I get what Dolphins owner Steve Ross is doing. Pandering. That's what he's supposed to do. With Barack Obama in the White House and rich guys everywhere quaking in their boots over higher taxes and health care, pandering is like a new hobby for a lot of the gazillion-dollar-a-year set.
But what Ross is ignoring is the Albanians. Jim Belushi, listen up. (Does Mother Teresa have offspring? Guess not.) There are six guys in Allapattah who speak Shqip (the Albanian word for their language), and they want in. Imagine them singing not "The Star-Spangled Banner," like Ole Marc Anthony is gonna do on Hispanic Heritage Day, but maybe the Greek national anthem, just to mix things up.
And while we're at it, Mr. Ross, consider the idea of bringing in celebs whom football fans really like. Maybe Simon Cowell. Or Lil Wayne. Perhaps Borat. Riptide readers, got someone you want to nominate?
Miami, FL - Tuesday, July 21, 2009: Stephen M. Ross, Owner and Managing General Partner of the Miami Dolphins, announced today that Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter Marc Anthony is joining the organization as a limited partner of the National Football League franchise.
"Marc approached us about joining the team as he expressed his excitement and enthusiasm about the direction of our franchise," said Ross. "We were very receptive to having Marc involved with the organization and quickly put something together to maximize the expertise of this dynamic businessman and performer."
Marc Anthony has sold over 10 million albums worldwide and has been awarded over 12 Latin and Standard gold and platinum certifications by the RIAA. He holds the record of winning the prestigious "Premio Lo Nuestro" award 18 times in the span of his career. The biggest selling salsa singer of all time, Marc Anthony is also a great theater and film actor and a producer as well.
"Marc is one of the most celebrated international entertainment stars who continues to have a massive appeal across all cultures worldwide," added Ross. "The association between the Miami Dolphins and such an iconic performer will reinforce and strengthen the connection between the game day atmosphere at Land Shark Stadium and fans of the music and passion that Marc represents. It is important that we continue to add fun, unique and diverse elements to enhance our game day experience and adding a person and entertainer of Marc Anthony's caliber is a boon for the organization and entire South Florida community."
"It is truly an honor to become part of the Miami Dolphins," said Marc Anthony. "I have been a sports fan all my life and I respect, share and believe in Steve's vision. This is a really exciting time and I look forward to starting work right away and embracing the Miami Dolphins family as my own."
Both Anthony and Ross shared the stage with NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell and ESPN President, George Bodenheimer on Tuesday in New York to also announce that the National Football League and ESPN will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15) with a series of special events surrounding the New York Jets at Miami Dolphins Monday Night Football game on Monday, October 12 (8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN and ESPN Deportes). The game is the signature event of the NFL's "Fútbol Americano" initiative celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, and a major component of ESPN's month-long campaign and programming efforts on ESPN Deportes recognizing the accomplishments of Hispanics.
The moves comes on the heels of several exciting business announcements, including Emilio and Gloria Estefan joining the team as limited partners, the renaming of Dolphin Stadium to Land Shark Stadium through a partnership with Jimmy Buffett and an innovative partnership with Kangaroo Media to provide hand held wireless units to premium seat holders.
