TMZ Sports - Page 50

Bill Belichick's girlfriend, Linda Holliday, has taken her Instagram account private after being ripped by "trolls" over her recent comments about Tom Brady.

Seriously.

Here's the deal ... Linda took on a critic on social media following Tom's playoff victory over the New Orleans Saints over the weekend -- minimizing TB12's role in the win.

"Tom didn’t score last night … not once! Defense won that game," Linda said to an IG commenter ... "Were you even watching?"

She added, "[On the other hand] - I’m happy for Tom’s career. Why cant you be?"

Sure, the Tampa Bay defense was solid during the Bucs' 30 to 20 win over the Saints -- but Tom threw for 2 TDs and rushed for 1 ... so yeah, she was a little off there when it came to the stats.

Linda tried to explain herself further ... "I simply meant he scored with the help of his defense. Why all the fuss people?!? Stop the nonsense! Can we all just stop and be happy for Tom for a minute instead of beating me up?!?"

Linda's plea evidently fell on deaf ears ... because she eventually decided too shut down her page after the online hate continued.

"My account will be going private in the next few hours," Linda announced ... I am exhausted by the number of trolls and cruel people who have hammered my social media accounts recently."

"I'm not 'embarrassed' by anything that I've said. In fact, several news outlets understood what I meant about defensive TD's and validated it. BUT, I am tired of trolls!! I'm not sure when it became ok to verbally abuse and harass people on social media. I look forward to staying connected with my personal friends."

Sarah Fuller's used to performing under pressure, but doing it barefoot and in freezing temps was something new as she played a key role in President Biden's Inauguration celebration.

The Vanderbilt University football/soccer player was in Nashville for the "Celebrating America" special and introduced the nation's first female VP, Kamala Harris.

Vanderbilt's associate athletic director tweeted photos of Sarah at a freezing cold stadium recording her intro ... and she showed up in heels.

The AD says Sarah started out shifting side to side in the turf, probably to shake off the nerves -- but then she lost the heels, and once barefoot ... nailed it.

Sarah's intro for VP Harris referenced her own challenges on soccer and football fields. She said, "I faced a lot of challenges as a goalkeeper on the Vanderbilt University women’s soccer team and as a kicker on the football team. But seeing other women break barriers and being first at what they do inspired me and gave me the strength to succeed."

She continued, "and that’s why it is such an honor to introduce a true groundbreaker. And after 232 years of waiting, being able to say these words — our nation’s first woman vice president, vice president Kamala Harris."

Sarah, of course, became the first woman to play in a Power Five football conference when she filled in as an emergency kicker last fall ... and she was also the first woman ever to score in a Power Five game against Tennessee.

Justin Thomas -- one of the biggest stars in golf -- says he intends to enroll in a "training program" to help him be a better person after he used an anti-gay slur on a course earlier this month.

Thomas was on the 4th green during the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Hawaii on Jan. 9 ... when he missed a 5-foot par putt and muttered, "f*****."

Thomas immediately apologized after the round ... saying in a post-play interview, "There’s just no excuse. I’m an adult, I’m a grown man. There’s absolutely no reason for me to say anything like that."

Thomas, though, has faced huge backlash despite the mea culpa ... and on Wednesday, he said he intends to enter a training program to help him learn from it all.

"It’s not a word I use,” Thomas said, “but for some reason it was in there and that’s what I’m trying to figure out -- why it was in there."

“And like I said, it’s going to be part of this process and training program, whatever I need to do, not only to prove to myself but to prove to my sponsors and prove to the people who don’t know who I am that that is indeed not the person I am.”

The 27-year-old golfer declined to elaborate on what the program will entail ... saying only, "Obviously people are going to be a part of that process."

"But what I’m doing I’d like to keep internally and just go through the appropriate steps to get where I need to be and want to be, so people understand that’s not the person I am, the character I like to portray."

Thomas has lost sponsors over the incident ... with Ralph Lauren dropping the golfer last week after having a longstanding relationship with him.

Thomas said he was "upset" over losing the clothing company ... saying he wished they had stuck with him while he worked to fix his issues.

