TMZ Sports - Page 50

"They're not f*cking protesters, they're f*cking terrorists."

Draymond Green gave a passionate speech after the Warriors' game Wednesday night ... eviscerating Trump supporters for their role in the D.C. riots AND the law enforcement officials who appeared to enable it all.

"Storming into a building and busting out windows and carrying podiums and all that other stuff, that's not a protest," the 30-year-old Dubs superstar said. "That's a terrorist attack."

Green was particularly furious over the response to the entire situation ... saying authorities were quicker on the draw when Black Lives Matter protesters hit the streets this past summer.

"It just goes to show the policing system was built against Black people -- Black and brown people," Green said. "And that's the reason those reactions are different."

"That's the reason someone can walk or run or bust their way through or whatever into the Speaker of the House's office and put their feet on the desk like they're sitting at home on her couch and nothing happens."

Green implored lawmakers to create significant changes ... explaining that's the only way he believes real change will come.

Others after the Warriors-Clippers game spoke out about the riots as well ... with Clippers star Kawhi Leonard saying the whole scene demonstrated "the privilege in America."

"Cause if any of us were out there," Leonard said, "I think it would've been tear gas, mace, probably gunshots."

L.A. forward Marcus Morris, meanwhile, said if it were up to him ... he would've canceled Wednesday's Clips game altogether.

LeBron James might have some stiff competition (or a great partner!) if the WNBA's Atlanta Dream does go up for sale ... 'cause Renee Montgomery says she's dead serious about potentially buying the squad too.

"Listen, I'm interested," the WNBA star said on the "TMZ Sports" TV show on FS1 (which she co-hosts). "I think that people talking about it are actually serious. And, I'm actually serious."

Of course, the Dream is NOT for sale at the moment ... but team owner Kelly Loeffler -- who just lost her U.S. Senate run-off election in Georgia this week -- has become a villain in the league, and it's led to speculation a sale could be imminent.

In fact, it seems Loeffler's players would actually prefer that ... 'cause members of the Dream have been so outraged by Loeffler's controversial comments during the Black Lives Matter movement this summer, they openly encouraged people to vote her out of office.

And, if Loeffler does end up selling over it all, LeBron tweeted on Tuesday he was "gone put together an ownership group for the The Dream," adding, "Whose in?"

Apparently, Montgomery is ... with the 34-year-old saying Wednesday, "If everything goes OK, I would definitely be interested."

Montgomery is no stranger to owning orgs ... as we previously reported, the WNBA player -- who played for the Dream before taking a hiatus to focus on social justice issues in 2020 -- co-owns the Beasts team in the new Fan Controlled Football league.

Miami Heat and Boston Celtics players took a knee during the national anthem prior to tip-off Wednesday ... with both teams releasing a powerful message following the Jacob Blake decision and unrest in D.C.

The Celtics reportedly held a players-only meeting during warmups ... presumably to figure out how to address the current status of the country and whether the game would take place.

The result -- a joint statement from both teams explaining their decision to play.

"2021 is a new year, but some things have not changed," the players said in a statement. "We play tonight’s game with a heavy heart after yesterday’s decision in Kenosha, and knowing that protesters in our nation's capital are treated differently by political leaders depending on what side of certain issues they are on."

"The drastic difference between the way protesters this past spring and summer were treated and the encouragement given to today’s protesters who acted illegally just shows how much work we have to do."

Of course, the players are referring to the Trump supporters who broke into the Capitol just hours ago ... breaking through barriers and jumping over walls to enter the building.

Miami center Meyers Leonard was the only Heat player to stand for the anthem (as he did throughout the 2020 season restart in Orlando) ... while every Celtics player elected to take a knee.

The statement continued ... "We have decided to play tonight’s game to try and bring joy into people's lives."

"But we must not forget the injustices in our society, and we will continue to use our voices and our platform to highlight these issues and do everything we can to work for a more equal and just America."

NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe says the violent scene at the nation's capital reminds him of a 3rd world country, not America ... and believes today's events could have a permanent effect on the nation.

"Where are the police?" Sharpe said on Twitter, Wednesday.

