TMZ Sports - Page 50

Pete Davidson hit up the NY Rangers hockey game Thursday night, but it wasn't with Emily Ratajkowski ... instead, he was with actress and costar, Chase Sui Wonders.

Pete and Chase -- who costarred in the 2022 movie "Bodies Bodies Bodies" -- took in the Rangers-Maple Leafs game at Madison Square Garden in New York City Thursday night.

The actor and actress sat side-by-side as they watched the game together ... and appeared to be having a good time with each other.

What's interesting ... Pete and Chase's public outing comes less than a month after Davidson was at the World's Most Famous Arena to watch a Knicks game with Emily Ratajkowski.

The Knicks game came just days after Pete was captured on video attempting to pick up Em Rata from her West Village home ... the first woman he was seen with following his breakup with Kim Kardashian.

Since, there have been multiple reports suggesting Pete, 29, and Emily, 31, are getting more serious. Though it should be noted, Ratajkowski was recently photographed out with DJ Orazio Rispo, who she was previously linked to in October.

Even though it was a school night, the stars still came out to celebrate Rich Paul's birthday on Thursday ... including his GF, Adele, and his BFF, LeBron James!!

The trio -- plus Tristan Thompson, Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue, and others -- hit Olivetta in West Hollywood for the festivities ... despite everyone having a lot going on this week.

James' Lakers play Friday night. Adele's Vegas residency continues then, too. Lue, meanwhile, coached the Clips in a loss to the Suns before hitting the bash.

Still, everyone appeared to be in great spirits ... and most (aside from Adele, who bolted early to presumably get back to Nevada) stayed out until midnight -- when Paul officially turned 41 years old.

The sports agent looked dapper for the party ... rockin' an all-brown 'fit, capped off with a pair of brown shoes.

James, meanwhile, looked great as well -- as did his wife, Savannah, who accompanied him on the date.

Didn't seem anyone brought gifts to the dinner for Paul ... but we're pretty sure at least one of the millionaires at the table picked up the tab for the guy.

Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian wanted to get to the bottom of some family truths, so they gave each other ... wait for it ... lie detector tests!!!

As bizarre as it sounds ... the sisters were hooked up to a polygraph machine and took turns grilling each other on their famous family's most intimate secrets -- including their own sex lives. A polygraph examiner sat at a table nearby to gauge the veracity of their answers in the 14-minute video published Thursday by Vanity Fair.

Khloe was grilled first by Kourtney, who peppered her sibling with questions about family fights, their children, weddings and social media posts. But, Kourt wasn't letting Khloe off that easy ... she asked a real zinger, setting it up this way ... "Is there anything you'd like me to ask you?" To clear up any rumors?"

Then she hit Khloe over the head ... "Oh, are you still sleeping with Tristan?"

Surprisingly, Khloe seemed amused ... "No, I am not. I'm really not." Of course, Khloe was referring to Tristan Thompson, her cheating ex-fiancé and father of their 2 young children.

Unconvinced, Kourt turned to the polygraph examiner, who confirmed Khloe was telling the truth. "Bravo!," Kourtney shouted.

The rolls were then reversed. Khloe questioned Kourtney ... partially about her kinky activities with husband Travis Barker, beginning with the couple getting caught having sex in public. "Do you regret doing that?" Khloe asked Kourt, who responded, "Nope."

It got weirder ... Khloe asked if the spouses dressed as animal characters known as "furries" in order "to bone one another." Kourt fired back, "No!" But then, she admitted to having sex with Travis in their Halloween costumes last year when they dressed as the lead characters in the 1993 romantic crime film, "True Romance."

The polygraph examiner gave Kourt the thumbs up ... she was truthful!!!

Pop Warner has launched an investigation into a disgusting incident following a tournament game ... in which coaches were allegedly targeted with racial slurs by a man affiliated with the opposing team.

