Athletes/Celebs You've Met

Off Topic
21

I will list mine in chronological order and only those that I’ve actually exchanged a few words with, not just seen and/or yelled to:

Ralph Sampson
Tommy Amaker
Adrian Dantley
Coach K

Big John Stud used to come to the drycleaners I worked at in HS, as did Fawn Hall, for those of you who might remember the Iran-Contra scandal. She was freaking hot and we used to fight over who would help her, it was pretty funny.

Joe Jacoby and Russ Grimm of the Redskins coached a 13-y/o Babe Ruth team that I played against a few times. I played 3rd base that year, so when they were coaching 3rd base they would chat a little. I remember when Russ Grimm said “nice play” on a backhand I made.

I went to Syracuse for my undergrad and was in the “football” fraternity, so I met a handful of guys who played in the NFL, although I won’t give names.

Also met at SU:
Derrick Coleman - really laid back and cool.
Rony Seikaly - not pretentious at all and very approachable. I shook hands with him in McD’s and was amazed at the size of his hand.
Sherman Douglas - another really cool guy.

I worked backstage at some concerts as well and rubbed elbows with Billy Joel, very short, but very cool guy - not pretentious at all. Also, backstage at ZZTop and the Black Crowes. Their beards aren’t nearly as impressive looking when you’re only 3 feet away. But their stage girls were quite impressive, especially the tall one with the 5" heels that fell into me when she tripped.

I work on 5th avenue in Mid-town Manhattan, so I see celebs all the time, but I’ve not spoken to any. Reebok’s apparel offices are two floors below my office, so I sometimes share the elevator with rappers or athletes that are coming from/going to meetings on their lines or endorsements.

I saw “W” yesterday as he rode by in his limo.

DB

22

My father was a sportswriter and used to cover the NBA for a while. Because of his career, I was able to meet a lot of famous individuals. I am not overly impressed with the fact that they are widely recognized. But there are a few that have made impressions on me.

I also worked in Los Angeles for a few years at a prominent auto dealership in the San Fernando Valley. The owner catered to alot of celebrities and I worked with a few that were famous and a few that were not so famous.

All time top favorites would be:
1- Muhammed Ali
2- Michael Jordan
3- Arnold Schwarzenneger
5- Floyd Patterson (boxer)
6- Frank Zane
7- Johnny Bench
7- Carla Dunlap (Olympian)
8- Jay Leno

Meeting Ali was a trip!! My father had to interview him and we met his plane at the airport. There were two newspapers in town and they both sent reporters. The other reporter was named, of all things, Joe Frazier. Ali got a lot of mileage out of that.

We were standing around in a foursome. My dad and the other reporter facing each other, Ali and I across from each other. He was answering their questions while “boxing” with me. I was a young kid at the time but I still remember his long arms and his hands coming down as he jabbed towards my face. I was pretty much in awe!

I try not to judge these people by what others say about them. I only know how they treated me at the time. Like 'em or hate 'em, they were nothing but gracious to me.

23

[quote]Omnivore wrote:

Meeting Ali was a trip!! My father had to interview him and we met his plane at the airport. There were two newspapers in town and they both sent reporters. The other reporter was named, of all things, Joe Frazier. Ali got a lot of mileage out of that.

We were standing around in a foursome. My dad and the other reporter facing each other, Ali and I across from each other. He was answering their questions while “boxing” with me. I was a young kid at the time but I still remember his long arms and his hands coming down as he jabbed towards my face. I was pretty much in awe!

I try not to judge these people by what others say about them. I only know how they treated me at the time. Like 'em or hate 'em, they were nothing but gracious to me.[/quote]

That’s a fucking awesome story. I probably would have peed myself, assuming I had an idea of who he was.

24

[quote]Donut62 wrote:
Paul Newman. Met him a few times at various car races. Nicest guy on the planet. It was raining a bit an he invited us under his trailer until it stopped.[/quote]

Ok, that’s the encounter I envy the most. Bill Murray and Jennifer Love Hewitt tied for second place.

At U of M, I gave directions once to Carrot Top. He pulled up in a rental car and asked me where to find the auditorium. I saw James Earl Jones walking through the Anthropology department too, but didn’t bother him. He had that “Coming to America” scowl on his face, and thought it best to leave him alone.

