TMZ Sports - Page 13

Wouldn't it be perfect if ya didn't have to worry about school or work after a Sunday filled with awesome playoff football??

Well, if it were up to Congressman Tim Ryan, you wouldn't -- 'cause he tells TMZ Sports he believes everyone should have Mondays off during the NFL playoffs!!

"Every Monday during NFL playoffs we should have federal holidays," Ryan tells us. "I mean, you shouldn’t have to go to work or school after some of these football games. You kidding me?!"

Of course, Cincinnati's public schools announced last week that staff and kids would have the day after the Super Bowl off to celebrate (or mourn) the result of Sunday's big game.

Ryan -- who's a native of Ohio --  is prepared to take that move a step further ... saying that should be the norm for everyone during the playoffs!!

Finally -- some politics we all can agree on ... now make it happen!!

There's more. Ryan -- a representative for Ohio's 13th congressional district -- is a lifelong Browns fan ... and although his team won't be playing in Super Bowl LVI, Tim made it very clear who he'll be rooting for.

“You gotta go with Joe [Burrow]," Ryan said, "1000 percent."

Fresh off his apology for repeatedly using the n-word, Joe Rogan says he's a victim ... because that compilation video was only put together as a "political hit job," and yet, he's found a silver lining.

The latest episode of the "Joe Rogan Experience" dropped Tuesday, and opened with Joe expressing "relief" a few days after posting his lengthy mea culpa. Joe admits the video showing him saying the full, uncensored epithet on his podcast was "good, because it makes me address some s**t I wish wasn't out there."

While comedian Akaash Singh gave JR props for admitting his mistake, Rogan clearly questions the motives of the people who resurfaced the old clips.

What's interesting is ... Joe isn't shying away from racial controversies. He dove right in again, openly questioning fellow comedian Awkwafina for finally addressing criticism she's faced for using a so-called "blaccent."

Wanna ball out in Shaq-like proportions?! The NBA legend is offering an incredible "Ultra-VIP" package to his "Fun House" Super Bowl party in LA this weekend ... and it comes with a whopping $1 MILLION price tag!!

TMZ Sports has learned ... Shaquille O'Neal's yearly rage fest is providing a once in a lifetime experience for some super-rich party people ... and it comes with a round trip on a private jet, a VIP table ON the stage, Rolls-Royce Phantoms for transportation to the party and -- of course -- unlimited booze.

Shaq partnered with Wynn Nightlife in Vegas to put the whole deal together ... which means the group will get a dedicated security and host team via the resort.

Of course, there's no way an "Ultra-VIP" would have to wait in any sort of line ... so naturally, there's a special expedited entrance for the group.

But, the best part of the package?? The "Ultra-VIP" group will get the chance to take part in Shaq's DJ Diesel set.

The Fun House ain't only for the outrageously bougie -- everyone in attendance will get to experience carnival rides, food from L.A. hotspots, an open bar and music from Zedd, Lil Wayne, Diplo and Shaq himself.

There will even be fire-breathers!!

Shaq's party has had a ton of celebs attend in the past -- from Migos to Gronk to T-Pain to Patrick Mahomes -- and we're told this year's guest list is even bigger.

Raiders star rookie Nate Hobbs begged an officer to not arrest him during his speeding stop last month ... with police video showing the football player told the cop, "I've already been arrested two weeks ago!"

In the footage, obtained by TMZ Sports, you can see a Nevada State Police officer was livid with Hobbs on Jan. 16 in the Las Vegas area after he said he observed the guy going 110 MPH in a 65 MPH zone.

The cop can be heard chastising Hobbs in the clip after taking him out of his Mercedes ... saying the Raiders cornerback was putting everyone in danger by driving recklessly.

Hobbs tried to explain that he was in a hurry to make it to a football meeting on time ... but the officer was not pleased to hear that explanation.

"Why would you put yourself and everybody else out here on the roadway in extreme danger because you're going to a meeting?" the cop said. "Explain that to me."

When Hobbs apologized and insinuated it was a mistake ... the officer retorted, "Over 110 miles an hour? No signaling, cutting cars off, that's an honest mistake? No, that's a poor choice."

The cop then threatened to arrest Hobbs -- and that's when the Las Vegas player began pleading with him to reconsider.

Hobbs -- who had just been arrested for DUI in Vegas on Jan. 3 -- said, "I've already been arrested two weeks ago! I cannot be arrested again, sir. Please."

He added, "I'm begging you. I swear, I'm begging you."

