TMZ Sports - Page 50

Devin Booker is back in the mix -- the NBA star made his first appearance at the Phoenix Suns training camp on Friday after his stint with COVID-19.

As we previously reported, the shooting guard revealed on a Twitch stream earlier this week he tested positive for the coronavirus and had been battling the virus for a week.

The ex-Kentucky baller was placed in the league’s health and safety protocols ... causing him to miss the first 3 days of training camp with his teammates.

Booker confirmed he was vaccinated before catching COVID -- he told reporters he was gradually getting his sense of smell and taste back ... adding it was great to be back with his teammates.

The 24-year-old had a breakout year last season ... averaging 25.6 points, 4.3 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game before leading Phoenix on an improbable run to the NBA Finals.

The Suns open up preseason play on October 4 against the Sacramento Kings ... but it is unclear if DB can suit up that soon. Here's hoping he's ready to go.

Nearly losing his father's ashes has not deterred Aaron Jones from still playing with them ... 'cause the Packers star revealed he now has a custom jersey that'll help keep them safe during games.

Jones initially lost the pendant containing his dad's ashes during a "Monday Night Football" game last month ... and after it was found following a frantic search sesh, many believed Aaron might go into games without the charm going forward.

But, Jones revealed Friday the Green Bay equipment staff has sewn a pocket into his uniform ... so he now has a safe place for the jewelry while he runs the ball for the Pack.

"I can just drop it in there and I don't have to worry about it falling out," Jones said. "So, I can play with it."

Jones said he's still searching for a new chain for the charm, so he's only wearing the piece on gamedays for now -- but he added he has plans to run with the jewelry for perhaps the rest of his career.

"It's something I'll continue to do," Jones said. "Just keep my dad with me everywhere I go."

As we previously reported, Jones and his father, Alvin Jones Sr., were very, very close ... before Alvin tragically died from COVID-19 back in April.

The UFC has stepped in and called off the Aspen Ladd vs. Macy Chiasson fight slated for UFC Vegas 38 on Saturday ... after Ladd appeared dangerously frail during the weigh-in.

The scene was scary -- Ladd was visibly shaking and barely able to hold her arms up as she stepped on the scale ... with many concerned about her health as she tried to make weight at 135 pounds.

Ladd eventually weighed in at 137 -- 2 pounds over the bantamweight limit -- but there was no way Dana White's org. was going to let Ladd take the Octagon for a catchweight bout ... with the fight being scrapped just moments ago.

This is not the first time Ladd has had a grueling experience at a weigh-in -- in 2019, she also showed serious signs of struggling as she made weight for UFC Fight Night 155.

But Ladd did not look her usual self in the Octagon after, losing in a TKO in less than a minute against Germaine de Randamie.

Here's hoping Ladd can recover and get back on the right track.

Paul Riley -- head coach of the North Carolina Courage -- was fired on Thursday after he was accused of sexual coercion against multiple former NWSL players.

The Athletic report accuses Riley of sexual coercion -- sexual harassment, sexual misconduct and homophobic rhetoric while working with multiple leagues and teams dating back to 2010.

Once the Courage got wind of the news, Riley was canned.

"The Courage support the players who have come forward and we commend them for bravely sharing their stories," the team said in a statement.

Two former NWSL players went public with their alleged experiences playing for Riley ... with Sinead Farrelly saying she "felt under his control."

Meleana "Mana" Shim added ... "I felt from the beginning like I owed him."

The NWSLPA tweeted a statement saying systemic abuse plaguing the NWSL must not be ignored.

"We refuse to be silent any longer," the statement says. "Our commitment as players is to speak truth to power. We will no longer be complicit in a culture of silence that has enabled abuse and exploitation in our league and our sport."

NWSL commissioner Lisa Baird responded to the incident by saying she was "shocked and disgusted" by the allegations.

As for Riley, he tells The Athletic the majority of the accusations being tossed at him are "completely untrue."

Jameis Winston and Cam Jordan are stepping up once again to help New Orleans recover ... with the stars pledging a donation for every team touchdown and sack to the Hurricane Ida relief fund.

The New Orleans Saints QB and defensive end announced the dope gesture on Friday -- Winston will shell out $1,000 per team touchdown and Jordan will hand over $1,000 per team sack to help build back the local communities.

As of Week 3, the Saints have 9 TDs and 6 sacks ... and plan to add more when they finally  return to the Superdome on Oct. 3 against the NY Giants.

"Hurricane Ida has had a devastating effect on New Orleans and the broader Southern Louisiana region," Winston said in a statement.

“We are blessed to be able to return to the city this week, but we know our return does not signify the full restoration of New Orleans and the surrounding area."

