UFC's Kamaru Usman Gunning to Be the Next 'Bachelor' ... I'm Dead Serious!!!
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UFC welterweight champ Kamaru Usman says he's got BIG things lined up for 2020 -- not just in the Octagon -- in fact, he wants to be the next 'Bachelor.'
... and yeah, HE'S SERIOUS!!!
The 32-year-old fighter had a huge year in 2019 -- not only defeating Tyron Woodley to win the welterweight belt but also beating the hell out of Colby Covington in a jaw-breaking performance at UFC 245.
So, how do you top that in 2020? Kamaru's got a plan ...
"I'm gonna blow it out of the water," Usman says ... suggesting he could try his hand at acting or broadcasting.
As for "The Bachelor," Usman first floated the idea back in October ... but now hopes his high-profile win over Colby will help him get on the show!
"Hopefully they were watching and they decided we need to pull the trigger on this!"
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Meek Mill & REFORM Alliance Team NBA Store Shopping Spree for Kids ... Then, a TB Meet & Greet!!!
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Meek Mill and a few friends teamed up to give back to kids who are sadly impacted by a broken prison system -- giving them major cash to blow ... and a chance to meet a G.O.A.T.
It all went down Saturday morning in NYC, where Meek, 76ers partner Michael Rubin, Brooklyn Nets co-owner Clara Wu Tsai, Nets player Caris LeVert and DJ Khaled himself all gathered with dozens of children and their families at the NBA Store for the generous holiday giveaway.
Saturday's event was put together by the REFORM Alliance -- the criminal justice org Meek and co. created to get people out from behind bars when they don't belong there.
Check out the clip though ... Michael, Meek and an apparent NBA Store employee explain to the group that each kid and family will get a minimum of $500 to spend on anything they want inside. Some bigger fams were given more to spend. All on the house, of course.
Mark Consuelos Gets Heated ... At Son's Wrestling Match
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Mark Consuelos is just like all those parents out there getting a little too involved in their kids' sporting events ... because he caused a scene at his son's wrestling match.
Check out this video of the "Riverdale" star getting heated at a wrestling tournament on Long Island ... you see Mark coming out of the crowd and onto the mat, seemingly incensed with his son's opponent.
Mark makes his move after his 16-year-old son, Joaquin, gets his headgear ripped off by his foe. You hear other concerned parents yelling for Consuelos to get off the mat, and another adult has to push him back towards the stands.
Folks who were there tell us Mark's wife, Kelly Ripa, was also there and kept her cool while her husband rushed to their son's defense.
While the parents were getting riled up, the kids showed some serious sportsmanship ... shaking hands and resuming their match.
We're told Joaquin's opponent won the match and Mark was vocally and visibly upset, leaving the gym for a few hours to cool off before eventually returning to the all-day tournament.
We reached out to Mark ... no word back, so far.
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Al Unser Jr. Goes Ballistic On Cops In DUI Video Cusses, Rants and Falls Down a Hill
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"You hunted my ass. F**k you!"
That's what racing legend Al Unser Jr. told a police officer during a DUI arrest in May -- right after he drunkenly fell down a hill in a wild arrest captured on video.
Unser -- who won the Indy 500 twice -- was pulled over in Avon, Indiana on May 20 when an officer saw him speeding and swerving all over the highway around 1:12 AM.
During the stop, the 57-year-old gets out of his car barefoot and smoking a cigarette -- and the officer immediately notices the smell of booze from both Unser and the car. Unser claims he reeks because he was "kissing on a girl" just 5 minutes before.
As the officer asks Unser to walk toward the sidewalk and out of the street, the racing legend stumbles over a curb and falls down an embankment.
The officer helps Unser up -- but Al is pissed off and accuses the cop of "hunting" for him that night ... just so he could pull over a famous person.
Once he gets cuffed and put in the cruiser, Al really gets mad -- dropping F-bomb after F-bomb after F-bomb ... while taunting the cop for the way he's driving.
At one point, a rambling, babbling Unser makes a comment about "shooting" cops -- to which the officer replies, "Are you saying you want to shoot cops?"
Unser sort of explains that he meant the cops were TREATING him like someone who wants to shoot cops.
When the officer informs Unser he's going to jail for DUI, the racing legend begins to LAUGH MANIACALLY ... and then says, "Thank you very much you motherf**ker!"
Unser was eventually charged with DUI, improper lane change and speeding and was facing up to a year behind bars. But, he cut a sweet deal with prosecutors in August where he pled guilty to DUI and the remaining charges were dropped.
He was sentenced to 363 days of probation, 480 hours of community service and he must complete a victim impact panel, where he discusses the perils of drunk driving.
Al's driver's license was also suspended for a year from the date of the arrest.
The craziest part about the whole incident ... the arresting officer told Unser at the start of the arrest that he was a RACING FAN and seemed like he wanted to help Unser, not drop the hammer on him.
