Dodgers Julio Urias Reinstated ... After Domestic Violence Arrest
Dodgers pitcher Julio Urias is back -- the 22-year-old is officially off administrative leave following last week's domestic violence arrest, Major League Baseball has announced.
MLB issued a statement saying, "UrÃas has been reinstated from Administrative Leave while the investigation into a matter governed by the Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy continues."
MLB says they are still investigating the matter.
TMZ Sports broke the story ... Urias -- one of the hottest young pitchers in baseball -- was arrested May 13 after he allegedly got physical with his girlfriend in the parking lot of the Beverly Center.
Officials reviewed video of the incident and determined there was enough evidence to make an arrest. He was hauled to a nearby station and spent the night behind bars.
As we previously reported, prosecutors feel the case against Urias is "weak" based on the evidence -- which doesn't appear to show Urias had an "intent to injure" when he put his hands the women.
Instead, we're told it seems like Urias was trying to prevent his GF from leaving the parking lot -- and she went to the ground as a result ... but it did not appear as though he wanted to hurt her.
MLB officials launched their own investigation but according to the L.A. Times, they weren't able to get their hands on the video.
Urias had been placed on a 7-day administrative leave by MLB -- but now that's over and Urias can return to the mound.
The criminal case against Urias is still technically active ... but we're told that should wrap up shortly.
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O.J. Simpson Bills Gave Away My #32 Jersey? ... 'Fine With Me'
O.J. Simpson ain't mad the Bills are finally allowing another player to wear his famous #32 jersey ... saying, "Whatever they do is fine with me."
The team announced this month it's giving away O.J.'s old number to newly signed halfback Senorise Perry.
It's a big deal because Buffalo hadn't allowed a single player to use the jersey since Simpson last wore it for the team in 1977.
But, Perry says when he asked for the digits, he wasn't met with any resistance, saying to The Athletic, "I thought it was retired. But then I was told it was available. Boom, I took it."
If ya think Simpson is upset by that ... he ain't -- 'cause he told The Athletic, "Whatever they do is fine with me. That’s how I feel."
"When I played there, I tried to honor the team. Since I left, I always tried to honor the Bills. To be honest, it’s not something I think about. There’s too much else going on in life."
Of course, O.J. is arguably the greatest Bill of all-time -- he ran for 10,183 yards and 57 TDs in his 9 seasons in Buffalo.
But, he's also a convicted criminal who was also found liable for killing two people. Not exactly someone you'd want to honor.
Even though Buffalo isn't saying it ... reissuing the #32 jersey is a shot at Simpson -- it's a sign he isn't considered Bills royalty anymore.
For the team's part ... its only officially retired three jerseys in franchise history -- Jim Kelly (#12), Bruce Smith (#78) and Thurman Thomas (#34).
Tyrann Mathieu Proposes To Longtime GF ... With Epic Diamond Ring!!!
Honey Badger don't give a crap ... about ring prices -- 'cause Tyrann Mathieu just got a massive engagement ring for his GF that we're to is valued around $250,000!
TMZ Sports has learned the new Kansas City Chiefs safety decided to propose to his longtime girlfriend, Sydni Paige Russell ... so he hit up ZoFrost in Houston to get some ice for the big occasion.
The ring Mathieu decided on is epic ... it features a 6-carat emerald cut center stone with 3.35 carats on the band.
All totaled up, we're told it's worth a quarter of a million dollars!!
Of course, Mathieu can afford the bling ... the guy just inked one of the richest safety deals in the history of the NFL, signing for $42 MILLION!!!
As for Sydni -- who's the step daughter of former Jets head coach Todd Bowles -- she certainly seemed happy with the rock ... their proposal video is awesome!!!
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Tony Gonzalez Won't Give G.O.A.T. TE Title To Gronk ... It's A Tie!!!
Tony Gonzalez ain't ready to yield his "greatest of all time"-tight end label to Rob Gronkowski ... telling TMZ Sports his career is just as legendary as the Patriots'!!!
"Hey, we're both great," Gonzalez said at LAX on Monday night ... "We're both the G.O.A.T.s!"
Gronk just officially retired two months ago ... and many have wondered if he did enough in his 9-year career to take the best tight end EVER moniker away from Gonzalez.
