TMZ Sports - Page 50

Started from the bottom, now he's taking over "Monday Night Football" ... 'cause Drake is teaming up with ESPN to curate music for the upcoming season!!

The announcement just dropped minutes ago ... with the network saying the 6 God will be in charge of the aux cord for 10 games throughout the 2021-22 campaign.

ESPN says Drake will feature his newest songs and possibly some classics ... and while he has more than enough tracks to fill that demand, he'll also feature some other artists worthy of getting exposure.

Of course, this isn't the first collab between Drake and ESPN -- he "hacked" into "SportsCenter" last month to share the release date for his newest album, "Certified Lover Boy," ... which is doing record-breaking numbers in its first week.

"Now we are here ... the kickoff of the football season," ESPN's VP of Sports Marketing, Emeka Ofodile, said Tuesday. "And, who better to curate music for Monday Night Football than Drake, who sits firmly at the intersection of music and sports."

BTW -- Drake is a massive sports fanatic and can be spotted passionately cheering at sporting events ... so it's a safe bet he'll put that same energy into his new gig.

"We couldn't be more excited for this upcoming collaboration," Ofodile added.

Big names like Diplo and DJ Khaled have shared music duties in previous years ... which ESPN said was a "big hit."

Paul Pierce is NOT sorry for posting a bunch of booty-shakin' women on his Instagram Live earlier this year ... saying he was just having some harmless adult fun.

The 43-year-old NBA legend posted a kinda NSFW video from inside a friend's home after a night of drinking and smoking back in April ... showing a group of barely-clothed ladies twerking and dancing.

The video went viral on social media ... and ESPN parted ways with The Truth shortly after.

Now, Pierce is opening up on the days following the incident ... saying his agent recommended he apologize -- in case it would affect Hall of Fame voting -- but he elected not to.

"Come on, I didn’t do anything illegal," Pierce told Sports Illustrated. “These motherf***ers in the Hall of Fame, some did [cocaine], f***ing battery. What the f*** did I do? I was just having a good time."

"All the people coming after me, half you motherf***ers do the same s***. You’re just hiding it. And, you all are married while you’re doing it. I’m divorced. I’m retired. I’m having fun."

Of course, the vid had zero impact on getting Pierce into the Hall -- he's set to be enshrined alongside Chris Bosh and Chris Webber this weekend -- but if it did, he says it would have been "the biggest stiff job in Hall of Fame history."

Pierce had previously told us he's poised to make a BIG comeback ... but as for now, he's remained off the TV.

Ex-NBA star Cedric Ceballos is asking everyone to pray for him ... revealing he's been hospitalized in the ICU, battling COVID-19.

The 1992 NBA dunk champ broke the troubling news Tuesday -- posting a photo of himself wearing an oxygen mask in a hospital bed on social media.

"On my 10th day in ICU, COVID-19 is officially kicking my butt!" Ceballos said.

"I am asking ALL family, friends, prayer warriors healers for your prayers and well wish for my recovery."

The small forward added, "If I have done and anything to you in the past, allow me to publicly apologize."

"My fight is not done!"

Ceballos -- a 2nd-round draft pick in 1990 -- played 11 seasons in the NBA for the Suns, Lakers, Mavericks, Pistons and Miami Heat.

Cedric famously won the 1992 Slam Dunk ... with an epic blindfolded dunk. He also made the 1995 All-Star team. Ced averaged over 14 points and 5 rebounds during his NBA career.

After retiring from the NBA, he continued to hoop overseas and in other leagues across America.

The sports world -- from NBA to NFL stars -- has been showing love to the 52-year-old basketball star ... including Paul George who wrote, "keep fighting OG"

Caitlyn Jenner says she's all for "a woman's right to choose," but she also supports Texas' new, restrictive abortion law ... or at least its right to adopt it.

Jenner explained herself during a Tuesday segment on CNN ... saying "I am for a woman's right to choose" but "I am also for a state having the ability to make their own laws. So I support Texas in that decision. That's their decision."

