TMZ Sports - Page 50

The child Dikembe Mutombo brought to the United States for a surgery to remove a life-threatening tumor on his face, went into cardiac arrest during the operation ... TMZ has learned.

Sources familiar with the surgery tell us, at around 6 PM Sunday, more than 6 hours into the operation, 8-year-old Matadi went into cardiac arrest and was immediately taken to the Intensive Care Unit at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in L.A. We're told he's now in stable condition and is slowly recovering.

The emergency came toward the end of the surgery, which began at 11:30 AM.

We do not know if the surgeons had completed the surgery, but if it went according to schedule it should have been wrapping up.

Matadi and his family were staying at the Ronald McDonald house in Los Angeles leading up to Sunday's procedure. Mutombo, who met the little boy during a visit to the Congo, greeted the boy and his family when they landed Wednesday in Los Angeles.

A federal judge in Brooklyn says New York state's nunchucks ban -- made wildly popular in the U.S. by Bruce Lee in the '70s -- is unconstitutional because it violates the 2nd Amendment.

The judge says the right to bear arms is not limited to guns ... it applies to all weapons that have some legal purpose. In the case of nunchucks, Judge Pamela Chen says they have been widely used over many, many years for martial arts training and defense -- a perfectly legal activity.

Judge Chen says a weapon that has a legal purpose cannot be summarily banned under the 2nd Amendment. She says, the "relative dangerousness of a weapon is irrelevant when the weapon belongs to a class of arms commonly used for lawful purposes."

Her Honor draws a distinction between nunchucks and, say, pipe bombs, because the latter is really targeted for lawbreakers.

LeBron James and his wife had an interesting couples dinner date Monday -- hitting up an NYC steakhouse with Carmelo Anthony and La La ... and fueling rumors Melo's coming to the Lakers.

Remember, we spoke with John Salley a few days ago and he implied he had some inside information about Melo coming to the Lakers before the NBA All-Star break in February.

So, when we saw these pics of Melo and Bron leaving Quality Italian steakhouse in midtown ... made us think Salley's intel might be pretty solid!!

Of course, LeBron and Melo have been friends for years -- so, maybe they just wanted some quality meat and wine ... but hey, maybe there was some shop talk too!

The Lakers are in NYC to play the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday night.

The other interesting thing about the dinner ... Melo and La La seem to be in a pretty good place.

Back in October, La La told People she and Melo were still figuring out their relationship after separating in 2017 ... but noted, "We're good."

Knee inflammation be damned ... nothing can keep Todd Gurley from a good Ugly Sweater party!

The L.A. Rams running back threw on his best Santa coat and red beanie for a big Christmas event at a mansion in the Hollywood Hills on Monday night.

Gurley seemed to be moving around the party pretty well -- sipping on drinks, posing for pics and even dancing around a little bit.

It's not like he was running wind sprints in the backyard -- but it was a big mansion with stairs and he handled it all just fine.

Gurley aggravated the injury in his left knee during Sunday night's game against the Philadelphia Eagles -- and coach Sean McVay has said he'll be monitoring the knee going into Week 16.

"If he's able to go, we want him to be able to go," McVay told the media ... "But, if it's something that whether you're playing for the playoffs or whether you're not, we're always going to be smart with a player like Todd."

Gurley wasn't the only star at the party -- comedian Michael Blackson was there with an attractive female friend.

An asst. coach for a WNBA team severed two arteries in his arm while allegedly punching through glass in a domestic violence incident and was rushed to the ICU ... TMZ Sports has learned.

The man at the center of the incident is Todd Troxel -- an assistant coach for the Phoenix Mercury. He's also famously worked with NBA stars like Yao Ming and Marko Jaric.

Todd was hospitalized on Dec. 1 -- and while he was there, he told cops that he accidentally sliced his arm on broken glass while putting up Christmas lights.

But, a nurse at the hospital told cops she had spoken to the fiancee and got a different story -- that he raged out during a fight and punched through a glass window at their home.

Cops spoke with the fiancee who told them the whole thing started after they left the Phoenix Suns game on Nov. 30. She claims they argued because Troxel wanted to smoke weed in their Uber.

Once they got to the home, Todd's fiance essentially broke up with him and he flipped out. She claims he grabbed her and pinned her to the ground and when she got up ... he yanked her hand, dislocating her finger. He then followed her to the front door and punched through a window.

The fiancee called 911 -- and then transported Troxel to a nearby hospital.

When investigators circled back with the fiancee hours later, they told her there was sufficient evidence to support possible criminal charges against Troxel.

But, the fiancee made it clear she did not want to cooperate with investigators -- and just just wanted him to get better.

Troxel required surgery to repair the damage to his arm. Cops documented the bloody scene at the home ... it's nasty.

Troxel has not been arrested or charged with a crime.

We reached out for comment, so far, no word back.

