TMZ Sports - Page 50

Fight Island officially opens on July 11 -- and Dana White is telling TMZ Sports who will have the honor of breaking in the new venue!

"The first fight that we're looking at is Alexander Volkanovski vs Max Holloway," White says.

Of course, the two fought back in Dec. 2019 -- with Volkanovski beating Max by unanimous decision.

Now, Max gets a shot at redemption on Fight Island ... which has also been revealed as Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.

Other fights taking place ... Petr Yan vs. Jose Aldo and Jessica Andrade vs. Rose Namajunas.

White also says Kamaru Usman will fight Gilbert Burns.

White says the UFC is working on locking in more fights for Fight Island ... including Fabricio Werdum vs. Alexander Gustafsson, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira vs. Shogun Rua and Robert Whittaker vs. Darren Till.

White says there are more fights in the works.

As for the safety issue re: COVID-19, White says there will be "Lots of testing, lots of quarantining and lots of fighting."

UFC has also "secured" its own airline -- "We're going too be flying guys in from all over the place on our own airline."

There's more ... we also asked about Conor McGregor and if White truly believes the Irishman will stay retired from combat sports,

"I honestly don't know," White said ... ""but that kid's got a ton of money."

White says he found out McGregor is likely making a fortune in his liquor deal with Proper No. 12 -- and adds, "The minute you even start thinking about retiring, you should retire."

White tells us he understands fighters can fall in and out of love with the sport -- and the pandemic isn't helping.

Kendall Jenner and Devin Booker are still going strong -- hitting up the most expensive sushi spot in town Monday ... just weeks before Devin has to get back to work!

The two rolled through Nobu in Malibu and left in the same SUV -- roughly one month after they were spotted on a road trip together in Arizona.

They both looked really good. In fact, Kendall walked out of the restaurant like she was strutting down a fashion runway.

But, here's the twist ... with the NBA announcing its plan to resume the 2019-20 season at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida starting on July 31, it seems they'll have a forced separation.

Devin's Phoenix Suns will be included in the NBA's 22-team plan -- in which players and staff will essentially live in a bubble environment as they play out the rest of the season and playoffs.

Teams are expected to arrive in mid-July.

Only essential people will be allowed in the bubble -- players, staff, coaches and family members. Everyone will be required to undergo thorough COVID-19 testing.

Since Kendall isn't family, it's likely she won't be allowed inside ... and if the Suns catch fire, they could be in the bubble until mid-October!

The good news for Kendall ... there's a very low chance they'll even make the playoff portion of the bubble much less the Finals.

The Houston Astros paid their respects to George Floyd in a touching way Monday night ... lighting up their stadium's scoreboard with his picture and the words, "Rest In Power."

The scene was striking ... the 'Stros opened up their stadium so the photo was visible for miles -- and at the bottom of the pic, they typed out "Black Lives Matter."

The team also laid down flowers, a photograph and a candle for Floyd on the Minute Maid Park grass as well.

The Houston Texans also honored the 46-year-old the night before he was set to be laid to rest in his Texas hometown ... lighting up their stadium in his former high school's color scheme.

As we previously reported, Floyd tragically died late last month after a Minnesota cop knelt on his back and neck for over eight minutes during an arrest attempt.

The aftermath of his death sparked national outrage ... with protestors calling for real change in America.

A memorial service was held for Floyd on Monday in Houston ... where family members and victims of other police brutality incidents gave emotional and powerful speeches.

Steve Kerr's Chicago Bulls shorts -- rocked by the sharpshooter when he knocked down one of the most historic shots in NBA history -- just hit the auction block.

The white Champion brand shorts are from Game 6 of the 1997 NBA Finals ... where Michael Jordan's Bulls squad took on Karl Malone, John Stockton and the Utah Jazz.

The Bulls led the series, 3-2 ... heading in to Game 6 at the United Center on June 13, 1997. It was a super tight game that went down to the wire.

With 5 seconds left in the game -- and the Bulls trailing by 1 point -- the Jazz defense expected Jordan to attempt the game-winning shot.

However, Jordan kicked it out to a wide-open Kerr -- who nailed a 17-foot dagger of a jump shot -- securing the Bulls 5th NBA Championship.

FYI -- Kerr scored 9 points. Jordan dropped 39.

The shorts -- photomatched to ensure authenticity -- are on the auction block at Lelands Auctions.

Kerr -- who autographed the shorts -- has called the shot the most memorable moment of his 15 season NBA playing career.

