TMZ Sports - Page 50

Jaguars legend Maurice Jones-Drew says he was straight-up "shocked" to see the team cut Leonard Fournette ... telling TMZ Sports he has no idea how the move improves Jacksonville's roster.

"Leonard Fournette is one of their best players on their team," MJD says. "How are you better without him?!"

"How does that happen?!" the former NFL running back added. "How do you get rid of this guy?!"

Maurice says even if Fournette had a locker room personality that team officials didn't love ... he still thinks the best move would have been to keep the star RB in a Jags uniform.

"To me, in this league, it's all about you have to have a talented team to win," says Jones-Drew, who's currently KILLING it as an NFL Network analyst. "You can't win in this league without talent."

Jones-Drew says if he were running the Jags ... he would've certainly kept Fournette on the roster despite his past ups and downs with the team.

In fact, Maurice says he would have found a way to keep guys like Jalen Ramsey, Dante Fowler and Yannick Ngakoue on the roster as well.

But, MJD insists he ain't mad at his former team for the moves ... and tells us he's still holding out hope his ex-squad can wrap up a perfect 16-0 season this year.

Bronny James is taking his talents to the sticks by joining the world-famous FaZe Clan ... and his superstar father is giving his stamp of approval!!

The move was announced Sunday ... with the 15-year-old H.S. hoops prodigy getting a big introduction from the pro Esports group.

"He's got n̶e̶x̶t̶ now.⁣ Join us in welcoming @bronny to FaZe Clan 👑⁣" the post said on IG ... featuring a pic of James decked out in FaZe gear and a chain of the team's logo.

The Sierra Canyon star is an avid gamer off the court, playing games like Fortnite and Call of Duty.

But, don't get it twisted -- Bronny made his intentions clear shortly after the news broke, saying he's still focused on the bigger picture.

"Me joining faze don't change anything," Bronny said. "I'm still locked, coming for heads."

LeBron echoed his son's message, saying, "Straight Up Simba!"

Of course, the Lakers superstar has always talked about his dream of playing alongside his oldest in the NBA ... and it seems he's not worried about video games taking away from that possibility.

The Bronny news comes one week after superstar Ben Simmons also joined forces with FaZe as an investor ... adding to a list of celeb-backers like JuJu Smith-Schuster, Offset and Swae Lee.

John Thompson -- one of the greatest and most important coaches in college basketball history -- has died. He was 78.

Thompson passed away Monday morning. The circumstances surrounding his death are still unclear.

Thompson was the first Black head coach to win a major college championship, when he led Georgetown to the NCAA title in 1984.

That team featured stars like Patrick Ewing, Reggie Williams and David Wingate.

Thompson coached at Georgetown for 27 seasons -- and has the most wins in the school's history ... racking up 596 wins.

Before his coaching days, Thompson was a college basketball star at Providence -- where he was an honorable mention All-American in 1964.

He was later selected in the 3rd-round of the 1964 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics -- where he played for 2 seasons. Oh, the team won the NBA title in both of those seasons!

After that, Thompson became a high school basketball coach in Washington D.C. before making the jump to Georgetown ... and the rest is history.

Among the stars who played for Thompson -- Ewing, Allen Iverson, Alonzo Mourning and Dikembe Mutombo.

Thompson ultimately resigned from Georgetown in January 1999 -- and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame later that year.

Iverson famously credited Thompson for "saving my life" after he was accused of hurting people in a bowling alley brawl in 1993.

Thompson didn't turn his back on Iverson as the case played out -- he supported him until an appears court overturned multiple convictions against A.I..

Iverson brought up the situation in his Hall of Fame speech, saying he wouldn't be there without Thompson.

“I want to thank Coach Thompson. For saving my life," Iverson said ... "For giving me the opportunity."

"I was recruited by every school in the country for football and basketball. And an incident happened in high school and all that was taken away. No other teams, no other schools were recruiting me anymore. My mom went to Georgetown and begged him to give me a chance. And he did."

