TMZ Sports - Page 50

Conor McGregor has broken his silence on his loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229 -- saying he simply didn't train for Khabib's stand-up game.

In fact, Conor gave a round-by-round breakdown of the fight ... calling Round 2 the "worst round of my career."

Here's the breakdown ...

Round 1.

"I believe from a sport standpoint, round 1 was his. Top position against the fence. Zero position advancement or damage inflicted. But top position. From a fight standpoint the first round is mine. Actual shots landed and a willingness to engage. Straight left early. Knee to the head on the low shot. Elbows in any and all tie up scenarios. Opponent just holding the legs against the fence for almost the entire round."

Round 2.

"He is running away around the cage before being blessed with a right hand that changed the course of the round, and the fight. It was a nice shot.

After the shot I bounced back up to engage instantly, but again he dipped under to disengage. That is the sport and it was a smart move that led to a dominant round, so no issue. Well played.

If I stay switched on and give his stand up even a little more respect, that right hand never gets close and we are talking completely different now. I gave his upright fighting no respect in preparation. No specific stand up spars whatsoever. Attacking grapplers/wrestlers only. That won’t happen again.

I also gave my attacking grappling no respect. To defense minded. Lessons. Listen to nobody but yourself on your skill set. You are the master of your own universe. I am the master of this. I must take my own advice."

Round 3.

"After the worst round of my fighting career, I come back and win this round. Again walking forward, walking him down, and willing to engage."

Round 4.

"My recovery was not where it could have been here. That is my fault. Although winning the early exchanges in 4, he dips under again and I end up in a bad position with over 3 on the clock. I work to regain position and end up upright, with my back to the fence. A stable position. Here however, I made a critical error of abandoning my over hook at this crucial time, exposing the back, and I end up beaten fair and square."

Overall Notes

The LAPD has reached out to several L.A. Dodgers stars -- including Yasiel Puig, Justin Turner and Clayton Kershaw -- to make sure their homes are protected during the World Series ... unlike last year.

Remember, Puig's home was hit by burglars during Game 7 of the 2017 World Series -- and cops have said the suspects specifically targeted the place because they knew he'd be at Dodger Stadium at the time.

L.A. Rams wide receiver Robert Woods was also hit by burglars during a Rams game this year -- cops believe the suspects are the same crew of burglars that hit Puig.

Even though cops made multiple arrests, they still believe some of the suspects are on the loose, and they're concerned about copycats and other crime crews. Bottom line -- they don't want to take any chances this time around.

Law enforcement sources tell us ... LAPD officials have reached out to MLB security, agents for the players, personal assistants and other personnel in the hopes of protecting the homes of Dodgers players and staffers.

We're told cops are working with the players to make sure home security systems are up to snuff and, in some cases, additional security personnel are watching their houses.

And, cops will continue to make extra patrols in the neighborhoods where the players live.

WWE's Roman Reigns says his leukemia has returned in a health battle that's he's been fighting for more than 10 years.

Reigns made the solemn announcement on 'Monday Night Raw,' saying his leukemia was back, and that he wouldn't be able to carry out his duties as a wrestler ... and, as such, will have to relinquish the Universal Championship.

Reigns said he'd be heading home to focus on his health and treatment ... adding "I will beat this, I will be back, and you will see me very, very soon." The crowd was noticeably distraught and shocked over the news, but gave him a huge round of applause when he thanked them for their support over the years.

Reigns was diagnosed with leukemia at age 22. He's 33 now.

Nipsey Hussle tells TMZ Sports there's NO WAY IN HELL he was gonna jump in the Lakers-Rockets melee Saturday night ... despite what it might have looked like on camera.

You'll remember ... Rajon Rondo and Chris Paul traded blows near the basket Nipsey was sitting under -- and when cameras panned to the rapper -- it sure looked like he was getting ready to jump in.

But, Nipsey -- who teamed up with PUMA to refurbish a basketball court in South L.A. inspired by the brands new kicks -- tells us there was absolutely no chance he was setting himself up to throw hands.

