TMZ Sports - Page 50

Floyd Mayweather is heading to Minnesota where he's set to meet with Showtime honcho Stephen Espinoza ... and the two will DEFINITELY be talking about a possible MMA fight.

"It will be a topic of conversation," Stephen told TMZ Sports ... acknowledging Floyd's recent videos from inside an MMA cage are VERY interesting.

"There's a chance ... whatever he puts his mind to, he sort of wills into happening. [Floyd] willed the McGregor fight into happening. So, if he sets his mind to it, it'll happen."

And how much money would it take to lure Floyd back?

"He's not an 8-figure guy anymore. He's a 9-figure guy," says Espinoza, the president of Showtime Sports and event programming.

Bottom line -- if Floyd wants an MMA fight, sounds like Showtime is 100% behind him.

Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez hadn't been seen together for almost a month ... until Wednesday night.

Justin and Selena were leaving a Hillsong Church service in L.A. when he spotted photogs, gave an audible grunt, and then got downright sarcastic when they screamed Selena's name.

Earlier in the day Justin hit the ice for a little hockey and Selena watched rinkside snapping pics.

Ricky Williams has a very important message for anyone who's thinking about hitting his Super Bowl 52 blowout ...

It's no longer BYOW -- 'cause he's got enough weed for the WHOLE PARTY.

Ricky updated us on his Super Bowl Sunday smoke-athon -- telling TMZ Sports he's going the whole 9 yards for his private party in the Hollywood Hills.

Booze, celebrities, vegan food, a massage therapist and now an unlimited supply of ganj -- Williams says he'll have "something for everybody."

Dear Eagles fans,

If you get drunk this weekend, please -- for the love of god -- resist the urge to punch a police horse in the mouth for a change.

Sincerely,

Ike Reese.

That's the essence of what the former Eagles Pro Bowler told us in Minnesota -- after 2 Philly fans punched 2 different police horses in 2 consecutive weeks during the NFL playoffs.

If you don't know Reese, WATCH THIS VIDEO -- dude's a legend.

Stephen A. Smith says he's devastated over the death of his friend Rasual Butler -- telling TMZ Sports they knew each other for years ... and the NBA player was a really good dude.

"Just incredibly sad," the ESPN star said ... "He's a good guy. We have Philly roots together. I've known him for many years. I love his wife. Love his family."

"The world lost a good brother."

TMZ Sports broke the story ... Butler lost control of his Range Rover in Studio City, CA early Wednesday morning and slammed into a wall -- killing him and his wife, who was a passenger in the car.

One of Minneapolis' main Super Bowl LII party venues -- hosting P!nk, Jennifer Lopez, Imagine Dragons, Diddy, DJ Khaled and Cardi B -- was just evacuated for a gas leak.

Law enforcement sources tell us they responded to The Armory around 1 PM. We're told crews discovered the gas was coming from an above ground pressure relief valve. A rep for the MFD says the valve was completely drained by crews.

Good thing. The venue's gonna be busy this week.

Thursday: Imagine Dragons, Machine Gun Kelly, Mura Masa
Friday: P!nk
Saturday: Jennifer Lopez
Sunday: Diddy, DJ Khaled, French Montana, Cardi B, G-Eazy

Listen up Gisele -- legendary boxer Bernard Hopkins has some advice on how to deal with those unruly Philly fans when you get to Minnesota ... and it's basically not to be Gisele.

We got Hopkins -- a Philly legend -- out at LAX and asked him how the notoriously outspoken Mrs. Bündchen should handle herself Super Bowl weekend around his Eagles people.

NOTE: Eagles fans are freakin' crazy, having actually assaulted Santa Claus on one occasion.

B-Hop had a very simple idea for Gisele, utilizing a skill she's used to ... playing dress-up.

"You got to camouflage yourself so you won't be noticed. Cause Philly, no matter where we go we make that Philly."

Ex-NBA player Rasual Butler and his wife -- a singer who appeared on "American Idol" -- were both killed in a single car crash in Studio City, CA early Wednesday morning, TMZ Sports has learned.

