Sports & Celebrity Newswire

Posts Tagged ‘Celebrity Booking Agent’

Could The Pirates’ second baseman Delwyn Young’s catch be one of the best catches ever? What are the chances we’ll see another catch like this again?

Two Pittsburgh Pirates combined for an unbelievable catch during their recent game against the San Francisco Giants.

Delwyn Young Makes Incredible Catch.Watch video.

As Bombastic Sports describes it:

“The Giants Randy Winn hit a fly ball that avoided Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen’s glove and instead ricocheted off his foot. Second baseman Delwyn Young dived and snatched the errant ball out of the air with his bare hand before it could hit the turf.”

I just love baseball moments like these!

If you would like to find out how to hire Delwyn Young for a speaking engagement, appearance, endorsement, autograph signing or special event, request Delwyn Young booking agent information from PFP Sports and Celebrity Talent Agency. PFP is a top celebrity booking agent for baseball speakers, entertainers, sports speakers and celebrities. Call 800.966.1380

Tony and Jessica in happier times

The Tony Romo Jessica Simpson breakup has been well publicized and appears that both celebrities have  moved on.

After Tony Romo broke up with Jessica Simpson the night before her 29th birthday, he made arrangements to exclude Simpson from having access to his Dallas home.

The new issue of Us Weekly reports the Dallas Cowboys quarterback instructed security at his gated community to keep Simpson out.

NO LONGER ON THE LIST AND NOT APPROVED FOR ACCESS.

Simpson has no plans to continue having access to Romo’s home except to remove her property. It has been reported by US Magazine that the singer paid $19,000 on July 15 to ship 37 boxes worth of her belongings from Dallas to L.A. overnight.

The famous couple, who began dating in November 2007, called it quits earlier this month.

“I thought they would…tie the knot,” Terrell Owens, who criticized Simpson for being a “jinx,” told Ryan Seacrest.

Simpson is currently working out with a personal trainer in L.A. to get back into shape. She spends most of her social time with her family and friends.

Let’s wish them both well.

Tony will concentrate on his carrer this season and hopefully move the Dallas Cowboys into Superbowl contention.

Jessica Simpson is a beautiful girl and will have no trouble moving on.

PFP is a sports and celebrity booking agency for sports speakers, athlete appearances, football speakers, endorsements and celebrities. For more information call 800.966.1380

Olympic Decathlon 1500M

“Olympic great Bruce Jenner is one of our top motivational speakers”, says sports and celebrity booking agent Jonathan Wexler.

If you were asked to name Olympians who’ve been able to parlay their medals into a successful career, who would come to mind? Mike Eruzione? Jennie Finch? Dara Torres? Apolo Anton Ohno?

My top choice would be Bruce Jenner, who won a gold medal at the 1976 Summer Olympics after setting a world record of 8,634 points. At the time, he was called the greatest athlete in the world. He was the 1976 recipient of the James E. Sullivan Award as the top amateur athlete in the United States and also the Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year. He was later inducted into the Olympic Hall of Fame in 1986 and the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame and Connecticut Sports Hall of Fame in 1994.

It’s not uncommon for the top athletes from each Olympics to cash-in on their success by becoming sports motivational speakers and product spokespersons. However, for all but a few Olympians, the success is short-lived. Jenner’s popularity has lasted 30+ years and one could argue he’s more popular today than ever.

Following his Olympic success, Jenner appeared on the front of a Wheaties box as a “Wheaties champion”.

In 1980, Jenner made his acting debut in the film Can’t Stop the Music He also appeared in a handful of episodes of the 1980s hit tv show CHiPs as Officer Steve McLeish (he substituted for star Erik Estrada during a contract dispute). He also appeared in an episode of The American Sportsman and, in the early 1990s,  was the host of an infomercial for the Stair Climber Plus.

Since 2002, Jenner has appeared as himself on a variety of game shows and reality tv programs. In January 2002, he participated in an episode of The Weakest Link featuring Olympic athletes. In 2003, he was in I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, and made a cameo in 2005 on The Apprentice. He also appeared on Skating with Celebrities, was a guest judge on Pet Star and appeared with his family on NBC’s Celebrity Family Feud.

Jenner’s popularity received a big boost in 2007 when he, wife Kris Jenner, stepdaughters Kim, Kourtney, Khloe stepson Robert and daughters Kylie and Kendall, starred in the E! reality series Keeping Up with the Kardashians, one of the top rated reality shows. The show was renewed for a third season.

