An idea that was clearly created in the marketing rooms (”Hey, they like brackets, they like athletes, let’s make something with both those for the summer!”), in an effort to artificially manufacture news, ESPN’s running a tournament to determine “Who’s Now”. What’s the criteria or the logic behind it? Who knows! But they’ve got fancy graphics and legitimate commentators like Mike Wilbon completely selling out and taking it seriously, so that’s gotta count for something.

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MICHAEL JORDAN BRACKET
July 1: (1) Tiger Woods vs (8) Matt Leinart
While Woods has recently been accused of using performance enhancing drugs, Leinart has dehanced his performance by sleeping with Paris Hilton, yet he’s still a rising star. Leinart with the upset.

July 2: (4) Dwyane Wade vs (5) Shaun White

One has boned Lindsay Lohan, the other likes to hang out with fat guys like Charles Barkley and Shaq. Also, Shaun White’s nickname is the Flying Tomato. Wade’s is “*Whistle* Shooting two.” The Tomater advances.

July 3: (2) LaDainian Tomlinson vs (7) David Beckham

THIS IS THE REAL FOOTBALL VERSUS FUTBOL. Beckham’s pretty cool, but he also probably has sex with Tom Cruise. The worst Tomlinson has done is steal someone else’s nickname and complain about the Patriots, which makes him no different from you or I. Going with LDT.

July 4: (3) Steve Nash vs (6) Serena Williams

If this were a pie-eating contest or a bench press contest, you’d have to take Serena. But her Barbaro-like build will not stop the Great White Hope from advancing on the 4th of July…even though he’s not American, I think Canada Day’s around the same time.

MUHAMMAD ALI BRACKET
July 5: (1) Peyton Manning vs (8) Amanda Beard

Manning needs a beard to hide his relationship with Kenny Chesney, Amanda is a Beard. Also, she looks kind of old and like she’s made of crown molding and that Playboy shoot was an artistic jerk-off. Go with the Doofus.

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July 6: (4) Dale Earnhardt Jr vs (5) Chuck Liddell

You got knocked the fuck out, Liddell. That said, you’re the only UFC guy here, so I’m casting a vote for you over the redneck, but it’s really for the phenomenally and delightfully insane Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.

July 7: (2) Alex Rodriguez vs (7) Terrell Owens

Who cares. A-Rod’s playing well, relishing in the Yankee mediocrity. T.O. can’t catch now, for whatever reason. They’re both ruining my favorite teams, but at least one is playing well, so go with the one that has the lip gloss of a Bratz doll.

July 8: (3) Kobe Bryant vs (6) Ronaldinho

I know of your Ronaldinho. But I don’t care. Rapey McSurly advances.

BILLIE JEAN KING BRACKET
July 9: (1) LeBron James vs (8) Kelly Slater

I like John from Cincinnati. That said, a surfer will not beat the overhype machine, King James. We are all witnesses to many years of Finals sweeps.

July 10: (4) Jeff Gordon vs (5) Barry Bonds

Jeff Gordon goes vroom. Barry Bonds has other men rub creams on him to make his muscles grow. And his mistress has Shrek’s hands.

July 11: (2) Derek Jeter vs (7) Sidney Crosby

Sidney Crosby plays lacrosse I think, but Derek Jeter, what have you done for me lately? You’re noticeably quiet now that times aren’t so good. Crosby, take your crew team and advance to the next round.

July 12: (3) Reggie Bush vs (6) Danica Patrick

A woman driver? Bah.

BABE RUTH BRACKET
July 13: (1) Tom Brady vs (8) David Ortiz

Ha in your face Boston. One of your idols is going down in the first round of this entirely meaningless tournament. Going with the Dreamboat over King Kong because, let’s be honest, which one do you want to see receive the nude photo shoot that the winner of this tournament gets? (I think that’s the point of this, right?)

July 14: (4) Maria Sharapova vs (5) Vince Young

One can’t read, the other has a sweet ass. That may be too vague. I never liked that Madden commercial where Vince Young said he was doubted all his life. He went #3. Because he was functionally retarded. And he was the favorite to be Rookie of the Year for some. Meanwhile, Sharapova gives a mean BJ, trust me.

July 15: (2) Roger Federer vs (7) Tony Parker

Boring. Also why does Tony Parker make this but Tim Duncan doesn’t? I mean, like, ESPN covers sports right? I’m not saying I like Tim Duncan and yes, Tony Parker’s dating a hot celebrity woman, but like…Tim Duncan’s one of the top 10 players of all time. Because of that, I’ll go with that tennis guy I don’t know too well.

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July 16: (3) Shaquille O’Neal vs (6) Michael Phelps

Shaq helps fat kids on a TV show. Why has no one seen the fault in this? Does his regimen involve “Sit around and eat ho-hos”? Or does he have them do really rigorous things while he drinks blended lard mixed with ice cream (a sweet beverage he calls his Muscle Moo Juice)? Either way, going with the Round Mound of Self-Promotion.

So there we have it…all the picks you should be making for this most inconsequential tournament. Let the completely unimportant games begin with a ceremonial lighting of Stuart Scott’s left eye! And, of course, your predictions always welcome in the comments (HINT HINT COMMENT)

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