Kyle Kuzma & Winnie Harlow Hold Hands On NYC Date ... Romance Officially Rekindled!!!

Kyle Kuzma and Winnie Harlow are back on ... and they wasted no time letting the world know it this week -- holding hands on a romantic date in NYC.

The couple -- which broke up back in August but rekindled their romance just recently -- hit up Carbone on Kuzma's NBA off day Wednesday, and looked as lovey-dovey as ever.

The Wizards star, who was in NYC for Washington's game against the Knicks, held Harlow's hand on the way to dinner -- and you can see in the pics, the supermodel was very happy.

Harlow looked to be in great spirits, smiling and waving before heading in -- and, yeah, it's clear the power couple is officially back.

As we previously reported, the two originally got together during the pandemic ... after Harlow says Kuzma successfully slid into her Instagram DMs.

They spent nearly all of quarantine together -- but broke up right around the time Kuzma was traded from the Lakers to the Wizards.

Seems everything's all good now, though ... congrats on finding love again!

Cardale Jones I Think Urban Meyer Is Done Coaching ... After Jaguars Debacle

122221-cardale-jones-urban-meyer-sub-kal
THE CULTURE HAS CHANGED
TMZSports.com

Cardale Jones believes Urban Meyer will never roam a sideline as a head coach again ... telling TMZ Sports he thinks the former Ohio State headman is done after the Jaguars debacle.

The ex-OSU quarterback -- who won a national championship with Urban and the Buckeyes in the 2014 season -- tells us Meyer's quick firing in Jacksonville shows the game has just passed by the coach.

"It's almost like the term, 'You can't teach an old dog new tricks,'" Jones said. "I think [Urban's] ways are a little behind us."

Jones explained he thinks Urban's bristly coaching style and the way he recruits, plus the NCAA's new rules regarding NIL deals and the transfer portal, all make it unlikely that Urban would get another job at the college ranks.

As for the NFL -- it seems pretty clear he wouldn't get a second shot there either.

"I wouldn't say [his coaching style] is outdated, because he was just coaching college three years ago," Jones said. "It's just times have changed."

"And I don't know if he's willing to make that sacrifice and change in his demeanor, his personality, or his coaching style to keep up with times today."

122221-cardale-jones-urban-meyer-main-kal
HIS IMPACT WAS FELT
TMZSports.com

As for the allegations against Meyer in Jacksonville -- ones that involved being downright mean to players and even kicking his kicker -- Jones says he has no idea if they're true. He did say, though, that he and Meyer did not have the world's greatest relationship at OSU.

"Out of my four years at Ohio State, I probably had 10 conversations with Coach Meyer," Jones said. "And that's including hi and bye walking through the freakin' facility."

Jones said if Meyer's coaching career is in fact over, he expects the 57-year-old to return to a broadcasting or analyzing role.

Kenny Smith NBA Should Keep Playing ... Unless Fans Get Sick

122221_kenny_smith_kal_1
LEAVE THE CIGARS FOR LATER, LEBRON
TMZSports.com

Kenny "The Jet" Smith says the NBA should do their best to keep playing through the spike in COVID-19 cases ... but tells TMZ Sports if fan safety becomes an issue, ya gotta consider pausing the season.

We asked the former Rocket great if the league should follow the NHL's lead and pause their season ... and he says if the outbreaks are only affecting the players, the show must go on.

"No," Smith said at LAX. "I mean, the thought process should always be for the society, for the fans. It's not for the players. So meaning, we're just a part of society."

The NBA champ adds that although the money these games bring in is important, it ain't everything ... and if spectators are getting sick as a result of being close to each other, then the league needs to reconsider postponing the season.

"So, if society needs to shut down because of proximity, because you're in arenas, yes. But just because of players, no."

"It's the lives that matter," Smith says. "So, if the games itself are causing people to get COVID, then you have to think about pausing."

There's more -- we also asked the "Inside The NBA" analyst if it was a bad look that LeBron James walked into the arena with a cigar in his hand ... and he told us that he was in disbelief.

"You can't lose when you walk in with a cigar," Smith said. "And if we lost to them with a cigar, I'd be upset."

"It shows that he's not thinking about us," he added.

Kenny points out Celtics legend Red Auerbach would spark a stogie on the bench after wins .. joking maybe that's what LeBron was planning to do.

