TMZ Sports - Page 50

Lawrence Taylor says Bill Belichick is absolutely correct ... Khalil Mack ain't NOWHERE near his level -- and neither is anybody else!!!

Of course, the reason we're even talking about this is 'cause a reporter had the onions to ask The Hoody -- who coached L.T. in NY -- if Mack was on the same level as the Giants legend.

"We're talking about Lawrence Taylor now," Bill said Wednesday morning, stone-faced and kinda pissed.

"I'm not putting anybody in Lawrence Taylor's class. So, put everybody down below that."

L.T. didn't take long to agree ...

"What he said!! The mold was made never to be duplicated!!!"

FYI ... L.T. was the NFL's 1986 MVP (the last defensive player to win the award), a 10-time Pro Bowler, an 8-time First-Team All-Pro member AND a 2-time Super Bowl winner.

As for Mack, he does have a Defensive Player of the Year award under his belt and 3 Pro Bowls in his 4-plus seasons ... but yeah, he ain't no L.T.

The leader of the free world is a racist, and Donald Trump's history of prejudice against minorities dates back long before he became POTUS ... so says Rep. Cedric Richmond.

The U.S. Congressman and Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus didn't dance around the subject ... saying on "TMZ Live" Wednesday Trump is a racist and racially challenged, and the terms are interchangeable when it comes to 45.

Check out the clip ... Cedric says Trump's racism stretches back over three decades to the Central Park 5, and continued through his Presidency with Charlottesville and his attacks against Maxine Waters, Don Lemon and LeBron James.

Cedric says Trump presumes guilt when any minority is accused of a crime, because DT views black people as criminals ... adding Trump's hypocrisy is evident to this day with his defense of Justice Brett Kavanaugh and the Saudi Arabian Crowned Prince.

Canelo Alvarez says he's sick of watching Floyd Mayweather try to make fights that hurt the sport of boxing -- like Conor and Khabib -- and says if he really wants a challenge, LET'S REMATCH!

"He wants to continue hurting boxing by making fights that don't make sense ... and not giving boxing the credibility it deserves," Canelo tells TMZ Sports.

"If he wants to return, I ask him to look my way to give a great fight to the fans."

"Let's do the second fight. It's very important. We have something pending there, so let's make the second fight."

Of course, Canelo and Floyd fought back in 2013 -- but Alvarez has improved A LOT since then, and clearly believes he would smash Floyd if they met again.

Canelo just signed a brand new $365 MILLION contract with the DAZN streaming video service to have 11 fights over the next 5 years ... and a Floyd rematch would be a dream for the company.

But, if it doesn't happen, Canelo tells us he's down for a 3rd fight with Gennady Golovkin -- and in the meantime, he's prepping for his Dec. 15 fight against Rocky Fielding at Madison Square Garden.

As far as his new contract is concerned -- the richest in the history of pro sports -- Canelo says he's not about to go on a spending spree because he's already rich and has everything he wants.

... especially when it comes to cars!

How do NBA superstars prep for the regular season?? If you're John Wall, you dance your freakin' face off at the club ... and TMZ Sports has the video!!

Two nights before the Wizards' season kicks off, the All-Star guard hit up The Park at 14th Tuesday night for one final rager ... straight-up gettin' it while Lil Wayne's "Uproar" blasts in the speakers.

You can see in the footage Wall is having a blast -- dancing with everyone right in front of the DJ booth and sippin' on some Ciroc with the owner of the club.

Wall's famous for his dance moves -- and Troop 41 even released a song dedicated and inspired by his trademark dance.

Because of Max Pacioretty's trade to Vegas ... somebody else in Florida won't have to fear 'The Purge' -- 'cause the NHL superstar just sold his safe room mansion FOR $3.1 MIL!!!

Max used to play for the Canadians up in Montreal ... and obviously needed a snow escape -- so he took off to Boca Raton to catch rays on off days.

