Friday, April 29, 2011
Top Ten with Hillis
Before appearing at the NFL Draft to announce the Browns' first round selection of Baylor DT Phil Taylor, "Madden 12" cover boy Peyton Hillis stopped by the "Late Show with David Letterman" to share his top 10 list.
Simmons' new site to debut in June
ESPN announced yesterday that "The Sports Guy" Bill Simmons' new sports/pop culture website will be called www.Grantland.com and will officially launch in June.Simmons: “As we planned it over the last 18 months, my No. 1 goal was to figure out how to capture the spirit and creativity of 30 for 30 and transfer it to a website. We wanted original voices, and we found a bunch of them already. We’re going to take chances, come up with a few premises and ideas that you haven’t seen before, and be consistently entertaining day after day. You will never know what to expect when you come to the site – in a good way. That’s our ultimate goal.”
The name honors legendary sportswriter Grantland Rice and Simmons' site will be home to his columns and podcasts and feature a diverse lineup of contributors including Chuck Klosterman and Malcolm Gladwell. Contributing writers will be: Michael Weinreb; Katie Baker; Molly Lambert; Chris Ryan; Robert Mays III; Bill Barnwell; and Patrice Evans.
www.Grantland.com will also feature a wide range of full-time writers, contributors and celebrity guest writers, who will be announced prior to launch.
Best moment of the NFL Draft
With a first round filled with surprising quarterback selections and a few trades, the defining moment of the draft didn't come until Alabama RB Mark Ingram was selected by the Saints with the #28 pick.
The former Heisman Trophy winner received an email from his incarcerated father, which was read to him live on the air by ESPN's Suzy Kolber.
Ingram's dad, Mark Sr. is a former NFL wide receiver (also selected #28, by the Giants in 1987) in the middle of a 7-year prison sentence for laundering and bank fraud. He had additional years tacked on to his sentence after jumping bail in 2009 to watch his son, then a freshman at Bama, play in the Sugar Bowl. Hours before kickoff, Mark Sr. was arrested in a hotel room and returned to jail. The next year, Ingram Jr. won a national champion and Heisman Trophy for the Crimson Tide.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Ingram's Subway Sculpture
A year ago, we posted images of Subway's life-sized "pepperoni busts" of top NFL draft picks Ndamukong Suh and C.J. Spiller.
The sandwich chain recently signed Alabama RB Mark Ingram and has created a new edible sculpture to celebrate their future NFL endorser.
Check out the former Heisman Trophy winner's orchard chicken salad sandwich sculpture via his marketing agent, Fadde Mikhail:
The sandwich chain recently signed Alabama RB Mark Ingram and has created a new edible sculpture to celebrate their future NFL endorser.
Check out the former Heisman Trophy winner's orchard chicken salad sandwich sculpture via his marketing agent, Fadde Mikhail:
Hillis is Madden cover boy
As we reported yesterday, Browns RB Peyton Hillis completed his surprising run through EA Sports' "Madden NFL 12" fan vote bracket to win the game cover honor over Eagles QB Michael Vick.
The final vote was 66% to 34% in favor of the Cleveland running back and the selection was announced live on ESPN2's "SportsNation."
Hillis today will take part in a long promotional schedule in New York, including shooting the cover photo in the morning, attending a pre-draft luncheon held by the NFL, reading the Top 10 list on CBS' "Late Show" during the late afternoon taping and announcing the Browns' first-round selection at the NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall.
Here are a few videos from Hillis' new life as the Madden cover athlete:
UPDATE:
Peyton Hillis wins EA Sports' first ever "Madden NFL 12" fan voting contest.
As the two surprise finalists in the first-ever fan voting contest for EA Sports' "Madden NFL 12," Eagles QB Michael Vick and Browns RB Peyton Hillis will appear on ESPN's "SportsNation" today for the live announcement.
More than 12 million fan votes have been cast to date and the #10 seed Hillis defeated #7 seed Ray Rice of the Baltimore Ravens, #2 seed Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons, #6 seed Jamaal Charles of the Kansas City Chiefs and #1 seed Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers.
Vick's path to the finals included victories over DeMarcus Ware of the Dallas Cowboys, Andre Johnson of the Houston Texas, Patrick Willis of the San Francisco 49ers and Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings.
“The idea is to have that sort of ‘American Idol’ moment where the winner is announced on ‘SportsNation’ with the two of them standing there,” said Rob Semsey, EA Sports spokesman.
EA will then stage the cover shoot and will host a long media tour in New York City for the winning athlete.
In response to the controversy surrounding Vick's advancement to the finals, EA Sports Senior Dir of Athlete Relations Sandy Sandoval said: "It's a cultural phenomenon, and everyone wants to give two cents. ... It gives them something to debate about. And we're sensitive to these issues. We're not blind. But at the end of the day, it's a video game, a football game. We're not trying to make any political statements."
Be sure to tune into ESPN2's "SportsNation" at 4 ET today to find out if Vick or Hillis will grace the cover of "Madden NFL 12."
Former BYU star and National Player of the Year Jimmer Fredette will be coming to a screen near you. The NCAA's scoring champ has signed a deal with New York-based production company Tupelo-Honey Productions to chronicle his life leading up to the NBA draft on June 23.
According to the Sports Business Journal, Tupelo-Honey will shoot more than 100 hours of footage over 30 days and the company plans to sell online and mobile vignettes and packaged 30-minute TV shows.
Footage is expected to highlight Fredette’s transition from student athlete to NBA player and it will show how Fredette picks an agent, how he keeps up his training and how he goes about planning his financial future.
Tupelo-Honey plans to produce daily two- to four-minute webisodes, a daily video blog and weekly recap features and after the 30 days, they will produce a long-form documentary for a TV channel or theatrical release.
Before last night’s surprising 104-86 destruction of the #1 seed Spurs, Grizzlies G Tony Allen got the Memphis logo shaved into his head, featuring bedazzled eyes and a white outline.
Although they might not play a single down of football next season, a record number of rookies-to-be will attend Thursday night's NFL Draft.
The league announced this morning the full list of prospects who will appear at Radio City Music Hall on Thursday in hopes of hearing their name called during the draft's first round.
All of the big names will be in the house, but it is interesting to note that fringe first round QBs Jake Locker, Andy Dalton, Colin Kaepernick, Christian Ponder, and Ryan Mallett won’t be in attendance. Assume they don't want a Aaron Rodgers or Brady Quinn-like greenroom wait on Thursday night.
Check out the full list below:
Prince Amukamara, CB Nebraska
Akeem Ayers, LB UCLA
Adrian Clayborn, DE Iowa
Randall Cobb, WR Kentucky
Marcell Dareus, DT Alabama
Nick Fairley, DT Auburn
Blaine Gabbert, QB Missouri
AJ Green, WR Georgia
Mark Herzlich, LB Boston College
Mark Ingram, RB Alabama
Cameron Jordan, DE California
Julio Jones, WR Alabama
Ryan Kerigan, DE Purdue
Corey Liuget, DT Illnois
Von Miller, LB Texas A&M
Rahim Moore, S UCLA
Cam Newton, QB Auburn
Patrick Peterson, CB LSU
Mike Pouncey, OL Florida
Aldon Smith, DE Missouri
Tyron Smith, OT USC
Phil Taylor, DT Baylor
Danny Watkins, OG Baylor
JJ Watt, DE Wisconsin
Ryan Williams, RB Virginia Tech
As we are only a few days away from the NFL Draft, questions surrounding the honesty and motives of former Auburn QB Cam Newton are still front and center.
Did the reigning Heisman Trophy winner lie about his recruitment and financial offers to sign with specific schools? One website has made a different kind of offer to the potential #1 draft pick.
Camnewtonliedetector.com went live over the weekend and is offering $1,000,000 if Newton can pass a professional lie detector test consisting of four questions relating to his recruitment and allegations of improper benefits.
Here are the four questions:
1. Prior to signing with Auburn, were you aware your father was "shopping" you to Mississippi State or any other school?
2. Did you tell Dan or Meghan Mullen that you signed with Auburn because of the money because you truly believed Auburn had paid for your commitment?
3. Did anyone on the Auburn coaching staff/athletic department instruct you how to answer questions from the NCAA by lying or avoiding the truth?
4. Did you or your family ever receive any impermissible benefits from Auburn?
No way this will ever go down, but still interesting to review.
With a NFL lockout in the very near future, the league is doing everything they can to win fans over with their draft coverage next week.
The NFL announced that retired players will walk up to the podium at Radio City Music Hall and announce the second-round picks of their former teams.
Since the Jets, Panthers and Dolphins don't have picks in that round, their alumni will announce third-rounders.
