TMZ Sports - Page 50

Mark Henry has a warning for ex-WWE wrestler Lio Rush ... stop defaming me, or my (Harvard educated) lawyers are going to file a lawsuit against your ass!!

Let's explain ... earlier this week, Rush -- who was recently released by WWE -- fired off a barrage of Tweets attacking the Hall of Famer.

Rush accused Henry of torpedoing black wrestlers' careers, writing ... "This is why African American talent on the biggest platform will continue to not have equal opportunity because people like you constantly tear your own people down. A damn shame honestly.”

TMZ Sports talked to an extremely upset Mark Henry ... who says Rush's comments are straight-up nonsense.

"If you go down to the performance center at NXT, probably 25 I think, people of color in the facility, probably about 80 plus percent of them I helped get them there. I mean, it's completely opposite."

So, if it ain't true, why'd Rush write what he did?

Mark tells us Lio's clout chasing ... using his name and fame to promote his music career.

"He knew that I get a lot of attention. I have a lot of followers and he released the album, or song, or something, and he wanted to use that to get some attention. Get some buzz," Henry says.

Mark's adamant if Rush would've just asked for help, he would've plugged his music -- no problem -- but what he did instead was wayyy out of bounds.

"If he would've called me, I would've done it anyway. We would've just worked it. I would of really talked it up, we would of made world news, but now he said something slanderous."

"And, you can't question my blackness. Like nobody can question my blackness, pull my black card. No, not allowed. Nobody."

Mark's so mad ... he tells us he's seriously considering filing a lawsuit.

"My lawyer went to Harvard. I don't know what kinda lawyers he's dealing with, but I got those Ivy League people around me, and they're pissed!"

But, there is one thing Lio Rush can do before he finds his ass in a courtroom ... say sorry, and really mean it.

Washington Redskins star Cody Latimer was hauled off to jail this weekend after cops say he was involved in assaulting someone and illegally using a firearm.

The wide receiver was arrested early Saturday morning just after midnight in Englewood, Colorado, where cops were summoned to an apartment complex Cody was at. It's unclear what led up to the arrest or why police were called -- but Cody was taken into custody.

He was booked on several charges ... assault in the second degree, illegal discharge of a firearm, prohibited use of a weapon, reckless endangerment and menacing. He was processed at the Douglas County Detention Facility -- and has reportedly already bailed out on a $25,000 bond.

The Redskins have responded to Latimer's arrest, saying ... "We are aware of the situation and have informed the NFL League Office. We will continue to gather more information and have no further comment at this time."

Cody's had a run-in with the law before in Colorado -- he was arrested in 2016 during a domestic disturbance call he made on his GF ... back when he was a Bronco. Later, it was revealed Cody was only taken in on an outstanding warrant for a failure to appear in court from a traffic ticket.

Russell Westbrook's got a special birthday message for his little man -- and it's another side of Russ we really don't see too often on the court.

The Rockets star point guard posted a sweet message Saturday to his only boy, Noah, wishing him a happy third birthday -- while also throwing up a bunch of photos and videos of the two of them doing some father-son bonding.

He writes, "Noah, I love you more than life itself and everyday It brings me so much joy to see that beautiful smile and to know you are my son. Thank you God for this unbelievable blessing. HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY MANMAN!!!!!!! Daddy loves you forever and ever and ever and ever......🎉🎉🎉🎂🎂🎂🎁🎁"

Noah is Russ' first kid between himself and wife Nina Earl. They had him in 2017, and a year later ... they welcomed twin girls. Russ might not get as much pub as some of the other NBA dads in the league -- a la Steph Curry and LeBron James -- but he's quite the family man, it seems.

Justin Gaethje loves how the tables have turned with Conor McGregor ... telling TMZ Sports it's the Irishman's turn to wait in line for a fight.

"I get to pick between Conor and [Khabib Nurmagomedov] right now," Gaethje says.

"I can pick whichever one I want. That’s a spot every single person in the sport, I don’t care what weight class you’re in, would love to be in the spot that I am in right now."

"Timing is everything. To have Conor on his knees begging for a fight, it’s a testament for the hard work and believing in my ability to show up and perform."

As we previously reported, Gaethje had been calling for a fight with Conor for YEARS -- but the guy wouldn't sign a contract.

Now, it's McGregor who's been trying to bait Justin ... and JG loves it.

Justin says right now he's laser-focused on fighting Khabib to "prove that I'm the best"... but he isn't ruling out a brawl with Conor after that.

"I could fight those two fights and retire", Gaethje says. "Monetarily, that's huge for me."

"So, yeah, it's a great spot to be in."

As for Khabib, Justin shares a manager with the Dagestani superstar -- and they're all very cordial.

Still, Gaethje has a message for Khabib -- "When we fight, it's going to be huge."

"It’s going to be the two best in the world figuring out who's the best on that night for 25 minutes.”

As for where the fight could take place, Justin says he's down to have the scrap anywhere on the planet ... "Sh*t, I'll fight him somewhere in the heart of Dagestan or Russia."

