TMZ Sports - Page 50

Move over Zion and RJ ... Chris Bosh says someone else deserves the title of best pick in the 2019 rookie class -- Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro!!!

With Williamson sidelined for a few months with a knee injury, the ex-Kentucky star has become one of the favorites to win Rookie of the Year ... and when we saw Bosh leaving Barstool Sports in NYC on Tuesday, he was clearly already on the Herro bandwagon.

"He's AWESOME!!!" Bosh told TMZ Sports. "Best pick in the draft!!! Best pick."

The Heat took Herro with the 13th pick in the draft after averaging 14 points a game for the Wildcats ... and the dude killed it in Summer League, averaging 19 points a game.

Of course, Bosh won 2 titles alongside LeBron James and Dwyane Wade during his time with the Heat ... and he's more than pleased with the organization's newest addition.

Ben Askren says there's a ZERO percent chance his next UFC fight ends after 5 seconds with a knee to the head. And, why's he so confident?

"I don’t think [Demian Maia] can jump that high!"

Ben's actually got a pretty great attitude going into Saturday's bout with Maia considering his last outing ... well it didn't go so well.

Askren was KO'd with a flying knee from Jorge Masvidal -- setting the record for fastest KO in UFC history.

"I think the best way to deal with adversity is obviously to hop right back in there so that’s what I did," Askren said.

"The UFC gave me the call pretty quickly after the Jorge Masvidal fight, and said ‘Hey would you want a main event in Singapore?’ And, I said 'Yeah, let’s go.' And, I thought that was a good time for me to hop back into the cage, so I’m excited."

Maia is currently the #10 ranked welterweight. Askren is #11 ... and Ben knows if he wins this fight, a title shot could be right around the corner.

"Obviously, I have to get the win on Saturday, and then once I do that, I can go to work calling people out and see where that can take me, but I don’t feel like I’m too far away from the top."

One of those guys at the top is Masvidal (ranked #3) ... and Ben says he's open for a rematch if the UFC is down.

"Yeah obviously that would be nice, and I think it would be an easy fight for me to get because the story’s so easy to tell."

This is the best video you'll see today!!!

7-year-old Avante Leaozinho -- who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 18 months -- had the time of his life hitting the ramps at a skate park with his mom ... and his reaction is perfect!!!

As it turns out, the skating fanatic has always wanted to hit the ramps, but his mother had difficulty finding a way to make it happen.

After several failed attempts with bikes and walkers, Avante's mom teamed up with SkateAnima, a company that specializes in assistance mechanisms for skaters with disabilities, to make Avante's dream come true ... and he loved every second of it.

The video is amazing ... Avante's mom pushes him throughout the skate park and up all the ramps ... and the smile on his face couldn't be bigger.

The video went super viral (for obvious reasons) ... and now the greatest skater EVER, Tony Hawk, has taken notice ... saying, "The stoke is contagious"!

Keep skating, Avante!!!

By the way, Tony also does a ton of work helping special needs skaters find a way to do what they love.

Earlier this month, he met with Renan Prasido -- a young skater with special needs -- after seeing an inspirational video of the kid hitting the ramps with his friends.

Team USA soccer co-captain Alex Morgan is pregnant with a baby girl -- which means Team USA is probably gonna win the 2039 Women's World Cup!!!

The 30-year-old striker announced the big news Wednesday with her husband, L.A. Galaxy midfielder Servando Carrasco ... saying their baby girl is due in April 2020.

FYI, Morgan and 31-year-old Carrasco have been together for years and tied the knot on New Year's Eve back in 2014. This will be their first child together.

Obviously, the news is GREAT for their family but it means Morgan will likely put her playing career on hold for a bit. Besides her spot on Team USA, Morgan also plays for the Orlando Pride of the NWSL.

Both Alex and Servando Instagrammed about the news. Serv wrote, "Can’t wait to meet my baby girl."

Alex said, "We are already in love and we haven’t even met her yet. Newest member of the Carrasco family, coming soon."

Congrats!!!

Julian Edelman ain't going to love this ...

Patriots DB Devin McCourty just threw some hilarious shade at the New England star ... saying Jules is now no longer the best-throwing wideout on the team!

And, why? McCourty tells TMZ Sports that honor belongs to his former Rutgers teammate Mohamed Sanu after New England just made the trade for him!!!

"I always tell Jules playing quarterback at Kent State is not much of an accomplishment," McCourty says, "because Sanu actually played quarterback my senior year in the Wildcat!"

