Just How Athletes Should Be Honored... By The Cartoon Network

"First the Cartoon Network Awards, then a Nobel Prize!"

Last summer, while both the NFL and NBA were locked out, I questioned why more athletes weren’t attending the Teen Choice Awards to try and gain a little favor from the public. Seriously, the athlete attendance was limited to Shaun White and 3 puppies from Air Bud’s litter, while half the NBA sat at home picking fights on Twitter. Well it turns out that the answer was pretty simple – make the whole thing about athletes and they’ll attend.

This was proven Saturday night when the Cartoon Network honored our favorite athletes at the second annual Hall of Game Awards, which is not to be confused with Spike’s F*CKIN’ ATHLETES, BRO! SLUTS! Awards, which are held on Vin Diesel’s birthday each year. Shaquille O’Neal played host for the Hall of Game Awards, and he was joined by dozens of child actors that I’ve never heard of. But plenty of athletes showed up to have their egos stroked.

You can wait and watch the whole show tonight (especially if you’re a fan of Flo Rida and who isn’t?) but I’ve got some photos after the jump. Shockingly, they did not name Jeremy Lin their new overlord.

(Images via Getty.)

Antonio Cromartie

He decided which kids got to go based on which names he remembered.

Calvin Johnson

I would have preferred Ndamukong Suh playing human whack-a-mole.

Cam Newton

What's the point? He'll eventually have to give this one back, too.

Chansi Stuckey

I assume crowds go apesh*t when Chansi Stuckey shows up anywhere.

Clayton Kershaw

It's funny, he dresses exactly how I would if someone just gave me $20 million.

The Green Carpet Hosts

If I put a gun to your head, would you be able to name these guys? C.J. Manigo, Ali Sepasyar and Jackson Rogow. I don't even think their moms know their names.

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