One of the perks of living in Los Angeles — aside from the culture and light traffic — is being able to occasionally observe the Hollywood social ladder and the rungs of insecurity that form it. (Get ready for a name-droppy sentence) Last night at Spago I happened to sit a table over from one Rick Fox, late of the Los Angeles Lakers, Oz, Vanessa Williams, and, well, various RadioShack and local Ford commercials. Being a Knicks and non-annoying commercial fan, I can't say that Mr. Fox was ever super high on my favorite celebrity list, but I'm always willing to revise an opinion...
Anyway, Rick Fox was joined by a cadre of agent/publicist types including two women in business suits, a guy in a blazer and dark t-shirt (I know, I know), and an elderly woman who looked like she'd been knocking around the industry for decades. As the group chatted about who knows what, Rick spent a good portion of the evening smiling politely and nodding, just barely disguising either boredom or fatigue. Luckily, this celebrity-anchored table was located right at the front of the dining room which made it easy for several other agents and friends to stop by and say hi to their peers over the course of the evening. You would have thought these people were receiving a lifetime achievement award with all the "well-wishers" dropping by. Yeah, this table was the shit, and if you knew what you were doing, you were going to put in an appearance.
Well, as the evening went on, Rick seemed to become more animated and lively. But then the inevitable happened. A non-agent, non-producer, non-INDUSTRY jab went up and TALKED to him. And yes, that was the sound of a record screeching to a halt. I mean, can you imagine it? Some homely looking guy, clearly from out of town, was standing at the table, and here he was chatting off an NBA player's ear. An NBA player!
The man was decently loud, and it sounded like he and his family had ties to North Carolina, aka Rick Fox's alma mater. Ultimately, the little interaction ended with the guy saying Rick should come by their table afterwards. Oh silly plebeian. Don't get your hopes up.
Anyway, it just so happened that my table and Rick's table rose to leave at around the same time (I swear, I'm not a stalker!). Would this mean I'd be engaging in some "play it cool" activity at the valet? No. Because Rick actually went over to the family and sat down with them. Now honestly, that is awesome. Whether or not you're a fan of his, if you're at a restaurant and an NBA player sits down with you, that's just sweet (unless it's some low level bench warmer like Mike Dunleavy).
Well, this was great to everyone... except the industry-ites. "Foxxy?" they called out nervously. "Foxxy, we're leaving." Cut to me repressing a laugh. Even better though was that they turned to each other and literally said with some degree of horror "He's sitting down with them!" Then there was more "Foxxy? Foxxy!" But Foxxy was off being, you know, a good egg. Finally, one of the women simply snipped bitterly "Bye Foxxy" and strutted away. Why were these people so mad? I'm not a big Rick Fox fan and even I couldn't help feel happy for that family. Could it be that these people wanted to be seen walking through, exiting and then standing outside the restaurant with Rick Fox? Or could it be that the industry types' own perceived importance had been completely undermined by Fox bestowing the same attention on some Joe Schmoes as he had on his dining buddies?
About five minutes later, I stepped out to the valet and found all of Rick's ex-table mates standing around STILL flustered. "He's sitting with people he doesn't even know!" one woman scoffed, her words tinged with a thick current of jealousy. With no better way to explain his crazy actions, they finally settled on something they could all rest easily with: "He's a reality show..."
Nods all around and quiet, chuckling affirmations of "He certainly is." And then all was well.
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Comments (19)
Awww Rick. I like you now......
That's a good story.
1 of 19 | Posted by chettogirl | Posted on February 4, 2005 5:27 AM
That Tarheel mojo is some powerful shit. Fox knows better than to risk offending the basketball gods of tobacco road, even in retirement.
But seriously--I know some people who went to Carolina while Rick was there, and he has always had a reputation for being a gentleman. Glad to see L.A. hasn't ruined him.
2 of 19 | Posted by jack | Posted on February 4, 2005 6:21 AM
Looks like Foxxy can differentiate the "real" people from fake friends. Good showing Foxxy!
3 of 19 | Posted by America's Next Top Fan | Posted on February 4, 2005 6:46 AM
the explanation? Rick Fox is Canadian...
4 of 19 | Posted by truenorth | Posted on February 4, 2005 7:19 AM
Of course d-list celebrities are going to be happy that people recognize them. Now that Rick has no Shaq or Kobe to keep his name in the news and has no chance at any sort of Hall of Fame, why wouldn't he be nice to people?
