NBA

Khloe Kardashian and Tristan Thompson are threatening to take a woman to court for continuing to claim Tristan's the father of her child -- and they say DNA proves he's not.

The lawyer for the co-parenting exes -- pit bull attorney Marty Singer -- fired off a cease-and-desist letter to Kimberly Alexander, saying ... "We demand that you immediately stop defaming them with malicious defamatory lies and specious fabrications" about the paternity of her child.

According to the letter ... Tristan had previously taken a paternity test in which it was "unequivocally proven" he's not Alexander's child's father, but she's continued to spread lies about Khloe and the NBA star, including claims they falsified or "fixed" the test.

Singer says the test was performed at one of the nation's more reputable labs and was approved by Kimberly's lawyers.

The letter also alleges Alexander has defamed Khloe by claiming she has paid people off to shut them up, as well as Tristan ... by claiming he's a deadbeat dad.

Finally, Singer says even though one test has already proven Tristan's not the father, he agreed to take a second test to confirm ... but Alexander refused, and subsequently lost her legal counsel.

Singer adds of Alexander ... "It is obvious that the reason you are spreading these lies about my clients is because you want your 15 minutes of fame."

Khloe and Tristan are demanding Alexander stop defaming them on social media and elsewhere, and remove any damaging posts about them ... or she'll be sued.

And, speaking of paternity ... just a reminder that Khloe is NOT currently pregnant with Tristan's baby either, despite persistent rumors she is. They are together in this legal battle, though.

Khloe Kardashian and Tristan Thompson do NOT have another bun in the oven, despite lots of speculation otherwise ... TMZ has learned.

While rumors and reports started swirling Wednesday morning saying Khloe was pregnant with the NBA star's child, our sources tell us that's not the case.

Sources close to Khloe tell TMZ ... she is NOT pregnant and the rumor mill started simply because eagle-eyed fans noticed she was posting a lot of pink flowers recently, which they mistook as a sign of another daughter on the horizon.

Fans also noted a lot of the photos and videos Khloe's been posting on social media are from the waist up or throwback pics ... but we're told it's not a sign she's actually expecting.

As you know ... Khloe and Tristan have one child together already, True Thompson, who recently celebrated her 2nd birthday.

Sounds like things are good between Khloe and TT, even though they don't live under the same roof ... our sources say they've been seeing each other from time to time during Cali's stay-at-home order because of their daughter, and the family celebrated Mother's Day together.

Khloe's still a mother of one ... and that's not changing any time soon.

Michael Jordan's motivational name-calling wouldn't have worked with Udonis Haslem -- the Miami Heat star says he would've straight FOUGHT Jordan if he was ever called a "bitch."

"If I’m one of them people Mike talking to like that, I might put hands on Mike," Haslem said Tuesday during an IG Live with Richard Jefferson.

"I might put hands on Mike."

"And, I love Mike to death. Mike the greatest of all time. But, you can’t call me the b-word and the h-word."

"Nah, all right Mike. We gonna have to square off."

Of course, MJ let the expletives fly in an attempt to motivate his Chicago Bulls teammates in the '90s ... which was showcased in the most recent episodes of ESPN's "The Last Dance."

One of the targets of MJ's trash talk was ex-Bulls teammate Scott Burrell -- but when we spoke with SB this week, he said he's not mad about it at all!

"I loved it! I loved the way he pushed me, I loved the way he motivated me," Burrell said.

"I think Michael had different techniques maybe some people didn't think were great leadership qualities."

One person who did fight back -- Steve Kerr -- who famously punched MJ in the chest during a heated practice, only to get socked right back in his eye.

MJ later said he felt bad about beating up "the littlest guy on the f*cking court."

Haslem, on the other hand, is not a small guy -- he's 6'8", 235 pounds.

As it turns out, time DOESN'T heal all wounds ... 'cause China's state-run TV network is holding firm on blacking out NBA games following Daryl Morey's support for Hong Kong protesters last year.

Remember, the Houston Rockets GM started an international crap storm for tweeting "Fight for Freedom. Stand with Hong Kong," with a pic of pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong in October.

The Tweet created a ton of backlash in China ... with massive Chinese e-commerce site Taobao yanking all Rockets merchandise and CCTV pulling NBA games from broadcast.

China Central Television released a statement to the Global Times in Beijing earlier this week ... "reiterating its consistent stance on national sovereignty" -- AKA, the NBA is still banned from TV.

