TMZ Sports - Page 50

Jeff Francoeur says he was JUST KIDDING when he said he wished he had punched Willson Contreras in the face ... telling TMZ Sports, "I actually said it more joking!"

If ya missed it ... the Cubs and Braves nearly got in an all-out brawl earlier this week after Contreras hit a massive home run and chirped about it after.

Francoeur -- a former Braves star who now broadcasts games -- said he actually got into a scuffle with the Cubs catcher back in 2016 ... and said on TV after the dustup he now wishes he had punched the guy in the face back then!!!

"Quite frankly, I wish I had just thrown a haymaker and been done with it," Francoeur said ... “If I knew that was my last year, I would have."

But, when we got Jeff out in NYC on Friday ... he backpedaled off those comments, telling us he was just playin' around!!!

"If you go listen to it, I actually said it more joking! I laughed while I said it. It was fun."

In fact, Francoeur had nothing but praise for Willson ... telling us, "He's a hell of a player."

As for fighting in baseball in general, Jeff tells us he doesn't think knuckle-chucking should ever be allowed in the sport ... saying fights should NEVER escalate from a casual dust-up.

Big statement from Megan Rapinoe ... who just let her FEET do the talking after criticism from Donald Trump -- scoring a goal in the first 5 minutes of Team USA's big game against France. 

Remember, Trump told Rapinoe to focus on winning rather than criticizing the President -- after Rapinoe was quoted saying she would not go to the "f*cking White House" if Team USA wins the World Cup. 

Fast Forward to Friday's game against France ... where Rapinoe hit a brilliant goal during a free kick from outside the box (and deep in traffic) to take a 1-0 lead over France. 

Rapinoe has scored the last 3 goals for the U.S. in the World Cup tournament. She has 48 goals in international play. 

#Beast!

Story developing ...

Cops found a credit card holder they suspected was used to conceal cocaine during Robert Nkemdiche's arrest earlier this month ... and they asked the NFL stud straight-up, "What's the white stuff in there?"

It's all in police video obtained by TMZ Sports ... which shows a cop pulling over Nkemdiche on June 6 in Arizona for speeding -- and then finding the Cardinals DL had a warrant out for his arrest stemming from a previous traffic violation.

When the cop gets Robert out of the car to cuff him ... he realizes the 6-foot-4, 314-pounder's wrists are too big for handcuffs ... so he and another officer removed the jewelry from Nkemdiche's left wrist.

When one of the cops goes to put the bracelets in the car's center console, he notices a credit card holder flipped open -- and says to another cop, "Tell me if that looks like a little cocaine hitter."

The cop dives into the car and takes the credit card holder to Robert himself to ask him straight-up if he knows what the white substance is on the mirror.

"Nothing," Nkemdiche says ... "I just leave my wallet in there and stuff like that. It's just old so it gets used a lot."

"It's not anything," Robert adds ... "I leave it in the restroom, so I just always have my card in there and stuff like that."

Doesn't seem the cop believes him ... because in a later conversation with officers, the cop says, "It's probably cocaine in there."

Good news for Robert ... the cops decided not to pursue testing of the credit card holder -- and instead, they elected to have it impounded so they could destroy it later.

As for the rest of the stop, Nkemdiche was booked for having an outstanding warrant -- and he was also hit with citations for speeding and driving while suspended.

The Cardinals issued a statement following the arrest, saying, "We are aware of the June 6th incident involving Robert Nkemdiche."

"We have alerted the NFL office in accordance with the league's personal conduct policy and will comment further when appropriate."

But, the incidents with Nkemdiche didn't stop there ... turns out, the 2016 first-round draft pick was pulled over YET AGAIN just days later on June 12.

Cops say this stop was for driving on a suspended license ... but Nkemdiche was issued a citation without incident and was advised to get his driving situation figured out with the DMV.

The only pink thing missing from Khloe Kardashian's birthday bash was a panther.

From grilled cheese to donuts ... it was all pink all the time at Khloe's 35th bday shindig Thursday night. Kim, Kylie, Kourtney and Kendall, of course, were all front and center ... as was Sofia Richie.

Guests were greeted by a neon "Khlo Money" sign ... again, pink. The elegant setup included a gaggle of pink roses ...even pink-themed treadmill and weights.

"Koko's Drink Menu" offered up Casamigos tequila and Grey Goose vodka themed drinks, which they dubbed, "I'm in love with the KoKo" and "Khlo Money Moves." 

For those who imbibed, the libations cups were embossed with Khloe quotes ... "The bigger the hoop, the bigger the ho." As you know ... Khloe loves her some huge loop earrings.

Khloe's kid, True, dressed in a soft pink dress to match her mama's hot-pink top. As the night came to a close ... Khloe & the gang grabbed life by the horns ... as in a mechanical bull.

The mastermind behind the David Ortiz shooting has been arrested in the Dominican Republic, officials say. 

Victor Hugo Gomez is the man who allegedly put the wheels in motion for a team of hitmen to roll up to a popular lounge with murderous intent on June 9.

