TMZ Sports - Page 50

Danish soccer star Christian Eriksen is officially back -- the midfielder has announced his return to the pitch just 7 months after suffering cardiac arrest during Euro 2020.

"Happy to announce that I've signed with Brentford Football Club," Eriksen said Monday via IG.

"I can't wait to get started and hopefully I'll see you all very soon."

Last June, the midfielder lost consciousness and fell to the ground during the first round of Denmark's UEFA European Championship match.

Medics gave him CPR on the field ... and he was carried off on a stretcher and transferred to a local hospital.

Danish doctors later confirmed Eriksen suffered cardiac arrest ... and the 29-year-old would need an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (a type of pacemaker) to prevent further episodes.

Because of his heart device and Italy's medical laws, Eriksen was unable to play ... and he agreed with Inter Milan to terminate his contract in Dec. 2021.

Fast forward 7 months ... and Eriksen has signed a 6-month deal with Brentford.

"We have taken an unbelievable opportunity to bring a world-class player to Brentford," head coach Thomas Frank said.

"He hasn’t trained with a team for 7 months, but has done a lot of work on his own. He is fit but we will need to get him match fit and I am looking forward to seeing him work with the players and staff to get back towards his highest level."

Odell Beckham Jr. celebrated the Rams' win on Sunday in style ... hitting up an L.A. hotspot just hours after he and his team punched their ticket to Super Bowl LVI.

The star receiver arrived at Delilah in West Hollywood shortly after beating the San Francisco 49ers at SoFi Stadium ... and he came sportin' his fresh NFC Championship hat.

Odell also rocked a big chain for the occasion ... and then he rubbed elbows with some celebs at the venue.

Travis Scott was there, and so was Tyga, who had actually celebrated with OBJ on the field following the big win earlier in the day.

Even Antonio Brown showed up to the hotspot -- though it's unclear if the NFL stars ever crossed paths while inside.

Of course, Odell had every reason to be out late livin' it up -- after being jettisoned by the Cleveland Browns earlier this season, he rebounded big time to have a huge final few games with the Rams.

In fact, during their win on Sunday, OBJ had 9 catches for 113 yards!!!

Joe Rogan vowed to do better in the wake of criticism his podcast is spreading COVID misinformation ... and he says he knows how to make things better and more responsible.

Rogan broke his silence Sunday ... this after Neil Young and others yanked their music off Spotify in protest.

Rogan said he's down with Spotify's disclaimer when guests go against prevailing science ... a disclaimer urging folks to talk to their physician. The disclaimer will also note the views discussed are contrary to those of experts.

But, Rogan went further, acknowledging he should have done more ... like immediately after saying goodbye to a guest who goes against the grain, he'll bring on someone with mainstream views. He says he will do that from now on.

Rogan was contrite, telling Spotify he was sorry the platform has taken heat over his podcast. Joe also said he's a huge Neil Young fan and has no hard feelings toward him.

That said, Rogan began by saying the term "misinformation" is relative ... he says some of what was considered irresponsible to say early on in the pandemic has become a conventional point of view.

The Rams' huge win didn't go off seamlessly on Sunday ... 'cause the Jumbotron operator at their stadium mistook Big Sean and Jhene Aiko for Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze Jr. -- and the scene was hilarious.

Just before L.A. beat the San Francisco 49ers to advance to the Super Bowl at SoFi Stadium ... someone really screwed up as the camera was panning around to celebs in the crowd.

When it got to Big Sean and Aiko ... the graphics below them read "Sarah Michelle Gellar" and "Freddie Prinze Jr."

Fans noticed the gaffe quickly -- pointing out the blunder all over social media ... and even Michelle Gellar had to poke fun at it all on her Instagram page.

"@bigsean do you get mistaken for me as often as I get mistaken for you?" she said.

"somebody about to get fired," she added.

Of course, Big Sean and Aiko didn't seem bothered by it ... they were spotted livin' it up in their on-field suite throughout the game, and the two appeared to even celebrate the Rams' win afterward.

As for Prinze Jr., he didn't even attend the game -- and he's yet to respond to it all, but we're sure something witty is coming shortly.

Andy Cosferent – the assistant coach and star of Netflix's "Cheer" – noticeably disappeared in the middle of the second season ... causing viewers to wonder if the fan-favorite was axed from the show. Andy tells us ... that simply wasn't the case.

