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Tyson Fury says his newborn daughter is sadly back in intensive care Tuesday ... and the boxing champ is now asking once again for prayers for his baby girl.

Little Athena Fury was born on Sunday and needed to be placed in the ICU on a ventilator a short time later.

Tyson and his wife, Paris, had said she was doing well, though ... and on Monday afternoon, they added the baby was off the ventilator and making "fantastic" progress.

But, Tyson shared Tuesday that things have taken another scary turn ... writing on his social media page, "Baby Athena is back [in] ICU please keep her in your prayers."

No further details have been given on the newborn's condition.

The baby is Tyson and Paris' sixth child, and their third daughter. The couple -- who got married in 2008 -- announced they were pregnant with her back in February.

While Athena fights to recover, Tyson has begun raising money for the Alder Hey Children's Charity ... a UK org. that helps facilities treat children.

Jake Paul was so amazed by all the U.S. women in the 2020 Olympics, he's personally inviting one to his Tyron Woodley fight -- pole vaulter and fellow Ohioan Katie Nageotte!!!

Paul took a second to show love for all the U.S women who competed at the Tokyo Games on Twitter Monday ... congratulating the American ladies on their "amazing stats."

"U.S. women won 66 medals, comprising a record 58.4% of the American total ... that’s insane!!," the YouTube superstar said.

Of the 66 medals, 23 were gold ... one belonging to Nageotte.

The 30-year-old won it all in the pole vault after clearing a 4.90 meter on her second attempt ... making her the third woman in U.S. Olympics to win the gold in the event.

Nageotte also happens to be from Northeast Ohio -- just like Paul -- and he's inviting her to come watch him box in the ring against Woodley in The Land.

"Katie if you are reading this I hope you will come to my fight in Cleveland as my guest on August 29th!"

Nageotte noticed the invite and retweeted the post ... so maybe we'll see her front and center rocking the gold at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

BTW -- Nageotte channeled her inner LeBron James after her big moment ... saying, "Cleveland, this is for you!!!"

The shoes Kobe Bryant wore for his VERY FIRST NBA game can now be yours -- if you got half a milli lying around -- 'cause the iconic kicks are hitting the auction block!

The Black Mamba arrived on the scene for the L.A. Lakers on November 3, 1996, against the Minnesota Timberwolves ... going scoreless in just 6 minutes of action off the bench.

Bryant rocked a custom pair of size 14 Adidas kicks as he stepped on the court for the first time ... which he ended up giving away to a diehard fan outside The Forum after the game.

A few years later, the fan was able to run into Kobe again -- and got the legend to quickly sign them outside the team's hotel!!!

Now, the fan is looking to part ways with the keepsakes ... putting them up for auction via Gotta Have Rock And Roll.

We're told these sneakers -- which also come with a ticket stub from the game -- are NOT gonna come cheap ... they have a minimum bid of $100k and could sell for up to $500k!!!

Of course, the 5-time champ went on to eventually score quite a bit in his career -- he's ranked 4th all-time with 33,643 points ... and became one of the greatest players to ever pick up a basketball.

Toronto Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is paying tribute to Kobe and Gianna Bryant ... by getting some incredible custom cleats -- and he's giving a pair to Vanessa!!!

TMZ Sports has learned ... the 22-year-old star has been wanting to honor the late Lakers legend and Gigi on his feet for more than a year.

VG specifically wanted to cop the tribute cleats for the Blue Jays and Los Angeles Angels series ...  so he hit up New Jersey artist Michael Jordan for the job.

Jordan tells us he started the project back in June to make sure the All-Star Game MVP got 'em on time -- and the finished product is awesome!!!

The white and black Jordan cleats feature a detailed image of Gigi in her Mamba Academy gear and Kobe in his Lakers uniform.

It also has Gigi's jersey #2 and both Kob's #8 and #24 splattered on the whole sneaker -- as well as their nicknames Mamba and Mambacita.

