TMZ Sports - Page 50

Here's how you KNOW you're rich -- when you drop $3 mil on a baseball that later plummets in value, AND YOU JUST DON'T CARE!

Case in point ... Todd McFarlane, who's explaining to TMZ Sports why he's not remotely bothered by the fact his Mark McGwire #70 home run baseball is only worth a fraction of what he paid for it.

Remember, Todd -- one of the most successful comic book artists of all time -- bought the record-breaking ball in '99, right after McGwire and Sammy Sosa wrapped up that famous home run chase.

Demand was high at the time -- but the steroid scandal (and Barry Bonds) caused the value to sink like a stone. Multiple experts say the ball is only worth around $300k to $400k these days ... if that.

So, we hit up Todd ... and wow, HE IS UNFAZED!!!

"If you look at it as buying a baseball, dollar in and dollar out, I'm the stupidest guy on the planet. It's a 3 dollar baseball. I overpaid by a million times that amount right so it doesn't make any sense," McFarlane says casually.

"Even as a collectible and again at this point, I didn't know the cloud of steroids were coming. I thought, in best case scenario, I could use it and then I can sell it and get my money back but I'd get all the value of in maybe being able to sell some sports figures."

"[But] even if I get $0 for it, I've made that money back 5 to 10 times over in the last 15 years."

How???

Long story short ... Todd says owning the baseball has unlocked all sorts of doors in the business world just from people curious to see it ... or just meet him.

Todd says he's been able to make a fortune from those deals -- so at the end of the day he's happy with the purchase.

"I keep saying to people, it was my ante to the poker game with the big boys."

"I bought that ball in 1999, it is now 2020 -- 21 years later you and I are still talking about it. Yesterday ESPN was giving me national attention. Every time we talk about that ball, I get to amortize it even further than I've already done it. So, I don't care if I get $20 for that ball. I'm clean on this deal."

When asked if there was a number that someone would offer to take the ball off his hands, McFarlane had a baller answer for that too!

"I don't know. It would have to be a stupid number that I don't think anybody would give and here is why I say that. Never take money that you don't need, right? So, if my businesses are hurting and somebody came in and gave me a low ball offer and I needed some investment capital or my kids were sick and I needed to pay some medical bills or whatever it was right? Even if I wanna buy a Maserati or something stupid, then I might take it. But as I sit here today, I don't know what I would do with the money regardless. It would have to be a dumb one because I'm better off to hold it."

We also asked Todd if there was a dream collectible he'd love to buy ... and you gotta hear his answer.

Former NHL player Daniel Carcillo -- a Stanley Cup winner -- claims he was terrorized and sexually hazed during his time in junior hockey ... and now, he's suing over it.

Carcillo, in a new lawsuit filed in Toronto, alleges that when he was in the Ontario Hockey League -- one of the 3 major leagues that make up the Canadian Hockey League -- he was violently hazed on a daily basis.

In the docs, obtained by TMZ Sports, 35-year-old Carcillo says he was peed and spat on by veterans, smacked in the bare butt by a sawed-off goalie stick, and also forced to attend and participate in sex orgy parties.

And, those are some of the more tame allegations brought up against the OHL and CHL in the suit ...

Carcillo -- who played for the OHL's Sarnia Sting and Mississauga IceDogs before his NHL career began -- was joined by another plaintiff in the lawsuit, and together they claim they've seen terrifying hazing going down in all parts of the CHL.

In the lawsuit, the plaintiffs -- who say they represent a greater class of junior hockey league players as well -- say players were forced to masturbate in front of their teams as well as ordered to sexually assault teammates.

The plaintiffs also allege players had to consume others' saliva, semen, feces and other bodily fluids. They also say they know of players shoving brooms, hockey sticks and food into each others' anuses.

Carcillo claims all of the hazing he went through was unchecked by members of his teams' coaching staffs and front offices ... and even after investigations into the incidents, Carcillo says nothing was done.

In the lawsuit, Carcillo says the experiences left him "permanently traumatized" ... and is asking for damages from the CHL -- among other things.

