TMZ Sports - Page 50

Clemson Tigers star Trevor Lawrence says he's doing great after recovering from COVID-19 ... with the QB telling reporters he's feeling "back to normal" and happy to rejoin the team.

The Heisman hopeful found out he contracted the virus on Oct. 29 ... and experienced symptoms like loss of smell, a headache, and, as he described it, feeling "pretty bad."

But, the 21-year-old is doing MUCH better now ... saying he's back to 100% and ready to suit up against Florida State this weekend.

"I feel good," Lawrence said. "I feel just as good as I did when I left a few weeks ago and back to normal."

Lawrence went 2 full weeks away from the team ... but says he's back in the groove with his teammates.

"Feeling good, getting my timing back with all my receivers and everything. Getting back in the swing of things, but I'm feeling really good."

As for playing through the pandemic, Lawrence says his experience has given him a new perspective on his love for the game ... and he's "appreciative to be back."

Tyson Fury's newest training sesh literally brought the house down -- as the ceiling collapsed while the heavyweight champ was annihilating the heavy bag!

... and the video is pretty great!!

The Gypsy King is gearing up for a fight with undefeated German star Agit Kabayel (reportedly happening in early 2021) -- and he's been busting his ass in his gym in Morecambe Bay to get ready.

But, the 32-year-old took things to another level on Tuesday -- when he rocked the heavy bag so hard, it looked like the sky was falling!

You can see pieces from the ceiling -- where the bag was attached -- came crumbling down on top of the champ, who tried to move out of the way!

At one point, you can hear Fury say, "That coulda come down and hurt me, ya f**kin' idiot!"

Despite the collapse, Fury was still feeling an adrenaline rush and wanted to keep training -- so he simply moved to another bag and kept punching!

After the workout, Fury said the workout was "fantastic" -- noting he's been "absolutely smashing it!"

No lies detected.

Fury defeated Deontay Wilder in their rematch back in February -- but they could face off for a 3rd time in 2021.

Fury has also expressed interest in fighting Anthony Joshua -- which would be awesome.

James Harden and many others in the Rockets' org. all want OUT of Houston ... and it's all reportedly because the team's owner is a big Donald Trump supporter.

NBA insider Ric Bucher dropped the bombshell revelation on "The Odd Couple" podcast this week ... saying Tilman Fertitta's ties to the Republican party and Trump have created a massive divide in the org.

According to Bucher ... players and staffers have disagreed so heavily with Tilman's donations to the Trump campaign -- it's created a straight-up "revolt."

"What I heard is," Bucher said, "and we know how much politics and political position had to do with the boycott and protests during the Bubble -- I'm hearing that Tilman Fertitta’s strong Republican support and donations is one of the things that is contributing to this dissatisfaction."

Bucher added, "There is a revolt here because they look at Fertitta as a guy who supports the current President."

Russell Westbrook has already reportedly requested a trade from the Rockets ... and Harden is said to now want out as well.

The team also jettisoned Robert Covington this week ... while last year's coach, Mike D'Antoni, and last year's GM, Daryl Morey, have already left the squad.

Fertitta -- who bought the Rockets in 2017 for $2.2 BILLION -- has never been shy about his public support for Trump ... he's praised POTUS often, and the two are known to be good pals.

It's the most wonderful time of the year for Dodger fans -- the team has officially announced a drive-thru holiday extravaganza to help celebrate L.A.'s World Series title!!

The team can't currently celebrate with a normal parade through the City of Angels in honor of their 7th championship (thanks, COVID) ... so they came up with a safe way to honor the victory while spreading some holiday cheer at the same time.

Dubbed the "Holiday Festival," the Dodgers say the event will include "a light show, LED video displays, fake snow and interactive displays honoring the Dodgers World Championship and celebrating the holidays!"

The party will take place at the Dodger Stadium parking lot ... but don't get it twisted -- attendees will still be required to wear face masks when their car windows are down (we're looking at you, Justin Turner) ... as well as maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles.

