TMZ Sports - Page 50

Barstool Sports president Dave Portnoy is coming to terms with the fact Tom Brady is no longer a New England Patriot ... and he's convinced this could be the end of the world as we know it.

Remember, El Pres told TMZ Sports less than a month ago ... "Anybody who says (Brady's) going anywhere is an idiot!!" ... and obviously, TB12's leaving.

We reconnected with Portnoy in wake of the news on Tuesday ... and despite the devastating news, the guy is actually taking it well.

"I wasn’t stunned," Dave tells us. "I thought he would come back to New England, because I think we offer him the best chance to win ... it’s sad, it’s the end of an era."

"This is the real world. We got corona running wild in the streets, things happen. So, Brady’s leaving the Patriots. Crazy times. .. the world may be ending."

Pres makes it clear he still LOVES Brady and isn't pissed he's leaving the Pats ... but believes TB12 just ain't a franchise QB anymore.

"If you’re a Patriots fan and you care about winning in the next 10 years, this is the right move … if you only care about the next 2, then you probably want Brady."

Portnoy says he believes in Bill Belichick and likes the Pats' chances of winning a title before TB12 (regardless of which team he chooses) ... but his love for Brady will live on.

As for Brady's replacement?? Portnoy's got a guy in mind -- and the dude once defeated TB12 at the highest level.

Floyd Mayweather's uncle, Roger Mayweather -- one of the most famous boxing trainers ever -- has died, Floyd's camp confirms with TMZ Sports. He was 58.

Roger was a KEY member of Floyd's training team -- and sculpted him into becoming the global phenom he is today. Many considered Roger the best trainer in the world.

He was also a pretty good boxer and battled with some pretty big stars, including Julio César Chávez and Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini.

He was also a 2-weight world champion -- holding the WBA and lineal super featherweight titles back in the day, along with the WBC light welterweight title (from '87 to '89).

Roger had been in declining health for years. In fact, Floyd opened up about Roger's health back in 2015 and blamed boxing for damaging his brain.

"My uncle Roger Mayweather has lost a lot of memory from the sport of boxing," Floyd said ... "He's only in his 50s, but it seems like he's an old man in his 80s."

A few years ago, Roger went missing -- and fortunately, he was located by law enforcement officials.

We're told Floyd was close with Roger and is deeply emotional about his passing.

Story developing ...

Tom Brady will sign a deal to officially bolt from New England to the Buccaneers ... and it's all going down on Wednesday -- this according to FS1 star Colin Cowherd.

"The Herd" host broke the news on his radio show Tuesday morning ... saying, "Tom Brady signs tomorrow with Tampa Bay."

"He has made a decision," Cowherd said ... "I am told Tampa is the choice and he will sign tomorrow."

Cowherd says his source is NOT a football one ... but rather someone close to Brady on business side.

"It is a source of wealth and celebrity connected to sports that knows Tom," Cowherd said.

Of course, nothing official has been announced from either TB12 or the Bucs yet ... and other reporters have said NO deal is in place as of now.

In fact, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported earlier Wednesday that Bucs GM Jason Licht said in a text message to him that "nothing is done" regarding a deal with Tom.

But, would it shock anybody if Brady did end up with the Bucs this week? Absolutely not ... Tom's desperately wanted an offense with weapons around him, and Tampa Bay has plenty of those.

Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, O.J. Howard ... and a great play-caller in Bruce Arians certainly fits the mold of what Brady appears to be seeking.

Free agent corner Chris Harris Jr. says he's gunning for 15 more INTs with his next team ... telling TMZ Sports that's about all it'll take to officially reserve him a spot in the Hall of Fame!

"That's my goal, man, is just to be solidified in there, no question," the former Denver Broncos superstar said. "Make it no question."

Of course, Harris' HOF resume is already pretty sweet ... dude's a Super Bowl champ, a four-time Pro Bowler AND he's got 20 INTs on his resume already.

But, Harris Jr. doesn't feel like he's a Hall of Famer just yet ... telling us a few more picks and a couple more All-Pros and Pro Bowls will seal it.

