Chris Christie holds onto nachos while Cubs fan loses his nuts in stadium confrontation

By Tony Mangia

It doesn't really matter if you consider Chris Christie a bully, a blowhard, a traitor, a fathead or — worst of all — a Cowboys fan, you have to admit that, unlike the oozing cheese on a warm tray of nachos, the round mound of New Jersey doesn't melt when the chips are down.

On Sunday the unpopular governor showed that double-wide side when he got in the face of a Chicago Cubs fan during a game in Milwaukee — all while never releasing his precious grip on a bowl of the gooey snack he was carrying.

The nachos-toting Christie was walking down the aisle at Miller Park when a Cubs fan who had nothing better to do than razz the rotund Christie by yelling out at the not-so-hard-to-miss politician.

And his comments had nothing to do with down in front, side, rear or section 215!

So, in his typical brash Jersey style, an intense stare-off between the blustery Guv and suddenly not-so-big-mouthed fan was on. 

At #Cubs #Brewers game. #ChrisChristie was getting razzed by fans, so he got in the face of one of them. 5:30 on @WISN12News pic.twitter.com/sx8euMgFy2

— Ben Hutchison (@BennyHutch) July 30, 2017

“When he initially was going up the stairs I yelled his name,” Cubs jersey-wearing fan Brad Joseph told WISN-TV in Milwaukee.

“He was quite a bit past me, and 30 feet away I yelled his name and told him that he sucked . . . I called him a hypocrite because I thought it needed to be said.”

That's when, according to Joseph, Christie turned back toward him and got in his face while firmly clutching that tray of nachos with one hand.

“First he told me, ‘Why don’t you have another beer?’ which I thought was a decent come back, and I thought that was kind of funny,” he told the station. “Then he started calling me a tough guy.”

Christie, who was at the game visiting his son who works for the Brewers, was also heard on the video sarcastically telling the guy “You’re a big shot!”

While Joseph wilted like a soggy bag of fries on a Seaside Heights boardwalk, Christie kept his all-you-can-eat gaze on the now suddenly timid Cubbie before waddling away. 

Whether suitable or not, politicians should be used to comments in all public areas but, in Christie's case, feedback seems to be off limits when the feedbag is on.

Fantasy football becomes point of contention at GOP debate

The dog-and-pony show disguised as a GOP debate in Boulder, Colorado Wednesday night turned into a full-fledged joke after the CNBC moderators' line of questioning turned to that all important issue on everybody's mind — fantasy football.

Claims of media bias were already a major theme of the night, with Ted Cruz launching the night's first volley against the blatantly slanted moderators Carl Quintanilla, Becky Quick and John Harwood — accusing them all of being Democrats intent on damaging the GOP field. 

That was even before an incredulous New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie laid into the trio for asking a question about whether the federal government should regulate pay-for-play fantasy football competitions online.

"Wait a second," the Jersey guy fired back at the moderators. "We have $19 trillion in debt, people out of work, ISIS and al Qaeda attacking us – and we're talking about fantasy football? 

"How about we get the government to do what they’re supposed to be doing?" an agitated Christie shouted. "Enough on fantasy football. Let people play! Who cares?" 

We have ISIS attacking us & we're here talking about Fantasy Football? #CNBCGOPDebate https://t.co/v1pKSXovgc

— Chris Christie (@ChrisChristie) October 29, 2015

Yes, fantasy sports is popular and the industry's two biggest startups, DraftKings and FanDuel, are facing allegations that improper use of data gave employees an unfair advantage when playing on competing sites. A controversy which has given rise to questions over whether the billion dollar business of fantasy sports should be considered illegal gambling.

But was it relevant at the debate? At least Jeb Bush thought so.

Bush said the burgeoning daily fantasy industry needs to face "some regulation" before Christie went off on the CNBC trio.

"This is something that needs to be looked into," Bush said. "When you have insider information which apparently has been the case... there has to be some regulation."

And it gave ol' Jeb a chance to tout his undefeated fantasy football team.

Jeb Bush broke the No. 1 rule of fantasy sports: absolutely NO ONE cares about your team. https://t.co/RZ3nRfUkXo https://t.co/0h0OEnn0VP

— SB Nation (@SBNation) October 29, 2015

Hey Jeb, nobody likes a braggart. Just ask Donald Trump.

