TMZ Sports - Page 50

Gilbert Burns is back.

6 months after tearing multiple muscles in his left shoulder during his UFC 288 scrap with Belal Muhammad, Durinho tells TMZ Sports he's ready to climb back in the Octagon, and he knows who he wants to fight!

First, the injury.

"I'm clear. No pain. Shoulder is moving good. All range of motion is back. Strength," Gilbert says, "I'd say anything March or April, UFC 299 or UFC 300, I'll be ready to go."

As for who Gilbert wants in his return fight, he has an opp in mind ... though much could change with the upcoming welterweight title fight at UFC 296.

"I would love to fight Colby [Covington]," Burns said of the number 3 ranked contender, who will face champ Leon Edwards on December 16.

"I think Leon Edwards is gonna get the win, but who knows when he's gonna come back. Or when either one of these guys is gonna come back. That would be my number one pick."

Whatever happens at 296, Gilbert will see it with his own two eyes ... 'cause he says he'll be at T-Mobile Arena.

"I think after that night I'm gonna see who I'm fighting next."

Of course, Burns lost by unanimous decision in May ... when he was injured early in the fight. Because of the circumstances, it's tough to say who would've won if GB didn't get hurt, unless you're Gilbert. He's totally confident he would've kicked Belal's ass.

D.L. Hughley's advising T.I. and Tiny's son, King, to listen to a voice of reason, and understand why his meltdown during an Atlanta Falcons game is "embarrassing" to his parents.

TMZ Hip Hop caught up with D.L. Monday at LAX, where he called King's outburst -- insisting he grew up half-poor -- absolutely "insulting" to Tip and Tiny's lifetime accomplishments.

ICYMI, King ended up in his father's headlock inside their luxury suite at Mercedes-Benz Stadium -- the end result of King claiming he knew about the trap life from growing up at his grandmother's house, and even experienced roaches crawling on his face.

D.L. says King grew up a reality star via VH1's "The Family Hustle," and says any roaches he encountered were actually paid actors!!!

As a father himself, D.L. thinks King's words cut even deeper than they seemed in the video. He says all decent parents take pride in their kids being fed and clean, and D.L. says King's childhood passes that test with flying colors.

D.L. tells us his own kids wouldn't dream of spewing any such disrespect -- he says they're older and know better.

King was still fuming on social media -- a day after squaring off with his parents -- but D.L. is certain he'll eventually come around and see how silly this all is.

Dak Prescott couldn't be happier to have a baby girl on the way ... revealing he was hoping to welcome a daughter with his girlfriend, Sarah Jane Ramos -- and there's a special reason behind it.

The Dallas Cowboys quarterback -- who went public with the huge news over the holiday weekend -- spoke with reporters about his growing family on Monday ... and he said he's absolutely stoked to become a papa.

"Super, super blessed to have that responsibility," Prescott said. "But, at the same time [to] have that opportunity to start a family and bring a child into this world. I know what my mom means to me and, in a sense, have that feeling in a different role is something I'm looking forward to."

Of course, Dak lost his mother, Peggy, to colon cancer in 2013 ... and has kept her memory alive throughout his journey to becoming an NFL star.

He also has multiple tattoos in her honor ... including a Pegasus on his right leg.

Dak also stated the couple has already picked out a name for the baby on the way ... but will remain tight-lipped until the due date in March.

Prescott also joked about his recent success on the field ... chalking it up to his newfound "dad strength."

WWE legend Tammy Sytch has been ordered to spend roughly the next decade and a half in prison for her role in a 2022 car crash that killed a 75-year-old man.

Sytch learned her fate inside of a Volusia County courtroom on Monday morning ... three months after she pled no contest to, among other charges, one felony count of DUI causing death.

Sytch -- wearing an orange jumpsuit and shackles on her wrists -- addressed the courtroom for a few minutes during the hearing, which lasted several hours and featured testimonies from people affiliated with the case, including a medical expert who evaluated the former wrestling personality in the spring.