If you're unfamiliar, Edelman has been the darling of Pats trick plays for years now ... using his college QB training to post a few passing TDs for New England since 2014.

But, McCourty says Edelman might have to compete with Sanu for future gadget plays ... 'cause he says the newly acquired WR has a stronger arm than even Tom Brady!!!

"If we need it, Josh McDaniels is always drawing something up," McCourty says. "I think Mo's QBR is really high, so, we can definitely use that in the offense."

FYI, McCourty ain't lying  ... Sanu -- who played with Devin for 1 year at Rutgers in 2009 -- has 7 career NFL completions for FOUR TDs on just EIGHT passing attempts!!

#BEAST

By the way, when McCourty, Edelman, Sanu and the Pats aren't just killing it on the field this season ... they're doing some huge things off of it.

Devin told us all about his upcoming charity Casino Night next week ... and explained to us why the cause he's supporting hits so close to home.

Seriously, it's awesome ... check it out!!!

WHOA!!!

Interesting moment at the Lakers vs. Clippers game ... when LeBron James' agent, Rich Paul, went to shake hands with ex-Cavs coach Ty Lue -- and Lue REJECTED HIM HARD!!!

Here's the quick backstory ... Lue was the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2016 to 2018 ... and only lasted 6 games into the 2018 season after LeBron bolted for L.A.

Lue had tried like hell to keep LeBron in Cleveland, knowing his fate was likely tied to the superstar ... and when Bron left, it was obvious Lue's fate was sealed.

Lue eventually got a job as an assistant coach with the L.A. Clippers -- and his team opened against LeBron's Lakers on Tuesday.

Obviously, Rich Paul was in the stands ... and at one point, was dapping it up with Clippers star Paul George when Lue came over to break it up.

Paul extended his hand and tried to get some love from Lue ... but Lue left him hanging and then stared down Paul's hand like he couldn't believe he would have the balls to try.

Paul laughed as Lue walked away ... while Lue was still jaw-jackin' back at Paul.

So, was it friendly ballbusting ... or is there real beef??? Unclear but the video is hilarious.

Logan Paul says the Mayweather family "doesn't give a f**k" if KSI wins their boxing rematch next month ... telling TMZ Sports Floyd's fam is only training him to promote their YouTube channel.

Of course, KSI has been training with some of the top guys in the industry -- including "team advisor" Jeff Mayweather (Floyd's uncle) -- leading up to the Nov. 9 bout at Staples Center, which will stream on DAZN.

24-year-old Paul was training at Wild Card Boxing gym in L.A. on Tuesday ... when he told us his opponent is being used by the legendary family for clout.

"I think the Mayweathers are smart. I think they know if they put KSI's name in their video, they'll get views on their YouTube channel," Logan said.

"Let's be honest. I'm pretty sure Floyd Mayweather or any of the Mayweathers don't give a f**k if he wins or loses the fight ... but you got those views on that YouTube channel!! Way to go!!"

FWIW -- we spoke with KSI earlier this month about his training ... and he's so serious about pursuing a career in the sport, he's already spent $300k of his own dough on training, diet, equipment, etc.

Lamar Odom says he was an "immature punk" when he broke up with Taraji P. Henson back in the day ... admitting he had no idea how to tell her he was falling for another woman, Khloe Kardashian.

Odom and Taraji dated on the low in 2009 -- Lamar has previously credited Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt for helping them get together in the first place.

During a new interview for the TV One series "Uncensored," Odom admits he was head over heels for Henson ... at first.

"She was a little older than me, but I learned a lot from her because that was the most significant relationship as a grown-up that I had with a black woman."

"I used to carry her picture on the road with me," the ex-NBA star said ... "She gave me inspiration."

Odom says just thinking about Henson used to motivate him on the court -- things like "getting to see her" would motivate him to destroy teams.

So, where did things go wrong? When he met Khloe ...

Odom has said he felt it was love at first sight with KK (they married just 1 month after meeting) ... but Lamar didn't know to handle the situation with Taraji.

"Things ended with Taraji because of me being an immature punk. I didn't know how to tell her I was falling in love with another woman named Khloe Kardashian."

Odom doesn't say in the clip if the two are still friendly -- but Taraji has obviously moved on. She's now engaged to former NFL cornerback Kelvin Hayden.

As for Lamar, he and Khloe broke up in 2013 -- but the divorce wasn't finalized until 2016.

IT'S BBBACK!!!

LaVar Ball is announcing the return of his Big Baller Brand -- saying the company will be back with brand new products ... including new signature shoes!!!

