Deadspin: espys

Do Not Make C.J. Wilson Your ESPY Wingman

Dashiell Bennett — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:00:27 EDT

Texas Rangers reliever C.J. Wilson was at the ESPYs for some reason, but since he wasn't nominated for anything (one would assume) he decided to spend the evening busting horny dudes with his Twitter—including a certain noted sportscaster-lothario.

His last update from the ceremony:

I've seen 30 different dudes try flirting with the trophy girls, making trophy wives? hahaha

Come on, guy! Flirting with award show trophy girls is the only moment of fun most of these fellas get in a year. (Besides playing children's games for million-dollar salaries, of course.) Why do you gotta call them out on interweb blog sites? That's not being very "bro-like." But one guest in particular received special attention from Wilson.

Those messages were later deleted from Wilson's feed, but helpfully preserved by this website that refuses to let your most embarrassing online moments die a noble death. If you can't even make small talk with a statuesque statue holder without getting called on it, then what's the point of being a superstar?

C.J. Wilson (str8edgeracer) [Twitter]
Chris Berman Finds New Leather, C.J. Wilson Tweets It [Walkoff Walk]

You Know What, Stu Scott, I Don't Believe You

DAULERIO — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:00:37 EDT

For a person who goes on record that he "doesn't read blogs" I find this statement deceptive and wrong. But, hey, holla and all that. [TerezOwens]

ESPYS: A Live Report From Within The Vicinity Of Matthew Berry

DAULERIO — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:45:26 EDT

The Talented Mr. PoonTo Returns. From an onlooker: "Matt berry is picking up on his espy escort chick about 20ft away from me.. Just got her number." Said "escort chick" is to the right, btw. Developing...

The Rich Get Richer With ESPY Swag

Dashiell Bennett — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:45:27 EDT

One of the great ironies of life is that the more money you make, the more stuff you get for free. It's the only reason rich people leave the house. So what do they get for going to the ESPYs?

The MacDonald-free award show airs on Sunday and will be filmed tonight, but first they producers had to get pro athletes and celebrities to show up and pretend they care. LAist has a list of some of the bait:

• Undefeated and EA Sports: Free duffel bags ($225 est). Thirty VIPs got a personalized, laser-engraved PlayStation 3 or PSP.
• iHome: Free speakers, Keyboards and wireless laser mouse ($179.99), and laptop cooling pads.
• Simmons Jewelry: Whatever gaudy crap Russell Simmons could come up with.
• NameDrop.com: Free Flip cams to anyone who signs up for their new "Facebook for the glitterati."
• Muze Clothing: T-shirts printed with classic movie lines. Fun!
• Skullcandy: Fancy headphones.
• Wynn: VIP cards for the Vegas casino pool. (That they would probably get into anyway.)
• Marley Coffee: Coffee beans made by the son of a reggae legend. (Possibly laced.)
• Axe: BODY SPRAY BODY SPRAY BODY SPRAY
• Sentient: Coupons for private jets. Seriously!
• Patron: Got everyone drunk.

Actually, most of that stuff sounds pretty worthless. It will be cluttering up mansions for years.

It Pays to be a Pro at the ESPY Gifting Suites [LAist]
[Photo via]

Oden, Durant Are Fine Judges Of Talent

Rick Chandler — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 10:45:14 EDT

Here's a photo from the 2007 ESPYs which I haven't seen before, so I suppose it should be officially submitted to our files. Greg Oden and Kevin Durant certainly appreciate fine things, and by that I mean the award, of course. Look on Oden's face = "Not bad."

So the consensus is that the lovely on the right is Maria Sharapova; but who is the brunette? One thing for sure, Oden could pick her out of a lineup if he had to. If she were facing the wall.

By the way, Mr. Oden seems to have gained a few pounds since then, eh?

Oden, Durant And Wandering Eyes [The Big Lead]

Best Of Luck To Ashley Force At The ESPY Awards Tonight

DAULERIO — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 18:30:54 EDT

Even though they'll air this Sunday, the ESPY Awards are happening tonight in fantastic L.A. at the Nokia Theater, what should be the home of Baron Davis and the L.A. Clippers. All the glitz, glam, Valvano, and Timberlake any sports fan could ask for.