Sytch broke down in tears during her speech and apologized for her actions. At one point, the 50-year-old also turned to the victim's family and said, "I know my words are not enough but please know that I think about you every day."

When the judge ultimately sentenced her to 17 years in prison, Sytch appeared stoic -- before she was taken out of the courtroom by officials.

Sytch -- also known as "Sunny" in the ring -- has been locked behind bars since May 2022 ... after prosecutors claimed she drunkenly slammed her car into Julian Lasseter's, killing him during a horrific March 2022 crash in Florida.

According to authorities, Sytch barreled into Lasseter while he was stopped at a traffic light. They alleged that at the time of the wreck, she had a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher.

Sytch was hit with eight total charges over the incident ... and, at first, she pled not guilty to all of the charges, though she changed her pleas in August after reaching an agreement with prosecutors.

Following the plea deal, she had been facing a prison sentence of up to 25 years.

The judge also said during Tuesday's proceedings that Sytch will be required to serve 8 years of probation following her prison sentence ... and her driver's license has been permanently revoked.

A tennis fan, like a lottery ticket landing in her lap, caught Novak Djokovic's French Open final-winning racket after an epic match with Andy Murray in 2016 ... and now the piece of tennis history is up for auction!

The backstory is awesome -- Abby Doherty, a college student in 2016, traveled to Paris with her family to watch the famed French Open at Roland-Garros ... where she witnessed several matches, including the much-awaited tourney final between top-seeded Djokovic and 2nd-seeded Murray. Two all-time players.

Novak dropped the opening set of the June match, 3-6, before ticking off three sets in a row (6-1, 6-2, 6-4), and securing another F.O. title.

Djokovich was over the moon ... and after a bunch of celebrating (and a moment of good sportsmanship with Murray), the tennis legend used his Head racket to draw a heart in the famous clay court.

Then, Novak launched the Head racket into the crowd ... right where Abby was seated. She stuck her hand out, and boom -- snatched it out of the air!

Her dad almost immediately took a photo of his daughter, who was beaming.

That same Head Speed Graphene Touch PT113B racket, which has been photo-matched by experts to the French Open final (and several other French Open matches, including the Semifinals), is now available at SCP Auctions ... and their experts believe it could sell in excess of $100 grand!

The 27-inch long racket features Novak's custom double-wrapped, calfskin leather grip ... and shows signs of wear and tear from the match with Murray.

The win also marked a "calendar year" Grand Slam for N.D. ... meaning he won all 4 Major events (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, US Open) within a 365-day period.

With 24 Major titles (including 3 French Open wins), Djokovic is widely considered the greatest tennis player of all time. Rafael Nadal has 22, followed by Roger Federer at 20, and Pete Sampras with 14.

3:25 PM -- The Arena Group just released a statement on the matter ... insisting allegations that it published AI-generated articles on the Sports Illustrated platform are simply "not accurate."

"The articles in question were product reviews and were licensed content from an external, third-party company, AdVon Commerce," The Arena Group said. "A number of AdVon’s e-commerce articles ran on certain Arena websites. We continually monitor our partners and were in the midst of a review when these allegations were raised."

"AdVon has assured us that all of the articles in question were written and edited by humans. According to AdVon, their writers, editors, and researchers create and curate content and follow a policy that involves using both counter-plagiarism and counter-AI software on all content."

"However," the statement continued, "we have learned that AdVon had writers use a pen or pseudo name in certain articles to protect author privacy -- actions we strongly condemn -- and we are removing the content while our internal investigation continues and have since ended the partnership."

The human writers at Sports Illustrated say they're appalled by allegations that their upper management has posted AI-generated articles on their platform ... and now, they're demanding answers.

Futurism dropped a bombshell report on Monday alleging SI, for months, has been using AI to create fake authors as well as content.

The outlet reported Sports Illustrated would use images from a site that produces AI-generated headshots for fake author pages, and then would attribute stories to them. At times, according to the report, the stories would be AI-written too.

