TMZ Sports - Page 50

Bubba Wallace got what he wanted ... NASCAR has officially banned the Confederate flag from all events, starting right now.

"The presence of the confederate flag at NASCAR events runs contrary to our commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans, our competitors and our industry," the org. said in a statement.

"Bringing people together around a love for racing and the community that it creates is what makes our fans and sports special."

"The display of the confederate flag will be prohibited from all NASCAR events and properties."

The announcement comes just days after Bubba -- the only black driver at NASCAR's highest level -- publicly called for a ban, saying there's just no place for them in the sport anymore.

"No one should feel uncomfortable when they come to a NASCAR race," Wallace said. "So it starts with confederate flags. Get them out of here."

By the way, Wallace is racing Wednesday night at Martinsville Speedway in Virginia in a car featuring the words, "Black Lives Matter."

Originally Published 1:52 PM PT

The Red Sox say Torii Hunter is right ... their fans DO spew racial hatred from the stands at players -- and now, the MLB squad is vowing to make organizational changes to fix it.

Hunter -- a former Minnesota Twins superstar -- said this week he heard constant slurs and hatred from Red Sox fans at Fenway Park throughout his career.

In fact, the 9-time Gold Glove outfielder said it got so bad, he actually put a no-trade-to-Boston clause in his contracts.

Hunter even said on WEEI's "Greg Hill Show" earlier this week that in one game alone, several kids at Fenway chanted the n-word at him while parents clapped and cheered along.

In a statement released Wednesday afternoon, the Red Sox didn't even try to refute the outfielder's claims ... saying they're straight-up well aware of what's going down at their park.

"Torii Hunter's experience is real," Sox officials said. "If you doubt him because you've never heard it yourself, take it from us, it happens."

"Last year there were 7 reported incidents at Fenway Park where fans used racial slurs. Those are just the ones we know about. And it's not only players. It happens to the dedicated Black employees who work for us on game days."

The good news? The Red Sox say in addition to the heavy penalties they've already put in place for racism in the stands -- they're now going to make broad, organizational changes to help erase the issue altogether.

"There are well-established consequences for fans who use racial slurs and hate speech in our venue, and we know we have more work to do. This small group of fans does not represent who we are, but are rather a reflection of larger systematic issues that as an organization we need to address."

Officer Tito Ortiz?!

Maybe ... because the MMA legend tells TMZ Sports he's not kidding around about making a career switch to law enforcement.

"I plan on it," Ortiz says ... "It just depends on what ranking I want to do. Do I want to be a sheriff or do I want to be a police officer? I haven't made my decision yet."

The 45-year-old UFC Hall of Famer says he's been doing a lot of research -- and actually set up a police ride-along in the coming days to help guide his decision.

So, why?

Tito says with his MMA career winding down, he wants a job that won't just keep him excited but also wants to serve the community.

"I'll be fighting one more time this year. I want to hang 'em up. But, I want to do something else that will not just keep that excitement going but just do what's right for the country. Do what's right for the city, for my city."

Tito says he was always told cops are the "bad guys" -- but as a grown-ass man, "I came to realize that the cops are the good guys."

Columbus Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella has done a complete 180 on his stance against national anthem protests ... saying he now finally understands why players would choose to protest.

Remember, Tort was one of the most outspoken sports figures against any sort of anthem protest in 2016 ... telling ESPN, "If any of my players sit on the bench for the national anthem, they will sit there the rest of the game."

Now, the CBJ coach says he's had some time to listen to the reasons behind kneeling or sitting ... and he hopes it creates a conversation among his players.

"When I stand for the flag and the national anthem, my reflection is solely on the men and women who have given their lives defending our country and constitution and freedom, along with those who are serving today," Tortorella told The Athletic.

"I have learned over the years, listening and watching, that men and women who choose to kneel during this time mean no disrespect toward the flag."

Tortorella -- whose son, Nick, is an army ranger -- says he will no longer punish players for protesting ... and even suggests adding a moment before games so those in attendance can put a focus on racial injustice.

"I do believe in our right to peaceful protest," Tort continued. "Why do we have to choose sides during this time? Can we not share a moment of unity and reflection prior to the national anthem dedicated to protesting the racial injustice in our world?"

The statue of Jerry Richardson -- ex-NFL owner and alleged workplace scumbag -- at Bank of America Stadium is officially coming down ... and reports say it might be forever.

The 13-foot sculpture -- which was gifted to 83-year-old Richardson back in 2016 -- is feared to be a target for vandals in wake of national protests ... so the Carolina Panthers are having it removed.

