TMZ Sports - Page 50

Serena Williams is officially OUT of the French Open ... the tennis legend withdrew from the tournament Wednesday, saying she has an Achilles injury that's hurting like hell.

"Struggling to walk," Serena said of the injury. "So that's kind of a tell-tale sign that I should try to recover."

The 39-year-old hurt her lower leg at the U.S. Open in New York earlier this month ... and thought she had given it enough time to heal to be effective in Paris.

But, Williams said during her opening-round victory over Kristie Ahn on Monday, she felt the tendon aching -- and decided to pull out of the event.

"I had to focus on walking straight so I wasn't limping," Serena said. "And, I tried."

The good news ... Serena says she doesn't think the injury will be a long-term thing -- she told reporters she believes 4-to-6 weeks of rest and recovery should do the trick.

"I feel like my body is actually doing really, really well, and I just ran into, for lack of a better word, bad timing and bad luck, really, in New York," Williams said.

"It happened, but my body is actually doing really, really well.”

Conor McGregor is making some major changes in his life ... he shaved his beard!

The UFC superstar has been sporting his trademark facial hair for years -- the last time he fought without a beard was in 2012 in a Cage Warriors match against Dave Hill (Conor won that fight by rear-naked choke).

He grew out the beard for his next fight ... and rocked it in the cage every time since -- including for his 2017 boxing match with Floyd Mayweather.

So, why the new look? Maybe it's one of the "turn the page" things?

After all, Conor is going through a LOT at the moment -- from legal issues in Corsica (where he's accused of attempted sexual assault and indecent exposure) to his beef with the UFC and Dana White.

One thing's for sure ... McGregor is still in insane shape and fans across want to see him fight again ASAP.

Conor has teased a boxing match with Manny Pacquiao and a charity with Dustin Poirier, but it's unlikely either of those will take place without the UFC's blessing, since Conor is still under contract.

NFL lineman D.J. Fluker has brought in extra security to keep both himself and his daughter safe from the child's mother after she was arrested for kidnapping, TMZ Sports has learned.

We're told the Baltimore Ravens lineman has been working with the team to coordinate security in the wake of the arrest -- though it's unclear if the Ravens are footing the bill or just providing guidance.

We're told the team is being very understanding about the situation.

As we previously reported, Fluker's ex, Kimberly Davis, was arrested on Sept. 22 after allegedly kidnapping their daughter during a supervised visit while Fluker was out of town to play the Houston Texans.

TMZ Sports has obtained a photo of the moment Davis was taken into custody.

In his police report, Fluker says he has primary physical custody of the child -- and did not give permission for Davis to take her.

Fluker has also said he fears for his daughter's safety -- and his own safety. He has previously accused Davis of physically assaulting him, claiming she punched him in the nose back in July.

Sources close to the situation tell us Fluker has tried to work with Davis -- but feels she just won't cooperate to amicably co-parent their child.

In other words, he WANTS to have a good relationship and make peace with Davis -- but she's making it very difficult.

In the meantime, we're told Fluker has added extra security to be in place for future visitation with Davis and their daughter because he doesn't want to cut her out of their lives completely.

Scottie Pippen is channeling his inner McKayla Maroney -- saying he's just "not impressed" with the Chicago Bulls new head coach.

FYI, the Bulls just signed Billy Donovan to a brand new 4-year, $24 million contract last week in the hopes Billy can finally help turn the franchise back into winners.

Speaking of winners, Pippen -- who won 6 'chips with the Bulls -- weighed in on the move during an interview with Forbes and man, he's not happy.

"If you’re looking at it from a fan perspective, I’m not impressed with what they did," Pippen said.

"I don’t think that they have made any dramatic changes that are going to change who they are as a team. That’s just my personal opinion. I like Billy Donovan as a person but I don’t think he’s proved anything in the NBA that proves he’s worth investing in and bringing a team up that needs help like Chicago does."

Remember, Donovan coached OKC with 2 MVPs -- Kevin Durant until 2016 and Russell Westbrook until 2019 -- and still came up short from winning the title.

Donovan was 243–157 during his 5 seasons in OKC -- and made the playoffs every year ... though he only advanced out of the 1st round one time.

Pippen says he just doesn't think Donovan has that certain X-factor that will help change the culture in Chicago.

"[The Bulls are] a team that has been struggling for a long time. To me, I don’t see the value he brings to them. He’s going to be a coach but there are a lot of them out there. He didn’t do anything special in OKC that warranted him a second opportunity. That’s just my opinion."

Also worth noting, Pippen used to work for the Bulls as an advisor -- but got fired from his gig back in 2019.