In addition to his tv appearances, Jenner is a popular spokesperson and has endorsed such companies as Coca-Cola, Ford and Minolta. He’s also a much sought-after motivational speaker. He travels around the country delivering his message, “Finding the Champion Within”, to organizations and corporations. He wrote a book by the same title that was published in 1999.

PFP is a top celebrity booking agent for athletes, entertainers, sports stars and celebrities. If you would like to find out how to hire Bruce Jenner for a speaking engagement, appearance, endorsement, autograph signing or special event, request Bruce Jenner booking agent information from PFP Sports and Celebrity Talent Agency.

Paula Abdul

The latest news is that Paula Abdul is still in contract negotiations with the producers of American Idol.  I believe that Paula is an important element to the show and in my opinion American Idol will not be the same without her. I certainly understand her viewpoint that she is worth more when comparing her current salary to those of  Ryan Seacrest and Simon Cowell.  She should at least be given more value in comparison.

By the way I haven’t heard any talk about Randy’s salary. Anyone know what he currently gets?

According to The LA Times “American Idol” judge Paula Abdul, is making $4 million a year and is seeking $12 million, sources say. Host Ryan Seacrest has made a three-year deal, while judge Simon Cowell, who some see as essential for the show to remain a success, is in talks. He could use his leverage to try to get “X Factor,” which he hosts overseas, on Fox.

Negotiations on a new contract for Simon Cowell, the show’s linchpin, chief prosecutor and animating force, are progressing quickly and could be concluded as early as this week. Cowell, who currently makes about $36 million annually and still has another year on his pact, is looking at a new multiyear deal that would boost his pay to the $45-million range, people close to the talks said.

PFP Sports and Celebrity Booking Agency is a speakers bureau and top booking agent for American Idols, sports speakers, athlete appearances and celebrities. If you are looking to hire Paula Abdul or want to contact Paula Abdul’s booking agent call 800.966.1380.

Ben Roethlisberger

Ben Roethlisberger,  Pittsburgh Steeler’s quarterback recently accused of sexual assault by Andrea McNulty, issued a 20-second long statement to the media, denying the sexual assault allegations against him.

Roethlisberger said, “I did not sexually assault Andrea McNulty.”

He went on to say that “Saturday was the first that I learned of her accusations. Her false and vicious accusations are an attack on my family and on me”

“I would never, ever force myself on a woman.”

“I will fight to protect my family and my reputation.”

“I’m not going to discuss my private life or this civil case in the media.”

“I’ll respond to her outrageous allegations in the appropriate forum.”

“I have an obligation to our fans, my teammates to my coaches and everyone in the organization to remain focused on the Pittsburgh Steelers and I will do that.”

“The allegations against me are reckless and false.”

“As much as I would like to answer everyone’s questions, I will respect the legal process and I am confident that the truth will prevail”

Ben Roethlisberger Press Conference Sexual Assault Charges. Watch video

PFP Sports and Celebrity Talent Agency is a speakers bureau and top booking agent for sports stars, athlete appearances, football speakers, endorsements and celebrities. For more information on how to contact Ben Roethlisberger booking agent, call 800.966.1380

Erin Andrews

ESPN reporter, Erin Andrews, is going after a Peeping Tom who videotaped her walking around her hotel room nude.

Someone made a videotape of ESPN reporter Erin Andrews, without her knowledge, walking around her hotel room naked, and now the criminal(s) are trying to sell the tape to the highest bidder. The problem is Erin has no idea where or when the video was shot.

Erin has hired one of the most powerful attorneys in L.A., Marshall B. Grossman, and now her team is trying to figure out some details behind the footage so they can put together a plan of attack.

Erin Andrew’s attorney Marshall B. Grossman, has been quoted:

“While alone in the privacy of her hotel room, Erin Andrews was surreptitiously videotaped without her knowledge or consent. She was the victim of a crime and is taking action to protect herself and help ensure that others are not similary violated in the future. Although the perpetrator or perpetrators of this criminal act have not yet been identified, when they are identified she intends to bring both civil and criminal charges against them and against anyone who has published the material. We request respect of Erin’s privacy at this time, while she and her representatives are working with the authorities.”

ESPN also issued this statement: “Erin has been grievously wronged. Our people and resources are in full support of her as she deals with this abhorrent act.”

DO NOT search for the video online. Hackers have set up bogus web pages claiming to have the video, but the links actually contained viruses.

Hopefully you won’t find the video online anymore.

