TMZ Sports - Page 50

"He is loved throughout our nation and beyond, yet to us, he is our own adopted son."

The Red Sox kicked off their game Monday with a touching moment for David Ortiz, with the PA announcer asking all 34,422 fans in attendance to stay quiet for a moment of silence for "Big Papi."

As we previously reported ... Ortiz nearly lost his life in a shooting in the Dominican Republic on Sunday night -- and it didn't take long for his MLB city to send up prayers.

"All of us were shocked by last night's news about David Ortiz," the Red Sox PA announcer said before their game against the Rangers ... "And, our community has felt a palpable concern ever since."

"Won't you please join us as we offer a moment of reflection, thought and prayer for a complete healing and a full recovery for our beloved 'Big Papi.'"

The fans at Fenway weren't the only ones tore up over the Papi situation ... Ortiz's ex-teammate and friend, Pedro Martinez, broke down during an appearance on MLB Network.

Ortiz -- who underwent hours of surgery late Sunday night into Monday morning -- is expected to make a full recovery.

David Ortiz underwent a SECOND surgery Monday night in Boston to repair injuries he suffered after being shot in the back on Sunday ... his wife, Tiffany Ortiz, announced.

But, she adds Big Papi is now doing fine and is "resting comfortably."

The MLB legend was nearly killed after a man opened fire on his back while he was outside of a nightclub in the Dominican Republic over the weekend.

Ortiz was rushed to the hospital ... and doctors say they had to remove his gallbladder in an attempt to repair damage to his liver and both of his small and large intestines.

But, Ortiz made it out of the surgery just fine ... and afterward, he was flown back to Boston for further evaluation.

While Ortiz's wife says David needed an additional procedure, she says her hubby is "stable, awake and resting comfortably this morning in the ICU where he is expected to remain for the next several days."

6/10 8:00 PM PT -- Ortiz is back in Boston and receiving treatment at the Massachusetts General Hospital ... this after taking a medical air ambulance back to the States.

A police escort led Ortiz's ambulance to the hospital.

6/10 3:05 PM PT -- Officials in the Dominican Republic say they believe the man they have in custody was NOT the shooter, but rather the getaway driver.

The man accused of shooting Ortiz -- whose identity is still a mystery -- is still on the lam, according to officials.

6/10 2:37 PM PT -- David Ortiz has left the hospital in Santo Domingo and is en route to the airport to fly to Boston.

The flight, organized by the Boston Red Sox, is approximately 4 hours and doctors in the D.R. and in Boston have agreed that Ortiz is stable enough to make the journey.

6/10 1:08 PM PT -- David Ortiz's father, Leo Ortiz, is speaking with reporters in the D.R. -- saying he wants to thank the doctors for "saving my son's life."

Leo said David WILL be transported to Boston -- and explained that David's personal doctors and his wife live in Massachusetts.

David's doctor said the surgery was successful -- noting the bullet struck the liver, the small and large intestines. He says Ortiz's gall bladder was removed to make space to treat the affected organs.

6/10 12:36 PM PT -- Boston Red Sox management just addressed the media and said Ortiz's condition is still serious following Sunday night's shooting but he's stable enough to travel back to the United States.

In fact, the Red Sox have organized for a medical air ambulance to transport Ortiz from Santo Domingo to Boston ... and the goal is to fly him to the U.S. as early as Monday night.

As we previously reported, Ortiz was shot Sunday evening while sitting outside at a club in the Dominican Republic. The incident was captured on surveillance video.

The Red Sox have sent representatives to the Dominican Republic to help and team doctors are aiding in Ortiz's medical care.

Red Sox President and CEO Sam Kennedy told the media, "Our hope is that David will arrive in Boston sometime later tonight. Right now, the clubs exclusive focus is on David's health and well being."

"Please know that we are doing everything we can to support David and his family during this very difficult period."

Kennedy says he's been in touch with David's wife, Tiffany, who expressed gratitude for all the club is doing to help.

Kennedy says it's been an emotional time for him because he knows Ortiz so well -- and explained, "I love David Ortiz. We all love David Ortiz. Telling my kids what happened was really difficult."

6/10 10:38 AM PT -- The Boston Red Sox have sent a jet to the Dominican Republic. They are hoping to fly Ortiz back to the United States as soon as possible to receive medical care.

Ortiz's doctor in the D.R. has told ESPN the MLB legend is stable enough to fly.

6/10 9:07 AM PT -- Barack Obama has also sent a message to Ortiz ... saying, "Six years ago, David Ortiz's spirit and resolve helped us all begin to heal from the Boston Marathon bombing. Today, I want to join many others in wishing him a speedy recovery of his own. Get well soon, Papi."

