GQ's Least Influential People of 2012: Oh Snap!

Photo Credit: GQ.com

Every year People Magazine does a "Sexiest Man Alive" issue (which I posted about earlier this month), and GQ says hey, I can do that too! Instead of good looks driving their magazine this month, they once again unveiled their "Least Influential People of 2012" magazine, and boy, is it great! 

The number one least influential person this year? Mitt Romney! 

But in this list of 25 people, some of your favorite (or in this case, least favorite) athletes were given the honors of being extremely unhelpful this year. 

Let's see who made GQ's naughty list:

Dwight Howard

Photo Credit: GQ.com

After many months of jockeying for a team other than the Orlando Magic, Dwight Howard landed in the sunny city of Los Angeles as a Laker. While his end goal was finally reached, the way it took him to get to California was a little sketchy to say the least. It seemed it took Howard months of making vague demands to the Magic owners and then telling the fans that he was happy in Orlando, to then jump ship when the Laker's camp came calling. While his presence in LA adds another dynamic to the team, his contributions as a player have yet to be felt.

Ryan Lochte

Photo Credit: Getty Images

The king of "Jeah!" is back in another magazine. I'm sure he wouldn't mind. Ryan Lochte is certainly an interesting individual, who after making a splash in the London Olympics, has been in the tabloids and celebrity gossip realm ever since July. He's guest-starred as himself on 90210, was linked to the newly minted Miss USA, has been hopping around in the music scene, and finally managed to trademark his favorite word: Jeah. While he is still a pretty attractive person, it's his slightly below average intellect and all-about-me attitude that is a big turnoff. To quote GQ: "This is what happens to you when you buy American-flag mouth grills."

Gregg Williams

Photo Credit: John David Mercer, US Presswire

Oh Gregg Williams. To think that violence will earn you money, well, you're mistaken. Williams, the disgraced former NFL defensive coordinator, was the man who pioneered the New Orleans Saint's bounty program. This program that awarded players with money if they could cause another player harm, has completely backfired. Not only has the Saints organization paid dearly with multiple suspensions, fines, and bad karma, it's just shameful that someone in the NFL could do such a thing. We all know that concussions are still a serious problem for players, so why add another dangerous element to the game? Unbelievable. Williams definitely deserves to be on this list.

Lance Armstrong

Photo Credit: Rogerio Barbosa, Getty Images

It's been a rough year for Lance Armstrong. Not only have his seven Tour de France titles been stripped from him, but he also stepped down as the head of his organization, Livestrong, and was dropped by his biggest supporter Nike. Sadly, he now is the polar opposite of the inspiring legend and athlete he once was. No one is taking away the fact that he beat cancer, which is certainly something to be admired. However, his choices, which were truly hypocritical to his message as an honest athlete, are now coming back to bite him.

Bobby Valentine

Photo Credit: Kelley L Cox, US Presswire

To be a Boston Red Sox fan this year must be rough. After the Red Sox let manager Terry Francona go (he was a man who won the franchise TWO World Series titles), they brought in ESPN analyst and TV personality Bobby Valentine. Valentine, in just one year, seemed to completely fracture the organization, divided the clubhouse even further than it already was, showed up to practices late, bickered about his assistant coaches, and even said his team had "the weakest roster... in September in the history of baseball." And sadly, this year, the Red Sox finished last in the AL East division with a 69-93 record. As a result, Valentine was canned for the club's third manager in three years, John Farrell.

Verdict:

All in all, this year's athletes in GQ's "Least Influential People of 2012" was spot on. But to say the least, I'm not exactly impressed with each of these five athletes this year. Hopefully 2013 will be a better year for them. McKayla shakes her head at them.

Kris Humphries Scratched Up

Photo Credit: Jared Wickerham, Getty Images

Another day, another story about Kim Kardashian's ex-husband. Will he ever shed that title? Well, probably not until Kim marries the other half of "Kimye."

Anyway, yesterday during the Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics game, Humphries, Boston Celtics Rajon Rondo and fellow Brooklyn Net Gerald Wallace were all ejected from the game in Boston for fighting. 

