TMZ Sports - Page 50

LeBron James thinks Anthony Davis is being done dirty in the media -- and he seems to be pointing the finger at the people who run the New Orleans Pelicans.

Bron had Davis as a guest on his HBO series, "The Shop" -- where the guys, along with stars like Antonio Brown, discussed real issues in their lives.

The topic turned to "public relations" when Antonio suggested Steelers ownership -- or at least, powerful members of the organization -- were trying to wrongly paint him as a "distraction" in the media over the past few weeks.

"That's the narrative they try to create once you doing your own thing," Brown said on the show ... "It's like, this guy's a distraction. He's this type of guy. All I've ever been is a guy who came from Central Michigan, 6th round, who worked his ass off."

LeBron made a comment essentially agreeing with Brown's opinion -- and then compared AB's situation to Anthony Davis.

Remember, Davis publicly requested a trade in January -- and since he and Bron share the same agent -- a lot of people thought they had teamed up to force the Pelicans to move AD to the Lakers.

During the negotiations, there were negative stories that came out about Davis -- and LeBron sure seems to be suggesting the hit pieces were orchestrated by the Pelicans.

"7 years in the league, nobody's ever said anything negative about AD but you can tell when the narrative changed when you don't do what they want you to do."

Davis is now playing out the season with the Pelicans -- and is hoping to be traded at the end of the season.

Jordyn Woods has changed her story ... we're told she now says she wasn't drunk when she made out with Tristan Thompson and she's really sorry for what she did ... and we've learned that's what she told Jada Pinkett Smith on "Red Table Talk."

Sources with knowledge of the conversation tell TMZ ... Woods made no excuses for her actions, which sent the Kardashians into outer space. She admits she was totally lucid during the party a week ago Sunday.

As we reported, Jordyn felt her life was destroyed by the fallout -- from being thrown out of Kylie's guesthouse to being blackballed in future Kardashian business ventures -- but we're told after she let it all out on Jada's Facebook show, she felt a lot better about her future.

TMZ broke the story ... Jordyn chose to tell her story to Jada because of her deep ties to the Smith family. She especially felt comfortable with Jada, whom Jordyn believes is extremely nonjudgmental.

As we previously reported -- our sources say Jordyn initially told friends she was drunk when she hooked up with Tristan, but we're told her version to Jada is without excuses.

"Red Table Talk" drops Friday.

IS MARTY B COMING BACK TO BIG D?!?!?!?

Probably not ... but the ex-Cowboys TE joked during a workout Thursday that he MIGHT be -- and the clip is funny as hell.

Of course, Jason Witten just ACTUALLY came out of retirement to join back up with the Cowboys -- inking a 1-year deal to leave the "Monday Night Football" booth for the gridiron.

So, while Martellus was crushing a back workout in the gym ... he decided to have some fun for the camera -- joking about a return to Dallas too!

"The Cowboys need a backup tight end?! Let's go! Let's get the band back together, Wit! Let's come out of retirement together!!"

What makes the clip even funnier is the fact that Martellus has said numerous times he HATED Witten and his time in Dallas.

But, Bennett even addressed that in the vid, saying, "I'm older! I understand now! Let's get it together!"

The pleas to join back up with ex-teammates in the NFL didn't stop there ... Marty put the camera in selfie mode after the workout and even made a pitch to Bill Belichick and the Patriots!!

It seems it's all fun and games -- Bennett clearly appears to be enjoying retirement ... but he did used to be a legit weapon in the league.

Martellus caught 433 passes for 4,573 yards and 30 TDs in his career ... and he also won Super Bowl LI with the Pats in 2017.

Robert Kraft has formally entered a not guilty plea in his prostitution case, according to court records obtained by TMZ Sports.

"The defendant Robert Kraft hereby pleads not guilty to all charges and requests a non-jury trial in the above-styled cause," the court docs state.

As we previously reported, Kraft's attorney accepted the summons from the court on Feb. 26 -- and an arraignment was set for March 27 at 8:30 AM ... the same day Kraft was expected to be at the NFL's Annual League Meeting with other team owners in Phoenix, Arizona.

