TMZ Sports - Page 50

A history-making Ghanaian Olympian says Africans can do BIG things at the Winter Games ... but only if their countries step up and give 'em what they need.

We spoke to Akwasi Frimpong -- the first ever Skeleton athlete for Ghana -- after the festivities in Pyeongchang ... and he told us his countrymen and women have all the tools to crush cold-weather sports.

"I think we have what it takes to be the best in the word," Frimpong told TMZ Sports.

But, given Africa's largely warm-weather climates, Akwasi says the athletes REALLY need their sports authorities and Olympic committees to pony up when it comes to training and travel.

If that happens ... he says there ain't nothing stopping 'em from competing with the rest of the world!

Richard Sherman is a visionary ... he was accepting Bitcoin on his website back in 2012 and 2013 -- but there's just one problem ... HE CONVERTED IT ALL TO CASH BEFORE IT EXPLODED!!!

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's a true story ... the NFL superstar tells TMZ Sports he's been a fan of cryptocurrency for years and believes it's eventually going to be the standard way people pay for things like groceries and clothes.

Of course, the price per coin was around $2.00 in 2011 ... and grew to around $1,000 by the end of 2013. It didn't really pop again until 2017 -- when it soared to more than $19,000 PER COIN!!

So, how much money would Sherman have made?? A lot.

Don't feel too bad ... Sherman says he did make some profit -- just not the gazillions that people like the Winklevoss twins hauled in. And the experience hasn't ruined cryptocurrency for Sherman ... 'cause he's now a spokesperson for a new trading platform called Cobinhood.

J.J. Watt got the hard questions today from a woman who makes penis cakes for a living ... a woman who wants to know where all of the money J.J. raised for Hurricane Harvey is actually going!

The woman runs an adult bakery in Houston called "Adult Cakes By Kim" -- and appears to be a huge fan of both the Houston Texans and J.J. Watt.

She also makes a killer "Poppin' Penis Man Cake" for $75.

But when she's not making delicious edible genitals, Kim's concerned about her community ... and reached out to Watt on Twitter about how the millions J.J. raised is being distributed.

"Do we know where any of money went because I can't find one person they got any help from the JJ Watt foundation for Hurricane Harvey and I know JJ's a great man."

We know she loves the Texans because Kim also offered a topless Texans cake for $80.

Oh, and yeah ... J.J. responded.

"There are 2.3 million people in Houston alone, Kim. I apologize that we aren’t able to reach every single person, it’s simply not possible."

"We’ve rebuilt homes & day cares, provided food & medical care and our work is far from finished! I promise we’re doing the best we can!!!"

Sounds good ... anyone hungry?

Metta World Peace says Lonzo Ball isn't just killing it on the court, he's destroying the mic, too, telling TMZ Sports he's a huge fan of both of Ball's careers.

Metta was at LAX when we asked what he thought about Ball's return -- which has led to two pretty convincing blowout wins for the Lakers over the Mavericks and Hawks.

MWP says he thinks Lonzo's return to the court is a big reason for the Lakers mini-run of dominance, but then, out of nowhere, tells us that's not where his fanhood ends.

"He's a rapper, he's a really good rapper. I like his music actually."

Here's a reason to 8-clap ... Shareef O'Neal is "leaning toward signing with UCLA" after pulling his commitment to the University of Arizona ... sources tell TMZ Sports.

O'Neal -- the high school superstar son of Shaquille O'Neal -- decommitted from Arizona over the weekend after reports surfaced that Arizona coach Sean Miller was caught on an FBI wiretap discussing making a $100,000 payment to a huge recruit.

Shareef is one of the best high school players in the country -- and the move made top programs around the country salivate at the mouth hoping to score a top prospect who has absolutely NO REASON to be involved in a pay-for-play scandal (his family's got way too much money for that).

Multiple sources connected to O'Neal tell us he's been considering a couple different schools -- mostly Pac-12 programs -- but right now, UCLA is in the lead.

Yeah, his face is still jacked up from his loss at UFC Fight Night Orlando ... but "Platinum" Mike Perry says he's ready to beat Colby Covington to death after Colby trashed Mike's GF.

Colby went wayyyyy below the belt in his trashtalking after Mike lost to Max Griffin on Saturday ... saying he should fire his "ratchet horse faced girlfriend" as his head trainer.

"I really don't like this motherf**ker," Perry tells TMZ Sports ... "He talking all this sh*t? I'll get in his face for real."

"Platinum Mike Perry is coming to kill you."

All Perry is asking is for 60 days to heal up ... and then it's on -- if the UFC makes the fight.

FYI, there are lots of fighters gunnin' to kick Colby's ass ... but respect to Platinum for being game as hell.

Jon Jones is officially BANNED from fighting in California ... at least for now ... after the California Athletic Commission revoked his fight license over a positive steroids test at UFC 214.

Jones is eligible to apply for reinstatement in August 2018 -- one year retroactive from his failed drug test.

