TMZ Sports - Page 50

Tom Brady got COVID ... and he thinks he contracted it celebrating his Super Bowl victory.

Brady tested positive back in February ... right after Tampa Bay snagged the Lombardi Trophy ... so he told the Tampa Bay Times. He believes he caught the virus at the Super Bowl Boat  Parade ... you'll recall, when Brady was super drunk and tossed the Trophy off his boat to his comrades in arms!

The Trophy wasn't the only thing that was caught ... 'cause Brady believes that's exactly where he caught COVID. He did not say if he had symptoms.

Brady thinks this season will be worse than last when it comes to the coronavirus ... "I actually think it's going to play more of a factor this year than last year, just because of the way what we're doing now and what the stadium is going to look like and what the travel is going to look like and the people in the building and the fans."

Barstool Sports president Dave Portnoy ain't fazed by going up against a 4-time major winner on Tuesday ... telling TMZ Sports he's gonna whoop golf superstar Brooks Koepka's ass on the links -- for charity!!!

El Pres is facing off against Brooks (who will be playing left-handed) in a $250,000 match on September 7 ... with the winner getting the huge chunk of change sent to the cause of their choice.

We spoke with Dave at the Slice app pop-up at Brooklyn Pizza Masters ahead of the big event ... and he says he's fully expecting 250k to hit the Barstool Fund afterwards -- courtesy of Mr. Koepka.

"He's mentally weak," Portnoy tells us. "I think he's a bum and I think I'm gonna beat him pretty easily."

"Brooks Koepka is a country club kid," he added. "He's not used to people talking trash to him and I'm convinced he's mentally weak."

Dave says he's been crushing it on the course leading up to the competition ... and is fully preparing to live rent-free in Koepka's head.

We also spoke with Portnoy about Barstool sponsoring the Arizona Bowl this upcoming college football season ... and he said they're gunning to make it "the most unique bowl in the history of bowl games."

Portnoy will be in the booth with Dan "Big Cat" Katz when the time comes ... and hopes the game will lead to even more exciting events in the future.

But for now, he's focused on getting that dub against Koepka.

New York Giants pass rusher Azeez Ojulari is starting off his rookie season in a Wakanda-kinda way ... by coppin' an insane "Black Panther" diamond chain -- that glows in the dark!!!

TMZ Sports has learned the outsider linebacker wanted to pay homage to Chadwick Boseman with some new drip before the Giants' season-opener ... so he hit up celeb jeweler Leo Frost.

And, Frost definitely delivered ... 'cause while the ice ain't exactly Vibranium, it's damn near close ... featuring 50 carats of white and black VS1 diamonds with 220 grams of 18k white gold!

The replica of Boseman's famous mask also comes with an insane white gold Cuban prong set -- with VS diamonds!!!

We're told Leo also amped up the bling by adding a special, glow-in-the-dark enamel coating ... which if you check out the video, is WILD!!

Unclear what the drip ultimately cost the former Georgia Bulldog ... but the 2nd-round pick just signed a 4-year rookie deal for $6.7 million, so his wallet's going to be just fine.

If Cam Newton were vaccinated, he would still be the New England Patriots' starter ... so says NFL Network star Kyle Brandt.

"I'll tell you right now," the "Good Morning Football" host told Harvey and Babcock on "TMZ Live" this week, "I think Cam Newton would be the starting quarterback of the Patriots right now if he was vaccinated."

"That's my opinion, but I think it's true."

It's a bold take ... especially considering Bill Belichick told media members this week that Cam's vaccination status had nothing to do with his release.

But, there's no denying the time Newton missed while dealing with COVID protocol issues last month allowed Mac Jones an opportunity to take a firm hold of the QB1 role in New England.

Brandt, though, says he believes the COVID issues won't stop with Cam ... saying he's so worried about it, it's actually impacting fantasy football drafts.

"I actually think it's something you take into consideration," Brandt said, "because these guys might have to sit out."

UFC fighter Daniel Rodriguez is fresh off a win over Kevin Lee ... but the L.A. native doesn't plan on sitting back and chilling -- he wants to fight, and he's got a name in mind.

TMZ Sports talked to the 34-year-old fighter who just cracked the welterweight division top 15 (he's ranked #15) ... and asked him who's next on the hit list, if he could call his shot.

"I think Belal Muhammad, I think like #9. I'm on the fast track," Rodriguez says.

And, D-Rod isn't concerned about being taken down by Belal ... 'cause he strongly believes his stand-up game is superior.

"At the end of the day, the fight starts on the feet, and that's my world."

FYI, 33-year-old Muhammad is coming off a unanimous decision win over Demian Maia in June.

Of course, Daniel is also coming off a big dub ... against Lee, who's no slouch. KL's beaten the likes of Edson Barboza, Michael Chiesa and Gregor Gillespie.

Most importantly, D-Rod -- who's fought 7 times in the last 18 months (6-1 during that time) -- says he wants to remain active, and anyone ranked above him can get it.

And, he doesn't plan on slowing down the breakneck pace ... 'cause Rodriguez says Kamaru Usman's belt is within his grasp.

Naomi Osaka had a disastrous match Friday ... repeatedly losing her composure and ultimately losing her U.S. Open match ... and she says her future in tennis is now uncertain.

Osaka won the first set against 18-year-old Canadian Leylah Fernandez ... but things unraveled for her in the second set. She threw her racket 3 times and when she lost the set she walked off the court.

The defending U.S. Open champ returned and the crowd began to cheer for Fernandez. Naomi shockingly double-faulted right out of the gate and ended up losing the match.