The all purple pair showcases some father and daughter moments -- Kobe celebrating with Gigi after winning the 2009 Finals ... and the duo sitting courtside at a Lakers game in 2019.

It also has a quote from Beyonce's song "XO," "your love is bright as ever" ... the same song she sang at Bryant's memorial service at the Staples Center in February 2020.

We're told the free-handed artwork took a total of 60 hours ... and VG will give the purple pair to Vanessa Bryant after the series.

All the critics cracking jokes about the Lakers' free agent signings will have to eat their words -- so says NBA champ Matt Barnes ... who tells TMZ Sports L.A.'s older roster is actually a GOOD thing!!!

It's no secret -- the Lake Show didn't get any younger this off-season ... adding guys like Russell Westbrook (32), Dwight Howard (35), Carmelo Anthony (37), Trevor Ariza (36), Wayne Ellington (33) and more to join forces with LeBron James (36) and Anthony Davis (28).

Of course, those guys have all been around the block a few times ... with people (not us) comparing the team more to a retirement home than title contenders.

But, Barnes ain't in that group ... 'cause he tells us he's a fan of what the Purple and Gold have done so far.

"I like what they're doing, man," Barnes tells us. "I think you know, they’re saying the team is old, but they got a lot of experience, a lot of great players. So, I'm excited to see what happens.

Of course, Barnes makes it clear the guys have to stay healthy throughout the season ... but thinks everyone's on the same page and knows they have a long journey ahead.

"I just think older people work smarter, so they're going to understand how to work even when they need to do the work during the season and understand that it's a marathon, and I think they're going to be okay with it."

Prosecutors have just revealed more stunning allegations against Terry Kennedy ... saying they believe the skateboarding star became enraged for "no apparent reason" before committing murder.

The DuPage County State's Attorney's Office made the announcement in a statement to TMZ Sports on Monday ... shedding more light on the alleged incident that resulted in the death of 23-year-old Josiah Kassahun.

Prosecutors say that on July 27, at around 11:05 a.m., Kennedy, his ex-girlfriend, and Kassahun checked out of a Comfort Suites Motel in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. and began walking toward Kennedy's ex's car.

But, while on the walk, officials say Kennedy got upset for "no apparent reason."

Prosecutors say Kassahun tried to calm the 36-year-old skateboarding star down ... but that's when Kennedy allegedly punched the man in the face, causing him to fall to the ground and strike his head on the pavement.

Officials say Kennedy then kicked Kassahun in the torso ... before leaving the area in his ex's car.

As we previously reported, Kassahun died four days later from his injuries ... and Kennedy was ultimately charged with first-degree murder.

Prosecutors say Kennedy had a bond hearing Monday morning and his bail was set at $1 million. He's due back in court later this month for his arraignment.

"I would also like to extend my sincere condolences to Mr. Kassahun’s family and friends as they cope with this terrible tragedy," Oakbrook Terrace Chief of Police Casey Calvello said.

"I know that nothing will bring Josiah back, but I hope that the charges brought against the defendant offer some measure of comfort to his loved ones."

Ray Lewis celebrated a huge fishing haul in the most Ray Lewis way ever this weekend -- by hitting his iconic "Squirrel" dance right on the boat!!!

The ex-NFL star busted out the moves on Sunday during his visit to Cleveland for the weekend's Pro Football Hall of Fame ceremonies ... and it was awesome.

Check out the footage, after Ray reeled in two fish from Lake Erie that were nearly the size of his lower body ... he threw it back to the early 2000s and shook his tailfeather!

Of course, Ray made the dance famous during his 17-year NFL career ... and it's clear as day the dude hasn't lost even the smallest of steps on the dance floor.

As for the rest of the fishing trip ... TMZ Sports has learned it went great -- the former Baltimore Raven and his crew caught more than 10 fish -- and have plans to make the event an annual one going forward.

In fact, we spoke with Ray during the outing ... and it ain't hard to see the guy LOVES catching fish.

