TMZ Sports - Page 50

WWE superstar Mustafa Ali took a REAL shot to the face during a particularly brutal match with Randy Orton on Tuesday -- and now he's got the massive shiner to prove it.

It seems the injury was suffered in the opening moments of his match with Orton on 'Smackdown Live' -- when Orton was stomping Ali's face in.

It appears Orton's boot caught Ali in his left eye -- and you can see it starting to swell up as the match went on.

Orton ultimately pinned Ali after hitting him with the RKO -- but it wasn't over yet ... Samoa Joe invaded the ring and kicked Ali in the face again ... sending him flying.

After the match, Ali posted a pic of the damage with the caption, "Just trying to catch your eye."

Here's 53 people who definitely don't think Super Bowl LIII was boring -- the New England Patriots players who rewatched the game Tuesday night while partying at a Boston nightclub.

Fresh off the debaucherous, shirtless, booze-filled parade earlier in the day ... Gronk and the Pats hit up Bijou nightclub to keep the party going.

There were sparklers and ring cutouts, Meek Mill and Rick Ross songs blarin' ... and good ole SB53 rollin' on the TVs. Always fun to watch the Rams crap the bed, right?

Other players at the shindig included Jeremy Hill, Elandon Roberts and Brandon King.

No sign of Tom Brady ... but let's be real, he's 41 years old and probably pooped. He gets a pass.

Melvin Upton's wife likes "B.J." ... so now his name is B.J.

For real.

The ex-MLB star used to go by the initials -- it was an homage to his father, whose nickname was "Bossman" ... and therefore made him "Bossman Jr."

But, B.J. switched his name back to his birth name Melvin in 2015 -- 'cause it was his real name and what almost everyone close to him called him.

But now, Upton is back to B.J. ... and tells TMZ Sports it really wasn't his decision.

"My wife. She said Melvin didn't sound right."

She's kinda got a point ... Melvin Upton Jr. is a mouthful to say for a guy who's retired and is now trying to make a name for himself as a baseball analyst on television.

Plus ... when he was "B.J." -- the dude was a superstar ... hitting around 20 home runs and stealing around 40 bags with ease during seasons.

AND, as they say -- happy wife, happy life ... right, B.J.??

There's more ... Mr. Upton also tells us why he's retired FOR GOOD and won't attempt a comeback (his back's all jacked up).

Derek Fisher is going to bat for his boy, Luke Walton -- telling TMZ Sports he's not the loser LaVar Ball says he is.

Lonzo's dad went on a tear against the Lakers coach on Tuesday saying Luke is to blame for Lonzo's uncertain future with the Lakers.

Remember, LaVar had previously said Lonzo was going to make an immediate impact in the NBA -- and he and LeBron would lead the Lakers to a championship, ASAP.

But now that Lonzo's on the trading block, LaVar is pissed and he's been bashing Luke Walton on the radio.

So, when we saw former Lakers star Derek Fisher -- who's now the head coach of the L.A. Sparks -- we asked if LaVar had a point.

"I'm not a member of the Ball family. Luke Walton is a friend," Fish said ... "What I do know is Luke is a great person and he's a great basketball coach."

There's a little buzz in L.A. that the Lakers could be looking for their next head coach -- but publicly, management is sticking behind Walton.

The awkward thing for LaVar Ball ... there's a real chance the Anthony Davis trade plans could fall through and Lonzo remains with the Lakers for the rest of the season.

2/6 -- Turns out the absurd amount of money spent on strippers at "Stripper Bowl" may have been even more ridiculous than we previously thought, according to one of the strippers working that night. 5 Star Jazzi posted a photo after the fact, claiming that she and her coworkers actually made a cool $3 MILLION Monday ... and split their earnings 25 ways. That's $120k per stripper!!!

However, other strippers there insist she's just fronting for the 'Gram, and that between the 111 strippers working that night, they all left with $2k each.

Big difference but, either way, not a shabby payday for 1 night's worth of work.

Pardon the stupid question, but do you wanna see what it looks like when more than half a million's floating around a club? Welcome to the Stripper Bowl!

