TMZ Sports - Page 50

Equal pay mediation between the U.S. Women's national team and the U.S. Soccer Federation has gotten UGLY ... and now the dispute is likely heading to court.

Remember, the USWNT sued the Federation back in March for gender discrimination -- claiming,  "The female players have been consistently paid less money than their male counterparts."

The USWNT had agreed to meet with the USSF in New York City this week to discuss the heated issue ... but according to team spokesperson Molly Levinson, both sides remain far apart.

"We entered this week’s mediation with representatives of USSF full of hope," Levinson says. "Today we must conclude these meetings sorely disappointed in the Federation’s determination to perpetuate fundamentally discriminatory workplace conditions and behavior."

"It is clear that USSF, including its Board of Directors and President Carlos Cordeiro, fully intend to continue to compensate women players less than men. They will not succeed."

Of course ... Cordeiro made his stance very clear last month ... saying the women's team actually makes MORE than the men's team, despite bringing in a lot less.

He even provided a fact sheet to back up his claim.

Levinson continued ... "We want all of our fans, sponsors, peers around the world, and women everywhere to know we are undaunted and will eagerly look forward to a jury trial."

You knew it was coming ... the University of Michigan is hilariously roasting the hell outta its big-time rival, Ohio State ... mocking the school's recent application to trademark the word "THE."

News of the weird trademark attempt broke yesterday ... when attorney Josh Gerben noticed OSU -- which always likes to refer to itself as THE Ohio State University -- filed with the intent to make merch with the distinction.

The school's been getting made fun of ever since ... and now the Buckeyes' archnemesis is getting in on the fun.

Boom. Roasted.

Of course, if you're not familiar with the rivalry, these schools absolutely HATE each other ... and have crazy traditions, like OSU crossing out all "M"s on campus during Michigan week in the football season.

Jay-Z talked to Colin Kaepernick ahead of announcing his new partnership with the NFL -- according to reports -- but the rap mogul said his deal with the league goes beyond Kaepernick's kneeling protest.

Some thought Jay -- by signing on to help the NFL with entertainment and social justice issues -- was undercutting Kap's cause ... but both Jay and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed that Wednesday at Roc Nation's NYC offices.

The two men sat next to each other and discussed the partnership with about 30 invited media members. Referring to Kaepernick and other NFL players kneeling during the anthem, Jay said ... "I think that we forget that Colin’s whole thing was to bring attention to social injustice so in that case this is a success — this is the next thing. There’s two parts of protest: the protest, and then there’s a company or individual saying ‘I hear you, what do we do next?’ For me it’s about actionable items, what are we gonna do about it?"

As you know, Kaepernick still doesn't have a job in the NFL, and Goodell was asked if he's been blackballed. He said "any team" can sign him. Both Jay-Z and Goodell said they had spoken to Kaepernick ahead of Tuesday's announcement they'd be teaming up. However, neither would reveal what Kaepernick said.

As far as whether Kaepernick would be involved in the partnership -- where the NFL will support Jay-Z's social justice causes and Jay will produce the Super Bowl Halftime Show -- Jay said, "You'll have to ask him, I'm not his boss. That's for him to say."

Goodell and Jay seemed like a old friends ... shaking hands and laughing through the event.

We've reached out to reps for Kaepernick to see if he has any reaction to Jay's sit down with the NFL Commissioner.

By the way, the NFL and Roc Nation only allowed one still photographer in the event. The NFL shot the only video which it plans to release later Wednesday.

No, you're not looking at Ivan Drago ... you're looking at a totally shredded Kristaps Porzingis, who's clearly taking no days off during his time off the court -- 'cause the dude is JACKED.

The 24-year-old Dallas Mavericks star posted the gym pic to IG on Wednesday ... jokingly saying it's the angle that is making him look extra buff.

Of course, 7'3" KP tore his ACL as a member of the New York Knicks back in February 2018, and hasn't been on the court since ... but it looks like the dude has been living in the gym during recovery.

Just look at the difference between his rookie year in 2015 and the pic from today. Dude is yolked.

Yasiel Puig just had the best pre-game warm up of his life ... 'cause just a few hours before the Indians game against the Red Sox -- he got sworn in as a U.S. citizen!!!

