Professional Sports Wives by Jim Canada

Founder, Publisher, and Editor In Chief

Gena James Pitts

Associate Publisher and Editor at Large

Michael A. Pitts Managing Editor

Angela Shipp Creative Director

Jim Canada

Editor, Sports Psychologist, Director of Wellness

Diana McNab

Contributing Features Editors

Brian Egeston, Karen Shelnutt Contributing Writers

Steven Bontempi Diana McNab Angela Wilder Diann Valentine Dave Eyrise Mauvalyn Benjamin Kim Moore Cheryl DeLeonardis Jay Robb Brian Egeston Photographer

IT System Control Consultant

Gerald D. Goings, Sr., Comp-u-Nection Creative Consultants

Todd Nollner National Advertising Manager

Guy Prokay

www.theathleteschild.com

guy@prosportswives.com • 770 924-9390

24 Larry Mahan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Diana McNab A Real Cowboy Legend

26 COVER STORY: Shannon Mora

Soaring Through Flights of Turbulence . . . . . . . . . . by Gena James Pitts and Brian Egeston

30 Family Relations in the NFL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Shannon O’Toole An Author’s Apology

Rachel and Craig Terrill page 7

39 Building a Future After Pro Sports . . . . . . . . . . by Mauvalyn Benjamin Shanae Hall, a passion for real estate and marketing

40 Hero to Zero . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Diana McNab, LLC

44 Radical Love . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Tony and Kim Moore

46 The Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A Fictional Comedy about the Women Behind the Athletes 49 Cheryl DeLeonardis . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Lady Behind the Broadcasting Legends

50 Pat Summerall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Cheryl DeLeonardis

51 Greg Gumbel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Cheryl DeLeonardis

53 Finding Time for Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Brian Egeston

55 André Benjamin Rocks the Class of 3000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Jekyll and Hyde Syndrome

Men Who Won’t Lead, Wives Who Won’t Follow

The History of the Pat Summerall Award

Professional Sports Wives / January 2007

Our First Anniversary Issue

2007 Pat Summerall Honoree Ron and Babette Pitts

by Angela Shipp

André Benjamin provides his voice for The Cartoon Network’s New Show

www.prosportswives.com

Hero to Zero page 40

The Signature Voice of Sports Broadcasting in America

by Diann Valentine with Tonya Bolden

Rich Inspiration for Every Woman’s Dream Day

Kevin Morrison

11 Weddings Valentine Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Contributing Photographers

Production Manager

Rachel and Craig Terrill tie the knot at the top of the Space Needle

Shannon Mora page 26

ARTICLES 7 A Seahawk Wedding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Rachel Terrill

John Haigwood, Haigwood Studios Erin H. Brown, Atlanta Braves, Detroit Tigers, Dolphins Stadium, Jorge Garcia, Juan Ocampo (Dodgers)

Distinctive clothing and gifts for children who love the spotlight!

DEPARTMENTS 4 Your Girlfriend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A Word from Our Publisher 6 Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . from Our Readers 12 Philanthropy and News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wives in the News 15 Sports Rewind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . News Briefs 18 Off the Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NFL Players Wives Association 19 Teeing Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PGA TOUR Wives Association 20 Behind the Bench . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . National Basketball Wives Association 21 From the Pits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Women’s Auxiliary of Motorsports, Inc. 22 Been There, Done That . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Alumni 25 Ask Diana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . from Diana McNab, LLC 32 playbook: the Rookies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Our Children 34 Real Estate Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Countdown to Moving Day 35 Marriage Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Angela Wilder 37 playbook: Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New Products in the Marketplae 48 Member Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ursula Strong 52 Your Networking Game Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alan Anastos and Scott Manthorne 57 The Investment Coach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steven H. Bontempi 59 Something for the Fellas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mike Pitts

Our mission is to provide resources to educate and inform wives of professional athletes and coaches, and assist them in becoming successful helpmates. Together, the Professional Sports Wives Association and the Professional Sports Wives Magazine provide sports wives with information on how to support their spouse’s career and image, enhance their family’s quality of life, and secure success in their personal development. www.prosportswives.com Our First Anniversary Issue

56 Increase Your Brand Value . . . by Angela Shipp and Connect Easily with Fans

60 Three Secrets to a Flat Stomach . . . . . . . . by Jay Robb In America it is becoming rare to see someone with a truly flat stomach

Larry Mahan page 24

January 2007 / Professional Sports Wives

Founder, Publisher, and Editor In Chief

Gena James Pitts

Associate Publisher and Editor at Large

Michael A. Pitts Managing Editor

Angela Shipp Creative Director

Jim Canada

Editor, Sports Psychologist, Director of Wellness

Diana McNab

Contributing Features Editors

Brian Egeston, Karen Shelnutt Contributing Writers

Steven Bontempi Diana McNab Angela Wilder Diann Valentine Dave Eyrise Mauvalyn Benjamin Kim Moore Cheryl DeLeonardis Jay Robb Brian Egeston Photographer

IT System Control Consultant

Gerald D. Goings, Sr., Comp-u-Nection Creative Consultants

Todd Nollner National Advertising Manager

Guy Prokay

www.theathleteschild.com

guy@prosportswives.com • 770 924-9390

24 Larry Mahan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Diana McNab A Real Cowboy Legend

26 COVER STORY: Shannon Mora

Soaring Through Flights of Turbulence . . . . . . . . . . by Gena James Pitts and Brian Egeston

30 Family Relations in the NFL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Shannon O’Toole An Author’s Apology

Rachel and Craig Terrill page 7

39 Building a Future After Pro Sports . . . . . . . . . . by Mauvalyn Benjamin Shanae Hall, a passion for real estate and marketing

40 Hero to Zero . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Diana McNab, LLC

44 Radical Love . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Tony and Kim Moore

50 Pat Summerall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Cheryl DeLeonardis

51 Greg Gumbel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Cheryl DeLeonardis

53 Finding Time for Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Brian Egeston

55 André Benjamin Rocks the Class of 3000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Jekyll and Hyde Syndrome

Men Who Won’t Lead, Wives Who Won’t Follow

The History of the Pat Summerall Award

Professional Sports Wives / January 2007

Our First Anniversary Issue

2007 Pat Summerall Honoree Ron and Babette Pitts

by Angela Shipp

André Benjamin provides his voice for The Cartoon Network’s New Show

www.prosportswives.com

Hero to Zero page 40

The Signature Voice of Sports Broadcasting in America

by Diann Valentine with Tonya Bolden

Rich Inspiration for Every Woman’s Dream Day

Kevin Morrison

11 Weddings Valentine Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Contributing Photographers

Production Manager

Rachel and Craig Terrill tie the knot at the top of the Space Needle

Shannon Mora page 26

ARTICLES 7 A Seahawk Wedding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Rachel Terrill

John Haigwood, Haigwood Studios Erin H. Brown, Atlanta Braves, Detroit Tigers, Dolphins Stadium, Jorge Garcia, Juan Ocampo (Dodgers)

Distinctive clothing and gifts for children who love the spotlight!

56 Increase Your Brand Value . . . by Angela Shipp and Connect Easily with Fans

60 Three Secrets to a Flat Stomach . . . . . . . . by Jay Robb In America it is becoming rare to see someone with a truly flat stomach

Larry Mahan page 24

January 2007 / Professional Sports Wives

photo by John Haigwood, Haigwood Studios

t is always important to acknowledge special dates and times in one’s life, so we would like to welcome you to our first anniversary issue of Professional Sports Wives. We’ve packed in a number of stories about marriage, like Rachel and Craig Terrill tying the knot at the top of the Space Needle. And some planning advice from Diann Valentine. (Speaking of which, on the right, that’s Mike and me on our wedding day twenty-three years ago.) But, it doesn’t stop there. This issue is full of wonderful stories on family relations, health, wealth, and tips, and tricks. And, of course, the most up-to-date news from the wive’s organizations throughout the sports industry. So let me at this point welcome to our pages for the first time NASCAR’s Women’s Auxillary of Motor Sports (WAM Inc.). We hope you’ll find useful information and be able to celebrate your anniversaries with the same joy that we celebrate ours. We are proud of our vision and mission statement to provide educational resources and materials to our peers and guide them through the trials and tribulations of being a sports wife. With an 80% divorce rate among professional athletes, we know that there is room for improvement and that new skills, strategies and techniques are needed. Marriage is a physical as well as a spiritual assignment… and I am not sure if anyone ever gets it right. It is a mystery how two hearts intertwined can weather all of the emotional storms. But, the learning, growing and sharing is always worth the journey! The key is to live your life with no regrets and reinvent yourself and your marriage when it is needed. We can all learn so much from each other. So, I salute all of you girlfriends and welcome you into our New Year! Keep sending us your input, insights and ideas and we will all become stronger from the sharing. Here’s to 2007 and another great year! Turn the pages and be blessed! Your girlfriend,

Gena James Pitts Founder, Publisher, Editor in Chief

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The reproduction in whole or in part of our cover and contents are fully protected by copyright, and cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publishers. All materials submitted to Professional Sports Wives Magazine become the property of Professional Sports Wives Magazine and Pitts & Associates, Inc., and can be used without compensation to the submitter. All such materials may be edited for clarity and space. Pro Sports Wives Magazine is published quarterly in February, May, August, and November by Pitts & Associates, Inc., and is the official publication of the Professional Sports Wives Association, a members only, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that includes members from each professional sport, including but not limited to the: • National Football League (NFL • Major League Baseball (MLB) and its affiliate minor league baseball • National Basketball Association (NBA) • National Hockey League (NHL) • PGA TOUR, Inc., Nationwide Tour • National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) • Major League Soccer (MLS), among other professional sports FOR ADVERTISING and INQUIRIES: Contact gjp@prosportswives.com or Phone: (770) 619-0383 Fax: (770) 619-5777 www.prosportswives.com POSTMASTER: Send change of address notices to: Pro Sports Wives Magazine, The Terrace at Windward, 3070 Windward Parkway, Suite F-352 Alpharetta, GA 30005 The opinions expressed by contributing writers are not necessarily those of the editors and publishers of the Professional Sports Wives Magazine, the members of the Professional Sports Wives Association, the sports teams, owners, players, the various players associations and their staff, the leagues, and advertisers who are represented in this publication. Advertisers and advertising agencies assume liability for content of all advertisements. Information published in Professional Sports Wives Magazine is the opinion of the sourced authors. Personal decisions regarding information published in this magazine should be made after consultation with the reader’s professional advisors. The accuracy and completeness of the information provided, and the opinions stated herein are not guaranteed or warranted to produce any particular results on behalf of the parties who list their services or seek services via this publication. The publishers, board of directors, officers, members, employees, authors of Pro Sports Wives Magazine and its subsidiaries utterly disclaim any form of guarantee or warranty with respect to the authenticity, character, integrity, work, ethic, or financial soundness of any of the individuals or entities that are made public throughout the pages of this publication, nor shall be made liable for any loss or profit or any commercial or personal damage that may result from the mutual contacting, employing, or entering into contract of any one party, via any of the www.prosportswives.com information herein presented.

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photo by John Haigwood, Haigwood Studios

Gena James Pitts Founder, Publisher, Editor in Chief

Professional Sports Wives / January 2007

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Struck by our MLB issue, readers marvel at Diana McNab’s sports wife series, at the support that PSWM provides, and at the connections they have made. Since the launch of our magazine one year ago we have been thrilled with the world-wide interest and support in Professional Sports Wives Magazine. With each issue, our goals are to inspire, inform, and enhance the quality of our lives.

I have been looking for online support and information communities like this since I met my husband in 2000. I was very excited to find your site. —MC, Florida, Minor League Baseball wife I received the magazine today and it is unbelievable. It is so so amazing! —MA, Texas, Major League Baseball wife My husband played nine years in the NFL. I’m very excited about the information I’ve received as I feel it’s something that has been extremely long over due. I truly support the magazine, it’s projects, and it’s goals. I hope you would expand your magazine’s reach to both current and former players, as being a professional athlete is a lifetime membership, and our families are forever affiliated and connected with it. I’d like more information regarding your magazine, and more information moved by the article because I could relate so much on how to get more involved (if at all possible), etc. to it. I applaud you for bringing issues to light that I will also forward the information I have received are unique to professional sports wives. to other players (both current and former) and – PJ, Arizona, National Basketball Association wife their wives for awareness. —MT, National Football League wife The magazine is wonderful. I am excited to see that the Lord has used you to start this wonderful Thank you for your letter. The Professional Sports project. Twenty years ago I was an exchange student Wives Magazine and Professional Sports Wives from Austria, Europe. Who would have known Association are open to both active and retired that I was going to meet my future husband in athletes, coaches and team executives. the United States, who then was a high school star athlete. To make a long story short I never went “Loving him without losing you” (Volume home. We finished high school together and moved 1, Issue 3, page 20) discusses some of the issues continued on page 10 of being married to a professional athlete. I was

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Letters, continued from page 6

on to college. We ended up in the NFL. Nothing could have prepared me for that part of my life. The ups and downs, having babies while your husband is playing, injuries, wins, losses and so much more, including retirement. I know with all my heart that as long as this magazine remains a vessel of information it will be a blessing to all it’s readers. —SD, North Carolina, National Football League wife You’re doing a terrific job with the magazine. There are lots of good, interesting articles and colorful art. You should be very pleased with your product. —RP, Georgia, Minor League Baseball wife I thoroughly enjoyed the articles in your last issue and am excited to share it with the ladies here in Indiana. Having been married to a professional athlete many moons ago, I wish resources such as PSWM had existed. My experiences “back in the day” are the fuel behind my passion to assist athletes and their families. Deborah Williams, founder of Behind The Bench, was one of the young ladies I worked with and supported in her quest to start a support group for wives of NBA players. —JK, Indiana, National Basketball Association wife Congratulations on another beautiful issue. I didn’t think you could top the last issue, but you did. Bravo! –JA, Sports executive I love all of the positive articles in Pro Sports Wives Magazine. Your magazine is beautiful from cover to cover. – PA, Texas, National Basketball Association wife It’s been wonderful to get to know you in the past months. I admire your hard work and passion! I look forward to reading your next issue of Pro Sports Wives Magazine which features works of art and information about my work and what I do! For the next twelve months, I would like to offer 10 percent of my earnings from any potential commissions received through your publication to go toward St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a very worthy cause! Children are the future, let them live, love and be free from sickness! Very Sincerely, Janet Deane Editor’s Note: Janet Deane’s artwork is featured in our “Playbook: Trends” page 37.

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The candles have burned down, all the food and drink has been consumed, and that cacophony of “Congratulations!” is a whisper in the wind. What’s left? Your canvas of memories. A wedding album and a videotape are more than nice souvenirs. They’re about documenting a milestone, keeping history. If you and your love plan to have children, they are also about starting your family archives. When it comes to cost-cutting, two elements that I say never, ever, skimp on: your gown and the record of your precious memories. Ideally, documenting the climax of your forever-and-a-day romance should not be limited to the during. Have a cornucopia of before and after shots. Perhaps the tape begins to roll at the rehearsal dinner. And the this-is-your-life resumes on the morning of and continues through the rest of the day, up until the moment that you and your husband spirit away for some greatly anticipated privacy. You want candid photos of the people who showed up to love you and rejoice. You want shots of details that made the difference. Also worth preserving, the symbols and signposts along the way. If you have a large guest list (over two hundred people), ideally you want two photographers: the primary to shadow you, the number two to focus on your guests. Your photographer(s) should be as adept at candids as at portraiture, able to be a fly on the wall scanning the scene and zeroing in on ah-ha, precious, or wacky moments: a tear tracking down a father’s cheek; the groom in an “I’m ready, willing, and able” stance. You deserve images that leave you speechless, tearful, and perhaps even scratching your head — When did he get that shot? — and amazed — I never even noticed that! For that post-ceremony photo session, have at least one Portrait Police. When a wedding takes place in a church, for example, after the recessional the Portrait Police sees to it that the bride and groom are whisked away to a nearby “safe room.” The Portrait Police makes sure guests leave the church with dispatch — everybody except for the nears-and-dears who are to be in the photography session. Now the hard part. The Portrait Police must also get your nears-and-dears not to whip out their own cameras while the photographer is shooting; otherwise, your would-be precious memories could www.prosportswives.com

end up overexposed because of their flashes. Problem number two: If you allow your nears-and-dears to get their shots after the photographer has wrapped, your photo session will take for . . . ever. You and everybody else may get cranky — including your guests. The ideal? Let the Portrait Police announce that after the photographer is done, everyone else can have ten minutes of picture-taking time. In your search for a photographer and videographer, seek true artists with a passion for capturing reflections and reverberations of love. Just like with your man, when the right one comes along, you’ll know — the minute you see his or her work. Diann Valentine is more than a wedding coordinator, she’s a creative force, a weaver of dreams. As president of D. R. Valentine & Associates, Inc., a Pasadena-based wedding, events and interior design firm, Valentine has

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become one of the most sought-after producers in the industry with a discerning clientele who have turned to her unmatched style to design ever aspect of their special day. Whether the occasion is a funky bohemian vibe, an elegant formal affair, or a fairytale soiree, Valentine is blessed with the creative talent to take a mere concept and transform it into an awe-inspiring experience. Her beautiful coffee table book, Weddings Valentine Style, published by Atria, a division of Simon and Schuster, features the weddings of some of the most beautiful brides. Copyright © 2006. Reprinted by permission. Excerpted from the book Weddings Valentine Style: Rich Inspiration for Every Woman’s Dream Day by Diann Valentine with Tonya Bolden published by Atria Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, Inc. (Available at www.simonsays.com)

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Letters, continued from page 6

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Baby Braves adding to team roster

In August the Atlanta Braves Wives threw a baby shower at Turner Field for Tracey Giles, Jamie Cormier, Leslee Diaz, Janelle Reitsma, Mireya Baez, and Tammy Butts, to celebrate the pending additions to their Braves families. The Braves Wives presented gift baskets, filled with the very best baby products on the market, not only to the expecting Braves Wives, but also to six mothers from Prevent Child Abuse (PCA) Georgia. Through generous donations from several companies the six mothers from Prevent Child Abuse Georgia received gift baskets worth more than $700 from the Atlanta Braves Wives.

Detroit Tiger’s Wives race for a cure

donations. All proceeds benefitted the Food Depository, Chicago’s food bank.

Wearing white and pink baseball caps with the “Olde English D” along with breast cancer ribbons and pink “As part of the White Sox family, we feel it is wristbands, Detroit Tigers Wives formed a team to walk important to give back to the city that has shown not and raise funds for breast cancer research in June. just the players, but all of us so much support,” said Jennifer Konerko, wife of White Sox first baseman This 5K run / walk event, which drew over 30,000 Paul Konerko. “We hope that our services express our participants, benefited the Susan G. Komen Breast gratitude to the community while also helping those Cancer Foundation’s “Race for the Cure.” In addition, neighbors in need.” the Tigers and Major League Baseball donated a gameused pink bat from the Tigers — Indians game on May The Greater Chicago Food Depository is Chicago’s 14. This Mother’s Day game was recognized as Breast food bank, a not-for-profit distribution center providing Cancer Awareness Day throughout MLB and the food for hungry people while striving to end hunger in pink bat was one of several unique Tigers autographed our community. The Food Depository distributes donated Many of the products that the Braves wives and items that the Tigers Wives auctioned off at the event and purchased food through a network of 600 agencies mothers from Prevent Child Abuse Georgia received — all benefiting the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer – soup kitchens, food pantries and shelters – in Cook have been featured with Hollywood well knowns Foundation. County. including Rachel Weisz, Debi Mazar, Julia Roberts, White Sox are going to Marlins Wives hit a home Kevin Dillon, Geena Davis, Britney Spears and Angela bat for the community run for schools Bassett among others. Chicago White Sox wives hosted their 7th Annual Our children are out future. The Florida Marlins Food Drive benefiting the Greater Chicago Food wives recognize this and encouraged fans to bring Prevent Child Abuse Georgia is a state-wide non- Depository at U.S. Cellular Field in August. Anyone school supplies to August home games. The wives held profit organization committed to valuing children and making a donation was entered into a drawing for the drive to help prepare South Florida’s less fortunate strengthening all families. Their Healthy Families Georgia White Sox memorabilia. children with the necessary supplies to head back program reaches out to families at the time of birth of their to school. Supplies, such as paper, pencils, folders, child. This program is designed to provide information and Lisa Pierzynski, Jen Mackowiak, LaShunda notebooks, backpacks, calculators, rulers, crayons, and support to all parents of newborns so that every child has the Singleton, Missy Riske, Ruby Cooper and other even clothing such as socks and under garments, were best possible start in life. players’ family members were on hand to accept collected at the entrance gates and donated to the SOS Children’s Village.

NBA wife DeShawn Snow empowers girls

DeShawn Snow, wife of Cleveland Cavalier’s Eric Snow, teamed up with the Honorable Andrew Young and his wife Carolyn, to present the First Annual Empower Me Camp for Girls last summer. Hosted by the DeShawn Snow Foundation, Inc., the camp is designed

to build self-esteem in girl’s ages 11-17 and impact and influence the decisions that they make. The camp focuses on five core themes: (1) I can protect myself, (2) I am sure of myself, (3) I can express myself, (4) I can trust myself, and (5) I can be myself.