This wasn't Al's first DUI -- he was arrested in 2007 and 2011 and has talked publicly about his battles with alcohol.
Unser retired from racing in 2007 after a legendary career in which he won the Indy 500 in 1992 and 1994.
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Wink Martindale I Want Tickets To Ravens Game ... Payment For Their DC Stealing My Nickname!!!
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Don "Wink" Martindale, listen up ... the OG Wink Martindale wants tickets to a Ravens game ASAP as payment for letting ya snag his nickname!!!
We got the legendary personality out at Craig's this month ... and when we asked him about Baltimore's defensive coordinator borrowing his famous moniker, Wink was HILARIOUS with our photog.
"I think I'm gonna sue him for using my name!" Wink said with a laugh, before adding, "I love it! I love it! I get mentioned on Ravens games, I love it!"
But, even though Wink is all kinds of down to hear his name at NFL games, he still would like to see some ROI ... and says tickets to watch Lamar Jackson up close would do the trick!
"Get the word to him," Wink says. "I want an invite!"
Bad news for the Ravens' Wink? There's only one home game left for Baltimore in the regular season ... which means the DC might have to pony up for playoff tix in January.
But, hey ... small price to pay for a dope nickname, right?!?
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Al Harrington NBA Will Follow MLB's Weed Lead ... Eventually
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DECEMBER 2019
Here's a shocker ... Al Harrington is STOKED that weed is now legal in MLB, telling TMZ Sports it's about time baseball players can LEGALLY use pot to treat pain.
The former NBA player is a HUGE marijuana advocate -- he even has his own Viola cannabis company -- and has met with powerful figures (like ex-NBA commish David Stern) in the hopes of ending the weed ban in major pro sports.
So, when Major League Baseball finally removed weed from its list of banned substances, Harrington called it a "beautiful thing" that will make the sport safer.
"Athletes should have access to cannabis as an alternative way to medicate and for pain management across the board," Harrington says.
One of the motivating factors in MLB's decision is the death of Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs -- who died from an overdose of painkillers -- fentanyl and oxycodone.
The logic is that if Skaggs could have used marijuana, he might not have used opioids.
Harrington notes the NFL could be the next major sports league to change their anti-pot policy ... with owners like Jerry Jones sensing weed could be approved when they renegotiate the collective bargaining agreement in 2021.
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'Junior' Johnson NASCAR Legend Dead at 88
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Robert Glenn "Junior" Johnson -- one of NASCAR's first superstars -- has died, the racing organization announced on Friday. He was 88.
Johnson won the Daytona 500 in 1960 ... and had 50 career wins and 148 top-10 finishes. He was named one of NASCAR's 50 greatest drivers in 1998.
"From his early days running moonshine through the end of his life, Junior wholly embodied the NASCAR spirit," Chairman and CEO Jim France said in a statement.
"He was an inaugural NASCAR Hall of Famer, a nod to an extraordinary career as both a driver and team owner."
"Between his on-track accomplishments and his introduction of Winston to the sport, few have contributed to the success of NASCAR as Junior has."
Johnson was a successful team owner ... and his drivers accounted for 6 Winston Cup Championships and 139 race wins.
"The entire NASCAR family is saddened by the loss of a true giant of our sport, and we offer our deepest condolences to Junior’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
The "Wilkes County Wildman" retired from the sport in 1966 ... and was the most successful driver to never win a championship.
#RIP
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UFC's Tyron Woodley Usman's Win Over Colby Makes Me Sick ... 'F**k Em Both'
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Tyron Woodley says he was "disgusted'" with the Kamaru Usman vs. Colby Covington fight ... admitting, "I wanted to throw up [over] the fact I lost to Usman."
"F**k both of them."
The former UFC welterweight champ spells it all out on this week's 'Hollywood Beatdown' -- saying both guys looked weak during their UFC 245 title fight ... and neither man fought smart.
"As far as IQ, moving your fucking head maybe!? ... I didn't see a lot of that."
Woodley also says when it comes to power -- neither guy showed anything special, despite the fact Kamaru broke Colby's jaw in the 2nd round.
The champion @USMAN84kg turned up the heat in the fifth round 🔥 #UFC245 pic.twitter.com/QTjzkXCT7e
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) December 15, 2019 @espnmma
"If I would have punched Colby, he may be on life support right now."
Of course, Usman is the guy who beat Tyron to take his welterweight belt back in March. Tyron hasn't been back in the Octagon since ... but says he's looking for a big-money fight, even if it's in the boxing ring.
Woodley says he's getting his boxing license in California and Nevada and is seriously hoping to land a fight with Canelo Alvarez.
There's a lot more in this episode ... from Tyron's thoughts on Conor McGregor vs. Cowboy Cerrone to his upcoming plans with the FaZe Clan and why he's got a ton of respect for Jorge Masvidal.