Winston says the money will go toward non-profit organizations to contribute to both short-term and long-term needs in hopes of bringing the community back and better than ever.

Winston and Jordan are also asking fans and businesses to help out as well ... by asking them to pitch in any amount to #FORNOLA.

"Nola is a city built from family and community, it has become a home for my family and teammates," Jordan says.

"We pledged as one to continue helping our city rebuild and being what it needs as we work through this time to restore.

The duo already donated a combined $90k this month after the Category 4 storm destroyed their city in late August ... and the Saints owner Gayle Benson also donated $1 million.

Joe Rogan believes Joe Biden did NOT get a COVID vaccine booster shot on live TV this week ... saying, "I don't think they would take the chance."

The comedian and UFC commentator delivered the wild claim on his "Joe Rogan Experience" podcast Thursday ... explaining he believes the President faked it all when he claimed to have received his third dose of the Pfizer vaccine on Monday.

“I think if they were going to give him a booster shot," Rogan said, "the last thing they would do is give it to him live on television.”

“What if he dies?" Rogan added. "What if he blacks out? What if he like gets it and faints? Like, because people have had very bad reactions like in the moment for whatever reason."

For his part, Biden says the shot was, in fact, very real ... writing on Twitter after getting the jab, "just like my first and second dose, it was safe and easy."

"Get vaccinated," Biden added. "Together, can we save lives and beat this virus."

It's not the first (or second) time Rogan's been involved in a COVID controversy. He previously suggested young people shouldn't get the vax. He also kicked up a stir when he revealed he was taking controversial medication, Ivermectin, when he had the virus.

Biden, doctors and health officials across the country have insisted COVID vaccines are safe ... and risks of extreme side effects are very rare.

A security guard claimed Jon Jones' fiancee was bleeding from the nose and mouth -- and was scared to return to the hotel room where the UFC champ was staying -- in a 911 call before his arrest.

"We've got a possible DV call. Domestic violence call. Female is bleeding from the nose and mouth," a Caesars Palace security official told Las Vegas Metro PD dispatch around 4:30 AM on September 24.

Security almost immediately informs dispatch the male suspected of being involved in the incident is "professional MMA fighter, Jonathan Jones."

FYI, Jones was in Vegas because his epic 2013 fight against Alexander Gustafsson was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Despite the alleged injuries, security tells the 911 operator the woman has not accused Jones of getting physical with her ... but he's clearly suspicious.

The caller says the woman was asking for help, but didn't want to grab her stuff from the room, despite an escort from security.

"She's trying to get assistance, but she's refusing to go back up to the room."

Jon's fiancee -- who was with her 3 daughters -- received first aid ... but refused any further medical assistance.

Remember, Jones was ultimately arrested for misdemeanor domestic battery and tampering with a vehicle ... for allegedly smashing his head into a cop car while handcuffed. The damage is said to be north of $5,000, making it a felony.

It's unclear what started the alleged incident, but Jon's fiancee told police he returned to the hotel room from a night at the strip club, and was in a bad mood.

Days after his arrest, Jon broke his silence, saying he was swearing off alcohol from now on.

Creighton University baseball administrator and ex-minor leaguer Chris Gradoville was tragically shot and killed Wednesday, the school announced. He was just 37 years old.

The tragedy occurred when Gradoville -- who also played for the Bluejays from 2004-07 -- showed up to make a repair at a rental home he recently sold to a realty company, according to Omaha police.

Gradoville was shot multiple times outside the home ... and was found dead in the yard around 7:55 AM after cops responded to a report of gunshots.

43-year-old Ladell Thornton -- who is believed to have been renting the home -- was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder, use of a weapon to commit a felony and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

The incident sparked sorrow from the University, prompting Creighton’s head baseball coach to say he was lucky to have known Gradoville since he was 17.

"Having Chris as a member of our staff over the last 18 months was tremendous because he was a such a great man and a great teammate," Ed Servais said.

"Whether you were a player, teammate or fellow staff member that needed a hand, Chris was one of the first guys to step forward."

Gradoville was a part of the 2007 Creighton team that won the school's first Missouri Valley Conference title ... and was later drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 24th-round of the 2007 MLB draft.

The president of the university, athletic director and other members of the athletic dept. released statements as well ... expressing their sadness over the loss.

"The Creighton community is absolutely devastated by the death of Chris Gradoville," the school said Thursday.

"Chris represented the very best of what it meant to be a Bluejay. He was an alumnus, former standout baseball player, and the volunteer director of baseball operations."

