Athletes own Dancing With The Stars. That’s not even up for debate.
Running back Emmitt Smith, speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno, racecar driver Helio Castoneves, figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi and wide receiver Hines Ward proved that athletes possess the dedication to training and the mental focus to go from novices to slightly-more-seasoned-novices by winning the competition in its 12-season run.
Sadly for basketball fans, it’s unlikely an active NBA player will ever win the gilded pumps, or whatever the DWTS champion receives. Since the fall DWTS season runs September to November — when NBA teams are preparing for the start of the season — and the spring DWTS season runs March to May — when the NBA Playoffs are heating up, basketball players tend to miss out on all the waltzing fun because they’re, you know, working.
Some people out there (probably) hoped, however, that the NBA lockout would give them a chance to see a baller on the dance floor. The 2011-12 NBA season is in danger, and what better way to stay in shape than doing the boogie with Kym Johnson?
Alas, Dallas Mavericks forward Shawn Marion has shattered everyone’s dreams by turning down an invitation to participate in this fall’s DWTS competition, according to TMZ. He says he wants to be ready in case the lockout ends early. We think he’s just embarrassed to be seen on national television wearing those ridiculous outfites — you know, as opposed to shorts that go down to his ankles.
P.S. — Thanks to my wife, without whose haggling over the TV during basketball and hockey seasons I wouldn’t be aware of when the DWTS seasons were. And thanks to Wikipedia for providing a list of past DWTS winners. I don’t know them offhand. I swear.
PHOTO OF THE DAY
If his dancing is as ugly as the form on his jump shot, Marion did us all a favor.
Flikr photo/sportiqe
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“[Third base coach Tim Bogar] obviously never held me up, just kept going, and like I said, my speed took over.”
— Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia on scoring the game-winning run in Tuesday night’s game against the Indians.
TWEET OF THE DAY
Salty’s got the longest last name in baseball history, but it’s short compared to John Smiley, who had a mile between the first and last letters of his last name.
