TMZ Sports - Page 50

Edgerrin James will be riding in STYLE to the Hall of Fame ... TMZ Sports has learned he's tricked out a classic car for the special occasion -- and it's DOOOOPPEEEE!!!

We're told shortly after Edge learned of his HOF selection this past February ... he handed off a 1975 Chevy Caprice to a body shop in Florida to get it Canton-themed.

And, while it ain't all the way done yet -- it's clear the ride's a BEAST!!

The owner of the body shop tells us damn-near everything on the car is new ... from the HOF wrap job to the 28-inch gold Dayton Wire Wheels.

We're also told the shop replaced the engine with an LS3 supercharged Corvette motor ... so the thing is pretty AND fast!!!

The shop's owner says James is already thrilled with the ride ... and is planning to take it to his induction ceremony -- which has been rescheduled to next August due to COVID.

From there, the shop's owner says James will have the rest of the inductees sign the car ... and then the former Indianapolis Colts great has plans to auction it off.

NBA superstar Joel Embiid and model girlfriend Anne de Paula just welcomed their first child together ... making the surprise announcement Thursday!!

The news comes as a shock to many who didn't even know the couple was expecting ... but the new parents decided to go public as their baby boy, Arthur Elijah de Paula Embiid, made his big arrival this week.

The name is important to the Embiid family -- Joel's younger brother, Arthur, died at age 13 in 2014.

"We are so blessed and fortunate to welcome our little boy in this family," the Sixers center said on Instagram.

And, in true Embiid fashion ... daddy had jokes.

"First of 11 or more? Trying to convince her but I’m not winning so far. I’m just trying to build a soccer team but for real I’m so excited for the future and my life has a new meaning."

"Kudos to @annedepaula_ for being so strong and giving me the Greatest Gift our life can offer #GodisGood"

Embiid and de Paula have been together since 2018 ... and this is their first child together.

The Pac-12 is BACK!!!!

The last remaining Power 5 conference has reversed course and decided there WILL be football in 2020 ... with the Pac-12 voting to start the season in November.

But, that's not all -- basketball and other winter sports are back, too!!

As we previously reported, the Pac-12 unanimously voted back in August to wait until after the New Year to start the football season due to COVID-19 ... with hopes of completing a season in the Spring.

But, a lot has changed since then ... with the Big Ten electing to kick off its season in late October, leaving the Pac-12 as the only major conference with plans to sit out 2020.

The Pac-12's CEO Group held a meeting to re-evaluate the fall and winter sports seasons on Thursday ... and the decision has been made to play a 7-game football season starting Nov. 6 ... and basketball will return on Nov. 25.

"The health and safety of our student-athletes and all those connected to Pac-12 sports remains our guiding light and number one priority,” Pac-12 CEO Group Chair Michael Schill said Thursday.

"Our CEO Group has taken a measured and thoughtful approach to today’s decision, including extensive consultation with stakeholders on the evolving information and data related to health and safety."

Now, there have still been some hiccups with other conferences that have kicked off their seasons -- Notre Dame most recently had to postpone a game due to a COVID-19 outbreak on the team.

One bummer -- the conference says fans will NOT be allowed to attend games until 2021.

Legendary skater Keith Hufnagel -- one of the most influential skateboarders of all time -- passed away earlier this week at the age of 46.

Hufnagel had been battling brain cancer for the past 2 and a half years ... and fought to beat his original diagnosis.

Hufnagel -- who was born in NYC in 1974 -- had a massive impact on the East Coast skating scene in the '90s ... and beyond.

In addition to being a badass on the board, Hufnagel was also the founder of the immensely popular and important skate shop, HUF Worldwide.

"Keith loved skateboarding and the culture around it," the brand said Thursday. "He did things his way and did them for the right reasons. He inspired so many of us across the globe."

"But above anything else, Keith loved and supported the people around him. He would do anything for his friends, family and children. He passionately wanted to see others succeed. And we all loved him for it."

The skate legend is recognized as a streetwear and sneaker icon.

USA Skateboarding released a statement on KH's death, saying ... "We are devastated to hear that Keith Hufnagel has passed away. His impact on skateboarding, both on his board and off it as a designer, brand owner/founder and friend will live forever. Rest in peace, Keith"

Keith is survived by his wife, Mariellen ... and their children.