The numbers don't seem close at first glance but remember, Gronk only played 9 seasons while Tony played 17.
Gronk -- 521 receptions, 7,861 receiving yards and 79 receiving TDs (plus 3 Super Bowls).
Gonzalez -- 1,325 receptions, 15,127 receiving yards and 111 receiving TDs.
Tony says "there's a great argument" for Gronk to be called the NFL's best ever ... but it sure doesn't seem like he's the one making it!!!
By the way, we also asked Tony about his ex-Chiefs team and how they'll get over all the drama surrounding Tyreek Hill ... and Gonzalez tells us K.C. is going to get through it all just fine.
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Colin Kaepernick Celebrated with Warriors After Sweeping Portland
Colin Kaepernick wasn't just courtside to watch the Golden State Warriors beat the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday ... he celebrated the win ON the court after the game!
Colin -- sporting a shirt featuring Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali -- sat right behind Steve Kerr at Moda Center for Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals.
But Kap -- who spent 6 seasons in the Bay Area with the 49ers -- was treated like a VIP before, during and after the game.
In fact, when Golden State closed out their 119 to 117 victory ... players like Draymond Green and Steph Curry couldn't wait to walk over and chat him up.
There's footage of Steph telling his son, Canon, to say "What's up" to Colin -- while the QB smiles back at the little boy ... it's a sweet moment.
Kaep showing love to Steph and his son, Canon 🙌 pic.twitter.com/Y7ZXcGm3UC
@SportsCenter
After the celebration, Colin was spotted outside the Warriors locker room.
Of course, the Warriors players and coach have publicly supported Kap for years -- and they've all pushed back against President Trump.
The Warriors famously skipped their White House visit in favor of visiting former President Barack Obama because they're not fans of Donald.
And, Kap has been at odds with POTUS ever since he began taking a knee during the National Anthem -- something Trump has raised about for years.
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George Foreman Wilder vs. Joshua ... Could Be Bigger Than Ali vs. Frazier
Watch out Ali vs. Frazier ... your status as the biggest heavyweight fight of all time is in jeopardy ... that's according to George Foreman, who says there's one fight that could be bigger.
Wilder nuked Dominic Breazeale's face via 1st-round knockout this weekend -- and immediately, ring reporter Jim Gray began pressuring Deontay about when he'll fight Joshua, the most decorated active heavyweight.
We talked to Foreman, who says he doesn't know when the fight will happen, but he DOES know it'll be HUGE when it does.
"If Joshua and Wilder fight, it would be the biggest heavyweight fight of all time!"
Just so you guys know, historically all the biggest fights have been between heavyweights ... until Floyd Mayweather came along and changed the landscape.
We asked George again, and he doubled down saying the fight would be "bigger than anything."
Question is ... will it ever happen? Wilder didn't seem convinced after destroying Breazeale and Joshua is busy preparing to fight another dude no one's really ever heard of.
But, if George is right, we're talking about maybe a $300 million dollar event ... SO GET TO IT GUYS.
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Formula 1 Legend Niki Lauda Dead at 70
Legendary Formula 1 racer Niki Lauda has died ... according to his family.
Lauda, considered one of F1's greatest drivers ever, died Monday ... nine months after undergoing surgery for a lung transplant.
Niki won the F1 drivers' championship in 1975 and '77 with Ferrari and again in '84 with McLaren ... but he's most famous for crashing and catching fire in 1976 at the German Grand Prix.
Lauda was badly burned in the crash, but he made a miraculous recovery an returned to racing only 6 weeks later.
Lauda's incredible comeback after dodging death instantly made him the stuff of legend .. and his 1976 rivalry with British driver James Hunt was the plot line of the movie "Rush."
Niki, who was born in Austria, had a tight working relationship with 5-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton. Lauda was involved when Lewis signed with McClaren ahead of the 2013 racing season.
Niki's family released a statement after his death ... saying, "With deep sadness, we announce that our beloved Niki has peacefully passed away with his family on Monday."
"His unique achievements as an athlete and entrepreneur are and will remain unforgettable, his tireless zest for action, his straightforwardness and his courage remain."
"A role model and a benchmark for all of us, he was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather away from the public, and he will be missed."
Lauda was 70.
