Who are the most Powerful Athletes in the world? We still love the drama

Tiger Woods

The athletes that rank on our list do more than perform on the court and field. They attract rich sponsors, lend their names to sneakers, and build their own businesses. We looked at earnings and measured fame between May 2010 and May 2011.

Woods has struggled to win tournaments and sign new sponsorship deals since his November 2009 car crash and the infidelity scandal that followed. Yet Woods continues to be the world’s best-paid athlete thanks to $3 million overseas appearance fees and two sponsors that stuck with him: Nike and Electronic Arts. First-week sales this spring of EA Sports’ Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12: The Masters were the highest in the 14-year history of the popular video game franchise. See the slideshow.

Lebron James

James’ reputation took a hit last summer when he announced he was leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat on a national televised special dubbed “The Decision”. His negative Q score soared 77%. Despite the animosity, James continues to be a hot ticket. His jersey was the NBA’s best seller this season and he has the No. 1 basketball shoe on the market. In April, James partnered with Fenway Sports Group to manage his business interests. As part of the deal James received a very small stake in FSG-owned soccer club, Liverpool. See the slideshow

Kobe Bryant

Bryant’s Lakers were swept out of the playoffs in a shocking end to their season after two straight NBA titles. Bryant continues to be the NBA’s biggest star in China where he has a popular website and recently signed on as pitchman for Mercedes-Benz’s local Smart Car brand. Bryant’ $24.8 million salary this year is $4 million more than any other player. See the slideshow

Roger Federer

Arguably the greatest tennis player ever, the Federer era may be nearing its end. He has been passed by both Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in the rankings. Federer still commands the most impressive endorsement portfolio in all of sports with 10 major deals including Nike, Credit Suisse, Rolex and Wilson. He was the only one of Gillette’s original 3 “Champions” to have his deal renewed this year as the brand dropped Tiger Woods and Thierry Henry. See the slideshow

David Beckham

Beckham’s pitch prowess has declined in recent years as the 36-year-old’s career winds down. Yet he is still soccer’s top endorser thanks to a massive deal with Adidas that pays him royalties from Beckham branded soccer apparel and cleats as well as Beckham-approved clothing from lifestyle lines like ObyO. He signed a deal with Samsung in May to become the company’s global brand ambassador for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. See the slideshow

MY WORD: Notice 4 of the 5 had some sought of controversy or negativity happen to them yet and still they are still i the top most powerful athletes. Just goes to show we really don’t care what they do off the field,court etc  Just Win Baby

Laker break-up? kobe says no and he and Gasol deny Media Takeout rumors

Kobe Bryant says the conflict he has with Pau Gasol has nothing to do with his wife or Gasol’s girlfriend.
(Getty Images)

After the Los Angeles Lakers got swept by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2nd round of the playoffs, Laker hall of famer Magic Johnson said “you have to blow this team up” Johnson is also a vice president of the Lakers. Kobe defiantly says “it’s nonsense to consider breaking this team up” When told about what Magic had said Kobe simply replied “they didn’t break up the showtime Lakers when they failed to 3peat and they went on to have continued success” Kobe and Pau Gasol also denied a rumor that Kobe’s wife Vanessa had anything to do with the break-up of Gasol and his girlfriend Silvia Lopez Castro. “It just isn’t true said Bryant Gasol also denied rumors that some sought of conflict between his girlfriend and Bryant’s wife effected team chemistry.He also said that the rumor of Vanessa being responsible for his break-up is 100% false

We will keep our eye on this

MY WORD: Being a Laker Fan I say try to deal Bynum and maybe Shannon Brown for Dwight Howard and while you’re at it see if Memphis will take Pau Gasol for Zach Randolph

Kobe calls referee a Gay slur then gets slammed by gay rights group

The other night Kobe Bryant got himself into trouble with some Gay right groups after calling the referee a Fu….n F.gg.t after being called for a technical foul.  Then later the next day Kobe releases an apology

Kobe 1st Athlete on Walk of Fame

Before stepping on the court for NBA All-Stars Weekend, Kobe Bryant stepped into cement on Saturday (Feb. 19) as the first athlete to be immortalized outside Grauman’s Chinese Theatre.

Due to rain, the ceremony was moved indoors but before enshrining his hands and feet into the cement, Bryant took the podium for a few words.

“I feel like I’ve grown up in this city, and we’ve had a lot of ups and downs, but here we are — five championships, plenty more to go, and I just feel extremely honored to be able to do this,” he says.

Continuing, “I love being in L.A., I love the Lakers and more championships to come!”

