suspension is complete and he is back in shape. Check out highlights from #7 debut's last night.

(via NESW Sports)

ESPN to launch Boston site

ESPN announced yesterday at the network's media workshop that they are launching ESPNBoston.com on September 14th, its second region-specific sports site. The site's debut will coincide with ESPN's season-opening Monday Night Football telecast between the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills.

The Boston site will focus on news coverage of local pro, college and high school teams and feature ESPN writers with Boston ties such as Peter Gammons, Bill Simmons and Michael Smith.

According to the Sports Business Daily, ESPN.com editor Peter Lawrence-Riddell has been named managing editor of ESPNBoston.com and Boston Globe NFL writer Mike Reiss will cover the Patriots for the site.

ESPNBoston.com will be the company's second local site after the successful debut of ESPNChicago.com back in April. ESPN is also planning local sites for the New York, Dallas and Los Angeles markets over the next 10 months.

This expansion of ESPN's local coverage will most likely negatively affect local newspapers as they will have a tough time competing with the network for news stories and ad dollars.

How OchoCinco will tweet during games

Last month, we reported that Cincinnati Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco (@OGOchoCinco)announced that he intends to send Twitter updates during games this season. After the obvious NFL statement banning players and coaches from using mobile devices during games or at halftime, the genius star receiver has figured out a way around the policy.

Ochocinco announced on his UStream last night that he plans to host a contest each week during the season and will pick a Twitter follower to attend each Bengals game to be his personal Tweeter. #85 and the fan will work out hang signals so Chad can communicate with him/her on what he would like that fan to Tweet for him during the game. Technically, this won't violate the NFL's policy so Ochocinco should be good to go.

Amazing idea right? But is the Ochocinco Twitter contest more genius than the The Ochocinco Condom? "They'll catch everything your Johnson shoots!"

Check out Ochocinco's UStream from last night...contest mention is around the 7:45 mark.

(via FanHouse)

New NBA 2K10 trailer hits the net

Yesterday, we reported that 2K Sports released the brand's download-only game NBA 2K10: Draft Combine, that will gives fans a pre-season basketball experience leading up to the fall launch of NBA 2K10.

2K Sports also launched the new trailer for the upcoming NBA game, highlighting Kobe Bryan't signature moves and featuring an epic match between the Lakers and Clippers. Fans can see Ron Artest and Blake Griffin in their respective jerseys for the first time. In addition, pay close attention to the details on Bryant's shoes and the Staples Center jumbotron.

Of course, the trailer features Kanye West's "Amazing" track that was the soundtrack to all NBA "Where Amazing Happens" commercials in 2009.

NBA 2K10 hits stores October 6th.

BC LB hopes for 2010 return

Back in May, we reported that All-American Boston College LB Mark Herzlich had been diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma (a malignant tumor most often found in bone or soft tissue) and his football career would likely be over. However, the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and Butkus Trophy finalist will not be sidelined that easy.

Despite a round of chemotherapy and a redshirt season to come in 2009, Herzlich has already resumed workouts and targeted a return to the field in 2010.

Things are going really well. The goal right now is to get rid of the tumor completely and to be healthy. That's the goal right now and they're encouraged that's what's going to happen."

Herzlich said an MRI exam following two months of chemotherapy showed only a small tumor in his left femur and here was no tumor in the soft tissue surrounding the bone. He has five more rounds of chemotherapy, but his doctors are encouraged by the early results of his treatment.

Herzlich has one season of college eligibility left, hopes to play for BC in 2010 and possibly in the NFL after college. If he declared early for the 2009 draft, he likely would have been a 1st or 2nd round pick.

"That's my goal. Obviously, I'm not going to play this year because of the chemo. But I'm going to spend a lot more time in the film room and will do more mental learning. I really want to come back next year and pick up where I left off."

In the meantime, Herzlich needs to finish four classes to earn an undergraduate degree in marketing and hopes to graduate in December. He will also be a special Assistant to the football team and work with the linebacker core. Herzlich will be cheering for the Eagles from the sideline when they open the season Sept. 5th against Northeastern.

Jackson stars in T-Mobile campaign

T-Mobile has unveiled “the largest product launch advertising campaign in T-Mobile history” for the Android myTouch today with a TV, online, cinema, print and search advertising campaign.

One would assume that the brand would use A-List stars to promote the new device right? However, the myTouch campaign randomly stars Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson Whoopi Goldberg and Jessie James. Interesting choices by the brand.

