Prince Harry has key figures in his corner amid the outrage over ESPN's decision to honor him with the Pat Tillman Award for Service -- at least 2 former winners say Harry is definitely deserving.
Jake Wood, a U.S. Marine and former college football player who won the award in 2018, tells TMZ … the Duke of Sussex is a natural fit for the Tillman honor because of Harry's military service and his dedication to veterans.
Jake feels Prince Harry is a good choice because he's dedicated his life to serving and supporting the military and veterans -- Harry served 2 tours in Afghanistan -- and that should be commended because there are hundreds of different ways a British royal could live his life.
Forget Stipe Miocic ... Jon Jones apparently found a new rival at an ESPYs after-party Wednesday night -- 7-foot-4 Purdue hoops star Zach Edey!!!
The guys hit up The Pendry West Hollywood for the Talent Resources Sports bash in Los Angeles following the awards show ... and for some reason, Edey decided to test his reach against the UFC's best heavyweight.
The two traded a few jabs while cameras snapped away -- but don't worry, it was all completely in jest ... Edey's definitely too smart for that!!!
Following their impromptu shadowboxing session ... the fighter and the hooper posed for pics together -- and then partied the night away at an event that was packed full of celebs.
Pat McAfee crushed it as the event's de facto host ... Chicago White Sox pitcher Liam Hendriks won the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance and delivered on awesome speech afterward -- and Hamlin had the moment of the night when he emotionally gave the Pat Tillman Award for Service to the Bills training staffers who helped him keep him alive following his in-game cardiac episode.
Incredibly powerful moment at the ESPYs just now ... when Damar Hamlin presented the Buffalo Bills staffers who saved his life back in January with the Pat Tillman Award for Service.
The 25-year-old safety took the stage and was visibly emotional as a video tribute played for the star-studded crowd in attendance ... with Hamlin detailing his commotio cordis incident against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football.
"I didn't wake up that morning in January thinking that I would need someone to save my life that day," Hamlin said in the clip, "and I doubt the training staff thought that they would have to do what they did either."
"That, as much as anything else, is what I took away from what happened to me 6 1/2 months ago ... that any of us, at any given time, are capable of doing something as incredible as saving a life, and living a life in service of others."
After the video, the audience gave Hamlin a standing ovation as he welcomed the staffers on stage to accept the award, which is given to sports figures who served others like Tillman, who died while deployed in Afghanistan in 2004.
Hamlin shared a hug with several staffers for a bit before head trainer Nate Breske gave a touching speech.
"Damar, first and foremost, thank you for staying alive, brother," Breske said. "Seriously, we are so honored to be standing up here with such a strong and courageous human being."
Breske also stressed the importance of CPR training -- something Hamlin has campaigned for in the months following the incident.
Hamlin has since been cleared to return to football ... and he has rejoined his teammates in recent practices.
Klay Thompson took several moments out of his ESPYs Award acceptance speech Wednesday night to pay homage to Kobe and Gigi Bryant-- and the words were so powerful, Vanessa Bryantthanked him for them shortly afterward.
The Golden State Warriors guard -- who accepted the trophy for Best Comeback Athlete of the Year at the ceremony -- gave the nod to the Bryants after thanking his family, his teammate Steph Curry and the Warriors for having faith in him.
"I don't know if Vanessa is out there watching, but to Vanessa and her three beautiful girls, we think of Kobe and Gigi every day," he said.
"I read Mamba Mentality every day during rehab and those are the best memories of my life, watching him play and he inspired me to be the athlete I am today."
Vanessa was clearly watching -- and responded to Thompson's nod to her late husband and daughter with a thank you message on her social media page.
"Klay Thompson, you're a class act," she said. "Thank you for your support and love for Kobe, my Gigi and our family. Thank you for always including my Gigi when you think of Kob. Congratulations. #MambaMentality #espys"
Steph Curry -- flanked by WNBA superstars Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins-Smith -- paused the joke-telling and award-presenting for several moments at Wednesday night's ESPYs to deliver that Brittney Griner-themed message ... and it was powerful.
