TMZ Sports - Page 50

T.J. Dillashaw was caught cheating and hasn't fought in years, but his training partner, Bellator star Juan Archuleta, says T.J.'s back, better than ever, and ready to whoop ass!!

Remember, 34-year-old Dillashaw -- the former UFC bantamweight champ -- was popped for taking PED's before fighting Henry Cejudo in 2019 ... and was suspended 2 years.

Many people in the MMA world thought Dillashaw's reign at the top was done.

But, Archuleta -- T.J.'s longtime training partner -- says that's flat out fake news.

"I honestly think he'll be a lot better, ya know? You get that time off, and you get to rest the brain, rest the body. That guy's always pedal to the metal," Archuleta tells TMZ Sports.

"He gets to recover his whole body. People don't know he was dealing with 2 shoulder surgeries going into that [Cejudo] fight."

Dillashaw is scary ... an "a lot better" Dillashaw is downright frightening ... considering the guy has beaten up beasts like Cody Garbrandt (twice) and Renan Barao.

Dillashaw -- who admitted to using the banned substance, EPO -- is eligible to return to the Octagon in January 2021 ... and Juan says he'll immediately be ready to challenge for the title.

"T.J.'s doing well, man. He's getting big, strong, recovering from his double surgery, the shoulder surgery that he had. Of course, his suspension is coming to an end, so we're getting him ready so that way when his suspension is lifted he's gonna be ready to be in the title mix."

Speaking of titles ... 32-year-old Archuleta -- who also trains with Brian Ortega and Cub Swanson -- has a HUGE fight coming up. He's taking on Patrick Mix for the 135 lb. title at Bellator 246 on September 12.

St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Famer Lou Brock has died ... this according to the St. Louis-Post Dispatch.

Reporter Rick Hummel says Brock passed away Sunday afternoon, adding he was battling multiple medical conditions near the end of his life. The exact circumstances of his death remain unclear.

Brock was a living legend in Missouri, as he's best known as one of the greatest Cardinals players ever who helped lead the franchise to a World Series title in 1964 ... the same year he was traded to the team from the Chicago Cubs. He was a major factor to them winning the fall classic again in 1967, racking up a then-historic number of hits and stolen bases.

Speaking of the latter, Lou will perhaps be best remembered for exactly that ... the dude could steal anything out on the diamond. The guy leads the National League as the all-time greatest base stealer (ever) with a whopping 938 stolen bases through his 19-year career.

There are other milestones he hit along the way, but just to sum up his achievements ... the guy was a 6-time All-Star, 2-time World Series champ, had over 3,000 hits to his name and was a first-ballot HOF inductee. He goes down in the books as one of the greats.

He's survived by his wife, Jacqueline, and his son, Lou Jr. Brock was 81.

Tennis superstar Novak Djokovic had a chance to make history at this year's U.S. Open ... but he squandered it away after hitting a judge with a ball out of frustration.

Djokovic was defaulted (disqualified) from the rest of the tournament Sunday in the middle of his fourth-round match against Pablo Carreno Busta -- who was up 6-5 in the first set and had just scored a point -- when ND angrily and haphazardly smacked a ball that hit a lineswoman.

It doesn't appear he tried to hit her, but the fact he struck her (in the neck, no less) and got her removed from the action was enough for him to get booted. You see him immediately run over to check on her, but the damage was done.

Once he was instructed he couldn't play anymore, he quickly grabbed his things and exited the court ... not before giving some handshakes to his opponent and the main judge.

Djokovic was the #1 seed heading into the tourney -- and he was in line to join some elite company if he would've advanced further and racked up more wins. He'd already hit a huge milestone prior to Sunday's match, with 600 hard-court wins ... 3rd most behind Roger Federer (775) and Guillermo Vilas (670). Unfortunately, any further accolades will have to wait.

As for the line judge ... she was escorted off the court, but seemed to be more or less okay. Before sending Djokovic on his way, she made sure to give him a knowing look of unease.