If anyone in the Los Angeles area finds an ESPN personality celebrating with drink or adult entertainment associate in hand, please send along those photos.

Unfortunately, there is no masterful live bloggery from Matt Sussman tonight. But let's take this opportunity to praise him for his monstrous efforts on Monday and Tuesday. Especially last night. I'd told Matt that he should do a wrap-up post after each live blog and this morning I was greeted with this e-mail response to that suggestion.

Re: wrap-up post

Fuck no.

Completely understandable. Be well tonight and be sure to watch "Costas Now" this evening for a very special reunion between two old friends.

More tomorrow...

We Were All So Lame In The Early 90s

Leitch — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 10:00:54 EDT

We don't mean to destroy the mystery surrounding the ESPYs — which taped last night and will be shown Sunday — but, well, co-host LeBron James did a song called "My LeBrongative." We're sure the rest of the evening's hilarity followed that pattern.

The ESPYs Keep The Talent Happy

Leitch — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 11:10:33 EDT

The ESPYs are airing Sunday, but they've already been filmed, and, just like last year, they handed out a ridiculous gift bag.

After the jump, we present all the free crap all the ESPY presenters receives this year. Some lucky athlete came away with a super ergonomic hybrid messenger backpack. We hope Manny got one.

And if you don't like jumps — ahem — you can find the list right here. Hey, they're athletes: They need all this free crap.

The following is the list of gifts that each recipient will receive:

ALEK Essentials
A luxurious ALEK Essentials gift package

Ancestry.com
A gift certificate for a World Deluxe Membership annual subscription

BBP Bags
A BBP super ergonomic hybrid messenger backpack. What's on YO BUM?

BedandBreakfast.com
A gift certificate for use at any property on bedandbreakfast.com

Bose
"Quiet Comfort 3" Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones (155)

Bottlenotes.com
Subscriptions to the ""Little Black Dress Wine Club"" for the women or "Connoisseurs Club"" for the men."

Breville USA
Juice Fountain Plus JE95XL

Buena Vista Home Entertainment
Alias, Grey's Anatomy and LOST DVD box sets

Chipotle
Gift card for free burritos for a year at any participating Chipotle Mexican Grill

The Container Store
Container Store gift card for shopping online or in stores

Disneyland
Disneyland Resort Park Hopper passes

Dr. Assil Eye Institute
A gift certificate for a lasik eye procedure

Dr. Hauschka
A gift package of Ouch! Aid Arnica Compress, Arnica Bump and Bruise Relief, Birch Arnica Body Oil, Cleansing Milk, Facial Toner, Quince Day Cream and Lip Care Stick

eModa.com
A gift card for shopping online at emoda.com

ESPN Golf Schools
A gift certificate for ESPN Golf Schools 3-Club Tour

Exhale Spa
A gift certificate for a 30 minute massage plus mind/body class @ any of their 8 spas located in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, NY and LA areas

Giorgio Armani Beauty
A gift package of Sheer Cream Blush, Lip Shimmer, Sheer Lipstick, Lipstick Mania and eye shadow

Hasbro Games
A gift certificate for Cosmic Catch, Monopoly Tropical Tycoon DVD, Flying Dutchman Puzzle, Yahtzee Turbo and Twister Take Out

Hasbro Toys
A gift certificate for Peyton Manning Pro Grip Football, G.I. Joe Anniversary 5-pack, Transformers Optimus Prime Voice Changer Helmet, Transformers Arm Blasters, Star Wars Anniversary Coin Binder, Tooth Tunes, My Little Pony Retro Ponies, Spi-Dog

HoopFX
Gift certificate for customized basketball backboard cover

Hyperion Books
ESPN Books: "After Jackie," "23 Ways to Get to First Base," "0:01 Parting Shots from the World of Sports," "From the Heart The Game within the Game," and "Teammates"

iGourmet
Gift Certificate for shopping online at iGourmet.com

Invicta
A Watch from Invicta's Anatomic Collection

i-Tech Products
An iTech Ionic Tourmaline Professional Hair Dryer

Jiggerbug
Audio books (TBA) plus a one year online subscription to jiggerbug.com

Jimmy Kimmel Live
A gift certificate for 4 to attend show taping and green room access, a Jimmy Kimmel Live hoodie and hat

John Varvatos
John Varvatos 4.2 oz Eau de Toilette, Hair & Body Shampoo, After Shave Gel and Deodorant Stick

Jordan Brands
A Jumpman23 Laptop bag

Klipsch
The new iGroove SXT speaker. It may be small but it delivers larger-than-life performances. Works with all iPods!

