TMZ Sports - Page 50

Did Felipe Vazquez just drop a huge hint on where he'd prefer to be traded if the Pirates deal him this week???

Sure seems like it ... 'cause when we got the superstar closer out in NYC -- he told us he's a BIG fan of New York and Chicago!!!

Felipe -- who's got 21 saves this season with a 1.87 ERA -- is one of the best players being shopped around ahead of Wednesday's MLB trade deadline.

Felipe tells us he isn't focusing on his possible departure from Pittsburgh, saying, "I'm not worried about that stuff, whatever happens is going to happen whether I like it or not."

But, when we asked what his favorite cities to be in off the diamond are ... he told us straight-up, New York and Chicago!!!

Of course, both the Yankees AND the Cubs are reportedly interested in adding an arm to their bullpen this week ... and could possibly have Vazquez in their trade sights.

But hey, maybe he just likes the restaurants ...

So, could this help facilitate a trade with the Buccos????

Miami Gronk!!!!!

TMZ Sports has learned Rob Gronkowski just picked up a BEAUTIFUL new pad in Downtown Miami for $1.7 million ... and he bought the place from another famous jock!!

As we previously reported, the former (?) New England Patriots tight end recently sold his Boston bachelor pad after announcing he was retiring from the NFL.

And, it seems he's moving into enemy AFC East territory ... scooping up a 3,850 square foot condo in the famous Marquis Miami building on Biscayne Blvd.

The place is SICK!!!!! Amazing beach views, super high ceilings (he's very tall) with 5 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms ... perfect for those wild Gronk parties!

It also comes with 3 parking spaces ... and if you know Downtown Miami, you know those are hard to come by!!

The building is top notch ... valet, pool, fitness center and spa -- and it's close to nightclubs!

And, it's great for Gronk's girlfriend, Camille Kostek, too -- since Miami is the epicenter of the modeling world in the U.S. ... and Camille is the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition cover model!

We're told Gronk, represented by Sebastian Wagner of Douglas Elliman, bought the place from retired Norwegian soccer player John Carew, who was represented by John Sandberg and Ann Nortmann of Douglas Elliman -- so there's an athlete-to-athlete connection!

We reached out to all of the agents involved -- but no comment from anyone.

You can count on Kemba Walker being on the floor for Team USA during the FIBA World Cup ... because the NBA superstar made it very clear to us he ain't going anywhere!!!

With other superstars like James Harden, Anthony Davis and Damian Lillard opting to sit this one out ... we asked the Boston Celtics stud if he would be following suit.

But, great news ... Kemba says he's ALL IN!!!

"I'm excited, USA basketball is something that I've been wanting to do for a very long time," Kemba told us at the legendary Rucker Park courts in New York.

"So, to get this opportunity, I'm excited. I won't be dropping out."

BOOM!!!

Walker noted that he does have other obligations ... but "I'll be there as much as I can. I'm looking forward to taking on that challenge."

As for making a prediction about another undefeated run for Team USA, Walker wouldn't commit to that ... but said, "I'm just gonna go out there and play!"

Walker will be joined on Team USA by other NBA stars like Kyle Lowry, Kyle Kuzma, P.J. Tucker and his Celtics teammate, Jayson Tatum.

We also spoke with Donovan Mitchell who told he's also stoked to play for Team USA -- and can't wait to represent the Red, White and Blue.

They may be estranged, but La La Anthony is still sticking up for her husband, Carmelo Anthony ... at least when it comes to basketball.

La La -- who wasn't wearing her wedding ring at LAX -- was asked about Melo not getting an invite to join Team USA in the FIBA World Cup, which kicks off later this year.

Instead of trashing Melo, La La defended him ... explaining that he's the greatest Team USA player of all time, according to the stats -- and should have gotten the call-out of "respect."

For the record, Melo is the only Team USA basketball player to compete in 4 different Olympics and he's also the first Team USA player to win 3 gold medals.

He also ranks 1st in games played (31), points (336), FGs made (113), FGs attempted (262), rebounds (125), free throws made (53) and he's 2nd in 3-pointers (57).

Melo also ranks 2nd in scoring all-time among all of FIBA Americas championship players.

Not too shabby ...

"Out of respect, they should [invite him]," La La said ... "Who was a better Team USA player than he was? Nobody."

