TMZ Sports - Page 50

Several S.F. Giants players and coaches -- including manager Gabe Kapler -- knelt for the national anthem Monday ... and Donald Trump took aim at them afterward, calling it all a "great disrespect."

Here's the deal ... before the Giants took on the A's in an exhibition match in Oakland, Kapler and a few others decided to kneel during the pregame song to protest social injustice.

One of the players involved in the demonstration was Mike Yastrzemski, the grandson of legendary Boston Red Sox Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski.

The MLB praised the Giants for the move ... defending the team on social media from critics and writing, "The players and coaches are using their platforms to peacefully protest."

When one Twitter user said the team should not politicize the game ... the MLB responded, "Supporting human rights is not political."

Giants brass also weighed in on the kneeling ... celebrating the team for the moves as well, with president Farhan Zaidi saying "we're proud of our players and staff."

"We support those who knelt to peacefully protest racial injustice and those who stood to express love of country," Zaidi said. "We do not see these as mutually exclusive sentiments and believe the freedom to express both is what our country is about."

But, just hours later, President Trump chimed in on Twitter ... and he was furious to see the kneeling protests return to sporting events.

"Looking forward to live sports," Trump said, "but any time I witness a player kneeling during the National Anthem, a sign of great disrespect for our Country and our Flag, the game is over for me!"

Doesn't seem the comments are going to deter baseball players ... 'cause in San Diego on Monday night, Angels pitcher Keynan Middleton also took a knee and raised his fist during the anthem.

Breonna Taylor's mother tells TMZ Sports ... she's VERY aware of the NBA and WNBA stars who are constantly keeping the spotlight on her daughter's killing -- and she's hoping it finally leads to justice.

"Everyone raising their voices for justice are what keeps this family going each day," Tamika Palmer tells us.

"What is being done by the NBA and the WNBA is amazing. Now, it’s time for the attorney general to listen, to charge everyone responsible for Bree’s murder and to get overdue justice."

"Bree should be with us. The world was a better place with her."

Tamika is specifically referring to pro ballers like LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, Tobias Harris, Dwight Howard, Kyrie Irving and more who have spoken out publicly to put pressure on Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron to charge the police officers who shot and killed Breonna in March while executing a no-knock warrant.

In the WNBA, the entire league is wearing warm-up shirts with Breonna's name as a tribute.

And, get this ... Tamika was also involved in a zoom call over the weekend with more than 30 NBA players, according to family attorney Lonita Baker ... who tells us they all spoke about how to continue to use their platform to get results.

We're told Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony were just 2 of the players on the call -- and at one point, CP3 discussed how players were considering not playing this season to keep the focus on social justice issues.

Major news coming from the NBA on Monday -- the league announced there have been ZERO new coronavirus cases in Orlando since July 13.

Which means .... THE BUBBLE IS WORKING!!!

The Association says it tested all 346 players who are currently on the Disney World campus ... and each result came back negative.

Of course, the NBA has proven it ain't messing around when it comes to following the strict guidelines ... and even made Sacramento Kings player Richaun Holmes re-quarantine for 10 days after accidentally crossing the campus border to pick up some delivery food.

Some players like Memphis Grizzlies rookie star Ja Morant have expressed their displeasure with the league implementing a "hotline" to report people violating the bubble protocols ... saying it comes off as snitching.

But, hey ... ya can't argue with the results!!

It's gotta be a sigh of relief for Adam Silver and co. ... who hope to tip off the 8 regular season play-in games starting July 30.

Move over, Max Scherzer ... the Nats are now relying on Dr. Anthony Fauci to pump in a fastball on Opening Day -- the team says it's tapped the COVID-19 expert to throw out the ceremonial first pitch Thursday!

It's a huge honor for Fauci ... the guy is a self-proclaimed Nationals superfan -- and WA team officials say they couldn't be happier he accepted their invite to help kick off their season this week.

"Dr. Fauci has been a true champion for our country during the COVID-19 pandemic and throughout his distinguished career," the Nats said.

"So it is only fitting that we honor him as we kick off the 2020 season and defend our World Series Championship title."

