TMZ Sports - Page 50

Washington Bullets legend Wes Unseld -- who won Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season -- has died at 74, his family announced Tuesday.

"It is with profound sadness that we announce that our adored husband, father and grandfather Wes Unseld passed away peacefully this morning surrounded by his family following lengthy health battles, most recently with pneumonia," Unfeld's family said in a statement.

"He was the rock of our family -- an extremely devoted patriarch who reveled in being with his wife, children friends and teammates."

Unseld was the #2 overall pick in the 1968 NBA Draft and played his entire career with the Bullets ... and won ROTY and MVP in his first season in the league. The only other player to win both awards in the same season was Wilt Chamberlain.

He went on to win an NBA title and Finals MVP in 1978 and made 5 All-Star appearances.

The family continued ... "He was our hero and loved playing and working around the game of basketball for the cities of Baltimore and Washington, D.C., cities he proudly wore on his chest for so many years."

NBA champ Kevin Love -- whose middle name is Wesley in honor of Unseld -- spoke about the loss, saying, "Proud to be named after such a great man. A Legend and a Leader."

"Wes, you will be missed by the NBA family and all people who’s lives you touched. Rest In Peace."

Unseld's #41 jersey was retired after his retirement in 1981 ... and he went on to coach the Bullets from 1988-94. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1988.

Unseld is survived by his son, daughter, daughter-in-law, grandchildren and wife of 50 years, Connie.

Despite nearly a full week of chaos, looting and vandalism in L.A. ... one thing has remained untouched in the city -- street art dedicated to remembering Kobe Bryant.

The city Mamba played in for 20 years has been turned upside down in the wake of George Floyd's death ... with protests turning aggressive and violent in several neighborhoods.

In fact, areas just miles from Staples Center have been devastated ... with shops and stores being smashed, burned and sprayed with graffiti.

But, as looters and agitators tore through parts of town ... they carefully passed over tagging and destroying Kobe murals -- and the former NBA star's wife sure appreciated the gesture.

Vanessa Bryant shared pictures of untouched Kobe and Gianna murals on her social media page Monday night ... most with heart emojis and captions expressing gratitude.

Of course, all the art was put up in the days after Kobe and Gianna's tragic deaths in late January ... and it's successfully stayed in place since.

Social media users have issued threats of violence for any kind of Kobe art tampering in the future ... with one Twitter user even writing, "tagging over a Kobe mural is asking to catch a 6pc w a side."

UFC star Jon Jones rounded up a crew and hit the streets Monday night -- swearing once again to protect the City of Albuquerque from violent looters and vandals ... and here's the video.

"I called upon some of the men of Albuquerque, New Mexico and quite a few showed up," Jones said in front of a group of 21 people.

Remember, Jones was out on Sunday night, too -- and forcibly snatched a spray can from a young man during the chaos on the streets.

So on Monday, Jones felt compelled to return to action -- and issued this warning to anyone looking to cause trouble in his city.

"We are fathers, we are brothers, are business owners, we are members of this community and we don't want to see you spray painting for no reason. We don't want to see you guys throwing rocks through windows for no reason. We don't want to see you guys breaking down hard-earned businesses for no reason."

"Tonight we're gonna try and stop as many of you as we can."

Jones explained, "We come in peace. We're going to use our voices, our numbers and were going to be the difference."

Jones says the night was a success -- they only encountered one group of looters -- and Jon says they worked with police to stop them.

Jones praised the peaceful protesters in the city who weren't causing trouble.

Later in the evening, Jon led a prayer circle with several APD officers -- and it's pretty moving to watch.

IT'S ALL OVER, BABY!!!

Rob Gronkowski's run as WWE's 24/7 champion came to a screeching halt on Monday -- when he was pinned by R-Truth while shooting a TikTok video.

Yep, that's a real sentence.

Gronk -- who won the belt at WrestleMania 36 back in April -- has since unretired from football and signed a contract with the Tampa bay Buccaneers. So, it seemed like it was only a matter of time before someone else took his WWE belt.

And, that time came on "Raw" ... while Gronk and his pal Goon began to shoot their TikTok, R-Truth was waiting in the yard while disguised as a gardener.

Suddenly, Goon unzipped his shirt -- revealing an official WWE referee uniform -- and R-Truth came firing in for a surprise pin.

1, 2, 3 -- it's over!!!

"You gotta be serious man," Goon said after he counted Gronk out ... "You got a new career starting! You're with the Bucs now!"

