TMZ Sports - Page 50

Atlanta Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce took to the streets to fight for justice on Monday ... telling TMZ Sports it's time to confront racism and police brutality head-on.

Hundreds of people -- including the NBA coach -- gathered in ATL for the NAACP's "March on Georgia" after Rayshard Brooks was shot and killed at the hands of 2 police officers on Friday.

Pierce spoke with us about what the city needs to do moving forward ... and he says it starts at the top.

"The issue is not in Atlanta, I think the issue is in our country and not addressing racism and addressing the system of racism that's continued to go on for over 400 years."

"I'm more encouraged more by what we're seeing here today, but I understand that everybody's fighting in different cities all over the world -- not just in our country -- to address that black lives matter and racism exists in our country."

Pierce also addressed the decision to fire one of the cops and place the other on administrative leave ... saying the fight is bigger than singular incidents.

"I think we have a systemic problem. To just point fingers and go back and forth, who did what, that's not why we're fighting. We're not fighting for whats happening right now, we're fighting for something that's been happening for over 450 years."

Oklahoma State star Chuba Hubbard -- one of the best college RBs in the country -- says he's boycotting the school after his coach was pictured wearing a shirt supporting a pro-Trump cable network.

Cowboys head coach Mike Gundy was spotted on a fishing trip last week wearing a shirt with the far-right, One America News Network (OAN) logo across his chest.

OAN has become a favorite of President Trump -- but they've been heavily criticized for pushing seemingly baseless conspiracy theories ... including the suggestion that a 75-year-old who was injured by police in Buffalo had connections to the ANTIFA. The man, who suffered serious injuries, denied the allegations through an attorney.

Hubbard -- who was projected to be an early-round NFL draft pick in April before deciding to return to school for his red-shirt junior season -- was so furious with his coach's wardrobe choice, he's now threatening to cut ties with the University.

"I will not stand for this," Hubbard tweeted. "This is completely insensitive to everything going on in society, and it’s unacceptable."

"I will not be doing anything with Oklahoma State until things CHANGE."

Hubbard's teammate, Amen Ogbongbemiga, cosigned his tweet ... saying "I stand with him!"

And ex-Cowboys star Justice Hill added, "OSU Athletics and University need major change. 100% support brotha."

Not only did Gundy wear merch in support of OAN, he also praised the network for its "refreshing" coverage of the coronavirus pandemic in April.

"There's no commentary. There's no opinions on this. There's no left. There's no right. They just reported the news," Gundy said.

Coach has yet to comment on the shirt or the boycott.

As for OAN, John Oliver recently dedicated an entire episode of his show to dissecting the network.

A legendary racetrack in NYC allegedly lost $280,000 in a brazen March armed robbery ... but law enforcement officials say they've now caught and arrested 2 suspects in the case.

The robbery, according to court docs obtained by TMZ Sports, went down at Aqueduct Racetrack on March 7 ... and officials say it all involved an elaborate scheme with an "inside man" at the track.

Officials in the docs say hours after the venue concluded its huge Gotham Day races ... two men held up three racetrack employees at gunpoint as they were transporting cash to a vault.

In the docs, officials claim the two men -- who were wearing surgical masks -- ordered the employees to hand over money and their phones ... and then demanded they lock themselves in a closet.

Officials say the two alleged criminals were caught on surveillance shortly after, leaving the track with "a garbage bag and duffel bag, both of which appeared to be full."

The twist? Law enforcement officials say in the docs, one of the employees in the alleged robbery was actually in on the crime.

The officials claim the employee -- a security guard -- provided the two alleged thieves with information on the best time and place to steal the cash, and even suggested a good hiding spot for them.

In the docs, officials say they were able to crack the case because the security guard and one of the alleged gunmen were longtime associates -- who, per the docs, had called each other on the days and hours leading up to the alleged crime.

The track employee and one of the alleged robbers were arrested and charged -- the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District Of NY announced Monday.

The second alleged gunman has yet to be arrested.

The U.S. Open of Surfing -- one of the most famous surf events in the world -- has been canceled over COVID concerns, event officials say.

The USOS -- which reportedly draws hundreds of thousands of people to Huntington Beach, CA every year -- was scheduled to take place between August 1 through August 9.

But now, the plans are off ...

"In light of continued health concerns and current guidelines surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Vans US Open of Surfing presented by Swatch has been canceled and will return in 2021," event officials said.

