MANILA, Philippines—Erik Spoelstra and Pat Riley are both champion coaches, but can they become entertainers?
Sure they can. In every cringe-worthy minute, they can.
During Shane Battier’s annual “Battioke,” the Fil-American coach of the Miami Heat went up on stage as Michael Jackson with girlfriend Nikki Sapp providing every bit of support as the Spoelstra made his best impression of “Billie Jean.”
Needless to say, his best probably isn’t the best for most people.
In a report from Sun Sentinel, Spoelstra joined Battier for the South Beach Battioke Fund Raiser at the Filmore theatre in Miami Beach.
“We are proud that we have been able to engage our community and send brilliant young minds to colleges and universities through the fundraising efforts of Battioke,” Battier told Sun Sentinel.
“We believe in opportunity. There are so many people in the world who can do so many positive things, change the world, and all they need is an opportunity.”
If Coach Spo’s rendition of “Billie Jean” can make cherubs tear up, Pat Riley’s rendition of “Twist and Shout” will make archangels weep.
Riley had the benefit of several backup singers, good-looking ladies by the way, but he just messed it up.
At least Sapp, a former Miami Heat dancer, told everyone in the audience, “I am the one.”
And all their singing was for charity.
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