The camp line up featured several dynamic motivational speakers and special guests including: NBA player Eric Snow; WNBA players Rushia Brown and Nyree Roberts; Olympic track star Monica Cabbler; Dr. Christine Johnson, mother of NBA Hall of Fame great, Earvin Magic Johnson to name a few.

The DeShawn Snow Foundation aims to aid inner city teenage girls with self-esteem issues. “I believe that girls can be empowered and challenged to make a difference in their own lives if they are afforded the opportunity to do so. Together we can build stepping stones that create success and opportunities for every girl,” says Founder DeShawn Snow. FalCOn Food Drive

The Atlanta Falcons Women’s Association held their annual FalCan Food Drive in November. Fans were encouraged to bring canned food donations to the Georgia Dome prior to a home game. In 2005, the FalCan Food Drive collected 450 pounds of food and more than $11,000 in donations, with proceeds benefiting the Atlanta Community Food Bank. A doggone good cause

Phoenix Coyotes Wives hosted a Donation Drive in November to benefit child abuse prevention. In support of Child Abuse Prevention Month, fans are asked to bring new or slightly clothing items to the game for kids aged 5-11. All donations benefited Childhelp and the West Valley Child Crisis Center. Every fan who donated was entered into a raffle to meet Coyotes players Georges Laraque and Ladislav Nagy after the game.

Braves wives Janelle Reitsma, Leslee Diaz, Jen LaRoche (shower host), Tracy Giles, and Jamie Cormier, display baby products generously donated by several companies to Prevent Child Abuse Georgia, at a Braves Wives Baby Shower on August 31. Six mothers from Prevent Child Abuse Georgia receive gift baskets, worth more than $700 from the Atlanta Braves Wives. Detroit Tiger wives Shani Inge and Kristen Robertson participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure in May.

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Baby Braves adding to team roster

Detroit Tiger’s Wives race for a cure

donations. All proceeds benefitted the Food Depository, Chicago’s food bank.

NBA wife DeShawn Snow empowers girls

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Our First Anniversary Issue

January 2007 / Professional Sports Wives

Exceptional Means Is Fulfulling Dreams

When you call the hot new restaurant in town to negotiate a reservation, do you often anticipate laughter on the phone? Do you ever feel as though everyone’s on the ‘inside,’ and you’re barely in the room? If so, you have come across one of the country’s fastest growing small business ideas — personal concierge services. Once considered the ultimate in luxury available exclusively at five-star hotels and resorts, personal concierges are popping up in cities and Web sites in a town near you, promising to satisfy your every whim and whimsy. American Express was the first to offer it, but now cell phone providers, real estate experts, and highly skilled know-it-alls are taking the whole personal service skill one giant leap further by offering clients 24-hour unadulterated access. Enjoy the benefits of last minute restaurant reservations, preferred seating theatre tickets, impossible to clear hotel reservations, and personal service at all sorts of venues just about any time that you may want — providing you are willing to pay for it. While many personal concierge companies found online make claims to take your car in for a wash or pick up your freshly cleaned laundry, a whole new breed of concierges have emerged ready to take on your highstylin’ luxury lifestyle. You will finally feel like the VIP that you are, without ever being humiliated again. As the owner of Exceptional Means Concierge Services, I like to refer to myself as a “talent scout” of sorts for life’s best-loved goods and services. When a client calls for a referral for a mold specialist for their home, a geologist for a hillside, or a piano teacher for their second grader, I am categorically armed and ready with the best possible options out there. With a moment’s notice I have been asked to dispatch a hairstylist to a yacht, a masseuse to a meeting, and most recently — a psychic to a bridal shower. For a little girl’s birthday, I was hired to find some synchronized swimmers. And there’s plenty more.

Professional Sports Wives / January 2007

Racing to the top (title)

I have arranged private tours (one-on-one visits to a museum), researched travel destinations, (from a Jamaican estate rental to exclusive resorts), VIP experiences (shark diving and treasure hunting excursions), and completed high-priced personal shopping. There was the villa I rented in Sardinia, the soccer field created over a weekend, and the custom lawn furniture I had constructed for a beach house. In these overwhelming times of trying to have it all and do it all, it is no great secret that time has become one of life’s greatest commodities. A personal concierge promises to return to clients the gifts of time and convenience by helping to execute that never-ending list of things that never seem to get done. It is with great care, confidentiality and experience that personal concierges will negotiate deals on your behalf, hire business and domestic employees, place bids at art and memorabilia auctions, and even address your holiday cards. It’s all in a day’s work. Concierge services may be used as often or little as necessary. You decide on the terms. For one-time special projects or special events, you should expect to pay an hourly fee. If you are interested in developing an ongoing relationship, you can expect to pay by the month. Because many of the services offered can be handled virtually, clients today can be located anywhere in the world. With solutions being just a click away. Personal concierge services — when 24 hours simply aren’t enough.

Congratulations to driver Jimmie Johnson for winning the 2006 NASCAR Nextel Championship. World Series Champs!

Congratulations to the St. Louis Cardinals, 2006 World Series champions.

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Photo credit: Juan Ocampo, Dodgers

Monopoly, here and now

Jacobs Field, home of the Cleveland Indians, is one of several landmarks added to the latest Monopoly®: (27 KO’s) professional record, is fighting a much bigger recently headlined the third annual “Irish Micky Ward Here & NowTM Edition. Over 33 million online votes fight. Ward has joined forces with the Retired Boxers Celebrity Golf Tournament,” which allows the RBF to resulted in new additions to the board game, including Foundation (RBF) to help other retired fighters. He help hundreds of fighters in need throughout the year. Cleveland. The dark purple space once occupied by Mediterranean Avenue is now Cleveland’s location on the famous game board. Young Englishman walks for retired boxers

In December, Peter Lerner, 26, completed a grueling 24-hour walk in Italy to show his support for people he has never met—retired professional boxers, Lerner, who is the Retired Boxers Foundation (RBF) Representative in Italy loves the sport of boxing and who wanted to do something for the retired fighters who had fallen on hard times.          The American based charity was established by former world middleweight title challenger Alex “The Bronx Bomber” Ramos. The RBF helps boxers who were celebrated while they battled in the ring – but who are now struggling with ill health, finances and their retirement.  The foundation’s team of legal and medical experts helps to solve the problems of boxers all over the world. Ramos, said, “My heart is touched that a young man like Peter Lerner is willing to literally ‘walk the talk’ on behalf of my brothers in boxing. Peter is a bigger man than I have ever met in the ring and he is one of our Undisputed Champions for Dignity!”  For more information about RBF visit www. retiredboxers.org. Retired boxer Ward is still fighting

Micky Ward, who retired in 2003 after a 20 year boxing career in which he compiled a worthy 38-13

Merle Elias is owner of Exceptional Means Concierge Services and the author of L.A. First Class. Visit her Web site at www.exceptionalmeans.com or email info@ exceptionalmeans.com.

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Dodger Hall of Fame manager and Special Advisor to the Chairman Tommy Lasorda sits among the 79 fruit baskets delivered to his house on his 79th birthday. Each basket came with a personalized message from one of his former players and was subsequently delivered to UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital upon Lasorda’s request. The delivery of the baskets was organized by former Dodger Bobby Valentine.

Smith wins the Super Bowl of dance

NFL’s all time leading rusher Emmitt Smith waltzed his way into the homes and hearts of millions of people with his performance on ABC’s hit show Dancing with the Stars. Smith was light on his feet as one of eleven celebrities paired with professional instructors. The viewing audience voted for their favorite performances via phone or online at www.abc.com and the couples were judged, critiqued and scored by a panel of dance experts. Smith showed the world that he was just as dazzling on the dance floor as he was on the field, becoming this season’s winner. Jerry Rice, the NFL’s all-time leading receiver, placed second on last season’s Dancing with the Stars.

Retired boxers Micky Ward (left) and Alex Ramos (right) fight for retired boxers at the 3rd annual Irish Micky Ward Celebrity Golf Tournament. Photo Courtesy of Alex Ramos.

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continued next page January 2007 / Professional Sports Wives

(COPYRIGHT 00A9 2006 ABC, INC./ADAM LARKEY)

by Merle Elias Owner, Exceptional Means Concierge Services

Exceptional Means Is Fulfulling Dreams

Professional Sports Wives / January 2007

Racing to the top (title)

Congratulations to driver Jimmie Johnson for winning the 2006 NASCAR Nextel Championship. World Series Champs!

Congratulations to the St. Louis Cardinals, 2006 World Series champions.

www.prosportswives.com

Photo credit: Juan Ocampo, Dodgers

Monopoly, here and now

Micky Ward, who retired in 2003 after a 20 year boxing career in which he compiled a worthy 38-13

Merle Elias is owner of Exceptional Means Concierge Services and the author of L.A. First Class. Visit her Web site at www.exceptionalmeans.com or email info@ exceptionalmeans.com.

Our First Anniversary Issue

Smith wins the Super Bowl of dance

Retired boxers Micky Ward (left) and Alex Ramos (right) fight for retired boxers at the 3rd annual Irish Micky Ward Celebrity Golf Tournament. Photo Courtesy of Alex Ramos.

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continued next page January 2007 / Professional Sports Wives

(COPYRIGHT 00A9 2006 ABC, INC./ADAM LARKEY)

by Merle Elias Owner, Exceptional Means Concierge Services

Falcons owner Arthur Blank helps fulfill Atlanta promise

Sports Rewind, continued from page 15 Red Zone Magazine hits the field

In October The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation announced it is awarding $350,400 through its “Pathways to Success” initiative to the City of Atlanta’s Program “Next Step...The Atlanta Promise”, helping to provide internships, scholarships and other support to assist Atlanta high school seniors in enrolling in college or technical training. Arthur M. Blank is owner and CEO of the Atlanta Falcons and Georgia Force. Through his generosity, the foundation, along with Blank and his wife Stephanie’s personal giving, has granted over $200 million to various charitable organizations.

Go ahead and throw the flag! RedZone Magazine has too many players on the field. But that’s because they keep the 12th man in the game. The premiere publication offering insightful, exclusive feature stories on the best football players in the world from preps to pros is now available online. Its conversational tone, indepth approach, and out-of-the-box story ideas give football fans worldwide a reason to cheer. This publication caters to everyone from proud mothers of prep stars to hardcore, fantasy footballplaying, man-law abiding season-ticket holders. www.redzonemag.net

Reading Programs and Events

Awards and honors

Rafael Furcal, Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop, was named the inaugural winner of the Roy Campanella Award, which is given to the Dodger player who best exemplifies the spirit and leadership of the late Hall of Fame catcher. Campanella was a three-time National League Most Valuable Player, eight-time All-Star and a member of the 1955 World Championship team. New York Mets first baseman Carlos Delgado is the 2006 recipient of the Roberto Clemente Award. Clemente is remembered as one of the greatest athletes and humanitarians of all time. The award is given annually to a player who demonstrates the values Clemente displayed in his commitment to community and understanding the value of helping others. Each club nominated a player.

Rafael Furcal poses with his new plaque with Campanella’s former teammate, Don Newcombe. Photo credit: Jorge Garcia

New Orleans Saints rebuild YET center

New Orleans Saints players and staff gathered in September to celebrate the reopening of the New Orleans Youth Education Town (YET) Center after it was damaged by Hurricane Katrina. NFL YET Centers were founded out of the League’s desire to leave a lasting legacy to communities hosting a Super Bowl. The New Orleans YET Center provided educational assistance, job training, technical education, life skills

Professional Sports Wives / January 2007

development and recreational outlets for disadvantaged youth. All services were discontinued when Hurricane Katrina dumped four feet of water on the facility causing nearly $1 million in damage. In March of 2006, a group of Saints players joined several volunteers to remove damaged equipment and gut the facility in preparation for the renovations. Saints players, including QB Drew Brees and RB Deuce McAllister, participated in the September ribbon cutting ceremony and tour of the rebuilt building. —Nick Karl, NewOrleansSaints.com Miami Dolphins wear pink

In October, Dolphin Stadium unveiled special pink Miami Dolphins caps in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The pink caps can be purchased at www.miamidolphins.com, with a portion of each sale benefiting women’s breast cancer research. Wide receiver Wes Welker and linebacker Channing Crowder are sporting the pink hats in support of breast cancer awareness and research – once again proving real men wear pink! To further promote breast cancer awareness, Miami Dolphins players’ and coaches’ wives, together with the University of Miami Sylvester Cancer Center staff, distributed 20,000 pink ribbons to fans at Dolphin Stadium during a game.

NBA Cares is the league’s global community outreach initiative that addresses important social issues with an emphasis on programs that support education, youth and family development and health-related causes. The NBA Family wants kids to love to read and wants adults to love to read to kids. As a team, they participate in read-alouds and other shared reading and on-line activities. Roger Federer 2006 Bagelmeister

Roger Federer has again snagged the Golden Bagel Award™, an achievement honoring the professional tennis player who has handed out more “bagels” (sets won 6-0), than any other player on the circuit. Federer has won the award two out of the last three years. This light-hearted award helps underscore just how dominant the World No. 1 player was in 2006. Along with three Grand Slam titles, Federer dished out 18 bagels --- up from the 11 he served up in 2004 when he won this award for the first time. By contrast, World No. 2 and 2005 Golden Bagel Award ™ winner, Rafel Nadal only Dolphins QB Wes Welker and linebacker Channing Crowder aren’t afraid to wear pink in support of breast cancer awareness. Photo: Dolphin Stadium

HURRICANES BUILD WITH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

The National Hockey League, National Hockey League Players’ Association, Carolina Hurricanes and Habitat for Humanity of Wake County volunteers constructed a new home in December in a one-day build for a family displaced by Hurricane Katrina. The house build is part of a $500,000 NHLPA and NHL hurricane relief effort in partnership with Habitat for Humanity International. The NHL and NHLPA’s $500,000 contribution is financing the building of six new homes for families affected by hurricane Katrina through Habitat for Humanity International’s hurricane rebuilding effort, called “Operation Home Delivery.” Hockey Fights Cancer

Hawks Build Playground At Fernbank Elementary

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• F ounder/owner of Dallas Texans/ Kansas City Chiefs • Founder/owner of Columbus Crew • Owner of FC Dallas • The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup (est.1914), the oldest U.S. sports tournament, is now named for him. • National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee in 1982 and Medal of Honor in 1999. • Pro Football Hall of Fame, 1972. Pro golfer Byron Nelson passed away in September at the age of 94. Baseball legend Buck O’Neil died in October at the age of 94. He was a manager in the Negro American League with the Kansas City Monarchs. He was also the first African American coach in Major League Baseball. Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig said, “Major League Baseball is saddened by the passing of Buck O’Neil. Buck was a pioneer, a legend and will be missed for as long as the game is played.” Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams, 24, was killed early in the morning of Jan. 1, 2007. Yankees pitcher Cory Lidle passed away in October at the age of 34 after a tragic plane crash. Andre Waters, a defensive back who played for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1984-1993, passed in November at the age of 44.

We’re the DATE-NIGHT Babysitting EXPERTS!SM

Our nannies provide quality child care, tutoring, light housekeeping, housecleaning, grocery shopping and errand services. • Live-in/Live-out • Full or Part Time • Permanent/Temporary • Weekends & Overnight Babysitting Service • New Mother and Infant Care • Originators of Nannies on DVD™ • Bilingual Nannies • Extensive Background Screenings

Hockey Fights Cancer, a joint initiative founded by the National Hockey League Players’ Association and the National Hockey League, has raised more than $6.5 million since 1998 to support local cancer research organizations as well as the American Cancer Society and Canadian Cancer Society national organizations. Hockey Fights Cancer is supported by NHL Alumni, NHL Member Clubs, the NHL Officials’ Association, Professional Hockey Trainers and Equipment Managers, corporate marketing partners, broadcast partners and fans throughout North America.

Atlanta Hawks great and 2006 Hall of Fame inductee Dominique Wilkins was one of 250 volunteers who took part in Fernbank Elementary School’s playground rebuild in August. Former Hawks Charlie Criss and Jim Washington were also involved in the event, which lasted over the course of a very steamy day. The new playground will benefit hundreds of children attending Fernbank Elementary School for years to come.

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delivered 2 bagels in 2006 down from his 12 bagels the Sportsman of the Year: Dwyane Wade previous year. NBA finals MVP Dwyane Wade, has been named Toyota to race cup in 2007 the 2006 Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year. Wade NASCAR and Toyota announced in 2006 the is the 54th recipient and fifth pro basketball player to manufacturer’s plans to expand its racing program by win the prestigious award. Wade’s remarkable run in the competing in the Nextel Cup and Busch series starting 2006 Playoffs and Finals separated him from all of the in 2007, fielding the Camry model. other great athletes of 2006. The expansion will follow three years of Toyota competing in the Craftsman Truck Series, and will Farewell to special friends The PSWM extends deepest sympathy to the family result in all three of NASCAR’s national series having four manufacturers competing, as Toyota will join and friends who passed in 2006, including the following athletes, to name a few: Chevrolet, Dodge and Ford. Kansas City Chiefs owner and founder Lamar Hunt passed away in December. “He was a pioneer in the world of sports and business and a true gentleman,” Royals owner and chief executive officer David Glass said. “We enjoyed many years together as partners in the Kansas Courtesy of Toyota Motorsports City Sports scene and as neighbors at the Truman Sports Complex. Lamar’s vision and influence really Top NFL Exec Speaks to Students Frank Supovitz, Senior Vice President of Events created the regional landscape for great teams and great for the NFL, spoke to a packed room of undergraduate fans.” Hunt’s contribution to sports is unmatched. He and graduate students for the “Executives on Campus” founded the American Football League in 1960 and event at Baruch College in New York. Students were co-founded the North American Soccer League in anxious to hear from the man behind such prestigious 1967. Other notable positions and honors include the and widely-viewed events such as the Super Bowl, Pro following: • Founder/owner of Chicago Bulls Bowl, and NFL Draft. In addition to sharing the key steps of producing • Charter Investor of Major League Soccer a winning event, he astonished many students with facts about the NFL’s ongoing effort in community outreach.

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Now Expanding Offices Nationwide Independent Agencies Available

Be Your Own Boss! Call for Details! www.childcareresources.com 770-619-0377, ext. 21

January 2007 / Professional Sports Wives

Falcons owner Arthur Blank helps fulfill Atlanta promise

Sports Rewind, continued from page 15 Red Zone Magazine hits the field

Reading Programs and Events

Awards and honors

Rafael Furcal poses with his new plaque with Campanella’s former teammate, Don Newcombe. Photo credit: Jorge Garcia

New Orleans Saints rebuild YET center

Professional Sports Wives / January 2007

HURRICANES BUILD WITH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Hawks Build Playground At Fernbank Elementary

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We’re the DATE-NIGHT Babysitting EXPERTS!SM

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Now Expanding Offices Nationwide Independent Agencies Available

Be Your Own Boss! Call for Details! www.childcareresources.com 770-619-0377, ext. 21

January 2007 / Professional Sports Wives

Leslie Daniels, Ashley Brown and Erin Brown wait for instruction on the build site of the Hammond, LA habitat homes.

Shelia Stoutmire sets out to put her saw to work as she is assisted by fellow Saints wives at the Habitat Build in Hammond,Louisiana.

In December several NFL wives went to Hammond, Louisiana for two days to help construct two of four homes that Off the Field is donating to families affected by hurricane Katrina. We are already working on setting the date for the “off season” build. We hope you, and even your spouse, can join us next year when we return to Louisiana! We’d like to thank the following ladies for participating: Brittany Brees, Ashley Brown, Erin Brown, Holly Carney, Leslie Daniels, Emma Dockery, Lacreisha Horn, Danielle Lewis, Tamora Lupton, Margret Melton, Carla Porter, Lili Springs, Sheila Stoutmire, Vicki Thomas, and Danielle Tipton. Thanks to you all we were able to make a difference off the field!!!!!

Greater Boston Food Bank Deutsche Bank Championship

The PGA TOUR Wives Association returned to the Greater Boston Food Bank for the third straight year to partner with volunteers from Deutsche Bank and State Street to sort food. PTWA members, joined by PGA TOUR player Justin Rose, donned red or blue shirts as everyone divided into two groups to set up a competition to see who could sort the most food in the time allotted. After two hours of fierce competition, a lot of laughter, a new appreciation for “sell” or “use by” dates, and more than a few paper cuts, the two groups had sorted over 12,000 pounds of food. The Greater Boston Food Bank distributes over 24 million pounds of food annually to hundreds of local hunger-relief agencies. It relies on the approximate 12,000 volunteers from corporations, schools and civic groups who give over 40,000 hours of volunteer time to sort the food it receives from wholesalers, retailers and government food contracts. The Food Bank is the largest hunger relief organization in New England and one of the largest in the country. The Greater Boston Food Bank has been a recipient of funding from the Association in support of the wonderful work that they do in the New England for those who need it most. If you would like more information on the Greater Boston Food Bank, go to their web site at www.gbfb.org. Habitat for Humanity 84 LUMBER Classic

The PTWA members participated in their second Habitat for Humanity building project in Farmington, Pennsylvania. The tournament, the 84 LUMBER Classic, put together a well-organized day with specially made T-shirts, hard hats and aprons so that members were ready to go and help finish a home for the Sewell family, who were selected in July to receive the latest 84 LUMBER sponsored Habitat home.