"I think I probably need about, probably like, 15 more picks," Harris Jr. said. "Probably get about two more All-Pros, Pro Bowls and I think I should be solidified from there."

As for where the 30-year-old will try to get that all done at ... he tells us he has no clue just yet -- but reportedly, the Raiders, Cowboys, Bills and Jets all want to make a run at signing him.

Harris Jr. tells us he's hoping to play at least 5 more years in the league ... which would mean all he'd need is 3 more picks per season with his next squad to reach that goal.

Robin Roberts is like the rest of the sports world today ... because the Tom Brady bombshell's hitting her like a ton of bricks.

We got the ABC host in New York City Tuesday morning and our camera guy broke the stunning news ... TB12 is taking his talents elsewhere after 20 seasons with Robert Kraft's team.

Ya gotta see Robin's instant reaction ... she can't even fathom Brady in another uniform, and she's looking around for some #FakeNews, but it's all too real for Pats fans.

As we reported ... Tom posted a lengthy message to Patriots Nation explaining it's finally time to leave, but not before cherishing all the good memories -- like 6 Super Bowl rings.

Brady's decision is a huge development that instantly changes the landscape in the NFL ... but Robin tells us why Tom's departure still doesn't overshadow the coronavirus pandemic.

Robin's gotta point ... NYC's a virtual ghost town. Even Jets fans can't flood the streets to revel in the Brady departure.

"You forced me into this!!"

Cam Newton is clearly PISSED over the way the Panthers announced they were moving on from him Tuesday ... making it clear on social media a trade from Carolina is NOT what he wanted.

"I never asked for it!!" the 30-year-old said ... "Please do not try and play me or manipulate the narrative and act like I wanted this."

If you missed it ... Panthers GM Marty Hurney announced that after a meeting with Newton and his reps, they decided to give "permission" to the QB to seek a trade.

The implication from the statement was that this was something both sides agreed would be a good move ... but in a scathing comment, Cam said that just wasn't the case at all.

"Stop with the word play!!" Cam said, "There is no dodging this one."

Of course, Carolina just went through this same exact situation with tight end Greg Olsen a few weeks ago ... 'cause after they called his release a "mutual parting," Olsen came out and refuted that as well.

Olsen ended up moving on to sign a deal with the Seahawks ... but it's unclear where Cam will head next.

DeAndre Hopkins meant so much to the City of Houston, the MAYOR has penned a tribute to the star WR ... essentially saying he was EVEN MORE productive off the field!

"[DeAndre Hopkins] was true to his roots on and off the field," Mayor Sylvester Turner said on social media ... "He worked to uplift our communities & invested to ensure our children had the chance to learn all sports."

"I appreciate his incredible athleticism & sportsmanship while with the Houston Texans. #ThanksDeAndreHopkins."

Hopkins -- who was traded to the Arizona Cardinals on Monday -- was VERY active in the Houston community. In fact, earlier this year D-Hop donated $45k worth of furniture, home appliances and electronics to The Women's Home in Houston.

He was also a regular with various Houston children's charities, hospital functions and other organizations.

The Black Mamba's presence will be felt every time Drake steps foot on his insane home indoor basketball court ... 'cause the rapper has installed a touching tribute for Kobe Bryant.

Drizzy showed off the new artwork while spending some alone time at his "Sanctuary" court Monday night ... displaying a massive #8 and #24 on either side of the scoreboard.

Just like most of the world, it looks like Drake is practicing social distancing due to the coronavirus pandemic ... which means he can work on his J from the comfort of his Toronto mansion.

Of course, tons of celebs and athletes have been honoring the late NBA superstar following the tragic helicopter crash earlier this year -- from tributes like LeBron James' tattoo to Derrick Henry's new chain.

As for Drake's mansion ... the place is insane and even has a singing toilet. So, the whole isolation thing ain't all that bad for Drake.

There will be no Tom Brady-like departure from New Orleans for Drew Brees ... the future Hall of Famer just agreed to a $50 MILLION deal that'll keep him a Saint for life ... probably.

