TMZ Sports - Page 50

Cam Newton is BAAAAACK!!!!

The New England Patriots have officially activated the QB from the reserve/COVID-19 list ... 12 days after he tested positive for the virus.

Newton was the first Pats player to test positive during the regular season when he popped on Oct. 2.

Newton immediately self-isolated and posted a message on IG saying he would use the time off to get healthy and self-reflect.

Newton missed the Oct. 5 matchup against the KC Chiefs -- a game the Patriots ultimately lost 26 to 10. Brian Hoyer got the start that game for the Pats but was later replaced by Jarrett Stidham.

Several Patriots players later tested positive for COVID after Cam, including practice squad player Bill Murray and star defensive back Stephon Gilmore.

In fact, things got so concerning the NFL postponed the Patriots vs. Broncos game, which was originally supposed to take place this past weekend ... but has since been moved to Oct. 18.

The Patriots are now scheduled to practice again Thursday and Cam is expected to retake his QB1 spot.

The timing couldn't be better for the Patriots -- they're 2-2 and looking to get back in the win column ASAP.

Jerry Harris wouldn't be able to hurt people or pose a threat if he was released pending trial in his child porn case ... at least according to his defense team, which says he'd be cut off from the digital world.

The disgraced star of Netflix's cheerleading docuseries, "Cheer," had a bond hearing Wednesday in Texas, where a judge heard arguments for and against cutting him loose before he stands trial. Currently, he's in custody at MCC Chicago.

Prosecutors have already made it clear they believe Jerry could prey on minors if he bonds out of jail -- they claim he has multiple underage victims thus far, and will likely fall into the same alleged behavior. As we reported, the feds claim he continued targeting minors even after he'd been tipped off about their investigation.

His defense team had a different perspective ... telling the court Jerry wouldn't have access to a phone or the Internet, if released, and he'd have regular check-ins with a psychiatrist.

On that last part ... Jerry's team says he does not possess the mental development of an average 20-year-old but understands the severity of the charges he's facing.

The judge postponed a decision on bond, and, for now, he'll remain in custody.

As we reported ... Harris was arrested last month in Illinois. The feds claim he admitted to many of the allegations against him ... including sexually assaulting at least one minor boy in an unlocked public bathroom during a cheer event.

Two of his alleged victims have also sued him.

Mark Cuban says Delonte West is taking serious steps towards getting better ... and even living it up by going SKYDIVING!!!

As we previously reported, the Dallas Mavericks owner personally tracked down the ex-NBAer in Dallas and put him in a hotel last month ... and offered to provide any treatment necessary to get West back on his feet.

Cuban joined Big Cat and PFT Commenter on Barstool Sports' "Pardon My Take" Wednesday to give an update on West's recovery ... and it sounds like he's doing well!!

"I just got a picture today, he was skydiving -- SKYDIVING," Cuban said.

"He's making progress. I just hope he stays with it. The first couple weeks are tough."

Cuban added ... "Going through rehab and dealing with addiction, that's not easy and dealing with mental illness, that's not easy. So, I hope he fights his way through it."

Cuban also gave a breakdown on how he was able to track down West in Dallas ... which shows just how hard he was willing to work to help.

West has been showing strong signs of improvement this month ... and was horseback riding with a smile from ear to ear last week.

The NFL has officially canceled this season's Pro Bowl game due to COVID -- but the league is "reimagining" ways to celebrate the players.

The game was originally set to take place on Jan. 31 at the brand new Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas (home of the Raiders) ... but NFL officials ultimately decided it wasn't worth the risk.

The league will still allow fans, players and coaches to vote on Pro Bowl rosters -- but they just won't compete in a formal game.

Let's face it, the games aren't really that great anyway.

Instead of a game, the league says it will work with the NFLPA and other partners to "create a variety of engaging activities" for the players.

"This virtual recognition of the season's finest players will provide fans the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of their favorite stars."

As for concerns over the Super Bowl, the league says the big game is still on.

"The NFL and NFLPA's intention is to play a full regular and postseason schedule, culminating at the Super Bowl."