But, with his move to the Golden Knights this offseason ... no need for a sun house anymore -- so the winger punted the palace.

It's too bad ... 'cause Max couldn't have been more protected in the mansion -- it featured smart house technology, weather resistant roofing and a freakin' SAFE ROOM!!!

The crib also had a salt water pool AND a basketball court ... obviously for use on days when the house's protection wasn't necessary.

Nick Bosa could make $100 MILLION in the NFL -- and it's simply not worth it to stay in college and contend for a title ... so says ex-OSU superstar running back Maurice Clarett.

Clarett knows a little something about leaving college for the pros -- he sued the NFL back in 2003 after his sensational freshman season to try and become eligible for the 2004 NFL Draft.

Clarett ultimately lost his suit and didn't really pan out in the NFL -- but still feels very strongly that top players like Bosa should focus on cashing in at the next level.

Bosa is the projected #1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft -- and after suffering a core injury earlier this season, the defensive end announced he won't return to OSU. Instead, he's focusing on prepping himself for the NFL.

"I believe he's doing the right thing," Clarett told the guys on the "TMZ Sports" TV show.

"This guy could probably make $100 million over his career. I wouldn't go out there and risk it for a National Championship. It's just not worth it. It's basic common sense."

He added, "I wouldn't go out there and risk my life and jeopardize my future to make some fans happy, I just wouldn't do it."

Clarett is now killing it in the podcast game -- topping the iTunes charts with his show, "Business & Biceps."

Dennis Hof was the picture of health before his untimely death, and there are no obvious signs he was under the influence when he died ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell us no drugs or alcohol were found near Hof's body Tuesday when paramedics arrived at his Love Ranch home in Crystal, Nevada. An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday.

Sources close to the late owner of the famous Bunny Ranch brothels say Hof did not drink or take drugs of any kind -- and insist even his signature cigar was fake.

Also interesting ... we're told 72-year-old Hof was given a clean bill of health just 2 weeks ago after undergoing cataract surgery at the Mayo Clinic. Our sources say Hof appeared to be in tip-top shape last weekend during his birthday celebrations.

We're told friends became concerned Tuesday when they weren't able to get a hold of him, as sources say he was always up by 4:30 AM and easily reachable by cell unless he had company.

Since he wasn't answering Tuesday, his pals assumed that was the case ... until Ron Jeremy discovered his body at his home around 11 AM.

Hof was in the middle of a campaign for State Assembly in Nevada before he passed.

Chilean soccer superstar Arturo Vidal -- one of the best players in the world -- has been convicted in a 2017 nightclub attack in Germany where officials say he cracked a dude in the head with a vodka bottle.

Vidal -- who currently plays for Barcelona -- was ordered to appear in court on Wednesday to face an aggravated battery charge for the incident at Crown's Club, back when Vidal was playing for Bayern Munich.

Officials say the 31-year-old grabbed a 3-LITER BOTTLE and smashed another clubgoer during the night in question -- reportedly opening up a gash in the victim's head and causing a traumatic brain injury.

The entire fight was reportedly captured on surveillance video.

Officials say Vidal's half-brother, Sandrino, was also involved in the attack.

Both men were ordered to appear in a Munich court on Wednesday -- but didn't show up.

Vidal was in Mexico playing for Chile in an international friendly match, so he and his bro were convicted in absentia, according to reports out of Germany.

Vidal was ordered to pay $923,000 in fines. Sandrino got a $20k fine and Vidal's father-in-law (who was also there) was fined $41,000.

Seems like a good deal for Vidal who was facing up to 10 years in prison.

An animated film festival in L.A. just kicked Kobe Bryant off the festival jury over backlash stemming from his 2003 rape case.

The Lakers legend was set to be part of the jury at the Animation is Film Festival this weekend at the TCL Chinese Theatres in Hollywood ... but event organizers announced Wednesday that ain't happening.

