TMZ Sports - Page 50

Who inspires the man who inspires so many??? TOM BRADY!!!

You probably know Rob Mendez from the ESPYs -- he's the amazing high school football coach born without limbs who was honored Wednesday night with the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance.

Rob's story is incredible ... the 31-year-old was unable to play football due to a rare condition called tetra-amelia syndrome, which prevented him from growing limbs. 

But, he loved football and paid his dues as an assistant coach before being named the JV head coach at Prospect a Bay Area high school in California in 2018, where he nearly won a title in his 1st season!

He's clearly an inspiration -- but who inspires him? We spoke with Rob right before the ESPYs ...

"I heard Tom Brady's not gonna be here but he definitely inspires me with his determination to win," Mendez says ... "I love his [famous battle cry] 'Lets go!'"

Mendez says he's never met TB12 but would love the opportunity to sit down with him and talk football. 

"Come on, Mr. Brady, I need some Xs and Os coaching here!"

Some people thought Odell Beckham looked like a human burlap sack at the ESPYs ... but NOT Victor Cruz -- he loved OBJ's outfit telling TMZ Sports, "That's fire!!!"

Odell got people talkin' by showing up to the awards with a special Prada top that's not for sale to the general public. In fact, the item was recently featured at the Prada Spring 2020 Fashion Show.

After the show, Odell's former New York Giants teammate, Victor Cruz, was all about the look -- telling us, "This is fire! Don't let anybody tell you that's otherwise! That's fire!"

High praise -- but it still hasn't stopped the Internet for clowning Beckham ... 

We're trying to find out just how much Odell's Prada threads will cost the general public -- but so far, we haven't heard back.

Later on that night, Odell actually busted out a clothing change to hit up Nice Guy with his girlfriend, Polyxeni Ferfeli, a Greek fashion model he's been linked to since 2018. 

The two pulled up in Odell's orange Rolls-Royce ... the car he had tricked out to show off his Cleveland Browns team spirit. 

Heavyweight boxing champ Andy Ruiz says he's already training for the rematch with Anthony Joshua ... and tells TMZ Sports he's calling the shots this time around!!

Of course, Ruiz was a late replacement who stepped in for Jarrell Miller when "Big Baby" failed a drug test -- with Andy only getting around 6 weeks of training before the June 1 fight. 

But this time around, Ruiz tells us he's working in a FULL training camp -- and he's going to be the one to decide WHERE the fight takes place. 

Ruiz tells us he'd like to throw down in Mexico -- where he recently met with President Lopez -- or go back to Madison Square Garden in NY. 

There's one place he won't go ... England, where Joshua is from. 

Bottom line ... "I'm the champion," Ruiz says -- "We're the A-Side."

As for whether he's spoken with Joshua, Ruiz tells us, "I haven't talked to him, but I'm pretty sure he's training hard for the rematch. And, so am I."

Floyd Mayweather is laughing at the idea of a rematch with Conor McGregor -- labeling the UFC star's camp as a bunch of "circus clowns" who "can't f*ck with Money May!"

As we previously reported, McGregor publicly stated that he wants another crack at Floyd because he knows what he did wrong in the first fight and he's convinced he can win the 2nd-time around.

So, when we saw Floyd out in L.A. this week, we asked if he was down for another scrap with the Irish superstar. 

Floyd and his crew immediately began bursting into laughter -- and that's when the trash talk began. 

"Boy, boy, boy, boy, boy ... these kids are some circus clowns," Mayweather said. 

"They cant f*ck with Money May."

"They gonna keep coming my way. At the end of the day, I keep laughing, I keep living, I keep going to the bank."

Remember, Floyd beat up Conor pretty badly when they clashed in 2017 -- ultimately winning by way of TKO in the 10th round. 

We asked Floyd -- who made more than $300 mil from the first McGregor fight -- if there was a number that would get him back in the ring ... but he essentially told us he doesn't need the money. 

There's more ... we asked Floyd if he's supporting Manny Pacquiao in his upcoming fight against Keith Thurman. 