Construction on the 1,500 square foot home began on Sunday morning and was completed in record time - 50 work hours in recognition of 84 LUMBER’s 50th anniversary. PTWA members helped put some of the finishing touches on the home Tuesday afternoon, rolling out sod in the yard, screwing on outlet covers, hanging a light fixture, as well as other trim work. Over 100 local volunteers, who partnered with over a dozen local contractors, came together to make this project a reality. The Sewell family was handed the keys to their new home at the Pro-Am dinner at the Nemacolin Resort. It was a great day and a wonderful opportunity for the PTWA to get involved in making a difference for such a well-deserving family. Many thanks to the 84 LUMBER Classic for allowing us to participate in this wonderful project! Omaha School Visits - Cox Classic Presented by Chevrolet

Nationwide Tour Wives members had the special opportunity to visit the Nebraska Children’s Home (“NCH”) and the Omaha Hearing School for Children during the week of the Cox Classic. At the NCH, members played games with children, many of whom had been diagnosed with serious behavioral disorders. These were not apparent during their game time and this is a credit to the way NCH structures their many programs. In addition to our games, members Katie Wagner and Carol Daley spent part of their time reading to this special group of exceptional children! The Omaha Hearing School was an eye opener to the world of the hearing impaired. The school focuses on helping every child at different levels of hearing loss

Our Boston Food Bank Team members after a morning of sorting food

to communicate the way most people do, so that as they grow, they can have choices available to them in dealing with others in a talking and hearing world. With the help of very sophisticated equipment, these teachers help children develop the skill of listening and responding through verbal skills, not sign language, through intensive language instruction. Members were very impressed with the services being provided to the children and appreciated the opportunity to learn about the wonderful programs offered at the school. ...and in conclusion As the leaves change and the year winds down, our families are looking forward to returning to our hometowns for the holidays and much needed rest and reconnection with other family and friends. But that doesn’t mean we’re stopping our preparations for 2007! We already have several fundraisers and Volunteer Service Projects in the early planning stages. And we are all looking forward to the highly anticipated changes coming to the PGA TOUR starting January 1, 2007, with the new FedExCup Competition. So please join us as we embark upon a “new era in golf” on the PGA TOUR as the women of our Association continue to help children and their families through our various volunteer and philanthropic activities. Visit our web site at www.pgatourwives.org for more information on our Association.

Members are joined by local volunteers to complete the Habitat home in record time!

photos by Erin H. Brown

Professional Sports Wives / January 2007

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January 2007 / Professional Sports Wives

Leslie Daniels, Ashley Brown and Erin Brown wait for instruction on the build site of the Hammond, LA habitat homes.

Shelia Stoutmire sets out to put her saw to work as she is assisted by fellow Saints wives at the Habitat Build in Hammond,Louisiana.

Greater Boston Food Bank Deutsche Bank Championship

Our Boston Food Bank Team members after a morning of sorting food

Members are joined by local volunteers to complete the Habitat home in record time!

photos by Erin H. Brown

Professional Sports Wives / January 2007

Our First Anniversary Issue

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January 2007 / Professional Sports Wives

The Women’s Auxiliary of Motorsports, Inc. (WAM, Inc.), was established in 2004 with the merger of the Winston Cup Racing Wives Auxiliary and the Busch Series Ladies Association. The Auxiliary’s mission is to enrich the lives of women, children, and families through educational and wellness programs. In addition, the Women’s Auxiliary of Motorsports, Inc. helps support organizations with likeminded missions and purposes. Visit their Web site at www.waminc.org. Shaq surprised guests at the Audemars Piguet charity benefit when he arrived and posed for photos with Behind the Bench members and guests.

Charrisse Jackson-Jordan, (center) president of Behind the Bench, poses with guests at a special Audemars Piguet charity benefit. A portion of the proceeds from the evening’s sales of Audemars Piguet watches was donated to BTB charities.

Shaq shakes hands with Francois Bennahmias, President of Audemars Piguet, North America.

Behind the Bench ladies are all smiles at the Audemars Piguet evening.

from top left down: Robin Wilkins (Hawks, HOF Dominique Wilkins Wife), Valerie Wilkinson Mullin (Atlanta Spirit CEO Wife), Khameka Claxton (Hawks Speedy Claxton’s Wife).

Atlanta’s Lady Hawks joined forces with the Atlanta Thrashers Ladies to decorate a special Atlanta Spirit tree for the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Festival of Trees. The tree was auctioned off to raise much needed funds to benefit the hospitals. left to right: Antje Wortman, Rosina Seydel (Owner, Rutherford Seydel), Robin Wilkins, Valerie Wilkinson Mullin, Khameka Claxton, Donna Ballard (Hawks, Coach Greg Ballard’s wife), Sue Mellanby (Thrashers, Scott Mellanby’s wife), Paulette Smith (Hawks Josh Smith’s Mom), Cathy Duffy (Atlanta Spirit CFO Billy Duffy’s Wife), Terri Woodson, Sherri Brown (Hawks Coach Herb Brown’s wife), Cheryl Waddell, Julie Hogg, Danita Knight (Hawks GM Billy Knight’s Wife), Melissa McCarthy (Thrashers Steve McCarthy’s Wife).

Professional Sports Wives / January 2007

Our First Anniversary Issue

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Remembering Bettie Panch

Bettie Gong Panch, beloved wife of NASCAR® legend Marvin Panch, passed away unexpectedly in June 2006 in Waynesville, North Carolina. Bettie Gong was a petite lady of Chinese descent who spent her early years working in her family’s Berkeley Panch grocery store. Among the store’s regular customers was a strapping young daredevil named Marvin Panch, who stopped by nearly every day for lunch. Smitten by her beauty and her bubbly, outgoing personality, Marvin began to stop by the store for more than just a good sandwich. Word has it that Bettie Gong was engaged to a doctor, but knowing a good thing when she saw it a romance soon began. Bettie and Marvin Panch were married in January 1953 and soon moved east due to Panch’s chosen profession as one of the nation’s premier racecar drivers. Initially they settled in Langhorne, Pa. and then moved south to the Daytona Beach area. Prior to relocating to Daytona Beach, the Panch’s had two children - a son, Richie and a daughter, Marvette. Marvin’s racing career began to flourish with Bettie supporting him every step of the way. She was the perfect helpmate for Marvin’s career in addition to focusing her efforts on raising two fine children. Bettie was a racing pioneer in her own right, participating in an all-female road race at Daytona International Speedway in 1960. She was one of the first racing wives seen regularly in victory lane and became a fixture on the racing circuit. Bettie Panch was a tireless worker for charitable events and, in the 1960s was the founder of the Grand National Racing Wives Auxiliary (which today is known as the Women’s Auxiliary of Motorsports, Inc). Bettie also served on the Board of Directors for the Living Legends of Auto Racing - a Daytona Beach, Florida based organization whose commitment is to preserve the history of stock car racing. WAM makes donation to Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital

at NorthEast Medical Center in Concord, N.C. The hospital opened on December 16, 2006. The gift, which was given toward the playroom portion of the children’s hospital, was an opportunity for WAM to kick off a new initiative of the organization with its charitable works. “We are so excited to be part of this project,” stated Gaye Joy, WAM President. “We are directing our charitable efforts toward women’s, children’s and family organizations and this was an opportunity we felt was a perfect fit. It also allows us to give back to our own community, which has been so gracious to our organization.” After over 40 years of charitable giving within the NASCAR community, WAM was searching for the right avenue to broaden its charitable reach. The playroom at the children’s hospital was just that avenue. In addition to helping ease the burden of being in the hospital, the playroom will help enhance the overall process of healing for the patients and their families. “We appreciate WAM’s donation to this project,” Jeff Gordon, four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion said. “The children’s hospital means a lot to me, and I’m glad they’ve come on board to lend their support to the hospital and the children of this community.” “We are very pleased to receive this generous gift from the Women’s Auxiliary of Motorsports supporting the Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital, scheduled to open for patients and their families later this year,” said Laurence

Gaye Joy, President, WAM, presents a donation to Larry Hinsdale, President & CEO of NorthEast Medical Center and Jeff Gordon, Four-time NASCAR Cup Champion

Hinsdale, President/CEO of NorthEast Medical Center. “Growing community support for this most worthy community project will impact the lives of thousands of children soon to receive medical care through this new hospital and its dedicated staff.” Fundraising efforts through eBay fund WAM

WAM exists on fundraising projects and donations to In February 2006, WAM announced a financial gift support their activities, which have allowed them to make of $200,000 to the Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital substantial contributions to numerous organizations. www.prosportswives.com

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Through various annual fundraising events fans can experience the charitable nature of the NASCAR circuit. Autograph sessions, online and live memorabilia auctions, various themed events and corporate partnership programs are just a few of the activities which allow fans and sponsors to experience WAM’s causes first-hand. Visit the WAM eBay store at www.ebay.com/waminc_org to bid on auctions featuring your favorite driver. Race earns WAM safety award

WAM received a Safety All-Star Award from the Home Safety Council (HSC), which partnered with WAM in 2005 with our First Annual Derby Duck Race. The 2006 Safety All-Star Award recognizes those individuals and corporations who have coordinated and implemented vital safety programs for their employees, consumers and the general public. Brian Bell, Industry Relations Manager, accepted the award for WAM. WAM On Track for Charity

WAM participated in the The NASCAR Foundation Track Walk at Dover International Speedway in June 2006. The walk benefited the Autism Society of Delaware, the Greg Biffle Foundation, Evernham Racing for a Reason, The Green Foundation, The Dale Jarrett Foundation, The Kasey Kahne Foundation and the Women’s Auxiliary of Motorsports.

WAM brings safe entertainment to troops overseas

In July WAM announced that it has joined forces with Operation DVD to help collect DVD’s in order to provide safe entertainment to our troops stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. When not on duty, there is not much to do (even baseball and softball games are no longer possible because of snipers, mines, bombs and other terrorist activities). Watching DVDs provides a safe diversion and good memories of home. “This is a great opportunity to support our troops who are out there fighting for us,” stated Ann Schrader, WAM Director and wife of NEXTEL Cup driver Ken Schrader, who is sponsored by the Air Force. “Those guys are over there risking their lives and this is just a small token to let them know we are thinking of them.” DVD’s can be new or gently used and all types of films are welcome with the exception of adult films. “Children Titles” donated will be distributed to Servicemen’s families (Stateside) through the Family Readiness Group of the National Guard. Music CD’s are also appreciated. The goal is to collect a minimum of 1,000,000 new and used DVDs. To donate DVD’s please mail them to: WAM, Inc., 41 Odell School Rd., Ste. K, Concord, NC 28027. WAM will then send them to the central Operation DVD collection site. For more information on Operation DVD, visit their website at www.OperationDVD.us. January 2007 / Professional Sports Wives

Shaq shakes hands with Francois Bennahmias, President of Audemars Piguet, North America.

Behind the Bench ladies are all smiles at the Audemars Piguet evening.

from top left down: Robin Wilkins (Hawks, HOF Dominique Wilkins Wife), Valerie Wilkinson Mullin (Atlanta Spirit CEO Wife), Khameka Claxton (Hawks Speedy Claxton’s Wife).

Professional Sports Wives / January 2007

Our First Anniversary Issue

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Remembering Bettie Panch

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Shelley Barrow, new author of My Life and wife of NFL Linebacker Mike Barrow Shelley Barrow is author of My Life, a children’s picture book for young to middle readers. The book, written from a child’s perspective, addresses the issues that children of professional athletes face, from dispelling the myth of the fantasy of being an athlete’s child, to dealing with real issues just like everybody else. Most importantly, the book focuses on the special uniqueness of children, not because of who the parents are, but because that is the way God created them. Shelley has been married for eight years to Mike Barrow, who is a 13-year NFL veteran and an inactive linebacker with the Dallas Cowboys. They have a four-year-old daughter, Mikenzi, and are in process of adopting a two-year-old son named Kaleb.

Brown Takes the Next Step

by Romonda Jordan

The dictionary defines retirement as, “the action or fact of leaving one’s job and ceasing to work.” Apparently, no one gave that definition to 40-year-old “retired” NFL veteran Tim Brown. He is involved in a number of projects that would indicate that he is not finished achieving greatness just yet. One of his loftier goals involves becoming the first African-American owner of a NASCAR team. Brown says he has not yet solidified enough sponsors and investors but he’s determined to keep plugging away until he has made it happen.

says he will be satisfied. When Brown left the Raiders he knew that it was time to retire and think of doing something else. To celebrate his success in the NFL both on and off the field, his wife, Sherice, planned a formal retirement party at the Four Seasons at Los Colinas in Dallas this past July. “I am as loyal as they come; when I signed with Tampa and had to put on another uniform it was time to move on.”

Question: What inspired you to write My Life? Barrow: Complexities of emotions, low self-esteem, Brown holds a state decree declaring an official Tim Brown Day during the month of May.

playing career, people told Brown that he should pursue a job in broadcast. He is glad that he did. Brown is a co-host on FSN on a show called Pro Football Preview, that parallel each other and the factor of competition airing weekly on Friday night. Eddie George, Jay Glazer, is one of them. Brown misses the competition because and Jason Sehorn join Brown on the show. Now that his every day he had to line up against someone else; the rookie year in television is behind him he is feeling more football field was his barometer. comfortable in front of the camera. “In business it may be about getting the contract signed but it’s definitely not as clear cut or black and Brown is keeping himself occupied with his new white.” ventures but part of him misses the game as much as In addition to his NASCAR aspirations, Brown is also the friends. making a name for himself on television. Throughout his Camaraderie and relationships with teammates are a big part of sports at any level. Brown was always mentally preparing himself for the end of his career so he enjoyed life as much as possible while he was in the moment. “I still keep in contact with guys with whom I bonded because of the game. I am not missing anything – just taking the good parts with me.”

S There are many things in sports and the business world

Sherice and Tim Brown

“I think that NASCAR is not as diversified as other professional sports. Becoming an owner for me is more about serving a social purpose for society,” Brown said. If in his efforts he can come anywhere close to doing for NASCAR what Tiger Woods did for golf then Brown

photos courtesy of McCoy’s Photography and Video

NFL wives in attendance to support the Browns: (left to right) Ashley Brown, Kim Alexander, Melissa Dudley, Katie Coleman, Lolita Harris, Rose Maryland, Romonda Jordan, Sherice Brown, Shelia Stoutmire, Kim Mathis, Tamara Bedford, and Jackie Rice

Professional Sports Wives / January 2007

“However, I miss the checks on Monday!” Brown laughs, half jokingly. Since retiring, he says he has more time to spend with his wife and kids. “The fact that I can get up and take the kids to school in the morning is priceless, plus they are a lot of fun.” Poet Markhum Stansbury wrote, “Don’t stop, keep going”. Perhaps the dictionary defines retirement as ceasing to work. But Brown obviously took his definition from a different source. It looks as if the tradeoff is working out well for the seasoned veteran.

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identity crisis, helplessness, and bad statistics reared its ugly head, as the word role model was stamped on my forehead. After cheering in the NFL for the Carolina Panthers, and being married to a professional football player a new reality quickly set in. The majority of kids I encountered from young to old all had one thing in common: the desire to be a wannabe! “If I could just be like Brett Favre, or have money like A-Rod, or be loved by everyone like Shaq”, or “If my dad was a professional athlete, then my life would be much better.” In our society single parent homes, violence, abortions, drugs, obesity, and depression (which leads to hopelessness), is a normal way of life, even in the world of professional sports. Everybody is affected and everybody is involved, therefore allowing me to write a book about being a child of a professional athlete.

Question: How did you meet Mike? Barrow: I left grad school at North Carolina State

University and returned to my hometown, Columbus, Ohio, and began writing and producing Christian youth plays. I had plans to go to New York and pursue writing, acting and dancing. En route to New York a sorority sister talked me into trying out for the Carolina Panthers cheerleading squad. Since I was traveling to North Carolina to finalize some business, I thought that I didn’t have anything to lose. Two weeks and five hundred girls later, I was one of thirty-five girls selected to the inaugural squad of the Carolina Panthers cheerleaders. My life changed tremendously in Charlotte. I worked in corporate America, cheered for an NFL team, my relationship with Christ grew incredibly, and God sent my husband, Mike, to me. We met after my last game of the season in December

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idea was born. Three years ago we worked together to open a store in Charlotte. The following year we opened one in Greensboro, North Carolina, and last month we opened our third store in Columbia, South Carolina.

Question: Mike’s injury has forced him into a semiretirement. How has this changed your life?

Barrow: He has not retired but he is still in rehab

for his injury. We do not know if his pro football career is over; we have placed it in God’s hands. Being a new alumnus is great because God has given Mike the desires of his heart thus far. He is coaching at Homestead Senior High, where he went to school, and he is a sports broadcaster on the radio for the Miami Dolphins and the University of Miami (UM). We conduct bible studies once a month for UM athletes in action. Mike is also currently studying to become Shelley and Mike Barrow with daughter Mikenzi an agent. We are very busy, but I love being a family 1997. In 1998, Mike rededicated his life to Christ. We without football restrictions. We have a schedule and were married in 1999 and through it all God still moved we are raising our daughter together, so it has been a me to New York in 2000 where we played with the New blessing. York Giants. Question: Do you have any advice for other wives? Question: What happened when you moved to New Barrow: Pray. The first advice I would give wives York? and players on preparing for life after football is to pray. Barrow: While playing for the Giants we continued Ask God for direction now in the early years in the to keep our residence in Charlotte. We considered league. it home. We were well established there: our home Start working toward every off-season. During the church, our annual football and cheerleading camp, and off-season Mike started doing internships in every area our AAU teams were all in Charlotte. Mike also loved to he thought he wanted to work after football. shop at a particular men’s store. He loved the manager, Save. Many young players today only make the Shawn, because he was an awesome people person, not minimum. But they still want a car, some bling bling, to mention he could sell you your own shirt off your and to take care of mama and their family. They don’t back. realize that Uncle Sam takes half off the top. They are We always said Shawn would be a great person with trying to do a lot with a little, trying to please everybody whom to start a business but we never pursued it because because of what people expect of them. Be smart! Wives, he was wild! Being in the store was like being on a video be yourself, not what you see. If you can’t afford what shoot! (Women, music, sex…you name it) Then one Karla has then so be it. After all, Karla’s husband is an day out of the blue, Shawn called Mike and said, “I’m all-pro, has been in the league for 12 years, and has mad at you and Shelley. I met a man whose name is signed several multi-million dollar contracts. Jesus and He saved me! Although you told me about Find your passion. While you have the privilege of Him numerous times, you should have tried harder.” being in the NFL as a wife find your passion and pursue We were thrilled. it. With or without kids, make the NFL work for you. Around that same time I kept telling Mike that Take time for you. Set something up so that life after Charlotte’s Eastland mall, where Shawn worked, needed football is not unbearable. Get your degree or start a a women’s shoe store. Miraculously Shawn called us business and think about the future, not next season. soon after that and told us about his desire to open The average NFL playing career is still three years… a shoe store. We had the money and Shawn had the even worse the divorce rate has increased to 80% for expertise; he was also no longer the Shawn of ole. An NFL couples after retirement.

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Brown Takes the Next Step

by Romonda Jordan

Question: What inspired you to write My Life? Barrow: Complexities of emotions, low self-esteem, Brown holds a state decree declaring an official Tim Brown Day during the month of May.

S There are many things in sports and the business world

Sherice and Tim Brown

photos courtesy of McCoy’s Photography and Video

Professional Sports Wives / January 2007

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Question: How did you meet Mike? Barrow: I left grad school at North Carolina State

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Question: Mike’s injury has forced him into a semiretirement. How has this changed your life?