La La says she doesn't know if Melo would accept at this point, but they should make the offer anyway.

Fitness superstar Jeremy Buendia -- who won Mr. Olympia Physique in 2014, '15, '16 and '17 -- is suing a YouTube star over bombshell videos accusing Buendia of beating women.

Buendia -- who has close to 3 million followers on IG -- claims he's been defamed by YouTube star Kenny K.O. (real name Kenny Boulet) in a series of videos on Kenny's YouTube page.

Long story short, Kenny posts videos about the fitness industry and in some of the videos posted in early 2019, he claims he's found evidence proving Buendia is a violent maniac.

In his first video, titled "This Video Will Make You H8 Jeremy Buendia" -- Kenny reads DMs from a person named "Jayden" who claimed he worked with Jeremy and witnessed the bodybuilder physically and emotionally abuse two woman.

The problem ... Buendia claims the allegations are "false" and "outrageous" and have harmed his life and career.

In the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ Sports, Buendia also claims Kenny posted a follow-up video called "Jeremy's Response to The Uncovered Accusations" ... which did NOT contain an actual response from someone authorized to speak on his behalf.

Buendia claims his lawyers reached out to Kenny to demand he remove the videos but Kenny refused.

Now, Jeremy is suing Kenny for more than $1,000,000 for defamation and more.

Buendia is also suing 2 other people -- Jerdani Kraja who allegedly posted another video defaming Jeremy, and Chad Nutsch who provided an unauthorized and false comment to Kenny, claiming he was doing so on Jeremy's behalf.

We should note Kenny featured a video interview with a woman who claims she dated Jeremy -- and she says on camera that Jeremy physically abused her. However, she is NOT named a defendant in this lawsuit.

Dana White turned 50 on Sunday ... and his surprise birthday bash was INCREDIBLE -- with an amazing performance from Gwen Stefani and Don Henley busting out "Hotel California"!

The UFC boss had no idea the party was being set up at the Aria Hotel & Casino on Sunday night ... but when he arrived, the guy nearly lost his mind!!!

White is a huge music fan -- his office is filled with memorabilia -- so to have the stars from "No Doubt" and The Eagles in the house meant a lot to him. Gwen performed several hits including "The Sweet Escape."

We're told roughly 200 of Dana's closest friends and family members showed up for the bash ... including Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis and UFC Hall of Famer Matt Serra.

Just 24 hours before the party, Dana was in Canada for UFC 240 ... where he wrapped the UFC championship belt on Max Holloway after he defeated Frankie Edgar in the main event.

But, when you're Dana White, and traveling internationally means jumping on your private plane, it makes life easier!

Evander Holyfield's days of being the best boxing Holyfield are numbered ... that's because his kid, Evan, says he's gonna be better than his dad ever was, and dad's totally cool with that.

In case you don't remember, Evander Holyfield is one of the single greatest boxers of all time. A Hall of Famer, and a Top 10 pound-for-pound fighter according to Boxrec.com.

Evan is 21 and just turned pro, but told us he's not at all daunted by his father's legacy ... in fact he believes it's his birthright to eclipse that legacy.

"My dad always tells me every generation gets better. It's pretty much easy to believe, number one it's in the bible, and the bible don't tell no lies."

Evan isn't some Holyfield-come-lately to boxing trying to make a name off his dad's legacy ... kid has over 80 amateur fights and trains with legendary trainer Maurice "Termite" Watkins.

Despite that experience, Holyfield tells us the decision to go pro was a family one ... with his dad finally giving him the green light to chase the money and the dream.

"He's been to plenty of my fights. He really gave me the go-ahead to turn pro, and that means a lot coming from him."

As far as opponents go the kid isn't calling anyone out just yet ... but he does have a dream match up in mind, and just like dad he's aiming BIG.

"Canelo really seems to be that guy to get a fight with. If you beat that guy Canelo then you're the man, and that's the mission to be the man."

UFC stud Jorge Masvidal will NOT get a crack at Conor McGregor, despite his record-breaking victory over Ben Askren ... so says Dana White.

"Hell no," White told us ... explaining that Masvidal is a welterweight fighter (170 lbs) and he's simply too big for take on the smaller McGregor, who fights at lightweight (154 lbs).

"There's plenty of fights for him in his weight division without Conor," White said ... "He's too big for Conor. [McGregor] doesn't belong in 170."

