TMZ Sports - Page 50

"I'ma f**kin' eat this man alive."

That's what "Platinum" Mike Perry promises to do to Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone when they square off at UFC Fight Night 139 Saturday night.

Perry didn't stop there ... telling TMZ Sports, "I'm gonna knock this man the f**k out, period. That's all there is to it."

"I gotta take over. I'm gonna go forward, push him in the wall. Grind my elbows in his face. Slice his face open, and knock him out cold."

Cerrone ain't the only one feelin' Platinum Mike's wrath ... Perry also had harsh words for the UFC's newest fighter, Ben Askren -- an NCAA champ and Olympic wrestler.

Remember how STOKED Trae Young was to get his brand-new, $138,000 Audi back in July??

Well ... it took his new Atlanta Hawks teammates only a few months to kill his chill -- 'cause they JUST STUFFED IT WITH A BOATLOAD OF POPCORN!!!

Jeremy Lin documented it all on social media ... showing the Atlanta rookie's new custom Audi R8 packed to the brim with the buttery stuff.

Trae wasn't the only victim Friday ... fellow rookie Omari Spellman had his (far less expensive) whip filled with the kernels too!!

At least it wasn't your average stale popcorn ... Lin performed a taste test and said, "That's high-level popcorn!"

The rooks seemed to take it in stride ... which is good news for the Hawks vets -- 'cause these pranks don't always go over so smoothly.

Kenyon Martin once threatened to kick the crap outta whoever stuffed his ride with popcorn in 2010 ... and Jaylen Brown told us just a few months ago he's STILL out for revenge on Amir Johnson for the prank.

"We got the guy who can make the blind see and the cripples walk in LaMelo Ball"

Yeah, that's a REAL quote from LaMelo Ball's new high school basketball coach, Jermaine Jackson -- who says he's so excited about the young player, it's like Magic Johnson all over again.

LaMelo, along with Jackson and LaVar Ball, just hosted a media event at the Spire Academy in Ohio where the 17-year-old will play this season ... and they're HYPED UP!

"Like Magic Johnson said in the '80s, don’t look down because you might miss something," Jackson said about Ball ... "It’s showtime baby!"

LaVar added this message to the Ohio media -- "Since LeBron left, I brought you a Ball boy."

Don't worry, LaMelo has a plan after he finishes his senior year -- he wants to play college ball.

In fact, Ball told the media he's already got some schools in mind -- including North Carolina, Duke, Kentucky, Kansas, Michigan State ... according to WKYC's Ben Axelrod.

"We got the guy who can make the blind see and the cripples walk in LaMelo Ball"

LaVar also told the media he thinks LaMelo is the most famous high school basketball player of all time -- even more famous than Bron was -- because James was virtually unknown overseas.

Ball is expected to make his Ohio high school debut in the next few days.

LaMelo Ball is already getting treated like a king in Ohio ... 'cause the kid got a LeBron James-style billboard to welcome the high school baller to his new home!!

ICYMI -- the youngest Ball bro announced his return to prep hoops earlier this week ... enrolling in elite SPIRE Academy private school in Geneva for his senior year.

The billboard -- paid for by Overtime -- popped up just minutes from Quicken Loans Arena on I-90, by West 3rd Street Thursday night ... so a LOT of people are gonna see it.

It's a play off the MASSIVE Bron poster that used to hang across from the Q. Of course, that's been replaced by the hideous Guardian of Traffic banner.

The hype is real for the former No. 7 recruit in the Class of 2019 ... and we'll see if he can live up to it as he's scheduled to suit up for SPIRE next week.

One of Dwyane Wade's Miami Heat teammates is already angling to be the godfather of the new baby -- it's Udonis Haslem ... and he's ready to kick some ass!!

As we previously reported, D-Wade and Gabrielle Union welcomed a brand new baby girl earlier this week via surrogate -- after trying to get pregnant themselves for several years.

The couple says the baby is nothing short of a "miracle" -- and they're super excited about it!

So is Haslem, who's played 15 seasons with Wade. In fact, Haslem was on the Heat when Wade was drafted back in 2003.

UH clearly thinks he's got a good shot at being named "godfather" ...

"Congratulations to my family @dwyanewade and @itsgabrielleu on the birth of their beautiful baby girl. Got my ass kicking boots on and ready to be the best godfather ever my boy!!!"

The problem for UH ... Dwyane is pretty close with LeBron James and Chris Bosh -- so he could have some competition!

In fact, Chris' wife, Adrienne Bosh, also chimed in ...

"I’m sooooo happy for the both of you!!! I have seen this moment in my mind and heart a million times... She will always be cherished and loved and celebrated Just as the love that you and @DwyaneWade share!"

The Miami Heat also offered congrats to the couple -- noting, "We have something on the way for your ViceViceBaby!"

Kristaps Porzingis didn't seem to have a problem walking around New York on Thursday night -- on an evening where he set out to prove he's further along in his recovery than people think.

