Top seeded tennis player says he might lose, so why even bothering with play. If England would have said that in 1940’s, we’d all be speaking German now. By Jeffrey Jolson
Nadal usually a fierce competitor
HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 6/20/09 — Rafael Nadal announced Friday that he would skip Wimbledon this year, “I played underneath myself for the last few months,” he said at a news conference at the All England Club, only three days before the 2009 championships begin. Nadal was the top-seeded player. “I could not play close to my best,” Nadal said, insisting he would “work hard to come back as soon as possible.”
He cited tendinitis in his knees. He announced his decision after playing an exhibition against Stanislas Wawrinka.
“Not to play Wimbledon is one of the toughest decisions in my career, Rafael Nadal said, but the decision was made easier because I don’t feel ready to compete at 100 percent.”
Did Michael Jordan quit the playoffs with an ACL tear or Babe Ruth quit during the World Series, for any reason including ½ gallon of vodka? Has this tennis hero Nadal gone mad? What do you think?
We at HT would never call anyone a pus-y, but c’mon - you are the arguably the best tennis player in the world, some fans say the best ever. Even if you might lose, you still have to compete. The Game expects it, your multi-million dollars sponsors expect it, but WAY more importantly, your FANS expect it.
And frankly, they don’t accept it. Winners win, they find a way.
Injuries, in pro-ball of any sort, is like a paper-cut to you or me. Just another day at the races. Why won’t Nadal at least take a run at the winner’s circle? Michael Jordan with a bad knees would just soar several feet higher and longer than the defenders. To protect his always-sore knees, he had to have stewardesses along serving peanuts and drinks with him on his runs. Once more - winners win. Period.
(LBN)
ORLANDO (Hollywood Today) 6/14/09 - “This my team, my family, this is all one mission.”
The Los Angeles Lakers won the NBA hoops championship with a score of 99-86 , with Kobe pulling out all the stops for a 30 point game and MVP status.
The Larry O’Brian trophy beat the Orlando Magic, with the Jerry Buss family enthused and Jackson having now a ring for each finger.
Only the Boston Celtics in their prime beat the Lakers ring count, but two more championships and the relatively young Lakers will be tied.
The MVP championship, now named the Bill Russell award was Kobe Bryant.
Kobe said “We know we had to become a better defensive team, and we did. This feels like a dream. We had to start from scratch this year.”
He continued, “We put in so much effort, we are just getting better.”
As for his celebration tonight, the children will get soda, but he implied the adults might see some champagne.
Is Kobe legacy finally about to be fulfilled By Jeffrey Jolson
Can Kobe fly like Michael?
HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 6/7/09 — Michael Jordan may have six championship rings, but his old coach Phil Jackson may have 10 before the fat lady sings this season. Kobe Bryant, 30, was a two-time MVP series into the championship as the Lakers pulled ahead 2-0 and the series moves to Orlando, FL.
But will that be good enough ever to beat the best ever, Michael Jordan, or can young LeBron James ever fulfill his expectations as in the same league as the legends of the game?
Those questions will be argued in bars ad infinitum, but Kobe was a coach last night, 29 points against last game’s 40, handing off passes he could have scored on - but the ring is the thing and he knows the old cliché, teamwork is the key.
Kobe may have had the top score with 29 points, but that didn’t impress Lakers coach Phil Jackson, looking for a ring for every finger and thumb.
“I didn’t think Kobe had a good game at all as far as his standards go,” Jackson said - though he did defend his top player. As long as two or three men are on him, that leaves someone open for a shot.
“They double teamed him, they trapped him, they came on all his drives, and we didn’t adjust to it.”
Pau Gasol, who had 24 points and 10 rebounds, scored seven of the Lakers’ 13 points in the overtime, which proved to be crucial.
Course no can beat the Lakers for star attendance. Jessica Simpson and Tony Romo were among the slew of celebs who turned out Thursday as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Orlando Magic.
Leonardo DiCaprio chatted up Kevin Connolly and pal Tobey Maguire. Lauren Conrad was spotted getting cozy with beau Kyle Howard. And Sophia Bush sipped on a beer, as Staples Center regular and sometime co-coach Jack Nicholson had words with players. And if you don’t know the Lakers, you don’t know Jack. Nicholson has been seemingly to as many games as Phil, Kobe and Magic combined.
