Mike Tyson Desperate for Loot

Mike Tyson used to make around $35 million a fight. Now he’s probably making $35 bucks an hour with his new Las Vegas gig. Mike Tyson Training Camp launched last week in Vegas’ Aladdin Hotel where the former Iron Mike gets in a makeshift ring in the casino and throws punches into the mitts of his trainer. What is he training for? Well, he does have an exhibition fight on Oct. 13 and some fight in China on Dec. 30, but it's apparent he isn't taking this boxing thing seriously anymore.

"I truly hate fighting," Tyson told the Associated Press. "I've got a bad taste in my mouth. [But] I'm looking to make a buck like anyone else.”

He’s 40 now and used to have a $300 million empire. Now he’s struggling to pay creditors so he can live the rest of his comfortably. But still, a Tyson fight was one of the greatest things to watch back in the day, but alas, it’s over.

"I had a great life. I had 20 lives. No way should they be sympathetic to me," Tyson said. "Unfortunately I'm not a wealthy person."

Williams Sisters Tour to Assist Katrina Relief

Last week, in the midst of competing in the U.S. Open, Venus and Serena Williams announced the plans for their third annual McDonald’s Williams Sisters Tour will benefit Hurricane Katrina Relief efforts as well as the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

This year the tour will stop in Denver on November 30, New Orleans on December 5 and Charlotte on December 7. The tour features an exhibition match between the sisters as well as celebrity musical performances.

"We are pleased to visit markets that otherwise would not have an opportunity to see live professional women's tennis and to help support local community initiatives in the cities that we visit," Venus Williams said in a statement. "It's especially rewarding to work with McDonald's to raise money for worthwhile charitable causes throughout the country."

"After witnessing the destruction of Hurricane Katrina this time last year, Venus and I knew that we had to do something to help," Serena Williams added. "Our hope is that we can help financially and also keep the communities that were affected top of mind."

Last week, Venus pulled out of the U.S. Open because of an injury to her wrist. That’s okay though, because it looks like Serena is getting her swagger back.

Kobe Talks About His NBA 07 Cover

Last week we talked about Sony’s announcement of Kobe Bryant being the cover boy for NBA 07. He recently talked with IGN.com about being selected as the cover guy and about his character in the game, which he says you probably couldn’t handle.

"The only way to shut me down is to control the Lakers and bench me," Bryant told IGN.com. “But being on the cover of a game, it's like the new Wheaties, it's that important to an athlete…it's the hot thing to do."

Bryant also took the time to play the game with some kids at the Watts/Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club in Los Angeles, hoping to bring awareness and donations to the organization. It’s been several months since we hated on Kobe Bean, doing all this stuff for the kids, it has to be record now.

John Salley, Celebs Launch ABA Team

Just as A.I.’s momma becomes an owner of an ABA team, a bunch of celebs follow suit. Last week, a group of celebs that include John Salley, AJ Discala, CEO of Brax Capital Group, Nick Lachey, Geoff Stults ("7th Heaven"), Stacy Keibler ("Dancing With the Stars"), former MLB All-Star Brady Anderson, NFL quarterback Kyle Boller of the Baltimore Ravens and NASCAR's Brian Vickers launched the Hollywood Fame, a new ABA team set to debut in the league in November.

"We're excited about 'The Hollywood Fame' bringing highly skilled basketball players to the fans of Los Angeles," Discala said in a statement. "We are creating a unique family entertainment option at affordable prices."

The team held tryouts last week and will continue to hold tryouts through September for players as well as cheerleaders. It seems like they’re already short on cash as they’re charging $100 to anyone who wants to tryout. We at least better a get a jersey or something for paying out and getting cut.

Etan Thomas Visits the Grandmother Land

Last weekend Washington Wizards center Etan Thomas headed to the Caribbean island of Grenada to promote sport for development and projects at helping at-risk children. On September 10, 2004, Hurricane Ivan devastated much of the island’s infrastructure and Thomas donated funds to UNICEF to help build some of it back up. Plus poverty runs rampant on the island.

"Young people in Grenada and the rest of the Caribbean face many challenges, like violence, poverty, drugs, and AIDS", Thomas said in a statement. "I have a special connection to Grenada because that is where my grandmother is from, so it is important to me to come back and help in anyway I can. If I can offer advice, share my experiences and lend support to efforts that make a difference in kids' lives, I am more than happy to do so."

Thomas met with the island's Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Mitchell and also with the Minister of Youth, Emmalin Pierre. Thomas also opened the Basketball Fiesta in the St. Patrick’s Basketball league.