TMZ Sports - Page 50

It doesn't happen often, but Kawhi Leonard has been defeated -- the NBA superstar just lost his copyright battle with Nike over the "Klaw" logo.

Remember, the LA Clippers guard -- a Nike athlete from 2011-2018 -- claimed he got a cease and desist in 2018 from Swoosh execs who said they owned the copyright to his "Claw Design" ... forbidding Leonard from using it elsewhere.

In his lawsuit, filed in the heart of the 2019 NBA playoffs, Kawhi claimed he came up with the design in college back in 2011 ... and since he created the logo, he should have the rights to it.

But, a judge just blocked Leonard's attempt on Wednesday ... ruling Nike's design is an "independent piece of intellectual property" put together by its team of designers and it is distinct from Leonard's early sketch of the idea ... meaning, KL doesn't own it. So, the judge dismissed KL's complaint.

Leonard's attorney Peter Ginsberg addressed the outcome on Wednesday, saying "Kawhi put his heart and soul into that design so we are obviously disappointed the judge ruled the logo belongs to Nike and not Kawhi," according to The Oregonian.

Red Sox nation is breathing easier today ... MLB just released its findings from its probe into cheating allegations -- and Boston's coming away with nothing more than a slap on the wrist.

The MLB found the Sox DID violate sign-stealing rules and regulations ... but commissioner Rob Manfred says the rule-breaking was minor and handed down minimal punishment.

Here's the deal ... Manfred says Red Sox staffer J.T. Watkins was officially responsible for LEGALLY decoding opponents' signs -- but took it too far at points during the 2018 season.

Manfred says Watkins ILLEGALLY used in-game live footage to help him with his sign-decoding assignments ... unacceptably gaining an advantage in getting opposing catchers' signs.

It should be noted Manfred says Watkins DENIED the allegations.

Manfred claims based on his interviews with current and former players ... the scope of the illegal activity was small -- saying Watkins' use of the in-game video was only episodic and even then, only useful when the Sox had runners on second base.

But, Manfred laid a small hammer down Wednesday nonetheless ... announcing Watkins is suspended without pay for all of 2020. Manfred also prohibited the guy from serving as a replay room operator for 2021.

Manfred also took a 2nd round pick away from Boston in this year's MLB draft ... but said no other Red Sox players or personnel would be disciplined.

It's a big breath of fresh air for Boston ... after the Houston Astros were caught and heavily punished for their sign-stealing scandal -- many in Beantown hoped to avoid a similar fate.

Of course, Red Sox manager Alex Cora was eventually canned for his role as a bench coach in the Astros' scandal ... but Manfred says in his report Cora was NOT complicit in the Sox's scheme.

"It's not the easiest place to play but it gets you right."

That's Rob Gronkowski being brutally honest about his 9 years with the New England Patriots -- admitting it was tough, but worth it.

"I'm very thankful for the 9 years I had with the New England Patriots," Gronk said during a call with reporters on Wednesday ... "I've learned so much under that organization."

Gronk shouted out both Bill Belichick and owner Robert Kraft -- saying he will ALWAYS have respect for those guys for drafting him and growing him into the NFL champion he is today.

But he was honest about the experience in New England -- saying, "I'm not going to sit here and say its an easy organization to play for."

"I've also never played for another organization. I haven't even been down to Tampa yet."

"I know that the NE Patriots, hands down, it is not the easiest place to play but it gets you right. It gets you mentally right, it gets you physically right ... but I'm definitely going to take what I've learned ... and apply it to my daily life, big time."

Gronk didn't get into details about why it was a tough place to play but it seems obvious -- it was an all work, no play kind of a job.

During Wednesday's call, Gronk also explained how influential Tom Brady has been in his decision to come back to the NFL.

"Tom is like the appetizer of the whole meal. He got me hooked when he went down to Tampa."

"Playing with Tom is special," Gronk said ... "We have a great chemistry out there and every time we get together, its just like the old days. It doesnt matter if we take a month off or 6 months apart, we just go out there and we're throwing the ball just like its a normal practice."

After Tom selected Tampa Bay, Gronk says he started looking into the Bucs roster and was impressed with what he saw.

"I saw what was down there. Just the opportunity to go down there and play with that type of offense. I mean they got some special wide receivers out there, they got other great tight end and let me tell you, I love working with tight ends too so I'm definitely looking forward to that, working with [OJ Howard and Cameron Brate]. That's definitely going to be a special opportunity. Just blessed to be in this situation."

Gronk says his decision to retire from football in 2019 was motivated by real injury concerns -- saying his body felt beat up and he needed a break.