38-year-old Butler -- who was drafted by the Miami Heat in 2002 -- lost control of his Range Rover around 2 AM, struck a parking meter and slammed into a wall. The car flipped.

Officers believe the car was speeding before it lost control.

Butler had a long NBA career after an impressive run at La Salle -- where he was a 2-time First Team All-Atlantic 10 Player. He's a member of the La Salle Hall of Athletics.

He went on to play in the NBA until 2016 -- with stints on the Hornets, Clippers, Bulls, Raptors, Pacers, Wizards and Spurs.

Rasual most recently played in Ice Cube's BIG3 league.

Butler's wife Leah LaBelle, 31, was an R&B singer who was signed to Epic Records. She placed 12th on the 3rd Season of "American Idol" back in 2004.

Rasual is survived by a daughter from a previous relationship, Raven Butler.

R.I.P.

UFC star Eddie Alvarez is a diehard Philadelphia Eagles fan.

His boss, Dana White, lives and breathes New England Patriots.

So, when we asked Eddie how he's getting along with Dana during Super Bowl week ... he had a 2-fingered response.

It's hilarious.

Of course, they're just kidding around -- but Eddie says they both agreed to suspend the friendship "until Philly wins."

In serious news ... since Eddie famously fought Conor McGregor -- we asked for his take on a possible Conor vs. Floyd MMA match.

Eddie makes it clear he thinks Floyd would get the beating of his life -- and even his 12-year-old son could get Mayweather to tap inside of an octagon.

Rasual Butler's death is hitting the NBA hard -- with his friends and former teammates sending their condolences to Butler's family.

John Wall -- "I will always remember the time we shared together as teammates, you were the big brother. I appreciate the advice you shared, not just about basketball but life. Sending my deepest condolences to the families of Rasual and Leah. May you both rest in peace."

Blake Griffin -- "You were a great teammate and an even better person. Rest in peace my friend."

LaMarcus Aldridge -- "Devastated to hear the news about the passing of my former teammate, Rasual, & his wife. My thoughts and prayers go out to their families during this difficult time. Rasual was an amazing teammate and an even better person. He will truly be missed!"

Kyle Lowry -- "I remember I called you when you got drafted on draft night and I was at a camp and I wanted to show off because I knew you and you answered the phone for a 16 year old who was one of your biggest fans.. this is truly a sad day for me !! RIP Sual bop my oldhead!!"

Austin Rivers -- "It was a pleasure meeting you man. Getting to work with you last year was amazing. For you were not only a knowledgeable player....but more so a great man! Smh Crazy this just happened. May you and your wife RIP in heaven."

Kevin Love -- "Incredibly sad news to hear about Rasual Butler and his wife Leah. Prayers to both of their families through this tough time."

Ray Allen -- "I cannot believe this!!!!!!!!!My heart is heavy!!! We lost a good one today! RIP Rasual you were such a great talent on the court but an even better man off it! My thoughts are with the entire Butler family as they mourn the tragic loss of their son/brother and his beautiful wife, Leah. Gone too soon. Rest in power."

Reggie Miller -- "Saddened by the news and the loss of Rasual Butler and his wife Leah. Talk about a great dude and family man. I know he had many stops during his 13 year NBA journey, but he was beloved becasue of his work ethic in Indiana. New guardian Angels."

Paul Pierce -- "So sad this morning to here about my friend and teammate 😢 RIP Rasual Butler appreciate the people around u because u never know."

Chauncey Billups -- "I’m shocked, saddened and in disbelief about the news on my friend Rasual Butler and his wife Leah. May God be with their families. We will miss you 'Sul.'"

Allen Iverson -- "Rest easy my brother. See you when I get there!!!"

Shaq -- "Still can’t believe the news about my main man SOOL BOP. #riprasualbutler🏀#THELILHOMIEFROMPHILLY."

Kobe Bryant -- "Rest In Peace my brother #RasualButler."