It all went down hours after the Hamden Hurricanes (CT) beat the Highlands Ranch Mountain Lions (CO) in the Div. 2 12U quarterfinals of the Pop Warner National Championships on Dec. 3 ... when coaches on both teams ran into each other at the hotel they were staying at in Orlando.

In the footage, obtained by TMZ Sports, the Hamden coaches are clearly trying to distance themselves from the Highlands Ranch staffers ... with one man explaining they were told by the "higher ups" to avoid any interaction.

Sources tell us the reason behind the tense interaction was due to coaches and fans of Highlands Ranch allegedly yelling racially charged words at Hamden, a team that consists of mostly Black players, throughout the game.

In the video, a Highlands Ranch coach continues to try to talk to adults with Hamden ... but they repeatedly say they aren't interested in talking, as they "have more s*** to lose."

Eventually, Hamden leaves the area ... and that's when a man -- who we're told is affiliated with the Highlands Ranch team -- hurled out the racial slurs, according to sources ... who claim he referred to them as "f***ing n*****s."

Pop Warner released a statement to TMZ Sports ... saying, "The disturbing behavior shown in the video is inconsistent with our code of conduct and the expectations we have of our adult volunteers."

The org. says it will conduct an investigative hearing on the matter next week ... and if the person in the video is, in fact, affiliated with a PW team, they will face discipline -- including suspension.

"One thing is clear: the abhorrent conduct and language exhibited in this video are unacceptable," Pop Warner added. "Our organization is committed to a safe, inclusive, and positive environment for all young people and their families."

"No one should ever encounter this kind of behavior. We will take all measures necessary to address the situation."

Ex-NFL star Aqib Talib has just been sued ... after he allegedly helped incite an altercation that led to a fatal shooting at a youth football game back in August.

Michael Hickmon's family filed the lawsuit in Dallas County on Tuesday ... claiming the actions of Talib and his brother, Yaqub Talib, at a Big XII Youth Sports League event ultimately led to Hickmon's tragic death on Aug. 13.

According to the suit, Hickmon was coaching the Dragons Elite Academy 9-and-under youth football team against the Talibs' North Dallas United Bobcats.

Hickmon's family says the game was contentious -- claiming several calls had tensions running "high" throughout the contest.

At one point, according to Hickmon's family, the Dragons scored a touchdown following a Bobcats' taunting penalty -- and the Talibs were so upset about it, they ended the game.

The plaintiffs claim in the suit that Hickmon then went to retrieve the game ball -- but was "confronted" by Aqib, who allegedly threw a punch.

"Surprised and outnumbered," the Hickmon family said in the suit, "Hickmon defensively backpedaled."

The family went on to say in the lawsuit that Yaqub then pulled out a handgun and fired five shots -- striking Hickmon with several bullets.

Hickmon later died at a local hospital.

The Hickmon family is suing the Talibs and others for wrongful death ... asking for unspecified damages.

As we previously reported, Yaqub was arrested and later charged with murder. 36-year-old Aqib, meanwhile, has not been charged with any crimes.

Aqib's attorney released a statement following it all in August ... saying, "Aqib was present when this unfortunate incident occurred and is very distraught and devastated over this terrible loss of life. He would like to convey his condolences to the family of the victim and to everyone who witnessed this unfortunate tragedy."

The Liver King's gimmick might not be 100% legit, but his abs certainly appear to be ... 'cause a top plastic surgeon says the fitness influencer's shredded core is NOT fake.

Along with being accused of using steroids (which just so happened to be true), people have speculated LK's washboard abs were actually a result of implants.

In hopes of putting an end to all the speculation, Liver King -- real name Brian Johnson -- hit up Dr. Daniel Barrett, a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, to administer a series of tests.

"I have an obligation to my tribe (you)... to take massive goddam action and do whatever it takes to earn back your trust," Johnson wrote on Instagram about the visit to the doc.

In LK's video, you see Dr. Barrett prodding at LK's abs with his fingers and a machine ... and eventually, he concludes that based on his expertise and what he sees and feels, there's no indication Liver King has ab implants.

