Braves' Marcell Ozuna Arrested for Domestic Violence Cops Allegedly Witnessed ... Granted $20k Bond

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2:05 PM PT -- 5/31 -- Ozuna's been granted a $20k bond and is expected to be released from jail later Monday. He's also been ordered to stay away from his wife, and attorneys for the couple stated in court that they're in the process of divorce.

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8:45 PM PT -- Sandy Springs PD tells TMZ Sports they witnessed Marcell Ozuna grab his wife by the neck and slam her into a wall -- in addition to striking her with his injured arm.

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It’s all part of a bombshell statement issued by the Sandy Springs PD, which confirms the alleged victim is, in fact, Ozuna’s wife

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And, then add: Here is the statement from the police, in full.

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Earlier today at 12:26 PM, Sandy Springs Police Officers received a 911 call requesting they respond to a residence on Windsor Cove regarding an assault in progress. As Officers arrived to the home, they heard screaming coming from inside and noticed the front door wide open. Due to the exigency of the known facts, Officers entered the residence through the open door and witnessed the suspect grabbing the victim by the neck and throwing her against a wall.

UPDATE

Officers were able to immediately take the suspect into custody without further incident. In addition to the strangulation attempts, the suspect also struck the victim with his arm which has a cast from a previous injury. Preliminary investigation has revealed this incident to be domestic related between the suspect and his wife, both residents of the Windsor Cove home.

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The suspect, Marcell Ozuna was arrested and has been charged with the following:

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- Aggravated Assault by Strangulation under the Domestic Violence Act
- Battery under the Domestic Violence Act

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The victim did have visible injuries, but was not transported to the hospital.

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The suspect has been booked into the Fulton County Jail on the above charges and is awaiting prosecution.

Atlanta Braves star Marcell Ozuna was arrested for domestic violence on Saturday ... and is currently sitting in county jail in Georgia.

The 30-year-old outfielder was arrested by Sandy Springs PD (GA) and booked into Fulton County Jail (GA) earlier today for "Aggravated Assault Strangulation" and Battery on a family member, according to jail records.

The records indicate the alleged incident occurred on Saturday. The alleged victim is not identified.

The 2x All-Star -- who was placed on the IL after mangling his fingers at a play at 3rd base earlier this week -- is listed at 6'2", 237 lbs., per jail records.

The Braves -- who signed Ozuna to a 4-year, $65 million deal in 2020 -- issued a statement addressing the arrest.

"We learned of Marcell Ozuna's arrest earlier this evening and immediately informed the commissioner's office. The Braves fully support Major League Baseball's policy on domestic violence which stresses to the fullest that our society cannot and will not tolerate domestic violence in any form," the Braves said.

"Until the investigation is completed, we will have no further comment and all inquiries into the matter should be referred to the office of the commissioner."

FYI, Genesis Ozuna, Marcell's wife, was arrested in June 2020 for allegedly hitting the MLB star in the face with a soap dish.

Originally Published -- 5/29 7:54 PM PT

Naomi Osaka Withdraws from French Open ... Reveals Depression Amid Media Controversy

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3:22 PM PT -- French Open officials say they are "sorry and sad" for Osaka following her decision to withdraw from the tourney, but they wish her the "best and the quickest possible recovery" ... and hope she's back next year.

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FFT President Gilles Moretton adds ... "We remain very committed to all athletes’ well-being and to continually improving every aspect of players’ experience in our Tournament, including with the Media, like we have always strived to do."

Naomi Osaka's decided to withdraw from the French Open and "take some time away from the court" rather than continue to be a distraction for her stance against speaking to the press ... the star tennis player just announced herself.

Naomi says she never intended to ignite a controversy when she cited mental health for skipping media conferences a few days ago, but she believes the best thing for her to do now is quit the tourney so "everyone can get back to focusing on the tennis going on in Paris."

Osaka goes on to explain that she's introverted and suffers from social anxiety, and reveals suffering from "long bouts of depression" since the 2018 U.S. Open and says she has struggled with coping.