If you've got Darren Waller on your fantasy team, breathe easy ... the tight end tells TMZ Sports he's DEFINITELY playing Sunday -- even though he's popped up on Las Vegas' injury report.

According to the Raiders, Waller did NOT practice on either Wednesday or Thursday with a knee issue ... and it's got A LOT of people concerned.

After all, Waller was a BEAST this past Monday ... helping fantasy players win their games with his 12-catch, 105-yard, 1-TD performance against the Saints.

But, Darren told us this week there's no need to run out and get another TE to replace him ... 'cause he says despite the practice DNPs -- he'll be ready for the Patriots this weekend.

"Everything's fine," Waller said. "Everything's fine. I will be playing on Sunday."

PHEW!!!

By the way, Darren ain't just giving back to your fantasy team with his talents ... he's also hosting a fundraiser next week for a great cause.

Waller -- whose struggles with sobriety have been well-documented -- is gunning to raise money to help youth avoid battles with drug and alcohol addiction.

NFL superstar Dak Prescott says he can't wrap his head around the Breonna Taylor case ... calling it "simply unacceptable" for officers to not be charged following her death.

"Yeah, that's disgusting," the Dallas Cowboys QB told reporters Thursday. "I don't understand that one at all. There's a lot of things in this country that I don't understand that we're looking at right now."

Prescott emphasized how dire it is to keep up-to-date on issues and be prepared to vote -- and that means doing as much research as possible on candidates to make sure the right people take office to prevent incidents like this from happening again.

"That's one of the biggest things that I'd say we've taken a step as a team, is just trying to talk about that -- the importance to vote, the importance for our voices to be heard throughout our community and to be leaders there."

"But, that's simply unacceptable and I don't understand an officer not behind charged in that case.

The Taylor case was a topic discussed throughout the NFL on Thursday ... with other stars like Odell Beckham and Lamar Jackson expressing their concerns with the announcement.

"It’s crazy we never get justice for serious things on our side of the part," Jackson told reporters. "We’re in America where it should be freedom of speech ... the Land of the Free, but I don’t feel like its been that way for us Black people sometimes."

"It’s just getting tougher," OBJ told reporters. "It’s disheartening ... when you just want justice and it doesn’t seem like that’s going to happen."

It's always sunny in ... Wales?!

Actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are in talks to invest in Welsh soccer team Wrexham AFC ... after a vote by the club's owners was approved Wednesday.

The team -- which is currently owned by its fans -- had previously announced "two extremely well-known individuals of high net worth, advised by credible and professional advisers" were interested in investing in the club.

As it turns out ... those "individuals" were Deadpool and the "It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia" creator!!!

The club held its first round of votes to kickstart the process this week ... and the results were overwhelmingly in favor of the move, with 97.5% of voters (1,223 members) giving their stamp of approval.

So ... what next??

The club released a statement, saying, "In due course, Mr. McElhenney and Mr. Reynolds will put forward their vision for Wrexham AFC and proposal for members to vote on at a second Special General Meeting."

The team previously reported the actors wanted to purchase the club for a "nominal sum" ... featuring an immediate $2.5 million investment.

Reynolds joked about the big news on Twitter ... by responding to an 8-year-old tweet that referenced Wrexham.

Congratulations are in order for Karl-Anthony Towns ... the NBA superstar is out of the friend zone with Jordyn Woods!!!

But, let's be real -- was he ever really IN the friend zone??

As we previously reported, the duo has been spending a lot of time together over the past year -- from hanging at KAT's house to sushi dates at Nobu.

While everyone assumed they were BF and GF, Woods blasted the rumors in August 2019, saying, "Karl is like a brother to me."

But, things are 100% COMPLETELY different now -- 'cause KAT wished Jordyn a happy 23rd birthday on Wednesday with a not-so-brotherly pic (peep the hand placement).

If ya need any further evidence these two are an item, check out the gifts KAT got Woods for her big day -- 2 Birkin bags, a Chanel clutch and an autographed Michael Jordan jersey!!!

The whole party was MJ themed -- Woods turned 23 on the 23rd -- and there was even a cake in the shape of an Air Jordan 1.

KAT capped the whole thing off by sharing a special message for his girl, saying, "Happy BDAY Queen."

Consider this case closed.

The Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr. fight just got a celeb host -- Mario Lopez.

