TMZ Sports - Page 50

Rooting for your team to face the Bucs or Packers in the postseason? Better think twice about that ... so says Warren Moon, who tells TMZ Sports that Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers are legit threats to make noise in this year's postseason.

Both guys have had down years, making many believe they'll be layups when Wild Card weekend rolls around later this month. But, Moon says no matter how much the QBs have struggled in the regular season, he believes both dudes have the potential to be very different beasts when the playoffs begin.

When it comes to Tampa Tom, Moon says Brady's experience and competitiveness simply make him a tough out. The Hall of Famer said it's similar with Rodgers and the Pack.

Moon did note he'd like to see Tampa Bay get its running game going if it really wants to get Tom a deep playoff run.

Former "Bachelorette" Hannah Brown says her time on the "Special Forces: World's Toughest Test" was a total nightmare ... but it wasn't due to the crazy physical challenges she had to go through -- it's 'cause Dwight Howard wouldn't stop ripping ass!!

The former Miss Alabama USA is one of 16 celebrity contestants who bravely went through rigorous training exercises -- led by a group of ex-Special Forces operatives -- for the sake of television entertainment ... and she says the experience was incredibly tasking.

"It was probably tougher than it can ever be captured on camera," Brown told TMZ at LAX this week. "It was incredible, but like, incredibly challenging in every way because there's no break."

But Brown says it just wasn't about pushing her body to the limit -- their downtime in the barracks was "probably the worst part" ... thanks to one NBA champion's gas.

"Well, Dwight Howard was across from me farting the whole time," Brown added. "The bathroom situation, it was like 108 degrees inside, it was a lot."

Pulling out all the stops for a Pulitzer, we asked what it was like to handle "business" ... and Brown's description of the setup is pretty rough.

"It was like a bucket, basically, with flies."

Trevor Bauer will in all likelihood pitch during the 2023 MLB season, but it won't be for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The team just announced they've decided to designate the All-Star pitcher for assignment ... meaning his time in Los Angeles is done, and other organizations will have a chance to claim the 31-year-old pitcher.

But, that's unlikely to happen, as any org. that claims Bauer would be on the hook for his immense $22.5 million salary this season.

Bauer wasn't expected to be available for the start of this year ... that is until an independent arbitrator struck down his 324-game suspension, making him immediately eligible to play. All said, Trevor was suspended 194 games.

The decision meant the Dodgers had 14 days to add Bauer to their roster or move on from him.

The team nearly took every available minute available to them, but ultimately went with the expected path.

Bauer hasn't pitched in the MLB since June 2021 ... when a 27-year-old woman accused the MLB star of assault on two occasions in April and May of 2021.

Bauer, who always maintained his innocence, was never charged with a crime. A restraining order sought by his accuser was also denied by a court. Despite some of the wins in court, TB received one of the most severe penalties in baseball history.

Oscar De La Hoya and his wife, Millie Corretjer, are now legally on their way to being officially caput ... TMZ Sports has learned the boxing legend filed for divorce on Friday, over six years after the two split up.

In the docs, De La Hoya listed the grounds for the divorce as irreconcilable differences.

The two had initially met way back in 2000, after the pugilist dipped his toes into the music industry. He reportedly saw Corretjer -- a singer and actress -- in a music video, and got in contact with her about being in one of his own productions.

A short time later, the two fell in love -- and married in October 2001.

They went on to have three kids -- one son and two daughters -- before they went their separate ways in '16.

College football star KD Davis is celebrating the start of his NFL rookie season just a little early ... recently coppin' a diamond-filled shark pendant!!!

TMZ Sports has learned the senior linebacker at University of North Texas hit up Atlanta's "Scoobie Da Jeweler" in December to make a piece that resembled his love of the game.

"He's a shark at what he does," Scoobie told us on Friday, "relentless in his passion for football."

The final piece came out awesome ... you can see the massive pendant looks just like the villain from "Jaws" with its fangs and dark eyes.

We're told the new bling is filled with 35 carats of moissanite diamonds and .25 carats of sapphire for the blue eyes.