Unclear how the league will address fans, media and the traditional Super Bowl fan experience -- but they've got some time to figure that out.

As for Vegas, the NFL says they won't abandon the city -- announcing the 2022 Pro Bowl will take place at Allegiant Stadium.

"I'd like to talk about the Houston Astros, who are miserable cheaters."

Nebraska U.S. Senator Ben Sasse used time during the Amy Coney Barrett hearing Wednesday to dump ALL OVER the Astros ... and we gotta say, it was funny as hell!!

The 48-year-old Republican was trying to make a point to ACB ... when he went on a long tangent RIPPING Carlos Correa, Alex Bregman and the rest of the 'Stros.

"All baseball fans know the Houston Astros cheat," Sasse said. "They steal signs. They bang on cans. They've done a whole bunch of miserable things historically."

Sasse continued, "They deserve to be punished probably more than they have been."

Sasse was briefly interrupted by Texas U.S. senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn ... but the dude kept on going forward regardless!

Eventually, Ben got to a point ... he said ACB has to turn down people trying to influence her decisions the same way umpires turn away cheating requests from baseball players.

We know ... kind of a stretch, but, hey, we're chucklin'!

By the way, the Astros are just one game away from being eliminated from the postseason ... if the Rays get the W in Game 4 Wednesday night, it's on to 2021 for Houston.

Denver Broncos star Melvin Gordon was busted for driving under the influence and speeding ... TMZ Sports has confirmed.

Records show the case was filed at 1:55 AM on Wednesday morning. The exact time of the bust is still unclear. We're working on it.

According to court records, the running back is facing 3 violations -- speeding at least 25 MPH over the limit, and 2 DUI charges.

Records show Gordon is listed as 6'1", 213 lbs. He is set to be arraigned on November 13.

27-year-old Gordon is fresh off the best game of his Broncos career -- rushing for 107 yards, including a 43-yard touchdown run against the New York Jets.

The Broncos released a statement on the incident ... saying, "We are aware of the situation involving Melvin Gordon."

"Our organization has been in communication with him and is in the process of gathering more details."

Gordon was a 1st round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft and played with the Chargers until the end of the 2019 season.

The former Wisconsin star -- a Heisman finalist in 2014 -- made the Pro Bowl in 2016 and 2018.

In March 2020, he signed a 2-year, $16 million contract with the Broncos.

The New Jersey Devils just made a dream come true for one of their biggest fans ... by selecting a 13-year-old with an honorary draft pick!!

Reilly Hoagland was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis -- a chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system -- at age 4 ... but has remained active on his local hockey team.

The team got wind of Reilly's love for the Devils ... and partnered with Make-A-Wish New Jersey to hook him up with an all-out party for his honorary introduction to the team.

Reilly got his own custom jersey ... and former players Bruce Driver and Grant Marshall and even the mascot all dropped by to visit!!

"On behalf of the New Jersey Devils organization, I would like to welcome you and your family to our family," Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald said in a video message.

"I've heard a lot of amazing things about you, from your speed, your shot, your passion, your commitment — all the characteristics we value as a New Jersey Devil."

"I look forward to seeing you at the rink soon."

Current Devils star Travis Zajac added, "It’s great to have the addition of another New Jersey guy on the team."

"Congrats on your big day and see you at the Rock real soon.”

That's not all -- the team says it will host Reilly at a home game next season!!

Go, Reilly!!

An L.A. man claims he was shot in the face with a rubber bullet at the Lakers championship celebration at Staples Center ... and now the LAPD is investigating, TMZ Sports has learned.

Here's the deal ... Manny Barrientos -- a Van Nuys native who loves photography -- told KTLA 5 he headed out to Staples Center on Sunday night after the Lakers beat the Heat in Game 6 to grab some pics of the downtown L.A. party.

But, Barrientos says when police came to break up the rowdy scene ... he was shot in the mouth by a rubber bullet, which knocked out 8 of his teeth. and destroyed his lip.

"I seen my shirt all bloody," Barrientos said. "And people around me were just like, 'Your lip! Your lip is gone! Your lip is gone!'"