Dusty Baker partied like he was in his 20s again to celebrate his Astros' division-clinching win Thursday night ... chugging champagne straight out of a cleat!!!

The 72-year-old manager drank the bubbly in Houston's locker room after scoring the big 3-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays ... and check out the video -- it's both gross AND awesome!!!

Just minutes after the 'Stros had locked up the AL West crown, Baker and the guys hit the showers ... and the players lost their minds when their manager pulled off the shoey.

Of course, Baker had good reason to celebrate ... it's the FIFTH different team he's led to a division title in his legendary managing career.

"That was the hardest but greatest year ever for me," Baker told the guys before drinking out of the shoe. "I love you guys, man!"

As for the rest of the 'Stros -- seems they got in the shoe booze game as well ... 'cause they, too, had cleats and alcohol out just before Baker took his sips!!

No worries about hangovers, either ... playoffs don't begin until next week.

The college football season is barely a quarter of the way done, but ya ain't going to see a better catch all year than this ...

Here's Virginia wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks hauling in a pass in ridiculous one-handed fashion against Miami ... catching a ball that had ricocheted off a defender's hands and then his back!

The wild play all went down in the third quarter of the Cavaliers' tilt with the Hurricanes ... when quarterback Brennan Armstrong threw up a prayer into a body of players down at the goal line.

The ball initially looked like it would be intercepted, but when the defender dropped it ... it fell onto Wicks' body.

Broadcast cameras showed Wicks somehow balanced the ball on his back, then flipped over, popped it up, and snagged it out of mid-air for the score.

Even the game's announcers were shocked by the play ... with one saying, "I don't know that I've ever seen anything like this."

The play wasn't just amazing -- it was also necessary for Virginia, 'cause it only won the game 30-28.

Claressa Shields isn't playin' around when it comes to Jake Paul ... the boxing and MMA superstar is throwing down the gauntlet, challenging The Problem Child to a fight, and promising to beat his ass.

TMZ Sports talked to the 26-year-old 2x Olympic gold medalist who just recently vowed to NEVER fight on a Paul undercard, claiming it'd be disrespectful to her incredible career.

"I wasn't talking s**t about Jake Paul yesterday. What I was speaking was facts. Jake Paul gets inside a boxing ring with me, he's getting his ass whooped!"

And, Shields is down to put her money where her mouth is ... and if the YouTuber turned boxer doesn't want to a real, sanctioned fight -- Claressa is down to spar and let his cameras roll the entire time.

"I bet you Jake Paul would get hurt, he probably get dropped, he would have a newfound respect for me if we spar or fight," Shields says.

"I'm not calling Jake Paul out because I know how the world looks at women fighting men, they look at it like 'oh no, ew' but I spar men daily and that's the truth."

Claressa -- the only fighter, male or female, to hold all 4 major titles in multiple weight classes -- also took issue with Paul addressing female boxing star Amanda Serrano -- who he just signed to his MVP promotions -- as the greatest female fighter ever.

"I'm the motherf***kin' GWOAT! I saw him make that post today with Amanda Serrano. He needs to know that I'm the GWOAT."

(BTW, there's ZERO beef between Claressa and Amanda. In fact, Shields says she has "love and respect" for Serrano.)

Bottom line, Shields -- who returns to the PFL MMA cage October 27 -- has a message for Jake ... and anyone else who thinks she can't handle herself in the ring because she's a woman.

"Cut the s**t! Don't disrespect my skills. Look, just because a man is a man and he's in boxing doesn't mean that they can beat me and there's a lot of guys who's been in boxing for years who cannot do nothing with me, let alone Jake Paul".

The Super Bowl halftime show will feature not one, not two, but FIVE incredible music acts this February ... with Dr. Dre, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg and Mary J. Blige slated to perform!!

The epic list was just announced minutes ago ... with Pepsi revealing the lineup for the big game at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb 13.

The halftime show is absolutely nuts -- as the company notes, there are 43 Grammy awards and 19 Billboard-topping albums amongst the bunch ... and they'll all be sharing the stage in L.A.

The show's lineup makes a whole lotta sense to L.A. too ... Dre, Snoop and Kendrick are all born and raised in the city of angels. Jay-Z, who played an instrumental part in getting the lineup together says the event will be "history in the making."

The announcement Thursday also notes the show is expected to be "12 minutes of unforgettable greatness." Nearly 100 million people tuned in last year to watch The Weeknd perform in Tampa Bay.

Carl Nassib says he was worried opening up about his sexuality could cost him his NFL job ... explaining this week he didn't come out as gay sooner because he feared it might "ruin my career."

The Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher -- who famously revealed he was gay in a June social media post -- broke it all down on Darren Waller's "Comeback Stories" podcast.