25

[quote]Omnivore wrote:
My father was a sportswriter and used to cover the NBA for a while. Because of his career, I was able to meet a lot of famous individuals. I am not overly impressed with the fact that they are widely recognized. But there are a few that have made impressions on me.

I also worked in Los Angeles for a few years at a prominent auto dealership in the San Fernando Valley. The owner catered to alot of celebrities and I worked with a few that were famous and a few that were not so famous.

All time top favorites would be:
1- Muhammed Ali
2- Michael Jordan
3- Arnold Schwarzenneger
5- Floyd Patterson (boxer)
6- Frank Zane
7- Johnny Bench
7- Carla Dunlap (Olympian)
8- Jay Leno

Meeting Ali was a trip!! My father had to interview him and we met his plane at the airport. There were two newspapers in town and they both sent reporters. The other reporter was named, of all things, Joe Frazier. Ali got a lot of mileage out of that.

We were standing around in a foursome. My dad and the other reporter facing each other, Ali and I across from each other. He was answering their questions while “boxing” with me. I was a young kid at the time but I still remember his long arms and his hands coming down as he jabbed towards my face. I was pretty much in awe!

I try not to judge these people by what others say about them. I only know how they treated me at the time. Like 'em or hate 'em, they were nothing but gracious to me.[/quote]

That is freaking awesome you lucky bastard! Play boxing w/ Ali, DAMN cool!

26

[quote]BradTGIF wrote:
Sean Salisbury (punk)[/quote]

This one jumped out at me. I don’t know why this guy thinks he’s such hot shit. Everytime he’s getting slammed in an argument about the NFL he just drops the “Well I played and you didn’t…”. Yeah, way to go buddy, you bounced around playing mostly backup for a few years. People just admit defeat when they pull crap like that out…

I’ve met several former UK basketball players who went on to become NBA stars, mostly from working in the athletic program while going to school there. Tayshaun Prince and Nazr Mohammed both came in right after that NBA Finals series they both played in. Tayshaun’s real quiet but cool. Nazr’s one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. And I got to chat for awhile with my favorite player of all time (though he’s not really a celeb on the national level), Jeff Shepherd.

I know there’s others, I just can’t think of them off the top of my head.

Oh, and I met Stan McQuay, who’s been my favorite bodybuilder for a long time - long before becoming a Superhero :slight_smile: - at a local show a few years back. Not the friendliest guy in the world, but I still like him.

27

[quote]Omnivore wrote:
My father was a sportswriter and used to cover the NBA for a while. Because of his career, I was able to meet a lot of famous individuals. I am not overly impressed with the fact that they are widely recognized. But there are a few that have made impressions on me.

I also worked in Los Angeles for a few years at a prominent auto dealership in the San Fernando Valley. The owner catered to alot of celebrities and I worked with a few that were famous and a few that were not so famous.

All time top favorites would be:
1- Muhammed Ali
2- Michael Jordan
3- Arnold Schwarzenneger
5- Floyd Patterson (boxer)
6- Frank Zane
7- Johnny Bench
7- Carla Dunlap (Olympian)
8- Jay Leno

Meeting Ali was a trip!! My father had to interview him and we met his plane at the airport. There were two newspapers in town and they both sent reporters. The other reporter was named, of all things, Joe Frazier. Ali got a lot of mileage out of that.

We were standing around in a foursome. My dad and the other reporter facing each other, Ali and I across from each other. He was answering their questions while “boxing” with me. I was a young kid at the time but I still remember his long arms and his hands coming down as he jabbed towards my face. I was pretty much in awe!

I try not to judge these people by what others say about them. I only know how they treated me at the time. Like 'em or hate 'em, they were nothing but gracious to me.[/quote]

Not to make anyone else feel bad, but you have by far the greatest list anyone has and probably ever will put up. Ali, Arnold, Jordan…those three alone would beat just about anybody in my book.

I know you said you don’t go by what others say, which is admirable, but what is your honest impression of Bench? I’ve always heard he’s a dick…

28

[quote]Go heavy fool wrote:
…Add Arnold Schwarzenegger & Alissa Milano to this list for people in the future I intend to meet.[/quote]

I met Alyssa Milano on the set of “Charmed” last year. I was there visiting her screen double. She was somewhat curt - came on set for her scene and then afterwards after being introduced to me and a couple friends, just said “hey” and then bolted to her trailer. She didn’t seem to be enjoying herself very much, but was still extremely good looking (and short); hah!

