TMZ Sports - Page 50

Derrick Henry's 99-yard touchdown Thursday night was dope ... but there are a few runs BETTER than it in NFL history -- so says Pats legend Willie McGinest.

Henry stiff-armed three dudes straight to the dirt, stayed in bounds and outran all 11 Jaguars to the end zone ... and the whole state of Tennessee went crazy after.

But, when we got Willie out at LAX -- he says he's seen better, "I would say it's ONE of my top runs."

Willie ain't a hater ... he just says he's seen Marshawn Lynch go off way too many times to put Derrick's epic run ahead of some of Beast Mode's famous sprints.

"That's why we started calling them the 'Beast Mode Runs,' 'cause of Lynch against the Saints. And then, I think he had another one against Arizona, so."

Think Willie's wrong?? Take a look at the Beast Quake one more time ...

Kristaps Porzingis is 7'3".

Pro boxing superstar Vasyl Lomachenko is 5'7".

And, when they get together, they look like cover of the "Twins" VHS box.

Lomachenko is gearing up to fight Jose Pedraza on Saturday night in New York -- and ran into the Knicks star.

The picture is just fun to look at, but it begs the question ... be honest -- who wins in a street fight?

Obviously, Porzingis has the size and strength -- but Lomachenko is a beast ... the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet and a legit boxing savant.

If the two squared off in an alley ... KP would have to try to smother Loma -- and the challenge for the boxer would be trying to hit Porzingis in a spot that would actually cause damage.

We've seen Porzingis show off his fighting skills before -- getting into it with Marquese Chriss during an NBA game back in 2016. He's definitely got some fight in him ...

Lomachenko is 11-1 as a pro -- and Joe Rogan once said, "He might be the best boxer who's ever lived."

He's a 2-time Olympic gold medalist and a champion in 3 different weight classes.

Dude's a monster.

Floyd Mayweather is makin' it crystal clear his fight with Tenshin Nasukawa is strictly entertainment ... and the fight's outcome is irrelevant -- even if Money ends up unconscious on the canvas.

Mayweather and Tenshin addressed the media at Floyd's Vegas gym ... and talked about their highly-anticipated New Year's Eve bout in Japan.

"It's all about entertainment. 9 minutes of entertainment" ... Floyd said.

In fact, fight promoters say there ain't even gonna be judges scoring the 3-round boxing match.

But, what if Tenshin drops Floyd -- who's never been knocked down -- and he can't get up?

"If he gets knocked out. If I get knocked out. It don't go on my record. I'm still 50-0 at the end of the day. So, it really doesn't matter."

Knockin' Floyd out is exactly what Tenshin's trying to do.

"I'm training very hard everyday to face Mr. Mayweather."

Watch him hit the mitts ... he ain't lying.

Marcellus Wiley says the Redskins did the right thing in claiming Reuben Foster ... telling TMZ Sports the linebacker is "innocent until proven guilty" and deserves a second chance.

There aren't many that would agree with the ex-NFL superstar ... 'cause Foster has now been accused of domestic violence multiple times in the last year -- including being arrested 3 days before the 'Skins picked him up.

But, Wiley explains, "You gotta allow the guy to have his opportunity. He's not on the field right now. They claimed him off waivers and they wanted to make sure that, 'We do the proper investigation and figure out who he is and what happened.'"

"And, look, there are some question marks about this allegation, because last time, his girlfriend recanted her story."

Marcellus tells us Reuben deserves the chance to let the process play out -- and says the Redskins are doing the right thing by keeping him off the roster until it does.

"Let's just respect the entire process ... remember when we had to actually think you were innocent until proven guilty? I'm still in that place."

We also asked Wiley for his take on the Kareem Hunt situation ... and while Wiley says the RB made a HUGE mistake -- he doesn't believe the superstar's career is over.

BUT -- Marcellus says the 23-year-old HAS to show remorse in order to latch back on with another NFL team.

Michael Blackson is so disappointed in Jacksonville after yet another blowout loss Thursday ... he's tellin' TMZ Sports the Jags belong closer to the toilet bowl than the Super Bowl!!!

We got the comedian -- whose nephew is Eli Apple, a starter for the Saints -- leaving Boulevard3 in Hollywood, when we had to ask for his take on Derrick Henry's epic 99-yard TD run.

That's when Blackson told us the run was cool and all ... but he's WAY more disappointed in Jacksonville's D for letting the play happen!

"Where the f**k was the defense?! Jesus Christ, man," Blackson says.

"I'm so disappointed in the Jaguars. These guys went from AFC Championship game -- they went from almost the Super Bowl to the toilet bowl!"

Blackson didn't stop there ... tellin' Jacksonville's die-hard fanbase they need to come pick up their squad!

"I'm so disappointed in them! But hey, if you let someone run 99 yards, man, you don't deserve to be anywhere close to the playoffs. Jaguars, I'm disappointed in you. Duval, get your team together. Please!"