Caption ... "WHAT THE HELL, DUDE!!!"

Byron Scott thinks top NBA players should take a more active role in advocating for Black coaches ... just like Kobe Bryant did for him back in the day.

59-year-old Scott says he likes and respects Steve Nash -- but couldn't help but feel disappointed when he saw the Brooklyn Nets hired Nash as head coach over other well-qualified Black candidates.

"My first thought was why didn’t Mark Jackson or some other African-American guys who have coached in this league at least get an opportunity to coach with the Brooklyn Nets?"

Fact is, Scott says ... "We don't get jobs that are that set and that good -- where you got 2 stars like Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant."

Scott believes Black coaches usually get opportunities with teams that are in pretty bad shape ... unlike Nash and the stacked Nets.

Scott says his opinion is based on his OWN experience -- he took over the Hornets when they were only an 18-win team and New Jersey coming off a 20-win season.

"We don’t get those jobs where there is built-in superstardom guys on that roster right away."

"We get the kind of jobs where you have to make something out of nothing and when you don’t or you’re not able to do it, they’ll say, 'Well, we gave him the opportunity.'"

So, what's the solution? Scott says he wants to see more powerful NBA players go to bat for Black candidates.

"Our players don’t do a good enough job for advocating for Black coaches and that's just something that we need to change as well."

You're looking at an ultra-rare autographed Colin Kaepernick rookie card featuring a piece of a game-used jersey.

It's awesome. It's valuable. And, the only reason the owner is parting ways with it is because he wants to raise money for the QB's "Know Your Rights Camp."

The story behind the card is great ... the owner tells us he started buying up CK items in 2016 when collectors thought Colin's kneeling protest would cause his collectibility value to plummet.

Among his purchases, the guy bought a 2011 Topps Platinum Rookie Patch Autograph Red Refractor card featuring Colin ... a 1 of 1 card.

He bought the card for just under $1,800 -- but experts tell us the card could sell now in the neighborhood of $25,000 ... maybe more!

The owner took the card to Goldin Auctions with the caveat that half of the winning proceeds would go toward Colin's "Know Your Rights Camp."

In case you're wondering, Colin's KYRC says it's mission is to "advance the liberation and well-being of Black and Brown communities through education, self-empowerment, mass-mobilization and the creation of new systems that elevate the next generation of change leaders."

We're told the Camp is thrilled about the auction and appreciates the forthcoming donation.

The auction -- which already has a $1,000 bid -- closes later this month.

The internet is abuzz at the fact that there's actually a high school team called the "Cotton Pickers" -- something a local reporter made public, and which he now regrets.

KIII 3 Sports' Chris Thomasson tweeted a video Friday of the Robstown High School football team taking the field for their season opener against the London High School Pirates near Corpus Christi, TX ... but he also dropped Robstown's team name, the Cotton Pickers.

The guy's tweet got picked up and spread like wildfire, with many people aghast and outraged there could actually be a team with such racist connotations -- especially in Texas, no less. Their mascot isn't very subtle either -- it depicts a cotton plant, straight up. And yes, there are Black players on the football and other sports team ... so, what gives?

That same reporter followed up and said he didn't mean to stir the pot by dropping the full name -- he says he never says the full thing on air and usually just refers to the team as the "Pickers." He also provided context ... saying "Cotton Pickers" is something the school board there recently voted to stick to after consulting the community, which is apparently predominantly Latino. Many of those folks do, in fact, pick cotton and don't view it as a slur.

There are some local reports of residents there even being proud of the name -- as they view it as honest work steeped in local tradition and heritage ... from their POVs anyway.

That said, Thomasson acknowledges it's probably time to change the name, adding he's advocated for that for years. Fact is, the history of cotton picking in this country usually conjures up just one thing for most -- AKA, slavery -- and that alone should be reason enough to pivot.

Johnny Manziel LOVES the fact The Rock just bought the XFL -- but don't expect to see the QB sign a contract anytime soon.

