Pro Sports Spice: The Hottest Male Athletes

My last blogs have been a little serious, so I thought I would lighten things up a bit by talking about some of the hottest professional guys the athletic world has to offer. Now, keep in mind I am an Oklahoma Sooners and Oklahoma City Thunder fan and I do play favorites. Either way, you will appreciate the following delicious eye candy. ENJOY!

RYAN LOCHTE

SWIMMER

ELEVEN-TIME OLYMPIC MEDALIST, TEAM USA

After seeing his interviews at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, its clear Ryan Lochte isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer, but who cares? I'm not marrying him and he's easy on the eyes. He has also admitted to not being into long term relationships, but rather choosing to enjoy the booty call route. Hey, Ryan - whatever floats your floaties.

CAM NEWTON

NFL QUARTERBACK

CAROLINA PANTHERS

Well, hello handsome. This Auburn Tiger has some serious stripes. Not only is he the 2010 Heisman Trophy winner, but he sustained from tattooing or piercing his beautiful bod in order to claim a spot on the Panthers roster. But if you ask me, it is tough to improve on perfection in his case. He can take my snap any day.

DAVID BECKHAM

MLS MIDFIELDER

LOS ANGELES GALAXY

Despite the fact that his wife desperately needs a Twinkie, I don't think there is a sexiest athletes list "Becks" is not a part of. An import from across the pond, this father of four admittedly suffers from OCD. And I'm not talking about Obviously Conditions Deliciously. Though I am pretty sure he has succumbed to that illness, as well.

SERGE IBAKA

NBA POWER FORWARD/CENTER

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

Did anyone else feel a "Serge" in their nether regions? Born in the Republic of Congo, this 23-year-old played professional ball in Spain before officially being picked up by the Thunder in 2009. Upon his arrival in the US, he actually worked with teammates to learn English and was fluent after a year. He can talk to me in any language as long as its without a shirt.

SAM BRADFORD

NFL QUARTERBACK

ST. LOUIS RAMS

Falling into the "So Goofy He's Cute" category, I have to admit there is something incredibly endearing (and sexy) about an "Awww shucks" Oklahoma boy. Another Heisman winner on this list, Sammy was the first overall draft pick in 2010. He also holds the NCAA record for the most touchdown passes by a freshman quarterback with 36. Coincidentally, that is the same age I was when he was drafted. Probably a sign he should marry me.

MIKE FISHER

NHL CENTER

NASHVILLE PREDATORS

Lovingly referred to as "Mr. Carrie Underwood" in Nashville, Mike Fisher is an Ontario native who was traded from the Ottawa Senators to the Predators so he could be closer to his wife. And yes, he is married, but there is no crime in looking and looking I shall. But, who is looking at Carrie when he's on her arm? Plus, in the off-season, he spends his time helping kids at hockey camps. If nothing else, think about the children!

ALEX RODRIGUEZ

MLB THIRD BASEMAN/SHORTSOP

NEW YORK YANKEES

I'm sorry. Did you say something? I was a little distracted staring at the above photo. Rumored to be somewhat of a playboy, Alex Poo has been linked to Madonna, Kate Hudson, Cameron Diaz, strippers, and prostitutes. So, an overzealous sexual appetite and a womanizer? Well, I'll just admire the physical prowess from seats at third base. Insert "third base" joke here.

REGGIE BUSH

NFL RUNNING BACK

MIAMI DOLPHINS

Admittedly, this handsome devil wasn't going to make my list because I question the sanity and intellect of any human being who chooses to date Kim Kardashian. However, he was caught up in the Kardashian publicity slant machine and I will forgive him since he no longer dates an attention whore. In fact, Reggie has admitted he prefers a life out of the spotlight when not on the gridiron. Of course, I know plenty of women willing to snuggle beside him on the couch for a cozy night "in."

KELLY SLATER

SURFER

50-TIME WCT SURFER CHAMP, TEAM USA

Oh come on! Is this guy for real? I mean, his eyes alone could cause spontaneous orgasm. Do yourself a favor and Google Images search him. It is unreal. Evidence he is only getting riper with age, the 40-year-old Florida native's favorite spots to "hang ten" include Hawaii, Australia, California, South Africa, and Barbados. Well, I do believe I can name about a hundred people off the top of my head willing to be his, ahem, travel partner.

