Kevin Durant may not actually play in the game, but for the 12th time, he is an All-Star — and for the second time, a captain.

The Nets forward, who is currently sidelined by a sprained MCL, was announced as a starter for the NBA All-Star Game. He was also named a captain for the second straight year as the leading vote-getter in the Eastern Conference.

Durant was putting together an MVP-caliber season before suffering his knee injury in mid-January. In 36 games, he was averaging a league-high 29.3 points to go with 7.4 rebounds and 5.8 assists in 36.5 minutes.

Coach Steve Nash said that Durant would be reevaluated within the next week, declining to confirm or deny a report that Durant would miss the All-Star Game to continue his rehab.

It’s now official. Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger announced that he’s retiring at the age of 39. The No. 11 overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft out of Miami University won two Super Bowls in Pittsburgh and was a six-time Pro Bowler.

“Big Ben” played in 249 regular-season games, 23 postseason games and three Super Bowls. He retires while sitting at No. 5 on the all-time passing list with 64,088 yards — one spot behind Brett Favre and right above Philip Rivers.

The 2004 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year made his mark on the Steelers immediately, as he led Pittsburgh to the most wins ever recorded by a rookie with 15. Later, he became the fourth quarterback in NFL history to win 100 games in the first 150 starts of his career. Roethlisberger also holds the NFL record for most career 500-yard passing games with four.

“I don’t know how to put into words what the game of football has meant to me, and what a blessing it has been,” Roethlisberger said.

The last-remaining quarterback from the legendary 2004 class, Roethlisberger threw for 3,740 yards with 22 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in his final regular season. His 249 regular-season games are the most of any player in franchise history. He went 165-81-1 in the regular season while compiling the fifth-most regular-season wins in NFL history. Next stop for Roethlisberger? Most likely Canton.

A majority of the exotic dancers who perform at Rick’s Cabaret New York, the upscale gentlemen’s club famous for the VIP treatment and warm hospitality that guests receive, are predicting that the Cincinnati Bengals will beat the Los Angeles Rams.

“I did a quick survey of the girls and it was close, but most of us think the Bengals will win,” explained Rick’s Cabaret girl Lucinda.

“The Bengals are the underdogs against the Rams,” said Rick’s Cabaret girl Nadine. “But I think Cincy wins.”

“I love the Bengals and especially QB Joe Burrow,” said Rick’s Cabaret girl Melanie. “The Bengals will surprise and win big!”

Rick’s Cabaret girl Veronica proclaimed, “It’s going to be close, but I think the Bengals get the trip to Disneyland, but they should come to Rick’s Cabaret!”

Located across the street from the Empire State Building and just one block from Madison Square Garden, the three-story Rick’s Cabaret features private VIP Suites, Deluxe Sky Boxes, and luxurious amenities. The top-rated Rick’s Steakhouse on the second floor is under the direction of acclaimed Chef Jayson Margulies and features late-night dining.

Rick’s Cabaret New York
50 West 33rd Street
*** RICK: NASDAQ Listed
*** Beautiful Entertainers
*** VIP Suites, Deluxe Sky Boxes
*** Rick’s Steakhouse, Open Late
*** Daily Lunch Specials