Kraft had already made a public statement denying he participated in any illegal activity -- in response to allegations he solicited prostitution at the Orchids of Asia Day Spa in Jupiter, Florida.

Officials say they have graphic surveillance video showing the 77-year-old New England Patriots owner entering the spa on January 19 and 20 ... and receiving sex acts in exchange for money.

If convicted on both misdemeanor counts, Kraft faces up to a year in jail.

8:00 AM PT -- Tristan might not have been the lucky guy hooking up with the young lady. Witnesses in Carbone tell us he was dining with at least 3 other people -- the woman, his teammate Jordan Clarkson and another (not famous) guy.

We're told she arrived with Jordan and, at least, appeared to be his date.

Tristan Thompson isn't sulking over the war being waged in L.A. after he hooked up with Jordyn Woods ... because he's back in the game, with another hot chick.

Tristan had dinner Wednesday night in NYC at Carbone, and here's where we connect the dots. Check out his Instagram story ... you see his delicious pasta -- Carbone is an awesome Italian restaurant -- and you see in the background the hand of a woman holding a glass. She's sitting at the same table as Tristan, right across from him.

Now, check out the woman who left the restaurant alone ... specifically, check out her nail color. MATCH!

BTW ... we're told Tristan arrived at the restaurant with one of his teammates, and 5 minutes later she was waiting outside the restaurant. We're told the woman showed up and Tristan came out and brought her inside. We're told they were at the table for hours.

We're told Tristan left a few minutes later, sprinting from the kitchen door into a waiting Uber.

Tristan is far, far away from the drama he triggered nearly 2 weeks ago, after making out with Jordyn at a house party. Khloe kicked him to the curb, and the Kardashians are at war with Jordyn.

Earlier in the day ... Tristan was out and about with a hoodie emblazoned with the words, "The Eagle Soars Alone." 'Nuff said.

Jordyn Woods feels her life is ruined because she's no match when it comes to the wrath of the Kardashians ... so she went to Jada Pinkett Smith because she felt she'd get a fair shake to tell her story.

Sources tell TMZ ... Jordyn believes the Kardashians -- especially Kim -- can break her in every way -- professionally, socially and monetarily. We're told she's been "despondent" since we broke the story she hooked up with Tristan Thompson. She feels like she has a Scarlet Letter plastered on her forehead.

As for going to Jada ... Jordyn is like family to the Smiths ... she calls Will her uncle. She feels Jada is one of the most nonjudgmental people she knows, and she has a huge platform on the "Red Table Talk" Facebook show.

We're told Jordyn wanted to tell her story and express her regrets.

12:10 PM PT -- Demaryius Thomas is addressing the accident for the first time, telling TMZ Sports ... “Over the past several days I have had time to really think. It saddens me that I caused pain to those whom I love most.”

DT's rep added ... "Demaryius is extremely remorseful for exceeding the speed limit which led to the automobile accident in Denver, February 16th. Demaryius is taking full responsibilities for his actions and ensures that nothing like this will ever happen again!"

NFL wide receiver Demaryius Thomas was arrested Wednesday night for "vehicular assault" -- in connection with a February 16 crash in Denver, authorities say.

Officials say Thomas was driving at speeds exceeding 70 MPH in a 30 MPH zone -- which not only qualifies as reckless driving, but also felony vehicular assault.

If convicted on the felony charge, Thomas faces up to 3 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.

Officials say they conducted an investigation into the crash using "information from the vehicle and preliminary speed analysis" to confirm Thomas was traveling at over 70 miles per hour.

Thomas is listed on the police report as 6'3", 230 pounds.

We've obtained DT's mug shot -- you can see Thomas suffered a left eyeball injury.

As we previously reported, the 31-year-old ex-Broncos star was driving around Denver around 12:20 AM. We spoke with witness Michael Tafoya, who said he lost control of his car, hit a curb and rolled 3 times before landing in a grassy median.

Cops and emergency personnel arrived to the scene a short time later and took over -- managing to free Thomas and his 2 passengers.