29

Coach Mark Richt (Head Coach, University of Georgia football and biggest celebrity in the state) goes to my church. He’s like the Tom Landry of Georgia. Our wives sing in the choir together. The Richt’s had a cook-out for the entire choir at their house. Very nice place, but not over-the-top and flashy like you might expect from a guy who makes a few million dollars every year.

A couple of us guys went downstairs and started playing foos-ball in his basement. In came coach and asked if he could join us. My buddy, who is even a bigger college football fan then I, was in absolute heaven. Playing foosball with Coach Richt, in the coach’s house. What a cool guy. Very humble, polite and friendly. Even his kids are polite and humble, even though every person in this state kisses their asses.

Coach Richt is just a kind, deeply Christian man who hasn’t allowed his fame or fortune to compromise his values. The guy could go to the pros today and greatly increase his salary, but he likes where he is. I personally know his brother-in-law very well. He says Mark’s plan is to go into the mission field when he quits coaching.

30

[quote]BADASS MENTALITY wrote:
Omnivore wrote:
My father was a sportswriter and used to cover the NBA for a while. Because of his career, I was able to meet a lot of famous individuals. I am not overly impressed with the fact that they are widely recognized. But there are a few that have made impressions on me.

I also worked in Los Angeles for a few years at a prominent auto dealership in the San Fernando Valley. The owner catered to alot of celebrities and I worked with a few that were famous and a few that were not so famous.

All time top favorites would be:
1- Muhammed Ali
2- Michael Jordan
3- Arnold Schwarzenneger
5- Floyd Patterson (boxer)
6- Frank Zane
7- Johnny Bench
7- Carla Dunlap (Olympian)
8- Jay Leno

Meeting Ali was a trip!! My father had to interview him and we met his plane at the airport. There were two newspapers in town and they both sent reporters. The other reporter was named, of all things, Joe Frazier. Ali got a lot of mileage out of that.

We were standing around in a foursome. My dad and the other reporter facing each other, Ali and I across from each other. He was answering their questions while “boxing” with me. I was a young kid at the time but I still remember his long arms and his hands coming down as he jabbed towards my face. I was pretty much in awe!

I try not to judge these people by what others say about them. I only know how they treated me at the time. Like 'em or hate 'em, they were nothing but gracious to me.

That is freaking awesome you lucky bastard! Play boxing w/ Ali, DAMN cool!
[/quote]

I’ll third that. Amazing. You’ve meet some incredible people.

31

Bizarre but true story. My buddy got special seats for a Bosox game where you sit in the glass enclosed area above home plate. Four of us were all dressed up and drinking like crazy (free drinks). Near the end of the second inning a massive entourage of about 30 guys come in. They’re al surrounding one guy and one lady.

A little while later the jumbotron posts a message “The Boston Red Sox Welcome the President of Botswana!” I had just returned a few months earlier from Lesotho - was in the Peace Corps for 2 years. The language spoken in Lesotho (Sesotho) is quite similar to Botswana (Tswana). I tell my friends “I can talk to that guy”. They all start screaming “Dude, go talk to the King of Africa!”

I try getting to him but security starts pushing me back. So I yell “Botswana-Ha’ra mafatse ke letle ke lona!” (Botswana, the most beautiful country of them all-taken from Lesotho national anthem) Everyone turns and looks at me like “What the fu$k?!” So I yell out to the King/Morena and he motions for me to come down. After getting frisked I sat next to him and spoke for a few minutes. He looked absolutely baffled by the entire baseball, drunk white guy in a suit situation. Perhaps it was as memorable to him as it was to me.

Also, have met several famous people around the streets in NYC: Arnold, Mick Foley, Bill Murray, Keauna Reeves (didn’t realize I was walking next to him and his girlfriend/wife for a few blocks-she was absolutely ripping on him the entire time. Then, he said in perfect ‘Bill + Ted’ voice “Dude…lay off!” that’s when I looked up and noticed it was him)

Also, I’m from Cranston, RI-home of Vinny Paz. Constantly saw him around. We used to make fun of him when we were real little and saw him running-used to call him Rocky.

