TMZ Sports - Page 50

Michael Che is half-heartedly trying to do damage control after sharing some harsh and tasteless jokes about Simone Biles dropping out of Olympic events.

The 'SNL' star announced late Thursday night on social media he intended to try out some Simone jokes on stage in NYC. That apparently set off a bunch of his followers ... who suggested some material he could add to his act, and Michael reposted them -- including one referencing now convicted molester, Larry Nassar ... Simone being one of his victims.

Che reposted, "Larry Nasser understands Simone Biles better than anyone. He too had to quit doing what he loved at the pinnacle of his career because of mounting pressure."

He critiqued it, writing ... "goddamn, that's rough. absolutely tasteless," but gave it a 9 out of 10. Again, Nassar was convicted of molesting 10 young women in the U.S. gymnastics program.

Che also shared a far less brutal "joke" when he reposted, "Who said black don't crack?"

It's unclear if he actually followed through and tried his, or any of his followers', material onstage. He claimed to have about 3 minutes worth of Biles material on his own.

Che clearly knew there would be severe online backlash for taking shots at such a beloved athlete. Early Friday morning he posted, "I got hacked today. can't believe they got me. yall kno I only do jokes about whites and cops."

Suni Lee is about to be one VERY rich 18-year-old college student -- the gold medalist just surpassed 1 million followers on Instagram ... and is poised to stack some SERIOUS endorsement money!!!

Lee -- the first Hmong American to make the USA Olympic gymnastics team -- cemented her spot in history after taking top honors in the all-around competition on Thursday ... with a bunch of new fans slamming that "follow" button on the social media app.

Lee was hovering around 250k followers prior to her gold medal win ... and saw that number SKYROCKET in the hours after her incredible performance, saying she's "speechless" with the milestone.

Of course, Lee -- who's slated to continue her gymnastics career at Auburn this fall -- usually wouldn't be able to cash in on that kinda exposure due to the NCAA's name, image and likeness rules ... but luckily for her, the organization lifted its policy earlier this month.

In other words, Lee is free to ink a TON of endorsement and sponsorship deals following her rise to superstardom without forfeiting her college career ... something that's never been done in the sport before.

That wasn't always the case. Back in 2016 ... Katie Ledecky -- one of the Summer Games breakout stars -- was forced to forego a ton of endorsement money after she decided to attend Stanford University.

Lee is now a household name, regardless of her social media presence, but having more than a million followers on IG certainly doesn't hurt her chances at lining her pockets.

Auburn coach Jeff Graba spoke about the importance of the new NIL rules for Lee's career ... saying, "I just love the fact that ... thank goodness for the NIL, because she doesn’t have to make a horrible decision," he said, according to al.com.

"She’s capable of, in her words, 'I want it all. I want to be able to do everything.' Now she actually gets that shot."

Conor McGregor certainly looks like a guy hellbent on resuming his fighting career ... 'cause he's already back in the gym, less than a month after gnarly leg surgery!!

The UFC superstar showed off some pics from his late-week workout on Friday ... and by the looks of the photos, it seems Conor ain't holdin' back much in the weight room.

The 31-year-old got in some quad work, some pull-ups and some shoulder exercises ... a truly remarkable feat, given what he went through just days ago.

As we previously reported, Conor went under the knife for nearly four hours on July 12 to fix a broken leg he suffered while fighting Dustin Poirier at UFC 264.

The procedure was not a simple one ... docs had to place plates and screws in his lower leg to repair all of the damage.

Many wondered if it could be career-ending... but Conor's dropping major hints that he's eyeing a comeback -- writing on his social media page along with the workout pics, "There are no limits to what we can overcome."

"Find the way!"

McGregor has stayed in great spirits since the injury ... laying poolside with drinks, rehabbing with MLB star Ronald Acuna, and even hanging with Justin Bieber.

Simone Biles is opening up about the mental block she's currently experiencing in Tokyo ... calling her issues "petrifying" and saying she fears she could get seriously hurt if she keeps trying to compete while it's going on.

Biles said during a social media Q&A Thursday night that the problems are called the "twisties" ... and explained her mind and body just simply won't connect now during stunts.

"It's honestly petrifying trying to do a skill but not having your mind & body in sync," Biles said.

"Literally can not tell up from down. It's the craziest feeling ever. Not having an inch of control over your body."

Biles added, "What's even scarier is since I have no idea where I am in the air I also have NO idea how I'm going to land, or what I'm going to land on. head/hands/feet/back...."

The positive news -- if there can be any sort of thing given the situation -- is Biles said she's experienced all of this before ... and claims it usually goes away.

"Typically for me it's usually 2 or more weeks when I've had them before," the 24-year-old gymnast said. "Honestly no telling time frame something you have to take literally day by day, turn by turn."

