FanHouse

'House Video: Mariotti and Blackistone on NBA Finals

Randy Kim — 2009-06-06T14:46:00 00:00

While in LA covering this year's NBA Finals, FanHouse's Jay Mariotti and Kevin Blackistone stopped by the AOL studios and dropped a little knowledge on this year's quest for the Larry O'Brien trophy. Is Kobe's focus sharper than it's ever been? Is Orlando just happy to have topped LeBron? And what about some series predictions? The "Around the Horn" veterans dish on these topics and more.

Check out the video after the jump.

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Charles Pagès Lands (Legit) Front Flip

Randy Kim — 2009-05-19T09:48:00 00:00

by Randy Kim

Filed under: FMX

The white whale of FMX has been the front flip. Until now. Video has recently surfaced of France's Charles Pages successfully pulling off a front flip during a training sesh.

FMX fanatics might make the claim that Jim DeChamp was the first one to pull off a front flip, but that was done on a specially modified bike. Pages pulled it off on a regular Suzuki RM250 that he would ride in any FMX competition.

Allez, Chuckie!

(H/T: ESPN's FMX Blog)

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The Charmed Life of Larry Fitzgerald

Randy Kim — 2009-04-24T19:54:00 00:00

by Randy Kim

Filed under: NFL Draft, NFL Interviews, FanHouse Exclusive

If you're Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, the last year hasn't been so bad. Think about it: You had 96 catches for 1,431 yards and 12 touchdowns during the regular season; you had three touchdowns in the NFC Championship Game, you had two more touchdowns in Super Bowl XLIII (so what if you wound up losing the game?), and you're named the MVP of the Pro Bowl. Not a bad year, right?

Well, things just got a little bit better for Larry on Friday, as it was announced that he was the cover guy for EA's Madden NFL 10 (along with Pittsburgh's Troy Polamalu).

So what does Larry think about being on the cover? Why is he sure he's going to reverse the Madden Curse? What's the latest on Anquan Boldin's contract situation? And why does he think Matt Leinart is the next Steve Young? I asked Larry all of these questions and more during some time here in New York. Read the full interview after the jump.

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One-on-One With Dwyane Wade

Randy Kim — 2009-04-17T14:45:00 00:00

by Randy Kim

Filed under: Heat, Playoffs, Interviews

(FanHouse is excited to work with writer Carrie Stewart, who recently scored an ample amount of time with Heat star Dwyane Wade. Stewart's full interview, which covers everything from misplaced diamonds to Barack Obama to those Star Jones rumors, is in its entirety below. Enjoy.)

Playoffs? You wanna talk about playoffs? Playoffs? (to borrow from Jim Mora Sr. circa 2001). Answer: of course you wanna talk about playoffs, with the top 16 teams set to go head-to-head starting Saturday. But I felt like taking a quick breather from all the playoff buzz to talk to one of the league's best players, if not the best (yeah, I said it; sorry, LeBron) and find out a little of what goes on in the mind of Miami's superstar.

Carrie Stewart: "You have a lot of nicknames, so what do your friends call you?"

Dwyane Wade: "Most of my friends call me 'D', some call me Wade, some even call me Flash, but none of them really call me Dwyane, so if you were my friend of mine, Dwyane would not be one of the names you would call me."

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NBA Turns to Kanye West for 'Amazing' Playoff Promo

Randy Kim — 2009-04-15T15:11:00 00:00

by Randy Kim

Filed under: Playoffs

Well, when it comes to hoops promos, this one certainly tops Pink, the Black-Eyed Peas and Lenny Kravitz.

In the interest of building even more excitement for the '09 playoffs, the NBA has chosen Kanye West's "Amazing" to be the unofficial theme song for the second season. Peep the spot-on spot below; it features some, well, amazing footage of LeBron, Kobe, D-Wade and company from playoffs past.

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Huge Shark Caught at Teahupoo

Randy Kim — 2009-02-27T14:37:00 00:00

by Randy Kim

Filed under: Surfing

The monstrous shark seen above was recently pulled from the break at Teahupoo, the legendary surf spot in Tahiti. Two fisherman who were out trying to catch starfish (!) reeled in the already-dead shark, which weighed in at 1.3 tons.

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Rob Dyrdek Opens LA Skate Plaza, Scores Carl's Jr. Sponsorship

Randy Kim — 2009-02-25T16:51:00 00:00

by Randy Kim

Filed under: Skateboarding

The hits keep rolling in for pro skateboarder Rob Dyrdek. Fresh off of the launch of his new MTV show "Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory" and his featured role in EA's "Skate 2", the Alien Workshop rider now has two new roles: civic-minded do-gooder and Carl's Jr. pitchman.

