TMZ Sports - Page 50

Josh Norman says a return to superstar status is coming in 2020 ... telling TMZ Sports he's going to be "All-World" in his first year with the Bills!!!

The former Pro Bowl corner tells us he's speaking it into existence now ... saying a reunion with Sean McDermott is the move he needed to make in order to become one of the game's best again.

"I feel like 'All-World' is coming," Norman says.

Of course, Josh was the NFL's best DB with the Panthers back in 2015 ... but some nagging injuries prevented him from regaining that form in Washington.

But, Norman is now with McDermott again (Sean was Josh's DC during his Carolina days) ... and he's confident that'll put him back on top of the CB pedestal.

As for how the Bills will fare overall as a team in '20 ... Josh is oozing confidence there as well -- telling us even if Tom Brady had stayed in the AFC East, he liked Buffalo's chances regardless.

"Coming in, I know the philosophy of the head coach and the GM already," Norman says. "Mindset-wise, it didn't matter who was at the quarterback position for the opposing team."

There's more ... Norman also had a strong take on his former teammate, Cam Newton, when we asked about the QB still being unsigned ... with Josh telling us it's perplexing.

The State of Arizona is removing its stay-at-home order on Friday May 15 -- clearing the way for pro sports teams to resume team activities.

As part of the reopening plan, Gov. Doug Ducey says gyms and swimming pools will reopen to the public.

But, the biggest news has to be the pro sports component -- which could clear the way for Major League Baseball, the NHL, the NFL and possibly the NBA to resume play down the road.

MLB has reportedly put together a plan to potentially play a shortened season in Arizona ... with all 30 MLB teams moving to AZ to conduct games in several ballparks in the Phoenix area.

There are already a bunch of stadiums in the area -- since many clubs use Arizona as their home base for Spring Training.

As for why Arizona is pulling back on COVID-19 restrictions, Gov. Ducey is pointing to data which he claims shows a decline in positive tests for COVID-19 in his state.

Plus, Ducey says he feels AZ hospitals are well-equipped to handle coronavirus cases.

Meanwhile, in Los Angeles ... officials are moving to keep stay-at-home orders in place for the next 3 months.

Can you imagine being the son of the most famous athlete on the planet?!?

TMZ Sports spoke with someone who knows exactly what it's like ... and he's revealing the highs and lows of being Michael Jordan's kid.

SPOILER ALERT -- there aren't many lows.

We spoke with MJ's second son, Marcus Jordan, about growing up with His Airness ... and asked when he realized his dad was Michael freaking Jordan, the global superstar.

"So, in 8th grade, I was playing in middle school and I was number one in the state," Marcus tells us.

"Everybody was coming to our games and we were getting bigger crowds than usual and that's when it really started settling in for me."

Marcus says he started picking his dad's brain ever since ... asking for advice on becoming the G.O.A.T. at anything on and off the court.

Naturally, being MJ's son has to come with a ton of perks ... but when we asked Marcus the best parts about being a Jordan, we realized how awesome it really is.

"I grew up playing Playstation on a private jet."

Baller.

Marcus says his mom did a great job keeping the family humble and reminding them how blessed they are ... but also admits he didn't travel on a commercial flight until his junior year of high school.

Marcus says the worst part is always having to live under the assumption that people are always wanting something from him -- whether it's sneakers or a connection -- but says that one negative is outweighed by all the dopeness.

The Mamba Sports Academy says it will honor Kobe Bryant's memory by removing the word "Mamba" from its name forever.

And, if you're confused ... you're not alone.

Kobe partnered up with The Sports Academy (a youth sports training business) in 2018 -- which led to the name change "Mamba Sports Academy."

Kobe was very involved with the Academy -- and was traveling to a MSA facility in Thousand Oaks, CA with his daughter, Gianna, and several other people when their helicopter crashed on January 26.

Now, Sports Academy founder and CEO Chad Faulkner says the company will make significant changes as a tribute to the NBA legend.

"Today, with respect for an unparalleled legacy, the Academy will retire the 'Mamba' in the Mamba Sports Academy name -- to raise it to the rafters, where it belongs," Faulkner said in a statement.

Faulkner expanded on his decision to ESPN's The Undefeated ... saying, "Our beliefs and thoughts are Kobe is one of one. 'Mamba' is one of one."

"And with that as we carry on as The Sports Academy, it's more appropriate to put Kobe in another Hall of Fame, if you will, and to really respect a legacy that is really unrivaled, frankly, and let that live on its own. We will continue to do the work we do."

