helton-toddSports Illustrated released its sixth-annual “Fortunate 50” list yesterday, which ranks the 50 top-earning American athletes in salary, winnings, endorsements, and appearance fees. Two Denver-based athletes made the cut. Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony came in at No. 25, having earned $19.4 million in 2008-09 season. He slipped a little from the 2008 report, however, when he was ranked 18. Colorado Rockies first baseman Todd Helton (pictured) tied for No. 37, raking in $16.75 million. The No. 1 highest-paid American athlete? Golfer Tiger Woods, who brought in $99.7 million, nearly double the No. 2 athlete, fellow golfer Phil Mickelson, who had to settle for just $52.9 million.