The four-time NBA champion wore Griner's Phoenix Mercury jersey for the speech, and alongside Ogwumike and Diggins-Smith, he called for the WNBA star's release from Russia.
"It's been 153 nights now that BG has been wrongfully detained thousands of miles away from home, away from her family, away from her friends, away from her team,'' Diggins-Smith said. "All throughout that time, we've kept her in our thoughts and in our hearts even though we know that ain't nearly enough to bring her home, y'all."
"She's one of us," Curry added, "the team of athletes in this room tonight and all over the world. A team that has nothing to do with politics or global conflict."
As we've reported, Griner has been detained in Russia since mid-February, after she was accused of illegally bringing hashish oil in her luggage to a Moscow airport.
In his speech Wednesday, Curry made it clear he believes if Americans continue to raise awareness of her case, it could expedite her return to U.S. soil.
"We cannot stop fighting for her, we cannot stop believing for her and we will not stop hoping for the day when we can welcome her home safely," he said.
"We love her. ... We miss her. ... We're doing every single thing we can to get her out."
U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe also used several moments of her award acceptance speech later in the night to echo Curry's sentiments.
Hours after the awards show, however, a spokesperson for Russia's Foreign Ministry slammed the U.S.'s "wrongfully detained" characterization of Griner ... and urged the country to allow the legal process to play out.
"If a U.S. citizen was taken in connection with the fact that she was smuggling drugs, and she does not deny this, then this should be commensurate with our Russian, local laws, and not with those adopted in San Francisco, New York and Washington," Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, according to the Associated Press.
Griner's trial, meanwhile, is still continuing onward ... she's set to return to a Moscow courtroom for another hearing in the case next week.
Tristan Thompson was put on BLAST at the ESPY Awards by Lil Rel Howery, as he told one Olympian with a Kardashian-sounding name to steer clear of the guy.
The ESPYs were full of laughs from athletes Wednesday night at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, and Lil Rel didn't hold back when he got on mic and congratulated snowboarder and 2-time Olympic gold medalist, Chloe Kim.
He says he knew she'd be successful just because her first and last names are the same as 2 of the Kardashians ... he gave her some advice, too -- "Watch out for them Tristans, that's all I got to say."
The crowd burst into laughter, as he responded, "Yeah I said it! Y'all thinkin' it," obviously referring to the guy's cheating streak.
Tristan and a mystery woman were holding hands in Mykonos Monday, after a night of clubbing ... he was at the same club Friday surrounded by several women and smoking hookah.
Shocked, honored, humbled ... just a few of the words MMA star Kayla Harrison used to describe being nominated for the Best MMA Fighter, telling TMZ Sports simply being included with the other fighters is fantastic.
The 32-year-old, undefeated (14-0, 11 KO + Subs) PFL star was recently nominated for an ESPY Award ... alongside UFC stars Kamaru Usman, Alexander Volkanovski and Charles Oliveira.
Usman, Volk and Oliveira have all dominated their respective division over the last year.
"I was initially shocked, and then ... honored, I think honored and humbled by it. Every one of those fighters is a Hall of Famer. They're legends, each in their own right. I'm a fan in each and every one of them, inside the cage, outside the cage. It was a big honor for me, huge honor," Harrison says.
And, you may have noticed Kayla is unique amongst the other nominees ... for more than one reason.
"It's awesome. To be the only female fighter nominated. To be the only non-UFC fighter nominated."
Kayla says even though her goal isn't to win awards, it's still nice to have hard work and success recognized by the fans.
"There are moments where in your career you question, does anyone understand? I'm working really hard, I'm trying really hard, I'm doing my best, I'm trying to get back, I'm trying to build a legacy, I'm trying to be dominant. I'm doing all this work."
Kayla says although it's not necessarily something based off "merit" -- you win by fans voting for you -- it's still nice to see people recognizing and appreciating all the hours of blood, sweat and tears.