"The decision to cancel was made after careful consideration, with the health and safety of fans, athletes, staff, and the local community remaining the top priority."

Top pro surfers from around the world have competed in USOS events over the years including Kelly Slater, Andy Irons and Sunny Garcia.

The USOS also features skateboarding and BMX events -- it's pretty epic.

L.A. Lakers star Danny Green may have TWO rings in the near future ... 'cause the sharpshooter just got engaged to his longtime GF!!!

The 32-year-old NBAer revealed he popped the question to Blair Bashen on Monday ... getting on one knee at Surfer's Point Beach in Ventura.

FYI -- DG and Blair have been dating for 5 years ... and Green finally decided to make things official on their anniversary.

So ... what took so long?? Get this ...

"Sorry it took so long babe! just wanted to be able to get you the ring you deserved and couldn’t afford it until now 😂 "

Worth noting ... Green has reportedly made more than $67 MILLION during his career so far -- and is currently in the middle of a 2-year $30 mil contract with the Lakers.

So, either he's just teasing, or Blair just got one MASSIVE rock!!!

Green continued ... "love you with all my heart and Im so lucky to have had you by my side these past 5 years ... many more years to come! Here’s to forever!"

Add "team owner" to Kevin Durant's massive resume ... 'cause the NBA champ just bought a stake in the Philadelphia Union of the MLS!!

The Union announced the partnership on Monday ... saying KD bought 5% of the team ... with the option to take on another 5% down the road.

Durant's official title will be "investor and community partner" ... and the team will work with his Thirty Five Ventures on marketing and community outreach.

"I’m excited to partner with the Philadelphia Union for years to come," KD said in a statement. "My team and I connected instantly with the Union coaching staff and leadership, as well as the team’s story."

Durant says the team will work with his Kevin Durant Charity Foundation to make an impact in the communities surrounding Philadelphia as well.

Principal owner of the Union Jay Sugarman spoke about the new partnership, saying "The partnership between Kevin and the Philadelphia Union is based on a set of shared values and philosophies."

"We want to be known as an innovator in our league and a team that is never satisfied with the status quo. Kevin brings us unique perspectives as a person, as a champion, and as a sports icon."

"Combined with his competitive drive and forward-thinking mentality, we believe Kevin adds a key piece in reaching our ambitions for the club."

Terrell Owens is adamant he experienced "systemic racism" in the NFL during his time with the San Francisco 49ers ... and he seems to be pointing the finger at coach Steve Mariucci.

The 46-year-old Hall of Famer was explaining to TMZ Sports why he believes he was "blackballed" from the league 9 years ago ... when he made the bombshell allegation.

"I could've still continued to play but because I was outspoken, because of who I was, I wasn't allowed the opportunity."

"Because I was outspoken. Because of who I was and because of some of the coaches that said things behind closed doors and got in the ears of these owners, that's why I wasn't able to really continue on with my career."

"To me, that was systemic racism. I experienced it when I was in San Francisco under coach Mariucci. I experienced it. Trust me, I experienced it."

When asked, Owens wouldn't get into specifics -- but says his reputation suffered as a result of what happened during his time in SF.

"There's a lot of media that portray me a certain way to where now even people think I'm this bad person. That I'm a character, I'm selfish, all these things. But, at the end of the day, I knew who I was and I just kept moving forward."

We reached out to Steve Mariucci to see if he would address TO's allegations but so far, no word back.

File under: Things Your Superstar QB Should NEVER Do!

Here's video footage of Lamar Jackson tumbling over a jet ski and into ocean water in a beach football game over the weekend ... and we gotta say, it's terrifying!!!

The NFL MVP was getting in a little run with his bros on the sand ... when he started doing Lamar Jackson things.

The clip is pretty crazy ... Jackson's acceleration from zero-to-sprint is INSANE -- but when he finished off the run, John Harbaugh and ALL of Ravens nation couldn't have been happy.

Check out the clip, Jackson tumbled and dove headfirst over a waverunner ... and it's maybe the scariest hit he took in all of this past calendar year.

Fortunately, LJ came up from the fall just fine ... but, man, SHEEESSSSHHHHH!!

Of course, beach football injuries are VERY real ... remember, star NFL running back Robert Edwards completely shredded his knee in an infamous sand game back at the 1999 Pro Bowl.

"My wife, my family have been attacked and abused on social media. It’s just heartbreaking.”