Barrow: He has not retired but he is still in rehab

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Larry was born in Salem, Oregon on November 21, 1943. His father, Ray, came from Missouri and was one of 13 children who grew up in the post-depression era. His mother, Reva, was beautiful, intelligent and an extremely hard worker. They all shared a love for animals, horses and “The Western Life Style.” Larry was taking care of his own horse at eight years old and joined The Salem Saddle Club where he learned to ride, rope and other various horsemanship skills. His first love has always been the horse! At the age of thirteen, Larry rode his first calf and won $6.00 and a belt buckle. From that moment, he was hooked on the rodeo feeling! At 16, he entered his first professional rodeo and won the bull riding event, which paid $250.00; Larry had officially started his career. Jim Shoulders had set the record of five All-Around Cowboy Championships… so Larry set his goal on winning six! Larry Edward Mahan became a man on a mission – obsessed and possessed with his rodeo pursuit and lifestyle – and proceeded to win five All-Around Cowboy Championships from 1966–1970. He was about to break the record when he broke his leg and pulled his bicep out of his arm – and didn’t accomplish his goal until 1973. He became the Six Time AllAround World Champion Cowboy! He held this title record until 1998 when Ty Murray won seven. In 1974 Keith Merrill, a documentary movie producer followed the rodeo world covering the AllAround Championship race between Larry Mahan and newcomer Phil Lyne. The finished product was called The Great American Cowboy, which went on to win an Oscar for the best feature length documentary. Once Larry had accomplished his rodeo goals, he turned his attention towards new worlds, new goals and new achievements. Larry was introduced to a young attorney and sports agent, Ted Steinberg, and together they created “The Larry Mahan Collection.” That was the beginning of his western wear business, which consisted of shirts, hats, boots, etc. This became The

Professional Sports Wives / January 2007

Label to wear in the western world, and still is today! One night Larry was invited to music mogul Snuff Garrett’s home to join his silver screen hero Roy Rogers to watch a couple of Roy’s old western movies. Snuff, who had just finished a Roy Rogers’ album, suggested that Mahan do an album too. Mahan said, “Snuffy…I can’t sing a lick!” And, Snuffy said, “That doesn’t matter… we’ll just cover you up with strings and we will have a blast!” Within a month they were in the studio recording King of the Rodeo. From there, Mahan created the “The Rambling Rodeo Revue” and was on the road again. He named his band after Bob Dylan’s “Rolling Thunder Revue” and Rambling Jack Elliott. Larry says about his music life that he was a lot better when he quit than when he started… but there was still a lot of room for improvement. He realized his real Larry Mahan and “Buck” addiction was to the road. So, he left the music world in 1980 and decided to stay home and train and compete in The Cutting Horse World. This passion consumed him during the 1980’s. In 1990, Larry met Dan Weyand, a young television director and producer, and together they created Larry’s first horse training video called K.C. Learns the Ropes. They shot the video at Mahan’s Colorado ranch and it was so well done that Dan Weyand created an entire series called Horse World where Larry was the emcee and they traveled all over the world filming horse events and educational horse programming. Today, Dan and Larry are connecting with RFD Communications to bring a new horse show to viewers

called Equestrian Nation, which will start airing in March 2007. RFD TV is a 24-hour television network dedicated to serving the needs and interests of rural America and agriculture. There is an old saying that the outside of the horse is good for the inside of man. Mahan also feels that the inside of the horse is good for the soul of man. Now he and his wife Diana host “Optimal Living and Stress Management” programs at their two beautiful ranches – Saddle Soar North in Guffey, Colorado, and Saddle Soar South in Sunset, Texas. Larry would be the first to say that what has kept him grounded and centered throughout his life has been his genuine love for the horse. He breeds, trains and owns over 100 horses on his ranch and enjoys his western heritage. He is the authentic Rodeo Cowboy who has given more back to the sport than he has taken. Every day he gets up to feed, train, and care for his passion… he tells everyone that he is “a student of the horse!” And, his greatest thrill is introducing others to this amazing animal. Rodeo is a sport without a team, without a coach or anyone assisting you in your pursuit. So, Larry has always had to look in the mirror and be brutally honest with himself. It is a skill that won him world titles. All through his life he has held strong to his core values of hard work, dedication, perseverance, and honesty. He has used his gifts and talents to make this world a better place. His ranches have become a spiritual sanctuary for the horse and for humans. His life long theme is and always has been… “Ride Life Well!”

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Learning by Sharing and Caring Through Wisdom and Knowledge Question: As you can imagine, I am beginning to feel Remember that you never regret what you do for love. as if my husband is ‘cheating’ on me when he’s on the road. When he comes home he seems very irritated, ignores me, and focuses on the kids. When we do make love, it feels as if he is somewhere else. How do I approach this subject and save our marriage? How do I get him to go to counseling?

Question: My husband seems so negative all the time

when he is at home. He is pessimistic, skeptical and nontrusting of everyone and everything. He seems to have two personalities: ‘Mr. Nice Guy’ around his teammates and fans and ‘Mr. Ogre’ at home. What can I do? It is Diana: If you feel in your gut that something is not exhausting. right… you are probably correct. There are usually Diana: Remember that negativity is really masking three stages to infidelity. The first stage is that someone’s fear...this issue probably comes from his ‘family of needs are not being met in the relationship. Maybe the origin’ and if they were negative and skeptical this is passion is gone, not only sexually but also intellectually how your husband learned to interpret the world. Part or spiritually. Or maybe the real intimacy or speaking of this is environmentally genetic. The real problem your truth is missing. is his split personality. He is ‘Mr. Nice Guy’ when he Next, check each other’s commitment level to wants approval and a sense of belonging and when he is the growth of your relationship. Remember you home he is his ‘Personal Self’, which is lacking in true are each half responsible towards the health of your self-esteem and self-confidence. When he points his relationship. These first and second stages suggest finger at someone else’s wrongs, it usually means that he early warning signs that need to be addressed is unwilling to look at his own issues about the problem. immediately, or they will lead to the next stage. What you don’t like in others is usually what you don’t Acting-out or infidelity is a subconscious decision by like in yourself. your husband to meet his own needs in a very selfish In a soft way, express your feelings about this and and destructive way. The thought occurs long before how difficult it is to live with his negative side. Request the action. He is really crying out for help. Remember that he make an effort not to project his negativity onto that this is more about his pain than yours…but every you and ask him to pause, breathe and think before he action someone takes in a relationship affects both speaks at home because he seems to be positive with partners. his fans and friends. He probably doesn’t even sense his The third stage is telling the truth and working towards personality change. Make him conscious in his own reconciliation. You probably both need counseling, first marriage and respect you and your feelings. Tell him it individually, and then together. You both need to work is safe at home and he can relax and be himself...because on each issue of your relationship (passion, intimacy, trust you love him so much! and commitment). Then you need to make behavioral Question: My husband is a complete control freak and changes to re-create trust. Remember that you can forgive wants to have the final word on everything. I do just fine someone without forgetting. But, in order for it to work, taking care of everything when he is on the road… and you have to stay in the present. when he comes home it is as if I cannot do anything right! The key is for you to go to counseling first and Help! I am ready to kill him! explain your issues and pain… and from there you make a serious request that he goes to your counselor that you Diana: Control on the outside usually means chaos on trust and he comes clean and shares with the counselor. the inside. Your husband is struggling with his own selfHe needs at least three sessions and then you can go esteem, self-confidence and self-trust issues. Projection back and get coached and eventually you can both go is when someone makes their issues seem like yours. The and set up a game plan! Make it easy for him to get help reality is that there are probably aspects of his life that – that’s why you have to go first and set it all up...do not he can’t control...like winning and losing in his sport, go together the first time and wait until the counselor his status on the team, whether he plays or not, etc. As knows you! a professional athlete, so much of your career is in the All relationships go through tough times…but you hands of God! He can work hard, play hard and give it can make it all work and actually grow a deeper, more his all...but there are still no guaranties that he will win spiritual and healthier long-term relationship. Good the game! luck to both of you and let us know how we can help! So, realize that he is just probably overdoing it

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(control) at home because he can’t do it at work. But, understanding the problem doesn’t heal or cure the problem! Gently communicate how his over-control at home makes you feel; and that it hurts your self-esteem and self-confidence and how it makes you start to doubt yourself and resent him. Tell him it is exhausting to always be put down and it makes you feel like a little girl in this relationship rather than a mature, capable and happy woman. Remember, it takes two to make a marriage work and you have to enjoy being around each other! Ask him to “please think before you condemn...and is this information going to hurt me or help me?” Take babysteps together in the way you respond and interact with each other. Don’t just talk about it...you both have to take action!

Question: My husband is retired and it seems as if he has lost all passion in his life! He doesn’t seem to know who he is, what he wants or how to make himself happy. The whole family finds it depressing to be around him! Do you have any insights?

Diana: This is very normal for a retired professional athlete...he is going through his ‘Grieving Process’ but he seems stuck at the ‘Depression Stage’! Elizabeth Kubler-Ross states the stages of grieving like this: 1. Denial 2. Anger 3. Frustration 4. Bargaining 5. Depression 6. Self-Discovery/Re-invention 7. Forward Movement Your husband probably needs a Life Coach or Therapist to guide him through the stages. His whole identity was probably wrapped up and defined around his sport and he doesn’t know who he is or what he wants. He needs to network in his community and start his re-invention process to see what he is passionate about. There is support out there for anything you need or want in life... you just have to have the humility and courage to ask, seek, and find it! You can’t tell him what to do; but you can lead him in the right direction. Call our Professional Sports Wives Association and ask for a great Life Coach referral or Career Counselor, etc. Once again you are the one who knows how to take care of family business, only this time it is about your hero who feels like a zero! Let me know if I can help! January 2007 / Professional Sports Wives

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Question: My husband seems so negative all the time

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over us,” says Shannon, adding, “Economics, job transfers, family issues, etc. affect all people. We are living our lives just like everyone else—always aware that things can change at any given time.” It’s remarkable that in the whirlwind life of being a pro sports wife, Shannon keeps what matters most in perspective. Born in La Mirada, Calif., Shannon actually grew up in Reardan, Wash., a small town just outside of Spokane. Shannon’s high school graduating class contained only 36 students. Small town upbringing can prove to be a helpful attribute when raising four children and being a support system for a husband with a demanding career. “Jim and I approach everything as a partnership,” Shannon explains. “Whether it is in the home with the kids, or his career. I assume a supportive role and act as a sounding board for him. I do a lot of listening and try to give him good advice and input when needed. I handle all the household responsibilities so that he can focus on his responsibilities. It all works out well when we both stay in our lanes.” With the help of a family assistant named Marta, who’s become part of the family, and the parents of other kids in the community, Shannon manages the family’s nest, just fine. She’s made it a practice to keep family in and media influences out. As with all pro sports figures, Mora faced criticism about what some might consider a less than stellar 2006 season and a comment he made on a radio show. “Shannon is very supportive of me. She knows my sarcasm. She knows what a smart aleck I am. She said that I’ve apologized enough but she doesn’t understand how I feel at all times.” Approaching the playoffs, speculations began about Mora’s future in Atlanta. Shannon, ever the unyielding

During football season, NFL head coach Jim Mora Jr. directs his players of prey on the field with commands that sound like: “F short fire pass U banana Z over,” and “Sixty-two takeoff, seventy one, eighty-six, shoot.” But at home wife Shannon Mora controls her nest of little birds with the docile commands of “Homework done?” or “Bed time!” and “Goodnight. I love you.” The gentle play calling has proven to be very affective in the huddle at home. It’s an award-winning formula with many rewards. Jim and Shannon met when they both attended the University of Washington. While studying with a friend, Jim noticed Shannon as she dashed by in sweats

Professional Sports Wives / January 2007

and eyeglasses. Looking beyond her casual dress, Mora envisioned the future, and proclaimed with chivalrous ambition that one day they would wed. After some study dates, a bit of ‘stalking’, and a ten-year courtship, Mora accomplished his mission. The coach has a knack for working hard to get what he wants. The son of NFL coach Jim E. Mora, the younger Jim paid his dues working up through the ranks of the family business in several assistant coaching positions until his persistence and pedigree finally landed him at the helm of the Atlanta Falcons, where he worked with perhaps the most exciting player in professional football

in Michael Vick. And when the crowds are gone, the cameras have been turned off and the lights dimmed, Mora heads for the serene reality that Shannon has worked to create. Coach Mora readily acknowledges the important role that his wife and partner of over 24 years together plays in his life and in their career.  “Every great coach that I have been around, and there have been many of them, had a very supporting and understanding wife,” explained Jim. “My mom is a great example of that. I was lucky to meet Shannon 24 years ago and convinced her to be my bride 14 years ago.” “We’ve never felt that the NFL Lifestyle has control

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supporter, helps to create a sense of balance and focuses on their family. “I haven’t gotten a paper since we were with the Chargers in the 80s. I don’t listen to sports talk radio. I’ve been around the media for 25 years and I have seen first hand that what’s put out to the public isn’t always what’s really happening. More often than not, the stories tend to have a sensationalized, negative edge in order to get more viewers, more listeners, or sell more papers and magazines.” Shannon notes that as her husband became more recognizable, he struggled with people asking him football questions while he was watching his children play. It’s not the notion of talking football that made Jim uneasy, but rather it was the precious moments taken away from the interaction with family. Jim’s workday began at early dawn during the season and lasted until dark. The children miss him tremendously when he works, Shannon notes. “As a husband and a father you feel a great responsibility to your wife and children to create a safe haven for them and create a great life for them,” reflects Jim. The family bond serves not only as an unbreakable shield to all things outside, but family is also the basis for the Mora’s charitable giving. Shannon and Jim launched the Jim Mora Count on Me Family Foundation in April of 2006. The foundation primarily targets three areas: children from low socioeconomic backgrounds, mentally and physically challenged children, and children “at-risk”, as well as those who lack stability or support in their lives. Assistance from the Foundation provides children the opportunity to realize their potential and, by working

The Mora Family: Lillia,10; Jim; Ryder, 8; Cole 12; Shannon; and Trey 4. Photo by Fletcher photography

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The Mora Family: Lillia,10; Jim; Ryder, 8; Cole 12; Shannon; and Trey 4. Photo by Fletcher photography

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Photos on this page courtesy of Jim Mora Count On Me Foundation

A photo from the 2006 Atlanta Falcons Women’s Association Luncheon, held in September of this year, with honored guest Johnnetta B. Cole. Stephanie Blank is featured in the front of this photo, along with Shannon Mora and other members of the Women’s Association.

Holly Robinson Peete and guests at the 2006 Falcons Football Academy.

Holly Robinson Peete and Atlanta Falcons Radio Network sideline reporter Nicole Watson at the 2006 Falcons Football Academy

Shannon and Jim Mora with Ralph Stokes, Board Member of the Special Olympics of Georgia. Stokes, Director of Corporate Sales, PGA Tour Super Store in Roswell, Georgia, presented the Moras an award at the Second Annual Jim Mora / Pulte Homes Celebrity Golf Classic at TPC Sugarloaf.

with organizations, helps create more stability in their Special Olympics Summer Games, on the planning lives. The Foundation supports advocacy for children committee for the Atlanta Falcons Women’s Association and supports channels that allow children to have a which focuses on giving back in the Atlanta community voice. “Shannon, myself, and our family, through my work, have been afforded opportunities for many special experiences,” Jim said. “We want to give others those same opportunities and reach young people. We have been blessed as a family, and we want to be a blessing for others.” And a blessing they are. Since they launched in April 2006 they have awarded 21 local charities a grand total of $267,481. Their giving was so great that the Moras were honored as Hometown Heroes in May. The annual Hometown Heroes Gala honors outstanding individuals and organizations who are dedicated to improving the quality of life. “Shannon and I were humbled to be recipients of the Hometown Heroes Award,” said Mora. “Giving back is very important to me and my Jim and Shannon Mora at the kick off celebration entire family. We are in a position to help those at the Special Olympics of Georgia Summer Games at Emory University. less fortunate than we are and we want to do everything we can to make someone else’s life a little through a variety of ways – Can Drives, Toy Drives, better.” special events and fundraisers, and working with the Shannon’s commitment to the philanthropic primary beneficiaries of the organization, the Children’s community didn’t end with their Foundation. She Healthcare of Atlanta Children’s Hospital system and served as the Co-Grand Marshall for the 2004 and 2006 local breast cancer awareness organizations.

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Are your children safe?

Currently, Shannon stays busy by serving on the Special Olympics of Georgia Board of Directors and on the Board of Advisors for Eagle Ranch, a Christcentered home for boys and girls in crisis and in need of hope and healing. Shannon’s contagious and dynamic personality, cool-temper, and calm demeanor are perhaps the best tools in the Mora’s huddle at home. When recharging, she finds solace in common places. “My favorite place to shop is Target and I have a slight addiction to Starbucks,” she says. In the organic section of the Super Target, one might find Shannon reveling in all things earthy. She’s not at all afraid of the soil or the grime that comes with hard work. The daughter of a truck driver, Shannon is skilled at roadside emergencies such as changing flat tires, jump starting a dead battery in a car, and given some time and space in the garage, she can change her own oil. It takes a little mechanical aptitude to keep the Mora machine tuned and in perfect flying condition for weathering storms. With four beautiful children, a husband who finds respite in the home and a successful foundation, this professional sports wife continues to elevate while searching for the perfect cruising altitude. Freelance writer Brian Egeston contributed to this article. www.brianwrites.com

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Danielle Beverly, wife of Atlanta Falcons TE Eric Beverly and breast cancer survivor, addresses guests at the 2006 Falcons Football Academy

The latest National Survey confirms there are over 374,270 registered sex offenders in the U.S.

Does a Sexual Predator live in your neighborhood? Did you know? • There are over two thousand missing children reported every day. • The chances that your child will be a victim of a sexual predator is one in three.

Protect your family and friends by identifying sexual predators before they strike.

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Photos on this page courtesy of Jim Mora Count On Me Foundation

Holly Robinson Peete and guests at the 2006 Falcons Football Academy.

Holly Robinson Peete and Atlanta Falcons Radio Network sideline reporter Nicole Watson at the 2006 Falcons Football Academy

Professional Sports Wives / January 2007

Are your children safe?

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Danielle Beverly, wife of Atlanta Falcons TE Eric Beverly and breast cancer survivor, addresses guests at the 2006 Falcons Football Academy

The latest National Survey confirms there are over 374,270 registered sex offenders in the U.S.

Protect your family and friends by identifying sexual predators before they strike.

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January 2007 / Professional Sports Wives

An author’s apology Family Relations in the NFL by Shannon O’Toole Wife of ex-NFL player and coach John Morton

Freeloaders. Entitled. Dependent. When talking or writing about the extended family of professional athletes and coaches, the usual adjectives are not pretty. As author of Wedded to the Game: the Real Lives of NFL Women, I must count myself among the critics. In chapter seven’s section When Friends and Family Come Calling, I write, “One coach’s wife said her husband’s parents and his siblings seemed to have their ‘wallets glued to their ass’ when the bill arrived.” A similarly disparaging quote comes from a woman married to a player: “I don’t think mothers totally understand that their sons can live in a million dollar house and have a few cars but that doesn’t necessarily entitle them to the same thing. I would hope that if my children grow up and become successful, I’m not sitting and saying, ‘Where’s my cut?’” Recently, however, I have seen a more flattering side of NFL families. Through quietly observing the interactions of the NFL families around me, including my own, I have come to realize that the picture painted in my book unfairly lumps all NFL families into the same unsupportive and greedy pile. Since I realize I was completely negligent in imparting only the negative aspects of extended families in my book, I contacted four NFL women to get their opinions on the positive aspects of family relations. Beth Payton is married to first year head coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints. She says, “Throughout the many hirings and firings, my family has always been there, quietly in the background, supporting me, never over-stepping their boundaries, but always just a phone call away. They have always believed in my husband, not only as a coach, but as a provider for his family. They would constantly remind us that as one door closes, another one always opens. Their positive feedback was what got me through the trying times.” When one of the biggest hassles of all professional sports wives arrives to Beth’s house — the dreaded move — her parents, like many in NFL families, do more than offer uplifting words; they roll up their sleeves and get to work. She explains: “When it came time for another move (I’m at 8 in 14 years of marriage), my mom was the first to be there cleaning my house and organizing my kitchen. She is an expert at both. My dad would go around hanging all my pictures and doing other handyman jobs. Within a week my house felt like a home. I could not have done it without them.” One move was especially difficult for Beth. “I had