Andy says there were a few reasons why he vanished in the middle of the season ... one being that his main job kicked back up when things started opening after the pandemic began subsiding.

Andy explains he isn't just an assistant coach for the Corsicana, TX team ... he also works for a company that helps coordinate cheer camps, and when things opened back up, there was a huge demand for him to get back to work.

The other reason is he was secretly spearheading "Cheer Live" -- which will be a live cheer tour across the country involving cheerleaders from both Navarro and Trinity Community College. Andy says he's working with Monica Aldama behind the scenes to organize the tour, so any rumors about bad blood between the duo are just nonsense.

Eddie George is backing Shaq ... telling TMZ Sports he likes The Big Diesel's idea of replacing Mike McCarthy with Deion Sanders in Dallas.

The former Cowboys running back spoke with us in L.A. about his old team's head coaching situation ... and he agrees with Shaq's hot take this week, saying he'd be into hiring Deion if he were Jerry Jones.

"I mean if I'm the owner and I look at it, I would say, 'Why not?'" George said. "I'd look at it seriously. Why wouldn't you?"

McCarthy is still under contract in Dallas, and Jones said Friday he will be back coaching the team next season.

But, as George noted in the clip, Mike hasn't found much success in his two seasons in Dallas ... failing to win a playoff game despite having a loaded roster in 2021.

"I mean," George said, "what else hasn't worked so far."

George -- who said Deion has given him advice when it comes to his own head coaching role at Tennessee State -- tells us he thinks the current Jackson State headman would be a "good fit" in the role.

"Prime has done an amazing job so far at Jackson State," George said. "He's a culture changer. He knows what he wants, he's been very successful in all levels. He's a winner."

Deion might have to get in line if he wants the gig, though ... there have been reports that the recently retired Sean Payton could replace McCarthy next season.

Patrick Mahomes’ fiancée, Brittany Matthews, could have a tough decision to make at the AFC Championship -- some Chiefs fans want her to repeat the exact celebration she caught so much flak for last week.

Brittany is at today's game in Kansas City, and while some people try to avoid the splash zone ... some KC fans are all about that life!! In the middle of the fired-up crowd, you can see signs like, “Let’s spray some more champagne!” and “Ready for the champagne shower!”

Some are even adding the #TeamBritt ... making it clear they have NO issue whatsoever with what she did after the Chiefs' OT victory.

Remember, after the clip of Brittany spraying champagne on fans below her luxury box went viral, she got a lot of online backlash. She complained, "Wish I could do what I want without getting attacked every week.”

A few days later, Brittany announced she would be making “Team Brittany” shirts for her fans -- she said the intent was to stand up to what she considers online bullying, and a portion of proceeds are going to an anti-bullying charity.

Nick Cannon may be adding another baby to his brood ... at least that sure the way it looks, because there was big gender reveal party which appears to have been hosted by Nick and Bre Tiesi.

The party went down in Malibu Sunday afternoon. Pink and blue balloons created the drama as they were surrounded by friends and family. Bre, who just finalized her divorce from Johnny Manziel, was posing proudly with an obvious baby bump. A bunch of guests posed with Nick and Bre as she cradled her belly.

It seems pretty obvious Nick and Bre are together. He's cradling her baby bump, they're hugging, holding hands ... clearly the center of attention.

As for the reveal ... guests unloaded party poppers filled with blue confetti, so, it's a boy!!!

As you know, Nick shared some devastating news ... his 5-month-old son Zen died last month after fighting cancer.

Zen was Nick's 7th child, born earlier this year with model Alyssa Scott. Zen was the 4th of Nick's kids born in the last year-and-a-half, twins Zillion and Zion were born in June and his daughter, Powerful, last December.

Peyton Manning KILLED on 'SNL' Saturday with an absolutely hilarious breakdown of the NFL's season playoffs, and how it paled by comparison to "Emily in Paris."

Manning joined Colin Jost at the Weekend Update desk ... presumably to talk in part about the incredible season playoff games last weekend and the reported retirement of Tom Brady.

Well, Peyton had the best of intentions to watch the games, but an hour before he decided to kill some time by watching the first episode of 'E.I.P.' Season 2.

Peyton said at that point it was football, schmootball ... because he was hooked and watched the entire season, missing all the games.

