TMZ Sports - Page 50

Scary moment on the NHL ice Tuesday ... Blues star Jay Bouwmeester collapsed on the team's bench mid-game -- and was rushed to the hospital with what officials are calling a "cardiac episode."

The 36-year-old had just finished a shift early in the first period against the Anaheim Ducks in Southern California ... when something went horribly wrong.

You can see in on-ice video of the incident ... Bouwmeester appeared to pass out on the St. Louis bench -- and his teammates immediately called for help.

Reporters on scene say the defenseman -- who's played in the NHL since he was 19 years old -- was stretchered to the locker room and rushed to the hospital shortly after.

Thankfully, in a statement released by the Blues late Tuesday night ... they say the 2019 Stanley Cup winner was "alert" and "conscious" after treatment.

"With 7:50 remaining in the first period of our game tonight, Jay Bouwmeester suffered a cardiac episode and collapsed on our bench after completing his shift," Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said.

"Thankfully, with the quick response of our medical trainers, Anaheim medical trainers and their team physicians, they were able to stabilize Jay. He was alert and moving all of his extremities as he was transported to UC Irvine Medical Center."

Armstrong added, "Currently, Jay is conscious and alert as he undergoes further testing by Anaheim's physicians. We will update Jay's condition on Wednesday morning."

The NHL decided to postpone the Blues-Ducks game, which was stopped immediately after Jay's collapse. A makeup date for the match has yet to be scheduled.

How's George Kittle getting over the crushing Super Bowl loss? CAKES!!!

Kittle and the San Francisco 49ers were dropped in SB LIV by the Chiefs in heartbreaking fashion earlier this month ... and the All-Pro tight end took the loss pretty hard.

Cameras caught the guy on the sideline toward the end of the game pissed off ... but, it seems his bikini-clad wife, Claire, and some Mexico sun are helping him get through the rocky times.

Kittle, some of his Niners teammates and their significant others made the trip to Cabo earlier this week ... and it looks like they're all having a blast.

There's a boat ... bikinis ... some drinks ... and it definitely appears the bad Super Bowl memories are fading away quickly.

"A lil love & a lil sun cures a lot of things," Claire said of the trip.

Of course, when Kittle gets back to California ... the Mexico sun might not be there -- but at least he'll still have Claire!!!

The Game will pay homage to the late Kobe Bryant everywhere he goes from now on -- the rapper has revealed a new face tattoo in honor of the NBA legend.

Game added to his ink collection on Wednesday with a sideways 8 and Kobe's autograph above his right eyebrow ... which symbolizes "Kobe Forever."

Game -- who is still grappling with the loss of the L.A. icon -- has also planned a song to honor Bryant and has worn his jerseys during his current tour.

The Compton native is no stranger to face tattoos -- he had a butterfly on his left cheek before covering it with an L.A.-inspired piece. He also has a tear drop under his right eye.

Game hit up Dark Ink Gallery in Glasgow ... just hours before his show at O2 Academy.

NBA superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis put permanent art on their bodies in honor of Bryant ... with LBJ getting a snake with Kobe's numbers and "Mamba 4 Life" underneath it.

J.R. Smith, Shareef O'Neal and 2 Chainz have also commissioned Bryant memorials on their bodies.

Rob Gronkowski is making his bid for a cover photo shoot -- for AARP Magazine -- as the former NFL great flexes in the South Beach sand.

Gronk's spending part of his Wednesday showing off his rock-hard abs, toned legs and bulging arms down in Miami, and the retired New England Patriots superstar looks like he's still in game shape.

Sorry, Pats fans ... but Rob looks like he's enjoying life on the other side -- he's got his toes in the sand a huge grin on his face. Sure beats the hell outta frigid Foxborough.

Gronk's spending a lotta time in South Florida these days. Remember, he scooped up a sick condo in downtown Miami for $1.7 million, and a couple weeks back during Super Bowl weekend he hosted a huge party.

It's been almost a year since Gronk walked away from the NFL ... but he ain't spending any less time in the weight room!!!

Two Ohio State football players were arrested and charged with rape and kidnapping Wednesday ... and the allegations against the two Buckeyes are disturbing.