RIP

This is the most adorable video you'll see today!!

Toronto Raptors star Fred VanVleet reunited with his 2 kids after more than a month inside the NBA bubble on Monday ... and they were so excited to see their daddy, they ran right into his arms!!

Of course, players and families are starting to reconnect during the 2nd round of the playoffs ... with a limited number of loved ones allowed to enter the bubble after quarantining.

FVV's high school sweetheart, Shontai Neal, shared the emotional moment on Instagram ... showing 1-year-old Fred Jr. and 2-year-old Sanaa overly excited to see their dad on the Disney World campus.

The VanVleets have been supporting their dad from home ... with Sanaa cheering on Fred from home in a cute video last month.

Nick Saban put on his walking shoes and got to marching Monday -- leading the Alabama football team in a social justice demonstration on campus.

Saban, decked out in white polo, grey pants and a COVID mask, charged through Tuscaloosa from the athletic facility toward Foster Auditorium -- where some members of the team gave speeches.

Among the players at the march, star running back Najee Harris, according to reporter Simone Eli.

Some of the players wore shirts with messages like, "Black Lives Matter, "Equality" and "Defend Black Lives."

Some of the players carried a black lives matter banner.

During the march, Saban reportedly told the media he felt "like a proud parent."

"I'm proud of our team, I'm proud of our messengers and I'm proud of our message," he added.

Alabama is one of the major college football programs that WILL play in 2020.

The Crimson Tide -- ranked #3 in the country in some preseason polls -- is slated to take on Missouri on Sept. 26th.

Another insanely rare trading card could crack the $2 MILLION mark at auction ... and no, it's neither MJ nor LeBron.

It's an ultra-rare signed Giannis Antetokounmpo basketball card that features a piece of a game-worn jersey from the Greek Freak's rookie season.

The card was originally pulled out of a pack of Panini America's 2013-14 high-end "National Treasures" line ... and features the NBA "Logoman" patch from one of Giannis' rookie jerseys.

It's a 1-of-1 card -- so, it's super rare -- but the fact it was graded a MINT 9 by the Beckett Grading Service makes it even more desirable for hardcore collectors.

Even better ... the signature on the card received a perfect "10" grading from the Beckett autograph evaluators as well.

Again, the high-grading number makes a HUGE difference for collectors at the high-end level.

The person who initially pulled the card from a pack years ago sold it to another collector -- and after changing hands a few times, it's now hitting the auction block over at Goldin Auctions, where they believe there's a strong chance it could break the record for most expensive basketball card ever sold.

Of course, a rare (and similar) LeBron James' 2003-2004 Upper Deck rookie card is currently the G.O.A.T. piece when it comes to basketball cards ... it famously sold for $1.8 MIL last month.

The LeBron card was NOT a 1-of-1 -- there were 23 of those made ... and Bron has bragged that he has a few sitting around at his home.

The rare-card market is ON FIRE right now -- a Topps 2009 Superfractor Mike Trout card just sold at auction for $3.93 mil ... the most expensive sports trading card to ever sell on the open market.

As for Giannis, the bidding began at $250k on Monday -- and after a flurry of quick bids, it's already about to crack the $500,000 mark!!!

Ken Goldin, who runs Goldin Auctions, says he wouldn't be surprised if it cracked $2 mil by the time the bidding ends on Sept. 20th.

Remember when everyone said the trading card market was dead?!

Look out Ryan Lochte, there's a new guy in the pool gunning for gold -- 7'6" Boston Celtics center Tacko Fall!!

Of course, the fan-favorite giant has been using his free time in the NBA bubble to try out some new sports ... including hitting the links to golf with Orlando Magic center Mo Bamba.

The big guy is now taking on another challenge -- swimming -- and jumped in the pool with his teammates Jaylen Brown and Enes Kanter for his very own lesson.