Angelina Jolie and husband Brad Pitt took two spots in Forbes' annual Celebrity 100, this year, including first
Controversial movie star tops Celebrity 100
By Matthew B. Zeidman
NEW YORK (Hollywood Today) 6/3/09 – A high-profile pregnancy, a string of blockbuster films and an equally famous husband gave Angelina Jolie the edge over media mogul Oprah Winfrey at Forbes magazine this year. The business publication named the 33-year-old actress the pinnacle of celebrity influence in its annual Celebrity 100.
Winfrey, who came in first last year, earned an estimated $275 million over the past 12 months, compared to $27 million earned by Jolie. Entertainer Madonna, who ranked third, reportedly took in $110 million, while Brad Pitt, Jolie’s 45-year-old spouse, ranked ninth, earning $28 million.
Forbes combined two factors, namely earnings and public awareness, to formulate this year’s Celebrity 100. Other big names that made the 2009 list included President Barack Obama, country-music darling Taylor Swift and Los Angeles Lakers luminary Kobe Bryant.
Miami hip-hop rapper musical drama released by Lionsgate on DVD and at Blockbuster
By Robin Rowe
From tennis to rapper to actor, Susie Abromeit
HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 5/30/2009 - “We were having a miserable time trying to cast the role of Pearl,” says Know Thy Enemy producer Jeremy Mitchell. “I mean, where exactly are you going to find a white female rapper? The whole point of the role in the movie is that it’s a very unique thing. So, we’re in the auditions, striking out, and one of the assistant CDs says to me ‘There’s a girl who’s a MySpace friend of mine. She’s, white, attractive and raps.’ I see that she’s talking about Susie Abromeit! She’s an old friend of mine from my tennis days. We came up through the junior ranks together. She’d told me years ago that she wanted to be an actress one day.” Abromeit’s rap song on her MySpace page fit the movie and so Mitchell used her song in the film, too.
In Know Thy Enemy, Nemesis, played by Sheaun McKinney, is the hottest rapper in rap’s hottest city, Miami. His big secret? He’s not a rapper. He’s a made-up creation of the record label, an invention of two music moguls, played by Jeremy Mitchell and Bechir Sylvain. Pearl, an aspiring rapper played by Susie Abromeit, is pushing herself as an artist and ready to do whatever it takes. She wants Nemesis to Read the rest of this Hollywood Today story »
Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson and dancing partner Mark Ballas were all smiles on Tuesday, as they were crowned the winners at this season's 'Dancing with the Stars' finale show in Los Angeles
17-year-old gymnast youngest winner in show history
By Matthew B. Zeidman
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Today) 5/20/09 – Beijing Olympic darling Shawn Johnson proved learning dance moves came just as naturally to her as gymnastic ones Tuesday night, when she was crowned the season eight winner of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.”
“This has been the most amazing experience ever. I’ve grown so much,” Johnson told host Tom Bergeron, before she and professional dance partner Mark Ballas were presented with the disco-ball trophy. Shortly afterward, the season’s previous contestants rushed out from backstage and hoisted the winning pair onto their shoulders as confetti dropped from the ceiling.
Tuesday’s victory made Johnson, 17, the youngest winner in “Dancing with the Stars” history. She defeated “Sex and the City” actor Gilles Marini and reality star Melissa Rycroft during the final week of competition, winning by a margin of less than 1 percent over Marini and his partner, Cheryl Burke, according to Bergeron.
Johnson was strong throughout the entire season, never having come close to elimination. She overcame her difficulty acting with a dramatic intensity during her dance numbers, as well as the trauma associated with an alleged stalker attempting to break onto the set, to win the title.
Though there was no purse associated with winning “Dancing with the Stars,” the young athlete was paid a $125,000 appearance fee and $240,000 more in weekly bonuses, according to CBS News.