While excavation is expected to be described as temporary by the team ... reports say it could be permanent, given the past allegations of sexual harassment and racist language against Richardson.

As we previously reported, the former Panthers honcho was fined $2.75 MILLION after NFL investigators claimed he was, indeed, a terrible person at work.

In the NFL probe, officials say they found evidence to support Richardson did, in fact, sexually harass female staffers and use the n-word while running the team.

The investigation was ultimately a big part of why Richardson is no longer an NFL owner ... as he gave up the Panthers in a sale to David Tepper back in 2018.

As for why the statue hasn't been removed since ... Tepper claimed in a press conference after buying the team he was "contractually obligated" to keep the piece up.

We've reached out to the Panthers for comment ... but so far, no word back yet.

DeAndre Hopkins says Dabo Swinney is NOT the problem at Clemson -- claiming the head football coach is no racist, period.

Swinney has been under fire over a 2017 incident involving Clemson asst. coach Danny Pearman -- who admits he used the N-word during a conversation with tight end D.J. Greenlee during a practice.

Both Pearman and Swinney acknowledged it was wrong for the coach to use that language -- but insist the word was not used as a slur directed at the player.

Swinney says he addressed the incident with Pearman at the time -- but did not fire or suspend the coach. Pearman is still a member of the Clemson football coaching staff.

There is outrage at Swinney for not taking stronger action.

Also, Swinney is catching heat for a shirt he wore recently which said, "Football Matters" ... which some have declared insensitive in the wake of the recent Black Lives Matter protests surrounding the killing of George Floyd.

But, Hopkins (one of the best players to ever come out of Clemson) is sticking up for his old coach.

"One thing I do know Coach Swinney has never been a racist or had any ill will towards any player," Hopkins says.

"Best coach I’ve ever been around from a football perspective and personal perspective. He helped me become a man and grow from being a kid from Central South Carolina."

Hopkins IS taking issue with other problems at Clemson -- including the fact the Honors College is named after John C. Calhoun, a staunch pro-slavery racist.

A Wisconsin gym is catching major heat over posting a workout titled "I Can't Breathe" ... and now, the fitness center's owner tells TMZ Sports she's "deeply" sorry for the offensive sign.

Here's the deal ... Jen Dunnington, co-owner of Anytime Fitness in Wauwatosa, WI, says one of her trainers attempted to "honor" George Floyd by posting a workout for members this week.

She says the group of exercises was meant to "be a workout so hard that we felt what he felt" ... but when people in the community viewed the whiteboard for the workout, it was immediately hit with backlash.

Hundreds of people commented on the sign -- which featured the words "I Can't Breathe" and "don't you dare lay down" with a drawing of a kneeling person -- calling it inappropriate and appalling.

Dunnington tells us she regrets the sign's verbiage, saying, "I deeply apologize."

"I was not aware of the signage that it was posted in that way," she said. "I didn't read it in that way, but I do definitely apologize that those words were on there."

Dunnington -- who posted a video apology to the gym's social media page but deleted it shortly after -- insists she and the gym did not mean to offend anybody by the workout.

In fact, Dunnington says the "I Can't Breathe" line was meant to be a motivator ... calling the line a rallying cry used by protestors all over the country.

As for the "lay down" line ... Dunnington added, "I apologize that it said that, the line on there should not have been on there."

For corporate Anytime Fitness' part, it released a statement prior to Dunnington's gym's workout ... saying, in part, "We are committed to listening and learning, so that we can take action that helps our communities heal and grow in real and meaningful ways."

Washington Redskins head coach Ron Rivera says he will support his players kneeling during the national anthem this season ... this, after star running back Adrian Peterson announced his plan to protest.

"It's their choice, it's their decision and I support it because its in our constitution and that's what our military personnel fought for. For our rights," Rivera told the media on Wednesday.

Coach adds he educated himself on the issue prior to signing Eric Reid (who knelt with Colin Kaepernick while on the 49ers) to the Carolina Panthers in 2018 ... saying he even read the Constitution, Bill of Rights, the Amendments, and the oath of office to get a better understanding.

Rivera says he had an eye-opening conversation with Reid that explained what the protest stood for ... and now he's totally cool with the movement.

It's an important stance -- just last week, Peterson said he's "without a doubt" going to kneel this upcoming season after the death of George Floyd.

Reggie Bush's dissociation with USC is dissolving ... the school is expected to formally end his ban from the program this month after 10 YEARS of exile.