The statement comes one day after Michael Ma -- son of CCTV co-founder Ma Guoli -- was named the CEO of NBA China ... which initially led people to believe the NBA could return to programming.

But, all that speculation can be put to rest with CCTV shooting down the rumors.

Former NBA player Darius Morris -- a Lakers second-round pick in 2011 -- was arrested last month after a woman claimed he brutally attacked her ... but now the woman is insisting she made the whole thing up.

A spokesperson for the NYPD tells TMZ Sports ... on April 18, a woman told officers the 29-year-old pro basketball player beat her up during an altercation at a Manhattan-area home.

The woman told cops she had left the residence, and asked Morris to leave by the time she got back. But, she says when she returned, Darius was still there -- and he exploded on her.

Officers say the 34-year-old woman told them Morris "grabbed her by her hair and dragged her, punching and kicking her in the head repeatedly."

Law enforcement sources say as a result of the alleged attack, the woman sustained bruising and swelling on her eyes, forehead, and ear ... and also suffered a chipped tooth and bruises on her arms and back.

We're told the woman was treated at a local hospital ... and Morris was eventually arrested and booked on charges of strangulation and assault.

Cops say Morris was released ... but was arrested AGAIN just a few days later on April 30, after they claim he violated an order of protection.

We contacted Morris and his rep for comment ... but they offered no explanation.

After speaking with Morris' camp, we were contacted by the accuser, who now says she made the whole thing up and doesn't want to see Morris prosecuted.

Unclear what caused the change of heart -- she told us, "It's private, none of it's true." The accuser also says she will go to the D.A. to drop the case against Morris.

Morris was a star at the Univ. of Michigan, averaging 15 points per game in the 2010-2011 season ... and was ultimately picked by the Lakers with the 41st overall selection in the 2011 NBA Draft.

We had to read this legal doc several times, because it was so shocking ... Island Express -- the company that owned the helicopter that sent 8 innocent passengers to their death -- claims Kobe AND 13-YEAR-OLD GIGI knew flying could result in an accident and therefore, Vanessa Bryant has no case.

It's true ... Island Express filed an answer to Vanessa's wrongful death lawsuit and, they threw in every argument in the book, including Act of God.

So, here's how it breaks down. Island Express says in its answer, "Kobe Bryant and GB [Gigi] had actual knowledge of all of the circumstances, particular dangers, and an appreciation of the risks involved and the magnitude thereof, and proceeded to encounter a known risk, and voluntarily assumed the risk of the accident, injury ... thereby barring or reducing [Vanessa's] claim for damages."

Island Express never explains how a 13-year-old girl appreciates such risks, and while we're on the subject, did anyone know helicopters are so dangerous that passengers who dare to board do so at their own peril? If that's the case, how come Island Express didn't have a big sign in front of the helicopter?

It gets even crazier. Island Express says it's not responsible for the crash because it was an Act of God. Well, blinding fog is definitely an act of God. Flying into it at 180 MPH is not.

And then, just like the pilot, Island Express blamed the crash on the passengers -- in this case Kobe and Gigi, saying their lawsuit should be thrown out because they were negligent.

And, there's more. Island Express said the accident was the result "of an unavoidable accident." Turning the helicopter around before going into the fog, or going very slow as the pilot ascended or descended might have made it avoidable.

Michael Jordan may have seemed like a teammate from hell ... but ex-Bulls player Scott Burrell says he welcomed MJ's tough antics ... telling TMZ Sports he LOVED the way #23 motivated him.

Previously unreleased footage of the '98 Bulls season aired on ESPN's "The Last Dance" doc Sunday ... showing Jordan cussing at, mocking and being extra hard on certain players during practice.

Burrell -- who was on the receiving end of a lot of Jordan's harsh actions -- says it wasn't as bad as it looked ... 'cause he WANTED His Airness to prep him to be a contributing player on a championship team.

"I think Michael had different techniques maybe some people didn't think were great leadership qualities," Burrell says. "I loved it! I loved the way he pushed me, I loved the way he motivated me."

Burrell says the antics worked off ... 'cause the Bulls were ready to take on each team's best shot every night, even when the opponents gave MJ all they had.

"People gotta understand, this is a team that won 5 championships in 7 years, and 2 in a row. People weren't saying 'I'm gonna play Steve Kerr or Toni Kukoc, every team that played Chicago was 'I wanna kick Michael Jordan's butt.'"