Koolaburra
A gift certificate for Kettle Black Truth & Honor Boots Australian sheepskin boots for men or women

Marchon Eyewear
Various men's and women's hottest styles in sunglasses

Mitchell & Ness
A Primo Track Jacket Nylon windbreaker, woven, full zip warm-up with striped knit rib collar, cuffs, and wristband. Fully lined with contrasting mesh lining, horizontal stripes across the front and back

Mondrian Hotel-South Beach
A gift certificate for a two-night stay

Murad Skin Care
A gift package of Essential-C Eye Cream, Face Defense SPF15, Razor Burn Rescue, Cleansing Shave

Narciso Rodriquez
A gift package of Narciso Rodriguez Eau de Parfum 3.3 oz. and Narciso Rodriguez Body Crème 5.2 oz for women

Palms Casino Resort
Complimentary 2 Night Stay in a Parlor suite including airport transfer to and from the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas

Phyto-USA
A gift package of new phytodensium line of anti-aging hair products and include a gift certificate for a service at Phyto Universe. Phytodensium: A revolutionary, new anti-aging hair system available in finer salons and department stores September 2007

Renzi
A gift certificate for a custom, hand-made shirt for men or women

Richard Petty Driving Experience
A gift certificate to ride in and/or drive an authentic 600hp NASCAR Style stock car at one of 26 tracks nationwide where Richard Petty Driving Experience operates

Rosetta Stone
A gift certificate for a 3 Month Online language subscription

Samsonite Black Label
25" Pro-DLX Spinner

Shari's Berries
Gift Certificate for online shopping at www.berries.com

Shave of Beverly Hills
A gift certificate for the MVP Package that includes the signature steam straight razor shave, fingernail clip n' clean, razor haircut, "nap in the chair" eye calming treatment and neck and shoulder massage.

AK Solutions
An AlcoMate Prestige Breathalyzer with Replaceable Sensor Technology

Sonic Impact
A gift certificate for a Sonic Impact Video 55 portable iPod player

Sports Club/LA
A gift card for a one-year bi-coastal membership at any SportsClubLA location

Singer Island Resort
A gift certificate for a 2 Night stay @ Resort at Singer Island Resort

Team Baby Entertainment
A DVD, music CD and gift card for shopping on TeamBabyEntertainmentcom.
Sports themed programming for children.

Tiger & Jones
Personalized hand-stitched stationary set

Under Armour
A Performance Apparel Outfit by Under Armour

The U.S. Grant
A gift certificate for a two night stay in a deluxe room at the US Grant with gift card to use at the legendary Grant Grill or a gift certificate for a two night stay in a suite at The Resort At Singer Island including 50 minute treatment at SiSpa.

Yoga Works
A gift card for a yoga class membership at Yoga Works NY, LA or Orange County locations

Zaca Mesa Winery & Vineyard
2004 Z3 (Reserve Rhône Blend) and a mail-in certificate to receive the May Wine Club shipment of 3 additional bottles

Can You Even Call It A "Red Carpet" If It's Just For The ESPYs?

Leitch — Fri, 14 Jul 2006 16:00:43 EDT

See these poor souls? They're the sad sacks who ended up sitting in the heat during the ESPYs Red Carpet Show, which, if you're extremely lonely and sad, you'll be watching this Sunday night. We can't imagine what would be worse than having to sweat and watch Stuart Scott refer to the night "of phat entertainment." That's one term; we can think of a few more.

Anyway, blogger Farther Off The Wall has the full scoop of the red carpet, with everyone smiling and trying to pretend this is not a thoroughly depressing enterprise. The highlights include Pat O'Brien leering at Danica Patrick — honestly, a world where Mike Cooper is jail and this guy is free to roam the streets is a deeply unjust one — Matt Leinart hanging out with that weird Schwab guy and, our favorite, a random appearance by a sadly non-mulleted Doug Flutie.