Deal to close New Jersey's Izod Center to be announced Thursday: Report

The Izod Center — the New Jersey state-owned arena that has been part of the Meadowlands Sports Complex in New Jersey for more than three decades — is expected to close its doors at the end of the month.

Under an agreement expected to be announced Thursday, the birthplace of the Devils, past home to the Nets and the House That Springsteen Built, will finally be taken off life support and most likely close its doors within weeks.

The once state-of-the-art venue — which opened in 1981 as Brendan Byrne Arena, named after the former New Jersey governor before being renamed Continental Airlines Arena in 1996 and then the Izod Center in 2007 — has reached a deal with the Prudential Center that grants the Newark venue official hosting rights to the Izod Center's events calendar. 

A source familiar with the agreement pushed through by a Gov. Chris Christie task force, told NJ.com that, as part of the deal, the 34-year-old Izod Center — which has been struggling financially in the wake of growing competition — will remain dark for the two-year duration of the contract.

Since the Devils, Nets, and the Seton Hall University men's basketball team all stopped playing games there at the end of the last decade, the IZOD Center has held sporadic events and a steady stream of identity recognition.

While the Giants and Jets got a shiny new MetLife Stadium next door, the Devils and Seton Hall moved into the Prudential Center and the Nets went to Brooklyn, the IZOD lay there decaying and confused — a neglected companion for that Xanadu monstrosity.

State Sen. Paul Sarlo criticized the Sports Authority's board — in which all 18 members are appointed by Christie — for not taking any bids from companies who could privatize the operation. Sarlo said he's unsure what will happen to the 18,000-seat arena after it's shuttered.

The two-year agreement calls for all future events currently scheduled for the Izod Center to be moved to the Prudential Center, effective Jan. 31. According to the Izod calendar, those include concerts by Chris Brown and Maroon 5, a Ringling Bros. circus, and a Disney event.

But, for anyone who braved the traffic, endured the lousy teams and the building's imperfections, being sprung from the Exit 16W toll for a game or show, it didn't matter.

Even if meant being stuck in the swamps of Jersey.

Kinky Friedman calls Chris Christie's 'bromance' with Jerry Jones 'homosexual' on ESPN2 (VIDEO)

Texas humorist and country singer Kinky Friedman appeared live on ESPN's "Outside The Lines" Wednesday to comment on the budding friendship between New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.

But in an awkward moment that caught host Bob Ley off guard,  Friedman said the pair's "bromance" was much more than friendly and called it "the most important, latent homosexual relationship since Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson."

Friedman reluctantly smoothed over his words after Ley asked him if he really meant it.

Apparently Friedman, a former Texas gubernatorial candidate, wasn't finished. According to CNN, he later called Christie, who claims he's a longtime Cowboys fan, an "anti-Texas, thin-sock wearing son of a b----." That's when Ley cut him off and apologized for Friedman's remarks.

The governor and Jones hung out together in the Cowboys owners' box during Sunday's wild card victory over the Detroit Lions. It wasn't the first time they paired up to watch a game but, the sight of the traitor hugging Jones created a social media blitz by Giants and Eagles fans in New Jersey.

And it seems Friedman has his own take on it.

I'm thinking OTL would like a do over booking Kinky Friedman. It's not the Imus Show. Disney folks have to be squirming.
— Joe Casale (@sportsJC16) January 7, 2015

Chris Christie overheard calling Eagles fans the 'worst in America': Report

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's public display of support of the Dallas Cowboys apparently comes with private trashing of Eagles fans.

Michael Barbaro, a political reporter for the New York Times, published on Monday an interaction the governor had recently, during which Christie had some harsh comments things directed at Eagles fans.

"These Philadelphia fans, they are the worst in America," Mr. Christie was overheard saying when he attended a game between the Cowboys and Eagles last month.

He recalled a different kind of reception when he joined Mr. Jones on the field for a Cowboys game against the New York Giants, who play their home games in New Jersey. “I didn't get booed," he said. “Giant fans waved, said hello, asked for autographs, didn't give me a hard time."

"But these guys?" he added of Eagles fans.

The private (at least until now) comments won't help the portly Guv's popularity even in his home state — especially the Eagles fans who are widespread in South Jersey .

Christie, was criticized for celebrating the Cowboys' playoff win over the Detroit Lions in Dallas on Sunday (video at bottom), prompting his brother, Todd, to defend him in an angry Facebook post.