Christian Pulisic is leaving the Swoosh -- the American soccer star just inked a massive deal with Puma!!

The Chelsea midfielder -- who was previously under contract with Nike -- made the announcement Monday via Instagram ... saying, "Now it’s time to start a new chapter and create new memories."

"Today I’m joining a new family, the #PumaFam and together we are going to inspire the next generation of players out there."

The 22-year-old said in an interview with Complex that it was an "easy choice" for him --- especially since the brand wants his take on things and is giving him more freedom.

"I mean one of their biggest points and another massive reason why that seemed like an easy choice is because yeah, they want me to give my ideas, talk about what I like and that they want to see that and use that as well."

The corporation is also working on CP's own signature line --  with Pulisic saying they've already created a "really cool graphic" logo and he "was blown away right when I saw it to mix with the name and the brand."

Puma also released a statement, saying Pulisic's "journey has been incredible and has really paved the way for so many young American players who dream of playing in Europe for the world’s biggest clubs."

CP's been killin' it -- becoming the first American to win the Champions League with Chelsea in May and scoring the GW goal for the USMNT in the CONCACAF Nations League in June.

The brand added, "Not only have we signed an amazing talent, but a fantastic person off the pitch who wants to continue to grow soccer in America, a goal PUMA has committed to support."

And, you might see CP wearing some custom-made Pulisic ULTRA 1.3’s at the Super Cup Final Wednesday to celebrate his new deal.

No word on how much the deal is worth ... but there's serious money in endorsement deals.

How's boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya prepping for his big comeback fight with Vitor Belfort?! By taking out his smokin' hot new GF, sports reporter Holly Sonders!!

TMZ Sports spotted the new couple couple at celeb hotspot Nobu in Malibu Friday night ... as they left dinner.

We're told De La Hoya and Sonders met at a boxing event HS was working in June ... where she interviewed the former 6-weight class world champion.

The sparks obviously were flying ... and we're told they've been inseparable ever since.

In fact, the new couple recently took a trip to Pebble Beach golf course where they hit the links together.

Last year, Sonders was in a relationship with high-stakes gambler, "Vegas Dave" ... before the couple ultimately split.

Of course, Oscar is returning to the ring after spending 13 years in retirement (his last fight was a loss to Manny Pacquiao in 2008) ... boxing Belfort, the 44-year-old MMA legend.

FYI, Belfort is one of the greatest MMA fighters ever ... with wins over Dan Henderson, Michael Bisping and Luke Rockhold.

We asked ODLH about the upcoming scrap ... and he told us he's training his ass off.

"Healthy, not drinking, no nothing, I’m just with my beautiful woman, Holly. And I’m gonna f****** knock that mother f***** out. You want to f****** see a real fight? I’m gonna knock that mother f***** out."

Fight goes down September 11.

✅ Big fight
✅ Hot GF 🔥🔥🔥

Tyson Fury is asking for prayers ... after the boxing champ says his newborn daughter needed to be placed in intensive care.

The 32-year-old announced the birth of baby Athena on Sunday ... but immediately requested prayers for the little girl. Fury did not go into further detail.

The fighter did say, though, that he's hopeful the baby will be released from the ICU later Monday.

"Massive thanks for all the messages and support," Fury said on his social media page. "The baby is [in] a stable position & doing well."

"Hopefully she comes out ICU today. Please keep baby Athena in your prayers."

Fury added that his wife, Paris, is "doing great" after giving birth to the baby girl.

Athena is Tyson and Paris' sixth child ... the couple -- who got married in 2009 -- already had three sons and two daughters.

Fury, meanwhile, is still in the middle of prep for his massive fight with Deontay Wilder, which is set to go down on Oct. 9.

Ben Roethlisberger will do anything for health -- that is, except try Tom Brady's infamous avocado ice cream ... saying there's NO WAY he's including that atrocity in his diet!!