Derrick Henry had arguably the greatest run in NFL history Thursday night ... and his pal, Mark Ingram, couldn't have been prouder -- 'cause he lost his mind watching it!!!

ICYMI ... Henry tied the longest run ever in the NFL with a 99-yard TD in the 2nd quarter of the Titans' blowout win over the Jags -- and the play was epic.

Derrick stiff-armed three dudes, tight-roped the sideline and outran the entire Jacksonville defense to tie Tony Dorsett's longest-ever TD run.

Ingram -- who won a Heisman Trophy at Alabama just like Henry -- went bananas watching the replay ... super proud of his buddy who's taken criticism for not running well this season.

"You get a stiffy! You get a stiffy! You get a stiffy! I see you, boy!"

Henry's night wasn't over there -- the dude ran for another 139 yards and 3 scores -- and yeah, Ingram was just as pumped for those too.

"Tell them we ain't going for it, bruh! Tell them we ain't going for it! We don't need none of that fake love that they was talking, man! We out here, boy! Yeah!"

Ingram wasn't the only guy impressed ... both Le'Veon Bell AND Ezekiel Elliott praised the gallop on their social media pages.

Bad news everyone ... Roy Jones Jr. and Michael B. Jordan have finally talked -- and it looks like they WON'T be getting in the ring for a real-life boxing match.

Remember, Michael B. previously told us he's so confident in his boxing skills, he could actually hang with the 49-year-old in a fight. Roy had told him to set it up!!!

Well, now we've learned the two sides have connected -- and smartly for Michael B., sounds like the fight is off.

"We just talked about it. We laughed about it. It's a fun thing," Roy told us.

The good news -- Roy actually likes the guy and says he'd be down to help train Michael up for the next 'Creed' movie.

In fact, Roy acknowledged that Michael's had "extensive" boxing training and -- "he'd probably do okay for a few rounds with me!"

This all stems from comments Michael B. made to TMZ Sports a few weeks ago when he said he thinks he'd be able to hold is own with the current, 49-year-old version of Roy. He admitted Roy in his prime might kill him in the ring.

Roy had previously invited Michael B. to call him up so they could fight -- but after talking things out, sounds like the two ain't about to get it on any time soon.

Bottom line -- Jones says people can train for a fight all they want, but there's nothing that can prepare you for the first time you get cracked in the face.

Olivia Munn knows first hand about the drama between Aaron Rodgers and his parents -- and tells TMZ Sports it's "amazing" the two sides are finally patching up their relationship.

Munn has previously talked about the Rodgers' family feud, which has been going on for YEARS -- and said, "I don't think either side of the road is clean."

The actress said she believed there were jealousy issues between Aaron's father and brothers -- who had all dreamed of the kind of NFL success Aaron has already achieved.

But earlier this week, Aaron said he spent his birthday with his parents over the weekend -- suggesting the ice is finally thawing between the two sides ... and Olivia seems genuinely happy for the QB.

"If that's true, it's amazing," Munn told us outside of Rolling Greens on Thursday ... "It's long overdue."

So, what brought the two sides together?

Aaron's brother, Jordan (who appeared on "The Bachelorette"), had publicly shamed Aaron for not calling their mother while she was about to be evacuated during the California wildfires.

Guessing that sparked a phone call -- and the rest is history.

Aaron and Olivia dated from 2014 to 2017 and while she previously said she tried to get Aaron to make peace with his family, it just didn't happen during their relationship.

Better late than never ...

Brett Favre -- a three-time NFL MVP -- has weighed in ... and Drew Brees is killin' it ... but he's not the league's current most valuable player.

"I would say right now, I'd probably have to give it to Mahomes," Brett tells TMZ Sports.

It's not exactly a nuclear take from the Packers legend -- most have Brees and Patrick Mahomes as the top 2 candidates for the award -- but Favre says the younger QB gets his nod.

"What Mahomes has done in his first year is incredible."

You can tell it kinda pains Brett to say it -- Brees IS, after all, one of the last old dudes standing in a young man's game -- but Favre still showed Drew some major love anyway.

In fact ... Brett also shouted another old QB who's killin' it this season -- saying Philip Rivers deserves some praise for his huge season too!

As for Mahomes ... Brett didn't go all Dick Vermeil on us and say the Chiefs superstar can be one of the greatest to ever play -- but he also didn't exactly disagree with the ex-coach!!

Tenshin Nasukawa has touched down in Las Vegas -- and put on an impressive workout at Floyd Mayweather's private boxing gym ... where he told us he'll do better in the ring against Floyd than Conor McGregor!!!

The 20-year-old kickboxer looked lightning fast, strong and scary athletic when he showed off his skills in the ring ... and then humbly told reporters he's just hoping to land a shot on Floyd.

But, let's get serious ... dude looks good. He looks hungry. And, Floyd could be in real trouble.

Of course, Floyd and Tenshin are set to throw down in Japan on New Year's Eve in a 3-round exhibition as part of the RIZIN 14 event at the Saitama Super Arena just outside of Tokyo.

