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5/23/2008 02:40:00 PM

Athlete-Reality Show Matchups We'd Like to See

Derek Jeter
Derek Jeter would probably bring a nice ratings boost to 'The Bachelor.'
Scott Gries /Getty Images
By Lang Whitaker, SI.com

Dancing With The Stars has drawn a good bit of attention from the sports world by consistently casting an athlete among its hoofers. For whatever reason, most of them (from Jason Taylor to Emmitt Smith) have performed well enough to advance deep into the show, and steal headlines and column inches from sports sections around the country. It's an idea worth considering for other reality show producers in need of a rating bump. Here's some athlete/reality show matchups I'd like to see:

1. Survivor: Every season on Survivor, one muscle-bound contestant ends up doing the work for his/her entire tribe, while he privately gripes about it to a confessional camera. I'd love to see a super-conditioned athlete cast away out there, able to chop down trees with a single swing of the machete. Mark McGwire, what are you up to these days?

2. The Bachelor: Former Giants QB Jesse Palmer already had a turn as The Bachelor, but what about using an active player, one drawing a multi-multi-million dollar contract? Think they wouldn't be able to get a few attractive women to sign up if The Bachelor was Derek Jeter?

3. American Idol: Enough athletes have attempted to cross over into the entertainment world by releasing albums, from Shaq to Deion Sanders to Allen Iverson. But instead of letting America respond by not buying their albums, wouldn't it be more exciting if we allowed Simon Cowell to respond for the collective? And who needs David Cook? Noted guitarist Barry Zito might have some free time on his hands any day now.

4. Last Comic Standing: Many athletes are known for having a quick wit before the media, but let's see how they fare in front of a rowdy, drunken crowd expecting to be entertained. (Actually, that sounds like a group of sportswriters.) Gilbert Arenas, this is your turn.

5. The Biggest Loser: Athletes report to camp overweight all the time. Instead of burning off the pounds on a treadmill in some anonymous weight room, let's put them on national TV and see who can resist the urge to snack. Andruw Jones, come on down!

Which athletes would you like to see appear on specific reality show? Let us know below...

Lang Whitaker is the executive editor of SLAM magazine and writes daily at SLAMonline.com
posted by SI.com | View comments |

Comments:

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Posted: May 23, 2008 4:29 PM   by Anonymous Adam
Bronson Arroyo would clearly win American Idol!!
Posted: May 25, 2008 10:37 PM   by Anonymous Sommers
wouldnt JaMarcus Russell be a more fitting contestant for the Biggest Loser? After those 300 lb rumors he needs to lose weight
Posted: May 26, 2008 12:28 PM   by Blogger James
I would like to see former Giant's players Jeff Kent and Barry Bonds together on the show Big Brother.

And don't forget about Roger Clemens! Let's put him and McNamee on The People's Court.

I would also like to see Prince Fielder and his dad Cecil team up on the Biggest Loser.
Posted: May 26, 2008 7:02 PM   by Anonymous Anonymous
from da boi vince

Pacman Jones on CSI:Miami
Posted: May 26, 2008 8:36 PM   by Anonymous Anonymous
Pacman Jones on "Are you Smarter Than a 5th Grader?"
Posted: May 26, 2008 8:42 PM   by Anonymous Anonymous
Let's try that list again...(and yes, I realize that I am expanding the list to "sports figures")

Pacman Jones on "Are you Smarter Than a 5th Grader?"

Bill Belichick on "The Mole"

John Daly on "The Bachelor" and "Celebrity Rehab"

George Steinbrenner on "The Apprentice"
Posted: May 27, 2008 12:19 AM   by Anonymous Dick Peligro
I wish there was a televised spelling bee. I'd like to see "Andruw" Jones, "Chone" Figgins, and "Jhonny" Perlata try to compete in that venue!
Posted: May 27, 2008 2:42 PM   by Blogger Jason
Biggest loser would be the best one as you have so many fat and out of shape guys in professional sports.
David Ortiz and John Daly are the first two that come to mind.
Posted: June 3, 2008 7:44 PM   by Anonymous Anonymous
John Daly on the Big Break
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