TMZ Sports - Page 50

LeBron James was having a nice meal with his wife on a romantic getaway to Italy when someone came up to their table to say hello ... and it was none other than Elton John!!!

The Los Angeles Lakers stud and 'Space Jam 2' star was enjoying the best Italian food money can buy while on vacation in Nerano with his wife, Savannah, when the Rocketman sauntered over to their table to exchange pleasantries.

LeBron's been with the Lakers for three years so he knows Hollywood is a small town ... and it seems he's finding out the same several time zones away in Italy.

LeBron and his entourage looked pretty interested in whatever Elton had to say ... and then they went back to their pasta and vino.

Johnny Bench says he's tested positive for the coronavirus and will not be able to attend the upcoming National Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

The Cincinnati Reds legend announced Friday on social media he was battling the virus despite being vaccinated.

73-year-old Johnny, a Hall of Famer himself, says he's bummed to miss out on seeing the latest Hall of Fame class being inducted into Cooperstown.

The Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday in New York ... and Johnny sounds like he was looking forward to welcoming the Class of 2020, which includes Derek Jeter, Marvin Miller, Ted Simmons and Larry Walker.

Oscar De La Hoya has tested positive for COVID-19 and is out of his comeback fight with Vitor Belfort, TMZ Sports has learned.

58-year-old Evander Holyfield has agreed to step in and box Belfort on September 11 on Triller, our sources tell us.

The one remaining hurdle is getting Holyfield-Belfort approved by the California State Athletic Commission.

If the commission does not sanction the match, we’re told the entire event will still go down ... but it’ll be moved to Florida.

The fight was supposed to be ODLH’s return to the ring after more than a decade ... after losing his last fight to Manny Pacquiao in 2008.

De La Hoya dedicated himself to getting back in peak physical condition in preparation for the fight over the last few months ... and looked to be in great shape, recently showing us his 6-pack as he left dinner in L.A.

As for Holyfield, The Real Deal -- one of the greatest fighters in boxing history -- last fought in 2011 ... but has recently talked about his desire to make a comeback to the ring.

Belfort -- an MMA legend -- has been more active over the last few years ... last fighting in the UFC in 2018.

The Anderson Silva vs Tito Ortiz fight is still a go.

Bottom line ... Oscar’s out, and Evander Holyfield and Vitor Belfort are fighting -- either in Cali or Florida.

Former longtime NFL player David Patten has died at 47 years old ... after he was involved in a motorcycle accident on Thursday, TMZ Sports has confirmed.

Law enforcement tells us the crash happened around 9:45 PM ... and Patten was pronounced dead on the scene.

Police say Patten -- on his motorcycle -- "traveled left of center" and struck a Chevrolet Sedan. The Chevy then sideswiped a Honda. The driver of the Chevrolet was taken to a hospital with minor injuries.

Patten had a wonderful football career ... winning 3 rings with the Pats in the early 2000s. David caught a touchdown pass from Tom Brady in Super Bowl XXXVI -- helping TB12 win his 1st ring.

It was an improbable path for the 5'10" receiver ... he went undrafted out of Western Carolina in 1996 ... before signing with an Arena Football League squad.

He only played arena ball for 1 season before catching on with the NY Giants. Patten spent 3 seasons with the G-Men, and 1 with the Cleveland Browns before signing with the Pats in 2001.

Patten won 3 Super Bowls in New England ... before leaving in 2004. Patten played several more season in New Orleans and Washington before retiring. He ultimately played 12 seasons in the NFL.

Since hanging up his cleats, Patten had been living with his wife in South Carolina ... the state where he was born.

Many of Patten's famous teammates have expressed condolences following his death.

Richard Seymour wrote ... "heartbroken 💔 great man of God… lost for words - David Patten… 🙏🏽"

Deion Branch also weighed in on the terrible news ... "🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 Great Player, but Most of All A Great Man, Mentor and Brother #LoveYou #ChiefChief"

David's former coach, Charlie Weis, also talked about the loss of his former player.

"Shocked and saddened about the sudden tragic death of David Patten. Excellent player, even better person. Family guy, team guy, devout Christian. Prayers all directed this way. RIP David. You will be sorely missed."

RIP

Conor McGregor knows a thing or 2 about putting people's lights out -- being a UFC champ and all -- and Thursday night he got a taste of his own medicine after a night of hard partying.

