TMZ Sports - Page 50

Kobe Bryant is making a full court press to save his marriage ... and has sworn up and down to Vanessa he will never stray again if she takes him back.

Sources connected with the couple tell TMZ ... Kobe has "aggressively" pursued Vanessa over the last three weeks, and she's been receptive. We're told Vanessa tends to believe Kobe, but still isn't sure the marriage can be resurrected.

And then there's the subject of lavish gifts. We're told Kobe has given Vanessa a very expensive piece of jewelry. We don't know the price, nor do we know how it compares to the $4 million ring she scored after Kobe's infamous dalliance a few years back.

ESPN issued an apology last night after a racially insensitive headline about New York Knicks star guard Jeremy Lin appeared on their mobile site.

The headline, "Chink In the Armor," appeared only on mobile browsers, the network said, and only between the hours of 2:30 AM ET and 3:05 AM ET.

Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter has died after a battle with brain cancer ... this according to his family.

The 57-year-old NY Mets legend had been diagnosed with an aggressive, fast-moving brain cancer last year.

Carter's daughter released a statement saying, "I am deeply saddened to tell you all that my precious dad went to be with Jesus today at 4:10 p.m."

She added, "This is the most difficult thing I have ever had to write in my entire life but I wanted you all to know."

Doctors had discovered 4 small tumors in Carter's brain ... after the MLB legend suddenly began to forget things, repeat questions and lacked energy.

Carter -- who was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003 -- is survived by his wife, 3 children and 3 grandchildren.

Carter was one of the superstars on the world champion '86 Mets squad. He was also an 11-time All Star.

Call her Sarah Pa-LIN ... because the former Vice-Presidential candidate is the new Knicks' sensation's biggest fan -- even showing off her brand new "LINSANITY" t-shirt on the streets of New York today.

According to Sarah, Jeremy Lin is everything America stands for -- calling him "an American story ... uplifting, positive ... he unifies our country!"

But when it came to deciding between Lin and Tim Tebow -- Sarah reverts to politician mode, telling us she can't decide between the two ... she loves them both. Lame.

So we gotta ask ...

This year's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover girl Kate Upton and last year's cover girl Irina Shayk proved they looked hot in clothes too at an event in Las Vegas on Wednesday.

Question is ...

Reggie Bush ain't going back to the Kardashian well ... telling TMZ he's 100% NOT dating his old flame Kim ... despite an expensive lunch date this weekend.

Reggie was hanging out on Rodeo Drive in Bev Hills when we asked if he was back on with his reality ex. Reggie couldn't have been more clear -- hell no.

TMZ broke the story ... Reg and Kim were spotted on a lunch date at the Beverly Hills Hotel this weekend.

Former WWE superstar Chyna is finally getting back in the ring ... taking on 9 dudes at the same time ... except it's for a porno movie.

TMZ has learned ... Chyna was totally serious about pursuing a XXX career ... and just wrapped up on a Royal Rumble-inspired flick in which she locks up with a bunch of dudes who all look like famous wrestlers ... including a wannabe Hulk Hogan, wannabe Triple H, wannabe Ric Flair and more.

Weird thing is ... Chyna and the REAL Triple H actually dated for a while before he married Stephanie McMahon back in 2003.

Another come-from-behind victory for Kobe Bryant ... sucking face with the woman who has now taken all of his homes, Vanessa Bryant ... and now TMZ can confirm the two are working on a reconciliation.

Vanessa showed up for the Lakers Valentine's Day victory over the Atlanta Hawks. The two shared a kiss in the tunnel on the way into the locker room.

TMZ broke the story ... Vanessa filed for divorce in December, and they have already sealed the property settlement deal in which Vanessa got all 3 Newport Beach estates.

But sources told us at the time Vanessa filed ... don't be surprised if she goes back to Bryant.

And, although Kobe and Vanessa have submitted all the necessary docs to divorce, it doesn't become final until mid-June, so there's plenty of time to withdraw the papers.

FYI -- we're told Kobe and Vanessa are NOT living with each other ... yet.

New York Jets interception-machine Mark Sanchez might actually have done something right this year ... and her name's Kate Upton -- this according to the super model herself.

Rumors have been spreading like wildfire ... Mark and Kate are an item -- but we asked the buxom Victoria's Secret angel straight up ... are you single ... and she played coy, replying, "What do you think?"

We pressed a little more ... asking if Mark was the mystery man -- Kate hedged, responding, "I don't know!"

As for the real truth -- Kate tells us, "It's whatever you think!"

So here's what we think -- if Mark had any game, he would have AT LEAST made the playoffs.

Kim Kardashian has REUNITED with her ex-boyfriend Reggie Bush ... breaking bread with the NFL player at the Beverly Hills Hotel this weekend ... TMZ has learned.

Multiple sources tell us ... the two were smiling and laughing during the lunch date ... and played it cool when fans approached them for pictures and autographs.

We're told it seemed just like old times ... before Kim went off and married/divorced that other guy whose name we can't remember.

WWE star John Cena doesn't have to worry any more about losing his house -- he's paid off the tax lien that was slapped on it late last year ... TMZ has learned.

As TMZ first reported, a roofing company in Florida got a lien against Cene's home after the claimed he allegedly stiffed them to the tune of $15,214.92.

According to docs filed in Hillsborough County, Cena paid off his debt and the lien has been lifted.

Jeremy Lin is the biggest sensation to hit sports since Tim Tebow burst on the scene -- and wouldn't you know it ... Lin says Tebow is one of his biggest inspirations.

In case you've missed out on Linsanity -- Jeremy has come out of nowhere to be the New York Knicks starting point guard. He's scored more points in his first three career starts than any modern era NBA player ... and he's a devout Christian.

Before dropping 38 on Kobe Bryant and the Lakers last night, Lin -- who said he may become a minister after his playing days -- told 95.7 FM in San Francisco that he's inspired by and really respects Tebow.

Lin explained, "I actually want to be able to do some of the things that he does in terms of the amount of charity work and the non-profit work, and the way he impacts people off the field. I think that is what is most inspiring to me about him."

If this keeps up, church attendance is going to go through the roof.

NY Giants star running back Ahmad Bradshaw has apparently developed an extra-special relationship with former "Jersey Shore" star Angelina Pivarnick ... TMZ has learned ... but the Staten Island Dump insists they're NOT officially dating.

Angelina was at Saddle Ranch in L.A. yesterday ... when we asked point blank if they were together ... and we were met with an uncomfortable silence ... followed by, "I'm not dating him ... like, no."

Pivarnick explained, "We've hung out together ... we're really close, he's a cool dude."

"I think he's a hot black ... I'm not gonna deny that. I would be lying if I told you he wasn't hot."

Angelina recently posted a photo of the two lookin' all cozy at a NY club a few weeks ago -- they look platonic to you?

We called Bradshaw's agent for comment ... so far, no response.

So, we gotta ask ...

UFC hottie Arianny Celeste's bikini executed a breathtaking submission hold earlier today at a pool in Miami -- squeezing her boobs so tight ... the lovely ladies nearly came loose.

Say goodbye to Chad Ochocinco ... the Patriots star is telling friends, he plans to change his last name BACK to Johnson in time for his wedding this summer -- because he doesn't want his wife to have a made-up last name.

Ocho's wedding to his "Basketball Wives" fiancee Evelyn Lozada is set for July in Florida -- and sources tell TMZ, the wide receiver plans to legally change his last name back to the one he was born with before he ties the knot.

Despite hedging last month, we're told Evelyn doesn't care what name she ends up with -- Johnson or Ochocinco -- the choice is entirely up to Chad ... but it appears he's already made up his mind.