Scoobie -- who also made the Kobe and Gianna Bryant pendant for Lamar Odom last year -- tells us he educates players on each metal and stone, so they spend their money wisely.

"I always encourage them to think about general wealth," Scoobie said. "I don't want these players to be exploited into diamonds and be put in a crunch."

Davis led the Mean Green in tackles for three consecutive seasons and was top 10 in the nation with 71 solo tackles this year. He also had 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, and 1 interception this season.

Tristan Thompson's mom has died suddenly ... and Khloe Kardashian is right by his side, offering comfort and support as he navigates a challenging time in his life.

Khloe and Tristan were spotted Thursday touching down in Toronto together in a private jet. TMZ broke the story ... just hours before they landed, Tristan's mom, Andrea, was rushed to a local hospital after suffering a heart attack at home.

Our sources say Khloe joined Tristan on the flight from L.A. to Toronto to comfort him in his loss. We're told Khloe was very close to Andrea, and like Khloe and the Kardashian family always do -- they'll support a loved one in their most difficult time of need.

As you know, Khloe and Tristan have two children together -- their 4-year-old daughter True and a baby boy born in August via surrogate.

Tristan Thompson's mom has died suddenly in Toronto ... TMZ has learned.

Sources with direct knowledge tell us, Tristan's mom, Andrea, suffered a heart attack at home Thursday ... she was rushed to a local hospital where medical experts tried to resuscitate her, but she didn't make it.

Our sources say Tristan left Los Angeles as soon as he could to be with his family in Toronto.

Tristan posted a ton of photos with his mom over the years, it's clear they were very close. He also shared photos of Andrea with his kids -- including his daughter True, who he shares with Khloe Kardashian.

As you know, Khloe and Tristan have two children together, including a baby boy born in August via surrogate.

Peyton Hillis, the former Cleveland Browns star who was on the cover of the Madden 12 video game, was hospitalized after a swimming accident where he saved his kids from drowning.

Peyton remains in the intensive care unit for treatment on his lungs and kidneys, but doctors say his health is improving, according to his uncle.

Meanwhile, Peyton's kids are said to be safe and healthy.

Hillis was in Pensacola, FL when the accident happened, according to reporter Alyssa Orange, who says he was helicoptered to the hospital and remains unconscious in the ICU.

Peyton was on the Madden cover after a breakout season in 2010 and another good year in 2011 with the Browns. Hillis rushed for 1,177 yards to go with 477 receiving yards as a running back in 2010 and scored 13 total touchdowns. He followed with 717 total yards and 3 TDs in 2011 and then made it on the Madden 12 cover, being voted in by the fans.

A 7th-round draft pick out of Arkansas in 2008, Peyton played in 81 NFL games over 8 seasons with the Browns, Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs and New York Giants.

Peyton has not played in the NFL since the 2014 season. He's since gotten into acting and made his film debut last year in the indie thriller, "The Hunting."

The NFL is honoring Damar Hamlin this weekend ... making several grand gestures to support the 24-year-old on his road to recovery.

The league announced Friday all 32 teams will be encouraged to read a special message before kickoff as a unified show of solidarity for Hamlin, who remains hospitalized in the ICU.

A scoreboard graphic of Damar will also accompany the pregame tribute.

The Bills, meanwhile, revealed Friday they'll wear "3" jersey patches on their uniforms when they take on the Patriots on Sunday.

Buffalo personnel will also be donning New Era hats with the number "3" embroidered on them during pregame warmups as well.

On top of that, the NFL will allow teams to outline "3" at each 30-yard line marker in the Bills' signature colors, blue or red.

Andre Reed hasn't rocked his jersey since he retired in 2001, but the Bills legend found an incredibly worthy reason to dust off the old laundry ... the Hall of Famer wanted to show love to Damar Hamlin as he remains hospitalized in critical condition.

Reed, one of the greatest players in Buffalo history, altered his old Bills uni, crossing out the number "8" on the left, leaving just the "3" remaining ... Damar's number.

The Hall of Fame wide receiver also covered "REED" ... and replaced it with "HAMLIN".