In a scathing statement released later Monday afternoon by SI's writers -- who call themselves the SI Union -- they said they were "horrified" by the report ... and they now want action from their parent company, The Arena Group, ASAP if it's all found to be true.

"We demand answers and transparency from Arena Group management about what exactly has been published under the SI name," the SI Union wrote. "We demand the company commit to adhering to basic journalistic standards, including not publishing computer-written stories by fake people."

The Union also said in the statement they "deplore being associated with something so disrespectful to our readers."

"For nearly 70 years, SI staff members have held themselves to the highest possible ethical standards," they continued. "As members of the SI Union, we are proud to be part of that legacy and work every day to protect it. We expect management to do the same."

According to Futurism, The Arena Group did not respond to questions about the alleged fabrications ... though the outlet claims "all the AI-generated authors disappeared from Sports Illustrated's site without explanation" after it reached out.

11:35 AM -- Shaq Lawson is apologizing for his role in the incident ... claiming he only took action after the man directed death threats at Bills players and their families.

"Those of you who know me know that I'm all about the fans, and I have a lot of respect for the game I play and my opponents," Lawson said on Monday. "Before the game started yesterday, there was a fan behind our bench, who was making life threatening remarks towards us and our families."

Lawson claims the players alerted stadium security about the situation, but the fan was not removed from his seat and continued to heckle their sidelines.

"Eventually, our emotions boiled over, and I made a mistake," Lawson added. "For that, I apologize, but there are certain lines that should not be crossed."

A confrontation between Bills players and one Eagles fan on Sunday grew so contentious ... it actually ended with Shaq Lawson shoving the Philadelphia supporter.

It all happened just before Philly beat the Bills at Lincoln Financial Field ... when a throng of Buffalo players got into a verbal argument with a man in the stands wearing an Eagles-colored beanie.

You can see in video shot by a bystander, Bills defensive lineman Jordan Phillips first got into the man's face ... while Lawson, Greg Rousseau and Ed Oliver joined in on the spat just steps behind.

The guys traded words for several moments ... when, suddenly, Lawson can be seen on the video putting his right arm on the man, jolting him backward. The parties, however, were quickly separated by stadium security after the shove.

Neither the Bills nor the NFL has publicly commented on the altercation.

Meanwhile, Buffalo fell to 6-6 with the overtime loss ... while the Eagles moved to a league-best 10-1.

Think your Thanksgiving weekend travels were bad? Odds are they weren't nearly as awful as the ones the Nicholls State football team just had to endure.

According to reps for the school, the entire squad -- plus a bunch of staff members -- were stranded at a tiny airport in Illinois for nearly 24 hours with limited food and water ... all this after it lost its FCS playoff game.

The 6-5 Colonels were in Carbondale, Ill. on Saturday for the first round of the FCS postseason ... and after they got blown out by Southern Illinois, 35-0, they headed to Veterans Airport in Marion to catch a ride home.

The problem, according to Colonels athletic director Jonathan Terrell, is due to various unforeseen circumstances ... everyone had to lay out on the airport floor for around 22 hours as they waited for a pilot and a plane.

Terrell was critical on X of the NCAA, which handled the team's travel plans.

"Student athlete welfare matters, NCAA," Terrell wrote. "Seven hours in an airport, no transportation, no food and out of water!!!!"

Fortunately for the team, Terrell said SIU and Southland Sports Commissioner Chris Grant were able to get them more water and food throughout Sunday.

Put this guy in the Hall of Fame for (alleged) stupid criminals! First ballot.

UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland captured a man fleeing authorities after he was allegedly involved in a domestic violence incident ... and it was all captured on surveillance video!

32-year-old Strickland, who became UFC champ after defeating Israel Adesanya at UFC 293 in September, posted video of the incident, along with an explanation of the WILD story.

"The guy was drunk stomping out a girl, a security guard seen it, he jumped in his car and drove off. Security followed him, hit a curb, completely shredded his tire, drove on the rim for awhile then jumped out and tried to hide at my house. I initially thought he was stealing my car," Sean described.

