Lewis Hamilton Drapes Himself In Jewelry ... Amid FIA Crackdown

F1 superstar Lewis Hamilton is taking a stand against FIA's ban on jewelry during races ... by wearing multiple necklaces, rings, earrings AND watches at his press conference Friday in Miami.

The Mercedes champ has been outspoken against the association's recent crackdown on the accessories drivers are allowed to wear during races ... claiming there are much bigger issues to focus on.

37-year-old Hamilton doubled down on his position when speaking with media members ... saying he feels like it's a "step backwards" as the sport looks to grow.

"This is such a small thing," Hamilton said. "I've been in this sport for 16 years. I've been wearing jewelry for 16 years. In the car, I only have my earrings and my nose ring, which I can't remove."

"It seems unnecessary for us to get into this spat," he added. "So, I'll try to communicate and work with (FIA president) Mohammed (bin Sulayem). I think I'm here to be an ally of the sport, of Mohammed, and Formula 1, and I think we got bigger fish to fry, bigger things to do, more impact to have."

"So, I think that's where the focus should be."

Hamilton says his jewelry is not magnetic and there are no safety concerns while racing ... but if he's not allowed to compete over the ban, he is content with hanging out in South Beach and letting the backup driver take his spot.

It's been a tough start for the 7-time champ so far this season ... so Mercedes fans have got to be hoping he can get back to his usual success.

Rihanna, A$AP Rocky We're Not Engaged 'I Do' Grills Just For Fun

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky are certainly a pair in love, but aren't on the course to get married, at least not anytime soon ... despite what fans may speculate from his new video.

Sources close to the couple tell TMZ the two aren't engaged, despite A$AP's newly-dropped "D.M.B." video, where they flashed their grills at each other -- his says "Marry Me?" while Rihanna's says "I Do."

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Of course, fans went nuts, thinking Rocky asked for RiRi's hand in marriage ... or even that they've already gotten hitched.

The music video also contains plenty of wedding-themed imagery, which caused for more theories.

Our sources say the whole thing was just done for fun. As you know, the two are expecting their first kid together ... and the due date is rapidly approaching.

Fans went crazy online, wondering whether or not they were hinting at something more ...  as you know, a good chunk of his music video has tons of imagery of the two of them tying the knot. We're told the entire thing was just done in good fun.

Odell Beckham Met Gala Chain ... Worth $650,000!!!

Odell Beckham had one of the most expensive outfits at the Met Gala ... and it's all thanks to his incredible $650k diamond chain!!

TMZ Sports spoke with OBJ's go-to guy, Gabriel the Jeweler ... who tells us the wide receiver copped the ice right before Monday's big event.

Beckham donned a green velvet hoodie for the Gala ... accenting it with the massive chain and rings.

The chain is truly one of a kind -- we're told it's made with 300 carats of round diamonds, 200 carats of emerald-cut diamonds and 2 1/2 kilos of gold.

Of course, Gabe is the mastermind behind some of OBJ's most iconic pieces ... and has worked with superstars like Antonio Brown, Fernando Tatis, Joe Mixon and more over the years.

Other athletes at the Gala include Russell Westbrook, Dwyane Wade, Chloe Kim and Venus Williams ... who all killed it with the "Gilded Glamour" theme.

Odell continues to turn heads each year -- who can forget the iconic kilt look? And now, we're already excited for 2023's look.

Kayvon Thibodeaux Rocked 40Ct Glow In Dark Diamond Pendant ... At NFL Draft!!

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Future NY Giants star Kayvon Thibodeaux was shinin' brighter than the Las Vegas lights -- with this insane 40-carat diamond pendant the DE rocked while being drafted 5th overall by the G-Men.

Jeweler Saki Diamonds tells TMZ Sports he made KT the iced out chain to honor his "Jream" (pronounced dream) foundation ... where Kayvon helps underprivileged kids.

"It meant a lot to me," Saki, a former football coach (before he switch professions), told us.

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The pendant looks just like the Jream logo ... with a little boy reaching for the stars in the cloudy sky. It's filled with 40 carats of canary yellow, black and white VVS diamonds.

