Hot Clicks: Gretchen Rossi; Athletes with American flags

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It's July 4, which means Jimmy (along with 95 percent of the country) has taken the day off. Unfortunately, I am one of the five percent stuck at work. But today isn't about Jimmy or myself -- it's about America. So to celebrate our great country, here is a gallery of athletes holding the American flag. If that's not patriotic enough, I recommend this great gallery of women in American flag bikinis (or this one or this one).

Honoring America

Scottie Pippen, Michael Jordan, Clyde Drexler :: AP

The Fourth of July also brings the top competitive eaters to Coney Island for the annual Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest. Japan's Takeru Kobayashi, who won the event six straight years between 2001-2006 and was famously arrested last year trying to storm the stage, is still locked in a dispute with Major League Eating (MLE) and will compete via satellite feed from a rooftop bar in Manhattan. To get you in the mood, here are 10 unbreakable and disgusting competitive eating records.

Hot Dog Eating (via satellite)

Check out the uniforms Jeter and the rest of the Trenton Thunder wore on Sunday.

Derek Jeter Pays Tribute to America

Gretchen Rossi and her American flag bikini honors our great country.

Photo Gallery Of The Day

Gretchen Rossi/:: Jacob Andrzejczak/Getty Images

I didn't think anyone could top Brian Wilson's tantrum after the Giants closer blew a save last Friday night against Detroit. But Blue Jays reliever Jon Rauch was up to the challenge as he lost his mind during this epic tirade last Saturday against the Phillies.

Pitchers Gone Wild

Wilt Chamberlain may get his own postage stamp ... Pat Riley and other members of the Miami Heat's front office were given permission to attend Chris Bosh's wedding ... Bulls swingman Kyle Korversaved the life of a dying snapping turtle ... The 15 greatest songs about July 4th.

Random Links

Who knew the Hall of Fame center was such a Smashing Pumpkins fan?

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Video Of The Day

James Brown celebrates America with a live performance of Living in America.

James Brown Video Of The Day