The MLB superstar had the ceremony Wednesday ... and it didn't take long for him to pridefully post about it on social media.

"Thank you God for this great opportunity to be an American citizen," Puig said ... adding, "ususus."

Puig reportedly unsuccessfully tried to defect to America many times ... and when he did make it in summer 2012, the journey was long and treacherous.

He was taken by small boat to Mexico where he was held hostage by smugglers looking for a big money payout from the future MLB star.

Yasiel was ultimately taken to America ... and now 7 years later, he's a US citizen.

The Indians -- who are set for first pitch against Boston in Cleveland at 10 AM PT -- even shouted out the outfielder after the special moment, writing, "Puig our citizen"

"Congratulations to Yasiel Puig becoming a United States citizen!"

Of course, Indians players have done this often over the past year ... relief pitcher Oliver Perez was sworn in earlier this month, while infielders Carlos Santana and Hanley Ramirez had their ceremonies in April.

Legendary musician today ... the next Don King tomorrow?!?!

It sure sounds like Usher is considering that route ... 'cause when we got him out at Avery Sparrow's pre-Ryan Garcia fight event -- he told us he's dead serious about possibly getting in the boxing business!

"I'm obviously here for a reason," Usher says ... "Who knows? I may be bitten by the bug."

Usher's had some history with the sport ... he famously played Sugar Ray Leonard in "Hands of Stone" back in 2016 -- and he's close with Sparrow and his boxing family.

But, the 40-year-old tells us he's inspired by what Al Haymon and Jay-Z have done transitioning into representatives for sports stars ... and he says he might just follow suit!

"Who knows? It could be great promise there."

Usher ain't a stranger to running a sports biz ... remember, the guy is a minority owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

So, could boxing promoting seriously be next??

"Playing in this space could be fun ..."

Draymond Green is praising the NCAA for backtracking on its controversial Rich Paul Rule ... telling TMZ Sports "they did the right thing!"

Earlier this week ... the org. reversed its new requirement for agents to have a bachelor's degree in order to rep college athletes looking to test the waters in the NBA Draft (while maintaining eligibility) ... after TONS of backlash.

We spoke with Day Day -- one of Rich's many NBA superstar clients -- about the move ... and it's clear he's in favor with the reversal.

"They did what was right. Rich applied that pressure to 'em, though!!" Green says.

Draymond doesn't think the initial criteria had anything to do with race ... but could impact people looking to follow the agent's footsteps.

Bryce Harper is NOT a bust ... and his $330 MILLION contract WILL pay off for the Phillies -- so says Philadelphia superfan Miles Teller!!!

"I think it's a good investment!"

Of course, Harper has been a disappointment for the Phils since inking a 13-year contract this offseason ... he's batting just .248 with 22 home runs.

But, Teller -- who's been a die-hard Phillies supporter since he was kid -- didn't seem too concerned about the outfielder when we got him out in Bev Hills this week, saying he believes Harper will bounce back, eventually.

"He'll be with the Phillies for, what, 13 years?" the "Whiplash" actor says ... "So, I think, you know, it's one of 13."

Philadelphia is certainly hoping Harper can still salvage this year ... the team is just two games out of the Wild Card race in the National League!!

And, if Harper can't put it all together and the Phils don't make the playoffs -- Teller tellls us he'll be understanding.

"Sports are hard, man."

#Truth

NBA hooper Kelly Oubre Jr. and smokin' hot Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Jasmine Sanders are taking things to the next level ... hitting up a West Hollywood hot spot together and packin' on the PDA!!

There have been reports the 2 gorgeous humans have been dating recently ... and judging by these pics of them holding hands while leaving Bootsy Bellows, it's safe to say they don't care to keep things under wraps.

It's one of the hottest new couples as of late -- 23-year-old Oubre is one of the swaggiest athletes in all of sports ... and 28-year-old Sanders was voted SI's Rookie of the Year earlier this month.

No word on how they met, but considering the Phoenix Suns baller is big into fashion ... it seems like a perfect fit to get boo'd up with the model.

And, FWIW ... Oubre just signed a 2-year, $30 million deal a month ago ... so yeah, it's been a good off-season for the guy.

Scary moment for NY Yankees GM Brian Cashman ... Connecticut cops had their guns pointed straight at him during a traffic stop last week -- and the terrifying incident was caught on video.