"I'm retired, dude," Manziel told TMZ Sports outside of Saddle Ranch in L.A. on Friday.

Manziel's only 27 years old -- and brought solid TV ratings to the CFL during his 2018/2019 comeback ... begging the question, would The Rock's XFL make a run at Johnny to try and boost interest?

"Listen, anything The Rock touches is gonna be gold as always," Manziel says ... "But, I think football is a little bit behind me."

"I'm just trying do to other things in life that make me happy. That's it."

To prove his point, Manziel fired up a cigarette -- and told us straight up, "There's more to life than just ball."

The former Heisman Trophy winner and 2015 1st-round NFL Draft pick is not completely closing the door on a comeback ... saying he still trains and works out -- but it's highly unlikely.

"You never say never, I'm still an athletic guy ... but at the end of the day, let's see where the rest of life takes me and we’ll go from there."

"Football for me is not at the forefront of my mind. It's just chillin’ and being one of the bros."

Manziel also talked about his beef with sports business reporter Darren Rovell ... and explained why it's a long-running issue "that'll get settled up one day."

Oh, and as for why Manziel is out in L.A. during a global pandemic without a mask?

"COVID doesn’t wanna see me at the end of the day," Manziel joked ... "dude, I do worse things on the weekend."

Charles Oakley is straight-up confused about why the Brooklyn Nets hired Steve Nash as their new head coach ... when there are so many other qualified coaches with actual coaching experience!

The NY Knicks legend didn't beat around the bush when we asked him about the Nash hiring ... telling us straight up, "We need more Black coaches in the NBA."

Oakleys says like everyone else in the NBA world, he had no idea Nash was even interested in a coaching gig ... "but that's how the world is."

"People hire their friends, people that they believe in. Somebody must believe in Steve Nash, a great player."

But, Oakley says there are plenty of Black coaches -- like Mark Jackson, Pete Myers and Jason Kidd -- who have been waiting for jobs ... and got beat out because "this guy comes out of the blue."

"That goes to show you we're still behind the 8 ball," Oak says ... "That's what we're trying to fight for, equal opportunity."

"Hopefully, We can get more Black coaches in the NBA because it's a Black league. We should have more Black coaches. More Black owners and GMs."

In case you're wondering, in the 2018-19 season, roughly 82% of NBA players were people of color, according to an ESPN report.

Sweatin' a fantasy football draft?? Kay Adams has you covered ... the NFL Network star tells TMZ Sports her guide to winning SERIOUS cash this season is simple!!!

First, Adams says WAIT on QBs ... a tough thing to do with Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes in the NFL -- but Adams says you can always find high-scoring guys later.

"You can get a guy like Drew Brees or even Tom Brady," the host of "Good Morning Football" says. "Aaron Rodgers is going in like the 7th round. Wait on quarterbacks!"

Next, Adams says focus in on running backs ... and if you get the chance to take Philadelphia Eagles star tailback Miles Sanders -- GRAB HIM!!!

"I wouldn't be surprised if Miles Sanders actually does out-perform Saquon Barkley," Adams says.

When it comes to who you should avoid ... Adams tells us she isn't exactly sold on Dallas Cowboys star WR Amari Cooper -- saying she's worried about injuries and potential targets in a crowded offense.

As for late in the draft -- Kay says Tom Brady's teammate, slot receiver Scott Miller, could sneakily help win leagues in 2020!!

"I heard today that Brady is calling him Scooter," Adams says. "And I'm like, that is some Edelman, Amendola stuff right there. He's going to be the kid moving the chains on the field."

Kendall Jenner traveled northeast with boyfriend Devin Booker -- double dating with pals Justin and Hailey Bieber -- during a trek to ID.

Kendall and her Phoenix Suns BF have been making the rounds over the last few months. They've been camping, dining, and just hanging out ... and they've amped it up since the Devin left the NBA bubble.

They also did some ordinary stuff, like taking Devin's dog to the vet.