As for R-Truth ... this is the 36th time he's won the 24/7 belt!!!

Torching police cars and looting stores is NOT what Muhammad Ali would have wanted ... so says his ex-wife, Khalilah, who tells TMZ Sports the boxing legend would be furious with the George Floyd protests turning violent.

Riots have broken out in many cities across the country after what started as peaceful protests following Floyd's death ... with President Trump calling on the National Guard to try to end the chaos.

While Ali says Muhammad would applaud the people making their voices heard ... he wouldn't be okay with those wreaking havoc to make it happen.

"Muhammad would flip his switch," Khalilah -- who was married to Ali from 1967 to 1976 -- tells us. "He would go off on everybody in here."

"I know that Ali would retaliate. He would really go off on people and I would love to see him romp and rave over these people hurting people, and burning up our businesses, and hurting people in the streets and burning up police cars."

"That is uncalled for. Ali would not like that at all."

Khalilah -- who was Ali's adviser for his biggest protest in refusing to fight in the Vietnam War -- praises the many who are doing it the RIGHT way ... and calls for the violence to stop.

"For the real, honest, nonviolent protesters ... keep protesting. Make sure everybody starts learning to vote. Whether you like the system or not, you are the system. So, you can change the world."

As for Floyd's death ... Ali says there is no excuse for officer Derek Chauvin's actions.

Here is the $88,500 check that Floyd Mayweather is sending to the Fort Bend Memorial funeral home ... to cover the costs of George Floyd's funeral services.

A rep for Mayweather tells us George Floyd's family has accepted FM's offer to pay for the funeral services.

Floyd Mayweather has offered to pay for George Floyd's funeral services ... with the boxing superstar personally vowing to help Floyd's family grieve their loss.

TMZ Sports has confirmed ... Mayweather is offering to finance all 4 services for Floyd in Houston, Minnesota, Charlotte and another location to be named at a later date.

We're told Mayweather felt it was the right thing to do after learning Anzel Jennings -- CEO of the TMT music label -- grew up with George.

Mayweather's people added ... Floyd is just doing what he feels is right in his heart.

It's unclear if George Floyd's family has accepted Mayweather's offer.

Hollywood Unlocked first reported the story.

Chuck Liddell is DISGUSTED by George Floyd's killing ... but says that doesn't give anyone the right to hurt innocent people and torch his city.

TMZ Sports talked to Liddell -- a day after he played peacemaker in Huntington Beach -- where demonstrators and local residents nearly came to blows in the street.

"In this country, you're allowed to speak your mind. You have a right to your own opinion. Everyone has a right to their opinion, and you're allowed to speak your mind. But, you're not allowed to destroy things, you're not allowed to steal, you're not allowed to hurt people," Liddell tells us.

Chuck says he's been living in Huntington Beach ... and knew with protesters making their way towards the SoCal beachside town, the situation could turn ugly.

"I walked down there to check it out. I wanted to see what was going on. And, also I knew and heard a lot of guys saying we're not letting them destroy our city. And, I knew there was a possibility for a lot of violence," Chuck says.

"You see everything going on on the news. So, I went down to watch it, and I did my best to try and calm people down. Let people talk. You know, I stopped a lot of people from overly pushing the issue with people."

Liddell -- who says he totally supports peaceful demonstrations -- says he's been receiving love ... but also hate from people who saw what he did.

"He was trying to move a trailer or something -- move furniture or something," Ruggs Jr. told AL.com on Monday, "and the trailer just kind of pinned him against a car or a wall or something."

Papa Ruggs says his son -- who was the first receiver selected in April's NFL Draft over guys like Jerry Jeudy and CeeDee Lamb -- suffered some sort of cut/gash/wound to his leg.

Ruggs Jr., though, added he believes his son is feeling "OK" despite the ailment.

"It was just like a little open wound on his leg, a little incision," Ruggs III's father said. "Like something had stuck him right there on his thigh a little bit."

"With this COVID-19 stuff still going on, they wouldn’t let anybody in [to see the doctor],” Ruggs Jr. added. "He’s just having to walk on crutches. Not putting as much pressure on it."

For the Raiders' part, they said in a statement to The Athletic on Monday, "The #Raiders are aware of a report regarding an off-field injury to Henry Ruggs III. Respecting Henry’s right to medical privacy, the team will not be commenting on the report."