When you visit the MyTouch Microsite, you are able to view quotes from each of the three endorsers on how they use the device in their everyday lives. Wonder if Jackson actually said this:

Phil Jackson: “myTouch is a miracle tool.” Phil uses his myTouch 3G to stay connected with an entourage befitting a guy who’s almost 7 feet tall: 5 kids, grandkids, players, assistants and the front office. He’s also a gamer and an amateur photographer.

With 10 NBA Championships and over 1,000 NBA wins, Jackson is the biggest gamer to ever endorse a T-Mobile product.

(via Ball Don't Lie)

Rampage to join "A-Team"

Which is more amazing news; that "The A-Team" remake is actually going to be made or that UFC fighter Quinton "Rampage" Jackson will take over for Mr. T as B.A. Baracus?

According to The Sun, Jackson has been confirmed for the role of Baracus in Joe Carnahan's movie remake of the popular 80's TV show and beat out several rappers including The Game, Common and 50 Cent for the role that Mr. T made famous.

Liam Neeson and Bradley Cooper are already confirmed for the film, reprising the roles of Hannibal and Faceman.

Earlier this week it was rumored that The Game was actually confirmed as the new Baracus however studio execs finally picked the UFC star to star in the film after weeks of auditions.

The film is currently being filmed in Canada and is set for release in 2010.

NBA 2K10 Draft Combine Released Today

Two weeks ago, we reported that NBA Rookie of the Year and Chicago Bulls PG Derrick Rose will be featured on the cover of NBA 2K10: Draft Combine, a download-only game that will gives fans a pre-season basketball experience leading up to the fall launch of NBA 2K10.

The 2K Sports game is available for Xbox starting today and players can download for $5 on the Xbox Live Marketplace. Draft Combine for Playstation will be released on September 3rd.

In the game, fans can design and create their own players and lead them through pre-draft workouts, drills, and scrimmages to increase their draft stock. Once drafted, fans will be able to take their custom built players and use them in the career mode in NBA 2K10.

Check out the NBA 2K10: Draft Combine trailer below.

Colt Mans up for Camp

Heisman Trophy runner-up Colt McCoy has always been a baby-faced QB for Texas, but during training camp this month he decided to add a new wrinkle to his look. The NCAA's new leader in completion percentage grew a mustache along with his offensive line as part of a team unity exercise.

As camp broke yesterday, McCoy told media that unfortunately his mustache days are numbered. “You should see everyone on the offensive line,” McCoy said. “Some guys have half a face of hair, some guys shave just the chin, some guys chinstraps. Every time I look in the mirror I go ‘wow, gross.’ It's coming off tonight. You get the last look.”

McCoy and his Longhorns might want to re-grow the 'staches leading up to their epic match against Oklahoma on October 17th. "The Red River Rivalry" will no doubt be one of the top games of the season and the winner will likely be poised to represent the Big 12 in the BCS National Championship Game.

(via Dr. Saturday)

Biggest brawl in basketball history

Former Cal Bear basketball player Rod Benson is one of more entertaining and comedic athlete bloggers today. Although he isn't a star player (most recently he played for the NBA D-League's Reno Bighorns), Benson blogs for Yahoo! Sports a couple of times a week regarding pop culture and the basketball world.

Benson's most recent blog entry featured perhaps the biggest brawl in basketball history. He was hanging out with former UCLA center Mike Fey who was keeping tabs on his former Bruin teammate Lorenzo Mata (currently playing for Team Mexico). Fey was watching a video online of Team Mexico's recent contest versus Uruguay. After a big Mata dunk, former UNLV Rebel Romel Beck (and Benson's teammate in the NBDL) was fouled and a huge melee erupted.

Check out the clip below. This trumps any NBA fight over the last few years right? Artest in The Malice at the Palace? Carmelo vs. Nate Rob at the Garden?

(via Ball Don't Lie)

New site is User-Driven Sports Almanac

Claiming to be the web’s “largest almanac of pro and college athletes, built entirely by fans," start-up sports website Fanbase.com officially launched yesterday after a limited public beta period.

The site features dedicated information pages for more than 1.7 million athletes and 20,000 teams across 23 sports, including all major professional leagues and NCAA Division I, II, and III collegiate athletics.

Fanbase is a sports-specific cross between Wikipedia and IMDb and is entirely user-driven. Anyone can contribute to the pages by submitting or editing player and team pages, as well as adding photos, videos, articles, and trivia.

According to the New York Times, Fanbase is backed with $5 million from venture capitalists including Benchmark Capital and is creating an almanac of every professional and college athlete and team, no matter how obscure.

Sounds like a great resource for both sports media and fans. In its limited public beta period, the site has already attracted more than 500,000 users who have made more than 60,000 contributions.

If you can’t find a page for your favorite athlete or team, you can just create one yourself. Fans can also use Facebook Connect to help them find friends who have athlete pages on Fanbase.