The event starts the day after Thanksgiving (Nov. 27) and runs through Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) ... and tickets go on sale Tuesday.

Wichita State basketball coach Gregg Marshall has officially resigned following an investigation into claims he physically and verbally abused players.

But, he's not leaving empty-handed -- the school says it reached a settlement to pay out $7.75 million to the coach over the next 6 years.

The move is effective immediately. Assistant coach Isaac Brown will take over as interim head coach.

Marshall -- who has previously denied the allegations of abuse -- issued a farewell statement on Tuesday regarding his decision to step down.

"This was a difficult decision, but one I feel was necessary for my family, the university and, most importantly, the student-athletes."

Marshall continued, "I remain grateful for my years spent at Wichita State. I wish to thank the coaches, student-athletes, the university, the community, and all of Shocker Nation for their unending dedication, support and loyalty."

Wichita State athletic director Darron Boatright said the decision to accept Marshall's resignation "is in the best interest of the university, its student-athletes and the WSU community."

As we previously reported, the University launched a probe into Marshall following disturbing allegations from former Shockers players including Shaq Morris -- who claimed the coach punched him in the face TWICE during a 2015 practice.

Six players, who were on the team then, reportedly backed up Shaq's story including NBA's Fred VanVleet who refused to practice the next day until Marshall apologized, which he did.

Morris also said Marshall choked his assistant coach Kyle Linstead during practice in the 2016-17 season.

The 57-year-old coach was also accused of making racist comments to players -- he allegedly made an "Indian howling noise" at Isaiah Bear-Chandler, who is Native American.

Following the Stadium report, Marshall denied all allegations of wrongdoing saying he "never physically struck a player or colleague" -- and attacking the report as "character assassination."

Marshall began coaching the Shockers in 2007 -- and has since led the team to 7 NCAA tournament appearances, including a run to the Final Four in 2013.

History will be made on Monday night when the NFL’s first all-Black officiating crew takes the field for the Rams vs. Bucs game in Tampa Bay.

The league specifically put the crew together to honor the contributions of Black officials, as the NFL celebrates its 100th year anniversary.

Jerome Boger, who is in his 17th year as a league official, will lead the 7-man crew. He'll be joined by umpire Barry Anderson, down judge Julian Mapp, line judge Carl Johnson, field judge Dale Shaw, side judge Anthony Jeffries and back judge Greg Steed.

"This historic Week 11 crew is a testament to the countless and immeasurable contributions of Black officials to the game, their exemplary performance, and to the power of inclusion that is the hallmark of this great game,” said Troy Vincent, NFL executive vice president of football operations.

It's interesting, the Rams and Bucs will be playing in this historic game since the Rams were the first NFL team to reintegrate in 1946 after a 12-year span where NFL owners had banned black players from the league (read about it here) -- and the Bucs are the first team in NFL history with 3 Black coordinators.

Bad news for the New York Giants -- kicker Graham Gano has just tested positive for COVID-19 ... hours after signing a big extension with the team.

The G-Men announced the test results on Tuesday ... and while they did not name Gano directly, multiple reports confirm it is the 33-year-old leg.

"Last night, we were notified that a player tested positive for COVID-19," the team said. "The player was immediately self-isolated, and the contact tracing process was initiated."

The Giants say 2 staff members were sent home after being identified as close contacts ... and the team facility will remain open for the time being.

It's a huge bummer for Gano -- the guy has been damn-near perfect this season -- making 21-22 of his field goals ... and all 16 of his extra-point attempts.

The Pro Bowl kicker was rewarded for his success on Sunday ... signing a 3-year, $14 million extension to stay in NY through 2023.

Even the President of the United States can't escape complaining sports parents!!

... just ask Barack Obama who says he quit coaching his daughter's 4th-grade hoops team after too many parents whined that he gave Sasha's squad an unfair advantage!