"To all of those non Cowboy fans who have their panties in a ringer because the Governor of NJ is a Cowboys fan — GET A LIFE !!! The Gov has been a Cowboys fan for his entire life and ALL of you would sit with the owner of your favorite team in a heartbeat if given the chance. I'm a Giants fan — we are sitting home for the fourth straight year. Eagles fans — possibly you should worry more about the fact that your sorry ass team has never won a Super Bowl and less about who's rooting for which team. I mean crazy pathetic posts. And for every calorically challenged FB person who posts about the Gov's weight — forget the magic mirror and look at yourself. Weight posts—really?”

Heavy stuff.

Chris Christie denied high-five from Jerry Jones after Cowboys win (VIDEO)

Just seeing Chris Christie in the owner's box with Jerry Jones during the Cowboys' victory over the Lions was enough to make Giants, Jets and Eagles fans gag but, seeing the portly New Jersey Guv hugging it out with the Dallas owner after the win also lost him some votes in Michigan as well.

Cameras caught the lifelong Cowboys fan left hanging by Jones — who ignored Christie's flailing hand — before finally settling for an awkward hug after Sunday's game.

I don't how many electoral votes New Jersey, Michigan and half of Pennsylvania has but Christie might want to rethink that presidential run.



There was no immediate word if Christie would be in Green Bay next Sunday for the Cowboys-Packers game. But if he’s there, he'll be wearing his good luck orange sweater.

Philly politician calls Gov. Christie a 'Fat assed ... creep' for being Cowboys fan: Report

Gov. Chris Christie, that unabashed Dallas Cowboys fan from New Jersey, created quite a stir when he sat with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones during the Philadelphia Eagles' 38-27 loss on Sunday night at Lincoln Financial Field.

And it didn't take long for that kinship to ignite a social media frenzy.

Eagles fans called for Christie's impeachment and Cowboys fans in Texas were already casting their votes for the New Jersey pol if he makes a run for president were only some of the tamer comments.

But besides losing a few more votes in south Jersey's Eagles territory, the Guv lost all love from politicians across the Delaware River.

Earlier in the week, former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell called Christie "pathetic" for being a Cowboys fan: “How can a Jersey guy be a Cowboys fan?" Rendell said in a radio interview. It’s pathetic.”

But a Twitter rant by Philadelphia councilman-at-large Jim Kenney, a Democrat, who — after watching Christie high-five with Jones during the nationally televised game took his attack to a more personal level:

Chris Christie is sitting on his very fat ass next to Jerry Jones in his box at the Linc. You suck! Kissing Texas ass for 2016! Awful!
— CouncilmanJimKenney (@JimFKenney) December 15, 2014

Hey fat assed Christie, kiss Jerry Jones' ass in his box in Dallas. Not across the river from Philly! You are just a creep!
— CouncilmanJimKenney (@JimFKenney) December 15, 2014

Rendell said Christie's allegiance to a division rival, while "legal," shows an "inferiority complex" and a need to be a frontrunner.

“If you are a Jerseyite or a Pennsylvanian and you’re rooting for the Cowboys, it means you’re not secure in yourself and you wanted to root for a team that was a team in your youth that was a constant winner," he said.

“Tell him I think he’s nothing but a wuss," he added.

Get over it Eagles fans, Giants fans already have.

Gov. Chris Christie plays in charity softball game at Yankee Stadium (VIDEO)

Gov. Chris Christie took some time off from playing hardball with politicians to lending his bat and glove to a charity softball game on Monday.

The embattled governor participated in the fourth annual Bombers Boomer Broadway Softball Classic featured celebrities facing off against the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team and New York Yankees alumni in a friendly game at Yankee Stadium.

Christie and other celebrities took to the field to help raise money for wounded warriors and the Boomer Esiason Foundation that supports fighting cystic fibrosis.

And I guess saying the rotund Christie covered all the bases would be too easy.

Christie— who was a high school catcher — did catch the ball to make a crucial out at third base in the 7th inning with the bases loaded and played nine innings as his team eked out a 7-6 win for Boomer's side.

Christie is a regular guest on WFAN’s "Boomer & Carton," co-hosted by Esiason and Craig Carton.

The devoted baseball fan told reporters  before the game that he was happy to have a break from politics and said he hoped he wouldn’t get injured.