"My lip, it was actually on the floor at one point. A whole little chunk of it was on the floor."

Barrientos says he required emergency care to fix the damage ... and his family has now set up a GoFundMe page to try to help him pay for the medical bills.

Barrientos' family added Manny "didn’t deserve this."

The family notes Barrientos is still in the hospital recovering.

One of the biggest games of the college football weekend may be in trouble ... because the Florida Gators have paused all activities due to a COVID-19 outbreak.

The Gators are scheduled to host the defending champ LSU Tigers on Saturday ... but 19 players and staffers have tested positive over the past few days, according to the Independent Florida Alligator.

Florida AD Scott Stricklin released a statement on the decision to halt all activities ... saying it's "out of an abundance of caution."

"Head coach Dan Mullen has been in communication with football players and their parents, and I have had conversations with the Southeastern Conference office, last week's opponent Texas A&M, and this week's opponent LSU."

He continues ... "These circumstances will be re-evaluated by UF Health and the athletic department's sports medicine staff Wednesday."

The news comes on the heels of Mullen calling for the school to allow "The Swamp" to be at full, 90,000-seat capacity when the Tigers come to town ... claiming fans in the crowd was a big factor in the team's loss at Texas A&M last week.

As for the Aggies ... the team has reported zero new cases since facing off against the Gators last weekend.

So far, the LSU game is still on as of Wednesday morning ... but as we all know, that could change quick.

Story developing ...

Peyton Manning has abs. LOTS OF ABS!!!!

Seriously -- look!!!

The 44-year-old ex-NFL star showed off his washboard stomach during a family beach trip to Miami this week ... and yeah, we're super impressed!!

He also tossed around the football while wading into the water and looked pretty good ... if you like 6'5", 230-pound quarterbacks with a laser-rocket arm.

The 2-time Super Bowl champ was never really known for his imposing physique during his playing days -- but it's pretty obvious he's still knocking out some crunches every now and then, despite being retired for the past 5 years.

Chicken parm ... it's not on the diet anymore?!

Manning hung up his cleats after the 2015 season -- when he led the Denver Broncos to victory over the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50.

Next stop, Canton ... because Manning is finally eligible to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 2021.

Wichita State basketball coach Gregg Marshall says allegations he punched a former player and choked a former coach are FALSE.

It's all part of a new statement Marshall released Wednesday professing his innocence in the wake of an investigation into his allegedly hostile conduct over the years.

As we previously reported, ex-Shockers player Shaq Morris told Stadium that Marshall socked him in the face TWICE for committing a foul during a 2015 practice,

Stadium reported several former players corroborated the incident.

Morris also told Stadium that Marshall also choked assistant coach Kyle Lindsted during a practice in the 2016-17 season.

Now, Marshall is speaking out ... saying the allegations are just not true -- and asserts that he's the victim of attempted character assassination.

"In response to the allegations put forward in the media, I simply state unequivocally that I have never physically struck a player or colleague," Marshall says ... "Allegations claiming otherwise are false."

He added, "It is important that the investigation conclude its work without outside influence. An unrelenting character assassination by a member of the media that repeatedly targets me and my family threatens to undermine the impartiality of the investigation."

"I am devoted to my team and the entire Shocker community. I value my players and believe in their potential."

"If there is any question of my love for my team, it’s my responsibility to do a better job of demonstrating my commitment. I am humbled and proud to serve this university and our community."

UFC fighter Edmen Shahbazyan says the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan has a California connection -- with several of his Armenian friends in Glendale flying back to fight in the war.

... and he's praying they all make it out alive.

FYI, Glendale reportedly has the largest concentration of Armenians outside of Armenia. It's also where Edmen lives and trains.

The 22-year-old prodigy -- who's 11-1 as an MMA pro -- points out the war over the Nagorno-Karabakh region has already claimed many lives. According to reports, between 300 and 500 people have been killed over the past month.

"I'm just praying every day for the best for my Armenian soldiers," Shahbazyan says.

