TMZ Sports - Page 50

1:28 PM -- Melvin Townsend's attorney, Jake Jondle, tells TMZ Sports his client has been dealing with a myriad of injuries since the Mike Tyson attack ... including a concussion, cervical radiculopathy, and impaired vision.

"Not only is the evidence clear that Mr. Tyson committed the intentional torts of assault and battery, but he also acted recklessly and negligently," Jondle said in a statement to us Thursday.

"Additionally, Mr. Tyson admitted on national television to attacking Mr. Townsend and never once claimed a legal justification for his actions, such as self-defense. He admitted he should not have attacked Mr. Townsend. Being irritated by a fan is not a legal defense to any of Mr. Townsend's claims."

Jondle added that his letter this week to Alex Spiro was sent as simply an effort to "engage in good-faith settlement discussions to attempt to resolve this claim prior to filing a lawsuit."

The man who Mike Tyson pummeled during a wild fight on a plane last year is now demanding the boxer pay him nearly half a million dollars to avoid a future lawsuit over the altercation.

But, the boxing legend's attorney, Alex Spiro, is adamant the whole thing is "a shakedown" attempt ... and insists absolutely no payment will be forthcoming.

A lawyer for Melvin Townsend -- the punch victim -- made the demands clear in a pre-litigation letter sent to Spiro earlier this week, according to the New York Post.

In the document, the lawyer -- Jake Jondle -- said Tyson could have used other remedies to diffuse the situation on the April 2022 JetBlue flight ... but instead "he chose physical violence" and "viciously assaulted" Townsend.

Jondle explained as a result of the attack, Townsend sustained a "severe headache" as well as neck pain ... and "is still suffering with the effects of the assault to this day."

Jondle wrote in the document that $450,000 from Tyson would help Townsend cover his legal bills ... as well as any future treatment Townsend would require.

According to Spiro, however, no such check will be written.

"I have received a shakedown letter related to some instigator's harassment of Mike a year ago and the aftermath," Spiro said in a statement. "There will be no shakedown payment."

Reps for Tyson had previously told TMZ Sports the entire incident happened because Townsend threw a water bottle at the former pugilist and annoyed him repeatedly. Tyson himself later said on his "Hotboxin" podcast that Townsend "was f***ing with me" prior to the incident.

For Townsend's part, Jondle said in his letter this week his client was simply "excited to see [Tyson] on the flight, began discussing the marijuana industry and psychedelic mushrooms with him, and Mr. Tyson became annoyed" and attacked.

Tyson's been in the clear criminally, meanwhile, for over a year ... as prosecutors declined to file charges against the ex-fighter in May 2022.

The University of Minnesota Duluth community is devastated over the sudden death of football player Reed Ryan ... and TMZ Sports has learned the athletic department will honor the 22-year-old this weekend with ribbons, decals, and a moment of silence.

As we previously reported, Ryan -- a defensive end for the Bulldogs -- passed away Tuesday after collapsing during a workout earlier this month.

To honor his memory, we're told all Bulldogs sports teams will pay tribute this weekend ... starting with a moment of silence for Reed before their home games.

The volleyball team will wear ribbons with his jersey number, 99, when they play Wayne State College in the NCAA II Central Regional tournament game on Thursday.

We're also told that the hockey team may wear #99 decals.

"It’s on the minds of every staff member and student-athlete right now," a UMD Athletics spokesperson told us, "and the tributes will be on going through their seasons."

The redshirt senior joined the Bulldogs this season and had eight total tackles and one sack. Before UMD, he played four seasons at the North Dakota State University ... who gave him a full scholarship out of Waunakee High School.

Reed was a double major in professional sales and marketing.

TMZ Sports has learned an arrest warrant has been issued for NFL superstar Von Miller ... after he allegedly assaulted a pregnant woman.

According to a spokesperson for the Dallas Police Department ... the warrant stems from an incident involving Miller and a woman on Nov. 29 at around 11 AM.

Cops say they responded to a Dallas-area residence over "a major disturbance call" ... and officers were told there was "a verbal argument" between Miller and a woman that turned physical.

