TMZ Sports - Page 50

UNLV has said adios to Hey Reb! ... the school just canned its famous on-campus mascot statue -- and now, its sports teams' nicknames could be next.

The university removed the heavy bronze bust -- which sat outside the Tam Alumni Center -- on Tuesday, with the school's president appearing to acknowledge it's because of its controversial Confederate ties.

"In recent conversations with the donor," President Marta Meana said in a letter to students, "We mutually agreed it was best to remove the statue and return it."

Meana seemed to strongly indicate the future of the school's "Runnin' Rebels" nickname and the mascot that comes with it could be in doubt as well.

"I have had discussions with multiple individuals and stakeholder groups from campus and the community on how best the university can move forward given recent events throughout our nation," she said.

"That includes the future of our mascot."

Of course, in the wake of George Floyd's tragic death ... protestors all over the nation have called for the removal of statues and figures that honor America's Confederate roots.

Sculptures all across the country have been torn down ... while NASCAR has even banned Confederate flags from its racetracks forever.

So, could this officially spell the end for the "Rebels" name at UNLV??

One of the last Chicago Bulls jerseys Michael Jordan's ever rocked is about to hit the auction block ... and is expected to sell for half a MILLION dollars!!

The threads are from the '97-'98 Eastern Conference Finals -- MJ's last season with Chicago -- when his Bulls squad battled Reggie Miller's Indiana Pacers.

His Airness wore the jersey during game 3 AND 4 of the series ... May 23 and May 25, 1998. Jordan dropped 30 and 28 points ... but the Bulls took 2 L's -- tying the series at 2 games apiece.

Chicago ended up winning the series in a nail-biting 7 games ... regarded as one of the toughest playoff series throughout the Bulls' 6-championship run.

The super-rare jersey is about to hit the auction block at Goldin Auctions ... and GA believes it will sell for around $500k!

"We expect this to set the all-time record for most valuable Jordan Jersey ever sold,” Ken Goldin tells TMZ Sports.

After the 7-game war, the Bulls went on to beat Karl Malone and John Stockton's Utah Jazz team ... culminating with MJ's dagger J in Bryon Russell's face (yeah, push-off, we know).

The rest is history ... the Bulls 3-peated for a 2nd time and Michael retired from basketball.

Daniel Suarez -- the ONLY Latino driver in NASCAR's top circuit -- says he's inspired by Bubba Wallace ... but the diversity battle's just begun.

"I want be successful but [I also want to] make a path for more Latinos," the Mexican-born driver tells TMZ Sports.

"The sport is amazing, we just have to make it for everyone."

28-year-old Suarez and 26-year-old Wallace have been friends for years -- and have been in close contact ever since Bubba starting publicly calling out the racial issues in NASCAR.

"I'm really proud of him for everything that he has done for taking leadership on this situation," Suarez says.

"I don't feel like many people in his shoes would've done the same. He's done a great job."

Of course, Wallace has had a big week -- speaking out against the Confederate flag and racing in a "Black Lives Matter" car.

Suarez says he and Wallace have been brainstorming ways to capitalize on the momentum so they can change the sport for other people of color.

"We're slowly moving the needle and hopefully 5 to 10 years from now, we see a lot of more Latinos on the race track. Not just fans but also drivers, pit crews, mechanics, African Americans and all kinds of people."

There's more ... Suarez also talks about the support he and Bubba have received from the white NASCAR drivers -- noting some were hesitant to speak up at first because they didn't want to piss off their sponsors, but ultimately came around.

"Everyone was a little hesitant in the beginning to actually speak up and move but once we start pushing people and working together, everyone jumped on board, which is great."

A mural of Kobe Bryant is shining on CA unobscured once again ... TMZ Sports has learned HBO ordered the immediate removal of a billboard covering Mamba art in L.A. on Tuesday.

Our sources tell us shortly after an HBO ad was placed over a piece of artwork dedicated to the Lakers legend this week ... officials at the company called to have it taken down.

We're told HBO was NOT aware the billboard would be placed over the Kobe art ... and once it saw it was concealed, the network realized the look had to go ASAP.

Fortunately, we're told the signage was ripped away in a swift manner ... and the Kobe artwork was NOT damaged in any way.

It's good news for Los Angelenos ... who have taken every precaution necessary to preserve public Kobe tributes since the 41-year-old tragically died in a helicopter crash in January.

Remember, even amid chaos, rioting and looting during protests earlier this month ... not a single Mamba mural was touched.

However, we're told this specific piece -- which is located near the famous Grove shopping center in West Hollywood -- could be obstructed by ads from time to time in the future.

Our sources say the vendor who owns the mural has plans to hang billboards over it eventually -- so long as the Kobe art goes undamaged and can be seen by all after the campaigns end.

The NBA is looking to hook players UP when the season picks up in Orlando next month ... with the Disney World "bubble" reportedly featuring DJ sets, ping-pong, movies, barbers, billiards and the whole VIP treatment.

The details on the living arrangements are trickling out courtesy of Shams Charania ... and it sounds like the Association is pulling out all the stops to make the experience as enjoyable as possible for its players.