Lamar Odom's highly anticipated basketball return has come to a screeching halt -- the ex-NBA superstar has been kicked out of the BIG3 league ... and our sources tell us it's because he simply wasn't ready to play.

Ice Cube's organization announced the move on Wednesday ... saying LO -- as well as Baron Davis, Jermaine O'Neal and Bonzi Wells -- would be deactivated for the remainder of the 2019 season.

TMZ Sports has learned ... Odom was nervous about being embarrassed on the court because he wasn't prepared to compete with his fellow ex-NBA hoopers ... and there was little hope it would work out.

As the league stated in the news release ... the org wanted to "maximize competition," so it was an easy decision to part ways with the Lakers champ.

"As the premier professional 3-on-3 league in the world, we are always striving to improve the quality of both the live and broadcast experience for our fans as well as the level of competition," the statement read.

Odom had barely played for the Enemies team ... posting 2 points and 4 rebounds in the season.

It's been a tough road back to the hardwood for Odom following his 2015 drug overdose that left him in a coma ... and those around him said he was laser-focused on getting back in shape and competitive again.

Who's the best-dressed athlete in sports?? Now's your chance to see them go head-to-head with their threads at the 2019 ESPYs ... with the biggest ballers showing off their swag!!

LA Rams QB Jared Goff and his bikini model GF, Christen Harper, are one attractive couple in a rare public appearance together ... and Russell Wilson and Ciara are looking hot, as always.

UFC superstar Tyron Woodley is bringing the star power with a blue print suit ... and NBA hooper Trae Young went with the classic all-black look.

Golfer and model Paige Spiranac is hard to miss with a shiny silver dress ... and UCLA gymnast Katelyn Ohashi -- who  went viral for her perfect 10 routine back in January -- showed off her skills on the red carpet!!

The World Cup Champion U.S. Women's soccer team is even at the big event -- jetting from their celebratory parade in NYC to the show ... with a police escort from the airport!!

Jorge Masvidal's FINALLY gettin' the respect he's long deserved -- thanks to his brutal Ben Askren flying knee KO -- so says UFC star Robbie Lawler.

TMZ Sports talked to Lawler -- who was in NYC promoting his August 3 fight with Colby Covington -- about his former teammate Masvidal's monster win at UFC 239 last weekend.

"That was damn impressive. Masvidal is awesome and it was cool to see him go out there and showcase his skills," Lawler says ... "He's been in the sport a long time and never got the respect that I think he was due. And, hes earning it now." 

"He has almost 50 fights. He's fought a lot of the good guys in the sport. He's impressive!"

FYI -- Masvidal's 34-13 with wins over guys like Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone and Darren Till.

Of course, Masvidal FLATTENED Askren, the formally undefeated fighter in 5 seconds ... the fastest UFC KO ever.

What's interesting -- Robbie and Ben have history ....they fought in March (Askren won), but the match ended in controversy.

Lawler (and a lot of fans) believed ref Herb Dean prematurely stopped the fight while Robbie was getting choked.

In fact, Dana White publicly said he wanted to rematch the fight ... but it never came together.

It's been 2 years since Sasha Vujacic has suited up for an NBA team ... but the Lakers champ says he's looking to change that next season, telling TMZ Sports he's gunning to make a comeback!!

The Slovenian guard -- who is currently on the Scaligera Basket Verona Italian ball club -- has been playing overseas since he left the Knicks in 2017 ... but he says he wants to make another run at the Larry O'Brien trophy.

"We'll see, you never know. I'd love to be home," Vujacic says. "I just want to win another championship ... so if it's with the Lakers, God bless. If that's with the Clippers, we'll see."

Of course, Vujacic won 2 titles with the Lakers and spent one season with the Clippers ... so he's looking to suit up for one of his old teams, but wouldn't say which L.A. team is most title-ready.

How did Luke Kuechly respond to getting juked by an 11-year-old kid??

HE LAID THE FREAKIN' HAMMER DOWN ... BOOOOOOOMMMMMM!!!!!

The Carolina Panthers superstar was hosting a camp for kids at a local high school earlier this week ... when he and teammate D.J. Moore decided to a drill with some of the campers for fun.