"Do we think an all black protest group could’ve stormed the Capitol and not 1 shot fired, no tear gas. Peaceful protestors got pepper sprayed so Trump could hold a Bible upside for a photo in front of church. Yet, I’m told everyone is treated equally in Flag of United States"

Of course, a large group of pro-Trump supporters flooded the U.S. Capitol building -- breaking down multiple barriers and fences -- and making their way to the Congressional Chamber.

Sharpe -- who has been very outspoken about the president in the past -- accused Donald Trump of trying to illegally seize power using violence.

"Pres Trump and his minions are trying a coup attempt. This is sedition. President Trump and a certain numbers of Republican Senators, Representatives have been heading dwn this path for 4 yrs and here we are. I need Black Lives Matter energy from law enforcement"

Sharpe believes there is hypocrisy in the handling of the protests ... claiming if the group was Black, law enforcement would be using stronger tactics.

"Where are the police? Do we think an all black protest group could’ve stormed the Capitol and not 1 shot fired, no tear gas. Peaceful protestors got pepper sprayed so Trump could hold a Bible upside for a photo in front of church. Yet, I’m told everyone is treated equally in Flag of United States"

Shannon isn't the only superstar athlete speaking out ... NBA legends Dwyane Wade and Reggie Miller have also commented on the chaos.

NFL star Dez Bryant also shared a message about the incident.

"I'm just wondering where the tasers and tear gas like they do black people when they are peacefully protesting? Just a thought not that I promote violence and chaos but black people could never come out of that alive"

"I'm hoping real changes can happen for the future of this country 'cause it's an ugly mess right now."

As for Trump, he just released a video asking his supporters to act peacefully, and to leave the Capitol.

Story developing ...

Josh Jacobs is clearly VERY lucky to be alive today ... TMZ Sports has obtained the mug shot from just after the NFL star's car wreck this week -- and you can see he suffered a GNARLY head wound in the crash.

As we previously reported, cops say Jacobs wrecked his ride at round 4:42 AM near the Las Vegas airport on Monday.

And, in new police docs obtained by TMZ Sports, officers say Jacobs smelled like booze when they found him at the crash site.

In the docs, cops claim as Jacobs was explaining to them why he had crashed ... "a moderate odor of an unknown alcoholic beverage" was coming from the Raiders running back's mouth.

Cops say Jacobs was bleeding from a "large laceration" on his forehead as well ... and the officers added the 22-year-old told them he believed he had fallen asleep at the wheel just before the crash.

In the docs, officers say Jacobs was treated for his injuries and was transported to the hospital ... and once there, cops questioned him further about drinking and driving.

Cops say they performed a sobriety test on the NFL player while he was laying in his hospital bed ... but they say he passed that.

Still, officers in the docs claim he "did however have a strong odor of alcohol coming from his person."

Cops in the docs also say at some point during the morning Jacobs admitted to drinking before getting behind the wheel.

Cops claim they also reviewed surveillance video from the crash and believed they had enough to arrest Josh on suspicion of DUI.

For his part, Josh -- through his attorneys David Z. Chesnoff and Richard A. Schonfeld -- denied that he was drunk behind the wheel.

"We intend to enter a not guilty plea on behalf of Mr. Jacobs if he is ever charged," they said in a statement.

TMZ Sports has obtained dashcam footage of Rashard "Hollywood" Higgins' recent traffic stop ... which shows cops ordering the Cleveland Browns receiver to destroy an alleged marijuana joint on camera.

As we previously reported, Higgins and teammate Jedrick Wills were cited for drag racing in Ohio at around 9:30 AM on Tuesday.

In video of Higgins' traffic stop ... you can see a Westlake PD responding officer ask the 26-year-old about his car smelling like weed.

The player told the officers he had smoked in the car the day before ... but in video, you can see one of the cops says he found a joint in Higgins' pocket.

What happens next is crazy ... one of the cops mentions getting busted for weed could be "bad for press" -- so he ordered the player to crush the joint with his foot and kick it into the sewer.

