Little E may declare himself free
Dale Earnhardt Jr. is expected to put himself on the open market as a free agent, opening the way for a break with his stepmother and Dale Earnhardt Inc. NASCAR’s most popular driver has scheduled a news conference for Thursday at his race shop, JR Motorsports, and not at DEI. Earnhardt and his sister/business manager operate JR independently from DEI. They have been frustrated for months in contract talks with their stepmother, Teresa Earnhardt, for renewal of Junior’s contract at DEI. He has demanded controlling interest in the company his father founded as a condition for returning. His stepmother reportedly has asked more than $60 million to relinquish her control.
— Ed Hinton
Only Longoria can slow Parker
“Desperate Housewives” star Eva Longoria has imposed a no-sex policy on fiance Tony Parker until they exchange vows in July, according to New Zealand’s STUFF.co.nz.. The actress implemented the ban to help the guard stay focused as the San Antonio Spurs continue their march toward the NBA title. Longoria told talk-show host Jimmy Kimmel: “Luckily, we’re getting married after the playoffs, and then we need to consummate the marriage. I scheduled it that way.” Longoria, 32, also dismissed rumors that the couple chose to marry in Paris on July 7 because it is considered to be a lucky date. “We picked that date because it’s the only weekend we’re both off,” she said.
O.J. goes away hungry
Disgraced former football star and actor O.J. Simpson had another blow to his ego last week. In Louisville for the Kentucky Derby, Simpson decided to dine at an upscale steakhouse. But he was refused service and asked to leave the restaurant. Owner Jeff Ruby said Simpson and about 12 other people were seated when a customer approached Ruby and was “giddy” about seeing the former NFL standout. But Ruby was not. He told the Associated Press he went to Simpson’s table and said, “I’m not serving you.” A few minutes later, Simpson told Ruby he understood and left with his party. “I didn’t want to serve him because of my convictions of what he’s done to those families,” Ruby said.