The auction is currently underway ... and there have been multiple bids around $1,500.

DeAndre Hopkins is putting serious pressure on his alma mater -- demanding Clemson remove the name of an infamous pro-slavery politician from its honors college ... RIGHT NOW!!!

The NFL star -- who played at Clemson from 2010 to 2012 -- says it's always made him sick to his stomach that his University still honors John C. Calhoun.

FYI, Calhoun was the Vice President of the United States from 1825 to 1832 under both John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson ... and STRONGLY advocated for slavery.

In fact, Calhoun often described slavery as a "positive good" that helped improve the black race.

Clemson University was built on Calhoun's Fort Hill Plantation -- where the University says he had 70 to 80 slaves.

Well, Hopkins is no fan ... and has joined a movement to wipe Calhoun's name from existence at Clemson.

"Clemson University still honors the name of well known slave owner and pro-slavery politician John C. Calhoun on its buildings, signs, and in the name of its honors program," Hopkins says.

"I felt this oppressive figure during my time at Clemson and purposely do not mention the University’s name before NFL games because of it."

Hopkins is directing people to sign a petition to rename the Calhoun Honors College.

"I urge all Clemson students, football players, and alumni to join us, so the next generation of young Black leaders can be proud of the institution they graduate from."

Clemson’s Honors College was founded in 1962 -- but according to the people behind the petition, Calhoun’s name was not added until 1981.

"To change the name of the college, therefore, is not to 'erase history;' rather, it is to acknowledge that our understanding of history has evolved."

"We demand a more just Clemson. Change the name. Do it now."

Reche Caldwell will be laid to rest on June 20 in Tampa, Florida ... the ex-NFL wide receiver's mother tells TMZ Sports.

The service will take place at First Baptist Church of West Tampa -- with the viewing taking place the day before.

We spoke with Deborah Caldwell who tells us the family has been flooded with calls from family and friends offering love and support in the wake of Reche's death.

They're also well aware -- and very appreciative -- of the notes on social media from Reche's ex-teammates like Tom Brady, Wes Welker, Bill Belichick and others.

When asked what fans could do to help out ... Deborah told us Reche has a 13-year-old son who plans to go to college one day. She's hoping to set up a college fund so people can donate if they wish. We'll update this post once that has been done.

As we previously reported, Reche -- a 2nd-round pick in the 2002 NFL Draft -- was shot and killed outside of his home in Tampa on Saturday night.

Cops are investigating -- and have said the shooting does not appear to be a random act of violence.

First order of business for the newly "retired" Conor McGregor?!?

Hittin' the waters for a badass jetski sesh!!

The (former?) UFC superstar was spotted out off the coast of Dalkey in Dublin fresh off his 3rd retirement announcement in 4 years on Monday ... pretty much re-enacting that iconic scene from Netflix's "Tiger King."

You know what we're talking about. All that's missing is the "Eye Of The Tiger" playing in the background.

Conor was spotted making waves on a neon jetski ... circling around an expensive-looking yacht. Smell like retirement, or just another day in the life of being a rich guy??

Now, who knows if McGregor is REALLY done fighting ... but the dude is definitely playing the part -- he's even out here eating big ass brownies.

If he's trying to send a message, he's already got Floyd Mayweather's attention ... who said Notorious is "quitting."

The Cook is leaving the building in Minnesota ...

Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook has officially begun his contract holdout with the Vikings ... and, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, he ain't stopping it until he gets a new, "reasonable" deal.

Cook played out the first 3 seasons of his rookie contract in Minnesota with huge success ... piling up more than 2,000 rushing yards despite injuries limiting him to just 29 games.

But, he clearly isn't willing to go back out for Minnesota for the final year of his rookie deal ... with Schefter reporting the RB is now done with all team workouts until he puts pen to new paper.

The move is pretty surprising ... remember, TMZ Sports just spoke with Dalvin in March out in NYC, and he sure didn't seem like a guy gearing up for a nasty contract negotiation.

Then again, the 24-year-old IS severely underpaid ...

Cook is set to make just $2 million this season ... whereas other top RBs like Christian McCaffrey, Ezekiel Elliott and Le'Veon Bell are slated to make over $13 mil.

Unclear what numbers Dalvin is looking for in the new contract ... but it's safe to say $13 million is probably the STARTING point.

If the Vikings ain't able to meet those demands ... is it officially Alexander Mattison season in Minny?

Philadelphia Eagles stud Malik Jackson is callin' BS on Drew Brees' apology ... saying the QB only reneged on his comments because of the backlash he received.