6/10 8:50 AM PT -- Tom Brady just sent a message to Ortiz ... saying, "Papi defines Boston Strong... get well soon my friend!!!"

6/10 7:58 AM PT -- Cops say there are TWO suspects in the shooting, both young men ... who rolled up to the scene on the same motorcycle.

Cops say after the shooting, both men tried to get back on the bike and drive off ... but the bike fell down so they tried to make a run for it.

The first suspect, Eddy Vladimir Feliz Garcia, was subdued by people at the scene.

The second suspect did escape on foot. Cops have not released the name of the 2nd suspect. They are currently searching for him.

6/10 7:13 AM PT -- TMZ Sports talked to a spokesperson for the Dominican National Police who told us the suspect is in custody and awaiting charges.

The police also confirmed videos showing a man getting pummeled in the street following the shooting IS, IN FACT, THE SUSPECT.

While the rest of the Toronto crowd was CHEERING Kevin Durant's horrible Achilles injury during Game 5 of the NBA Finals ... Drake was actually really upset -- and even tried to console the NBA star.

KD's right calf popped midway through the 2nd quarter as the Golden State Warriors took on the Toronto Raptors ... and it was pretty obvious the injury was serious.

Raptors fans cheered as if the injury was a GOOD thing (gross) -- but you can see Drake was obviously devastated for his friend.

As Durant hobbled past the rapper to get to the locker room, Drake reached out and grabbed KD's shoulder while offering up some words.

You can see Drake mouth the word "F*ck" as he realizes Durant's injury is really bad.

After the game, it was reported KD will miss the rest of the Finals because of the injury -- the real question is how much of next season will he miss?

Durant posted a statement on the situation saying, "Dub nation gonna be loud as f*ck for game 6."

John Cena's days in the WWE ring could be numbered ... with the superstar admitting he's been recently giving serious thought about hanging up his trunks for good.

The WWE legend was out in New York when he was asked by Adam Glyn about the disastrous match between The Undertaker and Bill Goldberg at Super Showdown on Friday in Saudi Arabia.

Goldberg suffered a nasty head wound during the match -- and both wrestlers are being criticized for a sloppy and dangerous performance. Some are calling for both wrestlers to retire.

Cena says when it comes to calling it a career, it's up to the individual and it's not his place to advise either wrestler.

However, Cena admits retirement is something he's been thinking about lately ... especially now that he's 42-years-old.

The difference between Cena and other wrestlers... Cena is in the middle of a booming movie career.

In fact, it was just announced he'll be joining the Fast and Furious franchise -- and Cena raved about how grateful he is to have the opportunity.

"I'm very grateful to Vin Diesel for certainly orchestrating it all and making it happen," Cena says.

Terrifying moment at a major polo tournament in Argentina -- when a player fell off his horse and was hurt so badly, he needed to be airlifted to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment.

The player is Federico Rooney -- who was playing for team Marcos Juarez in the famous Flag Open on Sunday when disaster struck.

Both Rooney and his horse crashed to the ground -- and Rooney didn't get up.

Medical personnel raced onto the field to treat Rooney -- and ultimately loaded him onto a helicopter to be transported to a nearby hospital.

Local reports say Rooney suffered a skull fracture and blood clots -- and he was placed into a medically induced coma.

Despite the horrible injuries, he's reportedly stable and expected to recover.

Still, the injury left a black cloud over the tournament -- and the remaining teams decided to call the rest of the event off in light of Rooney's injuries.

We know what you're thinking ... we've been trying to find out if the horse is okay too -- but so far, it's unclear.

Attempts to reach event organizers have been unsuccessful so far.

White Sox phenom Eloy Jimenez says he's downright afraid to return to the Dominican Republic after David Ortiz's shooting Sunday ... telling reporters, "Now, you cannot trust nobody there."

Eloy -- Chicago's star who grew up in the D.R. -- told a group of reporters at his locker Tuesday he couldn't believe it when he heard Big Papi was shot in the back in his home country.

In fact, Eloy says he's legitimately worried to return home now, saying, "When you see one of the best players -- one of the best Dominicans we had -- get shot like that, it's scary for everybody right now."

22-year-old Jimenez says he's grateful Ortiz survived the shooting ... and says the Red Sox legend has done a TON for kids growing up in the D.R.

"He does a lot for Dominicans," Eloy says ... "He represents a lot. And, for me, it's so sad."