SONNY BILL WILLIAMS

NRL SECOND ROW/LOCKE/CENTER

TEAM NEW ZEALAND

Like what you see? Not only is this fabulous foreigner tearing it up on the rugby pitch, but he is also a professional boxer. In fact, he recently signed a contract to play with Japan's Panasonic Wild Knights under the condition that he would be able to fight one boxing match during the season. A bit of a bad boy, the sexy Sonny has been busted driving drunk, peeing in an alleyway, and roughing up a photographer. I am so turned on right now.

ADRIAN PETERSON

NFL RUNNING BACK

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

This oh-so handsome Oklahoma Sooner gives new meaning to the words "Yo Adrian!" Described as one of the NFL's best running backs, he is also the league's highest paid running back in history, earning a $96 million dollar, 7-season paycheck. Plus, his professional nickname is "All Day" or "AD" for short. But let's be honest. We can also hope that is his personal nickname, too.

BODE MILLER

ALPINE SKIER

FIVE-TIME OLYMPIC MEDALIST, TEAM USA

Bode is the most successful American Alpine skier of all time. A regular at the Winter Olympics and World Championships, the New Hamspshire hottie also touts some serious "boy next door" good looks. A father with a reputation for not being a nice guy to the press, he recently announced his engagement to pro beach volleyballer Morgan Beck. Well, hey, Bode if things don't work out with you two...

DANNY AMENDOLA

NFL WIDE RECEIVER

ST. LOUIS RAMS

I think "Amend" love! The second Ram on this delicious list, this Mexican-American Texan is one of the few things I like about Texas. Indeed, I am aware that he aided in a Texas Tech defeat over my Oklahoma Sooners, but I am willing to forgive him now that he is catching passes from Sam Bradford. Besides, he is so incredibly sponge worthy.

LEWIS HAMILTON

FORMULA ONE RACE DRIVER

TEAM UK

To quote Billy Ocean "Hey! You! Get into my car!" Named after American sprinter Carl Lewis, this British babe dated a Pussycat Doll and was named a Member of the Order of the British Empire by the Queen herself in 2009. And here's a bonus: he recently moved his home estate from Switzerland to Monaco. And don't pretend you didn't just go straight to Orbitz to find one way tickets there.

CALVIN JOHNSON

NFL WIDE RECEIVER

DETROIT LIONS

I find it interesting that I had more straight men suggest "Megatron" for this list than straight women. But now I have a "Megacrush."  Drafted in 2007, he is said to be the highest paid wide receiver in the NFL. But the best part about Calvin is he has a reputation for being a gentleman and remaining humble despite his astounding paycheck. I still wouldn't kick him out of bed for snacking... on me.

ALEX RIOS
MLB RIGHT FIELDER

CHICAGO WHITE SOX

Sexy Soxer Alex (triple x you guys!) throws and bats right-handed, which means his left hand is for... massages? We can only hope. Hailing from Alabama, Alex has reportedly bounced back this year after having somewhat of a poor performance in 2011. Now, what lucky lady wants to jump on board and give this guy an even more pleasant 2013? (I just raised my hand.) 

JAKE DALTON
GYMNAST

TEAM USA

I chose Jake for the hottie list without even knowing he was an Oklahoma Sooner. So, that makes 3 Sooners in the lineup. Boomer Sooner to that! Originally from Nevada, Jake was on the 2012 USA Men's Olympic Gymnastics team and has won various national and international honors. But, seriously folks. Any dismount he does within 5 feet of me will be scored a perfect ten! (Yes, I know they don't use that scoring system anymore, but humor me.)

CRISTIANO RENALDO
REAL MADRID FOOTBALLER

TEAM PORTUGAL

Have mercy! Even this guy's name sounds sexy. As usual, he isn't just stacked, he is a standout soccer star being paid close to $131 million bucks when he transferred from Manchester United to Madrid in 2009. Known for dating international models, Cristiano became a father in 2010 and has sole custody of his son who -- surprise -- is also named Cristiano. Oh sweetie. Trust us. There can only be one of you. And you are yummy.

THABO SEFOLOSHA
NBA GUARD/FORWARD

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

I lovingly like to refer to this guy as "Sefolicious" -- and you can probably guess why. Born in Switzerland, he  can speak French, Italian, and English and has a very pretty wife named Bertille. In 2006, when he was initially drafted by the Bulls, he was the first Swiss basketball player to join the NBA. (At least that's according to his bio.) Welcome to the USA, and please, send Bertille home. Kidding. Maybe.

