HoopsHype.com Rumors

Jason Collins, the NBA veteran who last week announced he was gay, is seeking a book deal, the Associated Press reports. Jason Collins Calls Support for His Coming Out 'Mind Boggling' in 'GMA' Interview Collins denied the rumors tweeting, "I have no current plans to write any books. Sorry to disappoint my literary loving fans," he said, adding a hashtag "GoingToTheGym." But officials at three publishing houses said on Monday that they had been contacted about a planned memoir by Collins, the first active player in any of four major U.S. professional sports leagues to come out as gay. The Hollywood Reporter

Jason Collins, Showbusiness 

At least one publisher turned down the book, said one official, who noted the extensive media coverage of Collins and expressed concern that his story already has been told. The Hollywood Reporter

Jason Collins, Showbusiness 

Thankfully, our long wait is over. Oprah Winfrey's OWN has ordered a reality series called Millionaire Mama's Boy based around enigmatic Denver Nuggets center JaVale McGee and his mother/business manager/former basketball player/confidant Pamela McGee. Expect lots of anti-Shaq rhetoric and confusion. Mostly the confusion. We tried to select the best snippets from from the network's description of the show, but since every single word is the best snippet, we figured we'd include the whole preview (via Deadline): The new OWN series Millionaire Mama's Boy explores the dynamic relationship between former WNBA basketball star Pamela McGee and her 25-year-old son, Denver Nuggets center, JaVale McGee. Famous for being domineering on and off the court, Pamela is not only JaVale's mom, she's also his business manager, working to build an empire while trying to keep a tight rein on the glitz and girls that come with the life of an NBA star. USA Today Sports

Denver Nuggets, Javale McGee, Showbusiness 

Splash is a new ABC reality show that debuts on Tuesday, March 19 (8 p.m. Eastern/ 7 p.m. Central). In this show "10 celebrities will train and compete in regulation platform and springboard diving at dizzying heights in front of a weekly poolside audience," according to ABC's Splash reality show website. The ten contestants includes a who's who of current and retired pro athletes, celebrities and entertainers. Included is former Los Angeles Lakers great Kareem Abdul Jabbar, the NBA's all-time leading scorer. Abdul Jabbar teamed with Magic Johnson, James Worthy and many other Lakers greats to form the most dominant NBA team of the 1980’s. Examiner

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Showbusiness 

Avon Products, Inc. today announced that Los Angeles Clippers basketball star Chris Paul will be joining the company’s team as the face of a new men’s fragrance, Untouchable. A legend in the making, Paul –husband, proud father of two and founder of the CP3 Foundation – represents the future of basketball and the power of the will to win. The new scent will capture the thrill of hitting the court when the crowd is going wild, sinking the game-winning shot and bringing home victory. “The drive to win is what gets me out of bed every morning,” explains Paul. “This new scent with Avon will capture the competitive attitude that motivates me to play my best on and off the court.” multivu.com

Los Angeles Clippers, Chris Paul, Showbusiness 

Metta World Peace and LMNO Prods. are teaming up to bring you that hidden camera show for athletes that you never asked for. The production company is the driving force behind I Get That a Lot for CBS. They've partnered with Metta World Peace's Artest Media group to create a show that will feature all sorts of pranks and hijinks involving professional athletes and the folks in their inner circles. Philadelphia Inquirer

Los Angeles Lakers, Showbusiness, Metta World Peace 

James Harden: New commercial with Foot Locker. Guarantee this will be epic. #approved Twitter @JHarden13

Houston Rockets, James Harden, Showbusiness 

When will we see the next new “This Is SportsCenter” ads? As early as next Monday, with a spot featuring [Boston Celtics star] Rajon Rondo. We also have a spot launch planned to celebrate the start of the NHL season. ESPN.com

Boston Celtics, Rajon Rondo, Showbusiness 

How cool is this commercial? I love it. It reminds me a little of fighting Great Tiger in the old Nintendo game “Mike Tyson’s Punch Out.” Great Tiger would do a disappearing act while in the ring. That’s basically the same concept in this “Disappearing Act” NBA BIG commercial. Spike Lee did a fantastic job directing this spot. I love the flow and the concept of the commercial. I like Magic Johnson’s role in the spot as well. The special effects are off the charts. Spike Lee hit a home run with this ad. The concept is great and the execution is spectacular. If this gets you in the mood to check out some NBA action, 104.5 The Team will be airing the Los Angeles Lakers @ the San Antonio Spurs tonight at 8:00pm. Pregame coverage begins at 7:00pm ET. 1045 The Team ESPN Radio

Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Chris Paul, Steve Nash, Magic Johnson, Showbusiness 

