TMZ Sports - Page 50

Think Zion and Duke will coast all the way to the title game without a hitch??? Here's Shaq to make you second-guess your bracket picks ... 'cause he says LSU CAN beat the Blue Devils -- despite the Will Wade scandal.

The Tigers head coach was suspended indefinitely before the Big Dance ... after Yahoo Sports recently reported that wiretapped conversations revealed Wade discussed making a "strong-ass" offer to a recruit.

Shaq clearly ain't sweating the investigation possibly making an impact on LSU's run at a title ... simply saying, "Not a distraction."

The Big Aristotle is probably right ... 'cause the Tigers looked pretty good against Yale on Thursday ... and all they have to do is win 1 more game to match up with the Devils (assuming Duke handles their opponents, of course).

But, with guys like Williamson, RJ Barrett and Cam Reddish -- 3 projected lottery picks in the NBA Draft in June -- LSU's going to have their hands full ... scandal or no scandal.

Le'Veon Bell is going to help Jamison Crowder have a MONSTER season ... so says the wide receiver himself, who tells TMZ Sports he's going to be open A LOT 'cause of the RB.

"He's going to definitely draw a lot of attention," Crowder says ... "He helps open it up for guys like myself."

Of course, New York went crazy in free agency this month ... signing a bunch of good players to huge-money deals, including Jamison and Le'Veon.

But, Crowder seems most excited for the Bell deal ... telling us, Le'Veon is so good out of the backfield -- there's going to be A LOT of space for him to work in the secondary now.

"I'm just excited to play alongside a guy like Le'Veon Bell."

Crowder ain't kiddin' ... Le'Veon's been a BEAST in the passing game -- and did help open things up for guys like Antonio Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster when he last suited up for Pittsburgh.

Jamison's takin' note ... and is predicting not only a big season for himself -- but others in the receiving corps too!!!

By the way, Crowder -- who's been working out at his old school, Duke, this offseason -- is running a camp next month for a VERY good cause, and he told us all about why.

The Cleveland Indians have set the bar HIGH for the 2019 season -- like 13,000 feet high -- kicking things off with manager Terry Francona jumping outta an airplane!!!

The Indians skipper went skydiving for the first time last week ... and the dude had so much fun, he had to share it with other people on the team.

Tito took 12 members of his coaching staff and front office out for some team building on Thursday ... somehow managing to persuade everyone to take the biggest jump of their lives ... and the video is awesome!!!

Pitching coach Carl Willis and bench coach Brad Mills also got in on the fun at Skydive21 in Arizona ... and Francona assured reporters everyone made it out alive.

“Millsie made it. I was really worried about that," Francona said. "If Millsie didn’t make it, our guys wouldn’t know where to go tomorrow.”

Your turn, Francisco Lindor and Jose Ramirez.

Tim Tebow has it all -- pro baseball career, 2 TV gigs AND an upcoming marriage -- but tells us what fulfills him the most has nothing to do with sports or being in front of a camera.

We had Tim on Friday's "TMZ Live" to talk about "Million Dollar Mile" ... his new competition show on CBS. He was just walking off the field from a spring training game with his NY Mets squad -- which got us wondering about which of his many, many jobs he finds more satisfying.

His answer was pure Tebow. You gotta see what he said about his Foundation and the work he's doing to change lives. Even if you weren't a fan from his NFL and U. of Florida days -- ya gotta admire him when ya see this.

Don't get it twisted, though, Tim's ALL IN for "Million Dollar Mile" too. The show, which premieres next week, is executive produced by none other than LeBron James -- and Tebow's not only the host ... sounds like he's head cheerleader. He explained why he needed some extra care during taping.

Gotta hand it to the guy -- he's juggling a lot professionally, and don't forget ... he also has to find time to plan a wedding with fiancée Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters.

You'll never run as fast as Chris Johnson ... but you can take what he takes before working out, 'cause the ex-NFL superstar is launching his own supplement line.

TMZ Sports talked to CJ2K -- who retired from football after the 2017 season -- about getting into the MULTI-BILLION dollar supplement industry ... a biz he's dreamed of being in since he was a teenager.

"When I first got to college, I was 150 pounds and I was a smaller guy," Johnson says.