Speaking of voting ... if you'd like to cast a virtual ballot Kayla, click here.
6:07 AM PT -- Law enforcement sources tell TMZ Sports ... Long is reporting around $4,000 in cash taken from the room.
UPDATE
Long told investigators she only went down the hall for an hour to visit with someone else -- and that's when the burglary occurred. We're told, she left her door open using the hotel door latch to ensure the door wouldn't close. We're told cops are NOT ruling out an inside job.
UPDATE
We're also told the Ritz has really good security -- so it's unlikely it's some random person who snuck up to her floor.
U.S. soccer star Allie Long's L.A. hotel room was broken into ... and her wedding ring, cash and her honorary key to NYC were stolen ... TMZ Sports has learned.
Law enforcement sources tell us Long -- who was in L.A. for the ESPYs -- had her Ritz-Carlton hotel room burglarized Thursday afternoon.
We're told Allie's wedding ring -- worth about $15k -- along with the key to NYC awarded to her Wednesday for winning the World Cup were taken in the theft.
Sources tell us there were no signs of forced entry ... and police believe the door may have been left ajar.
Long -- a 31-year-old midfielder -- has played with the National Team since 2014.
Who inspires the man who inspires so many??? TOM BRADY!!!
You probably know Rob Mendez from the ESPYs -- he's the amazing high school football coach born without limbs who was honored Wednesday night with the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance.
"When you dedicate yourself to something and open your mind to different possibilities ... you really can go places in this world."
Rob's story is incredible ... the 31-year-old was unable to play football due to a rare condition called tetra-amelia syndrome, which prevented him from growing limbs.
But, he loved football and paid his dues as an assistant coach before being named the JV head coach at Prospect a Bay Area high school in California in 2018, where he nearly won a title in his 1st season!
He's clearly an inspiration -- but who inspires him? We spoke with Rob right before the ESPYs ...
"I heard Tom Brady's not gonna be here but he definitely inspires me with his determination to win," Mendez says ... "I love his [famous battle cry] 'Lets go!'"
Mendez says he's never met TB12 but would love the opportunity to sit down with him and talk football.
"Come on, Mr. Brady, I need some Xs and Os coaching here!"
Some people thought Odell Beckham looked like a human burlap sack at the ESPYs ... but NOT Victor Cruz -- he loved OBJ's outfit telling TMZ Sports, "That's fire!!!"
Odell got people talkin' by showing up to the awards with a special Prada top that's not for sale to the general public. In fact, the item was recently featured at the Prada Spring 2020 Fashion Show.
After the show, Odell's former New York Giants teammate, Victor Cruz, was all about the look -- telling us, "This is fire! Don't let anybody tell you that's otherwise! That's fire!"
High praise -- but it still hasn't stopped the Internet for clowning Beckham ...
Why is Odell Beckham Jr. looking like Teddy Ruxpin about to go on a fishing trip. Someone slide a cassette tape in his back pocket and let’s hear a story! pic.twitter.com/pVx960BJXt
We're trying to find out just how much Odell's Prada threads will cost the general public -- but so far, we haven't heard back.
Later on that night, Odell actually busted out a clothing change to hit up Nice Guy with his girlfriend, Polyxeni Ferfeli, a Greek fashion model he's been linked to since 2018.
The two pulled up in Odell's orange Rolls-Royce ... the car he had tricked out to show off his Cleveland Browns team spirit.
Who's the best-dressed athlete in sports?? Now's your chance to see them go head-to-head with their threads at the 2019 ESPYs ... with the biggest ballers showing off their swag!!
LA Rams QB Jared Goff and his bikini model GF, Christen Harper, are one attractive couple in a rare public appearance together ... and Russell Wilson and Ciara are looking hot, as always.
UFC superstar Tyron Woodley is bringing the star power with a blue print suit ... and NBA hooper Trae Young went with the classic all-black look.
