McNair’s Widow Will Administer His Estate
A Tennessee judge has ruled that the widow of former NFL quarterback Steve McNair, who was slain by his young mistress on July 4, will oversee the details of his estate. The 36-year-old ex-player for the Tennessee Titans left no will, according to documents Mechelle McNair filed in court. Davidson County Probate Judge Randy Kennedy granted her request, giving her 60 days to file an inventory of her late husband’s assets. She has said that she does not know her late husband’s worth, but the documents contend it is “of sufficient size to be administered.” McNair was killed by his 20-year-old girlfriend who then committed suicide, according to Nashville Police. McNair’s wife has listed herself and her two sons, Tyler and Trenton McNair, as the heirs to the estate. McNair also has two other sons from a previous relationship.

Will the Phillies’ Gamble Pay Off?
The world champion Philadelphia Phillies baseball team says that while signing pitcher Pedro Martinez is a bit of a gamble, it has tremendous upside. Phillies officials acknowledge that the former three-time Cy Young winner and eight-time All-Star hasn’t pitched since last season and that he will require at least a few starts in the minors before he’s ready to join his new squad, but they’re concentrating on the positive. “Of course there’s some risk here,” said Phillies General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. “But we’d rather risk it on someone of his caliber and who knows how to win.” Martinez, who previously engaged in numerous battles with the Phillies over the years, was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a shoulder strain but will be with the Phillies for their four-game series in Florida beginning Thursday. “I don’t expect to be the same Pedro that I was when I was 26,” said Martinez, 37, who finalized a $1 million, one-year contract with the Phillies on Wednesday. He can earn up to $1.5 million in incentives. “There’s a lot of innings I’ve pitched since then. It’s not the same, but I still feel like I can still bring something to the table. “I might surprise you, I might not,” Martinez said. “It’s going to be really fun to go find out.”

Lil Wayne will return to New York tomorrow. Having missed an earlier court date on a weapons charge, due to a dental issue, Lil Wayne returns to court tomorrow on a continuance. The rapper took a red-eye flight from Hollywood to New York after his Video Music Awards performance and win for Best Hip-Hop Video, in order to appear Monday. Weezy was arrested last summer after cops stopped his tour bus and searched the vehicle, allegedly finding a .40-caliber pistol. He’s charged with criminal possession of a weapon.

Actor is confirmed to play ancient Egyptian ruler.
Will Smith will portray Last Pharaoh. Will Smith is set to take on one of his most challenging roles in the film The Last Pharaoh. After earlier reports surfaced of his interest in the role about the ancient Egyptian ruler Taharqa, Variety.com confirms that Braveheart writer Randall Wallace is taking on the screenplay at Smith’s behest. Taharqa ruled Egypt from 690 B.C. to 664 B.C. and became known for his fierce battles with Assyrian king Esarhaddon.

Shhhh! Not while he’s trying to sing!
Actor hushes fans at performance. Terrence Howard takes his newfound music career seriously, according to Web reports. The Oscar-nominated actor whose new CD, Shine It Through, was recently released reportedly shushed a couple of fans at his New York performance last week. The star appeared at “The Beat of Chic,” an event for special invited guests at Bloomingdale’s department store, and was reportedly annoyed by the constant chatter of two women in the front row. “Obviously you two are talking about something that’s more important than my music,” Howard is said to have announced. “Why don’t you share it?” After the man who rapped the words “whoop dat trick” in the film Hustle & Flow stuck the mic in their faces, the ladies apparently decided to shut it up. But it’s not only the two front-row spectators who’ve been underwhelmed with Howard’s musical debut: Fan feedback on the CD has been less than favorable.

Hancock star tops list of highest-paid actors.
Will Smith, whose current film Hancock is a box-office success, is reported to have been the highest-paid actor of 2007. Smith earned $80 million, in part from his performance as the star of last year’s I Am Legend. Eddie Murphy placed third among the highest-paid actors last year. Murphy pulled in $55 million.

Disney recreates first Black princess for musical set in New Orleans.
Having remade the main character – its first-ever Black princess – Disney is moving forward on plans for the musical The Princess and the Frog. The first storyline was scrapped after critics argued that it was stereotypical, featuring a girl named Maddy who worked for a White woman and was saved from a voodoo magician with help from her voodoo fairy godmother. The updated story is being kept close to the vests of film execs, but it’s reportedly set in New Orleans and takes place in the Jazz Era. The princess’ new name is Tiana, and Disney says that she and other characters will be presented “with the greatest of respect and sensitivity.”

