TMZ Sports - Page 50

A two-time Olympic gold medalist is doubling down on her challenge to Cris Cyborg ... telling TMZ Sports she's ready to run through 6 chicks to get a match with the UFC star!!!

Remember, Kayla Harrison -- a judo gold medalist in London (2012) and Rio (2016) -- issued a challenge to Cyborg just last month ... saying she wanted to beat the best to be the best.

Now ... she's revealing her plan to make the fight actually happen.

Kayla -- who's already 2-0 in her MMA career -- tells us she's gonna fight six more times in a Professional Fighters League tourney next year -- where a million dollars for the winner is on the line.

Harrison tells us once she gets done murdering them ... she wants to get in a cage with Cris.

"The greatest female fighter of all-time, Cris Cyborg -- new, up-and-coming rising star, 8-0 -- let's meet," Kayla said at the Buoniconti Fund’s 33rd Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner on Monday.

"Let's fight. Let's see who's really the best."

WWE superstar Liv Morgan did in fact suffer a concussion during "Raw" when Brie Bella accidentally landed a "Yes" kick to her head ... this according to WWE.

Brie and Liv were participating in a 6-way tag team match on Monday when Brie delivered a series of leg kicks that were supposed to land on Liv's chest.

But, one of the kicks connected with Liv's head and you can see her body go limp. Brie rolled Liv over and quickly tried to get Liv out of the ring so she could be examined by a WWE ringside medic.

We reached out to WWE to find out how Liv was doing and we were told she was later diagnosed with a concussion and is now going through the proper protocol under the company's comprehensive wellness program.

According to the wellness program guidelines, Liv will have to be medically cleared before she can return to action. No word on how long that's expected to take.

2:38 PM PT -- Dave Portnoy has released a statement to TMZ Sports ... saying “Michael Rapaport is a loser. There is nothing worse than somebody who claims to be the king of trash talk and then cries when people respond in kind."

"Unfortunately as much I’d love to take credit for ruining his career he did it to himself by being an unhinged lunatic. We wish him nothing but the best as he fades into oblivion.”

Michael Rapaport says that sore on his lip is NOT herpes -- and now he's suing Barstool Sports claiming the media outlet and its most famous staffers are defaming him.

Rapaport used to work with Barstool -- in fact, he had a podcast on Barstool's platform.

But, the two sides had a nasty breakup back in February after Rapaport referred to "Stoolies" as "losers in life."

Barstool president Dave Portnoy told TMZ Sports at the time the move was not a publicity stunt -- "To me, it was very personal. It was very real."

Rapaport claims Barstool then embarked on a smear campaign against him -- publicly claiming he suffered from herpes and creating a t-shirt (which they sold) highlighting a sore on Rap's mouth.

Rapaport says some of the staffers -- including Portnoy, KFC and Smitty -- mocked him publicly, calling him names like "herpe having, race baiting, D-list actor" and "old crusty herpe."

Rapaport says he's been defamed -- because he "does not suffer from herpes."

How's Miami Dolphins WR Danny Amendola preparing to face off against his old Patriots squad this weekend?

BEACH FOOTBALL WITH HIS SMOKIN' HOT MODEL GIRLFRIEND!!!

Amendola and Olivia Culpo -- Miss Universe 2012 -- hit the sand in South Beach on Tuesday armed with a pigskin and some very small bathing suits.

The two played some catch -- Olivia showed off her rocket arm -- and then they took things to the water ... where Danny gave his GF a piggyback ride around the ocean.

Danny played for the Patriots from 2013 to 2017 -- and won two Super Bowls during his run with Tom Brady and pals.

Amendola signed a 2-year, $12 million contract with the Dolphins during the off-season -- and now, the Fish are 3-0 and have a chance to really make a statement with a victory over New England.

The bad news for Danny ... the Dolphins are 7.5-point underdogs going into Sunday's game.

The good for Danny ... LOOK AT THESE PHOTOS!!!!!!

Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid are still making a difference while away from the football field ... this time showing up in NYC to give away backpacks to kids going back to school.

Reid, Kap and Kap's girlfriend -- Hot 97 radio personality Nessa -- hit up a New York City area Girls Club and provided the young ladies with much-needed gear for the school year.

It's an interesting time for Colin especially ... it was only a week ago that his lawyer, Mark Geragos, hinted that either the Raiders or Patriots might be signing Kaep soon, making people think an NFL return could be imminent.

Astros closer Roberto Osuna just caught a huge break ... with prosecutors dropping the assault charge in his domestic violence case Tuesday.

As TMZ Sports previously reported ... Osuna was suspended 75 games without pay by the MLB after he was arrested for assault in Toronto after allegedly roughing up his GF.

But, when the 2017 All-Star showed up in court Tuesday, he was let off easy -- getting his charge dropped and entering into a peace bond -- a restraining order-type agreement where he's not allowed to have contact with the alleged victim for the next year.

“I am pleased and relieved by today’s court decision," said the 23-year-old Osuna, who was traded from the Blue Jays to the Astros shortly before being reinstated by the MLB this summer.

