Jeff Bezos Not Bidding On NFL's Commanders ... Months After Meeting W/ Jay-Z

Jeff Bezos won't be the new owner of the Washington Commanders ... the Amazon founder reportedly won't bid on the NFL franchise despite months of interest, and a secretive meeting with Jay-Z.

According to Puck News, Bezos, whose net worth is $120 billion (according to Forbes), is no longer planning to buy Dan Snyder's team ... and barring something changing, JB won't be the team's new owner.

TMZ Sports broke the story ... Bezos and Jay-Z met for a secret meeting in L.A. in November, where we're told they discussed a potential partnership.

Although it won't be Bezos, it's still possible D.C. will have a famous owner. As we previously reported, Magic Johnson is part of a group with 76ers owner Josh Harris and billionaire Mitchell Rales. They reportedly submitted a $6 billion bid to buy the team.

The Lakers Hall of Famer confirmed the news on an episode of "Today" ... saying he's excited the bid is in and hopes Snyder makes the right decision.

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THE BID IS IN
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Magic is no stranger to owning a team ... the five-time NBA champion has a stake in the LA Dodgers, Sparks, and LAFC, the pro soccer team.

Magic's group has some competition, though ... Canadian billionaire Steve Apostolopoulos has also submitted a $6 billion bid, and Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta is also reportedly interested.

L.A. Dodgers Ban Fan For 1 Year ... After On-Field Proposal

Bad news for the dude who stormed the field at Dodger Stadium to propose to his girlfriend last week ... TMZ Sports has learned he's been hit with a 1-year ban for the stunt.

Ricardo Juarez revealed the punishment to us on Monday -- saying he can't go back to Chavez Ravine for 12 more months due to his impromptu proposal -- but, as you can imagine, he wasn't all that upset over it.

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After all, he avoided time in jail ... and his girlfriend, Ramona Saavedra, did say yes to his question.

"Yeah, one year," Saavedra said of her future hubby's suspension. "But, I mean, he'll live, right?!"

Things did look a bit dire for Juarez hours after the dust had settled on the situation, though -- because the morning after he took that massive shot from the security guard, he was in a great deal of pain.

Saavedra said she actually had to take him to the hospital -- but, thankfully, he was diagnosed with nothing more than just some bad bruising and is OK now.

Juarez also revealed to us the whole thing was not planned at all -- saying he had initially envisioned poppin' the question in the stands ... but changed his mind when he saw how close they were to the field.

"He always tries to do everything with a lot of love," Saavedra said. "He shows a lot of effort."

The couple -- who've been together for 3 years -- is now planning to say "I do" in August ... and, due to all the exposure the proposal got last week, Saavedra said they've been receiving a ton of offers to help make their dream wedding come true.

She also gave us an up-close view of her diamond ring -- and it's beautiful!

Congrats, love birds ... now see ya at Dodger Stadium in April 2024?!

For more, tune into the TMZ Sports Podcast available on all podcast platforms!

L.A. Dodgers Fan Speared By Security After On-Field Proposal ... She Said 'Yes!!!'

UPDATE

7:51 AM PT -- TMZ Sports did some digging ... and as it turns out, the wild stunt was all worth it -- 'cause the girlfriend said, "YES!!!"

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The newly-engaged couple even posed together for a pic after the dust settled ... with the fiancée sporting her shiny ring.

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An L.A. Dodger fan pulled out all the stops to ask his partner to marry him on Thursday -- running onto the field during the middle of a game to pop the question -- but it might have cost him a few hours in jail ... and perhaps even a night in the hospital.

The wild scene unfolded at Dodger Stadium late in L.A.'s contest against the Arizona Diamondbacks -- when a Mookie Betts supporter hopped the centerfield wall and trotted to the outfield grass.

Video shot by a fan in the stands showed after the man made it to within feet of a D-Backs player, he stopped, got down on one knee, turned to the centerfield seats and pulled out a ring.

But, as he was asking his beau to be his forever lover -- a security guard was having none of it ... and blindsided the dude with a form tackle.

You can see in footage from the scene, the collision was so violent, even Diamondbacks outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. couldn't help but wince.

Two other security guards raced in and piled on the fan ... before he was ushered off the field.

No word yet if he was arrested -- or if he suffered any injuries.

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YOU'RE OUT!!!
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It's also unclear if he left the stadium officially an engaged man ... but after all that trouble, she better have said yes, right?!