"It was always something I was trying to, some type of supplement or something I was trying to get so I could gain weight and get bigger like the rest of the guys."

"So, I was like, one day I'm gonna come out with my own supplement."

Yeah, Chris ... the guy who ran a 4.24-second, 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and went on to become a 3-time Pro Bowler who made 1st team All-Pro, won Offensive Player of the Year in 2009, and rushed for over 2,000 yards in a single season (he's 1 of only 7 guys to accomplish that feat) -- wasn't always a physical specimen.

Johnson Performance Supplements launches April 1 ... and Chris says the brand will feature a bunch of dope products including a pre-workout shake.

It's not only about working out ... Chris says he's also got products that have helped him with his memory.

So, even if you don't run a blazing 4.24 ... ya might be less forgetful.

Cal football coach Justin Wilcox is throwing his full support behind a school investigation into claims that members of his team "ruthlessly" sexually harassed a student intern.

"We take these allegations extremely seriously," the coach told reporters Friday ... "It's not something that we would tolerate at our university or in our football program and it's something that is really tough to hear."

Paige Cornelius -- a former student at Cal -- claims she was "endlessly" and "ruthlessly" sexually harassed by members of the Golden Bears' squad during her time as a team intern.

She even accuses one coach of sexually assaulting her, saying he forcibly touched and kissed her during an after-hours office visit.

It's all in a lengthy social media post penned by the ex-Cal student ... in which she claims Wilcox and athletic director Jim Knowlton did nothing even after she reached out with the allegations.

"Your mental and physical health do not matter when a revenue sport is involved. Shoutout to Jim Knowlton, Justin Wilcox, the Cal Athletics Administrative office for teaching me this lesson."

In her claims ... Cornelius says coaches and players would constantly make her feel uncomfortable on the field -- and in one incident, a coach told her during practice, "I will get you fired if you do not have sex with me.”

She also says one coach followed her home after a practice and told her at her front door she "would look amazing in a bikini."

Cornelius says as a result of her time with the team, she's now dealing with post-traumatic stress syndrome and anxiety and has medically withdrawn from the school.

It appears Paige is preparing to file a lawsuit against the program ... writing in a separate social media post, "If you have been sexually harassed by any cal athletics coach or player ... dm me."

"My legal team wants to have the best case possible."

1:38 PM PT -- TMZ Sports has learned Zelda is doing just fine after the incident, being taken care of by trained professionals at the SPCA of Texas.

A spokesperson for the organization tells us Zelda has received full care -- including "a ton of TLC" -- since she's been in their custody ... and is expected to be put up for adoption within the next few days.

Ex-UFC star Frank Shamrock is reportedly being investigated by cops after he tied a dog to a truck and abandoned it for 5 DAYS at a Dallas airport earlier this month.

Shamrock had to move his ailing mother out of her Texas home -- and in the process, was forced to take control of her two dogs.

Frank tells WFAA in Dallas he was able to find a shelter for one of the dogs ... but when he couldn't find a home for Zelda, the other dog -- he tied her to a truck and left her at Love Field Airport.

Shamrock admits the act was "terrible" ... and says he ran away from the dog in tears.

But, Frank also says his actions helped keep the dog alive, saying, "Here is what I guarantee, that dog is alive and safe right now and I couldn't guarantee that before I tied that dog to the truck and left."

Police seem to disagree ... and are reportedly investigating Shamrock -- and considering levying animal cruelty charges against the fighter.

For his part, Shamrock says he'll accept responsibility for it all, saying, "They can charge me with whatever. I will show up. It is what it is. I'm not hiding in any way."

"It's an unfortunate and terrible thing. I'm an animal lover and I ran away crying."

Zelda is reportedly safe and in custody of Dallas animal control.

Jussie Smollett's fighting to stay outta prison, but one of the brothers who allegedly helped him stage the infamous "attack" is fighting his ass off in the boxing ring -- and just rung up another W.

Abel Osundairo competed again Thursday night in the semifinals of the prestigious Chicago Golden Gloves Tournament at Cicero Stadium. He didn't score a first-round knockout like he did in the quarterfinals, but Abel still secured a unanimous decision -- and he's moving on to the finals, slated to go down next month.

