TMZ Sports - Page 50

"Stop being a little salty bastard, get over [losing to me], 'cause I'm gonna do it again this weekend."

That's Alex Volkanovski comin' for Max Holloway's neck -- officially putting an end to their buddy-buddy relationship -- only days before their massive UFC 251 scrap on Fight Island.

The champ and former champ were super cool with each other ... but that all officially stopped when TMZ Sports talked to the 31-year-old featherweight titleholder, and asked if it'll be hard to hurt someone he likes.

"To be honest with ya, I don't go out to ever hurt my opponent, but we've got a job to do. I'm gonna punch his face either way, I'm gonna punch his head through the canvas is what I plan on doing."

Now, cue the beef.

"To be honest, he's sorta showing a side of himself that I haven't really seen before. Some of the things he's saying," AV says ... "He sounds like he's a little sour, he sounds a little salty about losing. Some of the things he's saying take me by surprise."

"I didn't take him to be a guy like that, to be a bit of a sore loser, I feel like I'm getting that out of him. But, again if he wants to act like that, so be it, it'll make punching him in the face even easier."

FYI, Volkanovski beat 28-year-old Holloway -- regarded by many as the greatest featherweight ever -- via unanimous decision in December 2019.

It's unclear exactly what Max -- who is seeking to avenge the L -- said to get Alex so fired up ... but the champ's adamant Saturday night will be less about revenge, and more about Holloway getting his head punched in.

"I can see myself hurting him, getting him to the ground, and if he's still going, just punching the head through the canvas."

Uh, yeaaaaaa, safe to say these guys ain't buds anymore.

Huge day for the national champs ... the LSU Tigers just debuted their 3 title rings from the 2019 season ... and they're HUGE!!!

The Tigers got 3 rings total -- one for their SEC Championship, one from the College Football Playoff championship (provided by the CFP), and one commemorating their national championship (provided by the school).

The program handed out the hardware in gold-plated cases on Tuesday ... and the players were naturally thrilled to show off their bling.

LSU says team staffers worked with 4 players -- Joe Burrow, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Lloyd Cushenberry III, and Rashard Lawrence -- to come up with the designs ... and their creations turned out AWESOME.

The best ring of all?? LSU's national title ring ... which has white-gold LSU stones on top of a yellow-gold design of the trophy with purple stones behind it.

The ring also features Tiger Stadium and the state of Louisiana on the sides ... and the words "LSU standard of performance" etched on the inside.

Get this -- Derek Ponamsky, the special assistant to Ed Orgeron, said the head coach had just one demand when the team designed the rings ... saying, "I want a badass ring."

This is bad.

NFL star DeSean Jackson claims he's NOT a Jew-hater -- despite posting quotes suggesting a Jewish plot for world domination.

The Philadelphia Eagles WR first posted a screenshot of a book that features a quote attributed to Adolf Hitler -- saying Jews will "extort" and "blackmail" America as part of a greater "plan for world domination."

According to the multiple research websites, including Snopes, the quote is NOT originally from Hitler -- but STILL A HORRIBLE THING TO POST!

There was obvious backlash to the post from people including former Philadelphia Eagles president Joe Banner, who is Jewish.

"If a white player said anything about AA’s as outrageous as what Desean Jackson said about Jews tonight there would at least be a serious conversation about cutting him and a need for a team meeting to discuss. Which would be totally appropriate," Banner said.

"Absolutely indefensible."

Jackson later responded on another IG post -- saying, "Anyone who feels I have hate towards the Jewish community took my post the wrong way."

He added, "I have no hatred in my heart towards no one!"

On his IG page, Jackson also features several tributes to Louis Farrakhan -- a man the Anti-Defamation League has dubbed anti-Semitic over his long history of trashing the Jewish people.

Farrakhan has previously referred to Judaism as a "gutter religion" and praised Hitler as a "great man."

Is a baseball career that ended 17 years ago the reason Patrick Mahomes is now set to be a K.C. Chief for life???

Seems the superstar QB is saying exactly that ... 'cause Mahomes told reporters Tuesday his dad's experience in the MLB helped him ink a monster 10-year, $503-MILLION contract extension.

Mahomes said his dad, Pat Mahomes Sr., and his godfather, former MLB pitcher LaTroy Hawkins, both told him signing a long-term, financially-secure deal is a better route than a short-term one.

"They didn't sign that long-term contract, but they saw players who did," Mahomes said of Hawkins and his dad, who played in the MLB from 1992-2003.

"They saw players who went about it and how they kind of got that long-term security and were able to go out there and play free knowing they had the security they always wanted."

Most NFL players prefer shorter-term deals ... but Mahomes says after conversations with his dad and godfather, he believes the contract that'll keep him in K.C. through 2031 is the best call.

"Definitely was something I was able to talk to them about and get a lot of information from them," Mahomes said.

Of course, Mahomes also said the stability of the Chiefs' organization -- from ownership down to head coach Andy Reid -- also made signing a long deal and easy call.

"No offense," Mahomes told reporters, "but you can't do this with every organization."