Remember, Johnson, who was already a millionaire long before the viral Liver King persona was created, had to come clean about his steroid use after YouTuber More Plates More Dates exposed the "ancestral lifestyle" influencer.

Liver King's entire sales pitch was built on his "9 ancestral tenets" that he credited for his incredible physique -- but after he got exposed, many questioned if it was all a huge lie.

For what it's worth ... once he got caught, Brian admitted that he used steroids ... saying that he "f***ed up" and that he "misled a lot of people."

Recently, Johnson said on "TMZ Live" he fully expects his company's sales to be affected by his lies ... but what's most important to him, as he tries to regain the trust of his supporters, is that they're eating and living the right way.

All that being said, the tests don't confirm whether or not LK has had any ab etching done ... which is a procedure that sucks unwanted fat from the tummy to showcase the muscles more clearly.

St. Louis Cardinals broadcaster Dan McLaughlin will not return to the booth next season ... after he was arrested for driving while intoxicated last week, he announced Thursday.

According to the St. Louis Dispatch, Dan, who was arrested for DWI for the third time on Dec. 4, agreed with the Cardinals org. and Bally Sports Midwest that it was time to step away.

"I have spent the last several days reflecting on my steps towards addressing my health and the well-being of my family and me," Dan said in a statement. "My sole focus needs to be on my recovery, which I have started, and that of my wife and children."

"I thank all of the people of Bally for their support throughout the years and wish them the best," he added. "As I move forward, I, please ask for your patience and your privacy. Thank you. God Bless."

As we previously reported, Dan, who called games for the Cards since 2000, was pulled over by Creve Coeur Police after they noticed his white sedan failing to stay in one lane ... and he was subsequently arrested for DWI.

McLaughlin, 48, was ultimately charged with Persistent Offender of Driving While Intoxicated -- a Class E felony offense with a maximum potential penalty of four years behind bars.

"Dan McLaughlin will not return as the Cardinals television play-by-play announcer on Bally Sports Midwest," the team and BSM said in a joint statement.

"Dan has been the voice of memorable Cardinals moments for 24 years. We thank him for his contributions to Cardinals baseball, to Cardinals fans, and for his many charitable efforts."

NBA commissioner Adam Silver says the league is long overdue for a female head coach ... admitting he'd be "hugely disappointed" if it doesn't happen within the next 5 years.

The commish made his intentions known in an interview with Bonnie Bernstein on the NCAA's "College Sports Conversations - Title IX at 50" podcast this week ... admitting the Association needs to improve at including women in coaching roles.

"Progress isn't happening as fast as I'd like to see," Silver said.

"In jobs that aren't about how high you can jump, or how strong you are or how tall you are, things should be completely equal."

Of course, ex-WNBA star Becky Hammon reportedly came close to being the first woman to lead an NBA bench -- she interviewed for the Milwaukee Bucks' vacancy while serving as an assistant with the San Antonio Spurs.

She eventually left to take an HC gig with the Las Vegas Aces, where she won a WNBA title.

Silver points out the league has done better with hiring female referees ... and expects the number of female coaches to increase over time, especially now that there are seven female assistants throughout the league.

Silver thinks as more women continue to move up the ranks and get experience as assistants, they will soon get their time to shine.

Floyd Mayweather is in the giving mood this holiday season -- hooking up his closest friends (and himself) -- with over a million dollars worth of bling from famed jeweler, Johnny Dang!

TMZ Sports is told 50-0 Mayweather hit up the Houston-based grill king -- one of the most popular jewelers amongst celebs and athletes -- and commissioned two giant "TMT" pendants and chains.

But, that's not all Floyd bought. Not even close.

We're also told he copped 50 chains, each costing $25K, to give to his closest family and friends. One of the pieces went to Deon Taylor, producer of Floyd's upcoming docuseries, "The G.O.A.T.," who he surprised with the jewelry.

