TMZ Sports - Page 50

The NBA has hit Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban with a $500,000 fine for publicly blasting NBA refs in the wake of a controversial call in a Feb. 22 game.

But, the NBA and Commish Adam Silver are making it clear, they're FURIOUS with Cuban -- and they're hoping the massive fine will send a strong message to the rest of the league.

Here's the deal ... Cuban went CRAZY on the refs and the league over a goaltending call in the final seconds of a Mavericks vs. ATL Hawks game.

Cuban felt the refs did his team dirty and ultimately blamed the officials for the Mavericks ultimately losing the game.

The NBA says, "Immediately after the game ended, Mr. Cuban walked onto the court and approached game officials shaking his head and directing comments toward them."

After the game, Cuban continued to rip the refs to reporters and then sounded off on Twitter.

The NBA says the comments were "highly critical, personal and demeaning to the league and its officiating staff."

Cuban had filed an official protest hoping the league would rule to replay the end of the game -- but his appeal was denied.

In a strongly-worded statement, the league ripped Cuban for his behavior -- saying he's setting a terrible example for the rest of the league, sending a bad message to fans and creating an "intimidating workplace environment."

Here's the official language ...

"It is a recognized part of sports for fans and the media at times to criticize officiating, but team executives must be held to a higher standard."

"A team owner’s effort to influence refereeing decisions during and after a game creates the perception of an unfair competitive advantage and thereby undermines the integrity of the game."

"Demeaning league employees also creates an intimidating workplace environment. With an increased focus on respectful conduct by coaches, players and fans during games, the actions of team executives should set an example and not lower expectations for appropriate behavior in our arenas."

The Tennessee Titans are on location and doing whatever they can to help those affected by the tornadoes ... with Mike Vrabel and his guys going through the city and handing out water.

25 people were killed from the storm that swept through the area earlier this week ... and more than 50,000 people are left without power.

Vrabel and 3 buses full of Titans players arrived in Nashville on Friday to help out with the disaster relief ... hitting up all the spots wrecked by the tornadoes.

After the storm, the Titans released a statement vowing to help ... saying "We extend our deepest sympathies to those families who lost loved ones in the tornadoes last night and are heartbroken to see the damage across Nashville and Tennessee."

Along with helping out on site, the Titans donated $1 million to help Nashville's relief efforts.

"We know the strength of our community and the Volunteer spirit that lives in us all. We will join the efforts to re-build in these areas and know our neighbors will join us."

Ex-NASCAR CEO Brian France says the parody Twitter account "Drunken Brian France" is NOT funny ... and now, he's suing over it.

In the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ Sports, France says back in Feb. 2014 ... John Steele created the account, @drunkbrianf -- and has been tweeting about the famous NASCAR exec. ever since.

Some of the tweets from the account -- which has more than 18,000 followers -- included ribbing France over his drunk driving case, other jokes about the 57-year-old's lifestyle and general NASCAR talk.

But, in the suit, France claims Steele has taken it too damn far ... and now, he wants the guy to pay up.

France says Steele has harassed, demeaned and abused him from the handle ... and even says it misleads people to believe the account is actually run by France himself.

In fact, in the suit, France says one of the top results when you google his name shows the @drunkbrianf account.

France is suing for invasion of privacy and emotional distress ... and he's asking for damages.

The Charleston RiverDogs -- the NY Yankees' minor league affiliate -- has canceled their "OJ Trial" night promotion ... after admitting it was a TERRIBLE idea in the first place!!!

Here's why ... the South Carolina based team promoted the May 26 event as a "juicy spin" on the O.J. Simpson murder trial, where fans would play "jury" in an orange juice-themed stadium game.

Here's how the team marketed the event ...

"The trial of the century gets a juicy new spin. We will finally receive the verdict that everyone has been waiting for … pulp or no pulp?"

"Fans will act as our jury, voting with custom paddles to reach verdicts on various topics throughout the night ... Fans will receive an 'OJ Trial' shirt upon entering the stadium. If the shirt don’t fit, you must ... see if we have a different size."

See what they're doing? They're playing off the "OJ" in the O.J. Simpson murder case! Hilarious and creative right?!!? Yeesh ...

Of course, there was immediate backlash from people who felt the whole promotion was in bad taste ... due to the fact the original "O.J. Trial" centered around the brutal murders of two completely innocent people, Ron Goldman and Nicole Brown.

Eventually, the team agreed it was a bad idea and pulled the plug on the whole thing.

"After taking a step back and having further reflection on the overall message that was being conveyed, it was the responsible thing to do," RiverDogs president Dave Echols said.

Henri Richard -- one of the greatest hockey players of all time -- has died at the age of 84, the Montreal Canadiens announced Friday.

Richard holds the record for most Stanley Cup victories by an individual player (11) ... and played his entire 20-year career with the Canadiens.