The athletes will have their own lounge to be able to chill, watch TV or play NBA 2K20 and other games ... as well as a pool, mani-pedis and other options from the comfort of their hotels.

Other entertainment will include movies, lawn games, pool, and more ... as well as the option to attend other NBA games going on in Orlando.

Of course, not everyone is stoked on the idea -- players from Kyrie Irving to Carmelo Anthony have expressed safety concerns and other issues with starting the season back up.

As for the hotels, the teams will be split up between the Gran Destino, Grand Floridian and the Yacht Club based on seeding.

Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy says he's "disgusted" with OAN's coverage of the Black Lives Matter movement ... and is apologizing for promoting the far-right network on his shirt.

Gundy was pictured wearing the pro-Trump outlet's logo on his shirt while on a fishing trip last week ... which sparked outrage with star players like Chuba Hubbard, who threatened to boycott the school.

Gundy says he met with his team on Tuesday to address the issue ... and now understands he screwed up.

"Our players expressed their feelings as individuals and has team members," Gundy said in a video posted on his Twitter. "They helped me see through their eyes how the t-shirt affected their hearts."

"Once I learned how that network felt about Black Lives Matter, I was disgusted and knew it was completely unacceptable to me."

"I want to apologize to all members of our team, former players and their families for the pain and discomfort that has been caused over the last two days."

Gundy added ... "Black lives matter to me. Our players matter to me. These meetings with our team have been eye-opening and will result in positive changes for Oklahoma State football."

"I sincerely hope the Oklahoma State family near and far will accept my humble apology as we move forward."

Gundy also addressed the shirt issue in a video on Monday ... vowing to help change the culture at OSU.

The apology has been well-received with his star players ... with Hubbard tweeting, "A step in the right direction."

In the latest edition of Myles Garrett's unreal gym feats ... here's the Cleveland Browns superstar deadlifting 655 pounds -- allegedly for a set of three reps!!!!

The former No. 1 overall pick crushed it in the weight room yet again Tuesday ... showing off a trap bar deadlift that even strongman Hafthor Bjornsson would be impressed by.

Check out the clip ... there are so many plates on the bar, they barely fit -- but Myles is able to get it up with ease.

It should be noted ... Garrett did have a little help from Prince's sweet voice in the background!!

Of course, this is nothing new for the NFL stud ... we've seen him bench over 400 pounds, box jump 60 inches, and just show off his ripped bod in general.

But a 655-pound deadlift is still impressive nonetheless ... especially when you consider he captioned the footage with "x3" -- implying he hit that weight multiple times!

Every team in the Premier League will wear "Black Lives Matter" threads when the season restarts ... with the powerful message replacing names on the back of players' shirts.

Check out one of the kits posted by Sheffield United on Tuesday ... the unis not only feature "BLM" on the nameplates, they also have a "Black Lives Matter" patch on the sleeve.

Players from all 20 teams came up with the idea to show solidarity with the movement earlier this month ... and will wear the special jerseys for the first 12 games once the season returns from COVID-19 suspension.

The players released a statement on the decision, saying, "We, the Players, stand together with the singular objective of eradicating racial prejudice wherever it exists, to bring about a global society of inclusion, respect, and equal opportunities for All, regardless of their colour or creed."

"This symbol is a sign of unity from all Players, all Staff, all Clubs, all Match Officials and the Premier League #blacklivesmatter #playerstogether."

Welcome to the future!!!

A gym in Southern California has installed workout pods made out of shower curtains to safely return from its COVID-19 closure ... and the scene is pretty surreal.

Check out photos of Inspire South Bay Fitness in Redondo Beach ... the new weight room looks a hell of a lot different -- and the gym says it's all in an effort to keep people healthy.

Peet Sapsin -- the facility's owner -- told KTLA the new setup took three days to put together ... but he believes it -- and other safety measures -- will allow customers to feel normal being back in a gym.

Peet says everyone that comes through the door will sanitize their hands, have their temperature taken, sign a waiver and then will be given a pod to lift weights in.

Peet claims the gym will only operate at about half capacity with the new setup ... but he adds, "now that we’ve come up with this solution, it’s a lot more affordable and, now, we can reopen back up a little more safer and healthier for our clients."

As we previously reported ... gyms in California were ordered to close up shop way back in March in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

But, government officials gave the green light to gyms to re-open just a few days ago ... and, slowly, fitness centers across the state are making moves.

So, could pod-workouts be coming to a facility near you in 2020??

Stay tuned ...

Unfortunately for Michael Jordan, size DOES matter when you're in a fishing tournament ... 'cause His Airness finished 2nd to last on the leaderboard after catching a big ass blue marlin last week.

As we previously reported .. MJ's Catch 23 boat caught a 442.3-pound fish in the 62nd Annual Big Rock Tournament in Morehead City, NC.

The haul was good enough for 5th place at the time ... but as it turns out, some of the other boats in the tourney were able to come through in the clutch during the remaining days of the competition ... and MJ's fish fell down the charts.

The winning boat -- the Pelagic Hunter II -- came in first after reeling in a 495.2-pound blue marlin.