PFP Sports and Celebrity Talent Agency is a speakers bureau and top booking agent for sports stars, athlete appearances, endorsements and celebrities. If you would like to find out how to hire Erin Andrews for a speaking engagement, appearance, endorsement, autograph signing or special event, request Erin Andrews booking agent information from PFP Sports and Celebrity Talent Agency or call 800.966.1380.

Kurt Warner

People often ask me who my favorite athletes are to deal with. I always give them the same answer…there are a lot of great guys, far too many to mention. But definitely high on the list is Kurt Warner, the quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals.

A lot of athletes change over the years due to their success and wealth. Not Warner. He’s the same guy today as he was 10 years ago. He’s a devout Christian, a big family guy and very philanthropic. In fact, a couple of weeks ago, he traveled to his hometown of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to assist Habitat For Humanity in rebuilding more than 20 homes for families that had been affected by the devastating floods of 2008. He wasn’t there for just a photo-op – he got his hands dirty and worked hard like everyone else.

Warner has enjoyed a rags-to-riches career that couldn’t have been scripted any better by a Hollywood director.

After finishing his college career at Northern Iowa, Warner attended the Green Bay Packers training camp in 1994 but was released before the regular season began. It was at this point that he famously stocked shelves at a Hy-Vee grocery store in Cedar Falls, Iowa for $5.50 an hour. With no NFL teams calling, Warner played for the Iowa Barnstormers of the Arena Football League beginning in 1995. He was named to the AFL’s All-Arena first team in both 1996 and 1997 as he led the Barnstormers to Arena Bowl appearances in both seasons.

In 1998, Kurt Warner was signed by the St. Louis Rams and was allocated to the Amsterdam Admirals of NFL Europe, where he led the league in touchdowns and passing yards. Going into the 1999 season, Warner was the Rams backup quarterback but took over the starting job when Trent Green was sidelined with an injury. The rest, as they say, is history. Warner put together one of the greatest seasons by a quarterback in NFL history, throwing for 4,353 yards with 41 touchdown passes and a completion rate of 65.1%. He went onto lead the Rams to a Super Bowl victory over the Tennessee Titans and was named both the Super Bowl MVP and NFL MVP. He became the sixth player to win both awards in the same year, joining Bart Starr, Terry Bradshaw, Joe Montana, Emmitt Smith and Steve Young.

In 2001, Kurt Warner enjoyed another career year when he led the Rams to the Super Bowl and won his second NFL MVP award. For the next several years, his career was up and down. However, last year, he returned to old form when he led the Cardinals to their first division title since 1975 and first-ever Super Bowl appearance. He recently re-signed with the Cardinals for two more years and will likely be inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame after he retires.

Away from the gridiron, he’s a much sought-after Christian speaker and sports motivational speaker.

PFP Sports and Celebrity Booking Agency is a speakers bureau and top booking agent for sports stars, football speakers, celebrity speakers, athlete appearances, endorsements and corporate entertainment. For more information call 800.966.1380

Of all the All-Star games, I enjoy watching baseball’s version the best. I’ve been fortunate to attend eight of the Mid-Summer Classics. It’s very exciting to see all of the current stars on the field at once.

Nothing will compare to last year’s All Star game in New York, which will go down in history as one of the all-time greats. First of all, anytime you have a big event in New York, it’s going to be special. Secondly, the night was filled with tributes to Yankee Stadium, which was being closed at season’s end to make room for the new ballpark next door. Lastly, the game was an absolute classic with the American League defeating the National League, 4-3, in 15 innings. The game took 4 hours, 50 minutes and was the longest All-Star Game in history.

Commissioner Bud Selig and Major League Baseball have attempted to make the game relevant by giving home-field advantage during the World Series to the winning league. Back in the day, the game was full of intensity and it really meant something to the winning players. Over time, the game’s importance diminished as it became more of a show than a game. You hear a lot of debate as to whether this is good or not. Personally, I think it would be more fair to give the team with the best record home-field advantage but I don’t have much of an issue since it’s brought a bit of intensity back to the game.

A few of my favorite moments from previous All-Star games…

1) In 1970, Pete Rose, playing at home in Cincinnati, attempted to score but had to get past catcher Ray Fosse. The ensuing collision not only helped solidify Rose’s reputation as “Charlie Hustle”, it had the unfortunate consequence of injuring Fosse’s shoulder. Rose was called safe at home and the National League won the thriller, 5 -4. Fosse went onto play nine more seasons but was never the same.