The video shows a man, clearly in a hurry, walking onto Strickland's driveway, before attempting to hide between two parked vehicles.

Another angle then shows Sean walking out of his house and toward the driveway while carrying a handgun. The video then cuts back to the first angle, where Strickland has the man at gunpoint.

The suspect seemingly tries to walk away, while Sean and another man follow closely behind him. Strickland gives the feeling man a shove, sending him to the ground, still at gunpoint.

The UFC champ says the alleged criminal was arrested ... though the charges are unclear.

'Tis the season of giving and Kyle Kuzma is off to an amazing start ... the NBA star donated $60k worth of clothes to female inmates preparing for release from county jail in his hometown of Flint, Michigan!

The Washington Wizards forward also launched an initiative to refurbish housing conditions for the women who are locked up.

The Kyle Kuzma Family Foundation partnered with I.G.N.I.T.E. and R.I.S.E., two jail reform organizations that support incarcerated women as they prepare to re-enter society.

Kuzma revealed the collaboration at the 23rd I.G.N.I.T.E. graduation ceremony at the county jail on Sunday ... by surprising the female inmates, and announcing the big $60k donation.

The 6'9" baller also handed out presents to kids who were there to visit their moms.

That's not all Kyle's doing ... the 28-year-old also launched "Kuz's Corner," which will help refurbish living conditions at the Genesee County Jail.

"Kuz’s Corner provides incarcerated female inmates something to reach towards, and prove to themselves, and others of their worth and value," the foundation said in a press release.

"The females chosen to reside in Kuz’s Corner have set themselves apart as role models in their behavior, mentorship, and strive to return to the community as a better neighbor."

Kuzma -- who's averaging nearly 23 points a game this season -- cares deeply about his foundation which helps single mothers and children in Michigan, the DMV (D.C. Metro area), and Los Angeles ... a cause that hits close to home.

"When I was growing up, she worked two jobs and that hard work and dedication, just to make ends meet, put food on the table," Kuzma said about his mom Karri on GMA.

"That’s been my inspiration my entire life."

UFC star Tony Ferguson has been sentenced to one year of probation in his truck wreck
case, TMZ Sports has confirmed.

According to court records, Ferguson was tagged with the punishment on Nov. 20, after reaching an agreement with prosecutors.

The records show as part of the deal with officials, Ferguson pleaded no contest to one misdemeanor count of wet reckless driving upon a highway. In exchange, his DUI charge was dismissed.

As we reported, Ferguson had first been hit with the driving under the influence count in the spring ... after authorities alleged he drunkenly crashed his pickup truck into two parked cars outside of a Hollywood club just before 2 AM on May 7.

The scene was terrifying ... Ferguson's truck had ended up on its side after the alleged crash -- though, somehow, he and nobody else were injured.

Ferguson had initially pleaded not guilty to the charge in June.

T.I. kicked off the Atlanta Falcons' 50th anniversary of Hip Hop celebration Sunday, and almost wound up kicking his son King's ass when a family dispute in the stands got physical.

Following the performance, T.I. and King engaged in what started as a playful back-and-forth but quickly spiraled into a physical altercation inside their suite at Mercedes-Benz stadium.

King began live streaming on IG where he pleaded his case that he knew about hardships like living with roaches while growing up ... to which his famous parents scoffed at his story and claimed he'd run to his grandmother's house to suck the pacifier, because he wasn't allowed to in their mansion!!!

King reached his breaking point and began to scream he's known for standing on business, to which T.I. stepped in and told him he was not only "embarrassing" the family but himself as well!!!

King can then be heard pleading for T.I. to "get off him" and you can see T.I. come into frame in an attempt to subdue his son.

He apparently succeeded ... T.I. secured King in a headlock and told him, "Boy you can't do nothing with me ... ain't shit you can do with me" as multiple people in the background can be heard pleading for King to stop before the camera cuts off.

Afterward, King blew off some steam on his IG stories although many of his followers informed him he was royally tripping and his parents were right.

King was born in 2004 -- T.I. had already released his platinum-selling "Trap Muzik" album and formed his Grand Hustle Records.