"I was in a very painful situation. Even my very last game, I couldn't for four weeks. I couldn't walk that well after the last Super Bowl game we won from my quad contusion."

Rob continued ... "That's what I did the last year. I took care of myself. I let my body heal, I let my body rest, I let my body get the treatments that it needed. I feel like I broke up all the scar tissue that's in my body. Got rid the inflammation in my body that was holding me back my last year, I feel like. It feels good."

Gronk also admits, "I had no fire last year" -- but as time rolled by, "my body started feeling good."

Dennis Rodman tells TMZ Sports he is praying for his friend Kim Jong-Un to make a full recovery after reports say the North Korean leader is on his deathbed.

Of course, Rodman and Jong-Un go back years -- he famously kicked with KJU in 2013 and brought a bunch of NBA stars for an exhibition game in 2014.

Dennis has been fond of Jong-Un ever since -- and now with reports of the 36-year-old being in "grave danger" following a cardiovascular procedure, Rodman is concerned.

"I hope it's just a rumor that Marshal Kim Jong-Un is sick," Rodman says ... "Hopefully I will find out more soon."

"There is still so much work we have to do between both the USA and DPRK. If he is not feeling well, I am praying for his speedy recovery, so that both my friends [President Trump & Marshal Kim] can continue towards a peaceful success."

"THANK YOU BILL!!"

That's Dick Vitale's message to the New England Patriots -- after his Tampa Bay Bucs locked down Rob Gronkowski and Tom Brady!

You think Dickie V's fired up?! OH HELL YEAH!!!

"Brady to Gronkowski! Super Bowl here we come!"

"Mr. Belichick ... THANK YOU! THANK YOU! From the bottom of my heart for making us get these two guys to wear Bucs uniforms!"

The legendary sportscaster says Gronk and Brady bring real "hope" to his city -- and says they're taking a talented Bucs roster to the next level!

"Let me tell you this, we weren't a team without talent. That [2019] team could have won I believe 10 games last year ... They lost heartbreakers."

"Missed a chip shot field goal to win the game against the Giants, so many times marching to wrap the game up and there's a pick 6 the other way that psychologically breaks your team down. So getting a guy like Brady and Gronkowski, I think you change that."

HE'S SO FIRED UP, HE JUMPED INTO HIS OWN POOL WITH HIS CLOTHES ON, BABY!!!

Soccer superstar Paul Pogba is keeping the competitive spirit during the coronavirus pandemic ... and his latest victim is none other than his OWN MOTHER!!!

The Manchester United stud made his mom look straight-up foolish in a hilarious clip this week ... hittin' her with a nutmeg for the ages while getting some fresh air.

"When your mum tell you she played football before 🤣🤣🤣" the French footballer captioned the vid ... while also adding a very thoughtful message:

"Love and spend time with your parents before they leave this world."

Not only is he pulling soccer tricks, Paul's also been keeping busy in the kitchen as well by making desserts like galette des rois for his mama.

Tragic news from Atlanta Braves star Freddie Freeman's family ... their beloved pet cat, Benji, was killed in a hit-and-run Monday night.

"He was struck by a car who didn’t even stop to check on him ... we found him too late. Our hearts are broken," Freddie's wife, Chelsea, said in an emotional post on Instagram.

"He was the best cat you could ever ask for, he was more like a dog or even a person," Chelsea said ... adding Benji was very close with their 3-year-old son, Charlie.

"He would run and greet us at the front door, chase baseballs and jump on the trampoline with Charlie... he and Charlie were best friends and he was a cherished child to us for the last 6 years."

The Atlanta Braves shared their condolences in the comments section, saying "We love you, Freeman family ❤️ Benji was the best!"

Chelsea ended the sad post with a heartbreaking line -- "I know Freddie’s mom and Grandma are loving on him in heaven but God does this hurt💔 We love you so much Benji💔"

Joe Burrow torched the entire SEC ... and now the ex-LSU superstar says he can light up the NBA too ... saying he's confident he could drop 15 points in a real pro game!!!

Of course, Burrow was no one-sport athlete back in his high school days with the Athens Bulldogs in Ohio -- he was a damn good hooper as well.

How great does he think he was?? The 23-year-old says his stroke is so automatic, he could post up in his sweet spot and make it rain all night.

"I could spot up in the corner and get 12 to 15, make a couple 3s," Burrow told Bleacher Report's Taylor Rooks.

Now, the question to Burrow was how many points could he score if he had an entire month to prepare for the game ... but given the dude's confidence, he probably doesn't think he'd need it.

"You gotta put me on a team with LeBron or Chris Paul or someone and I can just spot up in the corner and let them go to work, kick it to me."