Conor lay passed out in his car outside Delilah ... where there was a listening party of sorts for Drake's new album.

On the way to the club, Conor posted, "I’m on the way to @delilah right now to have them play it on blast." Well, that he clearly did.

As you know ... Conor is nursing a gruesome leg injury he suffered during a UFC fight against Dustin Poirier. His leg snapped, and that led to an almost 4-hour surgery to repair the damage. His leg needed the works ... a rod, a plate and screws.

Nonetheless, we got Conor out and about ... boasting he was way ahead of schedule in his recovery. He said, "Five weeks, five days since the surgery and they told me I wouldn't be able to cycle until eight weeks, And, he just told me just here today that I can cycle again!"

Conor didn't really miss a beat ... hanging with Justin Bieber, getting in lift sessions at the gym ... even hitting up Universal Studios on crutches.

He's gonna feel it today ... for sure!

No, Tyron Woodley did NOT get screwed over by the judges on Sunday ... so says Mike Tyson, who tells TMZ Sports Jake Paul was the clear winner of the epic boxing match.

The split decision in favor of the YouTube superstar was met with serious backlash on social media ... with folks from Claressa Shields to Ben Askren to Tyron himself saying he should have had his hand raised after 8 rounds.

So, in order to settle the debate once and for all, we caught up with Iron Mike at the Four Seasons in New York and asked for his take ... and there's no doubt in his mind who won.

"Jake Paul won," Tyson told us ... adding, "I love Jake Paul. Tyron Woodley did his best."

Now, Woodley wants to get a rematch with Paul to prove he can really whoop his ass ... but Jake may not let it happen if Tyron doesn't agree to get the "I Love Jake Paul" tat.

Donnie Wahlberg is bummed that his Patriots cut ties with Cam Newton this week ... telling TMZ Sports he was sure the QB would have gotten his favorite squad to this season's Super Bowl!

The "Blue Bloods" actor -- who's a SERIOUSLY diehard Pats fan -- broke it all down for us out in NYC this week ... explaining he really did love Newton as Tom Brady's successor.

"Mannnnn, I love Cam," Wahlberg told us. "I thought he was going to lead us to the Super Bowl!"

Don't get it twisted ... Wahlberg still has love for New England's new starter, Mac Jones -- he was just that high on Newton heading into this year.

"I'm telling you," Wahlberg said, "I thought he was going to take the Patriots to the Super Bowl. And, hopefully, Mac will as well. So, we'll see what happens."

Jones did ball out during the preseason, posting a 97.4 passer rating with no interceptions ... while Newton struggled. Cam also missed time due to COVID protocols.

But, Wahlberg told us he doesn't think the COVID issues and vaccine status had anything to do with the release ... saying he believes Bill Belichick just let him go so he'd "have a chance to start elsewhere."

Wahlberg added he's going to believe in Belichick at the end of the day no matter what ... saying, "If you're a Patriots fan, you trust him and that's it."

Fresh off "FBOY Island," Garrett Morosky is in a relationship with someone other than the co-star he was trying to win back -- instead, he's with Jake Paul's ex ... and there's all kinds of drama.

So, here's the deal ... we're told Garrett and co-star Sarah Emig were on a double date in L.A. back in June when they met up with "Too Hot to Handle" star Harry Jowsey and his date, Mia Francis.

But, we're told Garrett and Mia hit it off ... leaving their dates out in the cold, metaphorically.

Ever since then, Garrett and Mia -- an OnlyFans star who previously dated Jake -- had been talking, and they're now at the "officially dating" stage.

Thing is, we're told Garrett hasn't had "the talk" with Sarah just yet. Our sources say Garrett plans on publicly apologizing to her ... again. As for why things didn't work out for them -- Sarah lives in Cincinnati, and we're told the long-distance dating just wasn't realistic.

We reached out to Garrett and asked how in the world a so-called "FBoy" can be locked down, and he said ... "I'm not an 'FBoy' for the right person."

Mia was linked to Jake Paul early this year, but that fizzled due to some drama ... as the good folks over at TooFab detailed.

BTW, the fact Garrett and Mia are now dating might explain why Garrett, seemingly out of nowhere, challenged Jake to a boxing match.

Kyle Brandt says '80s and '90s nostalgists are going to love the new "Frogger" game show ... because it brings the classic arcade game to life, kinda like "Wreck-It Ralph."