Here is the full list of familiar names:
Arizona Cardinals: CB Aeneas Williams
Atlanta Falcons: LB Jessie Tuggle
Baltimore Ravens: LB Peter Boulware
Buffalo Bills: WR Andre Reed
Carolina Panthers: FB Brad Hoover
Chicago Bears: DE Richard Dent
Cincinnati Bengals: OT Anthony Munoz
Cleveland Browns: WR Paul Warfield
Dallas Cowboys: DE Charles Haley
Denver Broncos: TE Shannon Sharpe
Detroit Lions: RB Barry Sanders
Green Bay Packers: RB Jim Taylor
Houston Texans: CB Aaron Glenn
Indianapolis Colts: LB Jeff Herrod
Jacksonville Jaguars: SS Donovin Darius
Kansas City Chiefs: LB Willie Lanier
Miami Dolphins: CB Sam Madison
Minnesota Vikings: DE Chris Doleman
New England Patriots: LB Andre Tippett
New Orleans Saints: OT Willie Roaf
New York Giants: RB Joe Morris
New York Jets: DT Marty Lyons
Oakland Raiders: CB Willie Brown
Philadelphia Eagles: CB Troy Vincent
Pittsburgh Steelers: RB Franco Harris
St. Louis Rams: RB Marshall Faulk
San Diego Chargers: RB Natrone Means
San Francisco 49ers: WR Dwight Clark
Seattle Seahawks: DT Cortez Kennedy
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: SS John Lynch
Tennessee Titans: DE Jevon Kearse
Washington Redskins: QB Doug Williams
UPDATE:
Philliebot was booed heavily by fans after his pitch was off target. Check out the footage below:
Although there are major doubts about his surgically repaired left knee, former Alabama RB and Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram is a busy man in the marketing world these days.
With a week until he is selected somewhere in the mid-to-late 1st round, Ingram and his team continue to expand the former Crimson Tide star's portfolio.
EA Sports announced yesterday that Ingram will be featured on the cover of EA Sports' "NCAA Football 12" as he won a fan vote over former Auburn DT Nick Fairley, former Oklahoma RB DeMarco Murray and former Washington QB Jake Locker. Ingram's cover was unveiled on ESPN2's "First Take" yesterday.
"This is definitely at the top of my list just the fact that the fans voted it," said Ingram. "They wanted to see me on the cover, so that's a tremendous honor. I'm really excited about being on the cover and representing EA Sports."
Following in the footsteps of top NFL draft running back prospects Reggie Bush and C.J. Spiller (they share the same marketing agent), Ingram will be a spokesman for Subway restaurants, starting with activity around next week’s draft. Ingram will make appearances, blog and do a PR tour for the sandwich chain next week in New York.
So what about Ingram's knee concerns? He said yesterday that reports that NFL teams are concerned about his surgically repaired left knee are based on "false information."
"I don't know where the reports have come from," he said. "I guess somebody wants me to fall down the board. But my knee is 100 percent. It's strong, it's healthy. All the teams have positive reports on my knee and Dr. [James] Andrews has given positive reports on my knee as well. My knee's 100 percent. It's in great shape. All those reports are false information."
Ingram had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on Aug. 31 but missed only the first two games for Alabama. He is projected as a mid-to-late first round pick with Miami and New England has possible destinations.
Female competitive eaters will now have their own division at the annual Nathan’s hot dog eating contest on the 4th of July.
NY POST reports the famous event is adding a women only division this year since two of the world's top 10 competitive eaters are ladies.
"Serena Williams didn't have to beat Roger Federer to win the Wimbledon title, and we don't think Sonya Thomas should have to beat Joey Chestnut," said Richard Shea, president of Major League Eating.
Last year, Thomas and Juliet Lee, both weighing in at just 105 pounds, made the hot-dog finals.
"On any given weekend, Sonya and Juliet can beat the guys," Shea said, noting they hold records in cheesecake and cranberry sauce, among other categories. "But hot dogs seem to be different."
ESPN yesterday published a list of endorsements held by its on-air personalities and of the 57 on the list, only four (Scott Van Pelt, Erin Andrews, Sal Masekela and Jamie Little) are not former players or coaches.
ESPN's new policy is in response to Reebok's endorsement deal with Andrews, who delivered a sideline report during the Rose Bowl that was critical of a Nike football cleat.
Former players and coaches are exempt from ESPN’s new policy of “restricting announcers’ sports-related product endorsements” so Andrews must forfeit her Reebok endorsement starting January 1, 2012.
Here is the full list of ESPN commentator endorsements:
Erin Andrews: Reebok
Paul Azinger: Adams Golf
Mike Bellotti: Nike Coaching Clinic at USC
Ato Bolden: Adidas
Bruce Bowen: Nike
Tim Brown: Under Armour
Olin Browne: Callaway, Razor Hawk, Odyssey
Chris Burandt: Monster, Polaris, Slednecks, Klim, HMK, Starting Line Products, Holz Racing Products, Fox Racing, Snox, EGT, VCHK, 509, Boon Docker Performance, RSI, RPM, Sled Solutions, Better Boards, Timbersled, Sledez, Edge Products
Darren Cahill: Adidas, Wilson, Donnay
Cris Carter: Nike
Jimmy Coleman: Metal Mulisha
Lee Corso: Nike
Jane Crafter: Footjoy, Titleist, Feel Golf, Callaway
Zach Crist: K2 Skis
Dan Dakich: Nike, Adidas AAU Camp
Tony DiCicco: Adidas
Trent Dilfer: Nike, Callaway
Keir Dillon: Nike
Mike Ditka: Under Armour
Jimmy Dykes: Nike
Mary Joe Fernandez: Nike, Wilson
Fran Fraschilla: Nike Skills Camp
Brad Gilbert: Nike, Wilson
Mark Gottfried: Nike
Kirk Herbstreit: Nike
Keyshawn Johnson: Under Armour
Kara Lawson: Nike
Bill Kratzert: Ashworth, Adidas, TaylorMade
Jamie Little: Oakley
Sal Masekela: Nike, Oakley
Dennis McCoy: Vans
John McEnroe: Nike, Dunlop
Patrick McEnroe: USTA "General Manager of Player Development", Nike, Wilson
Jeremy McGrath: Sky Optics, DC Shoes, DC Riding Gear, Troy Lee Designs, Dunlop Tires, Coyne Powersports Group, Motorcycle Mechanics, Specialized Bicycles
Rocco Mediate: Chervo, Par West, Titleist, V1, Vharness Clubs, Adams Golf, Club Fourteen, TAGGART, Audemars Piguet, InBalance
Jessica Mendoza: Nike, Louisville Slugger, Dudley, Spalding
Urban Meyer: Nike
Andy North: F2, Fairway and Greens
Chris Pastras: Converse
Kyle Peterson: Easton
Judy Rankin: Adidas
Jalen Rose: AEG sponsored by Nike
Tes Sewell: Oakley, Fox Racing, Ogio, DC
Pam Shriver: Yonex Corp
Miles Simon: Nike Skills Camp
Michele Smith: Rip-It Sporting Goods, Three-and-Two, JUGS Pitching Machines
Curtis Strange: Nike, Administaff
Rick Sutcliffe: Nike
Taylor Twellman: Nike
Scott Van Pelt: Titleist
Robin Ventura: Easton
Jay Walker: Russell Athletic
Rusty Wallace: Oakley, Toyota
Cat Whitehill: Nike
Jay Williams: Under Armour
The Cinderella stories of March Madness have continued into April as Browns RB Peyton Hillis is one step closer to becoming the first Cleveland player to grace the cover of the "Madden" video game franchise.
ESPN.com's SportsNation announced today that the #10 seed Hillis has pulled another upset in the "Madden NFL 12" cover tournament.
Facing the Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers, Hillis earned 61% of the vote to defeat the Packers quarterback and No. 1 seed Aaron Rodgers. Hillis will face controversial Eagles QB Michael Vick in the finals.
This is the fourth consecutive week Hillis advanced against a higher seed. He also defeated #7 seed Ray Rice of the Baltimore Ravens, #2 seed Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons and #6 seed Jamaal Charles of the Kansas City Chiefs.
So what has been the secret of Hillis incredible run in the Madden bracket? His team his hosting an online campaign that includes front-page treatment on ClevelandBrowns.com in addition to ongoing Twitter and Facebook campaigns by his teammates.
The winner will be revealed on ESPN2's SportsNation on April 27.
The Portland Timbers made their long awaited MLS home debut last night at a sold-out Jeld-Wen Field and although they came out victorious (first MLS win) 4-2 over Chicago, the real story of the historic night was the incredible fan support of the Timbers Army.
Standing and chanting in the pouring rain throughout the entire match, the Timbers Army made opening night incredibly special. I've been to multiple BCS National Championship Games, NBA Playoffs, All-Star Games and MLB Playoffs and NOTHING can compare to my experience last night in Portland.
According to the Oregonian, "the Timbers Army encompassed the stadium's entire north end -- about 3,500 general-admission seats -- and before the game unveiled one of the biggest fan displays in the 16-season history of MLS. A triptych of giant, hand-painted banners depicted city landmarks, Mount Hood and larger-than-life Timbers fans."
Timbers coach John Spencer, who played top-level European soccer for years, was very impressed by the fan support last night: “I don’t think you’ll see an atmosphere like that in American soccer history — ever.”
Check out a few highlights from last night's historic match, including the Timbers Army singing the National Anthem and team mascot Timber Joey slicing a log after the team's first goal:
Longtime EhrlThePearl.com reader, Noah Fox recently took his sports knowledge all the way to the banks as he won ESPN's "Streak for the Cash."
His 16 straight wins on "Super Thursday" earned the University of Pennsylvania junior $5,000.
Check out an ESPN.com Q&A with the big winner:
Did anyone else help you make picks during your W16 day during the stunt? Any superstitions?
I made sure not to ask any of my friends for input or let them influence any of my picks. At one point in the day I was going to be away from my computer for an hour so I asked my brother to enter the picks for me since I had a W10 going and didn't want to fall any more behind the leader. I told him which ones to choose and walked him through the process since he has never participated in Streak For the Cash. A few minutes after I left I get a text from him telling me he had somehow cancelled the pick I had locked in. I told him what it was so he could re enter it but it was too late and the pick had already locked. The pick I originally had ended up being wrong, it was the best mistake he's ever made!