Professional Sports Wives / January 2007

just given birth to our first child who was very colicky. It was my husband’s first NFL job, so he was working until all hours of the night. Ready to lose my mind, I called my mom and she was on the next plane. She stayed for several weeks, and then my husband’s mom stayed for several more. They were a godsend to me.” According to Enisha Williams, who is married to Jacksonville Jaguars offensive lineman Mike Williams, opinions regarding the obligations of NFL sons (and daughters) are often highly intertwined with race and socio-economic status. Enisha candidly and eloquently explains how her background influenced her belief system. “Growing up in the inner-city, I always dreamed of being successful enough to take care of my family. This family not only included my mom and younger brother, but a whole host of other relatives — grandmother, aunt, cousins, etc. In the inner-city, black community, making enough money to care for the entire family is the norm and almost an obligation. You are made to believe that once you make it, the entire family has arrived. These truths are even more applicable to professional athletes.” “Once I married my husband Mike, the excitement was overwhelming. Unlike myself, my husband grew up in the suburbs north of Dallas. And contrary to what is most popularly believed about black athletes, my husband was raised by both his parents who have been married for 30 years now.” “My husband understood my desire to help my struggling, single mom and family. Although he couldn’t totally relate, he made some things very clear for me. While the dream of taking care of my family was normal, there were things about finances I had no idea about. My husband has been very instrumental in educating me about planning for the future, setting up trusts for our children, and a whole world of things of which I had never heard.” Still, the pressures on this couple, like many young couples throughout sports leagues, are tremendous. Enisha admits, “It was very difficult in the beginning. Family members were upset because I didn’t buy them cars, a new house, etc. My mom was even guilty of this. She would be posed questions from co-workers who, like most black families, felt it was my duty to buy my mom fancy things, i.e., luxury cars and a big new house.” ‘Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day, but

teach a man to fish, and he will never go hungry again.’ Through this principle, along with using other resources and financial advisors, Enisha said she has been able to educate their families on finance and how “to properly receive help.” She says, “By teaching [her mother] how to budget, she is leaps and bounds from where we were three years ago.” It has taken time and work, but there has been a happy ending to Enisha’s family relationship regarding finances. She says, “They have been able to more joyfully walk in their own lanes, so to speak, being happy for us and with us, and with the things they have.” Sheila Stoutmire shares her experiences. She is married to Omar Stoutmire, a ten-year NFL veteran and a first-year safety with the New Orleans Saints. As a woman who splits residences during the year with her player/husband, Sheila has mentioned moving as a frequent theme for her. According to Sheila, “Whenever it is time to move from our hometown in Texas to our ‘in season’ town, my mom has always been very helpful with packing and traveling with my kids to help us get settled for the upcoming football season.” She also finds help from her husband’s side of the family. She states, “My mother-in-law is a dear! She is like a mother to me as well.” Regarding money and obligation, Sheila shares only positives. She comments, “I can proudly say that during Omar’s 10-year career in the NFL, we have never experienced problems [with our families] like money issues, possessions, or anything like that.” When Ingrid Harbaugh married John Harbaugh (Special Teams for the Philadelphia Eagles) she knew there would be no expectations from her husband’s side of the family. Her father-in-law (Jack Harbaugh) had a long and successful career as a college football coach and her brother-in-law (Jim Harbaugh) had a successful career as an NFL quarterback. Therefore, Ingrid says, “They understood from the beginning what our lifestyle would be like. For my family, however, this was

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a brand new experience. After eight seasons in the NFL, we still hear the occasional question like, ‘You have to pay for the away game tickets?’” Still, Ingrid says that both of their families have supported her and her husband “through the good and the not so good seasons.” She continues a familiar refrain, “Both our moms have helped us move to new cities by setting up households and cooking great meals.” Among John’s dad, his brother and himself moving to different teams and cities, the number well exceeds twenty places. Regarding her ever-mobile mother-in-law, Ingrid states, “I believe, John’s mom Jackie could write a book on ‘How to set up a home in under 48 hours.’”   All four of the women I contacted say that when it comes time to pay the bill or pick up the tab at restaurants, many of their family members who are “proud, successful” people in their own right, step up to the plate. According to Beth Payton from the New Orleans Saints, “I never feel that they expect or want us to always pick up the tab.” As I write this article my daughter is in the other room “playing tent” and otherwise being entertained by her grandparents, so I, too, can confirm that my family is far more help than hindrance. John has been away at camp for two weeks and has another three more to go. These times of swimming at the lake with Nana and eating popcorn in the evening with Grandpa surely help my daughter not miss her Daddy as much. Over the past 14 years of John’s and my NFL relationship, our family has always been there offering help. Probably most importantly, after every one of his cuts and firings when we didn’t know what would happen next, we always knew we were welcome at their home. Certainly, like many extended NFL families, our family has enjoyed plenty of NFL-related perks, such as the latest sports merchandise, Pro-Bowl vacations, and Super Bowl trips; the great thing about our relationship, however, is that it’s always a two-way street — we help them in the ways we can, and they help us in the ways they can, family helping family. I believe the following quote by Beth Payton best describes how most extended NFL families feel-if not at the beginning of their son or son-in-law’s NFL career, then certainly after they realize how the league really works: “My family is proud of how hard my husband has worked and what he has accomplished. With the long hours and constant moving around, they are aware of the many sacrifices our family has made. They definitely believe he has earned it.” So, to extended families: First, please accept my apology. Second, on behalf of the spouses of players and coaches in every league, we appreciate you and thank you very much! Shannon O’Toole is the author of Wedded to the Game: the Real Lives of NFL Women. For ordering information go to: www.nflwomen.com. www.prosportswives.com

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Our First Anniversary Issue

January 2007 / Professional Sports Wives

An author’s apology Family Relations in the NFL by Shannon O’Toole Wife of ex-NFL player and coach John Morton

Professional Sports Wives / January 2007

Our First Anniversary Issue

www.prosportswives.com

THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX Be the Boss and own a successful business.

Consulting Services Concept Development Business Plans Growth Planning Designs Programming Operating Procedures Employee Recruitment & Training Accounting & Reporting Franchise Development

Providing superior consulting services since 1991. SPECIALIZING IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY Restaurants • Lounges • Boutiques • Hotels

www.dereknewtoninc.com • (410) 292-5145

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January 2007 / Professional Sports Wives

I Told You I Can Play!

The book chronicles Jordan’s childhood experiences as the youngest of three siblings, and his efforts as a six-year old to prove to the older siblings and their friends that he belongs. All the other kids in the neighborhood agree with Brian’s brother and sister that he’s just too small to play. The hardcover publication is directed at children ages 4 through 7 and enters the market at a retail price of $16.95. Jordan will donate his royalties from the book sales to the Brian Jordan Foundation. (www.bojbooks.com)

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Professional Sports Wives / January 2007

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January 2007 / Professional Sports Wives

I Told You I Can Play!

Glam clothing for babes

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Professional Sports Wives / January 2007

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January 2007 / Professional Sports Wives

Count Down To Moving Day Moving day may seem far away right now, but it will be upon you before you know it! Don’t get caught unprepared. The key to a successful move is planning. To help you plan your move, Athletes On The Move, LLC has prepared a checklist of things to do before, during and after to ensure it goes without a hitch. This list has been compiled from years of experience, however, it is not all-inclusive for everyone. Please take your special situation/needs into consideration and add steps if necessary.

by Dave Eyrise, Athletes on the Move Real Estate, Relocation Group www.athletesonthemove.com

eight Weeks Before Your Move

Weeks

• Prepare car registration and insurance records for transfer. • Notify State Motor Vehicle Bureau of your new address. • If necessary, reserve apartment elevator for pickup and/or delivery dates.

• Obtain a floor plan of your new residence and decide what household items you want to keep. Two Weeks Before You Move • Contact your insurance agent to determine what possessions are covered when moving. • Arrange transfer of jewelry and • Establish a file for all move papers and receipts. valuable documents — most movers will not transport them. • Obtain medical, dental and especially children’s immunization records. six Weeks Before Your Move • Arrange for your children’s school records • Begin your search for good health-care to be transferred to their new school. professionals in your new location. • Make travel plans and reservations. • Fill out post-office change of address cards. • Use up food supplies. • Send your new address to anyone who • D ispose of all items that are too dangerous might need it — insurance agents, to move, including flammable liquids. credit card companies, magazine subscriptions, friends, relatives, etc. • Secure copies of family videos and photo negatives as these items are irreplaceable. One Week Before You Move • Clean out closets and dispose of all items • Have your car serviced. If it is going to be that you will not be taking with you. transported in the van, reduce the gas level • If you have antiques, have them to one fourth of a tank prior to moving day. appraised for valuation purposes. • Confirm delivery address, en-route • Hold an estate or garage sale or phone number and your arrival at your donate items to charities (obtain a destination with your Coordinator. signed receipt for tax purposes). • Close charge accounts, transfer bank accounts and release safe deposit box. • Arrange shipment of pets. • Set aside items to take in the car and Three Weeks Before Your Move mark them “Do Not Move”. • Arrange and have utilities (gas, electric, • Take down curtains, rods, shelves, etc. phone, cable, Internet, water, etc.) • Discontinue regular home delivery disconnected in your present home after services (water, milk, newspapers, etc.) load day, and connected at your new • Confirm travel plans, especially home on or near the day of delivery. hotel reservations. • Arrange for child care on moving day.

Weeks

Week

Weeks

Professional Sports Wives / January 2007

• Have enough medication to last at least two weeks and forward prescriptions to a pharmacy at your new destination.

Packing Day — One Day Before You Move

Day

• Empty, defrost and dry refrigerator and freezer. • Be present to answer packing crew’s questions and make sure they have enough people as they stated in their contract. • Finish the packing that you have decided to do personally. • Remove valuable items including jewelry, vital documents, money, etc. from your residence. Moving Day

Days

• Be present to answer the moving crew’s questions. • The driver is always authorized to open, inspect and re-pack (if necessary), any containers packed by you that don’t seem safe for transport — this can result in an additional cost. • Check inventory — be sure everything you want in the van is included. • Exchange cell phone and destination numbers with the driver. • Check the driver’s Bill of Lading to verify: Transit protection, delivery address and/or notification phone number and probable delivery date or spread. • Check entire home — room-to-room, inside and out — before driver leaves: attic, backyard, basement, closets, cupboards, garage, medicine cabinet, etc.

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There is no way that you can share your life with a professional athlete and never have heard the words “game plan.” Such would be the equivalent of living with a chef and never hearing him speak about food! In sports, one of the universal truths is that you must have a game plan. There is only one letter difference in Winning It and Winging It. The difference is the “G” and that stands for “Game Plan”. (For now we’ll just ignore the P.) Even in the moments when spontaneity and improvisation occur in an athletic contest, it is because the coaches built a secure framework with a solid game plan before game time that they reach their goals. Apply this same way of thinking to your marriage. Build it on a solid foundation, surround it with a secure framework, and then you will have the freedom to manifest your deepest desires within it. The attention to detail, consideration of possible and probable scenarios, and the exploration of one’s weaknesses and vulnerabilities that your partner’s game plan includes is exactly the same thing that the two of you need to do when it comes to planning for a successful relationship and marriage. After all, a game lasts a few hours, a season lasts for a few months, a career might last a few years, but my wish is that your marriage lasts a lifetime. Surely it is worth investing a little time, energy, and emotion to give yourself the best possible chance at success. If it is success in your marriage on which you set your intentions, then you too, must plan for it. That’s why putting together your own game plan for your marriage is one of the most important things you and your partner can do to prepare yourselves to deal with the inevitable challenges and obstacles that surface in nearly every relationship. Recently I was talking to a brilliant and very successful surgeon when the subject of my former husband’s career popped up in the conversation. She did not have a clue that he had been a very successful professional basketball player and is now a member of the basketball hall of fame. She did not fly into a hysterical state as is so often the case if the person I say that to is a big sports fan. She calmly responded, “Oh, I don’t know that much about sports.” It’s fairly common that my life these days brings me into contact with lots of people who either don’t know of my former life as an NBA wife or who simply don’t follow sports at all. Nevertheless, most of those same people readily understand how many of the same principles and www.prosportswives.com

truths that apply to having success in sports are applicable to having success in most facets of our personal and professional lives. They are universal truths and principles that transcend sports. That same surgeon is a ballet dancer and a long distance bike rider. She may not know much about professional basketball but just like the basketball player, she would never set out on a biking excursion without a game plan. It would be unimaginable for her to attempt to do a hundred mile bike trip without a thorough, well thought out plan which took into account the weather, the possibility of damage to her bike, road conditions, the number of hours of daylight or darkness in which she’d have to ride, the need for water and proper nutrition, and the list goes on and on. She, like my former husband and your current partner, all begin endeavors with success as the ultimate goal.

I know that this may seem corny at first. Very few of us are encouraged to examine our relationships in such a methodical way but trust me and just do what I ask. Once you get into the groove of it, you will find that your connection to your partner is deepening and that you are exploring areas that you never ventured into before.

R Here are a few pointers to get you started. • Begin working on your game plan as soon as you begin to seriously consider marriage. In fact, I believe that any committed relationship, whether it is a marriage or otherwise, can benefit from having a game plan. If you can’t talk about your desires, needs, and concerns before you’re married, what’s going to change that after you’re married?

In both an athletic contest and in marriage, there are opponents to battle. On the field, it may be a three hundred and fifty pound linebacker or a Cy Young award winning pitcher who has to be neutralized. In your marriage, the possible opponents are nearly infinite when you consider • Your game plan is your business. It should be tailored to address your concerns and issues such as communication, extended family those issues relevant to your relationship. members, money and finances, sexuality, health Don’t worry about what your husband’s and wellness, friends, entourages, groupies, agents, teammate and his wife are dealing with in lawyers, coaches, alcohol and drugs, children and their relationship. Leave no stone unturned their caretaking, and the sharing of household no matter how insignificant it may seem. responsibilities. Our tendency is to avoid dealing Take the issue of pets. If you both know with these tough issues until they become big that you do not want the responsibility of problems. We want to keep the fantasy of happily taking care of something that has four legs ever after alive in our minds. I’m all for happiness, (or more), eats, breathes, and has to be cared spontaneity, flow, joy and all those wonderful for on a daily basis, then you probably don’t concepts that we envision as elements of a happy need to spend time talking about being pet marriage. However, the fact is that happy, successful owners. However, if one of you feels really marriages don’t just happen without any work. It is strongly about having a pet but you are also neither serendipitous nor an accident that some the one who travels two-thirds of the year marriages are clearly stronger, more satisfying, and which means that your partner is going to better able to withstand challenges than are others. be left to handle the pet responsibilities, If you want your marriage to be one of the latter, you could be looking at a potentially huge I suggest that you and your partner take one of problem. Ever heard of feeling like you’ve the best parts of his professional life, The Game been left holding the bag? Ever heard of Plan, and apply it to your personal life. You will feeling resentment? It comes first, then never regret that you began your marriage looking the anger, and then the couch! You might forward. Looking backwards is never much fun. laugh now but seemingly simple situations Hindsight may be 20/20 but I believe that foresight like this really do happen and if they aren’t is even better!

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by Dave Eyrise, Athletes on the Move Real Estate, Relocation Group www.athletesonthemove.com

eight Weeks Before Your Move

Weeks

Week

Weeks

Professional Sports Wives / January 2007

• Have enough medication to last at least two weeks and forward prescriptions to a pharmacy at your new destination.

Packing Day — One Day Before You Move

Day

Days

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January 2007 / Professional Sports Wives

dealt with sooner or later then someone has a meltdown. It also happens frequently when sports couples start having children and the responsibilities for caring for them are disproportionately handled. I know of what I speak. I’ve seen it happen over and over again. • Work on your game plan together! It isn’t a plan if only one of you creates it. In that case it becomes a mandate or worse, a multi-page ultimatum. The whole point of doing this is to fortify your relationship, not to destroy it! Formulating a game plan is a collaborative effort and that is the only way it will succeed. • Do not worry about what your game plan looks like, how it’s packaged or how it is formatted. This is about substance, not style. A ninety-nine cents paper notebook and a pencil will suffice as easily as a fancy binder from a specialty stationary store and an expensive designer ink pen. The point is to do the work. No one but the two of you is going to see it anyway. • Don’t spend so much time on your game plan that it becomes a substitute for actually being in the relationship. Here’s an

example that might help make it clear what I mean by that. Often when a couple gets engaged, the idea of getting married and in particular, of planning the wedding, takes center stage. Often the woman becomes preoccupied with the planning, her dress, finding a site for the ceremony, etc. that her focus shifts away from the man of her dreams. This is not what you want to happen with your game plan. Stay focused on your partner and your relationship first and foremost. Don’t go overboard! While creating the game plan is important, it should not become an obsession. • Whenever you are working on your game plan remember that the purpose of it is to lay a foundation for your future marriage. Its purpose is not to deconstruct what you have already built or to tear down each other. If you notice that beginning to happen you need to call a time out just as a good coach would do in a game. This is also when it pays to practice listening — which is something most of us are lousy at doing. I like the concept of “BLT” — breathe, listen, and then talk. It works really well and will come in handy more times than you

will ever know as you navigate the marriage waters. • Finally, your work time should always be balanced with a reward. After you work on your game plan, you should treat yourselves to something pleasurable for both of you. What that is will have to be your decision. This can be very intense work and it is important to bring yourself back into balance in whatever way works best for you. Again, the most important thing is that you just do it.

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S Happiness doesn’t just happen. Success doesn’t just happen. That is true in sports and marriage. You have to create the conditions in which they can happen. If your husband doesn’t prepare for his game, his chances for winning are greatly diminished. If you don’t prepare for having a good marriage, your chances of getting one are also undermined. The good news is that just like in an athletic contest, you have the power, and now you have a new tool, to help you increase your chances of success and happiness. So, play like the champ that you truly are; both on the field and in your marriage!

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u Stay cozy from head to toe. Now you can stay cozy while on the go! Cabin Cuddler is a patented lightweight travel blanket with foot pocket & shoulder wrap to keep you warm on car trips, airplanes, or even curled up at home. It provides total comfort from head to toe. (www.cabincuddler.com) t Safeguard your iPod. Whether running at the gym, lounging at the beach, biking, hiking, working out, or even to the pool, you know your valuable device remains protected with the OtterBox for iPod’s rugged shell. Available for all the iPods on the market including the video, nano, mini, shuffle, 20GB and photo, the OtterBox for iPod line is completely waterproof and drop-resistant. With an interactive membrane, you can access your Click Wheel for songs, photos and videos right through the case. (www.otterbox.com)

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Twenty years of nationwide experience assisting pro athletes with their real estate needs. • Residential • Commercial • New Construction • Re-Sales • Investments

Melvin Palmer

“Sports” Realtor, Associate Broker Founder/President, SNAPA

(Sports Network Among Professional Athletes)

(404) 275-1792 snapa1 @aol.com

Shanae Hall

“Sports” Realtor Wife of NFL alumni and player, Cory Hall (770) 932-1234 (800) 294-8134 shallprop@aol.com

Sports Network Among Professional Athletes 2855 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, Suite 610 • Suwanee, GA 30024 • www.snapahomes.com

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Melvin Palmer and Shanae Hall

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With a true passion for real estate and the knowledge of marketing, Shanae Hall, wife of NFL player, Cory Hall, is building a future after the NFL. During the early years of marriage to her high school sweetheart Cory Hall, Shanae recognized the value of income generated by various investments the couple had made on rental properties. Considering her husband’s potentially short-lived career, Shanae suggested that they invest in their future by investing in foreclosures and rentals. This would allow the couple to purchase a home below the market price, do the necessary repairs, and sell it for a significant return. The couple’s story began in Kentucky during Cory’s first year in the NFL. Although she feared her husband would be cut from the Cincinnati Bengals, Shanae insisted that they purchase their first home rather than rent. Shortly thereafter, her husband suggested they purchase a second home in California. Upon moving to California, the couple purchased a small 1600 squarefoot ranch home in Fresno where they lived during the off-season. The start of the following NFL season provided Shanae with her first opportunity to exercise her passion. She quickly and easily rented the California property before returning to their home in Kentucky. This officially started her real estate career. The following off-season the Halls returned to California where they purchased their third property and again rented it. Cory’s contract with the Bengal’s was near the end of its third season. Uncertain if he would be re-signed, the couple sold both California properties for a significant profit. As it turns out, the Bengal’s did not re-sign Cory, however the Atlanta Falcons picked him up. The move to Atlanta was a perfect time for Shanae to start S. Hall Properties LLC. With the support of her husband, Shanae Hall was on her way! With her business in full swing, Shanae’s passion was heightened. She was now on to purchasing and restoring homes. “The neat thing about one of the properties I restored is that it was the ugliest house in the neighborhood,” www.prosportswives.com

The Hall family Christmas photo: Shanae and Cory with their kids Nya (7), Iliah (4), and Cory, Jr. (2)

recalls Shanae. “When I was done, it was the nicest and all the neighbors started making repairs to their homes. This improved the entire neighborhood’s market value.” Ultimately Shanae’s passion and talent not only benefited the Halls, it also benefited an entire community. With her confidence piqued, Shanae wanted to take her venture to the next level. After much success with rehabs, it was time to test new construction. This idea led her to Port St. Lucie, FL., where she purchased two lots, hired a general contractor and started from the ground up. She personally chose the floor plan, colors, roof, interior trim, etc. Succeeding at this, she continued developing new construction by purchasing 10 acres in Fort Pierce, FL., where she built One Acre Woods, her first subdivision. The development contains eight oneacre lots. The rest, as the say, is history. Pleased with the outcome of her efforts, Shanae obtained her real estate license in Georgia and became a general contractor. Alongside her husband, she started

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a building company called West Coast Custom Homes and built from the ground up the family’s first home in Buford, GA, within walking distance to Lake Lanier. After retiring from the NFL in 2005, Cory formed Athletes In Acting (AIA). This company introduces retired athletes with acting aspirations to key people in the business who can help to jumpstart their acting career. When asked if she would do anything differently in her climb to real estate success, Shanae laughs. “Instead of being so frugal, I would have hired an assistant. It would have made life much easier.” Shanae notes that she and her husband are very proud of their accomplishments, both as a team and as individuals. “It is nice to know that after working so hard on the field, my husband and I can enjoy our life together after the glory.” January 2007 / Professional Sports Wives

Twenty years of nationwide experience assisting pro athletes with their real estate needs. • Residential • Commercial • New Construction • Re-Sales • Investments

Melvin Palmer

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Professional Sports Wives / January 2007

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The Hall family Christmas photo: Shanae and Cory with their kids Nya (7), Iliah (4), and Cory, Jr. (2)

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from hero

by Diana McNab, LLC

Zero!

ts Ca

hat are the personality traits of a professional athlete that allow him to be successful in his field? As a sports psychologist and life coach, my first instincts are to say that most of these athletes have an incredible passion and ‘fire in their belly’ for their sport. They eat, breathe and sleep to be the best, number one, and respected by their peers. In order to get ahead, they are extremely self-critical, analytical and A-type overachievers. They are focused beyond normal capacity when it comes to their sport. Elite athletes compartmentalize and shut everything out in order to play the game. To become an elite athlete in their chosen sport means that they are willing to pay almost any price to be the best. They are willing to sacrifice it all to win and are ultra-competitive. On good days, they are in the moment and relishing in the precious present. Winning, success and approval create a selfconfidence that appears cocky on the outside and tries to be invincible on the inside. Athletes are so tough on themselves and critical that it is difficult to be around them at times. They are big winners and bad losers! They play the all-or-nothing game and no price is too high. In their sports world they are extra-ordinary human beings. They can run faster, lift heavier and go the distance. They are cut, lean and mean. They thrive on the blood, sweat and tears of progress and have no boundaries on what they will do to win. If they are team athletes, add twenty other mindsets that are all the same and there is no stopping them.

