TMZ Sports - Page 50

Tiger Woods claims he was pleasantly surprised by the way fans treated him in his return to golf -- claiming the support at the Masters actually "helped" him on the course.

Tiger just posted the message on his blog, in which he says, "I honestly didn't know what to expect from the fans, but they wereabsolutely incredible from Monday through Sunday.

He added, "It was unreal. Theydefinitely helped me mentally to be more comfortable out there. I washoping for the best. To get that type of warmth is something I did notexpect and will never forget."

Check out the entire unedited blog entry after the jump.

Former Oakland Raider receiver Javon Walker can sleep a little easier tonight -- the dude accused of kidnapping, robbing and beating him back in 2007 was found guilty today in a Las Vegas courtroom.

Deshawn Thomas was convicted of six felonies from the 2007 incident and faces anywhere from five years to life in prison.

As 15 year-old Leukemia patient Zachary Hatfield approached the podium in his Steelers jersey, the crowd began to chant "SHE SAID NO ... SHE SAID NO!!!!"

Turns out, Eliza's big brother -- actor Nathaniel Dushku -- was busted in the desert city of Barstow, CA back in January, after cops say dude was speeding down the highway at more than 100 MPH.

Nate was due back in court yesterday -- and Rick and Eliza made the drive to lend support.

Decked out in Nike gear and a backstage pass draped around his neck, Woods cracked a huge smile for this photo with the band's stage manager, Donnie Floyd, in a private room ... a room stocked with red solo cups.

As Brees arrived in New York yesterday, the Super Bowl hero told us that getting another NFL championship is "always the plan." But his plan seems unrealistic now -- because later today, Drew will be announced as the Madden 11 cover boy.

If you're unfamiliar with the Madden legend ... horrible things always happen to the players who make the cover of the video game. Just ask Troy Polamalu ...the Madden 10 cover boy who sustained a devastating knee injury in week 1 last year.

Other victims include Marshall Faulk, Ray Lewis, Vince Young, Shaun Alexander ... and of course Michael Vick.

Good thing Saints fans don't believe in superstitions ...

TMZ has learned former NFL running back Chris Perry was arrested in Brooklyn yesterday, after cops say he got in a fist fight with a family member.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ Perry -- a 2003 Heisman Trophy finalist -- was arrested in his grandmother's home after he allegedly socked his cousin in the face after an argument.

The arrest comes almost 6 years -- to the day -- from when the Michigan standout was selected in the first round of the NFL draft by the Cincinnati Bengals ... who ultimately cut the running back from the squad in 2009.

UPDATE: TMZ spoke with Perry's reps, who told us, "This is obviously a very difficult time for Chris personally as he's been dealing with his mother's terminal illness."

In an interview with CYInterview.com, Ripken was asked if he ever had any interest in becoming the first baseball player to appear on "Dancing with the Stars" -- to which he responded, "probably not."

The Orioles legend admits to having "two left feet"... and although he accomplished almost every imaginable milestone during his 21-year career, he is still "uncomfortable with the attention away from the field."

One of the off-duty police officers who was in Ben Roethlisberger's entourage on the night he allegedly sexually assaulted a 20-year old woman has just been banned from working for the Steelers quarterback.

TMZ has learned the Pennsylvania State Police has rescinded Trooper Edward Joyner's authorization to perform supplemental employment, which allowed him to work as a "driver/assistant" to Roethlisberger in an "off-duty" capacity.

In a release by the state police, Trooper Joyner had his contract revoked after an "initial review of the investigation conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation."

The rescission documents, executed Monday, claim Joyner violated "the stipulations" of his employment approval and he "demean[ed] the image of the department."

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has just received a SIX game suspension from the NFL for violating the league's Personal-Conduct Policy.

A spokesperson for the NFL announced that Ben has been informed of the decision.

Officials claim the suspension could be reduced to 4 games, if NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell sees fit.

Ben will not be paid for the games he will miss -- which means he could lose nearly $3 million if he misses all six.

Along with the suspension, Ben will also have to undergo a comprehensive behavioral evaluation.

In a letter to Roethlisberger, Commish Goodell told Ben, "There is nothing about your conduct in Milledgeville that can remotely be described as admirable, responsible, or consistent with either the values of the league or the expectations of our fans.”

Retired NFL star Corey Dillon is having a seriously bad month -- he was busted for DUI this morning, and TMZ has learned his wife just filed for divorce.

Desiree Dillon filed a petition for divorce earlier this month in L.A. County Superior Court, citing irreconcilable differences.

The couple has three children and have been married for 10 years. According to court documents, Desiree wants full legal and physical custody of the kids -- with Corey getting visitation.

In the filing, Desiree is asking the former New England Patriots star to fork over cash for spousal support and attorney's fees.

As for the DUI -- Corey was pulled over by L.A. County Sheriff's deputies at 3:38am today near Malibu on Mulholland Drive. He's still in custody.

UPDATE: Dillon was released from custody -- he's expected back in court in June.

We're told Woods was shrouded by security backstage at Amway Arena -- while the band did their thing.

We know Tiger's a big Nickelback fan -- he's even joined them on stage in the past... though last night he kept a much lower profile, for obvious reasons.