Mangold's Sister to Appear on MTV's "True Life"

Size definitely runs in Jets center Nick Mangold's family. The Pro Bowler stands 6'4" 307lbs. and his younger sister, Holley tips the scale at around 370 lbs.

After playing high school ball as a lineman, Holley has switched to weightlifting in hopes of making the U.S. team for the 2012 London Olympics.

The younger Mangold appears on tonight's episode of MTV's "True Life: I'm The Big Girl," which chronicles her pursuit of weightlifting and her progression of starting at 395 pounds and dropping to her current weight.

Holley's famous older bro has been promoting her sis' big night, with Tweets such as:

@nickmangold: Check out my sister @HolleyMangold on @MTV's True Life Thursday night at 11pm. I'm just glad its not 16 & Pregnant!

Check out a sneak peek of Holley's episode below.

True Life - MTV Shows

Byrnes Lays Out Reynolds

Now that he has moved on from playing in adult softball leagues, former MLBer Eric Byrnes has a nice gig as an analyst on MLB Network.

In a recent segment with Harold Reynolds, the notorious overachieving hustler Byrnes took things a little too seriously. Check out what he does to Reynolds in the below clip.

Kobayashi to Compete in Hot Dog Contest via Satellite

Takeru Kobayashi won't be on the Coney Island boardwalk for this year's Nathan's Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest but the world renowned competitive eater will still take on defending champion and arch rival Joey Chestnut.

Kobayashi has refused to sign an exclusive contract with organizer Major League Eating so he'll unofficially compete from a remote location to protest his ban from the Coney Island challenge.

Kobayashi won't be too far away from the action, as he plans to chow down at a mid-town Manhattan restaurant.

The six-time champ was once the face of the sport and brought the Nathan's event mainstream, leading to a deal with ESPN, however because of contract issues, Kobayashi has now become an outcast.

Last year, Kobayashi watched the contest from the crowd and made national headlines when he jumped onto the stage in protest. He was arrested, spent a night in jail and was removed from Nathan’s Wall of Fame for contest winners

"I hope to create awareness about the nature of this kind of business," said Kobayashi. "At least they cannot erase history."

George Shea, spokesman for Major League Eating, said he wishes Kobayashi good luck but assured that “the World Hot Dog Eating Champion will be crowned in Coney Island that day.”

SI's "Where are they Now?" Issue

Sports Illustrated's 12th annual "Where Are They Now?" issue hits newsstands today and the magazine catches up with former sports greats including cover athlete Yogi Berra, Joe Namath and Jim Brown.

In addition to features on former athletes, Chris Nashawaty, a senior writer at Entertainment Weekly—caught up with the cast and crew of "Major League," who try to explain what makes it one of the best sports movies ever. This interview included more than two hours spent with Charlie Sheen, who had a few memorable things to say.

In addition to the print/online versions of the magazine, SI.com has posted a few video segments to support their features. Check out the below video starring 7'4" former Jazz center Mark Eaton, who details what life is like for a NBA giant once his career is over.

Pittsburgh Rally to Celebrate Ward's "Dancing" Win

There must not be a lot of activity in Pittsburgh these days, because Steelers WR Hines Ward is getting his own rally to celebrate his recent "Dancing With the Stars" victory.

Ward and dance partner Kym Johnson will show off their Mirror Ball Trophy tomorrow at a parade in front of the City-County Building.

"City residents and the Steelers Nation have contacted my office asking for the city to properly thank our hometown hero for once-again shining the spotlight on Pittsburgh," Mayor Luke Ravenstahl said.

Couples are invited to highlight their dancing skills in two-minute YouTube videos for a chance to appear on stage with Ward and Johnson. City officials will pick five videos for posting on the city Facebook page and the three entrants with the most "likes" by 11 a.m. Thursday will be invited on stage for a "dance-off" to be judged by Ward, Johnson and Ravenstahl. Winners of the dance-off will receive autographed Ward jerseys.

RIP Lorenzo

North Carolina State basketball legend Lorenzo Charles died last night in a tour bus accident in Raleigh, N.C. The 1983 Final Four hero was driving a company bus on Interstate 40 when the accident occurred. There were no passengers.

Charles was part of one of the greatest NCAA tournament moments in history, when he grabbed a short 30-foot shot by Dereck Whittenburg and dunked it for the winning basket in NC State's 54-52 upset victory over Houston in the NCAA title game in Albuquerque.