After the match ... Abel was met by a horde of reporters. Abel didn't say much with his mouth but he did let his eyes do a lot of talking. Just ask this reporter who got a bit of a death stare.

Nevertheless ... Abel -- who wore a white robe with the American flag emblazoned on the back -- has proven he's got potential as a powerful southpaw. His vicious jabs set up a brutal knockdown in the first round. As we first said after his win last weekend ... pretty clear that Abel held back a LOT during the "attack."

As for Jussie's fight -- he's pled not guilty on the 16-count indictment, and is awaiting trial.

BTW ... the Chicago Golden Gloves Tournament is arguably the most elite amateur tournament in the country. It's been around since 1923 and some of its past champions include Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis and Sonny Liston.

Terrell Owens has a new, MUCH BETTER gig in retirement life -- personal photog for an insanely hot bikini-clad woman at the beach ... and TMZ Sports has the pics!!

The 45-year-old Hall of Fame receiver hit up the beach in Miami on Thursday ... lounging around with the mystery woman and catching some rays, laughing and taking pics on his phone.

We haven't been able to ID the beach babe yet ... but we're working on it.

While TO doesn't budge from his spot (why would he??) ... the mystery lady doesn't hesitate takin' a dip in the water to cool off. We take it he was snappin' pics for her the whole time.

Bill Belichick ditched his hoodie for a blazer and took his girlfriend out on the town in L.A. on Thursday ... and TMZ Sports has the vid!!

The Pats head coach and longtime GF Linda Holliday hit up Craig's in West Hollywood ... and in rare form, the dude was grinning from ear to ear!!

BB's been busy lately ... bouncing around from the combine and pro days to check out all the potential future Patriots players prepping for the NFL Draft ... but Bill's always got time for his lady.

The couple just got back from a romantic beach vacay filled with bikini pics, golf, card games and ice cream last week.

Adam "Pacman" Jones has agreed to a plea deal in his casino cheating case that will put him behind bars -- and also ban him from drinking booze for a YEAR AND A HALF ... TMZ Sports has learned.

The 35-year-old was arrested in an Indiana casino last month after authorities say he cheated while playing a table game ... and then went ballistic on officials after he was confronted.

The former NFL star was hit with a bevy of charges ... including felony intimidation, felony battery against an officer and several misdemeanors.

But now, Jones has agreed to a plea deal that will send him to jail.

According to court docs, Jones will enter a guilty plea to one count of felony cheating at gambling and one count of misdemeanor resisting law enforcement.

In exchange, prosecutors have agreed to drop all remaining charges against the defensive back.

The terms of the deal would require Jones to spend 10 days behind bars ... while also serving a probation period that will bar him from drinking booze for a year and a half.

Jones also cannot possess a firearm or dangerous weapons without permission from his probation officer during that time frame ... and he's also been banned from the Rising Star Casino.

The agreement is not set in stone ... all parties still have to appear in court and a judge has to sign off on it -- but that's usually just a formality.

Jones is currently scheduled to be back in court next month.

Papa John's is hoping Shaquille O'Neal can do the same thing he did for the Lakers ... return them to prominence ... by adding the Big Man on as a member of their Board Of Directors.

Shaq announced the move moments ago on his Instagram with a statement talking about his future with the company, and his enthusiasm for their pies.

"I am so excited to be joining the Papa John’s family as a member of the Board of Directors, a soon-to-be investor in nine Papa John’s franchises in Atlanta and an ambassador for the brand."

This is HUGE news for Papa John's ... the company has been embroiled in controversy ever since founder John Schnatter stepped down after he admitted to using the n-word during a conference call with executives last May.

Since then, the company has been hit with boycotts by some members of the Black community, leading to declining sales 5 quarters in a row according to CNN business.

Shaq is a beloved figure in the community, and you have to believe PJ's is hoping adding him will get them back on the good side of those who think the company is racist.

"I know that behind every large company, there are thousands of people that put their heart and soul into the business. Papa John’s is no different, and it struck a chord with me that the company is putting in the work to do better within its walls and in the communities it serves across the country."