How did you plan your day around the stunt?
I had a midterm on Friday therefore Thursday was my study day. Initially, I just went on ESPN for study breaks, not really thinking I had a chance of winning anything but as the day went on and I started moving up the leaderboard I spent more and more time researching and following my picks. I think this is the only time in my life I will ever use a gamecast for golf. When I made it to the top 10, I gave up on studying and focused all my energy on the streak. I still haven't received my grade on the test but hopefully I didn't do too badly on my midterm.
What was your strategy in making picks? Did you look at sportsbook odds? If so, which sites did you use?
I didn't really look at odds since most of the props I took didn't have odds for them. Most of the golf picks were just complete luck. I put a little thought into the baseball ones, and occasionally consulted the discussion boards, but ultimately just went with the picks that gave me the best feeling.
What initially got you into playing Streak for the Cash? Do you play another other Fantasy Games?
I spend a lot of time on ESPN.com and just stumbled upon Streak for the Cash. I'm part of a great fantasy football league that I'm really hoping the lockout doesn't deprive me of this year.
What do you plan on using the money towards?
Penn isn't cheap, it's going towards my college fund right away.
Putting all of his "Mama Drama" aside, LeBron James has something to celebrate heading into his first playoffs as a member of the Heat.
Sales figures from NBAStore.com show that James has passed Kobe Bryant to take over the No. 1 spot on the NBA's best-selling jersey list this season.
This is the first time in seven years James has owned the top spot. Bryant's #24 jersey which now is second to James' #6, held the top spot since the beginning of the 2008-2009 season.
Rounding out the top five jerseys are Celtics G Rajon Rondo, Knicks F Amar'e Stoudemire and Bulls G Derrick Rose.
A few other jersey tidbits:
-5 Celtics -- Rondo, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Shaquille O'Neal -- rank in the Top 15 best-selling jerseys.
-The Lakers lead in team merchandise sales for the 8th time in 9 seasons and the Celtics are No. 2 for the third straight season.
-Rookies John Wall of the Wizards and Blake Griffin of the Clippers rank Nos. 10 and 11 respectively.
With the NFL locked out at the moment, the NBA might not be far behind. A NY Daily News report today highlights how the league cancelling it's annual Las Vegas summer league and internship program forshadow a work stopage once the current CBA expires on June 30.
The Las Vegas summer league normally starts in early July, with 20 teams sending rookies and benchwarmers to compete over a 10-day league.
In addition, the NBA usually hires about 30 college students to participate in a 10-week internship program in the league's offices in New York and at the league's entertainment division in Secaucus, N.J.
The NY Daily News also reports that in preparation for a potetntial lockout, the NBA is not sending any teams abroad for training camp and did not schedule any preseason games in Europe for this fall.
Owners and players have not held formal negotiations since mid-February, but are expected to resume talks this month.
The San Franciso Giants handed out their 2010 World Series rings prior to Saturday’s win against the Cardinals. Here are the ring details via MLB.com:
Designed and produced by Tiffany & Co., the rings consist primarily of white gold, as well as 77 diamonds weighing slightly less than one carat. The top of each ring shows the familiar interlocking "SF" logo -- "set with round diamonds encircled by a bezel of yellow gold, flanked by two round diamonds," as described by a club news release.
One side of the ring displays a yellow gold tower of the Golden Gate Bridge, symbolizing the city of San Francisco. The other side bears the recipient's name in a ribbon over a likeness of the World Series trophy. Embedded in the top of the trophy is a mandarin orange spessarite representing San Francisco's championship; five diamonds at the trophy's base reflect the titles the franchise won in New York.
Continuing to build its NBA roster for their upcoming memorabilia line, Panini America has signed Clippers F Blake Griffin to an exclusive multiyear deal.
The NBA Slam Dunk Contest winner joins Lakers G Kobe Bryant, Thunder F Kevin Durant and Wizards G John Wall on Panini’s roster of exclusive athletes.
“Griffin’s established a national profile in a very short time, his rookie card is attracting huge prices and generally in huge demand for such a young player,” said Panini CEO Mark Warsop,
According to the Sports Business Daily, Panini will use Griffin’s autograph and memorabilia in its card line and for the launch of the Panini Authentic memorabilia line next month. Griffin also will be used on Panini packaging and advertising.
Panini's May launch will be as an online store and it will eventually spread to trading-card stores. Products will range from photos for $29.95 to signed game-used sneakers from Bryant from the NBA Finals, priced in the thousands.
EPL club Fulham unveiled a statue of Michael Jackson outside of their stadium yesterday prior to facing off against Blackpool FC.
The Premier League side erected the statue to commemorate the late singer's friendship with the club's chairman, Egyptian business tycoon Mohamed Al Fayed.
Al Fayed says "people will queue to come and visit it from all over Britain and it is something that I and everybody else should be proud of."
The 7'6" statue depicts the King of Pop dancing with a microphone, was commissioned following Jackson's death in June 2009 and Al Fayed had originally planned to display it inside Harrod's department store in London, which he sold in May 2010.
In conjunction with the announcement today that they've become the exclusive beer of the National Football League, Bud Light has launched a "Best Round Ever" contest which offers a $10 million grand prize to the fan (21 years of age or older) who predicts the first round of the NFL Draft perfectly.
Between April 1-April 15, fans can also enter the "Bud Light NFL Draft VIP Experience" sweepstakes on Bud Light's official Facebook page for a chance to win a trip for two to the NFL Draft in New York City.
Winners will also receive access to Bud Light's exclusive Best Round Ever pre-draft party – emceed by Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice – on Wednesday, April 27. The Best Round Ever pre-draft party, co-hosted by the Pro Football Hall of Fame, will feature legendary NFL alumni Warren Moon, Harry Carson, Anthony Munoz, Franco Harris and Shannon Sharpe conducting a first round mock draft and a Q&A with fans in attendance.
Bud Light has sponsorship rights of the second round of the NFL Draft and will provide one football fan (21 years of age or older) in the New York metropolitan area the opportunity to join a legendary NFL player on stage to announce his or her favorite team's second-round draft pick on primetime television.
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The final vote was 66% to 34% in favor of the Cleveland running back and the selection was announced live on ESPN2's "SportsNation."
Hillis today will take part in a long promotional schedule in New York, including shooting the cover photo in the morning, attending a pre-draft luncheon held by the NFL, reading the Top 10 list on CBS' "Late Show" during the late afternoon taping and announcing the Browns' first-round selection at the NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall.
Here are a few videos from Hillis' new life as the Madden cover athlete:
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Take a Sheet with Gallinari
Check out this awesome ad for Sheets Brand Energy Strips starring Nuggets F Danilo Gallinari. For more info on the campaign, check out www.TakeaSheet.com.
Jets duo appears on "CSI: New York"
Back in February, we reported that Jets head coach Rex Ryan and general manager Mike Tanenbaum filmed a cameo on CBS' “CSI: New York.”
The duo appears on Friday's episode and share a scene with actors Gary Sinise and Eddie Cahill.
Sinise ends the scene by borrowing Ryan's famous “Let’s go get a snack” tagline from last season of HBO’s “Hard Knocks.”
The duo appears on Friday's episode and share a scene with actors Gary Sinise and Eddie Cahill.
Sinise ends the scene by borrowing Ryan's famous “Let’s go get a snack” tagline from last season of HBO’s “Hard Knocks.”
Peyton Hillis Wins Madden Cover
UPDATE: Peyton Hillis wins EA Sports' first ever "Madden NFL 12" fan voting contest.
As the two surprise finalists in the first-ever fan voting contest for EA Sports' "Madden NFL 12," Eagles QB Michael Vick and Browns RB Peyton Hillis will appear on ESPN's "SportsNation" today for the live announcement.
More than 12 million fan votes have been cast to date and the #10 seed Hillis defeated #7 seed Ray Rice of the Baltimore Ravens, #2 seed Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons, #6 seed Jamaal Charles of the Kansas City Chiefs and #1 seed Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers.
Vick's path to the finals included victories over DeMarcus Ware of the Dallas Cowboys, Andre Johnson of the Houston Texas, Patrick Willis of the San Francisco 49ers and Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings.
“The idea is to have that sort of ‘American Idol’ moment where the winner is announced on ‘SportsNation’ with the two of them standing there,” said Rob Semsey, EA Sports spokesman.
EA will then stage the cover shoot and will host a long media tour in New York City for the winning athlete.
In response to the controversy surrounding Vick's advancement to the finals, EA Sports Senior Dir of Athlete Relations Sandy Sandoval said: "It's a cultural phenomenon, and everyone wants to give two cents. ... It gives them something to debate about. And we're sensitive to these issues. We're not blind. But at the end of the day, it's a video game, a football game. We're not trying to make any political statements."
Be sure to tune into ESPN2's "SportsNation" at 4 ET today to find out if Vick or Hillis will grace the cover of "Madden NFL 12."
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Barkley hitting the gym
Have you noticed that TNT's Charles Barkley has been shedding some of the major poundage he put on since retiring from the NBA?
As Sir Charles has mentioned on a few broadcasts this postseason, he has been hitting the gym hard at CrossFit North in Atlanta. Check out the below video via EDSBS of him putting in work at the gym alongside some freakish female athletes.
