John Salley & Snoop at the 25th Annual Sports Spectacular Gala photo: jason merritt/getty
Snoop Dogg and ex-NBA star John Salley worked the room the 25th Annual Sports Spectacular Gala benefiting the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center at the Century Plaza Hotel in Century City. When Snoop walked out on stage during the program, a member of the sports-loving, Hollywood infused audience shouted out, “Snoop D-O-double G!” and in true Dogg pound style, Snoop responded-without missing a beat, “Shizzle Dizzle!” Meanwhile, Salley who was one of the the take no prisoners host of the evening (the other was CBS 2 sportscaster Jim Hill who gave periodic updates on the Phoenix Suns/Lakers game which as you know ended up in a Lakers upset), auctioned off a $30,000 tennis lesson and lunch with Pete Sampras at the Beverly Hills Hotel, but not before Salley called out various sports agent types and Hollywood executives telling them “don’t hide behind your kids! Open up those wallets!”
Apolo Ohno receiving an award for excellence in sports photo: kevin winter/getty
Others awarded for their outstanding physical achievements at the soiree were 8 time Olympic medalist Apolo Ohno who talked about being raised by a single Dad and how they would butt heads all though his youth, New Orleans Saints running back & on & off Kim Kardashian beau Reggie Bush, and Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony who gave props to his girl MTV VJ La La Vasquez.
Football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin planting a big wet one on pro snowboarder Louis Vito photo: jason merritt/getty
Being a Dallas girl, I had a great time chatting with one of the greatest wide receivers to ever play the game-#88-Michael Irvin. We talked about the Ring of Honor and various Dallas hotspots i.e. the Rio Room. You know what that means if you have been there!
Carrie Underwood rocking "The Star Spangled Banner" photo: kevin winter/getty
Carrie Underwood (sans fiance and hockey player Mike Fisher of the Ottawa Senators) gave a rousing performance of “The Star Spangled Banner” that blew everyone away-the girl has got some serious pipes! Also in attendance celebrating excellence in sports were a newly single Tara Reid, Olivia Munn, The Blind Side’s Quinton Aaron who is larger than life-especially when you are standing right next to him, The Insider’s Lara Spencer, Luke Wilson, Marcellus Wiley, 9 time Olympic Gold medalist Carl Lewis, boxing announcer Michael Buffer, USC head football coach Lane Kiffin (Fight On!), and moon walker Buzz Aldrin who revealed to me that his wife Lois was the “social butterfly” of the family which makes sense as she proud displayed her Swarovski encrusted fingernails as we spoke! Guests also enjoyed a silent auction with loot like a walk-on role on CSI, autographed jerseys from Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Novitski and Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek, a basketball shoe signed by Shaquille O’ Neal (man was that thing huge!), wine tasting trips to Napa, and an autographed by Sheryl Crow electric guitar.
Reggie Bush on stage with Snoop photo: kevin winter/getty