Cops say all 3 people in the car were transported to a nearby hospital to be treated for injuries. One of the passengers suffered serious bodily injuries as a result of the crash.

A witness tells TMZ Sports ... Thomas seemed to be fine other than a "hellacious knot" on his head.

Two MVPs were on the court at Staples Center on Wednesday -- with Patrick Mahomes sitting right on the floor as LeBron James led the Lakers to a 125-119 victory over the Pelicans!

Oh, and LeBron LOVED that Mahomes was there!

The K.C. Chiefs quarterback got the VIP treatment -- with a personal attendant making sure Pat and his girlfriend, Brittany Matthews, were taken care of like royalty ... while sitting next to other huge stars like Halsey and David Beckham.

Of course, the Lakers are basically in must-win mode for the rest of the season if they want a shot at the playoffs ... and it seems like Pat and Brit were the good luck charms the team needs.

Didn't hurt that Bron posted 33 points, 10 assists and 6 rebounds -- but after the game, King James gave a special shout-out to his NFL pal.

"Good to have you in the building tonight MVP!!" LBJ wrote.

Mahomes is becoming a massive star -- just check out the crowd trying to get autographs and pics on the way out of Staples.

Mahomes wasn't the only star athlete in the crowd -- Floyd Mayweather and Todd Gurley also showed out.

BTW ... we shot footage of Gurley walking to his car -- that knee seem okay to you?

Remember, TG's leg has been a big Rams storyline since his disappearing act in the NFL playoffs ... but he's said repeatedly the injury is not an issue.

In fact ... his head coach, Sean McVay, told reporters at the NFL's combine Thursday he's positive his star RB is "feeling good."

NFL linebacker Brandon Marshall says he's not closing the book on a possible return to the Denver Broncos -- telling TMZ Sports, "It could definitely happen."

The Broncos already notified Marshall they will not be picking up his option -- which will officially make him a free agent on March 13. Marshall has played in Denver since 2013, where he grew into one of the best LBs in the league.

And, while Brandon's agent is out speaking to other teams (there's most definitely interest in the 29-year-old) ... Marshall says there's no bad blood with Denver and he could see a situation where he's back in orange in 2019.

"I wouldn't rule out a return yet," Marshall says ... "Still a chance I could return to the team. It could definitely happen."

Marshall not only lives in the Denver area, but he's also heavily involved in the local community and considers Denver home.

But, for a return to Denver to make sense, it has to make dollars.

"If things work its way out, I'm definitely open to a return ... they have to be open as well, we'll see."

Marshall was limited to 11 games in 2018 due to a knee injury -- but still logged 42 tackles.

He has the most solo tackles of any Broncos player since 2013. Over the course of his career, Marshall has 419 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles and 2 interceptions.

He also has a Super Bowl ring from the Broncos victory over the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50.

Eric Dickerson has a message for all the people throwing dirt on Robert Kraft's name -- STOP IT!!! -- telling TMZ Sports people need to quit judging over the Pats owner's prostitution case.

All sorts of people have ripped the 77-year-old NFL owner ever since officials named him as a "John" in a prostitution sting in Jupiter, Florida last week. Some people are even calling for the NFL to force Kraft to hand the team over to his son.

ED says it's just not fair to bash Kraft ... calling out all the people who have been quick to turn on him.

"A lot of these hypocrites are making comments about that situation," Dickerson says. "They're hypocrites. You never know what a man does behind closed doors."

Dickerson clearly supports Kraft, despite the recent scandal, saying, "I like Mr. Kraft. I like him a lot, I have a lot of respect for him."

As we previously reported, Kraft -- who's being charged with 2 misdemeanor counts of soliciting another for prostitution -- is set to be arraigned next month during the NFL's Annual League Meeting. He has adamantly denied doing anything illegal.

Ex-Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy is under fire after officials say they have video of the 55-year-old berating officials at his stepson's high school basketball game.

McCarthy was allegedly pissed off at the referees after his stepson's Notre Dame Academy lost to Pulaski High on Tuesday night ... and followed the refs as they left the court.