"The Montreal Canadiens are saddened to learn of the passing of one of the organization's greatest legends and ambassadors, Henri Richard, this morning," the Canadiens said in a statement.

"Our thoughts and sincere condolences go out to the Richard family."

Richard -- nicknamed the Pocket Rocket -- holds the record for most games played in franchise history (1,258). He was also named in the NHL's 100 Greatest Players of All Time list, released in 2017.

Henri is the younger brother of Maurice "Rocket" Richard, whom the NHL named the goal-scoring leader trophy after.

"The family would like to sincerely thank the staff at CHSLD Résidence Riviera for their wonderful care," the team said.

"They demonstrated incredible professionalism and humanity. The family would also like to thank the public for their heartfelt condolences and kindly requests that its privacy be respected during this difficult time."

Julian Edelman says he's been speaking with a Rabbi every week -- but he's not just praying for Tom Brady to stay in New England, he's about to get Bar Mitzvah'd!

The Patriots WR has previously described himself as "kind of Jewish" -- his father is Jewish but religion wasn't a big part of his upbringing.

But, the 33-year-old has started going to temple and leaning into his Jewish roots -- even telling L.A. Magazine's Allen Salkin, "I speak with a Rabbi every Friday."

“I converted pretty much. I’m going to have a Bar Mitzvah here soon," Edelman said.

FYI, a Bar Mitzvah is an important Jewish ceremony where a child formally becomes an adult in the eyes of the religion and is allowed to participate in Jewish rituals like reading from the Torah.

Most people have a Bar Mitzvah around the age of 13 -- but hey, better late than never right?!

Can you imagine the Bar Mitzvah party Edelman will throw? And what's he gonna do with the Bar Mitzvah money? Here's an idea ... give it to Tom in hopes he'll stay!

Mazel tov!

How did the New York Rangers celebrate Mika Zibanejad's INSANE 5-goal game Thursday??

LOCKER ROOM SURPRISE PARTY, BABY!!!

Zibanejad could not miss in NY's game against the Washington Capitals ... netting 5 goals, including the OT winner -- and afterward, his teammates celebrated in pretty cool fashion.

They all hid in the locker room at Madison Square Garden ... and once Zibanejad walked in -- they surprised the hell out of him with a moshpit!!

Watch the clip ... the guys go pretty wild -- even dumping a whole water bottle on the star center's head!!

Zibanejad has been red hot for the Rangers this season ... scoring 38 goals and tallying 33 assists in 54 games -- but his night against the Caps was ALL-TIME great.

Five-or-more goals in one game has only been done 62 times in the sport's history ... and only 46 players have EVER done it.

By the way, if you're wondering, Wayne Gretzky scored 5 or more goals FOUR TIMES in his career!!!

PGA golfer Scott Piercy says he'll "do better" after posting a homophobic meme about Pete Buttigieg on his IG page ... insisting he wasn't trying to offend anyone.

Dude, are you a moron?

41-year-old Piercy doesn't seem to get why posting a photo of the openly gay politician with the caption, "Peter Pulls Out Early From Behind" could be deemed offensive.

Oh, and the post also referenced QAnon -- the far-right conspiracy theory. Supporters of it have been condemned by the FBI.

The PGA Tour was super upset with Piercy -- a rep said, "We were made aware of Scott’s post and are disappointed in the lack of judgment used."

The 11-year PGA Tour vet -- who's made more than $20 mil in his pro career -- spoke out on Tuesday saying, "Whenever i post my intent is NEVER to offend. I want to apologize if any of my recent story posts have been offensive. I will do better!"

If?! IF?!?! Okay ...

Beast Mode goes Hollywood!!

Marshawn Lynch was front and center at the L.A. premiere of "Westworld" on Thursday night ... leaving many asking the question -- why??

Turns out, HE'S ON THE SHOW!!

The Seattle Seahawks legend plays a tough guy (shocker) on Season 3 of the HBO sci-fi series ... you can even see him in the trailer, standing next to Aaron Paul and Lena Waithe.

The crew had a blast at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood for the big premiere while hanging out with the star of the show, Thandie Newton.

Lynch has certainly been staying busy this offseason -- besides the acting gig, the 33-year-old is also scheduled to speak at Princeton's upcoming Class Day event.

What's the best part of becoming an overnight superstar thanks to a viral 3-point basketball shot!?

Jackson State team manager Thomas "Snacks" Lee says he got a personal message from his hoops hero Kevin Durant ... and he's STOKED!!!

"Kevin Durant has been my favorite player since he played at Texas," Snacks told TMZ Sports ... "I've got an enormous collection of KD jerseys!"

Well, Durant became a fan of "Snacks" this week after he saw that amazing footage of Lee achieving his dream and checking into a Division 1 basketball game ... hitting a DEEP 3 in the process.

"I see you snipe," Durant said to Snacks on social media.

Snacks says he was PUMPED to get love from KD -- telling us he's been calling himself "Fat Durant" for years ... and was honored to hear from the man himself!