RIP
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Tyson Fury Hey, Deontay Wilder ... 'Suck My Nuts!!!'
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EXCLUSIVE
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Tyson Fury says Deontay Wilder's 1st-round KO of Dominic Breazeale was "highlight reel" stuff ... but it ain't enough to get the job done against the Gypsy King when they rematch.
In fact, Fury has a message for his boxing nemesis ... "Deontay Wilder can suck my nuts!"
Yep, that's how this clip went when we saw Fury in NYC on Monday -- lots of that good ol' fashion trash talk he's become famous for.
Fury says Wilder ain't skilled in the sweet science -- all he has is a puncher's chance ... and it ain't enough to beat him when they square off for the second time ... whenever that may be.
In fact, since Fury took Wilder's best shots during their December fight and got up TWICE -- we asked what it was like to be hit by the Bronze Bomber.
"It ain't so bad. I got up, didn't I?!"
Fury says he's down to fight Wilder any time, anywhere... saying he would agree to a bare-knuckle fight in Times Square RIGHT NOW if Wilder was willing to sign on the dotted line!
Whenever they fight again (hopefully soon), Fury says he'll make Deontay his "bitch" -- adding, "I promise him he'll be looking at the stars!"
Tyson and Deontay fought to a draw the first time around in one of the best heavyweight fights in years.
Wilder and Fury have said they want a rematch -- but boxing politics seem to be getting in the way.
The other guy in the mix is Anthony Joshua. Wilder wants to fight him badly too ... but they just can't seem to get the deal made.
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Ric Flair Out of Surgery Doctors Say It Was Successful
Ric Flair is out of surgery and in the recovery room -- and doctors say the procedure was a success, this according to Flair's wife, Wendy Barlow.
"Doctors said the procedure was a success," Wendy tells TMZ Sports ... noting that she wants to thank everyone for their prayers and support during this difficult time.
As we previously reported, Flair was hospitalized on Thursday after suffering a medical emergency. He was supposed to undergo surgery on Friday, but doctors postponed the surgery due to "complications."
But clearly, they felt he was good to go on Monday -- because they operated as planned.
Unclear exactly what surgery was performed on Ric -- but we know he had been experiencing heart issues over the past few months and doctors felt his current situation was "very serious."
The 70-year-old wrestling legend has been in good spirits over the past few days and has been chatting with his famous friends on the phone, including Offset.
Flair had to pull out of a celebrity roast set for this upcoming Friday in Las Vegas -- but doctors are still optimistic he will make a full recovery.
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Sage Northcutt Cheek Shattered Into 30 Pieces ... Says Urijah Faber
Sage Northcutt's fight injuries were worse than initially reported -- he didn't just suffer 8 fractures in his face, but his cheek shattered into 30 different pieces ... according to his coach, Urijah Faber.
As we previously reported, Northcutt suffered major damage Friday when he was knocked out by Cosmo Alexandre during his ONE Championship debut in Singapore ... and was rushed to a hospital for treatment.
"Dude got his face blasted, man," Faber said ... "His cheek shattered like an eggshell."
Faber says Northcutt described the pain as "40 times worse than any pain I've ever felt."
Sage went under the knife over the weekend -- requiring doctors to access the wound through 4 entry points ... including his hairline, mouth and eye.
You gotta listen to Faber describe the procedure -- it's gnarly.
The good news ... Sage is in good spirits and he's already talking about setting up his next fight.
There's also this ... Faber said Northcutt was battling injuries going into the fight and probably should have pulled out rather than fighting a killer like Alexandre at less than full strength.
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Ezekiel Elliott Handcuffed at Vegas Festival ... After Knocking Man to the Ground
May 2019
12:49 PM PT -- The guy who saved Zeke's ass ... is the victim, according to cops.
A spokesperson for the Las Vegas Metro Police Dept. tells TMZ Sports ... the main reason Zeke wasn't arrested is because the victim didn't want to push forward with charges.
"On Sunday, May 19, 2019 at approximately 3 a.m. LVMPD officers working at EDC observed from a distance an adult male, later identified as Elliott, push a security officer to the ground."
"Two officers approached and placed Elliott into handcuffs while they investigated the incident. The security guard who was the victim of the misdemeanor battery, refused to press charges and officers escorted Elliott a short distance away and he was released."