And, if the piece wasn't cool enough ... the chain and pendant are both reversible!

"He can have 4 different looks in one chain and pendant," Saki said.

Saki says it also glows in the dark ... "when the lights go off on the pendant, you still see the clouds and the stars."

The Jacksonville jeweler says the 1st round pick came up with the idea and it took two weeks to get the piece ready for his big night.

Kayvon wasn't the only athlete wearing Saki's work at the draft ... former Georgia Bulldog Nakobe Dean copped an iced-out rose gold Cuban link chain and a two-tone Cuban bracelet.

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Garrett Wilson -- who went 10th overall to the NY Jets -- was also seen rockin' a Saltwater Akoya pearl necklace and Cartier shades.

Saki -- whose client list ranges from NFL's Marlon Mack to Za'Darius Smith -- says it's an honor they chose him to put something together for a life-changing moment.

"I'm just thankful to pour into these guys and be able to help them out on one of the biggest nights of their lives, you know".

Derek Stingley Jr. Shows Off Massive Chain Before Draft ... Feel The 'STING!!!'

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Derek Stingley Jr. has clearly upgraded his drip ahead of the biggest day of his life ... the top NFL draft prospect is now rockin' a brand new, massive "STING" chain!!

The former LSU superstar -- who's expected to be selected with one of the first 10 picks Thursday night -- showed off the ice to TMZ Sports out at Splash lounge (owned by Jizzy Mack, Floyd Mayweather's TMT bodyguard) in Las Vegas on Wednesday night ... and it's awesome.

The pendant is huge -- almost the size of one of his pecs ... and the chain it's clasped to is covered in diamonds as well.

Stingley Jr. apparently got it in the last couple weeks as he prepped for the big NFL draft night ... because as recently as January, he was wearin' a much smaller version.

No word on what it cost Stingley Jr. to upgrade ... but the dude is about to be a multi-millionaire, so he can certainly afford it.

As for how he's feeling just hours before becoming an NFL player ... watch the clip, the cornerback obviously ain't nervous about much before his life changes forever.

Enjoy it, Derek!

Vince Wilfork's Son Pleads Guilty To Stealing SB Rings

Vince Wilfork's son, D'Aundre Holmes-Wilfork, pleaded guilty earlier this month to stealing Super Bowl rings and other prized possessions from the New England Patriots legend ... TMZ Sports has confirmed.

According to court documents, Holmes-Wilfork pleaded guilty to felony theft of property greater than or equal to $300,000 as part of a plea deal that he struck with prosecutors on April 20.

Holmes-Wilfork received five years of deferred community supervision as part of the agreement ... meaning the conviction will essentially go away if he keeps his nose clean for the next five years and meets all the conditions of his probation.

As we previously reported, Holmes-Wilfork was initially charged in 2021 with stealing Vince's SB rings, AFC championship rings, 2001 Miami Hurricanes national championship ring and other jewelry.

At the time, authorities said Holmes-Wilfork took the jewelry and sold it without Vince's permission in 2020. According to authorities, police said Vince told them he believed the goods were worth around $400k.

Court records show the stolen jewelry was ordered on April 20 to be returned to Vince.

Holmes-Wilfork's attorney, Mark Aronowitz, told the Galveston County Daily News that Vince had forgiven Holmes-Wilfork for the theft ... saying in a statement, "The outcome that emerged from the case as a result of much self-reflection and healing on the defendant’s part and the willingness of his parents to forgive him and show him unconditional love with the sincere hope that he can be rehabilitated and go on to live a happy and productive life."

Mets' Jeff McNeil I Got A Rolex From Starling Marte!!! ... In Exchange For Jersey Number

MLB star Starling Marte wanted the #6 so badly with his new Mets squad ... his teammate, Jeff McNeil, said the outfielder gave up a pricey watch for it!

McNeil explained the trade to MLB.com writer Anthony DiComo prior to New York's game against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday ... saying after he gave away his NY #6 to Marte before the year, Starling returned the favor recently by getting him a Rolex.