The 39-year-old Pittsburgh Steelers QB has looked much slimmer leading into the new season ... with folks left wondering what the did to get in better shape.

Big Ben -- who's always been listed at 240 lbs. -- is finally speaking out on his trimmed look ... but as it turns out, he's denying he's doing anything differently from years past.

"So much was made a week or 2 [ago]," Roethlisberger told the Washington Post. "I mean, listen, as you get older ... for the last 4 or 5 years, I’ve really focused on having a trainer, my body."

"Part of it’s football. But part of it’s life. I’m not getting any younger. I’m almost 40 years old. So you’ve got to take care of yourself."

But, Ben makes it clear he's not taking any tips from his 7-time Super Bowl champion rival ... saying there are some levels he simply will not stoop to in order to stay in shape.

"And nothing against Tom [Brady], but I’m not eating avocado ice cream," Roethlisberger added. "Yeah, you have a chef and you try and eat healthy. But you’re eating healthy because you want to be and feel good."

Remember, TB12 has sworn up and down in the past that the dessert is tasty ... and even included the recipe -- consisting of avocado, cashews, coconut, dates, cacao powder and water -- in his "The TB12 Method" book.

But we spoke with Brady's bestie, Julian Edelman, in the past ... who confirmed to us it's really as bad as it sounds.

The fan accused of hurling the n-word during Sunday's Rockies game might've gotten a raw deal -- because upon further review ... it appears he was screaming to the team's mascot, Dinger.

A new video has surfaced, and showing the fan in question sitting behind home plate, and apparently waving/screaming to the mascot ... Dinger the dinosaur who was across the way. Notice how the dude waves and where he's looking.

And, as you listen ... it does, indeed, sound like he could've been saying "Dinger!" ... instead of the n-word. Some still aren't convinced though -- saying they can't quite hear the "d" sound -- but in our minds ... this context pretty much clears it up, and clears the man's name.

Frankly, someone would've pointed him out in the moment if he had, in fact, said the n-word. That kinda explains why the Rockies said they hadn't located the dude after the fact.

While the team came out and fully condemned what most people thought they'd heard at first, it now appears it's perhaps much ado about nothing. Understandable that the confusion arose in the first place, however ... because during the broadcast, it DID sound bad.

As we reported ... the alleged slur was heard toward the end of the game, when Marlins OF Lewis Brinson was at-bat at the top of the 9th -- having taken ball 2 and already clocking a couple hits in the game. He did appear to turn around and acknowledge the yelling.

Anyway, good to know where the team and the media members who cover the team stand on the issue -- namely, against racism and racist rhetoric -- which is encouraging to hear. But, with that said ... maybe it's time to consider a new face/name for the franchise in light of this.

Dinger might be just a little too close to something else, it appears.

A violent shootout near a youth football game in Detroit on Sunday was captured on camera ... and the shocking footage is horrifying.

Cops say it went down at around 6 PM at a local park while children were playing in a local sports league ... when two groups pulled out guns and fired on each other after an argument.

A witness captured the chaos on their cell phone -- and the video is terrifying, showing dozens of people running for cover as multiple rounds of gunfire went off.

Officials say three males -- aging from 14 to 15 years old -- were shot in the melee ... but somehow, officials added none of the children in the area were struck by bullets.

"Very unfortunate and unnecessary situation when you've got people using gunfire to resolve whatever disputes that they are having," said Detroit Police Department's James White, who added the three teenagers were transported to a local hospital and are currently in stable condition.

"Certainly could have been a lot worst."

Police say they recovered two firearms from the scene and made several arrests -- but added the investigation is still ongoing.

"We're confident that we've got some of the shooters," White said.

Deion Sanders brought out some Prime guests during his first season as head coach at Jackson State ... with Rex Ryan and Hall of Famer Troy Aikman rolling through to check out his team, a new documentary series revealed Monday.

