TMZ Sports - Page 50

Get the Kleenex ready, this will hit ya right in the feels ...

Pittsburgh Steelers rising star Chase Claypool sent an autographed jersey to a 76-year-old fan after learning of the man's recent dementia diagnosis ... and it's emotional.

Claypool -- a rookie WR who's BALLED OUT in recent weeks -- saw a TikTok video that explained the fan's battle ... and Chase was clearly moved by the whole thing.

In the clip, the fan's son explained his dad is "the biggest Steeler fan in the world" ... but is now having trouble remembering players' names on a weekly basis.

So, Claypool decided to send him some BIG love ... writing a personalized autograph on one of his #11 jerseys!!!

"Jimmy!" Chase wrote, "Thank you for being a lifelong Steelers fan!! From Chase."

In the clip, you can see Claypool drove the jersey to the post office himself to make sure the precious cargo arrived on time and safe.

"I hope this jersey can create a long-lasting memory for you and your father," Chase added in the video. "God bless you and your family and go Steelers!"

#Awesome

"Every night I go to sleep I'm like, 'Lord, please, let me like wake up in the morning feeling good.'"

That's Saints star Emmanuel Sanders admitting he's scared to death of his COVID-19 diagnosis ... saying he's extremely worried his condition could deteriorate at any moment.

"Like, I don't want to wake up in the middle of the night and like, can’t breathe," Sanders said on the "17 Weeks" podcast this week. "And like, sh*t just goes south, right?"

"That’s like my biggest fear in watching that sh*t, it intensifies my fears, right?"

Sanders tested positive for coronavirus last Thursday ... and says he's been experiencing some pretty bad symptoms ever since, including fever, body aches and "loopy feelings."

The 33-year-old says his wife also came down with the illness ... explaining she, too, is feeling the effects.

"Like, it feels like we’re glitchy," the NFL receiver said. "Like when I’m walking it feels like if my wife was to talk to me, it feels like I’m skipping a beat every now and then."

"It's like the weirdest sh*t ever."

The Saints placed Sanders on the reserve/COVID-19 list and he missed last week's win over the Panthers. He's already been ruled out of this week's game against the Bears.

Forget the "Drake Curse," Nick Jonas says athletes should be lining up for the "Jonas Blessing" -- a PROVEN theory that the JoBros can help win championships!!!

Patrick Mahomes. Cody Bellinger. Lewis Hamilton.

They all attended Jonas Brothers concerts just MONTHS before they dominated their respective sports.

Coincidence? NICK THINKS NOT!!

"To fully understand this conspiracy, we have to back things up to Sept. 22nd, 2019," Nick says ... "That is the day of the Jonas Brothers show in Kansas City Missouri. You know who was at that show? Patrick Mahomes. Cut to a few months later, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs won Super Bowl 54."

That checks out.

"Next up, Dec 10, Arizona. Who was there you might ask? Oh, Cody Bellinger. Cut to October 27th, the Dodgers win the World Series."

Also, accurate.

"Lewis Hamilton attended the Jonas Brothers concert in Paris on Feb. 22nd. Just last week, he won his 92nd Grand Prix, the most of all time."

SOUNDS SCIENTIFIC TO US!

"The key to success is to come to a Jonas Brother show," Nick explains ... "Basically the reverse of the Drake Curse. Let's call it the Jonas Blessing."

Nick says talent and work ethic are fine and all ... but if you REALLY wanna win, it's about Jonas bangers like "Year 3000" and "Sucker."

"Congrats to all you Jonas-loving athletes who were smart enough to come to a show. You deserve those championships!"

Patriots star James White says his mom is "doing better" weeks after she was involved in a horrific car crash ... but the running back explained it's still "a tough situation."

White's dad was killed and his mom was seriously injured in a horrible wreck in Florida back on Sept. 20 ... and there was some very real concern White's mother wouldn't recover.

But, James told reporters Wednesday she's doing well ... though wrapping her head around her injuries and the loss of her husband has been far from easy.

"She’s progressing physically," White said. "Obviously, a lot going on in her mind and things of that nature, but she’s continued to progress. I’m just trying to be there for her.”

White says even though he can't physically be close to her because of the Patriots' season ... he says he keeps in touch with her often and makes sure he's FaceTiming her as much as possible.

As we previously reported, White missed New England's Week 2 and Week 3 games this season grieving over the car crash ... but he's since returned to be a key player for the Pats.