If you're a Cowboys fan, might wanna buy this dude a beer the next time you're in Vegas.
Ezekiel Elliott was handcuffed at the EDC music festival in Las Vegas over the weekend after he shoved a security guard to the ground and TMZ Sports has the video.
... but the NFL star's attorney says Zeke was NOT formally arrested (only detained) and claims the whole thing is much ado about nothing.
Here's the deal ... the Dallas Cowboys superstar running back had been spotted in the parking lot at the Electric Daisy Carnival around 3 AM on Saturday morning arguing with his girlfriend.
Zeke never puts his hands on the woman but he uses his body to block her from walking away several times during the argument.
A short time later, Zeke and the woman are seen speaking with event staffers -- when suddenly Elliott confronts one them and says, "You got something to say!?"
Zeke gets in the staffer's face and uses his body to shove the guy backward until the staffer hits a metal gate -- that's when Zeke uses his forearm to shove the guy to the ground.
Zeke immediately throws his hands up and says, "I didn't do anything!"
Event security -- along with Las Vegas Metro Police Dept. officers rush over and eventually put Zeke in handcuffs and escort him away from the scene.
We spoke with Zeke's attorney, Frank Salzano, who says Elliott was released shortly after our video ends and he was not formally arrested or charged with a crime.
Salzano says Elliott was just having a normal discussion with his girlfriend and blames event security for "overreacting."
"Security misconstrued and overreacted to the situation," Salzano tells TMZ Sports.
"He was cuffed as a precautionary measure. He was released with no charges. He left Vegas that night and went to his [youth football camp in Dallas] on Sunday."
Even without an official arrest, Elliott could face discipline from the NFL if they find his actions violated the league's personal conduct policy.
Remember, the league had investigated Zeke in 2017 over allegations he physically abused an ex-girlfriend -- and even though he wasn't arrested, the league believed there was enough evidence to warrant a 6-game suspension.
Zeke has always maintained he did not attack the accuser in that situation.
Originally Published -- 9:34 AM PT
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Leonard Fournette Gets Slap on the Wrist In Car Wash Arrest Case
Leonard Fournette's car troubles seem to be officially behind him ... the Jaguars star just copped a plea deal in his car wash arrest case -- and he won't have to spend any time behind bars for the incident.
As we previously reported ... Fournette was busted last month after cops say he was speeding with illegal tint on his windows in Florida.
When cops pulled him over at the Easy Breezy Car Wash in Jacksonville ... they learned he was also driving on a suspended license and had a warrant out for his arrest stemming from a previous traffic violation -- so they cuffed him.
4/11/19
Fournette was hit with multiple charges including driving on a suspended license and was facing up to 60 days in jail.
But, the good news for the 24-year-old ... he paid off the fines from his previous traffic issues and when his attorney showed up in court Monday -- he struck a deal with prosecutors on the new charges too.
Court records show Fournette pled no contest to driving without a valid driver's license, and in exchange, his speeding and illegal tint charges were dropped.
Leonard was forced to pay roughly $300 in fines and court fees.
For their part, the Jaguars don't seem too concerned with the arrest ... head coach Doug Marrone told reporters just a couple of weeks ago he will NOT discipline the star halfback.
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Al Unser Jr. Drunkenly Rolled Down Embankment ... During DUI Arrest
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11:47 AM PT -- Unser was so drunk, he couldn't stand up straight and actually fell down an embankment during the arrest ... this according to court docs obtained by TMZ Sports.
The responding officer says he initially pulled Unser over when he saw the racing legend whiz by him in a black Volkswagen Beetle around 1:12 AM.
During the stop, the officer says Unser reeked of booze and couldn't keep his balance ... and the entire time Unser insisted he hadn't had anything to drink before getting behind the wheel.
At one point, the officer says ... "Unser Jr. walked onto the embankment, lost his balance, fell to the ground and rolled down the embankment."
Unser refused breath tests and other field sobriety tests so he was cuffed and taken to the station for a blood draw.
The officer says Unser was a pain in the ass during the entire ordeal -- "he was consistently verbally hostile" toward the cops involved in the situation.
No word on the results of the blood draw ... yet.