"I spoke with them, along with all my sponsors, and although I apologized, just like it was then it’s an opportunity for me to grow and I felt like it was something we could have done together and gone through that process," Thomas said.

"They just felt like they needed to move on so that’s exactly what I’m doing as well."

Conor McGregor has broken his silence about the multi-million dollar lawsuit filed against him by a woman in Ireland ... claiming he's already been "cleared of all wrongdoing."

The UFC fighter is being sued over an alleged incident that took place on Dec. 9, 2018. The New York Times reports the woman is the same person who accused McGregor of rape.

In fact, the NYT says the woman's allegations involve claims she was roughed up and raped by the UFC star at a hotel penthouse in Dublin.

According to the NYT, the woman claims she rejected McGregor's sexual advances -- but he continued to kiss her and remove her clothes. The woman claims she bit and hit Conor in an attempt to fight him off -- but he grabbed her around the neck and lifted her up 3 times until she stopped resisting.

The next morning, McGregor's friend told her the UFC star had sex with her, the accuser claims. She was later examined in a sexual assault treatment at a hospital and went to the police the following month.

News of the suit being filed broke just days before McGregor's January 23 return to the Octagon to take on Dustin Poirier on Fight Island at UFC 257.

McGregor was asked about the allegations during the UFC pre-fight press conference on Thursday morning --  and defended himself vigorously.

"It's old news," McGregor said of the allegations ... "It was investigated thoroughly over the course of 2 long years and I was cleared of all wrongdoing."

McGregor then changed the subject and focused on his fight against Poirier.

As we previously reported, Conor's rep issued a statement denying the allegations ... explaining, "After an exhaustive investigation conducted by the Garda which, in addition to interviews of the plaintiff, included: interviewing numerous sources, obtaining witnesses' statements, examining closed-circuit footage and the cooperation of Conor McGregor, these allegations were categorically rejected."

"The plaintiff knows the facts contradict the assertions in this lawsuit. Mr. McGregor will dispute any claims and is confident that justice will prevail."

As for the rest of the UFC 257 presser, Conor and Dustin were respectful -- and praised each other a lot. The fought back in 2014 and Conor won in just under 2 minutes into the 1st round.

Justin Fields might not have played for Urban Meyer at Ohio State ... but the ex-Buckeyes star says he doesn't doubt the coach will have success in Jacksonville.

The quarterback just touched down in L.A. at LAX this week ... and when we asked him about the Jags' newest headman -- the 21-year-old had nothing but praise for the coach.

"Coach [Ryan] Day recruited me [to Ohio State] but I mean I've heard great things about coach Meyer and the way he coaches," Field says.

"So, I wouldn't be surprised if he had great success down in Jacksonville."

Of course, there is a chance Fields could end up playing for Urban next season ... Justin just declared for the draft and Meyer has the top overall pick.

Most believe Urban will take Clemson star, Trevor Lawrence, over Fields ... but when we asked Justin if he believed he was the better prospect, he sure seemed to think so.

"I'm not going to put out there what I think makes me better because I don't want to cause any controversy," Fields says. "But, of course, you have self-confidence that you're the best player in the nation."

Conor McGregor is finally acknowledging Jake Paul's existence ... calling the YouTube-turned-fighter a "confused little kid" ... but definitely not shutting the door on a potential fight!!

Jake has been on an all-out blitz to get 'Notorious' to be his next boxing opponent in recent months ... even offering the UFC superstar $50 MILLION to make it happen.

Now, Conor is giving his response to the challenge ... and while it may initially be a huge bummer for the 24-year-old, the dream is most definitely still alive.

"That is what it is," Conor told BT Sports on Wednesday. "We'll see what happens. That's it. He seems like a confused little kid to me, to be honest."

Conor gives Jake credit for his willingness to get in the ring ... but ultimately, it sounds like Paul will be fighting someone else come April 17.

"It's not on the radar at the minute with the young lad," Conor added.

FYI -- McGregor was briefly asked about Jake's fight against Nate Robinson earlier this week and praised the money the event made. But this appears to be his first direct response to Paul's challenge for a fight.

While he may not want to fight Jake, Conor does, however, acknowledge Jake's MAJOR beef with teammate Dillon Danis ... so there's a possibility that fight may eventually happen down the road.