The results are hilariously awesome ... with Kanter and Brown carrying Tacko through the pool while he works on his form.

There are no water wings in sight ... but then again, all Fall has to do is stand up in the water and he'll be good.

The Celtics have been HOT since entering the bubble and currently have a 1-0 lead on the Raptors in the 2nd round of the playoffs, so there's still plenty of time for improvement.

LSU wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase -- one of the top WRs in college football -- is officially opting out of the 2020 college season to train for the NFL.

Chase is a BEAST -- in 2019, he led all FBS (AKA Division 1) WRs in receiving yards (1,780) and TDs (20) en route winning the Biletnikoff Award for the top WR in the country.

Now, with COVID wreaking havoc on the college football landscape, Chase has decided to skip the upcoming season to prepare himself for the 2021 NFL Draft, where he's expected to be a top pick.

"After careful consideration and many emotional conversations with my family, I have come to a difficult decision and will opt out of the 2020 season," Chase said in a statement.

"The competitor in me badly wants to play the season and go to war with my brothers, but during this time with so much going on, this is what’s best for my family."

In other words, he knows he's got life-changing money coming his way and doesn't want to jeopardize that. And really, can you blame him?!

"I’ve been fighting the thoughts and concerns that have crept into my mind but cannot ignore what I feel in my heart and this ultimately is the best decision for me," he added.

"I’ll look forward to returning to the field in 2021."

Chase is the 3rd player at LSU to opt out of the 2020 season -- following defensive end Neil Farrell and cornerback Kary Vincent.

Oh, the star QB from their national championship team is also gone.

Eli Manning is celebrating Tom Coughlin's 74th birthday by doing a pretty cool thing ... challenging a bunch of his ex-NY Giants teammates to donate to a cancer charity.

The former NY Giants head coach -- who led the G-Men to two Super Bowl titles -- also runs the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation, which raises money for family's affected by pediatric cancer.

Coughlin named the charity after one of his former players, Jay McGillis, who played for Coughlin at Boston College.

McGillis was diagnosed with Leukemia in 1991, during Tom's first year as head coach. He passed away 8 months later.

Enter Manning, who says Tom's charity is one of the things he's most passionate about in life -- and he's calling on some of his rich teammates to help the cause.

"A great way to celebrate his birthday, the best gift we can give [Coughlin] is bringing attention to the great work he’s been doing for the last 25 years in helping families that are struggling as they deal with a child that has cancer," Manning said.

"So, it's a little challenge to everyone that played on Super Bowl 42 and 46 [or] if you played for Coach Coughlin at any point, let's come together and help the Jay Fund and raise some money."

Obviously, there are some super-rich guys in that group ... from Michael Strahan to Justin Tuck, Amani Toomer -- and Tiki Barber.

No pressure ... but here's hoping they all accept the challenge!

Family and friends are about to invade the NBA bubble ... which means the league had to send out a reminder to all teams -- NO #%*@ing swearing at games!!!

Of course, games have been a LOT more quiet without fans during the league's restart in Orlando ... with hot mics picking up some not-so-nice words during action -- we're looking at you, Carmelo Anthony.

Now that there will be loved ones in the stands, the league sent out a memo on Monday ... telling the owners and senior execs to remind their guests -- KEEP IT PG, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD. You are at Disney World, after all.

The memo prohibits "profane or objectionable language" as well as stepping on to the court mid-game, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

The memo also states guests can't interact with refs at all ... especially in a disrespectful manner.

While Woj says the rules addressed "all governors and senior team basketball operations personnel," we take it the players' fams and friends will not be allowed to let the F-bombs fly or step foot on the hardwood, either.

In other words, as LeBron James would tell his mother -- "sit your ass down!!!"

Did Tony Hawk just one-up Katie Ledecky?!

The skate legend is now part of the new viral Got Milk ad campaign -- and man, the milk people are getting their money's worth!!