To the first point, Dyrdek helped open a public skate plaza in downtown L.A. on Tuesday as part of the "Safe Spot, Skate Spot" program that aims to provide legal, hassle-free skateboarding spots for community skateboarders. Cool stuff. Photos and video from the event can be seen at Transworld Skateboarding.

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Tony Hawk, Shaun White Top Forbes' List of Richest Action Sports Athletes

Randy Kim — 2009-02-20T16:45:00 00:00

by Randy Kim

Filed under: Surfing, Skateboarding, FMX, BMX, Snowboarding

Well known for its interesting series of "most wealthy" lists for sports, Forbes recently stepped outside of the traditional sports world and released its rankings of the top 10 highest-paid action sports athletes for 2008.

The names at the top of the list -- Tony Hawk, Shaun White (right) -- aren't all that surprising, but the earnings (Hawk alone apparently made $12 million in 2008) are nothing to sneeze at, even compared to wages earned by well-known professional athletes.

Forbes' full list, including each athlete's 2008 earnings, can be found after the jump:

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Olympic Silver Medalist Kills Himself

Randy Kim — 2009-02-19T17:18:00 00:00

by Randy Kim

Filed under: International Olympics

In a tragic turn, Mike Whitmarsh, an Olympic silver medalist in beach volleyball, committed suicide Wednesday. The means of death was determined to be carbon monoxide poisoning. Whitmarsh was 46.

The following is the entirety of AP's report on this sad story.

Recent Deaths in Sports

Mike Whitmarsh, Feb. 19: The 1996 Olympic silver medalist in beach volleyball committed suicide with carbon monoxide from car exhaust, according to the medical examiner.

Al Bello, Getty Images

Kamila Skolimowska, Feb. 18: The 2000 Olympic gold medalist in the hammer throw died suddenly while training in Portugal. The Polish athlete was just 26.

Olivier Morin, AFP/Getty Images

Ted Uhlaender, Feb. 12: The former Major League Baseball player, seen here as Cleveland's first base coach in 2001, had worked most recently as a scout for San Francisco.

Rick Stewart , Allsport / Getty Images

Jeremy Lusk, Feb. 9: The motocross star died two days after suffering head injuries in a crash.

Cal Sport Media / ZUMA Press

Mel Kaufman, Feb. 9: The former linebacker, who won two Super Bowl rings as a player with the Redskins, died in his California home at the age of 50.

NFL / Getty Images

Marian Cozma, Feb. 8: The 26-year-old was a member of Romania's national handball team. Cozma was stabbed to death and two other players were seriously injured in an attack at a nightclub in western Hungary.

Srdjan Ilic, AP

Payton Jordan, Feb. 5: The college track and field star, seen here in 2004, went on to coach at Stanford and led the United States to a record 24 medals at the 1968 Olympics.

Paul Sakuma, AP

John Gordy, Jan. 30: The former Detroit Lions offensive lineman was a three-time Pro Bowler and helped form the NFL Players' Association.

Ingemar Johansson, Jan. 30: The Swede stunned the boxing world by knocking out Floyd Patterson to win the heavyweight title in 1959. Johansson became only the fifth heavyweight champion born outside the US.

Glenn Davis, Jan. 28: The star hurdler, center, won two of his three gold medals at the 1960 Olympics.

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Danica Patrick Talks About Back-to-Back Swimsuit Appearances

Randy Kim — 2009-02-14T21:22:00 00:00

by Randy Kim

Filed under: Sports Media, IRL

This past week, FanHouse ran our behind-the-scenes video interview with Danica Patrick as she was between takes at the 2009 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue shoot here in New York. While it's tough to get enough of DP, we weren't able to fit the entire interview in the video, so here's a transcript of the rest of our chat with Danica. She talks about everything from how she stays fit to guilty food pleasures. Enjoy.

Best Danica Patrick Photos

Indy driver Danica Patrick appears at the 2007 ESPY Awards. Click through for more Danica Patrick photos.