McGregor admits he's looking forward to checking out Jake's bro, Logan, fight Floyd Mayweather next month ... saying TBE looks a bit "fat."

Michael Chandler is making his UFC debut this weekend after years of kicking ass in Bellator ... and the MMA star says he's gunning to give Khabib something "spectacular" -- and entice the retired lightweight champ back to the Octagon.

TMZ Sports talked to 34-year-old Chandler from Abu Dhabi ... and asked about his "dream scenario" -- is it a Conor or Khabib fight??

"I came [to the UFC] for big fights, of course, but I also came here, I want that gold around my waist. Having the gold around your waist, in turn, gets you the bigger fights," Chandler tells us.

And, the guy with the title ... that's Nurmagomedov.

"I would have to say if I had to lean one way, I would go Khabib. You gotta get that title shot. Those are not easy to come by here in the UFC, so I would definitely choose that, but of course they’re all getting talked about after I win my fight Saturday night."

Chandler -- whose beaten guys like Eddie Alvarez and Benson Henderson (twice) -- takes on #6 ranked lightweight, Dan Hooker (wins over Paul Felder, Gilbert Burns) on Fight Island.

Of course, Dana White recently met with Khabib on Fight island ... and said the 29-0 fighter was looking for something "spectacular" from Conor, Poirier, Hooker or Chandler -- in order to consider returning to fight.

"'Spectacular' is always my main objective when I step inside of that cage, and that cage door closes. It's time to work, and I'm always looking for the finish," Chandler says.

From there ... Michael would like to fight Khabib, take his belt, and then book a fight with McGregor.

Boxing star Claressa Shields says America has lots of healing to do ... but she doesn't plan to sit back and watch, telling TMZ Sports she's "absolutely" down to help President Biden.

We talked to Shields on Inauguration Day ... and asked her if she'd consider joining the Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition -- if Biden wanted her.

Her answer ... YES -- because America has a weight problem that needs to be fixed.

"Absolutely. I think that America is one the countries that has the biggest problems with obesity," Shields says.

"And that's all over the world. I think that comes from a lot of the food consumption. I think it's about teaching kids they have choices on what they eat. And what they eat will affect their bodies in the long run."

It's not far-fetched ... the 25-year-old boxer and 2x Olympic gold medalist knows Biden, and is one of the most dominant athletes in the world.

FYI, Trump's council was star-studded ... with Bill Belichick, Mariano Rivera, Herschel Walker, and Johnny Damon -- among others -- sitting on the committee.

We also asked Shields about the significance of Kamala Harris taking the oath of Vice Prez ... especially for young girls across the country.

"You can do anything you wanna do, that's what it says. Anything you wanna be, anything you wanna do. We have representation all over the board."

Shields -- who is fighting on an all-female boxing card on March 5 -- continued ... "All of us women need to come together and support each other and just make 2021, and the years to come, be better years for women."

"We’re always put on the back burner, and it’s time for us to make ourselves be put in 1st place."

Philip Rivers is done with the NFL ... the Indianapolis Colts star quarterback announced Wednesday he's retiring after 17 seasons.

"It's just time," the 39-year-old told the San Diego Union-Tribune. "It’s just right."

Rivers ends his career with a super impressive resume ... he made 8 total Pro Bowls, threw for more than 63,000 passing yards and logged 421 passing TDs.

In fact, some believe the work he put in with the Chargers could eventually one day earn him a bust at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

As for why Rivers -- who had a solid season in his first year with the Indianapolis Colts in 2020-21 -- decided to finally call it quits, he said a growing desire to coach high school football helped him make the choice.

"I can sit here and say, 'I can still throw it. I love to play,'" Rivers said. "But that’s always going to be there. I’m excited to go coach high school football."

You'll recall, back in May 2020, Rivers accepted the head football coach role at St. Michael Catholic HS in Fairhope, AL ... and got emotional explaining why he took the job.

Now, Rivers says he can't wait to get started molding high schoolers ... saying after his retirement, "That’s what I’ve always wanted to do. It’s been growing. I can’t wait."

