TMZ Sports - Page 50

Antonio Brown says he and Kanye West are dead serious about their efforts to buy the Denver Broncos ... telling TMZ Sports they're working hard to get a real deal done.

Brown and Ye have become best buds ever since the NFL star was booted from the Buccaneers in January -- and in their newfound bromance, Ye named Brown the president of one of his biggest ventures, Donda Sports.

And, as one of Brown's first actions in the exec role, he said back in February he wanted to purchase the Broncos.

When we got the free agent receiver out in Los Angeles just days ago, he told us the goal is still on their minds, and it's a legitimate one, explaining he and Ye are "extremely serious" about making it all happen.

"Tell Roger [Goodell] to call me," Brown said. "We're working on it ... We're working towards getting it done."

The Broncos just recently went up for sale, and many believe the price tag to ultimately land the team could be around $4 BILLION. If somehow the two are able to get that change together, a sale to Ye and Brown would also have to be approved by the rest of the owners in the league.

In the meantime, while they work on getting a deal in Denver done, Brown and Ye have more immediate goals of rockin' the Rolling Loud music festival in Miami in July.

UFC fighter Maryna Moroz has been on a roller coaster of emotions -- the Ukrainian fighter got a huge win at UFC 272, but tells TMZ Sports she's terrified for her family's safety as war rages in her home country.

"A lot of emotions because after 24 hours, I didn't sleep. I tried to answer everybody for my fans, for my family, for my friends. So back in Florida, a little bit of rest, try to stay more calm but still have emotions like crazy, but happy," Moroz says.

But, despite feeling good about the hard-earned 2nd round submission win over Mariya Agapova, Maryna's still very worried about her relatives in Ukraine.

"My family is okay but I know many of my friends, like, I know this guy died. It was so sad, but for me, it's very important to save my family right now. I don't want somebody to come touch my family. It's still nervous, still scary to me, I'm scared right now, but I try to be strong."

Even though Moroz was on the undercard, her post-fight interview with Joe Rogan got a lot of attention after Maryna talked about the emotions she dealt with leading up to fight night.

In spite of the terrible situation facing her loved ones on the ground in Ukraine, she says her family is thrilled for her success.

The combat sports world is rallying behind Cain Velasquez ... with huge names like Dana White, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Henry Cejudo, Kamaru Usman, Rey Mysterio, and more calling on the judge in the UFC legend's case to let him out of jail.

TMZ Sports has learned over 30 people -- many famous -- penned letters to Judge Shelyna Brown asking her to let Velasquez post bail, which would allow him to mount his defense from home, not a cell.

In addition to the UFC honcho and the guys above, others like Bellator boss Scott Coker, Bellator heavyweight champ Ryan Bader, UFC contender Kelvin Gastelum, UFC lightweight contender Islam Makhachev, UFC featherweight contender Yair Rodriguez, former UFC flyweight champ Brandon Moreno (and many more) sent letters to Judge Brown.

Unfortunately for Velasquez -- who was charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, and other charges -- it doesn't seem the letters swayed the judge.

Brown denied Cain bail, saying his alleged actions were "reckless," and the "risk is too great" to allow the future UFC Hall of Famer out of county jail.

But, it's the reason behind those so-called "reckless" actions that has motivated so many people -- from stars in the MMA world to ordinary people -- to demand Cain's release.

Velasquez is accused of attempting to kill a man named Harry Goularte ... after the 43-year-old was arrested for allegedly molesting a member of Cain's family -- possibly multiple times.

Now, barring the prosecution changing its position, Velasquez will sit in a jail cell until at least April 12, when he is scheduled to again stand before the judge.

Either Aaron Rodgers and Shailene Woodley are going through the most peaceful breakup of all time... or they're still together, going stronger than ever!!

We posted video of the back-to-back NFL MVP officiating star teammate David Bakhtiari's wedding near Santa Barbara ... but it wasn't clear if ex-fiancé/fiancé (who knows anymore) attended the wedding.

But, we now have our answer ... 'cause video from the wedding reception certainly appears to show 38-year-old Rodgers and 30-year-old Woodley chatting as people dance.

Remember, Aaron and Shailene started dating shortly after he split from Danica Patrick in 2020.

Then, Rodgers shocked many people when he announced at the NFL awards show that he was engaged to the star actress.

But, earlier this year, there were reports AR and SW broke up ... with both choosing to focus on their respective careers.