It all started when Humphries delivered an extremely hard foul on Kevin Garnett, and to defend his teammate Rondo immediately got in Humphries's face and started shoving him. That, is when it all got crazy.

Photo Credit: Jim Davis, Boston Globe

As both teams' benches started to empty around them, Humphries and Rondo continued to jaw at one another until they and a bunch of security guards fell into a giant pile screaming, scratching, and punching.

For both their efforts, they were then both immediately ejected from the game. Humphries was slapped with two technical fouls. 

But it was what happened after the fact that made me frown at Humphries.

Later he tweets:

Subtle, Humphries, very subtle. Not sure what his publicist would have said about that one. But, what made me literally laugh out loud? 

Some of the responses he got on Twitter, notably from one Erin Andrews, who doesn't mention his name, but you can clearly tell who she was aiming her latest tweet at:

I could not agree with you more on that Erin. Seriously people.

This entire debacle is still in the midst of the Kardashian-Humphries divorce extravaganza. Ironically, the day Humphries got into this all-out brawl was the day that Kim said she was forever "handcuffed" to the Nets forward. Maybe that's why Humphries took out a little more aggression on the court in Boston.

Regardless, all I have to say to Humphries is that McKayla and I are unimpressed with your 15 minutes of fame.

McKayla Maroney and President Obama are NOT Impressed

Photo Credit: White House

When this photo appeared magically within the webiverse, I could not stop laughing. 

You guys all I know I love McKayla Maroney's disappointed stare, so when the 16-year-old gymnast visited the White House with her Olympic teammates two days ago, I just had to find evidence. There, President Barack Obama congratulated the team for their gold medal during this summer's London games. 

And the best part? Well, it seems the President keeps up on celebrity culture.

Maroney became an Internet sensation after her glare was caught by cameras, and then it became this summer's biggest meme. 

After the memorable moment with the newly re-elected President, Maroney tweeted: "Did I just do the Not Impressed face with the President...?" 

If I were her, I'd be smiling all the way to two equally happy Strahans.

2012: Sexiest Athletes 

Photo Credit: People

Every year People Magazine releases who it thinks is the Sexiest Man Alive. This year, it's the former-stripper, Step Up dancer, Vow loving, Dear John soldier, G.I. Joe fighting, Magic Mike hero: Channing Tatum. How's that for an introduction? He beat out the other hot, sexy men like Ben Affleck, Usher, Matt Bomer, and Chris Hemsworth. 

But, did any athletes cross over from sports fame into mainstream culture to be considered some of the sexiest men nominees? Oh yes, they certain did. 

According to People Magazine, here are five of the hottest male athlete runner-ups:

1. Tom Brady

I feel like Tom Brady, the New England Patriots franchise quarterback, is always in People Magazine's sexiest category. Yes, he's a part-time model, who married an actual supermodel, is a family man, is into charity work, and is good at his job. And he won the award for sexiest man in Michigan. That's cool, I guess. 

The magazine wrote, "While he plays for the New England Patriots and was born in California, Brady honed his athletic prowess as a quarterback for the University of Michigan, shepherding the Wolverines to victory in the Citrus Bowl and the Orange Bowl in the late 1990s."

How is it that Brady has never actually won the Sexiest Man Alive award yet? Well, I know just who to ask! And, it's probably because he has to do some more on-camera work. 

For now, ladies and gentlemen, just enjoy this photo of your favorite New England athlete:

Photo Credit: VMAN Magazine

2. David Beckham

Here's another athlete who, by now, should have won sexiest man alive. He's a prominent underwear model, soccer player, devoted father, and husband to one of the Spice Girls. I'd say that's a pretty successful resume right there. Becks, however, was nominated as one of the sexiest family guys, to which, I say, I wish I had a dad like you! 

Photo Credit: Emporio Armani

3. Mario Chalmers

It's funny, but when asked: "Who do you think the top two hottest male athletes today are?" I'm not sure many of you would have chosen Miami Heat point guard Mario Chalmers. This nomination shocked me as well; however, that statement is not meant to knock Chalmers as a player or as being a very good-looking basketball player, which he is both. Regardless, Chalmers was nominated in People for being the sexiest man from Alaska. As a matter of fact, he's only the third player to enter the NBA from Alaska. 