The B.Baller is no doubt one of Los Angeles’ most prized athletes, but has no plans to move his career to the big screen, though he previously appeared in the short film “The Black Mamba.” We guess he’s no LeBron (not that we’re complaining).

Bryant may be the first athlete to be immortalized in Hollywood, but should he be the last? What about opening it up to athletes from other cities?

Kobe Leads The WEST To Victory In 2011 NBA All-Star Game.

Amid the almost nonstop rumors concerning a potential Carmelo Anthony trade to the Knicks or Nets this week, they somehow managed to squeeze in the NBA’s 60th All-Star Game at Staples Center Sunday night.

Once they tossed it up, Kobe Bryant took it from there.

Not quite an elder statesman but an old man among today’s youthful stars, Bryant overshadowed just about everyone else wearing stars on the back of his jersey. He won his third outright MVP and fourth overall as the West held off the East, 148-143.

Wearing a dozen stars on his uniform to mark his 12th All-Star appearance, Bryant had 37 points, his career high in an All-Star Game, and added 14 rebounds to overcome LeBron James‘ triple-double, only the second in All-Star Game history.

“Being at home, I wanted to come out and put on a good show,” said Bryant, who also shared the MVP two years ago with Shaquille O’Neal. “Playing in front of the hometown fans, this will be my last All-Star Game here at home. So it’s great.”

Performing in his first All-Star Game as a Knick, and the first Knick to start since Patrick Ewing in 1991, Amar’e Stoudemire scored 29 for the East. During the East’s late rally, when it recovered from a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter, Stoudemire bombed in a big 3-pointer during his 15-point fourth.

But the West got a key put-back basket from Pau Gasol in the final 53 seconds and four foul shots from Chris Paul and Kevin Durant in the final :19 to secure the win. But in the first three quarters, no one could match Bryant, who scored 34, eclipsing his previous best in the game.

“You could tell (the way) he started out, he wanted to get the MVP,” Stoudemire said. “He was not passing the ball, at all.”

Stoudemire scored his first two baskets against Anthony. But they could be teammates in another day or two or maybe by Thursday’s trading deadline.

“The team we have now, it’s not too bad,” Stoudemire said. “But you never know how things may end up in the next few days.”

That’s right, we’re back on ‘Melo watch. The Nets still have a shot, according to Anthony.

“The end is here, and all of this will be over with,” he said after scoring only eight points. “I’m excited for this to be over with and I’m sure everybody else is excited it will be over with.”

This was a Hollywood co-production between the Lakers and Clippers, and Blake Griffin had one of the big highlights of the weekend, winning the dunk contest Saturday night by jumping over a car. Impressive as that was, Bryant was the best dunker on the court Sunday night, by far.

In the third quarter, Bryant might have surprised everyone tuning into the game with a dunk against James. Racing downcourt on a fast break but with James in hot pursuit, he still managed to beat the reigning two-time MVP to the rim.

“I wanted to see if I could avoid the LeBron ‘chase-down,’” he said, referring to James’ propensity to catch up to a would-be dunker and block the shot from behind. “So I just tried to be quick. I snuck it by him.”

But Bryant paid a price for that dunk and all the others. In the fourth quarter, he was out of gas. Thankfully for the West, Durant still had a lot left in his tank as he scored 14 points.

“Look at all the dunks I had,” Bryant said. “The fourth quarter, I had nothing left. I exceeded my dunk quota for the game.”

But obviously not his MVP quota.

-”The BklynBandette.” Mr. Hollywood’s Co-Defendant.

Kobe Bryant Served with paternity papers

Here is how sources over at bossip.com is reporting it.

On the heels of the Orlando Magic’s Gilbert Arenas being served at halftime with child support and custody papers, comes another NBA player being handed a mysterious package..My sources are telling me Kobe was handed paternity papers …Here’s what we’re being told, “Right around the time Tiger Woods was involved in his whole affair mess , a girl Kobe was mixed up with earlier in the year gave birth to his ‘alleged’ child…Kobe paid for her to live in Italy for the last year..She’s returned to the states and is now seeking legal rights.” This sounds plausible, Kobe has cheated on his wife Vanessa in the past…Haven’t these guys learned to keep their hands by their sides when exiting the court.

