TMZ Sports - Page 50

"The Challenge" star Johnny Bananas is overseas helping as many Ukrainian refugees as he can, and says the heartbreaking effort is shining a light on just how good we have it here in the U.S. of A.

Right now, Johnny's splitting his time between Poland and Ukraine -- he's joined a humanitarian convoy with the Humanosh Foundation, and earlier this week helped deliver 3 ambulances and 3 vans loaded with food, military gear and medical equipment.

He says the mission's made him realize American issues pale in comparison to what Ukrainians are facing.

With people in the U.S. currently upset about soaring gas prices and inflation at the supermarket -- Johnny thinks we should imagine a world where there is no gas to be found!

Johnny says Americans have gotten "too comfortable," and coming to a war-torn country like Ukraine really put things into perspective for him.

BTW ... the Humanosh Foundation is a nonprofit that provides shelter and aid to refugees and soldiers.

Last week Johnny's friend called asking if anyone he knew with a big platform would be willing to help show the world the good the nonprofit is trying to accomplish.

Chris Johnson is opening up on the shooting that took his friend's life -- and severely injured the NFL star -- explaining he feared his professional football career was over.

The 36-year-old former All-Pro sat down with journalist Omar Kelly and Brandon Marshall for an episode of the ex-Pro Bowlers' "I Am Athlete" show ... and detailed the March 2015 morning where CJ2K's was shot in the shoulder, and his friend was murdered.

"We're at the red light, just happened so quick. Just hear windows shattering, next thing you know I'm in the car, one of my other friends in the back seat, my other friend driving," Chris says.

"So I'm sitting there and the next thing you know, I look to the left, I see one of my friends, he's leaning on the horn. He gone. I shake him like wake up, wake up. Outta there. I call my homeboy in the back seat, he's talking to me whatever. So whatever, we go to the hospital."

Chris' friend Rollie died in the shooting.

Johnson, who played 10 seasons in the NFL, and was one of the best running backs of his era, was badly injured as a result of the shooting ... and feared it'd end his football career.

"When I got shot, it went collarbone, shoulder bone, rib, all that. So at this time, now I'm on bed rest. So probably like three weeks after I get shot, my nerves start messing with me. Now my hand goes out like, so painful. I can't use it. If I touch something, it's burning sensational."

"So now I can't use my hand, my right hand is my dominant hand. I can't use my hand so I'm like damn, my career over with."

Chris tells Brandon he was only in Florida to attend a concert put on by a friend who was about to head to prison for several years ... so CJ wanted to hang and say goodbye to his buddy.

However, the night took a turn for the worst ... and Chris nearly paid with his life.

Deshaun Watson would be welcomed with open arms in Atlanta ... 'cause rap legend T.I. says his beloved Falcons "could definitely use" the star Texans quarterback.

TMZ Sports spoke with Tip amid rumors Watson could be traded to the Falcons this week ... and he certainly seemed receptive to the thought.

"We could use him," T.I. said on Thursday. "We could definitely use him. I don't know who they talking about giving up, but we could definitely use his talent on the field."

Of course, bringing in a new Pro Bowl QB would mean it's curtains for Matt Ryan's time in Atlanta ... but T.I. says his comments about Watson speak for themselves when asked about the 2016 MVP.

Several NFL teams have reportedly expressed interest in the former Clemson standout -- with the Saints and Falcons appearing to emerge as the favorites to land the 26-year-old.

The Falcons would need to trade for Watson ... as he's currently still under contract with the Texans. But T.I. hints he's not too worried about what Atlanta would have to give up to get him.

We also asked T.I. what he thought about the Tennessee Titans cutting former Falcons superstar wide receiver, Julio Jones ... and he'd love a reunion.

Tennis star Genie Bouchard and NFL quarterback Mason Rudolph are done ... TMZ Sports has learned the couple has broken up after nearly two years of dating.

Bouchard and Rudolph initially hooked up in 2020 -- and in the ensuing months, the two became inseparable.

Genie attended a bunch of Rudolph's Steelers games -- and even took time out of her Mexico vacation in November to make sure she caught his start against the Detroit Lions.

Rudolph, meanwhile, posted her on his social media page often ... and the two weren't shy about using heart emojis and the "L" word.

But, we've learned the couple has just recently split ... with one source telling us it was an "amicable" end.

The source added the two are remaining friends in the breakup.

Mark Cuban is adamant that a Mavericks exec did not sexually assault Donnie Nelson's nephew ... saying in a statement that the former Dallas GM's claims are a lie.

Cuban issued the strongly-worded response after 59-year-old Nelson made the allegations in a lawsuit filed in Dallas County.

In the suit, Nelson said his nephew was interested in getting a job in sports and entertainment -- and went to interview with Jason Lutin, Cuban's chief of staff with the Mavericks, about openings in the NBA team's org in 2020.