Fortunately for Hobbs, the cop decided to not arrest him ... and instead hit him with a citation, towed his car and allowed him to leave.

Philadelphia Eagles safety Anthony Harris made 11-year-old Audrey Soape's night when he accompanied her to a daddy-daughter dance after her dad passed away, but the pro football player tells us it was also an incredibly "special moment" for him, too.

"I try to show fans my support whenever I can," Harris told Harvey and Charles on "TMZ Live," adding ... "It just kind of unfolded organically. Over the past few years, they’ve been following my career since I was in Minnesota."

Harris -- the NFL's interception leader in 2019 -- says Audrey's dad and grandpa recently died ... so as the dance approached, the Soape family asked Anthony if he'd like to attend.

Once it became clear Harris' Eagles were eliminated from the playoffs, the 7-year NFL vet told Audrey he'd love to escort her to the dance in Texas.

"I thought it would be a great way to uplift her and utilize my platform I’ve been blessed with to try and brighten people's day and be a blessing to others," the safety told us.

Once they arrived at the dance (in style -- Harris rented a car with a driver), Anthony says he had a blast.

"It was a great event. There was a ton of kids there. It was really nice, really cute to see other fathers there."

Harris later continued ... "I was just all about having fun. The DJ was playing a little bit of the Disney music. I wasn't quite familiar with some of those songs but I had fun embarrassing myself trying to sing those lyrics."

"But the dancing was fun. And seeing the energy of the other young ladies there and the fathers, it was a great time!"

Washington Commanders safety Deshazor Everett has been arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter over his alleged role in a fatal December car crash, authorities announced Tuesday.

In a statement, the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office said an investigation revealed Everett was going "over twice the posted 45 mph speed limit" before he crashed his Nissan GT-R in Virginia on Dec. 23, killing his girlfriend Olivia Peters.

In the statement, cops said Everett turned himself in on Tuesday afternoon ... and remained in custody on a $10,000 secured bond.

Everett's attorney confirmed the football player did turn himself in ... but said in a statement, "Our team continues to investigate this matter as we intend on vigorously defending Mr. Everett against these allegations."

The Commanders, meanwhile, added in a statement of their own, "We are aware of these charges and are continuing to monitor the situation. We will have no further comment at this time."

As we previously reported, Everett -- a team captain for the Commanders -- was injured in the crash -- which 911 callers described as a terrifying scene.

Trevor Bauer will NOT face any criminal charges for allegedly punching and choking a woman unconscious during sex, TMZ Sports has learned.

We're also told the decision was made in part because of texts messages between the accuser and Bauer ... where she indicated she was looking for rough sex.

Remember, 30-year-old Bauer was accused of getting physical with the woman during two sexual encounters in April and May 2021 ... which the alleged victim claimed left her with bumps, bruises, scratches and other injuries.

As for Bauer, he's long been adamant he did absolutely nothing wrong ... saying the situation was nothing more than rough sex between two consenting adults.

Bauer -- expected to be one of the aces on the Dodgers staff -- only started 17 games last season ... after he was placed on administrative leave by MLB once the allegations became public.

Back in August, the alleged victim asked a court to grant her a permanent restraining order, protecting her from Bauer.

However, after several days in court, the judge ruled in Trevor's favor, and refused to order the restraining order.

Soccer star Kurt Zouma -- a member of France's national team -- was caught on video kicking and slapping a cat ... and now, he's apologizing for his abhorrent actions.

The video -- which was believed to be filmed by Zouma's brother and posted to Snapchat over the weekend -- is disturbing ... and shows the 27-year-old picking up a cat and then kicking it across the floor.

Later in the footage, which was obtained and published by The Sun, Zouma can be seen appearing to throw things at a cat. Finally, toward the end of the clip, video shows Zouma slapping one of the animals in the face.

Zouma released an apology this week following an outpouring of criticism ... saying, "There are no excuses for my behaviour, which I sincerely regret."

"I also want to say how deeply sorry I am to anyone who was upset by the video," he added. "I would like to assure everyone that our two cats are perfectly fine and healthy. They are loved and cherished by our entire family, and this behaviour was an isolated incident that will not happen again.”

Zouma's West Ham team also issued a statement condemning Zouma ... though it controversially decided to allow Zouma to play in its game Tuesday despite the player's actions.

Reporters on the scene say the footballer is being loudly boo'ed every time he touches the ball.

Cops, meanwhile, have told multiple outlets they are aware of the video.

NFL officials were informed Alvin Kamara was a suspect in a felony battery case by Las Vegas Metro PD prior to the Pro Bowl, but cops and the league allowed the Saints star to still play in the game ... law enforcement sources tell TMZ Sports.

