TMZ Sports - Page 50

Scott Van Pelt had to take a timeout from a podcast appearance this week -- and it's all 'cause his puppy pooped all over his floor in the background of a shot.

For real.

SVP joined The Ringer's Kevin Clark for a taping of a new episode of "Slow News Day" -- and things appeared to be going smoothly.

The guys chatted for a few seconds -- and at one point, they even noted Van Pelt's new pet was hanging around nearby.

But, as the conversation turned toward Van Pelt's old coworker, Ryen Russillo, the doggo popped a squat and dropped a big #2 on the hardwood.

"Hold on, Redd's taking a s***!" Van Pelt said while pausing Clark mid-sentence. "My dog just took a giant dump right behind us."

Van Pelt eventually called for a 20-second timeout so he could clean it up -- and it was all hilarious.

Of course, ya can't blame the puppy for not knowing Dad's work schedule just yet -- Van Pelt tweeted earlier this week he just got the dog a few days ago ... following the death of his old furry companion, Otis.

Robert Sarver will give up both the Phoenix Suns and the Phoenix Mercury after the NBA found he did use the n-word multiple times during his tenure as an owner in the leagues.

The 60-year-old announced in a lengthy statement on Wednesday morning that he is "beginning the process of seeking buyers for the Suns and the Mercury" following the NBA's findings.

"Words that I deeply regret now overshadow nearly two decades of building organizations that brought people together -- and strengthened the Phoenix area -- through the unifying power of professional men's and women's basketball," Sarver said, before adding, "but in our current unforgiving climate, it has become painfully clear that that is no longer possible -- that whatever good I have done, or could still do, is outweighed by things I have said in the past."

In addition to using the racial epithet on at least five different occasions, the NBA also said Sarver made inappropriate comments towards women, and didn't treat his employees fairly or equally.

Commissioner Adam Silver fined Sarver $10 million and suspended him one year over it all ... and insisted the punishment was strong enough.

But, after fans and multiple star players -- including LeBron James, Chris Paul and Draymond Green -- called for more severe sanctions ... Sarver decided it was best to move on from his roles with the NBA and WNBA teams.

"I do not want to be a distraction to these two teams and the fine people who work so hard to bring the joy and excitement of basketball to fans around the world," Sarver said. "I want what's best for these two organizations, the players, the employees, then fans, the community, my fellow owners, the NBA and the WNBA. This is the best course of action for everyone."

"In the meantime, I will continue to work on becoming a better person, and continuing to support the community in meaningful ways. Thank you for continuing to root for the Suns and the Mercury, embracing the power that sports has to bring us together."

Mike Evans' one-game suspension for his role in Sunday's fracas with the Saints has been upheld by the NFL, the league announced on Wednesday.

In a tweet, the NFL confirmed James Thrash, the hearing officer in the Buccaneers star's appeal, affirmed the ban.

Evans was initially informed of the punishment in a letter from NFL executive Jon Runyan on Monday, after the league said he violated unnecessary roughness and unsportsmanlike conduct rules when he trucked Marshon Lattimore during a skirmish in the Tampa Bay vs. New Orleans game.

"You knocked your opponent to the ground, and a melee ensued involving players from both teams," Runyan wrote in the ruling. "Your aggressive conduct could have caused serious injury to your opponent."

According to Adam Schefter, Evans will only lose $62,000 instead of $715,000 while out, thanks to an offseason contract restructure.

Evans' QB, Tom Brady, called the suspension earlier this week "ridiculous."

New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson proposed to his longtime girlfriend like a true basketball player -- getting down on one knee and poppin' the question on a hoops court -- and it worked, 'cause she said yes!!

The NBA point guard and Ali Marks shared the news on social media on Tuesday -- revealing the proposal went down at their old high school's court in Illinois.

"you are a lifetime," said Marks, who shared pics of the couple's romantic evening on the Stevenson H.S. court.