"I would never jump in no NBA fight," Hussle says. "Hell nah!"

Nipsey says he was readying himself JUST IN CASE the fight spilled into his area of the stands.

As for who woulda won the fight if nobody held the two point guards back ... Nipsey says he ain't sure -- but he does tell us the Lakers have a real shot at the NBA title this season!!

BTW, in addition to the new court ... Nipsey and PUMA hooked 200 kids up with fresh backpacks and shirts ... and gave $10K to a local elementary school.

Thomas John -- the famous psychic who correctly predicted the World Series teams back in July -- is taking his gift one step further ... predicting the WINNER. And, it's bad news for L.A. fans.

Remember, when John made his prediction back in July, the Dodgers were in 3rd place in the NL West behind the Diamondbacks and the Rockies. It was a tight race and the Dodgers were definitely not a lock for the playoffs at the time.

But, he assured us the Dodgers and Red Sox would make the Series -- and he was right.

So, when we saw the "Seatbelt Psychic" star at Avra in Bev Hills Monday we asked for his World Series winner prediction and he came through with the answer from beyond!

We also mined for info about the Super Bowl -- and that's when John had even MORE good news for Boston fans.

Will Ferrell turned 22,000 soccer fans into RAGING LUNATICS on Sunday ... and the video is pretty great.

The comedy legend -- who's part owner of LAFC -- got hands-on with his futbol team's crowd in a game against Vancouver ... leading an epic chant that turned Banc of California Stadium into a zoo.

"Jump for LA Football Club, OLE! OLE!" Ferrell roared.

The stadium loved it ... and other angles of the chant revealed a DOPE scene.

Bad news for Will ... LAFC ended up tying the Whitecaps, 2-2, and is now in jeopardy of losing out on a top-two seed in the MLS' Western Conference.

Good news for Will ... L.A.'s still going to the playoffs, baby!!

Jessie James Decker's got us all green with envy ... envy over NOT being on Miami beach to see this shoot going down live.

Jessie's frolicking in a green bikini and flauntin' what her mama gave her while shooting a commercial. Unclear what product she's pimping but it's gonna be hard to upstage Jessie's bikini bod ... which is en fuego!!!

Speaking of what mamas gave ... Jessie and her ex-NFL hubby, Eric Decker, just had baby #3 -- a little boy -- back in March. Snapback mode, in full effect!

Tom Brady says when the Red Sox beat L.A. in the World Series ... it'll be doubly sweet for him -- 'cause the Patriots legend says he freakin' LOATHES the Dodgers!!!

Tom made the revelation Monday on the "Kirk & Callahan" show on WEEI ... saying, because he grew up a Giants fan in the Bay Area -- he's always hated the Dodgers.

In fact ... when Brady was asked which L.A. player he disliked the most -- the QB said the list is MASSIVE!!

"There was a lot of them, oh my God."

But ... Tom admits Fernando Valenzuela was Brady Enemy No. 1.

As for this World Series ... doesn't seem to be much doubt in Tom's mind that Boston will be celebrating once the final out is recorded.

"It couldn't set up any better for the Red Sox to win the World Series and I think they're going to do it."

Jerry Jones says Monday's team trip to the National Museum of African American History and Culture was not a P.R. stunt to ingratiate him with black fans ... it was the players who pushed for the visit.

TMZ Sports spoke with the Dallas Cowboys owner outside the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. -- where JJ was flanked by a team of armed guards -- and asked about the criticism he's been receiving online.

Here's the breakdown ... after the team announced the trip, there was an immediate backlash from people who called it a "PR gesture. Nothing more" to help Jerry -- who's been one of Colin Kaepernick's most vocal critics.

So, kudos to our camera guy who asked Jerry directly if it was a publicity stunt -- and this is how Jones responded.

"Well, I don’t think that the case. This is a player effort and our players wanted to do this. It’s their great idea and we sure wanted to do it and be a part of it."

Jones also raved about how much he loves D.C. -- saying the city "Makes ya proud to be a part of America."