Cops say Miller left the scene before officers arrived -- and the woman "was treated for minor injuries," but was not taken to the hospital.

As of early Thursday morning, the 34-year-old Buffalo Bills pass rusher had not been jailed.

Miller's team released a statement on the matter, saying, "This morning, we were made aware of an incident involving Von Miller. We are in the process of gathering more information and will have no further comment at this point."

The NFL, meanwhile, said in a statement of its own, "We are aware of the matter and have been in contact with the club. We have no further comment at this time."

Miller, who's from DeSoto, Texas, is currently on a bye week. He last played for Buffalo on Sunday in Philadelphia, logging 21 snaps in an overtime loss to the Eagles.

Miller initially began his career in 2011 with the Broncos and put together a Hall of Fame resume for the Denver franchise -- but he was traded to the Rams during the 2021 season.

After helping L.A. win a Super Bowl that season, he moved on to Buffalo in 2022 ... and while his Bills career got off to a solid start, he's largely been ineffective since tearing his ACL on Thanksgiving last season.

In his career, Miller -- the Super Bowl 50 MVP -- has totaled 123.5 sacks in 169 games.

21 Savage has been soaking up everything London has to offer during his homecoming -- for instance, he was the guest of honor at last night's Arsenal game!!!

The superstar rapper was honored in front of thousands at Emirates Stadium ahead of the match, where he was presented with his own ‘21’ Savage Arsenal jersey.

Arsenal throttled Lens 6-0 and to make 21's homecoming that much sweeter, the rapper's team tells us the stadium followed up by blasting his "Circo Loco" track with Drake ... and cued it to 21's lyrics, “Still gotta see the Gunners win Premier League!”

21 also met with Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe after the game ... a helluva buildup for his sold-out show tonight at the famed O2 Arena!!!

The show will mark 21's first-ever London headlining performance ... having gotten his immigration issues cleared up and his U.S. citizenship this past October after several years in limbo.

We're told 21 will be back stateside in time for plenty of holiday giveaways in the Atlanta area.

12:16 PM -- Conor McGregor just shared some pictures of he and Dee Devlin's newborn son ... saying, "Another chunky healthy boy into the world. Dee you are my hero ❤️🙏"

The future of MMA has arrived -- Conor McGregor and his longtime partner, Dee Devlin, just welcomed their fourth child together!!

Notorious shared the big news just minutes ago ... saying, "My baby boy is born! Mammy and baby doing amazing, 8.1lbs of prime Irish double champion beef! ❤️🙏"

The McGregor family hasn't revealed the new youngin's name just yet ... but that'll come in due time.

Of course, Conor and Dee share three other kids together -- Conor Jr. (6), Croia (4) and Rian (2).

McGregor announced the addition to the family back in June ... and even then, he was super stoked about being a papa of four. In fact, the champ-champ was spotted kissing Dee's baby bump during a beach day back in August.

The UFC superstar gave his millions of social media followers a heads-up on Wednesday ... saying they were prepping for the big arrival first thing in the morning.

We're sure Conor can't wait to get the kid in the gym -- after all, Conor Jr. is already picking up on the craft!!

Congratulations to the family ... and look out, future fighters!!

WWE Superstar Alexa Bliss and Ryan Cabrera introduced their newborn baby to the world in epic fashion this week ... giving their daughter her very own boxing-esque entrance!!

Bliss and Cabrera -- who revealed their pregnancy in May -- shared the funny clip on Wednesday ... announcing their first kid was born on Nov. 27, and she's been "breaking hearts since."

In the video, Cabrera does a slow-mo walk down the hallway as Jimi Hendrix's "Foxy Lady" plays in the background ... before a bell goes off to give the full "fight night" vibe.

"Weighing at six pounds, nine ounces, she is 21 inches of fury -- Hendrix Rouge Cabrera," a voice says in the clip.

Of course, the song choice was no accident -- the couple explained they named their daughter in honor of the rock legend.

"Hendrix after Jimi," Bliss said on the X app in September. "Rouge (for a few Personal reasons) in relation to the color Red."