Well, this is bad ...
Racing legend Al Unser Jr. -- who won the Indy 500 TWICE -- was arrested for drunk driving in Indianapolis early Monday morning, officials say.
The 57-year-old was pulled over in Hendricks County -- and officers suspected he was drunk. He was hauled to a nearby station where Unser was booked around 3:20 AM.
Court records show he's facing 3 charges -- improper lane usage, speeding and operating while intoxicated.
If Unser doesn't seem fazed in his mug shot ... it's because it's the 3RD TIME he's been arrested for drunk driving.
He was previously popped for drunk driving in 2007 and 2011.
Obviously, Unser struggles with alcohol abuse. He was also arrested in 2002 after a booze-fueled altercation with his then-girlfriend.
Unser has spoken publicly about his issues and has tried to get help multiple times.
Unser retired from racing back in 2007 after a stellar career which includes an Indy 500 win in 1992 and again in 1994.
Originally Published -- 10:20 AM PT
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Jon Lester & Anthony Rizzo Partied Until 4 AM ... After Loss To Nationals
How did Jon Lester, Anthony Rizzo and a couple other Cubs get over a sad loss Saturday in D.C.???
COLLEGE BAR NIGHT, BABY!!!
Lester -- fresh off of giving up 10 hits and 5 earned runs in just 4.1 innings against the Nats -- tucked his best dress shirt into his jeans, grabbed Rizzo, Albert Almora Jr. and Kyle Schwarber and hit the town.
Eyewitnesses tell TMZ Sports the guys were out at Sauf Haus Bier Hall -- a college bar 4 miles from Nationals Park.
And, at one point, things got kinda awkward ... 'cause Lester's brutal performance was replaying on the TV screens!!!
But, we're told the guys weren't fazed by the reminder of their L earlier in the day ... 'cause they danced around until 3 AM ... and then cruised over to McDonald's for some late-night munchies!!!
Seems all the partying worked out just fine for the guys ... Schwarber, Rizzo and Almora Jr. all had HUGE games in their Sunday night win over the Nats -- going a combined 6-for-9!!!
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Rob Pelinka Denies Backstabbing Magic Johnson ... 'Simply Not True'
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka is adamant he did NOT betray Magic Johnson and trash the NBA legend behind his back ... saying allegations are "simply not true."
Pelinka was asked about the situation moments ago while introducing new Lakers head coach Frank Vogel ... just hours after Magic put Pelinka on blast during an ESPN interview.
Johnson said he was upset at Pelinka because he found out Rob had been bashing him in and out of NBA circles ... saying Magic's work ethic sucked and he was barely in the Lakers office.
So, what's Rob's response? He took a cue from Shaggy ... IT WASN'T ME!
"Surprising to hear and disheartening," Pelinka said ... "Simply not true."
Pelinka says he stands with Magic as a colleague and a partner and wants to speak with Magic in person to clear everything up.
Pelinka says he was surprised to see Magic make the allegations on TV because they have spoken several times since Magic left the Lakers and Rob thought they were on good terms.
Yeah, not so much ...
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Reuben Foster Injured At Redskins' Practice ... Carted Off W/ Cast On Leg
More bad news for Reuben Foster ... the Washington Redskins LB was carted off the field Monday after suffering a scary injury during his first practice ever with the team.
Reporters on the scene say the ex-Alabama star -- who the 'Skins just picked up a few months ago after the 49ers cut him -- injured his left leg during an on-field play.
Foster reportedly was pushed to the ground ... and was in clear and obvious pain afterward -- punching the grass and screaming out loud.
Redskins linebacker Reuben Foster was visibly in serious pain and carted off the field after an injury on Monday. pic.twitter.com/Ha6QnT4Owy
@NBCSRedskins
Trainers put Foster's leg in a cast and carted him off the field ... and it's unclear right now how severe the injury is -- but things don't look good.
It's another piece of bad news for Foster -- who's dealt with multiple issues the past two years including two separate domestic violence incidents as well as a marijuana arrest.
Foster appeared to have all his troubles behind him after signing with the Redskins back in November -- the NFL said he would NOT be suspended after his most recent domestic violence arrest -- and he looked poised to be a starter for Washington this season.
Story developing ...