Lil Wayne says there is a basketball player better than Michael Jordan ... but it ain't LeBron James.

"These days they think the tough question is Jordan or LeBron. No. Jordan or Kobe is the tough question ... but it's Kobe."

The rapper made the shocking revelation during Bumbu Rum's interview series ... saying even though it physically pained him to make the declaration -- he says the Mamba was just that good.

"God, forgive me. Jordan, forgive me. But, it's Kobe."

Soo ... does Wayne have a legit argument??

Kobe does have one more All-Star appearance than Jordan ... but M.J. has more rings, more MVPs, more career points, more career rebounds AND less career turnovers.

Asante Samuel says he doesn't blame Marcus Peters one bit for going off on a heckler Sunday ... 'cause he used to go hard at trash-talking fans too -- by callin' out their moms!!!

Peters has drawn serious criticism for exploding on a guy during the Rams-Eagles game ... but Asante tells TMZ Sports that kind of fan-player interaction has been going on for years.

In fact ... the ex-Eagles corner says he used to go after dudes in the same fashion -- talking trash about everything from fans' kids to even their moms!!!!

"That was me all day. Somebody would get on my nerves and I would say the most harshest thing. I'd talk about your momma. I don't care. If you talk about me, I'm going to come talk about you!"

Samuel says the incidents were frequent too ... and the only reason people think it's happening even more nowadays is because of social media.

His solution to it all?? "Leave the football players alone!!!"

BTW ... we also asked Samuel for his take on the Eagles' QB situation -- and the former Philly DB tells us which quarterback he'd start if he were in Doug Pederson's shoes.

Colin Kaepernick will return to an NFL field tonight ... because his friend and brother in protest, Eric Reid, is honoring Kaep by wearing cleats with the embattled QB's picture on 'em.

The Panthers take on the Saints on "Monday Night Football" and Carolina's DB gave fans a look at the "My Cause, My Cleats" spikes he'll wear, featuring a kneeling Kaep and members of the Black Panthers.

The image of Kaepernick is from a famous photo where Kaep and then-49ers teammate, Reid took a knee together during the 2016 season.

Reid included a caption on the image, explaining where his heart is, and why he felt the need to honor the guys involved.

"It’s a tribute to the history of protest, centered around the quote 'if not us, who? If not now, when?' meaning we all benefit and stand on the shoulders of those giants who decided their moment was best used for the sake of the people."

"And it’s always the right time to do what’s right. No different from you using your moment to take a knee. It also has the 10 point platform of Colin’s Know Your Rights Camp.”

Kaepernick himself has already weighed in on the footwear, saying, "My brother @E_Reid35 coming with the heat tonight!"

Kaep's been out of the league since 2016, and Reid's been one of his fiercest supporters, joining Colin not only in his kneeling protest, but in his collusion lawsuit against the league.

It's clear that support isn't gonna stop, and on one of the biggest platforms in sports he's making a statement.

Jabrill Peppers says he doesn't hate Hue Jackson for jumping from the Browns to the rival Bengals ... but he still wants to kick the dude's ass in their game this weekend anyway!!!

Of course ... Jabrill's teammate, Baker Mayfield, feels differently -- the superstar QB RIPPED his ex-coach for bolting to Cincinnati just a few weeks ago.

But, Jabrill says he had no problems with the move when he spoke with media members Monday.

"He's the ultimate competitor. I knew he wasn't going to stay away from the game long. I know how it looked, but he's the ultimate competitor."

Don't get it twisted ... the Browns DB says he still wants to beat the hell outta Hue and the Bengals this Sunday.

"I have no ill will towards him. I'm thankful for everything he taught me. I'm thankful that he brought me here. But, still looking forward to kicking his ass again!"

2:45 PM PT -- 2 Milly has also sued 2K Games for putting his dance in NBA 2K.

12:35 PM PT -- Ribeiro just filed an identical suit against 2K Games -- the company that makes NBA 2K.

Alfonso Ribeiro is the latest celeb who's got beef with Fortnite's pop culture-influenced dances -- and now he's suing the creators of the game for jacking his own.

The former 'Fresh Prince' star just filed suit against Epic Games -- which developed the crazy popular multi-player game -- claiming the company completely ripped off the famous dance his character, Carlton Banks, did on the show throughout the series.

In the docs, obtained by TMZ, Alfonso says that Fortnite released a new dance that its characters can perform called the "Fresh emote," which came out on Jan 2, 2018 ... and it's a carbon copy of what he claims he came up with on the '90s sitcom.

He also claims he's in the middle of copyrighting the Carlton dance.

The lawsuit is almost identical to the one filed by 2 Milly earlier this month for jacking his "Milly Rock" dance.

Alfonso's attorney, David Hecht of Pierce Bainbridge Beck Price & Hecht LLP, tells us, "It is widely recognized that Mr. Ribeiro’s likeness and intellectual property have been misappropriated by Epic Games in the most popular video game currently in the world, Fortnite."