Of course, the Lake Show lost that game to Phoenix by double-digits, 108-90 ... and it sounds like Kenny wants Bron and Co. to secure a W before bringing out the cigar next time.

Dwight Howard We Will Be Ready For Playoffs ... 'Don't Worry, Laker Fans!!!'

122221_dwight_howard_kal
NOT ABOUT HOW YOU START...
TMZSports.com

Chill out Laker Nation -- Dwight Howard says everything's gonna be good by the time NBA playoffs come around ... telling TMZ Sports, "it's not about how you start, it's how you finish!"

The Lakers have been struggling so far this season ... which has shocked a lot of fans, considering they have LeBron James, Russell Westbrook and a solid (yet aging) roster.

But, Howard says the season is still young, so they haven't shown their full potential just yet.

"We good, man. It's early," the Lakers center told us at his OxeFit after-party at the Soho Warehouse, "We gonna be ready by the time the playoffs start. That's when we start dominating."

"Don't worry, Lakers fans! When it's time to dominate, the Lakers gon' be there!"

The 36-year-old also wants fans to remember this is an entirely different squad compared to last year ... and that it will take some time for everyone to get on the same page.

"This is a brand new team than it was in 2020. All of us are really trying to learn how to play together and get our games going."

"It's not about how you start, it's how you finish!"

As they say, patience is a virtue -- the Lakers aren't in terrible shape and still have a few months to turn things around ... that is, as long as COVID doesn't halt the season like it did with the NHL.

Howard -- who just got out of COVID protocol -- hopes that doesn't happen ... saying "I'm not worried about it. But, anything can happen. Everything is about safety right now."

"I think if you got your immune system right, then you'd be good to go. I'm not really concerned about it."

Playoffs start in April ... and that's when we'll see if Dwight's right.

Jordan Poyer's Wife Pissed Over Hubby's Pro Bowl Snub ... 'Enough Voting Nonsense!!!'

Rachel Bush -- wife of Bills star Jordan Poyer -- is furious her husband didn't make the Pro Bowl this season ... going on a rant and calling for the NFL to change its ways.

"Said it last year, going to say it again lol," Bush said on Twitter. "Pro Bowl should have the PROS in it."

"Enough of this voting nonsense."

Currently, coaches, players and fans get to vote for the Pro Bowl. Each group counts for 1/3 of the votes.

With that being said, you can have the best stats and still not get in. For example, Poyer has 5 interceptions -- currently tied 4th in the league -- and 60 solo tackles.

That's more than Tyrann Mathieu's 3 interceptions and 51 tackles -- but he was selected for the Pro Bowl.

"Jordan and Micah [Hyde] are the best," Rachel added. "Simple facts. Can’t argue with stats. FIVE picks. Top graded coverage. Give me a damn break."

Bush also points out that Buffalo has one of the best defenses in the league -- and yet, not one Bills player made the Pro Bowl.

"#1 defense in the NFL and not a single defensive player from the Bills in the dang Pro Bowl," Bush says, "How is that a pro bowl then?"

Poyer is listed as a third alternate, so he can still play in the Pro Bowl if a player can't make it, gets injured or catches COVID-19 ... but clearly, Bush wants more.

Kyle Kuzma, Winnie Harlow We're Dating Again!!! ... 5 Months After Split

Love isn't dead after all -- NBA baller Kyle Kuzma and supermodel Winnie Harlow are officially dating again ... just five months after breaking up.

TMZ Sports has learned ... Kuz and Harlow picked up right where they left off earlier this month, deciding to give their relationship another try.

We're told the split wasn't ugly to begin with -- both sides kept in touch and remained friends during their time away from each other.

We broke the story -- the Wizards forward and former "America's Next Top Model" contestant ended things back in August after more than a year of dating.

They were one of the biggest quarantine couples to develop during the pandemic ... after Harlow says Kuz successfully slid into her DMs on Instagram.

Their love remained strong during the NBA bubble in Orlando ... with Winnie sending a plane over the Disney campus on Kuz's birthday to give him a special message.

No word on what caused the breakup to begin with ... but it happened right around the time Kuz was traded from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Washington Wizards.

AEW's Nyla Rose Fan Ejected For Transphobic Sign ... Aimed At Openly Transgender Wrestler

A man was ejected from an AEW Dynamite event on Wednesday ... after he held up a transphobic sign at openly transgender wrestler Nyla Rose.