2 Live Crew leader gets VH1 show
Luther “Luke” Campbell is set to join the rapper reality TV show ranks with his new show “Luke’s Parental Advisory.” The leader of the once-controversial 2 Live Crew, who battled for freedom of speech in his sexually explicit raps, will debut his program on VH1. Among other happenings explored on the show are Campbell ’s planned wedding to a successful lawyer and his confiscation of porn tapes from his 15-year-old son’s bedroom. “Luke’s Parental Advisory” hits the tube Aug. 4.

Will Smith’s eldest creates buzz around upcoming season
The son of Hancock star Will Smith from his first marriage is likely to add butts to bleachers when he takes to the football field as Oaks Christian School’s new recruit. Trey joins the freshman class of players including the sons of Joe Montana and Wayne Gretzky, and actor Smith already has been seen on the California campus. The high school’s coach, Bill Redell, says the celebs’ sons are good students and players: “They’re great role models and, if you have a daughter, you’d want her to date these kids.”

‘Rampage’ Jackson allegedly led cops on three-mile chase.
Ex-light heavyweight mixed martial arts champ Quinton “Rampage” Jackson has been hospitalized for a psychological check after he was arrested Tuesday following a chase that led to three car wrecks. Irvine, Calif., Police went to Jackson’s house a day after the incident when friends reported being “concerned about his behavior and some remarks he was making,” says Lt. Rick Handfield. Jackson had been taken into custody in Costa Mesa after allegedly leading cops on a three-mile pursuit that reportedly started when he ran red lights. Jackson was booked for felony evading, reckless driving, and hit-and-run before he was released on $25,000 bail. “Officers spoke to him to evaluate whether he was a danger to himself or others,” says Handfield. “He was detained and was taken to an area hospital for mental evaluation.” Jackson, 30, lost his Ultimate Fighting Championship title in a July 5 unanimous decision that went to Forrest Griffin.

Charlotte Bobcats’ Jason Richardson hosts conference
NBA player Jason Richardson hosts his third annual “Man-Up Forum” at 10 a.m. today at Saginaw Valley State University’s Curtis Hall Auditorium in Michigan. “Bridging the Gap Between Fathers and Sons” is the theme of the Charlotte Bobcats’ conference for ages 8 and older. “The expression ‘man-up’ means that men have to face what’s in front of them – responsibility, challenges, fears – anything that needs addressing,” says Richardson, who grew up in Saginaw. “That’s what we’re doing at the forum: addressing the common concerns we face as men of all ages and personal backgrounds.” Ex-college football standout Brian Pruitt, author of the book “Power of Dad,” will be the keynote speaker.

A rapper is arrested twice in less than a week.
DMX is really needing those prayers right about now. Within days, he was arrested on a traffic warrant, had his investment property seized for auction and, most recently, is alleged to have sought cocaine from an undercover cop. X was arrested this past weekend, adding yet another mug shot to several displayed on Web sites and TV in 2008. He allegedly tried to buy marijuana along with the “powder” he reportedly requested from the Miami cop. Sounds like the lyrics he once rapped — “I’m slippin’, I’m fallin’…” — are increasingly true.

An actor’s California school will have no basis in Scientology, he claims
Acting couple Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith say the children’s school they planned to open in September isn’t influenced by a controversial religion. Though it’s been rumored that the planned California academy will incorporate Scientology into the curriculum, the pair dismisses the idea. Will Smith recently acknowledged studying the religion with his good friend, actor Tom Cruise, but denied being a Scientologist. Smith’s planned school was reportedly conceived so he could have his own children educated in an alternative environment.

R&B star ponders a retirement from the music business.
At 27, with multi-platinum records under her belt and enough money to be comfortable, Alicia Keys is pondering a retirement date. “I am working hard now so I have the choice to retire when I want,” she’s quoted as telling Contactmusic. “I would like to travel the world and stay in places instead of having to move on like I do now. I want to experience difference cultures.” Keys says she could make her exit from recording as soon as a few years from now. She recently made an extended visit to Egypt.