"We love music (& baby does too) we have a lot of Jimi Hendrix paintings in our house.  2. Rouge in relation to the color red - made the choice extra meaningful."

Bliss added, "Ryan and I see Moulin Rouge every time we go to NYC & it’s our favorite play."

Bliss and Cabrera first started dating in 2020 ... and got engaged that same year. The couple became Mr. and Mrs. in April 2022 after a beautiful ceremony in Palm Desert, California.

LeBron James is racing to Tyreek Hill's cameraman's defense ... ripping the NFL for suspending the guy for his role in one of the Dolphins receiver's touchdown celebrations earlier this year.

The Lakers forward took to his Instagram page to blast The Shield late Wednesday evening ... just days after Hill's photog said Roger Goodell's league might remove him from its sidelines forever for participating in Hill's backflip celly during a game in October.

"Man," the NBA superstar wrote, "this is F'd UP!!!"

"Suspended for the year and possibly for good!" James added. "C'mon NFL! Do better! S*** ain't that serious."

A lot of people on social media certainly agreed with The King's stance ... because, after all, Hill's endzone party with his cameraman has so far been one of the best moments of the year in the NFL.

It all happened back on Oct. 15 ... after Hill scored six against the Carolina Panthers.

Once he crossed the goal line, he raced through the endzone -- and when he noticed his photog and good pal Kevin Fitzgibbons filming him, he grabbed the guy's cam and performed a selfie backflip. Fitzgibbons jumped up and down, and Hill appeared to be in great spirits after it too.

The league, however, clearly didn't love it -- refs penalized Hill for it during the game for using a prop, and officials fined him for it afterward. Later, the league pulled Fitzgibbons' credentials for the remainder of the 2023 season as well.

In a video posted to his TikTok page this week, the 20-year-old photographer said he understood the NFL's decision ... and said he was grateful for the opportunity it gave him. He added that he hoped the league would let him back next year.

Kristin Cavallari has revealed her hottest hookup ever -- Tyler Cameron -- and she still seems incredibly smitten!

The former "Hills" star talked all about it on her Tuesday podcast of "Let's Be Honest," saying, "Tyler Cameron and believe it or not, you guys -- I know this is really freaking hard to believe -- he's hotter in person."

Kristin added, "It’s insane. It’s insane. So yeah, TC for you baby." Wow, should we start ringing the wedding bells?

Not so fast. Kristin also implied she had almost no chemistry with the ex-"Bachelorette" star, claiming she only connected with Tyler because of his stunning looks.

What's more, Kristin was seen locking lips with Tyler at a 2022 photo shoot for her Uncommon James jewelry line in Joshua Tree, California. Rumors started spreading that they were a couple, but Kristin quickly put out the fire.

In April 2022, Kristin went on "The Bellas Podcast" hosted by former WWE stars Nikki and Brie Bella, explaining that she hired Tyler for the shoot to get press.

She said, "Everyone's like, ‘Tell me everything.’ I’m like, ‘I think he’s great but … we are not dating.'" But, Kristin admitted Tyler was a good kisser.

Later the same year, the pair were spotted hanging out together at a New Year's Eve soiree. As you know, Kristin filed for divorce from Jay Cutler in 2020 and has been playing the field ever since. Tyler has dated Gigi Hadid and Paige Lorenze.

Taylor Swift said her goodbyes to boyfriend Travis Kelce in Kansas City Wednesday and flew over to London for the premiere of Beyoncé's new concert flick.

TS boarded a private jet at Kansas City Airport last night after spending some quality time with Travis and her new BFF Brittany Mahomes.

The pop star took off from the tarmac, traveling across the pond to Great Britain for tonight's screening of "Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé."

Taylor's returning the favor to Beyoncé for showing up to her "Eras" tour film premiere in L.A. last month.

Taylor is expected to touch down at London's Stansted Airport Thursday morning ... just hours before the star-studded event.

Meanwhile, Taylor's relationship with Travis is still flying high. The Grammy-winning singer and the Chiefs tight end spent a few days together at Travis' lavish KC home after Taylor wrapped up her concerts in Brazil.

