TMZ Sports - Page 50

According to multiple reports, Steinbrenner -- who turned 80-years old on July 4th -- was rushed to St. Joseph's hospital in Tampa where he was later pronounced dead.

Steinbrenner -- a U.S. Navy veteran -- retired from running the Yankees in 2006 ... leaving his sons Hank and Hal to run the team.

Since Steinbrenner took over the team in 1973, the Yankees locked up 11 pennants and 7 World Series titles.

Among Steinbrenner's many accomplishments -- his famous "grooming policy" ... in which players and coaches are not allowed to sport hair past their collar ... and the only acceptable facial hair is a mustache.

UPDATE: A rep for the Steinbrenner family has released a statement saying, "It is with profound sadness that the family of George M. Steinbrenner III announces his passing. He passed away this morning in Tampa, Fla., at age 80."

The rep adds, "Funeral arrangements will be private. There will be an additional public service with details to be announced at a later date."

As he was walking into the building, a reporter asked, "Can you comment about what's happening today?

LT responded, "Darling ... grow up."

Mayer was out in NYC yesterday -- and when we asked about LeBron James, dude BS'd for a little while before finally admitting, "I play music ... we don't like sports ... we got beat up by guys like LeBron James."

he's sick of "faking" interest just to fit in with other "alpha males."

Jamison -- who joined the Cleveland Cavaliers during last season -- told our photog, "I'm happy for him, man. I hope he gets a championship."

In addition to third-degree rape, the NFL Hall of Famer is facing the following charges: criminal sexual act, sexual abuse, endangering the welfare of a child, and patronizing a prostitute.

As we previously reported, Taylor was arrested back in May after he allegedly performed a sexual act with a 16-year-old prostitute. LT claims he never touched her sexually ... only himself.

Fisher tells TMZ, "I have decided to continue with Kobe, continue with our teammates and the fans of Los Angeles."

He adds, "While this may not be the most lucrative contract I've been offered this off season, it is the most valuable."

As we first reported, Fisher was being courted by LeBron James' new squad -- the Miami Heat -- but ultimately decided to stay in L.A.

As we first reported, James filed papers back in June alleging Woods was the father of her 9-year-old son -- even though DNA tests proved the daddy was someone else.

We've learned attorneys for Woods have now filed legal docs declaring that Woods is not the daddy of James' son and, therefore, the paternity case should be history.

In a harshly-worded statement, Jackson took Gilbert to task for his open letter to Cavaliers fans which slammed LeBron's decision to sign with the Miami Heat. Jackson says, "He speaks as an owner of LeBron and not the owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers. His feelings of betrayal personify a slave master mentality. He sees LeBron as a runaway slave."

He goes on, "LeBron is not a child, nor is he bound to play on Gilbert’s plantation and be demeaned. He has been a model citizen and has inspired the children of Akron, Cleveland, the State of Ohio and the United States."

Not sure if Cleveland fans would rush to LeBron's defense right now.

Buon Compleanno!

O.K., so those lips actually belong to Sara Carbonero, his girlfriend, but it's still great video.