TMZ Sports - Page 50

John Elway is donating tons of money to Republicans running in next month's midterm elections ... TMZ has learned.

We combed through 2018 Federal Election Commission filings to see which A-listers were bucking up for the GOP, and John is leading the pack by a few football fields -- spending over $27,000.

The Denver Broncos honcho and Hall of Fame QB gave $14,825 to Walker Stapleton in his bid for Colorado governor, plus another $10,000 to the state's Republican committee.

Those donations are on top of the $2,700 John donated to Rep. Mike Coffman, who represents parts of suburban Denver. Only one of Elway's donations went beyond his backyard: $250 to Georgia Rep. Karen Handel.

It's interesting ... the FEC has no record of donations in 2018 from some very public GOP supporters like Kanye West, Kid Rock, Clint Eastwood and Roseanne Barr.

Ex-49ers star Dana Stubblefield believes Santa Clara prosecutors are so afraid of looking soft on sexual assault cases in the wake of the Brock Turner debacle, they're gonna go extra hard on him instead.

Stubblefield is accused of raping a mentally disabled woman back in 2015 -- though he's pled not guilty to all 5 felony counts and vows to prove his innocence.

Now, the 47-year-old has filed new court docs saying he's worried he'll be treated unfairly by Northern California prosecutors looking to protect their reputation after the crap they took from the Stanford swimmer rape case.

Remember, the judge in the Brock Turner rape case was recalled from office back in June after only sentencing Turner to 6 months in jail for sexually assaulting a drunk woman outside of a Stanford frat party. He could have faced up to 14 years.

Stubblefield's attorney just filed court docs saying prosecutors are essentially lying in wait -- looking for another high-profile case to prove how tough they can be ... despite the facts.

"Since the public outcry about the lenient sentence in the sexual assault case of the 'Stanford swimmer,' and the judge in the matter being voted off the bench, it is common knowledge, and a matter of frequent discussion among the defense bar, that the prosecutors and judges in this country are taking an unusually hard line on sexual assault cases."

Stubblefield's attorney, Kenneth Rosenfeld, believes the NFL star's case is the most high-profile sexual assault case since Turner -- putting Dana in real danger of being the victim of an overreaction.

So, what does Stubblefield want?

He wants all of the pertinent documents unsealed so the media and the public can have access to all the evidence in the case ... which Stubblefield believes will cut in his favor.

Conor McGregor might've taken a big L in the Octagon, but he's still winning at life -- just ask the Dallas Cowboys ... many of whom might be guzzling his booze tonight on his dime.

The former UFC lightweight champion hit up AT&T Stadium Sunday before the Cowboys' game against the Jaguars to with meet with players and Cowboys brass. Sources close to the meeting tell TMZ that Conor handed out a ton of bottles of his new whiskey, Proper No. 12, to a number of players on the field ... a lot of whom he also got to meet in person.

We're told Conor was brought to a VIP suite where he met with Jerry Jones and other Cowboys execs, who also got their hands on his new liquor line. Sources tell us he and Jerry actually had an in-depth convo about handling and expanding his business.

Conor's in the midst of becoming a full-on businessman, and we're told he took Jerry's advice to heart. Our sources say he was in awe of the Cowboys' stadium and by the energy of the fans. Apparently, this was his first visit there.

Two titans shared the stage Saturday night as the king of Toronto brought out the newly minted king of LA.

Drake invited LeBron James on stage with Travis Scott at the L.A.'s Staples Center during his Aubrey and the Three Migos Tour.

The trio jumped and danced while performing Drake and Travis' hit song, "SICKO MODE," off of Travis Scott's new album, Astroworld.

Tekashi69 was just turned away at the door trying to attend fight night on Long Island, and our sources say it's connected to a shooting months ago at the Barclays Center.

The rapper was stopped by security at the Nassau Coliseum in NY Saturday night as he was trying to make his way in for "Bellator 208: Fedor vs. Sonnen" ... sources close to the situation tell TMZ Sports.