Jones was also hit with a $205,000 fine -- 40% of his fight purse from the Daniel Cormier fight -- the largest fine the C.A.C. could levy.

The punishment was handed out after a terrible hearing for Jones -- who was grilled like a cheeseburger over the steroid test and other screw-ups in his life.

But, the worst moment for Jones undoubtedly came when he admitted he never completed USADA's anti-doping tutorials in 2015 ... despite the fact he signed paperwork saying he did.

Jon later said his management team took the tutorials for him and forged his signature.

As for the steroid test ... Jon testified that he had no idea how the the anabolic steroid Turinabol got into his system. Jones insisted he never knowingly took the substance and suggested it may have been planted in his workout supplements by an enemy.

"I have no clue how this happened," Jones told the panel. "My luck has been terrible when it comes to USADA."

And the worst could still be yet to come for Jones ... who will meet with USADA later this year.

In this edition of "They Said It, We Didn't," Damon Dash's boxing coach is giving his unfiltered opinion on Jay-Z in the ring ... and according to him, Hov fought "like Pee-wee Herman."

Dash appeared on "Van Lathan's Red Pill Podcast" and the conversation turned to an underground boxing club in NYC where Dame himself, Q-Tip, Heavy D and Jay-Z would rumble with each other in the ring.

Dame said Q-Tip was the beast of the bunch. Heavy D was dope, too. But when asked if Jay could fight, Dash called up the boxing trainer who ran the gym and let him do the talking ... and talk he did.

"At first he couldn't. He was like Pee-wee Herman. At first he couldn't bust a grape. He couldn't bust a grape, a girl would've beat him up. First time I put him in the ring he got waxed."

To be fair, Dame's trainer went on to say Jay eventually got revenge on the guy who waxed him -- meaning at this point he could probably definitively bust a grape with a punch.

And to be more fair ... Jay doesn't need to fight anybody. He's got people for that (#boss).

Canelo Alvarez says he wouldn't be caught dead in an MMA cage 'cause he's got too much love and respect for boxing ... unlike Floyd Mayweather.

With all the buzz about Floyd possibly taking a UFC fight, we had to ask Canelo if he'd consider crossing over, too.

Canelo shut that down quick -- and shaded his former rival in the process.

"I respect boxing. Boxing's my sport. That's what I love. The other sport, that's something we'll never know," he told TMZ Sports.

As for Floyd -- "With him you never know ... but you know what? Whatever he does doesn't interest me."

Of course, Canelo's focus is on his May 5 rematch vs. GGG ... and both guys let us know why this one's a way bigger deal than their first matchup.

12:42 PM PT -- Andy Foster is recommending a $205,000 fine -- 40-percent of Jones’ purse and $5,000 in additional fines ... and recommends his license is revoked until USADA determines its punishment.

12:06 PM PT -- Jon says he never completed USADA anti-doping tutorials ... despite the fact he signed paperwork saying he did.

Jones says his management team took the tutorials for him and then forged his signature.

11:53 AM PT -- When asked about his use of sex enhancement supplements, Jones said, "I've had quite a bit of experience with Cialis and Viagra over the years."

11:49 AM PT -- Jones was asked what assurances he can give the commission that this won't happen again. Jones says he doesn't know how to answer the question because he didn't intentionally cheat in the first place.

Jones says, "My luck has been terrible when it comes to USADA."

11:48 AM PT -- Jon says he still wants to fight Daniel Cormier again. "I want to get that belt from Cormier."

11:44 AM PT -- "I've really tried everything in my power to get my life together."

Jon also says he's not a "screw up" and understands he's a role model for kids. He says he might be a knucklehead, but he's NOT a cheater.

11:41 AM PT -- "I have no clue how this happened."

11:40 AM PT -- Jon says he thought about who could have intentionally contaminated his supplements ... suggesting an enemy may have tried to take him down.

11:38 AM PT -- Jon says his nutritionist worked hard to make sure everything he took was clean and USADA approved.

11:34 AM PT -- Jon is testifying. He says he was very confused by the positive steroid test. Says he had to take a close look at the people around him to see if anyone would have contaminated his workout supplements.

10:24 AM PT -- Jon's attorney says the UFC fighter is not fighting the positive test, but he thinks the heavy $200,000 fine and revocation of his license is too harsh of a penalty.

Jon's attorney said, "He did not knowingly take the substance. He does not know where it came from."

The revocation would essentially last 1 year -- with Jones being able to reapply after 1 year has passed. The CA Athletic Commission would then decide to continue the suspension for another year or lift it.

Jon Jones is about to find out if he'll be SUSPENDED from fighting in the state of California over a failed UFC 214 steroid test.

He's about to face the California State Athletic Commission ... and we're livestreaming the whole thing.

TMZ Sports broke the news ... Jones tested positive for the anabolic steroid Turinabol in a test administered in July -- the day before he beat Daniel Cormier in Anaheim to reclaim the UFC light heavyweight championship.