He also mentioned that he’d rather be at Citi Field — home of his beloved Mets.

Just watch that GW Bridge traffic back to the Jersey Turnpike.

Chris Christie stiffs winner in fantasy football league: Report

It sounds like Chris Christie is more into backing up his Hudson River crossings than backing up his bets.

The embattled New Jersey governor — along with a group of deadbeat celebrities — stiffed the winner of their fantasy football league by not paying their entry fees, reported Page Six of The New York Post.

Christie was a member of a fantasy league associated with Boomer Esiason and Craig Carton’s WFAN show, “Boomer & Carton,” along with celebrity players including comic and sports host Jay Mohr, “Entourage” star Kevin Connolly, celebrity chef Bobby Flay, actor Robert Wuhl and Broadway star Constantine Maroulis, sources told the gossip site.

But when it came time to pay up at the end of the season, many of the losing celebs, including Christie, were slower than rush hour on the George Washington Bridge. 

“The buy-in was $500,” a source explained of the way the league worked. “The season goes till the Super Bowl. So as the season goes along, when each celeb player gets knocked out in the playoffs, the player puts in the money.”

When the season ended this year, the winner of the pool was “Rock of Ages” star Maroulis. But the majority of his fellow players never anted up the money they owed into the winner’s pool, and he got stiffed, sources said.

“Constantine was supposed to win $6,000,” said a source. “But he got, like, $2,000. The only famous guy who paid up was Connolly. The rest of the eclectic group, including Christie, didn’t pay up. There were 12 players in their pool.”

Christie’s spokesman and reps for the other players did not return requests for comment.

A rep for “Boomer & Carton” told Page Six: “It was a fun wager amongst friends, and a good time was had by all.”

The guv can always blame the delay on traffic.

Shag still has Chris Christie's back despite 'Bridgegate' scandal (VIDEO)

Longtime Chris Christie supporter Shaquille O'Neal is refusing to turn his back on the New Jersey Governor in the wake of Bridgegate — telling TMZ, he still believes in the presidential hopeful despite the backlash erupting from the George Washington Bridge scandal.

Even if you don't believe the embattled Christie — after Thursday's press conference and the developing investigation — Shag isn't turning tail on the Gov.

The Newark, N.J. native, who endorsed Christie last October, told TMZ, "I heard the statement he released. In his statement, he said he was unaware of anybody being involved in something like this and I believe him."

The NBA legend discussed the "Bridgegate" situation with TMZ's  Harvey Levin and the Big Aristotle responded, "[When] you've got more than 50 or 60 people working for you, it's hard to micromanage everybody."

Click on the video below to hear Shaq's campaign endorsement last November.

NJ school kids boo Chris Christie for supporting Cowboys over Giants and Jets (VIDEO)

Chris Christie once again crossed party lines and probably lost more than a few future New Jersey votes in the wake of his latest switcheroo.

This time it was more like the slimmed down N.J. Governor crossed NFL team lines by publicly expressing his undying support for the Dallas Cowboys over the home state Giants and Jets to a group of booing Jersey school kids.

A far bigger offense than hugging a Democrat to this group.

Christie, speaking to the youngsters at the Samsel Upper Elementary School in Parlin, N.J. (about 30 miles from MetLife Stadium), admitted he was a long-time Cowboys fan.  The stunned school kids voiced their displeasure when the governor admitted he had no allegiance to the Garden State when it comes to athletics.

To add insult to injury, Christie told the kids he was not a New Jersey Devils fan either.

"It's not the smartest thing for the governor of New Jersey," the politician said, revealing how the Texas team won his heart as a child.

"The Giants and the Jets pretty much stunk when I was a kid," he said, adding that Dallas quarterback Roger Staubach was his boyhood hero.

Thanks for the love! “@GovChristie: This answer always makes my political advisors nervous. Go @dallascowboys! http://t.co/weQp6kkmdI”
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) June 18, 2013

The retired Cowboys' star has honored Christie’s loyalty and is now an admirer of the outspoken politician.  Staubach has donated thousands of dollars to the Governor's re-election campaign.

“Thanks for the love!” the Dallas team tweeted in response to Christie’s high praise.

The governor said he remains committed to the franchise, even though the out-of-state admiration "makes [his] political advisors nervous."

Christie’s preference for the New York Mets earned mixed reviews among the elementary school crowd.