Josh Gordon's lawyer says the NFL receiver's most recent drug relapse was sparked by his brother's tragic death ... but has gotten the help he needs and is back on the right path.

The troubled 29-year-old was indefinitely suspended from the NFL back in December 2019 after failing another drug test ... adding to the long list of drug penalties since 2013.

But, Gordon is ready to prove he's back to 100% ... reportedly filing for reinstatement on Thursday.

While details surrounding Gordon's suspension weren't made available at the time, his lawyer, Adam Kenner, has revealed the devastating event that triggered the slip-up.

"Josh had a lapse because of his brother's death," Kenner said via Tom Pelissero. "That set him back. But since that time, he has realized how important it is for him to take the right steps, do what's proper, and understand how to manage these issues."

"He's installed the right team around him to make sure he's on the right path. He understands he's been given every chance. He looks forward to making the most of this."

Details on Gordon's brother's death weren't made public ... but Josh addressed his passing in a since-deleted Instagram post shortly after his death in November, saying, "Can’t put it all into words just yet, but today was one of those harder days to face."

"I love you big bro. I’m gonna miss you. This win was for you, thank you for being the best older brother any kid could have."

Meanwhile, Josh had been training like a maniac recently and posting the photos to IG.

One thing's for sure ... he still looks like he's in stellar shape.

NFL QB Ryan Tannehill is joining the movement to take down a controversial statue honoring a former Texas A&M president on campus ... saying the school cannot overlook his history of slavery and racism.

A campaign is underway to remove the monument of Confederate general Lawrence Sullivan Ross -- AKA "Sully" -- from the heart of campus ... citing his history of mistreating black and indigenous people.

A&M star quarterback Kellen Mond released a statement on the matter ... saying Sully's positive impact on the school cannot outweigh his actions against minorities.

"The values of Texas A&M University do not align with RACISM, VIOLENCE, SLAVERY and SEGREGATION, but Jimbo Fisher’s most prominent saying will always stick with me: '"Your ACTIONS speak so loud I can’t hear what you’re saying."'

"The Lawrence Sullivan Ross Statue NEEDS to be removed. Texas A&M University, I NEED to see ACTION," Mond added.

Tannehill -- who starred at A&M from 2008-11 -- is backing his alma mater's QB ... saying, "I’m with @thekellenmond. We can’t continue to ignore the evil perpetrated by Sullivan Ross."

"#SullyGottaGo @TAMU @AggieFootball"

There's a petition to remove the Sully statue from campus ... and it already has nearly 25k signatures.

Other huge names have used their voices to bring change to college campuses -- including DeAndre Hopkins, who helped Clemson remove a slave owner's name from the Honors College.

UFC fighter Rachael Ostovich was hit with a 1-year suspension Thursday after testing positive for a banned substance.

The 29-year-old flyweight tested positive for Ostarine -- a prohibited substance similar to an anabolic steroid.

Technically, "Ostarine is a non-Specified Substance in the class of Anabolic Agents," according to the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).

USADA says Ostovich tested positive through a urine sample during an out-of-competition collection on January 3, 2020.

Ostovich told officials she unknowingly consumed Ostarine while trying a supplement at a World Anti-Doping Agency-accredited laboratory in Salt Lake City, Utah.

However, the supplement Ostovich consumed DID list a different banned substance on the label ... and Rachael took it anyway, not realizing it was prohibited.

Bottom line ... she messed up -- but USADA had mercy on her, only giving her a 1-year ban, with a 4-month credit for cooperating with the investigation.

The ban dates back to Jan. 3rd, the date of her positive test -- and will last 8 months from that date.

Ostovich was supposed to fight Shana Dobson in New Zealand in February 2020 -- but she was mysteriously taken off the card. Now we know why.

Mark Cuban has changed his tune -- saying he no longer "expects" his Mavs players to stand for the national anthem ... and he's even considering kneeling with them.

"If [Dallas Mavericks players] were taking a knee and they were being respectful, I'd be proud of them," Cuban said Thursday on "Outside the Lines" ... "Hopefully I'd join them."