However, after they reportedly broke up, Aaron posted a sappy message about Shailene on his Instagram page.

"thanks for letting me chase after you the first couple months after we met, and finally letting me catch up to you and be a part of your life. Thanks for always having my back, for the incredible kindness you show me and everyone you meet, and for showing me what unconditional love looks like, I love you and am grateful for you."

Then, the couple was seen out in Los Angeles together ... further adding to speculation they were still together or they rekindled the romance after splitting.

The NFL has just banned Atlanta Falcons star receiver Calvin Ridley for the ENTIRE 2022 season ... after investigators say he bet on games.

The league just announced the suspension ... saying in a statement Ridley bet on NFL games in the 2021 season "during a five-day period in late November."

Ridley was away from the team on the non-football illness list at the time of the betting, the NFL said in a statement.

The league added that an investigation showed there were no signs "that any game was compromised in any way."

"There is nothing more fundamental to the NFL's success -- and to the reputation of everyone associated with our league -- than upholding the integrity of the game," commissioner Roger Goodell said in a letter to Ridley notifying him of the ban.

"This is the responsibility of every player, coach, owner, game official, and anyone else employed in the league. Your actions put the integrity of the game at risk, threatened to damage public confidence in professional football, and potentially undermined the reputations of your fellow players throughout the NFL."

Goodell continued, "For decades, gambling on NFL games has been considered among the most significant violations of league policy warranting the most substantial sanction. In your case, I acknowledge and commend you for your promptly reporting for an interview, and for admitting your actions."

The NFL noted Ridley can apply for reinstatement in February 2023.

Ridley is widely regarded as one of the best receivers in the NFL -- piling up 3,342 receiving yards in just 49 games. He missed most of last season while battling mental health issues.

NFL star Richard Sherman just cut a plea deal with prosecutors to close out his infamous trespass case ... and TMZ Sports has learned as part of the agreement, he won't have to serve any more time behind bars if he keeps his nose clean going forward.

According to court documents, Sherman pleaded guilty to one count of negligent driving and one count of criminal trespass on Monday.

In exchange, Sherman was sentenced to 90 days in jail, though he was given credit for 2 days time served, and the remaining 88 days are suspended.

Sherman was also sentenced to monitored supervision for 24 months, and he was also ordered to pay a $500 fine for speeding in a construction zone.

As we reported, Sherman had been facing multiple criminal charges after he allegedly drove drunk, crashed his car, and then exploded at his in-laws' home in Redmond, Wash. in July.

During the alleged incident, Sherman was accused of trying to violently break into his wife's parents' house ... and then fighting with cops after they confronted him outside of the home.

Cops say they eventually had to use a police K9 to ultimately take him down.

Sherman apologized for the whole ordeal shortly after the incident, saying in a statement, "I behaved in a manner I am not proud of."

"I have been dealing with some personal challenges over the last several months, but that is not an excuse for how I acted."

Sherman went on to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers following the arrest, though he was placed on injured reserve in January after playing in just five games.

How's this for a birthday gift? Deandre Ayton celebrated his son's first birthday by dropping 30 points ... and he did it rockin' custom Elmo kicks!

TMZ Sports has learned Ayton's team reached out to Cleveland artist Van Monroe requesting Elmo artwork for his sneakers to celebrate Deandre Jr.'s first birthday on March 6.

Monroe brought Ayton's vision to life -- delivering a dope design featuring the Sesame Street Muppet.

Aside from a painted photo of Elmo ... the Puma's also have Ayton's son's name and birthday, March 6, 2021, painted on them.

Monroe -- who tells us he was honored Deandre chose him for such a special occasion -- says it only took him 15 hours from sketch to finished product on the size 18 shoes.

Besides the birthday sneaker tribute, Ayton went off against the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday, dropping 30 points for the Suns -- a season-high for the 6-foot-11 center.

Despite the great performance, the Suns lost, 132-122 ... but that didn't stop Ayton from dedicating his best performance of the year to Jr.

"Happy birthday to my son," Ayton said post-game, "That game is dedicated to him."

Senator Lindsey Graham caught some heat for suggesting someone needed to assassinate Vladimir Putin to end this Russia-Ukraine conflict ... and now, he's doubling down.

We got LG Monday at Reagan National Airport in D.C., and asked him to respond to the backlash he received last week after floating the possibility of Russians taking Putin out.