... and now, the defensive lineman says he's gunnin' for the Saints star when they play in 2020.

Jackson spoke with 6abc's Jeff Skversky over the weekend ... and he said point-blank he doesn't think Drew is actually sorry for his stance on kneeling during national anthems.

"I think he's only apologizing because people came for him and people are disagreeing with him," Jackson said, "and he understands that his base in Louisiana, there’s a lot of black people."

Jackson has been highly critical of Brees since the day the 41-year-old made his controversial comments ... blasting him nearly every chance he's gotten.

In fact, Malik said he has the Dec. 13 Saints-Eagles game circled on his calendar ... because he says he can't wait to get back at Brees then.

"I'm going to have a lot to say," Jackson said. "Hopefully, I don’t get too wild with it, but I don’t understand how you could say that when you have people blocking for you who are black, catching balls from you who are black and people that are running the ball for you who are black."

Brees has issued THREE separate statements expressing remorse for his comments ... and even his wife wrote one as well.

Colin Kaepernick is still training EVERY DAY -- busting his ass as if he'll be on an NFL roster in 2020, sources tell TMZ Sports.

We're told 32-year-old Colin has not broken his routine -- he's still hitting the gym and the field daily -- and as one source close to Colin put it, "He's in the best shape of his life."

Of course, Colin held a workout in 2019 to show NFL teams he still has a cannon for an arm and the mobility that made him famous ... but he wasn't signed.

Many, including Kap, believe he was blackballed from the league for his kneeling demonstration (he hasn't been on a roster since the 2016 season) ... but things appear to be changing.

As we previously reported, NFL commish Roger Goodell admitted the league bungled the way it treated peaceful protesters in the past ... and even though he didn't name names, it was obvious he was talking about Colin and other kneelers.

So, the million-dollar question ... will an NFL Team finally pull the trigger and sign a QB who's a proven winner???

Warren Moon recently told us he thinks Kap would be a great fit in Seattle. Others think he would do well in New England.

Carlos Hyde -- who played with Kap for 3 seasons in San Francisco -- also thinks it's time for the QB to return ... saying the NFL can prove it's serious about their new stance on protests "by signing Kap back.''

"I think if they sign Kap back, that'll show that they're really trying to move in a different direction," Hyde told reporters on Monday. "Kap was making a statement 4 years ago about what's going on in today's world and the NFL didn't bother to listen to him then."

Carl Crawford's ex-fiancee, Evelyn Lozada, is coming to the former Dodger's defense after he was arrested for domestic violence ... saying he never did anything menacing to her.

The reality TV personality -- who was once engaged to Carl and has a son with him -- spoke out in a personal video about insinuations she, too, was a victim of domestic violence during her time with Carl. She makes it very clear nothing like that ever happened between them.

We should note ... Evelyn says she isn't here to discredit the alleged victim or her truth -- she actually advocates for DV victims, in general. Evelyn says she's simply clarifying Carl never physically abused her and that, as far as her experience, what's being described just isn't the guy she knows.

She gets pretty emotional as she eventually gets to the issue of having to successfully co-parent, while also trying to clear up what's being said about her son's father.

TMZ broke the story ... Carl's been accused of attacking an ex of his, allegedly grabbing her by the throat at gunpoint -- something his attorneys vehemently deny happened. Still, he was arrested for it, and now the process will play out in court.

Mike Tyson is taking a knee ... and it could mean the end of his longtime friendship with Donald Trump.

The boxing legend posted the pic Monday morning -- no caption needed. The message is clear.

But, it begs an interesting question ... will Trump go after Tyson the same way he's gone after other kneelers?

Remember, Tyson and Trump have a relationship that goes back decades. Trump has long considered Tyson a strong ally.

In fact, Iron Mike famously endorsed Donald for President during his campaign in 2015 ... saying, "He should be president of the United States."

When asked if that meant Trump got his vote, Tyson replied, "Hell yeah. Big time."

He also expanded on his support for Trump to TMZ Sports in 2015.

But, Trump hates kneelers -- he referred to Colin Kaepernick as a "son of a bitch," called out Drew Brees for changing his stance on kneeling ... and now he's shading Roger Goodell.

Seems Trump wants to stay friends -- it was just last month POTUS shouted Tyson out on Twitter for his boxing comeback ... saying, "Keep punching Mike!"

So, is Tyson in the crosshairs? Does Tyson even care if he is?