2) In 2001, Cal Ripken Jr. played in the last of his 19 All-Star games. The game was basically a Cal Ripken lovefest. In the third inning, Ripken made his first plate appearance and was greeted with a standing ovation. Ripken then homered off the first pitch from Chan Ho Park and ended up with All Star MVP honors.

3)  In 1999, baseball honored the All-Century Team prior to the game at Fenway Park, with such greats on-hand as Mike Schmidt, Brooks Robinson, Bob Gibson and Johnny Bench. However, the highlight of the evening occurred when the great Ted Williams was driven out to home plate and threw out the first pitch with the help of Tony Gwynn.

Will this year’s game produce any classic moments? I can’t guarantee that. However, St. Louis is rolling out the red carpet and, at the very least, I’m sure the pre-game ceremony will produce a goose-bump moment or two. Plus, Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols is having one of the greatest years in the history of baseball, so I assume he’s going to be a big part of the game and broadcast.

PFP Sports and Celebrity Booking Agency is a speakers bureau and top booking agent for sports stars, athlete appearances, endorsements and celebrities. For more information call 800.966.1380

Celebrity Chefs

Want to the know the most perfect event in the country? Try the Food & Wine Classic held each summer in Aspen, Colorado. Sponsored by Food & Wine Magazine, the festival just recently completed its 27th year.

If you’re a food and wine connoisseur, the Food & Wine Classic is about as close to heaven as you can get without actually being there. It’s considered the mother of all food festivals and is a meeting place  for restauranteurs, chefs, journalists and food and wine loving people.  Add in the beautiful setting of Aspen, the almost always-perfect weather and ability to rub shoulders with celebrity chefs and you’ve got the ingredients of a weekend that’s hard to beat.

This year, the event featured 50 of the world’s foremost authorities on food and wine at 80 demonstrations and wine seminars. Among the celebrity chefs in attendance were Mario Batali, Giada De Laurentiis, Bobby Flay, Jacques Pepin, Ming Tsai and Tom Collichio.

It’s basically an eating and drinking orgy. For example, a typical day would go as follows…

-  Attend a variety of cooking demonstrations and, of course, sample the food. Among the demonstrations you could choose from were Asian Tapas with Ming Tsai,
Osteria Mozza with Mario Batali and Nancy Silverton and Burgers, Shakes, and Fries with Bobby Flay.

-  Sip wine at one of the wine seminars.

-  Head over to the Grand Tasting to sample a variety of foods.

-  Try one of the new drinks created by sponsor Grey Goose at their appropriately named lair, Chateau de Grey Goose

-  Attend the Best New Chefs of 2009 Dinner.

Speaking of the Grand Tasting, it’s the highlight of the weekend for many. Made up of a number of large tents, it’s the place to go to try a wide variety of food, from Peruvian tiradito to Cypriot soutzouko. Another highlight of the this year’s event was the Welcome Reception featuring food prepared by four previous winners from Bravo’s popular cooking show, Top Chef. Each chef prepared their signature dish at their own cooking station.

Normally, events of this kind would be exclusive affairs for the well-heeled crowd, but organizers make around 1,500 tickets available to the public. For more information, check out  The Food and Wine Classic Website.

PFP is a top celebrity booking agent for celebrity chefs, entertainers, sports stars and celebrities.

Find booking information on  celebrity chefs including:

• Martin Yan
• Cat Cora
• Mel Melton
• Mario Batali
• Keith Greene
• Darren McGrady
• Ina Garten
• Tyler Florence
• Gordon Ramsay
• Art Smith
• Sara Moulton
• Bobby Flay
• Missy Chase Lapine
• Lindsey Williams
• Jamie Oliver
• Duff Goldman
• Paula Deen
• Maria Liberati
• Sandra Lee
• Emeril Lagasse
• Lorena Garcia
• Giada De Laurentiis

Kevin Skinner

Is Kevin Skinner Americas Got Talent’s equivalent to Britains Got Talent’s Susan Boyle?

Kevin was the last audition when he walked out on stage, dressed plainly with jeans, and a baseball cap worn backwards. At first glance you think this is going to be a disaster and then he started to sing.

Can Kevin Skinner win America’s Got Talent this year?

So far if he continues with emotional perfomances like this, he will have a decent shot. I have not seen all the talent yet to come, but I’m sold on Kevin Skinner. This is one of the most emotional and heartfelt performances I’ve ever heard.

See if you agree.

Watch video of Kevin Skinner singing Garth Brooks “If Tomorrow Never Comes”

PFP is a top celebrity booking agent for American Idols, entertainers, sports stars and celebrities.