The AEW star was involved in a match with Ruby Soho at the North Carolina event ... when broadcast cameras caught a fan pointing the offensive poster at Rose.

"Nyla Rose is that guy's dad," the sign read.

FYI ... in 2019, Rose made history when she inked her deal with AEW, becoming the first openly transgender wrestler to sign with a major U.S. wrestling promotion.

Rose was clearly offended by the sign -- cameras caught her flipping off the fan mid-match ... and her wife wrote on her social media page that she was outraged over it all.

Thankfully, according to Rose's wife and reporters on the scene, the fan was promptly removed once security was made aware of it.

"To everyone wondering," Nyla's wife wrote, "The a**hole has been removed from the venue."

We've reached out to AEW for comment, but so far, no word back yet.

Of course, this isn't the first time we've seen this kind of insensitive behavior at an AEW promotion before -- just last month, a fan called openly gay wrestler Anthony Bowens a homophobic slur during one of his matches.

121021-anthony-bowens-kal
COMES WITH THE TERRITORY
TMZSports.com

We spoke with Bowens shortly after the incident, and he condemned the awful hate speech, but said he believed it all to be an isolated incident.

"This is not indicative of the AEW fans at all," Bowens said. "Any interactions I've had with them since starting the company have all been positive."

Jake Paul Tommy Fury's Not Big Enough For Me ... I Want Someone Else

Bad news for Tommy Fury -- the boxer might have missed his shot at fighting Jake Paul for good ... 'cause the YouTube superstar says he wants a bigger name to be his next opponent.

Fury -- who backed out of the Dec. 18 bout with a chest infection and broken rib -- said earlier this week he was gunning to reschedule their fight ASAP ... promising to make it happen as soon as he's healthy.

But, Jake seems to be over it, revealing in an interview with USA Today he's not interested in going down that road again after knocking Tyron Woodley out in dramatic fashion.

"Most likely not Tommy," Jake said. "I kind of want someone with a bigger name."

"We’ll see how all the stars align, but I’m tired of carrying all these Pay-per-view buys by myself."

It would be a huge bummer of an ending of the Paul/Fury feud if they don't fight -- after all, they LOVED trolling each other all 2021.

Now, the Fury name is huge in boxing -- Tommy's older bro, Tyson is the world heavyweight champ -- but Paul's called out UFC fighter Jorge Masvidal, who quickly shut down his $5 million offer.

In the meantime, Jake says he's gonna rest up and enjoy some downtime before entering the ring again.

"I’m exhausted -- mentally, physically," Jake told the outlet. "I need to take some time with my family."

Austin Rivers Gets Fans Ejected ... After He Says 'Punks' Heckled His Family

Austin Rivers had two fans removed from their seats on Wednesday ... after he claims the "punks" and "clowns" would not stop heckling him about his family.

The Nuggets guard snapped in the fourth quarter of Denver's loss to the Thunder in Oklahoma City, grabbing a ref after he made a 3-pointer and telling him to eject two fans from their seats immediately.

In video of the play, you can see Rivers was irate -- pointing out the fans who appeared to yell about his dad, Doc Rivers, in the middle of his shooting stroke.

After the game, Austin explained the situation ... saying every time he ran down the court, the two talked trash about Doc -- and even began mentioning his sister, Callie Rivers, who's married to Steph Curry's brother, Seth Curry.

122321_austin_rivers_kal_1
CANCELING THE COOL KIDS
Denver Nuggets

"I don't mind it most nights," a clearly ticked-off Austin said. "But, it was constant. Every time down the floor, they were saying something about my dad. Somebody said something about my sister. That's when I was like, 'OK. I've had enough.'"

Austin continued, "You could say I suck, that's fair game. But, you talk about my family? Like, what are we doing here?"

"Imagine me showing up to where they work and I'm just talkin' s*** about their family the whole time while they're trying to work. I don't know. It's just weird, man. Bunch of punks."

Of course, this is far from the first time an NBA player has done the same this season ... both Tristan Thompson and LeBron James had fans ejected from games earlier this year for heckling, too.

In those cases, the guys and their teams -- like Austin and the Nuggets on Wednesday -- said the fans just went too far with the chatter.

Kanye West Courtside to Watch His Academy Hoop

If Kanye West is upset about Pete Davidson hanging out with Kim in L.A. this week, he certainly isn't showing it on his face ... Ye was all smiles while he watched his Donda Academy team hoop from the best seat in the house.