Check out 'The Hollywood Beatdown' on the TMZ Sports YouTube page.
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Army vs. Navy Football West Point Clears Cadets of Hate Speech ... Over 'OK' Hand Gestures
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West Point says it does NOT believe 3 cadets were trying to promote white supremacy by flashing the "OK" hand gesture at the Army vs. Navy football game ... saying it was all a "misplaced joke."
Military officials launched an investigation after the cadets were spotted using the hand gesture multiple times during the ESPN broadcast of the Dec. 14 game.
As we previously reported, the Anti-Defamation League and other watchdog groups have said the hand symbol has been co-opted by white supremacy organizations ... which is why people were shocked to see the cadets flash the sign so proudly on-air.
But now, West Point has released the findings of their investigation -- and they insist the cadets were not trying to promote a racist agenda.
TMZ Staff Gets Ugly in the Office ... Holiday Sweater Party!!!
It wouldn't be the holidays without sporting a Santa hat, popping on a hideous sweater and exchanging gifts with your coworkers ... and we here at TMZ are no different.
Check out our staff's collection of clashing colors as we merrily move around the office in goofy garb ... spreading Christmas cheer and Hanukkah happiness (the donuts provided certainly help).
The holiday tops feature a wide range of seasonal subject matter, pop culture references, adult-themed humor and, of course ... plenty of cats and dogs.
We truly hope you all enjoy the holidays, finish off 2019 strong and have a happy, happy New Year. Cheers!
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Joe Horn Facing 10 Years Behind Bars ... After Pleading Guilty To NFL Health Care Fraud
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Joe Horn is facing 10 YEARS in prison after the ex-NFL star just pled guilty to scamming the NFL's retired player health care plan out of nearly $150,000.
The former New Orleans Saint was one of several ex-NFL players -- including Clinton Portis -- who was charged by federal prosecutors earlier this month with defrauding the Gene Upshaw NFL Player Health Reimbursement Account Plan.
Officials say Horn, along with 10 other ex-NFLers, sought reimbursements for things like expensive medical equipment and prescriptions that they never bought in the first place.
But, instead of fighting the case in court, 47-year-old Horn agreed to plead guilty on Thursday to one charge of conspiracy to commit health care fraud.
According to court docs obtained by TMZ Sports, the charge carries a sentence of up to 10 YEARS behind bars ... as well as fine of up to $250,000 -- plus probation.
But, it seems Horn took the plea deal with the hopes a judge will take it easy on him at his sentencing hearing later next year.
As for the details of the plea agreement -- according to the docs, Horn admitted to submitting two false claims that totaled up to $149,775 ... and will have to pay that back.
Horn is one of the greatest Saints of all-time ... logging 7,865 receiving yards and 51 receiving TDs in his 7 years in a New Orleans uniform.
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Charles Oakley Anthony Davis Is No Franchise Player ... 'He Ain't That Guy'
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Anthony Davis is NOT the kind of player you build a team around -- he's a #2 and will always be a #2 -- so says Charles Oakley.
The NY Knicks legend was out at Parish In NYC on Thursday when we asked if the Knicks should make a run at The Brow when he becomes a free agent at the end of the season.
Oak scoffed ... saying AD has no reason to L.A. because he's on a winning team with a true franchise player in LeBron James.
We asked if he thinks Davis will want to build his OWN team in another city after his time with the Lakers is up ... and that's when Oakley gave it to us straight.
"He ain't that type of player," Oakley said ... "He was in New Orleans and didn't do it. I don't know him personally but he ain't that guy."
"Whenever you go play with somebody else you ain't that guy, I don't care what you say."
Oakley noted there are only 3 or 4 guys in the league who are true franchise players -- in the sense you can build around them -- including LeBron, Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard.
Gotta hand it to Oakley ... the guy doesn't sugarcoat anything!
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Greatest Police Dog Ever Takes Down Perp With Insane LeBron-esque Superjump
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12:28 PM PT -- TMZ Sports just spoke to Corona PD officer Michael Neff and K9 Duke ... and the two were in great spirits despite a wild night.
Neff tells us he didn't get to bed until around 6:30 AM PT this morning ... but says both he and Duke have no injuries to report after the arrest.
As for what Duke's reward was for being the hero ... Neff tells us, "He gets a hug and an atta boy!"
10:47 AM PT -- A Corona Police Department spokesperson tells TMZ Sports the dog -- AKA Duke -- is "totally good" after the altercation.
"He doesn't have any injuries," the spokesperson added.
WHO'S A GOOD BOY?!?! YOU ARE!! YES, YOU ARE!!!
Check out this AMAZING video of a crazy athletic police dog JUMPING THROUGH A BROKEN GLASS WINDOW to apprehend a perp ... and man, wow.