McNeil had worn the number since 2019, but switched to #1 after making the deal with Marte, who signed with the Mets this offseason after playing for Oakland and Miami last year.

As for if it was worth it ... McNeil told DiComo, while grinning, that the watch was very nice.

No word on what the timepiece cost ... but most Rolexes come with a hefty four-, five- or even 6-figure price tag.

Of course, Marte signed a 4-year, $78 million contract with the Mets ... so he could certainly afford it.

Trades like these happen fairly often in sports -- but sometimes they can end up disastrous ... you'll recall, Clinton Portis and his former teammate Ifeanyi Ohalete got in such a dispute over payment for a jersey number back in the day that they actually ended up in civil court over it all.

Doesn't seem the Marte/McNeil swap has any shot of reaching that point ... especially 'cause both dudes are off to great starts this season in their new threads.

So ... enjoy the watch, Jeff!

F1's Charles Leclerc $320K Richard Mille Watch Stolen Investigation Underway

UPDATE

12:13 PM PT -- TMZ Sports has confirmed Leclerc's watch was stolen while out in Viareggio ... and an investigation is underway.

Formula 1 superstar Charles Leclerc reportedly had his $320,000 Richard Mille watch snatched right from his wrist during a photo op with fans in Italy ... but thankfully, the driver was allegedly unharmed.

Leclerc -- who's off to an incredible 2022 for Ferrari and sitting atop the driver standings -- was with his friends and trainer, Andrea Ferrari, in Viareggio on Monday when the incident happened, according to the report.

Motorsport.com says the 24-year-old was walking around Via Salvatori at 10 PM when he was recognized by fans, who asked for a pic.

After posing for a shot with the group, Leclerc realized his watch was taken ... and reported it to police.

Andrea went to social media shortly after the alleged theft to complain about the area being poorly lit ... calling for the street lamps to get fixed.

Of course, Leclerc has had a partnership with RM for years ... and even has his own signature watch. On top of that, Richard Mille became an official sponsor for Leclerc's Ferrari team ... so it won't be too hard to get a replacement.

Leclerc is in Italy for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix ... which is set to go down on Sunday.

Scary situation ... but the guy was back to meeting with fans just hours later -- posing for pics, although it's unclear if he was wearing any extra jewelry.

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We've reached out to Ferrari for comment ... so far, no word back.

Originally Published -- 9:49 AM PT

Moneybagg Yo Gifts Morant Iced-Out BGC Chain ... Here's Yo Trophy!!!

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Moneybagg Yo kept his word to ice-out Ja Morant with a Bread Gang Chain ... and gave it to the Memphis Grizzlies star after Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs!

As we previously reported, the Memphis rapper and Morant have been cool since last season ... and Moneybagg Yo copped a diamond BGC chain last week for the NBA All-Star.

"Come get yo trophy" Moneybagg Yo said last week. "Proud of ya bra #Big12."

It seems Ja didn't have much time to go get his gift with the playoffs starting ... so Big Bagg pulled up.

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You can see the "Time Today" rapper sitting courtside at the Timberwolves-Grizzlies game on Saturday at FedExForum ... and Yo gave Morant the BGC pendant right on the court after the game.

FYI, the Grizzlies actually lost after the T'Wolves beat them 130-117 ... and one fan questioned Moneybagg why he would still give Morant the new bling if he took a L.

"U have to except yo losses like u do yo winnings," the 30-year-old rapper said.

"Either way, it go he a champ to me. He been putting on for our city regardless."

The 22-year-old guard did go off in Game 1 with 32 points and the 2nd overall pick in the 2019 draft has led the Grizzlies to their second consecutive playoff appearance.

For Memphis' sake, here's hoping the new bling will give the Grizz some momentum Tuesday's game 2.

Moneybagg Yo Wants Ja Morant to Shine in Playoffs ... Cops Diamond Bread Gang Chain

NBA superstar Ja Morant has plenty of hip-hop friends in high places -- and it always pays off if they actually have "Money" in their name.

After blitzing through a $55k diamond shopping spree with "Banking On Me" rapper Gunna last week, the Memphis Grizzlies guard was just blessed with a shimmering Bread Gang chain from local rap hero, Moneybagg Yo.