Originally Published -- 6:11 AM PT

Trevor Bauer Signing W/ Japanese Baseball Team ... After Dodgers Cut

UPDATE

2:22 PM PT -- Sources close to Trevor Bauer tell TMZ Sports ... the pitcher has had his eye on playing in the Nippon Professional Baseball for years -- following a trip he made to Japan back in 2019.

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We're told he actually spent time with the Yokohama DeNA Baystars on the visit, and has known team execs for years -- paving the way for his signing this week.

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A formal announcement of the deal, our sources say, is scheduled to come in just a few hours.

Trevor Bauer's potential road back to an MLB mound will be making a stop in Japan first ... the former Cy Young winner is signing a deal to play for the Yokohama DeNA Baystars this season.

According to Sanspo Sports, Bauer's contract with his new team will be for one year ... and right around $3 million. ESPN reported Monday afternoon the deal is expected to become official later Monday night.

Bauer was just released by the Dodgers in January -- after he was reinstated from a suspension that the MLB had hit him with following an investigation into allegations he sexually assaulted a 27-year-old woman during two encounters in 2021.

Initially, the ban was for 324 games ... but it was ultimately reduced to 194 games by an independent arbitrator, making Bauer eligible to play in the MLB this season.

But, following his release from LA, no team signed him ... prompting the move to the Nippon Professional Baseball Organization.

Bauer hasn't pitched professionally since June 2021 -- but when he was on the mound, he was as effective as any pitcher in baseball. In the '21 season before he was put on paid leave as the MLB kicked off its investigation, he had 2.59 ERA with 137 strikeouts in 107.2 innings pitched.

Bauer -- who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in his case -- has yet to publicly comment on the new deal.

Originally Published -- 1:13 PM PT

Gavin Lux Fights Back Tears Talking ACL Injury ... 'It's Heartbreaking'

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Gavin Lux was deeply emotional while discussing his season-ending ACL injury with reporters on Tuesday ... calling the whole ordeal "heartbreaking."

25-year-old Lux suffered the devastating setback when his knee buckled while running the bases in the Dodgers' spring training matchup against the San Diego Padres on Monday ... closing the curtain on his 2023 campaign.

Lux was visibly upset while discussing the injury with the media just minutes ago ... fighting back tears as he spoke about it.

"You put in a lot of time and work and you really enjoy the guys in the clubhouse," Lux said at the Dodgers' facility. "The hardest part is just not being able to be on the field, for sure."

Lux says he felt his knee pop right away ... and the outside of his leg went numb.

"S*** happens, so control what you can control and crush my rehab and try to be ready for 2024 when it rolls around and that's kinda all you can do," he added.

It was slated to be a big year for Lux, who was going to be the Dodgers' starting shortstop -- a role he's wanted since he was a kid.

"I think every baseball player's dream is to play shortstop for the Los Angeles Dodgers. So, yeah, I think that's one of the hardest parts."

Lux said his teammates have been nothing but supportive throughout the process ... adding it just goes to show "how good these guys in the clubhouse are."

Lux will have surgery next week ... and is expected to be out 8 months.

Get well soon, Gavin.

L.A. Dodgers Cut Ties W/ Trevor Bauer ... After Star Pitcher Was Reinstated

Trevor Bauer will in all likelihood pitch during the 2023 MLB season, but it won't be for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The team just announced they've decided to designate the All-Star pitcher for assignment ... meaning his time in Los Angeles is done, and other organizations will have a chance to claim the 31-year-old pitcher.

But, that's unlikely to happen, as any org. that claims Bauer would be on the hook for his immense $22.5 million salary this season.

Bauer wasn't expected to be available for the start of this year ... that is until an independent arbitrator struck down his 324-game suspension, making him immediately eligible to play. All said, Trevor was suspended 194 games.

The decision meant the Dodgers had 14 days to add Bauer to their roster or move on from him.

The team nearly took every available minute available to them, but ultimately went with the expected path.

Bauer hasn't pitched in the MLB since June 2021 ... when a 27-year-old woman accused the MLB star of assault on two occasions in April and May of 2021.

Bauer, who always maintained his innocence, was never charged with a crime. A restraining order sought by his accuser was also denied by a court. Despite some of the wins in court, TB received one of the most severe penalties in baseball history.

Assuming the 2020 Cy Young winner clears waivers and signs with another team, the Dodgers will still be on the hook for almost all of this season's salary.