Speaking of the doc, Mayweather also ordered 100 customized "GOAT" jackets ... again, for some of his closest people.

This particular jacket was given to Money's good friend, Jona Rechnitz, and features two Stars of David on the right sleeve. Fellow doc producer James McNair also received a jacket.

Of course, Mayweather is one of, if not the highest-earning athlete over the last decade. For 30 minutes of ring time with Conor McGregor, Floyd reportedly raked in around $300 million.

Brazil soccer star Richarlison didn't bring home the World Cup this year -- but he did get some new ink ... getting his whole back tatted after the tournament with pics of Ronaldo, Neymar and himself!!!

The prolific goal-scorer got the new tattoo done this week -- just days after the Brazilians were booted from the World Cup tournament by Croatia ... and the work is insane.

In photos shared by the tattoo artists, PK and Dom Tattoo, you can see the ink features portraits of retired footballer Ronaldo and Richarlison's teammate, Neymar, sandwiched between a picture of himself.

The artwork also has a message that was from Brazilian soccer legend Pele -- who left the comment under one of his recent Instagram posts.

"Voce fez o Brasil sorrir," Pele's comment read, which translates to, "You made Brazil smile."

There's also an image of the Brazilian flag and a young Richarlison wearing the No. 9 jersey overlooking the city in the piece.

Of course, Richarlison would rather be in the World Cup finals this Sunday than sitting under the tattoo needle ... as he was the top scorer for Brazil, netting three of the team's eight goals in Qatar.

The fan who Draymond Green had booted from the Warriors vs. Bucks game earlier this week says he never threatened the Golden State star's life ... insisting he was actually being nice to the NBA player.

Mike Shane spelled his side of the story out on the "KJ Live" podcast this week ... explaining that when he was trash-talking Green during the third quarter of the big game at Fiserv Forum on Tuesday night, he was actually saying Milwaukee fans were giving him "a pass."

Shane said the city harbored a lot of anger toward Green for punching Milwaukee native Jordan Poole at a Warriors practice earlier this year ... but everyone was now willing to let it go.

"I was speaking up for the city of Milwaukee," the R&B singer said. "Basically telling him, like, we're giving you a pass. We haven't forgotten about what you did -- a big bully -- and we're giving you a pass."

"We forgive you."

Shane, though, says Green "blew it out of proportion," and had him kicked out of the arena.

But, the superfan says the Bucks were cool about it all ... and even offered him a refund and future tickets.

"There was two police officers who were actually right there," Shane added. "There was a police officer and the league security who came back there and vouched for me. They were right there and said I didn't use any profanity, I didn't say anything malicious."

LeBron James got an awesome early birthday gift last night ... playing one of his favorite video games, Madden, in an empty SoFi Stadium, on the huge video board -- all while drinking his Lobos tequila.

James -- who turns 38 on Dec. 30 -- started celebrating early this year ... partaking in one of his favorite past times, playing video games, in arguably the NFL's best stadium.

And, he had it all to himself!

"Happy Early bday gift from my guy DJ Bamboozle," James wrote on Instagram. "Appreciate you, bro."

In addition to the dope setup, DJ Bamboozle had the words "Happy Birthday LeBron" written on the scoreboard.

Naturally, LBJ spent most of the night on the sticks, playing a friend in Madden. It's unclear who won. In between plays, Bron sipped on his Lobos 1707 tequila.

There's no doubt in Rob Gronkowski's mind that Tom Brady will be a great football analyst for FOX Sports when he decides to hang up his cleats -- keyword being when, 'cause Gronk thinks Tom can play "forever."

Gronk was leaving dinner at Craig's in L.A. Wednesday night ... when he was asked how he believes Brady will fare behind a mic when he's finally done playing.

"Tom's gonna kill it," Gronk said. "He knows football like no other. He can break down any player at any time. He'll just present it to the screen, showing the strength and weaknesses. He can talk football like no other."

