TMZ Sports - Page 50

UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture suffered a heart attack on Wednesday and is currently in intensive care at an L.A. hospital, TMZ Sports has learned.

The 56-year-old legend -- a 3-time UFC Heavyweight champ -- walked himself to the hospital on Wednesday after feeling something was off after a workout at the Unbreakable MMA gym in L.A. He was admitted and treated immediately. The good news, sources close to Randy tell us he's expected Randy to make a full recovery.

Couture is widely considered one of the greatest MMA fighters of all-time with victories over guys like Chuck Liddell, Tito Ortiz, Vitor Belfort and more.

In fact, Couture fought competitively late into his 40s ... taking on Lyoto Machida for the UFC Lightweight Championship in 2011 when Randy was 46 years old. Couture lost that fight, but still, amazing.

Couture also built a career as an actor starting with a cameo on the CBS show, "The Unit" which snowballed into bigger roles in bigger projects.

Couture went on to appear in a bunch of 'The Expendables' movies alongside Sylvester Stallone ... and later starred in the 2011 movie, "Setup," with Bruce Willis and 50 Cent.

In 2014, Couture competed on "Dancing with the Stars" with his pro dancer partner, Karina Smirnoff. He wasn't the greatest dancer in the world, but he was a fan favorite.

Couture is a regular at Jay Glazer's Unbreakable Gym in L.A., where he still trains alongside MMA legends like Chuck Liddell.

Back in the day, Couture was a high school wrestling phenom and won a state championship in Washington. He went on to serve in the U.S. Army from 1982 to 1988 and made Sergeant in the 101st Airborne.

After the Army, Couture made the U.S. Olympic team as an alternate for the '88, '92 and '96 Games.

Couture was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2006, only the 4th fighter to be enshrined. Couture had retired at the time but came back to fight several more times.

Couture has 3 children including son Ryan Couture, an MMA fighter who competes for Bellator.

File under -- Tall People Problems.

7'6" Boston Celtics rookie Tacko Fall has entered NBA's concussion protocol ... after the big man hit his head on a "low ceiling."

Fall -- who's quickly become a fan favorite in the league -- recently told MassLive the incident happened when he was washing his hands at the team facility after a workout ... and didn't notice a low ceiling.

The 23-year-old told the outlet that he hit his head, but didn't think anything of it until he woke up the next morning and wasn't feeling well.

Fall ended up in concussion protocol, but Celtics coach Brad Stevens says he should be okay soon.

Of course, the ex-UCF star told us back in April all about being a walking skyscraper ... saying he's always taller than the shower heads!!!

A reporter in Russia asked Conor McGregor to his face about the rape allegation against him in Ireland ... but the host of Conor's media event shut it down before Conor could answer.

McGregor had invited Russian media to Moscow for a mystery press conference Thursday --  with Conor's team teasing the event this way, "Perhaps he will make statements about his imminent return to the octagon."

Of course, Conor DID address his fighting career and his whiskey business -- but when one reporter tried to ask about McGregor's legal issues ... he was stopped in his tracks.

The whole exchange went down in Russian -- so we got it translated and this is what we were told happened.

The reporter starts off friendly and praises Conor as a top athlete but says he wants to ask a serious question: "News is coming out that Conor McGregor raped a 20-year-old lady."

The moderator cuts him off saying, "We're not going to talk about that today."

She praised the reporter as a good guy -- but warns him to "behave himself."

FYI, Conor is reportedly being accused of sexually assaulting a woman in her 20s outside of Dublin pub. He was also accused of raping a woman back in December. Earlier this week, McGregor "emphatically denied" the recent allegations.

Antonio Brown is making his return!!!

... to another courthouse -- 'cause the NFL star has just agreed to retake his deposition in his condo-trashing lawsuit on Dec. 12, after the first one ended in complete disaster.

Remember, AB -- who's been teamless since his release from the Patriots last month -- is being sued for allegedly trashing his fancy Miami-area condo last year.

But, during his first deposition in the case last month ... the attorneys for the place -- The Mansions at Acqualina -- say he was a complete monster during the proceedings.

In court docs, they allege Brown showed up late ... "chanted over and over" during questioning -- and was overall "defiant" and "profane."

They also allege AB inexplicably left the depo early ... saying out of nowhere he gave them a 5-minute countdown and walked out of the office building long before the meeting was scheduled to end.

Opposing counsel demanded the judge order AB to sit for a second depo -- but before the matter went before the court, Brown's team agreed to the request.

They even set a date and location ... Dec. 12 (during the NFL's Week 12) at the Dade County Courthouse.

In fact, Brown's hearing is slated for just hours before the Jets kick off against the Ravens on "Thursday Night Football."