Burrell never took MJ's words to heart ... saying he knew Jordan was just trash talking and didn't really mean what he was saying.

Matter of fact, Burrell says he's still tight with MJ ... and they even hit the links together from time to time.

"I'm glad I learned from the best coaches and the best players and I like the friendship we built and the team camaraderie we have."

We also asked Burrell -- who also had a brief stint playing baseball in the minor leagues -- about Jordan's brief pro-hardball career ... and he gives the guy props for what he was able to do after so many years away from the diamond.

Michael Jordan says he socked Steve Kerr in the face during a fight at Bulls practice back in 1995 ... and said he felt so badly about it afterward, he had to call the guy to apologize.

"I'm in the shower and I'm saying, 'I just beat up the littlest guy on the f*cking court,'" Jordan said. "And, I felt about this small."

Jordan admitted to all of it in the eighth episode of "The Last Dance" docuseries Sunday ... explaining how Phil Jackson calling "ticky-tack" fouls in a training camp workout led to MJ roughing up the future head coach of the Golden State Warriors.

Jordan says in the preseason after his return to the NBA from a failed baseball career ... he was trying to get his new teammates like Kerr to understand what it would take for Chicago to win another championship.

Yet MJ claims Jackson attempted to "tone me down" in one particularly aggressive practice ... and that pissed off the NBA legend to the point where he intentionally fouled Kerr.

That's when Steve says he punched MJ in the chest ... and Jordan responded with this -- "I just haul off and hit him right in the f*cking eye."

Jordan says he knew he was wrong almost immediately ... and called Kerr shortly after to say he was sorry.

"I feel bad," Jordan says he told Kerr.

But, the good news? Kerr says standing up to Jordan was "the best thing that I ever did" ... and says their relationship "dramatically improved" afterward.

Of course, later that season the Bulls won 72 regular-season games and took home the NBA championship ... prompting Steve to say, "that season has to be the best team I've ever been a part of."

Michael Jordan's personal check -- signed by His Airness -- made out to Donald Trump's Indiana casino during the '97-'98 NBA season ... just hit the auction block.

The one-of-a-kind check is dated "Feb. 16, 1998" ... and is made out to "TRUMP INDIANA, INC." -- Trump's now-closed riverboat casino in Gary, Indiana -- for 15,000 bucks.

MJ's very recognizable autograph is on the checks signature line ... above the font "JORDAN, MICHAEL J"

Michael's Bulls squad didn't have a game on February 16. They just came off a 99-90 win over the Pistons the night before ... and were set to play the Pacers in Chi-town the following night, February 17.

Did Jordan's gambling affect his play against the Pacers? Nope. Chicago won, and Jordan dropped 27 points on Reggie Miller's team.

MJ's love of gambling is well-documented and was prominently discussed on the "Last Dance" docuseries ... when Michael famously traveled from NYC to Atlantic City during the 1993 Eastern Conference Finals series against the Knicks.

So, yeah, Michael liked the casino ... A LOT.

Goldin Auctions -- who are currently auctioning the check -- believe this is the first time an MJ check made to a casino has become available on the open market.

With Jordan's current resurgence in the news, MJ memorabilia is on fire. Last week, a rookie card from 1986 sold for $96k.

Karl-Anthony Towns is honoring his late mother on a holiday dedicated to her and moms everywhere -- this less than a month after she succumbed to coronavirus and passed away.

The Minnesota Timberwolves star posted a touching tribute on social media Sunday, showing off a screenshot of an old text exchange he had with his mom, Jacqueline Towns, during Christmas last year ... where they shared some loving words between each other.

At the time, she wrote to her boy ... "My Son it seemed like I closed my eyes for just a moment and suddenly a man stood where a boy used to be, I (may) not carry you in my arms anymore but I always carry you in my heart. You are the sweetest present life has ever given me." KAT responded, "Love you mom Merry Christmas!"

Jacqueline then sent Karl a photo of herself in a Santa sweater. KAT wrote of the interaction on Sunday, "Miss you so much," while adding an animated heart with an arrow through it.

Karl's mother passed away last month after a long battle with coronavirus -- which she contracted around mid-March and later had her placed in a medically-induced coma.

Former NBA player Cliff Alexander -- the top H.S. recruit in the country in 2014 -- was arrested Wednesday ... after cops say they found a loaded gun on him during a traffic stop.