When CNN anchor Brianna Keilar pressed her once again ... Jenner said, "Now, do I agree with the decision or not? No. To be honest with you, I actually probably do not agree with the decision."

Jenner, who is trying to become Governor of California, also noted that while she supports Texas' legislative decision she doesn't see the Golden State's laws changing in the future when it comes to a woman's right to choose.

As we reported ... Texas' new law, which went into effect September 1, pretty much outlaws abortion after the first 6 weeks of pregnancy. Critics of the so-called "heartbeat bill" wanted the Supreme Court to step in but they refused to hear the case ... in effect, killing Roe vs. Wade in Texas.

Sarah Silverman is among the bill's harshest critics ... saying it's an attack on the poor.

Clinton Portis could be headed to prison for a LONG time ... 'cause he's now facing up to 10 years behind bars after he agreed to plead guilty to a fraud charge last week.

According to court docs, obtained by TMZ Sports, the former NFL star cut a deal with prosecutors on Friday ... and pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud.

As a result, per the docs, 40-year-old Portis now faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison ... as well as HEAVY fines.

Portis had been hit with multiple charges by federal prosecutors in 2019 ... after prosecutors say he -- and several other ex-NFL players -- developed a scheme to get cash from the Gene Upshaw NFL Player Plan.

Prosecutors say Portis and the other former players made up fake claims and submitted them to the plan, which was initially designed to help retired players pay for medical bills.

Prosecutors alleged Portis and the players made huge coin after the plan reimbursed them.

Investigators say some of the fraudulent claims the players were reimbursed for included pricey hyperbaric oxygen chambers and ultrasound machines.

Portis went to trial over the allegations last week, but jurors could not reach a verdict. The case had been set for a re-trial ... before Portis ultimately reached his deal with prosecutors.

Portis' sentencing hearing is slated for January.

MLB umpire Manny Gonzalez will be away from baseball diamonds for the foreseeable future ... after he suffered a head injury while being drilled in the face by a foul ball on Monday.

The scary scene all went down in the first inning of the Red Sox's game against the Rays ... when Tampa Bay first baseman Jordan Luplow fouled a pitch right into Gonzalez's jaw.

You can see in the footage of the play, the ball hit Gonzalez so hard, he was staggered ... and he eventually dropped to the ground.

Trainers raced out from the dugouts to check on the 41-year-old -- who was so dazed, he needed to be removed from the game.

Sources tell TMZ Sports ... Gonzalez is now currently being evaluated under the MLB's concussion protocols and is out indefinitely.

Of course, this is far from the first time we've seen terrifying incidents involving umps behind home plate.

Remember, back in April, Kerwin Danley appeared to be knocked out after he, too, was hit by a foul ball. And, in 2020, John Tumpane was drilled in the face by a 99 MPH Gerrit Cole fastball and was slow to get up.

Tributes for Michael K. Williams are pouring in from the sports world after his shocking death Monday morning ... with star athletes and pro teams honoring the late actor on social media.

Dwayne Johnson -- who worked with Williams in the 2013 film "Snitch" -- penned an emotional message on Instagram ... saying, "You’ll be missed, brother."

"A real pleasure to work with you and call you a friend. Strength, mana & love to your family during this very difficult and heartbreaking time. Go rest high."

Ex-NFL receiver Victor Cruz posted a shot with the actor at a previous event -- "Rest easy my brother. One of the most positive human beings I ever met."

Chad 'Ochocinco' Johnson also paid tribute with an old photo of them together ... saying, "R.I.P. @bkbmg".

Tennessee Titans receiver A.J. Brown used a famous quote from "The Wire" to honor the Williams' role as Omar Little ... saying, "'Omar is coming.' Rest in peace."

Even racecar driver Lewis Hamilton paid tribute -- "Sorry to hear the news. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family. Bless your spirit."

The NBA community also showed love -- the New York Knicks posted a photo of the Brooklyn native courtside in MSG ... saying, "Rest in Peace. We send our deepest condolences to the family of Michael K. Williams."

