TMZ Sports - Page 50

Former MLB player Alex Romero was just hit with a 20-game ban for attacking a catcher with his bat this month ... the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League announced.

As we previously reported, Aguilas del Zulia and Caribes de Anzoategui were involved a heated match on Jan. 8 ... where pitchers were throwing at batters all night.

But tensions spilled into an all-out riot in the 8th inning ... when Romero -- an ex-Arizona Diamondback -- was nearly plunked in the back by an Angel Nesbitt fastball.

The video of what happened next is shocking ... 'cause Romero took two big hacks at the opposing catcher with his bat right on the diamond!!

A brawl ensued ... and MULTIPLE players were ejected.

Now, the league is handing down punishments ... hitting Romero with a 20-game suspension -- while banning Nesbitt for the rest of the Venezuelan postseason for his role in it all.

The legend Chuck Liddell says he's pulling for a HUGE upset at UFC 246 this weekend ... telling TMZ Sports he's a big fan of Cowboy Cerrone and hopes he beats Conor McGregor!!!

As we previously reported ... Dana White says UFC doctors believe Conor is in the best shape of his life leading up to his highly-anticipated return to the Octagon.

But, Liddell ain't worried about any of that talk ... telling us at the California Strong celebrity softball game he thinks Cowboy will win if he controls the fight off the rip.

"I think if Cowboy comes out and convinces he was gonna take him down, get after him and get him guessin' whether or not you're gonna go up and down, I think Cowboy can do it," The Iceman says.

FYI -- the fight is going down at T-Mobile Arena on Jan. 18 and can only be streamed on ESPN+ ... so we'll see if Liddell's right about his prediction.

BTW -- Conor and Cowboy faced off at their press conference on Wednesday ... and it turned into an all-out bro fest!!

Conor praised Cowboy's career and said he respects the hell outta his game ... and the two traded compliments on each others' outfits. Cute stuff.

Liddell doesn't think all hope is lost for Conor though ... saying, "If he lets Conor get comfortable out there and firing at will, he might get one and run into trouble."

He added, "[Conor's] always going to be tough. He's always a tough striker. People have their questions whether or not he's been having some struggling from some issues lately ... but I'm a big fan of Cowboy, hopefully, he comes out with a win."

The Tennessee Titans might be in trouble this weekend ... 'cause Patrick Mahomes' jersey has made its way to The Holy One before the big AFC Championship Game!!!

It's becoming a trend for Pope Francis to receive NFL QB jerseys -- he received a custom Ravens jersey signed by Lamar Jackson back in December.

The Pontiff's collection just got a nice MVP addition ... with the bishop of the diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph gifting it to him in Vatican City on Thursday.

Now, the Pope is an avid soccer fan ... but the dude might start watchin' some good ole American football now that he's got a closet full of jerseys.

We should note ... it may not be necessarily good luck for Mahomes, considering Jackson's Ravens got booted from the playoffs.

But, Pope Francis loved the gesture regardless ... and who knows, maybe he'll check out the game this weekend.

"This is worse than steroids."

That's Cleveland Indians superstar Mike Clevinger going OFF on the Houston Astros ... ripping them for getting caught in a massive cheating scandal!!

"They shouldn’t feel comfortable looking at any of us in the eye let alone on the field," Clevinger said. "And any other MLB player feel different, they can get it too."

As we previously reported, the MLB dropped the hammer on Houston earlier this week ... revealing its investigation into the Astros found the team did, in fact, steal signs from opponents beginning in the 2017 season.

Tons of people have already lost their jobs over the findings ... the Astros fired manager A.J. Hinch and GM Jeff Luhnow, the Red Sox let go of Alex Cora and the Mets walked away from Carlos Beltran.

The MLB also took away draft picks from Houston and fined them a whopping $5 MILLION!!!

But, clearly, Clevinger doesn't think that's enough ... 'cause he said if Rob Manfred doesn't punish individual players, he's threatening a bean war anytime he plays the 'Stros!

"This is where throwing hard has its MF perks," Clevinger said. "so either police it @MLB or  I’ll get back to my training."

Clevinger even joked he wants the Astros to get booted to Canada, writing, "I hope they make y’all the Montreal Expos."

Things might get interesting when the Tribe and 'Stros face off in June.

Victor Cruz is going to bat for his former teammate Odell Beckham -- claiming the assault allegation he's facing is BS and people need to CHILL THE HELL OUT!!!

"At this point, it feels like they're just picking on him 'cause he is who he is," the former NY Giants star told us in NYC. "Just let him live!"

As we previously reported, an arrest warrant has been issued for Beckham after footage surfaced showing him slapping a Superdome security guard in the ass during the LSU national championship locker room celebration.

The guard told cops he was furious at Odell for putting his hands on him -- and fought the urge to punch the NFL player in retaliation.

But, Cruz says he thinks the guard -- and other law enforcement members involved in the case -- are blowing the whole thing out of proportion.

"His alma mater just won the national championship. Let him have some fun!"

Cruz added ... "I think he didn't do nothing wrong ... I think he's good."

He also claims the security guard is "corny" for pursuing legal action in the first place.