ATL's own Quality Control Music, which reps Migos and Lil Baby, threw the ultimate send-off Monday night at the Gold Room club for all the exotic dancers who came to town for Super Bowl Weekend. We say the "ultimate" send-off, because they promised a full downpour of $500k ... and you gotta see how they delivered.

The bash drew a bunch of hip-hop stars -- Boosie Badazz, 2 Chainz, T.I. and Tiny, YFN Lucci, Trey Songz ... as well as Saints superstar Alvin Kamara.

The trophy for best entrance arrival easily goes to Lil Baby, though -- chopper for the win!

We're told QC's Pierre "Pee" Thomas was personally handing out stacks of cash to make it rain on the talent, and in the video you see several bankers boxes full of singles getting ripped open.

When it was all said and done, our sources say close to $600,000 was tossed, and you can see it all lining the club floor and bar surfaces.

Offset was there too, but as we told you, he's under a strict "no groupies" ordinance right now ... so tough environment, we're guessing. He and Cardi B hit up another club together earlier in the weekend but, surprisingly, no sign of her at Stripper Bowl.

Guess the AVNs are more her style.

If Todd Gurley REALLY is hiding a secret injury -- you couldn't tell by the way he was cruising out of a hot L.A. nightclub early Wednesday morning.

The L.A. Rams superstar seemed to be in a good mood on his way out of 1 OAK on Sunset Blvd. in West Hollywood just after 2 AM ... strutting to a waiting SUV without the slightest appearance of a limp.

And, with all sorts of conspiracy theories surrounding Todd -- we asked the running back straight-up if he was hiding an injury in the NFL postseason.

Just on Tuesday, "Inside the NFL" star James Brown suggested there was more going on behind the scenes than we know ... but Gurley wasn't in the mood to go down that road.

Of course, Gurley was KILLIN' IT during the regular season and was making a real push to be the NFL's MVP -- but he tailed off in the playoffs and was a non-factor in the Super Bowl ... leaving many asking, "What's wrong with Todd?"

After the game, Gurley insisted he's not hurt -- and coach Sean McVay said the same thing -- but not everyone is buying their story.

Jake Paul wants to fight Soulja Boy for $20 MILLION ... and he's telling TMZ Sports that he'll cough up his own 20 milli to make it happen!!!

ICYMI -- the social media superstar and rapper traded jabs in an Instagram Live session last week ... with Soulja offering Paul a HUGE chunk of cash to get him to square up in the ring.

Paul tells us this was no publicity stunt -- he really wants a piece of Pretty Boy Swag ... and as for the money, he'll have no problem putting up the $20 milli if Soulja can't swing it.

FYI -- you're sitting down, right? -- Paul can put his money where his mouth is. The dude reportedly made $21.5 million in 2018 alone, according to Forbes.

Of course, Jake knows his way around the ring ... he easily handled Deji in his first YouTube super fight and called out Chris Brown right after taking him down.

Clearly, Jake will happily settle for Soulja Boy.

O.J. Simpson has great memories of hanging out with Donald Trump -- who he calls a "fun guy" -- but he's got a warning for him ... messing with Roger Stone might get ya impeached.

The ex-con-turned-political pundit, was in Las Vegas today when a photog asked him about the President's State of the Union address. Simpson seemed wistful about his days partying with his "buddy," but suggests Trump's totally changed now that he's POTUS.

Then, the topic turned to impeachment ... which Simpson used as a way to tee off on Stone. He recalled his own run-in with the FBI -- a 2001 raid on his Florida home -- and said Stone's got no reason to bitch about his arrest.

Simpson actually laughed off Stone comparing himself to Osama bin Laden -- and told him to quit crying.

3:30 PM PT -- TMZ Sports has obtained the mug shot from Young's DWI arrest.

Vince Young was arrested for DWI in Texas on Monday morning ... TMZ Sports has learned.

According to police records, the 35-year-old ex-NFL quarterback was busted in Fort Bend County.

One source familiar with the case tells us Young was pulled over around 4 AM. Records show he was booked into Fort Bend County Jail but posted bond and was released.

We've reached out to Young's camp for comment -- so far, no word back.