Nassib said he had mulled the idea of coming out sooner ... but was scared of the reaction the announcement might draw from fellow players -- and, more importantly, NFL owners.

"I thought about it every once in a while," Nassib said of sharing his sexual preferences with the public. "Thought about how I wanted to do it. When I could do it."

"I didn't know how people would react. I wanted to make sure I was financially stable before I did it. I didn't know if it would ruin my career. I didn't know if guys would be supportive or not."

Nassib -- who says he didn't know he was gay until about four years ago -- said he finally felt comfortable making the announcement this year after he had solidified his NFL career as well as gained a good understanding of his Raiders teammates.

The 28-year-old, though, revealed it has been somewhat of a struggle since revealing the news ... telling Waller he felt a huge burden in the practices and workouts following the video's release.

"Being the only out gay guy in the NFL is a little stressful," Nassib said, adding things have gotten easier since.

Nassib also revealed he is dating somebody, saying, "I met an awesome guy. He's the best."

The general manager of the Ukrainian Hockey League is now out of a job ... he was just fired -- and he claims it's all because of the way he reacted to a player's racist, on-ice gesture.

Eugene Kolychev revealed he was canned in a series of tweets Thursday ... appearing to say he and the league did not see eye-to-eye over the way he spoke out against Andrei Deniskin's abhorrent banana-peeling gesture and subsequent suspension.

"I have spoken openly about #racism in Ukrainian hockey and the Ukrainian Hockey Federation FIRED me as General Manager of the #UHL today," Kolychev said.

"Will it solve the problem? No. Will it silence me? NO!"

Kolychev continued, "My voice has been ignored in the decision over the penalty against Andrei Deniskin, who showed a racist gesture to @jalen_smereck"

Kolychev was unhappy with Deniskin from the get-go ... blasting the hockey player immediately after he taunted Jalen Smereck, who is Black, with a banana-eating motion during their game last Sunday.

And, when the league suspended Deniskin only a handful of games as punishment for the gesture, Kolychev did not seem happy about that on his social media page, either.

Kolychev, though, said despite losing his job ... he's still going to forge on in his battle to help stop racism.

"I am publicly appealing to the @IIHFHockey to conduct its own investigation of the incident and help #endracism. Jalen, we got your back!"

Shaquille O’Neal is fed up with Kyrie Irving ... saying the Brooklyn Nets should cut ties with the star if he won't be able to play home games due to being unvaccinated.

Irving has been under attack for reportedly not getting vaccinated as the pandemic rages on ... and he currently won't be able to play home games due to NYC's COVID-19 mandate.

With the Nets poised for a title run with KI, Kevin Durant and James Harden in 2021-22, Shaq was asked what he'd do if Kyrie misses half the season ... and he's not holding back.

"I would go upstairs and say, 'Get him up out of here,'" Shaq told "Tiki and Tierney" this week. "We can win with a two-punch and a great shooter and some rebounders like we got. Get his ass up out of here."

"Of course, if I played with him, I’d be in charge all the way, all day," Shaq added.

"Whoever owns the Brooklyn Nets, get him up out of here."

But, Shaq wasn't done sharing his thoughts on the topic -- he expanded on his take on "The Big Podcast" on Thursday ... saying he is not going to "knock" Irving's right to have an opinion, but the hooper has to think about the bigger picture.

"In this game of ours, sometimes you have to think about others instead of yourself," he said. "Now, Kyrie has his own views and his opinions. I’m not going to knock that."

"He does have an obligation because he took that $200 million. Once you sign up for this life there is no privacy. And you have to accept it."

FYI -- some of that 200 milli will disappear if Kyrie misses all the home games this season ... with the guard reportedly set to lose out on $17.5 million.

Jockey Oisin Murphy -- a 2-time British flat racing champion -- had a terrifying moment before a race on Thursday ... when his horse went out of control and threw him head-first into a railing.

The scary incident went down at the Salisbury racecourse in the UK ... when Murphy was getting a 2-year-old horse, Oasis Gift, ready for his debut in a seven-furlong event.

In the footage, it appears Oasis gets spooked and starts to lose control -- bucking and dashing across the parade ring with Murphy saddled on.

The 26-year-old Irish jockey was holding on for dear life ... but was thrown off his colt and plunged headfirst into the rail. The horse then burst right through the fence and kept running.

Murphy was sent to the NHS London hospital after the crash and somehow, only ended up with a few cuts to the face.

"I've had a few stitches to my lip + face. I’ve been discharged already," Murphy said on Twitter.

"Very grateful to their work and all the kind messages."