"We were fortunate to learn from Kobe. We will carry on much of those learnings that we have in a respectful way."

Of course, there is another school of thought that Kobe would want the Academy to use his name because it would help to attract more young athletes ... but clearly Faulkner doesn't feel that way.

The Sports Academy has already changed its website to reflect its new name -- and says it will make changes to signage at its buildings in Thousand Oaks and Redondo Beach.

As it turns out, time DOESN'T heal all wounds ... 'cause China's state-run TV network is holding firm on blacking out NBA games following Daryl Morey's support for Hong Kong protesters last year.

Remember, the Houston Rockets GM started an international crap storm for tweeting "Fight for Freedom. Stand with Hong Kong," with a pic of pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong in October.

The Tweet created a ton of backlash in China ... with massive Chinese e-commerce site Taobao yanking all Rockets merchandise and CCTV pulling NBA games from broadcast.

China Central Television released a statement to the Global Times in Beijing earlier this week ... "reiterating its consistent stance on national sovereignty" -- AKA, the NBA is still banned from TV.

The statement comes one day after Michael Ma -- son of CCTV co-founder Ma Guoli -- was named the CEO of NBA China ... which initially led people to believe the NBA could return to programming.

But, all that speculation can be put to rest with CCTV shooting down the rumors.

The ink is still wet on Tua Tagovailoa's rookie contract ... but the Miami Dolphins top pick is already in the process of giving back -- vowing to help the communities that raised him.

The 22-year-old ex-Alabama superstar just signed a 4-year, $30.3 MILLION deal with nearly $20 mil signing bonus ... and shared a snap of the moment he became a millionaire on Tuesday.

Tua -- who was raised in Hawaii, went on to win a championship with Alabama, and got drafted by the Dolphins -- says he's going to do what he can for all 3 areas that left an impact on his journey.

"Blessed beyond belief 🙏🏼," Tua said on IG. "Thank you to the Miami Dolphins for making this dream come true for me and my family."

Of course, Tua's already proven he's a generous guy -- he just gifted his mom a Cadillac Escalade on Mother's Day -- but the QB says he's just getting started.

"It's in my heart to give back to the communities that have raised me. Plans are underway to start charitable outreach efforts in Hawaii, Alabama and Miami."

On top of his NFL money, Tua's raking in endorsement dough from Adidas, Wingstop, Bose and more ... so he's in prime position to make a huge impact.

"First of all, I would love to share the Octagon with Daniel Cormier before he retires."

That's Francis Ngannou telling TMZ Sports why it would be an "honor" to fight UFC legend Daniel Cormier ... but insists it should be for the TRUE heavyweight belt and not "this interim sh*t."

Of course, Ngannou just destroyed Jairzinho Rozenstruik at UFC 249 on Saturday -- his 4th straight 1st-round victory.

Most people think he deserves a title shot -- but the situation with Stipe Miocic is definitely complicating things.

Remember, Stipe -- the reigning heavyweight champ -- was supposed to run it back with Cormier earlier this year (they've already fought twice) but an eye injury and the COVID-19 pandemic ruined those plans.

Cormier insists he's ready to fight now -- but Stipe is still waiting for the green light from his doctor and wants time to have a full training camp.

In the meantime, Cormier said over the weekend he'd be down to fight Ngannou ... and Francis told us, he's READY!

"I mean, that would be an honor for me to have to fight Daniel Cormier since I always think about it," Ngannou said.

Some people are calling for the UFC to strip Stipe of the belt -- and have DC and Nganou fight for the interim heavyweight strap.

Ngannou does NOT like that plan.

"I hope Stipe gets what he wants but I want to fight for the title. Not this interim sh*t."

"I mean, like, they should have given me the interim [for the Jairzinho Rozenstruik fight]."

"I should be working out now with interim but I don't think there's no time for the interim anymore, its time for the real title."

CC SABATHIA IS ABSOLUTELY SHREDDED NOW!!!

The former Yankees pitcher -- famous for throwing fastballs at close to 300 pounds for most of his career -- is getting SWOLE now that he's retired ... and the photographic proof is wild!

Check out a pic of CC in a tank top ... the 39-year-old is looking slim as hell, with his arms cut up and huge!!

And, we know what you're thinking ... but according to CC's podcast partner, Ryan Ruocco, the pic is both recent and NOT photoshopped!!!

It's crazy ... considering just a few months ago Sabathia was pushing 300 pounds -- but the 6-foot-6 future Hall of Famer (?) has clearly been putting in work during quarantine to get his bod right.