Although Barkley looks to be struggling with the CrossFit program, it is still good to see him out there trying to get back into shape.
As Sir Charles has mentioned on a few broadcasts this postseason, he has been hitting the gym hard at CrossFit North in Atlanta. Check out the below video via EDSBS of him putting in work at the gym alongside some freakish female athletes.
Although Barkley looks to be struggling with the CrossFit program, it is still good to see him out there trying to get back into shape.
Production Company to Chronicle Jimmer's NBA Draft Prep
Former BYU star and National Player of the Year Jimmer Fredette will be coming to a screen near you. The NCAA's scoring champ has signed a deal with New York-based production company Tupelo-Honey Productions to chronicle his life leading up to the NBA draft on June 23.According to the Sports Business Journal, Tupelo-Honey will shoot more than 100 hours of footage over 30 days and the company plans to sell online and mobile vignettes and packaged 30-minute TV shows.
Footage is expected to highlight Fredette’s transition from student athlete to NBA player and it will show how Fredette picks an agent, how he keeps up his training and how he goes about planning his financial future.
Tupelo-Honey plans to produce daily two- to four-minute webisodes, a daily video blog and weekly recap features and after the 30 days, they will produce a long-form documentary for a TV channel or theatrical release.
Tony Allen is a Grizzly Man
Before last night’s surprising 104-86 destruction of the #1 seed Spurs, Grizzlies G Tony Allen got the Memphis logo shaved into his head, featuring bedazzled eyes and a white outline.Unfortunately, by tip-off the Grizzly was gone but Allen and Memphis are up 3-1 and can close out the top seed in the West on Wednesday night.
Monday, April 25, 2011
A Record 25 rookies Will Attend NFL Draft
Although they might not play a single down of football next season, a record number of rookies-to-be will attend Thursday night's NFL Draft.The league announced this morning the full list of prospects who will appear at Radio City Music Hall on Thursday in hopes of hearing their name called during the draft's first round.
All of the big names will be in the house, but it is interesting to note that fringe first round QBs Jake Locker, Andy Dalton, Colin Kaepernick, Christian Ponder, and Ryan Mallett won’t be in attendance. Assume they don't want a Aaron Rodgers or Brady Quinn-like greenroom wait on Thursday night.
Check out the full list below:
Prince Amukamara, CB Nebraska
Akeem Ayers, LB UCLA
Adrian Clayborn, DE Iowa
Randall Cobb, WR Kentucky
Marcell Dareus, DT Alabama
Nick Fairley, DT Auburn
Blaine Gabbert, QB Missouri
AJ Green, WR Georgia
Mark Herzlich, LB Boston College
Mark Ingram, RB Alabama
Cameron Jordan, DE California
Julio Jones, WR Alabama
Ryan Kerigan, DE Purdue
Corey Liuget, DT Illnois
Von Miller, LB Texas A&M
Rahim Moore, S UCLA
Cam Newton, QB Auburn
Patrick Peterson, CB LSU
Mike Pouncey, OL Florida
Aldon Smith, DE Missouri
Tyron Smith, OT USC
Phil Taylor, DT Baylor
Danny Watkins, OG Baylor
JJ Watt, DE Wisconsin
Ryan Williams, RB Virginia Tech
CP3 dominates Lakers Yet Again
Chris Paul's domination of the two-time defending champs continued last night as he led the Hornets to a 93-88 W over the Lakers.
His triple double (27 points, 15 assists and 13 rebounds) was the big story of the night, but check out his post-game interview with TNT's Cheryl Miller.
Not only does CP3 joke that he would hit his own mom on the court during the playoffs, but it looks like he wants to smack teammate Trevor Ariza after he came up to Paul from the backside during his chat with Miller.
With the series tied 2-2, the teams face off again Tuesday night in Los Angeles.
His triple double (27 points, 15 assists and 13 rebounds) was the big story of the night, but check out his post-game interview with TNT's Cheryl Miller.
Not only does CP3 joke that he would hit his own mom on the court during the playoffs, but it looks like he wants to smack teammate Trevor Ariza after he came up to Paul from the backside during his chat with Miller.
With the series tied 2-2, the teams face off again Tuesday night in Los Angeles.
Can Cam Pass Lie Detector?
As we are only a few days away from the NFL Draft, questions surrounding the honesty and motives of former Auburn QB Cam Newton are still front and center.Did the reigning Heisman Trophy winner lie about his recruitment and financial offers to sign with specific schools? One website has made a different kind of offer to the potential #1 draft pick.
Camnewtonliedetector.com went live over the weekend and is offering $1,000,000 if Newton can pass a professional lie detector test consisting of four questions relating to his recruitment and allegations of improper benefits.
Here are the four questions:
1. Prior to signing with Auburn, were you aware your father was "shopping" you to Mississippi State or any other school?
2. Did you tell Dan or Meghan Mullen that you signed with Auburn because of the money because you truly believed Auburn had paid for your commitment?
3. Did anyone on the Auburn coaching staff/athletic department instruct you how to answer questions from the NCAA by lying or avoiding the truth?
4. Did you or your family ever receive any impermissible benefits from Auburn?
No way this will ever go down, but still interesting to review.
Friday, April 22, 2011
NFL Alums to Announce 2nd Round Picks
With a NFL lockout in the very near future, the league is doing everything they can to win fans over with their draft coverage next week.The NFL announced that retired players will walk up to the podium at Radio City Music Hall and announce the second-round picks of their former teams.
Since the Jets, Panthers and Dolphins don't have picks in that round, their alumni will announce third-rounders.
Here is the full list of familiar names:
Arizona Cardinals: CB Aeneas Williams
Atlanta Falcons: LB Jessie Tuggle
Baltimore Ravens: LB Peter Boulware
Buffalo Bills: WR Andre Reed
Carolina Panthers: FB Brad Hoover
Chicago Bears: DE Richard Dent
Cincinnati Bengals: OT Anthony Munoz
Cleveland Browns: WR Paul Warfield
Dallas Cowboys: DE Charles Haley
Denver Broncos: TE Shannon Sharpe
Detroit Lions: RB Barry Sanders
Green Bay Packers: RB Jim Taylor
Houston Texans: CB Aaron Glenn
Indianapolis Colts: LB Jeff Herrod
Jacksonville Jaguars: SS Donovin Darius
Kansas City Chiefs: LB Willie Lanier
Miami Dolphins: CB Sam Madison
Minnesota Vikings: DE Chris Doleman
New England Patriots: LB Andre Tippett
New Orleans Saints: OT Willie Roaf
New York Giants: RB Joe Morris
New York Jets: DT Marty Lyons
Oakland Raiders: CB Willie Brown
Philadelphia Eagles: CB Troy Vincent
Pittsburgh Steelers: RB Franco Harris
St. Louis Rams: RB Marshall Faulk
San Diego Chargers: RB Natrone Means
San Francisco 49ers: WR Dwight Clark
Seattle Seahawks: DT Cortez Kennedy
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: SS John Lynch
Tennessee Titans: DE Jevon Kearse
Washington Redskins: QB Doug Williams
Biggest Sixers Fan Ever
Although the 76ers lost 100-94 last night to go down 3-0 versus the Heat, fans are still supporting the team in a big way. Check out the amazing dance routine below via The700Level:
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Ramos drops Copa del Rey trophy
After Real Madrid won the Copa del Rey trophy yesterday on a header in extra time by Cristiano Ronaldo, the club embarked on a "chaotic celebration."
The team boarded a double-decker bus for a parade and defender Sergio Ramos held the trophy above his head and dropped it off the top of the bus. The trophy fell under the wheels and got ran over.
Someone on the BBC News telecast makes interesting noises when reacting to the drop.
Check out the video below via SportsCracklePop:
The team boarded a double-decker bus for a parade and defender Sergio Ramos held the trophy above his head and dropped it off the top of the bus. The trophy fell under the wheels and got ran over.
Someone on the BBC News telecast makes interesting noises when reacting to the drop.
Check out the video below via SportsCracklePop:
Kobe's GLAAD PSA
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Phillies' new robot pitcher
A one-armed, three-wheeled robot called "PhillieBot" will throw out the ceremonial first pitch today before the Phillies play the Brewers on Science Day in Philadelphia.
The robot, designed by engineers at the University of Pennsylvania’s General Robotics, Automation, Sensing and Perception Laboratory, consists of a Segway with a robotic arm and third wheel, a pneumatic cylinder to power the pitch and a computer brain to change velocity and trajectory.
The robot, designed by engineers at the University of Pennsylvania’s General Robotics, Automation, Sensing and Perception Laboratory, consists of a Segway with a robotic arm and third wheel, a pneumatic cylinder to power the pitch and a computer brain to change velocity and trajectory.
UPDATE:
Philliebot was booed heavily by fans after his pitch was off target. Check out the footage below:
Ingram is busy off the field
Although there are major doubts about his surgically repaired left knee, former Alabama RB and Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram is a busy man in the marketing world these days.With a week until he is selected somewhere in the mid-to-late 1st round, Ingram and his team continue to expand the former Crimson Tide star's portfolio.
EA Sports announced yesterday that Ingram will be featured on the cover of EA Sports' "NCAA Football 12" as he won a fan vote over former Auburn DT Nick Fairley, former Oklahoma RB DeMarco Murray and former Washington QB Jake Locker. Ingram's cover was unveiled on ESPN2's "First Take" yesterday.
