Hot Topic At Celeb Game? NBA Lockout

No matter how many lockouts are happening, former and current professional athletes still donate their time toward charity work, like the 7th annual Maddbacker Celebrity Basketball Game put together by former and NFL linebacker Adrian Ross.

Saturday's event was originally supposed to be held at Power Balance Pavilion, but because of complications with the NBA lockout, it was moved to . The lockout blocks NBA players from using team facilities; current Sacramento Kings players Donte Greene and Darnell Jackson were scheduled to participate in the game.

Although Greene and Jackson did not attend the event, some former and current NFL players participated in the celebrity event, including seventh-round Brandyn Thompson of the Washington Redskins.

Ross said that the move to Capital Christian Center did affect the event planning.

"We changed the date a couple of times and the Kings didn’t know whether they were staying in town or not, so my date was kind of on hold and when they announced that they were staying in town, it was a big movement," Ross said.

Despite the changes, Ross said he was still pleased with the turnout.

"It's just what I expected, it's perfect," Ross said. "People are having fun, they’re enjoying their day, the guys are having fun, it's a great time."

Ross said he also appreciated the people who came out to participate in the celebrity game and felt that their presence had a positive impact with the audience and local community.

"It's always great, I put on what I put on and if people want to come out and support, then they'll come and I just like to be happy," Ross said.

And the happy moments on the court do come around in a bigger way.

"It means a lot, just to be able to give back and just to be able to
invite my friends out and show up in the mass
numbers," Ross said.

The proceeds from the charity went towards Shriners Hospital, the Elk Grove Police Activities League, the Roberts Family Development Center, True Grit Academy and U-CAN Go To College.