Professional Sports Wives / January 2007

o Pr

start from ‘zero’!” The Problem

They live in the dualistic world of right and wrong, good and bad, yes or no, win or lose! They can be tough, mean, ruthless and poised for precision. They can block out all distractions for the love of the game. Most athletes are blessed with such a God-given talent that they feel invincible and their heads can get blown out of proportion. These gentlemen have created a professional self that works for them in their sport, in the locker room and in their lives. They have figured out a way to survive and succeed...even at the expense of their personal self. A man on a mission with a primary dream and goal is not meant to be tampered with. Until he feels good about himself...how can he feel good about you? He represents all the qualities that a capitalistic society envies and adores...businessmen are enamored by athletic prowess. Hundreds of thousands of fans stop their lives to watch them perform. Media, photos, interviews and press blow up their attributes to the entire world and dote on their every word. We, as a society, all live vicariously through our super stars! So, I ask you...is this a bad thing? And my response is, “Not as long as our ‘hero’ understands that we all

The problem comes from too many people catering to the extreme personality traits of this young superstar! It only takes one person to believe in you for you to go the distance! Too many mothers stop parenting, guiding, and reprimanding their super star sons! Too many fathers see dollar signs in their eyes as the agents begin to talk. Too many groupies approve of their off-field behaviors and we as a society have created a liability! Thus, these athletes drop their boundaries, and become all-or-nothing, narcissistic overachievers who thrive on end-results and minimize the steps of the process. Of course this is not true for all professional athletes and I am describing the extremes. But, think again ladies of the versions of these characteristics that your man possesses! Even if these qualities are not overt, they are probably covert or passive-aggressive at times. The problem is that from the moment these young men are noticed for being special their whole world shifts towards entitlement! Who are we to tell him what he can and cannot do, where he can go and cannot go, and who he can and cannot be with? After all...he is the gifted on a journey toward success and stardom! No matter how you look at it, the rules begin to change and this athlete is given the right to go for it in any way he sees fit! Do I think there are double standards in school when comparing athletics and academics? Who’s popular and who’s not? Who has a future and who doesn’t? The

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problem often starts at home, then school, then with ask themselves. There is no use asking him because he friends and ultimately with society. Super star athletes doesn’t know either! Some women have their own careers, so they put are treated differently! more time and energy into them. Some focus on the The Attraction children and absorb themselves more in their daily tasks. So, what’s not to like? These athletes are usually in But, most women start fearing that their man will never great shape, cut and buff, have magnetic personalities, be truly happy again. Many begin asking themselves, are focused, have a dream and are extremely charismatic! “how can I love a man who doesn’t love himself?” The Catch them after winning a game and the adrenalin relationship moves from love to fear and no one knows rush is contagious! Who wouldn’t love to be in their how to stop it! company? Most hot-blooded women are attracted to these Solutions testosterone-filled alpha males. They ooze personality The real solution should start with his ‘family of and energy. They are on a mission to succeed. It makes you high just being in their company when things are going well. A full-bodied, estrogen-filled female thrives in his presence. It seems like a perfect fit. And, the attraction and hormonal chemistry is so strong it can be mistaken for love! As a life coach, I know that we are naturally attracted to the lessons that we need to learn...but girlfriends be prepared for a monsoon. What you see on the outside is not usually what you get on the inside! The Jekyll and Hyde syndrome is reality with most elite athletes and it doesn’t show up until well into the relationship!

origin’ and then his coaches and finally society! But, as a sports wife...it is too late for all of that! You need to start at the beginning of your relationship and take the steps and procedures to develop a healthy, honest, viable relationship. Watch out for your own co-dependency tendencies of over caretaking, not setting healthy relationship boundaries, not being honest and putting him ahead of your entire family. Keep it real, open, honest and in the moment. Use moderation as your motto (in all aspects of your life) continued on page 42

The Personal Self

The real issue here is that everyone focuses on ‘the athlete’ and not ‘the man’; they focus on ‘the professional sports self’ and not ‘the personal human self!’ Parents, peers, teachers, coaches and girlfriends only know the athlete...and no one truly holds him accountable as ‘the man!’ The scariest part of all is that he doesn’t truly know himself either. So, there are inconsistencies and immaturities in his level of life skills and in understanding his true emotions and feelings! Since he is not as skilled or as good in this area, he chooses not to pay a lot of attention to it! So, in relationships another whole side appears that does not resemble the athlete on the outside. His personal life has atrophied at the expense of his professional life! A Roller Coaster Ride

The stages and phases of an athlete’s career are mirrored by his relationships. The young, focused athlete usually is absorbed with his own career, dreams, goals and survival...there is not much time for healthy, functional, reciprocal relationships here. As he matures into his successful career he is looking for a lover, care-taker and friend...and it all seems extremely attractive at this point. Then, as the skills wane, age sneaks up on him and retirement is looming, a whole new vulnerable and insecure side appears. This side can be and usually is distressing or negative with anger. ‘Who is this man?’ ‘What will he become?’ And, ‘What will he do now?’ are typical questions women www.prosportswives.com

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January 2007 / Professional Sports Wives

from hero

by Diana McNab, LLC

Zero!

ts Ca

Professional Sports Wives / January 2007

o Pr

start from ‘zero’!” The Problem

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The Personal Self

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January 2007 / Professional Sports Wives

Hero To Zero, continued from page 41 and take care of yourself at the same levels that you take care of others. You need to know the whole man going into this and make sure that the passion, intimacy and commitment are fully in place. The solid ground you stand on is always trust! Both of you need to be working on the truth of your selves. Who you are and what you want and need. For every missed conversation...is free for future disagreement! So, keep talking, keep asking, keep exploring and keep listening! You are both valuable, loving human beings with your own life plan and a shared plan. Don’t lose yourselves to each other...create a ‘we’ that is equal. Give him time to develop and explore his personal self. He might need some catch-up time. Be patient, be willing but keep asking for actions! A man sitting on your couch for the next twenty years is not that attractive. Especially after seeing and living with him in his limelight. G.O.Y.A. (Get Off Your Ass) is a motto in sports psychology if you want change. It’s what you do at the end of the day that determines your progress. I am a big believer in personal counseling and life coaching. I am also a voracious reader who is always putting juicy books on my husband’s night stand. These books include subjects such as growth, relationships, and spirituality. Girlfriends are great, but remember they are not qualified professional therapists. So, do everything in moderation when it comes to self-help. Remember to stop pointing the finger at him until you have pointed it at yourself long and hard. The greatest way to heal a relationship is to heal and work on yourself first. Everyone in your family has to grow if you are growing! Last but not least, maybe his retirement years are actually your time to be the superstar! What sacrifices have you made and what do you really want to do now? Maybe it’s your career time! Be the super-star that you know you are! Most importantly, you do not have to leave each other behind in order to get what you want! Everything has its’ season. Girlfriend, this might be your season! So, share with him your dreams and goals and grow a bigger pair of wings to fly! I truly believe that long term marriages can work, but you have to work together and not apart. Support each other’s growth and concerns, and love and not sabotage. Life is what you make it! Remember you married a super star...so it’s never to late to shine too!

Recommended Readings

Getting The Love You Want by Harville Hendrix Healthy Relationships by Terri Gorshi A Woman’s Worth by Marriane Williamson

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Why Couples Really Divorce “I don’t deserve this, I deserve better! I’m better off by myself! Why should I have to be the one to change? This is not what I signed up for!” Ayeshia Webster, wife of Falcons Cornerback, Jason Webster, gave these and many other reasons for considering divorce. The Websters have been married for five years and Ayeshia admits thinking about divorce on more than one occasion. Ayeshia is not alone! In marriage, couples experience the height of pleasure in sexual love and the height of pain in sacrificial love. All have an aversion to the latter. So much so, that most couples have thought about divorce at one time or another. It is natural to want to relieve pain. However, it is Christian to allow God to transform us through pain. Typical, reasons given for divorce all have a similar ring. A spouse will feel unhappy, unattended, unfulfilled and/or betrayed. And change seems unlikely. But we suggest that couples divorce because the cost of marital fulfillment is staggering! Seven out of every ten African American couples refuse to pay the price. Refusal rates are even higher among couples who are financially well off. Eighty percent of professional athletes and entertainers who are married divorce! So just how much does it cost to experience marital fulfillment? Everything! Absolutely everything! Marriage is a life for a life. Each spouse must give his and her

life in exchange for God’s life. Together they share one life – God’s life. Sounds like a great deal! At least until we get down to the nuts and bolts of our lives – the erroneous beliefs and attitudes we use to preserve our life.

Atlanta Falcon’s Jason and Ayeshia Webster successfully received marital counseling.

You see marriage is tenacious about reducing each person to his and her lowest common denominator. And for the Christian, it must become belief in Christ! Belief in Christ must grow so strong that it expresses itself in the routine interactions between husband and wife. Everyone and everything else in the life of each person is insignificant and ultimately unnecessary to marriage. Marriage is an unrelenting process of peeling back all that is incompatible with experiencing God’s life.

Most couples get married to become one, not to experience being one. Experiencing marital fulfillment is a by-product of yielding to Christ. Every couple has ongoing opportunity to move through three distinct phases of marriage: the Ideal, Ordeal and Real Deal. Many, however, do not. The Ideal Phase is characterized by self-love, while self-preservation and conflict exemplify the Ordeal Phase. And the third phase is distinguished as the mature love of self-sacrifice. Read what Christ says to His disciples in Matthew 16: “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?” Message Version God desires us to experience both personal and marital fulfillment. But His methods are different from ours. God’s methods bring certain fulfillment; ours do not. Jason and Ayeshia discovered through Radical Love (a marriage skills building program), that yielding to an all-knowing, all-powerful and always present God resulted in tremendous marital rewards! Today, Jason and Ayeshia find themselves in the midst of couples sharing the principles they are learning and applying to their own marriage!

competition, expanding the gap between the men and women. And certainly we would be remiss not to mention Eve, “the Mother of All Living.” In the Garden of Eden, it was Eve taking the initiative to disobey God. Adam followed. Today, it is common to see husbands unwilling to lead and wives unwilling to follow. Role reversal has and continues to take its toll on all. We have unknowingly been a part of what Lynch called an “orbiting cycle that has spun on its own,” without interference for decades. Unless something happens to re-shift the roles of males and females, we will perpetuate the cycle. Breaking the cycle requires understanding and intentionality in owning our respective contributions to marital dissatisfaction. Couples must understand that husbands who won’t lead and wives who won’t follow are behaving the way each was raised, rather than the way each was made. Terry was raised to be pleasing. He was rewarded with care and provision. Cathy was raised to be responsible. She was rewarded

with relationship. In earlier parts of their 22-year marriage, Terry pleased Cathy and she took care of everything — including him. It worked fine until marriage began placing pressure on each to live the way God made them, instead of the way they were raised. Cathy said, “I got tired of doing everything!” And Terry recalls, “Nothing I did seemed to please her!” God desired for Terry to take more responsibility and for Cathy to accept someone else taking care of her. Individually, husbands and wives must be intentional. Recognizing the need for personal change is one thing, participating in it is quite another. Our spouse is the example, encouragement and provocation we need to make new choices — choices that reflect the will and desire of God for our lives. Terry was not Cathy’s problem, anymore than Cathy was his. Each was intoxicated: Terry with playing and pleasing and Cathy with responsible behaviors. Each had enough for “self” and one another. Both needed a sobriety program.

They needed each other to realize the life God intended them to share. And the beauty of it all is that it only requires one spouse to understand what God desires of him or her and intentionally go about giving it to Him to change the quality of interactions between the two of them! Romans 5:8 states that while we were yet uncooperative Christ yielded to God to demonstrate how much he loved us. Many today love God because of what Jesus accomplished — without our help. After taking Radical Love in 1998, Terry and Cathy had this to say, “We were in a difficult situation that seemed like it would never change. The understanding we received from this course enabled us to say, ‘My spouse is not my problem!’ Finally, we understand why we are together and intend to stay together forever.” RADICAL LOVE is a 12-week, faith-based marriage skills building program. Visit their website at www.radicallove.org for more information.

Husbands Who Won’t Lead; Wives Who Won’t Follow “After the game, everybody patted Terry on the back and told him how wonderful he was and how much they admired him. For him, it was emotionally elevating.” He left that world to enter a world we will call home — wife, mother, children and routines. Cathy remembers, “feeling responsible for all, but emotionally detached from him.” The routines went unabated and she was left unattended. “Terry accepted little responsibility and offered inconsistent help upon request.” Cathy recalls feeling alienated, frustrated and insignificant to Terry, except in caring for their children. Cathy is married to Terry Pendleton, National League MVP (1991), Batting Champion (1991), Gold Glove recipient (1987, 89, 92), and a National League All Star who played in five

Professional Sports Wives / January 2007

World Series. Although retiring in 1998, Terry is currently the batting coach for the Atlanta Braves. Terry says that when he came home after games, he felt controlled. “Cathy always wanted to know with whom I was talking, why I was talking to him or her, what he or she wanted; where I was, where I was going and when I would be back. I was a grown man! And I certainly didn’t need this.” Unfortunately, Terry and Cathy’s story is not unique. Many belong to generations of men who have been rewarded for play and women for being responsible. Slavery and feminism have influenced women to be strong, independent and self-sufficient. Methods to control slaves included reversing the role of male and female slaves — making males

mentally weak, emotionally dependent and physically strong and females mentally strong, emotionally independent and physically weak. Today, we have men who play games, play sports and play women. They are physically strong and emotionally seductive. Women lead families, lead companies, lead communities and lead in churches. Marry these two and we have women leading and men following. Willie Lynch, a slave owner concluded one of his speeches with these words, “We have created an orbiting cycle that turns on its own axis forever, unless a phenomenon occurs and re-shifts the position of the male and female slaves.” While feminism opened up many wonderful opportunities for women, it incited harmful

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Atlanta Falcon’s Jason and Ayeshia Webster successfully received marital counseling.

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Hey Wives!

The wives and girlfriends of professional football players are believed by most to lead a glamorous and stress-free life, but Melanie Barnett (Tia Mowry) is about to discover the truth. When her boyfriend Derwin Davis (Pooch Hall) is chosen as the new third–string wide receiver for the San Diego Sabers, she decides to forego Johns Hopkins Medical School to attend a local college so she can be with him. While Derwin worries about the plays on the field, Melanie learns how to deal with egos, groupies and image consultants. Melanie quickly bonds with Tasha Mack (Wendy Raquel Robinson), a single mother who is the manager of her son, quarterback Malik Wright (Hosea Chanchez). Taking control of his career to make sure he is getting the best deals and not getting the wrong women, Tasha is adamant that they will never be in the poor house again. Although Malik is a player on and off the field, he loves and respects him mom and encourages her to get back into the dating scene (as long as it is not his coach or playmate) to find happiness for herself after looking after him for all these years. Welcoming Melanie and Derwin to the San Diego

Professional Sports Wives / January 2007

Sabers family is interracial couple Kelly (Brittany Daniel) Tasha see her flaws and empower her to explore other and Jason Pitts (Coby Bell). Kelly, who always receives aspects of her life. flack about marrying her African-American husband, is As Melanie adjusts to her new lifestyle, she gets a playthe typical supportive trophy wife. While her husband by-play account of the lives and relationships among pro is a star player, he is notorious football player wives, girlfriends and mom/managers for being who use their best “game” to help their men stay on the field and on their arms. These are not the lives of pro players and wives and girlfriends in pro football; they are the lives of characters on The CW Network’s new comedy, The Game, airing Mondays. The show is a spin-off of Girlfriends, another series on the CW network.   The hit new series is already generating rave reviews, waves of laughter and discussions about the show, which depicts and deconstructs lifestyles of the wives, women, and mothers of pro football players. The characters and situations are fictional, but they are not unlike those of some real life wives of professional athletes. The Game is a production of CBS Paramount Network Television in association with Grammnet Productions and Happy Camper a penny-pincher and demands that the family be Productions. Kelsey Grammer, Mara Brock Akil, and extremely frugal. Although Kelly works hard to maintain Steve Stark are executive producers. CBS Paramount her picture perfect image, her new friends Melanie and Network Television is a division of CBS Corp.

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COBY BELL as Jason Pitts Coby Bell portrays Jason Pitts, a frugal, African-American professional football player who is married to a Caucasian woman. Born and raised in Orange County, California, Bell grew up in a family of entertainers. His father, veteran Broadway musician Michael Bell, introduced him to the world of acting at the age of 3. Bell starred in the hit television series Third Watch for six years and has appeared in LA Doctors. His other television credits include guest starring roles on ER, Half & Half, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Parent ’Hood and Smart Guy. Bell is actively involved in Big Brothers of America, where he mentors underprivileged youth. In addition, Bell is a natural sports enthusiast and excels at surfing, basketball and tennis. He is also an accomplished musician and songwriter with his reggae band. Bell lives in Long Beach with his wife and 3-year-old twin daughters.

HOSEA CHANCHEZ as Malik Wright Hosea Chanchez portrays Malik Wright, the star quarterback of a professional football team who is a player on and off the field. Chanchez is no stranger to television, as he has guest starred in The Shield, Everwood, Close to Home, Jack & Bobby and Where Were You? In addition, his co-starring credits include N.C.I.S., Over There, The Guardian, Robbery Homicide Division, The Outhouse and For Your Love. With a background in theater, Chanchez has performed before audiences in Shop Life, The Wiz, The Long Walk Home, Royal Oats and Glory. His film credits include a leading role in the indie feature Rich Quick and supporting roles in The Outsider and My Brother. Originally from Alabama, Chanchez currently resides in Los Angeles.

Tia Mowry as Melanie Barnett Tia Mowry portrays Melanie Barnett, an intelligent young medical student, who is also the girlfriend of a new third-string receiver on a professional football team. In 1993, when she and her family took the big leap and moved to California, Mowry along with her twin sister, Tamera, landed the series Sister, Sister. The show aired for six seasons and went on to win two NAACP Image Awards and four Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards.  Recently, Mowry worked with her sister Tamera again in a Disney Channel original movie, Twitches. Also, she has finished production on the movie American Standards, opposite James Brolin. Off camera, she is the voice of Sasha, one of the stars of the animated series Bratz which follows the adventures of the fashion dolls. Mowry is a graduate of Pepperdine University where she studied Psychology. She also studied humanities and Italian in Europe for several months. She now lives in Los Angeles with her teacup Chihuahua, Chico.

BRITTANY DANIEL as Kelly Pitts Brittany Daniel portrays Kelly Pitts, a pro football player trophy wife who is extremely involved in the wives association’s activities even as she searches for her own identity. Daniel began her career starring opposite her twin sister, Cynthia, in the television series Sweet Valley High. For television, she landed guest starring roles on Dawson’s Creek and That 70’s Show, and on That 80’s Show she starred as a series regular. Upon making her film debut in The Basketball Diaries, she has added White Chicks, Joe Dirt and Club Dread to her list of feature film credits. She was most recently seen on the big screen starring in the Keenan Ivory Wayans’ feature film Little Man, opposite Kerry Washington, Marlon Wayans and Shawn Wayans. Daniel is a native of Gainesville, Florida and currently resides in Los Angeles.

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POOCH HALL as Derwin Davis Pooch Hall portrays Derwin Davis, a new and eager third-string wide receiver for the San Diego Sabers. Hall is a trained boxer who played football in high school and in college. In an effort to try something new, he participated in a stage production in college and discovered that acting was something he truly enjoyed. He began his acting career in New York, when he landed a small role in the independent feature film Lift, opposite Kerry Washington. On the small screen, Hall has starred in the miniseries Miracle’s Boys, produced and directed by Spike Lee, and the television movie Christmas At Waters Edge. Hall has been seen on the big screen in the films Blind Guy, with Jane Seymour and Steve Tobolowsky, and Urban Sprawl, with Snoop Dogg and Jason Alexander. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Hall’s hobbies include basketball and boxing. He won the Southern New England Golden Gloves in 1994.