Trevor Bauer Suspension Reduced To 194 Games ... Reinstated Immediately

UPDATE

11:38 AM PT -- 12/23 -- Powerhouse attorney Joe Tacopina -- who reps one of Trevor Bauer's accusers -- issued a statement to TMZ Sports on his client's behalf, saying "What is important, and confirmation of horrific allegations, is that the arbitrator selected by MLB and the MLBPA affirmed that Trevor Bauer violated Major League Baseball’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy."

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"That is vindication for the brave victims who came forward and testified. Period. The amount of games he was suspended is of no concern to my client and is a matter for the league and the union to be concerned about."

UPDATE

6:23 AM PT -- Bauer's reps -- Jon Fetterolf, Shawn Holley and Rachel Luba -- released a joint statement on Thursday ... saying, "While we are pleased that Mr. Bauer has been reinstated immediately, we disagree that any discipline should have been imposed."

UPDATE

"That said, Mr. Bauer looks forward to his return to the field, where his goal remains to help his team win a World Series."

Trevor Bauer -- who was suspended 324 games after he was accused of sexual assault -- had his punishment reduced to 194 games on Thursday, the league announced.

Independent arbitrator Martin Scheinman ruled the Dodgers pitcher, who served 144 games of his suspension, will be reinstated immediately. Bauer will not have to miss any additional time, as his placement on the league's restricted list in the 2021 season will count toward the overall punishment.

"While we believe a longer suspension was warranted, MLB will abide by the neutral arbitrator's decision, which upholds baseball's longest-ever active player suspension for sexual assault or domestic violence," the league wrote in a statement Thursday.

"We understand this process was difficult for the witnesses involved and we thank them for their participation. Due to the collectively bargained confidentiality provisions of the joint program, we are unable to provide further details at this time."

The Dodgers -- who signed the 31-year-old pitcher in February 2021 -- will have 14 days to decide if they wish to reinstate the ace to their 40-man roster.

As we previously reported, Bauer was suspended for 2 years without pay after Major League Baseball concluded that the Dodgers' star pitcher violated the league's joint domestic violence policy.

Bauer was accused of punching and choking a woman unconscious ... with the accuser claiming she sustained bumps, bruises, scratches and other injuries. He also faced allegations made by other women.

The Cy Young winner, however, has maintained his innocence throughout the ordeal ... denying any wrongdoing.

Trevor is still under contract with the Dodgers for at least one more season.

Story developing ...

Originally Published -- 12/22 6:06 PM PT

Dodgers Announcer Vin Scully Estate Scores Home Run!!! $15 Mil Mansion Attracts a Buyer

Vin Scully's massive mansion has a HEFTY price tag attached to it ... but TMZ has learned his estate already has a buyer for the incredible property.

We're told Vin's estate accepted an offer Wednesday for the Hidden Hills home ... there are still contingencies, but we're told it looks solid.

As we reported, thr 7-bedroom, 9-bathroom palace -- where Vin passed away -- hit the market last month, with an asking price of $15 mil.

The 2-acre lot has a ton of bells and whistles ... including a pool, spa, putting green, oversized chef's kitchen, game room, marble wet bar and outdoor kitchen.

The pad also comes with a guest house and 6-car garage.

Vin -- who was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame's broadcaster wing in 1982 -- passed away in August at 94. He became the voice of the Dodgers in the 1950's and was a fixture until his retirement in 2016.

Kenley Jansen I Had Blast W/ Braves ... But I'm Open To Dodgers Return

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Kenley Jansen isn't ruling out the possibility of a reunion with the Dodgers despite having a great time in Atlanta this past season ... telling TMZ Sports if L.A. made him the right offer, he'd rejoin the storied franchise.

We spoke with Jansen out at LAX -- just a few weeks before he'll hit the open market in free agency -- and the star closer told us that although he still sees himself as a Brave at the moment, he will explore the best options for him and his family this offseason.

And, yes, that does mean a possibility of a re-signing with the Dodgers.

"Hey, we'll see," he said with a smile. "We'll see what's out there."

Jansen, who spent the first 12 years of his career with L.A., spoke highly of his first season as a Brave ... and it's easy to see why -- the team won 101 games, and he had an All-Star caliber year, logging 41 saves.

"I can tell you all great things about Atlanta," Jansen said. "Atlanta is awesome. The fans, the people, the organization. I had a great time there, and we had a great season."

But, Jansen told us he still lives in L.A. -- and it's clear the City of Angels still feels like home to him despite the past year in Georgia.

Free agency begins immediately after the World Series concludes in November. Fingers crossed, Dodgers fans!

