TMZ Sports - Page 50

Another huge move for LeBron James ... not the basketball player, the Hollywood mogul.

James -- through his media brand, Uninterrupted -- is launching a new show for DAZN called "40 Days" ... a docuseries which will follow top boxers as they prepare for major prize fights.

In fact, the first episode will follow Canelo Alvarez and Daniel Jacobs as they gear up for their May 4 fight in Las Vegas. Part 1 of the series is scheduled to premiere on April 23.

Canelo's participation is really no surprise considering he recently signed a $365 MILLION contract with DAZN.

We're told LeBron and his business partner, Maverick Carter, are executive producing the Canelo episodes -- in association with DAZN and Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions.

"These documentaries will shine a light on the 3-dimensional aspect of who these athletes are outside of the ring and empower them to tell their own stories as they prepare for some of the biggest moments in their boxing careers," Maverick Carter said in a statement.

De La Hoya has also weighed in ... saying, "This is excellent for the sport as it will provide the kind of unique lens that only LeBron James and Maverick Carter can bring. At the same time, there’s no better way for them to start this partnership than by featuring the most important boxing event of the year, so Golden Boy is proud to be a part of it."

Zedd and Olivia Culpo are THIS close to setting off the "New Couple Alert" ... 'cause they sure looked like a couple of crazy kids very much into each other after getting all cozy at Coachella!!!

We're told the famous Russian-German DJ and the former Miss Universe were cuddling in the artist area during Ariana Grande's set at Coachella. Check out the vid ... it appears Zedd had his arms around Olivia as Grande performed "God is a woman."

Witnesses tell us they were together for the whole set. His arms were around her as they swayed together. She would lean her head back on his chest ... the universal code for "I'm into you."

And, get this ... Zedd had a performance scheduled a few hours before Ariana's. When he went onstage ... guess who was backstage? Yup ... Olivia and her hot friends. But, here's what else is interesting ... this fling seems to come just days after Olivia was spotted with another star ... NHL's Aaron Varos.

Olivia and the New York Rangers star were on a double date just last week at Soho Hollywood. They were hanging with her best friend Cara Santana and Jesse Metcalfe. So, ya gotta wonder ... was Olivia's date with Varos a one-off and is Zedd more her jam???

Whatever the case ... one thing that seems certain -- Danny Amendola's in her rear-view mirror.

John Daly tells TMZ Sports he KNOWS Tiger Woods is gonna break Jack Nicklaus' all-time major championships record ... saying, straight-up, it's fate.

"I not only think, I know he will," Daly tells us ... "It's just destiny."

Daly says like the Chicago Cubs winning the World Series and the Boston Red Sox breaking the Curse of the Bambino ... it's just bound to happen that Tiger passes Jack's 18 majors mark.

Of course, Tiger is only 3 shy of tying that record after his legendary Masters performance this past weekend ... but some are still wondering if Tiger can repeat that feat FOUR more times.

Daly certainly thinks so, saying, "I never thought he was gone ... I still feel like he's going to win Nicklaus' records and I've always believed in him."

As for if Tiger's historic comeback has Daly envisioning a comeback of his own ... John says not right now -- saying his knee is still pretty messed up after recent surgery.

By the way, Daly also tells us he has no issues with Donald Trump giving Woods the Presidential Medal of Freedom -- saying, "Tiger definitely deserves it."

UFC star Dustin Poirier says when it comes to Khabib Nurmagomedov there's no need for trash talk ... telling TMZ Sports, "He knows what’s up. I know what’s up. Let’s f*cking fight."

Poirier is still sporting bruises from his 5-round war with Max Holloway at UFC 236 on Saturday -- but he's already looking forward to his next challenge ... a lightweight unification fight with Khabib.

Dana White has previously told us he's targeting a Sept. fight date -- and Poirier says the timing couldn't be better.

"I think Sept. is perfect for this fight," Poirier said ... "I believe that's when [Khabib's] suspension is over. That will give me plenty of time to decompress and get back into training camp. It's perfect."