Also, enjoy one of the more terrifying Berman photos we've seen in a while. And we apologize: We have already devoted more to this that we ever should have.

To ESPY Or Not To ESPY [Farther Off The Wall]

The Post Where We Ruin The ESPY Suspense

Leitch — Thu, 13 Jul 2006 14:30:47 EDT

Desperate to find out what happened at the ESPYs last night? Can't wait for Sunday? Just can't believe that they'd make you sit around that long? We feel your pain! We do! We've spent hours already frantically analyzing our "Best Male" cheat sheets, and we can't take it anymore.

Fortunately, the fine folks at The Sports Blog At The Polo Grounds have the inside "scoop" on the ESPYs, with photos, rundowns and commentary far too clever to ever appear on a cue card.

We're still kind of surprised they actually invited Bode Miller ... but hey, it wouldn't be ESPN without Ben Stiller.

Sorry .. we suppose this should have a SPOILER ALERT! Hope we didn't ruin it for anyone.

ESPYs Recap [The Sports Blog At The Polo Grounds]

The Real Reason The ESPYs Exist

Leitch — Mon, 10 Jul 2006 17:45:00 EDT

You might think the ESPYs are pointless. You might think they're a blight on humanity. You might think they're everything that's wrong with a network that we all remember being the centerpiece of our lives at some point. You might wonder why they continue with this charade every year.

Obviously ... you're not a presenter. We proudly introduce you to the ESPY Gift Bag, the cavalcade of potpourri given to all presenters and nominees. A sampling:

Zirh: A gift package that includes Smooth Shaving Set, Best Bets Kit and Age-Defying Duo

Invicta: A watch from the "Anatomic Collection"

Keurig: A Special Edition B60 coffee brewer plus a three-month supply of coffee

Starwood Luxury Collection: Complimentary two-night stay in a deluxe ocean front suite at The Atlantic Fort Lauderdale PLUS a 50-minute spa treatment at Spa Atlantic

All told ... pretty good swag. (Our favorite is Dada Footwear.) Get a picture of the full bag and the press release after the jump. So, in case you were wondering why they keep doing the ESPYs: It's because rich people really need more free shit.

————————————————-
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 10, 2006

THE 2006 ESPYS

UNWRAP THE GIFT BASKET TO BE GIVEN TO THE PRESENTERS AND NOMINEES OF THE 14TH ANNUAL SPORTS CELEBRATION

NEW YORK, NY - To show their appreciation to the celebrity presenters and nominees at The 2006 ESPYS (Sunday, July 16 at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN), ESPN has put together a one-of-a- kind Presenters' and Nominees' Gift Basket filled with exclusive luxury items created especially with this year's recipients in mind.

The following is the list of gifts that each recipient will receive:

Under Armour
An assortment of Under Armour apparel

Archos
A Gemini 402 Camcorder

Disneyland
Park Hopper passes

Klipsch Audio
The iGroove all-in-one digital music speaker system

SAMSONITE Black Label Luggage
A Pro-DLX carry-on upright

Edgetech "Pocket Surfer"

Pocket Surfer wireless Internet device that includes complimentary lifetime connection service

BLOCKBUSTER Online
A gift certificate for a complimentary one-year subscription to BLOCKBUSTER Online

Mr. Handyman
One day of Handyman Service

Yogaworks
A gift certificate for a complimentary year of unlimited yoga at any of their bicoastal studios

The Sports Club/LA
A One Year bicoastal Membership

Zirh
A gift package that includes Smooth Shaving Set, Best Bets Kit, and Age-Defying Duo

Invicta
A watch from the "Anatomic Collection"

Keurig
A Special Edition B60 coffee brewer plus a three-month supply of coffee

Logitech
A "Harmony 550" Advanced Universal remote

Starwood Luxury Collection
Complimentary two-night stay in a deluxe ocean front suite at The Atlantic Fort Lauderdale PLUS a 50-minute spa treatment at Spa Atlantic

OR:
Complimentary 2-night stay in 2- bedroom Oceanfront Suite at The Resort At Singer Island plus 50-minute spa treatment at Si Spa

The Shave of Beverly Hills
A Signature MVP Treatment deluxe signature hot towel shave, haircut and fingernail clip n' clean.