WENDY RAQUEL ROBINSON as Tasha Mack Wendy Raquel Robinson portrays Tasha Mack, a single mother who manages the career of her star quarterback son. Whether acting, dancing, directing, writing, producing or choreographing, Wendy Raquel Robinson tenaciously strives for excellence in her career as an artist. Throughout her professional career, she has found success in television, film and theater. Robinson is best known known for her role as Regina Grier in The WB’s longest-running comedy, The Steve Harvey Show. Her other television credits include a recurring role on All Of Us, as well as series regular roles on the variety sketch show Cedric the Entertainer Presents! and Minor Adjustments. In addition, she has held recurring guest starring roles on NYPD Blue, Yes, Dear, Getting Personal, The Parkers, One on One and the hit animated show The Proud Family. She is a cum laude graduate of Howard University, where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama. She currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband and two dogs.

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In the most recent episode of The Game, Derwin proposes to Melanie during the half-time show of his football game.  Here is your chance to let us know how your sports man popped the question to you.  Log onto www.prosportswives.com and submit your story and picture.  Three stories will be selected for the next issue of the magazine.

Season 1, 2006-2007 Mondays (9:30-10:00PM, ET/PT) Premiere: October 1, 2006 Network: The CW Format: Being the wife or girlfriend of a pro-football player might sound like a glamorous and stressfree existence, but Melanie Barnett (Tia Mowry) is about to discover the truth. Melanie’s boyfriend Derwin (Pooch Hall) is the new third-string wide receiver for the San Diego Sabers. As she deals with egos, groupies and image consultants, Melanie is finding out how the game is played among the women behind the athletes on The Game. Starring: Tia Mowry as Melanie Barnett, Coby Bell as Jason Pitts, Pooch Hall as Derwin Davis, Hosea Chanchez as Malik Wright, Brittany Daniel as Kelly Pitts, and Wendy Raquel Robinson as Tasha Mack Executive Producer/Creator: Mara Brock Akil Executive Producers: Kelsey Grammer and Steve Stark Producer: Dan Dugan Production Company: CBS Paramount Network Television in association with Grammnet Productions and Happy Camper Productions. The Game is a production of CBS Paramount Network Television in association with Grammnet Productions and Happy Camper Productions. Kelsey Grammer, Mara Brock Akil, and Steve Stark are executive producers. CBS Paramount Network Television is a division of CBS Corp. January 2007 / Professional Sports Wives

Hey Wives!

Professional Sports Wives / January 2007

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Question: Where and how did you meet your husband a chance to show his NFL Association Player’s the best but

Card he realized that he was not lying and apologized. prepare for the My husband was really upset afterward but we laugh at worst”. Strong: I met William in college at North Carolina it now. Those are the things you face when you’re not Question: What advice would you give to a rookie wife State University. We knew of each other before we a starter. or new head coach’s wife when fame, money, groupies, and actually started dating, but had never had any contact other than a casual smile. Those who know my husband Question: Are you bothered by the stress that the job insecurities are a part of the fabric of their lives? know that whenever or wherever you see him he has a business of winning creates and by the job insecurities that Strong: I would advise wives to not get caught up sports couples face annually? If so, what future plans have huge smile on his face. in the hype and to not lose site of who they truly are My best friend was dating his roommate, so William you made to secure your future. -- which is a human and a wife first and a player’s or told him that he wanted to go out with me. Everyone on Strong: We were always bothered by the stress coach’s wife last. They should keep in mind that it’s not campus knew that my girlfriends and I were inseparable. that the business of winning created and by the job only what they have, but what they do with what they Therefore, when I went to his dorm room to meet him insecurities that we faced annually. Therefore, we lived have that matters. They should surround themselves for the first time I took two of my best friends with our lives as if each day were the end of William’s NFL with other wives who are both positive and wellme. He told me afterwards that he felt like he was being career. We saved more than we spent because when it grounded because when their husband’s career is over interrogated. However, I wanted to obtain their seal of was all said and done we wanted to know that we had the true qualities that they possess will be very valuable approval and to use them as an excuse to leave if I didn’t taken full advantage of the opportunity that God had to their relationships. think things were going well. Obviously, things went provided for us. Unfortunately, William was waived in well and my friends approved because we were married the third year of his career, but fortunately we lived a Question: What you are retail therapy (shopping) weakness? Is your husband the big spender on "toys for two years later and have been married for 10 years. modest lifestyle and our forward thinking paid off. boys"? Unfortunately, my best friend and William’s roommate’s Q uestion : Do you have any personal career goals and relationship only lasted about a year after college. Strong: I don’t have any retail therapy weaknesses. aspirations after your husband retires from pro sports? However, when my husband played football, he was the Question: What is the funniest thing that ever big spender on boy toys. He does not spend so much S trong : I am now pursuing the career goal that I set happened to you at or during a game; an event; public now. I think he and his friends sat around talking out to accomplish once my husband finished playing appearance; or with family, friends; etc.? professional football. That goal was to help others, about what they would get next. He started with the Strong: After a game in my husband’s rookie year he especially athletes, make smart choices with their money. ATV 4 wheeler; then the huge aquarium and the sting was walking by himself to meet me in the area where the The choices that an individual makes in the early stages of rays that he couldn’t keep alive; the fishing boat; the players met their family and friends. Since my husband his career can have a huge impact on his financial future. remote-controlled speed boat; the huge macaw bird is only 5’9” and 180 lbs. and was not a starter he did This applies to athletes who have both long and short and a special six-foot tall cage that I didn’t know about not look like an athlete to the police officer who was careers as well as individuals who are not professional until they delivered it; the BB gun that almost got him guarding the Players Only Area. The officer stopped athletes. We learned this early on when William was arrested because one of the neighbors saw him with it him and immediately proceeded to handcuff him. projected to be selected in the first or second round of and thought he was hauling a rifle around; the bow and When my husband tried to explain that he was a player the 1995 NFL draft and was not chosen until the fifth arrow when he decided that he wanted to hunt deer the officer said that he was lying and that he was trying round by the New Orleans Saints. It was then that we (that lasted two months); and not to mention every to impersonate an athlete. Once he finally gave my truly understood the meaning of the phrase “hope for Sony PlayStation® and Xbox that was ever made. husband William?

Would You Like to be Profiled in a Future Issue of Professional Sports Wives? The Professional Sports Wives Association, Inc. (PSWA) is a not-for-profit association of wives of active and retired professional athletes and coaches. This is a special benefit for wives to socialize and keep in touch with wives from other teams or other sports, and for those who are traded, released, or retired. Membership in the PSWA includes a variety of benefits in addition to a one-year subscription to Professional Sports Wives Magazine, including the PSWA Neighborhood™, a secure Web site and e-mail directory. Special members-only announcements will also be available on the PSWA Neighborhood™.

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Other benefits you will receive by joining the PSWA include: Access to the PSWA Neighborhood™ online • Optional member profile in the Pro Sports Wives Magazine or the PSWA Neighborhood™ Lunch and Learn Seminars • Pro Sports Wives Day event Honor Awards • Invitations to special events, such as the 2007 Red Carpet Super Bowl Party Charity events • Friends and Family Weekend in the Bahamas (see page 62) * Membership open to wives, fiancees, and girlfriends of athletes and sports executives only. All events require additional cost.

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For the last five years Cheryl DeLeonardis, founder of Ocean 2 Ocean Productions, has successfully created and produced one of the biggest events during Super Bowl Weekend with the Legends for Charity Luncheon, The Pat Summerall Award. Her eye for detail and remarkable love for what she does has turned the Legends luncheon into one of the cornerstone events of Super Bowl weekend.

“Cheryl always has great ideas, and this one has been an outstanding way to honor the legacy of Pat Summerall and what he has meant to the NFL.” - Greg Aiello, Vice President, Public Relations, National Football League Her story started after Pat Summerall’s life was saved two years ago with a liver transplant in Jacksonville. The football and broadcast legend agreed to let DeLeonardis, a woman in a small company, create and produce the luncheon honoring him in the same town ten months later. Summerall was so impressed with DeLeonardis’ talent that he agreed to let her name the award in his honor, thus creating a new tradition during Super Bowl weekend. In five short years, she has become highly respected throughout the event and sports industry. She has secured some of the top network sports executives to lend their name to the Legends for Charity Event. In 2006 she had her most successful year, winning two National Telly Awards. She was also nominated for a Rising Star in the Event Planning Industry by Event

Solutions Magazine, and in June 2006 she successfully nominated Lesley Visser of CBS Sports to become the First Woman enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. DeLeonardis produced her first national event five years ago in San Diego during Super Bowl XXXVII Week when she honored the late Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Hank Stram for his victory in Super Bowl IV. The next day, Stram was selected for enshrinement into the Hall of Fame in Canton. During Super Bowl XXXVIII week her honoree was Don Shula, the NFL’s all time winningest coach. Shula returned to Houston, the site of his last Super Bowl Victory, to be honored for his perfect season with the Miami Dolphins. A former Dolphin cheerleader during the NFL’s only Perfect Season, DeLeonardis knows the power that sports can bring to the community and relies on an extensive network of friends and loyalists to accomplish what would usually take an enormous firm with paid

- Dave and Jan Wannstedt, University of Pittsburgh Head Coach and Honorary Chairs of the Night of Miracles contacts. Her creative ability to produce a high-end program filled with video tributes and guest speakers is second to none. Her genuine approach has secured her some of the top on-air talent from CBS Sports, FOX Sports and ESPN to donate their time as participants at the Legends luncheon. In addition to her Super Bowl Luncheon, her Cheryl has made significant contributes to many lives throughher work for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Here she hugs a St. Jude bone marrow transplant patient with whom she became very close.

History of the The prestigious Pat Summerall award will be given annually at the Legends for Charity Luncheon during Super Bowl Weekend to a deserving recipient who through their career has demonstrated the character, integrity and leadership both on and off the job that the name Pat Summerall represents.

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“The Time and effort that Cheryl puts into her work is endless. Cheryl is a woman of character and one of those individuals that makes a difference in our world.”

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Pat Summerall Award

2005

The inaugural Legends for Charity event was held on February 4, 2005, during Super Bowl XXXIX in Jacksonville, Florida. The first honoree was the legendary “Voice of the NFL,” Pat Summerall. With Summerall’s blessing, Cheryl DeLeonardis turned the Legends for Charity luncheon into an annual event at which celebrity attendees and participants honor a sports legend with the Pat Summerall award. continued on following page

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Question: Where and how did you meet your husband a chance to show his NFL Association Player’s the best but

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“The Time and effort that Cheryl puts into her work is endless. Cheryl is a woman of character and one of those individuals that makes a difference in our world.”

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Pat Summerall Award

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Cheryl DeLeonardis, continued from previous page

ALS Association of Florida, a Cigar Night benefiting the PVAF, and in 2007 she will produce a fundraising gala fundraising events have included a celebrity softball in New York City to benefit Morgan Stanley’s Children’s game for Nova Southeastern University Department Hospital, a division of Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. of Athletics, an annual golf tournament benefiting the Prior to opening her company, DeLeonardis spent

several years in the airline industry. During that time she volunteered to create and spearhead an event in South Florida called “The Night of Miracles,” which raised more than 1 million dollars for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Summerall Legends for Charity Award at the Super Bowl. Pat’s book, Pat Summerall, On and Off the Field was Ltd. He and his wife Cheri reside in Southlake, Texas, He has also received an honorary doctorate degree. released this year and he is Founder of Summerall Sports with their black lab, Amazing Grace.

The Pat Summerall Award continued - Greg

Gumbel

2007

During Super Bowl XLI in 2007, the Summerall award will be presented to another CBS legendary Sportscaster, Greg Gumbel. Gumbel is a veteran of sports broadcasting for more than 25 years. As a professional football player, Pat Summerall was best known as the kicker for the legendary New York Giants championship teams of the late 50’s and 60’s. After his retirement from the gridiron, he became the mainstay of the CBS Sports broadcasting team for 32 years. Now he is known not only as a football legend, but also as the signature voice of sports broadcasting in America. Summerall was born George Allen Summerall in Lake City, Florida. He won the Florida State Tennis championship and twice won All-State Basketball honors before he became a football star at the University of Arkansas. Summerall received an education degree in 1952 and later earned a master’s in Russian history. The Detroit Lions drafted Summerall in 1952, but he was traded to the Chicago Cardinals before ever playing a single game for Detroit. He was a place-kicker and tight end for Chicago from 1952 through 1957. In 1958 he joined the New York Giants and played in the 1958, 1959, and 1961 NFL Championship games, scoring five points in the legendary 1958 game (23-17 loss to Baltimore), and 10 points in the 1959 game (3116 loss to Baltimore). Summerall also had a brief stint with the St. Louis Cardinals baseball organization. Summerall began his broadcasting career with CBS in 1960. In addition to football, he was the network’s signature voice for its golf coverage, including the Masters®, the U. S. Open Tennis Championships, the NBA and five Heavyweight Championship Fights. The

1994 Masters was Summerall’s final event for CBS. In addition to his TV career, Summerall was sports director of WCBS Radio in New York City from 1960 to 1971. At the same time he also served as host of the station’s four-hour, six-days-a-week morning news program and worked for the CBS Radio Network.

“Cheryl is the ultimate event planner. Her attention to detail is exceptional. We are so grateful to her for creating the Pat Summerall award, and are honored to be part of the Legends for Charity.” - Pat and Cheri Summerall In total, Summerall has worked 16 Super Bowls on network television, the first five as a game analyst and the rest as the play-by-play man. To further Summerall’s astonishing Super Bowl statistics, he also worked on 10 Super Bowl radio broadcasts. Summerall and broadcast

The Pat Summerall Award continued - James

partner John Madden worked eight Super Bowl broadcasts together — more than any other network broadcast team. For 21 years, they were the strongest sportscasting team in the history of the game. Their broadcast of Super Bowl XVI in 1982 is still the highestrated sports program of all time (49). In 1994, Pat and Madden joined the FOX network. The winner of many prestigious awards in recognition of his contribution to professional football include the Lifetime Achievement Award for Sports by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Pete Rozelle’s Radio-Television Award, and the NFL Alumni’s prestigious Order of the Leather Helmet. In 2002, he received the coveted George Halas Award, which has only been awarded three other times to the founders of the League — Pete Rozelle, George Halas and Art Rooney. Summerall has also earned Sportscaster of the Year honors from the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Quarterback Club, the Golden Mike Award from the Touchdown Club of America, 2005 Sports Legend Honoree, National High School Hall of Fame, 1989 Bert Bell Award, 1993 Joe Foss Challenge Award, Florida High School Sports Hall of Fame, Walter Camp Football Foundation Distinguished American Award and the Association of Tennis Professionals’ JAKS Award as Tennis Broadcaster of the Year. He was the first recipient of and now annually presents the Pat

Brown

2006

Greg Gumbel, recipient of the 2007 Pat Summerall Award

Greg Gumbel’s standout work in the busy world of sports broadcasting has made his face, his name and his voice as familiar as any in the industry. Considered one of the best in sports television, Greg happily returns to the NFL play-by-play arena this fall teaming up with CBS analyst Dan Dierdorf to call the action! Prior to returning to the booth, Greg successfully completed his second season as the host of CBS’ Emmy award winning show The NFL Today. He formally hosted The NFL Today on CBS from 1990 to 1993 and The NFL on NBC. Greg was also the lead play-by-play announcer for CBS Sports’ coverage of the National Football League from 1998 to 2003. In that capacity, he called the thrilling action at Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston and Super Bowl XXXI in Tampa. He is the first network broadcaster to both call play-by-play and host the Super Bowl. He hosted Super Bowl XXVI in Minneapolis, Super Bowl XXX in Tempe and Super Bowl XXXII in San Diego. When the NFL season winds down, Greg switches from one premiere sports attraction to another, hosting the Men’s NCAA Championship Tournament, the annual

The Pat Summerall Award continued - Jim

The first Summerall Award was presented to James Brown (more familiarly known as JB), host of the NFL Today on CBS, in 2006, at the sight of Super Bowl XL. Brown is one of the most widely recognized and admired sports commentators in the country.

2008

left to right: Pat Summerall, Cheryl DeLeonardis, and James Brown, recipient of the 2006 Pat Summerall Award

January 2007 Professional Sports Wives / December 2006

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Nantz

In 2008, Jim Nantz, Lead Play-by-Play Announcer of the NFL on CBS, will receive the Summerall award in Arizona at the site of Super Bowl XLII. Nantz, who also won 2005 National Sportscaster of the Year, has covered virtually every sport for the CBS Television Network since joining it in 1985.

“Cheryl single-handedly orchestrated a first class presentation that left me humbled and speechless. Her creative ability and level of professionalism in producing this tribute in my honor made my moment in the spotlight as the first recipient of The Pat Summerall Award a highlight in my career.” - James Brown - Host of the NFL Today on CBS, CBS Sports

March Madness which, in 2006, saw the University of Florida win its first national championship. In a broadcast career that began in 1973, Greg Gumbel has seen tours of duty at Chicago’s WMAQTV, ESPN, the Madison Square Garden Network, CBS Sports, NBC Sports and, now, again at CBS. His play-by-play resumé includes the NFL, the NBA and college basketball, Major League Baseball and the College World Series Championship, as well as having been the voice at various times for the NY Yankees,

the NY Knicks, the Philadelphia 76ers, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Seattle Mariners. As host, he has covered the NFL and college football, Major League Baseball, the Daytona 500, the World Figure Skating Championships, the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France and the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. Greg also served as the primetime anchor for the record-setting 1994 Olympic Winter Games from Lillehammer, Norway. A 3-time Emmy Award winner, Greg was born May 3, 1946, in New Orleans and grew up in Chicago, graduating from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, with a degree in English. When he’s not behind the microphone for CBS, Greg speaks across the country and around the world to business gatherings, organizations, conventions, chambers of commerce and colleges and universities, including commencement addresses. For 10 years, Greg served as a member of the National Board of Trustees for the March of Dimes. He has since been named an Honorary Trustee and has recently been elected to the March of Dimes National Board of Advisors.

Jim Nantz, recipient of the 2008 Pat Summerall Award

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Cheryl DeLeonardis, continued from previous page

The Pat Summerall Award continued - Greg

Gumbel

2007

The Pat Summerall Award continued - James

Brown

2006

Greg Gumbel, recipient of the 2007 Pat Summerall Award

The Pat Summerall Award continued - Jim

2008

left to right: Pat Summerall, Cheryl DeLeonardis, and James Brown, recipient of the 2006 Pat Summerall Award

January 2007 Professional Sports Wives / December 2006

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Nantz

Jim Nantz, recipient of the 2008 Pat Summerall Award

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Your Networking Game Plan by Alan Anastos and Scott Manthorne, co-founders and principals of Athletes & Executives

In sports, having the most talented players on a team doesn’t guarantee success. Those who devise the best game plans – and execute – usually win. It’s no different in business. Good strategic planning and consistent efforts yield successful results. And, a networking plan should be part of any professional’s business planning and ongoing endeavors. Networking is key to one’s success in business. That old adage…”it’s all who you know”…is so true. Just as teamwork is vital in sports, networking is vital in business. One cannot succeed by working alone. Here are some tips for developing – and executing – a successful networking game plan… Set goals and execute your plan. Routinely, at the end of each month, write down what you would like to accomplish in the upcoming month when it comes to networking. Do this with respect to those with whom you would like to meet and set your appointments

Professional Sports Wives / January 2007

accordingly. Clearly define your objectives as they relate to each person/meeting. After your meetings, promptly follow through on anything you need to do to keep moving forward in accomplishing your collective objectives. And, on a weekly basis, make it a point to network with at least one new person outside of your inner circle of business associates and friends. When connecting with others many professionals do a good job of telling their own story. Consider, however, the opportunity to help build your business and, at the same time, establish a valuable strategic alliance. Often, in order to gain prospects, the most effective approach can be to first introduce your potential clients or customers to some of your business associates and friends. By making these introductions, you are helping others build their business and increasing your visibility and value. This approach will help you gain the trust of others and provide you the opportunity

- at the appropriate time - to tell others about your product/service. You’ll also be in a position to request introductions to other professionals who may be good prospects for you. Give to get! Even when things are going great and your pipeline is full, or when you have exceeded your revenue goals, remember, you should never stop connecting. Effective networking is not something you can simply turn on when you need business. Business relationships must be nurtured over time. The biggest mistake that you can make is to become complacent in good times. The athlete or team that is number one doesn’t stay at the top without continuing to do more of that which got them there. And, it’s no different in business. You should remember how your strategy and hard work helped you attain your goals. Consistency is key to winning...in sports and in business. Make an effort to connect with someone every day!

