Former NBAer Doug Christie and his wife Jackie are amusing in a nauseating sort of way. Yes, they have done charitable work, which should be applauded. And, yes, they promote building strong marriages.

But there’s self-promotion, and then there’s the Christies.

Case in point, today the couple declared through a press release that on July 8th they will get married for a 13th time at the Space Needle in Seattle, “in a lavish ultra private ceremony.”

The self-proclaimed “power couple”, “will donate $100,000.00 to charity and plan to invite 100 gay and lesbian couples to join them next July for their 14th wedding to marry in one joint ceremony.”

Charity? Good. Social causes? Ditto. Extraordinarily, gratuitous, self-promotion? Check, please. I need to leave.

Think that the “power couple” reference is a bit, over the top? Try adding in how they reference their daughter. As the press release continues, “The Christie's daughter, role model and multi-talented entertainer Chani, whom recently released her debut album, 'My Dream' is following in her parents footsteps with her own philanthropy as well.”

Yes, nothing says “look at me now” like proclaiming “role model and multi-talented entertainer” about one of your own.

More heart warming self-promotion?

"The power couple is also responsible for inspiring so many other couples including celebrity couples, to marry more than once, we are so happy to see so many people now choosing to marry multiple times, or renew their vows privately and publicly. Our hearts warm when someone say's thank you for inspiring us," said Doug Christie.

Remember, folks, it’s great to do charity work. It’s another thing to do it so that you can place attention to yourself. Reaffirming your vows? Nice idea. It shows your commitment to marriage. But, doing it every year, even as an example? Strong marriages don’t need to have vows renewed every year. Only narcissists do.

Finally, there’s this tidbit regarding Doug Christie’s time with the Kings:

Aside from past public scrutiny as well as untrue rumors that the Christie's had to endure, affected not only their personal life but professional life as well. Most recent was that of veteran NBA referee Tim Donaghy who refereed games in the NBA during Doug's tenure with the Sacramento Kings in 2002. Tim Donaghy was accused of betting on basketball games over the past two seasons and most recently admitted to cheating in game 6 of the semi-finals that year between the Sacramento Kings and the Los Angeles Lakers' basketball teams. "I am devastated to now find out the game was not officiated fairly," says Christie. "Not just for myself and my family but for my teammates as well who put their heart and soul on the line, the fans and the players out there on the floor right now. Who can tell what's 'real' and what's fake?"

Well, Doug, let’s get some things straight first:

• Fact: Donaghy isn’t “accused” he admitted to betting on games.
• Fact: Donaghy didn’t work Game 6 (Bob Delaney, Dick Bavetta and Ted Bernhardt did), so he didn’t “cheat” during the game you claim.

Here’s something else, Doug (and Jackie). Genuine individuals lead by example, and do not draw attention to themselves in the process.

I’m sure that there will be more press releases from the Christies touting how great they are. Isn’t it ironic that Doug asks, “Who can tell what's 'real' and what's ‘fake’?"

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Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey. He is contributor to Baseball Prospectus, and is available as a freelance writer.

Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network.

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