"You guys are celebrities around here, so you don't want that hittin' the news, OK?" the officer said ... adding he'd only hit Higgins with a ticket for drag racing.

Higgins compiled throughout the stop ... and even admitted to cops he's "better than that."

As for Wills, his interaction with officers was much less eventful.

A cop scolded the 21-year-old for the alleged racing ... and Wills admitted he and Higgins were "just being d*ckheads."

Both Higgins and Wills are due in court later this month.

Ludicrous idea from Sean Payton ... the New Orleans head coach wants to test and quarantine 50,000 (!!!) Saints fans so they can safely pack the Superdome for N.O.'s playoff game this weekend.

For real.

The 57-year-old former Super Bowl champ made the revelation on a phone call with reporters Wednesday ... saying he's dead serious about making a virus-free playoff game in Louisiana on Sunday.

"I've brought up the idea of testing 50,000 people and quarantining them in a hotel and having like the most safest Superdome known to man, scientifically,” Payton said.

“Bus them, they’ve tested every day, and you’ve got a COVID-free facility. I think that's possible.”

Payton sure sounded like he's got team officials looking into the idea ... and when asked how progress is coming -- the coach made it clear he thinks it's still a legitimate possibility.

"It can be done," Payton said. "It can be done."

FYI -- the Saints are slated to play the Chicago Bears at 1:40 p.m. PT on Sunday ... and for now, only a limited number of fans (reportedly a cap of 3,000) will be allowed to attend.

So, if Payton's plan is going to work, better get the rapid tests moving ASAP!

If Jake Paul wants to run his mouth and call his older brother a "fake fighter" ... Logan has a simple solution -- "Let's box!!!"

Remember, Jake recently gave his thoughts to TMZ Sports about Logan's upcoming exhibition against Floyd Mayweather ... saying "It's bad for the sport. I think it's just for clout."

Logan is finally reacting to his lil' bro's comments ... and while he mostly takes the high road, he also makes it clear he'll put Jake in his place in the ring.

"I fully support Jake," Paul says. "Whatever drama he wants to stir or create, it really doesn’t bother me. Like, 'Oh, you’re a fake boxer.' Okay. Let’s box, because Jake is the kid that gets beat up by my sparring partners. That's that kid."

Logan admits Jake may have said the comments just to raise hell and get attention ... but either way, he's unaffected by the criticism he's received leading up to the fight against TBE -- even if it's coming from his own brother.

"I've become like rubber sheet metal, dude. In this fight, everyone’s saying a lot of things. And, for good reason. I’m fighting Floyd f**king Mayweather. So I’ve literally become immune to [everything], I’ve heard it all."

One of the biggest critics has been superstar Canelo Alvarez, who told us it was a "lack of respect" for pros to go up against YouTubers in the ring.

"I’m normally a pesto on my pasta type of guy, but today I went with Alfredo sauce."

You heard right ... the sauce is what caused Brooklyn Nets' Jarrett Allen to GO OFF on the Utah Jazz on Tuesday.

The 6'11" Allen usually comes off the bench behind DeAndre Jordan -- but the 22-year-old center got the starting nod on Tuesday and went FULL beast mode!

Final stat line -- 19 points, 18 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 blocks!

Allen even put Rudy Gobert on a poster TWICE --- with the Nets dominating the Jazz in a 130 to 96 victory.

So, what fueled his amazing performance?? Allen says it was all about the pre-game meal!

"Before the games, I’m normally a pesto on my pasta type of guy, but today, I went with alfredo sauce," Allen said post-game.

"So, I really think that was the thing that turned my game on tonight."

Ryan Ayers -- a former Notre Dame college basketball player and later an assistant coach with the team -- has been charged with voyeurism after allegedly shooting multiple naked women without their consent.

Ayers -- who graduated in 2009 -- joined the Notre Dame coaching staff following the 2015-16 season ... but was let go in September without explanation.

Now, prosecutors are going after Ayers -- essentially claiming he's a predator who illegally recorded two different women in compromising positions without their knowledge.

Officials say the images were shot over a 4-year span. Investigator claim they recovered damning evidence from Ayers phone including "various images of naked women where they seem to be unaware that a photo was being taken of them."