The basis of the criticism ... such talk is dangerous, and certainly not something a U.S. public official should be spewing -- even if it is something that's been on folks' minds.

Well ... Sen. Graham not only stands by what he said, but expands a bit on the subject -- saying just about everybody in the world sees what the Russian president is doing, and can clearly see the guy's a war criminal who must be stopped.

Graham notes Putin's been getting away with atrocities for years -- so, yes, he doesn't see anything wrong with musing about the possibility of his own people removing the man ... one way or another.

Our photog took the opportunity to ask about WNBA star Brittney Griner, who's being detained by Russian authorities on a drug charge.

A plan to sell counterfeit Patrick Mahomes Super Bowl rings has been thwarted ... feds just announced they seized a bunch of fake K.C. Chiefs title bling in a huge bust in Louisville.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced Monday that officers intercepted a package that they say contained a small fortune-worth of fake Mahomes merch as well as other counterfeit sports memorabilia.

According to the CBP, the package -- which came from China and was heading toward Florida -- contained 30 fake Tampa Bay Buccaneers Super Bowl rings, 110 fake Atlanta Braves World Series rings, 10 fake Milwaukee Bucks NBA championship rings and 80 fake Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl rings.

In a photo of some of the seized "jewelry" ... you can see Mahomes' name was engraved on some of the merch, along with his number and the words "Chiefs Kingdom."

The CBP said in total, the package was worth $345,000.

Super Bowl champ Derek Wolfe checked a lifelong dream off his bucket list this week ... by hunting down and killing a massive, 2,000-pound buffalo -- and the pics are gnarly.

The 32-year-old Baltimore Ravens defensive end shared images of the aftermath to his Instagram on Sunday ... holding the buffalo's heart in his hand and showing an arrow going right through the organ.

"Took two arrows to bring this 2000lb beast down," Wolfe said of the kill. "1st at 34 yards and the second a perfect heart shot at 67 yards. A childhood dream came true for me."

Wolfe also posted up-close pics of the damage ... and yeah, there's a ton of blood.

Wolfe is usually known for tracking down quarterbacks -- he has 34 sacks on his career -- but did not play in 2021 due to an injury.

Cain Velasquez will remain behind bars for the immediate future ... a judge just denied the UFC legend's request for bail.

In announcing her decision at a hearing in a Santa Clara County courtroom on Monday, judge Shelyna Brown said "the risk is too great" to release Velasquez from custody.

Cain -- who showed up to court in shackles and a black and orange jumpsuit -- is now expected to stay in a cell until at least his next court date, which is currently set for mid-April.

As we reported, Velasquez is facing 10 criminal charges -- including one count of felony attempted murder -- after authorities say he tried to kill Harry Goularte, who's been accused of molesting one of Cain's close relatives.

In court documents, officials say Cain rammed his truck into a car carrying Goularte and family members on Feb. 28, and then fired his gun into the vehicle. Officials say Goularte's stepdad was struck in the gunfire.

Velasquez has received support from many since his arrest -- with Ronda Rousey, Joe Rogan and UFC fighter Derek Brunson all publicly defending the MMA star.

In fact, several Cain supporters were seen outside of the courthouse on Monday, pleading with officials to release him from custody.

Brittney Griner's wife says she's completely heartbroken over her wife's detainment in Russia ... saying in an emotional social media post, "My heart, our hearts, are all skipping beats everyday that goes by without hearing from you."

Griner has reportedly been kept in Russia the past few weeks after she was allegedly caught with vape cartridges in her bag while traveling through an airport.

Communication between Griner and her family has apparently been few and far between since she was taken into custody ... and Cherelle Griner said Monday morning it's all been excruciating.

"There are no words to express this pain," Cherelle said. "I'm hurting, we're hurting. We await the day to love on you as a family."

Cherelle added that she's having trouble doing anything without wondering if the WNBA star is safe.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken declined to get into specifics of the Griner case on Sunday ... but he said any citizen who is being held in a foreign country will get assistance.

"Whenever an American is detained anywhere in the world," Blinken said, "we of course stand ready to provide every possible assistance."

He added, "We have an embassy team that's working on the cases of other Americans who are detained in Russia. We're doing everything we can to see to it that their rights are upheld and respected."

Shaquille O'Neal pulled out all the stops for his birthday on Sunday ... shutting down a Miami hotspot and throwing a HUGE party to celebrate his big 5-0.