Renzi
A custom-made shirt

Timbuk2
A custom ESPY Messenger bag and gift certificate towards a "Build Your Own Bag" online at www.timbuk2.com

Tiger & Jones
A personalized hand-stitched stationary set

Dada Footwear
The CODE M is an MP3 player integrated in your shoe with a wireless headset and holds up to 100 songs with a 6-hour battery life.

Argyle Spa
A gift certificate for "The Hydrafacial" by Debrah Depiano at Argyle LA

John Varvatos
John Varvatos Fragrance Platinum Set and John Varvatos Fragrance Limited Edition

Hasbro Games
Trivial Pursuit Totally 80's game and gift card for Clue DVD, Bulls Eye Ball 2, Connect Four Folio and Twister Dance Game

Hasbro Toys
VCAM NOW game PLUS gift certificate for: Transformers Cybertron Primus, Sigma 6 Commando Figure, Star Wars Vintage Figure, Furreal Friends Cuddle Chimp, Play-Doh Activity Mats.

eMusic.com
A music download gift card for music on www.emusic.com

Bose
Quiet Comfort 2 Acoustic Noise Canceling Headphones

Diamonte Cabo San Lucas
A customized Belding Tour Series black leather golf bag.

Dr. Perricone MD
"Perricone Program for increased Tone & Radiance" Starter Set that includes: Citrus Facial Wash, Amine Complex Face Lift, Evening Facial Emolient, Eye Area Therapy, and Face Finishing Moisturizer

Amadeo Decada
A limited Edition tee, leather belt and Gift Card for purchase on www.amadeodecada.com

T3 Tourmaline
Overnight Professional ionic hair dryer for travel

Six Flags Theme Parks
A season pass for four

Mondrian Hotel
Two-night hotel suite stay in the newly renovated Mondrian Scottsdale

Rosetta Stone
A gift card for an online language subscription

Dirt Devil
A gift certificate for the Dirt Devil "Reaction" Vacuum

Grohe
Gift certificate for a choice of shower fixture from their Movario line

Bobbi Brown
Bobbi Brown Face Lotion SPF 15 Creamy Shave Foam, Soothing Face Tonic, Bobbi Brown Lip Tint SPF 15, and Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks

Marchon Eyewear
Sunglasses by Coach, Fendi, and Michael Kors

Mitchell & Ness
An NBA Inspired Warm Up Jackets from various teams, authentic vintage logo and authentic NBA Hardwood Classics collection

Kawesch Laser Center
A gift certificate for Lasik Procedure

ESPN Golf Schools
ESPN Golf Schools 3-Club Tour

Palms Resort and Casino
Complimentary two night stay in Salon suite at the Palms in Las Vegas

Gamefly
One-year VIP membership

Shari's Berries
A gift certificate for online shopping at www.berries.com"

SONY Cierge Membership
A by-invitation-only program membership for premium level service and exclusive access to Sony personal shopping program

Public Enemy
Novel by Will Staeger

Hyperion Books
Natural Selection Real Men Don't Apologize; Education of a Coach; Invincible Glory Road

ESPN Books
Baseball Sudoku; Rules of the Red Rubber Ball; 2006 ESPN Sports Almanac

Home Depot
Gift certificates

Tache Jewelry
Nikos Jewels Selectrum Pendant

ZOOM
Gift certificate for one-hour teeth whitening

Sunset Tan
Gift certificates for tanning or sunless tanning at any of their locations

The ESPYS gather top celebrities from sports and entertainment to commemorate the past year's best sports stories by recognizing major achievements, reliving unforgettable moments and saluting the leading performers and performances. The 2006 ESPYS will include both sport-specific awards such as Best MLB Player and Best WNBA Player and distinguishing "Best in Sport" awards, categories that pit different sports against each other, such as Best Team or Best Female Athlete. The ESPYS are committed to the advancement of The V Foundation for Cancer Research, established by ESPN with the late Jim Valvano and announced at the inaugural ESPYS in 1993.

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