After the move, Pippen took a shot at the Bulls. -- saying, "It's probably a good thing, right? ... I like to associate myself with winning."

2020 just keeps getting better for Patrick Mahomes and his fiancee, Brittany Matthews -- the couple just announced they're having a baby!!

THERE'S JUST NO STOPPING THIS GUY FROM SCORING!!!

The 25-year-old Super Bowl MVP and his high school sweetheart shared the huge news on Tuesday ... posting an announcement pic with a sonogram around Brittany's tummy.

No, we don't know if it's a boy or a girl -- but we do know he or she will be insanely athletic!!!

After all, Mahomes is one of the top QBs in the league and Brittany is a fitness enthusiast who basically lives in the gym.

Brittany posted about the pregnancy on IG -- saying, "Mom & Dad, taking a small detour to the wedding."

Unclear how far along Brittany is -- but usually couples don't go public until around 12 weeks ... which means the baby is likely due around April 2021.

If that's the case, perfect for Patrick since it'll be the offseason and he won't have to worry about missing a game.

As we previously reported ... it's been one helluva year for Mahomes and Matthews -- the QB popped the question earlier this month after his Super Bowl ring ceremony at Arrowhead Stadium.

And, back in July, Patrick signed that historic $503 MILLION contract extension with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Which brings up another point ... did you see the ring on her finger?? It's as big as the pic of the fetus she's holding!!

Patrick's brother Jackson Mahomes has already chimed in on the pregnancy -- saying, "You guys will be the best parents!! CANT WAIT TO BE uncle Jack!!!"

What goes around, comes back around ... even on the ice -- 'cause a former NY Islanders draft pick was rewarded with a goal by the hockey gods after he corrected some refs on a bad call.

Here's the deal ... Anatoly Golyshev -- an Isles' 2016 4th-round pick -- was playing in a KHL game in Russia on Monday when his opponent was called for a tripping penalty.

The refs thought the dude swept Golyshev's legs out from under him ... and were about to reward Golyshev's Avtomobilist squad with a 5-on-3 power play.

But, Golyshev quickly skated toward the refs and told them he had tripped over the puck -- NOT his opponent -- which negated the penalty call.

Obviously, it's a bold move by Golyshev ... the 2-man advantage would've almost guaranteed his team a goal -- a huge deal in a 3-2 game.

Turns out, though, karma worked in Golyshev's favor ... 'cause just seconds after his display of honesty -- he scored a goal!!!

And, even though his team ultimately lost 6-4, he added an assist later in the game too!!!

The woman accused of breaking into Joe Montana's home and snatching one of his grandkids just got slapped with 2 charges that could land her in prison for a long time.

The L.A. County D.A. just charged Sodsai Dalzell with two felonies -- one count of attempted kidnapping of a victim under 14, and one count of first-degree burglary.

According to the docs, obtained by TMZ, Dalzell faces up to 6 years in state prison if convicted of burglary, and up to 11 years on the attempted kidnapping charge.

TMZ broke the story ... cops say Dalzell broke into Joe's Malibu home over the weekend, and took his grandchild out of a playpen where they were sleeping. After being confronted by Joe and his wife, Jennifer, the couple was able to pry the kid away from her ... without any harm.

Dalzell was picked up by cops shortly afterward as she tried to flee the premises.

Prosecutors recommend Dalzell's bail be set at $200,000.

"Cake Boss" Buddy Valastro is sparing no details of his horrific bowling accident, but says the gruesome injury's left him more grateful than ever ... for his family and the doctors who saved him.

Jersey's other Boss joined "TMZ Live" Tuesday to give his account of the freak bowling accident, telling us he's got a long road to recovery ahead due to severe tendon, nerve and muscle damage to his right hand.

Word of warning ... if you're enjoying a piece of cake -- or any food -- right now, finish up before watching Buddy's description of the pinsetter machine impaling his hand.

As we reported ... Buddy was bowling with his fam on their at-home alley and tried to fix the malfunctioning pinsetter. Buddy said the "blunt force" he felt as a metal rod repeatedly rammed through his hand was by far the worst pain he's ever felt.

He also revealed it wasn't just his hand that was severely injured 😬 ... and gushed about the amazing job his family did to free him from the evil machine to get him to a hospital.

As for the road to recovery ... the "Cake Boss" told us it's gonna be a long one -- but he said it's giving him a newfound appreciation for the medical pros doing miraculous work to fix his hand.

Sounds like renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Michelle Carlson can expect a Christmas card, and probably a cake too!

Mark Cuban is personally helping Delonte West get back on his feet ... with the Dallas Mavericks owner picking up the ex-NBA star at a gas station in Texas.