Melvin Gordon issued an apology to his Broncos teammates and the entire city of Denver for his DUI arrest earlier this month ... saying straight-up, "I am sorry."

The running back was accused of drinking and driving back on Oct. 13 ... after cops say they pulled him over for doing 71 MPH in a 35.

In the police report, obtained by TMZ Sports, the arresting officer claimed Gordon had slurred speech, watery eyes and reeked of booze.

Gordon was eventually hit with 2 DUI charges and a speeding violation over it all ... and, when he spoke with reporters Wednesday for the first time since the incident, he apologized vehemently for the arrest.

"Because of legal things, I haven't been able to publicly go out and say what I needed to say just from me to you guys to put it out," Gordon said, "I am sorry that I was even in the situation."

"I don't want people to feel like, 'Oh, because Melvin didn't say anything or he didn't speak on it, he just don't care. He's not apologetic about the situation.' That's not the case at all."

Gordon continued, "To the people of Denver and everyone I just don't want anyone to feel like I just don't care and, you know, 'Oh, he got his money, he don't care.' I do and not happy that I was in the situation."

"But, it's something I just wanted to let you guys know that you could put out to the people for me."

Gordon -- who signed a 2-year, $16 million contract with the Broncos in March -- is now facing league discipline and could be hit with a suspension this season over the arrest.

The Dodgers are "working closely" with the L.A. County Health Department after Justin Turner tested positive for COVID … and officials are advising an immediate team-wide quarantine.

TMZ Sports spoke with Health Department officials who tell us they've already been in contact with the champs and have issued recommendations on the next steps "to prevent additional exposures."

The Dept. is wishing Turner a speedy recovery ... but reminded the slugger that he -- like anyone who is COVID positive -- MUST quarantine until they beat the virus.

But, they're not just singling out Turner ... the LACDPH says any Dodgers player or staff member "who has been a close contact of a person who has tested positive for the virus for 15 minutes or more over a 24 hour period must quarantine for 14 days."

Since Turner got up close and personal with most of the team during the World Series celebration -- even packing in close for a team photo -- the suggestion is everyone needs to isolate, ASAP.

As we previously reported, the Dodgers boarded a plane and flew back to L.A. on Wednesday.

First the Lakers ... then the Dodgers ... now the Rams?!

Jared Goff is gunning to make it a Los Angeles "three-peat" this season ... telling reporters Wednesday he's eyeing a Super Bowl after L.A.'s basketball and baseball teams won titles.

"These two teams have done it and now it's our turn," the Rams quarterback said. "It's something that we'd like to do."

In fact, Goff says he's already feeling the heat from his Dodgers buds to get it done!!

Goff explained he received a text from Cody Bellinger after the World Series urging him to get the Lombardi Trophy ... "He said, 'It's your turn now.' And I said, 'Absolutely!'"

Lakers star Kyle Kuzma, meanwhile, added in a tweet after the Dodgers championship, "@RamsNFL ....... you know what to do!"

So, could it happen? The Rams were just in the Super Bowl two years ago ... and they're off to a 5-2 start this season -- so maybe!!!

But, don't get it twisted ... Goff ain't getting too far ahead of himself in the hunt for another L.A. ring -- telling reporters it's still WAY TOO EARLY for title talk.

"Asking me about the Super Bowl in Week 8, it's a little early," Goff said with a smile. "We got some games to win and we're very focused on Miami right now."

A Lakers fan blew off his hand during a fireworks accident while celebrating the team's NBA championship -- and dramatic video shows an LAPD officer with medical training rushed to his aid.

It all went down in Los Angeles on October 11, when thousands of people took to the streets to celebrate the Lakers' victory over the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals.

One man apparently suffered a Jason Pierre-Paul-style injury -- with a firework blowing up in his left hand.

LAPD Officer Christopher Gonzalez -- a former Army Ranger -- was on shift that night ... and immediately jumped into action.

"In the blink of an eye, the combat veteran becomes the guardian we train our officers to be," the LAPD says in a dramatic video of the incident.

Body cam video shows Officer Gonzalez remains cool, calm and collected throughout the ordeal -- placing a tourniquet on the man's arm to help slow the bleeding. He also locates other wounds and informs paramedics about the situation when help arrives.

"Left hand is like, gone," the officer says ... "[He's also] bleeding from the right. I couldn’t find a source and .. and he has a 1-inch wound on his left groin that he’s holding gauze over."

Ultimately, the man was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

No word on his current condition but it's clear he was lucky Officer Gonzalez was on duty that night.