The L.A. County Coroner has just released the autopsy reports on the victims of the crash that took the lives of Kobe and Gigi Bryant, along with 6 other passengers and the pilot.

The documents reveal the obvious for the most part, so we're not going to go into detail. Suffice it to say, the helicopter slammed into a hillside at 184 MPH.

One thing that does stand out ... the autopsy report of the pilot, Ara Zobayan. Toxicology tests were performed and, according to the report, "Toxicological testing did not detect the presence of alcohol or drugs of abuse. Substances tested for include: benzodiazepines, cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, marijuana, opioids, phencyclidine, and amphetamines."

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Quinton Dunbar claims he did NOT pull out a gun and rob people at a Florida cookout this week ... and claims he's got 5 witnesses who will back up his story.

Dunbar's attorney Michael Grieco tells TMZ Sports ... 5 witnesses came to his office Friday morning and signed sworn affidavits insisting Dunbar was NOT involved in the May 13 incident.

"My client is innocent," Greico tells us ... "Never been arrested before. This is a man who's never been in handcuffs, never been in trouble. He didn't do anything wrong. He's completely innocent."

As we previously reported, Dunbar -- along with NY Giants player Deandre Baker -- are accused of taking more than $7,000 in cash and several pricey watches at gunpoint during a party gone wrong.

The Miramar Police Dept. says multiple witnesses saw both men ordering partygoers to turn over their valuables while Baker barked orders.

Officials say there were conflicting statements from witnesses as to whether Dunbar was also brandishing a gun.

Law enforcement says Baker ordered a 3rd man -- who was wearing a red mask -- to shoot someone at the party, but the masked man did not do it.

The police report suggests Baker was the shot caller -- and Dunbar was an accomplice.

But, Greico tells us his client is 100% innocent -- and he's accusing police of "celebrating" the fact they've got high profile suspects in their sights.

"They did a virtual touchdown dance on Twitter," Greico told us ... "They tagged the Giants and the Seahawks in a tweet. One of the most unprofessional things I've ever seen."

Greico is also upset officials are ordering his client to surrender in person -- which could put him at risk during the COVID-19 pandemic.

When asked if his client would surrender, Greico told us he's trying to work with law enforcement to try and get them to withdraw the warrant ... but insists he's not helping his client hide from cops.

"I'm not holding him up anywhere."

Both Dunbar and Baker are facing multiple felony charges and if convicted, they both face serious prison time.

The most popular digital strip club -- all the rage during quarantine -- has celebs lining up, virtually, for the first night of Justin LaBoy and Justin Combs' new Demon Time format.

Here's the deal ... LaBoy is moving Demon Time -- the online stripper stage -- from IG Live to OnlyFans, and Friday's launch has a crazy celeb guest list.

Usher, Winnie Harlow, The Weeknd, YG, Trippie Redd, YBN Almighty Jay, Karrueche Tran, Nav, Will Packer and Luka Sabbat are all expected to be in the virtual house ... along with sports stars like Kevin Durant, Odell Beckham Jr., Victor Cruz, Delon Wright and Caris LeVert!!!

Demon Time's been a huge hit on IG with celeb and normie fans, strippers who'd otherwise be out of work now ... and a little someone by the name of Beyonce!!!

Bey gave Demon Fans her stamp of approval on her remix of Megan Thee Stallion's hit, "Savage," so you already know it's gonna be lit!!!

In fact, it was a little too lit for IG Live ... which, we're told, had some issues with some of the sexier performances.

LaBoy's digital club won't have those issues with its new partner, OnlyFans. We're told the remodeled, if you will, Demon Time already has more than 2,000 subscribers on the new platform ... all ready for Friday night's premiere.

Aaron Rodgers is finally opening up about the Packers drafting his potential replacement in Jordan Love last month ... saying he wasn't happy with the selection, but adding he gets it.

"You know, obviously I'm not going to say that I was thrilled by the pick necessarily," Rodgers said in his first meeting with reporters since April's NFL draft. "But, I understand."

36-year-old Rodgers -- like just about every other Green Bay fan -- was clearly hoping for some receiver help in the first round ... but instead, the Pack went with the project QB.

The team was slammed for the selection ... with Brett Favre even saying Rodgers will now likely finish his career in another NFL city because of it.

But, Aaron said Friday he has no ill will toward Jordan ... and, in fact, says he not only spoke with the 21-year-old the day after the draft, but also several times since.

"He didn't get asked to be drafted by the Packers," Rodgers said. "He's not to blame at all. He's just coming in excited about his opportunity."

Rodgers says he'll treat Jordan the same way he's treated all of his previous backups ... guys he says he has great relationships with still to this day.

Ravens rookie J.K. Dobbins says he's well aware of the stigma associated with wearing #27 in Baltimore after the Ray Rice incident ... but chose the number to honor his dad and create his own legacy.

"Ray Rice was an amazing player. People make mistakes," Dobbins said on Instagram Live. "But, I wear that number for myself because I want to set a legacy for my own self in that number."