"A lot of young kids, a lot of young soldiers are dying, younger than me. They're like 18, 19 years old! They're going to war and they're not coming back."

Shahbazyan says he's been participating in protests and demonstrations in Glendale -- hoping the world will support his people and help to achieve peace.

Derrick Henry + Josh Norman + Massive Stiff Arm = HILARIOUS INTERNET MEMES?!?!

Yup, turns out the Titans and Bills players had the perfect equation for going viral Tuesday ... 'cause after Tennessee's star threw Norman to the ground with a violent stiff arm -- the Internet lost its mind!!!

The play was insane ... during the 2nd quarter of the Titans' beatdown of the Bills, Henry stretched a run to the outside and met the Buffalo corner in the alley.

And, when the running back threw Josh to the ground like a bag of potatoes ... everyone lost their damn minds!!

Some of our favorite responses???

HILARIOUS!!

By the way, the play ultimately didn't count ... penalties wiped out its gloriousness -- but Henry himself even had to poke some fun at it all after the game!

"I have been doing too many curls," Henry joked. "I have to lay off the arms."

Sorry, Josh.

Vanessa Bryant added another Kobe Bryant tattoo tribute on her body -- inking his name on her foot, along with the rest of their family.

Vanessa went public with the body art on her IG page on Tuesday -- showing the names Kobe, Vanessa, Natalia, Gianna, Bianka and Capri tatted along the outside of her right foot.

The artwork lists their children in the order of their birth.

Vanessa shouted out the artist, Mr. Cartoon (the same guy who tatted a Kobe tribute on Snoop this week) ... thanking him for the work.

"First tatt in @misterctoons new Santa Monica shop. Thank you! #throwback l.a. love #tattooplacement check #KobeVanessaNataliaGiannaBiankaCapri Together Forever."

Vanessa had some Kobe tributes tatted on her body back in February -- but she didn't reveal the specifics of that work.

All she would say is that the work on her wrist was a special message from Gianna -- and there was also a "sweet message" from Kobe on her neck.

She thanked another tattoo artist, Nikki Hurtado, for doing that work.

Drew Brees has channeled his inner George Jefferson ... TMZ Sports has learned the QB's moved on up to a deluxe condo in a sky-high New Orleans building -- and it's awesome!

Sources close to the Saints star tell us the quarterback has purchased a baller unit inside the new Four Seasons New Orleans Hotel & Private Residences in Louisiana.

And, we're told Drew's new pad is coming with ALL the bells and whistles!!

Sources say Brees' spot at the Four Seasons (which is reportedly the priciest development in N.O. history) will come with everything from private access to a bar/lounge to a golf simulator room.

We're also told Drew will be able to swim at the place's 75-foot outdoor pool ... and he'll have insane views of the Mississippi River and the French Quarter from his unit too!

"When I heard The Four Seasons was coming to New Orleans, I jumped at the opportunity to purchase a condominium," Brees said of the place in a statement.

"The Four Seasons is transformative for this city and I’m excited to be part of it. My family and I will always love New Orleans and be proud to call the Four Seasons home."

As for the price ... we're told Brees paid several million dollars for it -- which we know the guy can afford, seeing as he just inked a 2-year $50 MILLION contract in March!

This may go down as the most rim-shakin' gender reveal of all time!!!

NBA guard Austin Rivers and his model girlfriend, Audreyana Michelle, got extra creative when revealing the gender of their baby ... by lobbing a ball to daddy -- and it poofed into a cloud of blue!!

The stunning Audreyana announced the baby on the way just days ago ... with a mirror selfie captioned, "social distancing failed."

Austin got in on the fun, too, saying, "Pretty much lol. Love you baby❤️"

Now, we know the newcomer is a baby boy ... with the couple posting the highlight of a reveal on Tuesday.

"It broke in the hand lol🤷‍♂️but yea it’s a boy. 😍 Blessed," Rivers said.

Austin and Audreyana went public earlier this year ... and have been as inseparable as you can be (considering dude was in the NBA bubble for a bit) ever since.

This is Austin's second child ... his baby boy, Kayden, was born in 2018.

Congrats to the couple!!