Posted by ESPN's Matt Mosley

When I received a note from the ESPN PR department last Thursday about Keyshawn Johnson being honored at The Michael Awards in New York, I asked the obvious question: "What are The Michael Awards?"

Fortunately, Keyshawn soon called to explain that the event is a huge deal in the fashion industry and that it would be a good idea to point that out on Hashmarks. The star-studded event (his words) was held at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square, which features the most ineffective elevator system in the city.

According to sources (Keyshawn), the biggest names in fashion, film, music, sports and television showed up for the event, although Ben Vereen and Vivica Fox were the only names I recognized. Keyshawn won the award for "Best-Dressed Man," a category that encompassed television hosts from sports and entertainment. I'm told that TV stalwarts Pat O'Brien and Regis Philbin have claimed the prize in past years.  

Keyshawn felt vindicated after the win because he worked hard to convince ESPN producers to stick with him despite their reservations about his unique style.

"A lot of the TV anchors are plain jane with all those dark suits," Keyshawn said. "I'd seen what some of the ESPN guys wore in the past, and it was hideous. Some top executives were a little taken back by the way I was dressing. I told them to stick with me, and now they're having to eat some crow."

Keyshawn made several other humble statements, but I had to cut him off at some point. He was accompanied at the event by his designer, Waraire Boswell. He first met Boswell through former Tampa Bay cornerback Brian Kelly. Now, Keyshawn and Boswell are talking about launching a fashion line sometime down the road.

I should also mention that The Michael Awards helped raise money for the National Children's Leukemia Foundation. For more information about the event, let me refer you to the official Web site.