We're told 6ix9ine planned to meet up with his pal and Bellator brand ambassador 50 Cent, but wasn't allowed entry. Fiddy wasn't there yet anyway ... but we're told it wouldn't have mattered.

As for why Tekashi's barred ... our sources say it stems from a shooting back in April at the Barclays Center connected to Tekashi's manager, Tr3yway. The same company that owns the Nassau Coliseum owns Barclays, and as we reported ... the rapper's persona non grata at that venue.

So ... we're told it's a case of the rapper being 86'd at both arenas. We also reached out to Bellator ... they had no comment.

Sources close to Tekashi have responded to the incident, telling us ... "It is unfortunate a venue would take it upon itself to treat a person unfairly based on allegations. What happened tonight at the Nassau Coliseum is disappointing."

Adam Silver says he's "counting his lucky stars" that he's not in Dana White's shoes ... but tells TMZ Sports the UFC honcho HAS to punish Khabib for the brawl he ignited at UFC 229.

We got the NBA commish leaving Michael's in NYC ... and he told us there's just gotta be repercussions for what Nurmagomedov did after whoopin' Conor McGregor last weekend.

"That's a pretty serious issue there," Silver says ... "They gotta deal with it. There's no place for that in sports."

Adam tells us he's actually spoken with people who were near the melee at T-Mobile Arena ... and Silver says, the feeling they had after the fight just CAN'T happen.

So, what would Silver's advice be to Dana when it comes to handling the situation??

"You've gotta look at the long-term health of your league," Silver says.

The QB coach from Season 3 of "Last Chance U" just got hired to join the staff at a major college football program ... which means he had to quit his job bagging groceries at Trader Joe's.

Yep, you read that right.

You remember Frank Diaz from Independence Community College in Kansas -- where he spent months coaching up insanely talented quarterback Malik Henry, who wasn't exactly the easiest guy to work with.

Diaz was impressive enough on the show that Lane Kiffin, from FAU, called and offered him a job after the 2017 season ... and, guess what? Frank took it!

In his new role, Frank will be working as an assistant to offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. -- which is a huge opportunity for a guy looking for a shot to coach at the Division 1 level.

Diaz says he hasn't talked to his old head coach, Jason Brown, after landing the gig with the Owls ... but he insists there's NO bad blood between the two.

BONUS -- we had to ask Diaz if he's gotten any extra attention from the ladies since the show aired. You're gonna love his response.

Luke Rockhold says he'd beat the snot out of Yoel Romero at light heavyweight ... telling TMZ Sports he'd be down for a rematch after UFC 230, but Romero's gotta make weight this time.

We spoke with Rockhold about his plans after his huge rematch with Chris Weidman in November ... and he's got his eye on the middleweight belt -- but he's not opposed to getting revenge on Romero.

Rockhold says he killed himself trying to make weight last time, when Yoel was 3 pounds overweight ... and he's not playing that game again with Romero.

"Yoel's a piece that can't make weight," Luke says. "I don't even know how he exists in the rankings. He missed weight for 2 back-to-back title fights. The guy's a cheap f*ck and I'll find him at light heavyweight if he wants to do it again."

Romero ain't the only one in Rockhold's crosshairs --- the dude UNLEASHES on the entire heavyweight division ... aside from a select few.

"There's a small percentage of heavyweights that are good. The rest suck. Plain and simple."

Don't start the tomahawk chop just yet ... Deion Sanders' football star son tells TMZ Sports he's flattered by his scholarship offer to Florida State -- but he's not ready to commit.

It's not a diss -- Shilo Sanders says he just doesn't want to rush into a decision since he's still got some time to weigh his options ... and he's got PLENTY of options.

Major programs including Oregon, Nebraska, Georgia and South Carolina have been after Shilo and for good reason ... he's a STUD senior cornerback at Trinity Christian School in Texas.

But, Shilo's dad is arguably the greatest player to ever don a 'Noles uniform -- which can cut both ways when making a college decision.

On one hand, it would be cool to follow in Dad's shoes. On the other hand, it might be better for Shilo to forge his own legacy somewhere else.