122321_kanye_west_game_kal_v2
CENTER OF ATTENTION
BACKGRID

Ye sat courtside next to his buddy French Montana and chatted with O.T. Genasis Wednesday night during the Donda Doves Homecoming matchup in Whittier, CA. While he was seated for most of the contest, at one point, Ye got up and chatted with some of the team's players.

As for his attire, Kanye certainly didn't wear a team jersey ... sporting the look we've become accustomed to seeing him rock over the last few weeks -- boots, black hoodie, gloves, sunglasses and a baseball hat. Fans were also instructed to wear all black, and obliged.

122321_kanye_west_outside_kal
SWARMED BY FANS
BACKGRID

Kanye advertised the game on his Instagram a few hours before tipoff, and resale tickets ranged anywhere from $25 to $500 ... aka, not your regular high school game prices.

Kanye started his Donda Academy earlier this year, recruiting basketball prospects to the program which mostly centers around hoops -- usually with multiple practices per day -- and online learning for academics.

Kanye and French go way back ... remember, French used to date Khloe Kardashian, and O.T. Genasis has a child with Khloe's bff Malika Haqq.

Of course, the game comes in the middle of Pete Davidson's trip to L.A. where we've seen him and Kim grab breakfast at the Beverly Hills Hotel ... and Pete whipping around town in Kim's crazy expensive Rolls-Royce.

Rep. Madison Cawthorn Divorcing after 8 Months of Marriage

Super conservative Congressman Madison Cawthorn is consciously uncoupling after only 8 months of marriage, and the divorce has political overtones.

Cawthorn and Cristina Bayardelle Cawthorn said in a joint statement, they made the "enormously difficult decision" ... citing the boilerplate irreconcilable differences.

Cawthorn wrote, "When Cristina and I were engaged, I was not a member of Congress. I felt called to serve and we both agreed that I should run. Our victory was unprecedented, but overnight our lives changed."

He went on ... "That change has been both hectic and difficult, it's neither the pace nor the lifestyle we had planned for."

The marriage had a quick beginning as well as ending ... he said he knew he wanted to marry her just months after they started dating.

It sounds like there was trouble almost from the get-go... saying, "From the outset, we committed to make things work, to fight for our marriage, and seek counsel for balancing the enormity of such a transition in life." The word "fight" seems relevant here.

During their engagement, Cawthorn was accused of sexually harassing a number of women during his college years -- he has denied the allegations.

Cawthorn, the youngest member of Congress at 26, and Bayardelle, a 27-year-old anesthesiologist assistant and CrossFit enthusiast, announced their engagement during the pandemic -- October, 2020 to be specific.

Kyler Murray Playing Santa Ain't Cheap ... Golf Gifts For OL Worth $5K Apiece!!!

Making sure his O-linemen were happy for the holidays didn't come cheap for Kyler Murray ... 'cause TMZ Sports has learned the golf gifts he gave to his teammates this week cost $5K apiece!!!

The Arizona signal-caller shelled out the goodies to his personal protectors on Monday -- partnering with True Spec Golf to give them each a custom bag and custom clubs.

The package was sweet -- the bag featured every O-lineman's name and number and came complete with 13 total clubs -- including a driver, woods, hybrids, irons and wedges.

A rep for True Spec Golf tells us every players' clubs were properly fitted to them ... and in its entirety, the gift cost over $5,000 per bag.

Don't worry, the guys all appeared to love the presents from Murray ... smiling ear to ear while tagging balls at the True Spec Golf location in Scottsdale.

"It was a privilege to host Kyler Murray and his teammates at True Spec Golf," said the President of True Spec Golf, Ryan Richardson. "Similar to our everyday customers, some of the guys came in with years of experience and others were brand new to the game."

"It was great to show them how our data-driven, brand-agnostic approach at True Spec can improve anyone’s game regardless of skill level.”

At the moment, it's unclear if Murray -- who's previously gifted his O-linemen with scooters and paintings in the past -- will make this a yearly tradition, but we're told he will be coming back for a club fitting of his own following the season.

Take notes, Santa.

Georgia H.S. Football Star QB Dead At 18 ... After Complications From Surgery

Robbie Roper -- a star high school quarterback from the 2022 class in Georgia -- tragically died on Wednesday after complications from surgery.

He was only 18.

Roper's family made the devastating announcement via Twitter ... saying, "We just wanted to update everyone on Robbie. Robbie just passed."

