Yes, that was Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra as (sort-of) Michael Jackson during Tuesday night’s South Beach Battioke fundraiser at the Fillmore theatre in Miami Beach.
And yes, that was Spoelstra alongside girlfriend Nikki Sapp making his (and her) best effort at Billie Jean.
But, hey, it was for charity.
Now the question is whether the NBA league office comes down harder on Spoelstra than they did on Hassan Whiteside.
Or if you prefer Pat Riley’s Twist and Shout.
Battier’s fourth annual karaoke-themed charity event raises money and awareness for The Battier Take Charge Foundation, a non-profit organization established by Shane and his wife, Heidi.
The foundation awards college scholarships to top-performing, underprivileged high school students in Miami, Houston and Detroit. The inaugural Battioke event took place in Houston, where Battier once played.
Battier was joined on stage by Cuban American singer Jon Secada, voice of the Miami Heat Jason Jackson and Spoelstra.
“We are proud that we have been able to engage our community and send brilliant young minds to colleges and universities through the fundraising efforts of Battioke,” said Battier.
“We believe in opportunity. There are so many people in the world who can do so many positive things, change the world, and all they need is an opportunity.”
Battier retired last year after 13 seasons in the NBA, the final three with the Heat. The former Duke University star is now a college basketball analyst for ESPN.
Past champions Battioke winners include James Jones (2014), now with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Chris Bosh (2013).