Cody Bellinger Baby #2 Is On The Way!!! ... With S.I. Model GF

Cody Bellinger's season may be over, but the star Dodgers outfielder has a big reason to be happy -- he's having another baby with his model girlfriend, Chase Carter!!!

Bellinger's GF shared the exciting news on Wednesday ... posting a photo showing off her baby bump alongside Cody, Junior (the family's dog), and their daughter, Caiden, writing, "Sibling on the way."

Cody, 27, and Chase, 25, welcomed their first bundle of joy to the world last November ... with the Dodgers org. posting photos of Bellinger sleeping alongside his daughter.

Cody and Chase have been dating since 2020 ... and the couple seems more than thrilled about the newest addition to their growing family.

In July, the lovebirds celebrated their second anniversary ... posing for a pic with Caiden on the field at Dodger Stadium.

"2 years and many more," Cody captioned the pic.

Bellinger and Carter are one hot couple -- the MLBer has made nearly $40 million on the field during his career ... and the model has been featured in several magazines, most notably the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue and Maxim.

Bellinger's season may have ended in disappointment ... but this news is sure to put a smile on his face.

Congrats!!

Vin Scully L.A. Home Hits Market For $15 Mil. ... It's A Home Run!!!

Vin Scully's Hidden Hills mansion -- complete with tennis court and theater -- is looking for a new owner ... and it's coming with a $15 MILLION price tag.

TMZ Sports has learned ... the late Dodgers legend's 7-bedroom, 9-bathroom palace hit the market this week.

The nearly 2-acre lot has a ton of bells and whistles -- including a pool, spa, putting green, oversized chef's kitchen, game room, marble wet bar and outdoor kitchen.

The 11,000-square-foot mansion also comes with a detached guest apartment, full guest house and a 6-car garage.

The interior is decked out with French country elements ... including oak wood floors and floor-to-ceiling fireplaces. The primary suite also comes with a nice view and plenty of privacy.

As we previously reported ... Scully -- who was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame's broadcaster wing in 1982 -- passed away in August at 94 years old. He became the voice of the Dodgers in the 1950s before his retirement in 2016.

The home -- which is actually where Scully passed -- is listed by Scully's daughter, Cat, and Melissa Bladow of Compass.

Kirk Gibson Dismisses Barry Bonds HR Critics ... I Played With Him!!!

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Kirk Gibson says he knows firsthand how special Barry Bonds was during his playing days ... and he tells TMZ Sports the guy should be recognized for all his accomplishments -- even if it's not the popular opinion.

We spoke with the MLB great at LAX this week ... and asked about Aaron Judge's 62-home run season and whether he's the REAL single-season king, considering every player above him on the record list is allegedly tied to PEDs.

Gibson heaped a ton of praise on Judge ... but as for whether guys like Bonds, Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire should lose recognition due to their alleged ties to steroids, he's against the notion.

"People go down different roads in different ways," the Dodgers legend said. "I've played with Barry. You gonna tell me the guy didn't accomplish anything?" Gibson asked.

Gibson and Bonds were teammates on the Pirates in 1992 -- and he said that 20 years from now, it might be popular to say Barry didn't accomplish anything.

"It's the thought of the day, 'Barry's was no good, he did this, that and McGwire did this and Sosa did this.'"

"How do you know what anybody does?" Gibson said.

We asked Gibson, a former Silver Slugger Award winner, if this 2022 Dodgers team that won 111 games during the regular season is the best in the franchise's rich history.

"They're pretty incredible," said Gibson, who hit the iconic walk-off home run in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series. "They've had one heck of a run. This is maybe the best team to win."

Gibson won two World Series titles during his 17-year career ... and has always had a vested interest in the team's success.

So we had to talk about Craig Kimbrel, who was left off the Dodgers' NLDS roster ... and he tells us the flame-throwing righty will be fine once his confidence is restored.

"How many times has he succeeded?" Gibson asked. "Has he failed more than he's succeeded? That's why he's the closer."

"He's succeeded so much. He has to instill that feeling within himself. He'll be ready."

Finally, Kirk tells us about a man with one leg who will run a 26.2-mile marathon on two crutches to support his Kirk Gibson Foundation, which helps people with Parkinson's disease.

Amazing stuff.

Dodgers Party Fowl ... Goose Invades Playoff Game

Goose took the field Wednesday night ... but we're not talking Gossage.

A brave fowl decided to get a closer look at the Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres game on Wednesday ... by flying its way down to the field amid the postseason matchup.

The hilarious moment went down during the bottom of the 8th inning in the Dodgers' 5-3 loss ... when the Greater white-fronted goose did a mid-game tour of the diamond with Gavin Lux at the plate.