As we previously reported, the former Cleveland Cavaliers guard has fallen on tough times in recent years ... and was most recently seen holding a sign on the street in Dallas last week.

Sources connected to West's family tell us that Cuban -- who had been trying to reach DW on the phone for days -- finally got in contact with Delonte ... who agreed to meet the Mavs owner on Monday in Dallas.

We're told Cuban took West to a local hotel ... while his family formulates a game plan.

Our sources tell us West's circle of fam and friends have been trying desperately to get Delonte to go to rehab ... and he now seems open to the idea.

We're even told Cuban has offered to help cover Delonte's cost for treatment.

FYI, West played for Cuban's Dallas Mavs from 2011-2012.

As we previously reported, the NBA, the NBA Players Association, Doc Rivers, Jameer Nelson and others have tried to get Delonte help in the past.

We've reached out to Cuban and the Mavs for comment ... so far, no word back.

The governor of California has signed a new "Kobe Bryant Law" -- which makes it a crime for first responders to take unauthorized pictures of a dead person at an accident scene.

The measure -- which takes effect on January 1st -- was triggered by the aftermath of the Kobe Bryant helicopter crash ... when 8 local deputies were accused of taking or sharing death pics for unofficial business.

In fact, at least one deputy was accused of using a Kobe death photo to try and pick up a woman at a bar.

But, on Monday, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the bill which will make it a misdemeanor for a first responder to take or share pics from an accident or crime scene for any purpose outside official law enforcement or genuine public interest.

Kobe's widow, Vanessa Bryant, has already filed a lawsuit against the L.A. County Sheriff's Office over the alleged accident photo scandal. She's suing for negligence, invasion of privacy and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Tampa Bay Lightning star Mikhail Sergachev is clearly winning both on AND off the ice ... check out how his GF reacted to his Stanley Cup victory Monday -- she was crying tears of joy!!

Elizaveta Fedotova -- a smokin' hot yoga instructor -- posted footage of her watching her BF win his first-ever NHL championship ... and it's pretty touching.

Fedotova was catching the game on a small laptop ... and when the Lightning sealed the 2-0 victory to give them the series win over the Dallas Stars -- she started bawling!!!

"Simply the best morning this year!" she said in a caption after the win on a photo of a celebrating Sergachev. "My love! My champion."

Fedotova also posted a picture of her FaceTiming with the Lightning defenseman right on the ice after the win ... and it's adorable.

The two have been dating for years ... and they seem to have an amazing relationship -- Sergachev has even posted about how he takes yoga classes with her.

Great time for the 22-year-old, huh?!

Jorge Masvidal is going to battle for Donald Trump in Florida -- campaigning with Donald Jr. this upcoming weekend in the hopes of winning the battleground state.

The 35-year-old UFC star from Miami is scheduled to link up with Don Jr. on Saturday. The plan is to hop on a bus and travel to 3 different rallies.

According to ESPN, the events will go down in Tampa, Orlando and Miami ... with the last rally taking place at the American Top Team (ATT) gym where Jorge trains.

Several other fighters are reportedly planning to attend (ATT is one of the top MMA gyms in the country) -- but so far, it's unclear who's on the guest list.

The rallies are being dubbed, "Fighters Against Socialism" -- and with Mavidal being of Cuban descent, it's a personal issue for him.

Masvidal's father reportedly fled from Cuba in a homemade raft when he was only a young teen to escape communism.

FYI -- Florida -- with 29 electoral college votes -- is a critical state for Trump ... where he is currently down a few points to Joe Biden in the latest polls.

Trump recently praised Jorge at a campaign event last week for his epic knockout of Ben Askren -- and Masvidal was PUMPED the President knew his name.

Masvidal isn't the 1st UFC fighter to campaign for the Prez ... Henry Cejudo, Justin Gaethje AND Colby Covington -- Jorge's former friend-turned-enemy -- recently showed up to a rally for Trump in Nevada.

Ex-NFL star Albert Haynesworth was arrested for domestic violence and disorderly conduct Monday ... after an alleged shouting match with his ex-GF, Brittany Jackson.

Cops were called to the home of Brittany Jackson's current boyfriend in Cleveland, TN around 4:30 PM ... after Haynesworth allegedly showed up unexpectedly and began yelling at both of them.

Jackson claims Haynesworth drove 2-and-a-half hours from his home in Franklin to confront them in person after making violent threats over the phone.

Once police arrived, Brittany and her boyfriend told Haynesworth to stop yelling and cussing ... but the 39-year-old ex-NFL star allegedly continued to cause a scene.