Drew Lock and his bombshell GF are keepin' the fabric to a minimum on their romantic getaway ... 'cause the Broncos QB's wearing a super-short pair of shorts posted up with his bikini-clad lady!!

The rookie is proving he's a seasoned vet in the vacation department ... hitting up Turks and Caicos with Natalie Newman ... and the pics are hotter than the 79 degree weather!!

Of course, Lock was a stud at Mizzou before going to the Broncos in the 2nd round of the NFL Draft. Newman is a Buffalo who attended Colorado.

The couple went IG official in 2019 ... and they've been posting adorable stuff ever since.

"Shore do love ya," Natalie captioned her beach pic with Drew. Cute, right?

Drew shared a tribute to his boo on Jan 1, saying "Happy New Year but most importantly Happy Birthday to this beautiful woman."

"I’m so thankful 2019 brought you into my life, you bring so many smiles to my face effortlessly! I can’t wait to see what 2020 brings us."

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson says he's in pieces over his dad's death ... writing in an emotional goodbye letter to his father, "I wish I had one more shot to tell you, I love you."

Rocky "Soulman" Johnson died suddenly at 75 years old on Wednesday ... and in Dwayne's first public words since the tragic news, The Rock said he's broken up over it all.

"You were ripped away from me so fast without warning," he said. "Gone in an instant and no coming back. I'm in pain."

But, Dwayne said he's taking steps to try to move on ... and praised his dad for being a pioneer and trailblazer in the wrestling world.

"You lived a very full, very hard, barrier breaking life and left it all in the ring," Dwayne said. "I love you dad and I’ll always be your proud and grateful son."

Rocky started out in the National Wrestling Alliance in the 1960s but gained fame after he joined the WWE in the 80s. He and Tony Atlas became the org's first African-American tag team champions as The Soul Patrol.

Rocky retired from wrestling in 1991 ... and, afterward, had a huge hand in helping mold Dwayne into one of the most popular wrestlers EVER.

"I'll carry your mana and work ethic with me as it’s time to move on because I have my family to feed and work to accomplish," Dwayne said. "Finally, I want you to rest your trailblazing soul, Soulman."

"They got a good one now, even though they're trying to impeach the son of a bitch, can you believe that??"

President Trump was in a playful mood about the ongoing impeachment trial while hosting the LSU Tigers on Friday ... joking about the process and saying America's in good hands.

POTUS was cracking jokes left and right while praising the Tigers for their title ... with Ed Orgeron's voice, Ja'Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson and Joe Burrow on the receiving end of his quips.

Trump made sure he got some of his own bragging in before celebrating the Tigers' successful season ... praising the stock market.

"We just had another all-time high for our stock market just hit. So, that will be 149 times in the past 3 years. That's not bad. Coach, that's good, right?"

Of course, Trump eventually got back to football ... praising players like Burrow, Jefferson and Chase, who POTUS questioned whether he could beat in a race.

Trump also mentioned the infamous Clemson White House visit last season ... saying the team ate so much of his fast-food buffet, "we didn't know what the hell to do."

Charles Barkley's incessant attack on Draymond Green has entered 2020 ... with Chuck straight-up roasting the Warriors star for "averaging that triple-single."

A bit of a history lesson -- Barkley absolutely LOVES to insult Day Day with a burning passion ... it's so real that he once said he wanted to "punch him in the face so bad."

The 2 ended up squashing that beef (kinda) back in 2018 ... but the Hall of Famer decided to bring life back into their drama by calling out Green's stat line during Thursday night's "Inside the NBA."

“Draymond don’t talk as much since he averaging that triple-single," Barkley said.

FYI -- Green's stat line so far this season is 8 points, 6 rebounds and 5.6 assists.

Shaq and the guys rightfully lost it ... with everyone on the desk laughing.

Here's the coolest video you'll see all day!!

Amateur Canadian golfer Laurent Hurtubise -- who was born without most of his right arm -- was competing in the PGA American Express tournament on Thursday ... when he swung away and sank a hole-in-one!!!

It all went down at the 4th hole of the PGA West Stadium Course in La Quinta, CA ... which is a 151-yard par-3 hole.

Hurtubise has been playing golf since he was 11 ... and has worked his whole life to be an inspiration to people living with similar conditions.

The best part?? He did it with a bunch of pros watching ... and the whole group lost it when he hit the shot!!

"That was the coolest experience I've had on the golf course," Troy Merritt said.

Fellow tour member Greg Chalmers added ... "It landed around the front of the green and we were all watching it closely as it tracked toward the hole and then, bang, it disappeared."

"We all went up in celebration and Laurent went ballistic and maybe let out a few choice words, but who could blame him? It was an incredible shot."

Laila Ali believes SHE'S the greatest ... NOT Claressa Shields ... claiming she would WRECK the reigning women's boxing champ because Shields lacks the talent.

Shocking comments from the daughter of Muhammad Ali, who had a GREAT boxing career herself back in the day -- finishing 24-0 and racking up every belt she could along the way.

Now, with 24-year-old Shields obliterating opponents left and right ... there have been some comparisons made between her and Laila -- and Laila AIN'T HAVIN' IT!!!