Biles said getting back to the basics and working in a foam pit can help her get her bearings back ... and fortunately, she says she's found a place in Tokyo to work on all of that.

While Biles has withdrawn from two big events already at this summer's Olympics ... she can still compete in several more events next week.

Unclear if she'll be ready in time ... but she made it very apparent she's not going to risk her health going for more gold.

"For anyone saying I quit, I didn't quit," she said. "My mind & body are simply not in sync."

Russell Westbrook couldn't have looked happier right after his big trade to the Lakers ... hitting an L.A. hot spot with Kevin Hart on Thursday -- smiling from ear-to-ear!!!

Of course, Brodie was the centerpiece of a MASSIVE deal between the Lake Show and Washington Wizards ... with Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell and draft picks getting shipped out of town for the 2017 MVP.

Westbrook -- a SoCal native -- wasted no time celebrating his big homecoming ... rolling through The Nice Guy with his comedian friend just a few hours after the news broke.

Hart spoke with our camera guys Thursday night ... saying the move means "everything" for the Lakers.

While there are some folks wondering how the new Big 3 of Bron, Russ and Anthony Davis would mesh, the guys certainly seem to get along off the court.

Remember, James hosted Westbrook at his L.A. home for stogies a few years back ... and the L.A. Times reports the trio met up prior to the trade and agreed to put their egos aside.

LeBron certainly seems THRILLED with the trade ... posting a photoshopped pic of his new teammate in the Purple and Gold on Instagram.

Chris Jericho had his face grated by a pizza cutter in the middle of a wrestling match Wednesday night ... and the entire scene was both bloody and gruesome.

The shocking moment all went down as the wrestling superstar was taking on Nick Gage in an AEW event ... and scripted or not, Jericho sure seemed to be in a world of pain as he was getting cut by the kitchen utensil on his forehead.

As part of the match -- dubbed a "No Rules" one -- both dudes were getting after each other ... and both guys were bloody messes by the end of it all.

At various points during the bout, Jericho slammed Gage through a glass pane, and even hit the wrestler in the head with light tubes.

But, the most insane moment had to be when Gage rolled a pizza cutter over Jericho's face ... because, well, watch the clip -- it's gnarly.

Interesting note, a Dominoes pizza ad played on screen during the pizza cutter stunt ... and the pizza giant is PISSED.

How pissed? They're reportedly mulling pulling ads from the AEW broadcast!!

As for the match, Jericho went on to win the event despite it all ... and afterward, he showed off the damage done to his face in a bloody selfie.

"Much respect to [Nick Gage]," Jericho said, as blood had dried all over his grill. "he is TOUGH AF!! But I’m INSANE...."

The marriage between Aaron Rodgers and the Packers will last two more seasons before it ends ... so says Green Bay legend LeRoy Butler.

"After '22," Butler tells TMZ Sports, "I think [Rodgers] will be gone to wherever he wants to go and they'll be glad to get rid of him at that point."

It's a pretty bold prediction from the ex-Packers star safety ... because after Rodgers' candid meeting with reporters on Wednesday, many believe he's absolutely gone after this season.

If you missed it, Rodgers ripped Packers execs for not giving him more say in team decisions as well as not extending his contract when he says he initially asked for it all in February.

The writing seems to be on the wall that he'll be traded as soon as this season ends because of it ... but Butler tells us he thinks it'll play out differently.

LeRoy says he doesn't think Jordan Love will be ready to take over in 2022 ... and that'll lead to more offseason drama followed by yet another year of Rodgers under center.

"I think they'll go through this same thing again -- it'll be just as toxic," Butler says. "But, at the end of the day, I think Aaron will be the quarterback for '21 and '22."

As far as any other scenario -- like the Packers trading Love and extending Rodgers' contract -- Butler just doesn't see that going down.

"You would have to fire [general manager Brian Gutekunst]," Butler says. "There's no coming back from that."

Incredibly emotional moment at the 2021 NBA Draft ... when commissioner Adam Silver selected the late Terrence Clarke with an honorary pick on behalf of the league.

19-year-old Clarke -- a star for the University of Kentucky -- was killed in a tragic car accident back in April ... just months before he was set to become a rising star in the Association.

Clarke's name was still called Thursday night ... with Silver paying tribute before the 15th pick was made.

"His extraordinary talent, commitment and dedication to the game deserved to be recognized on this stage," Silver said.

Terrence's family was in attendance at Barclays Center for the honor ... with his mother, brother and sister receiving NBA-themed draft hats and walking on stage.

Silver continued ... "To the 3 of you, and to all those who knew and admired Terrence, please know that he will forever be part of the NBA family."

Clarke's mother was deeply emotional as she reached the stage ... hugging Silver as the entire room gave a standing ovation and chanted Terrence's name.

Clarke -- a projected to be a first round pick -- was beloved by the basketball community ... and had a bright future ahead on and off the court.