As for what Mahomes is gonna do with all that dough?? The dude's planning to help out those in need.

"Obviously, in the time that we're in right now, there's so much opportunity to go out there and try to help the world become the best place that it can possibly be."

"I feel like having this security, this trust, within the organization and obviously the financial help, I'll be able to do that. And not only in the Kansas City community, where I hope to impact as much as I can as quickly as I can, but hopefully around the world."

Look out, NBA ... Zion Williamson officially has the Infinity Gauntlet!!!

The rookie phenom is ringing in his 20th birthday by channeling his favorite comic book supervillain, Thanos ... copping the Marvel-themed pendant -- with a minor twist.

Remember, Zion has gone on record saying his fav character is the bad guy from "Avengers: Endgame" ... and even said he wanted Thanos to BEAT Captain America and the gang at the end of the movie.

Spoiler alert -- Thanos didn't win ... he actually dies when Iron Man gets a hold of the gauntlet and snaps his fingers, thus killing himself in the process (RIP).

But, that didn't stop Williamson from staying loyal to his man ... with celeb jeweler ZoFrost gifting the young baller his own blinged-out gauntlet, which is fittingly holding a basketball.

The piece is incredibly detailed ... and even features all the Infinity Stones!!!

Of course, the Association is resuming its season at the end of the month ... and Zion's Pelicans are gearing up to make a last-minute playoff push.

The WNBA is clapping back at a team co-owner who is blasting the league for supporting Black Lives Matter ... in a war that's exploding fast.

The woman at the center of the controversy is Senator Kelly Loeffler (R-Georgia) -- a co-owner of the WNBA's Atlanta Dream franchise.

Sen. Loeffler penned a letter to WNBA commish Cathy Engelbert strongly opposing the league's plans to display the words "Black Lives Matter" when the season resumes later this month.

She's also against the WNBA's plan to honor victims of police violence ... including Breonna Taylor, Sandra Bland and Vanessa Guillen.

"I adamantly oppose the Black Lives Matter political movement, which has advocated for the defunding of police, called for the removal of Jesus from churches and the disruption of the nuclear family structure, harbored anti-Semitic views, and promoted violence and destruction across the country," Sen. Loeffler said in her letter.

"I believe it is totally misaligned with the values and goals of the WNBA and the Atlanta Dream, where we support tolerance and inclusion."

"The truth is, we need less -- not more politics in sports. In a time when polarizing politics is as divisive as ever, sports has the power to be a unifying antidote," she added.

WNBA commish Cathy Engelbert responded in a statement Tuesday -- clearly trying to distance the league from Loeffler.

"The WNBA is based on the principle of equal and fair treatment of all people and we, along with the teams and players, will continue to use our platforms to vigorously advocate for social justice," Englebert said.

"Sen. Kelly Loeffler has not served as a Governor of the Atlanta Dream since October 2019 and is no longer involved in the day-to-day business of the team."

Translation -- pound sand.

Alabama football offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian is recovering from a heart procedure this week after a routine physical uncovered a concerning "anomaly" ... but he's expected to be okay.

The University of Alabama explained the situation this way ...

"The Alabama football coaching staff participates in an annual executive physical. During Coach Sarkisian's physical last week, it was determined that he needed a procedure to correct a congenital cardiovascular anomaly before it became an issue."

"Coach Sarkisian underwent a successful procedure this past Thursday in Birmingham. He is back home in Tuscaloosa and is expected to make a full recovery."

Dennis Rodman is ALMOST off the hook in his battery case stemming from an alleged 2019 slap attack at a Florida bar, TMZ Sports has learned.

TMZ Sports broke the story ... cops say Rodman was at the Buddha Sky Bar in Delray Beach on May 17, 2019 when he "unprovokedly turned around and smacked" 30-year-old Jeff Soulouque.

In fact, according to the police report, Rodman smacked Soulouque TWICE with an open hand. Yeesh.

He was initially charged with misdemeanor battery -- which carries a maximum sentence of a year in jail, 12 months probation and a $1,000 fine.

And, with Rodman's criminal history, the maximum penalties were very much in play.

But, now, great news for Rodman ... prosecutors have agreed to drop the case against the NBA legend on 3 conditions.

First -- Rodman must cover the $100 prosecution fee.

Second -- Rodman must pay $250 in restitution to Soulouque.

Third -- Rodman must stay out of trouble for the near future.

The first two conditions should be a cinch for The Worm. The 3rd might be a little tough.

Olympics legend Usain Bolt and his girlfriend, Kasi Bennett, have revealed the name of their baby daughter ... and it may be the most perfect name EVER!!!

Olympia Lightning Bolt.

Come on, does it get any better than THAT?!?!

Baby Bolt was born back on May 17 -- but the couple decided to finally go public with the name on Tuesday while celebrating Kasi's 31st birthday.

In an emotional bday IG post to Kasi, Usain wrote ... "I want nothing but happiness for u and will continue to doing my best keeping a smile on ur face."

"Now we have started a new chapter together with our daughter Olympia Lightning Bolt I look forward to what the future will bring for us but be reassured that I will be the ROCK for this family."