And it's not just KD, Snacks has become a star on campus at Jackson State -- telling us, "After the game, fans showed mad love. My phone from 10 PM last night 'til now, I had to keep my charger on me because it's just constantly going off."

Jackson State takes on Alabama State on Thursday -- hopefully, we get more Snacks!!!!

New York Jets defensive lineman Quinnen Williams was arrested at LaGuardia on Thursday ... cops tell TMZ Sports the former 1st-round pick brought a gun to the airport.

Law enforcement sources tell us Williams was going through a security checkpoint at around 9:15 PM ET when TSA agents scanned his luggage and found a Glock 19.

The way it was put to us ... Quinnen told officials he believed he could carry the gun into New York legally ... since the 22-year-old does have an Alabama permit for the firearm.

But, after authorities explained to the 6'3", 303-pound NFL player he had to have an NY permit to carry there ... they arrested him on a charge of criminal possession of a weapon.

We're told Williams was issued a summons ... and will be forced to appear in court later this month.

Quinnen was a MASSIVE star coming out of the Univ. of Alabama ... he was the No. 3 pick by the Jets in the 2019 NFL Draft.

Williams played in 13 games for NY this past season -- starting nine of them -- and he recorded 2.5 sacks with 28 combined tackles.

Great news!!!

UFC's most dominant couple -- Amanda Nunes and Nina Ansaroff -- have announced Nina's pregnant and due in Sept.!!!!

"I wanna tell every single person on this planet that Raegan Ann Nunes will be here mid September," Amanda said on IG ... "I cannot wait to see her."

Nina -- the UFC's #5 ranked strawweight fighter -- added, "I am carrying and still plan on fighter after she is born."

The two have been together for years -- and when they came to the TMZ office back in December, they already had big baby plans!

"I’m taking a year off," Ansaroff told us ... 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."

One of the people who reached out to congratulate the couple is Mackenzie Dern, the UFC fighter who returned to action just 4 months after having a baby.

Nunes and Andaroff told us they love the fact Dern got right back to work, but they feel no pressure to get back so quickly.

Ex-Knicks stud Chris Childs is going off on James Dolan ... telling TMZ Sports the New York owner mishandled the Spike Lee situation and is turning the team into a JOKE!!!

"This has to stop because it's starting to be the laughingstock of the league," Childs says. "And, I hate to see that."

If you missed it, Lee and the Knicks spent all of Tuesday fighting over the entrance the movie mogul used at Monday night's game. In fact, the beef got so bad, Spike vowed to not return to MSG again this season.

We spoke with Childs -- who played with the Knicks from 1996-2001 -- and he's laying the blame for all of the drama squarely at Dolan's feet.

"Spike Lee has been coming to these game forever," Childs says. "If he wants to land a helicopter through the roof, let him!"

Childs added, "He hasn't done anything, but support that franchise when they're at their lowest. So, how do you embarrass that man like that with your flashlight cops? Tell him he can't use that entrance? And, that only comes from the top."

Childs says Dolan is allowing his personal feelings to get in the way of properly running the team ... and tells us the guy's issues with Lee, Charles Oakley and combative fans at MSG prove that.

"So, let's stop playing games," Childs says. "Keep it a buck. Dolan, you're in your feelings right now and you're just picking on everybody."

"It seems that he's so sensitive. He has rabbit ears. He hears everything and it gets to him."

Of course, Childs has had his own battle with Dolan in the past ... remember, back in 2017, he was famously not invited to the reunion of the 1998-99 Knicks squad.

NBA player Allen Crabbe just struck a plea deal in his drunk driving case ... and won't spend any time behind bars.

27-year-old Crabbe -- who most recently played for the Minnesota Timberwolves -- was pulled over on June 26 in West Hollywood after officers said he showed "signs of driving under the influence."

A TMZ Sports cameraman was nearby when Crabbe was pulled over ... and captured the field sobriety test on video.

It didn't outwardly appear AC bombed the test ... but he was still arrested and charged with DUI.

However, on Thursday, Crabbe pled no contest to a lesser charge ... 1 misdemeanor count of "engaging in a motor vehicle exhibition of speed on a highway."

The 6'6" hooper was sentenced to 3 years probation ... as well as being ordered to complete 2 DUI education courses.

FRESH CUT!!!

Drew Brees is showing off his brand new look -- a buzz cut -- and it's for a great reason!!

The New Orleans Saints QB took some clippers to the dome on Tuesday for the Saving By Shaving charity event for the Boston Children's Hospital ... and helped raise a TON of money.

For a guy who's pretty calm under pressure, Brees looked a bit nervous to try out the new 'do (or lack, thereof) ... but cracked a few jokes in the process!!

"It's gonna be a lot easier to wash my hair now!!," the 41-year-old said.

The best part?? Brees says Granite CEO Rob Hale made an incredible $7 MILLION donation during the event.