Here's the deal ... cops in Fontana, CA were involved in a vehicular pursuit of a 31-year-old man suspected of stalking and attempting to injure his estranged wife.
Multiple law enforcement agencies were involved in the chase -- which eventually ended in Corona, CA ... where cops used a pit maneuver to stop the car.
A standoff ensues ... and this is where things got crazy!!!
Cops fired rubber bullets at the driver's side window -- and once they shattered the glass, SUPERDOG sprung into action ... flying through the glass and into the car to incapacitate the suspect.
The perp allegedly punched the dog, but the K9 wasn't fazed -- and cops were ultimately able to move in and take him into custody.
The suspect was hospitalized for minor injuries from a dog bite ... but hey, DON'T PUNCH DOGS!
We're trying to get info on the 4-legged hero ... stay tuned.
Originally Published -- 7:31 AM PT
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Chuck Liddell Serena Can Become a Legit Killer ... Training with Tyson!!!
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Chuck Liddell just got REAL fired up over that Serena Williams boxing video!!!
Not only does Chuck think Serena's a freak athlete with crazy potential (obviously), he thinks if she continues to train with Mike Tyson ... she could MURDER PEOPLE!!!
"Mike's a BAAAD man! Trust me! If she wants to fight and Mike teaches her? She'll be a BAAAD woman!"
Liddell notes that Serena has a long way to go -- "She looks like a girl who just learned how to punch" -- but if anyone has the ability to train up quick, it's her.
As for Mike, he's been working with a bunch of top athletes lately, giving pro tips to UFC stars like Francis Ngannou.
Tyson had previously said he intentionally stayed away from all things fighting because he doesn't want to turn into the animal he used to be back in his heyday ... but it seems obvious he's got a knack for coaching.
Will Serena turn her focus to fighting? Of course not. But, don't rule out Iron Mike getting more and more serious about training fighters in the future.
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Kameron Kelly Steelers Safety Arrested ... Punched In Face By Cop
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12:19 PM PT -- The Steelers announced they have waived Kelly following the arrest.
7:40 AM PT -- Kelly was allegedly punched in the face SEVERAL times by a cop before he was arrested ... according to more details in the court documents.
In the scuffle with officers that ensued after Kelly refused to leave the bar ... the court docs say, a cop needed to punch Kelly "multiple" times to subdue him.
The NFL player -- who suffered a "busted lip" in the scrap -- was taken to UPMC Mercy hospital for treatment, the docs say.
Steelers safety Kameron Kelly was arrested Friday ... after he allegedly made "terroristic threats" during an altercation at a Pittsburgh-area bar.
According to court documents obtained by KDKA, cops were called to Mario’s South Side Saloon after 23-year-old Kelly refused to leave the pub.
Police say Kelly was combative, and after they instructed him to leave the bar area ... he refused -- and still tried to make his way back in.
Cops also say Kelly had threatened a male bar staffer ... saying he would "knock out" the man.
Kelly was eventually arrested ... and according to court docs, he was hit with two misdemeanor charges of terroristic threats and one misdemeanor charge of resisting arrest.
The 6'2", 205-pound DB was slated for a preliminary arraignment hearing in an Allegheny County courtroom Friday.
Kelly has played in 14 games for the Steelers this season ... logging an interception and 21 tackles.
Originally published -- 7:10 AM PT
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Julian Edelman Rips Spygate II Cheating Claims ... 'It's A Joke'
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Julian Edelman says the New England Patriots are NOT cheaters ... calling the new Spygate II allegations "pretty much a joke."
"We haven't even thought about it, honestly," Edelman says. "We have been thinking about other things. It's funny, but it is what it is."
The Pats are being accused of cheating after one of their staffers was caught filming the Cincinnati Bengals' sideline just days before their matchup last weekend.
The video is pretty damning ... the staffer is clearly focused on the Bengals' bench and substitution packages -- and when he was caught by Cincy officials, he sure sounded guilty.
FOX SPORTS EXCLUSIVE: @JayGlazer reveals footage of Patriots filming Bengals. pic.twitter.com/C7U7mopaEm
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) December 15, 2019 @FOXSports
But, Edelman went on WEEI's "The Greg Hill Show" this week and said he believes his team when it says the video package was all for a special show -- NOT to cheat.
"Do you think -- I don't know, it's ridiculous," Edelman says. "My focus is on the Buffalo Bills."
Edelman's comments come just a few days after Tom Brady downplayed the whole situation too ... with the G.O.A.T. saying the video situation is nothing more than a mere distraction.
"I don't think any player gave it one second of thought," TB12 said.
For the videographer's part, he said in a statement, "I had no intention to provide footage to football operations, I did not provide any footage, and I was never asked to do so."
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has promised the league is launching a "thorough" investigation into the incident.