Sports: Lacrosse: New standout sports celebrity annointed by RedBull (etc) commercials

Sports reporter for New York Times, James Vlahos, has an extensive wr+t-up of Paul Rabil (photo credit: Brian Nevins/Red Bull), who plays for the Boston Cannons (outdoors) and the Washington Stealth (indoors, National Lacrosse League).  "Lacrosse has an image problem, deservedly or not, and it is against this backdrop that Mr. Rabil has emerged onto the scene."

Says Cannon coach, Bill Daye, Rabil is "a freak of an athlete. He's strong, fast and can stop or change directions on a dime" -- the latter feat an act of a 6-foot-3er.

About his work-ethic, says Paul Rabil himself, "I'm not into those sports clichés about winning--who wants it most, who wants to be the best. Everybody wants to be the best. The difference is who is willing to put in the most work."

Lacrosse has recently become the vehicle of at least one fetish-promoting fashioneer (Michael Bastiaan of Gant clothing company who's been pushing a preppy look with lacrosse accoutrements).  Did I see Rabil among the Gant models?  Additionally, Rabil seems to be sticking with Red Bull (yeah, buy the beer!), Under Armour (an under-arm deoderant?--nope, underwear), and Maverik (lacrosse equipment).  Here's a few factoids about Paul Rabil from the Maverik s+t:

 Lacrosse Experience: 11 years.

Personal Moment That Defines Lacrosse: Outworking someone on a ground ball that eventually turns into a goal for our team.

Main Talent: Desire to win.

Main Fault: My competitiveness often results in loss of temper.

Toughest Part of the Game: Losing.

Music To Take The Field To: Friday Night Lights theme.

Other Sports: I love soccer, but am better at basketball.

Sport That’s Not a Sport: Poker. I love playing the game, but those dudes are definitely NOT athletes. 

Can you take a punch?  I have plenty of times.

Favorite Character/Villain/Etc: Bill the Butcher, played by Daniel Day Lewis in Gangs of New York. 

Last Supper: Chipotle Burrito: Rice, black beans, chicken x2, steak, corn, hot sauce, sour cream, cheese,  lettuce.

Favorite sports star: David Beckham. Nobody has faced as much international adversity, battled back and succeeded like Becks.

Word You Hate: Brah.

Worst/Best advice you ever received: “It’s harder to hold onto success, than it is to achieve it.”

The professional lacrosse webs+t is located here, National Lacrosse League, actually a continent-wide organization.  Toronto the Good's pro lacrosse team is called Toronto Rock.

-- Sportikos