Greatest first pitch in World Series history!? Maybe!

Simone Biles took the mound -- and busted out a twisting backflip!!! -- before grabbing the ball Wednesday and heaving it to Houston Astros player Jake Marisnick.

The crowd went absolutely wild for the Team USA gymnastics star as Jake grabbed the ball and signed it before handing it back.

Unfortunately for the home team, the Astros proceeded to get DESTROYED in a 12-3 shellacking at Minute Maid Park in Game 2 against the Washington Nationals.

Houston is now down 0-2 in the series and if you know how superstitious baseball players are ... Biles might never get asked back to throw another pitch!!!

22-year-old Biles wasn't born in Texas -- but she moved there when she was 3 and was essentially raised in the Houston area. She still lives and trains there.

Biles told NBC Sports she was nervous about throwing out the pitch ... saying, "Gymnastics is the only sport I’ve ever done, so when it comes to anything else, I’m literally terrified.

"So, I get more nervous doing this stuff than competing, which is really weird. So, yeah, hopefully I don’t end up on celebrity fails."

She didn't. It was awesome.

BTW, Biles has a history of CRUSHING first pitches at baseball games ... back in 2016, she busted out a crazy front flip thingy while tossing the first pitch in an Astros vs. Mariners game!!!

Now that the baseball game is out of the way, the 4'8" Biles can focus back on dominating everyone at the 2020 Olympics!!!

#USA #USA #USA

NFL defensive lineman Malik McDowell just pled guilty to charges in his violent cop fighting case ... but there's a chance he won't spend any more time behind bars.

McDowell -- a 2017 Seattle Seahawks second-round pick -- was busted back in February in Lathrup Village, Mich. after a traffic stop turned with a cop turned violent.

McDowell was pulled over at a gas station after cops say he was speeding and driving recklessly ... but when he refused to cooperate with one of the officer's commands, a brawl ensued inside the convenience store.

You can see in video, obtained by TMZ Sports ... McDowell roughed up the officer to the point where the cop was forced to tase him ... but even that didn't stop the 6'6", 300-pound D-lineman.

Eventually, more officers arrived on scene to help subdue McDowell ... and ultimately, Malik was arrested.

The 23-year-old was hit with a slew of charges for the incident ... including felony assaulting and resisting and misdemeanor operating while intoxicated.

To make matters worse for the guy ... he ended up getting arrested a SECOND time in April after Michigan cops suspected him of stealing a $75,000 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor.

He was eventually charged with felony receiving and concealing stolen property in that case.

But, according to court records, McDowell pled "guilty as charged" in both cases at a hearing Wednesday.

It's unclear what McDowell's punishment will be for the pleas ... but a rep for the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office tells us a diversion program instead of jail time IS on the table.

McDowell is due for a sentencing hearing in court later next month.

MMA fighter Justin Wren was sick to his stomach when he saw video of kids repeatedly beating up a 12-year-old boy with special needs ... so he decided to do something about it!

The horrifying footage of Rayden -- who's autistic, diabetic and deaf in his right ear -- is going viral ... showing a bunch of kids mercilessly beating and mocking him. It got so bad, Rayden began scribbling suicidal messages on his arm.

Wren's blood began to boil when he heard about the story -- so he got in contact with Rayden's family to see if he could help out and they gladly accepted the offer.

Besides rallying celebrities, pro fighters and the public to show support for Rayden, Wren -- who runs Fight For The Forgotten -- also brought him to a hyperbaric treatment center to help Rayden recover from his injuries.

"Been with Rayden over 20 days now. Taking him to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy because he was diagnosed with a concussion," Justin tells us.

"We are organizing something to help him and his family with medical bills and maybe something else really amazing!"

WWE legend Mick Foley also sent a video message to Rayden -- saying, "I am standing with you."

"If there is anything I can do to help you and make your day a little better, I sure will."

Foley added, "I am the father of a child on the autism spectrum, so you are a part of my extended family. I'll do anything in my power to help you."

Bellator champ Rafael Lovato Jr. also met up with Rayden -- and let him wear the championship belt!!!

Conor McGregor just announced his return to the Octagon -- saying he WILL fight on Jan. 18 in Las Vegas ... but his opponent is still shrouded in mystery.

The UFC star just held a media event in Russia, where he's promoting his Irish whiskey, and of course the conversation turned to his fighting career.

After trashing Khabib Nurmagomedov and telling reporters he would NOT wait around for Khabib to agree to a rematch, Conor said he's ready to move forward with his career.

"I would like to announce the return of The Notorious Conor McGregor will take place on January 18 in the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada,” McGregor said.