AND... there you have it folks some of the hottest professional athletes out there. Big thanks to all who made suggestions. I was originally going to do just ten athletes, but so many suggestions came in, that I extended it to 19. Feel free to scroll up and drink in the hotness again. I know I have. Repeatedly.



Own Your Disdain

With today's announcement that Chick Fil A will no longer be donating their money to anti-hate organizations, it brought about the usual discussions. I applaud the organization for taking the right steps towards equality, but I also know that there is still a lot of discrimination within that company against homosexuals. However, its a step in the right direction. Big win for the good guys. Kudos to all of those working to make equality happen in America and around the world. Now, I might be able to enjoy a chicken wrap from Chick Fil A again. I am still on the fence about whether or not to start patronizing their company again. I stopped going there because I knew of their views on homosexuals long before it made headlines. So, I might need some nudging.

Anyway, on my Facebook page, I asked the question: Where will those who supported Chick Fil A's anti-gay stance go to eat? And, as usual, I got the whole "Chick Fil A Day was a free speech issue" excuse. Yes. Free speech was merely an excuse. A BIG FAT EXCUSE. It served as a cover for hate. Or at least disdain. And disagreement in some cases. How was Chick Fil A CEO Dan Cathy's free speech silenced, smothered, or suppressed? He said it. It was his right to say it. I don't believe people ever took issue with his right to say it. However, people (including myself) had EVERY right to express their free speech by speaking out against his views. We used our free speech and freedom of expression to not take our business to his restaurants. However, Dan Cathy's free speech was NEVER In danger.

Dubya himself said that "Freedom is a two way street" when responding to Dixie Chicks' lead singer Natalie Maines' controversial comments about him. He was discussing the backlash against them. Of course she could make her statement. And those causing the backlash had every right, as well. They stopped buying Dixie Chicks albums, merchandise and concert tickets. Their albums were burned on street corners. So, how is the backlash against Chick Fil A's Dan Cathy any different? It's okay to lash out at the Dixie Chicks but not Dan Cathy? What is the difference?

Those who flocked to Chick Fil A on what I dubbed Mike Huckabee's "Hate Day," were not there for free speech. If they were, they watch too much Fox News. (Or they didn't care about Chick Fil A's views and just wanted a sandwich.) If you do not agree with the homosexual lifestyle or gay marriage or the LGBT agenda, then just say you don't. Cite whatever reasons you like be it religion, personal, political -- WHATEVER! Just don't hide behind a guise of free speech. Your real motives are you have disdain for or disagree with homosexuals or gay marriage. At least be honest in your opinion or belief. I would respect someone much more if they came out and said "I am here supporting Chick Fil A because marriage should be between a man and a woman." Don't use free speech-- something thousands fought and died for -- so you don't look like a bigot.

Own your truth even if it isn't politically correct. You may look like a real jerk, but at least you're an honest one.

Responsibility in Responding

Alyssa Douglas is a 16-year-old Clarksville, Ohio high school student. She looks like a pretty girl. I would like to learn more about her, but her Twitter account has, not surprisingly, been taken down. Why is that?

Perhaps Miss Douglas was texting her boyfriend or applying lip gloss when the topic of the legality of threatening the President of the United States was brought up in her history or civics classes? Hell, I never paid attention in sophomore typing class because the guy that sat behind me had unbelievable blue eyes. Perhaps I got a little off topic, but Miss Douglas did not learn this behavior or mentality from her Ohio public school education that we all Americans helped pay for.

This behavior and mindset was taught by, more than likely, the girl's parents. I am not saying its completely their fault or doing. It could also be some deer-hunting, camo-wearing, misled boyfriend or a group of uneducated friends. Peer pressure sucks -- we were all teenagers once. You know, I thought Dubya was an arrogant dumbass, but I would have never dreamed of hurting him. SOMEONE is teaching Miss Douglas that kind of hate. And her hash tag adds fuel to the fire. But that little Tweet has gotten both the teenager and her parents into hot water. As expected, the Secret Service and FBI are both investigating.

And honestly, what makes President Obama so polarizing? I mean, his ideas aren't that radical. If you did real research you would know he wasn't a Muslim (which would be fine if he were) or a socialist (a practice we currently use in this country via public schools, the postal service, fire & law enforcement etc...) So, what is it? And I hate playing the race card, but that seems to be the only thing I can come up with. But many don't want to admit they are racists. However, they pass this hatred down or onto others, especially their children, who in turn Tweet illegally without any thought to their words or actions.