"forever," Brunson added.

While unorthodox, the proposal's venue was absolutely fitting ... considering Brunson and Marks -- who's a physical therapist -- began dating at the high school years ago.

The two were initially there on Tuesday to see Brunson be inducted into the school's Hall of Fame.

Several NBA players congratulated Brunson following his reveal of the news -- and Mavericks owner Mark Cuban even claimed to have known it was going to happen.

"See how I predicted that," Cuban said. "Congrats 🎉🎉🎉"

There are a lot of new beginnings for Brunson recently ... the 26-year-old -- who had been a Dallas Maverick since 2018 -- just signed a four-year, $104 million deal with the Knicks in July.

TMZ Sports has obtained new video of Kyler Murray's postgame incident with a fan at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday -- and it appears to show a man winding up before taking a swipe at the Cardinals star's face.

The footage was shot just seconds after Arizona scored a game-winning touchdown in overtime against the Raiders in Las Vegas.

You can see in the clip, Murray was trying to celebrate the win with someone who appeared to be his friend and others -- before a man in a grey T-shirt reached over fans and bopped Murray's head.

It's unclear from the video if the act was intentional or not. Seems the man could have just been attempting to slap Murray's shoulder pad in celebration -- but missed badly.

Murray turned around and seemed upset -- pointing at people in the crowd. His teammates eventually jumped in to separate everyone, and the 25-year-old signal-caller ultimately ran off without further issue.

As we reported, Las Vegas police are investigating the incident ... saying in a statement that a battery complaint was made at the venue at 6:26 PM.

"We do not provide victim names however the event you are requesting is a battery call alleging a spectator at the stadium struck a professional football player," the spokesperson told TMZ Sports. "A crime report was taken, and the suspect has not been identified. This is an ongoing investigation."

Khloe Kardashian clearly had a tough time dealing with the revelation Tristan Thompson had a baby with another woman at the same time she and Tristan were expecting a child of their own.

Khloe broke down in tears as she described the pain in a promotional video for the show. Kris Jenner followed suit with her own tears.

It's gotta be painful for sure, but it's also content for season 2 of their show, so clearly anything goes.

TMZ broke the story back in July ... Khloe and Tristan were expecting a boy via surrogate ... as stories surfaced Tristan just had a baby with personal trainer Maralee Nichols last December.

Ex-UCLA basketball player Jalen Hill has tragically died at 22 years old, the school confirmed on Tuesday night.

In a tweet, the Bruins men's basketball team said it was "deeply saddened" by the passing. Head coach Mick Cronin added in a statement that the death was "heartbreaking."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time," said Cronin, who coached Hill for two seasons in Westwood. "Jalen was a warm-hearted young man with a great smile who has left us far too soon."

According to a statement from Hill's family on social media, the 6-foot-10 power forward "went missing while in Costa Rica and we have recently learned of his passing."

No further details surrounding his death were revealed.

Hill -- ranked as a top-100 recruit coming out of Centennial H.S. in Corona, Calif. -- signed with the Bruins back in 2017, but didn't play in his true freshman season after he and two other UCLA players, including LiAngelo Ball, were arrested for shoplifting while in China for a game in Nov. 2017. He was suspended indefinitely over the incident, but later rejoined the team, playing for the Bruins from 2018 to 2021.

In his UCLA career, Hill saw time in 77 games, averaging 6.5 points per game and 6.4 rebounds. He retired from basketball in 2021, saying he was battling anxiety and depression.

Aaron Judge is on the cusp of making history -- just a couple blasts away from setting both Yankees and American League home run records -- and we're told those baseballs will be worth a fortune at auction!

The 30-year-old NYY slugger leads all MLB with 60 dingers, and no one else is even close (Yordan Alvarez has 39 HR's). More importantly, the 6'7" centerfielder is knocking on history's door ...and the baseballs might as well be flying lottery tickets, according to David Kohler from SCP Auctions.