Of course, Khabib is 27-0 as a pro -- and most famously smashed Conor McGregor at UFC 229 back in October. Dustin clearly respects the guy but he's confident he can serve Khabib his first loss.

"Mixed martial arts is a crazy, crazy thing to do man. There are lots of variables and lots of ways to lose. To go [undefeated] ...That’s impressive. Of course, I'm impressed by him."

30-year-old Poirier is on a pretty impressive run in the UFC right now himself ... with huge wins over studs like Justin Gaethje, Eddie Alvarez and Anthony Pettis.

Poirier fought Conor back in 2014 and lost -- so we asked if he'd be down to run that back at some point in his career. You'll want to hear his answer.

Dustin shouted out all of his supporters who have stuck with him over the years -- and tells us why he's so happy his young daughter gets to see his UFC championship belt!!!

Remember when Le'Veon Bell posted one of his new rap vids, asked people what they thought about it ... and Keenan Allen hit him back with the brutal "this ain't it" response??

Well ... here's Bell's chance to get revenge ... 'cause the L.A. Chargers star posted a video of himself dabbling in music -- singin' a Daniel Caesar song and playing the piano!!

The initial exchange between the 2 NFLers got personal -- with Bell calling Allen a troll, and KA claiming he was just keeping it real.

Now, Allen has posted a video in croonin' to the Caesar and H.E.R. hit, "Best Part" ... while playing the piano himself.

As for Allen's performance, it's not bad though he acknowledges he needs to keep working -- adding the caption, "Practice Makes Perfect."

Plus, that ain't an easy song to sing -- especially with the high notes -- but Allen didn't do a bad job.

Doug Marrone wasn't lying ... the Jaguars head coach WAS arrested back in 1997 for the same thing Leonard Fournette got busted for last week!!

TMZ Sports has obtained police docs from June 20, 1997 ... when Marrone -- a Georgia Tech assistant at the time -- was popped for doing 57 MPH in a 35 in Daytona Beach Shores, Florida.

According to the docs ... Marrone was pulled over at 11:59 AM in a 1997 Buick with fellow GT assistant coach Lance Thompson riding shotgun.

Cops say when they checked Doug's record ... they found he had a suspended license stemming from a previously unpaid ticket -- and they slapped the cuffs on him.

Turns out ... Marrone needed his boss -- legendary college football coach George O'Leary -- to get him out of jail ... 'cause cops say O'Leary paid Marrone's $100 bond!!!

Of course, Marrone's star running back suffered a similar fate last Thursday when Fournette was pulled over at a car wash and arrested for driving on a suspended license.

Marrone announced to reporters Tuesday Fournette wouldn't be punished for the incident ... saying he knows firsthand it ain't exactly the biggest deal.

By the way, Doug also wasn't kiddin' when he said it hurt being put in cuffs back then ... 'cause cops say he tipped the scales at 6'5", 305 pounds!!

Oh, and cops also say he had a tattoo of a rose on his upper back.

Zach Miller -- the Chicago Bears tight end who nearly lost his leg in 2017 after suffering a horrific injury -- says he's done with football ... announcing, "The time has come."

Miller severely mangled his leg during an Oct. 29, 2017 game against the New Orleans Saints ... when his left knee snapped as he tried to haul in a TD pass in the 3rd quarter.

The injury was gruesome ... his knee dislocated so severely that vascular surgeons were called in to help repair a damaged artery.

You can watch the video here ... BUT WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT TO YOURSELF?!

Docs were able to save Miller's leg ... and the 34-year-old tried to make an NFL comeback -- but he announced Tuesday he's officially callin' it a career.

"I would love more than anything to step on Soldier Field one last time but I physically cannot give the game and our fans what they deserve," Miller wrote.

"It’s difficult to find words to express my love and gratitude to every single person that has cheered my name, picked me up and stood strong with me throughout my time in this league. I am forever grateful."

Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Jalen Mills is apologizing after being arrested for fighting an NBA player in the streets of Washington D.C. this weekend ... and he swears it won't happen again!