LeBron James is getting another superstar on his squad ... and it ain't Lola Bunny -- Russell Westbrook has been traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in a blockbuster deal!!!

The rumors had been swirling for weeks ... with many expecting the Lake Show to try and bring in another piece to help the King and co. return to the NBA Finals.

Now, it's become a reality -- with LA sending Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell and a 2021 first-round pick to the Washington Wizards in exchange for the 2017 MVP, according to ESPN.

It's a HUGE move -- Brodie is a triple-double machine ... averaging 23 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists on his 13-season career.

It also allows Westbrook -- who is a Southern Cali native -- to return back to his roots and play for his hometown!!

LeBron has yet to address the trade ... but he's hosted Westbrook at his L.A. crib in the past, so we're sure he's all for bringing in another friend.

Now, the question is, does this new Big 3 dethrone the Brooklyn Nets' Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden as the most dangerous trio in the game right now???

The pick is in ... the Detroit Pistons have selected Oklahoma State superstar Cade Cunningham first overall in the NBA Draft!!

The decision was a total no-brainer -- Cunningham was Big 12 Player of the Year and an All-American with the Cowboys ... averaging 20 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists per game in his lone college season.

He was an absolute beast at the high school level as well ... winning national player of the year honors at Montverde Academy in Florida.

With all that success at the HS and college level, it was no surprise the guy was going #1.

Of course, draft night is also all about the #fashion -- and TMZ Sports got footage of the guys as they headed over to Barclays Center earlier Thursday night ... with everyone all decked out in some of the best draft day suits we've ever seen!!!

Florida State forward Scottie Barnes is going the LeBron/Zion route -- rocking an all-white look. Congo's Jonathan Kuminga sticks out with some awesome orange threads.

There are also some eye-popping looks ... but ya gotta give credit to the guys for trying new styles!!

Jalen Green pulled off a bedazzled pinstripe suit and makes it look easy ... while Jalen Suggs also had a similar attention-grabbing ensemble.

There was also a tribute to the late Black Mamba -- LSU's Cam Thomas honored his favorite player of all-time, Kobe Bryant, with a special design inside his blazer.

How'd the Dallas Cowboys celebrate Dak Prescott's 28th birthday on Thursday??

A GIANT CAKE TO THE FACE, BABY!!!

Dak's offensive lineman, La'el Collins, appeared to orchestrate the whole thing after 'Boys practice in Oxnard, Calif. ... and it was all funny as hell.

Check out the footage shot by the team ... Collins brought out a cake, and got everyone in attendance to start singing "Happy Birthday" to Dallas' big star.

They eventually coaxed the quarterback to take the cake out of its box ... and as he was admiring his birthday dessert -- Collins, Ezekiel Elliott and a bunch of other Dallas O-lineman shoved it right into his grill!!

The yellow frosting got everywhere ... in Dak's eyes, mouth and even ears!!

To his credit, Prescott took it all in stride ... though he did make sure his best buddy Elliott got a little cake in the face too!!

Overall, it was a pretty solid B-day for Dallas' signal-caller ... his girlfriend, Natalie Buffett, wished him "Happy Birthday" earlier Thursday with an adorable message.

Prescott also found out earlier in the day his shoulder injury isn't expected to be serious ... and he's slated to be ready to go for Cowboys regular season in September.

Cole Anthony -- last year's 15th overall pick -- is confessing his biggest rookie year screw up ... laying down wayyy too much cash on a chain prior to draft night.

TMZ Sports ran into the Orlando Magic star only hours before the 2021 NBA Draft ... and we asked the 2nd year hooper out of UNC how he treated himself after being picked in last year's 1st round.

"Before the draft, I bought myself a chain which I immediately regretted," the 21-year-old said. "It was a lot of money at the time ... at the time, it was a lot. I ain't going to lie to you."

FYI, Anthony signed a near-$16 million, 4-year deal with Orlando in the November draft (it was delayed over COVID-19).

Tonight, 60 more young fellas are about to strike it rich ... and Cole has some sound financial advice for the soon-to-be millionaires.

"You don't owe nobody nothing. Don't come in there trying to take care of a thousand people, man. Just take care of yourself. Take care of your mom and dad, if necessary," Anthony says.

"And, just focus on basketball."

Seems former NBA star Jermaine O'Neal would agree ... 'cause when we got the ex-Indiana Pacer out in NYC earlier this week, his biggest piece of advice to the future rookies was also to be smart with their cash!

"I think the most important thing is saving, right?" the 42-year-old said. "You know, put aside some money. You work hard, you should be able to choose what you want to buy. But don’t spend it all in one place."

Lamar Odom is stepping back in the boxing ring, but this time he ain't scrapping with a childhood pop star ... L.O. is fighting former heavyweight champ, Riddick Bowe!!