You gotta see how Peyton uses the telestrator to show Emily's playbook. It's super funny.

Peyton also thinks "Emily in Paris" is the secret reason Tom Brady will retire.

Lamar Odom is still holding out hope for this season's Lakers ... telling TMZ Sports despite their struggles, the Purple and Gold are still his pick to win the NBA title.

LeBron James and Co. have underperformed so far in 2021-22 -- they're far from the top of the Western Conference and can't seem to find a rhythm.

Odom -- who won 2 titles with the Lakers -- says he's not concerned about the Lake Show's lack of success so far ... and it's all thanks to the talent on the roster.

"I think they're good enough to win a championship," Odom tells us. "They're still my pick to win the championship. I don't know if that's Laker pride or me just being a Laker at heart. But they're still my pick."

"Anytime you have LeBron James on the court and a healthy Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony as your 6th man, I think they'll give you a really good shot."

Odom -- who recently launched the Savvy Talent Management Group -- says the team needs to pick it up defensively ... and would like to see LeBron lead the team like Kobe Bryant did for 20 years.

"Of the teams that I played for that won championships, we had a tremendous leader in Bean Bryant," Odom adds. "A lot of his will, tenacity ... it kind of rubbed off on us. I would like to see LeBron James' will and tenacity and his will to win rub off on these Laker guys."

"I think once that happens, once they coincide that, they'll be all right."

The NFC Championship is finally here -- and these famous 49ers fans will be cheering when their team takes on the Los Angeles Rams at the SoFi Stadium!

Of course, rapper E-40 is gonna be reppin' the Bay Area -- he's been a hardcore 49ers fan since forever ...  and how can we forget the "Niner Gang" song?!

Speaking of forever -- let's take it back to Joe Montana days like "Workaholics" actor Blake Anderson and "Full House" actor Dave Coulier ... who keep it OG with their vintage 49ers fits.

Not all 49ers fans are from SF, though ... "The Vampires Diaries" actress Phoebe Tonkin (who's from Australia), Aaron Paul -- an Idaho native -- and NY actress Hayden Panettiere rock the red and gold on a regular.

Even Mr. Yeahhhh himself, Lil Jon -- who's from Atlanta -- has been spotted showing love for the Niners ... sorry, Falcons.

And, get this ... Miranda Cosgrove is from Los Angeles but the "iCarly" star is staying loyal to the 49ers. Granted, the Rams did just move to L.A. in 2016.

There's also the couples that cheer together -- actress Katharine McPhee and her hubby David Foster plus Sabina Gadecki Rich and Tyler Rich.

Claressa Shields seems to be burying the hatchet with Jake Paul ... telling TMZ Sports the Problem Child is doing great things for his fighter Amanda Serrano, and women's boxing as a whole.

"I wish [Jake] the best," Shields says, continuing ... "What he's doing for Amanda is great. I think that him getting involved in helping the fight with Katie Taylor is great for Amanda and Katie and it's great for women's boxing."

"I appreciate him for that and I just wish him the best in whatever he does and just keeps his damn hands up, that's it."

The self-described G.W.O.A.T. has gone back and forth with Paul over the last year ... and Claressa says she was most offended by Jake's decision to make fun of her after she lost her 2nd professional MMA fight (in PFL).

"The only beef I have with Jake Paul is don't ever disrespect me. He tried to kick me when I was down and also going to a new sport."

"I lost a split decision. I didn't get submitted, I didn't get knocked out, I didn't get beat up. It was a split and I'm also brand new in MMA and when he made that comment, calling me a loser and stuff, that's what really made me want to fight him."

If you missed it, JP went off on Shields -- who has only 2 MMA fights under her belt -- after the October 2021 fight.

But, Shields has obviously moved on ... and has even found it in her heart to praise Jake for his work promoting women's boxing.

FYI, Jake's promotion, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), signed 33-year-old Serrano.

With Paul's guidance, Amanda has locked down a super fight with fellow boxing star Katie Taylor in April ... at Madison Square Garden.

Speaking of big fights ... Claressa is gunning to set up her very own with undefeated British star Savannah Marshall.

First, the 26-year-old fighter has to beat 21-0-1 fighter Ema Kozin in the United Kingdom on February 5 (on FITE) ... and she delivered a message to the woman standing between her and Savannah.