Shilo tells us he's been hearing both arguments and simply wants to give it more thought.

"I'm not saying [FSU] won't be the right fit, I'm just saying I'm not making the decision right now."

What's cool ... Shilo says he credits his football skills to his father, who's been teaching him the Jedi ways of the cornerback position.

In fact, Shilo -- one of Deion's three sons -- says it was Prime's idea to move him from quarterback to cornerback a few years ago and it was the best thing he's ever done.

"He was like, 'Just believe me, just trust me, and I'm going to get you some offers,'" Shilo tells us.

"'I'ma teach you how to play corner.' And, when the best corner ever tells you something like that, you can't deny it."

DJ Khaled could have just reserved a section at Chuck E. Cheese's for his son's 2nd birthday party, but you know he's gotta be the best ... so he threw a bash at Major League Baseball field instead.

Khaled's son, Asahd, will turn 2 next week ... but dad got the celebrating started early by hosting a carnival in his honor Saturday at Marlins Park in Miami. The stadium was available because ... the Marlins clearly aren't playing October baseball these days.

Among the attractions at the party are a carousel, a chair swing ride ... and a frickin' Ferris wheel. Asahd was gifted his own set of baller wheels, too ... a red mini LaFerrari from CYBEX and TOT Living by Haute Living.

The bday bash also served as the launch for Khaled's We the Best Foundation to help kids worldwide, and thousands were donated to his organization at the event ... including $100k from Derek Jeter and the Marlins!

Pretty impressive for Khaled to one-up Asahd's first birthday party ... where Diddy performed at LIV nightclub.

Ronda Rousey says Conor McGregor crossed the line promoting UFC 229 -- and injured her friends in the process -- telling TMZ Sports no one should break the law to sell a fight.

"I understand promoting fights and having to sell them. I really do," Ronda says ... "But, I don't think people have to get arrested in order to do that."

"I think I've been able to prove that you can make a fight exciting and make people really wanna see it without crossing any legal lines."

Ronda is obviously referring to the bus attack at Barclays Center -- when Conor and his gang of hooligans smashed up a bus with a steel dolly, injuring several UFC fighters who were inside.

"I think that Khabib jumping out of the Octagon was not as bad as throwing objects at a bus, because my friend Rose Namajunas was on that bus. My friend, Michael Chiesa, missed his fight because [he got cut by the glass]."

When asked if the UFC needs to draw a hard line and punish Khabib harshly for the post-fight melee ... Ronda had some stern words for her former employer.

"I think, if you're gonna draw the line there, you should have drawn it before that."

"I just feel like there has to be equal treatment all the way across the board. I don't think that anyone should get special treatment because they're a bigger draw."

Ronda is echoing the feelings of many critics who believe Conor should have received a substantial punishment from the UFC over the bus attack.

Dana White has insisted Conor has paid dearly -- he was arrested, he's being sued and he can't fight in New York. But, others feel he deserved a substantial suspension and fine as well.

And, Ronda doesn't stop there ... she also says the UFC should come down harder on fighters when it comes to punishing other misdeeds.

"I would be much more strict about everything. I say you get popped for steroids once, you’re banned for life," Ronda says.

"You know, but then again I’m not the promoter of a multi-million dollar organization."

"It’s just you have to think about, you know, from their perspective when is it not worth it anymore? I don’t want the company to be prioritizing this quarter over the next 10 years."

Ronda says she comes from a place of wanting to grow the sport and making it more family friendly.

"I don’t want it to get to the point where people are not buying tickets to go see fights live, because they are afraid of what could happen in the arena."

Ever wonder how Mike Vick woulda lived if he never got tossed behind bars for dog fighting??

Thanks to Jamaal Anderson ... no need for imagination anymore -- 'cause the ex-Falcons star is selling the mansion that was built for the QB!!

The crib's out in Loganville, GA ... and Vick was having it done so he could live out his Falcon-playing days near the ATL. But, he never got to move into it 'cause of his prison sentence.