Essentially, she's implying that her personal mental health struggles were her reason for skipping press conferences this tourney ... but she acknowledges her announcement created a distraction and will be better left addressing later on.

For that reason, Naomi says she's stepping away from tennis for now but when the timing is better ... she wants to "work with the Tour to discuss ways we can make things better for the players, press and fans."

As we reported ... Osaka was fined $15k after her opening-round win for her no-show at the post-match presser, and was at risk of more fines or even disqualification if she kept it up.

In her withdrawal announcement, Naomi also makes it clear she has no beef with the tennis press that has "always been kind to me" ... and apologizes to any journalists she may have hurt.

Originally Published -- 11:41 AM PT

UFC’s Brandon Moreno Figueiredo’s An Ugly, Dumb A**hole ... Who Wants To Be Conor McGregor

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"JUST WANNA GET THE TITLE"

Brandon Moreno, describe your rival, UFC champion Deiveson Figueiredo.

“I told you, the guy's not really smart,” Moreno tells TMZ Sports ... “He's an asshole and it's fine. I don't care. He's ugly, man the guy's so ugly, my goodness!”

There’s clearly bad blood between 27-year-old Moreno and 33-year-old Figueiredo ... who fought to a draw last December -- an absolute war -- for the UFC Flyweight title.

The fighters are set to square off again as the co-main event at UFC 263 on June 12 ... and we asked Moreno what he’d say to Figueiredo before they scrap for a 2nd time.

“He try to put attention on himself and it's fine. He wants to make some money, he wants to be the next Conor McGregor and you know, I don't really care because I just wanna get title.”

Moreno -- who hasn't lost since 2018 -- says after 16 years in the sports ... it’d be “a dream come true” to be the 1st-ever Mexican champ born in Tijuana.

“Imagine all the hours of discipline, the dedication, the sacrifice I did before, so it's a dream come true. I have the opportunity to change everything."

UFC's Rob Font Gunning For T.J. vs. Sandhagen Winner ... Then A Title Shot

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Rob Font is fresh off the biggest win of his career -- an impressive dub over Cody Garbrandt -- and now the UFC star tells TMZ Sports who he has his sights set on next.

"I'm one fight behind. I really am. We have the champion [Aljamain Sterling], he's got to obviously do the rematch with Petr Yan and then you have Cory Sandhagen vs. T.J. Dillashaw that needs to happen."

The 33-year-old, #3 ranked bantamweight fighter continued ... "I feel like the winner of that fight, I fight and then we eventually fight for the belt."

Rob -- with a professional record of 19-4 -- was super impressive last Saturday night at UFC Fight Night, beating the former 135 lb. champ via unanimous decision.

As far as Cory and T.J. ... the men are fighting June 24. It'll be Dillashaw's 1st fight back after a 2-year suspension for a doping violation.

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PIZZA CHANGED MY LIFE

We also asked Rob whether he's been in contact with the guys who got him into MMA.

He says he hasn't talked to them, but he's trying to reach them -- and has a message for the guys.

If you're unfamiliar with his origin story ... Font was 24 years old and delivering pizzas, when he brought food to a house and saw some dudes doing Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

He was interested in the sport, so he joined a BJJ gym.

Fast-forward a decade ... and Font's on the verge of getting a title shot.

Naomi Osaka Responds to $15k fine at French Open Follows Thru on Media Snub

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Naomi Osaka doesn't seem to be sweating a hefty fine she's been issued after following through on her promise to skip the media after her matches at the French Open.

The star tennis player took to Twitter Sunday in response to news that FO officials had dinged her a whopping $15,000 for refusing to hit a post-match press conference after her opening-round win against Patricia Maria Tig ... which is standard practice.

She kept it brief and somewhat cryptic, writing ... "anger is a lack of understanding. change makes people uncomfortable." In our minds, that means she ain't gonna bend.