The buzzer beater inspired Wolfpack coach Jim Valvano to run onto the court, looking for someone to hug in what has become one of the most famous images of the NCAA tournament.

"It's still kind of amazing to me that ... people are still talking about it," Charles said in an excerpt from his comments about the championship game on his NC State web page. "I remember when (it) first happened, I figured I would have my 15 minutes of fame and that would be it. Here we are and it is still a conversational piece. I don't really think that was the only great Final Four finish that has been played since then, but for some reason people just single out that game and talk about it. Maybe because it was such a David and Goliath thing."

NC State retired Charles' No. 43 jersey in 2008, the 25th anniversary of the championship.

Charles played one season in the NBA, averaging 3.4 points in 36 games with the Atlanta Hawks in 1985-86, and played internationally and in the Continental Basketball Association until 1999.

A Cirque du Soleil First Pitch

While a couple of NBA players have been embarrassing themselves on the mounds of their local MLB teams, the Padres went a different route last night for their ceremonial first pitch against the Royals at Petco Park.

Check out a Cirque du Soleil performer throwing the perfect first pitch strike.

Phyllis From "The Office" Was A NFL Cheerleader

We tweeted this news yesterday but wanted to give it full coverage on the blog today.

During her recent media tour for "Bad Teacher," Phyllis Smith, best known for her role as Phyllis Lapin-Vance on NBC's "The Office," highlighted her interesting pre-acting career, which included jobs as a pre-school teacher, casting agency employee, burlesque dancer and NFL cheerleader.

Smith worked as a cheerleader for the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1970's and during an interview with Slate.com, Smith talked more about her time working for the team and what NFL cheerleading was like back in the day:

"I was at the height of my glory, because I loved dancing and wearing the boots and the hot pants, the tied up shirts, looking really hot. And I was able to dance, I loved football. My dad used to have season tickets, so I was flirting with the guys on the sidelines as much as I could. The organizations make sure that the cheerleaders and the players have minimal contact, but that's what you try to do. It was great, in the '70s."

Hat tip to Game On!

Dirk's Wild Pitch

Although NBA Finals MVP Dirk Nowitzki's recent first pitch wasn't as bad as Wizards PG John Wall, the Mavericks star likely won't be pitching for the Rangers anytime soon.

Check out Nowitzki's high fastball from over the weekend. Alley-oop to the Basketball Jones.

Panthers' Future GQB 1

Panthers #1 overall draft pick Cam Newton appears in the latest issue of GQ Magazine and seems to be on his way at achieving his goal of becoming "not only a football player, but an entertainer and icon."

Newton's photo spread has the Heisman Trophy winner rocking "Fall's Bold Striped Sweaters" and the short article focuses on his epic season at Auburn and his future as a NFL signalcaller.

GQ: "I ask if this is a fair question, or a retread of that old ugly trope about black quarterbacks being "natural athletes" and white quarterbacks being "students of the game."

Newton: "Sir," he says with granite certainty, "it all comes down to whether a person wins or loses. I don't bring race into the game, 'cause then you're talking about excuses. I. Hate. Excuses. Excuses are a disease."

Artest's Name Change

Even in the offseason, there is never a dull moment with Lakers forward Ron Artest. The 31-year-old Ronald William Artest Jr. wants to change his name to Metta World Peace.

In the court documents filed yesterday, Artest cited personal reasons for wanting to make the change and an August 26 court date has been set to consider the petition.

Other NBA players who changed their names during their playing career include Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (from Lew Alcindor), Bison Dele (from Brian Williams) and Mahmud Abdul-Raff (from Chris Jackson).

It is up to the Lakers and Artest, to determine if his new name will appear on the back of his jersey and if it would read "World Peace" or just "Peace."

At his NBA Draft press conference last night, Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak was asked his preference for what name Artest should have on the back of his jersey:

"I'm an advocate for world peace," Kupchak said.

Agent Breakdown of NBA Draft

CAA Sports, Wasserman Media Group and BDA Sports shared the title of most successful sports agency at the NBA Draft as each had four clients selected during the first round last night.

CAA's top pick was F Tristan Thompson who went to the Cavs at 4, WMG’s top pick was F Jan Vesely by the Wizards at the No. 6 spot and BDA’s top pick was G Klay Thompson who was taken 11th by the Warriors.

#1 overall selection Kyrie Irving is represented by Jeff Wechsler at 24/7 Sports Management and he was the agency's only selection last night.