32

Almost forgot. My brother produces Richard Simmons Serious Radio show. My brother is very much NOT gay, but he and Richard are very close (I mean they work together all the time). Anyway, this Christmas my family went to LA to visit my brother. During our trip, my brother took us over to Richard’s house.

My Mom, as most older ladies are, is a big fan. My dad and I were a little less excited. We got there and Richard answered the door. Man, he is EXACTLY how he is on TV, only funnier. The guy should be a comedian. He was a really cool dude. He asked me what I did, I told him I was a Marine. I kind of expected a Hollywood antimilitary response.

He said he tried to join the Marines in Vietnam, but was medically unqualified due to some missing bones in his feet. He gave my kids some fruit juice. He’s such a strong personality, my kids were silent and enthralled.

I know you probably have opinions of him that are pretty negative, but from the hour or so we spent in his living room talking about fitness and other things, he is totally dedicated to his industry. He honestly believes in his programs and will do anything for his fans. Some of that crying stuff on TV is goofy and may seem staged, but he’s not fake. He really feels for the people that he works with. I have a whole new respect for the man.

33

[quote]dollarbill44 wrote:
I will list mine in chronological order and only those that I’ve actually exchanged a few words with, not just seen and/or yelled to:

Ralph Sampson
Tommy Amaker
Adrian Dantley
Coach K

Big John Stud used to come to the drycleaners I worked at in HS, as did Fawn Hall, for those of you who might remember the Iran-Contra scandal. She was freaking hot and we used to fight over who would help her, it was pretty funny.

Joe Jacoby and Russ Grimm of the Redskins coached a 13-y/o Babe Ruth team that I played against a few times. I played 3rd base that year, so when they were coaching 3rd base they would chat a little. I remember when Russ Grimm said “nice play” on a backhand I made.

I went to Syracuse for my undergrad and was in the “football” fraternity, so I met a handful of guys who played in the NFL, although I won’t give names.

Also met at SU:
Derrick Coleman - really laid back and cool.
Rony Seikaly - not pretentious at all and very approachable. I shook hands with him in McD’s and was amazed at the size of his hand.
Sherman Douglas - another really cool guy.

I worked backstage at some concerts as well and rubbed elbows with Billy Joel, very short, but very cool guy - not pretentious at all. Also, backstage at ZZTop and the Black Crowes. Their beards aren’t nearly as impressive looking when you’re only 3 feet away. But their stage girls were quite impressive, especially the tall one with the 5" heels that fell into me when she tripped.

I work on 5th avenue in Mid-town Manhattan, so I see celebs all the time, but I’ve not spoken to any. Reebok’s apparel offices are two floors below my office, so I sometimes share the elevator with rappers or athletes that are coming from/going to meetings on their lines or endorsements.

I saw “W” yesterday as he rode by in his limo.

DB[/quote]

I remember that SU baskeball team and Sherman Douglas was the man who ran that offence with ease. Hell of a smart player.

DB you have quite a cool list there.

34

Danced with Sade to Smooth Operator in a nightclub in NYC in 1985.

35

[quote]Loose Tool wrote:
Danced with Sade to Smooth Operator in a nightclub in NYC in 1985.[/quote]

OK, now I’m really jelaous. damn

36

[quote]BradTGIF wrote:
dollarbill44 wrote:
I will list mine in chronological order and only those that I’ve actually exchanged a few words with, not just seen and/or yelled to:

Ralph Sampson
Tommy Amaker
Adrian Dantley
Coach K

Big John Stud used to come to the drycleaners I worked at in HS, as did Fawn Hall, for those of you who might remember the Iran-Contra scandal. She was freaking hot and we used to fight over who would help her, it was pretty funny.

Joe Jacoby and Russ Grimm of the Redskins coached a 13-y/o Babe Ruth team that I played against a few times. I played 3rd base that year, so when they were coaching 3rd base they would chat a little. I remember when Russ Grimm said “nice play” on a backhand I made.

I went to Syracuse for my undergrad and was in the “football” fraternity, so I met a handful of guys who played in the NFL, although I won’t give names.