Miami Heat -- "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah LaBelle. Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and many friends of Rasual and Leah. They will be missed."

L.A. Clippers -- "The L.A. Clippers are deeply saddened by the loss of Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah LaBelle. Rasual will long be remembered not only for his accomplishments on the court, but for his vibrant personality, positive outlook and the compassion he had for everyone around him."

Add "TMZ Sports reporter" to Joe Theismann's legendary resume -- 'cause the NFL icon just locked up an exclusive with Von Miller!!!

So, we were talking to ex-Washington Redskins QB about the big trade for Alex Smith and where he thinks his pal, Kirk Cousins, should end up next.

That's when Von crashed the interview -- and told Joe he'd be ALL ABOUT getting Cousins in Denver!

It's a great moment.

Colin Kaepernick just wrote his LAST check as part of his "$1 Million Pledge" campaign -- and teamed up with Usher to end it with a bang.

Remember, Kaep first started the program back in 2016 ... vowing to donate $1 MIL of his own money to more than 40 charitable causes -- including Communities United for Police Reform and The Black Youth Project.

Over the past 2 weeks, Colin enlisted some HUGE stars to match his final 10 donations -- including Steph Curry, Snoop Dogg, Serena Williams, Chris Brown, T.I. and Meek Mill (from prison).

For his final $10k pledge, Colin and Usher chose H.O.M.E. -- an org. helping single mothers facing economic hardship.

"This was an opportunity to do something major and you did it," Usher told Kaep in a thank-you vid. "This is a result of us helping each other. We all become stronger."

The former 49ers QB also issued a statement on social media, saying -- "Thank you to everyone who has supported me, matched me and my pledge and most importantly the people."

George Lopez is ditching his love affair with golf to stand in solidarity with DACA.

We got the comedian leaving the Laugh Factory Tuesday night in WeHo and asked him about Trump's first State of the Union address. GLo laughed it off, but then got serious about the DREAM Act -- which would allow undocumented children of immigrants to go to school, work and eventually become U.S. residents.

Seems like George had a few drinks before we got him, but it also seems like he's dead serious about the protest.

He's scheduled to host his 11th Annual Celebrity Golf Classic in May ... so, the clock's ticking.

Looks like the players who got traded for Blake Griffin ain't too broke up about leaving the Motor City ... 'cause they're already exploring the L.A. hot spots the day after the deal!

L.A., meet Boban Marjanovic, Avery Bradley and Tobias Harris -- the 3 ex-Pistons who will attempt to pick up the pieces left by Lob City.

TMZ Sports spotted the trio out at Toca Madera in Beverly Grove Tuesday night ... and though they weren't too talkative, it's clear they're already enjoying that West Coast livin'.

Hopefully they can cheer up DeAndre Jordan ...

Should Patriots and Eagles players have sex before the Super Bowl??

"GO FOR IT," says Pro Football Hall of Famer Terrell Davis ... who's debunking the myth that bangin' before the big game can mess with your mojo.

It's pretty simple -- if you're a studly NFL star, chances are you're getting PLENTY of action during the season.

So, TD advises not to break routine -- "Keep doing that, don't change."

He would know -- Terrell's a former Super Bowl MVP and 2-time SB champ with the Broncos.

Saints' record-breaking rookie Alvin Kamara says the team is already over Marcus Williams' historic missed tackle against the Vikings ... telling TMZ Sports the team is 100% behind their guy.

Kamara also admits he looks almost exactly like rap superstar Lil Uzi Vert.

We got Alvin out at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport and asked him how the team responded to Williams after he missed Stefon Diggs with no time left on the clock, allowing the Vikings to pull off the Minnesota Miracle.

"Obviously he was down on himself, but we have a supportive locker room and we all picked him up and let him know that it's not just on you."

Now to the important news ... Kamara looks like Uzi, it's a thing. We asked him about it, and he addressed it, cooly and calmly just like Uzi would've. It's pretty uncanny.