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Your Networking Game Plan by Alan Anastos and Scott Manthorne, co-founders and principals of Athletes & Executives

Professional Sports Wives / January 2007

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Babette Perry-Pitts, a UCLA grad, juggles her time as mom, wife of NBC’s Ron Pitts, and a leading broadcasting agent at IMG, one of the premier sports, entertainment, and media companies in the world. An agency veteran, Perry-Pitts, represents several high-profile clients including Elizabeth Hasselbeck of The View, Tom Bergeron of Dancing With the Stars and America’s Funniest Home Videos, and Marysol Castro from GMA, among others.

a seven-year veteran of the NFL. As Pitts perfected the art of sideline reporting and play-by-play, Perry-Pitts was mastering the art of the perfect pitch. Her sly creativity made for easy recruiting. “I used to send blank tapes to all of the players on the Buffalo Bills and have their families record their local broadcasts to recruit new talent. I used to tell local stations that I was a student at UCLA and I was doing a research project on local stations to see video of their talent,” Perry-Pitts said. Her efforts and creativity paid off for all involved. Pitts would eventually graduate from the Friday night lights of reporting high school football to broadcasting Sunday prime time at NFL games. And Perry-Pitts quickly ascended through the industry, finally landing on the lofty perch where she sits today. The two manage marriage and family like a successful organization, with Pitts in charge of tasks such as homework and getting kids to doctors appointments, all the while never missing a single parent-teacher conference.

Professional Sports Wives / January 2007

“The advice that I would give a pro sports wife who has to make a choice of putting her career on hold for the sake of her husband’s pro career is that you have to have balance,” Perry-Pitts explained. “It is the ultimate sacrifice.  I have so much respect for a woman who stays home and raises her children. It is a much harder job than working because you are working 24 hours without a break. Marriage and family are the ultimate success story—you can not put a dollar sign on that.”

But the road to success for the conjoined couple has not been without its challenges. Through death, life is truly appreciated and the notion is especially true for Pitts and Perry-Pitts. At a relatively young age, Perry-Pitts lost her father to a heart attack, and her brother succumbed to a battle with cancer. “The biggest influence in my career had to have been my family,” Perry-Pitts said. “I come from such a loving and supportive family. My dad thought that I was a superstar. My brother Kevin was my soul and inspiration. He was there daily to build me up and make me strong.  Through his integrity, passion, and selflessness he made me humble and appreciative of how lucky I am to have all that I have.” As though the couple was destined to be connected through some kindred and cosmic experience, Pitts lost his father to cancer. The elder Pitts, a pro football player as well, was simply sunshine in shoes, according to Perry-Pitts. “My fondest memory of my father-in law Elijah was the way that he loved his family. There wasn’t a person I met who was not moved by Grampie Elijah.” So moved was Perry-Pitts that she continued the patriarch’s legacy by bestowing his name upon both her sons. Lee Elijah Pitts, 9, and Shea Elijah Pitts, 7. The two are a constant reminder of the foundation of family. A living memorial to their grandfather’s life and a walking testament to their father’s lover. “Ronnie is my rock and my mentor,” said Perry-Pitts. “Without his love and support I would not be where I am today. He is unselfish and very supportive of what I do.”

Spirits are low at the Westley School for the Performing Arts in Atlanta, Georgia when music prodigies Li’l D, Tamika, Madison, Philly Phil, Eddie and Kim and Kam realize they no l o n g e r have a music teacher.  But they get a much welcomed surprise when music superstar Sunny Bridges (Outkast’s André “3000” Benjamin) steps up to the plate.  Their lives and knowledge of music change dramatically when Sunny, who attended the school as a kid and has gone on to international superstardom, returns to Westley looking for something he lost on his way to fame.  The kids don’t realize it, but Sunny is about to teach them new forms of expressions and creativity and show them that music is everywhere.  Sunny Bridges left his hometown of Atlanta to pursue a career in music 10 years ago.  Since then, he has won a total of 27 Grammy Awards and a Nobel Peace Prize and has sold out concerts all over the world.  But despite the fame, Sunny is left feeling like something is missing.  Eventually, it just becomes too much for Sunny, and he unexpectedly steps out of the spotlight, literally, and returns to his hometown for some quiet reflection.  There, he steps into the lives of a diverse group of kids as their music teacher in an attempt to get back to his

roots and reconnect with what he loves most about music.  Naturally, Sunny is reluctant about being a music teacher at his alma mater until he sees the kids’ passion for music, something he used to see in himself.   In addition to serving as co-creator and co-executive producer, André “3000” Benjamin provides his voice to the character of Sunny Bridges.  Benjamin will also contribute an original song to every episode, each accompanied by a music video directed by some of the most respected art directors in the industry, including Alan Bodner (Iron Giant); Overton Lloyd, known for his work on album covers for Parliament; and Peter Chung (Æon Flux).      Class of 3000 is produced by Cartoon Network Studios in association with the Tom Lynch Co. and Benjamin’s production company, Moxie.  Thomas W. Lynch and André “3000” Benjamin are co-creators/ executive producers of Class of 3000.  The show’s coexecutive producer and head writer is Patric M. Verrone, a writer for Futurama, The Critic and Pinky and the Brain and a supervising producer on Futurama.  Joe Horne (The Boondocks, Teamo Supremo, The Oblongs) serves as supervising producer.

Ron and Babette’s sons, Lee Elijah Pitts, age 9, and Shea Elijah Pitts, age 7

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Ron and Babette’s sons, Lee Elijah Pitts, age 9, and Shea Elijah Pitts, age 7

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Increase Your Brand Value and Connect Easily with Fans by Angela Shipp

Whether you’re a couple or a single parent, it’s important to have a plan to protect your children in the event something happens to you. It is no secret that the sports industry continues to undergo significant changes in all segments. Technology is asserting itself throughout the industry. We see players’ performances improving, revenues rising and competition to create alternative ways for fans to be a part of the game. Athletes who make up this business are extended like never before - through training responsibilities, team and sponsor appearances, travel and family expectations. The business of sport has created a cultural evolution. The ‘progress’ of the sports and entertainment industry has created a social divide between celebrities and the ultimate consumer: the fan. Communication between celebrities and fans is at the forefront of this divide. In a poll conducted by Street and Smith’s Sports Business Journal, industry professionals say that the biggest threat to the sports industry is not drugs, scandal or inflated salaries, but the disconnect between athletes and fans. In a poll of subscribers, the greatest threat to the sports industry is the disconnect between the fans and athletes. According to Mercury Communications Group (MCG), a sports and entertainment marketing company based in New York, New York, typically 75% to 85% of all fan mail is never responded to, resulting in disappointed and disengaged fans around the country and around the world. Fan mail, a grassroots communication method, is often being squeezed out due to a lack of time on behalf of celebrities. In the world of professional sports it is often the wives and mothers who come to the rescue and try to respond to fan requests. These same professional sports wives and mothers also manage or assist with player Foundations, charities and public relations. Typically 75% to 85% of all fan mail is never answered.

Jason O’Brien, MCG co-founder and Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, believes he and his team have built a solution that will build value for players, fans and sponsors. “We have created a system that guarantees every fan who sends a letter or e-mail will get a personalized and customized response. myFRM (my Fan Relationship Management) is a proprietary software system that will read all incoming mail. If a fan is asking about an athletes’ diet, favorite book or strength training regimen, our system will automatically generate the most appropriate response and send it back to the fan. Responses can be sent electronically or through postal

Professional Sports Wives / January 2007

mail; often via a postcard. Our goal is to provide the a lot of time responding and returning fan mail. It’s a content that engages every fan while embedding good tool for players to create their own fan club and messages that build the player’s image and add value for use for their charitable, non-profit foundations.” sponsors at the same time.” Benefits of the system include: • Improved security as threatening or inappropriate Build a two way channel of communication is discovered immediately. communication with every fan. • Multiple language capabilities provide the ability MCG is currently working with athletes and teams in to communicate with fans in English, Spanish, and all of the major sports categories as well as Olympians. French, with more languages in development. “We put you in touch with your most passionate • Ability to send holiday or birthday greetings. audience and build a two way channel of communication • Ability to sell merchandise through links to Web with every fan. Our software solution enables you to sites. manage your fan mail at anytime, from anywhere in the • Ability to capture data from multiple Web sites world. MCG saves you from having to handle boxes of and consolidate data in one location. mail, stuff envelopes and manage a database of fans. We The solution adds value at various stages of a take care of the dirty work and enable you to manage your mail as closely or infrequently as time and energy players’ career. Building the fan base early will result in permits. You, your family and your management know sponsorship or endorsement deals. As players transition that this segment of your business obligations is being to retirement they are empowered with a database of fans with whom they have communicated over their managed.” career. Whether they go into politics, real estate, Capture and store a financial or insurance services, restaurant or retail, they profile of every fan. myFRM does more than enable you to monitor fan have a list of prospects with whom they have developed mail received—or update responses sent. It provides the a relationship. One example of an MCG NFL client’s Web site added benefit of capturing and storing a profile for each in action is the case of a player who wishes to create fan. The patented marketing process enables clients to a football camp in his native Nigeria, in addition to profit from communication with their audience. “Because every fan who receives a response is his current Foundation in North America. Through emotionally engaged, he or she becomes a more devoted communication and marketing of his Web site in and loyal follower, thereby increasing your brand value,” Nigeria, fans, sponsors and prospective participants will provide a foundation of contact information and adds O’Brien. The secure system provides clients with the ability other data that will get the program off the ground more to create filters and folders, customize responses, and efficiently. Engaging the domestic fan base empowers run reports on fan data through a simple interface that Foundation directors with additional tools to raise money and awareness locally through viral marketing. resembles a typical e-mail program. O’Brien says MCG’s biggest hurdle is convincing the “Our clients are profiting on many levels as a result sports market to take fan relationships to the next level. of our communication and data base opportunities. “Today’s communication is very impersonal in the Sponsorship value is increased and foundations and form of e-mail newsletters, generic messages and fan charities are empowered with accurate data. Most important, when fans receive a personalized e-mail or chat rooms. Fan Mail has not been recognized as a postal response, they tell their friends, who then visit the significant marketing opportunity to date. Instead it Web site, and a loyal fan base is increased very swiftly,” is seen as a burdensome cost center. We want to create a personable way for the players to reach their fans says O’Brien. MCG’s results are speaking for themselves as clients through an efficient and affordable system.” According to O’Brien, “technology is a tool that will are enjoying this turnkey solution. Players, their wives or mothers have more time to invest in other business. continue to evolve. By leveraging technology, our goal “My wife wishes Mercury Communications’ fan mail is assist in the lifestyles of our two key benefactors: the service was around when I was playing,” said Mike Pitts, professional athletes and family members, and the fans Professional Sports Wives Magazine. “It will save players who support them.”

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As a parent, you’re always thinking about what’s best for your children. But have you thought about what might happen if you’re no longer around? It’s not a pleasant subject, but it is important. Planning for your children’s future is even more important if you’re not around to help. Designating Guardians

what their age. Trusts can protect assets for anyone you desire and may continue even until the death of the child and beyond. One of the most important decisions is who should be the trustee. The trustee (individual or professional) will manage the assets and make distributions based on instructions you provide in the trust document. Paying estate taxes

Have an attorney Under current tax draft a will in which law, the amount subject you name one or more to estate tax and the individuals to be the legal percentage to be taxed guardian of any minor on the remaining estate child—typically until will decrease until 2010 the child reaches age 18. when the estate tax is A guardian will have to repealed. However, unless make decisions regarding current law is extended the care and upbringing by Congress, the estate of the child. The tax is due to be reinstated person(s) named should in 2011. Because of the be consulted before the uncertainty as to the will is drafted to be sure future of the estate tax, they are willing to accept individuals with assets the responsibility. Since over $1 million should the designated guardian consult an attorney, a may become unable to serve, it is also a good idea to Tax Advisor, and a Financial Professional to consider name one or two successor guardians. You may name effective estate planning strategies. a different person to be responsible for overseeing your In addition to federal estate taxes, some states impose children’s financial affairs. their own estate or inheritance tax. In addition, some Establishing a trust forms of property, such as traditional IRAs, pensions, While a child may be an adult in years, he or she deferred compensation survivorship benefits, and may not yet be mature enough to handle, invest or deferred annuity death benefits may be subject to manage property. You can establish a trust to protect the income taxes. property you intend to pass on to children, no matter Gifts or bequests to a surviving spouse are generally

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exempt from federal estate taxes under the unlimited marital deduction. In addition, the income tax due on IRA and qualified plan distributions payable to a surviving spouse can be deferred by rolling them over to a surviving spouse’s IRA. Income Protection

Parents should consider a financial protection plan that includes Life and Disability Income Insurance, which they can develop with their Financial Professional. You should determine how much capital or income is necessary to help protect children or other beneficiaries. For example, money may be needed to help maintain a home for children, pay for college or other expenses in the event of the breadwinner’s death or disability. This financial protection plan should be coordinated with a will or trust. Living Documents

All parents should have an up-to-date power of attorney, health care proxy and living will. A power of attorney basically gives another person the right to pay bills on your behalf and otherwise manage your finances according to the terms of the document, which is typically drawn up by a qualified Estate Planning Attorney. The second and third documents give you the opportunity to express your desires concerning the use of life support and other treatments to keep you alive, and permit medical decisions to be made for you if you are unable to do so. Often, married couples rely on each other to make these types of decisions. Although it is a difficult subject to face, you have options when it comes to protecting your estate and your family. The steps you take now can help prevent the wrong people from making decisions for your loved ones. GE-31559 (03/05) (03/07)

January January2007 2007// Professional Sports Wives

Increase Your Brand Value and Connect Easily with Fans by Angela Shipp

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the marketplace

As a retired professional athlete I realize how much time and energy we put into training our bodies for peak performance, and in learning skills to win and beat our opponents. But before you know it, the game that you have diligently dedicated yourself to will suddenly leave you behind. The only things that remain are your memories, your family, and the friendships you’ve made throughout your career. I have learned that the time spent with your loved ones, your family, and your teammates are what you cherish the most. So, it is important to get over grudges, make your amends, and be sure to say the things you want to say to your loved ones. Relationships with your friends and family are the only thing in the sport that can last forever.

focus, and never give up. Never lose sight of your real priorities. So keep in shape for the real game — which is your family and friends. Say all the things that you need to say to the people who love and support you, and who have been there with you through thick and thin, and from the beginning to the end. The time is now, the place is here, and the rest is up

to you to learn to be a better friend, teammate, father, husband, son, grandfather, and a man of character with morals and values. These things will be your lasting legacy when the game is over. In loving memory of our brothers in pro sports who have recently passed away, including Darrent Williams of the Denver Broncos, and my friend and former Philadelphia Eagles’ teammate, Andre Waters.

The Marketplace is a good resource to network your resources to friends and associates in our industry. To advertise, visit: www.prosportswives.com or contact us at advertising@prosportswives.com. Waters

I recently lost another good friend and former teammate, and when the news came of his passing, it felt like losing a family member — a brother. In fact, in pro sports, it doesn’t matter what team you play for or what uniform you wear — we are all brothers. I have come to realize that life is the toughest game of all!

Williams

It’s hard to say good-bye and retire from a game you have trained for all of your life; but in the game of life it is worse to say goodbye to marriages, loved ones, and people who have affected your life. I’ve learned the key is to enjoy the game, enjoy your family — especially your children, train hard, keep your

Professional Sports Wives / January 2007

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the marketplace

Williams

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n America it is becoming rare to see someone with a truly flat stomach. The over-indulgence in junk food, low-fiber foods, sweets, soft drinks, beer, alcoholic beverages, and just plain overeating has led to an epidemic of bloated bellies across our great nation. It is no real mystery as to what makes us fat, especially around the midsection. The basic problem is a combination of poor diet and lack of exercise. by Jay Robb, CEO, Jay Robb Enterprises Inc.

Below are three secrets to getting your belly as flat lifestyle by doing your best to go to bed at the same as a whole grain pancake. The secrets are simple but time each night, get up at the same time each day, and effective. eat your meals at the same time each day. When you regulate your life, your bowel movements will also be CLEANSE YOUR COLON Many Americans may be walking around with up regular. With regular elimination, your stomach can to 10 or more pounds of putrefying food and waste become flat from within. matter in their small and large intestines. This mass EXERCISE PROPERLY of slow-moving food and waste matter can cause your For some reason, Americans believe that the secret stomach and abdomen to make you look like you are to achieving a flat stomach is to do hundreds of sit-ups pregnant. It is uncomfortable, unsightly, and all the situps in the world won’t make it go away! Exercise can and abdominal exercises each day. This may have been tone the muscles of the abdominal region, but to get perpetuated by all the TV infomercials that try to make a flat tummy, you must flush out the toxins and build you believe the key to a beautiful set of abs is to buy up the friendly bacteria, lactobacteria, in your colon. their machine and use it daily. But nothing could be Lactobacteria can be destroyed by consuming junk food, further from the truth. sweets and antibiotics. If you are currently constipated, Your abdominals are no different than any other a simple enema can get your bowels moving right away. muscle in your body. To build up your arms, you don’t I also suggest eating wholesome foods that are naturally do thousands of repetitions of curls each day. Instead, high in fiber to help keep food matter moving through you merely exercise them by doing curls or triceps your intestines in a timely manner. And to get your colon back in shape, I suggest the daily use of my special exercises for 4-10 sets of 10-15 reps once or twice a colon drink. You may consume this drink with meals, week. Your abs will respond best to a similar training or you can add the sweet dairy whey and psyllium seed program. Performing basic crunches 2 to 3 days a week for 2 sets of 25-50 repetitions is usually enough to get husks to your protein drinks. your stomach in great shape. Crunches are performed Jay Robb’s Colon by lying on the floor face up with your knees bent and Rejuvenation Drink your feet flat on the floor. Place your hands behind your 10 oz pure water head, and crunch forward as if you are trying to touch 2 tbs sweet dairy whey your elbows to your knees. Come up as far as you can 2 tbs psyllium seed husks powder Stir and drink within 30 seconds. This drink may without your lower back leaving the floor, hold for a few seconds, then return to the starting position. be consumed 1 - 3 times daily, as needed. The above three secrets should help you get started GO-GO-GO on achieving the flat stomach of your dreams. Once you have gotten your intestines clean and your lactobacteria count higher, to keep your stomach flat, it will be critical to keep your colon rollin’! Don’t delay when you feel the urge to have a bowel movement. Americans have a tendency to hold it until it is the most convenient time for them to have a bowel movement. For some this means they will not go all day until they can get to the safety of their own home Others will hold it while they are on vacation or away from home. Your body is designed to operate on an internal biological clock that dictates when to eat, sleep, and eliminate. To be regular you follow a routine in your

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digest each meal. Tossing more food, as a snack, on top of the previous meal is an insult to your digestive system. Are there exceptions to my rule? Yes! Your husband, the athlete, requires additional calories to offset training and the physical demands on his body. He may need to eat 4 -6 meals a day. Also, those who perform physical labor jobs may need to eat more than three meals a day to meet their daily caloric needs. I usually eat a meal which requires at least four hours to digest and for my blood sugar levels to return to baseline. I then allow an extra hour to elapse before eating my next meal because during that final hour my body is burning fat, even on higher carb days. If I eat too frequently, it can cause me gas and bloating because I am forcing food through my system without letting it completely digest. If sugars (except for lactose) or protein reach my colon undigested, gas and putrefaction can be the result. If too much undigested carbohydrate reaches my colon it will cause gas, bloating and then eventually diarrhea. If you are ever plagued with gas, bloating, or diarrhea then you may be eating too frequently. How often should you eat?

Listen to your body and let it tell you when it truly needs more fuel. There is nothing wrong with being hungry prior to a meal by waiting an extra hour after the first sign of hunger. My rules only apply for those choosing to eat natural foods as suggested in my Fat Burning Diet book. If you are eating refined carbohydrates, junk food, fast food, sweets, sodas, and candy, then your blood sugar levels will be unstable. This will falsely signal your body to eat every 2-3 hours. When you eat natural foods combined in a balanced way QUESTION: Should I eat 3, 4, 5, or 6 meals a day to at each meal, food will no longer become an obsession; lose weight and stay lean? you will be eating to live instead of living to eat. ANSWER: I am often asked this question during my seminars. In my famous Fat Burning Diet book I Jay Robb, CEO of Jay Robb Enterprises, Inc., is the strongly suggest eating only three meals a day, especially author of the popular Fruit Flush™ 3 Day Detox and the for those who are wanting to lose weight. The reason I Fat Burning Diet. He is a Certified Clinical Nutritionist suggest eating only three main meals is simple; if you and a Certified Fitness Trainer with over 20 years of want to lose weight, why eat additional calories by experience as a professional in his field. His company snacking between meals? I also suggest eating only three produces cutting-edge nutritional supplements which are times a day because that can allow your body to fully sold worldwide. www.JayRobb.com

Our First Anniversary Issue

January 2007 / Professional Sports Wives

Professional Sports Wives / January 2007

Our First Anniversary Issue

www.prosportswives.com

Our First Anniversary Issue

January 2007 / Professional Sports Wives

Professional Sports Wives / January 2007

Our First Anniversary Issue

www.prosportswives.com

Our First Anniversary Issue

January 2007 / Professional Sports Wives

Professional Sports Wives / January 2007

Our First Anniversary Issue

www.prosportswives.com

Our First Anniversary Issue

January 2007 / Professional Sports Wives

Professional Sports Wives / January 2007

Our First Anniversary Issue