"This is definitely at the top of my list just the fact that the fans voted it," said Ingram. "They wanted to see me on the cover, so that's a tremendous honor. I'm really excited about being on the cover and representing EA Sports."
Following in the footsteps of top NFL draft running back prospects Reggie Bush and C.J. Spiller (they share the same marketing agent), Ingram will be a spokesman for Subway restaurants, starting with activity around next week’s draft. Ingram will make appearances, blog and do a PR tour for the sandwich chain next week in New York.
So what about Ingram's knee concerns? He said yesterday that reports that NFL teams are concerned about his surgically repaired left knee are based on "false information."
"I don't know where the reports have come from," he said. "I guess somebody wants me to fall down the board. But my knee is 100 percent. It's strong, it's healthy. All the teams have positive reports on my knee and Dr. [James] Andrews has given positive reports on my knee as well. My knee's 100 percent. It's in great shape. All those reports are false information."
Ingram had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on Aug. 31 but missed only the first two games for Alabama. He is projected as a mid-to-late first round pick with Miami and New England has possible destinations.
Hot-dog eating contest adds female division
Female competitive eaters will now have their own division at the annual Nathan’s hot dog eating contest on the 4th of July.NY POST reports the famous event is adding a women only division this year since two of the world's top 10 competitive eaters are ladies.
"Serena Williams didn't have to beat Roger Federer to win the Wimbledon title, and we don't think Sonya Thomas should have to beat Joey Chestnut," said Richard Shea, president of Major League Eating.
Last year, Thomas and Juliet Lee, both weighing in at just 105 pounds, made the hot-dog finals.
"On any given weekend, Sonya and Juliet can beat the guys," Shea said, noting they hold records in cheesecake and cranberry sauce, among other categories. "But hot dogs seem to be different."
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Beckham's Beach Kicks
Last week, some incredible footage of David Beckham popped up online and showed the LA Galaxy star kicking soccer balls into far-away garbage cans at a beach.
Although he confirmed the stunts were real, the video looks very similar to staged stunts of the past such as Kobe Bryant jumping over an Aston Martin or Tiger Woods walking on water.
The footage was part of Beckham's shoot for Diet Pepsi's new commercial, "Beach Tweet," starring Sofia Vergara of "Modern Family." Check it out below:
Although he confirmed the stunts were real, the video looks very similar to staged stunts of the past such as Kobe Bryant jumping over an Aston Martin or Tiger Woods walking on water.
The footage was part of Beckham's shoot for Diet Pepsi's new commercial, "Beach Tweet," starring Sofia Vergara of "Modern Family." Check it out below:
"White Chocolate" retires
In honor of Grizzlies PG Jason Williams announcing his retirement, here is a nice video showcasing some of White Chocolate's best plays from his 12-year NBA career.
Williams missed the final 17 games of the season with lower back soreness and the Grizzlies issued a statement last night announcing the 35-year-old's plans to hang up his sneakers. The Grizzlies signed Williams on Feb. 7, after he was released by the Magic.
The 6'1" guard finished with career averages of 10.5 points and 5.9 assists and is the Grizzlies’ all-time leader in assists with 2,069.
Williams played for the Grizzlies twice and played for the Kings, the Heat and the Magic. He was the starting point guard on the Heat’s championship team in 2005-2006.
Williams missed the final 17 games of the season with lower back soreness and the Grizzlies issued a statement last night announcing the 35-year-old's plans to hang up his sneakers. The Grizzlies signed Williams on Feb. 7, after he was released by the Magic.
The 6'1" guard finished with career averages of 10.5 points and 5.9 assists and is the Grizzlies’ all-time leader in assists with 2,069.
Williams played for the Grizzlies twice and played for the Kings, the Heat and the Magic. He was the starting point guard on the Heat’s championship team in 2005-2006.
Pepsi MAX takes on "Field of Dreams"
To continue their MLB activation, Pepsi this week is launching a "Field of Dreams" inspired TV spot starring Yankees P CC Sabathia, Rays 3B Evan Longoria along with Hall of Famers such as Mike Schmidt, Rollie Fingers, Ozzie Smith and Rickey Henderson. The new commercial debuts on-air today.
ESPN Releases List Of Talent's Endorsements
ESPN yesterday published a list of endorsements held by its on-air personalities and of the 57 on the list, only four (Scott Van Pelt, Erin Andrews, Sal Masekela and Jamie Little) are not former players or coaches.ESPN's new policy is in response to Reebok's endorsement deal with Andrews, who delivered a sideline report during the Rose Bowl that was critical of a Nike football cleat.
Former players and coaches are exempt from ESPN’s new policy of “restricting announcers’ sports-related product endorsements” so Andrews must forfeit her Reebok endorsement starting January 1, 2012.
Here is the full list of ESPN commentator endorsements:
Erin Andrews: Reebok
Paul Azinger: Adams Golf
Mike Bellotti: Nike Coaching Clinic at USC
Ato Bolden: Adidas
Bruce Bowen: Nike
Tim Brown: Under Armour
Olin Browne: Callaway, Razor Hawk, Odyssey
Chris Burandt: Monster, Polaris, Slednecks, Klim, HMK, Starting Line Products, Holz Racing Products, Fox Racing, Snox, EGT, VCHK, 509, Boon Docker Performance, RSI, RPM, Sled Solutions, Better Boards, Timbersled, Sledez, Edge Products
Darren Cahill: Adidas, Wilson, Donnay
Cris Carter: Nike
Jimmy Coleman: Metal Mulisha
Lee Corso: Nike
Jane Crafter: Footjoy, Titleist, Feel Golf, Callaway
Zach Crist: K2 Skis
Dan Dakich: Nike, Adidas AAU Camp
Tony DiCicco: Adidas
Trent Dilfer: Nike, Callaway
Keir Dillon: Nike
Mike Ditka: Under Armour
Jimmy Dykes: Nike
Mary Joe Fernandez: Nike, Wilson
Fran Fraschilla: Nike Skills Camp
Brad Gilbert: Nike, Wilson
Mark Gottfried: Nike
Kirk Herbstreit: Nike
Keyshawn Johnson: Under Armour
Kara Lawson: Nike
Bill Kratzert: Ashworth, Adidas, TaylorMade
Jamie Little: Oakley
Sal Masekela: Nike, Oakley
Dennis McCoy: Vans
John McEnroe: Nike, Dunlop
Patrick McEnroe: USTA "General Manager of Player Development", Nike, Wilson
Jeremy McGrath: Sky Optics, DC Shoes, DC Riding Gear, Troy Lee Designs, Dunlop Tires, Coyne Powersports Group, Motorcycle Mechanics, Specialized Bicycles
Rocco Mediate: Chervo, Par West, Titleist, V1, Vharness Clubs, Adams Golf, Club Fourteen, TAGGART, Audemars Piguet, InBalance
Jessica Mendoza: Nike, Louisville Slugger, Dudley, Spalding
Urban Meyer: Nike
Andy North: F2, Fairway and Greens
Chris Pastras: Converse
Kyle Peterson: Easton
Judy Rankin: Adidas
Jalen Rose: AEG sponsored by Nike
Tes Sewell: Oakley, Fox Racing, Ogio, DC
Pam Shriver: Yonex Corp
Miles Simon: Nike Skills Camp
Michele Smith: Rip-It Sporting Goods, Three-and-Two, JUGS Pitching Machines
Curtis Strange: Nike, Administaff
Rick Sutcliffe: Nike
Taylor Twellman: Nike
Scott Van Pelt: Titleist
Robin Ventura: Easton
Jay Walker: Russell Athletic
Rusty Wallace: Oakley, Toyota
Cat Whitehill: Nike
Jay Williams: Under Armour
Monday, April 18, 2011
Hillis vs. Vick in Madden Final
The Cinderella stories of March Madness have continued into April as Browns RB Peyton Hillis is one step closer to becoming the first Cleveland player to grace the cover of the "Madden" video game franchise. ESPN.com's SportsNation announced today that the #10 seed Hillis has pulled another upset in the "Madden NFL 12" cover tournament.
Facing the Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers, Hillis earned 61% of the vote to defeat the Packers quarterback and No. 1 seed Aaron Rodgers. Hillis will face controversial Eagles QB Michael Vick in the finals.
This is the fourth consecutive week Hillis advanced against a higher seed. He also defeated #7 seed Ray Rice of the Baltimore Ravens, #2 seed Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons and #6 seed Jamaal Charles of the Kansas City Chiefs.
So what has been the secret of Hillis incredible run in the Madden bracket? His team his hosting an online campaign that includes front-page treatment on ClevelandBrowns.com in addition to ongoing Twitter and Facebook campaigns by his teammates.
The winner will be revealed on ESPN2's SportsNation on April 27.
Jeter on Extreme Makeover
Although he is hitting only .241 with 13 hits and 3 RBIs to start the season, Yankees SS Derek Jeter is making an impact off the diamond.
Check out Jeter's appearance last night on ABC's "Extreme Makeover Home Edition." The Yankee captain surprised a paralyzed former baseball star and his family.
Check out Jeter's appearance last night on ABC's "Extreme Makeover Home Edition." The Yankee captain surprised a paralyzed former baseball star and his family.
Tyson Chandler WarCry
Over the past two seasons the Dallas Mavericks have established themselves as one of the most entertaining teams in the league.
Their digital team has created a few memorable videos including fake commercials promoting Caron Butler's "Maverick Musk" and their Christmas song, "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer."