Remember, back in 2017 ... Cuban said while he respects people who speak out civilly, he "expects" his players to stand for the anthem with their hands over their hearts.

So, why the change of heart from the Mavs owner in 2020?

"Because I think we've learned a lot since 2017. I think we've evolved as a country," Cuban explained.

"And, this is really a unique point in time where we can grow as a society, we can grow as a country and become far more inclusive."

Current NBA rules state that players and coaches must stand for the national anthem … but Cuban thinks it's time for a change.

When the NBA season does resume next month, Cuban says he hopes league officials will NOT punish players for whatever demonstrations they have in mind.

"Hopefully, we'll allow players to do what's in their heart. Whether it's holding their arm up in the air, whether it's taking a knee, whatever it is, I don't think this is an issue of respect or disrespect to the flag or to the anthem or to our country."

"I think this is more a reflection of our players' commitment to this country and the fact that it's so important to them that they're willing to say what's in their heart and do what they think is right."

Wanna see Steve-O ollie over the greatest MMA fighter ever???

Good ... 'cause TMZ Sports has obtained video of the former "Jackass" star boarding over Jon Jones at a New Mexico skate park this week -- and it's both awesome AND terrifying!!!

Check out the footage ... Jones laid down on a ramp and let Steve-O skate over him -- and the first attempt nearly cracked Jon's ribs, it's pretty damn scary!!

But, Steve-O eventually nailed the trick ... and Jon couldn't have been happier.

There's much more in the clip ... Steve-O can REALLY skate -- and Jon even tried his hand at going up and down a ramp a few times, too!!!

By the way, Steve-O tells us he was scared out of his mind to let Jon on the board, saying, "a wave of panic swept over me for the possibility that I might be responsible for the career-ending injury of the greatest mixed martial artist of all time."

But -- both dudes ended the sesh OK ... and Steve-O added, "so glad we got away with it!"

Us too!!!

By the way, if you're wondering why the duo are spending time together in New Mexico ... it's all for a great cause.

Steve-O joined the UFC champ to help his efforts with the C.A.R.E. project ... raising money and support for communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in New Mexico.

WNBA star Renee Montgomery will NOT be taking the court when the 2020 season returns in July ... saying she's going to use her time to fight for social justice instead.

Montgomery -- the 4th overall pick out of UConn in 2009 -- made the announcement on Twitter early Thursday ... deciding her services are needed elsewhere.

"After much thought, I’ve decided to opt out of the 2020 WNBA season," the Atlanta Dream guard said. "There’s work to be done off the court in so many areas in our community."

"Social justice reform isn’t going to happen overnight but I do feel that now is the time and Moments equal Momentum. Lets keep it going!"

Montgomery joins superstar Maya Moore, who temporarily left the game to help fight for justice for Jonathan Irons ... a 39-year-old man she believes is wrongfully convicted of burglary and assaulting a homeowner with a gun when he was 16.

Dream coach Nicki Collen released a statement supporting Montgomery's decision, saying, "While I am saddened Renee will not be in a Dream uniform this summer, I am incredibly proud of her passion for her foundation, her outreach in the community and her chance to impact the Black Lives Matter movement with her platform as a WNBA athlete."

The Univ. of Florida is pulling the plug on its famous "Gator Bait" chant ... with the school's president saying its racist ties make it no longer acceptable for UF to use.

In a statement released Thursday ... President Kent Fuchs axed the popular cheer -- which has been screamed by thousands of fans weekly during Gators college football games over the years.

"While I know of no evidence of racism associated with our 'Gator Bait' cheer at UF sporting events," Fuchs said, "there is horrific historic racist imagery associated with the phrase."

"Accordingly University Athletics and the Gator Band will discontinue the use of the cheer."

If you're unfamiliar ... America's past use of "gator bait" truly is disturbing -- reportedly, white men would use African-American babies to lure gators out of swamps so they could hunt them more easily for their skin.

At UF sporting events ... the band would play some tunes and pause so the entire crowd could chant in unison, "Gator Bait!"

Fuchs said in addition to stopping all that ... the school will take even more steps to ensure racial justice -- vowing to remove any UF-controlled "monuments or namings" that have ties to the Confederacy.