That's the reaction NASCAR truck series driver Ray Ciccarelli says he's received since he threatened to quit over the sport's confederate flag ban ... and now, he just wants it to all stop.

The 50-year-old gave a lengthy interview to TobyChristie.com shortly after his infamous Facebook post ... saying he believes all of his comments were "misconstrued."

Specifically, Ray says he does NOT necessarily support the confederate flag ... he just supports people being allowed to fly whatever flag they want at races.

"In no way shape or form was I defending the Confederate flag," he said. "Everything I was saying was the fact that I understand both sides' feelings toward the flag."

"My viewpoint, all I was trying to say is how do you take [the flag] from one group and help support the group that it offends and then what do you do to the group that you took it from? Now, they get outraged."

Ray says his comments on kneeling during the national anthem were also twisted a bit ... saying he has NO issue with protestors there as well.

Ciccarelli claims he just has a problem with NASCAR implementing rules on both matters "out of left field."

"I had seen the news thing come through referring to, NASCAR now allows you to kneel during the anthem, It just irritated me some,” Ciccarelli said. “I believe in standing for the national anthem, and I believe that if you want to kneel during the anthem, you should kneel."

"It just kind of triggered me, because we’re being told you can’t kneel, now you can kneel. It just set me off."

Ciccarelli says he's hopeful his clarification on his comments will get critics off his back, saying, "This was a very educational learning experience."

Charles Barkley says it would be "stupid" to cancel the remainder of the NBA season ... saying players wouldn't just miss out on cash, but they'd also lose their platform.

"I think it will be stupid to not play for 2 reasons," Barkley said on ESPN's "Get Up!"

"Number 1, if they don't play, they're gonna be 'Out of Sight, Out of Mind' for the rest of the year."

Barkley says LeBron James is one of the most famous athletes on the planet, but without the NBA season, "he won't be visible anywhere. So, it's out of sight out of mind."

Number 2 ... Barkley says players could be using their fat NBA paychecks to continue to help the cause.

"They're gonna lose billions of dollars that the players could use to go into their own communities and do some great stuff. So, it's not good on any part."

As we previously reported, Stephen Jackson came out strong against continuing the season -- saying it will take away the media focus from the Black Lives Matter movement.

Kyrie Irving and Dwight Howard recently came out with similar statements to Jackson. And, Monday morning, Barkley addressed those players as well.

Stephen Jackson is imploring NBA players to NOT return to action this season ... saying a basketball comeback would hurt the Black Lives Matter movement and the fight for social justice.

"Now ain't the time to be playing basketball, y'all," the former NBA star said. "Now ain't the time."

Jackson was friends with George Floyd and has become a very influential voice in the media since Floyd was killed.

"Playing basketball is going to do one thing: take all the attention off the task at hand right now and what we fighting for."

Jackson says the NBA season -- which is currently set to tip off next month in a "bubble environment" in Orlando -- would dominate the headlines ... and push away all the progress national protests have made in the wake of George Floyd's death last month.

"Nobody's going to be talking about getting justice for all these senseless murders by the police," he said. "And, nobody's going to be focusing on the task at hand, bro."

Several players are already in Jackson's corner ... Nets star Kyrie Irving and Lakers stud Dwight Howard have both said this past week they don't want to come back.

In fact, Howard said straight-up, "No Basketball 'til we get things resolved."

Of course, others want to see the season go forward ... the league's biggest star -- and Howard's teammate -- LeBron James, has said consistently he's ready for a comeback ASAP.

And, Clippers guard Patrick Beverly backed him in a tweet Sunday, writing, "Hoopers say what y’all want. If @KingJames said he hooping. We all hooping. Not Personal only BUSINESS"

But, Jackson doubled down in another video message to players Sunday ... saying, "Our moment is now."

Sammy Sosa still won't do it -- he will NOT admit to taking PEDs during that legendary '98 season ... but admits he's made his peace with God.

51-year-old Sosa sat down with ESPN for its new 30 for 30 "Long Gone Summer" and was pressed on if he'll ever "come clean" about his alleged PED use during the famous Home Run Chase, as Chicago Cubs owners have long hoped he will.

Sosa cracked a smirk and said, "What do they want about me when pretty much everyone in that era did it?"

When pressed again, Sosa laughed uncomfortably and added, "I'm a very happy person, my friend. I'm good, I'm happy. Know what I mean?"

"There is about 4 or 5 [players from that PED era], maybe more than that, in the Hall of Fame. So, am I the one to blame?"