"[Conor] has the balls to fight at 170, but he doesn't belong there."

So, when WILL Conor return to the Octagon and who will he fight?

White says he expects to see Conor back in action either at the end of 2019 or early 2020 -- but he won't commit to an opponent until Khabib Nurmagomedov fights Dustin Poirier in September.

McGregor will NOT automatically get the winner of that fight -- but White says it will be easier to matchmake after that fight goes down.

"A lot of things will shake out and we'll see who's next."

Conor hasn't fought since UFC 229 back in October 2018 when he lost to Khabib -- and he's currently nursing an injured left hand he busted up during a recent training session.

Pro boxer Jose Benavidez was arrested this weekend for alleged street racing in Arizona.

Benavidez -- who fights as a welterweight -- was busted Saturday night in Maricopa County, where he was taken in and booked for one count of misdemeanor racing/exhibition of speed and one count of driving with a suspended or revoked license (also a misdemeanor).

Benavidez is no longer in custody as of Sunday afternoon, but he stuck around long enough to pose for this mug. The exact circumstances around his arrest remain unclear, but we're working on getting more info. What we do know is that the Arizona Department of Public Safety -- which has state troopers -- is the agency that picked him up.

The guy is a rising star in the world of boxing -- he recently fought and lost to Terrence Crawford, who's a megastar. Crawford retained the welterweight belt after knocking out Benavidez in the 12th round, this following tons of trash talking from Mexican-American fighter.

He reportedly suffered a leg injury about a week ago, and postponed a fight he had scheduled with Luis Collazo on August 17. It was postponed for October of this year.

Tyreek Hill says audio of his then-girlfriend claiming he punches his 3-year-old son in the chest was taken out of context -- clarifying that it only applies when they box.

The Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver addressed audio that surfaced earlier this year in which he's accused by his ex-girlfriend, Crystal Espinal, of hitting their son -- specifically, making him open up his arms and socking him in the chest to toughen the kid up.

Espinal also accused Hill of using belts on the boy. Hill has denied the allegations.

During Sunday's press conference at training camp, the Chiefs star said the audio -- which he claims he wasn't aware of until it leaked -- was taken out of context in relation to how he engages his son. Hill says the punching in the chest claim pertains to boxing lessons.

Hill says, "Punching my son in (his) chest. That would probably refer to me teaching my son how to box. 'Cause we do got boxing gloves at our house." He goes on to say that his son likes imitating Iron Man, and apparently asks his dad to roughhouse.

As we reported ... the NFL decided not to suspend Hill over the claims made in the disturbing audio, and the Chiefs welcomed him back with open arms.

There's still a case open with law enforcement -- and the NFL says it'll monitor any new developments that might arise out of that -- but for now ... he's good in their book.

As for Hill, he said shortly after the decision ... "The last few months have been very difficult for me, especially as a father. The false allegations originally reported in March were highly publicized and involved the care of my son. I am grateful for so many things and grateful for so many people who have supported me during this challenging time. I fully respect and accept the NFL's decision."

Lamar Odom isn't ready to hang up his sneakers just yet ... the embattled ex-NBA star says despite getting cut from Ice Cube's BIG3 league, he WILL play pro basketball again.

Lamar was booted from the 3-on-3 org. earlier this month ... and our sources told us LO just wasn't in good enough shape to hang with the rest of the league.

But, the 2-time Lakers champ says it's not the end of his hoops career ... telling the guys on "TMZ Live" that getting kicked out of the league won't be the last stop in his pro hoops journey.

"I'mma play professional basketball again. Maybe in the Philippines or something like that. But, that's just another setback. When one thing gets taken from you, another beautiful thing pops up."

Jeremy Lin says he's hit rock bottom in NBA free agency -- and also feels like the league has given up on him.

The veteran point guard made an appearance at a Taiwan event over the weekend, where he opened up and spoke candidly about his off-season woes. Lin was onstage coming to tears as he explained that free agency was getting harder and harder for him.

He also said his personal bottom in professional basketball keeps getting lower and lower.

Through a translator, Lin said that each year he gives more of himself to God -- but despite that each year gets harder. He also makes reference to an American saying -- when you hit rock bottom, the only way is up -- but sadly said that wasn't the case for him.

He admits that this latest round of free agency has been tough on him, and in some ways ... he feels like the NBA has abandoned him. It's an incredibly vulnerable moment.