As we previously reported ... the NFLer was arrested early Saturday morning after cops say he beat up Washington Wizards player Devin Robinson outside Opera Ultra Lounge.

FYI, Mills is 6'0", 191 pounds ... Robinson is 6'8", 200 pounds.

Cops say Robinson was reportedly transported to a nearby hospital to be treated for injuries suffered in the brawl. The Wizards have said they will be parting ways with Robinson.

Now, Mills is breaking his silence on the incident ... saying, "In response to the events that took place last weekend, I want to sincerely apologize to the Philadelphia Eagles organization, my coaches, teammates and my fans."

One person is notably missing from apology list -- DEVIN ROBINSON!!!!!

Still, Mills says to his fans, "I can assure you this will not happen again."

After the incident, the Eagles issued a statement saying they're aware of the situation and looking to get more info. So far, they have not said if Mills will be punished by the team but it seems likely.

As for Robinson, details about his injuries and current condition are unknown.

Mills was a key part of the Eagles' 2017 Super Bowl team -- and had 9 tackles in the big game.

Le'Veon Bell wants to show off his love for the Jets wherever he goes ... repping his new team while performing at a nightclub over the weekend ... and TMZ Sports has the footage!!

The $52.5 million man showed some serious Gang Green loyalty during his 20-minute performance at HQ2 Nightclub at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City ... showing off his new team's logo on the big screen and even starting a massive J-E-T-S chant!!

Bell fittingly performed songs like "Lotto" and "Talk of the Town" during his set... and we're told the crowd loved it.

Turns out, Carl Lentz -- the pastor at Hillsong church who's tight with Justin Bieber and Kevin Durant -- is a sneakerhead who splurges ... but responsibly, he says.

We got Carl Monday at LAX and had to first ask him about the sick sneakers we spotted him wearing ... a pair of Air Jordan XXXIII SE shoes that begged the question -- is it okay for men and women of the cloth to splurge on expensive stuff?

He admits the optics ain't necessarily great when, say, a pastor tells his congregation he needs a private jet (true story) or when pastors wear shoes worth thousands. There's even an Instagram account @preachersnsneakers that documents such spending.

Carl says, like all pastors, he draws a salary and what he chooses to buy with his money is his business -- within reason, of course. He also encourages lay people to ask questions if something looks fishy.

That being said ... Carl's got a favorite pair of kicks in his closet, and spilled the beans to us. Hint: they've got King written all over them, and could go for thousands, although CL says he got in on the ground floor.

The Jacksonville Jaguars will NOT punish Leonard Fournette over last week's arrest -- so says head coach Doug Marrone who admits he was arrested for the exact same thing back in the day!

TMZ Sports posted footage of the superstar RB being handcuffed at a Florida car wash Thursday -- after cops noticed an outstanding warrant for his arrest stemming from an unpaid speeding ticket.

Fournette later paid the fines and now the case is essentially closed -- but the question remains ... will the Jaguars or the NFL suspend Leonard over the incident?

Enter Marrone ... who was adamant the team will NOT take disciplinary action because they don't really think it's a big deal.

In fact, Marrone says people forget to pay speeding tickets all the time -- including him.

That's when Marrone launched into a story about how he was arrested back in the late '90s when he was a college football recruiter -- and the situation sounds identical to Fournette, handcuffs and all.

"I got handcuffed, which is tough when you're my size," Marrone joked.

Marrone says the most important thing is that Leonard learns his lesson and doesn't make the same mistake twice.

IT'S ALREADY HAPPENING!!!!

Dustin Johnson and Paulina Gretzky's 1-year-old son is getting lessons on how to be hockey's next biggest thing ... from grandpa Wayne!!!

Paulina and D.J. posted the adorable vid of Rivers Johnson -- their youngest child -- with The Great One ... and we gotta say, it's hard not to see the resemblance.

Wayne and the little Gretzky did some stick handling drills ... with Rivers even gettin' a few past Grandpa!!!

Of course, Dustin and Paulina's kids (they have a 4-year-old son as well) have some tough choices to make when it comes to sports ... Dad is a pretty good golfer too.