Rivers added he's "100 percent at peace" with the choice to hang up the spikes.

"A young kid from Northern Alabama who grew up wanting to play pro ball," Rivers said. "I got to do it."

Jake Paul is officially getting back in the ring ... and his opponent is none other than ...

We don't know yet.

24-year-old Paul (2-0) is fresh off his impressive bout against Nate Robinson back in November ... knocking out the ex-NBA star in the 2nd round on the massively successful Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. card.

Paul teased a HUGE announcement leading up to Wednesday ... which ended up being the fight date -- April 10.

Jake says Snoop Dogg will be back on the mic for the event ... and is hoping to make the biggest Pay-Per-View ever.

The YouTube superstar-turned-fighter has been trash-talking guys like Conor McGregor, Bellator fighter Dillon Danis, ex-UFC star Ben Askren and more in recent weeks.

In fact, Paul made a wild video calling out McGregor back in December ... offering $50 million to make the fight happen.

But, Paul isn't ready to spill the beans on who he'll be lining up against come April ... saying he's giving Conor one last chance to sign on for the fight before he moves on to someone else.

Jake even posted vid of a banner flying across Miami on Wednesday ... which read, "Conor McGregor is scared of Jake Paul."

Triller's first event had huge names like Wiz Khalifa, Snoop, French Montana and more ... so it's safe to say it'll be another crazy party this time around.

Arnold Schwarzenegger just got the shot needed 'round the world -- and he was happy to play up some of his best Hollywood lines to make it all the more familiar.

Arnold posted video of himself Wednesday, which shows him pulling into Dodger Stadium to receive his vaccine for COVID. You see him sitting passenger-side in an SUV as a medical staffer sticks with a needle and injects the serum ... Arnold, of course, didn't flinch.

It's funny ... he dropped two famous movie lines of his during his vaccination -- a well-known one from "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" and a more obscure one from "Jingle All the Way." If you're a die-hard Arnold fan, you know both off the top ... but it's unclear if his vaccine giver did.

He tells her to "put that needle down!" as she's injecting him, which is a reference to 'JATW' when he told his schmucky neighbor, Ted, to put the cookies down that he was salivating over. The woman doing the deed didn't seem to respond to it, though 😅

Then came the more iconic Arnold line in the aftermath ... "Come with me if you want to live," which is what the Model 101 Terminator told Sarah Connor in the legendary sequel.

That quote is probably more relevant, but in any case ... AS gives a ringing endorsement of the vaccine, and invites everyone who's eligible to come get one ASAP.

"Boy is getting out of this Dr. Seuss, Monopoly-ass car!"

Hassan Whiteside went IN on Jabari Parker's ride as the Kings prepped to leave for L.A. on Tuesday ... clowning the hell out of the Sacramento star's vintage whip in the parking lot!!

"Where you get that from?" Whiteside asked Parker. "Cat in the Hat? That s*** fuchsia! Fuchsia!"

FYI -- the car is pretty cool to at least SOME people ... it appears to be a light pink, 1950 Chevrolet Carryall that we're sure cost Parker some pretty big coin.

But, didn't matter to Whiteside ... 'cause the grill sesh just kept on going!

"Hey, Jabari!" Hassan said. "You a trendsetter, man. A trendsetter!"

All the guys seemed to love the jabs -- everyone within earshot was cracking up!!

Of course, the Kings could certainly use the levity, they haven't had exactly the best start to the season ... going 5-9 through the first 14 games.

Maybe a little roast sesh is what's needed to turn the tide?!?

By the way, if this all sounds familiar ... it's 'cause it kind of is -- remember just a few weeks ago when Kyle Kuzma cracked on Anthony Davis for his whip?!

Swag has reached the nation's capital -- with Vice President Kamala Harris' nephew-in-law rocking the insanely expensive and rare Dior Air Jordan 1s to the inauguration!!

Social media blew up in epic proportions after the kicks were spotted during Wednesday's historic ceremony in D.C. ... with everyone asking the same question:

Who the hell has this much drip in Washington?!?!

As it turns out, it was the veep's nephew-in-law, Nikolas Ajagu -- the husband of Harris' niece, Meena -- who decided to make a big statement with his kicks.