Bush was famously banished from having an affiliation with his alma mater way back in 2010 ... after an NCAA investigation determined the former RB received improper benefits during his time at the school.

As we previously reported, there was a major NCAA rule change recently which basically reduced any major disassociation to a 10-year disassociation.

USC interim athletic director Dave Roberts pointed out that June 2020 would mark the 10-year mark ... and hinted the school would like to bring Bush back.

And now, according to ESPN, that's exactly what's happening -- with the two sides "in the process of finalizing an agreement that would allow [Bush] to be reinstated."

As we previously reported ... after Bush was busted, USC was hit with mega sanctions, including the loss of scholarships and being stripped of its 2004 national championship.

Reggie was also ordered to give back his 2005 Heisman Trophy.

Bush has been very vocal about the ban over the years, lamenting that USC had to pay so harshly for it all.

"It was a horrible feeling, one of the worst feelings in the world," Bush just told The Athletic last month. "It felt like I died when I had to hear that there weren’t gonna be scholarships for kids because of me or because of something connected to me."

"I'm still not over that. It’s just something you learn to live with."

It's unclear how and exactly when SC will re-welcome back Bush ... but former Trojans like LenDale White -- who's been campaigning to get Reggie back for YEARS -- will no doubt be thrilled nonetheless.

MLS is taking a page from the NBA -- returning to play in July with a tournament at Disney World in Orlando ... and all 26 teams will participate.

Major League Soccer announced the plan Wednesday morning -- the Welcome Back Tournament -- a World Cup-style competition consisting of a group stage followed by knockout rounds.

After the tourney, the teams will play the rest of the 2020 MLS regular season ... but tourney games WILL count toward regular-season standings.

And, get this ... the winning team will earn a spot in the 2021 Concacaf Champions League tournament!

FYI, the CCL tourney is made up of the top teams in North America, Central America and the Caribbean.

The Welcome Back tourney kicks off on July 8 -- with the Final set for August 11.

All games will take place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber issued a statement saying, "The opportunity to have all 26 clubs in a controlled environment enables us to help protect the health of our players, coaches and staff as we return to play."

"We also recognize that the death of George Floyd and others has focused our country on issues of racial injustice, inequality and violence against black men and women."

NFL superstar Richard Sherman is taking aim at Jerry Jones for his lack of a public statement amid the Black Lives Matter movement ... saying straight-up the Cowboys owner's "silence speaks volumes."

Sherm told the San Francisco Chronicle this week a message from the most powerful owner in the NFL could do wonders for the fight for social justice ... and he's definitely noticed how the 77-year-old has sat out of the game so far.

"It’s not pulling [NFL owners] like it is the rest of the country,” the 49ers cornerback said. “Because if it was, then they’d speak."

"Jerry Jones, especially, has no problem speaking up any other time about anything else. But when it’s such a serious issue, and he could really make a huge impact on it with a few words, his silence speaks volumes."

Of course, Jerry's team has been very vocal in the wake of national protests following George Floyd's death ... Dallas' social media account released a video last week condemning racism.

Several players -- including star QB Dak Prescott -- have also released statements on the matter and pledged to donate serious cash to the cause.

But, Jones did NOT appear in the team's vid ... and has yet to have a public statement attributed to him -- and the NFL world has definitely noticed.

In fact, former Cowboys star Dez Bryant even tweeted over the weekend he wished somebody had taken Jones -- and his son, Stephen, plus Jason Witten -- to the public protests in Dallas.

Shakur Stevenson has only watched ONE ROUND of tape on the man he's fighting Tuesday night ... telling TMZ Sports it's obvious his opponent just ain't in the same class.

22-year-old Stevenson -- dubbed the next Floyd Mayweather -- is taking on Felix Caraballo at the MGM Grand in Vegas ... the first major boxing match since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Stevenson is undefeated (13-0) and the reigning WBO featherweight champ. Carabello is on a 5 fight win streak.

But, Shakur says this will be easy work -- and he's asking fans to tune in because he promises to put on a show!

"I'm real excited," Stevenson says ... "I like the pressure. I enjoy being the one that's got to put on the performance."

As for doing research on Caraballo, Shakur says 1 round of footage was enough to prepare.

"I've prepared in the gym ... but I honestly watched him and I did not think nothing of it. I'm just gonna beat him up."

We also asked Shakur how he feels about comparisons to Mayweather -- and man, check out his answer.

"I'm my own person the end of the day. I'm trying to out do what Floyd has done ... I'm trying to go past what he's done in boxing."