Kyle -- host of NFL Network's "Good Morning Football" show -- joined us on "TMZ Live" and downloaded us on the new game show he's hosting with Damon Wayans Jr.

It sounds super cool ... contestants basically get sucked inside the game, and they try to win a cash prize by navigating obstacles straight out of the timeless Konami game.

Naturally, competitors have to dodge traffic and cross over water ... and the winner gets a cool $100,000 and the title of "America's finest Frogger."

"Frogger" debuts on Peacock Sept. 9 and Kyle says the game show's a mix of sports, drama, comedy, nostalgia and even a bit of romance between him and Damon.

"Finally, you know my name. You see what I've done to Edson Barboza. It took me just 2.5 rounds, and if you step inside the Octagon with me, I'm sure I will finish you in 2 [rounds]."

That's rising UFC star Giga Chikadze -- 7-0 in the UFC (14-2 overall) -- throwing down the gauntlet ... right at the feet of featherweight G.O.A.T. Max Holloway.

33-year-old Chikadze knows a little something about beating legends ... he rather easily handled Barboza at UFC Fight Night on Saturday -- and is now the 8th ranked fighter in the division.

Giga -- who has called out 29-year-old Max before -- believes Blessed has been dismissive of him in the past ... and Chikadze is ready to prove he's more than a worthy opponent.

"Guess what, I'm not just a kicker guy, I kick the s**t out of the people, I mention this. I want to face him inside the Octagon and tell him what's up."

However, there's an issue ... Max has a fight scheduled against Yair Rodriguez in November at UFC.

Bottom line, Giga wants to fight Holloway, and prove it's him who is actually the best in the division.

"If [Max] thinks he's the best 145'er, that time has gone, now is a different time," Chikadze says.

Iman Shumpert's about to show the world if any of his wife's dancing skills have rubbed off on him ... he's the latest to join the cast of "Dancing with the Stars."

The NBA baller -- who's currently a free agent -- is headed to the ballroom for Season 30 of the hit dancing competition, but first, he's gotta get his rehearsals in. We got Iman leaving the 'DWTS' studio Thursday, and much like Olivia Jade ... he's trying to keep his identity under wraps.

We've confirmed it's him though, and time will tell if dance moves run in the family ... as you may know, his spouse, Teyana Taylor, is known for hers.

Teyana famously burst onto the scene when she was featured in Kanye West's 2016 music video for "Fade" ... a modern, incredibly hot homage to "Flashdance." Shumpert also appeared at the end of the vid ... but didn't do any dancing.

However, professional athletes have traditionally done very well on the show ... with Emmitt Smith, Apolo Ohno, Kristi Yamaguchi, Hines Ward, Donald Driver, Adam Rippon and several others winning it all.

Iman's rumored pro dance partner will be Daniella Karagach, who finished in third place on Season 29 with Nelly.

Kobe Bryant's daughter, Natalia, is gunning to follow in her dad's footsteps ... revealing the NBA legend inspired her to pursue a career in film -- and she's hoping to win an Oscar!!

The Black Mamba's 18-year-old daughter -- an aspiring filmmaker -- opened up about her favorite memories with her dad in a rare interview with IMG Models on Thursday ... saying they would spend countless hours watching movies together.

But, their time wouldn't end after the end credits -- the new USC student says the duo would take MONTHS dissecting storylines and comparing movies to their own experiences throughout the world.

Of course, Kobe was deeply invested in his off-court endeavors after retiring from the league in 2016 ... and won an Oscar for his animated short, "Dear Basketball" in 2018.

When asked where she saw herself in 10 years, Natalia said she's hoping to get the same recognition.

"I want to win an Oscar. I'm not sure for what, or for what Oscar category, but that's on my list," she said.

Keith McCants -- the 4th overall draft pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 1990 NFL Draft -- has passed away. He was 53 years old.

McCants was found dead Thursday morning in St. Petersburg, Florida by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, according to The Athletic.

The former Alabama defensive end played in 88 games over his 6 year NFL career for the Bucs, Oilers and Cardinals ... and finished with 192 tackles and 13.5 sacks.

He also recorded one touchdown -- reaching the endzone off a 46-yard interception return.