He continues, "Epic has earned record profits off of downloadable content in the game, including emotes like “Fresh.” Yet Epic has failed to compensate or even ask permission from Mr. Ribeiro for the use of his likeness and iconic intellectual property."

We reached out to Epic Games but were told they don't comment on ongoing litigation.

Trevor Ariza ain't making any bold predictions about his new team ... 'cause when he landed in D.C. after being traded Sunday -- he told TMZ Sports he has no idea if the Wizards can win the East!!!

Ariza was sent packing by the Suns in a trade over the weekend ... and when we got the NBA star after he touched down at Dulles -- he said he has no expectations for his new squad yet.

"Shoot, I don't know. I'm just getting here, bruh!"

Seems Trevor's already a good luck charm ... the Wizards scored one of their biggest wins of the season Sunday night, beating LeBron James' Lakers, 128-110.

Didn't take long for AJ McCarron to get over the Raiders loss Sunday ... 'cause dude had the happiest reunion with his son at the airport -- and the vid is adorable.

AJ's been away from his 2-year-old and his model wife, Katherine Webb, for a few weeks ... but the QB flew back to 'Bama after Oakland's game -- and his reunion with his son couldn't have been cuter.

Tripp is held back until his pops strolls through the door ... and then the baby boy unleashes all his love for AJ with a "DADDY!!!!" yell and a big hug.

"When you’re reunited with your BFF #5weekswithoutdaddy," Katherine posted on social media.

So, why's AJ back in town when the Raiders still have two weeks left in the season??

Webb is SUPER pregnant with the couple's second child ... and says the new baby is actually due TODAY!!!

AJ and the Raiders don't play again until Monday ... so timing is great -- McCarron's got an extra day off this week.

Congrats!!!

L.A. Rams cornerback Marcus Peters got so pissed off at a heckler in the crowd during Sunday night's game against the Eagles ... he went into the stands and cussed the guy out.

It's crazy ... and TMZ Sports has new footage of the incident showing the moment Rams staff and a player pull Peters out of the stands.

Peters was on the sideline while Philadelphia was beating the Rams, when Peters heard someone in the stands talking trash ... so he talked back.

"Where you from? Where you from, homie?" Peters said as he walked into the stands.

Peters got right in the guy's face and the talk turned even tougher -- "Square ass n**ga. Talk that sh*t now, n**ga. F*ck you mean, n**ga."

At one point, security and even a Rams player went into the stands and pulled Peters back to the bench.

Of course, there have been a TON of pro athletes confronting hecklers lately -- including Leonard Fournette, Montrezl Harrell, Kevin Durant and Patrick Beverley.

Coincidence that Colts linebacker Darius Leonard was drug tested after single-handedly wrecking the Dallas Cowboys offense on Sunday?

He thinks not ...

The rookie superstar logged 11 tackled and broke up 2 passes in Indy's 23-0 route of America's Team -- and after the game, Leonard says the NFL selected him to pee into a cup.

"NFL this can't be a coincidence," the 2nd round draft pick posted on social media.

"Everybody else gone home after the game," Leonard said ... "Last one in here. Got a drug test. Once again! Once again after a game! Got a drug test. Still stuck in here, an hour and a half after the game."

Good news for Darius ... he's yet to fail one of the tests.

Samuel L. Jackson practically had all of Hollywood under the same roof to celebrate his birthday ... the star-studded guest list was truly incredible.

Samuel doesn't turn 70 until Friday but he kicked things off over the weekend with a bunch of famous friends. The shindig went down Sunday night at Cipriani in NYC ... and the place was flooded with tons of celebrities -- LL Cool J, Cedric the Entertainer, Magic Johnson, George Lucas, Judge Judy, Whoopi Goldberg, Sugar Ray Leonard and Hall of Famer Dave Winfield are just some of the people who showed up to honor the legendary actor.

There's a rule for the rookies on the Cleveland Cavs -- you don't bring Tristan Thompson his donuts, HE DESTROYS YOUR LEXUS!!!!

Just ask Collin Sexton -- who learned the hard way that Tristan is deadly serious when it comes to breakfast pastries and rookie hazing.

Here's the deal ... Sexton only grabbed 12 treats instead of 24 which pissed Tristan off ... and for this, his $50,000 ride paid the price.

"There are 12 popcorn bags in your vehicle which represent the number of doughnuts you have failed to provide on game days," a sign taped to his whip said.

"We require 2 dozen doughnuts on game days, not a dozen."

It's obvious Tristan played a role in the popcorn assault ... 'cause dude threw the vid on social media and said, "That boy going to find out today. Bring enough donuts, or this is what happens."

"Respect will be had! Duties will be done!"

For his part ... Ben Simmons -- who Sexton played against Sunday -- didn't think the punishment fit the crime, saying, "Man, why they do you like that, man? That's crazy."