The Elmira Express

Filming has begun on The Express, a movie about the life of Ernie Davis, the first black Heisman Trophy winner and the first overall pick in the 1961 NFL Draft who never played professionally after being diagnosed with leukemia and dying two years later at the age of 23.

The film, which features Rob Brown as Davis, Dennis Quaid as Syracuse football coach Ben Schwarzwalder, Charles S. Dutton as Davis' father and Aunjanue Ellis as Davis' mother, is being filmed in and around Chicago by Universal Pictures.

Football scenes are being shot at Jorndt Field at Amundsen High in Chicago as well as Northwestern's Ryan Field. They will also film on the Syracuse campus, where Davis, nicknamed "The Elmira Express," led the Orangeman to a national championship in 1960. The movie, which is being directed by Gary Felder (Runaway Jury), is scheduled to be released in 2009.

L.A. Stars

Los Angeles native Baron Davis has been using his hometown roots to recruit celebrities such as Snoop Dogg, Jessica Alba, Woody Harrelson, Michael Rapaport, Fred Couples, Carlos Santana, Penny Marshall, Kate Hudson and Owen Wilson to watch the Warriors' surprising playoff run up-close and personal. When his season finally comes to an end, David along with fellow NBA players Paul Pierce and Gilbert Arenas, who all grew up around L.A., will use their contacts to draw the same kind of crowd for their L.A. Stars Charity All-Star Basketball Game, which will take place Aug. 5 at USC's Galen Center.

The second annual event will include other festivities and parties to raise funds for the L.A. Stars Charity Foundation which benefits at-risk youth in local Los Angeles community. Some of the athletes and celebrities tentatively scheduled to participate include Lamar Odom, Jerry Stackhouse, Jason Richardson, Antoine Walker, Shawn Marion, Usher, Jessica Alba, Hillary Duff, Nick Cannon and Reggie Bush.

Quick Hits

Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk celebrated his 39th birthday at Jet Nightclub at the Mirage on Monday night where he was presented with a three-tiered caked featuring highlight photos of his career including his early days as a young boarder. ... Apparently the Kentucky Derby has helped create an unusual clique as Kid Rock, Peyton Manning, Dennis Hopper, Travis Tritt and George Strait travel to the Derby every year. "It's kind of a little clique of us that you see every year," Kid Rock told the New York Post. "You have to understand the levels of whiskey involved. One time I ended up in a freestyle battle against Meat Loaf." ... After the Nets beat the Raptors on Friday, James Gandolfini stopped by the New Jersey's locker room ton congratulate the players. ... Pat Riley shelled out $13.5 million for a South Beach penthouse at the Apogee, according to the Miami Herald. The palatial estate features 20-foot ceilings and a private rooftop. Riles says it will take two years to complete and he'll continue living in Gables by the Sea.