That's quite a gamble for Naomi ... because organizers of the tourney say if she continues to blow off questions after playing, she risks even more fines ... and, eventually, potentially being disqualified from the French Open altogether. Not just that, but she could even be suspended from future Grand Slam tournaments -- so there's a lot riding on this decision.

As we reported ... Naomi had already given everyone a heads up ahead of the start of this that she wouldn't be participating in any media events, citing mental health concerns.

Some have praised Naomi for standing firm on this issue and speaking out on behalf of pro athletes' well-being, noting that if this is really about the sport (in this case, tennis) ... then what difference does it make if they don't talk to reporters after the fact???

Of course, the other side of that is ... this is part of the package athletes sign up for when they go pro, and refusing to face the media -- for whatever reason -- sets a bad precedent.

Moto3 Rider Jason Dupasquier Dead at 19 ... After Fatal Crash

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Jason Dupasquier, a 19-year-old Swiss Moto3 rider, died after a terrible accident during a qualifying session for the Italian Grand Prix.

Dupasquier and several other riders crashed into each other between turns 9 and 10. The accident was horrifying, as riders flew off their bikes with the momentum propelling one of them a long distance. EMTs immediately descended on the scene.

Officials explained, "FIM Medical Intervention Vehicles arrived at the site immediately and the Swiss rider was attended to on track before being transferred by medical helicopter, in a stable state, to Careggi Hospital in Florence."

The statement goes on ... "Despite the best efforts of circuit medical staff and all those subsequently attending to the Swiss rider, the hospital has announced that Dupasquier has sadly succumbed to his injuries."

Dupasquier was ranked 12th in the standing.

He was 19.

RIP

YouTuber Austin McBroom I Shut Down Rodeo Drive!!! And I'm Gonna Bash Bryce Hall's Face In!!!

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YouTube star Austin McBroom staged a wild event in Bev Hills Saturday ... and he had a target in mind -- fellow TikToker Bryce Hall.

Austin told his fans on social he'd meet up with them on Rodeo Drive at around 4 PM. There was no question hundreds of fans would flock to the pricey stretch of road ... and that's exactly what they did.

The scene was crazy ... Austin displayed a piñata with Bryce Hall's face on it ... and there's a reason. Austin and Bryce are going to square off in a fight June 12 in Miami at Hard Rock Stadium, and it's clear they're both out for blood.

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TIK TOK TUSSLE

You may have seen ... the 2 got into it in what turned into a massive brawl earlier this month at Fred Segal's in L.A.

As for Rodeo Drive ... they hoisted the pinata with a rope, but before they could go to town cops showed up ... because the crowd had essentially shut Rodeo Drive down. The crowd dispersed without incident.

Boxing has taken a hard left ... and gotta say, it's kinda interesting.

Sylvester Stallone Poirier Has 'Big Time Advantage' Over McGregor ... In Trilogy Fight

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Sylvester Stallone says Conor McGregor vs. Dustin Poirier III is gonna be one helluva fight ... but says Conor will be at a MAJOR disadvantage when he steps back into the octagon.

"Poirier has the big-time advantage," Sly told us outside of Giuseppe Franco Hair Salon in Bev Hills.

So, why does Stallone feel that way?

"You got a really hungry, young guy (Poirier) and then you got a guy who's made a lot of money but he's also sorta hungry (McGregor)."

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The two UFC stars are set to fight for the third time at UFC 264 on July 10.

Conor famously KO'd Dustin in the 1st round of their 1st fight back in 2014.

Dustin won the rematch with a 2nd round TKO at UFC 257 in January 2021.

Stallone says both guys are killers -- and have demonstrated the ability to end the fight quickly and violently ... which is why he won't make a definitive fight prediction.

"That one I swear you really flip a coin on. It's like who hits first."

Stallone isn't just a huge UFC fan -- he also got a small ownership stake of the company back in 2016.

Kawhi Leonard 2013 NBA Finals Jersey Hits Auction ... Ray Allen Corner 3 Game

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Kawhi Leonard's Spurs jersey from game 6 of the '13 NBA Finals -- when Ray Allen knocked down the most clutch 3-pointer ever -- just hit the auction block ... and with a big enough bank account, you can own a piece of NBA history.