"Now I can begin to put these allegations behind me and focus on baseball. I want to thank my family, teammates and fans for believing in me."

The Astros added in a statement, "The Houston Astros look forward to Roberto continuing his commitment to be a productive and caring part of our community."

"The Astros remain committed to increase our support regarding the issues of domestic violence and abuse of any kind."

David Wright is finally back ... and he's getting some serious praise from Tim Tebow!

"I think he's one of the best players to ever play for the Mets," Tebow told us while battling the rain in New York City.

35-year-old Wright was just activated from the disabled list after being sidelined in May 2016.

Wright suffered a bunch of injuries including spinal stenosis -- and some people thought he would never play baseball again.

But, Mets activated him Tuesday -- and he's scheduled to play Saturday when the Mets take on the Marlins at Citi Field in Queens ... the crowd is gonna go nuts!

Wright is expected to hang it up after this season -- and while he's probably not a Hall of Famer, some people would like to see his #5 jersey retired.

Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen jumped out of an ambulance fearing someone was going to shoot him -- while he was being transported for a mental health evaluation.

It's all in the police report filed by the Minnetrista PD -- which paints a sad picture of an NFL star in a serious mental health crisis.

The situation began early Saturday morning when a Vikings staffer called cops to report the 3-time Pro Bowler was acting bizarrely and the team feared he could either hurt himself or others.

Cops eventually made contact with Everson's wife, Tiffany, who said he had been fighting "demons" in his head -- and acting erratically.

Tiffany told police Everson was not on medication "but should be."

A short time later, Tiffany told police she got a call from the fiancee of Everson's teammate, Trae Waynes, who said Everson "broke into their home and jumped through some bushes" while not wearing a shirt.

Cops went to check it out -- but he was already gone.

Turns out, he went to a nearby gas station where he saw a man he recognized -- but did not know well.

Everson got into the man's passenger seat and ordered him to drive around. The driver freaked out and called Everson's wife. Cops found the car and ultimately called paramedics to treat Everson.

Cops say Everson agreed to be transported to a hospital for a mental health exam -- but during the drive, he got spooked when a few deer ran across the road ... and jumped out of the vehicle.

He told officials "he was in fear that someone was going to shoot him."

Everson was eventually transported to the hospital where he is still being treated.

Vikings GM Rick Spielman said the team was "currently focused on Everson's well-being and providing the appropriate support for him and his family" ... and head coach Mike Zimmer added "it's about him getting better."

If Cardi B wants her own set for the Super Bowl halftime show ... GIVE CARDI B HER OWN SET ... so says Miguel, who tells TMZ Sports she'd KILL it if given the chance.

We broke the story ... the "I Like It" spitter is in negotiations with the NFL to join Maroon 5 to perform at Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta ... but wants to have her own set during the show.

Of course, the decision to go with Adam Levine's band has been met with a ton of criticism ... and Waka Flocka Flame told us last week the show should feature black performers with real connections to ATL.

So, when we asked Miguel if the NFL should give in to Bardi's demands, he's ALL about it ... saying "Cardi would kill that!!"

Jayson Werth would not go quietly into that good night during his April DUI arrest -- refusing to submit to field sobriety tests and forcing cops to get a warrant to draw his blood.

TMZ Sports obtained the incident report from the April 17 arrest -- in which the Scottsdale PD says Werth was pulled over around 10:45 PM after officers noticed expired plates on the truck he was driving.

Right when they pulled him over, cops say Werth threw a lit cigarette out the window -- and when officers approached the ride, he reeked of smoke and booze and slurred when he talked.

Cops say Werth tried to the play the MLB card -- literally -- handing them an ID card which showed he was a pro ball player. Werth then said, "We do a lot of work with you guys."

Werth initially denied drinking alcohol -- but later admitted to having a glass of wine. When cops asked him to perform various field sobriety tests, including a breathalyzer, he refused.

Werth was arrested and taken to a nearby station where he told cops he would not consent to tests of his blood and breath. So, officials requested a warrant to forcibly draw blood -- and it was granted.

Once notified, Werth told cops, "I have no recourse?" An officer essentially told him no and Werth ultimately complied with the blood draw.

When the test came back, the blood showed a .12 B.A.C. -- well over the .08 legal limit.

Werth's case went in front of a judge last week where he cut a plea deal in which he pled guilty to 1 count of DUI. In exchange, 2 other charges were dropped and he was sentenced to a diversion program, ordered to pay fines and fees totaling $1,600 and his license will be suspended.

Serena Williams got a "raw deal" at the U.S. Open -- all because of a DUMB rule that should be changed immediately ... so says tennis great Chris Evert.

The rule -- players are forbidden to receive any instructions from coaches on the sideline.

The ump at the U.S. Open claimed Serena and her coach violated the policy and he docked her a point penalty. Things went nuclear from there and Williams was later penalized a full game.