"These images include the women in the shower, sleeping on a bed, or in a sexual position."

One of the women told investigators Ayers had shared images of her in a group chat with "the guys," according to documents obtained by the South Bend Tribune.

The woman also told investigators that she learned images of her, taken by Ayers in his South Bend home, had been shared by Ayers in a group chat with “the guys,” documents say.

Ayers was also charged with 1 count of domestic battery stemming from an alleged July 2020 altercation with one of the alleged voyeurism victims. The woman told authorities Ayers hit her in the face during an argument in a car.

For his part, Ayers has denied the allegations in a statement issued by his lawyer.

Clemson fans, break out the Kleenex (and dust off the pom-poms, Jacksonville) -- Trevor Lawrence is officially foregoing his senior season in "Death Valley" to head off to the NFL.

The Tigers' superstar quarterback made the announcement in an emotional video Wednesday morning ... thanking his coaches, teammates and fans for their support since 2018.

"Over the past three years, it's been the most fun ride I've been on," the 21-year-old said. "I'll look back at these last three years and have the best memories."

Lawrence continued, "I really feel like I'm a man now and I'm ready to take on those challenges and just super excited for life ahead. The best is always yet to come, but, man, I'm grateful for Clemson and I'm going to miss it."

It's a big blow for the Tigers ... Lawrence is one of the greatest college football players EVER -- and some thought there was maybe a small chance he could return for his senior season.

Of course, this now opens the door for the Jacksonville Jaguars to draft him with the #1 overall pick this spring ... and they no doubt couldn't be more excited to do just that.

Lawrence is considered one of the best QB prospects to ever come out of college ... with many trusted draft pundits ranking him alongside Andrew Luck and John Elway.

The week from hell continues to get worse for the Cleveland Browns ... this time, wide receiver Rashard "Hollywood" Higgins has been cited for drag racing in Ohio.

26-year-old Higgins -- who has 4 TDs and nearly 600 yards receiving this season -- was pulled over along with another vehicle on Tuesday around 9:36 AM in Westlake, according to an incident report obtained by the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram.

Both drivers were cited for drag racing, TMZ Sports has confirmed.

The report also states a suspected marijuana joint was found in one of the cars, but the report doesn't say who the cops allege it belonged to.

Hollywood jokingly tweeted about the incident Tuesday afternoon, saying, "Foot slipped srry."

"Was tryna get away from Covid," he added.

The Browns released a statement to the Chronicle ... saying, "We are aware of the incident, will gather more information and handle this matter appropriately."

The most recent news adds to the Browns' troubles as they prepare for their first playoff appearance since 2002 -- a COVID-19 outbreak has forced head coach Kevin Stefanski, Pro Bowl guard Joel Bitonio and more to miss this Sunday's AFC Wild Card game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Higgins is due back in court for the case later this month.

Nick Saban's daughter says she's "ashamed" she accused Ohio State of trying to use COVID-19 as an excuse to push back the national championship game ... and now, she's issuing a lengthy mea culpa.

Just minutes after reports circulated that the Alabama-OSU game could be moved from Jan. 11 to Jan. 18 due to a possible coronavirus outbreak on the Buckeyes, the Tide legend's daughter went in on Twitter.

Kristen bluntly implied the Buckeyes were making up tests to try to buy more time for star QB Justin Fields -- who was injured during the team's semi-final game against Clemson.

"If you're not confident to play then SAY IT," Kristen wrote in a now-deleted tweet. "I call BS on the COVID cases. They're just worried about their QB and want him to have more time to heal."

Kristen added, "If he's hurt put in your backup. You didn't see us postpone the rest of the season to wait for [Jaylen] Waddle. BYE."

Predictably, the tweet was met with heavy backlash ... and Kristen wrote out a long note titled "I'm so sorry" just a few hours later.

"The tweet I posted earlier this evening was uncalled for and hurtful," Kristen said. "I made a huge mistake and I apologize. In a moment of frustration, I let my anger get the best of me and acted before thinking."

