TMZ Sports - Page 50

Elon Musk brought an important guest to the Army-Navy Game Saturday ... his 3-year-old son ... and there's backstory here.

X Æ A-Xii was perched on his dad's shoulders as they watched Army beat its rival by a 17-11 margin.

Elon and son stood out ... they were in civilian duds and surrounded by uniformed fans.

The two were all smiles as they posed with the Army Mules mascot at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts.

Elon was rooting for the winning team ... he's an Army fan.

As for the backstory ... Elon and Grimes are in a custody fight over their 3 kids. She filed for parental rights back in October.

The Dallas Cowboys WILL re-sign Dak Prescott ... at least, that's according to Drew Pearson, who tells TMZ Sports the QB's new deal will almost certainly be the richest one in NFL history.

Pearson spelled it out loud and clear for us during an interview earlier this week ... saying there's just no way in hell Jerry Jones will let his star signal-caller get away from Dallas after this season.

"Dak ain't going anywhere, OK?" the Hall of Famer says. "Jerry Jones is not going to let Dak Prescott go away. He's everything we want in a Dallas Cowboy quarterback."

Of course, some have wondered if this could be Dak's last year in Big D -- because while he does have one year left on his current contract, his cap number is slated to be monstrous in 2024. Plus, the Cowboys traded for former top-five pick Trey Lance in August.

Prescott's stellar play this year has quieted a lot of that chatter ... although without a deep playoff run this season, it's likely the talk will loom around the team for the entire offseason.

But, Pearson made it clear, he doesn't believe Prescott will go anywhere one way or another.

"He's going to end up being the highest-paid player probably in NFL history," Pearson said. "Because Jerry Jones is not going to let Dak Prescott go. We are going to sign Dak Prescott and he'll be a Cowboy for life."

In fact, Pearson said he's so high on Prescott -- he'd actually take him over Jalen Hurts right now.

"You're talking to a receiver, OK?" he said. "I want the guy that's throwing it right here."

Don't be surprised if Lamar Jackson's lifting the Lombardi Trophy at the end of this year ... 'cause former Baltimore star Peter Boulware says he's confident the Ravens have what it takes to win the Super Bowl this season.

The ex-pass rusher made it clear to TMZ Sports he loves what the Baltimore QB is doing ... as well as everyone else that's surrounding the talented signal-caller this year.

"They've got the pieces in place and they've got the coaches in place to really, really get it done," Boulware said. "So, they're in a really, really good position."

Of course, Boulware is biased ... he played for the Ravens for the entirety of his career from 1997 to 2005, and won one Super Bowl for the org. But, Baltimore does truly appear to be that good this season.

They're currently 9-3 and tied for the No. 1 seed in the AFC ... and with quarterback injuries all over the conference, they -- alongside the Chiefs -- certainly seem like the favorites for now to make it to the Big Game in February.

The classic "$500k or a dinner with Jay-Z?" debate just turned into "$25k or dinner with Jerry West?" ... 'cause that's what one lucky bidder shelled out for an evening with the Logo at a big charity event.

TMZ Sports has learned ... a special one-on-one with the Pro Basketball Hall of Famer was one of the big auction items at a gathering for the Aiming High Foundation this week ... with an anonymous bidder winning the RSVP with a massive, quarter-hundred thou donation.

Not only did the winner get a din-din with West, but two VIP passes to an upcoming L.A. Clippers game were also included in the bundle.

The Aiming High Foundation -- founded by celebrity agent Darren Prince -- raises funds for those seeking help with mental health and substance abuse issues ... so the money is going to a good cause!!

Prince's clients like Brande Roderick, Jesse Metcalfe, American Idol star Nutsa and influencer Rudy Mawyer were also present at Komodo in Miami ... so it sounds like it was quite the shindig.

Shohei Ohtani just announced he will be a Los Angeles Dodger ... reportedly landing a massive 10-year, $700 million contract -- the richest deal in Major League Baseball and North American sports history.

The Japanese two-way superstar personally shared the news on his Instagram page just minutes ago ... apologizing for keeping the baseball world on pins and needles as he came up with his decision to leave the Los Angeles Angels.

"First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone involved with the Angels organization and the fans who have supported me over the past six years, as well as to everyone involved with each team that was part of this negotiation process," Ohtani said in his post. "Especially to the Angels fans who supported me through all the ups and downs, your guys’ support and cheer meant the world to me. The six years I spent with the Angels will remain etched in my heart forever."

Ohtani also pledged to give his absolute best on the field for the Dodgers fanbase ... adding, "Until the last day of my playing career, I want to continue to strive forward not only for the Dodgers but for the baseball world."