Senior cornerback Amir Riep and senior safety Jahsen Wint are accused of forcefully raping a woman in the Columbus, Ohio area at around 9:45 PM on Feb. 4, according to court docs obtained by TMZ Sports.

According to the docs, officials say Riep was having consensual sex with a woman when she stopped, telling him she did not want to continue.

The docs say that's when Wint entered the room ... and the two men forced the woman to commit sex acts against her will.

The docs say Riep pushed the victim down "by the neck," forcing her onto her hands and knees ... and then began having sex with her from that position.

The docs say Wint then forced the woman to have oral sex with him at the same time.

The docs say after both parties stopped, after several minutes ... Riep filmed the woman and ordered her to say on camera that the sex was consensual. The docs note the woman was crying while Riep was laughing at her.

Ohio State announced the two football players are now indefinitely suspended, saying in a statement, "We are aware that two of our students have been arrested and criminally charged."

"They have been suspended from all activities involving the football program. We will share more information when available."

The two men are due in court for an arraignment hearing Thursday.

This is the best video you'll see all day ... nearly 200 students from LeBron James' I Promise school network found out they were getting FREE college tuition, and the moment's awesome!!

The junior class from Bron's program was told they were going on a college visit to Kent State University in Northeast Ohio ... but when they arrived on campus, they got a whole lot more than a tour.

School officials revealed that all 193 kids would have all 4 years of their schooling paid for ... as well as, 1 free year of room and board.

Naturally, the kids freaked out!!

It's not something to take lightly ... tuition for in-state students is around $11K a year. 193 students attending for 4 years costs over $8 million.

While the school won't have to front all that money ... it's still a huge chunk of change.

It's not just a handout for the students ... they have to maintain a good standing with the school by attending class, getting good grades, and volunteering in the community.

Becky Lynch is giving advice to Dwayne Johnson's daughter, telling TMZ Sports ... Simone should NOT try to be the WWE's next "Rock"!!!

And, why? The Man says it'll only overshadow her hard work!!!

"I would like her to be seen as the athlete and performer she is, in her own right, and not have her constantly compared to her dad," Becky says.

Of course, the WWE just announced Simone Johnson is training to become the league's next superstar ... and a lot of people want her to reprise The People's Elbow as her signature move.

Becky tells us she can see a scenario where that would be appropriate for the younger Johnson ... but says Simone would be better off creating her own character and finishing move.

"I think it'll be good for her to try and make her own way," Becky says. "Don't rely on the past. Don't rely on what got other people over. Try to make something new for yourself."

The advice didn't stop there ... Becky also said Simone needs to outwork EVERYBODY -- saying her famous father's shadow is going to create a huge spotlight on her from Day 1.

As for if Becky thinks Simone has the chops to cut it ... The Man says of course -- and tells us she's looking forward to their championship matchup in five years!!

Myles Garrett is officially BACK -- the NFL has decided to reinstate the Cleveland Browns superstar following his suspension for his helmet-swinging attack on Mason Rudolph.

The 24-year-old met with Roger Goodell and other league executives on Monday to discuss his punishment status ... and it must have gone well, 'cause Garrett's ban has been lifted.

Browns GM Andrew Berry commented on the decision, saying "We welcome Myles back to our organization with open arms."

"We know he is grateful to be reinstated, eager to put the past behind him and continue to evolve and grow as a leader."

"We look forward to having his strong, positive presence back as a teammate, player and person in our community."

Garrett's suspension lasted a total of 6 games ... after he swung a helmet at Mason Rudolph during the Browns' game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 15.

Despite the ban, Garrett was still able to rack up 10 sacks and 2 forced fumbles in 10 games.

As we previously reported ... Browns QB Baker Mayfield told us at UFC 246 back in January that Garrett was "in a good place" during the suspension.

"I sat next to him during the fight, he's good, man," Mayfield tells us. "He's in a good place right now, which is good for us as a team."

Dwyane Wade's oldest son, Zaire, is making it crystal clear he will always have his sibling's back ... posting an emotional message to Zaya after coming out as transgender.

