TMZ Sports - Page 50

Eastern Michigan University quarterback Mike Glass III accidentally socked a referee -- sending him crashing to the floor -- before being thrown out of the football game.

EMU and Univ. of Pittsburgh were playing in the Quick Lane Bowl Thursday night in Detroit when a scuffle broke out late in the 4th quarter. Glass smacked Pitt LB Cam Bright in the face mask … before unloading a strike intended for another Pitt player that hit a ref in the face.

The referee immediately went down … while the other officials attempted to restore order.

Glass -- who was 28-50 for 311 yards and 2 TDs and an interception -- was hit with 2 unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and ejected from the game.

Glass' Michigan squad lost the game to Pittsburgh, 34-30 … ending their season.

After the game, EMU head coach Chris Creighton told reporters Glass was "in tears in the locker room" ... devastated by what unfolded on the field.

"I love him 100 percent. And thank God he is highly competitive, but absolutely zero excuse for what happened, and [Mike] knows it," the coach said.

Glass, EMU's senior captain, took to Twitter to apologize for his actions … saying, “I let God and my family down!”

As for the official -- who appears to be okay -- the incident sparked a heated internet discussion … did the ref flop or was he KO'd??

Antonio Brown is in New Orleans working out for Saints officials … and the superstar wide receiver could be signed by the 1st place team.

ESPN's Adam Schefter first reported the news … Brown flew into town to meet with coaches and front office staff on Friday, hoping to land a job with his 3rd NFL squad this season.

Brown's had a disastrous season … the Raiders signed him to a 3-year, $50 million contract, but released AB before he ever caught a ball after a ton of drama relating to his helmet and feet. He also had public spats with head coach Jon Gruden and GM Mike Mayock.

After he was released by Oakland, the New England signed the superstar WR … but cut him 11 days later after AB allegedly sent menacing text messages to a woman who previously accused him of sexual misconduct.

During Brown's short stint with the Pats, he was also hit with a lawsuit from a woman who claimed AB forcibly raped her in 2018.

The Pats cut bait with Brown in September … and he hasn't been part of an NFL squad since.

That could all change very soon … 'cause the Saints appears to have real interest in the superstar receiver.

Forget Conor McGregor ... Canelo Alvarez says he's down to fight UFC star Jorge Masvidal next -- telling TMZ Sports, "Why not?!"

... Of course, in boxing only.

Masvidal famously called out Canelo shortly after beating Nate Diaz for the 'BMF' belt back in November ... and when we asked Alvarez out in L.A. this month if he'd be up for the fight, the boxing superstar told us he's down.

"For business, why not?!" Canelo says.

Neither guy has an opponent lined up for their next fight ... so could it actually happen??

Seems there's a chance ... the first big, MMA-boxing crossover was HUGE -- with Floyd Mayweather and McGregor making SERIOUS bank for getting in the ring back in 2017.

And, Canelo DEFINITELY appears pretty intrigued by that.

As for if the Masvidal fight falls through ... Canelo says he'd be up for a rematch with Mayweather next -- telling us, "I was very young and experienced at the time and now I'm a different fighter. It will be a totally different result."

Mario Williams is off the hook after he was arrested for blowing up in a garage in a tense standoff with his baby mama ... TMZ Sports has learned prosecutors just dropped the case against the ex-NFL star.

The former Houston Texans' No. 1 overall pick got into a heated argument with the mother of his child in the garage of her Texas-area home on Aug. 20 ... and the 34-year-old was hauled off to jail shortly after.

In video of the altercation, obtained by TMZ Sports, you can see a clearly frustrated Williams going off on the woman ... accusing her of using their child's iPad to gain access to his iCloud.

Williams was eventually charged with misdemeanor trespassing for the incident ... but officials decided to dismiss the case this week.

TMZ Sports has learned Williams was asked to complete an online course about decision making ... and after he wrapped that up, the charge was dropped.