We're told NFL security was notified several hours before kickoff that police were looking for the 26-year-old running back, but the parties essentially came to an agreement that Kamara would be allowed to play in the game, and cooperate with authorities afterward.

"We got in touch with NFL security about 10 o'clock in the morning and let them know that [Kamara] was a suspect in the case and they located him and he was already on the field," Assistant Sheriff John McGrath told the Nevada Current.

He continued ... "So they contacted him and he agreed to meet with us after the game. And so that's just the way we did it since he was cooperating."

Kamara played ... catching 4 passes for 23 yards.

Waiting to make the arrest seemed to payoff for the police.

After the game, police Mirandized the Saints star at Allegiant Stadium ... where he then spoke with investigators, and gave his side of the story.

Kamara admitted he punched the alleged victim at least 1 time early Saturday morning inside a Vegas hotel after he claims a man made a disrespectful comment to someone in his group.

However, the alleged victim tells a different story. He claims Kamara pushed him for an unknown reason, before Alvin and his 3 friends beat the man down.

Cops say they reviewed surveillance video and the footage showed Kamara punching the man at least 8 times.

Kamara was arrested on 1 count of battery w/ serious bodily injury, a felony.

Gerald Williams -- a longtime New York Yankees outfielder and one of Derek Jeter's best friends -- died on Tuesday at 55 years old.

Jeter just announced the sad news ... saying Williams passed away following a battle with cancer.

"To my teammate and one of my best friends in the world, rest in peace, my brother," Jeter said in a statement. "My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Liliana, and their whole family."

Williams was drafted by the Yankees in 1987 and played his first game for the Pinstripes' Big League squad in 1992 -- the same year the team drafted Jeter.

Williams went on to play 14 years in the Majors -- seven of which were spent with Jeter and the Yankees -- before he ultimately left the game following the 2005 season.

Williams batted .255 in his career and hit 85 home runs. One of his most famous moments came in the 1996 season, when he made a great catch to help keep Dwight Gooden's no-hitter intact.

Rashad Evans has known Joe Rogan for many years ... and the UFC legend tells TMZ Sports flat out, the JRE host is NOT racist.

"I know Joe and I know the kind of person Joe is," Evans told us ... "Joe never gave me any kind of feeling or any kind of indication that he's racist."

Of course, Rogan's in hot water as pressure mounts for him to be pulled off Spotify in the wake of an old video that resurfaced showing Joe repeatedly using the n-word.

Joe apologized, saying "It looks f***ing horrible, even to me." However, Rogan also explained the video was edited together without context using 12 years of podcast footage.

Rashad says he is not condoning Rogan's use of the n-word, but says the video isn't indicative of who JR is as a person.

"Not to excuse any of it, but at the same time, when you go back that far I'm sure there could be a compilation of unfavorable things that a lot of people have said that can come back and bite them," Evans says.

FYI, Evans and Rogan go back many years (Rashad was signed by the UFC in 2005). RE was a guest on the JRE pod in February 2020.

In addition to Spotify calling for Rogan's firing ... some have also said the UFC should can the commentator. We asked Rashad ... should the UFC ax Joe?

"I think [the UFC] should stand by Joe Rogan. I don't think those allegations and the compilation, I don't think that speaks to who Joe Rogan is now."

Rashad points out, depending on political affiliation, some people are given a pass in situations ... like President Joe Biden.

"Our president is one they gave a pass to," Evans says.

"There are many things I've heard him say that sounded racist. I've heard him use the n-word in context like how Joe used it. That's completely overlooked, and he was considered to be the savior of people of color."

Switching gears ... we also asked 44-year-old Rashad, who recently beat Gabriel Checco by unanimous decision in Khabib's Eagle FC MMA promotion, about his fighting future.

There's a good chance you haven't seen the last of Suga.

Breaking news -- NFL legends Brett Favre and Michael Vick are coming out of retirement and making a huge return to football!!!

Flag football, that is.

TMZ Sports has learned -- the former superstars are dusting off their arms to suit up for a flag football game hosted by the NFL and FaZe Clan ... and the whole thing will help raise some serious cash for youth sports.

FaZe will be going up against creator collective A.M.P. ... with FaZe Temperrr, FaZe Adapt, FaZe Swagg, FaZe Nate Hill, and FaZe Kaysan set to play for the video game giant.

We're told the competition is set to go down at the Super Bowl Experience in L.A. on Saturday, Feb. 12 ... with Favre and Vick slated to play QB for each team.