"A true New Yorker and a friend to The Garden and Garden of Dreams."

NBA's Jamal Crawford said, "RIP Michael K. Williams . Prayers to his family."

"Life is short…Tell those you love, you love them. Try to be a good example. Help someone along the way on your own journey.."

As we previously reported, the 54-year-old actor was found dead by a relative in his Brooklyn apartment on Monday in a suspected drug overdose.

Besides his iconic role as Omar in "The Wire," he was in several TV shows and films ... including "12 Years a Slave," "Assassin's Creed" and "The Gambler."

Former MLBer Kyle Farnsworth is getting ripped for his take on Orioles outfielder Trey Mancini ... after the ex-pitcher called out the star's toughness in his first season back after battling cancer.

29-year-old Mancini -- who beat stage 3 colon cancer in September 2020 -- has played in 128 games during his miraculous comeback in 2021 ... but took Monday off after getting hit in the foot and experiencing some "general soreness."

While most people wouldn't care what the 43-93 Orioles are doing in September, Farnsworth was randomly pissed about Mancini sitting out ... tweeting out some unnecessary criticism (without actually name-dropping him).

"So I just saw that a MLB player didn’t play today because of general soreness," Farnsworth tweeted.

"Are you kidding me. It’s September. Everyone is sore. If you can’t play through soreness, you shouldn’t be playing the sport. SMH!"

Of course, everyone knew who Farnsworth was talking about ... and the replies started to flow in.

"My man @TreyMancini is a living legend," Mets pitcher Marcus Stroman said Tuesday. "A true role model to the youth who has battled an incredible amount of adversity."

"Past players with poo-poo careers/opinions need to keep it down. He’s a cancer survivor who beat the odds and is a blessing to society. Keep inspiring Trey!"

FOX analyst Ben Verlander added ... "This tweet was in regards to Trey Mancini. I just can’t fathom sending this. You’re referencing the guy that beat Stage 3 cancer and sat out all last year due to cancer treatment? That’s really who you’re talking about sitting out a game? Wow.."

Mancini has 21 homers, 66 RBI and a .262 batting average this season ... and has been one of the few highlights for the Orioles this season.

Farnsworth has yet to delete the tweet -- there's still time, Kyle -- and has not addressed the backlash ... and it's unclear if he'll do either.

Terrell Owens is ready to get into the celeb boxing game ... saying he wants a fight with Donovan McNabb -- and he's promising he'll knock his former QB out if it all goes down!!

T.O. joined Shannon Sharpe on the "Club Shay Shay" podcast this week and made the call-out ... making it clear time has NOT healed his feud with McNabb one bit.

"Shannon, I'll knock him out," Owens said ... "It'll be controlled anger. I'll be like a Navy SEAL. I'll be a Navy SEAL. 'Cause they're cool, calm under all conditions."

"But, there would be a fire burning inside of me."

Owens says the idea for the potential fight originated during a conversation with fans while he was ringside at Chad Ochocinco's boxing match on the undercard of the Logan Paul vs. Floyd Mayweather event in June.

"I had people asking me, 'T.O., you next? You next?!'" Owens said. "And, then I had one guy that was like, 'Yo. If you had to fight, who would you want to fight?'"

"I said, Donovan McNabb."

As for how violent the match would get ... Owens made it clear he would hold NOTHING back.

"I'd knock Chunky Soup from him," T.O. said. "From 2004! Trust me. All the heartache and all the stuff that I went through -- me trying to be the nice guy!"

Owens and McNabb have famously feuded for years ... with T.O. having previously said the beef between the two began while they were teammates with the Philadelphia Eagles.

In fact, T.O. has thrown shade McNabb's way nearly every chance he's had over the past few years ... even clowning Donovan's Hall of Fame candidacy to TMZ Sports in 2019.

Simone Biles is clapping back at her critics yet again ... this time shutting them down in savage fashion by saying, "I can't hear you over my 7 olympic medals."