Nelson claims the two talked while out at lunch during a work trip in Chicago -- when Nelson says Lutin asked Nelson's nephew to go back to his hotel room to talk further.

In the docs, Nelson claims that's where Lutin sexually harassed and sexually assaulted his nephew.

Nelson says his nephew notified the Mavs of the incident ... but claims Cuban swept it all under the rug, insisting Cuban bought "his way out of the problem."

Nelson added that when he learned of the alleged incident months later and brought it up to Cuban and others in the org., Cuban and the Mavericks asked him to sign a confidentiality agreement and remain quiet about it all.

Nelson claimed Cuban wanted to silence him "so the Mavericks could hide from the public and the Mavericks' employees that the Mavericks were allowing a sexual predator to continue working for the Mavericks." He added that he believes he was eventually wrongly fired over it all.

In a statement to ESPN on Thursday, Cuban insisted none of Nelson's claims were true, saying, "Everything in that filing is a lie."

"We did multiple complete investigations and the only person that did not live up to the standards of the Dallas Mavericks was Mr. Nelson," Cuban said. "He was fired as a result. He was well aware of the investigation. He refused to fully participate. I will say it again, everything he said is a lie."

Lutin also denied the claims in a statement.

Logan Paul's wrestling Rey Mysterio and his WWE Superstar son Dominik in less than 3 weeks ... but WrestleMania might not be the last time you see Paul in a squared circle 'cause he tells TMZ Sports he's down to wrestle on a regular basis.

... but, only if the WWE fans want him.

We talked to the 26-year-old YouTuber and combat sports star ahead of his WrestleMania 38 tag team match (more on that later) ... and asked Logan how training was going with his tag team partner, The Miz.

"Bro, I am so ready, it's ridiculous. I'm not kidding, I'm very good at this sport. It comes so natural to me. I've been training but honestly bro, it's light work," Paul told us.

FYI, The Miz told us a few weeks ago Logan was an "Absolute natural."

We asked Logan if he'd consider signing with WWE ... and wrestle on a regular basis.

"To be honest, I don't think it's up to me. I think it's up to the fans. I think it's up to the fans to see if they agree with me thinking I'm good," Paul said.

"I think I'm good, I'm f**king biased though because I'm me. If they like my performance and they like what I can bring to the table, then maybe I'll entertain that convo."

And, if the fans want him?

"Yeah, absolutely. It's fun, dude. It's really, really fun. I just got done with training this morning and I come back like 'Yo!' Yeah dude, it's awesome."

Logan -- who boxed Floyd Mayweather last year in an exhibition bout -- says he's been training with The Miz leading up to the Mania matchup.

"He's an awesome partner and mentor. Obviously, he's been in this business forever and is a star himself, so having him by my side to kind of like handle me through the basics is fantastic. I'm learning quick and the more I learn, the quicker I'm learning. It takes me one attempt at a thing before I got it and once I know the ins and outs of the sport, I mean sky's the limit, to be honest."

As much as he loves The Miz, we asked Logan if he'd ever team up with his brother Jake.

"That's a fantastic idea. I never thought about it. That's a great idea, oh my God. Yeah, man I could definitely see that happen. Sheesh, that'd be nutty!"

WM 38 goes down April 2 and 3!

Big E might be the most positive person on the planet -- the WWE Superstar was in amazing spirits while walking around and wearing a brace on Thursday ... just days after breaking his neck in a match.

E -- whose real name is Ettore Ewen -- shared how well his recovery is going in a video posted to social media ... saying, "I'm just here to provide a brief life update. I got breath in my lungs. It's a beautiful day. That's what's going on in my life."

The former champ said half-jokingly, although his neck may be broken, his heart is still intact ... or at least he hopes.

Of course, Big E is working his way back after Ridge Holland delivered a belly-to-belly suplex and dropped E incorrectly ... causing him to break his neck.

The spot in the match obviously wasn't planned, and Ridge clearly knew he completely botched the move ... expressing concern for Big E, who appeared to be seriously hurt.

Big E was ultimately taken out of the arena on a stretcher and rushed to the nearest hospital, where he posted a video thanking his fans for the concern and support they expressed for him.

The injury comes at a bad time for one of WWE's most athletic and charismatic superstars ... as the Super Bowl of wrestling -- WrestleMania 38 -- is fast approaching.

But you wouldn't be able to tell by Big E's enthusiasm in the vid ... so his return to the ring could come sooner than later!!

Some of Hollywood's biggest names are in the spirit -- rockin' green to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Warning: Images may contain green beer and Guinness.

Olympic athlete Simone Biles shared green bikini shots while on vacation in Turks and Caicos -- while Danny Trejo, made special holiday donuts at his L.A. restaurant ... rainbows and Lucky Charms included!!!