He added, "Just to be here it’s always fabulous to get to come up here. To play Washington and get to just be reminded of what a great nation this is."

We also asked if the team was still considering bringing back Dez Bryant.

Jerry shot that down -- and defended his current WRs.

We also spoke with head coach Jason Garrett about how he plans to get the team back in the W column and why the trip to the African American Museum was important to him.

2:15 PM PT -- Terrance's attorney Chip Lewis tells TMZ Sports the allegations are completely bogus, "Terrance did absolutely nothing wrong."

"Having spoken with eyewitnesses, it is demonstrably obvious that this lady has made a false report regarding Terrance. Terrance did absolutely nothing wrong."

"He politely asked her to leave his room and she refused. One of the eyewitnesses escorted her out of the room. Terrance and the eyewitnesses cooperated with the police and will continue to do so."

The Miami Beach Police Dept. is investigating Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrance Williams over a hotel room altercation with a popular Instagram model -- though she told cops he never laid a finger on her, TMZ Sports has learned.

According to the police report, cops were called to the Fontainebleau Hotel on Saturday morning about an incident involving Williams and Nicole Zavala, whose racy IG page has more than 200k followers.

Zavala told cops she met Williams -- who's currently out with a foot injury -- at a nightclub and went back to his room. But while there, Zavala claims a verbal altercation took place and she was asked to leave.

Zavala says she protested -- but Williams called a friend over to physically escort her out. The friend allegedly grabbed her by the arm and put her in the hallway. TMZ Sports obtained a photo of Zavala's alleged injuries.

Williams later told police he kicked her out because Zavala had a boyfriend and he didn't want the drama. He's adamant he never threw a punch or abused her in any way.

Cops say they have cell phone video showing Zavala pouting on the bed and refusing to leave the room when politely asked.

Sources tell us ... Williams is adamant he was trying to handle the situation professionally and respectfully.

Zavala also acknowledges Williams never personally touched her.

Still, cops are investigating the incident as a "battery report." So far, no arrests have been made and no charges have been filed.

Several calls to Williams have not been returned.

Williams has made headlines for all the wrong reasons this year -- as we previously reported, he was arrested for misdemeanor public intoxication after his Lamborghini crashed into a light pole.

He later rode a bicycle back to the scene and fell on the way.

The case was later dismissed after Williams agreed to pay for the damaged light pole and complete an alcohol education course.

Sorry, Dodgers fans -- it ain't gonna happen ... the Dodgers will LOSE to the Red Sox in the World Series, in part because Clayton Kershaw's no Sandy Koufax ... so says Ben Shapiro.

The conservative firebrand is also a die-hard baseball fan -- and even though he's from L.A., the 34-year-old tells us he's rooting for the Red Sox because of his Boston connection.

Fun Fact: Shapiro went to law school at Harvard where he graduated cum laude in 2007.

As for Kershaw, Shapiro says he likes the pitcher -- but doesn't have a lot of confidence based on previous disastrous playoff outings.

So, what's Kershaw's legacy?

If he doesn't get it done this year, Shapiro says he'll go down as the greatest REGULAR season left-hander of all time.

9:49 AM PT -- Sources tell us Kiedis was NOT ejected from the arena. He was allowed to calm down and then returned to his seat.

Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis LOST HIS DAMN MIND at the Lakers game on Saturday -- cussing out a Rockets staffer following the brawl on the court ... and TMZ Sports has the video.

As Chris Paul was being escorted off the court, Kiedis -- a Lakers superfan -- was screaming at him from his courtside seats.

A Rockets staffer came over to verbally check Kiedis -- but Anthony wasn't having it and lashed back. Witnesses say Kiedis flipped the guy off and shouted, "F**k you."

You can see in our video the two definitely jawing back and forth until security walked Kiedis away from his seat to cool off.

There are conflicting reports about whether or not Kiedis was kicked out -- with some people saying he later returned to his seat.

One thing's for sure ... KIEDIS WAS HOT!!!!

Wanna be Rae Carruth for Halloween? You're sick. But, the NFL wants no part of your tasteless attempt at dark humor.