Charlotte Hornets player Malik Monk -- who was suspended for violating the league's anti-drug policy -- was reinstated during the league's COVID-19 hiatus, the team announced on Monday.

22-year-old Monk was suspended without pay on Feb. 26 ... and the reason behind the punishment was never made public. All we know is he violated the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program.

Hornets GM Mitch Kupchak revealed Monk's suspension has been over for "a while" during his end of the year conference call with the media ... saying the guard has been back with the team and training at the practice facility.

"That’s been a while now,” Kupchak said on Monday. "He went through his program, and my understanding was he was reinstated as soon as possible."

"He has been in our facility and participated in all team activities."

Shannon Sharpe had a change of heart about Drew Brees -- now saying the QB deserves a 2nd chance ... just days after blasting the NFL star on national TV.

Remember, Sharpe called for Brees to retire and walk away from pro football forever on his FS1 show "Undisputed" after Drew condemned NFL kneelers during an interview with Yahoo Finance.

"It wasn't what he said," Sharpe said Thursday ... "it was how he said it. He was defiant. I will NEVER respect the man."

But, after Sharpe went scorched-earth on Drew, the QB picked up the phone and talked things out with Shannon ... and apparently, he made a real impact.

Shannon says Drew understood he messed up -- and has vowed to educate himself on the topic so he can try and redeem himself.

Sharpe says he lectured Drew on why the protest is NOT about disrespecting the military -- but rather putting a spotlight on police brutality and racial injustice in America.

NHL superstar Evander Kane is teaming up with fellow pro Akim Aliu to put an end to racism in their sport ... announcing the "Hockey Diversity Alliance" on Monday.

Remember, Aliu -- who has been outspoken about his racist experiences as a black hockey player -- has been leading the charge for change.

Aliu previously called out coach Bill Peters for using the n-word and other top players who physically abused and taunted him due to the color of his skin.

Now, Aliu has formed a team of players to join him in his fight.

"As minorities who play professional hockey, we have come together to create the Hockey Diversity Alliance," the group said in a statement.

Joining Kane and Aliu on the executive committee are Trevor Daley of the Detroit Red Wings, Matt Dumba of the Minnesota Wild, Wayne Simmonds of the Buffalo Sabres, Chris Stewart of the AFL and recently retired player Joel Ward.

"Our mission is to eradicate racism and intolerance in hockey," the statement says. "We will strive to be a force for positive change not only within the game of hockey, but also within society."

"Although we will be independent of the NHL, we are hopeful that we will work productively with the league to accomplish these important changes. We believe in the importance of accountability in developing inclusivity and diversity for all involved in our sport, including fans and the league office."

The HDA says it will use community outreach and engagement to make the game more accessible to the youth ... as well as teach the hockey community about racism issues in the sport.

"In creating our alliance, we are confident we can inspire a new generation of hockey players and fans."

Drew Brees' wife says the family received death threats in the wake of the QB's anti-kneeling comments last week ... and now, she's joining in on apologizing for her hubby's words.

Brittany Brees penned a lengthy statement on social media over the weekend ... saying she and the NFL star didn't realize how their personal opinions about the flag affected others.

"WE ARE THE PROBLEM," Brittany said ... "Only until the last few days, until we experienced the death threats, we experienced the hate … Did I realize that these words were speaking directly to us."

Unclear if any of the threats were deemed serious by law enforcement. We're working on it.

Brittany continued ... explaining, "To say 'I don’t agree with disrespecting the flag' I now understand was also saying I don’t understand what the problem really is."

"I don’t understand what you’re fighting for, and I’m not willing to hear you because of our preconceived notions of what that flag means to us."

"That’s the problem we are not listening, white America is not hearing. We’re not actively LOOKING for racial prejudice."

Brittany insists she and Drew don't "have a racist bone in our body" ... and now, she's pledging to do more to help the black community in their fight for social justice.

"Somehow we as white America, we can feel good about not being racist, feel good about loving one an another as God loves us," Brittany said. "We can feel good about educating our children about the horrors of slavery and history."

"We can read books to our children about Martin Luther King, Malcolm X., Hank Aaron, Barack Obama, Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman and feel like we are doing our part to raise our children to love, be unbiased and with no prejudice. To teach them about all of the African Americans that have fought for and risked their lives against racial injustice. Somehow as white Americans, we feel like that checks the box of doing the right thing. Not until this week did Drew and I realize THAT THIS IS THE PROBLEM."

She continued, "To all of our friends and anyone we hurt we will do better ... We are sorry."