Friends and the famous turned out for Andre Agassi's last hurrah at the U.S. Open.
The parade of celebrities in New York during the week included singers Tony Bennett, Phil Collins, Cheryl Crow, Diana Ross, Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale. Brazilian model Giselle Bundchen was spotted, as well as Donald Trump and wife Melania Knauss, actress Holly Hunter, Vogue editor Anna Wintour, Oprah Winfrey pal Gayle King, editor at large of O, Oprah's magazine.
Advertisement
Bennett told a New York newspaper that Agassi was his favorite because "he started a school for children."
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said, "He has contributed a lot to New York City."
In the stands for Agassi's career finale with coach Darren Cahill was longtime friend and manager Perry Rogers; Agassi's brother Phil; Todd Wilson of the Andre Agassi Foundation; trainer Gil Reyes; longtime friend and business partner Tom Breitling, with his date, Los Angeles model Vanessa Tarazona; Ed Borgato; Gun Ruder; Hollywood agent Scott Fedro; N9ne bartender John O'Donnell; and others from Agassi Enterprises.
Agassi's wife, tennis icon Steffi Graf, watched with their children, Jaden Gil, 4, and Jaz Elle, 2.
A tearful Agassi thanked the many tennis fans who lifted him "on their shoulders" after his career-closing third-round match loss to German Benjamin Becker, 7-5, 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-5.
A tennis commentator called it the classiest exit by an athlete since New York Yankee great Lou Gehrig's farewell speech in 1939.
BACK AND FORTH
Bea Fogelman, who found herself mentioned here in Sunday's column about the Lisa Dawn Miller-Dick Feeney kerfluffle, sent an e-mail to clarify her role.
Fogelman, director of the Entertainment Network, has been challenging Feeney and Sandy Hackett, co-producers of "The Rat Pack Is Back," over their claim, since 2002, to exclusive rights to the words "Rat Pack."
Hackett's wife, Miller, hit a nerve when she sent a letter to Fogelman saying she agreed with her position. Miller's words appeared on Fogelman's Web site, which Feeney said was "the last straw."
Feeney e-mailed a release to local media saying Miller has basically been barred from all areas involved in the show.
Feeney and Fogelman exchanged bristling e-mails Sunday, after Fogelman accused the producer of vindictively defaming Miller and "seriously damaging" her marriage by going public with the ban.
Both parties copied me in on the e-mails.
In his response to Fogelman, Feeney said, "Ask yourself what in the world drove me to these distasteful actions."
He added that Hackett had informed him that he's filing for a divorce.
THE SCENE AND HEARD
Talks are heating up between Bette Midler and Harrah's Entertainment and the likelihood that she's heading for a huge run of dates at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. ...
San Antonio police last week raided the home of Richard Lee, who won $2.8 million as the sixth-place finisher in the World Series of Poker's main event. Published reports indicate police busted a major bookmaking operation with ties to local politicians and judges. Lee, who was playing poker online when the cops arrived, warned an officer, "I have powerful friends in the community."
SIGHTINGS
A tequila-fueled, diamond tiara-wearing Kimberly Stewart, putting on a steamy stripper pole show in Light (Bellagio) on Friday. Stewart, Rod Stewart's daughter, repeatedly requested that her friend, guest deejay Caroline D'Amore, play "Crazy Bitch."... Jaime Pressly, staying in the penthouse suite at the Palms' Fantasy Tower over the weekend. ... At the Palms pool for the Papa Roach and Xzibit performances: Stacy Keibler, Shannon Elizabeth, Mike Bibby, Torrie Wilson and Ryan Starr ... At Stack (Mirage): David Spade and Kevin Farley. ... Tommy Lee, Mark McGrath and Kimberly Stewart, making separate appearances at Pure (Caesars Palace) on Friday ... Lee, deejaying at the Palms for three hours Friday night. ... Illusionist Roy Horn, working out three times a week at Las Vegas Athletic Club (Sahara Avenue).
THE PUNCH LINE
"On an upcoming episode of 'The Weakest Link,' the contestants will include Darva Conger, Tonya Harding, Gennifer Flowers and Todd Bridges. In that company, how would you like to hear the words 'You are the weakest link?'" -- Craig Kilborn