Rob, who won four Super Bowls with TB12 (3 in New England, 1 in Tampa), was then asked when 45-year-old Brady would retire.

"That dude's a beast. He can go forever," Gronk said, before joking Tom could play to 68.

Brady briefly retired this past off-season, before returning to the Bucs. Unfortunately, TB12 and Tampa Bay haven't been having the season they imagined ... and Tom's future is uncertain.

Of course, the on-the-field struggles come amid off-the-field drama ... leading many to call on the 7x Super Bowl champ to retire at season's end.

If Brady does decide to retire (again), the G.O.A.T., who signed a lucrative $375 million contract with FOX Sports to be their lead analyst, will transition to the broadcast booth.

Tennis legend Boris Becker is a free man -- the world's former #1-ranked player has been released from prison in the UK after serving 8 months for bankruptcy fraud.

The 55-year-old is out earlier than expected -- he was originally handed 2.5 years behind bars in April after being convicted on four charges stemming from his 2017 bankruptcy case ... and the judge said at the time Becker would have to serve half his sentence in jail.

Attorney Christian-Oliver Moser says Becker has returned to his home country of Germany following his release, where he is "not subject to any penal restrictions."

Had Becker chosen to stay in the UK -- where he's lived since 2012 -- he would have faced deportation, according to PA Media.

As we previously reported, Becker was accused of moving large sums of money from his business account after declaring bankruptcy in 2017 ... as well as concealing assets and debts. He was facing up to 7 years behind bars.

UVA running back Mike Hollins says he isn't sure why a gunman opened fire on him and three other football players last month ... explaining this week the shooter was silent during his killing spree -- and had looked "normal" earlier in the day.

Hollins sat down with Michael Strahan on "Good Morning America" ... and gave some insight into the shooter's mindset -- while walking the ex-NFL star through how he was able to survive the terrifying Nov. 13 tragedy.

Hollins said he initially heard the gunshots ring out on the bus as it made its return to UVA's campus following a class field trip ... and he got off in a hurry -- unharmed.

But, he told Strahan that when he realized others weren't following him, he ran back in ... and that's when he said he locked eyes with suspected shooter Christopher Darnell Jones Jr.

"It was just a cold look," Hollins said, adding that the man said "nothing at all" to him. "It was, I don't know, it was just like a numb look."

Hollins said he turned to run again, and was shot in the back.

The football player said he didn't know Jones Jr. -- a former walk-on on the UVA football team -- "at all" ... and added that the guy had given him no indication that was upset earlier in the day.

"I had saw him that morning before we got on the bus," Hollins said. "He was looking normal to me."

Hollins suffered serious injuries in the shooting -- and required multiple surgeries to fix the damage. He told Strahan it wasn't until he came out of his initial surgery two days after the incident that he learned of the deaths of his teammates, D'Sean Perry, Lavel Davis and Devin Chandler.

"I've never cried like that before," he said.

Hollins is expected to make a full recovery.

The threads LeBron James wore as he secured his second NBA Finals MVP can be yours -- but ya better have some serious coin layin' around to pay for it!!

Sotheby's Auction tells TMZ Sports ... the King's Game 7 jersey from the classic 2013 series against the Spurs is hitting the block -- and could come with a price tag of over $3 MILLION!!!

James wore the #6 red and white gear in the first half of the thrilling contest -- the first Game 7 of his NBA Finals career -- and Sotheby's officials say it's "the most valuable LeBron James jersey to ever be offered at auction and among the most valuable jerseys of all time."

Nearly a decade ago, LBJ and the Miami Heat beat San Antonio 98-88 in the finale of the 2013 NBA Finals -- making it James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade's second-straight championship together.

'Bron won his second Finals MVP in the process ... locking in the honor after scoring 37 points and adding 12 rebounds.

"This game ranks as one of the most important performances of LeBron's career, during what has been widely debated as his greatest NBA season," Sotheby's officials said.