TMZ Sports - Page 50

Peter Berg's in full damage control mode ... saying he has nothing but the "utmost respect for Caitlyn Jenner" ... after posting a meme about her earlier today that many people called "transphobic."

The "Ballers" producer/co-star just went to Instagram and wrote, "I have the utmost respect for Caitlyn Jenner and I am a strong supporter of equality and the rights of trans people everywhere."

It's a much different tone than the one he took earlier -- when he posted an Internet meme that ripped ESPN for giving the Arthur Ashe Courage Award to Jenner instead of a military vet.

The original meme Berg posted included a pic of both a double amputee military vet and Caitlyn Jenner and included the caption, "One man traded 2 legs for the freedom of the other to trade 2 balls for 2 boobs."

In his new Instagram post, Berg tries to clarify his stance -- saying, "I also believe that we don't give enough attention to our courageous returning war veterans, many of whom have sacrificed their bodies and mental health for our country and our principals- principals that include the freedom to live the life you want to live without persecution or abuse."

Jerry Jones has become a HUUUGE fan of Jay Z -- praising Dez Bryant for tapping Roc Nation Sports to negotiate his contract ... and saying Hov is a "wonderful" person.

The Cowboys owner called Dez from New York City to congratulate him on his brand new 5-year $70 MILLION contract ... when he went out of his way to give credit to the hip-hop mogul.

"My hats off to you," Jones told Bryant ... "You did a good job associating yourself with Jay Z. He's wonderful ... I spent hours with him last night."

The AARP is attacking Tiger Woods over a comment he made about the retirement group earlier this week -- proving once again, he just can't win.

Woods brought up the American Association of Retired Persons when asked on Tuesday if he was going to retire from golf any time soon.

Woods replied, "Retirement? I don't have my AARP card yet ... so, I'm a ways from that."

Well, the AARP took exception to the comment and fired back on Twitter:

"@TigerWoods It's better to be over 50, than it is to be over par."

Ouch.

Caitlyn Jenner's breasts defied the odds last night ... and people won a TON of money because of it ... this according to the gambling site that put up a prop bet on CJ's cleavage.

As we previously reported, BetOnline.ag offered gamblers the chance to bet on whether Caitlyn would show off the gals during the ESPYs -- and before the show, the odds said she would.

But while CJ flaunted a plunging neckline when receiving the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage -- there was NO CLEAVAGE -- so the website says it did NOT pay out for pro-boob bettors.

Surprisingly, the site says 78% of bettors put their money on "no" -- so the public wins thanks to Caitlyn's classy fashion choice.

Future is NOT happy with that photo of Russell Wilson pushing his son in a stroller -- saying if he was the kid, he would've jumped out and SLAPPED Russell in the face.

The rapper appeared on "The Breakfast Club" and told Charlamagne tha God he's upset with his baby mama Ciara for allowing her new BF to get so involved in the parenting their 1-year-old.

Future blames Ciara for setting him up -- but still blames Russell for trying to insert himself into his kid's life after only dating Ciara for a few short months.

"At the end of the day, I'm not for the publicity stunts. Leave my son out of the publicity stunts. Just leave him out of your relationship."

Floyd Mayweather should probably think long and hard before firing back at Ronda Rousey -- 'cause Dana White says she would "rag doll" the boxer if they ever got into a real brawl.

White was at Glendale Gym watching Rousey train yesterday -- hours before Ronda blasted Floyd on the red carpet of the ESPYs.

That's when we had an almost prescient moment ... and spoke to White about what would happen if the two ever got into a real fight.

"Floyd Mayweather throws his hands," White says ... "Ronda would grab onto him and RAG DOLL him."

White also says Conor McGregor would OBLITERATE the boxer as well.

As for Floyd, he hasn't responded to Ronda's comments yet -- and after this clip, we can't blame him.

Andre Berto has NOT signed on the dotted line to fight Floyd Mayweather on September 12th ... but they're getting there ... sources connected to the deal tell TMZ Sports.

As we previously reported, Mayweather dropped Berto's name as a possible opponent -- and Berto WANTS to fight Floyd -- but the fact of the matter is the deal has not been finalized.

Our sources tell us ... the two sides have spoken -- but without a firm deal in place, we're told Mayweather's camp is still reaching out to other potential opponents in case Berto falls through.

That being said, our sources tell us it's pretty likely the two sides WILL come to an agreement -- this isn't at all like the Pacquiao situation which took FOREVER to close.

We're told there should be some significant movement in the next few days.

Peter Berg ain't happy with all the praise being heaped on Caitlyn Jenner -- and is now mocking everyone from ESPN to President Obama for honoring her ... instead of military vets.