Obama spells out the whole thing in his new memoir, "A Promised Land" -- saying around 2010, he realized Sasha's team needed some help and volunteered to take over as head coach along with his personal aide, Reggie Love.

FYI, Love played college basketball at Duke!!

"After observing an adorable but chaotic first couple of games, Reggie and I took it upon ourselves to draw up some plays and volunteered to conduct a few informal Sunday afternoon practice sessions with the team,” Obama says in the book.

Obama says ... during the workout sessions, he and Love drew up plays and worked on "dribbling, passing, making sure your shoelaces were tied" -- you know, the basics.

The good news ... Obama ended up coaching Sasha's squad (which included Joe Biden's granddaughter, Maisy) all the way to the championship game, which they won in an 18-to-16 "nail biter!"

"[We] celebrated like it was the NCAA finals," Obama says.

The bad news ... Obama says other parents from opposing teams complained, claiming their kids were at a distinct disadvantage because they didn't have the leader of the free world on their squad!!

At one point, Obama says Love joked about the opposing parents saying, "They must think being coached by you is something they can put on their Harvard application."

Obama eventually says the bitching became too much -- so he stepped away from the coaching gig and returned to running the country full-time.

Khaos Williams is BLOWING UP right now after that 30-second-knockout of Abdul Razak Alhassan over the weekend -- and he's giving some of the credit to his hip-hop idols.

Meek Mill. Jay-Z. Drake.

"Those guys inspired me," 26-year-old Khaos tells TMZ Sports ... "Every morning I wake up before my fights, I start my day off listening to Jay-Z."

"Y'all just inspired me. Y'all music, it got me through some dark times, it gave me some inspiration when I didn't have the inspiration."

Khaos, who's based in Michigan, is making quite a name for himself right now -- his last 2 fights were insanely violent and lasted a TOTAL of 57 seconds!

He's currently 11-1 and hasn't lost since 2018.

In fact, Dana White described Khaos' knockout of Abdul Razak Alhassan as "one of the most vicious KOs I’ve ever seen in my f**king life."

Khaos says he hasn't met any of his musical idols yet -- but feels like if he keeps winning, there's a chance it can happen.

Broken ribs and a collapsed lung ain't going to hold Drew Brees down for long ... the QB is guaranteeing a quick recovery from his gnarly injuries -- saying his fam is helping!!

The New Orleans Saints star posted photographic proof late Monday night ... showing he's already working on breathing exercises while 3 of his kids tended to his wounds.

"Who Dat Nation," Brees captioned the pic, "I've got the best medical team in the world...will be back in no time!"

The 41-year-old is dealing with some serious ailments ... Brees reportedly suffered 3 broken ribs against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Nov. 8 -- and then he did even more damage to his innards against the 49ers on Sunday.

According to multiple reports, after S.F. D-lineman Kentavius Street landed on Brees during a violent tackle in the 2nd quarter of the Saints' win, the signal-caller broke 2 more ribs and collapsed his lung.

Drew ended up having to leave the game ... and while no timetable for recovery has been given -- most believe the injuries could sideline him for over a month.

Brees had been having a super-efficient season ... completing 73.5 percent of his passes while throwing for 18 touchdowns to just 3 interceptions.

Some good news for Nick Foles -- initial tests show he did not suffer a broken hip on Monday night, despite being carted off the field.

The Chicago Bears QB took a serious shot from Minnesota Vikings defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo during the final minutes of the 4th quarter while trying to put together a game-winning drive.

31-year-old Foles landed hard on his right hip and was obviously in serious pain. He was eventually carted off the field and there was real concern he suffered a season-ending injury.

But, good news by way of NFL Network's Mike Garafolo who says initial tests on Nick's hip are "extremely positive."

"There was no sign of a break in the hip," Garafolo said Tuesday morning on "Good Morning Football."