“After discussions with the various stakeholders of Animation Is Film, the decision has been made to remove Kobe Bryant from the 2018 jury” ... event honcho Eric Beckman says.

Kobe, of course, won an Academy Award for his "Dear Basketball" short ... and seemed to be completely embraced by Hollywood. Kobe says he's even dished out movie-makin' advice to Barack Obama.

But last week, a petition popped up on Change.org demanding Bryant be dropped from the event -- and apparently, that was the thing that pushed festival officials to remove Kobe.

"This is an urgent time to say NO to toxic and violent behavior against women,” the petition reads ... "Keeping Kobe Bryant on the jury sets a precedent of lenience for sexual criminals and further undermines the visibility and respect that victims of harassment and assault deserve.”

The petition only got 159 signatures -- but clearly, it was enough to make an impact.

WWE superstar Randy Orton believes it's VERY important for the WWE to move forward with plans to host a major Pay-Per-View event in Saudi Arabia ... despite calls from U.S. officials to hold off.

WWE is scheduled to have the "Crown Jewel" event in Riyadh on Nov. 2 -- something they've been planning for months.

The problem ... Saudi Arabia is under fire for allegedly ordering the torture and murder of former Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Several politicians have called for Vince McMahon to postpone the event until there are clear answers as to the Saudi role in Khashoggi's disappearance.

Several powerful business leaders have distanced themselves from Saudi Arabia, including JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon and Ford Motor Chairman Bill Ford.

Also, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) has called on WWE to reconsider doing business with the country due to a "continuing pattern of abuse of civil rights and civil liberties."

But, Orton doesn't feel the same way -- telling TMZ Sports, "I think we should go. I think the only way to help with change over there is to go and not to cancel the trip."

"That's the goal is to make things better everywhere and I think us NOT going doesn't help. Going helps."

The Dodgers game didn't end until 11:30 PM PT -- but 91-year-old Tommy Lasorda managed to stay up through all 13 innings to revel in sweet, sweet victory ... and TMZ Sports has the video.

Guys, most 91-year-olds go to bed like 5 HOURS BEFORE THIS GAME ENDED!!!

But, yeah ... while you were getting your beauty sleep, the Dodgers nonagenarian was at the stadium supporting his team like a damn hero. Shame on you.

Lasorda is totally pumped about tying up the NLCS with the Milwaukee Brewers at 2 games apiece following the 13-inning thriller ... and says the fans were awesome (cough, Kike Hernandez).

We're just hoping he gets a chance to rest up before today's game at 2 PM. The guys need ya, Tommy!!

On the other side -- we spoke with "Gossip Girl" star and big-time Brewers fan Jessica Szohr about the game ... and she's still confident her team will make it to the Fall Classic.

Won't be hard for the Warriors to remember trouncing LeBron James the last two years ... 'cause they just got diamond, gold and sapphire bling to make sure they NEVER forget it!!!

Golden State unveiled its 2018 NBA Championship Rings on opening night Tuesday -- and the ice is FULL of reminders of how they overthrew the King ... two years in a row.

"Bristle texture" signifying the 4-0 sweep in the 2018 Finals? Check.

Two gold-and-diamond Larry O'Brien trophies for the back-to-back wins over the Cavs? They're there.

A "Back 2 Back" slogan engraved in the gold? Yup.

OH ... and the freakin' top IS REVERSIBLE -- because, ya know, back-to-back over Cleveland and all that.

As for the practicality of that whole unscrewing top thing ... not everyone was a fan -- Shaq said on air, "Why would you want your ring to open up???"

Floyd Mayweather is clearing up the rumors about a possible boxing match with UFC star Khabib Nurmagomedov -- telling TMZ Sports, "Oh, we fighting!"

"I'm my own boss," Floyd said in Bev Hills ... "So, I can't say what's going on on Khabib's end. But, on my end, we can make it happen."