Can't say he lacks confidence!!

Matthew McConaughey's mission to do more to defeat racial injustice led him to an interesting chat with Emmanuel Acho ... where they broke down something referred to as "white allergies."

Matthew told the former NFL linebacker he recently learned of the term ... which he describes as white people's inherent prejudices -- ones they likely don't even realize -- based on their upbringing or history.

The actor suggests these "white allergies" apply to all white people -- even someone like him, who grew up in a diverse setting and has had black friends his whole life. He gives a prime example of one of these allergies too ... and says it SHOULD have been obvious to him.

Matty's eye-opening chat went down on Emmanuel's Instagram talk show, "Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man."

BTW, Emmanuel said he's personally been exposed to a lot of "white allergies" -- he listed them off, and explained why they're really racist microaggressions in disguise.

Sugar vs. No Love!?!

UFC rising star Sean O'Malley tells TMZ Sports that's a fight that will "100% happen" -- even if it takes a few years to get there.

Of course, Sean and Cody both fought at UFC 250 on Saturday -- and KO'd their opponents with unbelievable 1-hitter quitters!

They each got a $50k performance bonus -- and now, the hype to get these guys into the Octagon TOGETHER has begun.

"He's a dangerous fight, for sure," O'Malley tells us ... "Anyone that throws a right hand like that is dangerous."

"We'll fight someday. 100% fight someday. He's still pretty young so I think that's gonna be a potential big, BIG fight, that's a big pay-per-view fight here in the next years."

"He keeps winning, I keep winning. That's a big f**king fight."

O'Malley says he's got tons of respect for Garbrandt after he came back from a 3-fight skid to KO Raphael Assuncao ... but he did notice one interesting change about Cody's look.

"Grew his beard out a little bit, try to add maybe a little cushion there and it might have worked -- but I'll slice right through that f**king beard!"

As for Sean's killer KO of Eddie Wineland -- "Sugar" breaks down the punch that ended the fight ... and it's awesome.

Crossfit CEO Greg Glassman reportedly told his staff "we're not mourning George Floyd" in the wake of the 46-year-old's tragic death ... this according to Buzzfeed, which says it has the audio proof.

Glassman -- the man credited for creating the super-popular CrossFit fitness routine -- made the comments while on a Zoom call Saturday with employees and affiliate gym owners, according to BuzzFeed

Glassman was reportedly asked about CrossFit's radio silence on the issues raised by Floyd's death -- and his response is shocking.

"Can you tell me why I should mourn for him?" Glassman allegedly said on the call. "Other than that it’s the white thing to do -- other than that, give me another reason."

The call reportedly lasted for over an hour ... with Glassman allegedly repeatedly bashing "Black Lives Matter" protesters, spewing wild conspiracy theories and slamming COVID-19 lockdowns.

"We're not mourning for George Floyd," Glassman reportedly said. "I don't think me or any of my staff are."

In fact, one of the participants allegedly on the call told Buzzfeed, "it turned into a sh*t show, really, where the guy is just -- conspiracy theory after conspiracy theory."

As we previously reported ... Reebok and several of the nation's biggest CrossFit affiliate gyms vowed to sever ties with the fitness org. over the weekend because of Glassman.

The CrossFit founder posted an insensitive tweet about George Floyd on Saturday evening -- purportedly hours after the Zoom call -- which caused tremendous backlash.

Glassman eventually apologized late Sunday for the tweet, saying, in part, "My heart is deeply saddened by the pain it has caused. It was a mistake, not racist but a mistake."

Air Jordan has just conquered another element -- WATER -- 'cause Michael Jordan's Catch 23 boat just caught a 442.3-pound blue marlin in a fishing tourney!!

Jordan is currently dukin' it out in the 62nd Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament in Morehead City, North Carolina this week ... a big-time competition with $3.4 MILLION in prize money.

His Airness has participated in huge fishing comps in the past ... including the White Marlin Open in 2019.

MJ was all smiles when his crew brought in the huge blue marlin on Tuesday ... which is good enough to put them in 5th place for the heaviest marlin (the first place boat reeled in a 494.2-lb fish!!!)

Remember, MJ's Catch 23 ride is a beaut -- it's even got the signature elephant print from his Jordan 3's on the back.

Jordan did a "post-game interview" after getting off the boat ... saying he hopes to get back out on the water and bring back a bigger fish.

The crowd went wild when MJ pulled up to the dock ... and the legend even agreed to sign a few autographs after celebrating the huge catch.