The "Friday Night Lights" director -- who also produces and co-stars in "Ballers" -- reposted a crass meme to Instagram following the ESPYs which compares a double amputee military vet to Caitlyn.

Berg co-signed on the meme with a simple comment -- "Yup."

Berg wasn't the only star to express outrage over Jenner getting the award -- Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry tweeted, "What exactly is 'COURAGE' these days?"

He was retweeted by NFL linebacker Sio Moore.

So, how is ESPN handling the criticism? Michelle Beadle summed it up this way:

"This rage over an arbitrary award is silly. Courage and bravery come in many forms and faces. I welcome progress for everyone. #BeYou."

Tennis stud Bernard Tomic -- the 25th ranked player in the world -- was arrested in Miami Beach yesterday after cops say he fought WAY TOO HARD for his right to PAAAAARRTTYYYY!!!

The 22-year-old Australian was staying at the W Hotel ... and according to the police report, obtained by TMZ Sports, dude was having a BLOWOUT rager in the penthouse suite.

Officials say the neighbors (read: squares) complained about the loud noise and music several times -- so hotel security went up to ask Bernard to keep it down.

But Bernard is no slave to "the man" ... and allegedly "pointed his finger aggressively" at the security guards and slammed the door in their faces.

The hotel decided to EVICT Bernard from the room ... and called the cops who told Bernard and his guests to pack up their stuff and leave ... or else they'd be arrested.

Everyone left ... except Bernard -- who told cops he was standing his ground and wouldn't leave the room.

So, they arrested him and forced him to leave.

Carli Lloyd is tough ... really tough ... but there's a limit to how much pain she'll tolerate when it comes to high heeled shoes.

After running around all night long for the ESPYs -- Carli finally had enough with her painful kicks ... and hit the dirty, gross streets of Hollywood ... barefoot.

But the best moment ... when Lloyd got into her waiting SUV with her fiance, we asked if he was actually going to be allowed to attend the World Cup matches in 2019, since Carli forbade him from coming this year.

LeBron James turned into "Rotten Tomatoes" right in the middle of Hollywood last night -- giving a street review of his new movie "Trainwreck" ... and ripping himself in the process.

James was leaving Le Jardin nightclub ... when he told us the movie is unbelievable -- but "I'm not that good in it.

LeBron, you're being hard on yourself.

Our pals at TooFab.com saw a screening of the flick and tell us, "LeBron is FUNNY!" Provides really good comic relief and plays really well off of Bill Hader."

"I don't think he sucked."

By the way, inside the party LeBron was dancing his face off while Future performed for the pumped up crowd. We got video.

Magic Johnson is on the NBC wishlist for the new host of "Celebrity Apprentice" ... TMZ has learned.

Well-connected 'Apprentice' sources tell us the plan is to find "a successful minority businessperson who's active in the inner cities." Magic certainly fits that bill. We're told there has been NO negotiation with him, but he's high on the list.

We're also told George Lopez is on that list. He doesn't have Magic's business cred, but he's hugely successful and a solid host. He also fills NBC's dream bill of getting a Latino to replace Trump. Lopez says he hasn't been contacted, but we're told all the discussions so far have been internal.

Caitlyn Jenner owned the ESPYs Wednesday night when she gave an emotional, personal, sometimes tearful and rousing plea for acceptance of all transgenders ... not just her.

Caitlyn's kids were there in force as she took the stage and joked about being judged ... not as a transgender, but as a woman who had to choose the right dress, hair and makeup.

It turned serious quickly, as she talked about the difficulties transgenders face ... but also the strides her community has made.

Caitlyn choked up as she thanked her children for their support, and the kids all teared up as they watched.

Her speech followed a 6-minute retro on the life of Bruce and Caitlyn, and the private struggles of someone who has led a very public life.

Ben Affleck may be separated, but in the marriage department he has something Jimmy Fallon doesn't ... a wedding ring still attached to his finger.

Ben gave Derek Jeter his award at the ESPYs and the ring was front and center. He's been wearing it lately, even though the couple announced they were getting divorced.

It was pretty funny ... watching the diehard Red Sox fan handing an award to his nemesis. Actually, pretty awesome.

Ronda Rousey is afraid of NO ONE -- not even Floyd Mayweather ... ripping the fighter over his domestic violence history on LIVE TV.

Rousey had just been given the "Best Fighter" award on the red carpet at the ESPYs -- beating out fighters like Mayweather.

When asked how she felt about it, Ronda replied -- "I wonder how Floyd feels being beaten by a woman for once."