Coach Prime -- who took the helm at the HBCU in 2020 -- had the cameras rolling during his first season with the Tigers for a 'Hard Knocks'-esque series with Barstool Sports and SMAC Productions ... fittingly titled, "Coach Prime."

The trailer for the series just dropped minutes ago ... showing a passionate Sanders giving motivational speeches to his players ... as well as the big-time names who showed up to get a glimpse of the Tigers during the season.

The clip shows Ryan hyping up the team ... talking about the amount of courage it takes to play the sport. It's pretty intense stuff.

Sanders spoke about the decision to allow the all-access series to happen ... saying, "I am incredibly proud to share the incredible story of Jackson State University, our football program, and our student athletes."

"This docuseries serves as a platform that will help us continue the important work we are doing to level the playing field, create opportunity and raise awareness for JSU and all HBCUs. I BELIEVE!"

The 6-part series is set to debut August 29 and will be available on all platforms.

Cops are so livid over the way they say Jaxson Hayes fought them during his arrest last month ... they're now strongly urging NBA commissioner Adam Silver to take action against the Pelicans star.

It's all spelled out in a letter, obtained by TMZ Sports, written by the Los Angeles Police Protective League -- a police union representing 9,000 rank and file LAPD officers -- to Silver and New Orleans Pelicans owner Gayle Benson.

In the note -- which is four pages in length -- the police union says 6'11, 220-pound Hayes became combative on July 27 after they responded to a domestic disturbance call involving the hooper.

Law enforcement says Hayes refused orders, hurled the n-word at officers, and pushed one cop so hard into the wall, the basketball player injured the "much physically smaller" man.

We’ve obtained photos of the cop's alleged injuries ... and they appear to show the officer's elbow was swollen and bloody following the incident.

LAPPL went on to say in the letter that after a review of body camera footage from the night ... they strongly believe Hayes was out of line, and criminally assaulted an officer during the arrest.

"Mr. Silver," the officers said in the letter, "the actions of your player were unlawful, completely unacceptable and are as clear a prima facie case of violating several of the National Basketball Association policies as we have seen."

"We respectfully request that you immediately initiate a thorough investigation into Mr. Hayes' actions before, during and after the incident and to take appropriate corrective action to hold Mr. Hayes accountable."

They continued, "The video is clear. Your swift action in this incident is warranted."

The union also says in the letter Hayes' alleged use of the n-word was completely unacceptable ... saying it's on the same level as when NBA player Meyers Leonard used an anti-Semitic slur during a March video game stream.

"We ask you to investigate Mr. Hayes' use of the 'N-word' during the incident," cops said, "and based on the obvious evidence, hold him accountable for the blatant violation of the NBA's values of 'equality, tolerance, inclusion and respect.'"

LAPPL concluded the letter asking Silver and the NBA to "send an unequivocal message that assaulting police officers will never be tolerated by the NBA."

"Given the severity of this incident, we sincerely hope you take decisive action in this case."

As we previously reported, Hayes was arrested following the altercation with cops ... and was booked on a resisting arrest charge.

The 21-year-old has claimed cops used excessive force on his neck, causing him the inability to breathe at some points during the arrest.

An MLB fan who ran onto the field mid-game Sunday was flipped over a wall by an L.A. Dodgers ball girl ... and video of the scene is absolutely wild!!!

It all went down during the Dodgers' tilt with the Angels at Dodger Stadium ... when a fan hopped over fencing and sprinted around the outfield.

You can see in footage shot by fans in the stands ... the dude was MOVING -- outrunning more than half a dozen security guards.

But, when a ball girl stepped in front of him ... his joyride ended rather quickly -- 'cause she shoved him over the wall, sending him tumbling head over heels!!!

The tackle was met with a HUGE roar of applause from the stadium ... and it helped security guards pounce on the guy and get him down before he could get away.

As for the action on the diamond ... the Dodgers made easy work of the Angels -- winning 8-2, with Albert Pujols starring in the contest.