Fauci will take the bump just minutes before the Nats host the New York Yankees at Nationals Park in D.C.

Unclear what Fauci's arm looks like from 60 feet, 6 inches ... but we ain't expecting any 50 Cent type shenanigans during the pregame ceremony.

Remember ... 79-year-old Fauci was quite the athlete back in the day -- running the point for Regis H.S. in NYC in 1958.

In fact, President Trump even praised Fauci's athletic ability a couple months ago at a White House briefing!

Lindsey Vonn and P.K. Subban ain't the only world-class athletes in the household ... 'cause the Olympic gold medalist is training her pooch to be a swimmer!!

The 35-year-old ski star threw on a bikini and hit the pool at her L.A. home Monday with her beloved puppy, Bear ... and it's an equal dose of adorable and super hot.

"Back to training Bear for the Olympics," Vonn said on Instagram. "He’s making progress, look out (Michael Phelps) 🏊‍♂️ #doggiepaddle."

Lindsey's other dog, Lucy, wasn't feeling the workout -- and watched the two train from the safety of dry land (Hey, not all of us can be superstar athletes).

Vonn and Bear have been working on their aquatic training for months ... and let's be honest. Bear has made some serious progress!

We see you, dog!

Lindsey and P.K. have been training like maniacs since the beginning of the pandemic ... despite P.K.'s NJ Devils not making the cut for the NHL restart.

As we previously reported, the NHL only invited the top 24 of its 31 teams to participate, which is set to begin on July 28.

Lindsey officially retired from pro skiing back in 2019 -- leaving as one of the greatest of all time -- but she's obviously keeping herself in insane shape because she's a beast and gym is life!

Well, this is nuts ...

Mark Cuban and Sen. Ted Cruz are calling each other out about everything from the NBA's handling of anthem protests to China ... but the focus seems to be on who's got the bigger balls.

It all started when a radio talk show host from Texas tweeted at the Dallas Mavericks owner that if any of his players kneel during the national anthem when the season resumes next week, he won't support the team anymore.

Cuban responded -- "Bye" ... adding, "The National Anthem Police in this country are out of control."

"If you want to complain, complain to your boss and ask why they don't play the National Anthem every day before you start work."

That's when Ted Cruz chimed in ... saying, "Really??!? NBA is telling everyone who stands for the flag, who honors our cops and our veterans, to 'piss off'? In Texas, no less? Good luck with that."

Cruz didn't tag Cuban in his tweet -- and Cuban called him out for it ... saying, "Have some balls for once @tedcruz. Speak to me. It's my tweet."

That's when Cruz replied with another BALLS shot!

"Speaking of balls, tell us what you think about China. I’ll wait."

Of course, Cruz is referring to the NBA's massive problems with China in 2019 -- after Houston Rockets G.M. Daryl Morey tweeted out support for protesters in Hong Kong.

China essentially blackballed the NBA over the tweet -- and the league is still reportedly scrambling to smooth out its relationship with the country.

So, Cruz decided that's where he'd focus his attack on Cuban on Monday morning.

"Let’s try simpler. Mark, tough guy, can you say 'Free Hong Kong'? Can your players put that on their jerseys? Can you condemn the CCP’s concentration camps w/ 1 million Uyghurs? Can you say ANYTHING other than 'Chairman Mao is beautiful & wise'?"

Nothing back from Cuban yet -- but guess you could say the ball's in his court????

Antonio Brown just announced his playing days are over -- again -- with the free-agent wide receiver saying, "at this point the risk is greater than the reward."

Remember, AB threatened to retire back in September ... after he was released by the New England Patriots amid a myriad of off-field issues, including a sexual assault investigation.

Now ... the 7-time Pro Bowler is singing a similar tune, saying he's putting the game behind him for good.

"Is it time to walk away i done ✅ everything in the game ?!!" AB tweeted on Monday.

"thank you everyone who been part of this journey i sincerely thank you for everything! life goes on 84!"

"I came i saw i conquered mission complete Call God 🤙🏾"

Of course, AB was traded to the Oakland Raiders after a drama-filled 9 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers ... but was released before the 2019 season started.