The contract is a 2-year extension for the Saints' G.O.A.T. ... and at 41 years old, it's probably safe to assume this will be the final one of his NFL career.

And, it came with a bit of a discount for the hometown team ... at $25 MIL per season, the former Super Bowl MVP is underpaid when compared to the league's other top QBs.

Of course, the deal comes as no surprise ... Brees has made it clear every step of the way this offseason he would rather retire than play for another team in 2020.

As for what Brees has left in the tank ... when we got his head coach, Sean Payton, out at the Super Bowl last month -- he told us PLENTY.

"Listen," Payton said, "I think he's playing at a high level."

Tom Brady is making it official ... he's leaving the New England Patriots after 20 seasons (and 6 Super Bowl rings) and continuing his NFL career in another city.

TB12 posted a long thank you message to Patriots Nation on Tuesday morning explaining he will always cherish the memories ... but it's time to leave.

"I wanted to say thank you to all of the incredible fans and Patriots supporters. MA has been my home for twenty years," Brady wrote.

"It has truly been the happiest two decades I could have envisioned in my life and I have nothing but love and gratitude for my time in New England."

He continued, "The support has been overwhelming - I wish every player could experience it. My children were born and raised here and you always embraced this California kid as your own. I love your commitment and loyalty to your teams and winning for our city means more than you will ever know."

WELCOME TO FIGHT SCHOOL!!

Paige VanZant welcomes UFC superstars like Yoel Romero, Henry Cejudo, Brian Ortega, Dominick Reyes and more into the secret MMA gym at the TMZ office where they're teaching legendary moves to our TMZ Sports producer, Lucas.

We're talking everything from flying knees to crazy chokes -- and even a human pretzel!!

Of course, the point of the show is to educate fight fans on the art behind these complex moves. But, it's also entertaining as hell to watch.

Episode 1 drops today on Snapchat and it's awesome!!

Amari Cooper is a VERY rich man today -- dude just agreed to a $100 MILLION deal with the Cowboys ... but could he have gotten EVEN MORE to spurn Dallas for its rivals?!!?

Yes ... because according to multiple reports -- the superstar wideout turned down "significantly" more cash from the Washington Redskins on Monday!!

As for why ... Coop's made no real attempt to hide it -- he loves Dak Prescott and Dallas -- and the fact that he logged more than 1,000 yards in his 2nd season with the Cowboys didn't hurt either.

Of course, $20 MIL per season -- with $60 MIL guaranteed -- wasn't exactly a hometown discount ... only 3 receivers in the history of the league have topped those numbers -- Odell Beckham ($65M), Julio Jones ($64M) and Michael Thomas ($60.5M).

As for all those Dallas fans who had to sweat until the deal was officially agreed to on Monday ... this wasn't THAT hard to see coming.

Remember, TMZ Sports broke the story ... just days after Cooper's first season with the Cowboys ended, he got a diamond pendant immortalizing his 1st games in Dallas.

Yeah, you don't do that just to leave for the rival a year later.

Derrick Henry didn't get the contract he wanted from the Titans this month ... but he sure as hell got a dope chain regardless -- coppin' an $85K piece to honor his hero, Kobe Bryant.

TMZ Sports has learned Henry grew up a huge fan of the Mamba ... and shortly after the Lakers legend's death in January, Derrick hit up ZoFrost to have tribute drip made.

As you can see, the jeweler -- who's worked with NFL stars like Lamar Jackson, Deshaun Watson and Earl Thomas this past year -- created a SICK piece for the Tennessee RB.

The chain and pendant features a mamba snake wrapped around Kobe's famous logo ... and we're told it holds approximately 35 CTs of diamonds.

We're also told the bling weighs a stunning 120 grams ... and all told, is worth $85,000.

We know what you're thinking ... but don't worry, even though Henry hasn't gotten a long-term deal from the Titans yet, the franchise tag they put on him this week is still set to pay him around $12 MILLION this season.

By the way, Henry ain't the only NFL star to get sick ice from ZoFrost this month ... remember the insane Bruce Lee piece Kyler Murray had made for him last week?