After Ledecky swam across a pool with a glass of milk on her head -- and didn't spill a drop -- Hawk decided to take the moo juice to the skate ramp!

Hawk bombed down while holding the glass of milk -- pulled off a McTwist -- and just like Katie, NO SPILLAGE!

Hawk explained how the trick came to be ... noting he was inspired by the U.S. Olympic swimmer.

"Inspired by @katieledecky, I tried to do a bunch of basic tricks without spilling to little success," Hawk said.

"So I tried this as a joke... and it worked (yes, it’s real). Got McTwist?"

They're calling it the #GotMilkChallenge -- and it's one of the best ad campaigns we've seen in a while.

Hell, with all of the "Hamilton" hype these days, they probably could have just brought back that famous Aaron Burr ad ... but we're glad they're innovating.

The Cleveland Indians just shipped out star pitcher Mike Clevinger -- just weeks after teammates blasted him for violating COVID protocol during a secret night out in Chicago.

Remember, Clevinger and his teammate/buddy Zach Plesac snuck away from the team hotel on August 8 to party with friends during a road trip in Chicago, violating COVID protocol.

Plesac was caught by MLB security -- which informed the Indians. Plesac was not allowed to travel back to Cleveland on the team plane the following day.

Clevinger managed to go undetected in the early hours of the scandal -- and DID get on the team plane, pissing off teammates and other Cleveland personnel when they found out about his involvement later on.

Both Clevinger and Plesac claimed they were safe during the night out and have not tested positive for coronavirus since -- but teammates like Adam Plutko blasted them to the media claiming the two men violated their trust and put the team at risk.

Both Clevinger and Plesac were demoted and sent away from the team ... and now the Indians decided to just get rid of Clevinger altogether.

In exchange for Clev, the Indians reportedly get reliever Cal Quantrill, shortstop prospect Gabriel Arias, outfielder Josh Naylor and catcher Austin Hedges.

Of course, it's a HUGE deal for San Diego ... Clevinger is one of the top arms in the league -- and nabbing him makes the Padres an immediate contender to knock off the Dodgers in the West.

San Diego also added a few other players in trades over the weekend -- including Seattle Mariners star Austin Nola -- and given the roster it currently has, SD is now a REAL World Series threat.

As for Plesac, he posted an IG video a few days after the incident claiming he was being unfairly portrayed in the media as a reckless monster.

He is still playing with the Indians' "alternate site" team -- which is essentially serving as their minor league option this season, since the regular minor leagues have been shut down due to COVID.

Big ups to Manti Te'o ... the NFL player found VERY REAL love after the world's worst catfish incident -- and he's officially a married man!

The 29-year-old ex-Notre Dame superstar swapped "I Do's" with longtime girlfriend Jovi Nicole Engbino on the beach in La Jolla, CA.

The couple kept the ceremony super small due to the COVID pandemic -- but plan to have a bigger celebration with family and friends once it's safe.

"I couldn't give you the world but I think I did better," Te'o said on social media ... "I gave you my last name and it looks good on you Mrs. Te'o."

Of course, Te'o began dating Jovi -- a fitness pro -- back in 2015 ... just a few years after he was famously tricked into falling in love with the fictitious "Lennay Kekua" during his time as a Golden Domer.

The nearly 10-year-old story is still wild to look back on ... Te'o family acquaintance Ronaiah Tuiasosopo duped the linebacker into getting into a virtual relationship with a fake woman.

Tuiasosopo admitted to altering his voice when speaking with Te'o on the phone as part of the rouse.

Te'o was told "Lennay" died after a cancer battle in 2012 -- and he told the emotional story on national television interviews.

Once Te'o learned he had been duped -- he said the situation was "painful and humiliating."

To his credit, Te'o never got too down over it all ... and in 2015, he began dating Jovi in what now appears to be a hugely successful relationship.

"Yesterday I got to marry my best friend and the love of my life in an intimate beach ceremony," Jovi said Sunday of the wedding. "Although this was not how we envisioned our ceremony, it was perfect."