Brown was picked up by the Pats for one game ... scoring 1 touchdown.

AB had been working like a maniac to get back to the league -- training with guys like Russell Wilson and Lamar Jackson this summer -- and we were even told by one of his workout QBs last week that he had been "ramping up workouts" in anticipation of signing soon.

It's official ... no high school football during 2020 in California -- the season will now begin in January and could pose some serious issues for multi-sport athletes.

The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) issued a statement Monday, saying most teams can begin to practice in December with a January kickoff date for regular-season games.

Football season in CA usually begins in either late August or early September -- but COVID has obviously thrown a wrench in the usual plans.

Now, the season will run through April -- which could force some top multi-sport athletes across the state to make some tough choices.

Both baseball, basketball and track are now scheduled to begin around March -- and it could be very difficult or even impossible for players to meaningfully contribute in those sports at the same time.

Of course, a TON of major athletes played 2 or 3 sports in high school ... just look at Patrick Mahomes and Kyler Murray who were both big football and baseball guys growing up.

Other Fall sports that have been pushed back include volleyball, water polo, cross country, field hockey, gymnastics and more.

WARNING: THIS VIDEO IS TERRIFYING!!!

A motorcycle racing champ crashed his bike on a hairpin turn during a race in Spain on Sunday ... and the guy is lucky to have only escaped with a broken arm.

Here's the deal ... Marc Marquez -- a superstar champion in the MotoGP world -- was flying down the track during the Spanish Grand Prix when disaster struck near the end of the race.

The 27-year-old went into a turn ... but his bike wobbled, hit the pavement, and launched Marquez FEET into the air.

You can see in the video ... Marquez crashes down to the ground, and bounces and skids off the dirt several times.

Remarkably, the racer was able to walk away from the crash ... but he says an operation to fix a break in his right arm is now coming up.

"Sometimes things don't go as you expect but the most important thing is to get back up and move on," Marc wrote on his social media page after the crash.

"I promise you all that I will come back as soon as possible and even stronger."

What's even crazier about the accident? Marc NEARLY wrecked earlier in the race ... miraculously avoiding a tumble into the dirt by pulling off an insane save!!!

AWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!

Tom Brady melted into a sweet bowl of love Monday ... writing a mushy birthday note to Gisele for her 40th -- and it's adorable as hell!!!

The G.O.A.T. fired up his social media account to deliver the message ... posting a pic of the supermodel and their kids, writing "Happy 40th Birthday" ... all while stealing some sappy lines from Frank Sinatra.

"You are the sunshine of my life," Brady wrote. "That's why I'll always be around. You are the apple of my eye. Forever you'll stay in my heart."

Gisele was pleased with the QB's bday wishes ... she commented on the pic, "Thank you my love. Te amo tanto."

Of course, Brady has never shied away from public love notes to his wifey ... every Valentine's Day, Halloween and just about any other holiday he shares some kind of pic of the two.

As we previously reported ... the couple has been dating for over a decade -- and have two kids together.

But TB12 famously told Howard Stern earlier this summer he had to skip Patriots offseason workouts toward the end of his tenure in New England because Gisele "wasn't satisfied with our marriage."

Clearly, though, things are all good now.

Hey, Princess ... WANNA RACE?!!

Conor McGregor was rubbin' elbows with ROYALTY on the French Riviera on Monday ... racing water bikes with Princess Charlene of Monaco and the pics are awesome.

The two got in a workout while Conor and his family are in the area on vacation. Afterward, their families -- including Prince Albert -- hung out together on shore.

"A Great day racing the water bikes with Princess Charlene of Monaco," Conor said.

"A phenomenal athlete and Olympian, we are teaming up for a 180km voyage in September to raise awareness in water safety. I cannot wait!"

It's true ... Princess Charlene is one hell of an athlete herself -- a former Olympic and World Champion swimmer!

In fact, she competed for South Africa in the 2000 Olympic Games in the 4x100 relay, fishing behind Team USA (led by Olympic legend Amy Van Dyken).