Vince Bucci, Getty Images

PHOENIX - FEBRUARY 10: Danica Patrick, driver of the #16 Rahal Letterman Racing Honda Panoz, waits in pit lane during the IRL IndyCar Series Open Test on February 10, 2005 at the Phoenix International Raceway in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images)

Robert Laberge, Getty Images

RICHMOND, VA - JUNE 24: Danica Patrick driver of the #16 Rahal Letterman Racing Argent Pioneer in the pits during practice for the IndyCar Series Sun Trust Indy Challenge on June 24, 2005 at the Richmond International Speedway in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images). *** Local Caption *** Danica Patrick

Nick Laham, Getty Images

HOMESTEAD, FL - FEBRUARY 21: Danica Patrick, driver of the #7 Andretti Green Racing Dallara Honda, poses for a portrait during testing for the IRL Indycar Series on February 21, 2007 at the Homestead Miami Speedway in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images)

Robert Laberge, Getty Images

Danica Patrick, Host of "Zero to Sixty" On Spike TV Spike TV Presents The 2003 GQ Men of the Year Awards - Arrivals The Regent Wall Street New York City, New York United States October 21, 2003 Photo by Jim Spellman/WireImage.com To license this image (1757629), contact WireImage: +1 212-686-8900 (tel) +1 212-686-8901 (fax) info@wireimage.com (e-mail) www.wireimage.com (web site)

Jim Spellman, WireImage.com

New York, UNITED STATES: Driver Danica Patrick of the US is seen during a photo op for the driver line up for the 2007 Indianpolis 500, 21 May 2007, in New York's Times Square. Patrick, one of three female drivers who qualified for the 91st Indianapolis 500, will start 8th in the 27 May race. AFP PHOTO/Stan HONDA (Photo credit should read STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images)

Stan Honda, AFP / Getty Images

Danica Patrick arrives at the 13th Annual ESPY Awards at the Kodak Theatre on July 13, 2005 in Hollywood, California.

Mark Mainz, Getty Images

DETROIT - AUGUST 30: Danica Patrick, driver of the #7 Motorola Andretti Green Racing Dallara Honda, walks through the paddock during practice for the IRL IndyCar Series Detroit Grand Prix on August 30, 2008 at the Raceway on Belle Isle in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Marc Serota, Getty Images

NEW YORK - APRIL 23: American auto racing driver Danica Patrick arrives to the "Baby Mama" premiere at the Ziegfeld Theatre, during the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival on April 23, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Tribeca Film Festival)

Bryan Bedder, Getty Images

HOMESTEAD, FL - FEBRUARY 26: Danica Patrick driver of the #7 Motorola Andretti Green Racing Dallara Honda poses for a portrait during Spring Testing for the IRL IndyCar Series on February 26, 2008 at Homestead Miami Speedway in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

Jonathan Ferrey, Getty Images

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Behind the Scenes at Danica Patrick's SI Swimsuit Shoot

Randy Kim — 2009-02-10T08:00:00 00:00

by Randy Kim

Filed under: Sports Media, IRL

FanHouse was recently fortunate enough to go behind the scenes with Danica Patrick for her 2009 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue photo shoot here in New York. Patrick talked to us between takes about what it means to be in the Swimsuit Issue in consecutive years, as well as her secret to staying in shape. Watch the video below to see what Danica had to say about this and more, and check back in a few days for a transcript of the full interview.

And don't forget to check out SI.com for an in-depth look at the 2009 Swimsuit Issue.

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New York City Hearts Snowboarding

Randy Kim — 2009-02-06T15:34:00 00:00

by Randy Kim

Filed under: Skiing-Snowboarding

Never one to miss out on a chance to freeze our toes off with thousands of shivering hipsters, FanHouse hit the man-made slopes of Manhattan to check out the Red Bull Snowscrapers competition that took place Thursday in downtown New York City. Here are photos, videos and one writer's observations from the event.

Big Air in the Big Apple

A view from the top of the impressive, nine-story high ramp constructed by Red Bull for the "Snowscrapers" snowboarding competition that took place in New York City on Feb. 5, 2009.

Ben Trivett, FanHouse

Riders flew down the ramp (sometimes aided by a winch) and landed on either side of the spine.

Ben Trivett, FanHouse

Pat Moore, of New Hampshire, stands at the top of the ramp before dropping in with the aid of a winch. Before the competition, Moore said they could've used more height for the build-up, but that all the riders were just excited to be riding in Manhattan.

Ben Trivett, FanHouse

Height over the top of the spine wasn't quite what spectators were accustomed to, but the riders were still pushing themselves hard due to the massive audience.

Ben Trivett, FanHouse

A boned-out tailgrab during Thursday afternoon's practice.

Ben Trivett, FanHouse

And the crowd ... rough estimates put it in the tens of thousands. Either way, despite positively frigid temperatures, the audience was enthusiastic. And large.

Joe Kohen, WireImage

Shaun White was definitely the event's major draw. The 2006 gold medalist was swarmed everywhere he went, and was accompanied by two handlers to get through the swarm of fans and press trying to get time with the Flying Tomato.