Seems both parties were on board with the move ... because according to court docs, neither Williams nor his baby mama, Torie Porter, wanted to move forward with the case.

Rams star Robert Woods is being terrorized by an angry ex-GF and her posse ... so claims the NFL player who just got a restraining order against her.

According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ Sports, Woods claims his ex, Ca'Ron Fowlkes, showed up to his property earlier this month around 1 AM with her crew and tried coaxing him outside so they could jump him.

Woods claims he woke up to the gate's call box ringing non-stop. He says when he checked security footage, he noticed Fowlkes and her crew ... who were crouching and covering their faces to avoid getting picked up on security cameras.

Woods says he answered and Fowlkes responded, "Come outside, bitch" ... insinuating she wanted to fight him. Woods called cops and Fowlkes left ... but cops later found her near his residence. Cops issued an emergency protective order, but it expired last week.

Woods claims this isn't the first time she's harassed him ... he says she previously showed up to his property, pulled into his driveway and, again, continually rang the call box. Woods claims Fowlkes once also called his cell phone and went on an expletive-laced rant.

The former USC football star also claims Fowlkes is harassing his wife ... through e-mail and social media. A judge has now signed off on Woods' request for a temporary restraining order ... and Fowlkes must now stay at least 100 yards away from him, his wife and workplace.

Aaron Rodgers and Danica Patrick have, as they say, taken their relationship to a new level, because they are now living together in a Malibu estate after plunking down $28 million -- all cash!

The beneficiaries of the $28 mil are Robbie Williams and his wife, Ayda Field. They bought the property in July 2019 for $20.25 mil, so nice profit.

As for the house ... it's pretty amazing. It's 4,636 square feet, with 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms along with a 2-bedroom guesthouse, and of course ... the obligatory swimming pool.

Our real estate sources say Aaron and Danica are no strangers to the house. They rented it over the summer and became the owners in November. The sale was very much on the down-low.

The estate is held in a trust, and it's impossible to know who's behind that trust. We do know, however, Aaron and Danica have been living in it together.

The house has quite the pedigree. It was previously owned by Netflix Content Chief Ted Sarandos and leased by Janet Jackson.

It's a wrap for Z-Bo ... Zach Randolph tells TMZ Sports he's ending his NBA comeback plans once and for all.

It's not Earth-shattering news considering 38-year-old Randolph hasn't played in the league since the 2017-18 season, but he had been floating the idea of a return for months.

In fact, back in June, Randolph seemed interested in a comeback, telling us he was "back to training" and was hoping to sign a deal with a team for the 2019-20 season.

But, that didn't happen ... and when we saw Randolph at Staples Center for the big Lakers vs. Clippers Christmas Day matchup, he was pretty matter of fact about his future.

Randolph had a pretty stellar career -- he was a 1st-round pick in 2001, a 2-time NBA All-Star ... and became a Memphis Grizzlies legend during his run there.

As for cash, he reportedly made nearly $200 MILLION on contract money during his career ... so yeah, NOT BAD AT ALL!!

So, what's next for Randolph? He's growing his music label ... but really, when you have $200 mil, you can do whatever you want!!

Oh, we also spoke with Randolph about NBA rookie sensation Ja Morant -- and shocker, Randolph thinks he's got all sorts of potential!

The actor who played the Peloton husband decided to try his hand at art imitating life, because in his real life he gave his girlfriend an Xmas present ... a Peloton bike!!!

Sean Hunter dared to test the social media attack squad that skewered him after acting in an ad where a husband got his wife the exercise bike. As you know, Peloton justified the ad by saying it promoted health, but it pulled the commercial nonetheless.

Sean said, "Here's hoping this goes over better the second time ... Merry Christmas to my actual girlfriend (pls don't leave me)."

GF Cassidy Baras seemed pleased, but then again so did Sean's pretend wife.