To get fans fired up for the playoffs, the Mavs have released a "Tyson Chandler WarCry" video featuring the Dallas bigman as a Gladiator.
Their digital team has created a few memorable videos including fake commercials promoting Caron Butler's "Maverick Musk" and their Christmas song, "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer."
To get fans fired up for the playoffs, the Mavs have released a "Tyson Chandler WarCry" video featuring the Dallas bigman as a Gladiator.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Dallas' "Criminal Minds" cameo
Colts TE Dallas Clark is preparing for a potential NFL lockout by getting his acting career off the ground. He made a cameo this week on CBS' "Criminal Minds," as San Diego Police Department detective Austin Kent.
Clark's scene was created by lifelong Colts fan/writer Rick Dunkle and the Colts star asks a few important procedural questions of the Behavior Analysis Unit during their presentation of a suspect's psychological profile to local law enforcement.
Check out a behind-the-scenes segment on Clark's "Criminal Minds" experience, via ESPN.
Clark's scene was created by lifelong Colts fan/writer Rick Dunkle and the Colts star asks a few important procedural questions of the Behavior Analysis Unit during their presentation of a suspect's psychological profile to local law enforcement.
Check out a behind-the-scenes segment on Clark's "Criminal Minds" experience, via ESPN.
Coco's New 'Do
Sights & Sounds from Timbers Home Opener
The Portland Timbers made their long awaited MLS home debut last night at a sold-out Jeld-Wen Field and although they came out victorious (first MLS win) 4-2 over Chicago, the real story of the historic night was the incredible fan support of the Timbers Army.
Standing and chanting in the pouring rain throughout the entire match, the Timbers Army made opening night incredibly special. I've been to multiple BCS National Championship Games, NBA Playoffs, All-Star Games and MLB Playoffs and NOTHING can compare to my experience last night in Portland.
According to the Oregonian, "the Timbers Army encompassed the stadium's entire north end -- about 3,500 general-admission seats -- and before the game unveiled one of the biggest fan displays in the 16-season history of MLS. A triptych of giant, hand-painted banners depicted city landmarks, Mount Hood and larger-than-life Timbers fans."
Timbers coach John Spencer, who played top-level European soccer for years, was very impressed by the fan support last night: “I don’t think you’ll see an atmosphere like that in American soccer history — ever.”
Check out a few highlights from last night's historic match, including the Timbers Army singing the National Anthem and team mascot Timber Joey slicing a log after the team's first goal:
Thursday, April 14, 2011
ETP Readers Wins ESPN's "Streak for Cash"
Longtime EhrlThePearl.com reader, Noah Fox recently took his sports knowledge all the way to the banks as he won ESPN's "Streak for the Cash." His 16 straight wins on "Super Thursday" earned the University of Pennsylvania junior $5,000.
Check out an ESPN.com Q&A with the big winner:
Did anyone else help you make picks during your W16 day during the stunt? Any superstitions?
I made sure not to ask any of my friends for input or let them influence any of my picks. At one point in the day I was going to be away from my computer for an hour so I asked my brother to enter the picks for me since I had a W10 going and didn't want to fall any more behind the leader. I told him which ones to choose and walked him through the process since he has never participated in Streak For the Cash. A few minutes after I left I get a text from him telling me he had somehow cancelled the pick I had locked in. I told him what it was so he could re enter it but it was too late and the pick had already locked. The pick I originally had ended up being wrong, it was the best mistake he's ever made!
How did you plan your day around the stunt?
I had a midterm on Friday therefore Thursday was my study day. Initially, I just went on ESPN for study breaks, not really thinking I had a chance of winning anything but as the day went on and I started moving up the leaderboard I spent more and more time researching and following my picks. I think this is the only time in my life I will ever use a gamecast for golf. When I made it to the top 10, I gave up on studying and focused all my energy on the streak. I still haven't received my grade on the test but hopefully I didn't do too badly on my midterm.
What was your strategy in making picks? Did you look at sportsbook odds? If so, which sites did you use?
I didn't really look at odds since most of the props I took didn't have odds for them. Most of the golf picks were just complete luck. I put a little thought into the baseball ones, and occasionally consulted the discussion boards, but ultimately just went with the picks that gave me the best feeling.
What initially got you into playing Streak for the Cash? Do you play another other Fantasy Games?
I spend a lot of time on ESPN.com and just stumbled upon Streak for the Cash. I'm part of a great fantasy football league that I'm really hoping the lockout doesn't deprive me of this year.
What do you plan on using the money towards?
Penn isn't cheap, it's going towards my college fund right away.
Blake Ends Season With Bang
Blake Griffin certainly ended his "rookie" campaign on a high note last night. 31 points (13-for-21 shooting), 10 rebounds, 10 assists, a steal, a block and a powerful alley-oop in 40 minutes of play.
This was Griffin's second career triple-double as he led the Clippers to a 110-103 win over the playoff-resting Grizzlies.
The Slam Dunk champ's stat-line for the season was pretty incredible (22.5 points, 12.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 38 minutes per game, 50.6 percent shooting from the field) but most important to Clipper fans is that Griffin played in all 82 games.
This was Griffin's second career triple-double as he led the Clippers to a 110-103 win over the playoff-resting Grizzlies.
The Slam Dunk champ's stat-line for the season was pretty incredible (22.5 points, 12.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 38 minutes per game, 50.6 percent shooting from the field) but most important to Clipper fans is that Griffin played in all 82 games.
Here Comes Joey
As if Portland sports fans need anything more to get them fired up for tonight's MLS home opener of their beloved Timbers.
Ahead of tonight's match vs. the Fire, the Timbers have released a :90 spot featuring team mascot, Timber Joey welcoming Chicago to the Rose City.
Be sure to follow us on Twitter tonight as we will be posting photos and updates from the historic night in Portland sports. The Timbers-Fire match airs at 11pm ET on ESPN2.
Ahead of tonight's match vs. the Fire, the Timbers have released a :90 spot featuring team mascot, Timber Joey welcoming Chicago to the Rose City.
Be sure to follow us on Twitter tonight as we will be posting photos and updates from the historic night in Portland sports. The Timbers-Fire match airs at 11pm ET on ESPN2.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Blake Like Me
Clippers forward Blake Griffin and center DeAndre Jordan appeared on the premiere episode Comedy Central's "Sports Show With Norm MacDonald." Check out the Clippers duo showing off their acting chops last night.
LeBron #1 in Jerseys
Putting all of his "Mama Drama" aside, LeBron James has something to celebrate heading into his first playoffs as a member of the Heat. Sales figures from NBAStore.com show that James has passed Kobe Bryant to take over the No. 1 spot on the NBA's best-selling jersey list this season.
This is the first time in seven years James has owned the top spot. Bryant's #24 jersey which now is second to James' #6, held the top spot since the beginning of the 2008-2009 season.
Rounding out the top five jerseys are Celtics G Rajon Rondo, Knicks F Amar'e Stoudemire and Bulls G Derrick Rose.
A few other jersey tidbits:
-5 Celtics -- Rondo, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Shaquille O'Neal -- rank in the Top 15 best-selling jerseys.
-The Lakers lead in team merchandise sales for the 8th time in 9 seasons and the Celtics are No. 2 for the third straight season.
-Rookies John Wall of the Wizards and Blake Griffin of the Clippers rank Nos. 10 and 11 respectively.
NBA Lockout Coming?
With the NFL locked out at the moment, the NBA might not be far behind. A NY Daily News report today highlights how the league cancelling it's annual Las Vegas summer league and internship program forshadow a work stopage once the current CBA expires on June 30. The Las Vegas summer league normally starts in early July, with 20 teams sending rookies and benchwarmers to compete over a 10-day league.
In addition, the NBA usually hires about 30 college students to participate in a 10-week internship program in the league's offices in New York and at the league's entertainment division in Secaucus, N.J.
The NY Daily News also reports that in preparation for a potetntial lockout, the NBA is not sending any teams abroad for training camp and did not schedule any preseason games in Europe for this fall.
Owners and players have not held formal negotiations since mid-February, but are expected to resume talks this month.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Peterson stars in "Real Men" campaign
Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher's Demi and Ashton Foundation (DNA) launched its "Real Men Don't Buy Girls" campaign yesterday in hopes of educating people about child sex slavery in the United States. The message of the campaign is that "Real Men" don't buy girls but instead respect and protect them.
DNA will release several short interactive videos about things "Real Men" do -- starring famous men such as Adrian Peterson, Justin Timberlake, Jamie Foxx and Drake. Fans can create their own videos by inserting their photos alongside the celebs at facebook.com/dnafoundation.
Kutcher told ESPN that using sports stars such as Peterson makes perfect sense because major sporting events are among the biggest drivers for sex trafficking.
"Every year traffickers clamor toward major events -- the Super Bowl, World Cup, Olympics -- to sell girls," Kutcher said. "The statistics are staggering. 'The Super Bowl is one of the biggest human trafficking events in the United States,' Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott told a trafficking prevention meeting in January 2011. Sex slavery is an elastic trade -- by reducing demand you increase the price and by increasing price you reduce the demand. So our hope is that we can reduce demand by having influential sports figures stand up and say, you are not a 'Real Man' and you are not a 'Real Fan' if you engage in such activity."
So how did Kutcher decide on using Peterson in this campaign?