Ya hate to hear about Lin's struggles, 'cause he's a good dude, and he started out promisingly with the Knicks way back in 2012 ... when "Linsanity" was a thing for a sec. Since then, he's been relegated to a role player, and has become a journeyman in the league.

He's also been plagued by injuries, possibly career changing ones at that.

This past year, he was coming off the bench with the Toronto Raptors, but hardly saw any playing time in the playoffs, let alone the Finals. Still, the dude's got a ring ... even though he's openly questioned whether he deserves it or not. Hey, a ring's a ring.

Anyway, Lin remains a free agent on the market for now, but it doesn't sound like anyone's giving him a call. Time will tell if a team shows interest as camps start to get going later this summer, but as of now ... he's drifitng. There are rumors teams in Europe want him there, and he's even entertained the idea of playing in Asia, alongside his brother.

Wherever he goes ... hopefully he finds success. Best of luck, man.

Adrien Broner thinks Maxim Dadashev's death from in-ring injuries was tragic ... but the star boxer tells TMZ Sports nothing about the sport has to change going forward.

"Hell nah," Broner says ... "Ain't nothing got to change."

Dadashev -- a 28-year-old Russian junior welterweight contender -- took repeated punches to the face and head during his fight last Friday night with Puerto Rico’s Subriel Matias.

After his trainer threw in the towel to stop the bout ... Dadashev collapsed and was rushed to the hospital -- where he later died Tuesday from brain injuries suffered during the fight.

Broner tells us the tragedy was eye-opening ... and says people need to start appreciating him more now because "it only take one shot and we can die."

But, as far as putting in measures to prevent that from happening in the future, Broner says that's unnecessary for boxing.

"It's a part about growing up," Broner says ... "Who your teacher is. What he taught you. 'Cause when I grew up, my coach, Mike Stafford, the first thing he taught me was defense."

"And that's why my career is still lasting as long as it is."

As for whether Dadashev's corner let him down by not stopping the fight sooner ... Broner says their actions were fine by him.

Sorry, Mets fans ... David Wright will NOT be the next manager in NY -- so says the Mets legend himself, who tells TMZ Sports being a coach is something he has NO interest in!!!

"Zero chance," Wright says.

Of course, the Mets have had a rough year -- they're 49-55 and 12.5 games out of 1st in the NL East -- and many in New York are calling for Mickey Callaway's head.

And, with former players likes Rocco Baldelli, Alex Cora, Aaron Boone and Craig Counsell crushing it as new MLB managers -- people want Wright to be the new guy in NY.

But, the ex-Mets captain tells us that just ain't happenin' ... saying when we got him in NYC on Thursday, "That's a tough job."

Wright -- who, by the way, was SUPER nice to Mets fans outside the team's hotel -- said there's also no chance of him being a hitting coach down the road too.

David's currently got a front office role with the Mets ... and seems he's just fine doing that right now.

We also talked to Wright about the odds of Pete Alonso becoming the next Mets captain ... and we had to get his opinion on the MLB possibly juicing baseballs.

Ella Rose has the summer blues ... and you gotta love it.

The Swedish model rocked the hell out of a baby blue bikini under the burning sun on Santa Monica beach.

Ella -- who, by the way, is New England Patriots star Julian Edelman's baby mama -- rocked some shades, naturally, and glistened before taking a dip in the Pacific blue. It's one helluva show ... and sad to say, nobody seemed to be around to enjoy the scenery.

David Ortiz has been released from the hospital where he's been recuperating from a nearly fatal gunshot wound he suffered in the Dominican Republic.

Big Papi was reportedly discharged Friday from Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and was sent home with his family. According to ESPN, the former Red Sox slugger will continue his rehabilitation at his house, where he'll be monitored by full-time nurses.

He'll also have his personal doctor regularly check in on him as he continues to heal.

This is great news for Ortiz, who was shot in the lower back at point-blank range. He went into emergency surgery there on the island nation, and was eventually transported to the Boston area hospital where he remained in the critical condition for a while.

He was taken out of the ICU late last month and was listed as being in good condition. Looks like that trend has continued ... now, he's out of the hospital and seemingly on his way to a full recovery.

As we reported ... doctors found the bullet that struck Ortiz had pierced his liver, his small and large intestines -- he even had to have his gall bladder removed during surgery.