We're told Lopez will be the emcee of the November 28 fight ... introducing the various fighters and tossing to musical acts throughout the evening.

In other words, it's not just a fight ... it's an event.

Sources tell us Lopez will be at the fight venue -- not hosting remotely -- and the production is already taking steps to make sure they adhere to COVID-19 regulations.

Lopez -- along with all of the fighters, trainers, production crew, etc. -- will most likely undergo rigorous testing leading up to the fight to ensure everyone is safe and healthy.

As for the musical acts, we're told producers are gunning for A-list talent and have superstars from the R&B and the hip-hop world lined up ... now it's just about finalizing the contracts.

The event is being put on by Triller -- which is looking to dethrone TikTok as the go-to place for music-driven social media -- so it's obvious why the entertainment portion of the night is so important to them.

As for Lopez, he's a hardcore combat sports fan whose been regularly training at Freddie Roach's Wild Card Boxing Gym in L.A. for years.

"I have the opportunity to combine my passions for boxing with hosting is truly a career milestone, and for it to be at such a legendary event, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I couldn't be more proud to be a part of it," Lopez said in a statement to TMZ Sports.

It's official ... Robert Kraft is now off the hook in his sex spa case, TMZ Sports has confirmed.

Court records show prosecutors dismissed Kraft's 2 misdemeanor charges of soliciting a prostitute ... with officials saying Thursday they didn't have enough evidence to get a conviction.

"Although there was probable cause to make an arrest," state attorney David Aronberg wrote in court docs, "the evidence cannot prove all legally required elements of the crime alleged and is insufficient to support a criminal prosecution."

The news isn't exactly a surprise ... in fact, it was expected after Kraft's team of lawyers successfully argued video of the New England Patriots owner allegedly receiving sex acts inside the Orchids of Asia Day Spa should NOT be admitted in the case.

Judges in the Florida Fourth District Court of Appeal ruled cops screwed up in the way they went about recording inside the Jupiter, Fla. facility by failing to ensure privacy for people getting legitimate massages. So, the footage was not allowed in the case.

With the vid thrown out ... prosecutors clearly lacked a smoking gun -- and were essentially forced to move on.

State officials are expected to break down the decision at a press conference later Thursday.

The Jaguars' yearslong search for a franchise QB is finally over ... so says Jacksonville legend Jimmy Smith, who tells TMZ Sports he has no doubts Gardner Minshew is THAT DUDE!

"He's the bright spot of that team," Smith says. "He has proven that week in and week out."

Minshew has only started 14 games for the Jags since he was drafted in 2019 ... but Jimmy says he's already seen enough to declare the QB a Jaguars cornerstone.

Smith tells us he's actually been following Minshew since he was a high schooler (Jimmy's son's team played against Gardner's) ... and he's convinced the 24-year-old is the real deal.

"He's showing that," Smith said. "The first week, he went 19 of 20. And, you saw [last Sunday] he had three touchdowns. That's awesome."

Through two games so far this year ... Minshew has led the Jags to a 1-1 record and has thrown 6 TDs to just two interceptions to go along with 512 passing yards.

Minshew also has a 115.7 QB rating ... and Jimmy tells us it's all pointing toward Gardner being in place under center in Jacksonville for a long time.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic -- one of the best soccer players on the planet -- has tested positive for coronavirus ... AC Milan announced Thursday.

The soccer club added Zlatan has now been placed in quarantine.

According to the team, swab tests conducted Thursday showed 38-year-old Ibrahimovic was COVID-19 positive.

"The Club has informed the relevant authorities and the player has been promptly placed in quarantine at home," AC Milan said. "All other team members and staff have tested negative."

Zlatan -- who returned to Milan back in December after tearing up the MLS with the L.A. Galaxy -- had been outstanding prior to his COVID test.

Ibrahimovic scored 2 goals in the team's Serie A season opener earlier this week ... and joked afterward he's feeling like Benjamin Button -- AKA aging backward.

Unclear if Zlatan is experiencing symptoms amid his coronavirus diagnosis ... but it seems likely he'll be out of Milan's games for the foreseeable future.

A woman who refused to wear a mask at an 8th-grade football game refused to go quietly -- she fought off a cop, got tased and ultimately ... arrested.