Remember, we got a glimpse of Burrow's J back in December ... he hit a clutch shot against Oklahoma in a shooting challenge before their College Football Playoff matchup!!

As for the other side of the ball, it's a totally different story ... Burrow admits he'd be a huge liability on defense (guess he can't do EVERYTHING).

Rob Gronkowski, Aldon Smith ... now Percy Harvin!?!?

The former-Super Bowl champ and ex-1st-round pick is gunning to become the next surprise NFL un-retirement ... saying he's training with an Olympian for a 2020 comeback!

"I'm ready to return to the NFL," Harvin told ESPN's Josina Anderson. "I thought I was done, but that itch came back. I’ve been training w/a former Olympian. My body is feeling good. Mentally I’m better. My family is good. The timing is right.”

31-year-old Harvin last played in the NFL for the Buffalo Bills in 2016 ... retiring after the season due to severe migraines and other injury issues.

But Harvin, who had also famously retired and unretired just before that year with the Bills, claims he's ready for another run at the league ... possibly even with Tom Brady and Gronk in Tampa.

"I had a dream a while ago when 12 was with the #Patriots, that I would play for Tom Brady," Harvin said. "That was well before the pandemic & he went to the Bucs, my comeback was already in the works."

Harvin added, "But I’m ready for any offense that'll just let me go."

Harvin's agent, Alvin Keels, says he's already fielding calls from teams interested in bringing in the former star WR for workouts this summer.

Tarvaris Jackson lost control of his car while doing 70 in a 30 MPH zone -- slamming into a signpost and crashing into a ditch, this according to the police report obtained by TMZ Sports.

The former NFL quarterback was fatally injured in the April 12 crash in Montgomery, Alabama around 8:50 PM.

According to the police report, the road where Jackson crashed was not well lit -- and he lost control while going around a bend.

When emergency personnel arrived at the scene just a few minutes after the crash, Jackson was "unable to give a reason why he crashed his vehicle."

The 36-year-old was transported to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

The report also says Jackson was not tested for alcohol or drugs at the scene.

Officials also note Jackson WAS wearing his full shoulder and lap seatbelt at the time of the crash.

It was also noted the roadway way dry and the conditions outside of the poor lighting were normal.

They seem to blame the crash on Tarvaris driving at a "high rated speed."

Jackson was laid to rest of over the weekend -- but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, mourners inside the church were limited to groups of 10 or less.

Rob Gronkowski AND Tom Brady?!?!

Bucs legend Ronde Barber is STOKED ... telling TMZ Sports his squad just became serious Super Bowl contenders!

Of course, Ronde is one of the all-time Bucs greats -- spending 16 seasons in Tampa and winning a Super Bowl in the process.

But, the former defensive back admits his beloved squad hasn't exactly been relevant on a national level in years ... UNTIL NOW, BABY!!!

"You don't sign Tom Brady to a team that has this much talent ... without the expectation that you wanna win a Super Bowl," Barber says.

"They have talent on this football team. And, an emerging defense. I would say the expectation is to win this year."

Ronde also points out how bringing in Gronk and TB12 will ensure the Bucs get a chance to thrive on the national stage!

"When has Tony Romo ever been here? Has he done a game here in Tampa? Best analyst in football and I think he's been here one time. Those types of things will change."

"'Monday Night Football' will come here. 'Sunday Night Football' will come here. These types of things are gonna drive the energy for the Bucs franchise here in 2020."

By the way, Ronde's only 45 years old -- just 3 years older than Tom. So, has he considered dusting off the cleats and getting back on the field?

Just call Rob Gronkowski the pancake man ... 'cause he's flipping AGAIN on retirement talk -- this time saying he's "not totally done" with football after all!!!

The NFL's greatest-ever tight end has been in a tug-o-war almost since the day he quit the NFL in 2019 ... going back and forth on whether or not he's officially done.

The latest? Gronk told Andy Cohen this week on "Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen" that a reunion with Tom Brady in Tampa Bay ain't totally out of the question.

"I'm feeling good right now," the Patriots legend said. "I'm happy where I'm at. You just never know, man. You just never know. You never know. I'm not totally done."

Gronk says the only thing that's holding him back is a passion for the game ... adding, "I like to stay in shape, but I've gotta get that feeling back."

Rob retired in March 2019 ... and has said injuries -- including roughly 20 concussions -- played a big role in him calling it a career at the age of 29.

The rumors of a return haven't stopped, though ... with Gronk playing a big role in the whispers -- flipping publicly between "I'm done" and "You never know" often.

As for those close to him ... TMZ Sports spoke with Gronk's brother, Chris, just a few weeks ago, and he said he'd be surprised to see the tight end come back.