Urijah Faber knows a fighter when he sees one and he's got bad news for Justin Bieber ... the Biebs ain't got what it takes to take on Tom Cruise.

The UFC Hall of Famer was on "TMZ Live" Monday to discuss the bizarre challenge JB's thrown down ... practically begging Tom to get in the Octagon with him for an MMA brawl. Urijah says there's one huge X-factor -- and it's why he gives TC the edge -- Cruise is an experienced wrestler.

That's right, long before he was Jack Reacher and Ethan Hunt ... Tom was throwing it down on the wrestling team at Glen Ridge High School in New Jersey. Check out the vid ... Urijah says he's seen the Biebs throw a punch and long story short ... he ain't impressed.

Ouch.

Whatever the case ... Urijah says he'd promote the hell outta the match if TC ever agrees to the challenge. To be fair, he does say Bieber has one factor on his side.

Urijah also has a very serious question -- one we're ALL thinking: What's JB's beef with Tom???

UFC star Aljamain Sterling has a message for the Triple Champ Henry Cejudo ...

"I'm ready to take that gold medal and shove it up your ass because you stink Henry Ce-Doo-Doo!!!"

And, that's just the beginning!!!

Before Cejudo beat Marlon Moraes at UFC 238 this weekend, Aljo dominated Pedro Munhoz on the undercard ... and A LOT of people think Sterling looked so good, he deserves a crack at Cejudo's new bantamweight belt.

So, when Aljo saw Henry calling out fan favorites on Saturday like Dominick Cruz, Cody Garbrandt and Urijah Faber ... Sterling tells TMZ Sports he was shocked and disgusted.

"I was doing the facepalm emoji, shaking my head," Sterling says.

He wants to be a legend killer? Find a legend who's actually winning!"

"Those guys haven't won a fight in god knows how long and you have a #1 contender right here in front of you!"

"So, every time I go to the bathroom, I'm gonna take a Henry Ce-doo-doo while I think about winning that belt. So, I hope Henry's ready for this."

Sterling added, "Henry, stop calling out these guys who are washed up and come for the REAL #1 contender, the real challenge."

Haven't cried yet today? Here's something that'll change that ...

Gale Sayers -- who's battling dementia and is struggling daily to remember who he is -- showed up to the Bears100 celebration on Friday ... and got an ovation from the crowd that brought a tear to his eye.

The 76-year-old legend is struggling in his fight with dementia ... his wife, Ardie Sayers, says the former RB is having hard time speaking and moving.

In fact, she tells The Athletic he can't even sign autographs anymore because he can't write ... saying, "It's kind of sad because he used to love to write his name."

But, Ardie took Gale to the Bears100 celebration over the weekend in an effort to help "jog his memory," and his first appearance in front of the crowd was tear-jerking.

Sayers was pushed onto the stage in a wheelchair -- and the ovation was so loud ... it appeared Gale started crying.

The moment was awesome ... but when Sayers' ex-teammate and good buddy, Dick Butkus, spoke about Gale afterward, he called the whole situation "a tough thing."

“I call and check on him quite frequently," Butkus told the Chicago Sun-Times. "Sad deal. You’ve just got to be thankful for what you’ve got. I’ve got my problems with neuropathy and my balance. But, I’ve got no pain, and I still know who I am. I’m happy about that.”

Gale was one of the greatest NFL players ever ... famously scoring 22 touchdowns in his rookie season in 1965.

It ain't just for show ... Odell Beckham is actually USING that crazy $350,000 Browns-themed Rolls-Royce to get around L.A. ... and TMZ Sports has the footage.

Remember, Beckham recently tricked out his 2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan to show off his team spirit -- with a custom Browns paint job, custom wheels and pimped out sound system.

Oh, and don't forget that custom hood ornament of HIMSELF making that iconic 1-handed catch!!!

But, OBJ didn't get the whip to collect dust in his garage ... 'cause when he hit up SHOREbar in Santa Monica over the weekend, he used the OBJ Mobile to get there.

There's a reason Odell wanted to make a statement when he arrived at the bar ... there were a TON of huge stars at the party including Drake, Lonzo Ball, Russell Westbrook and Utah Jazz star Rudy Gobert.

By the way, the car was tricked out by Dreamworks Motorsports in Roxboro, North Carolina -- and after the work was done, Beckham obviously had the car shipped out west.

Justin Bieber doesn't believe for a second Tom Cruise is half the badass he seems to be in his movies -- and he's out to prove it in the Octagon.

We can only assume Justin was watching a 'Mission: Impossible' or "Jack Reacher" flick this weekend when he said enough is enough ... and called out Cruise.