Biles -- apparently still hearing from trolls for the way she pulled out of several events at last month's Tokyo Olympics -- posted the fiery message on social media over the weekend.

In the commentary, accompanied by a photo of the silver and bronze medals she won at this summer's Games, Biles insisted she is not a quitter.

"Can't believe it's already been a month," Biles said. "Definitely not the way I planned the Olympics going but I wouldn't change anything for the world 🤎."

"I'm proud of myself and the career I've had thus far. this Olympics doesn't erase the past accomplishments I've achieved nor does it define who I am as an athlete."

Biles continued, "I've pushed through so much the past couple years, the word quitter is not in my vocabulary. for some of you that may be how you define me but keep talking because I can't hear you over my 7 Olympic medals which tied me for the most decorated gymnast EVER as well as most decorated American gymnast."

As we previously reported, Biles said a mental block was caused her to have the "twisties" while competing in Tokyo.

The issues were so bad for the 24-year-old gymnast, she called them "petrifying" and feared she could hurt herself by competing.

Vernon Davis, former NFL star turned actor, is dead serious about dedicating his life to acting ... and has landed several big-time roles alongside A-list actors Morgan Freeman and Bruce Willis.

TMZ Sports talked to 37-year-old, 6th overall NFL Draft pick (2006) about his burgeoning film career ... and the bond Davis has forged with Freeman.

"After working with [Morgan] on this film Muti, he's just brilliant. Not only is he a great actor, he's a great person," Vernon says.

"I mean he comes to work every day, great energy, joking, playing and I'm looking at this guy like this guy's 80-something years old and he still comes with energy unknown to mankind."

"Muti," starring Freeman, is currently filming ... and is expected to hit theatres in 2022.

In addition to the film, Vernon has 8 other projects in the works ... starring actors like Bruce Willis, Frank Grillo, Kevin Dillon and John Malkovich.

Davis -- who played 14 seasons in the NFL for San Francisco and Washington -- also told a story about a scene he recently filmed with the Academy Award winner, and it's pretty awesome.

Bottom line, what Vernon's doing is darn impressive ... but not necessarily surprising.

In fact, last February he told us he was gunning to be an actor post-football -- and now he's filming movies with Hollywood royalty.

Super Bowl ring ✅
Oscar award?!?

A Clemson football fan may have to make a trip to the Mayo Clinic after scarfing down a container of mayonnaise during a game.

The fan was amped for Saturday night's Duke's Mayo Classic -- Clemson vs. Georgia. The dude showed up with an enormous tub of mayo and proceeded to scarf as much down as he could stomach.

The condiment-loving fan was splashed all over TV during the game, which was broadcast by ESPN. We're guessing viewers swore off mayo with their game snacks.

Mind you ... this type of stunt also went down in the A.M., not that an afternoon or evening display would have been less stomach-turning.

Another fan slathered himself with a gallon of mayo ... it's as disgusting as it is hilarious.

The condition of the dudes who inhaled the condiment is unknown, but our educated guess ... it cannot be good.

46-year-old Anderson Silva says he's got about 4 years of fighting left in him ... telling TMZ Sports his plan is to hang up the gloves before his 50th birthday.

Oh, and he's down to box Jake Paul!

Let's start with the YouTube star turned 4-0 boxer who just beat Tyron Woodley ... who's long been rumored as a possible opponent for the UFC legend.

"Everything is possible. Jake Paul and Logan are doing a lot of good work in this new entertaining show. We'll see. Everything is possible. I respect both. [Jake] is doing good, working hard. So, we'll see, maybe this is possible too."

Silva -- who's boxing Tito Ortiz on September 11 on Triller -- is only a few months removed from defeating 35-year-old former champion, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in the ring.

We also asked Spider about retirement ... and while it's clear the end isn't exactly imminent, it's definitely in sight.