Plaxico's E:60 Interview Preview

Former NY Giants WR Plaxico Burress will appear on ESPN's "E-60" tonight to speak for the firs time about the night he shot himself in the leg at a NYC club. Plax provides a very in depth account of that night last fall, detailing how club security allowed him to enter with his fire arm and how his gun went off as he was walking up some stairs. Plax didn't even know he shot himself until he saw blood on his Chuck Taylors!

Burress pleaded guilty last Thursday to one count of attempted criminal possession of a weapon and his plea deal calls for a two-year prison term.

The full interview with Jeremy Schaap will air tonight on ESPN at 7pm ET.

ESPN the Mag launches "Player X" column

Mike McCarthy of USA Today reports that ESPN The Magazine is launching a new column written by an undercover NFL star named "Player X" which will give readers an inside look at the real lives of athletes. Magazine editor Gary Belsky said that the column will be an "anonymous take on on athletes' extra-marital affairs, dalliances with groupies and other taboo topics."

In the first piece hitting new stands Friday, "Player X" admits that not only are many negative stories about pro athletes true, they're actually worse in some cases. He describes the lifestyles of some younger, single players are "no different than the party-hearty worlds depicted in sports movies like Semi-Tough or HBO's Entourage."

It will be very interesting to see how this project plays out. According to Belsky, "Player X's" teammates, coaches, agent and family don't know he's writing the column and it will be his call whether he wants to identify himself after writing 10-12 columns during the 2009 season. After revealing so much inside information about athletes' lives, it is doubtful "Player X" will reveal himself.

If the project is a success, ESPN the Magazine would like to recruit a Major League Baseball player to write a similar column.

So why does "Player X" have to be anonymous? The most interesting stories of course come from inside the locker room, however many athletes will only talk about them on a confidential basis.

"I don't know if he's the Deep Throat of sports. But we hope he's going to be the ultimate guide to the life of a professional athlete," Belsky says.

Dunder-Mifflin Kansas City office?

To entertain fans prior to the launch of the new team website KCChiefs.com, the Kansas City Chiefs released a parody of NBC's "The Office." Good for a few chuckles, this clip includes nice castings of the Pam, Toby and Dwight characters and features team mascot, "KC Wolf" impersonating Terry Tate the Office Linebacker.

Not sure how this video promotes the team or gets fans excited about the new season, but it is worth a watch.

(via Shutdown Corner)

Jozy makes impressive debut for Hull City

19-year-old U.S. soccer phenom Jozy Altidore made his debut for English Premier League club Hull City yesterday after work permit issues were finally sorted. Altidore is on a season-long loan from Spanish club Villarreal but wasn't able to suit up for Hull until his permit was made official.

Altidore made his Hull debut yesterday as a 60th minute substitute and after only one minute of play, he assisted on Kamel Ghilas' 61st minute winner in the club's 1-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers. Altidore had a chance at one of his own, but his shot went wide.

Altidore is a rare athlete in the soccer world that is built more like a wide receiver than a striker. Although Hull City isn't a top club in the EPL, having Team USA's young star play against the world's top talent leading up the 2010 FIFA World Cup will only benefit our team. He will gain invaluable experience and will be ready to contribute in South Africa next summer.

Check out Altidore's highlight from his Hull City debut yesterday versus Bolton. You can follow the entertaining Jozy on Twitter at @JozyAltidore17.

(via Morning Jolt)

ESPN to air USC vs. Ohio State in 3-D

USC versus Ohio State on September 12th will surely be one of the best college football games of the year. But now this match-up takes on additional significance for ESPN as the network plans to announce today that the non-conference battle between #4 and #6 will be shown in 3-D at venues in Los Angeles, Columbus, OH, Hartford, CT and Hurst, TX.

The 3-D version will be shown at USC's Galen Center in LA and the ESPN Zone at L.A. Live, as well as in theaters in Columbus, Hartford and Hurst. Why the random city in Texas? ESPN would like to see how a 3-D broadcast would do in a place unaffiliated with either team playing.

According to Diane Pucin of the LA Times, last season the San Diego Chargers-Oakland Raiders game was broadcast in 3-D in a limited number of cities and by invitation only, and the Fox broadcast of the Bowl Championship Series national championship game between Florida and Oklahoma was shown in 3-D in more than 100 theaters across the country.

No tickets will be for sale for any of the USC/Ohio State viewing sites, but the USC Alumni Association will control tickets for the Galen Center showing.