The school president also said the Univ. of Florida will no longer receive labor from inmates ... adding, "the symbolism of inmate labor is incompatible with our university."

Jamie Foxx is BECOMING Mike Tyson -- he's got the voice down ... and now he's showing off his yoked out body!!

Foxx is starring in an upcoming biopic about the boxing legend -- he'll play both young Mike and older Mike. He's been working on the project for years.

But, the production seems to be picking up steam -- and during a recent episode of "Catching Up with Mark Birnbaum," Jamie revealed how he's transforming his body to look just like Tyson.

So, how's he doing it?

Foxx says he has a daily workout regimen of 60 pull ups, 60 dips, 100 push ups ... "It's changing the body. Top half."

As for lower body? There's a different plan for that.

"I ain't got no legs, I ain't got no calf muscles so we're gonna have to get some prosthetics for that."

Foxx says he'll be 216 pounds when shooting begins (he starts as young Mike) -- and then to play Old Mike, he'll "balloon to 225, 230 which will look like 250 on screen."

Jamie's been super excited about the project for years -- and even previewed the opening scene on HOT 97 back in 2015.

Matt Frevola says he's officially been pulled from his "UFC Fight Night" bout this weekend -- after his cornerman tested positive for COVID-19

30-year-old "Steamrolla" Frevola -- a lightweight fighter with an 8-1 record -- was set to fight Frank Camacho on UFC on ESPN 11 Saturday night in South Carolina.

Frevola, along with all members of his team, were all tested for COVID this week as part of the UFC's strict screening protocol ... and his cornerman Billy Quarantillo came back positive.

Frevola says his own test was negative -- but the UFC decided to pull him anyway out of an abundance of caution.

FYI, Frevola -- who earned a UFC deal on Dana White's Contender Series -- and his team aren't the first to be pulled from a match over a positive COVID test ... "Jacare" Souza was scratched from UFC 249 in May after he and 2 of his cornermen contracted the virus.

As for Saturday's fight, Camacho has accepted a new opponent on short notice -- Justin Jaynes (15-4) -- but Frevola says if that falls apart, he's down to make this fight happen on an upcoming card.

"I’m willing to rebook this fight ASAP or when ever [Frank] wants. I’m sorry to everyone who was excited to watch me fight and supports me along this journey, I really felt the love."

It was love at first sight for Rob Gronkowski and his new Tampa Bay Buccaneers unis ... with the superstar giving his threads a big ol' kiss after getting his hands on 'em for the first time.

It's been a rough week for New England fans -- first, the Bucs showed off their new quarterback, Tom Brady, in a non-Patriots jersey for the first time in 20 YEARS.

It was Gronk's turn on Thursday ... with the tight end donning his new uniform, which continues to pile on the pain for Pats Nation.

The Bucs shared video of the moment Gronk saw his threads in person for the first time ... and the dude fell head-over-heels.

"That is beautiful," Gronk says ... "Wow, that's real nice."

Of course, Gronk retired after the 2018 season ... but is making a comeback with his boy, TB12, in Tampa.

But, Gronk won't get back to business without one final party -- he's hosting a VIRTUAL bash with his buddy Shaquille O'Neal to raise money for the NAACP and the Boys And Girls Club.

Gronk and Shaq are planning to face off in a bunch of challenges -- including a dance-off -- with special guests DaBaby, Diplo, Carnage and more ... so yeah, it's a party.

Vanessa Bryant is rallying politicians to get behind the "Kobe and Gianna Bryant Helicopter Safety Act" ... a bill outlining safety measures she claims will "save many lives."

The KGBHSA was formally introduced by lawmakers on Thursday -- and would require choppers that carry 6 or more people to contain important safety equipment including a Terrain Awareness and Warning System, a flight data recorder and a cockpit voice recorder.

Vanessa immediately threw her support behind the bill -- saying, "I strongly urge that the United States Congress pass a federal law that would improve the safety of helicopters operating in this country."