Johnson became a household name during this past summer’s Olympic games, when, at the age of 16, she won a gold medal in the individual balance beam event, as well as a string of silver medals in three other categories. Since then, she has signed several lucrative promotional contracts with a variety of companies, including Adidas, CoverGirl and McDonald’s.
If 17-year-old Olympian Shawn Johnson is crowned the winner Tuesday night, she will be the youngest champion in 'Dancing with the Stars' history
Shawn Johnson and Gilles Marini impress judges equally
By Matthew B. Zeidman
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Today) 5/19/09 – Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson, “Ugly Betty” actor Gilles Marini and reality star Melissa Rycroft will find out their fates on the season eight finale of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” Tuesday night.
During the final leg of the competition, which aired Monday, Johnson, 17, and Marini, 33, equally impressed the judges alongside their professional dance partners, each garnering a final score of 58 out of a possible 60. Rycroft, 26, came in a close third, with 56.
Since audience voting carries the same weight as the judges’ estimations, fans could propel any of the three celebrities to victory, though Johnson and Marini’s leads give them a slight edge over Rycroft.
Johnson has effortlessly cruised through the competition with the help of partner Mark Ballas, never having been in danger of elimination during the past 11 weeks. Marini has an equally spotless record, while the closest Rycroft has come to elimination was twice escaping the dreaded bottom two by a single spot.
Rycroft made it to the finals, despite replacing Nancy O’Dell of “Access Hollywood” two days before week one’s broadcast and suffering a minor rib fracture prior to week eight. Johnson has also not waivered, despite having to deal with court proceedings behind the scenes regarding an allegedly crazed fan who police say was infatuated with the underage athlete and attempted to break onto the set to meet her.
Hall of Fame Football Coach says, “It’s time, I’m 73.”
By Gayl Murphy
Madden famous from football to games
HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 4/16/09 - Football coach and commentator that made Monday Night Football John Madden has announced his retirement from the airwaves. NBC Sports Chairman Dick Ebersol revealed today that the 73 year old Hall of Fame coach, and the most honored broadcaster in sports television history, has decided “It’s time”.
In a statement issued today, Madden, who is the only person to have ever work as the lead analyst for all four broadcast networks described his retirement this way; “I’m 73 years old. My 50th wedding anniversary is this fall. I have two great sons and their families and my five grandchildren are at an age now when they know when I’m home and, more importantly, when I’m not.”
Madden’s EA Sports video game “Madden NFL Football” is the No. 1 selling sports video game of all-time with more than 65 million copies sold since its release 20 years ago.
The much-loved Madden called his career “A great ride. The NFL has been my life for more than 40 years, it has been my passion. It still is. I appreciate all of the people who are and were such an important part of the most enjoyable, most fun anyone could have… that great life with the teams, the players, the coaches, the owners, the League… my broadcasting partners Pat and Al… the production people and the fans…is still great… it’s still fun and that’s what it makes it hard and that’s why it took me a few months to make a decision.
I still love every part of it, the travel, the practices, the game film, the games, seeing old friends and meeting new people… but I know this is the right time.”
The 30-year veteran broadcaster served as the game analyst for “NBC Sunday Night Football” since 2006 and is the winner of an unprecedented 16 Emmy’s for Outstanding Sports Analyst/Personality. He is renowned by football fans nationwide for his ability to analyze the details of the game with wit, candor and an inimitable style
The alleged stalker of Olympian Shawn Johnson, seen here on 'Dancing with the Stars,' was arraigned Thursday
Man accused of trying to break into ‘Dancing with the Stars’ set
By Matthew B. Zeidman
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Today) 3/26/09 – As an Olympic gold medalist and this summer’s “it” girl, 17-year-old gymnast Shawn Johnson has become used to her fans’ admiration, but a Florida man was accused Thursday of taking things too far outside the Los Angeles set of “Dancing with the Stars.”
Robert O’Ryan, 34, pled not guilty in Los Angeles Superior Court to one count of stalking, a felony, and two counts of carrying loaded firearms in his vehicle, misdemeanors. He is being represented by a public defender and held on $220,000 bail.