ESPN's VP for emerging technology Anthony Bailey said the network would be using its own camera crews and production trucks for the 3-D broadcast. In addition, they will have a separate announcing crew as Mark Jones and Bob Davie will call the 3-D telecast while Brent Musburger, Kirk Herbstreit and reporter Lisa Salters will do the regular ESPN telecast.

Bailey also said that ESPN has done "practice" 3-D telecasts in-house, and this latest 3-D experience will include the first use of "stereoscopic graphics," which means even the yellow first-down line will be in 3-D.

For those fans who cannot attend USC versus Ohio State, EhrlthePearl.com will be reporting live from Columbus, OH and The Horseshoe. Follow us on Twitter at @EhrlThePearl

Lynch is an amazing pitchman

Although former NBA journeyman George Lynch hasn't played in the league since 2005, he is still hitting the gym hard and currently promotes Genostim's GS-6 pill.

According to the company's website, the supplement has been proven to support huge gains in strength and muscle mass, increase bone density and new hair growth, accelerate healing, improve memory, focus and mental alertness, control mood swings and increase your sexual drive. It sounds perfect for Lynch's life as a retired NBA role player.

Check out this amazing Genostim ad showcasing Lynch's award-winning acting skills.

(via Dime Magazine)

Jameer Nelson's Hitting Prowess

Orlando Magic PG Jameer Nelson hosted a team-bonding event in his hometown of Philadelphia and a few teammates joined him last night at the Phillies-Diamondbacks game. Not only did Nelson throw out the first pitch, but prior to the game he put on a hitting clinic and smashed one pitch in the left field seats.

If the arrival of Jason Williams takes away significant playing time from Nelson, maybe the Phillies could use him next year?

(via Ball Don't Lie)

ESPN's X Games movie hits screens today

"Inglourious Basterds" isn't the only big time movie opening this weekend. "X Games 3D: The Movie" hits 3D theaters nationwide today for a one-week run and the feature-length film profiles action sports athletes Shaun White, Travis Pastrana, Danny Way, Ricky Carmichael and Bob Burnquist.

X Games 3D is being distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures and was produced by ESPN Films, directed by Steve Lawrence and narrated by actor Emile Hirsch. The movie features footage from X Games competition although Carl DiOrio of The Hollywood Reporter notes the film "focuses less on the actual X Games and more on the recent ESPN-sponsored event's participants. The film also offers a behind-the-scene look at the six athletes, their training and passion for their respective event.

X Games 3D will play only in 3D venues and is set for more than 1,300 extra-dimensional auditoriums.

OchoCinco is a real Futballer

Although most ETP readers probably already saw highlights of Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco kicking a PAT last night in a 7-6 victory over the Patriots, we still had the feature this video below.

Perhaps more impressive than #85's extra point is his kickoff that follows. He has the form and distance of a real kicker and last night's performance makes injured starting K Shayne Graham expendable.

Although Ochocinco had never attempted a kick in an exhibition or regular season game during his career, he has kicked in practice and is a huge soccer fan. Of course he was talking up his performance after the game:

"Esteban Ochocinco is back, the most interesting footballer in the world. Everyone has to remember, I've always said that soccer is my No. 1 sport. I think Ronaldinho would be proud of me right now."

Next week's episode of HBO "Hard Knocks" will hopefully share some behind the scenes footage of Ochocinco's "kick heard around the NFL."

NOTES: Besides Ochocino, the other two non-kickers to make a PAT at the Patriot's Gillette Stadium are former QB Doug Flutie (hit drop kick PAT in 2006) and current WR Wes Welker (hit PAT as member of Dolphins in 2004).

Bolt's game will no longer be salted

Puma launched a new campaign this week to honor Usain Bolt's accomplishments at the World Championships in Berlin, which included setting a new world record in the men's 100 meter (9.58 seconds) and confirming once again that he is the fastest man in the world.

The brand released a new spot called "In De Club," which features the runner and his "Bolt Arms" hitting on girls. Puma has distributed the foam props to fans around the stadium in Berlin this week. Bolt set the new world record on Sunday in Puma spikes with the question ‘Who Faster?' embroidered on the heel.

Bolt goes for his 2nd World Championship gold medal today in the 200m finals. You can follow the results live at Berlin.IAAF.org.

(via Game On!)

UPDATE: Bolt set a new world record this morning, winning gold in the 200m in 19.19 seconds.

Did Shaq steal Nash's reality show?

Although the reviews and ratings have been mostly negative, ABC's "Shaq Vs." sounds like a great concept on paper. But did Cleveland Cavaliers C Shaquille O'Neal come up with the show on his own? The Arizona Republic reports today that Shaq actually stole the idea from former teammate Steve Nash and this situation ultimately led to the center's trade to Cleveland.