"First of all, she could never beat me. Let me get that really straight right now," 42-year-old Ali said on 'Sway in the Morning.'

"Not simply because she's not strong enough, because I would definitely knock her out, because she's not talented enough."

"You're talented. You can box. You can throw those hard punches. But there's a sweet science to boxing."

"The reason you have not been able to knock out the opponents that you have faced, I can totally see it."

As for Shields, she respectfully disagrees with Laila. A fan tried talking trash to Shields on Twitter ... saying, "42 yr old Laila Ali would destroy and humble you."

Claressa responded, "No she wouldn’t but thanks telling me your thoughts."

The San Francisco Giants just made a groundbreaking addition to their coaching staff -- the organization just hired the first full-time female coach in MLB history!!!

Alyssa Nakken -- who worked with the Giants' health and wellness initiatives and events the past 2 years -- was a superstar for the Sacramento State softball team from 2009-12.

The 29-year-old was a 4-time All-Pacific Coast Softball Conference selection and was first-team all-league in 2012.

Giants manager Gabe Kapler introduced Nakken and fellow assistant coach Mark Hallberg on Thursday ... saying, "Alyssa and Mark are highly respected members of the organization and I'm delighted that they will now focus their talents on helping to build a winning culture in the clubhouse."

"In every organization, environment affects performance, and baseball clubhouses are no different. That's why in addition to assisting the rest of the coaching staff on the field, Mark and Alyssa will focus on fostering a clubhouse culture that promotes high performance through, among other attributes, a deep sense of collaboration and team."

Troubled NFL receiver Antonio Callaway has found a new home -- he's signed with the XFL's Tampa Bay Vipers.

The 23-year-old was a stud for the Cleveland Browns when he was on the field ... but that became less frequent when he faced several suspensions for off-field incidents.

But, the ex-Florida Gator has an opportunity to put all that behind him -- and in his home state -- by signing with the Vipers on Thursday.

It's worth noting -- if the XFL maintained its zero-tolerance policy on players having a criminal record, Callaway wouldn't be getting this opportunity. But, the new league has since backtracked on that stance.

Callaway -- currently suspended by the NFL -- was punished multiple times for getting into legal trouble ... including an August 2018 arrest for having weed and gun parts in his car.

AC also had difficulty getting to games and practice on time ... and the Browns eventually decided to cut him in November. His current NFL career stats stand at 51 receptions for 675 yards and 5 TDs.

Jose Altuve is VEHEMENTLY denying he ever wore any sort of device to steal signs ... saying he wasn't electronically tipped off before his ALCS-winning home run -- or EVER.

Video of Altuve begging his teammates not to rip his jersey off after sealing the pennant in 2019 has gone viral ... with fans speculating he had a buzzer strapped to him to cheat.

But, Altuve is working to clear his name ... flat-out saying all that talk is BS, via his agent Scott Boras.

“Jose Altuve called me and said he wants it known that he has never, ever worn an electronic device in a major league game -- ever," Boras told Sports Illustrated.

More off-the-field drama for LSU ... we've just learned a bus carrying 25 to 30 family members and close friends of the national champs was just involved in a minor crash.

We're told the bus was traveling on the I-110 North in Baton Rouge on the way to the airport Thursday around 12 PM PT to fly out to Washington D.C. for the upcoming White House ceremony with President Trump.

One source tells us it was raining -- the roads were slippery -- and during the ride, a small red car lost control and hit the bus before slamming into a barricade.

All vehicles involved immediately stopped -- the red car's airbags deployed.

We're told EMTs responded to the scene and came onto the bus to see if everyone was okay. No one required medical attention.

None of the athletes were on the bus -- the team bus was in the caravan but not involved in the accident.

The Carushow may be making a stop in Chicago ... 'cause the 3rd round of NBA All-Star Game fan votes have been released ... and Alex Caruso is near the top of the list!!!

FYI, fans account for 50% of the overall All-Star voting. NBA players account for 25% and a media panel gets 25%.

The L.A. Lakers guard has become a phenomenon in the NBA over the past few seasons ... there have been memes, highlight reels and a bunch of other tributes to the 25-year-old from his cult following.

It's gotten to the point where LeBron James even calls his teammate the "G.O.A.T." every time they run into each other.

Caruso Mania has taken another step on Thursday ... 'cause the beloved player has gotten more All-Star fan votes than superstars like Russell Westbrook, Steph Curry (who has only played 4 games this season due to injury), Devin Booker and Donovan Mitchell in the West.

As of this post, Alex has more than 894k fan votes!!! Seriously, the dude's even beating guys in the East like Kyle Lowry, Ben Simmons and Bradley Beal.

Yes ... it's that wild.

FYI -- 5 starters and 7 reserve players get picked for the game ... and Caruso is currently 4th in the conference for guards.

Realistically, Caruso probably won't make the final All-Star squad ... but it's fun to watch!!

Oh, and the "Bald Eagle" ain't the only fan favorite getting major love ... the 7'6" Boston Celtics giant Tacko Fall is still a possibility to make it in the East ... he's 6th in the frontcourt with more than 757k fan votes!!!