"My goal is my last fight is 49 [years old]. 49, I'm done. Probably, I'm done. That is my goal. Fight 3 more years and done. 49. That's the number. Maybe I can fight more, but right now my goal is when I turn 49, I stop fighting."

Bottom line, Silva says he feels great and loves fighting, has more fights in him ... and one of those fights just might be against Jake Paul.

Rotimi says fear not, the "House Party" reboot is in good hands with LeBron James -- despite the less than stellar reviews for LBJ's take on 'Space Jam.'

The singer and "Power" star was cast in the new 'HP,' and he told us he's already shot his scenes. He gave us the lowdown about the vibe on set, and reassured fans of the 1990 cult classic comedy ... because, as he put it, the new cast is filled with a lot of rising stars who set out to prove themselves.

Jacob Latimore and Tosin Cole are playing the iconic roles of "Kid" and "Play" ... originally played by the hip-hop group, Christopher "Kid" Reid and Christopher "Play" Martin.

That might be a good enough reason for fans to give the reboot a chance. Of course, some were wary about LeBron's company, SpringHill, producing it ... as the news came on the heels of "Space Jam: A New Legacy."

Not only did LeBron star in that, but SpringHill also produced it - and even though the movie grossed over $150 million worldwide, it was pretty universally ripped.

That being said, there are signs the "House Party" reboot's set up for success.

The film's script is penned by "Atlanta" writers Stephen Glover and Jamal Olori ... both Emmy-nominated writers. Stephen is Donald Glover's younger brother.

Also, Charles Kidd II -- better known as Calmatic -- is making his feature film directorial debut. He directed Lil Nas X's "Old Town Road" music video, which won the 2019 MTV Video Music Award for Best Direction and the 2020 Grammy for Best Music Video of the Year.

Master P is already predicting his hoops star son, Mercy Miller, is gonna be a baller at the University of Houston -- telling TMZ Sports, he could be just as great as Hakeem Olajuwon!

And, he's only 15 years old ... playing guard at Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis but made an early commitment to play college ball for the Houston Cougars.

"His favorite teams was University of Houston and Duke," P tell us, "That was his final choices and to be able to do that as a young kid right now ... he's blessed."

"He was able to win a high school state championship last year as a freshman and now to know what college you're going to, it's just gonna bring all the pieces to the puzzle together."

P expects Mercy to bring that winning spirit to Houston -- telling us his son could end up being one of the greatest to ever wear a Cougar jersey.

"A lot of the greats went to University of Houston," P says.

"Clyde the Glyde, Elvin Hayes, Hakeem Olajuwon and now you got Mercy Miller -- could be on that same wall."

That's some big names to follow ... but, the rapper doesn't want his son to just be great at ball -- he wants him to excel in school.

"He's an A-student. That's what I'm more proud of and education is so important and he'll be able to get that."

"It's a great place for education at the University of Houston."

Mercy's also gonna be able to get some endorsement deals due to the NIL rules ... and his big brother Hercy Miller -- who will play for the Tennessee State basketball team this year -- just signed a $2M deal.

"A lot of brands are probably gonna start coming at him now knowing this is where he gon' be at."

Derek Holland ain't rockin' n' rollin' all night and partying every day -- dude's got to pitch, after all -- but he's paying homage to KISS nonetheless, by coppin' some custom Gene Simmons-themed cleats!!!

TMZ Sports has learned the Tigers pitcher wanted to honor Detroit while on the mound this season ... so he hit up famed shoe artist Michael Jordan to get some heat for his feet.

And, after tossing some potential ideas for the cleats around, the two settled on KISS spikes ... and they came out AWESOME.

The cleats have the faces of the famous band members painted on them ... and feature a sweet rainbow paint job that we're told took around 10 HOURS to complete.

Unclear when Holland plans to rock them this season ... but it certainly won't be the first time he's sported some fire on the pitching mound.

Holland also owns Eminem and Kid Rock cleats ... and while he was playing for Pittsburgh in 2020, he famously got Jordan to create him some Mr. Rogers footwear as well.