According to Paola Boivin of the Republic, after O'Neal was traded to the Suns in February 2008, Nash mentioned to his new teammate a reality show he was pursuing that would feature the Suns PG competing against professional athletes in their own sports. In the early part of the 2008-09 season, O'Neal told the team he would be starring in a show with the exact same concept and Nash couldn't believe his ears.

The two-time MVP hired an entertainment lawyer and now has an executive-producer credit and compensation on "Shaq Vs." However, Nash played nice when asked about the origins of the show concept.

"We collaborated on parts of the show. I support him 100 percent. I thought the first episode was a fantastic episode, and I can't wait for the next one."

Boivin believes that this experience set the tone for some shaky chemistry on the court. Off it, Nash found himself in a difficult situation, trying to co-exist with a teammate who had blindsided him.

Some advice for LeBron James: Keep all creative ideas to yourself!

Did a Guy or Girl Win 800m Gold?

South Africa's Caster Semenya easily won the 800-meter gold medal yesterday at the World Championships in Berlin, but her (his?) dominating performance came on the same day the IAAF announced Semenya was undergoing a gender test to see if she is indeed a female.

According to the AP, Semenya dramatic improvement in the 800m and 1,5000m races, muscular build and deep voice sparked speculation about her gender.

A gender test should be pretty simple right? Actually, the IAAF requires a full evaluation that includes reports from a gynecologist, endocrinologist, psychologist, an internal medicine specialist and an expert on gender.

The 18-year-old runner’s father responded to the claim saying, “She is my little girl. … I raised her and I have never doubted her gender. She is a woman and I can repeat that a million times.”

Check out the video below of Semenya's dominating performance yesterday. Guy or Girl?

Kobe appears on Narrow World of Sports

Former "Seinfeld" writer/producer Peter Mehlman recently launched a web series called Narrow World of Sports, where he sits down with top athletes for light hearted conversations about their lives on and off the field.

Mehlman is famous for writing the "Yada Yada Yada" and "Sponge-worthy" Seinfeld episodes, but is also a huge sports fan and has chatted with some of the most popular athletes around for his new series.

In a recent episode, Mehlman talks with Kobe Bryant about everything from tipping the refs to foreign policy. Other episodes have featured athletes such as Matt Ryan, Danica Patrick and Misty May-Treanor.

Check out the very entertaining episode featuring the Black Mamba.

(via Ball Don't Lie)

adidas Launches Chelsea FC Collection Inspired by KG

While English Premier League soccer club Chelsea Football Club visited the U.S. this past summer for a friendly versus Seattle Sounders FC and to take part in the inaugural World Football Challenge, one die hard fan literally stood out amongst the rest.

6'11" Boston Celtics F Kevin Garnett, a loyal Blues supporter, attended the July 21st match between Chelsea and Inter Milan at the Rose Bowl and has inspired a limited-edition adidas Chelsea FC footwear and apparel collection.

KG's Chelsea collection features the adidas TS Commander shoe, a Chelsea Bodega scarf and a Chelsea replica jersey with Garnett’s name and number. The package will be sold exclusively at Boston-based trend retailer Bodega for $275 starting August 29.

The limited edition shoe incorporates Chelsea’s traditional lion crest on the tongue of the shoe, and features the club's royal blue and white colors which are accented by yellow highlights.

KSU's Clemente makes incredible HORSE shot

Kansas State senior guard Denis Clemente averaged 15 points per game last season for the Wildcats, but has taken his popularity to another level with a recent YouTube video. A KSU teammate filmed the former University of Miami transfer's incredible shot that has become an internet sensation.

On the Wildcats' home court Bramlage Coliseum, Clemente tossed the ball from the baseline off the scoreboard and back into the basket on one bounce. The crazy shot reminds fans of the McDonald's commercials featuring Michael Jordan and Larry Bird playing HORSE for a Big Mac.

Clemente said it only took two tries the first time he made the shot, though with the camera on him it was closer to 30.

Although the days of Michael Beasley and Bill Walker are long gone in Manhattan, KS this year's team will have the opportunity to make some national noise when ESPN's Gameday comes to town. The network announced its Gameday schedule yesterday and the crew will be at KSU for their Jan. 30 showdown with rival Kansas.

(via Morning Jolt)

Tonight's "Real Sports" features boating accident survivor

On tonight's episode of HBO's "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel," former University of South Florida football player Nick Schuyler speaks for the first time about the February boating tragedy that claimed the lives of his three friends, Oakland Raiders LB Marquis Cooper, free agent DL Corey Smith and former USF teammate Will Bleakley.