Of course, we can't forget "Too Hot To Handle" star Francesca Farago, who did an entire shamrock photo shoot for the occasion.

Other celebs went out all for the holiday ... John C. Reilly was the international guest of honor at the St Patrick's Day parade in Dublin, Ireland.

Pretty special moment for John and all of Ireland, really. This year marks the first time in 2 years they've had the celebration there ... due to COVID.

Other notable mentions include Jeff Ross ... sharing a throwback photo with his late pal Donny Davis dressed as a leprechaun.

Move over, Tom Brady ... TMZ Sports has learned Russell Wilson's Broncos jersey has now supplanted the GOAT's Buccaneers uni as the NFL's top-seller this week.

A rep for Fanatics tells us after Wilson was introduced as the new QB in Denver on Wednesday -- sales for his new jersey skyrocketed, and ultimately leap-frogged over Brady for the #1 spot across their network of sites.

We're told that's quite the feat, considering that Brady's jersey had previously had a stranglehold on the pole position after he announced on Sunday he was unretiring.

No word on how much money was spent on the digital sports platform for the new orange and blue #3 to get it to the top spot ... but it's safe to say it was a lot of coin.

Russ, meanwhile, said this week he's fired up to be playing in Denver in the new uni ... telling reporters Wednesday, "It's an honor, it's a gift."

His head coach, Nathaniel Hackett, clearly felt the same ... nearly dropping an S-bomb with excitement at the Wilson press conference.

Baker Mayfield wants out -- the 2018 first-round pick just asked the Cleveland Browns to trade him ... after reports the team was in pursuit of Deshaun Watson.

The 26-year-old quarterback just released a statement regarding his wish ... saying, "It’s in the mutual interest of both sides for us to move on," according to ESPN.

"The relationship is too far fine to mend. It’s in the best interests of both sides to move on."

The news comes on the heels of Mayfield's statement to Cleveland fans on Tuesday ... which most took as a goodbye note to the city.

The Browns, however, reportedly will NOT grant his request.

The request comes right after reports the Browns were no longer in contention for Watson. The New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons are reportedly the final two potential landing spots for the Houston Texans QB.

If it's the end of Baker's time in The Land, he'll finish with 14,125 yards, 92 touchdowns and 56 interceptions ... going 29-30 through 4 seasons.

Mayfield is undoubtedly the most successful quarterback since the Browns returned in 1999 -- leading Cleveland to a playoff win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021.

Mayfield could join fellow stars Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham, who also left the Browns over the past few months.

UFC rising star Paddy Pimblett is roasting Ilia Topuria -- AKA "Mr. Hand Sanitizer" -- after the rival fighters came to blows in a hotel ... after engaging in a social media tiff a few months back.

TMZ Sports talked to 27-year-old Paddy "The Baddy" one day after he got into it with 25-year-old Topuria ... and it's safe to say the scuffle didn't do anything to squash the beef.

Pimblett -- 17-3 as a pro -- says he was just minding his own business, "warming me eggs up" in the hotel kitchen when Ilia -- "that little bitch ass" as Paddy refers to him -- approached him in an aggressive manner.

Paddy says Topuria made the first move, "So, I bounced hand sanitizer off his head so from now he'll forever be known as Mr. Hand Sanitizer."

"He tried to throw a right hook at me which is about four years away from me because he's like 5'7". It's hard to make it look good on his part when he looks like an absolute idiot. I can't believe he posted that video. He's made himself look so stupid saying 'I warned you.'"

"Well you're the one with hand sanitizer bounced off your head lad. Nothing happened to me. You didn't land a single punch. There was six of you and ya done nothing," Paddy said.

The drama started last April when Paddy Tweeted ... "Lad how stupid are these Georgians man ... no wonder the Russians terrorize their lives." Pimblett erased the message and apologized, but it's clear Ilia didn't forget.

The guys clearly still have issues ... so we asked Paddy if he was interested in fighting Topuria in the future.

"He's beneath me. As I say it, I don't even know his name, lad. He's Mr. Sanitizer to me. That's all he is. I don't know his name, lad. He's gonna get knocked out Saturday by my man Jai [Herbert], and then he'll crawl back to the featherweight division."

FYI, both men are fighting this weekend at UFC Fight Night ... but they're not fighting each other. Pimblett's taking on Rodrigo Vargas (we also talked to PP about his fight).

Olivia Culpo made sure to pack plenty of bikinis for her Jackson Hole getaway with NFL superstar Christian McCaffrey ... throwing on a tiny two-piece for a dip in the hot tub -- and the pics are outrageous.

The model and Carolina Panthers running back have been heating up Wyoming this week ... and they've been documenting their romantic trip all over Instagram.

29-year-old OC proved she's able to withstand the freezing temps on Thursday ... by doing an impromptu photo shoot out in the cold while soaking in the jacuzzi.