Justin and Hailey have been making the rounds these days as well. They rented an RV and have been tooling around the country, recently making a stop in Cody, Wyoming to visit Kanye.

First Steve Nash sighting after the big news!!!

The newest Brooklyn Nets head coach celebrated his new gig with an Italian dinner at one of NYC's most popular restaurants on Thursday ... and you better believe TMZ Sports was there.

The interaction outside Carbone was super quick -- only 12 seconds long -- but Nash tells us he's already touched base with his teams 2 biggest stars, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant ... and they're excited to work together!!!

Nash was wearing a mask on his way out of the restaurant due to the whole COVID-19 sitch ... but we're guessing he had a huge grin underneath it, considering he just landed what many consider the best available coaching job in the NBA right now.

Of course, we had a LOT more we wanted to ask Nash ... but there's only so much you can do with 12 seconds. Hey, we'll take it.

As we previously reported, the NBA Hall of Famer signed a 4-year deal to take over as head coach of the Nets ... which came as a surprise as nobody knew that he had thrown his hat in the ring.

Ex-New York Giants kicker Aldrick Rosas is fighting back in his hit-and-run case ... pleading NOT GUILTY to all charges, TMZ Sports has learned.

The 25-year-old is accused of slamming his black Chevrolet SUV into a pickup truck after exceeding speeds of 100 MPH in Chico, Calif. on June 15.

Cops say multiple witnesses saw the former Pro Bowler wreck the car and then flee the scene on foot.

Officers add, when they were finally able to detain Aldrick hours later, they say his hands, legs and bare feet were bloody.

Aldrick was eventually hit with three misdemeanors over the incident -- including reckless driving on a highway and hit-and-run -- but court records show he pleaded not guilty to all charges last week.

The case is obviously a big deal for Rosas ... he was cut by the Giants shortly after the arrest -- and has yet to land with another team despite being one of the league's better kickers.

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

Recently fired Washington Capitals head coach Todd Reirden wasted NO time getting the hell outta town ... listing his D.C. mansion for $2.25 million.

Of course, Reirden was the Caps' head coach from 2018 to 2020 ... and was canned after Washington lost in the first round of the playoffs for 2 consecutive seasons.

Now that Reirden has a new gig as an assistant with the Pittsburgh Penguins, the coach is parting ways with his 6-bed, 8-bath, 6,352-square-foot Virginia pad.

The crib comes with an industrial chef kitchen, rec room, home theater, exercise/game room, and a walk-in wine cellar.

The owner's suite comes with all the bells and whistles ... including walk-in closets, gas fireplace and surround sound speaker system.

The outdoor area is decked out with a heated pool, kitchen and bar, cabana house and a playground that looks like any kid's dream come true.

The house was listed by Jordan Stuart of Keller Williams Capital Properties for $2.25 million just days ago.

And, if ya can't make it in person ... check out the virtual tour.

Alistair Overeem -- the last man to beat Brock Lesnar -- says the WWE superstar will NOT return to the UFC 'cause he's old, washed up ... and no one gives a crap about him!!

TMZ Sports asked the 40-year old UFC star -- who defeated Lesnar at UFC 141 in December 2011 -- if he believes Brock will step back into the Octagon now that his WWE contract expired.

Remember, earlier this week, Dana White told us he was open to making a Jon Jones vs. Lesnar fight ... IF both fighters were down.

But, Overeem tells us, he doesn't believe there's a chance in hell Lesnar comes back to fight.

"He's not coming back. He's 43-years-old. He's flunked tests. It's over with. He's not coming back."

Overeem admits he didn't think Brock was going to return to fight Mark Hunt in July 2016 ... but he did.

So, does Alistair -- who's fighting #9 ranked heavyweight Augusto Sakai at UFC Fight Night 176 -- want to run it back with Brock if the 6'3", 265 lb fighter does opt to return?

"I have beat him up. So, if someone wants a rematch, it would've been him, right? I already did it."

Overeem wasn't done throwing shade ... he took one last parting shot at Lesnar.