The Dodgers are getting the most entertaining player in the sport -- as Shohei is a dominant force on both sides of the ball.

He played the first six seasons of his MLB career with the crosstown rival Angels ... racking up 681 hits, 171 homers and 437 RBI ... as well as a 38-19 record with a 3.01 ERA and 608 strikeouts on the mound.

Other organizations reportedly had a chance at landing the two-time MVP -- including the San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays -- but the free agency process was super secretive, per Ohtani's request.

Tom Brady and Irina Shayk sure seem to be back on after hitting up a party together in Miami -- 'cause the dude literally picked her up right beforehand, and got caught in the act.

The retired QB was back to doing G.O.A.T. things again Friday night in Magic City -- where Art Basel is going down this weekend ... and where a crap ton of celebs are out and about ... including TB12 and Irina, it seems, who were rolling together in Tom's sweet ride.

Check out the pics ... Tom pulled up to wherever IS was staying to pick her up curbside -- and as soon as they noticed a photog, they got skittish and flew outta there ASAP.

Fortunately, these photos were snapped before their getaway -- which shows Irina hopping into Tom's passenger seat, and Tom shying away from the flashes. Later this same evening, Tom was seen at a star-studded shindig in town ... no sign of Irina near him though.

Their presence alone at Wayne and Cynthia Boich's private mansion party Friday would've been enough to get the rumor mill going again -- but these shots seal the deal ... they're dating again. Or at the very least, they're banging ... which is all anyone cares about, really.

Interestingly enough, Tom and Irina's car ride here echoes the first time we saw them together earlier this summer -- where they were also caught cruisin' in his whip and getting cozy. This is a very similar scene ... looks like the dude is old school with his dates.

Although we'd heard that their relationship/fling had fizzled out by the end of summer, there were signs Irina was still seeing Tom ... she popped into his condo building in NYC last month, and did so very conspicuously -- through the main front entrance.

Of course, she's also been hanging out a lot with her ex/baby daddy Bradley Cooper these days -- but it's pretty evident at this point that they're just great co-parents/pals (see Gigi).

We just saw Irina mingling with Brad in the Big Apple, where she was among the first customers to hit up his just-launched food truck ... and he looked damn happy to see her.

Like we said ... her and BC are two peas in a pod, but seemingly just platonically now.

Anyway, good to see Tom getting his groove back post-retirement. Considering his ex-wife is constantly jet-setting with her jiu-jitsu instructor all the time -- alongside their own kids, no less -- he deserves to have a little fun too. And Irina seems to be just the ticket for him.

Can't blame him for coming back for round 2 with her ... she is smokin' hot, after all.

Bill Belichick won't be hanging up his headset after this season ... and, in fact, the New England head coach will likely be back with the Patriots in 2024!!!

... at least, that's according to Rob Gronkowski, who tells TMZ Sports there's "no chance" his former coach retires following the Pats' rough 2023.

"The guy loves football," Gronk said. "He breathes football. He eats football. He sleeps football. He yells football -- let me tell you that!"

Gronk did tell us there is a small possibility Belichick and Robert Kraft could "mutually agree to split" following this season ... but he added, "I can't really see that happening."

"He literally loves the game of football that much," the ex-Patriots tight end continued. "That's why he helped develop me as a great player, 'cause I got to learn from the best, baby."

Of course, there are some NFL pundits who feel differently than Gronk ... believing that because this year has been such a mess in New England (the team is currently 3-10), there could be a huge shake-up involving the coach.

Some have speculated if The Hoodie doesn't retire, the Patriots could trade him and start fresh.

Drag racing champ Leah Pruett is temporarily stepping away from driving to start a family, but thankfully she knows someone pretty good behind the wheel who can step in for her -- hubby Tony Stewart, who tells us he's honored to hold things down while she's away!

Pruett -- a 12x NHRA National Event Champ -- made the shocking announcement on Thursday, declaring she'll miss the 2024 season as she and Tony plan to have a baby. Stewart, owner of the Tony Stewart Racing team, will take over driving duties in the Top Fuel dragster.

"I am thrilled that Tony will be making his NHRA Top Fuel debut in Gainesville with such an excellent caliber of people," Pruett said, "both personally and professionally."

Stewart tells us he's excited for the opportunity, applauding Leah for temporarily surrendering her dream job so the couple can have a baby.

"This was a tough thing for her and honestly, I'm honored to be able to be the one that steps in whole she's starting a family for us," Steward told us.

"I think she's a true badass to have to make the decision she's made and to finish the season knowing that this is the direction we were going. She's a tough woman."

The 3x NASCAR and IndyCar champ will be driving a TF dragster, something Stewart hasn't done (he's raced the Top Alcohol dragster) ... but with support from his wife and team, he believes he'll do just fine.