Officials say McCarthy went on a "verbal tirade" -- using inappropriate language to rip the refs.

Officials have filed an "abuse against contest officials" complaint against McCarthy and the school is investigating.

Footage captured by the school district shows a man -- identified as McCarthy -- following the refs and yelling at them.

Pulaski athletic director Janel Batten explained it this way -- "This parent chose to follow the officials and berate them, which is clearly unacceptable."

"Some things were said, some language was used that we don't want in our gym, unsportsmanlike language," she told WLUK.

McCarthy has reportedly been a regular at his stepson's basketball games this season.

McCarthy coached the Packers from 2006 to 2018 -- leading the Cheeseheads to a Super Bowl victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2011.

He was fired last year after reported tension between him and star quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Travis Scott is as far away from the Jordyn Woods scandal as he can be without leaving the United States ... and we're told he couldn't be happier.

Our Travis/Kylie sources say the rapper, who's currently in Buffalo for his Astroworld tour, does not want to be caught in the quicksand of controversy that in many ways revolves around his baby mama.

We're told it's like a powder keg back home, where Kylie's sisters have declared war on Tristan Thompson and have been hammering Kylie to break all ties for good. Kylie's on board for now, but everyone believes she's torn because of her incredibly strong bond with Jordyn.

Short story ... home ain't a peaceful place to be these days, and Travis, who's always tried to avoid controversy, is happily 2,500 miles away.

That said, our sources say Travis has been fully supportive of Kylie and has been lending an ear whenever she needs it. But, the way he sees it ... he doesn't have a dog in the fight and he'll go along with whatever Kylie wants.

BTW ... Travis has spent a lot of time with Jordyn since he and Kylie got together nearly 2 years ago. Nevertheless, it's her friend and he's just going along for the ride.

For now ... Jordyn has been blackballed from the Kardashians. They cut all future business ties with her, and she's persona non grata at Kylie's home, where she had been living in the guesthouse.

Jon Jones tells TMZ Sports he wants to be the first MMA fighter to finish his career with a 50-0 record -- becoming the Floyd Mayweather of the sport -- and he's 100% confident he can do it.

First things first ... we know Jones already has 1 loss on his record, but it's because Jon was disqualified for throwing illegal elbows in a fight he was otherwise dominating. Clearly, Jones doesn't consider that an official loss.

Instead, Jon views himself as unbeaten in the Octagon with a 24-0 record (instead of 23-1) -- and says he plans to chalk up another 26 victories ... starting with Anthony Smith on Saturday at UFC 235.

After that, Jones says he realizes he's on a collision course with Daniel Cormier ... but says it's unlikely they will fight at heavyweight unless the bag is gigantic.

"[The UFC] can convince me to fight Daniel Cormier," Jones says ... "We give the fans what they want to see."

As far as that 50 win mark, Jon explained it this way -- "I think 50-0 would be a really great number ... no one's ever done it. That puts you up there with Mayweather and some of the all-time greats in boxing."

"I'm 31 years old and I believe the best is yet to come."

Jones says he's got the best team around him that he's ever had and says he feels great.

While Jones is considered by many to be the greatest UFC fighter of all time, it ain't gonna be easy to get to 50-0.

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft is set to be arraigned in his prostitution case on March 27 -- the same day NFL owners will be gathering in Phoenix for the annual league meeting.

Palm Beach County court records show the arraignment date has been set. The official NFL website says March 27 is the final day of the Annual League Meeting, where owners discuss important topics ranging from rule changes to the national anthem policy. Kraft was at the event in 2018.

Court records show 77-year-old Kraft was "arrested" on February 26 by the Jupiter Police Dept. -- but sources connected to the case tell us the word "arrested" is misleading because Kraft was never taken into custody.

Instead, we're told Kraft's attorney accepted service of a court summons for his arraignment -- and that action was entered into the system as an arrest.

As we previously reported, Kraft is being charged with 2 misdemeanor counts of soliciting another for prostitution for allegedly paying for sexual services at the Orchids of Asia Day Spa in Jupiter, Florida.