Of course, it's good for Sabathia to be carrying less weight now that his playing days are done ... he dealt with knee and shoulder issues the past few years as well as a scary angioplasty procedure in 2018.

As for how the dude's lost the lbs ... remember, he went vegan a couple years ago -- so seems plants and a lot of hard work!!

UFC isn't wasting any time -- gearing up for their 2nd big event in just 4 days despite the COVID-19 pandemic ... and the fighters seem ready to roll!!!

Ovince Saint Preux, Michael Johnson and others hit the official weigh-in on Tuesday morning ... where everything seemed to go off without a hitch.

Saint Preux wore a face mask when he hit the scale -- and so far, he's the only fighter to wear the protective covering.

Everyone else ditched their masks -- but as Dana White has said multiple times, ALL fighters (and their teams) are being tested and retested and retested for coronavirus before and after the event anyway.

The event -- "UFC Fight Night: Anthony Smith vs. Glover Teixeira" -- is scheduled for Wednesday night at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, FL ... featuring 11 fights.

So far, no one on the card has tested positive for COVID-19 -- but even if there is a positive test, the show will go on ... just as it did for UFC 249.

Remember, Jacare Souza and his 2 cornermen tested positive the day before the fight and he was pulled from the card.

White says the positive test proved his medical screening system works -- and they immediately moved Souza and his cornermen from the hotel where the fighters were staying into quarantine.

President Donald Trump praised the UFC for finding a way to get their business back in action during the pandemic.

White has hailed UFC 249 as a massive success.

Tom Brady just SNAPPED over a report he had beef with Josh McDaniels in New England ... calling the whole thing "nonsense" and pleading with journalists to "be more responsible."

Brady is alleged to have left New England for Tampa, in part, because of a "deteriorating relationship" with McDaniels, this according to longtime NFL reporter Gary Myers.

Myers claimed per an "excellent source" that TB12 was "worn out" from playing under Josh the past decade-plus ... and wanted a change of scenery.

But, Brady went scorched earth on that notion Monday ... writing on social media, "Please stop this nonsense!"

"Please be more responsible with reporting," the QB added. "19 years together and brothers for life."

McDaniels has held some sort of role on the Patriots staff for all but 3 years since 2001 ... and has been Brady's offensive coordinator for most of those seasons.

And, Tom's sure making it known he didn't hate the guy when he finally broke away from the Pats in March.

Johnny Manziel is a LUCKY man -- because he slipped and fell while trying to dive off a cliff ... and fortunately, escaped injury.

The ex-NFL quarterback hit the famous cliffs at Lake Pleasant near Phoenix, Arizona recently and tried to bust out a backflip into the water below.

But, as the 27-year-old tried to launch himself off the rock, he lost his footing ... and barely managed to use his left foot to propel himself far enough away from the cliff, that he avoided disaster.

He's fine ... but man, THAT WAS TOO CLOSE, BRO!!

Manziel joked about the "flawless execution" in a social media post -- but some of his friends had real concern for JM.

"Got spooky for a second," Victor Cruz wrote.

NFL wideout Cayleb Jones wrote, "Johnny chill bro."

Former NBA player Darius Morris -- a Lakers second-round pick in 2011 -- was arrested last month after a woman claimed he brutally attacked her ... but now the woman is insisting she made the whole thing up.

A spokesperson for the NYPD tells TMZ Sports ... on April 18, a woman told officers the 29-year-old pro basketball player beat her up during an altercation at a Manhattan-area home.

The woman told cops she had left the residence, and asked Morris to leave by the time she got back. But, she says when she returned, Darius was still there -- and he exploded on her.

Officers say the 34-year-old woman told them Morris "grabbed her by her hair and dragged her, punching and kicking her in the head repeatedly."

Law enforcement sources say as a result of the alleged attack, the woman sustained bruising and swelling on her eyes, forehead, and ear ... and also suffered a chipped tooth and bruises on her arms and back.

We're told the woman was treated at a local hospital ... and Morris was eventually arrested and booked on charges of strangulation and assault.

Cops say Morris was released ... but was arrested AGAIN just a few days later on April 30, after they claim he violated an order of protection.

We contacted Morris and his rep for comment ... but they offered no explanation.

After speaking with Morris' camp, we were contacted by the accuser, who now says she made the whole thing up and doesn't want to see Morris prosecuted.

Unclear what caused the change of heart -- she told us, "It's private, none of it's true." The accuser also says she will go to the D.A. to drop the case against Morris.