Miami Heat vs. San Antonio Spurs, June 2013. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and R. Allen battling Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Kawhi. It was one of the most unforgettable series ever.

Now, the actual jersey Leonard -- only 21 years old at the time -- wore during game 6 and 7 is available at sports memorabilia auction website, Lelands.

Kawhi was great in games 6 and 7 ... recording a double-double in both games. In game 6, Leonard scored 22 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. In game 7, KL dropped 19 points and grabbed 16 boards.

Unfortunately for the Spurs, Allen -- with the Heat trailing by 3 -- knocked down an improbable game-tying trey with only 5.2 seconds left in game 6.

Miami went on to win the game in overtime ... before wrapping up the series -- and winning the NBA title -- in game 7.

As for the actual jersey -- which Lelands tells us has been expertly photo matched -- the threads are size 2XL and features an NBA Finals patch.

Bidding for the jersey ends on Friday.

Good luck!!

Jay Cutler, Kristin Cavallari Divorce Hold-Up ... I Want Half of Her Company!!!

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Kristin Cavallari and Jay Cutler seemed to be moving along nicely with their divorce, but it's stalling ... and we're told it's because he wants a piece of her company.

Sources close to the ex-couple tell TMZ ... the reason it's taking a while to finalize their divorce is because Jay's seeking 50 percent ownership of Uncommon James, Kristin's chic jewelry and apparel line.

We're told Cutler's insisting he should get a stake in UJ because Kristin launched it while they were married ... and well before he filed for divorce in April, 2020.

Our sources say Kristin doesn't feel she owes him anything from Uncommon James, however, because she says Jay didn't put any of his own money into the company. She claims she funded it ... and is pushing back hard.

Whether or not that's true, we do know Cutler was at the opening of Cavallari's Chicago location for support ... because it was featured on her reality show.

As we've reported ... after the divorce filing last year, things got contentious between Kristin and Jay for a while, but they seemingly worked it all out, agreeing to 50/50 custody of their 3 kids. They even hinted they were getting close again in January.

Sure seems like some of that contentiousness is back on. We reached out to Kristin and Jay's reps for comment ... so far, no word back.

Chase Claypool A Steelers' Trade For Julio? ... I Would Love It!!!

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NEVER TOO STACKED

There ARE enough balls to go around for Julio Jones in Pittsburgh ... so says Chase Claypool, who tells TMZ Sports he'd LOVE it if the Steelers traded for the superstar WR!

"I would love him in Pittsburgh!" Claypool said outside The Farm in Beverly Hills this week.

Of course, Pittsburgh would have to get creative with its salary cap ... and it'd have to offer up a LOT to get Julio from Atlanta, but Claypool made it clear to us, there'd be no fight in the Pittsburgh receiver room if Jones was acquired.

Despite an uber-talented WR roster that includes Chase, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson and James Washington ... Claypool said he'd still welcome Julio with open arms.

"We're stacked," Claypool said. "But, you can never get too many superstars."

As we previously reported, Jones wants out of Atlanta ... even telling Shannon Sharpe on live television this week that his days as a Falcon are done.

Atlanta has been reportedly shopping him around ... but it's unclear if Pittsburgh is a true frontrunner to land him.

One thing Chase says he knows for sure is that if Julio does come on board ... Jones will be a fan of his new QB -- with Claypool telling us Ben Roethlisberger is still his "G.O.A.T."

Your move, Arthur Blank.

Chuck Liddell Shoots Down Potential Jake Paul Fight ... I'd Hurt Him

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NOT WORTH MY TIME

Sorry, fight fans ... Chuck Liddell says there will be no upcoming boxing match with Jake Paul -- the UFC legend tells TMZ Sports he'd HURT the YouTuber if a scrap ever went down.

Liddell told us out in L.A. that even though the two have beefed publicly over the past couple weeks ... it just makes no sense for Jake to box him, even at Chuck's current age.