The Knicks star underwent surgery for a torn ACL in his left knee back in February -- but coach David Fizdale recently said KP still isn't to the point where he can sprint.

Fizdale did acknowledge KP was "working his butt off," but just hasn't gotten back to full speed yet.

We spotted 23-year-old Porzingis out at the Adidas store in NYC -- and he was cruising around just fine ... smiling and talking with friends. No apparent issues with the leg.

A short time later, he posted photos showing himself SPRINTING on a track -- an apparent response to Fizdale.

To his credit, Fizdale did say ... "He's grinding, trying to get it right. It's just one of those injuries we're going to take our time with, make sure it's right."

The Baltimore Ravens are off this week ... but RG3's wife has a body that JUST DON'T QUIT!

Check out Robert Griffin III and his wife Grete Sadeiko taking in some sun and sand in Miami Beach on Thursday ... showing off their amazing physiques.

Of course, Grete is a world class track athlete who's training for the 2020 Olympics -- so, staying fit is her job.

As we previously reported, Grete competed at Florida State where she specialized in the heptathlon -- once running 13.92 in the 100-meter hurdles. She's hoping to compete for her home country Estonia in the 2020 Games.

Meanwhile, RG3 is sitting comfortably as the 3rd string QB for the Ravens -- behind Joe Flacco and Lamar Jackson. The team is 4-5 and still gunning for a playoff spot.

The good news for Robert, he did well in the preseason and there's a chance he could get a shot somewhere else next season.

But, don't feel too bad, RG3's making $1,000,000 this season for being the backup -- not too shabby for a guy who hasn't taken 1 regular season snap since 2016.

As tough as it may be, Eli Manning NEVER wants to play for another team besides the New York Giants ... his dad Archie Manning tells TMZ Sports.

"I know he doesn't want to," Archie told us at LAX ... "Eli's theory is kinda, 'Go win a game.' So, that's kinda mine too. Hopefully, they can go win a game and win another game."

The Giants have been struggling this season -- and last season -- they're 4-20 in their last 24 games and even NFL legends like Terrell Owens have called for the org. to bench Eli and move on.

But, Archie's still optimistic -- "I think they can win some games and get going in a good direction."

We asked Archie if people should be pointing the finger at Eli ...

"A lot of people [are] on Eli and he's the quarterback and that's kinda the way it works."

And, how long does Archie think 37-year-old Eli will play in the NFL?

"Eli, I always said a quarterback north of 35 can play, if he's healthy, as long as his team's good. Last couple of years we haven't been that good, so hopefully, they can turn that around second half of the season."

Our guy also asked ... if the Giants can't turn things around, what's your advice to Eli?

"I'm sticking with Eli. Go win a game and don't look beyond that." He's hanging tough and we'll see what happens."

The Giants take on the 49ers on Monday night. Archie will definitely be watching.

Cam Newton's going against the Pittsburgh Steelers on the field ... but he's standing united with the city Thursday night ... honoring the synagogue shooting victims with "Stronger than Hate" cleats.

The Panthers superstar revealed the kicks just minutes ago during pregame warm-ups ... showing a mock-up of the Steelers logo with a Star of David and the phrase "Hatred Can't Weaken a City of Steel."

Ben Roethlisberger wore similar custom cleats over the weekend against the Ravens ... and Julian Edelman showed support with a Team Israel hat from the World Baseball Classic after the Patriots game on Sunday.

As we previously reported ... an active shooter opened fire at a Jewish synagogue in Pittsburgh during a prayer service on October 27, leaving 11 people dead in the anti-Semitic attack.

The Steelers are expecting Le'Veon Bell to be back with the team next week ... so says owner Art Rooney II.

The Pittsburgh honcho said on SiriusXM NFL Radio Thursday that it's his understanding the superstar tailback will re-join his teammates in just a couple days.

"I have to start by saying, I don't know what his plans are, but I would say that at this point, we expect him to come back next week."

Of course ... Le'Veon has sat out all Steelers practices and games the last few months as he continues to look for a new mega-deal from the team.

Le'Veon's been down in Miami in the meantime -- ridin' jetskis and hittin' nightclubs -- but he tweeted farewell to the city earlier this week and was then spotted at local Pittsburgh gym Tuesday.

The Steelers have hardly missed Bell ... rollin' to a 5-2-1 record, thanks mostly to the play of Le'Veon's backup James Conner.

UFC star Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone is so obsessed with "Red Dead Redemption 2" -- he's even dressing like the characters for a little fight week inspiration.

Cerrone is fighting "Platinum" Mike Perry at UFC Fight Night 139 in Denver on Saturday -- and if he seems extra violent this week, it's because he's been murdering everyone in New Hanover.

Cowboy doesn't even consider himself a "gamer" -- but said he HAD to buy 'RDR2' because it seemed to be right up his alley ... and he was right.

