TMZ Sports - Page 50

When, and if, the NFL returns ... THIS is what many of the players' helmets will look like -- names like George Floyd and Breonna Taylor emblazoned on the back.

TMZ Sports obtained a few of the mocked-up images the league plans to release shortly ... confirming a report players would be able to honor victims of social injustice.

The images show the full names of victims like Floyd, Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and Botham Jean. When Front Office Sports first mentioned the plans for these decals ... most people probably expected initials or some sort of commemorative sticker, but these images show the plan is to make the tributes wayyyy more prominent.

We're told the NFL will also roll out a new catchphrase ... "It Takes All of Us" ... which will be painted across the back of the end zones.

NFL Commish Roger Goodell has recently said the league is focusing on social justice initiatives -- and working with players to help make an impact.

Chicago White Sox pitcher Michael Kopech has filed for divorce from "Riverdale" actress Vanessa Morgan ... just 5 months after tying the knot.

Speculation started to swirl after Morgan announced she was expecting a baby boy at a gender reveal party on Friday ... with no pictures or mention of Kopech.

Now ... we know why.

Court records show Kopech -- who opted out of the 2020 MLB season due to personal reasons -- filed the docs on June 19.

Kopech and Morgan started dating back in 2018 ... and got engaged back in July 2019 near the Grand Canyon. The Chicago Tribune reports Kopech is the father of Morgan's child, which is due in January.

24-year-old Kopech -- who also famously dated reality star Brielle Biermann -- is considered a rising star in baseball ... but missed all of 2019 due to Tommy John surgery recovery.

Morgan stars as Toni Topaz on the CW's hit show ... and also starred on "Degrassi."

Ex-NFL star Dana Stubblefield was just found guilty of raping a mentally disabled woman stemming from a 2015 incident ... and now he faces up to life in prison.

49-year-old Stubblefield was first arrested back in May 2016 after officials say the former 49ers superstar raped a woman he found on a babysitting website and had invited to his Santa Clara, CA home for a job interview.

Stubblefield had argued the sex was consensual -- and claimed he can prove it with a lie detector test.

He was initially hit with 5 felonies -- but in January 2018, prosecutors uncovered evidence they believe proved Stubblefield used a gun to commit the alleged rape. Bail was revoked and he was remanded back into custody.

He spent the next several weeks locked up in Santa Clara County Jail.

The case ultimately went to a jury -- and Monday, following a 9-month trial, Stubblefield was formally convicted of forcible rape while using a gun. He now faces 15 years to life in prison.

Stubblefield was a 1st-round NFL Draft pick in 1993 and went on to make 3 Pro Bowls. He was a key part of the 49ers 1994 team that beat the San Diego Chargers in Super Bowl XXIX.

Back in 2016, Stubblefield's attorney Ken Rosenfeld told TMZ Sports the accuser was lying in an apparent shakedown.

"Dana Stubblefield is being unfairly targeted due to his celebrity and wealth by someone with full motivation to lie," Rosenfeld told us at the time.

"The clear motivation here is money."

Stubblefield was remanded into custody after the verdict was read. His next hearing is not until August 29.

Stubblefield was married at the time of the incident — but his wife filed for divorce right before the rape allegations went public. They have 2 children together.

More bad news for baseball ... the Chicago White Sox say they're quarantining their manager, Ricky Renteria, after they say he woke up Monday displaying COVID-19 symptoms.

The team says 58-year-old Renteria had a "slight" cough and nasal congestion ... and immediately went to the hospital for coronavirus testing.

White Sox general manager Rick Hahn says Renteria will quarantine at the team's hotel -- and will NOT manage in Monday's game against Cleveland -- while he awaits testing results.

Of course, MLB is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases ... the Marlins had a large outbreak over the weekend that reportedly included 11 players and 2 coaches.

In fact, the worry of COVID spreading through the league is so rampant ... MLB announced it's postponing Monday's Marlins vs. Orioles game as well as the Phillies vs. Yankees game.

The White Sox, meanwhile, say they'll be managed by bench coach Joe McEwing when they play Cleveland at 4:10 PM PT in Ohio.

Ja Morant from wayyyy downtown ... JUST HOOKED HIS MOM UP WITH A DOPE NEW CAR!!!

The NBA star is currently stuck in the NBA Bubble in Orlando -- but wouldn't let the distance stop him from sending a sweet, expensive gift to his mother on Monday!

Check out the footage ... Ja had a brand new white Audi A8 L delivered to his mom Jamie (who presumably still lives in South Carolina where he grew up) ... and her reaction is AWESOME!

Don't worry, one of the people had Ja on FaceTime so he could witness the whole thing live!

"Got you dat car you wanted," Ja later posted on IG ... "I love you my queen."

Remember, the 20-year-old Memphis Grizzlies star hooked up his DAD with a fancy new ride before he left for the bubble earlier this month.

Soooo ... best son ever!?!