Legendary college football coach Pat Dye -- who turned Auburn into a powerhouse in the 1980s -- has died, the school announced Monday. He was 80.

Dye was hospitalized with serious kidney-related issues last month. He also tested positive for the coronavirus, but was asymptomatic, his son told ESPN.

Dye died in hospice care in Auburn from complications of kidney and liver failure, according to reports.

"On behalf of our family, I want to thank all of the people from around the country who have offered their support and admiration for Dad these past several days," Pat Dye Jr. said in a statement.

"Dad would be honored and humbled to know about this overwhelming outreach. The world has lost a pretty good football coach and a great man. He was beloved, he touched so many lives and he will be missed by many, especially our family."

Dye won 99 games in 12 seasons with the Tigers ... and coached Bo Jackson during his 1985 Heisman campaign.

Dye -- who also served as Auburn's athletic director from 1981-91 -- was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2005 ... and is widely regarded as one of the best coaches in football history.

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich says he's absolutely fed up with President Donald Trump ... firing off a flaming-hot statement on POTUS' handling of the recent protests in America.

“He’s not just divisive. He’s a destroyer," Pop told The Nation. "To be in his presence, makes you die. He will eat you alive for his own purposes."

He continued ... "I’m appalled that we have a leader who can’t say 'black lives matter.' That’s why he hides in the White House basement. He is a coward. He creates a situation and runs away like a grade schooler."

"Actually, I think it’s best to ignore him. There is nothing he can do to make this better because of who he is: a deranged idiot."

Of course, POTUS faced backlash after he tweeted of the looting in Minneapolis, "These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I won’t let that happen." He also tweeted, "when the looting starts, the shooting starts."

Pop -- who has been passionately outspoken about his issues with Trump -- makes it clear he has a problem with how the president reacted to the protests turning violent.

"It’s unbelievable," the NBA coach said. "If Trump had a brain, even if it was 99 percent cynical, he would come out and say something to unify people. But, he doesn’t care about bringing people together. Even now."

"That’s how deranged he is. It’s all about him. It’s all about what benefits him personally. It’s never about the greater good. And, that’s all he’s ever been."

But, it's not just Trump who Pop's pissed about ... he says the whole system needs to change.

"In the end, what we have is a fool in place of a president, while the person who really runs the country, Senator Mitch McConnell, destroys the United States for generations to come."

Russell Wilson says he's so shaken over the death of George Floyd ... he's bluntly admitting he's now scared for his children's lives.

"I fear," the Seattle Seahawks superstar says. "I fear for their lives just like my grandmother feared for my dad's life and the lives of her other children."

Russ, who helps raise two children with Ciara and has another baby with the singer on the way this year, added, "I fear because of the color of their beautiful chocolate skin."

Russ says it's time for America to finally do something about police brutality in the country ... and he's imploring citizens to stand up and demand change.

"We cannot continue to ignore racism as though it has ended, or never happened," Wilson said. "The continual violence inflicted upon blacks and people of color must stop. We need a change now."

"We need love. We need compassion. We need grace and forgiveness even in the midst of the pain. We need true leadership. We need justice. We need equality."

Wilson's message was echoed by fellow NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes on Monday, who said in a statement of his own, "I hope that our country can learn from the injustices that we have witnessed to become more like the locker room where everyone is accepted."

"Let’s be the world where my little sister, generations to come, and even my future kids will grow up never having to experience these tragedies and instead love each other unconditionally."

MLB legend Derek Jeter also added to Mahomes and Wilson's statements, writing, "I hope that my children and nephews don't have to live in a society where people are unjustly treated because of the color of their skin."

"I hope that their white friends grow up to recognize that it is not only enough to verbalize their non-racist views, but also to participate at an active level to eradicate racism."

USC athletic director Mike Bohn just went scorched-earth on a school booster for "abhorrent and blatantly racist" tweets ... revoking the person's privileges to Trojan season tickets.

A Twitter user operating under the handle "@SoCalMAB" -- an account that has since been deleted -- fired off several disturbing tweets over the weekend during national protests.

In some, the user -- whose account had a profile picture of former USC receiver Michael Pittman standing next to a female fan -- advocated to "shoot the protestors."

The tweets got so nasty ... Pittman himself felt the need to intervene, telling the account to remove his picture from the profile ASAP.

"@SoCalMAB if you truly believe the things you have said, I politely ask you to take me out of your profile picture," the Indianapolis Colts rookie said. "This is disappointing, I know my true Trojan family would never. In times like this, it is important for us to stand together."