Celebrity Boxing founder Damon Feldman tells TMZ Sports they've inked a deal pitting the 6'10", 41-year-old former NBA All-Star against the retired 53-year-old pugilist.

The fight is set to go down October 2 on Fite.TV ... from the James L. Knight arena in Miami.

The legendary, 43-1-1 former undisputed heavyweight champ -- who once beat Evander Holyfield -- hasn't fought in over a decade ... winning his last pro bout in 2008.

As for Odom, he isn't new to the ring ... he knocked out Aaron Carter in the 2nd round of their fight in June 2021.

Carter looked overmatched against the 2x NBA champ ... who previously told us he used boxing to stay in tip-top shape during the height of his hoops days.

Also boxing on the card ... former 2-weight class world champ Paulie Malignaggi is fighting social media star Corey B.

Paulie and Corey got into it at Lamar's last fight ... nearly coming to blows. This time around ... there won't be anyone to break the mean up.

Tyreek Hill says it's put up or shut up time for Usain Bolt ... 'cause after the track legend talked some smack about the NFL star's speed, Hill officially challenged him to a race!

The scene played out in hilarious fashion Thursday ... after Bolt joined "The Pat McAfee Show" and mentioned Tyreek has urged him in the past to set up a race.

"Me and Tyreek Hill got into it," Bolt told McAfee, explaining it never happened because he says, quite frankly, his 40-time is just too damn electric.

"He was talking 'blah blah blah,'" Bolt said of Hill. "But, then I went to the combine one year, and if you go on the net right now, I ran 4.22 in my sweats and some street shoes."

"I was like, 'Come on, Tyreek Hill. You got no chance!'"

Hill saw the chatter ... and now wants Bolt to finally put his money where his mouth is -- and hit the track for a showdown!!

"Line up then," Hill said on social media. "Stop hiding."

The race might actually be a decent one ... Bolt, after all, is retired from competitive running -- and Hill is just entering the prime of his NFL career.

Plus, Tyreek has track experience ... and has told us in the past he wants to run in the Olympics some day.

UFC superstar Amanda Nunes has tested positive for COVID-19 ... and her fight against Julianna Pena next weekend at UFC 265 is off.

The UFC is planning to reschedule the title fight once Amanda is 100% healthy.

Nunes and Pena were scheduled to be the co-main event of the August 7 event ... on a card that also features a highly anticipated heavyweight matchup pitting Derrick Lewis and Ciryl Gane against each other.

The events going down at the Toyota Center in Houston, TX.

It's a matchup 31-year-old Pena -- who has wins over Cat Zingano and Jessica Eye -- has been champing at the bit for ... previously telling us she was the GOAT's "kryptonite."

Interesting to note, back in June 2020, Amanda -- who's currently on a 12-fight win streak -- speculated she may have battled COVID ... saying she experienced all of the traditional symptoms, and was in bed for several days.

Nunes says her wife, UFC contender Nina Nunes, was so sick they took her to the hospital.

No word yet on whether the UFC will replace Nunes-Pena with another fight.

Story developing ...

Terry Kennedy -- a famous skateboarder who's ridden with Rob Dyrdek and appeared in several skating video games -- was arrested Tuesday after he was accused of several heinous crimes, including threatening to murder cops.

A DuPage State's Attorney's Office spokesperson tells TMZ Sports ... it all started after law enforcement responded to a report of a battery at a motel on July 27 in Oakbrook Terrace, IL.

The spokesperson says Kennedy was accused of violently attacking a man at the motel -- leaving the guy with a fractured skull and a concussion -- and then fleeing the scene.

It's unclear what provoked the alleged attack ... but we're told Kennedy was eventually located and taken into custody.

During the booking process, though, the spokesperson says the skater became aggressive toward cops.

Kennedy allegedly threatened to murder officers NINE different times ... with the spokesperson saying Kennedy told cops, "I will kill one of you police. We kill police where I'm from."

The spokesperson says Kennedy then referenced a 2017 cop-killing incident in Whittier, CA. ... claiming the skateboarder said, "We killed ya'll in Whittier, California. We killed ya'll bitch ass."

Kennedy was ultimately arrested and booked on multiple charges including aggravated battery in a public place and threatening a public official, court records show.

The spokesperson said Kennedy had been out on bail due to a previous arrest earlier this month ... so he was also booked on a charge of violation of bail bond.

Kennedy showed up in court on Wednesday ... and his bail was set at $100,000, the spokesperson said. Jail records show the 36-year-old skater is still currently behind bars.

His next court date has been set for late August.

We've reached out to Kennedy's reps for comment, but so far, no word back yet.

Kennedy is one of the more famous figures in the skating world ... appearing in the "Skate" video game franchise as well as often riding at Dyrdek's fantasy factory.

In fact, back in 2010, Justin Bieber did a trick over Kennedy and Dyrdek at the famous skate spot.