According to prosecutors, O’Ryan drove cross-country with a handgun and shotgun, a roll of duct tape and several love letters he had written Johnson. They accused him of attempting to climb the security fence at the studio where reality competition “Dancing with the Stars,” on which Johnson currently appears, was being taped Tuesday.
The court approved a restraining order against O’Ryan on Wednesday. According to a sworn statement by Johnson’s mother, he told police he was meant to impregnate the popular athlete and believed she was communicating with him telepathically.
At the age of 16, Johnson won one gold and three silver medals at this summer’s Olympic Games in Beijing. She and fellow gold medalist Nastia Liukin, then 18, were prominently featured members of Team USA during the competition and received several lucrative corporate endorsements upon their return to the United States, including spots as spokeswomen for CoverGirl makeup.
Bar Refaeli has been placed on the cover of the 'Sports Illustrated' 2009 swimsuit issue, a spot coveted by aspiring models
Israeli model will grace front of annual swimsuit edition
By Matthew B. Zeidman
NEW YORK (Hollywood Today) 2/10/09 – Bar Refaeli suddenly became a household name Tuesday, when “Sports Illustrated” distributed the cover image of its 2009 swimsuit issue. The front of the annual special edition will feature the Israeli model tugging down on her string bikini in front of the lush, tropical waters surrounding the Grenadines’ Canouan Island.
“This is the one I felt the most comfortable with,” Refaeli told the Associated Press of the alluring, yet simple, snapshot. “You have the beach, blue water and a body. That’s it. I liked that the top of the suit was on.”
Refaeli, who also appeared in the 2007 and 2008 swimsuit editions, is an accomplished model, having done advertising work for the Hurley clothing line, Diddy’s “I Am King” cologne and recession-resilient automaker Subaru.
Active in promoting environmentalism, Refaeli participated in a 2008 public-service campaign to encourage Israeli consumers to forgo disposable plastic bags. She has also volunteered her time in support of seriously ill children (Project Sunshine) and animals in need (Israel’s AHAVA). She began dating actor Leonardo DiCaprio, a fellow environmentalist, in 2005.
NEW YORK (Hollywood Today/RushPRnews) 2/10/09- When you think of the Pro Bowl, you think of Hawaii. Nice weather, smiles all around and familiar faces. Yes, life is good for the elite players who’ve earned a trip to football paradise. As usual the Pro Bowl, which matches the best players from the AFC against the NFC, became increasingly competitive as we neared the fourth quarter. Despite a strong effort from both squads, the NFC took advantage of numerous AFC miscues (players Read the rest of this Hollywood Today story »
Michael Phelps walking the red carpet at New York's Golden Goggle Awards in November (photo by Matthew B. Zeidman)
Olympic gold medalist faces prospect of losing lucrative contracts
By Matthew B. Zeidman
NEW YORK (Hollywood Today) 2/2/09 – No one expected 14-time gold medalist Michael Phelps to be at the center of a drug scandal, but now America’s Olympic hero is struggling to make amends in light of an incriminating, marijuana-related photo released Sunday by a British tabloid.
“I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment,” Phelps stated in a public apology issued yesterday. “I’m 23 years old, and despite the successes I’ve had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have come to expect from me.”
“News of the World” published the photo in question on its Web site, which pictured Phelps taking a hit of marijuana from a bong at a Nov. 6 college party at the University of South Carolina at Columbia. The high-profile swimmer promised that lapse in judgment would not happen again.
So far, none of Phelps’ current corporate sponsors have terminated his promotional or advertising contracts, including Omega, Speedo and Hilton Hotels Corp., which all expressed their continued support of Phelps. However, not all sponsors have commented on the situation, and former sponsor Rosetta Stone issued a statement condemning Phelps’ decision to use drugs.
Hollywood Today spoke with Phelps at the Golden Goggle Awards ceremony in New York just days after the alleged event, where he spoke of taking time out from swimming after the Beijing summer Olympics and his plans to get back into competitive shape.
“I’m traveling around, seeing some friends, having some of my own time to do what I want to do,” Phelps told red carpet reporters at the time. “It’s gonna be hard [to get back into shape], but it’s gonna be something that I know I have to do and I want to do. There are so many things that I still want to accomplish.”