"The immediate fear was that there was a fracture in the hip, but tests taken at the stadium did not reveal a fracture. So, that is really good news for Nick Foles, at least initially."

Garafolo said Foles will continue to undergo tests, but right now there's hope he can return to face the Packers on Nov. 29 -- following the team's bye week.

As for the other Bears QB, Mitch Trubisky -- he's still recovering from a shoulder injury he suffered in Week 8.

Bears coach Matt Nagy says he's unsure if Mitch will be ready to go by Week 12 against Green Bay.

"I don't know yet about Mitch. I think there's a possibility, but I don't know that for sure," Nagy said Monday night.

"I think it's going to be day-by-day. I don't know if he knows that. So, we'll just keep an eye on that. Obviously, with Nick's status, we'll have to see where that's at as we go."

Any other year, these images wouldn't be a big deal -- people taking turns swiggin' from the Stanley Cup on a Florida beach.

But, we're in a FREAKIN' PANDEMIC -- with numbers surging in FL -- which is why a victory celebration over the weekend is now a major cause for concern.

The party took place at the famous Don CeSar hotel at St. Pete Beach (22 miles from Tampa International Airport) -- where a Tampa Bay Lightning asst. coach got to spend his 1 day with the trophy after the team won the 2020 championship.

The Tampa Bay Lightning tell us the coach who had the trophy that day is Jeff Halpern -- a former NHL player who spent 14 seasons in the league before joining the Lightning as an assistant.

You'd think Halpern would've learned after the backlash from a previous Stanley Cup celebration back in September -- when players passed the trophy around to random fans so everyone could take a drink.

This time ... we're told 44-year-old Halpern hosted a private celebration on the beach with family members and friends. Witnesses say there were about 50 people at the bash and at least 3 different people sipped from Lord Stanley's Cup.

Again, it happens ALL THE TIME in non-pandemic years -- but with COVID numbers on the rise, passersby tell us they were shocked at what they were watching ... because it did not appear anyone was making an effort to clean out and disinfect the Cup between drinks.

FYI, The Florida Dept. of Health reported more than 10,000 new coronavirus cases on Sunday -- the largest increase in months -- along with 29 resident deaths.

So far, the FDH says there have been more than 885k total COVID-19 cases in Florida since the pandemic began -- with more than 17k deaths.

This wide receiver is rockin' custom cleats to honor Alex Trebek on "Monday Night Football" ...

If that were a clue on "Jeopardy!", the answer would be "Who is Adam Thielen?" ... 'cause the Minnesota Vikings star decided to pay homage to the late game show host by wearing the amazing footwear for his game against the Chicago Bears on Monday.

The cleat artist, Dan "Mache" Gamache, posted pics of Thielen's new spikes for the evening ... and they're pretty incredible.

On one of the cleats, there's an image of Trebek with a halo and the dates 1940-2020.

On the other, there's a painted-on, "Jeopardy!"-style answer that reads, "We Will Miss You, Alex" with a price of $19,000 -- a nod to Thielen's #19 jersey number.

"For #MNF pregame tonight my guy @athielen19 will be honoring the legend Alex Trebek who passed last week," Mache said of the cleats on social media.

"I feel like no matter where you were from I feel like Jeopardy was a part of all of our lives in some way."

As we previously reported, Trebek tragically died at 80 years old earlier this month after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer.

Tributes from all over the world have rolled in since his death ... with officials in his hometown of Greater Sudbury, Ontario already kicking around the idea of building him a statue.

Baltimore Ravens center Matt Skura says he's received "hateful and threatening messages" after Sunday night's loss to the Patriots ... and he's begging fans to back off.

The Ravens' comeback against New England was derailed after two crucial bad snaps from Skura late in the game ... which the 27-year-old apologized for in a message to Ravens fans on Monday

"I want to take ownership and apologize for my mistakes in last nights game," Skura said. "I always strive and work to be the best I can be in any and all situations. I appreciate those who have sent encouraging messages to me since the game."