Remember, the BBB brand was thiiiiis close to death earlier this year when Lonzo Ball had his BBB tattoo covered up and his manager told fans to throw their BBB products in the garbage.

But, as we previously reported, LaVar hired a new staff and has been working on relaunching the brand for months ... and now he's released an official mission statement for BBB Version 2.0.

"The Big Baller Brand is alive and well," Ball says.

"The brand has been restructuring and we are working to reveal the new website in the next few weeks. It will have a new look and new name www.BigBallerBrandInc.com."

"LaVar Ball has put a great team of seasoned professionals in place to move the brand forward, with exciting new products, along with signature shoes, and sportswear."

What's interesting ... the BBB shoes have been widely panned since they were first released with a $495 price tag.

In fact, Lonzo went on a podcast back in September and said the ZO2 prototypes he would wear during NBA preseason games would regularly EXPLODE on him, significantly affecting his on-court performance.

At the time, it seemed like the final deathblow to the brand.

But, LaVar has maintained that he would bring BBB back to life ... and now, the comeback is closer than ever.

We spoke with LaVar a few weeks ago and he told us ALL of his sons would continue to work with the brand ... despite massive interest from outside shoe companies like Nike.

As for BBB co-founder Alan Foster, LaVar says the company has completely severed ties ever since Lonzo sued him for allegedly embezzling more than $2 million, allegations Foster has denied.

Good news wrestling fans ... Ronda Rousey WILL return to the WWE -- it's just a matter of time.

That's according to WWE honcho Triple H, who says the superstar just has a lot going on right now.

Ronda hasn't been inside the squared circle since WrestleMania back in April -- since then, she's been shooting TV shows and taking time to begin family planning.

Some people are worried we've seen the last of Ronda as a wrestler -- but The Cerebral Assassin says, "She'll be back at some point. She's just getting a lot done."

There's more ... Triple H hit on a bunch of topics while out in NYC.

-- Will 50-year-old Triple H get back in the ring and wrestle again?

"It all depends. Hopefully not. I'm too busy right now to try to. It's a lot of work to get in the ring. Still training all the time, but a lot of work."

-- Is WWE targeting boxing champ Tyson Fury for a full-time contract?

"I'm sure he's got a lot left to do in the boxing world. He's got Deontay Wilder coming up at the beginning of the year ... but never say never. He's custom-made for what we do, right??"

One issue with Tyson Fury ... after this clip was shot, Fury reportedly injured his ankle in a WWE training session. Scripted injury? Maybe. But, maybe not!

Everyone loves free shirts, right? But, would you grab a free "Free Hong Kong" shirt on your way into a Lakers game?

That's the question some Lakers and Clippers fans asked themselves Tuesday as they walked past an anti-China protest outside Staples Center.

A handful of people were handing out shirts with the same 7 words that Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey tweeted out earlier this month, "Fight for Freedom, Stand with Hong Kong."

The protesters also held signs mocking LeBron James -- calling him the "King of Chinese Money."

One of the protesters, who just returned from Hong Kong a few weeks ago, says people there are still pissed at LeBron for condemning Morey.

He also wanted to remind Bron ... "[People in Hong Kong] buy shoes, too!"

The plan worked ... several people grabbed the shirts -- and one kid even held one up for the Staples Center dance cam (though the camera almost immediately panned away).

LeBron didn't seem too affected by the protest ... he played fine. Just not good enough to get the W. The Clippers won 112 to 102.

Tons of stars made the drive to Staples to catch the game ... including Kate Hudson, Chadwick Boseman, Chloe Kim, Adam DeVine and more!

Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox grabbed a shotgun to to scare off a man trying to enter his home last week ... and it seems the suspect was pissed about a woman.

According to court documents obtained by Action News in Philly, a man identified as Corbyn Nyemah arrived to Cox's home -- baseball bat in hand -- looking for his ex-girlfriend, who he believed was inside.

Nyemah allegedly used the bat to attack the woman's car -- and also threw rocks at Cox's front door. Cox says the man tried to force his way into the home multiple times, so he grabbed his shotgun and called police.

Nyemah fled the scene in a Porsche SUV and led cops on a wild chase through town -- but once officials were able to identify the suspect, they stopped pursuit to avoid a dangerous situation. Nyemah was arrested at a later date by U.S. Marshals and is now facing criminal charges.

Action News tracked down Nyemah at his home -- and reportedly fessed up to most of the allegations against him.

He's due in court later this month.

Nyemah's ex-girlfriend has since obtained a restraining order against the suspect.

It's not the first time Cox has been caught up in a love triangle -- he was previously sued by a man who claims Cox hooked up with his wife while they were still together.