Naomi broke down in tears during a post-match interview, making it clear how much she's struggling and saying she's taking a break from tennis ... "I feel like I'm at this point where I'm trying to figure out what I want to do, and I honestly don't know when I'm going to play my next tennis match." In other words, Osaka herself has now made it clear ... her future in tennis is uncertain.

Former wrestling star Daffney Unger died from an apparent gunshot wound to the chest ... according to a police report obtained by TMZ.

As we reported, Daffney was found dead Thursday after she appeared on her IG Live the night before in what appeared to be a suicidal state, stating ... "Do you guys not understand that I am all alone? Do you not understand that?" And then she said, "Remember, my brain goes to Boston"

Police went to Unger's home in Norcross, GA Thursday for a welfare check. According to the police report, they were met by Daffney's mom, Jean. They knocked at the door but there was no answer, so they left without trying to gain entry.

They came back a second time a few hours later, and this time they saw Daffney's car parked near the apartment. A maintenance man gave cops a key but it didn't unlock the deadbolt. So, the fire department was called and they broke open the door and found Daffney's body on her bed ... a gunshot wound to her chest and a gun within reach.

The medical examiner has yet to determine the official cause and manner of death.

Daffney was battling mental health issues for weeks before her death and had urged others who were in the same predicament to get help.

Tommy Fury is sick of Jake Paul using his name for cred in the boxing world ... he's ready to take on the YouTube star, and says he'll make short work of it.

Tommy was leaving L.A. Friday for his home back in the UK ... and made it clear to our photog he was annoyed his name was used by Jake to promote his fight against Tyron Woodley.

Jake's not even a real boxer -- so says Tommy -- because he's only fighting MMA opponents. BTW ... Tommy honed in on Woodley's punch that sent Jake into the ropes.

Tommy makes it clear ... Jake's never gonna be a real competitor -- at least against him -- so might as well get it over with now.  Fury knows the fight would draw a huge audience, and that means $$$$$$$$$$$$$. And, that's why Tommy calls it a "win-win."

As for predictions ... lights out within 3 minutes.

There's no doubt Jake would accept the challenge. It could draw a record-breaking audience on Pay-Per-View, although it's a little weird for someone like Tommy -- who's on track in the world of boxing -- to actually get in the ring with the likes of Paul.

Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier and Amanda Nunes have held UFC titles in 2 divisions ... but a 3-division champ -- that's never been done -- at least not yet.

That's exactly what 28-year-old UFC star Darren Till tells TMZ Sports he's trying to do.

"For me, I’m chasing something totally different. I want to be great. I'm on a path to greatness and I'm a top contender. I want to be a champion in two divisions, maybe three. I know it sounds like I’m dreaming, but I’ve got to dream. That’s me."

18-3 Till, the #9-ranked UFC Middleweight (185 lbs.), has wins over big-name opponents like Kelvin Gastelum, Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone and Stephen Thompson.

DT has a big fight this weekend against #5-ranked Derek Brunson. The winner, with an impressive performance, could find themselves in prime position for a title fight against Israel Adesanya or Robert Whittaker (they're likely fighting in early 2022).

That's 1 division ... but there'd still be 2 left to conquer, Welterweight (170 lbs.) and Light Heavyweight (205 lbs.). A 35 pound difference is HUGE ... but Till, who's 6'0" tall, believes he can shed the pounds.

"I believe [I can do it]. I know I can do one last hoorah at 170 [lbs.] against the champ Kamaru Usman, and 205, but who knows. I’ve always dreamed of being a two-weight division world champion in the UFC."

"I know three is a stretch and I know I need to rack up a lot of wins but I'm a young kid dreaming."

In fact, Darren used to fight at welterweight ... but dropping the lbs. was brutal.

But, he thinks he can make the weight ... and when it comes to the actual fighting, Till doesn't think there are many people more dangerous in the Octagon.

The 1st step towards ruling 3 divisions starts this Saturday at UFC Fight Night.

Stay tuned ...

Dez Bryant might be done with football, but he's hoping he's certainly not through with making stacks of cash -- 'cause the ex-NFL star says he's hoping his NFT business can make him a FORTUNE.

The former Dallas Cowboys All-Pro has launched a platform designed to help athletes like himself sell non-fungible tokens and other packages to fans ... with the hopes of raking in serious coin.

In fact, Dez is so fired up over the idea of it all ... he told TMZ Sports out in NYC this week he's gunning to eventually make $100 MILLION off it.

As for what that means for his football future ... Bryant sure didn't seem like a guy too focused on getting back in the league this season.

The 32-year-old told us he's still in shape and "absolutely" can still play ... but suggested his business ventures might take up most of his time now.

"I'm a jack-of-all-trades type of guy," Bryant said. "I always been that way. I see the bigger vision. I'm one of those guys that can step outside of themselves and just see the bigger picture."

"That's what I've done and that's what I've always done my whole life, my whole football career and I see a lot of athletes lack a lot of things and I feel like me and my guy, the team that's been created, is built to provide the best of the best for athletes."

Fantasy football nerds, take note ... Victor Cruz tells TMZ Sports Sterling Shepard is about to have a HUGE season for the New York Giants!!

The former Giants superstar made the claim to us out in NYC earlier this week ... predicting the 28-year-old wideout will finally have a breakout year in 2021.

"I think watch out for Sterling Shepard," Cruz said. "I think he's going to be a guy."

Shepard has shown flashes of brilliance in the past -- in his five-year career with the Giants, he's posted 3,518 receiving yards and 20 TDs on 313 catches.

But, he's never quite had a superstar year just yet ... though Cruz clearly believes that's on the way this season.

"Sterling Shepard is going to be a guy that's going to do some really big things this year that might slip under the radar," Cruz said.

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!