According to officials, Kraft went to the massage parlor on January 19 where he paid for services from 2 women. Cops say he went back the very next day and paid for another sex act.

Officials say the incidents were captured on surveillance video -- including the graphic sex acts.

For his part, Kraft has denied any wrongdoing.

If convicted, officials say Kraft faces up to 1 year in jail.

Cops say they also have surveillance footage of Kraft entering and leaving the massage parlor -- where he was picked up and dropped off by a driver in a blue Bentley.

The day after officials announced the case against Kraft, he was spotted in Beverly Hills at a pre-Oscars party ... not looking concerned at all.

He later flew back from L.A. to Boston on a private jet with Tom Brady and Gisele ... and again, didn't appear to be too concerned about the case against him.

Officials say Kraft was not the main target in the prostitution sting -- but rather one of at least 100 men who patronized the massage parlor.

Instead, cops say their main focus was on the women who were allegedly masterminding a state-wide prostitution ring in which they're accused of importing women from other countries and putting them to work as sex slaves who essentially lived in terrible conditions in various massage parlors.

Notorious B.I.G.'s favorite sweater brand, Coogi -- as in, "Every cutie with a booty bought a Coogi" -- says the Brooklyn Nets stole their iconic fashion pattern ... and now they're suing the team.

Coogi is pissed off about a special jersey the Nets created called "Brooklyn Camo" -- which players wore during a Nov. 17, 2018 game as a tribute to Brooklyn's own Biggie Smalls, who loved Coogi sweaters.

The problem, according to Coogi, no one from the team or the NBA or Nike or New Era or Russell Brands ever got permission to use the iconic Coogi pattern ... so now, Coogi is suing all of 'em!

Coogi claims they have copyrights for their most famous designs -- called "Pea Soup" and "Ricotta" -- and they feel the Nets straight swiped their swag.

Coogi says the Nets should have known better -- considering the brand is often worn by huge stars like Conor McGregor, Kanye West, Snoop Dogg, Rick Ross, Floyd Mayweather and more.

Plus, Biggie -- the guy the Nets were trying to honor -- shouted out the brand in two of his biggest hits ... 1994's "Big Poppa" and 1996's "Hypnotize."

Coogi is not only suing for damages ... they also want everyone involved to stop selling the "Brooklyn Camo" jerseys and other sportswear.

In the meantime, here's Biggie ... enjoy!

Oscar De La Hoya says "REAL" boxing promoters don't tamper with other fighters -- and says, if Floyd Mayweather wants to set up a fight with Ryan Garcia, he's gotta do it the PROPER way.

Oscar -- who runs Golden Boy Promotions -- sent a cease and desist letter to Floyd after Mayweather made a fight offer to Garcia during an interview with TMZ Sports earlier this month.

In the TMZ Sports video, Mayweather looked in the camera and told Garcia -- a Golden Boy fighter -- that he'd offer $200k for Ryan to fight Mayweather Promotions fighter Rolando Romero.

If Garcia beat Romero, Floyd said he'd grant Garcia's wish to fight Mayweather's top boxer, Gervonta "Tank" Davis.

Both Garcia and Davis are rising stars in boxing's super featherweight division -- and seem to be on a collision course to battle in the near future.

After making the offer, Floyd invited Garcia to his 42nd birthday party -- and the two seemed to be chatting it up ... with Oscar nowhere to be seen.

Now, Oscar is pissed -- telling TMZ Sports, "There are proper ways of making fights happen. Look, you don't go out there publicly."

Oscar added, "The proper way is you send in a contract, you take a look at it and then we talk about it ... that's what real promoters do."

Oscar says he has not heard "one word" from Floyd's camp before or after sending the letter.

It sounds like Oscar is still interested in making a Davis vs. Garcia fight -- but he refuses to hash it out in the media and wants Floyd to deal with him behind the scenes ... or else.

Meanwhile, Oscar has a lot on his plate -- he's currently promoting the massive Canelo Alvarez vs. Daniel Jacobs fight scheduled to go down May 4 on DAZN.