TMZ Sports - Page 50

LaVar Ball says it's hardly worth discussing whether Donald Trump is a racist ... it's soooo obvious.

We got the Ball patriarch Friday night in L.A. at the Junior Basketball Ass'n tourney, and asked about Trump going after LeBron James, calling him dumb. It's interesting ... Ball says people don't care about LeBron's political stance ... they care about him winning for the Lakers. Weird comment, since LeBron is one of the strongest, most compelling voices in America for civil rights.

Did you know Tom Brady is actually black?!

Well, it's true ... at least according to Chad Johnson.

Ochocinco played with the QB in New England back in the 2011 season ... and he just revealed to TMZ Sports the GOAT is not, in fact, a white male.

"He's black. Period," Chad tells us.

"You gotta meet Tommy. You wouldn't understand it with me just saying it but, you know, he's Robin Thicke. You get where I'm going with this s**t?"

Not really ... BUT -- Chad explained further.

"You can't teach that type of, just, aura. That persona. You can't teach that."

"Shut Up and Dribble" could turn into "Shut Up and Pay Me" for LeBron James.

Despite the fact he's launching a new Showtime series using the 'S.U.A.D.' title, we've learned someone else has already moved on locking down the trademark to use the phrase on clothing.

Of course, LeBron LOVES to turn his projects and catchphrases into fashion items -- we've seen him do it with "Strive For Greatness" gear and just the other day he rocked a shirt that said "I Promise," the name of his new school in Ohio.

So, it seems obvious he would try to get the rights to "Shut Up and Dribble" too.

The problem ... a guy in Jersey named William DelGrande applied for the trademark back in February ... just a few days after FOX News' Laura Ingraham used the phrase to scold LeBron for getting involved in politics.

DelGrande doesn't own the trademark outright -- at least, not yet -- but he's got a big head start on LeBron ... which gives him an advantage if James makes a claim.

The good news ... DelGrande says he's willing to drop his claim -- for the right price.

Don't get it twisted, DelGrande isn't looking for a 7-figure deal -- telling TMZ Sports he'd wave the white flag for a "reasonable price."

It never happened in the UFC ... but Ronda Rousey vs. Cris Cyborg MIGHT go down in the WWE -- with Mick Foley telling TMZ Sports he's been lobbying Vince McMahon to sign the Brazilian star.

"I had a meeting with Mr. McMahon and I specifically told him keep your eyes on this Cyborg vs. Nunes fight," Mick said.

"She's gonna be larger than life and would make a great WWE superstar down the line."

The Cyborg vs. Amanda Nunes fight isn't official yet (they're working on it) -- but Foley thinks it will help propel Cyborg to a new level of fame.

Ronda has been killing it in WWE -- ragdolling just about every woman who's stepped in the ring against her. So, bringing in Cyborg could be the perfect move.

Kurt Warner's got the blueprint for Johnny Manziel to make it back to the NFL ... revealing to TMZ Sports the ultra-simple game plan -- STOP THROWING PICKS!!

Yeah, we know ... enlightening stuff -- but Warner's speaking from experience!

Remember ... Kurt was an arena league QB and an NFL Europe signal-caller before finally becoming the Rams' and Cardinals' leader ... and he had PLENTY of games with four picks before NFL success.

So, he's telling us what got him back in the NFL ... and it's exactly what Johnny Football needs to do as well.

"Let's get down to zero interceptions, and make a whole bunch of plays," Warner says.

"And that's how he's going to make his way back."

Eddie Hearn -- the promoter in charge of Anthony Joshua's career -- says the fight between Logan Paul and KSI is an insult to hardcore boxing fans ... an insult he'd LOVE to promote.

Hearn basically controls boxing on the other side of the pond ... promoting not only AJ, but stars like Amir Khan, Daniel Jacobs and Tony Bellew.

Being that the fight is happening in his backyard in Manchester, we had to get Hearn's take on the event, and he told us he HATES IT and LOVES IT, all at the same time.

"How can you not congratulate them? This is a venture that's got a lot of people talking. Again, from a hardcore boxing fan's point of view, it makes my skin crawl. But, from a promoter's point of view, I have to say congratulations."

Hearn's point is clear ... he says Logan and KSI have managed to capture the interest of non-boxing fans, which Eddie says is the key to making a big splash on pay-per-view.

UFC light heavyweight contender Ilir Latifi -- the #3 ranked fighter in the division -- called out Daniel Cormier to his face in L.A. ... and TMZ Sports has the video.

It's not a nasty feud by any means -- but Latifi definitely wants a title shot and, when he saw Cormier on Thursday, he let the trash talk fly.

Cormier said he'd beat Latifi's ass -- saying it would be like taking "free money."

We spoke with Latifi after the incident and he reiterated that he thinks Cormier is a fatty ... and needs to give him a shot like a true champion.

Latifi says he knows Cormier wants the superfight with Brock Lesnar -- but also says he wants to defend his 205 crown before retiring and tells us he's just the right guy.

Bills Hall of Famer Andre Reed is siding with Cam Newton in his spat with Buffalo WR Kelvin Benjamin ... telling TMZ Sports, K.B. needs to end the fight and focus on the season!!

Cam and Kelvin nearly came to blows before their preseason game Thursday when Newton confronted Benjamin about calling him a sorry QB to reporters.

Cooler heads prevailed ... but the beef seemed far from over when the two separated -- and now, Andre's callin' for Benjamin to end it.

"A lot of times you're not going to like everybody you work with and things are going to arise," Reed tells us.