The drill was supposed to involve kids taking a toss sweep and playfully running around in circles while Kuechly "tackled" them.

But, things took a hilarious turn when a boy named KD stepped up to the drill ... and juked the living hell out of the All-Pro linebacker!!!!

For real ... the kid totally owned Kuechly!!!

Luke, clearly embarrassed by the whole ordeal, made the boy take another rep ... and that's when things got violent -- 'cause Kuechly took the kid's face off!!!

Good news for all parties, nobody was injured and everyone laughed about it in a picture afterward.

Rob Gronkowski could be catching passes from Tom Brady in a REAL game this season ... so says Jay Glazer, who tells TMZ Sports he thinks the TE could definitely unretire this year!!!

"Could he possibly come out of retirement for a last little playoff push? Why not?!" Glazer says ... "Why wouldn't he?!"

Of course, Gronk is currently enjoying the retired life ... he's been partying up with his swimsuit model GF, Camille Kostek, and traveling all over the world dancing his face off.

But, rumors of a possible return have swirled almost since the day the 30-year-old made his retirement announcement in March ... given how dominant he still is on the field.

And, after Gronk was spotted working out with TB12 at UCLA earlier this week ... people are REALLY startin' to wonder if a comeback is in the works.

Glazer -- who's one of the best NFL insiders out there -- says he doesn't see Rob unretiring any time soon ... but says if the Pats are in a late-season playoff hunt, watch out.

As for how effective Rob would be after such a long layoff ... Glazer has no worries about that, telling us, "Gronk could retire for 10 years and come back and still dominate."

"He is ridiculous."

Meghan Markle and Baby Archie joined forces with Auntie Kate Middleton and her brood for a play date of sorts -- with both the kids and their daddies horsin' around in a field.

The Duchesses linked up Wednesday at Billingbear Park in Wokingham, England, where Prince Harry and Prince William were playing a charity polo match -- opposite teams, naturally. They had the support of their entire fam as they galloped after the ball, mallets in hand and helmets intact.

As the Royal papas squared off, their wives and children looked on from the crowd ... and, let's be honest, probably stole the spotlight.

Meg showed up cradling her newborn, who was sporting a comfy-looking white outfit, with his chubby legs sticking out. Kate, meanwhile, had her hands full with at least two of her boys -- Prince George and Prince Louis, the latter in full walking mode.

It's one of the first times we've seen Archie hang out with his cousins -- although something tells us it's just a haze to him at this point. He is just two months old, after all.

Scary moment at the race track Tuesday ... Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s 18-year-old niece was involved in a horrific crash -- but miraculously escaped uninjured!!

It all went down at a USAC Racing event at Red Dirt Raceway in Oklahoma ... where Karsyn Elledge -- whose mom, Kelley Earnhardt Miller, is Jr.'s older sister -- flipped her sprint car multiple times over a barrier and fencing.

Elledge was coming down turn 3 at the track when she lost control ... causing her car to go airborne and tumble several yards OVER a wall before coming to a stop.

The video is crazy ... but, somehow, Elledge -- whose goal is to follow in her family's famous racing footsteps -- was able to walk away from the wreck under her own power.

"Tonight I am so very thankful that all my safety equipment did it's job & that my team built a safe car," Elledge wrote after the crash ... "Thank you to everyone who's reach out, I am sore, but most hurt is my pride."

It's great news ... seeing as the incident hits WAY too close to home for Earnhardt racing fans. Remember, it was just 18 years ago that Dale Sr. tragically passed away in a wreck at Daytona International Speedway.

Andrew McCutchen's wife threw him an All-Star party Tuesday since an injury wiped away his chances at a real ASG invite ... and the MLB stud's reaction to the gesture will make ya cry.

The Philadelphia Phillies outfielder tore his ACL back on June 3 ... immediately killing any chances the 32-year-old former MVP had of making Tuesday night's All-Star Game in Cleveland.

But, McCutchen's wife wasn't going to let that stop him from feeling special ... 'cause she threw him an AMAZING All-Star party of his own instead!!!