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Moneybagg -- who's also a member of Yo Gotti's CMG label -- has a solid relationship with No. 12 dating back to last season when Big Bagg provided the soundtrack single to Ja's Amazon documentary, "Promiseland."

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They also starred in a Nike commercial together.

Moneybagg Yo is hoping the additional Bread Gang bling will help Ja and the Memphis Grizzlies prevail against the Minnesota Timberwolves in their upcoming NBA Playoffs series, tipping off Saturday.

As for the rap star, he's still riding high after being crowned Trapper of the Year by T.I.'s Trap Museum back in March, and Moneybagg's promising no less than 200k in first-week sales for his next album.

Run it up!

Alex Rodriguez Trolled Over J Lo, Ben Engagement During Yankees Broadcast

You knew this was coming ...

Alex Rodriguez was epically teased over his ex, Jennifer Lopez, getting engaged to Ben Affleck ... with Michael Kay hinting at it during the Yankees vs. Red Sox game -- and the moment is hilarious.

The ex-MLB slugger was chopping it up with his co-host during the "KayRod" broadcast of "Sunday Night Baseball" on ESPN 2 ... when Kay decided to poke some fun.

"It's a great time in sports," Kay said in the 9th inning. "You have a new Masters champion, NBA playoffs are about to start, baseball's in full swing, people getting engaged. I mean, it's a happy time in the world."

A-Rod's reaction is priceless -- he awkwardly plays along and says, "Happiness and world peace is what we're looking for."

The best part -- after 2 seconds of piercing silence, A-Rod returned his focus to the game ... saying, "The 2-1 pitch."

Remember, J-Rod started dating in 2017 ... and were engaged in 2019. They never made it to the alter, as they broke up in 2021.

As for Kay and Rodriguez, they didn't always have the greatest relationship ... but it seems like they're all good now.

It's great to see Alex be a good sport about it all -- he's been mocked non-stop by fans (especially in Affleck's beloved city of Boston) ... but so far, he's been taking it on the chin.

Jennifer Lopez Ditched Green Engagement Ring Right Before Announcement

Jennifer Lopez tried throwing folks off the engagement scent hours before announcing she's going to marry Ben Affleck ... because she lost the huge rock while out with her fiancé.

Bennifer were out and about Friday checking in on some commercial real estate in L.A. they may, perhaps, be in the market for -- which isn't all that crazy, especially since they just snapped up a massive estate together ... and are now going to be man and wife.

As you can see, the love birds were showing off PDA as they perused what's been described to us as an empty office studio housed in a warehouse of some sort. While they were outside, Jen had her arms wrapped around Ben's waist .. and THAT finger was exposed.

Clearly, there's no ring there ... unlike from just a few days earlier, when she was spotted doing furniture shopping with the emerald green diamond perched nicely on her digit.

Jen wasn't hiding the fact she'd ditched the hardware either ... even inside, you can see there was no ring in sight. So yeah, it would appear she wanted to keep it low-key before going public later that very same evening -- at which point, the cat was outta the bag.

Jen told the world through a video message on her website On the JLo -- where she posted a video of her apparently receiving the ring from Ben and tearing up. It's a beaut -- and she even threw her old ode to BA 'Dear Ben' as the overlaying track played in the background.

As the quick clip fades out, you can hear the opening lines of the song -- "You're Perfect" -- which itself is kinda perf ... in that it can refer to both Ben and the diamond as well.

So, now that everyone knows they're due to get hitched (again) -- the question is ... will Jen wear the ring out in public all day, every day??? Considering how head over heels they are for one another, our guess would be yes. And why the heck not ... it's real purrrty, after all.

Once again ... congrats, you two!!!

Ben & J Lo We're Engaged, Again!!! Nearly 20 Years Later

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are giving it another shot -- the pair are engaged -- nearly 20 years after Ben first asked Jen for her hand in marriage.

J Lo shared the news with her fans via a video message on her newsletter Friday, she's teary-eyed and simply says, "You're perfect" before you can catch a glimpse of her beautiful green diamond ring.