It was pointed out in the doc, Sosa has denied using steroids and other PEDs in the past -- even doing so before congress in 2005.

Reporter Paul Sullivan pointed out ... "there is no smoking gun" to prove Sosa did cheat.

"The only proof is the New York Times story about the leaked voluntary drug test. But, even that one, who's seen it except the NYT guy?"

Still ... COME ON!!!

Even 56-year-old Mark McGwire has come clean about taking PEDs ... and says in the new doc, "I regret doing it."

But, not Sammy. He's digging in his heels.

"A lot of people say different things, different opinions but I can say to you, what Mark and I did in '98 was incredible."

"Doesn't matter if we're never going to make it to the Hall of Fame, but that's okay."

"I have a peace with God. I'm happy. I've got my family. I've got my granddaughter, I'm good. but I believe what Mark and I did in 98, definitely, we shocked the world and I do not think something like that will happen again."

As for McGwire, he called his use of PEDs "stupid" -- but claims he only really used 'em to help recover from injuries ... not for the added power boost.

McGwire finished that season with 70 home runs. Sosa finished with 66.

They've got style. They've got charisma. They've got insane knockout power ... and that's why Sean O'Malley says he ain't mad at the recent comparisons to Conor McGregor.

"Anytime you're getting compared to someone great like that, you're doing something right," the undefeated 25-year-old tells TMZ Sports.

Of course, O'Malley's stock has been on the rise after flattening his last two opponents in sensational fashion. Most recently, a phenomenal 1-hitter quitter KO over Eddie Wineland at UFC 250.

"I take that as a compliment, getting compared to Conor. As far as the skill set wise, I think I have more skills when it comes to the striking."

Hey, O'Malley definitely doesn't lack confidence!

"I can stand southpaw and throw anything the same as I can stand orthodox and throw anything. I'm very, very dangerous from every position."

"He's mainly a southpaw with a bomb left hand and he throws left heaves and some decent spinning stuff. I feel like I have more tools in the toolbox than anybody in the MMA as far as coming up with striking."

O'Malley jokes that he only hopes the comparisons stop when it comes to some of the outside the Octagon activity Conor's been involved with ... like the arrests.

"I don't wanna be compared to him as I'm on TMZ going to jail! I'm gonna try to avoid those situations as much as I can."

Browns superstar Myles Garrett just came through big time for a man who was permanently injured during the Black Lives Matter protests in Cleveland ... personally reaching out and helping raise money for his recovery.

24-year-old John Sanders was taking pictures of the protests in Downtown CLE on May 30 ... when he was shot in the eye with a beanbag.

Sanders lost his left eye and suffered other facial injuries as a result ... and a GoFundMe has been set up to help him with hospital bills and other expenses.

Word got to Myles, who called upon his 210k Twitter followers to help out by donating to Sanders' campaign.

Not only did Garrett spread the word ... he personally hit up Sanders to lift his spirits and share some encouragement.

"He was just texting me about how badly he felt about what happened and how he wanted to make a difference in any way he could," Sanders tells TMZ Sports.

Sanders tells us the GoFundMe donations DOUBLED in the days following Garrett's tweet ... with more than $17,300 raised so far.

"It's wild," Sanders tells us. "I mean, the whole thing -- from being such an extreme living example of police brutality and lack of training to actually having someone in the NFL that is not only probably the best player at their position, but also someone I've held in high regards actually reach out to me -- is really overwhelming.

"To help me? Never happens to me. I'm overly thankful."

Jason Derulo is feeling accomplished -- and full -- after eating 20 burgers in 2 hours ... and now he's challenging The Rock to a hot dog eating showdown on the Fourth of July!!!

The "Cats" star and "Swalla" singer just set the stage for what could be the biggest celebrity culinary face-off of all time ... calling out The Rock and prematurely declaring victory if they go dog-for-dog on Independence Day.

Jason's fresh off a pretty impressive start ... he challenged himself to eat 22 burgers in 2 hours to celebrate reaching 22 million followers on TikTok -- yes, this is what goes down on the app.

While Jason came up a little short on his burger binge -- eating 20 burgers instead of the full plate of 22 -- he says it made him realize he could be a pretty darn good competitive eater.

Jason's got his work cut out for him -- The Rock is known for his epic cheat meals when he's not getting shredded in the gym -- but he says one of his hidden talents is his massive appetite. Gotta feed that anaconda!!!