Bieber not only challenged Cruise to an MMA brawl, but he pulled that schoolyard bully move, saying ... "Tom if you don't take this fight your [sic] scared and you will never live it down."

Now, we'd laugh this off as just a joke, except for the fact, he tagged UFC honcho Dana White -- and then Conor McGregor chimed in ... saying he'll host the fight IF Tom has "the sprouts to fight, like he does in the movies."

Something about this doesn't seem like a fair fight, although we're not sure who's the favorite.

Remember, Justin actually has boxing skills. His pal Floyd Mayweather Jr. has even vouched for him in the ring.

Then, there's age: Justin is 25, Tom is 56 (going on 57). JB's also about 2 inches taller than TC, and probably has a longer reach too.

Then again, Tom has experience AND ... he jumps out of tall buildings!!! That's gotta count for something, but apparently not for bookies.

Yes, BetOnline is already taking wagers, and has Bieber as the 2 to 1 fave over Cruise.

Dana White is GUARANTEEING Lorenzo Fertitta will eventually own an NFL team ... and he's telling TMZ Sports he wants to be a partner with the guy when he makes that purchase!!!

"I'm very interested," White says.

Of course, Fertitta -- the ex-UFC boss who sold his shares in the fight company back in 2016 -- just confirmed to us a few days ago he's desperately trying to buy an NFL squad.

Even though no team is available at the moment -- and no current owners look to be in any hurry to put up a for sale sign -- Dana is promising Fertitta will own a team someday.

"He is absolutely, positively going to be an NFL owner," White says.

As for how Fertitta will do when that happens ... White -- who's still very tight with Lorenzo -- says his ex-business partner will be a PERFECT fit.

"He will be an incredible owner. You know, they owned casinos, they're incredible owners. They owned the UFC, they were incredible owners. They’ll be amazing NFL owners."

Keanu Reeves' badassery has now seeped into the cyber world -- 'cause he's playing a character in the upcoming 'Cyberpunk' installment that looks EXACTLY like him.

The iconic action-hero actor made a surprise appearance Sunday in L.A. at Microsoft's E3 2019 presentation -- where he was featured in a trailer for "Cyberpunk 2077," which drops in April 2020. It's unclear what character he's playing exactly ... but what is clear is that KR is IN the game, right down to his long hair and dreamy, intense stare.

Keanu came out afterward to talk about the game, and in the middle of him saying the experience would breathtaking ... someone took the words right out of his mouth and flipped it on him. Check out how he handled the would-be heckler -- ya gotta love this guy.

It's been a big year for Keanu -- not only does he have his third 'John Wick' movie under his belt, but he also appeared in the new Netflix rom-com, "Always Be My Maybe" ... and he's gonna be in 'Bill & Ted' and 'Toy Story' sequels as well soon enough here. And, of course, now this.

Chris Pratt seemed to be shaking off some last-minute nerves ahead of his wedding by doing a bro shake on the links with his good pal and 'Parks & Rec' costar, Rob Lowe.

CP was spotted golfing with Rob and a bunch of his buddies Saturday morning in Santa Barbara, just hours before he walked down the aisle with his new bride, Katherine Schwarzenegger, at the nearby San Ysidro Ranch resort in Montecito.

Nothing says you're ready for the long haul with someone like teeing up for an 18-rounder ... assuming Chris and co. played a full game in between group shots like this.

TMZ broke the story ... Kat and Chris held a wedding rehearsal Friday at Rob's sprawling estate in Montecito, and got hitched the following day surrounded by friends and family. They tried covering up as best as they could with umbrellas and golf carts, but it was clear ... marriage was on the docket for these two love birds.

Chris proposed to Katherine earlier this year after about six months of dating. This will be his second marriage -- he just recently finalized his divorce with Anna Faris -- and it'd be Kat's first trip down the aisle herself.

Ex-UFC owner Lorenzo Fertitta is ready to be the boss man once again ... telling TMZ Sports he's officially gunning to buy an NFL team!

"Always wanted to do that," Fertitta says.

Lorenzo and his brother Frank sold their shares of the UFC back in 2016 as part of that $4 BILLION deal with WME-IMG ... and he tells us he's now trying to invest some of those profits into a pro football team in the very near future.

The problem for Lorenzo ... he says he just can't find somebody willing to sell their squad!!!

"Right now, there's no opportunities."

As for which team Lorenzo ultimately wants to buy -- he says he's not picky ... telling us, "I love football so much it doesn’t matter. I'd do anywhere.”