Of course, it helps that Morant -- the #2 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft -- signed a 2-year, $17.8 million rookie contract!

Plus, he's been beastin' on the court -- averaging 17.6 pointer per game and 6.9 assists -- potentially ROY.

Awesome tribute from one of Kobe Bryant's most beloved teams ... the Philadelphia Eagles painted a Mamba mural at their practice facility to honor the NBA legend this offseason -- and it's pretty amazing.

Star receiver Alshon Jeffery showed off the new artwork at the NovaCare Complex on Monday ... and it shows 3 pictures of Bean alongside some inspiring words.

One of the depictions of Kobe features the Mamba in an Eagles jersey ... while the other two show him in his Lower Merion H.S. gear and his Lakers uni.

The message on the mural, meanwhile, reads "Kobe's 10 Rules" ... which includes important Kobe-isms like "#Believe In Your Team" and "Learn From Greatness."

Of course, Bryant -- who grew up in Philly -- was a GIANT Eagles fan ... he famously went BALLISTIC watching the team win the Super Bowl back in 2018.

In fact, Kobe's love for the Eagles was so great ... he was spotted reppin' them in his last-ever appearance at a Lakers game at Staples Center before his tragic death in January.

Terrifying news about UFC star Corey Anderson -- who's revealing he suffered massive facial injuries during a medical emergency back in February.

But, this story has a happy ending ... the UFC's #4 ranked light heavyweight has recovered and is cleared to fight again.

Here's the deal ... Anderson "blacked out and collapsed" on a gravel road on Feb. 21 -- less than a week after suffering a knock out loss to Jan Blachowicz at UFC Fight Night.

Anderson, who's a real outdoorsman, says he was scouting some land on Feb. 21st when something went wrong and he was raced to the emergency room for treatment.

Anderson says he spent 5 days in the ER with doctors trying to figure out what happened.

"All but one said it was [due] to major concussion and lack of water and food after hiking through the woods for hrs," Corey says.

"One doctor would tell me it was my heart ... that my heart had stopped beating and it could happen again but next time in a fight!!"

Anderson says the diagnoses hit like a ton of bricks -- "Instantly my wife's face [changed] and my emotions as well."

The 30-year-old says he continued to see doctors for months -- and underwent "2 very painful outpatient heart procedures to find more evidence to go along with that ONE doctor's notes."

"He had put a complete halt to my career as a fighter until it was clear my heart was safe to compete."

The good news ... Anderson says the recovery has been going well and last Monday he was cleared to fight again.

"As of last Monday night, I left hospital for the final time after my last procedure, with clearance note in hand, and the doctor telling me 'Congrats Mr. Anderson, I can let you go back to beating people up!'"

He adds, "This [whirlwind] 5 months have put ALOT of things into perspective and as a veteran fighter who in the past has just fought with reckless abandoned with no care for rest and mental health long as I can keep fighting. I advise you other fighters to look after your health."

Anderson continued to offer advice to young fighters ...

"If you took some big shots to your head in a fight or practice, take the proper time to recover. It took me having my son sitting there looking at me in a hospital bed to realize there is real life after fighting and I want to be here to enjoy it."

Anderson also thanked the UFC for helping him to get the medical care he needed.

Drew Brees and his wife, Brittany, are making another HUGE donation to help Louisiana during the COVID-19 pandemic -- donating $5 MILLION to build healthcare facilities throughout the state.

Remember, the New Orleans Saints superstar's family pledged $5 million to help feed the youth and elderly back in March ... and told TMZ Sports at the time, "We're gonna find a way to get through this together and take care of one another."

Now, the Brees fam is focusing on healthcare ... announcing the contribution Monday on Instagram.

"COVID19 has changed nearly everything," Brees says. "From the way that we work, to how our kids learn, to the way we play football."

"As we work through one of the greatest challenges of our lifetimes, our health and wellness has never been more important."

"The Brees Dreams Foundation is proud to commit $5 million to support healthcare in Louisiana."

Brees says his foundation will work with Ochsner Health to bring health facilities to under-served cities throughout the state.

"These health centers will offer primary and specialty care to communities who need it most and promote health equity for all."

Brittany added ... "Our family is honored to help break down the barriers and give back to the incredible people of Louisiana."

Colin Kaepernick and Dr. Anthony Fauci have both been tapped by the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights org. to receive its most prestigious award ... after being hailed as "modern-day human rights defenders."

Kap and Fauci are 2 of the 5 people selected for the 2020 RFK Ripple of Hope Award -- which honors people who "demonstrated a commitment to social change" and have "utilized their platform for the public good."

"At a time when the courageous pursuit of equality and justice has become political and riddled with adversity, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights stands with these modern-day human rights defenders in their inspirational fight for progress," the Org. said in a statement.

The other recipients include United Farm Workers of America co-founder Dolores Huerta, Pal Pal president Dan Schulman and DocuSign CEO Dan Springer.

Kaepernick issued a statement ... saying, "In 2017, I was in the audience honoring Mr. Harry Belafonte as he accepted the Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope Award."