On Feb. 28, Schuyler and his friends boated out to the Gulf of Mexico for a day long fishing trip. When the group failed to return home later that night, authorities initiated an extensive search. On March 2, the Coast Guard discovered the group's capsized boat more than 30 miles west of Tampa Bay and Schuyler was the lone survivor.

Tonight's interview with "Real Sports" correspondent Bernard Goldberg is Schuyler first since the insane tragedy. Below is a sneak peek at the segment and be sure to set your tivos for 10PM on HBO.

adidas Celebrates Its Greatest Moments for 60th Anniversary

adidas turns 60 years old today and to celebrate the big birthday, the brand is taking a look back at some of its historical achievements, noteworthy partnerships and ground-breaking innovations.

When Adi Dassler, a modest shoemaker from a small town in Germany, registered his company “Adi Dassler adidas Schuhfabrik” on August 18, 1949, little did he know that 60 years later the brand with the 3-Stripes would become one of the most famous and successful global brands.

Here are a few of the greatest moments in adidas history:

-At the 1936 Olympic Games, American track star Jesse Owens won four gold medals wearing track spikes from Adi Dassler. Most recently, adidas was the official sportswear partner of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and is also the official sportswear partner of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

-In 1969, adidas introduced the first low-top leather basketball shoe called the “Superstar.” A few years later NBA all-time scoring leader and six-time MVP Kareem Abdul-Jabbar signed with adidas and began wearing the iconic Superstar. The shoe remains one of the most successful basketball shoes of all time.

-In 1970, adidas produced a special boxing shoe for Muhammad Ali at his request only 24 hours before a fight at Madison Square Garden, starting a long-lasting relationship with the greatest of all time.

-In 1970, adidas kicked off its long-term partnership with FIFA by supplying the official match ball for the World Cup in Mexico. Currently, adidas is the official footwear and apparel sponsor of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

-In 1975, Arthur Ashe took home the Wimbledon title and became the first African American to win a Grand Slam tennis title. His shoe of choice during his long and illustrious career was the adidas Matchplay Tournament.

-In 2006, adidas became the official uniform and apparel provider for the National Basketball Association.

Shaq Vs. Premieres Tonight

In preparation for this first season playing with LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavalers, center Shaquille O’Neal is competing against other pro athletes in their sports this offseason. O'Neal's new reality show “Shaq Vs.” premieres tonight on ABC at 9 PM and Super Bowl Champ and Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger is the first athlete to go one-on-one with Shaq.

The Diesel visits Big Ben for a football challenge, trains at the Steelers practice facility and plays a 7-on-7 game at a Pennsylvania high school.

In future episodes, O'Neal takes on Olympic and World Champion Michael Phelps in the swimming pool, hits the tennis courts with reigning U.S. Open, Australian Open and Wimbledon champ Serena Williams, enters the boxing ring with Oscar de la Hoya, competes in a home run derby with two-time NL MVP and St. Louis Cardinals 1B Albert Pujols and hits the beach with Olympic gold medalists Kerri Walsh and Misty May-Treanor in beach volleyball.

Each week, O'Neal and his competitors will go through rigorous training and pre-game press conferences and interviews leading up to the big competition. Mike Goldberg and Pat Tomasulo host with Charissa Thompson serving as sideline reporter. "Shaq Vs." definitely sounds like a show worth tivoing.

Check out O'Neal promoting the show and talking smack to his future competitors.

Greatest finish in NFL preseason history

Who says preseason football isn't exciting or meaningful? Last night, the NY Giants vs. Carolina Panthers provided one of the greatest finishes in preseason history.

With the score tied at 17 with 10 seconds left to play, instead of taking a knee and forcing overtime, Carolina decided to run one last play. Fourth-string Panthers quarterback Hunter Cantwell went back to pass and Giants DT Leger Douzable hit the QB's arm. The football went flying in the air and Giants Rookie Free Agent DE Tommie Hill caught the ball and returned it 18-yards for the winning touchdown. There were no flags on the field and after an official review, the play was ruled a fumble recovery. After the extra point, the final score was 24-17 in favor of the G-Men.

Hill was the star of the night and provided insight on the shocking finish:
''I've never seen a game end like that, not that way. 'I'm just a rookie trying to make the team. Anything like that that helps the team win in turn helps me. It was just a fortunate situation and I made the most of it.''

Check out the exciting video below and commentary by ESPN's Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden and Ron Jaworski.

(via Morning Jolt)

How EA Ranks Rookie QBS

As the top two quarterbacks in this year's NFL Draft, Detroit Lion Matthew Stafford and NY Jet Mark Sanchez will continue to be compared to each other throughout their careers. They are currently both battling for the starting jobs for their respective teams and will likely be linked together much like Peyton Manning/Ryan Leaf and Eli Manning/Phillip Rivers/Ben Roethlisberger.