It's not the first time Young has been busted for drunk driving -- back in 2016, the former University of Texas star was arrested for DUI after cops say he was driving dangerously in Austin.

Young pled no contest in his 2016 case and was sentenced to 18 months probation. He later apologized to his fans and said he "understood the seriousness of the situation."

TMZ Sports obtained the police footage from the 2016 arrest which shows Young refusing the field sobriety tests and getting frustrated with arresting officers ... at one point saying, "Are we going to jail or not?"

Young was selected by the Tennessee Titans with the 3rd overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft and went on to win the NFL's Rookie of the Year award. He was a 2-time Pro Bowl selection and last played with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2011.

Kacy Clemens -- son of MLB legend Roger Clemens -- seems to be recovering well after allegedly being beaten at a bar last month ... 'cause he hit the diamond Saturday and looked fine.

Kacy, his dad and his fellow baseball-playing brother, Kody, all took to UFCU Disch-Falk Field in Austin, Texas this past weekend for the University of Texas' annual alumni game.

The trio of Clemens' all played -- Roger pitched for an inning, while Kacy and Kody manned the rightside of the Longhorns' infield.

Neither brothers did much at the dish ... reportedly only reaching base once in four plate appearances -- but it's interesting Kacy was even out there regardless.

Remember, Kacy claims in a lawsuit filed just last week that he was roughed up by bouncers at a Texas bar during a New Year's event.

In fact, Kacy's lawyer claims the first baseman was beaten so badly, his throwing arm was injured ... but judging by the video, looks like Kacy's healin' up.

The 24-year-old was an 8th-round draft pick by the Blue Jays in 2017 ... and has batted .246 in his two-year minor league career.

BTW ... in case you were wondering -- Roger's still got it. Take a look at this filth he was throwing at 56 years old!!!!

Wine was chugged (Gronk). Shirts were ripped off (also Gronk). Tide Pods were thrown (who do you think?).

It's the New England Patriots Super Bowl parade in Boston -- and more than 1 MILLION people reportedly flocked to the streets to watch the champs roll through!!

Tom Brady talked about the event on 'WEEI' early Tuesday morning -- saying this should be the craziest bash yet ... his 6th Super Bowl parade in his insane Hall of Fame career.

Brady and Julian Edelman have already been partying it up in Disney World ... and Rick Ross raged with some of the players on Monday night. But, the REAL party goes down with the fans.

Team owner Robert Kraft rocked Meek Mill's "Championships" chain for the parade ... and we're starting to think he ain't giving it back.

Gronk lost his shirt about halfway through the festivities ... and even grabbed a police vest for a quick wardrobe change. Center David Andrews followed by goin' shirtless as well.

If this parade seemed a bit more "tame" this time around ... it's probably because Boston Mayor Marty Walsh asked partygoers to NOT throw beers at the duck boats to keep the dudes safe, right, Alex Cora???

The parade wasn't completely incident-free, though ... some Pats fans ended up duking it out in the streets!!

LaVar Ball just went scorched earth on Luke Walton ... saying the Lakers head man gave Lonzo Ball a "losing attitude" and was "the worst coach ever" for his son.

The Big Baller appeared on the "Doug & Wolf" show in Arizona on Tuesday morning ... and ripped Walton to shreds.

"The Lakers gave my boy that losing attitude. If you look at my boys, the one thing they do do is win … my boys don’t lose too much."

"When he got to the Lakers -- Luke Walton was the worst coach ever for Lonzo because he had a losing mentality. They’ve been losing for three years. That’s how you develop losing.”

LaVar's comments came just a day after he told ESPN if Lonzo is indeed traded -- he wants the point guard to be dealt to the Phoenix Suns ... not the New Orleans Pelicans -- as has been rumored.

Of course, Lonzo's been one of the key pieces New Orleans appears to be seeking in a trade for superstar Anthony Davis.

Clearly, LaVar's upset about all the talk ... and he issued yet another warning to Lakers brass when it comes to trading Lonzo.

"Like I told them before, if you trade my son, it’ll be the worst thing you ever did for your franchise, I guarantee it.”