The incident went down at a middle school in Logan, Ohio where fans in the stands, including one who was recording, were shocked as a police officer tried for minutes to arrest the anti-masker. You can hear the woman yelling, "This is bulls***" and "You're not arresting me for nothing. I ain't doing nothing wrong."

Check out the video ... when the woman -- who appeared to have a mask in her back pocket -- kept resisting, the cop tased her in the back ... and finally got handcuffs on her to haul her away.

Some of the other fans were pissed, and voiced their disapproval for the arrest "over not wearing a damn mask." The issue, legally speaking, is ... Ohio has a statewide mask mandate, and that's one of the rules that's allowed organized sports to resume there.

The school's athletic director told the Marietta Times the school hosted 300 fans for the game Wednesday and the only individuals having issues with compliance were the woman who got arrested and her mother.

The NBA, Doc Rivers, Jameer Nelson and the Players Association have actively been trying to get Delonte West help ... this after a new photo surfaced showing the former star hooper in rough shape.

The viral photo -- reportedly taken recently in Dallas -- appears to show the 37-year-old former guard begging for money on the street.

The question has been ... why haven't former players and coaches stepped in and helped West?

As it turns out, TMZ Sports has learned, they've been trying for months.

Multiple sources tell us that the league, NBPA, and Delonte's former coach, Doc Rivers, and former St. Joe's college teammate, Jameer Nelson, and others have attempted to get DW much needed assistance.

FYI, West was the 24th overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft. He played 8 NBA seasons for the SuperSonics, Mavs, Cavs and Celtics ... where he played for Rivers.

West's struggles have been well-documented ... and this isn't the first time photo or video has surfaced that has caused serious concern about West's well-being.

Back in 2016, a fan spotted Delonte outside a Jack In The Box ... and asked him if he was the former NBA star.

West responded ... "I'm not about that life anymore."

Most recently in January 2020, Delonte was captured on video involved in a street fight.

WWE icon Joseph Laurinaitis, AKA Road Warrior Animal, died Tuesday night of natural causes ... TMZ Sports has confirmed. He was 60 years old.

Law enforcement tells us, the wrestling legend -- who was one half of the famous Road Warriors tag team -- passed away at Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach, MO.

We're told cops received a call at around 11:49 PM from Laurinaitis' wife ... but when deputies arrived on scene -- emergency personnel had already declared the ex-wrestler deceased.

Laurinaitis is considered one of the best in-ring performers of all-time -- he wrestled for most of his WWE career with Road Warrior Hawk and won multiple tag team championships as The Road Warriors/Legion of Doom.

He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011.

"RIP Animal,love you my brother," Hulk Hogan said in a statement Wednesday morning. "I know you and Hawk have a lot of unfinished business to take care of! God speed and blessings to your beautiful family,one love4Life."

Laurinaitis' son, James Laurinaitis, was a superstar linebacker at Ohio State who was picked in the 2nd-round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Rams.

Joseph, meanwhile, was known for his face paint and spiked shoulder pads ... as well as his imposing frame -- he was 6-foot-2, 300-plus pounds.

As a team with Road Warrior Hawk (who died of a heart attack in 2003) ... Laurinaitis famously headlined several HUGE WWE events.

RIP

Federal investigators have released close-up photos of Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s plane after it crashed in 2019 ... and it's clear as day, the NASCAR legend is fortunate to be alive.

Dale's jet smashed down on an Elizabethton, TN. airport runway on Aug. 15, 2019 ... and it skidded off through some fencing and came to rest along a local highway.

Junior, his wife, daughter, dog and the two pilots on board were all able to escape the wreckage relatively unscathed ... but in photos of the crash, released by the NTSB on Wednesday, you can see that's miraculous.

The pics show the plane ended up being burnt to ashes ... and in one of the photos, you can see just how far it skidded from its initial landing point to its final resting stop.

Other photos show how parts broke off the plane as it slammed to the ground ... with some wheels and other pieces yards away from the main body.

The NTSB says in its final report the cause of the crash was pilot error ... with investigators writing they believe the plane was coming in too fast to land safely.

In the report, officials say the pilots also didn't brake properly given how fast the plane was traveling into the runway ... and that all led to the violent crash.

Dale Jr. says he suffered a bruised back in the landing ... but otherwise, he and his family had no issues post-wreck.

Lucky, man.