The game is already a massive hit -- earning a record $750 MILLION in the first 3 days of sales. In fact, one of the plot points in this week's "South Park" episode is how everyone is obsessed with the game.

Right before we started the interview with Cerrone, he told us his outfit was inspired by Arthur Morgan -- the main character in the game.

"Not only have I been playing the game, but I pre-purchased the $100 package with the horses and the guns."

"It's Cowboy all the way. So, I love it. Yeah. It's so cool. Just how you can just kill everybody. Whatever you want. I can't go into any town without being harassed by everyone, 'cause I just murder everybody."

Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union just had their first kid together -- a brand new baby girl -- after using a surrogate, the couple just revealed.

"We are sleepless and delirious but so excited to share that, our miracle baby, arrived last night (11/7) via surrogate," the NBA star announced.

"Welcome to the party sweet girl!"

The couple had been trying to have a kid for years but Union has struggled with infertility, a battle she's talked about publicly.

In fact, 46-year-old Union has said she suffered 8 or 9 miscarriages.

She even addressed the topic in her book, 'We're Going to Need More Wine' -- saying, "For 3 years, my body has been a prisoner of trying to get pregnant."

But the good news ... they found a surrogate who carried the child for them -- and now they've got the baby they've been dreaming about!

Dwyane has 3 kids from other relationships but this is his first child with Gabrielle.

No days off for Tyson Fury -- the boxer took over a section at one of the bougiest gyms in L.A. to drill down on his footwork ... right next to a buncha normies!

With just 23 days until his massive fight with Deontay Wilder, the Gypsy King hit up Equinox in L.A. -- a private gym where some of the richest people in town get a workout.

So, while regular, non-global boxing superstars were trying to knock out some pull-ups and elliptical work (good job, btw) ... Fury's trainers were cracking the whip to get him ready for Dec. 1.

What's more impressive ... this is Fury's 3rd fight since his life went into a drug and booze-fueled tailspin a few years ago. The comeback story is truly inspiring.

Tyson opened up about his struggles on "The Joe Rogan Experience" podcast recently saying things got so bad, he blew up to 400 pounds and thought about quitting boxing forever.

But, Fury got his life together now -- he's quit the vices, lost the weight and won his last 2 comeback fights.

Matt Barnes scored a big win in court today against his ex-wife Gloria Govan -- the court awarded him sole physical and legal custody of their twin 10-year-old boys ... TMZ Sports has learned.

The two have been at war for years -- and today, Matt obtained an 18-month restraining order against Gloria claiming she's a physical danger to him.

The restraining order was granted through May 2020 -- but does not extend to the kids because the judge doesn't believe Gloria poses a danger to them.

During Thursday's hearing, the judge ruled Gloria will get regular visitation -- including every other weekend from Friday until Monday morning. She is also allowed to have dinner with the kids every Wednesday evening.

The two are still working out the custody arrangements for the holidays including Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Years.

As part of Thursday's hearing, the judge also ordered Govan to complete 26 sessions of anger management and 10 parenting classes.

Matt was accompanied in court by his attorney Samantha Spector.

TMZ previously reported, Gloria was arrested the Friday before Labor Day after Matt claimed she put the lives of their twin boys at risk by allegedly flying into a rage in her car, blocking Matt and the kids from driving away from their school.

Hours after bailing on his New Year's Eve fight in Japan, Floyd Mayweather didn't go into hiding ... he went to the Lakers game!

Earlier in the day, Mayweather put out a bizarre statement saying he was duped into participating in a press conference for RIZIN 14 where he was billed as the main event in a fight against kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa.

Floyd was clowned by stars like 50 Cent and others who were baffled by Mayweather's claim that he didn't agree to participate in the fight he was promoting.

But, was he embarrassed? Apparently not, because there he was in the front row at Staples Center on Wednesday night ... along with a ton of HUGE stars like Miles Teller, Denzel Washington, Larsa Pippen, Todd Gurley, LaVar Ball and his high school basketball-playing son, LaMelo.

But, one fan deserves her own paragraph ... and that's Emily Ratajkowski, who proudly cheered on her "boo" LeBron James while looking absolutely incredible in the process.

Obviously, LBJ loves his wife ... but having a cheerleader like EmRata proves it's great to be the king.

Cops responding to a bank robbery in Pittsburgh jumped into action when they saw a car speeding down the road at 100 MPH -- but it turns out the driver wasn't the robber, it was Antonio Brown.

The 30-year-old Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver was cited for driving in excess of 100 miles per hour on Thursday in his black Porsche.

Cops determined Brown was NOT the bank robber -- so they cited him for reckless driving and sent him on his way.

FYI, Brown and the Steelers have a game Thursday night at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh against the Carolina Panthers.

Guessing Brown didn't wanna be late to the field.

The Steelers issued a statement saying, "We are aware of the situation, but we are still gathering information. We won’t have any further comment at this time."

It's the latest in a string of off-the-field issues for Brown -- who's being sued for allegedly throwing furniture off his apartment balcony back in April.