In preparation for the launch of Madden NFL 10, EA Sports put the two QBs through a series of tests to determine their ratings in the game. Check out the videos below showing Stafford and Sanchez being tested for Agility, Awarness, and Stamina.

At the NFL Rookie shoot a few months back, EA also tested a few other rookies incuding Ramses Barden, Jason Smith and Glen Coffee for Celebration, Strength and Stiff-Arm skills.

Stafford vs. Sanchez: AGILITY

Stafford vs. Sanchez: Awareness

Stafford vs. Moreno: Stamina

(videos via NESW Sports)

SportsLink creates "American Idol" of football

Sports marketing company and event management company, SportsLink has launched a reality TV show called "The Ride" that will feature eight high school quarterbacks competing for a potential roster spot in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. According to Tripp Mickle of the Sports Business Journal, the 10-episode, half-hour show will air this fall in 50-60 million homes on Fox Sports RSNs throughout the country.

"The Ride" will feature quarterback coaches and experts such as Tom Martinez, who trained Tom Brady, and former NFL QB and current ESPN analyst Ron Jaworski.

SportsLink produces the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and has partnered with Aurora Imaging Company on the show. SportsLink President Richard McGuinness hopes the show will become the "American Idol" of football. "It's a reflection of where the high school sports market has gone. There's a lot more maturity in terms of high school football and media."

Notable QB alumni from the U.S. Army All-American Bowl include:
Vince Young, 2002
Chris Leak, 2003
Chad Henne, 2004
Mark Sanchez, 2005
Tim Tebow, 2006
Jimmy Clausen, 2007
Terrelle Pryor, 2008
Aaron Murray, 2009

How explosive is Maurice Jones-Drew?

The NFL has released the league's final "Fantasy Files" video of the summer today and the clip features Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew exploding out of sand. The entertaining videos each week promote NFL.com for fantasy football and have featured Ravens QB Joe Flacco, Steelers WR Santonio Holmes, Giants TE Kevin Boss and Chargers RB Darren Sproles the last four weeks. Check out MJD at the beach below.

Bolt breaks own world record

Jamaica's Usain Bolt again confirmed his title as the world's fastest man by shattering his own world record, running the 100 meters in 9.58 seconds at the World Championships in Berlin yesterday. His time was 0.11 seconds faster than the mark he set last year at the Beijing Olympics and according to the AP, is the biggest improvement in the 100-meter record since electronic timing began in 1968.

United States' Tyson Gay, arguably the second fastest man in the world and Bolt's closest rival, broke the U.S. mark with his 9.71 performance yesterday although some reports say he looked like he was jogging as he finished a few strides behind Bolt in second place.

Check out Bolt's world record race from yesterday's World Championships.

(via Morning Jolt)

Playmaker and Iceman to dance this season

NFL Hall of Fame WR Michael Irvin and Mixed Martial Arts legend Chuck Liddell will show off their dancing skills this season on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars." The two athletes are a part of the largest cast in the show's history that also features athletes Louie Vito (pro skateboarder), Natalie Coughlin (Olympic swimmer) and Mark DaCascos (martial arts expert). These ballers will try to follow in the foot steps of past athlete winners Emmitt Smith, Apolo Anton Ohno, Helio Castroneves, Kristi Yamaguchi and Shawn Johnson.

The ninth season also features singers Mya and Macy Gray and Aaron Carter; actors Ashley Hamilton, Melissa Joan Hart and Debi Mazar; models Joanna Krupa and Kathy Ireland; reality stars Mark Dacascos and Kelly Osbourne; entertainer Donny Osmond; and former Republican Majority Leader Tom DeLay.

The contestants were announced this morning on "Good Morning America" by show host Tom Bergeron. He also unveiled a new twist for this season:

"In the middle of our season, over three weeks, we're going to have double eliminations. We'll lose about half of our cast within that period. It will be a ballroom bloodbath."

Samantha Harris returns as co-host, with the panel of judges including ballroom judge Len Goodman and dancer-choreographers Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba. The ninth season of "Dancing with the Stars" premieres Sept. 21st on ABC. Who is the better dancer? The Playmaker or the Iceman?

Vick expresses remorse on "60 Minutes"

For those who missed CBS' "60 Minutes" last night, below is James Brown's interview with Philadelphia Eagles QB Michael Vick. The segment lost a lot of hype after Vick signed with the Eagles on Thursday and spoke with the media on Friday, but it is still worth a viewing. Vick said the day he walked into prison he realized "the magnitude of the decisions that I made. He claims that he cried in prison because of the guilt he felt and was disgusted with himself for allowing the dog fights to happen. Check out the full interview below.