She retired from competitive swimming in 2007 -- and now focuses on various philanthropic efforts including water safety and the Special Olympics.

McGregor was clearly impressed with the water bike workout -- saying he will now incorporate the exercise into his McGregor F.A.S.T. training program.

"Thank you for the great day for my family Your Highness," McGregor added ... "In aid of the Princess Charlene of Monaco foundation."

Dwyane Wade is honoring Kobe Bryant with his latest sneaker colorway ... paying homage to the late Lakers legend with a touching tribute.

Wade and the Black Mamba were great friends during their time in the NBA ... and were teammates when Team USA won the gold medal in the 2008 Olympics.

Wade showed off a sneak peek of his unreleased Way Of Wade kicks over the weekend ... which are decked out in Lakers colors and feature Kobe's numbers on the tongues.

The inner soles also share one of Kobe's most famous quotes -- "Great things come from hard work and perseverance. No excuses."

Kobe died in a tragic helicopter crash in Calabasas on January 26. He was 41 years old.

Wade -- who has a shoe deal with Li-Ning -- is known for making a statement with his kicks ... and even worked with his daughter, Zaya, to come up with a Pride design in her honor.

Donald Hammond -- starting QB for Air Force -- is no longer considered to be in "good standing" with the academy and could be OUT for the 2020 season, the team announced.

We know what you're thinking ... what happened? Officials are keeping the details close to the vest.

"Donald Hammond is no longer a cadet in good standing and cannot represent the academy in outside activities," Air Force said in a statement.

Unclear if the situation is based on academics or behavior -- but either way, it's a big blow for Air Force. Hammond is a pretty solid player.

He started 11 games for Air Force in 2019 -- leading the team to an 11-2 record. The team finished the season ranked #23 in the country in the coaches poll.

In fact, the 6'2", 220 pound quarterback made the 2020 Davey O'Brien National QB Award Watch list ... which spotlights the nation's top 30 returning QBs.

In 2019, he racked up 1,316 passing yards, 553 rushing yards and 26 total TDs.

According to his Air Force profile, Hammond is an aeronautical engineering major -- with dreams of being a developmental engineer or fly remote piloted aircraft in the Air Force.

An MVP of the soccer world will NOT be crowned this season ... Ballon d'Or trophy presenters say they've scrapped the 2020 iteration of the prize -- and it's all 'cause of COVID.

The award -- similar to college football's Heisman Trophy -- has been given out to the men's game's best EVERY YEAR since 1956 ... and is considered soccer's highest honor.

Legends like Luis Suarez, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho have all won the hardware in the past ... and dudes like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were gunning to win it for the 7th and 6th times, respectively, this season.

But, the people responsible for doling out the trophy say the 2020 version will be forever vacant ... saying the coronavirus pandemic forced them to cancel the award this year.

The trophy presenters say the virus has simply impacted soccer too greatly all across the globe for them to properly and fairly announce a winner.

"How do you compare the incomparable?" officials said in a statement Monday.

They added, "We will always prefer a small sprain (to our history) to a large scar. It was the first time since 1956 that the Ballon d'Or had taken a break."

"The parenthesis does not enchant us but seems to us the most responsible and logical. Protecting the credibility and legitimacy of such an award also means ensuring its flawlessness over time."

It was like a scene outta 'Kill Bill' -- a WWE superstar had his eye popped out of his head on live TV!!

And, just like that scene in 'Kill Bill' -- it was totally scripted and not real!!!

Still kinda gross/cool though ... that is, if you dig content involving a detached eyeball!

Here's the deal ... Rey Mysterio was taking on Seth Rollins on Sunday in a match dubbed the Eye For an Eye at an event called The Horror Show.

Rollins took control and shoved Rey's eye into the corner of the steel steps -- and the POP GOES THE EYEBALL!!!

It wasn't exactly as violent and gory as when Pai Mei snatched the peeper from Elle Driver's head ... but still, gnarly!

Rollins -- playing up the moment -- was so "grossed out" by the bloody eyeball forced himself to BARF! So gross!!