NBA: The NBA Music Tour

Athletes have so much money and free time on their hands these days that they endeavor into different projects when they're not playing to an audience night in and night out. Some put their time and energy into creating businesses or pass on their honed skills to children at camps. Others go into areas such as music. One of those athletes is Philadelphia 76ers guard Allen Iverson. On Tuesday, Universal Records will release his first album, titled "Non-Fiction."

You know, maybe the Unabomber had the right idea to live in the woods all those years so he didn't have to see this happen.

It's not enough that Iverson is making $84 million over the next seven years. He can't just make an impact on the basketball world, but he has to make one on the music industry as well. But at least he's being responsible about the album. Iverson is quoted as saying that the album is not for kids. To be honest, if anyone I know buys this album, I will physically have to hurt that person for wasting money. In the words of Sam Kinison, "Get the album… er, read the album. Don't buy it. Look at it, then put it back. And wash your hands."

Of course, this isn't the first time a basketball player has released an album. Shaquille O'Neal sold a million copies of "Shaq Diesel," which was released his rookie year. But his last album, "Respect," turned over and died. Now this I didn't know: Kobe Bryant had a single "K.O.B.E". Fortunately, it flopped before any of us had a chance to hear it.

Music doesn't stop at just basketball. Football has its share of musical athletes as well. Come on, where were you the first time you heard "Super Bowl Shuffle" by members of the 1985 Chicago Bears? Deion Sanders released an album after the 1994 season (that bombed as well). Doug Flutie is the drummer for the Flutie Gang. CFL veteran Darren Flutie is one of the guitar players.

And in the ultimate act of shameless self-promotion, the NFL got together with Intersound Records to release "NFL Jams" and "NFL Country," two albums with a collection of songs performed by known artists and NFL athletes.

On the "Jams" album, songs are performed by the likes of Curtis Conway, Andre Rison (with not just one, but two tracks), and a rap song featuring Danny Kanell and Kerry Collins. Who knew white guys could rap? But the madness doesn't stop at the Jams album. On the "Country" album, Brad Johnson, Howard Cross, Peyton Manning, and Ryan Leaf (!) sing a few ditties for the kiddies. Heck, Esera Tuaolo and Michael Strahan make appearances on BOTH albums!

I'm not saying athletes are wrong to have a hobby. In fact, the more that they do with their free time, he less that they get into trouble. But I'm not gonna shell out thirteen bucks to listen to someone who is already making money for their athletic talents to sing or rap.

If athletes can put out albums, why not other notable sports figures as well? Just in time for Christmas: Sportscenter: The Album, Mike Lupica and George King: Live at Central Park, and Marv Albert sings Broadway. All three of them are assured of becoming instant classics. Pre-order them today!

In conclusion, we're already giving athletes attention by watching their talents most every night and weekend. We want to watch them play, not sing. So, continue to watch sports. And just pray that Mike Tyson never make an album.