Cutler is top Selling NFL Jersey

The NFL today announced jersey sales figures for NFLShop.com from April 1st through August 7th and new Bears QB Jay Cutler is at the top of the list. Cutler's change in NFL scenery catapulted him to the #1 spot and he is followed on the list by Super Bowl champ Steelers S Troy Polamalu and QB Ben Roethlisberger at #2 and #3. The Steeler duo's jersey sales surely benefited from their club's Super Bowl win back in February.

2009 rookies have made a strong push in jersey sales with Jets QB Mark Sanchez as the highest-ranked first year player on the list at #5 and unsigned 49ers WR coming in at #8.

The Super Bowl champs led all NFL teams in merchandise sales on NFLShop.com for the time period, taking over for the Cowboys. Where will Michael Vick's Eagles jersey end up on the NFL's list at the end of the season?

Check out the top 25 selling NFL players jerseys courtesy of today's Sports Business Daily.

Madden fever takes over

EA Sports' Madden 10 officially hits stores today and game advertisements have dominated the TV, print, radio and online spaces over the last few weeks.

During last night's Super Bowl rematch on ESPN between the Steelers and the Cardinals (and Madden coverboys Troy Polamalu and Larry Fitzgerald), EA aired their "Push" TV spot featuring the two players and highlighting that in the game every yard is a battle.

3rd time the charm for Mayo?

Memphis Grizzlies G OJ Mayo is making yet another agent change, his third since entering the NBA a year ago. Coming out of USC, Mayo was represented by BDA Sports before news came out that a company runner gave him money while he was still in school.

After his primary agent Calvin Andrews was was suspended by the NBA, Mayo fired BDA and signed with Leon Rose of CAA Sports.

According to Liz Mullen of the Sports Business Journal, this week Mayo has parted ways all of his current representatives. Mayo has fired Rose and also split from LRMR Marketing, LeBron James' marketing company. In addition, Mayo has fired his financial advisors at True Capital Management.

Mullen believes that Mayo is expected to sign a representation agreement with "little-known" NBA player agent LaPoe “Smitty” Smith Jr. of San Antonio-based L Smith & Associates. Mayo must wait 15 days to sign his new agreement with Smith, but industry sources say that is his next move.

Very strange move to fire all three representatives in the same week, especially for such a young player only one year into his rookie deal. Maybe Mayo felt left out of CAA's future plans as Heat G Dwayne Wade, Nuggets F Carmelo Anthony and Raptors F Chris Bosh have recently joined the company's client list which already features James, Spurs G Tony Parker and Pistons G Rip Hamilton. Whatever the reasons, don't expect this to be Mayo's last stop in the agent world.

Headline of the day

Welcome to Philly Mr. Vick!

Cooking With Larry Fitzgerald

Madden 10 coverboy and Arizona Cardinals All-Pro WR Larry Fitzgerald gave ESPN's Jemele Hill access to his kitchen yesterday on "First Take." Fitz reveals his secret recipe for filet mignon bolognese and talks about his offseason travel, including NFL sponsored trips to Kuwait and Iraq. Will Larry's statistics decrease this year as a result of his cooking prowess? Forgetaboutit!

1800 Tequila Becomes First Booze to Sponsor Lakers

Drink up Laker nation! 1800 Tequila announced today a partnership with 2009 NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers, the team's first deal with a spirits brand. The multi-million dollar contract includes TV advertising and on and off-premise logo rights. The Lakeshow will align with 1800 Silver Tequila, the brand's super-premium tequila.

"Our goal is to ensure that Lakers games are the most enjoyable and exciting games to watch," said Los Angeles Lakers Chief Marketing Officer Tim Harris. "Through this groundbreaking partnership, 1800 will provide Lakers fans with the familiar flavor of the super-premium spirit and a variety of beverage choices to enjoy while celebrating courtside, while ensuring that we communicate responsible drinking."

The real question is whether the Lakers will be OK with Lamar Odom gifting Crown Royal to teammates and coaches after another championship season next year.

NY Jets star in Reebok NFL Ads

Reebok, the official outfitter of the NFL has released the brand's new NFL apparel ad campaign which celebrates the training camp tradition of pranks. "The Lighter Side of Training Camp" ads star the New York Jets as they pull practical jokes on each other.

RB Thomas Jones, C Nick Mangold, RB Leon Washington, WR Jerricho Cotchery and TE Dustin Keller are featured pranksters.

(via HolyJoeNamath.com)