"He was the biggest joy to our family. We are proud of the young man he has become."

"He will be missed by his friends and family dearly."

Roswell High School football coach, Chris Prewett, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that Roper was in the hospital on Sunday after suffering complications from a routine surgery.

"Robbie fought hard," Coach Prewett said, "and battled until the very end like he did everything else."

Roper was a dual-threat QB who had 3,010 yards and 37 touchdowns this season -- in one of those games, he had 447 yards and 6 TDs.

The 6'4", 215 pound QB led Roswell High to a 10-3 winning record and was named Georgia's Region 5 Class 7A Player Of The Year.

Roper received several college offers including Massachusetts, Morehead State and recently the Florida Gators who were informed of the terrible news.

"During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with the Roper family," the Florida team said.

Roper was also a great student and earned a 3.9 GPA.

#RIP

David Diamante Boxing Announcer Seriously Injured ... In Motorcycle Crash

Famous boxing announcer David Diamante was reportedly critically injured in a serious motorcycle accident this week ... but thankfully, he's alert and in good spirits.

Diamante -- who's worked for ESPN, DAZN, Showtime, HBO, the Brooklyn Nets and more -- was riding on a street beneath the Brooklyn Queens Expressway when the accident took place, according to Boxing Scene.

The 50-year-old was rushed to a local hospital, where he was treated for multiple broken ribs and fractures to his spine, as well as "serious" damage to his knee, the outlet reports.

Diamante underwent a 5-hour procedure on Tuesday ... where screws, rods, and cadaver parts were placed in his spine.

But, the good news?? Diamante is already talking about kickstarting his recovery and getting back on his feet.

"It's going to be a tough road," he told the outlet. "It's a bad injury and getting better will take some time. This will be a struggle. I'll have to learn to walk again, and right now there's a risk of complications."

"But, I have a positive attitude and will be back as soon as possible."

Michael Buffer also says he spoke with Diamante ... saying his fellow announcer is "very optimistic."

"David’s a fighter and has met big challenges in his life-this will be another one!"

Diamante is a legend in combat sports ... and is known for his trademark phrase, "The fight is on." He most recently worked the Joseph Parker vs. Derek Chisora fight on Dec. 18.

Get well soon.

NFL Star Vincent Jackson Died Of Chronic Alcohol Use ... Autopsy Reveals

Former NFL star Vincent Jackson died of chronic alcohol use, autopsy results -- obtained by TMZ Sports -- revealed.

The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner's office released the findings Wednesday ... calling the manner of death "natural."

As we previously reported, Jackson was found dead in a Florida hotel room on Feb. 15, 2021. He was just 38 years old.

His wife, Lindsey Jackson, said last week that Jackson had been suffering from memory loss and mood swings before his passing ... and revealed that a study on his brain had shown he was suffering from stage 2 CTE.

Lindsey also said Vincent had been drinking heavily before his death, explaining that he had told her it helped him "feel calm."

He would have turned 39 years old in January.

Vincent was a big star in the NFL for years, recording 9,080 receiving yards and 57 TDs in his 12-year career. He was selected to three Pro Bowls.

RIP.

Adrian Peterson Goes Off On Refs After Seattle Loss ... 'We Got Robbed'

Adrian Peterson just melted down over the officiating in Tuesday's Rams vs. Seahawks game ... going off on the refs, claiming they "robbed" Seattle of a win.

A.P. posted a lengthy rant on social media just minutes ago ... blasting the refs at SoFi Stadium for what he says were a bunch of missed calls in the key NFC West matchup.

"Can we please come together and figure out a better solution that'll hold [NFL refs] more accountable," said Peterson, who just joined the Seahawks earlier this month.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

"These blatantly missed and unwarranted calls literally change the outcome of games."

Peterson said there were a couple of plays that really rubbed him the wrong way -- but he said it was the non-pass interference call on DeeJay Dallas late in the game that had him irate.

"I don't make excuses and I also feel any situation can be overcome," the future Hall of Famer said, "but, opportunities are all you need to create change. We got robbed of that last night."

Peterson said the officiating was so bad, his kids actually came up to him following the game and asked, "Dad why are they not making the right calls?! Do they just want the Rams to win?"

It's easy to see why Peterson would be upset ... the Seahawks' 20-10 loss put the team at 5-9 this season -- and crushed their playoff hopes.