My friend, Eleni, points out that kids in public schools are taught to pass standardized tests, but not to think critically. I also believe that MANY children aren't raised to think for themselves.  I grew up with parents constantly telling me I CANNOT and SHOULD NOT think like them. People in this country would be better off if they had the ability to decide on their own what they believe in and not what their parents, elders, or uninformed influences tell them to believe. I mean, I knew a guy who was in his mid-20's and it took me explaining my parents "think for yourself" mentality that made him actually realize he COULD believe something else.

I know there are a lot of things broken in our public education system. And I am more than happy to voice my opinion about it because my money pays for it. I do not have kids, but if you do, I probably helped educate them. That being said, some people just cannot learn by reading books. My boyfriend is incredibly intelligent and he is one of those people. I didn't want to (or care to) read a book unless it told a good story. I remember being startled in one of my freshman college classes when a professor actually asked me what I thought of a topic we were discussing. I mean, I could not believe he actually cared what I thought after being told to shut up thousands of times in K-12th grade.

There are no solid answers or explanations as to what drives extreme hatred in a 16-year-old mind. School shootings come to mind. They are senseless. I mean, when I was 16, I hated the girl who made fun of my acne, but I never even joked about trying to kill her. It just wasn't in my mind's capacity to ever consider taking the life of another human being. And it still isn't. And maybe Miss Douglas was just angry she didn't make the volleyball team and was letting off steam. But what did President Obama do to her that was so terrible? My guess would be nothing.

I am aware parenting is not easy and I am also NOT saying don't raise your children in a Republican/Democrat, conservative/progressive household. Teach them the positive, loving values of those beliefs. But also give them the freedom to study and look beyond those teachings. Because no matter what, you aren't born with that level of hatred. It is a learned behavior. And who wants a 16-year-old child with that amount of irresponsible and uneducated venom in their heart and mind?

An Open Letter to Ann Coulter

Dear Ann:

As a fellow human being, woman and American, I have a few things I need to say to you. 

First of all, I have Tweeted some pretty nasty things since having my Twitter account over the past few years. In fact, some of my more repulsive ones have been flung in your direction. I believe I called you a stain on the underwear of America. But, in hindsight, I am not proud of those comments, but that is the kind of rhetoric you inspire. You fling your immature monkey poop and somehow, I feel the need to sink to your level. I am baffled by it myself.

In all honesty, if I were in your shoes, I don't think I would be so demonic. You are a well-known figure in American politics and instead of inspiring the female gender of this society, you repulse many of them. If you could back up your nasty words with solid facts and figures, perhaps you would at least earn some level of respect. However, you resort to elementary school level name-calling, bullying, and insults to give an already-dying conservative platform some credence. 

You are not dumb or lacking in the brain department. You have a JD from Michigan law and are better educated than I am. So, use that education for good and not for evil. You can fight for the side of Republicans and not act like a 16 year-old who didn't get elected prom queen. But the thing that gets me the most is you don't even want to fight for your own gender. In your column you said that women, specifically single women, are to "blame" for electing Democrats as President. "If we take away women's right to vote, we'd never have to worry about another Democrat President.  It's sort of a pipe dream, a personal fantasy of mine."

In your studies as an undergraduate history student at Cornell, did you not study the 19th Amendment? Did you know women fought and died so you could have that right? Women were beaten and silenced simply because of their gender. Does that mean nothing to you? You would rather bow to the wishes of 50+ white men than support a woman's rights? Seriously, what is wrong with you?

You admit you like to stir up the pot. I get it. It's your act. It's your gimmick. In all honesty, you're not that good of an actor anyway. But there is more than one way to skin a cat and its just as easy to get people bent out of shape by using tact and fact than by lying and persecuting. You don't even have to be nice. But you will receive the respect a woman with your credentials deserves by being respectful and dignified. 

That being said, your comments about some of the families of the 9/11 victims were and are inexcusable. Just because they were criticizing your agenda doesn't mean you have to belittle the deaths of their loved ones. That would be like me saying your parents deserved to die because you are their child. Is that right? Is that Christ-like? As a native of Oklahoma City, I saw firsthand the impact an attack on American soil can take on friends and families of victims. Insulting them because they want the truth about the deaths of their loved ones puts you in the same esteem as those who actually committed the attacks in the first place. It is your right to say what you want and I will always fight for your right to say it. But even members of your own party have intentionally separated themselves from you. How bad does it have to get when people you agree with stop returning your calls?

