Too Ugly for the Beautiful Game?

Soccer has changed since we played it as kids, if you've played it all. It's not just kicking a ball and running up and down: There's a lot of skill and strategy necessary. And Ronaldinho, arguably the best player in the world, exemplifies that skill and competitiveness and he has fun doing it. He does stuff in the middle of games that you would do just playing around, like juggling and doing dribbling tricks. That's why Ronaldinho, who plays for Brazil in international play and for Barcelona in league play, is one of the highest paid soccer players in the world.

But early in his career he was dissed because of the way he looked and was told he was too ugly to sell jerseys. Since then, he's made over $29.7 million through contracts and endorsements. Some analysts put his worth over $90 million. He has Brazilian endorsements with Bubbaloo Bubblegum, Spanish endorsements with Santander Central Hispano and worldwide endorsements with Nike, Pepsi and Sony. And his jerseys? Well, both his Brazilian and Barcelona jerseys are the No. 1 selling soccer jerseys in the world next to English superstar David Beckham. How do you like them apples?

Michael Jordan Gets a Piece of the Bobcats

Last week Michael Jordan finally got a piece of an NBA basketball team. Jordan bought a bit of the Charlotte Bobcats, becoming the second-largest investor behind owner Bob Johnson. Jordan was named the managing member of basketball operations and is already working up options for the NBA draft alongside general manager Bernie Bickerstaff.

"Michael has made several attempts to own his own team, and the NBA has been very active in trying to help Michael acquire a team," Johnson told the Associated Press. "When that didn't happen and time passed on, I think Michael saw this as a way to be connected with basketball, do other business pursuits and do something with a friend of his in Carolina where he was born and played ball."

We hope that Jordan doesn't get the ballin' itch again, like he did when he was with the Washington Wizards. We're sure he knows better by now though. Sounds like he's staying in the front office.

"I'm excited to join Bob, and invest alongside one of the most astute businessmen I know," Jordan said in a statement. "I am also looking forward to providing my advice, where needed, to Bobcats management in order to put the best possible team on the court."

Lebron James Gets Animated

It's the off-season and Lebron James is keeping busy. Last week, the basketball phenom announced that he's once again teaming up with PowerAde and DC Comics to produce "King James" a series of online comics and mini-movies. In the stories he has super powers and saves the day like any other ol' superhero.

"I've always been a big fan of cartoons and comics, so seeing the 'King James' character battling fictional foes in an animated series is very cool," James said in a statement. "After reviewing the artwork and recording the voiceovers, it was awesome to see the story come to life."

James is also launching the web-based PowerAde Athletic Club where fans can join for free and have a chance to win a bunch of prizes; that is, if they collect the caps off of their PowerAde drink. For more info, visit the official site.

Vince Young Down With Dell's Youth Program

Titans rookie quarterback Vince Young is making good with the folks in Tennessee. He's connected with Dell computers to support its TechKnow program in schools around Nashville. In the 40-hour program, Dell provides students used computer parts so that they can build their own computers. In the process, they learn about computer technology and get to keep the computer they put together.

"I'm a big fan of helping out in the community," Young told the Tennessean. "Getting kids prepared ... I think that's a good thing." Young will visit seven schools participating in the TechKnow program this fall and speak to the students about the importance technology and education.

Jay-Z Makes Good on Nets Bet

Awhile back, we told you about a bet between Jay-Z, who owns a piece of the New Jersey Nets, and Bob Johnson, who owns the Charlotte Bobcats. The bet was that the owner of the team which reached 80 points last in a Nets-Bobcats game would have to fork over some cash for a charity or non-profit organization. Well, Jay-Z lost. So, in a creative way to give away the money, he called on the New York City and New Jersey public schools' students to write essays on why their school deserves the money.

Over 700 essays came in, but Jigga man chose only six to donate $5,000 each. The total of $30,000 went to three schools in New Jersey and three in New York.

"It was great to see the students' school spirit in their essays," Jay-Z said in a statement. "They showed they want a well-rounded education in a comfortable environment. I hope that these donations help them to achieve their goals."

Do it again Hov, we know your money is long!

Get a Shaqbear Beanie Baby

Shaquille O'Neal fans rejoice! Your dream of Shaq becoming a beanie baby has come true. Last week, Ty, makers of the once wildly popular beanie babies, introduced its Shaqbear, a little stuffed beanie baby bear sporting a jersey with Shaq’s Dunkman logo.

"I'am honored to be the first athlete for whom Ty created a Beanie Baby," Shaq said in a statement. "Beanie Babies have been providing companionship and strong values to children around the world for a long time. Those things are important to me, and partnering with Ty to continue to spread those messages really means a lot."

You can get your Shaqbear for a mere $6.00 at any Ty retail store or online at Shaq's Ty page.