Of course, Dominican officials have now said they don't believe Ortiz was the intended target that night -- insisting the shooter mistook the MLB legend for a friend who was sitting nearby. 

Ortiz was hit in the back -- but the bullet caused serious damage to several organs including his intestines and liver. After the initial life-saving surgery, Ortiz was flown to Boston where he's been receiving treatment ever since. 

As for Gomez, officials say he put out the hit on Ortiz's friend while Gomez was inside the United States. Officials say Gomez has a criminal record and possible ties to a drug cartel. 

So far, at least 10 people have been arrested in the investigation -- including the shooter Rolfi Ferreira Cruz, who has said on the record that Ortiz was not his target. 

The gang's back together again ... with some of the biggest stars in New England Patriots history (minus 1 G.O.A.T.) reuniting at the premiere of Julian Edelman's new documentary. 

It all went down in Foxboro on Thursday ... where Edelman was screening his new SHOWTIME flick, "100% Julian Edelman" ... which follows the Super Bowl MVP's life on and off the field. 

Among the stars who showed up for the event -- Pats owner Robert Kraft and newly-retired future Hall of Fame tight end Rob Gronkowski!

Snoop Dogg also hit the red carpet ... strange considering he's a die-hard Steelers fan (but he really loves ALL football) ... along with former Pats WR Danny Amendola and Gronk's bikini model girlfriend, Camille Kostek. 

It's not a scene from a terrifying horror movie about bees taking over the planet ... it's the Cricket World Cup ... and it's scary as hell.

A massive swarm of bees invaded the South Africa vs. Sri Lanka match at Chester-le-Street in England on Friday ... forcing all the players to hit the deck to avoid getting stung.

The invasion took place in the middle of the game -- so the players had to wait out the swarm before getting back to action. 

No word on whether any players or umpires got stung .. but they clearly weren't taking any chances.

A group of groundsmen were able to eliminate the invaders with fire extinguishers ... and the match was able to resume.

Crazy part about all of this? The fans in the stands were completely unaffected while the invasion took place ... so they got an extra bit of entertainment while everyone frantically took cover.

How did Brian Dozier get pumped up for the Nationals game against the Marlins on Thursday??

TWERK! TWERK! TWERK! TWERK! TWERK!

The Washington second baseman was clearly feeling a little frisky in Miami before the final game of the Nats-Marlins series ... so he decided to back that thang up on a Nats staffer!!

Unclear why ... but the video is hilarious -- Dozier does a secret handshake and dance with Victor Robles, then turns his hat backward and decides to twerk it out!!

The best part? Washington's staffer plays along ... and slaps a big ole' handful of booty!!!

Seems the pregame twerkfest worked out for Dozier and the squad ... he went 2-for-4 and the Nats beat the Marlins, 8-5.

"Kike, my grandmother's bigger than you!"

Dodgers stud Kike Hernandez was hit with that and more by hecklers when he stepped into the batter's box Thursday night ... but he had the best response EVER to it ...

A MOONSHOT HOME RUN AND SOME BLOWN KISSES!!!

Here's the deal, the Dodgers had just taken a 9-8 lead in the 9th inning against the Rockies in Colorado when Hernandez was asked to pinch hit with two runners on.

Some fans immediately began to ride him ... with one saying, "Kike, you're small as sh*t! Boom."

Of course, Hernandez immediately proceeded to pump a Wade Davis fastball 400-plus feet to dead center of Coors Field ... and when he got back to home plate -- he made sure the hecklers knew about it.

Twitter user @Jomboy_ has the hilarious breakdown of it all ... for real, it's a must watch.

Nothing like a good ol' fashioned street fight -- with a hint of MMA action -- to top off a night out on the town ... and this one even has a hype man and a very distressed damsel!

The "Clash in the Crosswalk" (every great fight needs a title) went down Thursday night outside Poppy in West Hollywood. Two dudes, one with his shirt off -- 'cause why not -- squared up for some bare-knuckle boxing.

Here's what we know from the bearded hype man who repeatedly shouted things like, "Welcome to L.A." and "WEST SIDE!!!!" ... the shirt-off dude started the fight, or at least wanted the fight initially.

But, after one shot to the face, the topless tough guy went down ... and the other guy unleashed his ground and pound game, including an attempted rear naked choke. Attempted.

Here he is!!! Kevin Durant is back out in public just 2 weeks after suffering a devastating injury in the NBA Finals ... but it's clear he's got a long road to recovery. 

The 30-year-old superstar was out in New York City on Wednesday -- with a team of people helping him out of a building and into a waiting sprinter van. 

You can see KD's right leg is bandaged up from his toe to his knee. An assistant was also holding a walking boot for Kev while another person followed close behind with a medical knee scooter. 

The clip is pretty short but you can see Durant is trying to be independent. It's obvious he wants to be able to move around without help. 

Durant underwent surgery on June 12 to repair a ruptured Achilles -- which he injured in the 2nd quarter of Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors. 

Durant had missed significant playing time before Game 5 due to a calf strain -- and some people questioned whether he came back before his body was ready. 