They only went out to drive over to visit Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes and his wife, Brittany, at their house nearby. As you know, Brittany and Taylor have become very close, cheering on the Chiefs from their VIP suite.

4:46 PM PT -- Ryan Shazier tells TMZ ... "Michelle and I have been living apart and are currently separated. As we work through what comes next for our family, I ask for privacy and prayers."

Ryan Shazier is a "liar and a cheater" ... this according to his wife, who just put the former NFL linebacker on blast by sharing raunchy text messages she claims he sent to another woman.

Michelle Shazier -- who has been with Ryan well before his career-ending spinal cord injury in 2017 -- unleashed on her husband in a since-deleted Instagram post on Wednesday ... saying, "A person that loves his family … this is what they do to their family … the WIFE.. that has been there for him since day 1!"

Michelle -- a former college basketball player who has raised two boys with the Pro Bowler -- posted multiple text exchanges allegedly between Ryan and a woman named Marie ... and while they initially start off as casual flirting, things eventually got more intense.

In fact, in one screenshot, a text exchange shows the person Michelle claims is Ryan sending links to books titled "The Ultimate Guide To Anal Sex For Women" and "Blow By Blow: A Step-by-Step Guide On How To Give Blow Jobs So Explosive That He Will Be Willing To Do Anything For You."

"Infidelity at its finest!" Michelle continued in her post. "I can’t sit here and keep hiding anymore . You can have it. I deserve better. 🤍 This is Ryan… he’s a liar and a cheater!"

Ryan and Michelle got married back in May 2019. He has yet to address the allegations.

Antonio Gates says he feels like he belongs in the Hall of Fame ... and he tells TMZ Sports if and when he gets in, Julius Peppers should be there right alongside him!!

The two NFL legends were officially named semifinalists for the highest honor in professional football earlier this week ... and when we saw Gates out in LA on Tuesday, we had to get his thoughts on it all.

The former Chargers tight end said he was stoked for the recognition, calling it a "dream come true" -- before adding that he was pretty sure when the final cutdown comes, he'll make it.

"I feel like, mentally," he said, "I belong in there."

As for the rest of the 24 semifinalists, Gates said he could make a case for just about every player on the list ... though he specifically said Peppers definitely deserves the nod.

Some other names who will be considered for the class of 2024 include legends like Dwight Freeney, Andre Johnson and Devin Hester -- three guys Gates said should get long looks for the Hall's final cut next year too.

The list of 25 will be pared down to 15 finalists soon ... before the Class of 2024 is officially revealed at "NFL Honors" in February.

Teyana Taylor is still making public appearances despite all her divorce drama with Iman Shumpert ... and she's looking fine as usual.

The singer just showed up to do an interview on Jimmy Kimmel's talk show ... so it's clear she's unbothered by the nasty split.

Teyana's body is scorching hot here ... she's showing off her super toned abs, with nothing covering skin from her waist to her chest.

Normally, we would call this post-breakup hotness ... but, let's face it, Teyana has always looked like this ... so eat your heart out, Iman!!!

TMZ broke the story ... Teyana accused Iman of being a jealous spouse aggravated and annoyed by her Hollywood career, among other nasty claims.

Teyana was quietly divorcing him, but Iman revealed their full names in a recent court filing, exposing their split. As a result, she's disappointed and frustrated with him.

Despite the bad blood, Teyana's promoting her projects ... and it will be interesting to see if Jimmy asks her about the split.

University of Minnesota Duluth football player Reed Ryan tragically died on Tuesday ... after collapsing during a workout earlier this month, his family announced.

He was just 22 years old.

According to an obituary written by family members, the 6-foot-3, 241-pound defensive end was training in a weight room on Nov. 21 "doing what he loved" ... when he suddenly went into cardiac arrest.

The family says school officials began life-saving measures ... and after they regained the football player's pulse, he was rushed to the ICU. Sadly, he passed away seven days later.

Ryan's family explained in their obituary the medical emergency was all due to "an undetected genetic heart condition and a large, loving heart."

"Reed had a contagious smile and lived life to the fullest in his short years," Reed's family wrote. "Reed loved people, he could talk to anyone and prided himself on being surrounded by friends, family, mentors, and being part of a team."

