TMZ Sports - Page 50

Lenny Dykstra's new fight training video shows the ex-MLB has real knockdown power ... because he almost put HIMSELF on the mat throwing a left hook!!!

Nails hit a boxing gym in NYC to train for his upcoming celebrity boxing match against Chris Morgan, AKA Angry Bagel Guy ... and he's working on everything from jabs to power shots.

Lenny is cocky as hell ... and with good reason, he's a former world-class athlete and Bagel Guy ... well, he's just angry.

But, remember, Bagel Guy has been training with legit UFC superstars -- and he's taking the fight very seriously.

So is Lenny from what we're told ... he's been working with Mel Millington, a former Marine-turned-boxing trainer.

Lenny's jabs looked pretty decent but his footwork needs help -- dude almost fell down throwing that hook.

It's all going down Sept. 28 at the Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City -- and Lenny says if/when he pummels Bagel Guy, he wants his NEXT fight to be against Mickey Rourke.

The legend of Bronny James continues to grow ... this time in China, with LeBron's kid hitting a wild circus shot against some international competition, and driving a packed gym wild.

Bronny is in China with Zaire Wade and the rest of his Sierra Canyon High School hoops teammates (yes, a high school basketball team is touring China, things have changed) and they're being treated like STARS!

He seems to be earning the treatment ... because LeBron Sr. just posted video of the his kid going hard to the rim and taking the contact, finishing with a Jordan-esque reverse finish.

Bronny has been tearing up the grassroots basketball circuit all-year long, but this is our first look at him as a high school athlete, and the early returns are pretty strong.

Gigi Hadid and Tyler Cameron are going strong after his one-and-done date with 'Bachelorette' Hannah B. -- and now, he's rubbing shoulders with Serena Williams!!!

Talk about riding the fame wave, huh? Tyler and Gigi were spotted out with the tennis legend Tuesday night at La Esquina in NYC, where they were hugging it out with a friend on the way out. Serena was on the move, but they all seemed to be together.

No sign of Serena's hubby, Alexis Ohanian, here -- but Serena was with another tennis great, Caroline Wozniacki ... who's hitched to ex-NBA star David Lee (he was absent too). Point is ... Tyler's racing up the Hollywood ladder since his time on TV.

Granted, the dude had a legit modeling career prior to making it on primetime television -- which is as strong as ever now post-Hannah's season -- but Tyler is the perfect example of having your cake and eating it too. He appears to have banged Hannah, and then quickly moved on to Gigi a few days later. Hannah's not trippin' by the way -- she says she's single.

Meanwhile, Tyler and Gigi have been going out together a lot more -- seems like they're the new "It" couple on the streets of Manhattan these days. A helluva come up for Tyler, if we do say so ourselves.

At the rate he's going, we wouldn't be surprised to see TC out and about with Obama and Beyonce next. That's how much he's level jumping in his celeb status right now.

But, it's all good -- keep on keeping on, bro.

Larry Bird is adamant he's NOT a "tattooed guy" -- and he ain't happy with a new mural in Indiana that depicts him as a walking canvas.

The NBA legend's attorney has reached out to Jules Muck, the artist who created the Bird tribute on a Fountain Square building in Indianapolis ... an image that shows a young Bird with ink on his face, chest and arms.

In the mural, Bird looks like a SoundCloud rapper -- with tats showing everything from bunnies humping to the word "Indiana" on his forearm ... there's also a clover (Celtics) and a spider web.

The image is a play off of Bird's famous 1977 Sports Illustrated shoot, when he played for Indiana State.

But, Bird's attorney says the image is a problem because the REAL Larry doesn't have tattoos and Larry feels he "needs to protect" his brand.

"Larry’s position is he has elevated himself from where he began to where he is now through a lot of hard work. He has developed a brand that is marketable and he needs to protect that brand,” attorney Gary Sallee told IndyStar.

"The mural, as originally painted, was a departure from that brand."

The artist says she's conflicted about how she'll handle the issue -- she's still considering her options.

Jon Gruden ... clearly wasn't invited to any birthday parties as a kid -- because his rendition of "Happy Birthday" on "Hard Knocks" sounds like it's the FIRST time he's ever sang it.

Seriously ... it's terrible. Like worse than Hunter Renfrow bad.

The Oakland Raiders head coach was finishing off a team meeting when he instructed the players to serenade GM Mike Mayock.

What ensued was pure, hot garbage -- insanely terrible. Embarrassing, actually.

Of course, there was other important stuff that went down on HBO's "Hard Knocks" on Tuesday -- from Antonio Brown's frostbitten feet to his helmet drama ... to tight end Darren Waller's battle with substance abuse.

But, the worst part of the Raiders' camp ... Gruden singing.

Tyson Fury says he'd only need ONE hand to beat Andy Ruiz's ass ... and he tells TMZ Sports he'd even let the fans pick which arm he would use!!!

"I only need one hand for him," Fury said. "One hand."