Shaquille O’Neal is launching his own line of vodka — sensationally titled “Luv Shaq.” The former NBA star plans to launch the brand early next year, and for all those barroom athletes, it is sugar- and gluten-free. We’re told Luv Shaq comes in coconut flavor, and the bottle features an image of O’Neal with giant wings. Drew Adelman, founder of Devotion Vodka, which is producing Shaq’s sauce, tells us it will directly compete with Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Ciroc, but at a “more competitive price.” New York Post

Shaquille O'Neal, Showbusiness 

Black Friday is the biggest shopping day of the year. Shaq Friday is when you wander in to Zales and he makes you buy all of the jewelry he designed that looks exactly like what you think Shaquille O’Neal-designed jewelry would look like. The Score

Shaquille O'Neal, Merchandising, Showbusiness 

Dahntay Jones: I seriously want to start my own clothing line. Twitter @dahntay1

Dallas Mavericks, Dahntay Jones, Showbusiness 

I know that some of you, because you have been glued to League Pass, are behind on watching episodes of “Go On,” the NBC sitcom with Mathew Perry where he’s a sports talk radio host (Tuesdays at 9 ET, 8 CT). That means on Tuesday night you missed a Chris Bosh cameo. NBCSports.com

Miami Heat, Chris Bosh, Showbusiness 

It has been well chronicled that 60% of NBA players are broke five years after retirement. Is the reason for this due to the fact that they do not save, do not plan adequately, are not advised properly, a combination of everything, or maybe that they just do not understand the numbers involved to keep up their lifestyle? Let’s take a look at the numbers and see if your clients comprehend the effort it takes to support their current lifestyle. Assume the following: A) A 23 year old, B) Current salary of $4,000,000, increasing by 3% annually until age 31, C) Saving $500,000 the first year, increasing by 4% annually, D) An inflation rate of 3%, E) An investment return of 5% as well as a post retirement investment return of 5%, F) Income replacement at retirement of only 25%, and G) A retirement age of 32. Figuring the individual would easily live a minimum of 40 more years (until age 72), the client will run out of money by age 38. Hence, the support evidencing why players are broke five years post-retirement. Sports Agent Blog

Showbusiness 

Uncle Drew has returned. Kyrie Irving’s brilliant Pepsi ad campaign has added Kevin Love to the “hustle street ballers dressed as old men” game. It is again well-executed and amusing. I just hope that the guy Kevin Love leveled with a screen got an autograph. Bill Russell even makes a cameo, telling Kyrie, “This game has always been – and will always be – about buckets.” The Big Lead

Minnesota Timberwolves, Kevin Love, Kyrie Irving, Bill Russell, Showbusiness 

Here is a clip from the upcoming film "The Eleventh Victim," a Nancy Grace scripted suspense thriller in which World Peace stars opposite former "Beverly Hills 90210" star Jennie Garth as a character named Det. Garlin Fincher. USA Today

Los Angeles Lakers, Showbusiness, Metta World Peace 

Puff and Biggie. Method Man and Redman. Stephen Jackson and…Kevin Durant? OK, so the release of “Loney at the Top,” the first single from Jackson’s upcoming album “Jack of All Trades” probably isn’t going to make much of a dent in music history. But it’s still notable for the fact that you’ve got two guys from arch rivals combining on a hip-hop track that doesn’t suck. Better than Shaq and the Fu-Schnickens? You be the judge. San Antonio Express-News

San Antonio Spurs, Stephen Jackson, Showbusiness 

Plans for NBA Superstar Kevin Durant's restaurant gets seal of approval. The restaurant will be located in lower Bricktown between Earl's Rib Palace and Toby Keith's. The Oklahoma City urban renewal authority approved plans for the restaurant Wednesday morning. Architects say the restaurant will feature a patio overlooking the Bricktown Canal and contemporary elements. KOKH FOX 25

Oklahoma City Thunder, Kevin Durant, Showbusiness 

Turner Sports analyst and former NBA all-star Chris Webber and Emmy-winning director/producer Peter Gilbert are launching Webber Productions, a multimedia production company that plans to produce a series of feature films and documentaries focusing on the intersection of sports, culture and society. Company plans a diverse content portfolio, including live events, cultural exhibitions, music and film projects relevant in the U.S and abroad. Variety.com

Chris Webber, Showbusiness 

The story behind the D Rose 3 signature shoe continues, and Chicago's MVP is giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at his latest commercial. "Wake-Up" details the time-stopping shock Chicago fans felt after Derrick Rose suffered his season-ending injury in the first round of the 2012 playoffs. Showcasing his hard work and determination, Rose goes through the city, bringing fans back to life and providing hope for what lies ahead in his recovery and with the Bulls. CSN Chicago

Chicago Bulls, Derrick Rose, Showbusiness