Reed starred at Waunakee High School in Wisconsin before he accepted a full-ride to North Dakota State University. He played four seasons for the Bison before he transferred to the University of Minnesota Duluth. In his one year for the Bulldogs, Ryan logged eight total tackles and one sack.

"Our staff and players are devastated about Reed's passing," UMD head football coach Curt Wiese said in a statement. "Reed aspired to be better every day at whatever task was at hand. He helped bring out the best in others with his positive attitude, infectious smile, and genuine care for the people around him."

NDSU football added in a statement on X on Wednesday that Ryan was "the ultimate teammate, a constant source of joy, a genuine selfless spirit, and a beloved friend."

"We'll miss you, Reed," the Bison wrote. "Your legacy will live on."

Kim Zolciak and Kroy Biermann are seemingly back on track once again after an explosive fight prompted one of their kids to call the cops ... this time, grabbing some lunch together with plenty of laughs.

The former reality TV stars went out Wednesday to a Japanese steakhouse and sushi joint, Kani House, in Duluth, Georgia ... sitting down for lunch in front of the hibachi grill.

Kim documented the date for social media -- as usual -- mentioning Kroy while filming and asking why he doesn't do knife tricks in the kitchen like the hibachi chef. Kroy laughs from off camera, joking that's what he does when Kim's not around ... which could actually make sense given the fact they're supposed to stay separated in the house.

The hibachi chef also created a rice heart for Kim and Kroy ... and she loves it, calling it "cute."

In the clips, Kim and Kroy are both laughing and seem to be having a good time ... a stark contrast from last week, when cops responded to their home for an explosive fight in front of their kids.

As we've told you ... Kim and Kroy were bickering over finances for weeks before things reached a boiling point, fighting after a seemingly nice public outing with their kids.

The estranged couple's in dire financial straits, but we've seen them go out for fancy dinners amid their money woes and nasty divorce ... and this seems to be a similar situation.

The "Bayou Barbie" is slated to return this week -- LSU Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey just announced Angel Reese will be back on the court this Thursday ... ending her mysterious 4-game absence.

Mulkey made the revelation during her press conference ahead of the Tigers' key matchup against 9th-ranked Virginia Tech ... telling reporters, "She will play tomorrow."

It's unclear whether Reese will start or come off the bench.

What also remains fuzzy is why exactly Reese wasn't playing in the first place ... as Mulkey has been consistently tight-lipped about the details surrounding her absence.

Reese's time away started when the 6-foot-3 forward was benched in the 2nd half of LSU's win against Kent State on Nov. 14 ... and she missed the next few games, including the Cayman Islands Classic tournament.

Rumors were circulating around social media that it may have been her grades, while Outkick reported she was suspended for an "attitude adjustment." Neither rumor has been confirmed.

"That’s what coaches do. Sometimes y'all know about it and sometimes you don't," Mulkey said of the situation last week. "Sometimes you want to know more than you're entitled to know."

Aaron Rodgers has taken yet another step toward making an improbable comeback this season ... returning to Jets practice Wednesday -- albeit in a very limited capacity.

Rodgers got back on the New York training field with his teammates just minutes after head coach Robert Saleh revealed the star quarterback has now been cleared for "functional football activity."

However, the sight of Rodgers on the field doesn't necessarily mean he's anywhere close to game action ... as Saleh told reporters that, for now, it's just another small jump in his rehab progression.

The 40-year-old, who now has 21 days to return to game action after his practice was opened, is expected to do little more than simulate in-game dropbacks and throw to teammates during workouts over the next few days. Still, it's a good sign for the Jets nonetheless, considering Rodgers tore his Achilles less than three months ago.

Saleh, meanwhile, stressed they will not push the signal-caller too hard, even if he looks good.

"There's certain things that he's been cleared that we are going to allow him to do," Saleh said ... before adding, "Aaron is not going to do anything to put himself in harm's way."

For Rodgers' part, he said on Tuesday on the "Pat McAfee Show" that he'll only return to in-game action this season if he's healthy enough ... and if the Jets are in playoff contention.