The boxing superstar's fight schedule is pretty booked up this year ... he's got a bout with Otto Wallin on Sept. 14 and a rematch with Deontay Wilder set for Feb. 22, 2020.

But, Tyson tells us he'd be down for a fight with heavyweight champ Ruiz after that ... saying, "I can never say no to anything."

But, Fury says the fight probably wouldn't be a good one ... telling us he'd wreck Ruiz!!!

By the way, Fury didn't use up all his trash talk on Andy ... he also guaranteed a knockout in his fight with Wilder, saying, "I don't believe Deontay Wilder is going to put the Gypsy King to rest."

UFC star Israel Adesanya is a phony champ who hasn't beaten any level fighters ... so says Paulo Costa, the dude who just beat Yoel Romero.

TMZ Sports talked to Costa -- the #2 ranked UFC middleweight -- about his next move after his epic win over Romero ... and it's clear he ain't impressed with the 2 champs in his division.

"Yoel Romero is more tough than Whittaker, I know. And, man, Adesanya, Adesanya is a fake champion."

Why does Costa -- the 28-year-old undefeated (13-0) fighter -- think Izzy's a fake champ???

"Because he not proven yet. He needs to prove. He won against who? Tavares? Derek Brunson. Gastelum. Gastelum is good fighter, but Gastelum is not a middleweight. Against Anderson Silva. Man, Anderson Silva is not top 10. Not top 5. I beat a real beast. I beat Yoel Romero."

FYI -- Adesanya won the interim belt against Kelvin Gastelum earlier this year.

Whittaker (middleweight champ) and Adesanya (interim middleweight champ) are fighting October 5 at UFC 243 in Australia ... Costa says he'll be there, and he has a message for both fighters.

"I am a real deal. I'm training like a crazy guy. This is my life. [I'm] born to fight. [I'm] born to win, and I will take the belt."

Carli Lloyd stays winning on the soccer pitch AND the football field ... the USWNT star buried a 55-yard field goal at Eagles' practice -- and Philly's kicker himself was impressed!!!

Lloyd was at Eagles' practice Tuesday to cheer on her favorite football team (she's from New Jersey) and she decided to take a few kicks with Eagles stud kicker Jake Elliott after the workout.

Turns out, Carli's soccer skills translate to the gridiron ... 'cause she was nailing field goals all over the place -- including one from 55 yards out!!!

Oh, AND it was on a goalpost WAAAAYYYY smaller than regulation size!!!

"Unreal stuff!" Elliott said after the kicks ... "@CarliLloyd is very much #ForTheBrand."

Carli seemed to enjoy the day as well, writing of the practice, "Thank you to the @Eagles for having me out! Thanks to @JustinTuck @jake_elliott22 @MayorRandyBrown for the good time and tips!"

Ex-Michigan State star and NBA player Mateen Cleaves has been acquitted on ALL charges in his rape case ... after a jury determined the hooper was not guilty in court on Tuesday.

Cleaves -- who led Michigan State to a national title in 2000 -- was accused of taking a woman to a motel in 2015 and held her there against her will. The woman claimed Cleaves forced himself on her and raped her.

A jury of 9 women and 3 men deliberated for 2 1/2 hours before reaching the verdict.

Cleaves -- who has adamantly maintained the sex with the accuser was consensual -- had support from legendary Spartans coach, Tom Izzo, who attended the closing arguments in the Flint courtroom.

Breathe easy, Raiders fans ... Antonio Brown ain't getting the boot from Oakland -- Jon Gruden said the superstar practiced Tuesday with a certified helmet and is now "all in" with the team.

Of course, Raiders GM Mike Mayock was pissed at Brown over the weekend for not practicing while he fights the NFL over helmet issues ... and gave the WR a stern "all-in" or "all-out" ultimatum.

Clearly, AB is choosing the former ... 'cause Gruden said Brown put his problems with his helmet aside and fully practiced with the Raiders.

"He's all in, ready to go," Gruden said after the workout. "That's my understanding. Really happy to have him out here. He's a great player."

Gruden also said it appears Brown has put his frostbitten feet behind him ... saying he's under the impression AB is healthy and ready to go.

But, AB is still holding out hope he can switch back to his old helmet ... a source close to Brown confirmed with TMZ Sports on Monday that Brown has filed a new grievance with the league to try to get his old helmet cleared for at least the 2019 season.

Unclear when an independent arbitrator is set to hear Brown's case vs. the league, but NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported it's supposed to be "expedited."

Jimmy Garoppolo sucked on the field Monday night ... but Jerry Rice is giving the NFL star his unwavering support ... going to Twitter to defend the QB with a hilarious fail as bad as Jimmy's performance.

The 49ers signal-caller went 1 for 6 with 0 yards and an INT in his first game back since suffering a season-ending ACL injury in Week 3 last season ... resulting in an incredibly bad 0.0 QB rating.

But, don't freak out, fans ... the G.O.A.T. is here to make everything better!!!

"Relax everyone jimmy G . will be fine this year!!! Go miners" the G.O.A.T. tweeted.

Yes. Miners.