"I sincerely regret my choice of reckless words. In no way did I intend to undermine the seriousness of the global pandemic and my heart goes out to those it has affected."

Kristen continued, "The health and safety of others is first and foremost and I pray that we all can find peace soon. I am ashamed and embarrassed. I hope you can forgive me."

Kristen's Twitter page was then taken down.

The championship game, meanwhile, is still slated for Monday night despite the reports of a possible outbreak that could sideline an entire position group for Ohio State.

Some of the biggest star athletes in the world are sending their love to Dr. Dre -- from LeBron James to Magic Johnson and many, many more.

"Praying for you my Brother," LeBron posted on social after learning Dre was hospitalized in Los Angeles following a brain aneurysm.

LeBron and Dre go back years -- Bron reportedly partnered with the rap legend back in 2008 to be an ambassador for Beats By Dre, and in exchange Lebron got an ownership stake in the company.

Bron's former teammate, Kendrick Perkins, said in 2020 that LeBron made $700 MILLION when Apple bought the company for $3 billion in 2014.

LeBron never confirmed the windfall personally -- but in 2018, LeBron told Maverick Carter getting into business with Beats by Dre was one of the best business decisions of his life.

Other stars also sent love to Dre -- including Magic Johnson who wrote, "Cookie and I are praying for our friend Dr. Dre to make a full recovery! Get well soon my friend!"

NFL star Russell Wilson -- "Prayers up for Dr. Dre."

Dwyane Wade -- Sending Love and protection to Dr. Dre."

Robert Griffin III -- "Prayers up for Dr. Dre and his family"

"I know y'all scared and sh*t, but let's just make the fight happen for the fans. Let's just do that. Don't overprice yourselves. If y'all believe y'all the best and y'all think that y'all can take this, then let's make the fight happen! Man, don't be p**** about it!"

That's 23-year-old boxing champ Teofimo Lopez throwing down the gauntlet to rivals Ryan Garcia, Gervonta Davis and Devin Haney ... 3 of the sport's youngest, most-talented stars.

TMZ Sports talked to the undefeated, lightweight champ about his next move ... as he plots his return just months after dethroning pound-for-pound king, Vasyl Lomachenko.

"Our goal is to shoot for three fights this year whether it's my mandatory [boxer George Kambosos], Garcia, Haney, Tank Davis, those guys at 135 lbs., that's where our goal is."

22-year-old Garcia (21-0, 18 KO's) beat Olympic gold medalist Luke Campbell Saturday night ... and then demanded a fight with 26-year-old Davis (21-0, 20 KO's), telling us he'll knock out Tank inside 2 rounds.

Why isn't anyone calling out Lopez?? Teo says it's fear.

"It's because they're scared! It's really what it comes down to. They're scared."

Unbeaten Tank Davis, scared?

"Yeah, he is [scared]. He is. He's not scared of the opposition he's facing right now because it's light work. I mean he knocked out a 122 pounder [Leo Santa Cruz]. C'mon yo! I can do the same sh*t and I can do it better, in a better fashion," Teofimo says.

"But hey, I take my hat off to [Davis], he's doing his thing and I congratulate all of them. Haney, Garcia, Tank. But, when it comes to it man, I'm the king of the division. I'm the kingpin!"

Huge breakthrough for Tommy Lasorda -- the Los Angeles Dodgers legend has returned home after spending more than a month in the hospital battling heart issues.

As we previously reported, the 93-year-old former skipper was admitted to a Southern California facility in "serious condition" in mid-November. He required sedation and was put on a ventilator.

Worth noting -- we're told the issues were NOT COVID-19 related.

Lasorda spent 2 weeks in the Intensive Care Unit before beginning rehab at the hospital in Orange County ... and began making strides in recovery.

Now, TMZ Sports has confirmed Lasorda has finally made it back home.

The Baseball Hall of Famer is one of the greatest MLB managers of all-time ... leading L.A. to World Series titles in 1981 and 1988.

He also won Manager of the Year twice -- in 1983 and 1988.

Before that, he was a pitcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1954-55 ... so yeah, the guy bleeds Dodger Blue.