52-year-old Cashman was stopped in Darien, Connecticut last Friday after cops mistakenly thought he had stolen the Jeep he was driving.

The police footage from the incident is intense ... officers pointed firearms at the Yanks exec and screamed at him to get out of the car and slowly move toward them.

Eventually, cops realized Cashman did NOT, in fact, steal his own car ... and the situation was diffused.

But, before officers let Cashman go, they had a funny interaction with the guy -- recognizing him as the Yankees' personnel man!!

"You look very familiar to me," the cop says ...

“I’m the GM of the New York Yankees,” Cashman responds.

“Yeah, I know,” the cop replies ... “I used to see you at Brook Street Bagels when I was an Eastchester cop. I apologize for the embarrassment."

Cashman was free to go after that.

The backstory behind the stop is wild ... Cashman had his Jeep stolen in Connecticut a few weeks ago, and after it was found in the Bronx and returned to Cashman -- he drove it back to Connecticut to have it processed for evidence.

But, Cashman says cops forgot to take the car off the stolen list when they returned it ... and when Darien cops ran his license plate, it still came up as a stolen vehicle.

To make matters worse, Cashman says Darien police were already looking for a white Jeep after a man driving that car had allegedly brandished a gun in a local doctor's office.

Everything has since calmed down for the GM ... and he says he has no hard feelings for police after the wild scene.

Jon Jones has never lost (that DQ doesn't count) and he's DOMINATED almost everyone he's fought -- but he ain't the G.O.A.T. ... so says Daniel Cormier.

DC -- who's fighting Stipe Miocic at UFC 241 this Saturday -- joined the guys on the "TMZ Sports" TV Show (airs weeknights on FS1) ... and was asked who he considers the greatest mixed martial artist ever.

The UFC heavyweight champ said himself -- along with Mighty Mouse and GSP -- were best ... but it was who DC said wasn't in the conversation that was more shocking.

"I really do believe when you break down the greatest fighters of all time, anyone with any accusation against their name should be omitted."

No Jon Jones. No Anderson Silva.

"I like Anderson. He's a great guy, great champion. Jones, a great fighter. But, any time you have anything attached to your name, I think you should be out. You're not supposed to do it that way," Cormier says.

"But, Georges St. Pierre, Demetrious Johnson, I think those guys along with myself should be considered the greatest fighters of all time."

Remember, Jones was flagged by the USADA in 2016 and 2017 ... leading to multiple suspensions. He also had his UFC 214 win over Cormier stripped.

FYI -- Jon has never wavered, insisting he has never cheated.

As for Silva ... he was popped for a banned substance in 2017, and was subsequently suspended.

Spider has also adamantly denied intentionally taking anything ... instead saying he ingested a tainted supplement.

Bottom line, with Daniel and Jon, it's obvious there's no love between 'em ...  which brings up the trilogy fight.

We asked DC if it'll ever happen ... or if his Miocic superfight will be the last in his HoF career.

President Trump does NOT cheat on the golf course ... so says golf legend John Daly, who golfed with POTUS this week.

Trump's honesty on the golf course has been called into question many, many times in the past ... with former golf partners like Samuel L. Jackson and Oscar De La Hoya flat out saying they witnessed Trump cheat.

Rick Reilly even wrote a book -- a freakin' book -- about Trump's alleged cheating.

But, John Daly -- who's been friends with the Prez for years and golfed with him at Trump National in NJ on Monday -- tells TMZ Sports, it just ain't true.

"It's funny how these people say, 'does he cheat?' Well, when he goes out and plays, if he hits a bad shot, he might hit a Mulligan, but he doesn't count it when we're playing the match."

For those not down with the golf lingo ... a mulligan is essentially a redo after a bad shot.

The 2-time Majors winner doubled down, and called out someone else who was in the Oval Office.

"It's just amazing that people call him a cheat in golf. You wanna call a cheat in golf? I'll tell ya, Bill Clinton, he took a Mulligan on putts, chips, when I played with him."

"I don't think Bill Clinton could've broken 100. At least the President, Mr. Trump, he can shoot 80. 78 to 84, probably."