Of course, we noticed Ben may have popped the question already when J Lo was spotted out furniture shopping with her daughter and was wearing a massive diamond on THAT finger. Interestingly enough, she tried to flip the diamond into her palm when she saw a cam.

The engagement comes on the heels of another very significant step for the couple -- they recently plunked down around $55 million on a massive Bel-Air estate together.

The home has plenty of room to blend their families with 20,000 sq ft. 10 bedrooms and 17 bathrooms ... not to mention a pool with stunning views.

Ben and Jen first got engaged in late 2002, but called things off in 2004 before they got married. They reunited almost a year ago and have been seemingly inseparable ever since.

Jennifer Lopez Engaged to Ben Affleck?! Rockin' Diamond Ring

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck may have officially cemented their future together -- cause she is wearing a diamond ring on THAT finger -- and something she did with the diamond is raising more suspicion.

J Lo and her daughter, Emme, were out furniture shopping Monday, possibly for their new $55 million home, and if you take a closer look, there's definitely a diamond on the singer's left ring finger.

Interestingly enough, J Lo seems to pick up on the fact there's a photog, because on her way out of the store, she appears to flip the ring, hiding the diamond side in her palm.

If it's legit, the engagement would come on the heels of another big step in Ben and Jen's relationship ... the $55 mil mansion they just went in on together.

As we've previously reported, the massive 10-bedroom, 17-bathroom estate sits in the ritzy Bel-Air area of Los Angeles ... and J Lo and Ben are gearing up to blend their families together and make it their home.

BTW, it wouldn't be the first time the two got engaged to each other, Ben popped the question 18 years ago ... but they called things off before any wedding.

It's interesting, the pair were boo'd up at the premiere of "Marry Me," starring J Lo, back in February ... so, they may have been dropping hints, after all.

Singer Avril Lavigne Engaged to Mod Sun Rocks Huge Ring

UPDATE

9:23 AM PT -- 4/7 -- Avril and Mod confirmed the news on social media. Mod popped the question in front of the Eiffel Tower at the end of March.

UPDATE

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Avril Lavigne and her boyfriend Mod Sun may have officially taken things to the next level ... 'cause she's wearing what appears to be an engagement ring!!

The "Girlfriend" singer was spotted, Tuesday, arriving at a studio in Los, Angeles rockin' a MASSIVE diamond ring on THAT finger. Interestingly enough, she wasn't wearing the ring when she hit the Grammy's red carpet over the weekend ... so if the engagement did happen it was either very recent, or she just didn't want it known at the award show.

Of course, if legit, it would mean she and long-time BF Mod Sun have a wedding to plan, we've seen their relationship grow over the last year or so, and both have seemed super happy.

As you may know, the couple wrote the single "Flames" and appeared in the music video together, back in January 2021 ... and have been posting and showcasing their love, since.

The two officially made their debut on the red carpet for the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards. And, Mod Sun even got Avril's name tattooed on his neck, so obviously, things are serious.

Originally Published -- 4/6 10:47 AM PT

Ja Morant $55K Jewelry Shopping Spree ... Rings, Bracelets And Shots With Gunna!!!

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Ja Morant just had one of the best jewelry shopping sprees ever -- he copped a bunch of expensive diamonds ... and then shot tequila with Gunna!!!

The fun time all went down at the Icebox jewelry store in Atlanta last week ... when the NBA star came to the famous showroom to get some of his old pieces cleaned up and to shop for more.

TMZ Sports has learned ... as the 22-year-old was browsing items -- they brought out Don Julio 1942, and everyone had a shot.

Later, "Drip Too Hard" rapper Gunna entered the shop -- and he, too, got in on the drinking!

The interaction between the guys was awesome -- they chatted it up about jewelry and admired some of the pieces in the store.

Eventually, we're told Morant copped several items -- a 14MM Miami Cuban bracelet, three other diamond bracelets and two diamond rings.

He also got a leather Icebox travel case to carry all his new bling ... and we're told his overall shopping spree bill came out to over $55K!

No word on what Gunna got while he was there -- but, at the very least, he got a fun memory!