The couple of nearly 3 years has been enjoying themselves in the Cowboy State ... playing billiards and backgammon, checking out the local fashion and posing for mushy pics together.

The lovely trip comes amid rumors C-Mac could be shipped out of Charlotte this off-season ... but he appears to be in great spirits throughout his R&R with Culpo.

No word on whether 25-year-old Christian was the guy behind the camera for the smokin' hot hot tub pics ... but if so, we salute.

As the wrestling world continues to mourn the loss of WWE legend Scott Hall, Hall of Famer Diamond Dallas Page -- aka "DDP" -- had dinner with his family just days after his death.

DDP posted pictures of him and Cody Hall, Scott's son, on Thursday ... showing the men doing the iconic nWo hand signal ... which Scott made popular during his wrestling career.

"Had an awesome steak dinner last night with @realscotthall family
@cassastrudel @realcodyhall @manowarfan1 we sat around and told stories of the Bad Guy💥 DDP💎," Page captioned in an Instagram post.

Hall and Page's relationship extends well outside of the squared circle. When Hall was in and out of rehab at one point in his life, it was Page who suggested he try "DDP Yoga" -- which combines yoga, dynamic resistance, and calisthenics to improve overall health and well-being.

Hall, also known as "Razor Ramon," attributed DDP's methods with getting him back on track ... and said at the time the connection he shared with DDP as legendary wrestlers allowed him to trust Dallas.

As we reported, Hall was put on life support after suffering complications from a recent hip surgery. Once his condition deteriorated to the point where it wasn't possible for Hall to recover, one of his best friends, Kevin Nash, announced he'd be taken off life support.

Cool moment between a Hall of Famer and a future one at the Milwaukee Bucks game Wednesday -- Brett Favre got to meet Giannis Antetokounmpo, and then The Greek Freak gave his jersey to the ex-QB's grandson!!

Favre was taking in his first-ever, in-person NBA action at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento -- when after the game ended, he headed to the locker room to thank the Bucks for the experience.

"First time I ever saw a pro game in person, believe it or not," Favre told the Milwaukee players, adding, "I enjoyed it."

The night, though, became even more special for Favre ... after his grandson went around and shook hands with some of the players.

At one point, the young Favre stopped at Antetokounmpo, who offered him his game-worn gear.

"Want this jersey?" Antetokounmpo said while taking the #34 off. "It's kinda sweaty. It's yours!"

Giannis also signed it ... and you can see the kid was all smiles -- and in total shock.

"I'm gonna hang this on the wall!" Favre's grandson said to Antetokounmpo.

BTW, the Bucks ended up beating the Kings, 135-126 -- with Giannis leading the team with 36 points and 10 rebounds.

You've heard Joe Buck's voice countless times ... but have you heard him SING?!?

The legendary announcer was eliminated off Fox's "The Masked Singer" this week ... and as it turns out, the dude can sing pretty well!!

Buck -- who lasted 2 episodes -- put on an impressive rendition of "I Want You to Want Me" by Cheap Trick to start off his experience ... but no one knew it was him at the time.

But, fans finally got to meet the man behind the mask on Wednesday ... and it turned out to be none other than one of the most famous voices of the NFL and MLB.

Buck's stunning reveal came as a shock to many ... except for one judge -- Eric Stonestreet, who said he knew it was Joe all along.

FYI -- Joe works with Eric on the show "Domino Masters" ... so the two are familiar with each other.

52-year-old Buck says he wanted to do the show because he had a paralyzed vocal cord 11 years ago ... so singing on the show was fulfilling a personal goal for him.

Check out the video -- Buck had some pretty creative clues about who he was throughout the show ... and seemed to really be enjoying himself on stage.

But, don't fret baseball and football fans -- the 8-time Emmy award winner and iconic play-by-play guy isn't leaving the booth to be a singer.

Kanye West isn't letting his Instagram ban keep him down -- he appeared to be happy as ever at the Golden State Warriors game on Wednesday ... bringing his son, Saint, along for the fun.

Ye was all smiles courtside at the Chase Center as the Warriors took on the Boston Celtics ... posting up right next to Dubs co-owners Joseph Lacob and Peter Guber.

The "Eazy" artist was spotted chatting with Lacob throughout the game -- perhaps picking the guy's brain as he's openly talked about wanting to buy the Denver Broncos.

What's interesting -- Ye got in some serious quality time with 6-year-old Saint ... just days after he accused Kim of keeping him away from their kids. That's clearly not the case here ... as the dad-son duo wore matching all-black outfits at the event.

As we previously reported, Ye pissed off IG after his social attacks on Pete Davidson, Kim Kardashian, and Trevor Noah (to name a few) ... forcing the social media app to ban his account for 24 hours after violating hate speech, harassment and bullying policies.

It appears -- at least for a 48-minute NBA game -- Ye was able to hit the pause button on all the drama.