Hey, we all know Rice meant well after the team's $137 million man stunk it up, but the fumble on the vote of confidence is hilariously ironic.

As sure as Jimmy G will get to see another game, Rice got another shot at the tweet (which was deleted) ... and got it right the 2nd time around.

Conor McGregor just posted a message to Nate Diaz -- setting the groundwork for a 3RD FIGHT ... and telling Nate, "I'll be prepared."

The Irish superstar noted that Tuesday marks the 3-year anniversary of McGregor vs. Diaz II -- a fight Conor won by split decision at UFC 202 in 2016.

"3 years to the day myself and this Mexican animal went to war," Conor said.

Then he dropped this bomb -- "I’ll be prepared for it when we go again. If we go again."

"If not, respect always. A war for the ages. No bitch talk. Just real sh*t."

Conor also congratulated Diaz on his dominant victory over Anthony Pettis at UFC 241 over the weekend ... saying, "It was motivating to see it for my own comeback."

"I don’t blame you not mentioning me for the trilogy bout post fight, you know what I’m like when I get going. Vicious."

Conor hasn't fought since his loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229 in October -- and while Dana White has told us he expects to see Conor back in the Octagon in 2019, he hasn't specified an opponent.

Clearly, Conor has his eyes on Nate ... but Diaz called out Jorge Masvidal instead.

Carlos Carrasco is a BEAAAAAASSSSTTTT ... 'cause just a few months after being diagnosed with cancer -- the Indians star took the mound again, AND THREW 97 MPH!!!!

Cookie hit the injured list back on June 5 after docs told him he had leukemia. He was feeling sluggish ... and nobody with the team knew if he'd be back again this season.

But, Carlos fought like hell the past few weeks to get back on the diamond ... and the dude looked like he hadn't missed a day of throwing when he made his first Minor League rehab start for Double-A Akron on Monday night.

According to MLB.com's Mandy Bell, Carrasco hit 97 MPH with his first pitch of the night ... and followed that up with a few more heaters at 96.

The Indians stud finished with one strikeout, one walk and no hits or runs given up in his one inning of work ... and he left to a huge cheer from the crowd.

"It feels great because those people were behind me the whole way," Carrasco said. "From Day One until now."

Unclear when Carrasco will officially make his return to the Indians' big-league roster ... but manager Terry Francona said he anticipates having Carlos back in the bullpen sooner rather than later.

As for his timeline on a return, Carrasco said, "I'm ready to go."

Mets legend Darryl Strawberry ain't bitter that Pete Alonso is crushing his rookie home run record ... in fact, the dude is fired up for NY's newest superstar!!!

"That's pretty cool, man," Strawberry tells TMZ Sports ... "I'm really happy for him."

Darryl hit 26 bombs as a rookie for the Mets in 1983 ... and no first-year Met had come close to catching that mark since -- until Alonso this season.

But, Pete hasn't just caught that number ... he's destroyed it -- the rookie has 40 home runs this season, only 12 away from the most in MLB history for a rook.

Strawberry tells us he thinks it's awesome, saying out in NYC, "That's pretty cool, man, that after 36 years someone breaks your record. So, I'm really happy for him."

Straw says it ain't just Alonso he's rooting for this year ... he tells us he's still a huge fan of both the Yankees and the Mets' entire squads.

Ronda Rousey is so tough, she BROKE HER FINGER on the set of the "9-1-1" TV show -- BUT NEVER BROKE CHARACTER!!!

Ronda -- who plays an L.A. Fire Dept. badass on the show -- was shooting a scene in Mexico last week in which she was supposed to slam a door during a dramatic action moment.

But, as one source put it ... "She was a little over-exuberant and slammed the door on her finger."

We're told Ronda didn't wince, didn't complain, didn't mess up the scene ... instead, she continued to stay in character and finished the scene.

Only after the director yelled "cut," we're told, Ronda FINALLY acknowledged the injury -- saying, "Ow. You're not gonna like this!"

Ronda went to a doctor who diagnosed her with a broken finger -- which is NOTHING for the former UFC superstar.

She got a splint for her hand and went right back to work the next day, our sources tell us.

Hollywood ... it ain't for the weak.

NBA superstar Russell Westbrook believes DRONES are the way of the future -- so he's made it a mission to help at-risk youth learn to pilot 'em ... TMZ Sports has learned.

Brodie's Why Not? Foundation teamed up with Chad Brownstein and the LA Conservation Corps to help "at risk young adults" in Los Angeles learn digital skills that will help them get good paying jobs in the tech field.

Not only will the students learn coding and computer engineering -- but he's also created an "advanced drone piloting career path program" ... which sounds AWESOME!!!!

"As a kid who grew up here in LA, I know how important it is to feel supported and empowered by the community," Westbrook said ... "By helping to provide these resources my hope is that the youth will be able to see how bright their future can be and expand the vision of what they think they’re capable of."

Westbrook and Brownstein are also funding a state of the art computer lab -- which is huge for kids who don't have the resources to learn computer skills on their own.