52-year-old Favre last played in 2010 ... and Vick, 41, walked away from the game in 2015. Needless to say, folks are gonna LOVE to see these two guys toss the pigskin again.

In fact, just a few years ago, the Gunslinger showed he's still got an arm!!

Each team will donate $25,000 each to youth sports ... with FaZe's contribution going to Snoop Dogg's football league.

The NFL and FaZe linked up to help gain fans in both sports and gaming ... with plans to continue the partnership moving forward.

Alvin Kamara allegedly punched a man 8 times before his felony battery arrest at the Pro Bowl ... and police say the alleged attack was captured on video.

26-year-old Kamara was taken into custody Sunday afternoon at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas after cops say he brutally beat a man inside a Las Vegas Boulevard hotel around 6 AM Saturday morning ... causing serious injuries including a broken orbital.

The alleged victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

According to a police report we obtained, Alvin pushed a man near an elevator bank. The man was then allegedly beaten down by a group of 4 people, including AK.

Police say they actually read Kamara his Miranda rights and interviewed him inside the stadium. While talking, they say Alvin admitted to punching the man.

He claims the person made a disrespectful comment to someone in his party.

Cops say Kamara allegedly punched the man 8 times.

During their investigation, police say they viewed surveillance video and the tape backed up the alleged victim's story.

Cops say they confirmed Kamara's presence at the club by reviewing a credit card that was used to buy liquor.

Kamara actually played in the Pro Bowl ... catching 4 passes for 23 yards. He was arrested after the game.

If convicted, Kamara is facing up to 5 years in prison.

Team USA superstar Chloe Kim says she was close to passing up the opportunity to defend her gold medal at the 2022 Olympics ... admitting the anxiety she experienced the first time around was overpowering.

The 21-year-old snowboarder made the revelation on "Today" this week ... saying her newfound fame post-2018 Olympics was a lot for her to handle.

"My first one was really overwhelming," Kim says. "I was not expecting that kind of response."

She continued ... "So, then I like kind of got scared. I got really bad anxiety and I was like, maybe I can't do that again, 'cause I just don't know if I can handle it."

Kim says she needed to reset mentally and took her talents to Princeton University in search of a fresh start ... but was unable to escape her stardom there, too.

Kim says she even started to hate snowboarding because of what came with it ... which led to her two-year hiatus from the sport she grew up loving.

But, Chloe never ruled out the possibility of returning ... saying she knew she would come back if she missed it while at Princeton -- and she did.

It's not the first time a Team USA hero has opened up about their mental struggles -- Simone Biles most recently backed out of the 2020 Games -- and it certainly won't be the last.

Dana White shared some graphic photos of Kamaru Usman's open hand surgery on Monday -- and, WARNING, you better be done with breakfast before clicking on the pics!!

Usman had to head under the knife after he jacked up his hand in a sparring sesh just weeks before he beat Colby Covington at UFC 268 in November -- and the procedure was clearly no cakewalk.

You can see in the photos that White shared -- docs had to open up the top of Usman's right hand with some beefy utensils to repair the damage.

The before and after pics are gruesome -- they show docs cutting into the hand to fix it all up.

Despite the gnarly nature of the injury, White expressed optimism for a quick recovery -- saying in the caption that he'd see Usman "soon."

As for Kamaru, he posted a video from the hospital bed Monday ... clearly showing he ain't going to let the operation hold him back too much.

No official word on when the Nigerian Nightmare will return to action ... but his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, told us recently he'd like to see the fighter take on Leon Edwards next.

Brian Flores would have the Texans job if it weren't for his lawsuit against the NFL ... so says the coach's lawyers, who claim his legal battle is the main reason Lovie Smith got hired.

Houston announced the 63-year-old defensive coordinator would be taking over as head coach of the Texans on Monday ... and Flores, per his team, is happy with the hire -- but feels he should have been the guy.

"Mr. Flores is happy to hear that the Texans have hired a Black head coach, Lovie Smith, as Mr. Flores' goal in bringing his case is to provide real opportunities for Black and minority candidates to be considered for coaching and executive positions within the NFL," Douglas H. Wigdor and John Elefterakis said in a statement.

"However, we would be remiss not to mention that Mr. Flores was one of three finalists for the Texans' head coach position and, after a great interview and mutual interest, it is obvious that the only reason Mr. Flores was not selected was his decision to stand up against racial inequality across the NFL."

As we previously reported, Flores is currently suing the league over its alleged racist hiring process ... in hopes of bringing change to the NFL.