Plus, the more outrageous your statements become, the less people are going to care. Most people I know (conservative or progressive) write you off as someone who is just shouting at the wind. Anymore, your opinion is a running joke for Democratic bloggers and late night talk show hosts. Don't you get it? YOU ARE A JOKE. Perhaps being more like, say, Rachel Maddow will allow you to be your usual mean self, but be able to gain a reputation with some level of regard? Rachel has said some cruel things, but she has every bit the reputation for being a smart fact-checker. Indeed, she has been caught stretching the truth. But you catapult over the line with outright lies and slander.

To conclude, you are a Christian. A woman who claims to be devout and God-fearing. If that is the case, why do you say any of those things at all? Didn't Jesus say to love one another? And do not Christian teachings urge you to live as he did? Did he not also say "Judge not lest ye be judged"? Refraining from lying is one of the ten commandments. Truthfully, you aren't doing a very good job as a Christian... especially when I have heard you say you put Jesus first in your life and in all you do. If you were just spouting lies again, then perhaps you shouldn't believe your own hype and duck back into obscurity? The world might be a better place if you did.

I wish you peace in your heart. I know it will be tough, but from one female human being American to another, I really do urge you to think before you open your trap.

Best, Angela
Nashville, TN

Up With the Uterus

A few years ago, I saw a post on Facebook that equated the University of Texas Longhorn with the shape of a female uterus. 

I understood that they were trying to associate my least favorite team's mascot with something, oh, I don't know... feminine... and therefore weak. I understand the University of Oklahoma's distaste for the awful Longhorn and its subsequent choice of team colors, but I took offense. If anything, the female uterus should be a sign of strength. To quote the GREAT Betty White "Why do people say "grow some balls"? Balls are weak and sensitive. If you wanna be tough, grow a vagina. Those things can take a pounding." (At least that quote is credited to her. Upon my fact checking, the quote could not be completely credited to her, but that is why I am adding this sentence.)


All kidding aside, if it weren't for the uterus or vagina, this world wouldn't be populated. Instead of seeing it as feeble, why shouldn't it be a symbol of strength and capability? Why is it not? Because our society still, unfortunately, subscribes to some unsaid rule that women are the fragile and delicate gender. In my opinion, its shameful and I am ashamed of any Oklahoma fan who used the above comparison to make the Texas  Longhorns look bad.

After seeing all of the posts recently knocking Michelle Obama's DNC speech, I got the same feeling. If you are going to poke holes in her speech, do it with facts and intelligence. DO NOT, however, knock her because she is a woman. Don't chastise the President for admitting he seeks her advice or "hides" behind her rhetoric. She is strong, beautiful, smart, and outspoken, so I am proud the President seeks her feedback. He is not weak because he has female advisers and equating females with weakness and stupidity is something I COMPLETELY take offense to. 

Even President Bush, Junior admitted to taking frequent advice from his wife, Laura. And why not? She has her college degree in education and held positions as both a teacher and librarian. Michelle Obama has even more impressive credentials. She is a magnet high school graduate and attended Princeton where she graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts. Then, she earned her Juris Doctor from Harvard Law. 

And don't get me started on people knocking Hillary Clinton. So what if she is a bitch? I have been called a bitch more times than I can count. And most of the time it's not because I was actually being cruel. The majority of the times I have been called a bitch (or worse) is when I have been standing up for myself or for something or someone I believe in. Admittedly, sometimes the label was deserved. But Hillary Clinton has taken a LOT of flack simply because she is brazen and has an arsenal of chutzpah. Oh yes, and let's not forget a brain in her head. And where did that get her? She's the United States Secretary of State. Not a bad gig if you ask me. 

To that end, my boyfriend, Jeff, is one of the smartest and most level-headed people I know. And for some odd reason, he seeks my advice almost daily. Why is that? Because I am not weak, feeble, stupid or incapable. I am a strong, outspoken, smart woman and my voice will not be stifled or suppressed. And perhaps I am being piddly about a college football mascot comparison. But if we continue to look over and disregard that kind of mentality, it will continue to exist, grow, and cultivate. And I can't stand by and let women be viewed like that any longer. It's 2012 not 1812 and I'll be damned if we're allowed to take even one baby step backwards.