I never get to gloat about meeting or hanging out with sports stars, but I finally get my chance.

I was out on business this week in Memphis and had dinner with some business associates at Benihana's Tuesday night. We had a party of 4 and it was crowded. The tables seat 8 so we were seated. Another party of 4 was sat with us. Low and behold it was Shane Battier and Mike Miller, with their girlfriends.

Very nice guys, even though they had just gotten swept in the playoffs. I had my UNC shirt on, so I had to apologize to Battier. They made us do some sake bombs with them. If youve never had one, you take your beer and pour a bit in a glass--drop a cup of sake in and pound it back! Talk about messing you up!

They left before we did but gave me autograohs before leaving. We went to Ruth Chris steakhouse for afterdinner drinks and cigars, and they show up there as well at the bar area with us. So they came in and said hello again and we gave them some cigars to enjoy.

They would have to be some of the coolest sports stars Ive met, so they set a good example. Even gave some kids autographs during dinner.

Cool story Dallas. I have to admit I'm a little jealous as I think Shane Battier is quite a hottie!! Good to hear that they are down to earth, goodwilled guys. Glad you had a great time.

This sounds so weird seeing that this happened in my hometown. NBA stars running around in Memphis. I've done the Ruth's Chris and Benihana's circuit many a time.

Glad you had a good time. However, you neglected important info. Were they hot?????? wink

Ummmmmmm... if you have to ask if Shane Battier is hot, you need glasses. Now, hung would have been a different story. LOL

Grizzlies in Dallas!? Does the Sierra Club know about this? :confused:

Seriously, they certainly have my favorite bit of b-balling eye-candy: need I say Dahntay Jones? Just wish he weren't injured so much.

I like the theory the Grizzlie management and coach seem to have about building a team rather than looking for one or two superstars and publicity bucs. Woof to Jason Williams revival.

pssssst....he was in Memphis on business when he saw them.

Personally Ive always thought Mike Miller looks like a dork, and still does. Shane Battier is a cute guy as always. Not one of the top cuties that ever played at Duke, but cute nonetheless.

And yes, I was in Memphis when this occurred. I just didnt bring up the fact they were swept in their series

This is an example of what a sake bomb will do to your autographs too:



If not for the number next to Shane's, I doubt anyone could tell who's signature was who's.

[ May 02, 2004, 04:18 AM: Message edited by: DallasUNC ]

Guess I shouldn't post after a couple of glasses of Shiraz.

But it was a joke... wink