McCants was an All-American at Alabama and was named CBS National Defensive Player of the Year in 1989. He was also selected as the Iron Bowl MVP.

After his playing days were over, McCants fell into financial troubles ... and opened up about his experiences on the ESPN "30 for 30" documentary, "Broke."

Unfortunately, Keith also shared his battles with drug abuse and painkillers ... telling Vice Sports back in 2015 he was taking more than 183 pills a week before the end of his NFL career ... and it took a toll on him mentally.

Aaron Rodgers appears to be looking forward to some time away from his fiancee ... 'cause the quarterback said spending the NFL season apart from Shailene Woodley is "going to be a good thing."

The superstar football player made the surprising admission to Haute Living ... after explaining his decision to return to Wisconsin and the Packers this year will likely mean he and Woodley have to spend most of the next few months apart.

"It's a busy work time for her, so [my decision] probably came at a good time for both of us to be able to focus on our work," Rodgers said.

"I think it's going to be a good thing."

Aaron added, "I mean, her work was shut down for an entire year, and she's booked a number of projects. She enjoys working and her own routine, which I obviously enjoy, too."

Rodgers and Woodley had been inseparable since announcing their engagement in the winter ... with the two quarantining together and then jettisoning across the globe for vacations.

They were spotted in Canada, Disney World, Mexico and Hawaii ... and they've been open about their love for each other nearly every step of the way.

In fact, Rodgers said in March he's looking forward to fatherhood after getting engaged to Woodley.

So, is Thursday's admission a sign of the honeymoon phase coming to an end?! Highly unlikely!

Former wrestler Daffney Unger -- who starred in the WCW from 1999 to 2001 -- has died after posting a very disturbing video to her social media page, TMZ Sports has confirmed.

She was 46 years old.

A spokesperson for the Gwinnett County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed the death to TMZ Sports, but did not reveal a cause or manner.

Daffney's friend, wrestler Lexie Fyfe, said the former WCW star -- real name Shannon Spruill -- was found dead Thursday morning.

"We are very sad to have to announce the passing of Shannon Spruill aka Daffney Unger," said Lexie, who told us she and Daffney were so close, they "called each other sisters."

"We are posting this at the request of her family. Please respect their privacy at this trying time. I will miss you my logical sister from another mister."

Daffney had gone on Instagram Live late Wednesday night and appeared to be in a suicidal state, saying in her video, "Do you guys not understand that I am all alone? Do you not understand that?"

She later could be heard in the footage saying, "Remember, my brain goes to Boston."

Fyfe tells us Daffney had been battling mental health issues in recent weeks ... and urged anyone who's going through similar struggles to reach out for help.

Fyfe also tells us cops initially had trouble finding Daffney following the posting of the video ... explaining Daffney had just moved into a different apartment just four days ago.

The wrestling world was rocked by the news ... with legend Mick Foley saying, "I'm so very sorry to learn of Daffney's passing. A terrible loss for her family, friends and wrestling. She was far ahead if her time in our business. #RIPDaffney."

Added wrestling star Frankie Kazarian, "RIP Daffney. Just, awful news. She was a guest at my wedding…This is so incredibly sad. Please, reach out. Always. Godspeed."

After her stint in the WCW, Daffney went on to have a big role with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling from '08-'11. She retired a short time later.

RIP.

New York Mets Acting General Manager, Zack Scott, was arrested for driving while intoxicated early Tuesday morning after cops say they found him asleep at the wheel of his car, TMZ Sports has confirmed.

44-year-old Scott was busted at 4:17 AM by police in White Plains, NY ... after they found the Mets exec conked out in his 2018 Toyota Highlander, according to the White Plains PD.

Cops say Scott -- who was hired as assistant GM in 2020 and named acting GM once Jared Porter was fired for allegedly acting inappropriately with a reporter -- refused to take a breathalyzer ... but did attempt a field sobriety test.

He did not pass the test, according to police.

Scott was charged with DWI ... and released shortly after his arrest.

As for the Mets -- who have been playing bad on the field and dealing with controversies off if it (hey, Javy Baez) -- they're clearly not happy with their GM.

“We were surprised and deeply disappointed to learn this morning about an alleged DUI involving Zack Scott. We take this matter very seriously. Zack will not be traveling with the team for our upcoming road trip while we learn more and determine next steps.”

Scott is due back in court to face a judge on Thursday morning.