Reed didn't just tweak his wardrobe ... he also sent a heartfelt message to the young defender.

"Keeping prayer for you, D. What else can I say, man. The whole nation is behind you, behind your family. We know you were in the dark but now you're coming out the dark. You can see the light so we're so happy for that," the 7x Pro Bowler said.

"Bills nation, Bills Mafia, everybody across the country, we're so ecstatic about the news today. We know you're gonna pull through and keep going. We love you, bro."

Of course, the news Andre's ecstatic about came from Damar's doctors Thursday morning ... when they happily reported Hamlin showed "remarkable improvement" overnight, noting he's "neurologically intact", even after his heart stopped on the field.

Despite the good news, doctors cautioned that Hamlin still has a long road to recovery.

Aaron Rodgers appears to have a new woman in his life -- the Green Bay Packers superstar is reportedly dating Mallory Edens, the daughter of the owner of the Milwaukee Bucks.

The rumors of the 4-time MVP's new romance started to pick up this week ... after the two were spotted sitting courtside together at the Bucks vs. Lakers game on December 2.

Of course, 39-year-old Rodgers is a minority owner of Milwaukee's NBA team ... and he's hit up Bucks games with Edens, 26, in the past as well. Things appeared to be platonic at the time, as the quarterback was dating actress Shailene Woodley.

Things have seemingly left the friend zone now ... as reports say they are now an item. Edens was also present at one of Rodgers' Packers games this season ... decked out in Green Bay merch.

Mallory is the daughter of Wes Edens, the billionaire businessman who is also co-owner of the Premier League club, Aston Villa. She is a model and social media influencer.

Rodgers previously dated Olivia Munn and Danica Patrick ... and was most recently linked to influencer Blu of Earth.

Fun fact -- Edens joined the "TMZ Sports" TV show back in 2019 ... where she talked all things Bucks and modeling.

She also made headlines back in 2019 ... when she shaded Drake by wearing a Pusha T T-shirt during the Bucks vs. Raptors Eastern Conference Finals.

The couple has yet to go "Instagram official" ... but now that the cat's outta the bag, it might speed up their process.

Marcio Freire -- a big wave surfer whose career was so iconic it was featured in the popular 2016 "Mad Dogs" documentary -- is dead after a tragic accident in the water in Portugal.

The Brazilian surfing veteran had been hitting the massive waves at Praia do Norte beach in Nazare on Thursday, practicing his tow-in ... when authorities say he fell off his board.

According to the Portuguese National Maritime Authority, rescuers found the 47-year-old in cardio-respiratory arrest ... and immediately started "resuscitation maneuvers on the sand."

However, Freire didn't make it despite the life-saving attempts.

The surfing world was rocked by the news ... with Nic von Rupp mourning the loss in an emotional social media post.

"We surfed all day, it was perfect, clean, barrels, Márcio was stoked had that huge smile. With that smile is how I’m going to remember him."

Added Hawaiian surfing star Matt Meola in an Instagram post of his own, "Man what a sad day for surfing. Hard to imagine somebody who seemed so big and invincible is gone."

Freire -- one of the three "Mad Dogs" surfers who victoriously rode the "Jaws" wave in Hawaii -- had been seen just moments before his death smiling and enjoying the waves.

Damar Hamlin continues to make giant positive strides -- the Bills' safety is now breathing without mechanical help just days after his heart stopped on the field Monday night, and he's even talking to his family!

The Bills tweeted an update on Hamlin Friday, writing "Per the physicians at UCMC, Damar's breathing tube was removed overnight. He continues to progress remarkably in his recovery."

Hamlin had required a breathing tube to provide him oxygen since going into cardiac arrest ... but no more, and it's a great sign.

On Thursday, two of Hamlin's doctors announced the DB had been communicating with them through writing, and even asked who won the 'MNF' game between his Bills and the Bengals.

The doctors also noted Hamlin made "significant progress" and was "neurologically intact," easing fears Damar's brain was damaged by a lack of air.

