Three-time defending Sprint Cup champ Jimmie Johnson has been nominated for the Best Male Athlete ESPY. His competition: Michael Phelps, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. Phelps owns 14 gold medals, Bryant just won his first post-Shaq NBA title and James is the best all-around basketball player on the planet. Good luck with that, Jimmie. The winners will be determined by online and mobile phone fan voting that begins June 25 and ends July 11. The show airs Sunday, July 19. It is hosted by Samuel L. Jackson. There will be lots of yelling.

Phelps, Bryant, James compete for male athlete (Associated Press)