Melo Votes 'Rows Over Shows

Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony has a million dollar smile and he's been cashing in. From his deal with Nike Brand Jordan, to posing for Milk ads Melo has been tapped for numerous publicity and marketing gigs. But when award-winning director Penny Marshall ('Preacher's Wife,' 'A League of Their Own') came calling with a movie offer he had to turn her down.

According to a story in the new issue of Esquire, Marshall wanted to cast Melo as the lead in a movie she is producing, but... he would be required to cut off his cornrows. When this requirement is passed to Melo in a meeting with his advisors, he responds by saying, "Penny, you out yo' damn mind!"

Hey Melo, your hair will grow back. That paycheck won't.

Packers Running Back Gado Does MySpace

For the past year or so, up-and-coming musicians have taken advantage of the networking aspect of MySpace.com. Artists preview new music, promote upcoming shows and even sell CDs, but what can an athlete get out of it?

Well, Green Bay Packer rookie running back Samkon Gado is trying to find out. The newly anointed starting running back setup his MySpace page last summer so more of his fans can get to know him a little bit better.

Interesting tidbits about Sam: He lists Jesus Christ as his hero, would like to meet the Apostle Paul, names Philippians as one of his favorite books of the Bible and listens to hardcore Christian hip-hop crew Cross Movement.

Brother Sam only has 18 friends listed on his page, so head on over and ask him to be your friend.

Jerry Rice Wants to Dance!

After singing on to participate in the Pros vs. Joes reality/game show next year, legendary ex-NFL wide receiver Jerry Rice is going to keep doing the reality show thing. He's signed up for the second installment of the cheesy, but very successful 'Dancing With the Stars,' beginning in January.

The first season featured boxer Evander Holyfield, Rachel Hunter and former New Kid on the Block, Joey McIntyre. Rice will be competing with Robert Wagner, soap star Lisa Rinna and Drew Lachey.

Maybe the Denver Broncos should have kept Rice on the roster so he wouldn't have to do stuff like this.

Iverson Already Planning for All-Star Weekend

The NBA's All-Star Weekend is almost three months away and Allen Iverson is already getting set to party. Iverson announced that he will be throwing a three-night party Feb. 17-19 at the Park Plaza Hotel in Houston.

On the first night Club AI will feature Trina and video director Benny Boom holding it down for their "Southern Invasion" party. On night two, Roc-A-Fella alum Freeway will be in the house, along with video vixen Buffie the Body hosting the "Jeans and Stilettos" soiree while on the final night Buffie will return with AI to host the "MVP Sunday" party to celebrate Iverson's 10 years with Reebok. For more information and a chance to audition to be a Club AI model, visit ClubAI.com.

Gary Payton Sells Bentley on eBay

Apparently Gary Payton was having a tough time trying to sell a car on his own, so he has his boy throw it up on eBay. An online auction for Gary Payton's 1999 Bentley Azure ended Nov. 25 with the winning bid topping out at $115,100.

"I got it in like 2000. It's been sitting there for a long while and I decided I didn't want it anymore. I put a lot of stuff into it, a lot of music, a lot of rims, I changed the color of it and everything. It's one of the cars you build up, and all of a sudden it gets old for you,'' Payton told the Miami Herald. "When somebody sees it's an NBA player's car, they want to buy it because they know it's a good car and in mint condition and stuff like that.''

Take a look to see what the winning bidder bought here.

About the Author:

Quibian Salazar-Moreno is a freelance writer living in Denver and a regular contributor to AOL Black Voices. You can e-mail him or visit his Web site to talk sports, entertainment and everything in between.