Joe Kohen, WireImage

Being the oldest rider at the event, Norway's Terje Haakonsen was one of the sentimental favorites. This was one of his more impressive tricks of the night, a tweaked method backflip.

Damon Dahlen, FanHouse

The media was plentiful. Dustin Craven talks to Fuel TV between runs. Craven did not advance past the first round of the event.

Damon Dahlen, FanHouse

An impressive boned-out indy grab high over the spine.

Damon Dahlen, FanHouse

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New York City Hearts Snowboarding

Randy Kim — 2009-02-06T14:55:00 00:00

by Randy Kim

Filed under: Snowboarding

Big Air in the Big Apple

A view from the top of the impressive, nine-story high ramp constructed by Red Bull for the "Snowscrapers" snowboarding competition that took place in New York City on Feb. 5, 2009.

Ben Trivett, FanHouse

Riders flew down the ramp (sometimes aided by a winch) and landed on either side of the spine.

Ben Trivett, FanHouse

Height over the top of the spine wasn't quite what spectators were accustomed to, but the riders were still pushing themselves hard due to the massive audience.

Ben Trivett, FanHouse

A boned-out tailgrab during Thursday afternoon's practice.

Ben Trivett, FanHouse

And the crowd ... rough estimates put it in the tens of thousands. Either way, despite positively frigid temperatures, the audience was enthusiastic. And large.

Joe Kohen, WireImage

Being the oldest rider at the event, Norway's Terje Haakonsen was one of the sentimental favorites. This was one of his more impressive tricks of the night, a tweaked method backflip.

Damon Dahlen, FanHouse

The media was plentiful. Dustin Craven talks to Fuel TV between runs. Craven did not advance past the first round of the event.

Damon Dahlen, FanHouse

An impressive boned-out indy grab high over the spine.

Damon Dahlen, FanHouse

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Mark Cuban Gets Fined $25,000; Blogs Apology to 'bff' J.R. Smith

Randy Kim — 2009-01-17T09:28:00 00:00

by Randy Kim

Filed under: Mavericks

Mavs owner Mark Cuban was fined $25,000 by the NBA Friday for confronting Denver's J.R. Smith after Cuban saw Smith throw an elbow at Dallas' Antoine Wright's head.

Cubes getting fined by the league is nothing new, obviously. But what upped the juice on this story was Cuban's hilariously sarcastic response to Smith, which he posted on his blog.

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Lisa Olson Makes FanHouse Debut: 'Yanks Still Living Ugly American Dream'

Randy Kim — 2009-01-06T20:15:00 00:00

by Randy Kim

Filed under: Yankees

Fresh off of yesterday's announcement that Jay Mariotti had penned (typed?) his debut column for AOL Sports/FanHouse, we are now extremely pleased to introduce our next big "get" of this young 2009, as former New York Daily News sportswriter Lisa Olson has written her first column for FanHouse. Her topic? The Yankees' megabucks signing of Mark Teixeira, natch.

Yes, Olson got exclusive access to Yankees GM Brian Cashman in the article (who knew that Twisted Sister was such a key ingredient in the Bronx Bombers' recruitment process?) And yes, she was wise to bring up the Yankees' gala signing of another certain No. 25 just a few years back. But honestly, what we are most excited about is what Olson's contributions will mean to the 'House down the road. You might be familiar with Olson's story already, but if you aren't, I encourage you to check out her Wikipedia page. Besides being known for quality sportswriting, Olson's principled approach to her craft has broken down barriers for women sports journalists the world over.

So welcome to the 'House, Lisa. We're happy to have you here. And now that you've made yourself at home, please try to find out what's up with that gray-bearded gunslinger who may or may not be starting at quarterback for the Jets next season. We're kind of curious around these parts.

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FanHouse Steps Into the Stables at the 2008 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo

Randy Kim — 2008-12-22T15:13:00 00:00

by Randy Kim

Filed under: Rodeo

In this final video component from FanHouse's trip to the 2008 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, Shane Bacon and myself take a closer look at all of the action that took place away from the dirt in Las Vegas. We talk to some fans, we go inside the locker rooms, Shane tries on a Kevlar vest (then has a staring contest with 2,000 pounds worth of snorting, pawing male bovine), and I get a quick lesson from pro bull rider Wesley Silcox on how to successfuly get tossed from a (mechanical) bull.