Landmark Sports Agency’s Rob Pelinka also had one pick in the draft with No. 2 pick F Derrick Williams going to Minnesota.

Globetrotters Draft Tucker

The Harlem Globetrotters hosted their annual player draft this week and although he is only 5'11" Illinois College guard Jacob Tucker stood out among the group, which included 7'8" Paul Sturgess of Mountain State.

"It's definitely an honor because everybody knows who they are and I know all the good things they do besides just playing basketball," Tucker said in a press release. "I've always wanted to be a part of something like that. I just need to look into the details of it before I agree to anything."

Tucker became a YouTube sensation this spring when the Illinois College guard posted videos showcasing his 50" vertical leap and earned a spot in the NCAA's annual dunk contest. The certified personal trailer ultimately took home the title as the best dunker in the country.

In addition to selecting Tucker and Sturgess, the Globetrotters "drafted" a 12 year-old ball dribbling phenom from the Seattle and FIFA World Player of the Year Lio Messi.

World's Biggest Shave

As Roger Federer attempts to win his seventh Wimbledon men's singles title, Gillette is supporting their endorser with a video called, "World's Biggest Shave."

The P&G brand's U.K. division painted a giant image of the tennis player on a field in London, then added 1,000 liters of foam to replicate shaving cream and had crews "shave" the image with a mower and an oversized replica of a ProGlide razor.

Federer's "shave" broke Gillette's record they set in January when Derek Jeter’s face was painted 40 feet high on a building in New York

Manning Bros star in DirecTV Cop Drama

Although the current NFL lockout is keeping the Manning brothers unemployed, two of the most marketable players in the league are staying busy off the field.

Check out the Season 1 trailer for DirecTV's fake cop drama "Football Cops." Here are the details:

Peyton and Eli Manning star in this action-packed drama about two former pro football players who bring their unique brand of law enforcement to one of the country's toughest neighborhoods. Mike Tahoe (Peyton Manning) was living the dream as a big league quarterback, until a personal tragedy brought him back to the mean streets of his childhood. Vowing to bring those who wronged him to swift justice, he enlists the help of his best friend, and biggest rival, C.J. Hunter (Eli Manning). Both grew up together as orphans in a home for wayward boys. Both overcame the odds to become huge sports stars. Now both are the only hope for the rugged streets they once again call home.

Free Wings if Lockout Ends by July 20

As if football fans need any more insentive for the NFL lockout to end,
Buffalo Wild Wings has launched a wing giveaway with its “Save Our Season” petition in an effort to influence a solution to the current work stoppage.

The Minneapolis-based restaraunt chain wrote an open letter to the NFL owners and players last week to inform them of the petition, which has received more than 16,000 signatures to date.

The letter stated that that if the two sides reach an agreement by July 20 (when players are supposed to report to training camp) the chain will give six free wings to fans who signed the petition.

“We live and breathe all sports, and so do our guests,” said Kathy Benning, Buffalo Wild Wings’ executive vice president of marketing and brand development. “We keep hearing from our fans how much they want a football season, and we want them to know we’re happy to serve as their voice, but also to celebrate the return of football and their passion for the game.”

Tyson's "Da Brick" Coming to HBO

With HBO's "Entourage" finally coming to an end this season, creator Doug Ellin is teaming up with John Ridley and Spike Lee for a project that is loosely inspired by Mike Tyson's early years in boxing.

According to Variety, "Da Brick" was written by Ridley, who will serve as showrunner. Lee will direct the pilot and executive produce, along with Ellin, as well as Tyson and Ellin's producing partner, Jim Lefkowitz. Tyson's wife, Lakiha Tyson, will co-exec produce along with Azim Spicer.

Ellin's connection with Tyson came about after the boxer filmed a guest spot last season on "Entourage."

"He said to me, 'Why don't you do with my life what you did with Mark (Wahlberg's) life" with "Entourage," Ellin told Variety.

According to Variety, the series will not be a "straight bio vehicle" but will follow the rise of a young boxer in present-day Newark, N.J. as "Da Brick" refers to Newark being known as "the brickyard city."

Casting hasn't been finalized yet, but who do you think should play the Iron Mike character?

Sneak Peek at Gruden Camp: Terrelle Pryor

ESPN's "Monday Night Football" analyst Jon Gruden will conduct a one-on-one film session and workout with former Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor in a hour-long special on Thursday, June 30, at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Gruden’s QB Camp – Terrelle Pryor will include a behind-the-scenes look at Pryor’s film session with Gruden and host Rece Davis will provide a timeline on the events at Ohio State that forced head coach Jim Tressel’s resignation and eventually lead to Pryor’s decision to forgo his final year of eligibility and make himself eligible for the NFL’s supplementary draft.