Golfer and model Paige Spiranac is hard to miss with a shiny silver dress ... and UCLA gymnast Katelyn Ohashi -- who went viral for her perfect 10 routine back in January -- showed off her skills on the red carpet!!
The World Cup Champion U.S. Women's soccer team is even at the big event -- jetting from their celebratory parade in NYC to the show ... with a police escort from the airport!!
Everyone from Dwight Howard to Myles Garrett to PJ Tucker showed off their best looks for the show -- hosted by Tracy Morgan -- on Wednesday ... so be sure to check out all the drip!!
There will be no Terrell Owens-like drama with Darrelle Revis and the Hall of Fame, 'cause Revis will get in first ballot ... so says Tennessee star Adoree Jackson.
We got the Titans corner out at the ESPYs earlier this week ... and Adoree poured on the praise for the ex-Jet who just retired Tuesday.
"Darelle Revis is gangster, man," Jackson tells TMZ Sports. "It speaks for itself. Legendary."
Adoree says the two haven't gotten the chance to talk since he's been in the league ... but D.R.'s got all kinds of time on his hands now that his playing days are over.
Shiggy -- the dude behind the "In My Feelings" challenge -- had a real-life dance battle with Backpack Kid at an ESPYs after-party on Wednesday ... and went BADLY for the BPK dude.
First off, we love Backpack Kid -- he's always been super cool to us -- but, man, SHIGGY JUST CAUGHT A BODY!!!
At one point, Shiggy DANCE-ATE Backpack Kid's heart.
The athletes were lovin' it ... everyone from Lakers star Josh Hart to Rams RB Todd Gurley to new Magic center Mo Bamba to Panthers wideout Devin Funchess had their cameras out, egging the whole thing on.
A very powerful moment just went down at the 2018 ESPY Awards, as well over 100 sister survivors of sexual abuse by Larry Nassar joined hands on stage to receive the Arthur Ashe Courage Award.
On behalf of their fellow "army of survivors," Sarah Klein, Tiffany Thomas Lopez and USA gymnastics star Aly Raisman accepted the award. Each delivered a moving speech about the suffering caused by 30 years of abuse by the disgraced Team USA and Michigan State doctor ... and the courage it took -- by hundreds of women -- to finally bring him down.
As we reported ... Nassar was essentially sentenced to life in prison -- twice -- for sexual assault crimes, along with getting 60 years in his child porn case.
None of it would have been possible without these brave women standing up and speaking out, though ... and now they're leading the fight against abuse.
And as Lopez told the crowd ... "It feels like we're finally winning."
Chloe Kim tore up PyeongChang's icy half pipes for the 2018 Olympics, and now she's iced out again for the ESPYs ... rocking a new chain that's worth its weight in gold.
The U.S. Olympic gold medalist recently hit up celeb jeweler Ben Baller for some new bling to wear to the sports award show ... where she's got 3 nominations, including Best Female Athlete.
Ben whipped up something special for Chloe -- an 18k gold diamond Cuban choker, with 24 carats in diamonds and weighing 300 grams in gold. Oh, and we're told it's valued at $40,000.
Fun Fact: Chloe Kim and Tom are among the athletes with the most nominations at the ESPYs on Wednesday night.
As far as Best Female Athlete is concerned -- she's up against Sylvia Fowles (WNBA player) and Julie Ertz (soccer).
It's that time of the year -- when the biggest ballers in the world show off their awesome (and not so awesome) fashion tastes at the ESPYs ... and we've got all the pics!!
Adam Rippon -- to no one's surprise -- showed up and slayed in his eye-popping fit ... and NFL brothers Shaquem and Shaquill Griffin took twinning to a whole 'nother level with their matching custom suit lining!!
JaVale McGee was all Gucci'd out ... rockin' a red fanny pack with his custom suit for quite the unique look!!
Everyone from Chloe Kim to Cris Cyborg to Kareem Hunt put their style to the test for Wednesday night's show hosted by Danica Patrick ... so be sure to check out the dope (and nope) swag!!