There's a silver lining ... despite finishing 9th, MJ's boat beat last place on the leaderboard by 23.3 pounds.

Overall, there were 205 boats in the tournament ... with $3,352,475 going out to the biggest winners.

It's a big improvement for MJ ... who's left fishing tournaments empty-handed in the past.

New York Giants star kicker Aldrick Rosas was arrested Monday after allegedly T-boning a car and fleeing the scene ... and cops believe alcohol was involved, TMZ Sports has learned.

Law enforcement officials say witnesses saw the 25-year-old -- who made the Pro Bowl in 2018 -- going around 100 MPH and driving erratically at around 8:25 a.m. in Chico, Calif., when he allegedly failed to stop at a red light.

Cops say he plowed straight into the side of a pickup at the intersection ... but kept on driving, despite disabling the vehicle he struck.

Cops say Rosas' black Chevrolet SUV broke down shortly after the crash ... but claim witnesses saw the NFL player exit the ride and run.

Law enforcement officials tell us when officers arrived on scene ... they launched an investigation -- and say they eventually found Rosas walking near the crash site.

According to cops, Rosas' hands, legs and bare feet were covered in blood when they stopped him for questioning.

Cops say after Rosas admitted to being the registered owner of the SUV ... they took him to a nearby medical center for evaluation before eventually booking him at the Butte County Jail.

We're told Rosas was booked on a hit-and-run charge, as well as driving on a suspended license.

Cops also say they believe alcohol impairment was a factor in the alleged incident ... and say an investigation is ongoing.

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

Rosas has been a STUD for the G-Men since joining the team in 2017 ... making 62 of his 75 field goal attempts.

Arnold Schwarzenegger is the most accomplished bodybuilder in the history of the sport, his gym -- Gold's in Venice -- is considered the mecca of bodybuilding ... so it's pretty stunning Arnold rolled up to the gym today but refused to go inside.

Arnold bicycled to Gold's Tuesday morning for a workout, now that the gym's back in business. He's there like clockwork when it's open, so Tuesday marked a big day for him.

When he got to the front desk he was informed people needed to wear masks when they entered and when they were in certain common areas, but they do NOT require members to wear masks when working out.

Fact is ... Gold's is complying with the law -- State regulations do not require people wearing masks when they lift, but Arnold's way more concerned about safety -- when people moan, grunt and handle the same weights, it's risky.

The 72-year-old movie star/bodybuilder/politician, we're told, will stay clear of Gold's until people start wearing masks on the floor -- or when there's a vaccine.

The good news for Arnold -- he has a spectacular gym at home.

Tompa Bay is officially HERE!!!

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have released the first pics of Tom Brady in his new threads ... and the dude looks good.

It's going to take some time to get used to seeing TB12 in new colors -- after all, he spent 20 years in New England -- but now that we know what it looks like, we can finally start adjusting.

The Bucs have been hyping up the big reveal on social media ... and Brady finally decided to show the world what he looks like in red and pewter on Tuesday.

TB12 dodged a bullet, though ... with the Bucs deciding to go back to a more traditional look just in time for the legend's arrival.

Remember, #12 used to be occupied by star receiver Chris Godwin ... who willingly handed Brady his beloved digits for FREE!!

Let reality sink in, Pats fans. Your 6-time champ is gone.

Ben Carson believes President Donald Trump could soften his stance on athletes kneeling for the national anthem ... saying he'll "work with" POTUS to understand the message.

Of course, Trump has been one of the most outspoken critics against kneeling ... and recently said he'd stop watching soccer and football if protests continued.

POTUS also famously said to fire any "son of a bitch" who knelt, back in 2017.

Carson -- the Housing and Urban Development Secretary and the only black member of Trump's cabinet -- discussed the issue on the Hugh Hewitt Show ... saying he will try to get POTUS to understand the real reason behind the movement.

"Well, I don't think he has manifested as much animosity in that region lately," Carson said Monday. "And, I think we just continue to work with him. He'll get there."

The national anthem protest has become a major topic of discussion following the death of George Floyd ... with NFL names like Adrian Peterson, Baker Mayfield and Bill O'Brien saying they will kneel this upcoming season.

Bacarri Rambo -- an ex-NFL safety who was an All-American in college -- was arrested this week ... after he was accused of raping a 21-year-old woman in Georgia.

Jail records show 29-year-old Rambo -- a sixth-round pick by the Washington Redskins in 2013 -- was booked into Clarke County Jail in Athens at 10:02 PM on Monday night.

Details surrounding the alleged incident are unclear ... we're working on it -- but cops say they launched a probe into rape allegations on June 13.

Officers say a 21-year-old female Univ. of Georgia student claimed she was raped at a downtown Athens residence. Cops add they obtained a warrant for Rambo's arrest shortly after.

Jail records show Rambo is currently still in custody after being booked on a felony rape charge ... and is being held on no bond.

Rambo was a superstar for the Georgia Bulldogs after arriving on campus in 2009 ... he was named an All-American in 2011 and still holds a share of the school record for most career interceptions with 16.