Of course, Khabib and his manager called out Floyd after dominating Conor McGregor at UFC 229 ... though it was unclear if they wanted a boxing match or an MMA fight.

Floyd tells us he ain't getting in the Octagon with Khabib -- if he wants to brawl, it'll be in Floyd's discipline.

"He called me out. So, he gotta come to my world," Floyd said.

Mayweather says he expects a 9-figure payday -- and tells us he'll make $100 million MORE than when he fought Conor McGregor in 2017.

Floyd says he saw an interview where Khabib was talking trash about Floyd -- saying he couldn't knock Conor down in their boxing match while Khabib put Conor on the canvas in UFC 229.

"So, Khabib ... you got my leftovers. Whoopy-do."

As for the location of the Mayweather vs. Khabib fight -- Floyd says the only option is Vegas but Khabib will have to prove he can conduct himself like a professional inside and outside of the ring.

Floyd says he didn't see the melee after UFC 229 -- but he heard it was ugly and doesn't want Khabib to pull the same schtick when they fight.

Canelo Alvarez just signed a 5-year fight contract worth $365 MILLION -- the richest deal in pro sports history -- this according to his promoter, Oscar De La Hoya.

Canelo's deal is for 11 fights over the next 5 years with subscription video streaming company DAZN, which only launched in the U.S. back in September.

"Canelo is the highest-paid athlete in the world. He's extremely happy," De La Hoya told ESPN.

Alvarez's popularity has exploded over the past few years with big fights with stars like Gennady Golovkin, Amir Khan and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

Of course, Canelo famously battled Floyd Mayweather back in 2013 -- and lost -- but he's gotten a lot better since then.

Canelo's first fight under his new deal will go down on Dec. 15 against Rocky Fielding at Madison Square Garden.

"Being part of this historic deal will require me to prepare myself even more and offer fans even better performances," Canelo told ESPN.

"At the same time, I am humbled to be selected to lead this new vision for the sport of boxing, which will without a doubt be for the benefit of the fans."

FYI ... DAZN is now being led by former ESPN honcho John Skipper. The company has been making a major push when it comes to broadcasting live sports.

UCLA hoops star Shareef O'Neal says, despite being sidelined this season with a heart issue, he's still 100% committed to his dream of going to the NBA ... but admits he also has FASHION on the brain.

We broke the story ... Shaq and Shaunie's son was diagnosed with an issue that will require open heart surgery putting a halt to his hoops career, but according to O'Neal, not a stop at all.

"Basketball is still my main focus," O'Neal said when we got him out in L.A.

But, it's far from his ONLY focus ... because the 6'10" highlight machine says he's gonna use his time away from the court to build his skills in another area he loves.

"The NBA is something I've been wanting to do for a long time, but this is the opportunity to try to find other things if so. I mean, I've been doing a lot of stuff with fashion lately."

Shareef says he gets a lot of inspiration from his big brother Myles, who's making his name as a big-time model. As far as his dad's foray into the clothing world, not as much.

"I'm looking more for a higher-end fashion, I know how his mindset works."

Call this career homer No. 261 ... 'cause Derek Jeter just blasted the Marlins' center-field sculpture straight outta the park in Miami -- all because he absolutely despised it.

D.J. bought the Marlins back in 2017 ... and in his efforts to wash the stench of losing off the squad -- he's been battling to punt the obnoxious outfield piece of art.

In case you might not understand why ... it's a 7-story feature of fish, flamingos, lights and water -- and it all goes crazy after the Marlins' (not so many) taters.

Yeah, doesn't exactly scream winning baseball.

So, D.J.'s fought hard to get rid of it ... and finally, on Tuesday, he won permission from the county to boot the thing squarely outta sight.

The team says it's moving the piece outside the stadium ... and in its place will be an entertainment area where fans can stand and catch the game. Pretty cool, right??

As for Jeter ... he's refused to go on record with his distaste for the statue, but did say of it recently, "It's big. Yeah. It's big. It's big."