33-year-old Bolt and Bennett have been together for about 7 years now ... and the sprinter had previously shared his excitement about becoming a #GirlDad.

Congrats!!! And, welcome to the world, Olympia!!

Also, CAN YOU IMAGINE IF SHE BECOMES A SPRINTER AND COMPETES IN THE OLYMPICS!

OLYMPIA LIGHTNING BOLT FOR THE WIN!!!

Who says Bubba Wallace needs support from Donald Trump?!?!

NASCAR announced Tuesday the star driver is CRUSHING the fan vote for the 2020 All-Star race ... saying the 26-year-old is currently leading for the fan spot in the classic.

Of course, it ain't exactly a surprise, despite Trump's criticism Monday ... Bubba helped get Confederate flags banned from racetracks a few weeks ago and handled the adversity from Talladega's disturbing noose incident extremely well.

Everyone from Saints star Alvin Kamara to LeBron James has come out publicly and supported the guy ... and clearly, other less famous people in the nation are doing the same.

The spot in the race is a coveted one ... an invite to the challenge -- which is set to go down on July 15 at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tenn. -- is hard to come by.

In order to get onto the track, there are several requirements ... most involving getting a win on NASCAR's top circuit in either 2019 or 2020.

While Bubba hasn't been able to do that just yet ... being the top vote-getter would put him in the field for the big race.

Another Washington Wizards player has backed out of the NBA's restart in Orlando ... this time, All-Star guard Bradley Beal has officially opted out of the bubble due to a shoulder injury.

As we previously reported, Wizards breakout star Davis Bertans recently elected to sit out the remainder of the season to focus on free agency ... with an expected big payday on the horizon.

The team will have to move forward without the league's 2nd-leading scorer ... with Washington making the call to pull Beal from the restart later this month.

"This was a difficult decision and one that I did not take lightly as the leader of this team," Beal said in a statement. "I wanted to help my teammates compete for a playoff spot in Orlando, but also understand that this will be best for all of us in the long term."

The Wizards say Beal had been dealing with a nagging right rotator cuff injury all season ... and it only got worse during the hiatus.

Many believe the news puts the final nail in the coffin for Washington's chances at a playoff run. The team is currently 9th in the Eastern Conference -- 5.5 games behind the Orlando Magic -- with 8 games left to jump into postseason contention.

With Beal and Bertans out of the restart, the Wizards' next-leading scorer is 22-year-old Rui Hachimura ... who averages 13.4 points a game.

LET'S DO THE IMPOSSIBLE, RUI!!! WE BELIEVE IN YOU!!!!

Beal was originally intending to join the team in Orlando ... but will now stay home to focus on rehab.

Want a personalized shout-out from Floyd Mayweather?? Hope you've got an extra GRAND laying around -- 'cause TBE is charging $999 for Cameo vids!!!

Floyd joined the popular site this week ... and in true Money Mayweather style, he claims he's now "the most expensive celeb" on the app.

So, what exactly does a thousand bucks get you from Floyd? Mayweather says he'll provide customizable messages -- both for personal and commercial use -- at "an affordable rate."

Some of the examples ... Floyd says he can give birthday shout-outs, motivational messages and even boxing tips!!

"I want to be the first celebrity to make a million dollars on Cameo," Floyd said.

Mayweather says the Cameo signup is all part of a partnership with Stardam, a company that helps facilitate celeb endorsements for businesses.

In other words, if you own a burger stand and want Floyd Mayweather to make a custom video talking about how he LOOOVES your food, he'll do it -- for a price.

And, Stardam claims Mayweather is available for green screen vids ... which should make for some interesting clips down the road.

By the way, if you're wondering how Floyd's Cameo price compares to other big-name sports celebs ... it appears to be the most by a pretty good amount.

Vanessa Bryant wished the happiest of birthdays to Pau Gasol on Monday ... penning an emotional note to Kobe's ex-teammate and good friend that'll bring a tear to your eye.

Vanessa shared adorable pics of the 7-foot NBA legend with her daughters ... writing, "Happy 40th birthday uncle Pau! We ❤️you. Love, The Bryant Girls."

The photos of Gasol with the Bryant sisters were heartwarming ... they showed off Pau sweetly hanging with Kobe's family.

Vanessa added in her birthday message to the former Lakers center, "I know Kobe would say, 'Happy 40th birthday Pablo! Love you, Hermano'. ❤️"

Of course, Kobe and Pau built a hell of a relationship after they joined forces in L.A. back in the 2007-08 season ... they won 2 championships together and became lifelong friends.

In fact, since Kobe and his daughter, Gigi, tragically passed away in a helicopter crash in January ... Pau's often been involved with Kobe's family in some way.

Pau sent Vanessa a "Gigi" cake on what would have been her 14th birthday back in May, and has dedicated several social media posts to the Mamba and the Mambacita.

In one of the messages, just hours after learning of Kobe's death ... Pau wrote, "I will be heartbroken for a long time, but I will forever be thankful for having had shared so much together."