BTW -- this deal also comes with 9 franchises for Shaq in the Atlanta area ... and that means free pizza ... pace yourself, big guy.

What does Ron Burgundy love more than scotch?? HOCKEY!! ... and it turns out Will Ferrell's classic 'Anchorman' character is a damn good color commentator for the L.A. Kings!!

The legendary news anchor made a special appearance at the Kings vs. San Jose Sharks game on Thursday ... and, of course, we're in a glass case of emotion over it.

The highlights range from shading the Sharks for never winning the Stanley Cup to chugging Molson beers before the game. It's all hilarious.

Here are the highlights ...

"I once saw Jeff Carter with his shirt off in the locker room ... he's got the goods."

"Cleared by the Kings! Take that, San Jose!! Zero Stanley Cups. ZERO Stanley Cups for the San Jose Sharks!!"

"Shot on goal, he scores!! Put that baby to bed without a diaper."

Bonus -- Burgundy and a burrito had a steamin' hot makeout sesh on the kiss cam. Seriously, just watch the vid and laugh your ass off.

Burgundy ended up being a good luck charm for the Kings ... they beat the Sharks 4-2.

Cam Newton says giving up sex will make him a better QB ... so the Carolina Panthers superstar is done with it!!!

For real!!!

Newton went on "The Late Late Show With James Corden" and -- in the process of explaining why he's going vegan -- he dropped a bomb saying he's done banging!!

"I hope this is an adult crowd, it looks like it is," Newton says ... "No climax."

So, why?!?!

Cam says it's all part of a master plan to have a bounce-back season after a disappointing 2018.

The QB tells Corden he's taking on a different challenge every month -- it started with no gambling in January, no meat in February and now no sex OR WiFi in March -- in order to be mentally tougher.

"It makes my mind stronger," Cam explains ... "I feel like if I go back and I say I did those things, I'm mentally stronger."

The good news for Newton (and his GF)? He says the no-sex rule plan -- for now -- is only in place for one more week.

Tyron Woodley is calling out Conor McGregor because he feels it's the only fight that makes sense for BOTH guys ... and he's "dead ass serious."

"I want to fight Conor," Tyron said on "The Hollywood Beatdown."

"I'll fight him in Ireland. I'll fight him in the f*cking back alley of a White Castle ... want to go to Russia? Want to go to the TMZ newsroom?"

"Quit being a bitch ... let's fight."

So, why would Conor take that fight?

Woodley points out that both guys are coming off losses in world title fights -- and since they're close in weight, it makes sense for them to battle while they wait for their shot to get their belts back.

Of course, Conor has said he wants fights with Nate Diaz and Cowboy Cerrone in addition to a rematch with Khabib Nurmagomedov ... but Tyron says none of those fights are happening any time soon.

"Looks like we dangling around Conor ... come get this smoke."

Woodley's last fight was 3 weeks ago when he lost the welterweight belt to Kamaru Usman, who seems to be on a collision course to fight Colby Covington next.

Tyron says it doesn't make sense to refight other contenders he already washed in the welterweight division ... so Conor is the next best thing to a rematch with Usman.

In fact, Tyron says he's healthy and hungry and ready to fight right now ... as long as Dana White can get Conor to sign a contract.

Tyron and Conor have had beef before -- when they got into an altercation behind-the-scenes at the UFC 205 press conference back in 2016.

While the Knicks are busy booting fans from MSG ... the Nets are on the brink of making the playoffs ... and DeMarre Carroll says the city's totally buzzin' for them!!!

Of course ... New York's always been Knicks' territory. Even when the Nets came over to Brooklyn in 2012, the vast majority of folks held on to their beloved Knickerbockers and didn't care too much for the team from Jersey.

But, as it turns out ... the Nets are currently 7th in the East thanks to breakout seasons from players like D'Angelo Russell and Spencer Dinwiddie.

Earlier this week, BK had an insane 25-point, 4th-quarter comeback against the Kings ... behind Russell's 44 points.

And, the Knicks ... well, their 14-58 record is the worst in the NBA.

So, when we saw the NBAer out in Santa Monica on Thursday ... he said there's a lot of support for the squad as they head into the postseason.

"I think everybody's excited about what's going on, so it's a big time for the city," Carroll says.