But, Skura says some fans have taken things WAY too far -- insinuating some of the trash talk has crossed a line because it involves his family.

"Please know my family is off limits when it comes to hateful and threatening messages," Skura posted on social media ... "They do not deserve to be scrutinized for something they did not do."

He added, "I want to move on from this and grow so that I'm able to be at my best for the rest of the season."

FYI -- the weather was not on Skura's side Sunday night. There was a heavy rain downpour throughout the game ... making the ball a slippery mess.

But, Skura is ready to put the past behind him ... saying, "Now, it's on to the Titans."

Antonio Brown was named in a police report in Oct. -- after allegedly going berserk at a guard gate stand at his swanky Miami community back in October, smashing a security camera in the process.

It all went down on Oct. 15 at the fancy Hollywood Oaks private community, according to a police report obtained by the Miami Herald.

Brown was reportedly furious that the guard at the security gate wouldn't let a guest inside the community unless AB was physically at the gate to grant access.

So Brown, according to the police report, hopped on his bicycle and sped to the gate where he allegedly went crazy on the guard -- and took out his aggression on a security camera.

According to the police report, Brown cussed out the female security guard -- saying, "Why are you wasting my f***ing time? You need to let my guest through the f***ing gate."

Brown also allegedly threw his bicycle at the arm of the guard gate and then yelled at the property manager -- calling her a "racist bitch."

The Hollywood Police Dept. responded to the scene where an officer says a blue bike was still at the guard shack when they arrived -- jammed between the arm and the motor.

It gets worse for Brown, cops say they reviewed security footage which showed AB smashing the security camera and throwing the bike.

So, why wasn't Brown arrested or charged with a crime?

Cops say in the police report the president of the homeowners association did NOT want to press charges against Brown out of fear the NFL star "may retaliate against her employees."

But, when contacted by the Miami Herald, HOA president Sylvia Berman downplayed the incident and said Antonio has since paid to replace the security camera.

Berman also told The Herald she thinks AB simply had an "emotional reaction" that day -- and then praised him as a "hero" for helping the Tampa Bay Bucs beat the Carolina Panthers this weekend.

As for cops, The Hollywood PD "exceptionally cleared" the case on Nov. 5, according to The Herald ... which means it's unlikely he'll face charges moving forward. Prosecutors say they have not been presented with a case.

Of course, Antonio Brown has been accused of having an explosive temper several times in the past -- it's well documented.

He's thrown furniture off the balcony of an apartment complex, he's berated police and the mother of his children on camera and he was arrested for allegedly physically assaulting a moving truck driver.

In fact, Brown was suspended for the first 8 games of the 2020 NFL season due to his off-the-field behavior.

Brown officially signed with the Tampa Bucs on Oct. 27 and made his debut with the team in Week 9 against the Saints.

Our Bucs sources tell us the team is aware of the alleged incident and is looking into it.

This was no figment of Ed Norton's imagination ... cops shut down a REAL illegal fight club in New York over the weekend -- allegedly turning up guns, drugs and more.

The New York City Sheriff's Dept. raided a commercial warehouse on Coster Street on Saturday night -- discovering more than 200 people packed inside to watch amateur fights at an unlicensed event dubbed "Rumble in the Bronx!"

Officials say 10 people were arrested -- including a man suspected of organizing the event. That dude faces 8 criminal charges including unlawful assembly and conducting a prohibited combat sport.

Officials say cops also seized 2 handguns and a bunch of weed from the event.

Cops issued a statement saying inside the warehouse, they found patrons "drinking alcohol, smoking, hookah, and not wearing face coverings while failing to social distance."

So, bad enough they were at an illegal event -- worse, they were allegedly blowing off all COVID safety measures.

First rule of Fight Club, YOU CAN'T HAVE A FIGHT CLUB DURING A PANDEMIC!!