Bohn said on Monday the school launched an investigation into the tweets after they were made aware of the disturbing content ... and after they identified the fan as a school booster, they dropped the hammer.

"Following an immediate investigation into the matter, we informed the individual that their season ticket and Trojan Athletic Fund membership privileges have been revoked and their payments will be promptly returned," Bohn said. "Their account has been flagged in our system to prevent future purchases."

Bohn added, "Thank you to the USC community for helping us identify this individual so that we could move swiftly to terminate our relationship. We stand in solidarity with the Black community."

Liverpool F.C. players decided to team up and send a powerful sign of support on Monday ... with the whole team taking a knee together to honor George Floyd.

LFC shared the image of 29 players kneeling near the center of the field at the Anfield stadium ... featuring the words "Unity is strength. #BlackLivesMatter."

The players reportedly came up with the idea to kneel as a sign of support for the movement while training ... and several players like Virgil van Dijk, James Milner and Andy Robertson have also shared the impactful shot

The gesture adds to the global outcry for justice ... with celebrities and athletes coming together to protest following Floyd's death.

Jadon Sancho of Dortmund also dedicated one of his goals to Floyd over the weekend ... wearing a shirt that read "Justice for George Floyd."

Here's video of Conor McGregor eating bees straight out of a jar ... all while saying what everyone else is thinking -- "WHAT THE F**K IS THIS?!?!?"

It's unclear why the UFC superstar decided on the unique snack Monday morning ... but the video of his chow down is pretty wild.

Check out the jar the Champ Champ opens up ... it's straight-up dead bees -- and on the label, it says they're flavored with macadamia nuts from Australia and Jamaican pepper.

You can see in the clip ... Conor ain't exactly stoked to taste the insects -- and when he accidentally drops some on his stomach, it'll send a shiver down your spine!!

It's also pretty hilarious when he asks his infant son if he wants a piece of the snack ... 'cause Baby McGregor wants ZERO PART of it all!!

As for how they tasted ... it didn't seem too awful -- at least judging by Conor's reaction -- 'cause after he finished chomping down, he had a very "meh" reaction.

J.R. Smith says he's disappointed in himself for opening a can of whoop-ass on an alleged vandal ... saying it was a "random act of stupidness" on both sides.

TMZ Sports posted the video of the incident ... where Smith is seen unloading a bunch of violent kicks on a man who allegedly smashed his car window during the protests in L.A. this weekend.

Smith joined the "Pat McAfee Show" on Monday to give more insight into the situation ... and the NBAer admits he wishes the incident never happened in the first place.

"Granted, if he would've seen me, and seen somebody outside the car or outside the house or whatever, do I think he would've broke it? Absolutely not," Smith says.

"It was just a random act of stupidness, and I give him that. But, that ass whooping was a random act of stupidness on my behalf."

J.R. says he's supporting the peaceful protests in honor of George Floyd, but condemns the looting and vandalism.

"This man was down there for 8:46 for no reason. Literally, taking the life from him. Calling for his dead mother."

"And then, we go out here and try to represent his name in a good way and between tarnishing people's shops -- like so many people have nothing to do with the situation."

Smith continued ... "We should be able to lock arms and stand in front of somebody's store and say no this is not right. Being able to do stuff like this isn't right."

As for the moment he unloaded on the alleged vandal, Smith says he regrets how it went down.

"When it happened, I seen red. Then when I finally snapped to... I'm still disappointed with myself."

"For me, I'm 34 years old. I have 4 little girls at home. I don't want that image, regardless of the fact whether it was right or wrong, I don't want them to have that image of their dad being capable of doing that, and doing something like that."

"My son had to ask me, 'Why didn't he get off of him?'"

Former Dallas Cowboys stud Marcus Spears broke down live on television talking about a white police officer's role in George Floyd's death ... and the scene was VERY emotional.

The NFL analyst explained on ESPN's "Get Up" on Monday he's so torn up by the tragic killing of the 46-year-old in Minneapolis, Minn. last month ... he's having a hard time putting his feelings into words.

"This spirit broke in this country. It broke," said Spears, who has three children. "It broke me."

Marcus -- who needed several seconds to wipe away tears, continued, "Everything that I've done in my life culminated to me having my children. And trying to give them a better situation."

Spears added, "This is a heart condition, man. What we're asking for help, and when we're asking for white people to understand, we need you to be against this."