The Miz and his wife, Maryse, will be able to renew their wedding vows in peace this time around ... 'cause the WWE Superstar tells TMZ Sports they're looking to re-tie the knot after their big moment was ruined last month.

Of course, Miz and Maryse initially tried to renew their vows during an episode of Monday Night Raw ... but fellow wrestler Edge made a surprise guest appearance and soaked the power couple with a trademark Brood bath.

While the initial ceremony didn't go as planned, Maryse recently said in an interview that Miz proposed to her again during her birthday party this week ... and they're hoping to return to where their marriage first began -- the Bahamas.

Of course, the power couple originally got married in paradise in 2014 ... and have been inseparable ever since.

We spoke to The Miz about his relationship ... and he says he tries to set the bar high by doing romantic things to keep things fresh and exciting in his marriage, and the vow renewal is the latest example of how he does just that.

The extra-special part about it this time around?? Their 2 and 3-year-old daughters will be able to see their parents exchange vows.

Jerry Rice is scoring extra points with these good looks!

Here's the 24-year-old version of the San Francisco 49ers' wide receiver flashing his facial hair in uniform in The City by the Bay during his second professional year with the team back in 1987 (left). Over the 15 years on the team, he took home three Super Bowl wins.

And 35 years later ... the now 59-year-old NFL G.O.A.T. is still looking like a champ -- and still voicing support to his OG team with custom potato chips -- with a photo he shared to his Instagram followers just last week (right).

What a snack!

The question is ...

Tom Brady -- the most successful quarterback in NFL history -- is walking away from the game of football after 22 historic seasons.

The 44-year-old 7-time champ is retiring as the league's all-time leader in wins at quarterback, passing attempts, completions, passing yards and passing touchdowns, according to a report from Adam Schefter and Jeff Darlington

Brady was the 199th pick in the 2000 NFL Draft ... after playing at Michigan from 1996-1999.

Brady played for New England from 2001-19 ... winning 6 Super Bowls with the Patriots. He went on to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he won his 7th championship in 2021.

The Bucs went 13-4 this season and ran away with the NFC South title ... but were defeated by the Rams in the Divisional Round of the playoffs.

Brady married supermodel Gisele Bundchen in 2009 ... and just this week, he hinted at the possibility of hanging it up for his wife and children's sake.

He previously spoke about how he hoped to play until he was 45 years old, but was open about his struggles with being away from family during the football season.

"It pains [Gisele] to see me get hit out there, and she deserves what she needs from me as a husband and my kids deserve what they need from me as a dad," Brady said this week on his "Let's Go" podcast.

Brady threw for 84,520 yards and 624 TDs over his 22-season career.

Brady's ex-teammate, Julian Edelman, congratulated the quarterback ... saying, "Thanks for the memories, babe."

Chris Godwin -- who won a ring with Brady last season -- added, "The best ever. Congratulations bro @TomBrady grateful to have gotten to share the field with you! Much love fam."

Congrats on retirement, G.O.A.T.

More troubling news for NFL player Damon Arnette ... the former 1st round draft pick was arrested Friday night in Las Vegas after he allegedly threatened a valet with a gun, TMZ Sports has learned.

The 25-year-old cornerback was busted for assault with a deadly weapon, carrying a concealed weapon and possession of a controlled substance after a dispute allegedly occurred at the Park MGM on Las Vegas Boulevard.

It's unclear what drug Arnette allegedly had on him.

A witness tells us Damon attempted to retrieve a car without a valet ticket ... leading to a dispute. We're told Arnette pulled a gun, and the police were eventually called.

This is just the latest issue with the former Ohio State star. Arnette was cut by the Raiders in November after a video surfaced appearing to show Damon threatening someone with a gun.

Arnette is also being sued by a woman who claims he hit her car, injuring her, and left the scene of the accident after an October 2020 crash.

After a standout season at Ohio State where Arnette earned 2nd Team All-Big Ten honors, he was the 19th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

In 2 seasons with the Raiders, Arnette played in 13 games, racking up 29 tackles. After Vegas cut him, he signed as a practice squad player with the Miami Dolphins.

Damon was recently signed by the Kansas City Chiefs to a reserves/futures contract ... meaning he isn't on the active roster right now, but the team has his rights for next season.