Queen of Sports

Former Knicks Guard Pitching $199 Sneaker

Former New York Knicks guard John Starks (pictured above) is launching a new basketball shoe, one that he claims is designed to prevent one of the biggest injuries suffered by basketball players, the sprained ankle.

The new sneaker called Ektio, meaning “to protect and defend” in Greek, is designed as a bootie within a shoe for form fitting, with both laces and straps, along with bumpers on the soles to guard against ankle rolling.

The Ektio was designed by Barry Katz, a New York doctor and former college basketball player who’s playing career was hampered by ankle injuries. The shoe debuts on November 1, exclusively on Dicks Sporting Goods website.

But it comes at steep price tag, $199. That’s more expensive than the signature Nike shoes by LeBron James and Kobe Bryant.

We’re not really digging the look of these shoes, but we want to know, would you guys buy a $199 sneaker? Do you believe what these guys are selling?

Photo: Facebook

Dhani Jones Hosting Fashion Fundraiser

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Dhani Jones will serve as the host for the RetroFittings fundraising event on Thursday, October 14.

Known for his signature bow tie, Dhani is teaming up with St. Vincent de Paul to use fashion to inspire the spirit of giving. The linebacker and the star of the Travel Channel’s original series, “Dhani Tackles the Globe,” will design a custom bow tie to benefit St. Vincent de Paul as part of his “Bow Ties for a Cause” program.

The fundraiser will take place at the Hilton Netherland Plaza Hall of Mirrors. RetroFittings will also feature a boutique stocked with vintage and high-end accessories found at St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Stores, a VIP section, and a live auction, raffle, light food and cash bar.

All proceeds from RetroFittings benefit St. Vincent de Paul’s programs to help local neighbors in need. St. Vincent de Paul has been helping Greater Cincinnati and Hamilton County residents in need for more than 140 years.  The organization’s volunteers visit people in their homes to address struggling families’ most basic and urgent needs, then shepherd them into community programs to enhance self-sufficiency.

For more info on this event, click here.

Dwight Howard Releasing Kid-Friendly Album

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard will be releasing an album called Shoot For The Stars is being released on October 26th.

“This record is a dream come true for me in so many ways,” says Dwight.  ”Recording this album for me ranks with being the first pick in the NBA draft, my first NBA All-Star game and winning a gold medal at the Olympics.  Razor & Tie and KIDZ BOP have been incredible and I hope everyone enjoys the album as much as I did recording it.”

The album features him singing kid-friendly versions of arena staples. Dwight also sings with kids from the NBA Cares ‘Read to Achieve’ program.

Some of the songs Dwight sings on the album include “Get This Party Started”, “Let’s Get It Started”, U Can’t Touch This (It’s Howard Time)”, and “Whoop (Hoop) There It Is.”

Click here to pre-order your copy!

Serena Williams Launching Nail Polish Line With OPI

Tennis champion Serena Williams announced earlier this week on The Oprah Winfrey Show that she will be releasing a special line of nail polish called the Grand Slam Collection through OPI. Serena says the colors will represent different tennis tournaments, such as the Australian Open, French Open, U.S. Open and Wimbledon.

Serena also said that she is working on becoming a certified nail technician. In order to do so, Serena has to log 600 hours of manicures, pedicures and more. Serena already has 200 hours under her belt and she says she’s been practicing on friends and family. “I do Venus’ nails sometimes,” she says. “She can’t sit still!”

She is even thinking of opening her own salon after she’s certified. But, of course, the tennis courts come first. “Venus and I joke about how we’re going to be out there forever,” she says.

Photo: PR Photos

Touchdown On Wrigley Field

Chicago’s Wrigley Field will be transformed into a football field for the first time since 1970, in a college game between Northwestern University and the University of Illinois on Saturday, November 20th. The following day, the Cubs are opening the ballpark for fans to play catch on the football field. Fans can spend 50 minutes on the field, either tossing the ball around or relaxing and enjoying the view of Wrigley Field. Tickets for the rare opportunity cost $50, with proceeds benefiting Chicago Cubs Charities. A limited amount of Chicago Cubs/Wrigleyville Classic commemorative footballs will be available for purchase, also. To purchase tickets go here.

Laila Ali Is Pregnant!

Laila Ali, daughter of boxing legend Muhammad Ali announced today that she is pregnant!

Laila, a world class boxer herself, has been a contestant on Dancing with the Stars and was a host for American Gladiators. The most prominent female boxer is due in April 2011.

“I am pregnant again! I’m three months, and I’m so excited, my family is excited,” said Laila. “I’m hoping it’s a girl this time!”

This will be Laila’s second child with husband former NFL player Curtis Conway. The couple was married in July 2007 and their first child, a son, CJ was born in 2008.

Laila says her father, boxing legend Muhammad Ali, is excited about becoming a grandfather again. “My dad is an excellent grandfather,” she says. “He loves kids. He loves to kiss them to death.”

Laila also has opened up about the differences she has noticed with her second pregnancy.

“I’ve noticed I’m putting on weight faster this time, I started showing sooner,” she says. “Staying fit is a challenge, even if you are a former athlete such as myself, because you just don’t have the energy that you used to have. Also, I have to hold myself back because I want to work harder than I’m able to.”

When it comes to nutrition, “Pregnancy isn’t ‘I can eat whatever I want,’ because you have to remember you’re going to be stuck with a lot of that weight afterwards that you need to try to get off. So I don’t recommend ‘grubbing,’” she says, admitting she succumbs to the occasional pregnancy craving.