Sean has said he's been coping the best he could with the blowback from the ad, saying, "My 5 seconds of air time created an array of malicious feedback that is all associated with my face."

The Navy football needs to fly from Annapolis to Memphis for Tuesday's upcoming Liberty Bowl ... and guess what, Robert Kraft just happens to have a spare plane!!

The New England Patriots owner offered up the team jet to the #23 ranked Navy Midshipmen football team ... so they could travel in STYLE to play Kansas State on Dec. 31.

The players seemed STOKED by the fancy ride -- and who wouldn't be??? Wonder who gets to sit in Tom Brady's chair?!?!

"Thank you @Patriots and Team 125 for sending us to the @AZOLibertyBowl the right way," Navy said in a statement to Kraft's team.

Navy (9-2) is already a 2.5-point favorite over Kansas State (8-4) ... but flying over in a superjet like this will probably make them even more confident, right? Swag level off the charts!!!

As for the Patriots, they're not using the jet this week -- they're gearing up to play the Dolphins at home in New England on Sunday ... so no travel for them.

They've only been engaged for two weeks, but Holly Sonders and pro gambler Vegas Dave are already talking divorce .... because you can actually BET MONEY if their relationship will last!!!

This is TRUE -- multiple online sports betting sites are taking real action on their relationship, from the length of marriage to honeymoon destination to when/if Holly gets pregnant!!

It's wild stuff -- but shouldn't be too shocking considering the wild prop bets we've seen in pro sports over the years (remember the "Will Katy Perry Show Cleavage" Super Bowl bet?!).

But, Holly and Dave aren't offended -- in fact, outside Avra in Bev Hills, the couple seemed pretty amused by the whole thing!

Of course, VD -- real name Dave Oancea -- proposed to the sports reporter/model during a trip to Cabo San Lucas earlier this mont after only a few weeks of dating.

Not only did Holly accept, but she's proudly rocking the 10-carat yellow diamond ring all over town!

The two have been spotted all over L.A. together -- from the strip clubs to floor seats at Laker games ... flaunting their collection of super expensive Birkin bags.

So, will they get married? Where will they honeymoon? Holly gives out a clue in the footage ... just don't blame us if you actually bet and lose.

JOE BURROW FOR THE WIN ... in a basketball shoot-out?!

Yeah, it happened -- against Oklahoma -- and it was awesome.

Turns out, the LSU and Oklahoma football teams had a friendly Xmas Day basketball shooting contest Wednesday night ahead of the big Peach Bowl game.

Both sides picked a 5-man crew to hit shots from all over the court. The Sooners were up big going into the last round ... but the Heisman Trophy-winning QB stepped in and went 10 for 12, sealing the victory for the Tigers!

By the way, Burrow was a pretty solid high school basketball player back in Ohio before he turned his full-time focus to football.

According to Max Preps, Burrow averaged 19.3 points per game his senior year at Athens High ... with 6.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists. Not bad, right!?

Anyway, he was better at football ... and now he's expected to go Top 3 in the NFL Draft. What an athlete, huh?

Lindsey Vonn scoffs at the notion that only women want jewelry signifying their engagement, because she just blinged out her fiance during a very cool proposal.

Lindsay's already engaged to P.K. Subban, but on Xmas day she surprised him with a ring and a proposal of marriage.

The legendary skier said it was only fitting since this is the 2-year anniversary since they started dating ... "On our 2 year anniversary I returned the favor and asked PK to marry me… and he said yes."

She went on ... "We talk about equality but actions speak louder than words. Men should get engagement rings too and this is what PK deserves. Can’t wait to marry you babe."

They are a formidable couple for sure. 35-year-old Vonn is hands down one of the greatest U.S. skiers of all time. 30-year-old Subban is a top 10 NHL defensive player.

Lindsay was previously married to U.S. Ski teammate Thomas Vonn. They divorced in 2013. She subsequently dated Tiger Woods and then NFL coach Kenan Smith.