On Tuesday night, Judge tied Babe Ruth's all-time single-season high (60 HR's) -- which the Bambino set in 1927 -- a ball that Kohler estimates to be worth between $100-150K!

The fan who caught 60 gave it back to Judge in exchange for a signed bat and ball. His buddiesd also got signed baseballs. Good trade?

The next home run's big -- number 61 -- it'll tie the all-time Yankees and AL record ... set by Roger Maris in, you guessed it, 1961.

That ball, according to Kohler, will be worth between $200-250K!

Home run number 62 will set the new record Yankees and AL record, and could fetch over $500K at auction.

And, for the last HR Judge blasts, whatever number that happens to be ... that ball could be worth over $1 million!

Making the balls even more valuable ... the sports memorabilia market's on fire, and New York Yankees' merch traditionally does great on the block.

The Yankees have 15 games left in the regular season ... setting Judge on a trajectory to comfortably surpass Maris.

Judge has hit a home run a little better than once every 9 at-bats this season ... meaning AJ's on pace to finish with around 66 HR's.

The all-time single-season record is a bit convoluted. In 2001, Barry Bonds hit an astounding 73 dingers ... but, was he cheating?

Same deal with Sammy Sosa (66) and Mark McGwire (70) in 1998. Many credit the home run race with bringing fans back to baseball after the strike. However, Sosa and McGwire are both alleged steroid users.

SCP has auctioned off some of the most desirable home run baseballs ever hit ... including Bonds' all-time record-setting 756th HR ball ($752,467), the 755th ball ($186,750) that tied the legendary Hank Aaron, and the 762nd HR ball ($362,000), the all-time career record.

They've also unloaded Alex Rodriguez ($103,579), McGwire ($50,162), and Bond's 500th HR balls ($303,277).

Obviously, outside of Roger, home run records are a bit tainted ... and that's why many people believe if Aaron hits 62 plus, he'll be recognized as the true single-season home run record holder.

Easton Oliverson's family is now suing Little League Baseball after the 12-year-old was injured in a fall from his bunk bed at the Little League World Series last month ... claiming the org.'s negligence contributed to his accident and subsequent injuries.

The suit, obtained by TMZ Sports, was filed in Philadelphia County last week ... one month after it was reported that Oliverson suffered a fractured skull and brain bleed following a fall from his bed at the Little League World Series' dormitory complex in Williamsport.

In the docs, Oliverson's family alleges the beds at the LLWS were not safe because they did not have proper railing attached to them.

The family claims in the docs "Little League was negligent for allowing the bed to exist in a dangerous condition" -- adding it all "contributed" to Oliverson's fall.

The lawsuit is seeking damages in excess of $50,000.

The attorney representing the Oliversons in the case, Ken Fulginiti, says that while Easton has returned home following several surgeries -- "he's plagued with seizures" and is battling health issues daily.

Fulginiti added that Oliverson -- a pitcher and outfielder for the Snow Canyon team -- was a "very healthy" and "very physically active" baseball player with "no problems at all" prior to his fall.

Fulginiti said he and the Oliversons are hopeful the lawsuit eventually prevents any similar situations from ever happening again.

Jackson tweeted, "All glory to God!! appreciate the love, support, and prayers from everyone. Bills mafia the best in the world!"

The Bills just confirmed testing at the hospital revealed Jackson had "no major injury to his neck or spinal cord."

"He was released from the hospital and is undergoing further evaluation today," the team said.

Great news ... according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, Jackson has been released from the hospital and "all indications are he has avoided major injury."

Garafolo added Jackson actually walked out of the hospital under his own power.

Terrifying scene during the early NFL game on Monday night -- Bills cornerback Dane Jackson suffered a neck injury that was so concerning, an ambulance came straight onto the field to transport him to a local hospital.

Jackson was hurt while making a tackle late in the second quarter of Buffalo's blowout win over the Tennessee Titans.