11:43 AM PT -- The Steelers issued a statement saying they were just made aware of the incident involving Brown today, and are currently gathering information.

11:08 AM PT -- Brown's attorney, Darren Heitner, issued a statement calling the allegations "baseless and false."

He added, "It's unfortunate that the media is trying to use distractions like this and prior stories in an effort to tarnish my client's name and reputation. We have no further comment."

Pittsburgh Steelers superstar Antonio Brown was involved in a domestic dispute in January -- but he was NOT arrested ... TMZ Sports has confirmed with police.

Our sources tell us a woman contacted the Hollywood Police Dept. in Florida in mid-January and made a report alleging misconduct by Brown.

The details surrounding her allegations are unclear -- but we know cops investigated.

A rep for the Hollywood Police Dept. tells TMZ Sports, "Mr. Brown was involved in a domestic dispute. No arrests were made."

We've reached out to Brown's camp for comment multiple times -- so far, no word back.

It's just the latest in a string of off-the-field drama for Brown -- who's not only been feuding with the Steelers, but he's also being sued over an alleged furniture-tossing tirade back in April.

TMZ Sports broke the story ... the man behind the lawsuit claims Brown almost killed his 22-month-old son by throwing furniture off the balcony of his Florida apartment.

Brown claims the man is lying and has said in a statement, "I'm innocent."

Antonio has been in Florida training for the NFL season -- he's from Miami.

Win the Super Bowl ... party like a BAWSE!!

While Tom Brady and Julian Edelman are havin' lightsaber fights at Disney World ... their teammates got the VIP treatment at a Boston hot spot ... complete with an appearance by Rick Ross!!

Fresh off their 6th Super Bowl title in 18 years, the Pats jetted back to Boston and partied it up at The Grand.

Of course, Rozay LOVES the Pats -- he was at the center of Gronk's dance-off with Robert Kraft back in 2015 ... and the rap star says he "puked his guts out" partying with Gronk when N.E. won in 2017.

R.R. kept the tradition alive on Monday ... linking up with players like Trey Flowers and Ja’Whaun Bentley for the rager ... complete with a bunch of champagne and big cardboard cutouts of Bill Belichick's face!!

The guys loved every second of it ... keeping the party going all the way up to the parade on Tuesday.

Partying with Rick Ross ... that's the Patriot Way.

This is one of the craziest things we've EVER seen -- a 54-year-old freediver cut a hole in a frozen lake in the Czech Republic and swam under a sheet of ice ... IN A SPEEDO!!!

The dude behind the stunt is Petr Kapoun -- and after watching this guy handle the cold, he looks like he could be part of the White Walkers from "Game of Thrones."

Dude put a yellow string above the solid ice at Lake Milada in January to guide him along during his swim ... and it worked. He was able to get from frozen point A to frozen point B without a problem.

Kapoun is a health freak -- aside from being a thrill-seeker -- and has reportedly credited his diet and strict workout regimen for the strength and focus to complete the frozen swim.

So, what's next for Kapoun? Probably waiting for his balls to drop back out of his stomach.

James Harden says he AGREES with Kobe Bryant ... the Rockets will almost certainly NOT win a title with the guard being SO ball dominant.

"This way that we're playing, won't happen in the playoffs," the Houston superstar said Tuesday night ... "It won't get us to where we want to go."

ICYMI ... Kobe served up a warm take about Harden's recent hot streak to ESPN's Rachel Nichols, saying, "I'm not a fan of it in terms of winning championships."

He added, "I don't think that style is EVER going to win championships."

Of course, the style Kobe is referring to is Harden's recent play where he's scored nearly every one of his (many) points in isolation.

In fact, Harden's playing so selfishly ... there was a streak last month where James scored 263 STRAIGHT points UNASSISTED.

But, James says he understands Kobe's criticism -- and says he has no plans to replicate this style of play once the Rockets get healthy and truly begin their hunt for an NBA title.

For his part, Kobe seems to understand all that ... telling Nichols he expects things to change as well once Chris Paul really gets back in Houston's mix.

"You have to do what you have to do to win games. And, he's doing that."