You think a fetus can derail UFC fighter Nina Ansaroff's MMA training!?!?!

Well, it can ... but Nina tells TMZ Sports she ain't exactly putting her career on hold when she gets pregnant with Amanda Nunes' baby.

Of course, Amanda ain't the only world-class fighter in the relationship -- 34-year-old Nina is the #5 ranked strawweight contender in the UFC. She's a killer.

But, with the two decided to expand their family in 2020 -- and Nina being the designated baby carrier -- we asked the two how it will affect her career in the Octagon.

"I’m taking a year off," Ansaroff says ... but when she returns, Nina says she plans on moving up a weight class and competing in the 125-lb flyweight division.

"I’m gonna be training throughout my pregnancy. I’m gonna stay in shape. I’m not gonna, ya know, just like not do anything and jump in."

Nick Young saved his girlfriend's best gift for last ... asking her to marry him with a MASSIVE engagement ring!!!

The charming moment went down on Christmas morning with help from his son, Nick Jr. who filmed the whole thing. You can see Nick grab the huge ring box from a different room and walk over to his baby mama Keonna Green and said the proposal is "way overdue."

It's a pretty swaggy moment ... the entire fam -- wearing matching PJs -- saw Nick tell Keonna he wants to spend the rest of his life with her and, of course, she said yes. Nick let out a huuuuge cheer after he slipped the ring on her. He then turned to his son and said, "We did it, son!!" Nick Jr. was stoked about it too.

We're told Nick worked with Jason of Beverly Hills to come up with the perfect ring for his Keonna ... and he was really stoked with the results.

"Nick was very hands on and took his time to design the ring and plan the proposal. You can tell he really enjoyed the process and I can definitely see the connection between him and Keonna. He proposed to his soulmate," Jason Arasheben, CEO Jason of Beverly Hills tells us.

Nick and Keonna started dating in high school. They have 3 kids together ... Nick Jr., daughter Navi and daughter Nyce, who was born in July.

Chris Johnson is breathing easier today ... TMZ Sports has learned the ex-NFL superstar only got a slap on the wrist after he was accused of choking a valet last year.

Back in April 2018, the former Tennessee Titans RB allegedly roughed up a nightclub valet in Hillsborough County, Florida.

According to court docs, Johnson is accused of placing a man in a chokehold and punching him the face.

In video of the altercation obtained by TMZ Sports, you can see the two interact ... but it's unclear if an attack ever took place.

In a separate video posted by the alleged victim, you can see the guy was rattled from the incident ... bleeding from his nose and saying he thought he was going to die.

Johnson was eventually hit with misdemeanor battery over the altercation ... but the 34-year-old fought the charge in court for months, and finally, earlier this month, he cut a deal with prosecutors to close out the case.

We're told Johnson agreed to enter into a pre-trial diversion program to eventually have the charge dropped.

Details of Johnson's exact program are unclear ... but we're told by officials that generally, defendants in misdemeanor intervention programs in Hillsborough County, Florida are required to pay some fines and restitution and complete community service.

NBA star Trae Young is beastin' for the Atlanta Hawks right now ... and he's rewarding himself by buying a $1.5 million crib in his home state of Oklahoma!!

TMZ Sports has learned ... Trae bought himself a new 8,100-square-foot pad in Norman Oklahoma where he grew up --- his first LEGIT house ... and it's loaded!!!

The pad comes with 5 bedrooms, 6 baths, a massive kitchen, a pool with a cool slide, a pool house ... and you can put up to 7 cars in his giant garage!

It doesn't stop there ... the baller is also adding 14 TVs and a dope audio system --- and because of that, he's spending TONS of money on security. Not bad for a 21-year-old huh?

And, Trae -- who's averaging 28 PPG and 8 assists right now --- is serious about uppin' his game that he's having his trainers and nutritionist live with him at his new home during the offseason.