Here is an early look at the TV special.

All-Access with Kemba

Thursday's NBA Draft will be a homecoming of courts for UCONN G Kemba Walker, who grew up in New York City. ESPN cameras will be following the likely top-10 selection this week and in the video below, Walker gives ESPN's Andy Katz an all-access tour of his hometown.

Behind-the-Scenes Look at "The Franchise"

With HBO's "Hard Knocks" likely derailed by the current NFL lockout (and teams' reluctance to commit to the show), the most highly anticipated sports reality show of the summer is Showtime's documentary series "The Franchise," which follows the 2010 World Series champ Giants as they defend their title.

With a 1/2 game lead in the NL West standings, the G-Men are poised for another exciting finish to the season and although "The Franchise" doesn't debut until July 13, Showtime offers a 3-minute behind-the-scenes look at the season.

Wambach's "This is SportsCenter" Ad

With the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup a little more than two weeks away, ESPN has launched a new "This is SportsCenter" commercial starring US star Abby Wambach.

Check out how World Cup fever is spreading throughout ESPN's Bristol, CT campus.

Former Cowboy Greats Appear on "Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition"

Although he never had a weight problem himself, NFL Hall of Famer and current NFL Network analyst Michael Irvin is spending his offseason motivating athletes and and fans to get into shape.

Irvin and former Cowboys teammate (and weight-challenged) Nate Newton appear on tonight's episode of ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition" to help a Fort Worth, Texas man shed some of his 651 pounds.

Check out a preview of Irvin and Newton's apperance on tonight's episode.

NBA Makes Green Room Invites

With only a few days until the NBA Draft, the league has announced which prospects will be in attendance at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J to go up on stage and shake commissioner David Stern's hand upon being selected.

Kyrie Irving (Duke), Derrick Williams (Arizona), Enes Kanter (Turkey), Brandon Knight (Kentucky), Kemba Walker (UConn), Jonas Valanciunas (Lithuania), Jan Vesely (Czech Republic), Kawhi Leonard (San Diego St.), Chris Singleton (Florida St.), Klay Thompson (Washington St.), Tristan Thompson (Texas), Jimmer Fredette (BYU), Marcus Morris (Kansas), Markieff Morris (Kansas) and Alec Burks (Colorado) will all be in the NBA's "Green Room" on Thursday night.

The NBA Draft tips off on Thursday at 7pm ET on ESPN.

Wall Bounces First Pitch

Wizards PG John Wall better hope there isn't a NBA lockout next season, because it looks like his athletic prowess doesn't extend beyond the hardwood.

Check out Wall's incredibly awful first pitch before the Nationals-Orioles on Friday night.

Classic Sports Posters Exhibit

The Salon 94 art gallery in New York City is opening an exhibit next week called "For The Kids" featuring classic sports posters of John and Tock Costacos.

The brothers began their careers as sports t-shirt manufacturers but started a side business creating "fantasy" sports posters that gave pro athletes super hero/celebrity looks.

Here are a few of my favorites. Major hat tip to Hot Clicks.

Kids Lemonade Stand Shut Down at U.S. Open

Just outside of Congressional Country Club, the site of this year's U.S. Open, a group of kids were selling lemonade to raise money for pediatric cancer.

Unfortunately for the kids and their parents, a county inspector ordered them to shut down the stand and after they ignored a couple of warnings, the inspector fined their parents $500.

Check out the local news report below via Devil Ball Golf:

Romar's Soft Hands

University of Washington basketball Lorenzo Romar might just have the best hands in the Pac-12. Check out the Huskies' coach catching a fish in style at Pike Place Market in Seattle.

Mavs' Top 10 List

As the Dallas Mavericks and 250,000 of their closest friends prepare for the team's championship parade today, Mavs owner Mark Cuban and a few players appeared on CBS' "Late Show with David Letterman" last night to present the "Top Ten Good Things About Winning the NBA Championship."

Although they didn't play in the NBA Finals, it is nice to see Caron Butler and Rodrigue Beaubois get some face time.

"Moneyball" Trailer Hits

Although the Oakland A's have one of the worst records in baseball, one of the most highly anticipated films of the fall is "Moneyball," based on Michael Lewis' best-seller, which chronicles general manager Billy Beane's successful use of mathematics to field a winning team.