Despite Hamlin's improvement, the incident still haunts his teammates. Star QB Josh Allen said the incident keeps replaying "over and over" in his head.

The NFL has since announced they will not reschedule the Bills-Bengals game ... and could now play the AFC Championship game at a neutral site.

Vince McMahon's time away from WWE lasted less than 6 months -- the former boss has returned to his organization's Board of Directors, according to a new SEC filing.

The move comes on the heels of reports McMahon -- the majority shareholder of WWE -- intended to resume his role as executive chairman to help negotiate the organization's next TV deal ... as well as explore a potential sale of the company.

The filing states 77 year old McMahon's return will provide maximum long-term value for all of the stockholders. It also reveals McMahon made changes to the organization's bylaws to ensure any media rights deals or company sales cannot be made without his consent.

With the filing, JoEllen Lyons Dillon, Jeffrey Speed and Alan Wexler have been removed from the board ... and George Barrios and Michelle Wilson will join McMahon as their replacements.

A December 20 letter from Vince to the Board of Directors -- presented as an exhibit in the filing -- states his return had full support of WWE's management team ... including Stephanie McMahon, Nick Khan, Paul Levesque.

WWE released a statement confirming the news.

As we previously reported ... McMahon retired from the company in July 2022 following allegations of misconduct. Reports claimed at the time McMahon agreed to pay "hush money" to several women on WWE's dime. The allegations are currently under federal investigation.

A response email from the board on December 27 shows that it welcomed Vince's return to the board to help with deal negotiations ... but referenced a draft letter agreement in which McMahon would agree to repay "all of the investigation-related expenses incurred by the company," and he would not serve as an "officer, director or employee" of WWE during the government investigation.

If McMahon did not agree to the conditions, the company would sue.

McMahon was pissed with the board's response ... saying if he didn't have direct involvement, he could not support any TV or company sale.

But since he's the majority shareholder, McMahon has the power to get what he wants ... but he says he does not intend to impact the roles, duties or responsibilities of the management team upon his return.

Multiple officials were clearly gravely concerned for Damar Hamlin in the seconds after he collapsed on Monday night ... with new audio revealing at least two first responders pleaded for "everybody" to rush to the scene.

The concerned chatter was heard on emergency radio traffic airwaves at around 8:55 p.m. ... just after Hamlin fell to the turf at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati following a tackle during the Bills vs. Bengals "Monday Night Football" game.

One unidentified official, who appeared to be on the sidelines as the scene unfolded, could be heard in the audio initially saying, "Go ahead and go over to the cot. I don't like how he went down."

Seconds later, the need for urgency became clear ... as another official said, "We're going to need everybody. All call. All call."

The first commenter then added, "Bring everybody! We need an airway doctor, everybody. Bring the cot with the medics."

As we reported, the Buffalo safety went into cardiac arrest on the field ... but, thanks to the quick actions of those who first tended to him, doctors said Thursday he's made "significant progress" and appears to be "neurologically intact."

Further audio revealed multiple other officials helped make requests over the airwaves to coordinate Hamlin's safe and expeditious ride to the UC Health Medical Center in Cincinnati.

La La Anthony is walking back her past comments about only getting 22-year-old suitors -- but she's still on the lookout for a relationship with someone who's her match!!!

We got the highly eligible bachelorette out at LAX, and maybe it was the rain but she wasn't feeling too optimistic about her dating options in the new year.

You might recall, La La was on Alex Cooper's "Call Her Daddy" podcast a few months ago, and dropped a bombshell about only seeing barely legals sliding into her DMs.

She cracked a smile while quoting the late, great Aaliyah in revealing "age ain't nothing but a number" ... but does admit 22 is a bit young for her taste.

Lala has been on the market since filing for divorce from Carmelo Anthony in June 2021 -- ending 10+ years of marriage -- and for what it's worth, her career has been firing on all cylinders since then. Something for her potential dates to consider.

She recently joined 50 Cent's "BMF," has a recurring role in Hulu's "Wu-Tang: An American Saga" and is also slated to star in a couple of movies that are on the horizon.

Translation: She's popping!!! 💅🏽