"The next step for him is, 'Okay, that's over with. Now it's up to me to be healthy ... and help this Buffalo Bill team win and be a formidable factor when I'm out there on the field.'"

Seems Kelvin's already started that process ... telling media members after Thursday's game, "I'm just moving on from it."

With Logan Paul saying he wants a real UFC fight -- here's a reality check from one of the best in the game ... YOU WILL LOSE!

UFC welterweight champ Tyron Woodley says he's been impressed with Logan's training sessions as he gears up for his boxing match with KSI, but when it comes to UFC ... Logan ain't beating anyone.

Remember, Logan says he wants to fight CM Punk -- but Tyron says straight-up that ain't gonna happen.

There's a lot more on this week's episode of 'The Hollywood Beatdown' ... including Tyron's prediction in the Conor McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov fight!

Tyron also updates us on his training camp for his fight against Darren Till at UFC 228 on Sept. 8 in Dallas.

The Steelers have been dominating their rivalry with the Browns for YEARS ... but LaMarr Woodley says that's all about to change ... telling TMZ Sports Cleveland is finally a legitimately dangerous team.

FYI -- the Stillers has had their way with Cleveland ... going 33-6 since the Browns returned to the NFL in 1999.

The Super Bowl champ says the Browns have made all the right moves to get back to relevance ... and warns his old club they don't wanna meet Cleveland in the playoffs.

The Browns got a lot of hype this year -- with the additions of Baker Mayfield, Tyrod Taylor and Jarvis Landry ... and the squad looked pretty good against the Giants on Thursday (we know, preseason ... but still).

Ex-MLB All-Star pitcher Esteban Loaiza has formally pled guilty to felony cocaine possession with intent to distribute and now faces up to life in prison.

As we previously reported, the 46-year-old was arrested in San Diego back in February after officials said he was trying to move more than $500,000 in cocaine from a house located near a school.

Officials say Loaiza was using "sophisticated" smuggling devices to hide the 22 kilos of coke.

He initially pled not guilty -- but changed his plea. On Friday, he appeared in a San Diego federal courtroom to plead guilty to the charge.

Sentencing is scheduled for November 2 -- and he could face up to life in prison with a minimum of 10 years. He could also be deported to Mexico.

Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez got steamy on a luxury yacht ... with some pull-ups, kettlebell swings and a full-on workout WHILE ON VACATION!!

J Lo and A-Rod were sailing off the Amalfi Coast and squeezed in an intense workout ... proving yet again there's no excuse ya can't bang out a workout sesh while on vacation. A-Rod got so sweaty ... he took off his shirt and showed off his Hall of Fame-worthy bod.

One great way to cool off ... a dip in the ocean, of course. J Lo snapped a selfie before taking a leap and A-Rod followed suit, albeit with a little less flair. The couple wasn't alone -- J Lo's manager, Benny Medina, also joined them on the trip.

Seems Jennifer and Alex love their boats, and we can't blame them. They were on Miami heat owner Micky Arison's legendary Sirona III just the other day. Again ... it pays to be rich.

Did you know Andrew Luck was jacked? We didn't ... until now.

The Indianapolis Colts QB was flexin' a legit 6-pack Thursday night in the locker room after his pre-season game against the Seattle Seahawks ... a game where he went 6-9 for 64 yards.

It was Luck's first NFL action since 2016 -- but just because he missed playing time doesn't mean he missed the gym ... at least judging by the video.

Luck was standing behind coach Frank Reich -- who was talking about the importance of getting better every day -- and proved he's been doing that when it comes to his physique.

Former Tour de France winner Jan Ullrich has been arrested in Germany after officials say the cyclist beat up a hooker in Frankfurt.

Yes. You read that correctly.

The 44-year-old -- who won the Tour back in 1997 -- allegedly had a dispute with a female sex worker at a hotel ... and the incident turned physical.

Officials say the woman suffered injuries in the attack and Ullrich could be charged with assault or attempted murder. Cops also suspect he was under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

LeSean McCoy's ex-girlfriend, Delicia Cordon, says she seems to be healing up after the violent attack at the Georgia home last month ... but says she's still dealing with the emotional trauma.

"Just to update those who expressed concern, physically I seem to be healing properly," Cordon said roughly 1 month after she was pistol whipped during a home invasion robbery.

"However mentally is still a battle!"

Cordon was hospitalized for serious injuries to her face and body after a masked man allegedly broke into the home in the middle of the night, beat her up and stole jewelry.

"I want to take a moment to express my sincerest appreciation to every last one of you that prayed for me during the last month," Cordon said.

"I wont question God, & I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. Thx to my amazing support system cause only Lord knows where I'd be without them!"

Cordon says she will continue to fight to ensure "justice [will] be served" to whoever is responsible for the attack.

Donald Trump's most recent rant on the NFL's anthem controversy has Cam Jordan PISSED OFF ... with the superstar calling POTUS an "overly insecure prepubescent child."

Trump lashed out at NFL players who continued to take a knee during the "Star-Spangled Banner" this morning ... calling for them to either stand or face suspension.

The Saints Pro Bowler went to his own Twitter to tee off on Trump on Friday ... saying, "Only way to say it. What a Goober. He is who I thought he was."

"Guy is 70+ yr old acting out in what was once the highest respected political position, as a overly insecure prepubescent child..."

FYI -- Jordan was one of the several Saints players to sit during the anthem last season ... and had talks with Drew Brees about promoting social justice while respecting the flag at the same time.

But, clearly, we still know where Cam stands.