"I believe there is a chance that Kobe and Gianna would still be alive today if their helicopter had been equipped with the safety equipment required by this pending federal legislation."

She added, "I believe that these safety measures will save many lives."

"As passengers traveling on aircrafts we assume that proper safety measures are in order to prevent accidents from happening before we fly. It's unfortunate that this is not the case and aircraft companies must do their part to protect lives."

Kobe, Gianna and 7 other people died on January 26 when their helicopters crashed in Calabasas, CA.

As we previously reported, officials believe the pilot might've been disoriented by the thick fog in the area that day.

Vanessa is also pushing for the helicopter industry to "consider renaming the black box to Mamba 8 Box in honor of the 3 young Mamba team players, the 2 Mamba coaches and the 3 Mamba parents onboard, equaling 8."

Dr. Fauci just uttered the words every NFL and NCAA fan was dreading hearing ... "Football may not happen this year."

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

The coronavirus expert told CNN unless football players are able to lock down in some sort of bubble-like environment similar to the NBA's proposed comeback ... he's skeptical 2020 seasons will go down.

"It would be very hard to see how football is able to be played this fall," Fauci said. "If there is a second wave, which is certainly a possibility and which would be complicated by the predictable flu season, football may not happen this year."

Of course, the NFL has said it has no plans to derail its season at the moment ... still expecting to open training camps next month and the regular season in Sept.

The NCAA, meanwhile, has had athletes from various schools already return to campuses in preparation for the '20 season.

But, clearly, Fauci believes a second wave of positive COVID-19 tests is on the horizon ... and if that's the case, he ain't so sure it'll be possible to play without a myriad of extreme safety measures.

How's that for awful news to start your Thursday??

Odell Beckham, Kyle Kuzma and a TON of other people put social distancing to the wayside Wednesday night to party with Teyana Taylor ... and only about half the people were wearing masks!

Taylor had a huge listening party for her new album, "The Album," at a mansion in Beverly Hills ... which was supposed to include a heavy dose of social distancing and PPE.

In fact, the invite even spelled out guests would get hazmat suits and masks on the way in.

But, check out some shots from inside ... at one point, a BUNCH of people gathered to listen to music in a small room -- several of them NOT wearing masks!

One of whom is model Winnie Harlow, who's dating the Los Angeles Lakers star, Kyle Kuzma ... who's getting ready to head to Florida to continue the NBA season in a bubble environment!

Cardi B was also at the party with Offset and Kulture -- and you can see Cardi was partying mask-off too.

Outside in the yard, guests were invited to make their own graffiti art -- which is cool -- but we're hoping they washed their hands if sharing the same spray cans!

Look, we're all HOPING nobody has the virus and everyone is safe ... but fact is, Coronavirus cases in California are spiking, particularly in Los Angeles.

There were 2,000 new reported cases across the state on Wednesday.

And, in L.A. County alone, the numbers of COVID-related deaths are about to cross 3,000 ... with more than 73,000 confirmed cases.

MLB slugger Miguel Sano is callin' BS on claims he kidnapped and beat up a man in the Dominican Republic ... but the Minnesota Twins say they're now looking into the allegations.

In a new video released this week ... an attorney accused the 27-year-old infielder and other men of taking his client on May 6 and beating the hell out of him.

In the footage, which is in Spanish, the attorney also says Sano and the others threatened to hang his client in the alleged attack.

But, Sano released a flat-out denial to D.R. newspaper El Nuevo Diario this week ... saying he played no role whatsoever in a kidnapping or beating of the man.

Sano, in fact, accused the alleged victim of sexually assaulting his younger stepbrother. The MLB player also told El Nuevo Diario the attorney is trying to blackmail him over the allegations ... asking for serious cash to make the case go away.

Sano says he's going to be filing a lawsuit against the attorney over the allegations.

According to the newspaper, Sano was asked to go to the prosecutor's offices in the D.R. on Tuesday over the claims ... but the Twins player says that meeting got postponed to next week because he received notice too late.

Sano's team, which inked the third baseman to a 3-year, $30 MILLION extension this offseason, told the StarTribune it's aware of the accusations and is gathering information.