TMZ Sports has learned ... Cliff was pulled over at around 9:30 PM CT in Chicago, Ill. after cops claim he failed to stop at a stop sign at an intersection.

Officers say when they questioned Cliff ... he admitted to having a firearm under his driver's seat -- and when officers checked, they say he did indeed have a loaded pistol in the car.

Cops say the 24-year-old told them he had the gun because he was on his way to Englewood and was nervous for his safety.

Cops also say Alexander admitted to having weed on him ... and claim they found a "clear plastic bag" with a green substance in it when they searched him.

Alexander, who cops say does NOT have a concealed carry license -- was arrested and booked on a felony charge of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.

He was also hit with a citation for failing to stop at a stop sign -- but he was NOT booked on drug charges. Jail records show the 6-foot-9, 245-pound basketball player was released from custody late Thursday afternoon.

Alexander was a MONSTER star in high school ... earning Naismith Prep Player of the Year honors in 2014 and receiving offers to play at nearly every college in the country.

But, Cliff never quite lived up to expectations after signing with Kansas ... only logging a cup of coffee in the NBA after going undrafted in 2015.

NFL star Malcolm Jenkins wants justice for murdered Georgia man Ahmaud Arbery -- who would have turned 26 today -- and he's doing his part by going on a jog to show support for Maud's family.

"Happy birthday to Ahmaud Arbery," Jenkins said while out on a 2.23-mile jog ... "Rest in peace, King."

Malcolm's workout is all part of the #RunWithMaud movement -- which is encouraging people to go on a jog to honor Maud -- while his family continues to push for justice.

The 2.23-mile run represents the date Arbery was shot and killed while jogging on Feb. 23.

Two men -- Travis McMichael and his father, Gregory -- have been arrested for the shooting and are facing murder charges.

"Doing my job for you," Jenkins added while encouraging others to follow his lead. "Even though they arrested those two men, we gotta make sure they don't forget his face and that he gets his justice in court."

"Y'all continue to support my brother, uplift his name, show his face, stay diligent. Love y'all."

Ex-NFL wideout Torrey Smith also participated in the run -- saying, "I hate distance running but I hate our justice system and racism more."

Other athletes, including LeBron James, Reggie Bush and more, have voiced their outrage over the incident ... with the Lakers superstar saying, "We’re literally hunted EVERYDAY/EVERYTIME we step foot outside the comfort of our homes!"

Two-time NBA champion Shannon Brown was arrested last week ... this after two people claim he fired a gun at them in an open house visit gone VERY wrong.

TMZ Sports has confirmed ... 34-year-old Brown -- who won two titles with Kobe Bryant's Lakers in 2009 and 2010 -- allegedly pulled a firearm on two people in his Georgia home on May 2.

A Tyrone Police Department spokesperson says the alleged victims called at around 9:45 PM ... claiming earlier in the day, Brown had fired rounds at them in a "for sale" home mixup.

The police spokesperson says the two individuals claim they were out searching for houses in the Tyrone, GA area ... when they saw one with a "For Sale" sign on it.

Officers say the individuals entered through an open gate ... and say the two people claim when they got to the door, they were told to come in.

The police spokesperson says once the individuals were inside ... they say Brown confronted them, before ultimately agreeing to let them go.

But, the two say as they were leaving ... Brown fired 5 to 6 shots at them.

The spokesperson says when cops investigated ... they found one shell casing in the area -- and eventually arrested the former NBA player for aggravated assault.

Michael Jordan hated losing so much, he wouldn't allow HIS OWN teammate to eat after bad games -- reportedly taking food off Horace Grant's table some nights in the '90s!

Legendary Bulls reporter Sam Smith revealed the insane story this week ... saying players told him MJ would make airline stewardesses skip Grant on team planes after games if he sucked earlier in the day.

"Players would come to me over the years and said, 'You know what he did? He took Horace's food away on the plane because Horace had a bad game,'" Smith said on the Tolbert, Krueger & Brooks Podcast.

"He told the stewardesses, 'Don’t feed him, he doesn’t deserve to eat!'"

Of course, Jordan and Grant won A LOT together -- so it's unclear how often MJ pulled the savage move ... but it's well known the two didn't exactly have the best relationship regardless.

Their friction has been touched on several times in ESPN's "The Last Dance" documentary ... with Jordan even accusing Grant on the show of leaking stories in the '90s to paint him in a bad light.