 

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My Word vs yours     If this is true K-HovA  gonna be in a lot of trouble. If that wasnt peternity papers you tell me what were they? Divorce papaers? Now that I think about it I haven’t see Vanessa’s fine ass around lately

Kobe says”he would beat Lebron 1 on 1 ” I can do that in my sleep”

If you think Kobe Bryant can’t wait for the season and can’t wait to shut up the Miami Heat? You will definitely continue to feel that way after you see this little clip

http://www.youtube.com/v/gnDrm8YPSBE?fs=1&hl=en_US

My Word: The man is telling the truth. Kobe Bryant may be the best one on one player (not named Michael Jordan) in the history of The NBA

Cleveland removes the LeBron James Mural We are no longer witnesses Kobe comments on Miami’s move

Cleveland fans are really letting LeBron know that his decision to move to Miami has cost him his “Kingship.”

Less than a week after “King” James made his announcement to move down south, fans in his former city have shown how they really feel about the so-called betrayal by removing the mural of James that is featured in the now infamous Nike ads.

In the hours after James’ announcement, some angry fans hurled rocks at the 10-story sign that featured James with his arms outstretched after tossing powder into the air.

Kobe Bryant has decided to share his opinion regarding major shifts in the league, including Chris Bosh and LeBron James’ decision to sign with the Miami Heat.

In a press conference, Kobe states that

Michael Jordan says ‘Kobe Is Better The Lebron James”

My Word: I been saying this for years. Now that the true King said it maybe we can now move on

Purple and Gold Parade The Lakers Celebrate Championship Number 16

Tens of thousands of jubilant Los Angeles Lakers fans lined a two-mile route Monday, many waving purple and gold flags and T-shirts that read “Back 2 Back” as they cheered the NBA champions during a parade to celebrate the team’s second consecutive title.

Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Derek Fisher, Andrew Bynum and Ron Artest waved to the throngs from a flatbed 18-wheeler as fans yelled and snapped pictures. Many waited hours for a glimpse of their heroes as they rolled past in a convoy that also included double-decker buses and fire engines.

“We saw them for three minutes, but it was worth every minute,” said Trisha Siqueiros, 29, who drove two hours from Indio with her father, Ron Nieto, 51, for the parade. “The only thing is they should have driven a little slower.”

Police reported a largely well-behaved crowd. Seven people were arrested for various minor offenses, police said. Authorities did not provide a crowd estimate.

The hourlong parade capped a season that ended Thursday with an 83-79 Game 7 victory over the Boston Celtics and a 16th NBA title for the Lakers.

Team members vowed to play hard for a 17th championship next season.

“When next season starts, we’ll be ready, that’s for sure,” Bryant told reporters. He added that of his five titles, “this is the best one by far because it was the hardest one to get.”

Artest, who donned a top hat with purple and gold feathers and sported an unlit cigar during the ride, also said the team plans to buckle down. “We have to party for another week, then start putting in the work and write history again next year,” he said.

The parade, which took the Lakers from Staples Center downtown to the Galen Center at the University of Southern California, started with the purple-clad Laker Girls, who received choruses of wolf-whistles.

The tribute also included past Lakers greats Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The crowd screamed “Ma-gic! Ma-gic!” when they spotted the player-turned businessman.

Missing from the parade was coach Phil Jackson, who had to attend previously scheduled medical checkups, said team spokesman John Black. Jackson has said his health will determine whether he will return as coach.

“This is the highest priority for him and for us in determining whether he’s going to come back and coach for us again next year,” Black said.

Artest said he wished Jackson could have been there. “He’s my favorite coach of all time,” Artest said. “I enjoyed it for him.”

Diehard fans wore all manner of Lakers attire and colors, from sneakers to purses to Mexican-style ponchos. Some waved huge flags and held up signs, like a foam tombstone reading “RIP Boston” and “Back to back without Shaq.”

Many fans took a day off work to pay tribute to their team.

Window washer Jimmy Baskom, 58, said he forewent the day’s pay to drive in from Palmdale because he wanted to see his longtime basketball heroes up close after watching every game this season on TV.

“I’ve been a die-hard fan all my life and I watch every game, but this is my first opportunity to see them in person,” he said.

Electrician Orie Stewart of Los Angeles said he took a day off to bring his 14-year-old granddaughter to the event. “We’ve been longtime fans,” he said. “I’m raising my grandchildren to be Lakers fans.”

The police presence was heavy around the parade route with helicopters overhead and officers on foot, horseback, motorcycle and in cars to deter would-be vandals. After Thursday’s game, people started fires, rocked cars, smashed windows and threw objects at fans and officers. At least 42 people were arrested.

The Los Angeles city attorney’s office said Monday 10 people will be prosecuted on misdemeanor charges including inciting a riot, unlawful assembly after being told to disperse, throwing flammable objects, and assault.