Golf legend Jack Nicklaus is officially endorsing Donald Trump -- saying he's "learned to look past" the President's flaws ... including bad tweets.

"I have had the privilege over the last 3-and-a-half years to get to know our current President a little more as his term progressed," the 80-year-old said in a statement Wednesday.

"I have been very disappointed at what he's had to put up with from many directions, but with that, I have seen a resolve and a determination to do the right thing for our country."

Nicklaus says Trump has "delivered on his promises. He's worked for the average person."

Then, Nicklaus addressed some of the controversial and offensive things Trump has said/tweeted over the years -- chalking it up as no big deal.

"You might not like the way our President says or tweets some things – and trust me, I have told him that! But, I have learned to look past that and focus on what he's tried to accomplish."

Jack says he's convinced Trump "has been more diverse than any President I have seen and has tried to help people from all walks of life -- equally."

"This is not a personality contest; it's about patriotism, policies and the people they impact," Nicklaus continued.

"His love for America and its citizens, and putting his country first, has come through loud and clear. How he has said it has not been important to me. What has been important are his actions. Now you have the opportunity to take action."

He concluded, "I strongly recommend you consider Donald J. Trump for another 4 years. I certainly have and have already cast my vote for him."

For his part, Trump liked the endorsement -- saying, "Jack, this is a great honor. Thank you!"

The World Series Champs are headin' to the City of Angels ... with the Dodgers currently on a flight back to Los Angeles.

And, oh yeah, they got the Commissioner's Trophy with 'em!

The travel plans back home were up in the air after star Justin Turner tested positive for COVID-19 during the game ... but most players and family members were able to catch the flight back on Wednesday.

Unclear who all is on the plane -- we're assuming Turner isn't on board -- but players like Alex Wood and Austin Barnes have been documenting some of the trip.

As we previously reported, the league said both the Dodgers' and Rays' travel parties would receive nasal swabs multiple times prior to heading home as a safety precaution.

BTW -- Dodgers co-owner Magic Johnson has already touched down in L.A. on a separate plane.

As for the team plane ... it is decked out in Dodger Blue, newspaper clippings from articles covering the huge win ... and all the Chick-fil-A they can eat!!!

Chris Harrison may have just earned himself a World Series ring from the Dodgers ... after coming in clutch for the players and their wives and girlfriends!!!

The 'Bachelorette' host joined "TMZ Live" on Wednesday and revealed he sent the team an advance copy of Clare Crawley's 'Bachelorette' premiere. Why? Well, turns out the premiere was going up against Game 1 of the World Series.

Check out the clip ... Chris says the ladies -- and some of the players too, we're sure -- didn't want to miss last week's premiere, so he took it upon himself to hook up the Boys in Blue. The players, along with their families, were quarantined in a "bubble" in Dallas since the League Championship series and through the World Series.

Sure, Dodgers star shortstop Corey Seager earned NLCS and World Series MVP hardware ... but maybe Chris should be right up there with Corey?

Chris also talks about Clare's awkward one-on-one date with Zach J., and how it'll all come full circle with next week's episode. As 'Bach' nation knows ... Clare felt uncomfortable after Zach grabbed the nape of her neck after a cringe-worthy kiss attempt.

Donald Trump might lose the election to Joe Biden ... but there's 1 place the prez says he'd never take an L to the former VP -- and that's in a fist fight.

Yes ... this happened.

President Trump was holding a rally in Bullhead City, AZ on Thursday ... when he revealed he once asked Dana White if the UFC honcho believed 77-year-old Biden would make a good fighter.

Here's how Trump says the convo unfolded.

"I don't think Sleepy Joe would be a good fighter. Do you? I asked Dana before. One gentle little touch to the face and he's down. He's down and he wouldn't get up very quickly either, would he?"

Now, this isn't the first time the politicians have talked about scrapping. A few years back, Biden said he'd "beat the hell" out of DT if they were in high school.

Trump addressed Biden's comments from back in the day ... and let's just say he doesn't exactly seem shook.

"Joe Biden, remember he said, 'I'd like to take him to the back of the barn'. Okay. If ever said that to him, they'd say he practices violence. 'The President practices violence.'"

"If you have to fight somebody, that's your dream fight right."

MLB is throwing Justin Turner under the bus -- placing ALL of the blame on the Dodgers star for not following COVID protocol after testing positive during the World Series.