David lost his Tepper ... and now Frank Reich is out of a job.

The Panthers head coach, who was just hired by the billionaire hedge fund manager in January, has been relieved of his coaching duties after another loss ... this time to the Titans in Tennessee.

The team, which has lost 4 straight, has the worst record in football at 1-10.

"I met with Coach Reich this morning and informed him that he will not continue as head coach of the Carolina Panthers. I want to thank Frank for his dedication and service, and we wish him well," a statement released by Tepper said.

Adding to the bleak outlook in Carolina is the quarterback situation. The team selected Bryce Young with the first overall pick in this year's NFL Draft, opting to pass up other signal callers, including C.J. Stroud.

Stroud, who has the Texans in playoff contention, has played out of his mind ... and is even in the MVP conversation.

Meanwhile, Young hasn't been good.

Reich, regarded as a solid coach around the league, was fired mid-season last year by the Colts before being hired by Tepper.

Tom Brady is old news to one of his biggest supporters ... 'cause stunning model Veronika Rajek apparently has her eyes on a new man -- Taylor Swift's boyfriend, Travis Kelce.

Veronika -- who went viral after professing her love for the seven-time Super Bowl champion last season -- was in the crowd to catch the Las Vegas Raiders vs. Kansas City Chiefs matchup at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday ... and it's safe to say she liked what she saw, specifically one player in particular.

VK shared pics of her visit to Sin City ... showing her ditching her Buccaneers jersey for some custom Raiders threads as she gave a review of the game.

"LV did their best, but the Chiefs played awesomely," Veronika -- who has more than six million followers on Instagram alone -- said after K.C.'s 31-17 win. "I have to admit. Kelce is such a great player and hunk as well. I get you Taylor, 'road less taken.' 😉"

The "road" comment is seemingly a nod to Swift's old song, "The Outside" ... where she sings, "I tried to take the road less traveled by, but nothing seems to work the first few times, am I right?"

While Rajek clearly isn't shy about her feelings toward Kelce, it doesn't seem like she's ready to butt into Taylor's new relationship ... she's just giving the pop superstar props.

Here's a crazy story -- Dominique Wilkins opened a pack of old NBA cards recently ... and as luck would have it, he pulled his own rookie card!!

The whole thing was documented on video ... when the Hawks legend joined OTIA Sports CEO Jason Koonce to break an unopened batch of 1986 Fleer basketball cards in hopes of finding a Michael Jordan rookie in the pack.

FYI -- the '86 Fleer set is filled with a ton of rookie cards of that era ... including MJ, Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, Hakeem Olajuwon and, of course, Dominique Wilkins.

The pull was pretty cool -- the Human Highlight Film reminisced about playing against several players as he revealed the deck ... which featured big names like Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and Bill Walton.

Once Wilkins came across his own face, the group of guys started freaking out ... with Koonce swearing up and down the card was not planted.

"This was sealed, this was not planned," Koonce said in the video. "That is insane."

"On my kid's life, that was not set up!"

The card could be pretty valuable depending on its condition ... some in great shape are currently listed online for thousands of dollars!!

Ludacris performed at the Atlanta Falcons game this weekend -- and it looks like he took a page out of Lady Gaga's playbook to make an entrance ... descending from the heavens.

The rapper was the hired talent Sunday at Mecedes-Benz Stadium ... but weirdly enough, he didn't put on a halftime performance -- but rather, did a quick set after the third quarter ... which definitely took everyone by surprise.

The reason ... the dude literally rappelled down onto the stage below from way up toward the top of the facility -- and he did it kinda slowly, partially rapping a song in the air.

Looks like he was doing 'Move Bitch' on his way down ... and he was hyping up the crowd too, who ate it up. Unclear if he did a whole set once he touched down or not (there was a game going on, after all), but he got a little shine regardless.

The whole point of this was to celebrate 50 years of hip-hop in the ATL ... of which Luda has been a huge contributor over the years -- not to mention countless other acts from the area.