In one case, a man was accused of setting fire to a Celtics jersey, said senior assistant city attorney Chuck Goldenberg. Another man was arrested for allegedly throwing a bicycle at a police officer, and other charges resulted from people throwing rocks at officers and other offenses.

Cabbie Abraham Teferi, whose taxi was attacked and burned by the mob, was given a $10,000 check by Staples Center owner AEG.

AEG president and CEO Tim Leiweke said the taxi was covered by the cab company’s insurance so AEG decided to cover the personal expenses of Teferi, 41, an Ethiopian immigrant who has been in the United States for nine years.

“This isn’t about a car. This is about a life,” Leiweke said.

Fans left no doubt they were looking for a third title next year. “I’m just as excited this year because it’s the second time in a row,” said Teresa Howe, 42, of Simi Valley. “I’m looking forward to a three-peat. And I’ll be here next year.”

———

Associated Press Writers Christina Hoag and Thomas Watkins contributed to this report.

MY WORD    The Lakers have a few questions going into next season that should be answered very quickly. Head Coach Phil Jackson said that he will let the team know by Thursday about wether he will come back or not. Derek Fisher is a unrestricted Free Agent but I certainly expect the Lakers to take care of D Fish. Andrew Bynum will be coming off his 3rd season plagued with Knee or ankle injuries and will be having surgery. Bynum is expected a full recovery.  The Lakers once they get those 3 problems straightened out are well in line to make a run for Championship Number 17. The core of the team and key bench players are all under contract until the season 2013.

Enlarge Associated PressKobe Bryant waves from the team float as the Los Angeles Lakers celebrate their NBA championship in a parade down Figueroa Street in Los Angeles Monday, June 21, 2010.

Associated PressKobe Bryant waves from the team float as the Los Angeles Lakers celebrate their NBA championship in a parade down Figueroa Street in Los Angeles Monday, June 21, 2010.

Enlarge Associated PressThe Los Angeles Lakers, with Kobe Bryant at far left, celebrate their NBA championship in a parade down Figueroa Street in Los Angeles Monday, June 21, 2010.

Associated PressThe Los Angeles Lakers, with Kobe Bryant at far left, celebrate their NBA championship in a parade down Figueroa Street in Los Angeles Monday, June 21, 2010.

Enlarge Associated PressThousands watch as the Los Angeles Lakers celebrate their NBA championship in a parade down Figueroa Street in Los Angeles Monday, June 21, 2010.

Associated PressThousands watch as the Los Angeles Lakers celebrate their NBA championship in a parade down Figueroa Street in Los Angeles Monday, June 21, 2010.

Enlarge Associated PressThousands watch as the Los Angeles Lakers celebrate their NBA championship in a parade down Figueroa Street in Los Angeles Monday, June 21, 2010.

Associated PressThousands watch as the Los Angeles Lakers celebrate their NBA championship in a parade down Figueroa Street in Los Angeles Monday, June 21, 2010.

Enlarge Associated PressFans do the wave as the Los Angeles Lakers celebrate their NBA championship in a parade down Figueroa Street in Los Angeles Monday, June 21, 2010.

Associated PressFans do the wave as the Los Angeles Lakers celebrate their NBA championship in a parade down Figueroa Street in Los Angeles Monday, June 21, 2010.

Enlarge Associated PressThousands watch as the Los Angeles Lakers celebrate their NBA championship in a parade, passing Staples Center and going down Figueroa Street in Los Angeles Monday, June 21, 2010.

Associated PressThousands watch as the Los Angeles Lakers celebrate their NBA championship in a parade, passing Staples Center and going down Figueroa Street in Los Angeles Monday, June 21, 2010.

Associated PressFans climb a building undergoing remodeling for a good vantage point as the Los Angeles Lakers celebrate their NBA championship in a parade down Figueroa Street in Los Angeles Monday, June 21, 2010.

Enlarge Associated PressThousands watch as the Los Angeles Lakers celebrate their NBA championship in a parade down Figueroa Street in Los Angeles Monday, June 21, 2010.

Associated PressThousands watch as the Los Angeles Lakers celebrate their NBA championship in a parade down Figueroa Street in Los Angeles Monday, June 21, 2010.

Associated PressKobe Bryant holds the NBA championship trophy aloft during the Los Angeles Lakers victory parade in Los Angeles, Monday, June 21, 2010.

Enlarge Associated PressLos Angeles Lakers fans scream as the team passes on buses during the victory parade celebrating the NBA Championship in downtown Los Angeles on Monday June 21, 2010.