The film version of Beane's story stars Brad Pitt as the GM, Jonah Hill as the Paul DePodesta-inspired assistant GM and Philip Seymour Hoffman as former A's manager Art Howe.

Directed by Bennett Miller and written by Aaron Sorkin and Steven Zaillian, "Moneyball" hits theaters September 23.

The full trailer premiered last night on Entertainment Tonight and check it out below (skip ahead 45 seconds):

Vote on Top NCAA Football Tradition

EA Sports has partnered with ESPN's "SportsNation" to give college football fans the chance to vote for which school has the best tradition in the country. EA has compiled 16 of the top schools and showcased their football tradition via video clips from "NCAA Football 12" in a bracket-style tournament.

Every Tuesday (at noon ET), they'll open a new round of voting until one school is declared the winner. The winning school will receive hundreds of copies of EA's "NCAA Football 12" on the day of game's release (July 12), courtesy of SportsNation and EA Sports.

Check out #14 seed (crazy low seeding) USC's football tradition.

PGA's "Golf Boys"

Golfers Ben Crane, Bubba Watson, Rickie Fowler and Hunter Mahan have formed the first PGA boy band and last night premiered their debut music video for "Oh Oh Oh."

Thankfully, the Golf Boys' "Lonely Island" impression is for a good cause. Farmers Insurance has sponsored "Oh Oh Oh," and will donate $1,000 for every 100,000 views of the video. These charitable proceeds will support both Farmers and Crane's charitable initiatives in support of Farmers' sponsorship of the Farmers Insurance Open.

Rex Replaces Brady in Sandler Flick

The Patriots/Jets rivalry has now extended into the movie business.

Patriots QB Tom Brady recently dropped out of a cameo in the Adam Sandler comedy “I Hate You, Dad,’’ that was scheduled to shoot yesterday, but producers were able to find a NFL replacement with a little more acting experience.

The Boston Globe reports that Jets coach Rex Ryan was on the set in Lynn, MA yesterday for the cameo.

In April, Ryan and Jets GM Mike Tanenbaum appeared on CBS' “CSI: New York.” Ryan and his wife also have some additional film experience of their own.

"I Hate You, Dad" is the story of a disagreeable father who moves in with his son before he's about to get married. Sandler stars alongside Leighton Meester, Susan Sarandon and James Caan.

Rodgers' New Job

Just in case the NFL lockout isn't resolved, the reigning Super Bowl MVP is making sure he has another job next year.

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has started his own record label called "Suspended Sunrise Recordings" and has already signed a band and shot a music video.

Rodgers' company is working with the band, "The Make," which is from the QB's hometown of Chico, California.

“This is the first step in the process,” Rodgers told KRCRTV.com. “My business partner and I have been working for a couple of years trying to put this whole thing together. We’re excited about starting the process, to see what happens with this band. Obviously football is my first priority, music is my passion after that.”

"The Make" shot their first-ever video at a bowling alley over the weekend and Rodgers appeared in the shoot.

Guillermo Visits Shaq

After spending some time with Mavericks and Heat players earlier in the NBA Finals, Jimmy Kimmel's sidekick, Guillermo continued his media tour and hung out with recently retired Shaquille O'Neal.

Check out "Giant Questions," where the duo enjoys a cereal eating contest, inappropriate dancing and of course, hard-hitting questions.

Off the Court Stories from NBA Finals

I wonder if the "LeBron James having 11 toes" rumor got in his head before game 6 last night?

With 1.2 seconds left on the clock, a verklempt Dirk Nowitzki ran off the court and into the locker room to gather his emotions before joining his team in the NBA Finals celebrations. "I had to get a moment. I was crying a bit. I was a little emotional. … I actually didn't want to come out for the trophy, but the guys talked me into it."

Chris Bosh was especially emotional after the series-clinching loss last night. Thankfully Erick Dampier was there to console him.

Mavs owner Mark Cuban broke his NBA Finals silence by cussing on NBA TV and ESPN.

Cuban and the Mavs partied hard last night at Club LIV at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami. Cuban rented out the club and pre-purchased 250 hundred of bottles of champagne prior to Game 6. The team sang “We are the Champions” and Cuban snapped a pic with rapper Lil' Wayne.