Enter Evert ... who tells TMZ Sports both sides deserved blame for the altercation -- but ultimately, it proves the anti-coaching rule is stupid and should be done away with since EVERYONE breaks it anyway.

"The real fault was the rule," Evert said at the Buoniconti Fund’s 33rd Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner.

"Everybody coaches on the side. Every coach coaches. ... So, change that rule."

We're assuming Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, Larry Johnson, Muggsy Bogues and Shawn Bradley won't be back for LeBron's "Space Jam 2" ... so the movie is gonna need some new Monstars.

And, NBA Hall Of Famer Ray Allen is gonna tell us who they should be.

If you remember, the Monstars were the alien race that sucked the talent out of those NBA stars, then used their skills to try to beat Michael Jordan, Bugs Bunny, and Bill Murray in a hoops game for the fate of the world.

We got Ray Allen out in NYC and wanted to know who the NEW Monstars starting five should be ... now that Jordan is out, and LeBron is in.

Dolphins legend Bob Griese says he still pops champagne every time the last undefeated NFL team racks up its first L ... and he'll do it again this year, even if the last 0 standing belongs to Miami.

Remember, Griese was the star QB during that legendary 1972 Dolphins season -- when they ran the table and won the Super Bowl ... the ONLY team to make it through the regular season and playoffs without a loss.

Griese notes that the Patriots got close back in 2007 -- but couldn't close the deal in the Super Bowl ... losing to Eli Manning's New York Giants in one of the greatest upsets ever.

Right now, the Dolphins are 3-0 and playing Tom Brady this weekend -- so, does Bob think his squad has what it takes to make history again?

"No."

"They can play well," Bob told us at the Buoniconti Fund’s 33rd annual Great Sports Legends Dinner Monday night ... "but they can't do the unexpected."

"I think everybody's gonna get beat."

How's Arizona Cardinals quarterback Sam Bradford handling being demoted in place of rookie QB Josh Rosen?

Really well ... at least, according to Josh.

Bradford got the hook Sunday after falling behind to the Bears ... in another lackluster start for the former #1 overall pick.

Rosen was thrown into the game with just minutes remaining -- and while he couldn't pull off a Baker Mayfield and lead his squad to a come-from-behind victory, he's officially been named the starter moving forward.

But there's no bitterness or hostility -- so says Rosen -- who thanked 30-year-old Bradford for being supportive at practice on Monday.

"Since day 1, Sam has had my back and helped me become the best quarterback I could be. I cannot thank him enough for showing me how to be a professional in every sense of the word."

"He is a leader, mentor, and great person. He and Mike Glennon couldn’t have been more supportive at a time that I thought might be a bit tense or awkward today."

"I couldn’t be more thrilled to be in a QB room with two of the most selfless people I’ve ever been around as I start my career as a quarterback in the NFL. For that I say thank you."

"With that being said, let’s get the valley rockin’ AZ!!!!"

Next up ... Seattle.

DeMarcus Ware jumped over a grown ass human on "Dancing with the Stars" -- and it was awesome!!!!

The ex-Denver Broncos superstar -- who won a Super Bowl with the team back in 2016 -- hit the ballroom Monday night in a sweet bedazzled #94 blazer and crushed it with his partner, Lindsay Arnold.

But, let's get back to the jump ... Ware is a 6'4", 260-pound man. He's also 36 years old and retired 2 years ago.

So, RESPECT THE HOPS!!!

The big question ... how did Ware and Arnold do??

The judges liked the cha cha routine to Flo Rida's "Sweet Sensation" -- and scored the pair a solid "23" ... tying with heavy favorite Tinashe and Brandon Armstrong with the best score of the night.

The competition is stiff this season -- Ware's up against stars like Olympic legend Mary Lou Retton, model Alexis Ren and former 'Harry Potter' actress Evanna Lynch (she played Luna Lovegood).

FYI -- Ware's teammate Von Miller was also on the show in 2016 (he was eliminated in week 7).

There's only one explanation to D-Ware's dance moves -- he had to have learned from Tony Romo.

Joe Theismann says the NFL should straight-up just take the pads off QBs now ... 'cause the league's new roughing-the-passer penalty "has reached the point of absurdity."

The ex-Redskins quarterback watched guys like Clay Matthews get flagged for simply tackling QBs all day Sunday ... and he was LIVID.

So much so -- Joe tells TMZ Sports the next step for the NFL will be to just eliminate QB hits from the game altogether.

"This is my question to the NFL, 'What is the defensive player supposed to do?' Would somebody please explain it to him?" Theismann says.

Remember ... Theismann's career was ended by a violent hit to the QB -- and even he can't believe some of the flags he's seen through three weeks so far.

"You wanted an offensive game, I understand that," he tells us.

"But now you've reached the point of absurdity."

Still ... even with all the flags protecting QBs -- Joe had a hard time watching passers not slide ... telling us that's why Jimmy Garoppolo's season is over after just 3 games.

By the way ... Joe says Jimmy should be ready to go for the 2019 season -- if he follows some of the tips Joe learned during his lengthy rehab process.