The 25-year-old was accidentally hit by his own teammate in the face -- and his body bent backward awkwardly. He stayed down on the ground for several minutes as trainers and doctors tended to him.

Eventually, he was taken by ambulance to Erie County Medical Center -- where the Bills say he was being evaluated for a neck injury.

"He will be getting a CT scan and an x-ray," the team said in a statement late Monday night. "Jackson has full movement in extremities."

No further update on his condition was given.

Jackson was picked by the Bills in the 7th round of the 2020 NFL Draft ... and has started 10 games for Buffalo in three seasons. He recorded three tackles and a pass breakup before exiting Monday's win.

Get better soon, Dane.

Trevor Ariza's wife has filed for divorce from the NBA player ... TMZ Sports has confirmed.

According to court documents, Bree Anderson Ariza filed the documents on Tuesday, citing "irreconcilable differences."

In the docs, Bree asked for physical and legal custody of their two children, but did check the box for child visitation to be granted to Trevor. She also asked for spousal support.

Bree and Trevor were married back in April 2018, when the basketball player was a member of the Houston Rockets. A date of separation for the two was listed as "TBD" in the docs.

The couple had dated for several years before they formally tied the knot.

Ariza -- who's now an NBA free agent after playing for the Lakers this past season -- has previously been involved in a high-profile custody dispute with an ex ... back in 2020, Lana Allen alleged he had physically abused their child.

Ariza denied the allegations, and a judge ruled in Dec. 2020 Ariza had not -- and did not -- pose a threat to his son.

Boxer Isiah Jones was shot and killed on Monday after a dispute with a family member, his trainer, Roshawn Jones, announced Tuesday. He was 28 years old.

Roshawn confirmed the tragic news in an emotional Instagram post showing highlights of his fighter ... saying, "Isiah, Lost his life yesterday in a tragic event!"

"Please keep his family in your prayers to help them get through these rough times!"

Roshawn shared more details surrounding the boxer's death with The Ring ... telling the outlet Isiah was shot in the head after an argument with a family member.

Detroit Police Department would not identify the victim ... but told us a 28-year-old male was fatally shot by a relative in the 9300 block of Stout street.

DPD also tells us no arrests have been made at this time.

Roshawn remembered Isiah -- a native of Detroit -- for being a great fighter, but also a great father ... and always providing for his kids.

"He was a hard worker," Roshawn told the outlet. "Everyone is not perfect in life, but he was a good human being."

"He'd make you smile and laugh and was a great role model in the gym. Very humble and respectful," he added.

Jones -- who turned pro in 2016 -- had a pro record of 9-7 (with three knockouts) and an impressive amateur record of 52-2.

One of the highlights of Jones' career was winning the 2016 National Golden Gloves.

A fan who was accused of hurling a bottle at Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam during the team's loss to the New York Jets on Sunday was arrested ... TMZ Sports has learned.

According to police documents, 51-year-old Jeffrey Miller allegedly threw the bottle at Haslam just moments after New York scored a touchdown with just seconds left in the game.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero captured the incident on video -- appearing to show the bottle hit Haslam right in the leg as he was walking toward a tunnel at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland.

In Pelissero's footage, you can see 68-year-old Haslam was startled at first ... but then he seemed to be enraged -- and pointed to where he believed the bottle was thrown from.

Police say after security viewed video surveillance of the scene, they identified Miller as the bottle thrower. They say they eventually tracked him down inside the stadium, but claim he didn't stop after authorities attempted to detain him.

Police say they were eventually able to get the man down to a "police room" inside the stadium -- where they say he "appeared to be intoxicated." Cops noted in the docs that "while in the police room, Miller stated '[the bottle] never hit the field.'"

According to the docs, Miller was arrested and booked on three charges -- including disorderly conduct, failure to comply with a lawful order, and assault.

Pelissero reported Tuesday that following the incident, the Browns are planning to ban the fan from home games going forward.