Speaking of Lil' Wayne, his mentor Birdman lost $2 million on the Heat. The CEO of Cash Money Records announced on Twitter last week that he put down two million bucks on the Heat to win in the NBA Finals.

OOPS, the Miami Herald ran an ad for Heat championship gear.

NBA Finals Headlines

The Dallas Mavericks won their first championship last night by defeating the Miami Heat 105-95 in Game Six of the NBA Finals.

Here are a few front-page headlines from national and regional outlets (via SBD):

Dallas Morning News: "Blue Grit"
Ft. Worth Star-Telegram: "Mav-elous"
Miami Herald: "Flameout"
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: "Stars Fade On Big Night"
USA Today: "Mavs Win Crown"
SI.com: "Magnificent Mavs"
ESPN Dallas: "So Cool"

In addition, Cavs owner Dan Gilbert took to Twitter following the Mavs' victory, congratulating the Dallas organization and taking an apparent shot at his former employee, LeBron James.

@cavsdan: Congrats to Mark C.&entire Mavs org. Mavs NEVER stopped & now entire franchise gets rings. Old Lesson for all:There are NO SHORTCUTS. NONE.

Once his postgame media and team obligations were complete, James tweeted his thoughts:

@KingJames: The Greater Man upstairs know when it's my time. Right now isn't the time.

Howard's Collectables

With the US National Soccer team continuing their 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament run tomorrow night versus Panama in Tampa, we thought it would be cool to see what star goalkeeper Tim Howard is like off the pitch.

Check out the Everton keeper’s media room in his home in England. Howard has collected some awesome stuff over the years.

Breaston's Lockout Poem

As the NFL lockout closes in on 90 days, players across the league are continuing to express their displeasure with the labor situation.

Check out Cardinals WR Steve Breaston’s lockout-inspired version of the famous Langston Hughes poem “A Dream Deferred.”

Summer Ball with Durant

Although the Thunder were eliminated in the Western Conference Finals by the Mavericks, the basketball season isn't over for Kevin Durant.

Every summer, KD goes back home to Washington, D.C. to play in the Goodman League and earlier this week, the reigning NBA scoring champ put on a show.

Check out a few highlights from the Durant's Goodman League opener.

New adidas Soccer TV Spot

Continuing the brand's "all in" global campaign launched in March, adidas is set to debut a MLS-specific TV spot tonight during the Chicago Fire v. Sporting KC match on ESPN2.

The :30 commercial features David Beckham of the LA Galaxy, Juan Agudelo of the New York Red Bulls and Kenny Cooper Jr. of the Portland Timbers alongside international stars Lio Messi and Kaká.

Grantland Goes Live Today

Bill Simmons' long anticipated new sports/pop culture website www.grantland.com will go live today at noon ET.

The New York Times Magazine profiled Simmons in their May 31st issue and the columnist seemed relieved that the project is finally launching, telling author Jonathan Mahler, "It hasn't been as much as fun as I had thought. I'm not sure I would do it again."

Mahler said Simmons spent too much of his time dealing with administrative tasks, which cut into his time focusing on his ESPN column.

The new site is under the ESPN umbrella and is named for legendary sportswriter Grantland Rice. Simmons' site will be home to his columns and podcasts and feature a diverse lineup of writers including Chuck Klosterman, Malcolm Gladwell, Michael Weinreb, Katie Baker, Molly Lambert, Chris Ryan, Robert Mays III, Bill Barnwell and Patrice Evans.

Simmons chatted with The Wrap for a pre-launch interview and detailed the philosophy behind the new site:

"You know, we’re not trying to reinvent websites. We’re just going for an entertaining website that people will want to check Monday through Friday for sports and pop culture. We have a bunch of great ideas we’re going to try to execute and we wanted to make it a place that a bunch of pretty good writers could kind of come in and do stuff, whether it’s full time or part time or whatever. The main thing for the website is we’re going for quality over quantity and we’re not going to chase page views."

Deron to Sign With LeBron's Agent?

After parting ways with former agent Bob McClaren yesterday, Nets G Deron Williams is expected to sign with agent Leon Rose, who represents LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul, among others.

Bloomberg News reported Tuesday that Williams had fired McClaren, who has represented the All-Star guard since he came into the league in 2005.

Rose works for Creative Artists Agency and played a pivotal role in James' controversial decision to sign with Miami last summer. Does Williams' pairing with Rose spell trouble for Nets management in the future?

According to sources, Williams is expected to sign with Rose in hopes that the agent's star power will help bring top-tier talent to Brooklyn, which is where the Nets are expected to move for the 2011-12 season.