Yasiel Puig was more than AN HOUR late to Dodger Stadium on Monday -- missing a ring presentation from his former boss -- and it's all because he was out SHOPPING!

TMZ Sports shot video of the Cincinnati Reds star lunching at Il Pastaio in Beverly Hills around noon -- and then going on a fancy shopping spree to some of the most expensive shops in L.A. ... James Perse, Saint Laurent and more.

Our photog says Puig ventured out to Rodeo Drive and shopped until at least 3 PM -- the exact time Puig was scheduled to meet with media members at Dodger Stadium.

The former Dodgers outfielder didn't get to the Stadium until 4:10 -- missing a planned media session.

Also, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and owner Mark Walter tried to meet with all of the Dodgers who were traded to the Reds this off-season to present them with their 2018 NLCS rings ... but since Puig was tardy, he missed that moment too.

Instead, Roberts and Walter met with Matt Kemp, Kyle Farmer and Alex Wood outside the Reds clubhouse ... while Puig was still M.I.A.

The good news for Puig ... when he did finally show up, he showed out -- smacking a 2-run home run off Clayton Kershaw in the 1st inning.

Nipsey Hussle's family is politely shutting down any fundraising efforts to support his kids -- even from celebs -- because turns out their father made sure they'd be financially secure.

Sources close to Nip's family tell TMZ ... Nipsey made sure his 2 children, Emani and Kross Asghedom, would never have to rely on other people for money.

While there have been multiple crowdfunding pages popping up for them -- including the one retired NFL star Reggie Bush started -- we're told the family wants everyone to know the kids are more than alright.

Nipsey was remembered as a savvy businessman during his celebration of life ... and for good reason. We're told he owned all of his master recordings, his Marathon Clothing store, and he also set up multiple trust funds to make sure his kids and family would never need a handout.

As we reported ... Bush set up a GoFundMe in hopes of raising $100,000 for Nipsey's kids, personally chipping in $10k to get things started. But, that fundraiser has already been scrubbed from the internet.

What do you do when you just signed the largest contract in the NFL???

If you're Russell Wilson and Ciara ... you make a celebration video from the comfort of your own bed!

The Seahawks quarterback inked a 4-year, $140 MILLION deal late Monday night -- with $65 MILLION guaranteed!!!

The deal makes 30-year-old Wilson the highest paid player in the league ... leaping over guys like Aaron Rodgers, Matt Stafford, Matt Ryan, Kirk Cousins -- even Tom Brady.

But, Wilson wasn't poppin' bottles and hittin' the club -- instead, he hit the sheets with Ciara and posted a video message for his fans.

"Hey Seattle, we got a deal," a shirtless Wilson said.

"Go Hawks! But, I'm gonna see y'all in the morning."

Ciara was cuddling up next to her man -- and looked VERY happy.

Hey, you would be too if your spouse just signed a $140 MIL deal!

Wilson has been a monster on the field since being selected by the Hawks in the 3rd round of the 2012 NFL Draft.

He's racked up 6 Pro Bowl appearances and led the Hawks to a Super Bowl victory during the 2013 season. Seattle has reached the playoffs 6 of the 7 years he's been under center.

He holds a TON of Seahawks team records including highest career passer rating and most career rushing yards.

Forget The Big Shaqtus ... just call him Shaqiana now -- 'cause Shaquille O'Neal hit the Bust Down dance -- and kinda crushed it!!

Okay, it wasn't all that great ... but dude is 7'1", 324 pounds -- so give it up for him!!!

It appears the impromptu Blueface nod went down just off the set of Shaq's ultra-popular "NBA on TNT" show Monday night ... where O'Neal broke it down for a few people in the office (one of whom had a cell phone, thank god).

There was a dramatic buildup ... some hip thrusting ... and even a little butterfly dance. It was great.

There were some tense moments -- Shaq did try to drop things a little too low and seemed to tweak his groin. But don't worry, he's gonna be okay!!!

It's just the latest awesome feat that O'Neal's provided us on set ... 'memba when the 46-year-old threw down a monster dunk a couple of weeks ago?!?