The NBA legend appeared on 'The Ellen Show' Tuesday and revealed his 12-year-old identified as female ... and shared how his family is supporting her.

18-year-old Zaire is now speaking out on the announcement ... saying "I have been blessed to have my best friend, Zaya with me for 12 years."

"We did everything together...we fought, we played, we laughed and we cried. But the one thing we never did was leave each other behind... "

Zaire continued ... "I’ve told you that I would lay my life down to make sure you are ten toes down and happy on this earth."

"I don’t care what they think Z, you are my best friend and I love you kid, and if it means anything, just know there’s no love lost on this side."

Zaire's always been supportive of Zaya ... and even went with her to the Miami Pride parade last year.

As for Zaya, she spoke out against those who may disagree with her announcement ... saying "What's the point of being on this earth if you're gonna try to be someone you're not? It's like you're not even living as yourself, which is like the dumbest concept to me."

Cam Newton believes Tom Brady will be an L.A. Charger next year ... this according to Shawne Merriman, who says the Panthers QB predicted it to him at the Super Bowl this month!

"He thinks that Tom is going to come to the Chargers," Merriman tells TMZ Sports.

Of course, it really could happen ... L.A. just gave Philip Rivers the boot, and TB12 is a free agent.

Merriman, though, says he doesn't see it going down that way -- the Chargers legend jokingly says he HATES Tom -- and tells us the right fit to replace Philip is actually Cam himself!!!

"Tom's a great quarterback, he's just not a great quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers," Merriman says ... "I think if you're going to move from a different direction from Phillip, you go in and get somebody that could do a little bit more -- a little more athletic."

Merriman added, "I just brought up one name, I think Cam Newton is a -- could be a really good choice. Even for the short term. And, you can still go draft."

But, the ex-Bolts superstar doesn't see either Brady or Cam ultimately coming to the Chargers ... telling us he doesn't see the Panthers letting Newton go.

The memorial for Kobe and Gigi Bryant will be attended by friends, family, NBA officials and players, season ticket holders and local politicians. The remaining seats will be ticketed and go to members of the public on a first-come, first-served basis.

As we reported, the memorial will be held at Staples Center on February 24, where seating capacity stands at around 20,000. Fact is ... hundreds of thousands of people would like to honor Kobe and Gigi, but there's no way all of them can be accommodated.

No word yet on how the public can get tickets, but law enforcement sources tell us ... if people can't get into Staples, they're not going to get close to the venue.

We're told just like the Michael Jackson and Nipsey Hussle memorials, the streets around Staples will be closed for security and traffic control. The memorial will not be broadcast on the screens outside Staples or L.A. Live.

Several law enforcement sources tell TMZ, they're encouraging people who don't get tickets to stay home and watch the memorial on TV. We're told it will be broadcast on multiple networks.

NBA teams in need of a 5'10" point guard need to look no further ... 'cause Quavo says he's available and ready to make a jump to the Association, telling TMZ Sports he's the next Master P!!

Of course, the Migos rapper balled out with Justin Bieber, Sheck Wes, Drake and more in NYC last week  -- and Huncho was in full BEAST MODE scoring at least 15 points!!

So, when we caught up with Quavo, we had to ask who really has the best skills outta the celeb bunch on that court ... and he gave us a far from humble answer.

"It gotta be me," Quavo says. "We beat OVO. I ain't even have my team with me."

Beating Biebs and Drizzy is one thing ...  going against NBA stars like LeBron, Kawhi and KD is another. But, Quavo says he's up for the challenge to make it to the league!!

"I could be the next Master P! Ima go for it!"

FYI,  Master P was signed to Charlotte Hornets in 1998 and Toronto Raptors in 1999 ... but never made it to the court for a regular-season game.

Jon Jones would take the first REAL L of his fighting career if he stepped in the WWE ring with Roman Reigns ... so says the wrestling superstar himself!!

"It would be a hell of a fight," Reigns tells TMZ Sports. "But when it comes to the squared circle, I don't think there's anybody better in the world [than me]. So, yeah, I feel VERY comfortable being in the ring with Jon Jones."