An up-and-down road in Jacksonville has finally come to an end for Leonard Fournette ... the Jaguars star running back was just released Monday, the team announced.

The former LSU superstar -- the 4th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft -- was able to post solid numbers when he was in the Jags' lineup ... but injuries and off-field drama constantly plagued him.

The 25-year-old was only able to start 36 of a possible 48 games in 3 seasons ... and he consistently found himself butting heads with the team and former exec Tom Coughlin.

Remember, Fournette was ejected for fighting with Bills players during a game in 2018 ... and was later suspended by the league over it -- hurting the hell out of the Jags' chances to make back-to-back playoff runs.

Later that season, Fournette was made inactive for the team's final game of the season ... and was ripped by Coughlin for his "disrespectful" and "selfish" body language on the sidelines.

Fournette was also reportedly repeatedly fined and admonished for being late to or skipping team events ... and even famously threatened to beat a heckler's ass during a Jags-Titans game in 2018 as well.

Fournette was also arrested in 2019 over an unpaid speeding ticket ... and wasn't shy about voicing his concerns over Jaguars personnel decisions over the past year too.

Jags head coach Doug Marrone spoke about the move Monday morning -- say the team tried like hell to trade Fournette, but "there wasn't anything there."

He added cutting Fournette was "what's best for our team."

After his cut Monday, Leonard can now be claimed off waivers by any team ... but if he clears there, he's free to choose to sign with any of the 31 other teams in the league as a free agent.

In his career, Fournette has rushed for 2,631 yards and 17 TDs on 666 carries.

Jamal Murray says his shoes -- honoring George Floyd and Breonna Taylor -- inspired his INSANE 50 point performance against Utah on Sunday ... and the post-game video is emotional stuff.

"These shoes mean a lot," Murray told Jared Greenberg after a must-win Game 6 playoff performance against the Jazz.

The 23-year-old Denver Nuggets star was overcome with emotion after the victory -- but he pulled himself together to explain why the shoes mean so much to him.

"These shoes give me life," Murray said ... "Even though these people are gone, they give me life. They help me find strength."

"In life you find things that hold value, things to fight for, and we found something worth fighting for as an NBA, as a collective unit. I use these shoes as a symbol to me to keep fighting all around the world."

"Like I said, they give me a lot of power to keep fighting."

Murray led the Nuggets in scoring Sunday night in their 119-107 victory -- in his second 50 point performance of the series.

He's the first player to drop 40 points in 3 straight NBA playoff games since Allen Iverson did it in 2001.

Terrell Owens says Odell Beckham doubters are in for a rude awakening ... telling TMZ Sports the superstar receiver is destined for a huge year ... as long as his quarterback doesn't stink up the place.

Of course, the narrative is that OBJ had a pretty disappointing season in 2019 -- he battled a sports hernia injury as the Cleveland Browns posted an underwhelming 6-10 record.

FYI -- Odell still managed to rack up more than 1,000 yards and caught 4 touchdowns a year ago.

T.O. says the media wrongfully pushed a storyline that Odell was declining ... and believes it was "unfair."

"Obviously, Odell is a great talent," T.O. tells us. "It's very misleading for somebody to say that he had a down year."

"He had some great catches, there were some flashes of that. But again, playing with an injured hip ... I can't imagine what that feels like, trying to play through that but it's not all of his fault."

Owens puts part of the blame on Baker Mayfield ... saying OBJ would have made more plays if #6 was hitting his targets.

"You break down the game tape, like yeah, the guy was open and the ball was thrown high, thrown behind him, thrown low," Owens says. "This guy's catch rating is equivalent to Julio Jones."

"Heir season is gonna ride on [Odell] and [Jarvis] Landry. So, hopefully, they're working through those things and they're healthy, Baker is better than he was last year."

"That offense and that team is not gonna go anywhere if Baker is not being the leader there."