"Fan, player and staff safety is the top priority in our building and behavior that puts others in danger will not be tolerated," the Browns said in a statement on Tuesday. "Luckily no one was harmed in this incident and as a standard practice, we've cooperated with law enforcement authorities and security video footage of the object being thrown is in the appropriate hands. We will have no further comment on this matter."

Story developing ...

Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards has been fined $40K for making a homophobic comment, the NBA announced Tuesday morning.

"Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards has been fined $40,000 for using offensive and derogatory language on social media. Edwards has acknowledged that his actions were inappropriate," Byron Spruell, President of League Operations for the NBA, wrote in a statement.

Edwards got himself into hot water when he posted video of several shirtless men embracing each other, saying ... "Look at these queer ass n****s, man. Look at the world I came to."

AE also captioned the video ... "Dese n****s different." In the background of the video, a woman was heard laughing while Edwards spoke.

There was almost immediate backlash and, as the league noted, the 21-year-old former first overall pick (2020 NBA Draft) seemed to offer a heartfelt apology for his actions, saying sorry on social media.

"What I said was immature, hurtful, and disrespectful, and I’m incredibly sorry. It’s unacceptable for me or anyone to use that language in such a hurtful way, there’s no excuse for it, at all. I was raised better than that!" the NBA star said.

But, the NBA clearly felt a fine was still in order.

Los Angeles Dodgers legend Maury Wills -- the MVP of the 1962 MLB season -- has sadly died at 89 years old ... the team announced Tuesday.

"The Los Angeles Dodgers are saddened by the passing of Dodger legend Maury Wills," L.A. officials wrote in a tweet. "Our thoughts are with Wills' family, teammates and friends."

A cause of death was not revealed.

Wills -- one of the greatest base stealers of all time -- initially broke into the Big Leagues with the Dodgers way back in 1959 after a lengthy career in the minors ... and he quickly became one of the best players in the sport.

The shortstop made an All-Star team in his third season with the club -- and then won league MVP honors in '62, after hitting .299 and stealing 104 bases.

Wills went on to help the Dodgers win three World Series titles ... and finished his 14-year career with seven total All-Star selections and two Gold Gloves.

Following the end of his playing days, Wills went on to manage the Seattle Mariners in the 1980 season -- before he was fired prior to the end of the 1981 season.

Wills later went on to work as a spring training instructor for the Dodgers.

Wills had such an impact on baseball, Dave Roberts, L.A.'s manager, currently wears No. 30 as an homage to the former Dodgers great.

LeBron James and Chris Paul aren't the only ones pissed off over Robert Sarver's suspension and fine -- you can add Draymond Green to the list, 'cause the NBA star called the punishment straight up "bulls**t!"

The Golden State Warrior forward went off on his podcast on Tuesday -- a week after the Phoenix Suns/Mercury owner was suspended for a year and fined $10 million for sexual harassment, use of the N-word, and inappropriate physical conduct toward male employees, among other alleged troubling behavior.

"This report that came out last week is the total opposite of everything the NBA stands for," Green said.

"To think that someone like Robert Sarver, acting in that manner, can continue to represent us, that's bulls**t!"

Green also ripped the notion Sarver's use of the N-word wasn't so bad because he didn't use it with racist or malicious intent.

"Stop it. That's ridiculous," Green emphatically said.

"The level of comfort you have to have to even use the word again does not validate or make it okay for Robert Sarver to use the N-word."

Green added, "This guy gets to just come back in the fold as if he's still representing us as if he's a part of us. That can't be so."

The 32-year-old says he's "very uncomfortable" knowing an owner like Sarver won't have to sell the team ... saying if the shoe were on the other foot, players would be "left out on our own to figure it out."

So, the four-time NBA champ came up with an idea ... vote Sarver out.

"What I would say is 'why don't we pose a vote?' Because that is definitely an offense that is probably grounds for being forced to sell."