Of course, a WWE scrap between the two massive fight stars is now a possibility because Jones just told Sports Illustrated this week a move to the squared circle at some point is "inevitable."

When we got Reigns out at L.A.'s new Sofi Stadium (the home of WrestleMania 37 in 2021!!), he told us he would LOVE to be a part of a bout with the UFC legend in the future.

"Oh, for sure, man," Roman says. "Someone like Jon Jones, I mean, if you're going to step in the WWE ring, you're most likely going to want to step in there with the big dog."

As for how Jones would fare outside of a match with Reigns ... Roman says he believes Jon's got a chance to be a real superstar in the WWE.

By the way, Reigns also gave some advice to Dwayne Johnson's daughter, Simone Johnson, who's now training to be a WWE Superstar.

Roman tells us he'd like to see her blaze her own trail with the future of her character, as opposed to following in the footsteps of "The Rock" ... saying, "It's better to create your stuff."

Bo Jackson was notorious for snapping his baseball bat like a toothpick, and now the last piece of lumber he obliterated can be yours ... if you've got 20,000 bucks.

The bat's from April 6th, 1994 ... when Jackson's California Angels took on the Minnesota Twins at the Metrodome. In the 4th inning, Twins pitcher Jim Deshaies -- who'd already K'd Bo in the 2nd -- struck Jackson out on 3 pitches.

Jackson -- the only player to ever make an NFL AND MLB all-star team -- stormed out of the batter's box and violently snapped his big Cooper C271 bat ... before tossing the shards of wood towards the dugout.

The '94 season was Bo's 8th and final in MLB ... and Goldin Auctions -- who has now offered the iconic bat at auction -- tells us this was the last bat BJ ever broke as a professional baseball player.

Goldin says the bat was photo matched to prove its authenticity ... and they expect the one-of-a-kind piece to rake in over $20,000 when the auction closes later this month.

BTW, it wasn't all failure at the plate for Bo on that April night in Minnesota. Jackson got some revenge during the later innings ... hitting a double and an RBI single.

The Twins won 4-1.

Big Wave pro-Alex Botelho was hospitalized after suffering a serious accident in a surfing tournament ... and the video of the crash is absolutely wild.

The 29-year-old Portuguese surfer was participating in the Nazare Tow Surfing Challenge when he had a scary wipeout and had to be saved by a Jetski pilot.

The situation got much worse when a massive whitewater wave rushed towards them and knocked the 2 people off the Jetski.

But, then things took an even worse turn when another wave came through and sent them flying through the air.

Botelho appeared to be unconscious by the time he washed to shore ... with emergency rescuers sprinting into the water to help out.

The surfer was taken to a nearby hospital where he's currently recovering ... and thankfully, the World Surf League says he's stable and conscious.

"A heartfelt thank you to the safety and medical teams for their quick response. We are wishing Alex a full and speedy recovery," the league said in a statement.

Tommy "Two Gloves" Gainey's sex solicitation case is headed toward a happy ending for the popular golfer ... he just cut a deal with prosecutors to avoid time behind bars.

According to court docs obtained by TMZ Sports, Gainey agreed to serve 11-months of probation, take a human trafficking class, do community service and pay fines and fees.

In exchange for completing all of that, prosecutors agreed to drop his misdemeanor solicitation charge ... and even gave him the chance to end his probation early if he quickly meets the requirements of the deal.

Of course, it's a solid deal for Gainey ... who was facing jail time after he was caught up in a major prostitution sting -- dubbed "Operation Santa's Naughty List" -- back in December.

As we previously reported, cops in Polk County, Fla., say Gainey offered money for sex acts to an undercover officer posing as a prostitute on Dec. 8, 2019.

In police footage of the alleged incident, obtained by TMZ Sports, you can see clear as day Tommy offering up $60 for a "quick visit" with the woman.

Gainey was arrested ... and at a press conference a few days later, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd ribbed him over it all.

"He's married. He told us that he was here for a charity golf event and it was to be, like, the next morning tee off. He didn't make it. He was a scratch ... We charged him with soliciting. He missed his tee time the next morning."