There's more ... Daly gives us his U.S. Presidents golfer power rankings -- and tells us what him and Trump discussed on the links.

Tyson Fury tells TMZ Sports nobody likes Anthony Joshua anymore ... and it's all because "he got knocked out by a fat guy!"

The Gypsy King hilariously clowned AJ to our camera guy out in NYC on Tuesday ... saying after Joshua took that infamous L to Andy Ruiz in June -- he lost ALL of his clout.

"Everyone's like, 'This guy who's ripped got knocked out by this little fat guy,'" Fury says. "And now, nobody likes him anymore."

The clip is laugh out loud funny, Tyson is seriously a character ... but he also keeps it real with us when he tells us all the juice in his rematch with Deontay Wilder will be squeezed out if either ends up losing like Joshua in their upcoming fights.

"It kills the rematch because people are not interested in beaten fighters," Fury says. "That's what we saw with AJ versus Ruiz."

Tyson added, "It's the cliche of the world: Everybody loves a winner. And, when you're no longer a winner, you don't get no more p***y!"

Fury is set to square up with Otto Wallin on Sept. 14, while Wilder will fight Luis Ortiz in a rematch of their own in November.

The Wilder-Fury run back is set for Feb. 22, 2020 ... and Fury tells us to get pumped for it, because it's "the biggest fight on earth!!"

Antonio Brown just broke his silence on his frostbitten feet ... telling media members out at Raiders camp that the blisters are making it hard for him to play football.

"It's been a process with the feet," Brown said ... "Anytime you got a lot of blisters, it's hard to change direction, cut and run and be able to do what I do naturally."

Brown has been battling frostbite ever since he suffered a mishap in a cryotherapy chamber ... but he's been silent on the matter until he returned to Raiders camp in Napa, Calif. on Tuesday.

Brown wouldn't say exactly how the freak injury happened -- only revealing the whole thing has sucked -- but he did say he believes he's getting closer to returning to the field.

Remember, when Olympic sprinter Justin Gatlin joined the guys on "TMZ Sports" (weeknights on FS1) ... he said when he suffered a similar injury, it took him MONTHS to get back to full health.

But, AB seems somewhat confident he'll be ready soon ... saying he's been working with a foot specialist to inch closer to 100 percent.

By the way, Brown also addressed his whole helmet drama ... saying he's working with the NFL to try to get him the Schutt he prefers.

Jay-Z -- one of Colin Kaepernick's biggest supporters -- is teaming up with the NFL for a music and social justice campaign ... this according to reports.

The partnership is with Hov's Roc Nation company ... in which the rap mogul will be the league's "live music entertainment strategist" ... including working together on the league's Inspire Change activism campaign, according to The New York Times.

Here's where it gets interesting -- just last year, Jay-Z called the NFL out, dissing the league in a song called "APESH*T" ... where he rhymed about turning down the Super Bowl halftime show to show solidarity with Kaepernick.

The role will make Jay a consultant for the show he so publicly rejected.

It's clear the league is trying to make amends for all the backlash it received in the handling of the national anthem demonstrations ... and a man with Jay-Z's reverence and influence will certainly help him do that.

As for the Inspire Change initiative ... it was created earlier this year to "create positive change in communities across the country."

Vicente Luque OBLITERATED Mike Perry's nose and he didn't quit ... and that's why he says Platinum's the toughest dude he ever faced.

Luque landed a big knee directly to Perry's nose during their fight Saturday night -- literally crushing it -- turning the fight into a blood bath.

Perry kept fighting.

TMZ Sports talked to Luque ... who was blown away by Perry's toughness.

"Obviously, I wanted to get the finish, but it didn't happen that night. Mike is so tough. As tough as they come. For sure the toughest guy I've faced 'til now."

That's a big deal -- Luque once beat Thiago Santos -- the guy who just pushed Jon Jones to the brink of defeat while fighting on a bunch of torn ligaments in his knees.

And yeah, Vicente says Perry is tougher than Santos.

The fight was a war ... and the guys pummeled each other ... so friends is probably the last thing you'd expect they become, right?

Wrong ... 'cause Luque tells us they've actually talked about training with each other.

"[Perry] talked about training, and that's something that in my mind is super positive. I love training with different guys. He's a guy who has a lot to teach me, for sure."