The man went after Cox for alienation of affection, claiming the NFL star is essentially a homewrecker.

A famous gold medal-winning Paralympic athlete died Tuesday after taking her own life through euthanasia in Belgium, officials confirm.

40-year-old Marieke Vervoort battled degenerative spinal disease -- yet was able to compete in wheelchair racing at the highest levels.

She won two medals at the 2016 Paralympic games in Brazil and famously clinched a GOLD medal during the 2012 Paralympics in London.

But, when she wasn't competing, Vervoort lived with extreme physical pain which sometimes limited her to only sleeping for 10 minutes a night.

Vervoort also suffered epileptic seizures -- and in one case in 2014, a seizure caused her to spill boiling water on her legs while cooking pasta. She suffered major injuries and was hospitalized for several months as a result.

Vervoort had considered euthanasia for years and began planning for the end of her life back in 2016.

In fact, Vervoort spent her last night surrounded by friends and family, sipping on sparkling wine ... just as she planned.

After her passing, the Belgian royal family issued a statement praising their Paralympic hero -- saying, "Marieke 'Wielemie' Vervoort was an athlete tough as nails and a great lady. Her death touches us deeply."

Two big wins for the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday ... they beat the Pelicans -- and team President Masai Ujiri beat a battery charge.

Remember, Ujiri was accused of shoving a Sheriff's deputy in the moments after the Raptors won the NBA championship back in June. The officer claimed he suffered a concussion and a jaw injury in the altercation.

Cops investigated for months ... and on Tuesday evening -- right around the time the 2019-20 NBA season kicked off -- the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office finally announced they would NOT charge Ujiri with a crime.

"The District Attorney's Office has determined that no criminal charges will be filed in the matter," they said in a statement.

"Mr. Ujiri attended a meeting with the District Attorney's Office focused on matters that we believe merited constructive, structured mediation and conflict resolution and were better handled in a setting outside the courtroom."

Officials say investigators conducted a "thorough review of the entirety of the matter" and ultimately decided against charges.

"Both Mr. Ujiri and the Sheriff's Dept. were made aware of and were in agreement with the decision to handle this matter by way of the meeting, which took place on Monday Oct. 21, 2019."

"There will be no further action taken by the D.A.'s Office."

Unclear if the alleged victim will take civil action -- but where there's money, there's usually a lawsuit ... and Ujiri and the Raptors have money.

Antonio Brown got "FREEEE" from the Raiders ... and now he's trying to get "FREEEE" from his awesome Oakland pad ... listing the Bay Area home for $3.3 million!!!

Of course, AB's time in the Silver and Black lasted a whoppin' 181 days ... but prior to all the drama during that short time, Brown bought the Alamo home earlier this year.

Now, the NFL superstar has listed the pad through listing agent Maria Afzal and Next Move.

The 4,199 square-foot crib has 6 beds, 5.5 bathrooms, a master suite with a huge walk-in closet and a marble bathroom ... as well as a big patio with a huge pool and hot tub.

The backyard is where AB's infamous celebration went down after the Raiders released him ... so if you wanna channel your inner Antonio Brown, all you gotta do is cough up $3,375,000!!!

Brown briefly switched coasts to play for the Patriots for one game ... before eventually going without a team for the rest of the season (so far).

As we previously reported ... Brown is also parting ways with his Pittsburgh mansion (which is listed at $2.3 million) ... so there's a lot of AB property on the market right now.

Pornhub has taken down hidden camera footage shot inside of a women's locker room at a South Carolina college amid a police investigation ... and cops have ID'd a "person of interest."

Officials say someone installed a hidden camera in the visiting locker room at Limestone College in Gaffney, S.C. around late 2012 and recorded footage for months.

The footage reportedly captured women from at least 5 different schools in the act of changing, showering, etc. None of the women knew they were being recorded.

The creep who had the footage didn't upload the video to Pornhub until 2019 -- and that's when someone came across the video and reported it to Limestone officials.

Cops launched an investigation -- and the 5 videos were ultimately removed from Pornhub last week.

Pornhub's VP Blake White commented on the situation saying, "Through the years, we have supported legislation that has made revenge porn illegal and have also worked directly alongside local authorities on individual cases to assist in prosecution. On our platform, we strongly condemn non-consensual content, including revenge porn."

Officials say they have identified a "person of interest" in the case -- who was NOT a student -- but did say the person was "associated with the school at the time."

Limestone College also issued a statement saying its "primary goal continues to be the safety of our students, faculty, staff, and guests."