Officials say the former All-Pro defensive lineman did NOT put his hands on either Jackson or her BF ... but broke the law by posing a serious threat of causing bodily harm.

Online records show Haynesworth bonded out of Bradley County Justice Center on Tuesday and is no longer in custody.

It's not Haynesworth's first legal incident with Jackson -- they had a domestic violence incident in 2017 when the 6'6", 350-pounder claimed she "kicked (him) in the nuts."

At the time, Haynesworth also claimed he had called police on Jackson for alleged violent incidents more than 10 times during their 17-month relationship.

Khabib Nurmagomedov wants NOTHING to do with Conor McGregor -- turning down a rematch AND a chance to coach against the Irishman on an upcoming season of "The Ultimate Fighter."

It's all according to Khabib's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, who tells TMZ Sports his client thinks Conor is nothing more than "human trash" and never wants to work with him in any capacity ever again.

Here's the deal ... Khabib is set to fight Justin Gaethje for the lightweight championship on Oct. 24 at UFC 254.

Ali -- who reps both Khabib and Justin -- says Dana White called him up recently to discuss post-fight plans, including the next season of the reality-style competition show, "The Ultimate Fighter."

"Last week, Dana White called me, said Ali what do you think about if Khabib wins, him and Conor will do the 'Ultimate Fighter' on ESPN?"

Ali says the plan would be for Khabib and Conor to coach separate teams of aspiring MMA fighters on the show, which would ultimately lead up to a Khabib vs. Conor rematch in the Octagon.

But, Ali says Khabib wouldn't even consider the idea ...

"Khabib turned it down," Ali said ... "He said, 'This man is a human trash. He’s garbage.'"

"When you touch sh*t, you smell like sh*t. [Conor] hasn’t earned the fight."

Ali says Dana made the same 'Ultimate Fighter' offer to Justin Gaethje if he beats Khabib.

There's more ... Ali also ripped Conor for posting private direct messages between Conor and Dana White on social media.

FYI, last week Conor posted messages from February asking Dana to set up a fight with Justin Gaethje.

Ali says Justin had been gunning for a fight with Conor for YEARS -- but Conor repeatedly turned him down.

By the time Conor finally called for Gaethje, Ali says Justin was already prepping for a fight with Tony Ferguson in May in hopes of earning a title shot with Khabib.

Justin won that fight and got his wish. Ali essentially says Conor missed his window.

Meanwhile, Conor "retired" from MMA back in June -- though nobody really believes the 32-year-old is done.

In fact, Conor has claimed to be putting together a boxing match with Manny Pacquiao in Saudi Arabia in Winter 2020 -- AND he's talking with Dustin Poirier about an exhibition match in Ireland in December.

Since Conor is still under contract with UFC, it seems he would need the organization's blessing to participate in either event ... and from what we're being told, Conor shouldn't hold his breath.

Also, Ali tells us he's been talking with high-powered friends in Saudi Arabia who say Conor would NEVER get the green light to fight there because of the things he's said about Muslims in the past.

Ali even tweeted to Conor calling BS -- saying, "Who the hell advising you you saying you fighting in Saudi Arabia and promoting your proper 12 trash drink Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country they don’t allow alcohol dumb ass."

Meanwhile, Conor is still dealing with legal issues in Corsica stemming from a September incident. He's accused of attempted sexual assault and indecent exposure -- though McGregor insists he's innocent.

Bottom line ... Conor is all over the place with his career. It's unclear exactly what he wants and why he's so out of step with Dana White and the UFC.

NFL lineman D.J. Fluker claims his ex-girlfriend kidnapped their daughter earlier this month -- and he's concerned things could get worse.

Here's the deal ... Fluker claims his ex, Kimberly Davis, was supposed to have a supervised visit with their daughter and Fluker's sister on Sept. 19, while the Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman was away in Houston to play the Texans.

But, Davis allegedly kicked Fluker's sister out of the apartment and refused to return the child back to D.J. Fluker reportedly told Davis she did NOT have permission to keep their daughter overnight but Davis still wouldn't hand over the kid.

So, 29-year-old Fluker called police -- but Davis still refused to return the child.

Finally, cops arrested Davis on Sept. 22 and now she's facing a charge of kidnapping a child younger than 16 years old.

If convicted, Davis faces up to 30 days in jail and a $250 fine. She's since been released from custody.

Fluker told cops he's in "fear for the safety of our daughter" and added, "I don’t feel safe during this time," according to The Baltimore Sun.

Davis was arrested back in July after allegedly punching Fluker in the nose during a dispute. She was charged with 2nd-degree assault for that incident.