"I don't know how you know if you're really ready or not other than you just gotta get in and do it," Stewart said.

"I got the best coach you could ask for with my wife."

Joe Girardi loves the Juan Soto trade for the New York Yankees ... saying this week acquiring the outfielder from the Padres "is pretty big" for his old team.

The Pinstripes officially snagged the 25-year-old on Wednesday -- sending a bevy of players to San Diego in return -- and Girardi said on Friday that Yankees fans should have zero concerns about their new star going forward.

As for why ... the former NY manager said it's simple -- "He's just really good."

Soto, of course, has only played in small markets during his career -- suiting up for Washington for 4.5 seasons before his 1.5 years in SoCal -- but Girardi, again, said he's got no qualms about the New York lights affecting the slugger's play.

"I think he'll fit great," Girardi said.

One Yankees fan who clearly has no issues about the addition is "NYPD Blue" star Nick Turturro ... who tells TMZ Sports he's "very happy" and "overjoyed" with the signing.

"The direction of the Yankees has been so lame lately," he said. "Our lineup has been pathetic. Now we have a real left-handed threat."

"He's a bonafide star, this guy," he added.

Kurupt and DJ Battlecat are currently repping for two turfs -- Los Angeles will forever be their home base, but their focus is bringing electricity to their Las Vegas residency for Raider Nation!!!

TMZ Hip Hop caught up with the West Coast legends ahead of their rowdy festivities this week ... and this Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings will be no exception.

The pair specialize in riling up fans during every Raiders home game inside the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino with their "Black Hole" events.

Kurupt, Battlecat, and their Dogg Pound brother Daz Dillinger were also among the honored guests for 93.5 KDAY's 40th anniversary celebration where they performed several of their classic cuts.

Speaking of their hits, Kurupt tells us his royalty checks have been clearing without a hitch as of late!!!

Snoop Dogg, as you know, acquired Death Row in 2022 -- much to the annoyance of OG founder Suge Knight -- but, Kurupt says he was just gushing to Daz about how happy he is with their current situation. Gooses and ganders, people.

From Snoop's "Doggystyle" to 2Pac's "All Eyez On Me" to his own groundbreaking "Dogg Food" album, Kurupt has claims to many royaltie$$$ ... good thing it's panning out for him.

Colby Covington will have a very powerful supporter on hand next Saturday when he fights Leon Edwards for the UFC welterweight title ... 'cause Chaos tells us his friend Donald Trump will be in the building!

"110%, the greatest president in history, 45 and soon to be 47th president of the United States, Donald J. Trump, will be in attendance front row," 35-year-old Covington told Babcock on the "TMZ Sports" TV show (airs weekdays on FS1).

In fact, Colby says he nearly arranged for DT to escort him to the Octagon before the title fight.

"I was trying to get him to walk out with me. He was really excited to walk out with me, but it's a logistical concern for the UFC, and I understand that. The guy comes with a lot of Secret Service, and it's a big deal anytime he walks in. Unfortunately, I won't be able to have him walk out, but he will be front row cheering me on, and I'll get to put that belt around his waist. It's gonna be amazing!"

Of course, Trump is a huge UFC fan ... and has a relationship with Colby and Dana White. In fact, DT attended UFC 295 at Madison Square Garden last month where he received a raucous ovation (from everyone besides Bill Burr's wife).

Colby then took a shot at Leon ... who has been the 170 lb. champ since beating Kamaru Usman at UFC 278.

"It shows that I'm the A-side in this fight. Is he bringing out the Royal family? Is he bringing out Mary f***ing Poppins? Is he bringing out Paddington the Bear? Naw, he's a f***ing nobody!"

Covington hasn't fought since March 2022, when he beat former best-friend-turned-rival Jorge Masvidal. We asked CC how he felt after the long layoff.

"I feel great, man. I've never felt better.

"I haven't wanted to take this time off, but the time off has been good so I could focus on some of my weak areas. I feel like I'm the most well-rounded fighter in the game right now and next Saturday night fans are going to be surprised, they're going to be shocked. It's gonna be a great night, it's gonna be a 1776-type night, and that means the British don't come to American soil and call the shots. It means you're about to come all the way over here to America to get your ass kicked and over back home to the UK empty-handed, Junior. See you soon, Leon Scott."

The hype for Bronny James is REAL ... the college basketball player is already sellin' out games just like his pops, and before his big USC debut.

Bronny and the rest of the USC Trojans are going up against Long Beach State on Sunday, but good luck gettin' a ticket -- 'cause every single one has already been snatched up!