Associated PressLos Angeles Lakers fans scream as the team passes on buses during the victory parade celebrating the NBA Championship in downtown Los Angeles on Monday June 21, 2010.

Enlarge Associated PressLos Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant holds the NBA championship trophy aloft during the basketball team’s victory parade in Los Angeles, Monday, June 21, 2010. The Lakers defeated the Boston Celtics for the title, four games to two.

Associated PressLos Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant holds the NBA championship trophy aloft during the basketball team’s victory parade in Los Angeles, Monday, June 21, 2010. The Lakers defeated the Boston Celtics for the title, four games to two.

Enlarge Associated PressLos Angeles Lakers’ Derek Fisher shows off his championship ring to fans as the team passes during the victory parade celebrating the team’s NBA basketball title, in Los Angeles on Monday, June 21, 2010.

Associated PressLos Angeles Lakers’ Derek Fisher shows off his championship ring to fans as the team passes during the victory parade celebrating the team’s NBA basketball title, in Los Angeles on Monday, June 21, 2010.

Enlarge Associated PressLos Angeles Lakers’ Pau Gasol, of Spain, waves to fans during teh teams NBA championship victory parade in Los Angeles, on Monday June 20, 2010.

Associated PressLos Angeles Lakers’ Pau Gasol, of Spain, waves to fans during teh teams NBA championship victory parade in Los Angeles, on Monday June 20, 2010.

Enlarge Associated PressLos Angeles Lakers fans cheer as the team passes by, during a parade in honor of the NBA basketball champions Monday, June 21, 2010, in Los Angeles.

Associated PressLos Angeles Lakers fans cheer as the team passes by, during a parade in honor of the NBA basketball champions Monday, June 21, 2010, in Los Angeles.

Enlarge Associated PressHolding the NBA championship trophy, Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant flashes the victory sign during a parade in downtown Los Angeles on Monday, June 21, 2010.

Associated PressHolding the NBA championship trophy, Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant flashes the victory sign during a parade in downtown Los Angeles on Monday, June 21, 2010.

Enlarge Associated PressLos Angeles Lakers fans cheer during the Lakers NBA Championship victory parade in Los Angeles, Monday, June 21, 2010.

Associated PressLos Angeles Lakers fans cheer during the Lakers NBA Championship victory parade in Los Angeles, Monday, June 21, 2010.

Associated PressLos Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant, raises the NBA championship trophy in front of a poster of himself on the Staples Center during a victory parade for the teams 16th NBA title, in downtown Los Angeles on Monday June 21, 2010.

Enlarge Associated PressLos Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant walks with, from left, his daughters Natalia, partly obscured, and Gianna, and his wife, Vanessa Bryant, on the way to a float before the Lakers’ NBA championship victory parade in Los Angeles, Monday, June 21, 2010.

Associated PressLos Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant walks with, from left, his daughters Natalia, partly obscured, and Gianna, and his wife, Vanessa Bryant, on the way to a float before the Lakers’ NBA championship victory parade in Los Angeles, Monday, June 21, 2010.

Enlarge Associated PressFans cheer during the parade for the Los Angeles Lakers, who defeated the Boston Celtics for the NBA basketball title, in Los Angeles on Monday, June 21, 2010.

Associated PressFans cheer during the parade for the Los Angeles Lakers, who defeated the Boston Celtics for the NBA basketball title, in Los Angeles on Monday, June 21, 2010.

Enlarge Associated PressFans watch the parade for the NBA-champion Los Angeles Lakers in Los Angeles on Monday, June 21, 2010.

Associated PressFans watch the parade for the NBA-champion Los Angeles Lakers in Los Angeles on Monday, June 21, 2010.

Enlarge Associated PressLos Angeles Lakers’ Ron Artest holds the NBA championship trophy during the Lakers’ victory parade in Los Angeles, Monday, June 21, 2010.

Associated PressLos Angeles Lakers’ Ron Artest holds the NBA championship trophy during the Lakers’ victory parade in Los Angeles, Monday, June 21, 2010.

Enlarge Associated PressLos Angeles Lakers fans cheer at the Lakers NBA Championship parade on Monday, June 21, 2010, in Los Angeles.

Associated PressLos Angeles Lakers fans cheer at the Lakers NBA Championship parade on Monday, June 21, 2010, in Los Angeles.

Enlarge Associated PressLos Angeles police officers conduct a security search prior to the Los Angeles Lakers parade, celebrating their 16th NBA title, on Monday, June 21, 2010, in Los Angeles.