Chalmers tells the Miami Herald: "A lot of people say there's nothing in Alaska but snow and ice. So, being from Alaska, being that guy, I just want to [disprove] it." 

Now if I were Chalmers's publicist, I'd be extremely happy right now. As for Chalmers, I'm pretty sure he doesn't mind flashing those pearly whites for the cameras either.

Photo Credit: Miami Herald

4. Apolo Anton Ohno

Good news ladies! The former Dancing with the Stars champion from season 4 is also an eight-time medalist in the short track speed skating category. Plus, he has been named the most decorated American Winter Olympic athlete of all time, and, he's a nominee for sexiest man alive. If that doesn't pack a two-punch, I'm not sure what will. But the greatest thing going for him right now? He's single and ready to mingle. 

He told People: "I haven't been on a date in a long time, so maybe I'll have a little time for that--jeez. With the show, it's so crazy. Your social life and everything gets put on hold." 

Well, I'm pretty sure that now that he's been nominated as one of the sexiest men alive, the number of potential dates has skyrocketed through the roof.

5. Oscar Pistorius

While he's another Olympic athlete who has been nominated, no one really knew who Oscar Pistorius was until after the 2012 London Olympics. The South African runner became the first double-amputee sprinter to compete at the Summer Games. Not only that, but his optimistic attitude and smashing looks have vaulted this 25-year-old into superstardom. 

He tweeted, "Thank you! Haha #8, honoured!" when he received the news.

And everyone wants to know who this guy is. Ever since his nomination in People, the number of searches for "Oscar Pistorius girlfriend" have blown up. For someone also nicknamed Blade Runner (pretty fitting, right?), and whose future looks bright if he decides to compete in the Olympics again, things are looking up for Mr. Pistorius. 

Photo Credit: People Magazine

Spotted! Zac Efron and Rebel Wilson

Going to Los Angeles Lakers game seems to be the hip and happening thing going on in Hollywood since, well, forever. Yes, I know they just hired a new coach, Mike D'Antoni, and yes, I was in attendance for his 30-minute press conference. 

But, the latest news coming out of the camp? Well, Zac and Rebel smooching of course. Now before everyone starts freaking out, it seems both Efron and Wilson are just friends.

The young star Tweeted a picture of a kiss on the cheek he gave the actress during Tuesday's Lakers game.

"She's a Laker fan too??? I think I'm in love," Efron wrote on WhoSay.

To which Wilson Tweeted, "Half time at Lakers hanging with main man @ZacEfron, freestyle rapping etc."

They join the ranks of Jack Nicholson, Cameron Diaz, the Beckhams, Eva Longoria, and many others who love to watch their favorite purple and gold team play. 

This cute picture gets one thumbs up from Strahan. 

Scandalous! Blasphemy!

Photo Credit: AP

The latest scandalous finding in sports doesn't seem to deal with any teams, but instead the Dallas Maverick cheerleaders' new outfits. After debuting their new outfits, the Internet went ablaze with a plenty of scrutiny because many people were saying that they were simply too skimpy. But are they really? As a woman, I've seen my share of the clothing choices many professional cheerleaders wear on the court, and this 'skimpy outfit' claim is just now being brought up? Hmm... 

Well, on one hand, they seem to be less revealing than others' uniforms because there is actually a piece of cloth running down the middle. Yes, the hemline, straps, and bustline are their usual tiny selves, but is this outfit more skimpy than others around the league? It's time to compare...

New Mavs' Unform:

Photo Credit: Vernon Bryan, Dallas Morning News

Old Mavs' Uniform: 

Photo Credit: Ronald Martinez, Getty Images

Miami Heat:

Photo Credit: J. Pat Carter, AP

Chicago Bulls:

Within the NBA, it looks like there are equally scandalous outfits that other teams' cheerleaders decide to wear. Are the outfits better in the NFL?