Verdict:
Rick == Huge Douchebag.
At least he's not from Duke.
PS I think he did commericals for Ford.
5 of 19 | Posted by J-Unit | Posted on February 4, 2005 7:24 AM
What's your logic, J-Unit? That if Fox had been a better player, he'd be entitled to rape random hotel desk clerks? There's a difference between being polite and being gracious. And in Tarheel country, Fox will always be A-list.
Verdict:
I'll suck Rick Fox off any day.
6 of 19 | Posted by jack | Posted on February 4, 2005 9:59 AM
To Rick Fox's credit, whenever someone came to the table, he always rose and shook their hands - unlike the other guy with him who only stood up occasionally.
Jack LOVES Rick Fox.
7 of 19 | Posted by B-Side | Posted on February 4, 2005 10:15 AM
Note to self (more reasons why you love B-side): B-side has sweet, near court-side seats at Laker games. B-side eats at Spago. B-side just happens to be eating at Spago when hottie-p'tottie Foxxxxxy's there. And no pics with your camera phone!!! for shame, for shame.
8 of 19 | Posted by LizLovesTARgasm | Posted on February 4, 2005 10:36 AM
I loved him when he was a rookie with Boston . . . then hated him when he went to the evil Lakers . . . now I love him again.
9 of 19 | Posted by Alli | Posted on February 4, 2005 11:33 AM
Geez, J-Unit, that's harsh. It's one thing to be "nice" to people, but it's quite another to actually sit down at their table and chat with them. That's above and beyond.
P.S. Would Jack jerk jock Fox's cock? Jack, just stick the sick joke to suck Rick's dick.
10 of 19 | Posted by flush it all away | Posted on February 4, 2005 12:59 PM
Yes, I am one of those annoying people who is going to say that I have had meetings and meals with Rick Fox. Don't worry, I am a nobody, but thanks for asking. He is a really nice and charming guy who...are you sitting down...actually LOOKS YOU IN THE EYES when he's talking with you!
11 of 19 | Posted by Chris | Posted on February 4, 2005 6:20 PM
Yes, I am one of those annoying people who is going to say that I have had meetings and meals with Rick Fox. Don't worry, I am a nobody, but thanks for asking. He is a really nice and charming guy who...are you sitting down...actually LOOKS YOU IN THE EYES when he's talking with you! Vanessa, well, she's another story...girl can give the ole stinkeye like nobody's business.
12 of 19 | Posted by Max | Posted on February 4, 2005 6:21 PM
B-side, I had no idea you were a hoops fan. Whoa. I have even mo' respect for you now. Even though you mentioned the Tarheels, heehee.
That's a great story, thanks. None of them could believe he would spend time with real, non-celebs or industry types. (shaking my head)
13 of 19 | Posted by Rod | Posted on February 4, 2005 6:41 PM
Rick Fox is Bahamian, I don't know if hes Canadian though. Good show Foxxy!
14 of 19 | Posted by bacon | Posted on February 4, 2005 7:09 PM
i think hes got canadian citizenship, but he definitely reps the bahamas.
15 of 19 | Posted by opium | Posted on February 5, 2005 5:23 AM
He's emulating the teachings of Coach Dean Smith, a consummate gentleman, on and off the court.
Go Tar Heels! Nice representin', Rick!
16 of 19 | Posted by mavis | Posted on February 5, 2005 9:17 AM
Rick Fox has it all -- Good Looks, Athletic Prowess, Excellent Manners, and the Ability to do what he feels is right no matter WHO is watching him...nevermind his SMOKIN' hot ex-wife !!!
Nice going Rick -- You're a terrific example of good upbringing!!! There should be more like you!!!
17 of 19 | Posted by Jombie | Posted on February 5, 2005 9:52 AM
Perhaps, just perhaps, Rick's tablemates were exactly as boorish as they sound, and "average" folk provided a refreshing change...?
18 of 19 | Posted by corq | Posted on February 5, 2005 11:48 AM
ah, j-unit. methinks ye dish it out better than ye take it. guess it goes to show, never insult the webmaster. ah, well. i'll always have rick . . .
19 of 19 | Posted by jack | Posted on February 7, 2005 6:48 AM