The bird had the best seat in the house as it remained on the field when Lux hit a single to the outfield.

The Padres made a pitching change after the hit, which was enough time for the Dodgers grounds crew to snap into action ... grabbing towels and a trash can in hopes of safely getting the intruder off the field.

Luckily, the mission was a success ... and the game went on without any other wildlife visits.

Unfortunately for the Dodgers, the new friend didn't bring any good vibes ... as the home team ended up short in Game 2.

L.A. Dodgers Man Socked In Face By Padres Fan ... Insane Fistfight At Game

A Manny Machado fan pummeled a Dodgers supporter in a wild fistfight at the Padres game on Wednesday night -- connecting with haymakers over and over again.

The scrap went down at some point during L.A.'s 1-0 win at Petco Park -- when two rival fans started throwing hands at each other after getting into some sort of disagreement in the stands in right field.

Video from the scene shows the Dodgers fan got the worse end of the deal almost immediately -- getting rocked with a huge right hand at the start.

The Padres fan didn't let up ... and appeared to tag the guy in the face with a few more strikes.

Eventually, the Dodgers fan was able to turn the tilt into a wrestling match ... before a bunch of other L.A. fans raced in to break up the altercation.

The man appeared to have some injuries to his face -- after the fight, he rubbed his eye area repeatedly.

No word if the SD fan had any ailments.

The footage appears to show a cop at the scene. We've reached out to the San Diego Police Dept. for comment on it all -- but so far, we haven't heard back yet.

'Smile' Creepy Actors Infiltrate MLB ... To Plug New Horror Flick

A new horror movie is coming out next week, and the studio found a creative way to let people know about ... sending background actors to live baseball games, front and center.

We're talking about Paramount's latest offering, "Smile," which drops next Friday ... and amid a lot of "Don't Worry Darling" chatter, it seems the mountain execs were trying to find a way to break through the noise and stand out ... and they chose MLB broadcasts to do it.

Several marquee matchups aired on big-time TV stations Friday -- including Dodgers vs. Cardinals, Mets vs. A's and Yankees vs. Sox. In all of them, there was at least one person prominently positioned behind home plate that held a super creepy smile the entire time.

It was perhaps most notable during the Mets game, where a woman in a highlight green shirt (with the word SMILE written across) was standing and smiling awkwardly ... that is, until a security guard told her to park it.

Another guy in green was also spotted at the Dodgers game, sitting in silence and holding a creepy smile for much of the game. Some of them stood up at times, but mostly sat still and just held the pose ... completely committed to the gag.

Another man, this time in blue, was seen at the Yankees game ... and he got up occasionally -- with viewers at home certainly taking notice and noting it was freaking them out.

Unclear if there were more actors at other games, but these are the ones that people paid close attention to. Of course, this is good old-fashioned viral marketing ... and it would appear it worked, 'cause the stunt is getting some media coverage.

"Smile" is going up against Billy Eichner's rom-com, "Bros," next week ... not to mention any spillover from 'DWD' and other recent horror releases like "Barbarian" and "Pearl." Plus, "Avatar" is back in theaters, and it already seems to be doing well -- so tough competition.

Paramount's smiling through it all though, especially at the ballpark!

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Maury Wills L.A. Dodgers Legend ... Dead At 89

Los Angeles Dodgers legend Maury Wills -- the MVP of the 1962 MLB season -- has sadly died at 89 years old ... the team announced Tuesday.

"The Los Angeles Dodgers are saddened by the passing of Dodger legend Maury Wills," L.A. officials wrote in a tweet. "Our thoughts are with Wills' family, teammates and friends."

A cause of death was not revealed.

Wills -- one of the greatest base stealers of all time -- initially broke into the Big Leagues with the Dodgers way back in 1959 after a lengthy career in the minors ... and he quickly became one of the best players in the sport.

The shortstop made an All-Star team in his third season with the club -- and then won league MVP honors in '62, after hitting .299 and stealing 104 bases.

Wills went on to help the Dodgers win three World Series titles ... and finished his 14-year career with seven total All-Star selections and two Gold Gloves.

Following the end of his playing days, Wills went on to manage the Seattle Mariners in the 1980 season -- before he was fired prior to the end of the 1981 season.

Wills later went on to work as a spring training instructor for the Dodgers.

Wills had such an impact on baseball, Dave Roberts, L.A.'s manager, currently wears No. 30 as an homage to the former Dodgers great.

RIP.