Williams has one year left on his contract with New Jersey and holds a player option worth $17.7 million in 2012-13.

Guillermo at the NBA Finals

Over the last few years, Jimmy Kimmel has sent his sidekick, Guillermo to cover the NBA Finals and the former El Capitan Theatre parking lot security guard always breaks the ice during player interviews with random and awkward questions.

Check out Guillermo grilling Heat and Mavericks players.

Harper's Long Kiss Goodnight

With Major League Baseball's First-Year Player Draft in full swing, we thought it would be appropriate to catch up with last year's #1 overall selection, Bryce Harper.

The Nationals' prospect is tearing up Class A so far this summer in Hagerstown, Md. and last night blew a kiss to Greensboro pitcher Zachary Neal after hitting a home run.

The homer was Harper's 14th of the season, tying him with Augusta's Andrew Duvall for the South Atlantic League lead. Harper is batting .342 with 42 RBIs in 56 games.

Krasinski vs. Baldwin Part III

In advance of the Yankees-Red Sox series this week, New Era has released the third in its series of ads featuring Boston fan John Krasinski and New York supporter Alec Baldwin.

In this installment of the "Rivals are Forever" campaign, Kransinski tries to get the better of Baldwin in a prank reminiscent of his "The Office" character Jim Halperin.

Also, check out a behind-the-scenes video of the two NBC comedy stars.

Plax is a Free Man/Agent

After serving nearly two years on a weapons charge/infamously shooting himself in the leg, NFL receiver Plaxico Burress was released from prison this morning. Although he can't sign with any team until the NFL lockout is over, the Eagles, Jets, and Rams are rumored to be possible destinations for the former Giants star receiver.

If his get-out-of-jail headwear is any indication, the Super Bowl XLII champ would prefer to play in Philly next season.

Burress' media savvy agent Drew Rosenhaus was on-site for his client's release and had plenty to say about Plax's future.

Rosenhaus said that the receiver isn't ruling out a possible reunion with the New York Giants.

"I wouldn't rule out any team, I wouldn't rule out the Giants, I wouldn't rule out any club," Rosenhaus told reporters. "I really won't talk about specific teams because I don't want to hurt his position. As far as the Giants, my personal opinion is he wouldn't rule them out. I certainly wouldn't.

"We are going to be open to all 32 teams," Rosenhaus added. "Ultimately this will be Plax's decision, not mine. I am here to help him pick the best spot and get the very best contract. And that is what we will do."

Rosenhaus said his client is ready to immediately begin training in hopes of resuming his NFL career.

"Before the lockout started and during that very brief window, right around the time of the draft, the feedback was excellent," said Rosenhaus, who along with all other agents is not allowed to talk to teams until the lockout is lifted. "Plaxico is going to be a top free agent, there are going to be multiple teams interested in signing him. I expect him to get a good contract, I expect him to absolutely be playing. I think he'll be coveted. He'll be one of our top free agents."

Van Gundy's Lopez Debate

Basketball fans were again treated to another classic NBA Finals finish last night when the Heat held off the Mavs in a 88-86 victory.

One of the more entertaining moments of the game was when ABC analyst Jeff Van Gundy debated whether or not George Lopez is a big enough celebrity to delay the NBA Finals with a spilled drink on the floor.

ESPN kicks of WWC campaign

ESPN today will kick off its 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup marketing campaign with a series of TV spots highlighting the U.S. team's biggest stars.

The "Eleven vs. the World" program was created by Wieden & Kennedy, N.Y. and will run through June 22, four days before the start of the tournament in Germany.

According to the Sports Business Journal, the campaign features 30-second television spots showing footage of the U.S. women’s team practicing. The aim is to fill in the blanks between the 1999 World Cup (best known for Brandi Chastain's tournament-winning penalty kick) and this year's group, which is entering the tournament as the top-seed.

Tattoo Time with Mike Tyson

For those that turned their TVs off after the Mavs' incredible 4th quarter comeback against the Heat in Game 2 of the NBA Finals, you missed an entertaining segment on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Check out "Tattoo Time with Mike Tyson," where the former heavyweight champ
analyzes the ink of a few NBA players including Kobe Bryant, Kenyon Martin and DeShawn Stevenson.

Central Arkansas' New Turf

Over the last few years, Boise State football's blue turf has been an inspiration to schools across the country.