"Adrian is arguably the best and most well-known running back in the NFL, and his influence with young men everywhere is massive," Kutcher said. "He volunteered to be a part of this 'Real Men' campaign, and we are happy to have him."
Here is Peterson's video, which includes a random appearance from Tom Brady.
DNA will release several short interactive videos about things "Real Men" do -- starring famous men such as Adrian Peterson, Justin Timberlake, Jamie Foxx and Drake. Fans can create their own videos by inserting their photos alongside the celebs at facebook.com/dnafoundation.
Kutcher told ESPN that using sports stars such as Peterson makes perfect sense because major sporting events are among the biggest drivers for sex trafficking.
"Every year traffickers clamor toward major events -- the Super Bowl, World Cup, Olympics -- to sell girls," Kutcher said. "The statistics are staggering. 'The Super Bowl is one of the biggest human trafficking events in the United States,' Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott told a trafficking prevention meeting in January 2011. Sex slavery is an elastic trade -- by reducing demand you increase the price and by increasing price you reduce the demand. So our hope is that we can reduce demand by having influential sports figures stand up and say, you are not a 'Real Man' and you are not a 'Real Fan' if you engage in such activity."
So how did Kutcher decide on using Peterson in this campaign?
"Adrian is arguably the best and most well-known running back in the NFL, and his influence with young men everywhere is massive," Kutcher said. "He volunteered to be a part of this 'Real Men' campaign, and we are happy to have him."
Here is Peterson's video, which includes a random appearance from Tom Brady.
Lincecum's windup in slow mo
Tim Lincecum's unorthodox pitching motion has been the subject of criticism ever since the 5'11" right hander came into the league in 2007.
Since then though, the undersized flame thrower has earned back-to-back Cy Young Awards and a World Series ring.
During Spring Training, Lincecum's sponsor Red Bull captured the Giants' ace pitching in ultra slow motion using a Phantom Flex High Speed digital camera system.
Check out the pretty cool video via Big League Stew.
Since then though, the undersized flame thrower has earned back-to-back Cy Young Awards and a World Series ring.
During Spring Training, Lincecum's sponsor Red Bull captured the Giants' ace pitching in ultra slow motion using a Phantom Flex High Speed digital camera system.
Check out the pretty cool video via Big League Stew.
Villanueva v. Hollins
Monday, April 11, 2011
Brady Recalls NFL Draft Wait
ESPN recently filmed an hour-long documentary called "The Brady 6," that looks back at the 2000 NFL Draft class of QBs and how the 199th overall pick became one of the best players in league history.
Chad Pennington, Giovanni Carmazzi, Chris Redman, Tee Martin, Marc Bulger and Spergon Wynn were a few of the signal callers selected before the Patriots took a chance on Tom Brady.
Brady and his father chatted with ESPN about draft day 11 years ago and during the interview, Brady broke down and cried while remembering the long wait.
Chad Pennington, Giovanni Carmazzi, Chris Redman, Tee Martin, Marc Bulger and Spergon Wynn were a few of the signal callers selected before the Patriots took a chance on Tom Brady.
Brady and his father chatted with ESPN about draft day 11 years ago and during the interview, Brady broke down and cried while remembering the long wait.
Giants' World Series Bling
The San Franciso Giants handed out their 2010 World Series rings prior to Saturday’s win against the Cardinals. Here are the ring details via MLB.com: Designed and produced by Tiffany & Co., the rings consist primarily of white gold, as well as 77 diamonds weighing slightly less than one carat. The top of each ring shows the familiar interlocking "SF" logo -- "set with round diamonds encircled by a bezel of yellow gold, flanked by two round diamonds," as described by a club news release.
One side of the ring displays a yellow gold tower of the Golden Gate Bridge, symbolizing the city of San Francisco. The other side bears the recipient's name in a ribbon over a likeness of the World Series trophy. Embedded in the top of the trophy is a mandarin orange spessarite representing San Francisco's championship; five diamonds at the trophy's base reflect the titles the franchise won in New York.
ESPN's Packer Draft Ads Drop
ESPN will begin airing ads today to promote its 2011 NFL Draft coverage.
The :30 spot called “Draft Builders," focuses on how the Packers built their Super Bowl-winning squad via the draft and highlights picks such as QB Aaron Rodgers and LB Clay Matthews.
The campaign was created by ESPN Consumer Marketing and Triple Double, Santa Monica.
The :30 spot called “Draft Builders," focuses on how the Packers built their Super Bowl-winning squad via the draft and highlights picks such as QB Aaron Rodgers and LB Clay Matthews.
The campaign was created by ESPN Consumer Marketing and Triple Double, Santa Monica.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Djokovic volleys on a plane
A year ago, we featured an awesome HEAD Tennis commercial showcasing Novak Djokovic and his team of scientists creating a "powered perpetual motion machine" and challenging the laws of physics.
In a new spot, Djokovic volleys with a partner on the wings of a plane. Pretty cool stuff yet again from HEAD. Check out the commercial below via Busted Racquet.
In a new spot, Djokovic volleys with a partner on the wings of a plane. Pretty cool stuff yet again from HEAD. Check out the commercial below via Busted Racquet.
Baldwin vs. Krasinski in New Era campaign
Yankee fan Alec Baldwin and Red Sox supporter John Krasinski star in New Era Cap's season-long ad campaign focusing on MLB rivalries. The first commercial launches today during regional and national telecasts of the first Yankees-Red Sox game of the season.
According to the Sports Business Daily, this is a huge campaign for New Era since they generally employ MLB players or musicians in its marketing, as opposed to well known actors.
"We looked around for relevant personalities with affinities for these teams and these guys had worked together before (in "It's Complicated) and were just the right fit," said New Era President Pete Augustine,
The spots will run during games throughout the season on ESPN, Fox, YES Network and NESN. Cable channels including Comedy Central, Adult Swim, Spike, FX, SportsNet N.Y. and others will also participate.
According to the Sports Business Daily, this is a huge campaign for New Era since they generally employ MLB players or musicians in its marketing, as opposed to well known actors.
"We looked around for relevant personalities with affinities for these teams and these guys had worked together before (in "It's Complicated) and were just the right fit," said New Era President Pete Augustine,
The spots will run during games throughout the season on ESPN, Fox, YES Network and NESN. Cable channels including Comedy Central, Adult Swim, Spike, FX, SportsNet N.Y. and others will also participate.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
"The LeBrons" premieres online
With news breaking of his partnership with Fenway Sports Group and his mom's run-in with the law, it has been a busy week off-the-court for LeBron James.
Adding to James' life outside of basketball, his web-based animated series called, "The LeBrons" debuted. The cartoon series revives characters from the popular Nike commercials in which James played four versions of himself.
According to the New York Times, these characters are: "the youthful and wide-eyed Kid LeBron; the physically adept Athlete LeBron; the smooth and savvy Business LeBron; and an ornery elder statesman called Wise LeBron."
"The LeBrons" will live on its own YouTube channel and at lebronjames.com. A portion of the proceeds will be used to purchase HP computers to be donated to Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Check out the first epsiode below:
Adding to James' life outside of basketball, his web-based animated series called, "The LeBrons" debuted. The cartoon series revives characters from the popular Nike commercials in which James played four versions of himself.
According to the New York Times, these characters are: "the youthful and wide-eyed Kid LeBron; the physically adept Athlete LeBron; the smooth and savvy Business LeBron; and an ornery elder statesman called Wise LeBron."
"The LeBrons" will live on its own YouTube channel and at lebronjames.com. A portion of the proceeds will be used to purchase HP computers to be donated to Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Check out the first epsiode below:
Panini signs Blake
Continuing to build its NBA roster for their upcoming memorabilia line, Panini America has signed Clippers F Blake Griffin to an exclusive multiyear deal. The NBA Slam Dunk Contest winner joins Lakers G Kobe Bryant, Thunder F Kevin Durant and Wizards G John Wall on Panini’s roster of exclusive athletes.
“Griffin’s established a national profile in a very short time, his rookie card is attracting huge prices and generally in huge demand for such a young player,” said Panini CEO Mark Warsop,
According to the Sports Business Daily, Panini will use Griffin’s autograph and memorabilia in its card line and for the launch of the Panini Authentic memorabilia line next month. Griffin also will be used on Panini packaging and advertising.
Panini's May launch will be as an online store and it will eventually spread to trading-card stores. Products will range from photos for $29.95 to signed game-used sneakers from Bryant from the NBA Finals, priced in the thousands.
Frig gets Super Bowl ring returned by 10-year-old
Former Bears DT/FB William "Refrigerator" Perry recently got his Super Bowl XX ring back, but it wasn't from the NFL or his former team.
10-year-old old Cliff Forest, a Chicago sports fan, bought the ring a sports memorabilia store in New York for $8,500 and returned it to it's rightful owner.
After reading about Perry's health issues, Forest was inspired to spend money from his own college fund to return to ring to the former Bears great.
Check out this awesome story.
10-year-old old Cliff Forest, a Chicago sports fan, bought the ring a sports memorabilia store in New York for $8,500 and returned it to it's rightful owner.
After reading about Perry's health issues, Forest was inspired to spend money from his own college fund to return to ring to the former Bears great.
Check out this awesome story.
Create Orlando's Playoff Beards
With the NBA playoffs right around the corner, teams are trying to gain every advantage they can heading into the postseason.
Magic players have agreed not to shave until their playoff run ends and the Orlando Sentinel created a very amusing "Beards of Glory" interactive graphic, where you can beard up a few players.