If it sounds like a mixed bag of activity, it's because it was. But that doesn't lessen the impact the overall experience had on this first-time rodeo-goer from Brooklyn. In fact, if I had to sum up my rodeo experience, these would be my top three bullet points (which I won't actually bullet for you; I hate unnecessary lists): Bull riders are insane, bronco-busting is an art, and cowboys are extremely friendly dudes. Line item 4a would probably be "chicks dig cowboys," but then I'm sure you didn't need me to attend a rodeo to tell you that.

Anyway, thanks to Wrangler for setting us up. See you at the Garden in early January.

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Trevor Brazile Shows FanHouse How to Rope, Cooks Bacon in 'PIG'

Randy Kim — 2008-12-16T21:50:00 00:00

by Randy Kim

Filed under: Rodeo

As has been blogged about capably and enthusiastically by Shane Bacon, Wrangler was recently good enough to get us out to Las Vegas to attend the 2008 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Here's another video from our trip; in this one we get a lesson on how to rope from champion cowboy Trevor Brazile. Brazile then goes up against Bacon in a game of "PIG", which is basically like "HORSE" on a basketball court, except the twine's a heck of a lot thicker. Bacon hails from Texas, but he comes up short against Trevor. Go figure. Oh, and I stick my first toss after the dudes are done going mano y mano. Hey, just sayin'.

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Rangers' Dubinsky, Lundqvist Discuss Sean Avery's 'Sloppy' Suspension

Randy Kim — 2008-12-03T18:42:00 00:00

by Randy Kim

Filed under: Flames, Rangers, Stars

Along with New York Giants legend Harry Carson (and, naturally, Michael Phelps), the New York Rangers' own Brandon Dubinsky and Henrik Lundqvist attended the Sportsman of the Year ceremonies in downtown Manhattan on Tuesday night. FanHouse was in attendance, and we got a chance to talk to both of the players about Sean Avery's recent suspension. Here's what both players had to say about their former teammate's controversial "sloppy seconds" comments regarding Calgary's Dion Phaneuf dating Avery's ex-girlfriend, Elisha Cuthbert.

FanHouse: Do you think Avery's comments warranted a suspension?

Brandon Dubinsky: "Well, I mean, obviously the league protects its interests, and felt it was suspendable, so I respect what the league thinks. I think us hockey players try and fly under the radar a little bit and not get involved in too much outside activity and stuff like that, and try and really focus on our games, and I think we take great pride in the fact that you don't see too many of us in the headlines for getting in trouble away from the rink or anything like that. It's a fine line. I certainly don't think it was a smart thing to say, but I'm not sure."

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Harry Carson Says Giants Should Stand by Plaxico Burress, Despite His 'Stupid' Actions

Randy Kim — 2008-12-03T15:48:00 00:00

by Randy Kim

Filed under: Giants, NFL Police Blotter

Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress might have done a really stupid thing by shooting himself in the leg with a handgun, but the team should stick with him through thick and thin.

At least that's the opinion held by former Giants great Harry Carson.

As a featured guest at Tuesday night's Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year ceremony (attended by FanHouse) Carson walked the red carpet and chatted with reporters before heading into the post-ceremony party. Naturally, he was peppered with questions about Plax, and Carson spoke pretty candidly about the situation.

"(Plaxico) did something dumb, stupid, he regrets it, and I know exactly how he feels, but unfortunately he's in that situation right now," said Carson. "I hope the Giants organization sticks with him. Not so much to get him back on the football field, but, you know, Wellington Mara always said, 'Once you're a Giant, you're always a Giant, and you're part of the Giants family,' and I think that this is a time when Plaxico needs his family to support him. I hope the Giants organization sticks with him through this, regardless of what happens."

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A Quick Conversation With Delonte West About Thanksgiving

Randy Kim — 2008-11-27T09:52:00 00:00

by Randy Kim

Filed under: Cavaliers, NBA Press Box

From his hilarious thoughts about what constitutes a perfect Valentine's Day date to one of the most original basketball "talk shows" ever posted on YouTube, Cavaliers guard Delonte West is one of the funniest and most personable players currently ekeing out a living in the NBA.

With the Cavs in New York on Tuesday night, I caught up with Delonte and had a quick conversation with him about what Thanksgiving means to him. Here's what he had to say. Enjoy.

Randy Kim: So what are you thankful for this year?

Delonte West: I'm thankful to have peace of mind right now. I'm thankful for family. I'm thankful that I'm able to do what I enjoy and pursue my passion for a living.

RK: So what are your Thanksgiving plans?

DW: I got a few of my family members coming up, and we'll do a traditional turkey and gravy and, you know ... Macaroni and cheese! (Does a small dance)

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