Minnesota Vikings:

Photo Credit: Andy King, AP

Tennessee Titans:

Photo Credit: Simon Bruty, SI

Washington Redskins:

Jacksonville Jaguars:

Photo Credit: Stephen Morton, AP

Verdict: It seems that all the outfits any NBA or NFL cheerleaders wear are all pretty skimpy. I believe the controversy over the Dallas Mavericks' cheerleaders' uniforms were that it's just a different look than what they're used to. It seems that from their old uniforms, they cut out the fabric that covered their neck area and then moved it over their stomachs. I deem these outfits with one unimpressed McKayla. 

Funniest Actletes on TV

We all know about those athletes who decide to make a transition into the television world. But what about those actors who portray athletes, or just plain fitness nerds, on television? 

Well, since I am such a big TV watcher, I noticed this trend last night while watching reruns of Modern Family. What is up with all these 'athletic' characters on primetime TV these days? Is it just me or are 50 percent of scenes filmed in gym? And boy was I judging myself so badly while sitting on my butt eating a big pizza while watching Phil Dunphy talk about his cheerleading days. That got me thinking... who are some of the funniest actletes (get it?) on TV?

1. Chris Traeger from Parks & Recreation

Chris Traeger (Rob Lowe) is LIT-erally a beast when it comes to health and exercising. You know you're a health nut when you consider a 9 mile run as "light exercise". My favorite quote from him? "Sorry, Leslie. D@*m! I have to go run ten miles. I have run ten miles a day every day for 18 years. That's 65,000 miles. A third of a way to the moon. My goal is to run to the moon." 

Along with running crazy distances, he keeps his Adonis-like body nourished with organic foods, and views his body as a "temple". I do too Rob Chris, I do too. Plus, I'm pretty sure Lowe lives a healthy lifestyle off set as well. I mean, who can be 48-years-old and look like they're getting younger?

2.  Phil Dunphy from Modern Family

Phil Dunphy (Ty Burrell) is certainly one of those hilarious TV dads, who likes to practice magic, sell homes and eat waffles. But, his one hidden talent? Being a male cheerleader, with tragic hair, and who didn't get invited to any college parties helps qualify Dunphy as one of my favorite characters on TV. Isn't that enough?

3. Schmidt on New Girl

Madonna. Beyonce. Cher. Icons in the entertainment world who need no introduction or last name for that matter. Introduce Schmidt (Max Greenfield), the narcissistic, slightly feminine character who provides some great comedic relief . He's like Chris Traeger in some ways, but unlike Traeger, can find some very impressed ladies. He holds himself in such high regards, especially with his fitness regime, and if this video doesn't make you laugh, I don't know what to do with you. Greenfield brings a slightly sassy nature to his character, who I think if the show continues its success, will be a household name.

4. Penny Hartz from Happy Endings

Oh Penny, how I adore you! Penny Hartz (Casey Wilson) is a slightly overweight, quirky, neurotic yet relatable character who is, yes, obsessed with her fitness! She's the everyday female with the insecurities that I'm pretty sure all my ladies out there have had. Regardless, Wilson is hilarious as Penny who when it comes to her athletic endeavors, is just plain amazing to watch. Her noises, comments, and no-nonsense way of attacking the gym are priceless.

Girl's Got Game!

Whenever I have a kid, I'd like her to be like 9-year-old Sam Gordon. 

She's a girly girl from the Salt Lake City area who also happens to play a running back in football. Let me repeat. She is 9 and already an internet sensation. Gordon has over 1,900 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns! Which professional athletes can say they've done that?

Is it time to petition her to visit the set of Ellen? I think so! She's doing little girls right in saying that hey, I'm a girl and I can play football too. She definitely deserves three cheers from Strahan!

Election Day is Here!

In honor of Election Day, check out one of my favorite political cartoons, with a sports twist:

Photo Credit: Tom Toles, Washington Post

Athletes In The Election

We all know that celebrities or high-profile athletes who have a Twitter are sometimes subjected to crazy rants from fans and are judged by what they say and how they portray themselves online. However, as today is Election Day, many athletes who were involved in voting or campaigning for the election put themselves out there by expressing that they either voted or tweeted who they supported. For those men and women who were brave enough to not worry about what all their followers thought, here are some tweets, Presidential Style, from your favorite athletes: