TMZ Sports - Page 50

Are you routinely getting destroyed in "Fortnite" by 12-year-old kids???

Sick of being the biggest loser in the Battle Bus?

Well, listen up ... because Ninja -- the greatest Fortnite player alive -- has some tips on how to not suck.

The gaming superstar was out in NYC after hosting a big New Year's Eve event and stopped to talk about gaming in 2019.

One of the topics ... will Fortnite continue its reign of dominance in the year after smashing all competitors in 2018?

Ninja believes it will -- and his logic is very interesting ... essentially saying Fortnite took out one of the biggest names in gaming, a game that held the #1 spot in several categories for 10 years.

So, worst case scenario ... Ninja sees Fortnite staying in the top spot for at least another 5 years.

That means you better start practicing, because it ain't going away -- and Ninja had some great advice on how to get better.

There's more ... Ninja also says he raised $1 MILLION for charity in 2018 and he's gunning to beat that number in 2019.

10:45 AM PT -- We're told Okerlund passed away early Wednesday morning. Cause of death is still unclear. Working on it.

8:59 AM PT -- We just spoke with Diamond Dallas Page who praised Okerlund as one of the greatest people in the industry.

Page got emotional as he reflected on Okerlund's life and says he will be missed by all.

"Mean" Gene Okerlund -- the most famous announcer in the history of pro wrestling -- has died, WWE has confirmed. He was 76.

Vince McMahon's company issued a statement saying, "WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Gene Okerlund, the most recognizable interviewer in sports-entertainment history, has passed away at age 76."

Hulk Hogan also commented ... saying, "Mean Gene I love you my brother."

Unclear how he died, but Okerlund had health problems dating back years. He had 2 kidney transplants -- the first one in 1995 and the second in 2004.

Okerlund started as a radio DJ back in Nebraska before taking a job with the American Wrestling Association in 1970.

He moved to WWF in the early '80s and WRESTLED -- famously pinning Mr. Fuji in a tag team match with Hulk Hogan in 1984.

Okerlund was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006 by Hulk Hogan.

Among his many highlights, Okerlund sang the national anthem at Wrestlemania I back in 1985.

His interviews were legendary -- standing face to face with guys like Andre the Giant, Ultimate Warrior, Ricky Steamboat and others ... and getting the best out of these guys.

He was beloved in wrestling circles for decades. In fact, he served as the best man at The Iron Sheik's wedding!

As for his nickname, Jesse "The Body" Ventura is credited with the name "Mean" Gene.

The tributes from WWE stars are already pouring in ...

Ric Flair -- One Of My Closest Friends Since 1972 Until This Very Sad Day In 2019. Not Only The Greatest Voice And Personality In The History Of Announcing, But A Man Who Touched Everyone’s Life Who Were Fortunate Enough To Know Him. Rest In Peace Knowing No One Will Ever Replace You.

Seth Rollins -- Super bummed about Mean Gene. Literally JUST sat down last week to do an interview about his legacy. He was the most iconic backstage interviewer in wrestling history in my opinion. #RIPMeanGene

Charlotte Flair -- Goodbye, old friend. Thank you for the memories

Stephanie McMahon -- Gene Okerlund was an incredibly rare talent. He made everything and everyone better. #ThankYouMeanGene for all the incredible memories. Our condolences to his family and loved ones.

Ted DiBiase -- WWE universe has lost one of its greatest announcers and truly one of the nicest guys you’d ever know. “Mean” Gene Okerlund, RIP my friend

Stone Cold Steve Austin -- "Just heard Mean Gene Okerlund has passed away. As an interviewer, pitch man, announcer, or host, he was untouchable. Simply the best. Total professional with quick wit, sarcasm, humor, and that golden voice."

Triple H -- "A voice and sound track to an entire era of our industry. He was the star of some of @WWE’s most memorable segments. “Mean Gene” was beloved by all who got to work with him. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."

Big E -- "Mean Gene was the voice of millions of childhoods. Mine certainly. An honor to meet him. Condolences to his family."

Mustafa Ali -- "The voice of my youth. Condolences to his friends and family."

Ligero -- "Extremely sad news to hear of the unfortunate passing of Mean Gene Okerlund. One of the most iconic interviewers and personalities of my childhood, and one of the very best in the business."

Charles Robinson (famous WWE ref) -- "So sad to hear of the passing of one of the greatest voices in wrestling. Mean Gene you will be missed and we will continue to love you. What a true class act. I am very fortunate to work with you."

Bully Ray -- "RIP “Mean” Gene. Thanks for the memories and being a Gentleman. God Bless."

Kevin Owens -- Mean Gene was universally loved by everyone I’ve met that knew him.

Very few people can say that their work will forever be appreciated and remembered. Very few can legitimately claim to be legends in their field.

Those things can undoubtedly be said about him.

Matt Hardy -- RIP to an absolute legend of our industry, @TheGeneOkerlund. "Mean Gene" was incredible in many roles, as he wore many hats throughout his iconic career in pro wrestling. My thoughts are with his family & friends today.

Kurt Angle -- Very seldom does an interviewer become just as popular, and at times even more popular than the superstars he/she interviews. Gene Okerlund was that person. Im saddened to hear of Gene’s passing. It was an honor to know you Gene!

He shoots, he scores ... ON WATER!!!

Michael Jordan's 2019 is off to a GREAT start -- he's hanging out on an $80 MILLION super yacht off the coast of St. Barths ... and the ship has a basketball court onboard!!!

Seriously ... this thing's amazing.

Unclear if MJ is ponying up the $840,000 per week it costs to charter the 230-foot floating mansion -- but he's reportedly worth around $1 BILLION, so it's not like he can't afford it.

Either way, this ship is paradise on water -- with 8 cabins, a bar, dining room, full gym, deck Jacuzzi ... and, oh yeah, the basketball court!!

The yacht also boasts a state-of-the-art audiovisual system, satellite TV and fast WIFI ... so you can still check your Instagram from the middle of the ocean.

Floyd Mayweather beat the hell outta Tenshin Nasukawa this week ... and he's already flaunting his earnings from the fight -- showing off stacks of Yen in his Rolls-Royce!!!

Floyd annihilated Tenshin in an exhibition boxing match in Japan on Monday -- with the scrap lasting just two minutes ... and Mayweather says he pocketed $9 MILLION from the bout.

So, yeah ... that's around a cool $68,000 per second!!!!!!!!

Didn't take long for TBE to show off the winnings ... 'cause in vids he posted Tuesday -- he bragged about his dope cars and then flashed the Yen he pocketed from the fight.

"Y'all guys tell me, should I take this truck out today? My G-Wagen? My Tonka toy? Or should I take my Rolls-Royce truck out today. Now, y'all gotta decide. Let me know."

The bills were 10,000 banknotes ... and Floyd had AT LEAST 14 stacks laid out on his driver's seat and center console.

Some have called the whole fight a farce ... dude was way bigger than the Rizin superstar -- and many have wondered if it was all fixed from the beginning.

Lonzo Ball was pissed to be called a "deadbeat dad" by his ex-GF ... and when the Lakers star confronted her about the comment -- he told her, "It's really not funny."

Denise Garcia -- Zo's baby mama -- went on social media in October and was asked to "blink if Lonzo is a deadbeat dad" ... and she blinked with both eyes while laughing.

Cameras caught Lonzo confronting Denise over the post on the Ball family's Facebook reality TV show ... when he ripped into her for making the accusation.

"Came to see the deadbeat, huh?" Zo asked ... "That was fun for you? You had fun? You're laughing, but it's really not funny though."

Lonzo wasn't the only one pissed about the comments ... LaVar Ball was livid as well, saying, "How do you call somebody a deadbeat when you just had the baby?!"

In fact ... the Big Baller was caught on camera talking to his wife about her exercise program when he said, "Are you getting in shape for a reason? So, you can knock the hell outta Denise?!"

For her part ... Denise explained to Lonzo the whole thing was meant as a joke -- and she apologized to the L.A. star.

"I shouldn't have done it at all. I'm sorry. I didn't mean it."

Lonzo added, "Denise wants me to be more present during the weekends with her and Zoey, I see where she's obviously coming from ... I'm trying to make an effort to get there as much as possible."

The Atlanta Hawks didn't spend New Year's Day in bed trying to shake a hangover -- they visited the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C. ... and TMZ Sports has the video.

The team traveled to D.C. to play the Washington Wizards on Wednesday -- but 24 hours before stepping on the court, the team got on a bus and hit up the museum.

Players like Trae Young and DeAndre' Bembry took the tour along with the rest of the team. The mission of the museum is to "teach millions of people each year about the dangers of unchecked hatred and the need to prevent genocide."

Darryl Strawberry believes marijuana is DANGEROUS -- telling TMZ Sports it should NOT be used as pain management because it's a gateway drug that can ruin lives.

... and Strawberry says he's living proof.

Of course, the ex-MLB superstar battled addiction himself -- he was suspended 3 times for cocaine during his baseball career.

Now, with so many pro athletes calling for the legalization of marijuana for pain management, Strawberry says it's the WRONG thing to do.

"Most people don't understand marijuana is a drug," the 56-year-old tells TMZ Sports ... "It's just the beginning. Starting people off when they're young and then it leads to everything else."

Strawberry also says America is "spiritually broken" when it comes to the use of prescription medication ... blaming pharmaceutical companies for "flooding the gates" with opiates that are killing young people.

But, the root of the problem, according to Strawberry, is weed.

"Most young people start off with marijuana ... it's a gateway. I started with marijuana when I was young -- 14, 15 years old -- and it led me to everything else."

We asked Darryl if he advocates for any Rx drug for pain management and he told us -- "There's no such thing as pain management for prescription drugs. They've gotten totally out of control."

Kobe Bryant and his wife, Vanessa Bryant, are having another baby ... and it'll be a girl.

The couple made the announcement on their social media pages Sunday, with both parents' posts reading, "New year, new baby! Baby Mamba on the way 2019."

Vanessa added ... "Kobe and I are so happy to add another baby blessing to our family! Bianka will have a new baby sibling with and Natalia and Gianna are super excited to welcome another little baby sister to love."

As for Kobe, he wrote ... "Vanessa and I are beyond excited to announce that we are expecting another #mambacita to go along with Natalia, Gianna and Bianka #blessed #bryantbunch #daddysprincesses #love #2019."

Kobe and Vanessa already have three daughters together -- Natalia, Gianna and Bianka ... aged 15, 12 and 2, respectively. KB and VB have been married since 2001.

Congrats!!!

Montae Nicholson's violent street fight got so out of hand that several people called 911 and frantically described a "huge fight" scene ... according to audio obtained by TMZ Sports.

The Washington Redskins defensive back pummeled a man in the middle of a Virginia street around 2 AM ... and the video we obtained shows the brutal knockout punch.

Seems the brawl went on for some time and created quite the scene ... 'cause several witnesses frantically called 911 for help, describing a wild fight.

"I don't want to interfere in the interaction whatsoever, all I'm saying is I'm in the car and there's a male unconscious on the ground," one witness says.

Another adds, "I need you to come immediately ... we need an ambulance and a fire rescue here immediately!"

Another witness tells dispatch, "There's a fight going on out here ... there's a fistfight that's been going on now!"

23-year-old Nicholson -- 6'2", 215 lbs -- was arrested and booked for assault and battery, and drunk in public.

The Redskins announced just days later they placed Montae on the Reserve/NFI list.

Nicholson played in 14 games for the 'Skins this year, starting 7 of them.

The Texas Longhorns' mascot, Bevo the steer, was NOT down to meet its University of Georgia counterpart in Uga the bulldog, and it might be 'cause it'd just seen red.

UTA's live animal mascot was brought out to the football field Sunday ahead of the Sugar Bowl game between the two teams for what appeared to be a photo-op between Bevo and Uga. As Uga's handler trotted out the pup, Bevo started charging everyone on the scene.

Luckily, Uga was pulled to safety, and no one seemed to be harmed in the incident. Bevo calmed down shortly after going wild, and its own handlers whisked the animal away.

Considering Bevo is at least 22 times heavier than little Uga ... it's a miracle the bull didn't seriously hurt the doggo, or worse.

If this is any indication of how today's game will go ... we'd have to give the advantage to the University of Texas.

Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez's New Year's resolution appears to be a simple one -- keep looking good together ... and they got it started with a trip to the gym.

J Lo and A-Rod were spotted hitting Gold's Gym Tuesday morning in Venice Beach, where they showed off their toned figures heading in and out of the building.

It's interesting ... Jen appeared on NBC's New Year's Eve broadcast Monday night, but the performance might've been prerecorded ... as she showed up on Alex's Instagram story throughout the day and night surrounded by her family as they celebrated.

Either way, it's clear how she maintains that killer bod. No. Days. Off.

There's no better time of year for Drake to reinforce @champagnepapi than New Year's Eve ... and he definitely didn't disappoint on Monday night with his famous pals.

Tons of celebs showed up and showed out to Drizzy's year-end bash at Delilah in West Hollywood, which was aptly dubbed The Mod Selection Champagne New Year's Party. Some of the folks in attendance ... LeBron, KD, Klay Thompson, Kate Beckinsale, Diddy, Nas, Chris Brown, Madison Beer, Idris Elba, and more.

People were coming and going throughout the night, and most weren't all that chatty. One thing we did learn, though ... Kate has no New Year's resolution for 2019. Good to know!

Interestingly enough, Travis Scott and Kylie Jenner were also at the shindig -- and, perhaps, unsurprisingly ... no sign of Kanye or Kim here at all.

Olivia Culpo and Danny Amendola may have forgotten old acquaintances -- at least one of them -- because it looks like they're back together.

Danny and Olivia each posted identical videos of fireworks to their IG stories ... videos obviously shot on New Year's Eve.

The videos were shot at a beach location, and the fact he plays for the Dolphins may be a geographical clue.

Olivia and Danny broke up a few months ago after he hit the beach with a super hot woman. After the pic surfaced, Olivia proclaimed she was keeping the $12,000 Rolex she bought for Danny's birthday.

If this is real, it will be the third time Danny and Olivia got together. They met in 2016, dated for 2 years, broke up, got back together last year but the woman in the bikini buzz killed that one. But, old flame don't douse easily.

The Conor McGregor-Khabib rematch WILL go down in 2019 -- so says Dana White ... who tells TMZ Sports it'll happen as long as everything goes according to plan.

The UFC honcho popped by the TMZ offices last week ... and told us there are still some hurdles to clear -- but he thinks Khabib-Conor II will get set sometime in the next 12 months.

"As long as everything goes right, this fight should happen."

Of course, Khabib and Conor are still facing suspensions for their roles in the brawl that broke out at UFC 229 ... and guys like Tony Ferguson and even Max Holloway could get shots at Khabib before Conor does.

But, Dana says if everything lines up the way he thinks it will ... the rematch will happen.

Khabib dominated Conor at UFC 229 on Oct 6 -- forcing the Irishman to tap out in the 4th round.

After the fight, Conor gave a round-by-round breakdown explaining why he lost the fight -- but gave credit to Khabib and vowed to return "with my confidence high."

Antonio Brown is gunning for G.O.A.T. status -- and he's starting with a sick new diamond ring!

Check out AB's new jewelry ... 6.5 carats, 1,000 diamonds and some serious meaning behind it.

Here's what we know ... the Steelers WR hit up Gabriel the Jeweler -- who works with superstars like Odell Beckham and Jarvis Landry -- and said he wanted a custom piece to symbolize his quest to become the greatest receiver to ever play.

Gabriel tells TMZ Sports ... he spent countless hours blingin' out the ring with 1,000 micro-pave set VVS diamonds -- explaining, "it's a very precise job."

If you've seen A.B. before ... you've seen Gabriel's work. He's the guy behind Brown's $200,000 gold and diamond birthday pendant, which features the names of Brown's children.

Gabriel was tight-lipped on how much Brown dropped for the G.O.A.T. ring ... but we're told it's valued at $20k!

Eric Decker threw in the towel on his NFL career, but it looks like he hasn't lost a step in retirement ... because Jessie James Decker had to throw a towel over her husband's manhood while showing off his toned bod in a super revealing photo.

It seems Eric didn't just hang up his cleats when he retired from pro football back in August, he apparently hung up ALL his clothes ... and it's clear Jessie is totally on board!

Jessie shared Eric's nude on her Instagram Monday with a simple caption, "#retirement."

Eric called it quits on his NFL career in training camp after playing 8 seasons with the Denver Broncos, New York Jets and Tennessee Titans, but it looks like he's still physically ready to play on Sundays.

Yeah, #retirement looks good on Eric.