After the surgery, Durant posted on social media saying he wasn't pressured into returning -- and said, "I wanted to be out there that night because that's what I do."

There are reports Durant could miss the entire 2019-20 regular season due to the Achilles injury -- with some speculating he might be ready to go for the playoffs. 

Meanwhile, KD just declined his player option with the Warriors which means he'll officially be a free agent and can sign wherever he wants. He'll obviously get a max contract offer, which would kick off with a $38.2 mil starting salary. 

Get well soon!!!

So ... who picks up the check?

Cristiano Ronaldo and Michael Jordan -- two of the wealthiest athletes in the history of the planet -- doubled up for a night out in the French Riviera ... because this is what extremely rich people do.

Ronaldo has been yachting it up with his longtime girlfriend, Georgina Rodriguez, and their kids -- but clearly, they got a babysitter and found some time for a night out with MJ and his wife.

Unclear where they went ... but with Ronaldo reportedly worth somewhere in the ballpark of a billion dollars ... and Jordan reportedly ALREADY in the tres commas club -- they can afford to eat anywhere they want!

Remember, Ronaldo has been sailing around on a $200,000-per-week yacht -- that comes with its own gym space and MOVIE THEATER!

Over the years, Jordan has been spotted floating around on expensive boats.

You're looking at the face of Cup Noodles ... the biggest star to come out of Japan in years -- NBA rookie Rui Hachimura -- who's telling TMZ Sports why he's PUMPED to get his NBA career going in the U.S. 

The 21-year-old became the first Japanese-born player selected in the 1st round of the NBA Draft when the Washington Wizards took him with the 9th overall pick ... and man, he looks stoked! 

And, get this ... we asked Rui if he feels any pressure now that he's in the NBA, dude SCOFFED -- telling us his rabid fan base back home has already prepared him for NBA superstardom. 

"It's been always like this," Rui said ... "but right now especially its crazy."

The 6' 8" Hachimura gained a massive following playing for Gonzaga ... making an Elite 8 run in 2019 and earning the West Coast Conference 2019 Player of the Year honors. 

He signed a massive deal to endorse both Cup Noodles and Nike -- and you can tell he's fired up about it! 

Wanna see how happy R.J. Barrett is making New York already??

Just look at how Knicks guard Damyean Dotson's face lights up when we mention the rookie's name ... 'cause the dude can't contain his excitement.

"I love R.J., man. I love his game. I'm looking forward to playing with him. He's a smart guy. Athletic, strong ... he can definitely help us."

There hasn't been much excitement around the Knicks in recent years -- they haven't made the playoffs since the Melo era and the biggest news lately has been more about the team owner, James Dolan, kicking people out of MSG for heckling.

But, Dotson's excitement should have Knickerbocker fans stoked for their new rookie ... and whatever free agents they land this summer (if any).

"I think he'll be really good ... he has a chance to be really good in this league."

How's Chris Paul dealing with the (reported) drama surrounding James Harden and the Rockets??

GAMBLING IN THE BAHAMAS WITH AARON RODGERS, BABY!!!

CP3 took a vacation to the Baha Mar in Nassau this week ... and while he was gambling away all the rumors surrounding his issues in Houston -- he ran into Rodgers and his famous GF, Danica Patrick.

We're told the three had a long talk in the casino's high roller's section ... with Paul and the Green Bay Packers star specifically getting some 1-on-1 time in.

Paul's been dealing with speculation that his future in Houston is uncertain ... with some saying the future Hall of Famer put himself on the trading block.

Of course, Chris has denied ever requesting a swap from the Rockets, telling the Houston Chronicle, "I’ll be in Houston ... I'm happy about that. I'm very happy about that. I'm good."

In the meantime, good luck on the tables!

Jalen Rose says he tried to like hell to have a conversation with LaVar Ball in the hours and days after an on-air incident with his wife ... but, "I have not been able to track him down."

Remember, Rose's wife, Molly Qerim -- one of the hosts of "First Take" found herself in the middle of a major controversy over comments LaVar made to her during a June 17 episode ... comments some people found sexist and inappropriate.

While trying to switch topics, Ball told Molly ... "You can switch gears with me anytime."

After the episode, ESPN condemned Ball's comments and said they had no plans to bring him on air again any time soon. 

Enter Rose ... who says people have FALSELY claimed that Molly pushed ESPN to 'ban' Ball. Rose says ignorant fans have been wrongly harassing Molly, claiming she took down another black man. 

Jalen is pissed ... saying Molly wasn't trying to take out ANYONE -- and suggestions she has it out for LaVar because he's black is just stupid. 

"Y’all know she’s married to a black husband, right?" Rose said ... "She’s been doing this for 15 years. She knows how to navigate. She knows how to take care of herself." 

Rose also says Molly made her position CRYSTAL CLEAR when she spoke with TMZ Sports the day after the incident ... saying decisions about "banning" Ball are above her pay grade. 

Rose says he has a lot of respect for Ball for what he's accomplished -- and reached out to him multiple times to talk things out ... but they haven't been able to connect. 

Sounds like he wants a civil conversation ... he's not looking for a fight.