The case was cracked when Meena was asked on Twitter if her hubby was the man in the Dior Js ... to which she hilariously responded, "Yes smh."

Of course, the Dior Jordan 1s are some of the most highly-coveted shoes on the market right now ... with an average price of $10k on reseller site StockX.

The Dior x Jordan partnership is the first high-end designer brand collab for the Jumpman ... which hit shelves for a limited release back in 2020 with a $2,300 price tag.

Conor McGregor Jr. is already learning the ropes of being super famous ... joining his papa for an incredibly adorable poster signing sesh ahead of UFC 257!!!

3-year-old Conor Jr. has pretty much been following in his MMA superstar dad's footsteps since birth -- from joining him in the gym to wearing stylish designer outfits together.

Conor decided to bring his mini-me along to sign some promo posters ahead of his huge Fight Island bout with Dustin Poirier ... and the kid didn't just sit around -- he got in on the action, too!!

The video is downright precious ... with Notorious walking Conor Jr. through the motions and showing him how to get through the sesh with ease.

Conor absolutely LOVES it ... laughing and smiling from ear-to-ear as his kid signs to the best of his ability.

Now, the big question is -- how much would a Conor McGregor JUNIOR autograph sell for?? Hard to tell, but these posters could very well be the first documented signature of the young boy's life.

FYI -- signed Conor pics ain't cheap. Most cost a couple hundred dollars.

The Golden State Warriors are finally returning to the White House ... courtesy of a one-of-a-kind gift to Vice President-elect Kamala Harris from NBA superstar Stephen Curry!!!

The Oakland native and HUGE Warriors fan is set to become the 49th -- and first female -- VP in the history of the United States on Wednesday ... and Curry came through with an unforgettable present that'll look reaaaally good hanging up in Harris' White House office.

The 3-time NBA champ surprised Harris with a video prior to Wednesday's inauguration ... presenting her with her very own #49 Warriors jersey with a "Madame VP" nameplate and an autographed message from Curry.

Of course, the Warriors' recent championship teams famously boycotted visiting the 1600 Penn during Donald Trump's presidency ... so it'll most likely be the first time any sort of positivity about the Dubs has entered the White House in a LONG time.

"Madame Vice President, I'm not saying you've got to put this up in your office at the White House, but it probably would be a good idea," Curry said in the video.

"Congratulations! Blazing your own path, we are all rooting and supporting you the whole way."

Worth noting -- the Dubs have recently moved to San Francisco, but are paying homage to their former home of Oakland with a special City Edition jersey this season ... which is what Harris received.

The soon-to-be VP pretty much freaked out in excitement over the gesture ... saying, "This means so much to me, you guys."

Curry also showed love for Harris following the results of the election in November ... sending her an autographed Curry #30 jersey. So, yeah, she may need a bigger closet just for her Dubs merch.

Did you know Nick Saban nearly got his ass WHOOPED by two NFL stars during his stint as Miami Dolphins head coach?!

It's true ... according to Jay Glazer -- the NFL insider revealed Tuesday that Daunte Culpepper and Zach Thomas ALMOST came to blows with the coach!!!

Glazer -- appearing this week on "The Herd" with Colin Cowherd -- said it all happened sometime after Saban accepted the Dolphins gig back in 2004.

Glazer explains ... Saban tried to use the same hard-ass tactics in the NFL that he used with college players -- and it all failed miserably!

"Nick Saban, the reason why he didn't make it in the NFL, Daunte Culpepper tried to fight him one day and the security guy stepped in," Glazer said.

"And then I think his final straw is that he questioned Zach Thomas' toughness and Zach almost kicked his butt. That just doesn't work on this level."

Glazer said he's hoping Urban Meyer doesn't follow down the same path as Saban now that he's made the jump from college to the NFL ... explaining the former Buckeyes coach just has to treat his Jaguars players differently.

"I know Urban's not one of those guys who tries to go after you and demean you," Glazer said, "but I said just make sure you don't do any of that on this level. Because it doesn't work on this level."

FYI -- things worked out pretty well for Saban after the failed stop in Miami ... he's won just about every college championship since he left the Fins for Alabama back in 2006.