"I am humbled to follow the footsteps of individuals like Mr. B and to be in the company of all the other laureates. Thank you for this prestigious award."

Previous Ripple of Hope award winners include, Barack Obama, Tim Cook, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Robert F. Smith, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Belafonte, John Lewis, Hillary Clinton, Bono and Joe Biden.

The event is usually held in person -- but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it will go down virtually on Dec. 10 instead.

Two gym owners in NJ who refused to shut their doors despite official orders were arrested at their facility Monday ... and now, people are FURIOUS!!

Both protesters and supporters had been posting up in front of Atilis Gym in Bellmawr, NJ for days after the owners made it clear they would not comply with a state COVID-19 order requiring non-essential businesses to close up.

Things really got intense on Friday when a judge issued a court order demanding the owners vacate the premises and cease operations immediately.

But, Ian Smith and Frank Trumbetti refused -- and it all came to a head on Monday when several law enforcement agencies swarmed the gym and again, asked both men leave.

They again refused -- so, they were both arrested on site.

According to one witness, K9 units were on scene to help out. But, it does not appear things got out of hand.

Prosecutors in Camden County say 33-year-old Smith and 51-year-old Trumbetti were taken to a local jail and formally charged with "1 count of 4th degree Contempt, 1 count of Obstruction, and 1 count of Violation of a Disaster Control Act."

Both men have since been released from custody.

Ex-MLB star Aubrey Huff -- who's been vocal about HATING all of the COVID shutdowns and masks, etc. -- went to bat for the gym owners shortly after their arrests saying, "Ian Smith has taken the bullet for all of us."

CAN YOU SMELLLLLLLLLLLLLLL ... WHAT P.K. SUBBAN IS COOKING?!?

You should ... because the NHL star's in the kitchen with The Rock -- and by "kitchen," we mean the gym -- and the video is awesome.

The two -- along with P.K.'s fiancee Lindsey Vonn -- got in a private pump sesh with the WWE legend at an empty gym in L.A.

This particular clip was shot at the lat pull down machine -- where Rock gave PK a spot and some personal training tips while Vonn shouted along some words of encouragement.

Side note ... anyone got some scotch tape handy? BECAUSE P.K.'S BACK IS RIPPED, SON!!!

Of course, P.K. posted the footage after the workout -- saying, "Today, I became a man."

It's like a gym Bar Mitzvah.

the workout went down at one of The Rock's own personal gyms ... which he likes to call the Iron Paradise -- AKA, the Willy Wonka candy factory for muscleheads.

Regis Philbin's final resting place will be at the Notre Dame campus -- fitting because the guy was an absolute Fighting Irish superfan!

A spokesperson for Notre Dame confirms ... Philbin's funeral service will take place at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at the campus in South Bend, Indiana.

Philbin -- who graduated from ND in 1953 -- will be buried at the Cedar Grove Cemetery, which is on campus. No date has been set.

University spokesman Dennis Brown confirmed Sunday that Philbin, who died Friday of heart disease, will have a funeral service at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and be buried at Cedar Grove Cemetery on campus. The date has not been set.

We're also told the Notre Dame is considering different ways to honor Regis during the football season due to the fact he was such a massive supporter of ND football ... and really all ND sports.

He used to passionately talk about ND football on every platform he could -- remember when he brought the Leprechaun on "Regis and Kelly?"

In fact, Philbin was such a big ND supporter, he famously donated $2.75 million to the University in 2001 to create the Philbin Studio Theater, a performance art venue on campus.

Notre Dame president Rev. John Jenkins praised Philbin in a statement,

“Regis regaled millions on air through the years, oftentimes sharing a passionate love for his alma mater with viewers," Jenkins said.

"He will be remembered at Notre Dame for his unfailing support for the university and its mission, including the Philbin Studio Theater in our performing arts center."

As we previously reported, Philbin early Saturday after suffering a heart attack at his home.

He was 88.

RIP

Two icons. One photo.

Colin Kaepernick and Dr. Dre struck a pose together to send a message -- taking a knee during a recent get together ... and LeBron James approves!

"Defiant," Dre wrote about their photo posted Sunday night. Unclear when and where the pic was taken. We're working on it.

The pic was praised by stars like LeBron, Caron Butler, Busta Rhymes, Kevin Durant and more.

Colin and Dre have been in business together for years -- Colin had an endorsement deal with Beats by Dre starting way back in 2013.

And, by the way, Beats by Dre recently signed Bubba Wallace -- the only Black driver in NASCAR's top series.

"No one should ever be asked to apologize for standing up for what’s right," the company said after signing Wallace earlier this month.

"We are proud to welcome @bubbawallace to the Beats by Dr. Dre family."

As we previously reported, Colin is still dead serious about trying to get back into the NFL -- and has been training almost every day to stay ready.

A few teams mentioned they're interested in the QB -- but so far, no one has brought him in for a workout.