Also met at SU:
Derrick Coleman - really laid back and cool.
Rony Seikaly - not pretentious at all and very approachable. I shook hands with him in McD’s and was amazed at the size of his hand.
Sherman Douglas - another really cool guy.

I worked backstage at some concerts as well and rubbed elbows with Billy Joel, very short, but very cool guy - not pretentious at all. Also, backstage at ZZTop and the Black Crowes. Their beards aren’t nearly as impressive looking when you’re only 3 feet away. But their stage girls were quite impressive, especially the tall one with the 5" heels that fell into me when she tripped.

I work on 5th avenue in Mid-town Manhattan, so I see celebs all the time, but I’ve not spoken to any. Reebok’s apparel offices are two floors below my office, so I sometimes share the elevator with rappers or athletes that are coming from/going to meetings on their lines or endorsements.

I saw “W” yesterday as he rode by in his limo.

DB

I remember that SU baskeball team and Sherman Douglas was the man who ran that offence with ease. Hell of a smart player.

DB you have quite a cool list there.

[/quote]

Going to SU when I did was a lot of fun. Sherm was the man. He was unbelievable and was the main reason SU drew 25k+ for games against Colgate, Cornell, St. Bonnies, etc. because you never knew what kind of stuff he was going to do. Some of his most amazing moves weren’t seen on tv because they happened in those games. I remember one play where he threw a picture-perfect alley oop from half-court. What’s the big deal you ask? He had his back to the basket and launched it football long-snap style! He also threw a perfect 3/4 court alley-oop once. He was the best alley-oop passer I’ve ever seen. He probably would have made a good Globetrotter.

I forgot that I met Jim Boeheim in 2003, along with a slew of former players that older fans might remember, shortly after they won the ncaas. He came across as a generous,loyal, honest, down-to-earth guy as well as very misunderstood. A very different person than he comes across in a lot of his press conferences.

DB

37

On a class trip when I was in 3rd grade I met the Fonz. All of us were going nuts screaming, “It’s the Fonz!” He stopped short and said, “My name is Henry Winkler, I am not the Fonz.” Such a dick.

I met heavyweight boxer Shannon Briggs in Miami. He look liked he was carved out of marble. Super down to earth and I shared a few drinks with him. Didn’t talk boxing but we did ogle all the beautiful women passing by.

I also met Jamie Foxx in Miami. Well not met exactly. He was walking down Ocean with 2 stunning blondes and we were walking past. All we could do was shake our heads in jealousy and say damn! He blasted us with a huge smile and kept on strutting.

I also have met Franco Columbo, he was a jokester and always smiling. If anyone remembers Bill Grant, I met him. His arms were incredible. Tom Platz was just an awesome guy to talk with. Had this whole approach to weight lifting that bordered on the spiritual.

To the poster that met Ali, let me just say WOW! He was my dad’s favorite boxer and by extension mine when I was a kid.

38

Showing my age:
Used to hang out at Loyola-Marymount in LA back in the 70’s because I lived about a block from the campus. Back then, the Lakers used LMU as their training facility, so I met the entire 71-72 squad (the team that won 37 consecutive games, a pro sports record and were NBA champs that year).
Met Jerry West (best player ever)
Gail Goodrich
Pat Riley
Happy Hairston
Elgin Baylor
Kermit Washington (famous for beating the ugly into Rudy Tomjonovich)
and. . .Wilt Chamberlain

Biggest let down: Wilt was a dick to us kids. He was in the middle of a contract dispute and took it out on us kids wanting his autograph.

Biggest surprise: Kermit Washington actually played HORSE with us in the gym before practice. Greatest guy I’ve met in pro sports.

Having a pro football player live next door, I’ve met a few of those guys. All seem very down to earth, probably because they have all been linemen(D-Line mainly) and linebackers. No “money” players have been over.

39

Oh, hanging out at Angel games one summer, met loads of players and . . .
wait for it. . . .

Bob Uecker.

He’s a tool.
Tried to avoid the fans, but I spotted him standing next to the team bus. Tried to talk to him, but got the “I’ll give you an autograph if you’ll leave” treatment.

40

Have’nt met anyone really, but was pretty good friends with a guy named George Nozuka who is an up and coming pop star. No one here would like him. Got a video out now though.