Sunday's game marks the first time Bronny's hitting the court as a college athlete, and LeBron told reporters on Thursday how excited he was for his boy's big milestone ... saying it's a match he's incredibly looking forward to.

LeBron even claimed he'd miss his own Lakers game if it fell on the same night as Bronny's ... luckily, it doesn't.

TMZ broke the story, Bronny suffered cardiac arrest during a workout on campus back in July, and ended up spending a couple of days in the hospital ... and was cleared last month to get back on the court.

The NFL has just handed down a 6-game suspension for Kansas City Chiefs receiver Justyn Ross ... after he was arrested in October for an alleged altercation with his girlfriend.

Adam Schefter was first to report the news Friday ... revealing the NFL implemented the punishment on Ross for what it says were violations of the league's Personal Conduct Policy.

Because Ross -- who signed with the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in May 2022 -- already missed five games following his placement on the Commissioner's Exempt List after the arrest ... he will now only have to miss this weekend's tilt against Buffalo before he can return to Kansas City game days.

Schefter reported as part of the league's punishment, however, he will have to pay back the game checks he received while on the exempt list.

As we previously reported, the 23-year-old was accused of getting into a physical altercation with his girlfriend in Johnson County, Kansas on October 23 ... after he allegedly found out she was cheating on him.

The woman told police, according to court documents, that Ross got in her face, pushed her, and started throwing things at her after he looked through her phone. The docs also say he damaged her Mercedes during the incident

Ross was formally hit with criminal charges over the allegations -- including one count of domestic battery -- although the case was ultimately dismissed on Nov. 22 after a judge granted his application for diversion.

Adam Silver just spoke on the Josh Giddey situation ... explaining the NBA is currently taking "a backseat" on the matter while police investigate claims the point guard had an inappropriate relationship with a minor.

The Association's commish didn't get into too many specifics on the topic while addressing it with ESPN's Malika Andrews on Friday afternoon ... but he did confirm the NBA will allow cops to do their due diligence before it decides on how it'll move forward with the Oklahoma City Thunder star.

"I think if you look back," Silver said, "I can't think of many circumstances where we've suspended a player based on an allegation alone."

"I'd also add," he continued, "where there is a criminal investigation, we take a back seat."

The disturbing allegations against Giddy cropped up last month ... when an X user posted images to their account that appeared to show the now-21-year-old with an underaged girl.

A short time following the posts, the Newport Beach Police Dept. told TMZ Sports it was looking into the matter. Days after that, we learned the family of the girl at the center of the probe hired famed attorney Gloria Allred to assist in the case.

However, Giddey has been allowed to play for the Thunder despite it all ... something that Silver seemed to say will continue as long as the police investigation remains ongoing.

The New Orleans Pelicans are trying like hell to get Zion Williamson to work on his fitness, but the franchise player is tuning them out -- this according to a new report.

The 2019 No. 1 overall pick appeared gassed throughout the Pels' In-Season Tournament semifinal game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday ... something many analysts pointed out as a reason why it was a 133-89 blowout in favor of LeBron James and Co.

Of course, Zion's size has always been a hot topic since he entered the league ... and the team even reportedly implemented a weight clause in the five-year extension he signed last season that would penalize him if the sum of his weight and body percentage surpassed 295.

FYI -- Zion reportedly weighs in at 284.

According to Christian Clark of NOLA.com, the Pelicans have continuously told Williamson he has to work on his diet and conditioning ... but simply put -- he "doesn't listen."

The 2023 Game Awards went to Hollywood Thursday night ... and some huge stars like Timothée Chalamet and Anthony Mackie were on hand for one of the biggest nights in gaming!

The Game Awards went down last night at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles ... and Chalamet did some heavy lifting, crowning 2023's Game of the Year, "Baldur's Gate 3!"

The Larian Studios game, an RPG, was released in early August, and with millions of players, it's one of the most played games on Steam.

Mackie, who stars in "Twisted Metal," a TV show based on the late '90s Playstation game, presented an award to one of the most talked about games of the year (for better or worse) -- Cyberpunk 2077.

CP was named the Best Ongoing Game.

HBO's "The Last of Us" was another big winner ... taking home the award for Best Adaptation for their 9-episode series, which beat out films like "Gran Turismo" (starring David Harbour) and "Super Mario Bros.," an animated movie starring Chris Pratt.

Of course, "The Last Of Us," based on the game of the same title, was one of the most celebrated shows of last year, with actor Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey playing the roles of Joel and Ellie.

Don't expect the blurring of the lines between the gaming world and Hollywood to slow down, either ... more adaptations are on the way!

In fact, Fallout and Borderlands are expected to drop in 2024. Sequels to Sonic the Hedgehog and the Halo series are also expected next year ... meaning the '24 award show should be awesome.