The bash had it all ... there was a custom "Cutch" sign, baseball-themed snacks, balloons, pizza and even a cake with a mini-McCutchen topper on it!!

The best part of the party ... McCutchen's reaction afterward -- 'cause the dude clearly wanted to shed a few tears after his wife went all-out for him.

"She took the time out of her life to do something like this for me. And, it means a lot. It means so much because you work so hard, you know?"

"And, to have an injury like this to where it gets wiped away -- all your work, everything you prepared for -- the year's just wiped away. And, for her to do this for me, it means the world to me. Honestly."

Megan Rapinoe and Team USA celebrated their World Cup victory with some MASSIVE bottles of champagne ... downin' bubbly and partying it up at the parade in NYC!!

Of course, it's the 4th World Cup victory for Team USA -- but this seems to be the biggest celebration yet ... the ratings for the women's World Cup in the U.S. were the biggest ever!

The champs pulled out all the stops for their big party -- with Rapinoe and her teammates passing around the huge gold bottle of Ace of Spades in the early hours of Wednesday's event.

The team took the stage following the parade and received keys to the city ... and Rapinoe -- who has publicly shared her issues with President Donald Trump -- shared a message of love for the crowd in attendance.

Team USA defeated the Netherlands 2-0 in the World Cup final. Rapinoe won the Golden Boot for scoring the most goals in the tourney ... and the girls have been celebrating the huge accomplishment ever since -- including a pool party with a bunch of dancing and rapping on Tuesday!!

Music of choice?? Some old Migos and Lizzo!!

The win had President Barack Obama pumped up for Team USA -- showing off his awesome custom jersey and saying, "Proud to rep America’s best team! Congrats @USWNT and thanks for being such a strong inspiration for women and girls—and everybody—all across the country."

Floyd Mayweather ain't mad or embarrassed about being put on his back by streetball legend Bone Collector -- telling TMZ Sports, "My bank account won't change!"

The boxing legend hit up a fashion show at Avalon in L.A. -- thrown by BoomCups -- just 1 night after the $50k Charity Challenge Celebrity Basketball Game ... where Bone crossed him up so hard, Mayweather hit the deck. 

"It was a cool move," Mayweather admitted ... "but did they tell you I got MVP? So, we gotta talk about me being MVP!"

He's right, Floyd did get MVP of the game and his team won by 40 points -- but all everyone is talking about is that viral clip with Bone Collector. 

"It was a good move, but that comes with the territory. It's not the NBA, and we live and we learn."

Floyd says he has nothing but respect for Bone -- "nothing but love" -- and he wishes him "nothing but the best."

And, in classic Floyd fashion, he tells us he takes solace in knowing he's still one of the wealthiest men in the history of pro sports ... and an international icon. 

"My name will live forever," Floyd said ... noting that he's famous everywhere from Tokyo to Africa. 

"Money May all f*cking day," he added. 

Oh, and one last comment just to make everyone else feel real poor ... 

Great news for UK soccer star Daniel Sturridge -- who was REUNITED with his beloved Pomeranian after the dog was jacked from his L.A. home Monday in an apparent burglary. 

The 29-year-old, who's been staying in a home in West Hollywood, had gone to social media to beg for his dog's safe return -- saying he'd pay ANY ransom money to get his pet back ... "It don't matter the cost."

But, Wednesday morning, Sturridge got a call from someone who claimed they had found little Lucci ... and wanted to return him. 

The LAPD tells TMZ Sports ... Sturridge is now in possession of the dog and he told cops he doesn't believe the person who returned the pet is the one who stole him in the first place. 

Unclear if Sturridge paid the ransom money or how the person who returned the dog got possession of Lucci in the first place. 

Cops say no arrests have been made in the case. Unclear if cops have identified any suspects. 

Sturridge had posted footage after the burglary showing a smashed door in his home -- the apparent entry point where the bad guys broke in. 

The soccer star also claims the burglars took other personal items from the house. Unclear if those other items have also been located. 

Sturridge recently played for Liverpool and has reportedly made more than $40 million in his pro soccer career.