Tenshin is a stud kickboxer in Asia -- racking up a 27-0 record in his impressive young career. He looks fast and strong but the big question ... will he be able to connect with one of the greatest defensive fighters of all time?

The workout is expected to begin around 3 PM PT -- and with all Mayweather events, ya never really know what craziness could be in store.

Duke's only played 9 games this season ... but Roy Hibbert's already seen enough -- 'cause the ex-NBA star tells TMZ Sports he's ALL IN on Zion Williamson!!!

"He's an absolute beast of a talent!"

Hibbert tells us he doesn't think Williamson can ever be checked ... and when it comes to Z's NBA future -- Roy says there's no doubt in his mind he'll be a superstar.

Of course ... a ton of people agree -- both Carlos Boozer and Dahntay Jones told us BEFORE the hype train got rollin' that this would happen.

But, Hibbert's got no bias here -- dude went to Georgetown and has zero ties to the Dukies -- which means one thing ...

Ryan Shazier is making some incredible progress in his gridiron comeback ... crushing a deadlift workout just one year after suffering a serious back injury.

The Pittsburgh Steelers star required MAJOR spinal stabilization surgery last December after suffering a severe spinal injury while playing the Bengals during a Monday Night Football matchup.

At the time, there was fear he was paralyzed from the waist down ... but the guy has made some serious progress on his dream of returning to football ... just look at the update he posted on Thursday.

Shazier reflected on the injury on Wednesday -- the one year mark since the injury -- saying "Just a year ago my life changed forever. It was a scary moment for many people. I'm not going to lie, I was one of them."

"It's been a crazy, long journey, but it is not over yet. The best worst part about this journey that I'm on is the unknown. Day by day it's getting better than the day before."

Lovie Smith has no bitterness toward the Bears ... in fact, the ex-Chicago head man is STOKED for the team -- telling TMZ Sports, "The Bears are back!"

Remember, Lovie and Chicago didn't leave on the best of terms in 2012 ... with Lovie getting canned despite a Super Bowl appearance AND an 81-63 record in 9 seasons.

But, Smith's clearly let any bitterness he had go -- 'cause when we got the current University of Illinois coach out at LAX ... he told us he's fired up for his former team!

"I know they're pretty good. I think the Bears are back!" Lovie says ... "Matt Nagy is doing a heck of a job with them."

Chicago's got a key game coming up Sunday night, playing the top-seeded Rams ... and Smith tells us he's "anxious" to watch them play -- and thinks they've got a shot at an upset!!

Dana White says Rachael Ostovich is "totally cool" fighting on the same card as Greg Hardy in January ... despite his history with domestic violence.

There's been backlash over the decision to put Hardy on the Jan. 19 card considering Ostovich was JUST involved in a D.V. incident last month -- and claims she suffered bad injuries at the hands of her MMA fighter husband.

But, Dana White appeared on TSN in Canada early Thursday morning and addressed the issue head-on -- saying he will NOT move Hardy off the card ... and that Ostovich has "no problem" with the decision.

White explained that Hardy will be tied to the domestic violence allegations for the rest of his life -- but he's put in the work to rehabilitate himself and White feels he's a changed man who deserves a 2nd chance.

White says during his conversation with Ostovich, Rachael told him, "[Greg's] story is not my story and I believe in second chances."

Dana says having Rachael's support was a "key factor" in making the decision to keep Hardy on the card.

Ostovich will Paige VanZant that night. Hardy will square off against Allen Crowder.

LaMelo Ball put some poor kid on a poster Wednesday night ... pointed at him to celebrate -- and then LaVar Ball made an insane claim afterward.

Yeah, SPIRE Academy has officially been BBB'd.

It all went down at Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia ... when LaMelo rolled up 30 points, 13 assists, and one monster jam in SPIRE's 91-79 win over Life Christian Academy.

LaMelo's dunk sent a crowd of around 6,000 into a frenzy ... which prompted LaVar to say afterward that Melo's new team is THE BEST ON THE PLANET!!!!

"SPIRE is the most exciting, entertaining high school basketball team in the world! They can't be beat by nobody!"

For his part ... Melo says his time so far at the prestigious school has been dope, saying, "I love it!"

Alex Smith's NFL career could be over ... 'cause the Washington Redskins QB is now fighting off a serious infection after suffering a gruesome broken leg last month.

The injury was gnarly ... Alex had his right leg snapped in half by Texans star J.J. Watt on Nov. 18 -- breaking both his fibula and tibia to the point where bone poked through the skin.

Now ... multiple reports say the QB is fighting off an infection that could put his football career in jeopardy.

According to Burgundy Blog ... Smith is still in the hospital and could face more serious surgeries to fight off the infection, including "partial reconstruction."

The Redskins released a statement Thursday morning asking for privacy for their superstar quarterback.

"On behalf of Alex Smith, we appreciate all of the concerns and prayers over the injury he incurred on November 18th against the Houston Texans."