"He's not good enough to fight me," the 51-year-old said of the 24-year-old.

"It just doesn't make sense for him. None of it makes sense for this guy. He's going to risk getting hurt like that?!"

If you're wondering why it's even being rumored ... it's 'cause the two went after each other on social media following Jake's huge win over Ben Askren.

A fan on Twitter asked Chuck to shut Jake up ... and Liddell responded, "I’m ready anytime for that clown."

Paul fired back a short time later, posting a pic of the two after the Askren fight and saying, "This guy Chuck Liddell begged me for a pic after my fight and now is talking s*** on Twitter."

But, check out the clip ... Liddell, who by the way denied asking to take the pic with Paul, said he's content staying away from the ring and possibly injuring Jake -- for now.

Lamar Odom I'm with Dominique!!! Restaurant Cool with My Suit, Why Not His???

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2:59 PM PT -- Lamar tells TMZ Sports, "I support Dominique Wilkins 1,000 percent, and I don't support any form of racism."

Dominique Wilkins now has even more reason to be upset with a restaurant that turned him away, because Lamar Odom enjoyed a meal at the same spot -- wearing a similar outfit to Wilkins -- just months before.

We got this shot of the former Lakers star at Le Bilboquet in Buckhead, GA taken back in  February. Lamar was wearing a white track suit and sneakers during a friendly meal with local recording artist Morgan Reilly and a mutual guy friend.

As for why it matters? Dominique ripped the restaurant last week, accusing it of turning him  away because he's Black. However, LB said it wasn't about race ... it was only enforcing a "business casual" dress code, and Wilkins' "designer casual pants and a shirt" didn't cut it.

LB did issue an apology to the Hall of Famer, and said it's considering a revision of the dress code, and will try to be more consistent in enforcing. it. When ya take Dominique's situation and Lamar's wardrobe, it's pretty clear there was NOT consistency.

As we reported ... Dominique seems willing to take Le Bilboquet at its word that it will make improvements. Still, we're guessing he and Lamar are gonna have an interesting chat, if they haven't already.

Mark Zuckerberg Sharks Don't Bother Me ... 'Cause They Hate My Bracelet!!!

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Mark Zuckerberg not taking any chances sharing the ocean with sharks ... because he's hooked himself up to a contraption that supposedly keeps them at bay.

Mark was out on his hydrofoil surfboard in Kauai, Hawaii Thursday, wearing an ankle bracelet called Sharkbanz. The promise is that sharks don't like what it emits, so they stay clear of surfers. The device sends out an electrical current that apparently drives sharks away.

But, there are other, more subtle deterrents. His board has a zebra pattern underneath ... the theory goes that sharks like seeing solid colors because it resembles food, so they're not into stripes. Good theory, but sounds a little sketchy.

Shark Week is coming up on Discovery ... they shoulda featured Mark on how not to get eaten!

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Zuck posted video of him on the board, and gotta say .... he's really good in the water. It's pretty choppy, but Mark stays up and bounces atop the swells. He's been surfing for years.

We won't make any "professional courtesy" jokes.

Georgia Golfer Attacked By Big-Ass Swan On Course ... Wild Video!!!

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BIG BIRDIE

A golfer was nearly mauled by a monster-sized swan after sinking a putt on a Georgia course this week ... and the wild attack was all captured on video!!!

TMZ Sports has learned ... John Walters was out on a round with his pals in South Georgia -- when the golf outing suddenly turned into a fight with a bird.

You can see in the crazy footage ... despite a massive swan parked on the green, Walters went ahead and putted out his 5-footer.

The problem? The made shot had serious ramifications -- 'cause the swan attacked!!

The bird nipped at Walters repeatedly, before the dude took off in a full sprint to get away!!

Walters' daughter tells us the bird has become famous on the course ... explaining it lives in a pond near the 9th hole and has a history of being protective of its green and fairway.

It's unclear what Walters ended up carding on the hole ... but yeah, go ahead and insert any eagle/birdie joke you'd like here.