FROM THE NEWSROOM:Don’t forget to join the Irrelevant fun

Because I’m a hopeless football addict, every year I waste one Saturday morning in April sitting in front of the TV watching the NFL draft.

Because my wife is football hater, I don’t dare to keep watching all the way to Sunday for the very end of the draft.

And that’s too bad, because that means I never get the chance to see local legend Paul Salata pick the last player in the draft, otherwise known as Mr. Irrelevant.

I’m guessing many of you don’t see it either — no offense, Paul.

But coming next week, anyone can get the chance to meet Mr. Irrelevant, otherwise known as Ramzee “Bino” Robinson, in person.

Robinson, an Alabama native picked last in the draft by the Detroit Lions, rolls into town for Irrelevant Week festivities starting at 5:30 p.m. Monday with the kickoff arrival party at the Newport Dunes Resort.

Mr. Irrelevant XXXII will be honored with a parade of Ford automobiles (in honor of Detroit, of course) cheerleaders, band members, proclamations and over 200 gifts, said Melanie Salata Fitch, Paul’s daughter and the head of Irrelevant week for the last 12 years.

Melanie has been working Irrelevant Week since its inception 32 years ago, starting off as a cheerleader back in the day.

“Now I’m older than the players’ moms,” she said. Still, she gets a kick out of the event after all these years.

“Irrelevant Week is always fun,” said. “The week has always been bombastic. I’ve always enjoyed celebrating the guy because he’s always so startled. It’s the celebration of the underdog. Most of these guys will never get another 15 minutes of fame.”

She said she bonds with the players each year, and this year is no different.

“Ramzee is at mini-camp,” she said. “He’s in Detroit and in a hotel like all the other rookies, so he gets lonely. So we talk to him every day.”

It’s worth noting that Paul and Melanie Salata have never received a penny for this event and instead all of the proceeds go to charities.

This year, the military families at Camp Pendleton will receive the benefits, Melanie said.

So if you are interested in being a part of Irrelevant Week, the following are the events open to the public.

Monday, June 18 — Arrival Party Newport Dunes.

Wednesday, June 20 — All-Star Lowsman Sports Banquet, Newport Beach Marriott Resort, 900 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach; 6 p.m. cocktails; 7 p.m. dinner and program. Celebrities expected at this event include John Ireland from ESPN, Terry Donahue, Tom Flores, Tim Floyd, John Robinson, Leigh Steinberg, Ron Yary and others.

Friday, June 22 — Ultimate Tailgate Party/ Miss Irrelevant Contest, 5:30 p.m., Rudy’s Pub & Grill, 3110 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach.

For more information, contact Irrelevant Week Headquarters via e-mail at [email protected], by phone at (949) 263-0727 or visit www.irrelevantweek.com.