Turner was pulled during the 7th inning of Game 6 on Tuesday and told to isolate -- but MLB says he "emphatically refused to comply" and returned to the field to celebrate after the Dodgers defeated the Tampa Bay Rays.

Turner was seen hugging and interacting with several players, staffers and family members ... at one point he sat down next to Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts (a cancer survivor) without a mask on his face.

MLB is now going hard at Turner for his conduct -- and announcing a full investigation.

"Immediately upon receiving notice from the laboratory of a positive test, protocols were triggered, leading to the removal of Justin Turner from last night’s game," MLB says.

"Turner was placed into isolation for the safety of those around him. However, following the Dodgers’ victory, it is clear that Turner chose to disregard the agreed-upon joint protocols and the instructions he was given regarding the safety and protection of others."

"While a desire to celebrate is understandable, Turner’s decision to leave isolation and enter the field was wrong and put everyone he came in contact with at risk.  When MLB Security raised the matter of being on the field with Turner, he emphatically refused to comply."

MLB says the Commissioner’s Office is beginning a "full investigation into this matter and will consult with the Players Association within the parameters of the joint 2020 Operations Manual."

MLB says players from the Rays and Dodgers were tested directly after the game on Tuesday and again Wednesday.

Travel plans for the teams to return home will be contingent on the results of those tests.

"Travel back to their home cities will be determined after being approved by the appropriate authorities.”

Touching gesture from Chris Jericho ... the AEW superstar donated $2,000 to a man who snapped both his legs performing a stunt in the wrestling ring.

The violent and gruesome injury happened this past weekend ... when amateur wrestler Justin attempted to jump off the top rope of a makeshift backyard ring and onto the mat.

**WARNING -- THIS VIDEO IS VERY DISTURBING AND YOU CAN'T UNSEE IT. PLEASE, REALLY THINK ABOUT IT BEFORE YOU WATCH. **

Shockingly, both his knees gave way and bent backward when he landed ... and his family and friends say he's now in danger of possibly being forced to have the limbs amputated.

In a GoFundMe set up to help offset growing hospital bills ... Justin's family and friends say he's already undergone three significant surgeries and still has at least one more operation coming to try to repair the damage.

Justin's family and friends say his road to recovery is going to be lengthy ... and add all the bills could ultimately grow to over $200,000.

Fortunately, Jericho caught wind of the horrifying accident ... and decided to chip in -- pledging $2K to the cause this week.

"That was so terrible!!!!!" Jericho told us of why he donated.

As for Justin, his family and friends say he's taking the traumatic experience in stride ... writing, "Justin has remained lighthearted in his situation."

Hey, Joe Burrow ... need a better parking spot?? One just opened up for ya!!

NFL star DE Carlos Dunlap is no longer a Cincinnati Bengal ... making the move official by removing his reserved spot at the team facility parking lot on Wednesday.

It was no secret -- Dunlap wanted the hell outta the Queen City ... from shouting matches with coaches, to tweeting about his house being for sale to cryptic Instagram captions.

The 31-year-old finally got his wish by being traded to the Seattle Seahawks just hours ago ... and reflected on his time with the Bengals while taking down his parking lot sign in an IG video.

"Took me years to earn this parking spot and I don't regret not one of them," Dunlap said Wednesday. "years = a decade of service."

It's gotta be a bittersweet moment for Dunlap to leave his first NFL home -- he was a beast on the Bengals D and made 2 Pro Bowls since 2010 ... but Cincy is god-awful this season and he was clearly frustrated.

Now, he joins a 5-1 'Hawks team that's currently leading the NFC West.

No parade will come with the L.A. Dodgers' World Series ring -- at least not yet -- the team says it's postponing the celebration due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Dodgers made the announcement Wednesday ... saying it's just not safe enough to have fans pack Los Angeles streets for a party.

"While the wait for a World Championship is finally over," team officials said, "a celebration worthy of our great fans and the City of Los Angeles will unfortunately have to wait until it is safe to do so."

No makeup date has been scheduled for now ... but the team added, "We can’t wait to celebrate together!”

Of course, the decision to delay World Series celebrations comes just a few weeks after the L.A. Lakers announced they're postponing NBA Championship parade plans as well.

But, there still might be hope for at least SOME kind of joint-title festivities ...

After LeBron James BEGGED city officials for a parade Tuesday night ... L.A. mayor Eric Garcetti said he's open to figuring out something.

"Let's talk," Garcetti told the Lakers superstar. "I'm down for anything safe."

Music to L.A.'s ears!

Now go celebrate SAFELY for now.