Shaq took over Prime 112 in South Beach and partied late into the night ... and TMZ Sports has learned the bash was epic.

We're told the party featured a ton of food, Shaq-themed decorations, and plenty of star guests.

In fact, at one point during the festivities, a huge video tribute was played on a big screen ... showing a bunch of sweet messages from celebs, musicians and athletes to the Big Diesel.

Guys like Kevin Hart, Steph Curry, Ludacris, Charles Barkley and more gave their well wishes to the NBA legend ... who watched all the clips with a huge smile on his face.

There was also a walkway of all of the Sports Illustrated covers Shaq has been on over the years -- plus so many more tributes and nods to the former Lakers and Heat star.

The party started at around 7 PM and went past midnight ... and it culminated with Shaq blowing out candles on a big, custom Pepsi-themed cake.

Shaq also got on the mic for a few moments, and gave some words late in the evening to thank his friends and family, before he eventually called it a night.

No word on what gifts Shaq received at the party ... but as we reported, he got a sick Dodge Hellcat Charger earlier in the week -- so, overall, it was a great week to be Shaq.

L.A. Rams safety Terrell Burgess brought his mom to tears after surprising her with a brand new SUV -- and the emotional moment was all caught on video!

The 23-year-old pulled up on his mother, Ingrid, over the weekend with the new whip ... capturing the big surprise.

His mom was in complete shock -- saying, "Is this why you're so late today?!" when she noticed the new silver Chevy SUV parked in the street.

That's when the tears started rollin' ... with Burgess' mom asking, "Are you serious?! Oh my goodness!"

"It had 19 miles on it," the former Utah Utes star says, "but we drove all the way over here so kinda bumped up a little bit."

"That's yours. Appreciate you, thank you, love you! That's yours!"

It's unclear exactly how much the SUV cost, but Burgess joked the gift covers future holidays for the next couple of years.

"Happy Birthday! Merry Christmas! Happy Mothers Day for the next 8 years!"

Burgess -- a third-round pick in the 2020 draft -- logged in 18 tackles and 1 pass deflection before suffering a season-ending injury in Week 7 of the 2021 season.

They say time heals all, but that's not the case when it comes to Kyrie Irving and Celtics fans ... 'cause the NBA star just compared the Boston fanbase to "a scorned girlfriend" after getting heckled during Sunday's matchup.

Celtics fans chanted "Kyrie sucks" late in the 4th quarter in Boston's 126-120 win ... and Irving addressed the hate during his postgame interview.

"It's like the scorned girlfriend who wants an explanation on why I left, but still hoping for a text back," Irving said of the jeers. "I'm just like, 'It was fun while it lasted.'"

Of course, the relationship between Irving and Celtics fans soured when KI declined an option to return to the franchise after playing only two seasons for the team ... despite previously saying he was planning to stay long-term.

Since then, C's fans have made it a point to boo and show their disproval for Irving every time he returns to Boston ... making sure he's well aware they haven't forgotten how he left them hanging.

Despite the remarks, Irving did say he was grateful for the time he spent as a Celtic ... and he still remains close with a lot of the guys he played with, like Jayson Tatum, Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown.

The relationship with JT appeared to shine through ... as Tatum tried to quiet the fans from saying "Kyrie sucks" as Brown shot free throws.

"Storage Wars" star Rene Nezhoda scored big on his latest find ... unearthing tons of memorabilia that belonged to Olympic legend Florence Griffith Joyner -- Flo-Jo!

Rene tells TMZ ... his friend George bought Flo-Jo's storage locker 8 years ago in the San Diego area. Rene says he dropped several thousand dollars to take the Olympic content off his hands ... and the haul is impressive!

Rene walked away with Florence's Olympic jacket and even her signed track shoes -- the ones that she wore while breaking world records! As you'll recall, Joyner broke records in the 1988 Seoul Olympics ... for both the 100m and 200m dash! She took home 3 gold medals that year.

Also bought by Rene are rare photos, magazines featuring her, and autographed Flo-Jo Barbie dolls ... talk about a blast from the past!

Rene says he'll likely sell the pieces of history on eBay or through collectible auction house Heritage Auctions ... but if a member of Flo-Jo's family reaches out, he might work out a deal with them to return her personal items.

Flo-Jo died in 1998 after suffering a fatal epileptic seizure in her sleep. Apparently, her family paid the bills for the storage rental for years, but for some reason stopped, and that's why the locker went up for action.