A year ago, the Sentinel featured a similar interactive page where fans could give coach Stan Van Gundy a facial hair makeover.
Check out Dwight Howard ("Full Beard") , Hedo Turkoglu ("The Marley") and Jameer Nelson ("The Kimbo") and J.J. Reddick's ("Sculpted") new looks.
Magic players have agreed not to shave until their playoff run ends and the Orlando Sentinel created a very amusing "Beards of Glory" interactive graphic, where you can beard up a few players.
A year ago, the Sentinel featured a similar interactive page where fans could give coach Stan Van Gundy a facial hair makeover.
Check out Dwight Howard ("Full Beard") , Hedo Turkoglu ("The Marley") and Jameer Nelson ("The Kimbo") and J.J. Reddick's ("Sculpted") new looks.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Incredible D.Rose MVP Tribute
After watching the below video, there is no way Bulls PG Derrick Rose DOESN'T win the NBA's MVP award right?
The incredibly talented Windy City duo "Lexy and Stephany" pay tribute to the Bulls' All-Star point guard with their original a cappella jam.
Please take the time to explore their YouTube catalogue and I highly recommend checking out "Eye of the Tiger" and "Dancing Queen."
The incredibly talented Windy City duo "Lexy and Stephany" pay tribute to the Bulls' All-Star point guard with their original a cappella jam.
Please take the time to explore their YouTube catalogue and I highly recommend checking out "Eye of the Tiger" and "Dancing Queen."
Hayward's Revenge
Former Butler star Gordon Hayward of the Jazz took out his NCAA Championship game frustration on the two-time defending champs last night. The athletic wing scored 22 points (10 in the 4th)grabbed six boards and dropped five dimes in a one point win over the Lakers.
Hayward not only made the game-clinching free throw but played great defense on Kobe Bryant on the final play of the game. Down one with six seconds left, Bryant fumbled the ball away as the buzzer sounded.
Bryant seemed to be impressed with the rookie: "I'm very, very fond of him. He's a very-skilled, all-around player," said Bryant. "I think he's going to have a very bright future in this league. He reminds me of a more talented Jeff Hornacek. Jeff couldn't put the ball on the floor as well as (Hayward) can."
Hayward not only made the game-clinching free throw but played great defense on Kobe Bryant on the final play of the game. Down one with six seconds left, Bryant fumbled the ball away as the buzzer sounded.
Bryant seemed to be impressed with the rookie: "I'm very, very fond of him. He's a very-skilled, all-around player," said Bryant. "I think he's going to have a very bright future in this league. He reminds me of a more talented Jeff Hornacek. Jeff couldn't put the ball on the floor as well as (Hayward) can."
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
"Khloe and Lamar" tips off Sunday
Only a few days away from the tip off of E!'s new reality series, "Khloe and Lamar," below is an extended look at the opening titles and scenes from the premiere season, following Lakers F Lamar Odom and his wife Khloe Kardashian.
Odom has played extremely well this season for the Lakeshow and this is an obvious result of "The Kardashian Effect," which has turned Nets F Kris Humphries into a double-double machine, earned Cowboys WR Miles Austin a huge contract and Saints RB Reggie Bush a Super Bowl ring.
To be honest, the sneak peek doesn't look that bad. I'm sure Laker nation will enjoying seeing the fan favorite Odom off the court and the show seems to tackle issues outside of basketball and Hollywood life, including an incident with Odom's estranged father.
"Khloe and Lamar" premieres this Sunday at 10/9 C on E!
Odom has played extremely well this season for the Lakeshow and this is an obvious result of "The Kardashian Effect," which has turned Nets F Kris Humphries into a double-double machine, earned Cowboys WR Miles Austin a huge contract and Saints RB Reggie Bush a Super Bowl ring.
To be honest, the sneak peek doesn't look that bad. I'm sure Laker nation will enjoying seeing the fan favorite Odom off the court and the show seems to tackle issues outside of basketball and Hollywood life, including an incident with Odom's estranged father.
"Khloe and Lamar" premieres this Sunday at 10/9 C on E!
Kobe stars in Chinese Music Video
Kobe Bryant has been popping up all over the globe these days. He stars in an ad campaign for Turkish Airlines, is the hero in a recent Chinese Smart Car commercial and now is featured in a strange music video/commercial for China Sprite.
Double click on the below video co-starring Bryant and Jay Chou, who starred as Kato in "The Green Hornet."
Double click on the below video co-starring Bryant and Jay Chou, who starred as Kato in "The Green Hornet."
Monday, April 4, 2011
UConn's Good Luck Dance
If UConn has any shot of beating underdog Butler tonight, sophomore big man Alex Oriakhi has to bring his A-game for his pregame dance routine.
CBS aired footage of Oriakhi doing the "Harlem Shake" before the Huskies' semifinal matchup against Kentucky on Saturday.
"I've been doing it since the Big East tournament, so I'm not going to stop," Oriakhi said Sunday. "It's a good luck dance."
Teammates Kemba Walker and Shabazz Napier were asked to evaluate Oriakhi's dance. "It was hot," Walker said.
"It needs some work, but it's smooth," Napier added.
CBS aired footage of Oriakhi doing the "Harlem Shake" before the Huskies' semifinal matchup against Kentucky on Saturday.
"I've been doing it since the Big East tournament, so I'm not going to stop," Oriakhi said Sunday. "It's a good luck dance."
Teammates Kemba Walker and Shabazz Napier were asked to evaluate Oriakhi's dance. "It was hot," Walker said.
"It needs some work, but it's smooth," Napier added.
EPL club reveals MJ statue
EPL club Fulham unveiled a statue of Michael Jackson outside of their stadium yesterday prior to facing off against Blackpool FC. The Premier League side erected the statue to commemorate the late singer's friendship with the club's chairman, Egyptian business tycoon Mohamed Al Fayed.
Al Fayed says "people will queue to come and visit it from all over Britain and it is something that I and everybody else should be proud of."
The 7'6" statue depicts the King of Pop dancing with a microphone, was commissioned following Jackson's death in June 2009 and Al Fayed had originally planned to display it inside Harrod's department store in London, which he sold in May 2010.
Melo's SNL Debut
Following in the footsteps of New York sports stars Derek Jeter and Mark Messier, Knicks F Carmelo Anthony appeared on this week's Saturday Night Live.
Melo's debut was the sketch "ESPN Classic: Ladies Shot Put" playing a ladies shot putter named "Carmela St. Knix."
Anthony also made a cameo in this week’s very strange digital short to say, “Go Knicks.”
Both of Melo's appearances also randomly featured Oscar-winner Tom Hanks. Finally, at the end of the episode, Anthony introduced Elton John and Leon Russell's performance of "Monkey Suit."
Melo's debut was the sketch "ESPN Classic: Ladies Shot Put" playing a ladies shot putter named "Carmela St. Knix."
Anthony also made a cameo in this week’s very strange digital short to say, “Go Knicks.”
Both of Melo's appearances also randomly featured Oscar-winner Tom Hanks. Finally, at the end of the episode, Anthony introduced Elton John and Leon Russell's performance of "Monkey Suit."
Friday, April 1, 2011
Bud Light launches Mock Draft Contest
In conjunction with the announcement today that they've become the exclusive beer of the National Football League, Bud Light has launched a "Best Round Ever" contest which offers a $10 million grand prize to the fan (21 years of age or older) who predicts the first round of the NFL Draft perfectly. Between April 1-April 15, fans can also enter the "Bud Light NFL Draft VIP Experience" sweepstakes on Bud Light's official Facebook page for a chance to win a trip for two to the NFL Draft in New York City.
Winners will also receive access to Bud Light's exclusive Best Round Ever pre-draft party – emceed by Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice – on Wednesday, April 27. The Best Round Ever pre-draft party, co-hosted by the Pro Football Hall of Fame, will feature legendary NFL alumni Warren Moon, Harry Carson, Anthony Munoz, Franco Harris and Shannon Sharpe conducting a first round mock draft and a Q&A with fans in attendance.
Bud Light has sponsorship rights of the second round of the NFL Draft and will provide one football fan (21 years of age or older) in the New York metropolitan area the opportunity to join a legendary NFL player on stage to announce his or her favorite team's second-round draft pick on primetime television.
Tucker wins dunk contest
Earlier this week, we told you about YouTube sensation Jacob Tucker from Division III Illinois College, earning a spot in the NCAA's annual dunk contest and last night, the 5'11" guard showed off his 50" vertical leap on ESPN2 and took home the title as the best dunker in the country.
Tucker was the only player to earn a 50 in the first round and after missing two dunks in the final round, he jumped over a ball-boy, who was holding the ball over his head, and threw down a powerful reverse dunk.
"It's unbelievable, just because a lot of these other guys here are D-I players," Tucker said after the contest. "They're used to being on the national stage, and this dunk contest, to their schools, didn't necessarily mean as much. To be able to represent my school on a national stage is a real honor."
The contest will re-air on ESPN2 tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. ET.
Tucker was the only player to earn a 50 in the first round and after missing two dunks in the final round, he jumped over a ball-boy, who was holding the ball over his head, and threw down a powerful reverse dunk.
"It's unbelievable, just because a lot of these other guys here are D-I players," Tucker said after the contest. "They're used to being on the national stage, and this dunk contest, to their schools, didn't necessarily mean as much. To be able to represent my school on a national stage is a real honor."
The contest will re-air on ESPN2 tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. ET.
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