Morris was a star at the Univ. of Michigan, averaging 15 points per game in the 2010-2011 season ... and was ultimately picked by the Lakers with the 41st overall selection in the 2011 NBA Draft.

We had to read this legal doc several times, because it was so shocking ... Island Express -- the company that owned the helicopter that sent 8 innocent passengers to their death -- claims Kobe AND 13-YEAR-OLD GIGI knew flying could result in an accident and therefore, Vanessa Bryant has no case.

It's true ... Island Express filed an answer to Vanessa's wrongful death lawsuit and, they threw in every argument in the book, including Act of God.

So, here's how it breaks down. Island Express says in its answer, "Kobe Bryant and GB [Gigi] had actual knowledge of all of the circumstances, particular dangers, and an appreciation of the risks involved and the magnitude thereof, and proceeded to encounter a known risk, and voluntarily assumed the risk of the accident, injury ... thereby barring or reducing [Vanessa's] claim for damages."

Island Express never explains how a 13-year-old girl appreciates such risks, and while we're on the subject, did anyone know helicopters are so dangerous that passengers who dare to board do so at their own peril? If that's the case, how come Island Express didn't have a big sign in front of the helicopter?

It gets even crazier. Island Express says it's not responsible for the crash because it was an Act of God. Well, blinding fog is definitely an act of God. Flying into it at 180 MPH is not.

And then, just like the pilot, Island Express blamed the crash on the passengers -- in this case Kobe and Gigi, saying their lawsuit should be thrown out because they were negligent.

And, there's more. Island Express said the accident was the result "of an unavoidable accident." Turning the helicopter around before going into the fog, or going very slow as the pilot ascended or descended might have made it avoidable.

Congratulations are in order for Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins -- the WWE Superstars are expecting their first child together!!!

"The Man" made the huge announcement on Monday Night Raw just minutes ago ... saying she's relinquishing her women's championship belt to prepare for the little one's arrival.

"Tonight is no ordinary night for me," Lynch said. "I'm torn between joy and sadness, 'cause I'm at a place in my life where things are about to change and I needed to do something about it."

"I have to go away for a while."

Asuka -- who just won Money In The Bank Sunday night -- will now hold the belt, which Lynch revealed was in the locked briefcase all along.

"The match last night was actually for the Raw Women's Championship."

"You go and be a warrior, 'cause I'm gonna go be a mother," a highly emotional Lynch said to Asuka.

Lynch and Rollins have been dating since early 2019 ... and got engaged in August during a romantic beachfront proposal.

As we previously reported, Lynch is also kick-starting an acting career -- she's had a role on "Billions" and has John Cena and The Rock in her corner as mentors ... so we take it she'll still be busy in the meantime.

But, don't get it twisted -- Lynch is hoping to get back to the squared circle ASAP so she can get her belt back ... 'cause she's truly a badass.

Michael Jordan may have seemed like a teammate from hell ... but ex-Bulls player Scott Burrell says he welcomed MJ's tough antics ... telling TMZ Sports he LOVED the way #23 motivated him.

Previously unreleased footage of the '98 Bulls season aired on ESPN's "The Last Dance" doc Sunday ... showing Jordan cussing at, mocking and being extra hard on certain players during practice.

Burrell -- who was on the receiving end of a lot of Jordan's harsh actions -- says it wasn't as bad as it looked ... 'cause he WANTED His Airness to prep him to be a contributing player on a championship team.

"I think Michael had different techniques maybe some people didn't think were great leadership qualities," Burrell says. "I loved it! I loved the way he pushed me, I loved the way he motivated me."

Burrell says the antics worked off ... 'cause the Bulls were ready to take on each team's best shot every night, even when the opponents gave MJ all they had.

"People gotta understand, this is a team that won 5 championships in 7 years, and 2 in a row. People weren't saying 'I'm gonna play Steve Kerr or Toni Kukoc, every team that played Chicago was 'I wanna kick Michael Jordan's butt.'"

Burrell never took MJ's words to heart ... saying he knew Jordan was just trash talking and didn't really mean what he was saying.

Matter of fact, Burrell says he's still tight with MJ ... and they even hit the links together from time to time.

"I'm glad I learned from the best coaches and the best players and I like the friendship we built and the team camaraderie we have."

We also asked Burrell -- who also had a brief stint playing baseball in the minor leagues -- about Jordan's brief pro-hardball career ... and he gives the guy props for what he was able to do after so many years away from the diamond.