“I have cravings all the time, even when I’m not pregnant,” Laila says. “I made a strawberry shortcake last night.”

(via People)

Photo: PR Photos

Athlete Sighting: Jay Cutler With Kristin Cavallari

Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler was spotted around Chicago with MTV reality star Kristin Cavallari over the weekend. The two started by having dinner at Mirai Sushi in Chicago on Friday night. On Sunday, the two watched football and ate pizza at Joe’s Bar, then classed it up with some filet mignon and scallops at Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab for dinner. Things seem to be heating up between the two.  Hopefully she doesn’t have the Jessica Simpson effect on him.

Sports Date Of The Week: Basketball In The Park

This weeks edition of our Sports Date of the Week is all about basketball! Training camp began earlier this week, with all the NBA teams hosting media days and the preseason games begin this weekend. Since another summer is behind us, it’s time to get outside and experience the beautiful fall weather while working up a sweat.

This week we want you to grab your man, a basketball and head to your local park. Challenge your guy to a few fun basketball games like:

H-O-R-S-E: The object is to be the last to accrue the five letters, H-O-R-S-E. Often, the shots in H-O-R-S-E are trick shots and/or lucky shots designed to make the other person miss. In H-O-R-S-E, player #1 is allowed to shoot from anywhere on the court. If he makes the shot, then player #2 must duplicate the same shot from the same position. If player #2 misses, he/she receives the first “letter” from the word “horse”, “H”. If player #2 makes the shot, no letter is given to either player, player #2 receives control of the ball, and he/she can select a new shot from anywhere on the court. If player #1 missed his original shot, then player #2 would also be free to shoot from anywhere on the court. In either case where player #2 selects a new shot, the play proceeds as before: if he/she makes it, it forces the next player to try and duplicate his made shots; should he/she miss, the next player has a free shot selection.

Around the World: is a basketball variant played by two or more players, who have all agreed upon a turn order. The game requires a sequence of shooting positions to be decided upon. In theory, these positions are arbitrary; in practice, they are most commonly ordered along the 3-point line in equal intervals starting from one of the sides of the basket and including the straight-on center shot. This 180 degree semi-circular path is the inspiration for the game’s name. The object is to be the first player to make a shot from all positions. Making a shot from a position allows a player to advance to the next position. The rules are very flexible but usually a player keeps advancing until a missed shot. At this point a player may save their position or elect to take a another “chance” shot. If the chance shot is made, the player advances as normal. If it misses, the player’s turn ends and they suffer some penalty, perhaps regressing a position or even starting over. Whatever the specifics of the game, when a player makes a successful shot from the final position, the game enters the final stage. Some play such that this player is declared the winner. Other play such that those players who have yet to act on the turn get a chance to tie, which cancels any advantage of going first.

Fives: Before the game starts, select an order of play. All players (except the one shooting) should remain behind the shooting line, out of the line of play. The first player shoots from the shooting line. If the shot is missed, the player must retrieve the rebound, and shoot from the spot that the rebound was retrieved. The other players are not permitted to interfere with either the ball or the player. The player continues to shoot until a basket is made, to a maximum of 5 shots. When the first player has made the shot, the next player begins shooting, again from the shooting line. This player must make the basket in the same number, or fewer shots than the preceding shooter. The next player then shoots, again from the shooting line and must make the basket in the same number, or fewer shots than the player that immediately preceded incoming player in shooting. If a player takes more shots than the player that immediately preceded the incoming player, a point is added to that player’s score. Additionally, if a player is unable to make a basket in 5 shots or less, another point is added to that player’s score. A player is eliminated from the game upon reaching 5 points. When a player is eliminated from the game, the player immediately following that player has up to 5 shots on the incoming turn.

Plus don’t forget about doing a simple free throw contest or ask your man for some help with your free throws and cozy up! Also make sure to check out the NBA’s preseason schedule and catch a game.

Greg Oden Cuts Out Alcohol, Partying, and Late-Night Fast Food

While he may not have been in the running for hardest partier in the NBA, Trailblazers center Greg Oden did like to go out. And being a 22 year-old in the NBA, the temptations are always there to take part in the nightlife. So, when he announced at media day that he has cut out alcohol, going to clubs, and late-night fast food, it made many Trailblazers fans breathe a sigh of relief. The amount of maturity it takes for a young ballplayer to recognize the importance of maintaining a completely healthy lifestyle is sometimes too much to ask. Oden missed the entire 2007-08 season after undergoing microfracture surgery on his right knee, only to return and injure his knee in December of 2009 and miss the rest of the 2009-10 season. So while fans are upset to hear his knee is still a debilitating factor, the prospect of a healthier Oden brings some hope for his future. His potential is great, and for him to stay in shape and be ready to pounce as soon as his knee heals is important. He has lost 30 pounds over the summer, and his teammates are thrilled to hear he has the team’s best interests at heart.

Gloria Estefan’s Daring Escape From Her Luxury Box At Sun Life Stadium

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Miami Dolphins minority owner and Grammy Award winning singer Gloria Estefan was set to introduce fellow Latin singer Enrique Iglesias for the half-time show at Sun Life Stadium on Sunday. Her luxury box was locked and after a locksmith, security, and firemen were unable to pry the door open so she could go down to the field for the introduction, she took matters into her own hands. Supposedly, Estefan threw off her Dolphin green Yves St. Laurent heels and escaped from the window of the box, running down onto the field just in time to announce Enrique. A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do!