"That is my comeback fight. It’s 12 weeks this Saturday. I’m in prime physical condition. I have agreed the date with the company. As far as the opponent, I have the opponent’s name, but for me, the game I am in and from experience, if I was to give you people the name, which I would love to do, I know the UFC would flip it because they’re a crafty company."

Conor says to ask the UFC to reveal the opponent because "I don't give a f**k who the opponent is."

McGregor says the Jan. 18 fight will be "the beginning of my season" ... as he teased more fights in 2020.

"I will then look to compete against the winner of Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal for the Bad MotherF**ker title. Obviously, I have history with Nate Diaz, we are set to make the trilogy bout, so we will see how that goes."

"Then I will seek [a] Moscow bout and it will be against the winner of Tony Ferguson and .  Khabib Nurmagomedov."

Conor botched the pronunciation of Khabib's name ... but told reporters, "I can't even say the guy's name. Who gives a f**k what the guy's name is."

Conor adds of a possible fight with Khabib -- "The people of the world deserve this bout to take place. It is an inevitable rematch. It is a rematch that I will come in sharp, fresh, I will have no injuries, I will have no alcohol, I will have no outside influences, I will be fully focused -- exactly what the people deserve. Exactly what the fans deserve, and we will settle it once for all."

If Jon Jones really wants a piece of Francis Ngannou, The Predator tells TMZ Sports he's 1 million percent down to clash with the UFC superstar!!!

Of course, it's not that simple ... Jon's the light heavyweight champ and currently fights at 205 lbs. Francis is the #2 ranked heavyweight ... and negotiations haven't even gotten started yet.

But, Ngannou says the bottom line is that he's game ... IF Jon's serious about moving up a weight class and actually signing on the dotted line.

"Listen, let's be clear about something. If that's what you want to know, if I would fight Jon Jones if he goes up to heavyweight, of course. I would say the same thing as he says, it's inevitable if Jon Jones goes to heavyweight. I'm gonna fight him."

Francis is referring to a tweet Jones sent Tuesday night ... when a fan asked him if he could ever imagine himself fighting Ngannou.

Jones -- who recently said none of the light heavyweight contenders excite him -- responded ... "I feel like that fight is inevitable."

During our conversation with Ngannou, he also revealed the UFC offered him a crack at Alexander Volkov on November 9 -- with only 18 days notice -- but says he rejected the fight 'cause he didn't have time to prep and fighting a lower-ranked guy didn't make sense.

Greg Hardy -- who we spoke to about the match on Tuesday -- ultimately accepted the fight.

While he waits, Ngannou -- coming off KO's of Curtis Blaydes, Cain Velasquez and Junior dos Santos -- is clearly frustrated with the UFC ... 'cause he thinks they're dragging their feet booking him a fight.

"I just want to tell the UFC to pay me some respect and give me a damn fight, that's what I'm asking for. I was expecting to have a fight by December to make my Christmas and New Year for my family," Francis tells us.

"Hey, man ... I need a fight. I need to make money."

Cash ... well, a Jon Jones fight would make hella money.

"I will be buying an AR-15 tomorrow, because if you impeach MY PRESIDENT this way, YOU WILL HAVE ANOTHER CIVAL WAR!!! #MAGA2020”

This is what MLB umpire Rob Drake's Twitter account posted and quickly deleted on Tuesday night, according to ESPN ... and now the league has launched an investigation into the situation.

Drake -- who has been outspoken over his frustrations with the House of Representatives impeachment proceedings with President Trump -- has since deactivated his Twitter account.

Before tweeting his plans to buy the assault rifle, Drake also said "You can't do an impeachment inquiry from the basement of Capital Hill without even a vote! What is going on in this country?" earlier in the day.

FYI -- Drake umped his first MLB game in 1999 and joined the league's full-time staff in 2010. He's been involved in many major events including the All-Star Game and playoffs, although he is not on the current postseason roster.

It's important to note -- Drake didn't break any laws with what he said, but clearly the tweet is concerning enough from a PR standpoint that the league wants to get in front of it.

L.A. Clippers guard Patrick Beverley's ball chuckin' celebration after beating the Lakers is gonna cost him a piece of that new contract he just signed ... 'cause the NBA just fined him $25k for the toss.

Beverley had possession of the ball with the clock winding down in the Clips' 112-102 win over the Lakers on Tuesday ... and instead of handing the ball to the ref next to him, Bev threw it into the stands.

Kiki VanDeWeghe -- EVP of Basketball Operations at the Association -- announced the hefty punishment on Wednesday ... saying Beverley was fined "for throwing the game ball into the spectator stands."

FWIW -- Beverley inked a 3-year, $40 million deal this past off-season ... so the dude can afford it.

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!!!