Dobbins says he picked the number to honor his late father, Lawrence, who wore #27 as a star running back at La Grange H.S. in Texas.

Lawrence tragically passed away of a stroke when J.K. was just 15 years old, according to the Ravens.

FYI -- Rice wore #27 with the Ravens from 2008-2013 ... and became the 2nd-leading rusher in team history.

Of course, #27 has been avoided in Baltimore since Rice's domestic violence incident with then-fiancee Janay Palmer in 2014.

Rice was indefinitely suspended by the NFL for the incident ... and never saw the field again.

But, Dobbins is focused on his own career ... and is ready to begin a new history for the number.

Golf superstar Rory McIlroy says he's been REJECTING opportunities to play with President Trump "out of choice" ... claiming he doesn't agree with "anything" POTUS has been saying recently.

Remember, Rory and The Donald played a round of golf at Trump International in Florida together back in 2017 ... a move he defended as not "an endorsement nor a political statement of any kind."

While Rory praised Trump for being "charismatic" and "nice" on 'The McKellar' podcast this week ... he admits he will not hit the links with him again, despite several opportunities.

"Most people that he came across that day he was cordial to, he was nice and personable," McIlroy says. "That was my only interaction with him the day I had with him."

"But, that doesn’t mean that I agree with everything -- or in fact, anything -- that he says."

McIlroy then went IN on his former golf buddy for his handling of the coronavirus ... saying he's using the pandemic for his own political gain.

"We’re in the midst of something that’s pretty serious right now and the fact that he’s trying to politicize it and make it a campaign rally and say we’re administering the most tests in the world like it is a contest -- there’s something that just is terrible," McIlroy says.

"It’s not the way a leader should act. There’s a sort of diplomacy that you need to have, and I don’t think he’s showing that ... especially in these times."

Rory -- the #1-ranked golfer in the world -- says he wouldn't golf with Trump again if he had the chance ... but admits he probably won't get another opportunity.

"I don’t know if he’d want to play with me again after what I just said. But no, I wouldn't."

Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford's insane mansion -- featuring the LARGEST infinity pool in Michigan -- is hitting the market with a $6.5 million price tag!

The 1.27-acre home is as baller as it gets -- 5 beds, 7 baths and sits on a peninsula looking over Upper Long Lake, a glass elevator, indoor basketball court with the Pistons' old Silverdome hardwood, walk-in wine cellar, gourmet kitchen, walk-in closets, sauna ... and, oh yeah, the infinity pool.

Seriously, even the marble bathroom sinks are dope.

Listing the Bloomfield Township crib (30 minutes from Detroit) is extremely interesting because it comes fresh off rumors Stafford asked the Lions for a trade ... which he denied Thursday.

"Listen ... I’m here, I want to be here," Stafford told reporters. "I love being a Detroit Lion, I love leading this team."

"It's a slow news month at that point and I’m just happy to be where I am and ready to deal with this off-season the way that it is and try to make the best of the season that I hope happens."

Stafford, his wife, Kelly, and their 3 kids have other homes in California and Georgia ... but it's unclear what his plans are in the Great Lake State.

But, for a guy who's reportedly made more than $200 million in his career ... we're sure he'll find a place.

UFC star Anthony Smith says he's "good" in the wake of a violent loss to Glover Teixeira -- and recovering with the help of his loving family.

"Everyone is arguing about good stop, bad stop, bad corner, good corner...blah blah blah," Smith said.

"I’m still winning. I’m good, and I’m exactly where i need to be, doing exactly what I’m supposed to be doing."

As we previously reported -- Smith suffered intense injuries during his fight on May 13 -- a broken nose, fractured eye socket, a gash under his right eye and had 2 teeth knocked out.

Some high-profile UFC stars like Chael Sonnen have criticized Smith's coaching staff ... saying they should've thrown in the towel instead of allowing him to fight in the 5th round, where he sustained even more damage.

"All that time spent worrying about me needs to be spent somewhere a little more productive," Smith said on social media.

Two NFL players -- including a 2019 1st round draft pick -- have been accused of armed robbery and arrest warrants have been issued, TMZ Sports has learned.

Law enforcement confirms NY Giants cornerback Deandre Baker (the 30th overall pick in 2019) is facing 4 charges of armed robbery and 4 charges of aggravated assault with a firearm.

Seattle Seahawks corner Quinton Dunbar is facing 4 counts of armed robbery.

According to police, the two men were partying in Miramar, FL on May 13 ... when things took a disturbing turn.

Cops say Baker and Dunbar were allegedly hanging at a cookout -- playing cards and video games -- when an argument broke out and Baker whipped out a semi-automatic firearm.

Cops say the men began to rob party guests ... with Dunbar assisting in taking watches and other valuables at the direction of Baker.

At one point, cops say Baker directed a 3rd man -- who was wearing a red mask -- to shoot someone who had just walked into the party ... but fortunately, no one was actually shot.