Of course, Jones was stripped of his title -- and now he's facing up to $200,000 in fines (40% of his fight purse) and a possible suspension from the CSAC.

If the CSAC suspends Jones' license, he can't reapply until one year has passed from the date of revocation.

Jones is also facing punishment from another agency -- USADA -- which could hit him with a possible 4-year suspension. Jones is expected to meet with USADA later this year. There's no guarantee USADA's punishment will match the CSAC punishment.

The complication for Jones ... this is his 2nd offense. He tested positive for 2 banned substances prior to UFC 200 in Las Vegas in 2016 ... resulting in a 1-year suspension from USADA and the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

The NBA's 1-and-done rule is "complicated" and objectionable" and has got to go ... so says ESPN star Michael Wilbon -- but he definitely stopped short of calling it "racist."

We got the "Pardon The Interruption" host leaving Craig's in L.A. -- and asked him about Stan Van Gundy's recent comments about the league's 1-year collegiate mandate being racist ... since most athletes it's holding back are black.

"The '1-and-done' is complicated and it's not good and its gonna go away," Wilbon said ... "I don't know if it's racist or not, but it's objectionable."

The complication? Wilbon points out that such a high percentage of college and pro basketball players are black ... suggesting people arguing against the rule might be able to twist the numbers to make their argument.

Think DeSean Jackson's over the beef with Chip Kelly?

Nope.

The NFL star was at LAX when he was asked about his old Philadelphia Eagles coach -- but before the photog could finish the question, D-Jack shut him down.

"We don't even talk about that dude," DeSean said about Kelly ... "He's a weirdo. He's a big-time weirdo."

Of course, Kelly cut D-Jack in 2014 -- and Jackson was PISSED about it.

He's since blamed Kelly for ruining the Eagles by getting rid of a bunch of superstars including LeSean McCoy and Jeremy Maclin ... and said Kelly's 2016 firing was essentially "karma."

The cute, adorable doggie you're looking at was about to be SLAUGHTERED TO BE EATEN in South Korea ... that is, until U.S. snowboarder Maddie Mastro took action.

While the SuperPipe bronze medalist was competing in Pyeongchang -- she made it a point to go to the Korean meat farm to rescue a dog marked for a dinner plate.

FYI, harvesting dogs for meat still happens in South Korea and other Asian countries. So, Mastro and a bunch of Olympians made it a point to save as many as they could before heading home.

U.S. skier Gus Kenworthy set the dog-rescue record with 90 ... but Maddie and others are doing their part, too.

"I'm just grateful I get to help one out," Maddie told TMZ Sports.

You can tell Mastro has mad love for Plum (or "Jadu" in Korean) ... but it sounds like her fam's gonna have to find another home for the pup since they already got a full house.

Jacksonville Jaguars star Jalen Ramsey has a serious problem with Texas A&M using his image to recruit players -- and he's demanding the school cut that crap out, ASAP.

The beef started Monday night over a new Texas A&M promotional ad trying to tout their new head coach, Jimbo Fisher (who formally coached at Florida State) as a defensive back guru who turned players like Ramsey into multi-millionaires.

The problem ... Ramsey went to Florida State and doesn't want to be used in an ad that helps A&M. Plus, he says Fisher didn't teach him a DAMN THING about being a defensive back.

In fact, Ramsey tweeted out to a Texas A&M tight end coach on Monday night ... saying, "Know I have nothing but respect for you Coach Brew but don’t use me on a poster for a school I didn’t go to & for a coach who didn’t teach me how to be a DB."

He added, "He didn’t teach me not one DB technique... #ComeGetSomeRealTruth #GoNoles."

New Orleans Saints player P.J. Williams -- who also went to FSU -- retweeted Ramsey and added, "True story!!"

Great news if you're a fan of greased up topless men ... the "Shirtless Tongan" dude from the Olympics tells TMZ Sports he's gunning for a career in topless modeling!

"I've got a few things lined up," Pita Taufatofua told us at LAX.

Of course, Pita shot to stardom during the 2016 Olympics in Rio (he competed in taekwondo) when he carried the flag of Tonga during opening ceremonies ... sans top.

He repeated the same look at the Winter Olympics (he competed as a cross-country skier) -- where he braved the freezing cold to rock the oiled-up, shirtless look again during closing ceremonies.

Oscar De La Hoya has a challenge for President Trump -- he's "daring" POTUS to come to the Canelo Alvarez vs. GGG fight on May 5 ... to prove he doesn't really hate Mexican people.

"I always have binoculars ready for Donald Trump because I'm not gonna sit him ringside," Oscar tells TMZ Sports ... "I'm gonna sit him way up there in the stands with all the Mexicans and all the fight fans from Kazakhstan!"

"I dare him to come! It'll be great!"

Oscar says he knows Trump is a fight fan -- but tells us he's probably rooting for Gennady Golovkin because "I don't think Trump is a Mexican supporter. He's more of a European supporter."