In January of 2010, Eastern Washington announced plans to install a red field in hopes to mirror the Broncos' notoriety and success at home. The defending I-AA Eagles now play on a bright red field

The latest school to get creative with their home turf is University of Central Arkansas. Check out the Bear's purple and gray field.

DirecTV Plans for NFL Lockout

For football fans, Sundays without DirecTV's NFL Sunday Ticket is sacrilegious however, the satellite service provider is making plans in case the NFL lockout doesn't end.

DirecTV contacted subscribers yesterday to announce a 'no-risk policy' regarding the upcoming season in light of the ongoing lockout. In an e-mail, the provider told customers that it will not charge them until it is confirmed that the 2011 season will begin and once an agreement is reached, then it will begin charging in installments as it usually does.

DirecTV also said that it will adjust the charges accordingly if any games are cancelled or the season is shortened. The e-mail drives customers to the website www.DirecTV.com/nfllabor

Here is the full statement from DirecTV:
We at DIRECTV love football. That's why for over 15 years, DIRECTV has been the exclusive home for NFL SUNDAY TICKETTM, the only way to watch your favorite teams no matter where you live. And DIRECTV will continue to be the exclusive home for NFL SUNDAY TICKETTM. Like all football fans, we are hoping for a positive resolution to the current NFL labor negotiations. And when the NFL is ready to play, we will be ready to bring you every game every Sunday.

If the NFL negotiations result in a shortened or canceled season, rest assured that DIRECTV has you covered. Your subscription to NFL SUNDAY TICKETTM is risk-free: You will not pay for any game that the NFL does not play.

Hillis' Madden Cover

After a five-week bracket tournament and 12 million votes, Browns running back Peyton Hillis was crowned EA Sports' Madden 12 cover athlete.

IF there is a NFL season in the fall, Cleveland's breakout star is not concerned about the so-called "Madden Curse."

"I don't believe in curses," Hillis told the New York Times. "I could get hurt next year, but I don't believe it has anything to do with the curse."

Last year's cover athlete, Drew Brees, avoided the curse however others stars such as Troy Polamalu, Shaun Alexander and Michael Vick, have not been so lucky.

"I'm a Christian man and I don't believe anything could be put in front of me that God can't take away. I would love to prove everyone wrong and have an exceptional year and not get hurt."

Here is Hillis on the "Madden 12" cover, which hits stores on Aug. 30.

G-Men drop 'It Gets Better' video

The San Francisco Giants are the first major sports franchise to record a video for the "It Gets Better Project," an online campaign that aims to curb suicides among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth.

The video below features Giants Matt Cain, Sergio Romo, Andres Torres, Barry Zito and hitting coach Hensley Muelens and the final “It Gets Better” message is delivered in English, Spanish and Japanese.

Shaq Begins Post-NBA Career

Celtics C Shaquille O'Neal, who earlier today announced on Twitter his plan to retire from the NBA, will appear with his mother, Lucille, in a new print ad for Nabisco's Oreo brand and the "got milk?" campaign.

According to the Sports Business Daily, Oreo will be the first cookie brand to be included in the "got milk?" program.

Shaq's ad corresponds with the launch of a social media campaign that invites fans to visit www.milkandoreo.com and submit a description of their favorite milk and Oreo moment for a chance to win free Oreos cookies and milk for a month. O'Neal has previously appeared in Oreo's Double Stuf Racing League campaign.

Odom & Humphries appear in Kardashian "Music Video"

Future in-laws Lamar Odom of the Lakers and Kris Humphries of the Nets spent the first part of their NBA offseason vacationing with the Kardashian family in Mexico and were dragged into a family "music video" set to Katy Perry's "ET."

Enjoy, basketball fans.

Artest Cowboys Up

While Game 1 of the NBA Finals tipped off last night, Lakers F Ron Artest appeared on Comedy Central's "Sports Show With Norm MacDonald" in what may have been the strangest talk show skit of all-time.

Check out Artest as “Tiny Tuttle” trying to save McDonald's “Zack Leather” from a gang of cowboys and deadly snakes in the "True Grit" inspired skit, "Hell for Leather."

Sports Show with Norm Macdonald
Tags: Sports Show,Norm Macdonald,#SportsShow

Not to be outdone by the weirdness of Artest's appearance on the show, Bills LB Shawne Merriman sang "The Sound of Music" wearing a wig and NY Giants LB Danny Clark's jersey.

Alley-oop to AnimalsILike.com