The NFL has blocked fans from ordering customized Carruth jerseys on NFLShop.com -- continuing the policy of banning controversial names on licensed merch.

Other names on the NFL's jersey blacklist -- Aaron Hernandez and O.J. Simpson. Harambe the gorilla was on the list, but that name is now allowable.

Carruth was a pretty good football player before he orchestrated a plot to kill his pregnant girlfriend and their unborn child. He was a 1st-round draft pick for the Carolina Panthers back in 1997.

Carruth was ultimately convicted of conspiracy to commit murder, attempting to destroy an unborn child and discharging a firearm into occupied property and was sentenced to 18 to 24 years in prison.

Seems Carmelo Anthony is familiar with the conspiracy theory that the spit that kicked off the Chris Paul vs. Rajon Rondo fight came from his mouth ... and he's calling B.S.

Melo was standing right next to Paul when CP3 got hit in the face with mouth moisture -- and while most people believe it came from Rondo, there are some who believe it was a case of accidental friendly fire.

So, when we saw Anthony leaving Catch in L.A. on Sunday, we had to ask if there was any merit to the "Melo Did It" theory.

His response -- "Stop playin'!"

We also asked how he felt about the suspensions that were handed out -- 4 games for Brandon Ingram, 3 for Rondo and 2 for Chris Paul.

Melo didn't seem too bothered by it -- almost like he understood.

BTW, the Rockets -- without Chris Paul -- lost to the Clippers on Sunday.

The Jacksonville Jaguars offense is a dumpster fire -- but Colin Kaepernick can right the ship ... so says NFL Hall of Famer Cris Carter.

"This is just free advice. Swallow your pride, pick up the phone and call Kap," Carter said on FS1's "First Things First."

"I believe he can make the difference on that football team."

The Jaguars -- and specifically Blake Bortles -- sucked this weekend. In fact, Bortles was benched in the 3rd quarter of Jacksonville's 20-7 loss to the Houston Texans.

Carter says the Jags had an opportunity to sign Kaepernick in the preseason but passed -- "it was strictly a political decision" -- but now, they need to pull Colin's phone number out of the trash.

"They made a mistake by not signing Kap," Carter said ... "They know it behind the scenes. [Co-host Nick Wright] and I know it. They talked to Kap but we know. It was strictly a political decision."

Carter explains, "He's a better thrower of the football than Blake Bortles. He's a better runner of the football. He's been a better winner. He's a better leader than Blake Bortles. So, you get what you pay for."

As we previously reported, Colin's been training every morning at 5 AM in the hopes he gets a call from an NFL team ... like the Jags.

Rae Carruth -- the piece of garbage NFL star WR who hired a hitman to kill his pregnant girlfriend -- was released from prison Monday morning, 19 years after the deadly incident.

Rae was a talented football player -- the Carolina Panthers took him in the 1st round of the 1997 NFL Draft and made the NFL All-Rookie Team after a pretty solid rookie season.

But, he threw it all away in Nov. 1999 when he conspired with a gunman to murder 24-year-old Cherica Adams, who was 8 months pregnant with his child.

Officials say Carruth and Adams got in separate cars after a movie date and once they got on the road, he blocked her vehicle so the gunman could have a clean shot.

Adams was hit 4 times but managed to call 911 -- and emergency personnel were able to perform an emergency C-section and save the baby. Cherica died 4 weeks later.

The child, Chancellor Lee Adams, was born with severe cerebral palsy due to trauma from the shooting. He's been raised by Cherica's mother, Saundra, ever since.

Rae was hit with several criminal charges -- but when the time came to turn himself into authorities, he infamously ran like the coward he is. He was later found hiding in the trunk of a car in Tennessee.

Carruth was ultimately convicted of conspiracy to commit murder, attempting to destroy an unborn child and discharging a firearm into occupied property.

He was sentenced to 18 to 24 years in prison.

Carruth -- now 44 years old -- told WBTV in a recent interview he's "excited" to get out of prison but nervous about how he'll be received by the public, acknowledging there is "so much hate and negativity toward me."