The QB's loss turned out to be Anderson's gain ... 'cause the ex-NFL DE has been in the 7 bed, 7.5 bathroom PALACE for the last 4 years -- but is set to part ways with it in a move to downsize.

We're told the pad -- repped by Angel Knight of Diamond Realty Brokers -- is on 4 ACRES, has 2 (!!) full kitchens, its own elevator AND A HAIR SALON!!!

Yeah, Vick and his $62 MILLION contract weren't playin' around.

Some good news, bad news for MMA legend Rampage Jackson ...

GOOD NEWS -- He beat up Wanderlei Silva at Bellator 206 last month.

BAD NEWS -- He broke his left hand while punching the dude in the head!

It was the 4th meeting between the two -- and Rampage was able to even the series with a 2nd round TKO.

"I feel good," 40-year-old Rampage told TMZ Sports ... "I needed that."

Rampage revealed he was injured going into the fight -- "I hurt my right hand in my last sparring" -- but says he jacked up his other fist while inside the cage.

"I ended up fracturing my left hand on Silva's head."

Rampage showed us his hands -- you can see his left one is super swollen. He said he went to a hand specialist the very next day.

Metta World Peace & Ben Wallace agree that Khabib & Conor's post-UFC 229 brawl was intense ... but neither man seems to think it was as bad as their infamous 2004 "Malice In The Palace" fight.

BTW -- both these guys absolutely LOVE talking about the "Malice at the Palace."

Actually, we were joking ... they really wish it would never be brought up again, but they still both ultra cool to our camera guy, so it is what it is.

We got Ben at LAX (a minor miracle) and Metta out on the streets of L.A. and asked them what they thought about the whole dustup, being that they're experienced.

Remember -- Ben and Metta weren't just involved in the Pacers vs. Pistons mega-fight, THEY GOT IT JUMPED OFF -- as the first two guys to go.

Ben was first ... saying he's not sure 229 was worse ... but that he's rooting for it.

"I hope something surpasses it, so we can stop talking about it."

We got Metta next, asked him his thoughts.

"It was a pretty epic fight, but there's always fights all the time."

One thing that's pretty clear ... neither guy thinks there should be too stiff a penalty for the dustup, with Metta saying there should be no action by the UFC at all ... as long Khabib plays nice.

"I would say, 'don't do it again,' and he won't do it again."

If only David Stern would've been so cool in '04.

Justin Bieber is getting a feel for his new surroundings, tearing up the streets of his new neighborhood on his skateboard.

The Biebs busted out his deck for a Friday afternoon skate sesh and kickflipped his way through Toluca Lake ... making sure all his neighbors know there's a new kid on the block.

Check out the threads ... looks like Justin's a big fan of Utah Jazz star Donovan "Spida" Mitchell. The Jazz open their season Wednesday, and we're guessing Justin can't wait to see what Donovan has in store for an encore.

We broke the story ... Justin and new wife Hailey Baldwin are renting a lavish pad in the San Fernando Valley for nearly $100k per month.

The Giants SHOULDN'T bench Eli Manning -- they should block for his ass -- 'cause he's still a great QB ... so says the guy who won 2 Super Bowls with the embattled star.

TMZ Sports talked to Brandon Jacobs -- Eli's NYG teammate from 2005-2011 -- about the 1-5 Giants' crappy offense ... and whether it's time to put Manning on the pine.

"I still think right now, I think Eli is great."

B.J. says Eli's gotta be used right, 'cause he ain't the guy to operate a run-and-gun style offense.

"Eli's a pocket passer. He's a pocket passer. He'll sit there and get balls off and put balls in small areas. I've seen him do that."

It's true ... Jacobs was on the field for a bunch of huge moments -- including David Tyree's "Helmet Catch."

But, if Manning's still got it ... why do the Giants have the worst record in football?

Most of that blame falls on the NYG struggling O-line.

"I wouldn't trust the guys in front of me if I was him," Jacobs says ... "Ya ask me, the poor guy's shell-shocked."