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Carolina Panthers wide receiver Shi Smith was arrested Friday for allegedly carrying an unlawful handgun and drug possession ... after cops initially pulled him over for speeding.

The Union County Sheriff's Office in South Carolina says the 23-year-old was going 16 to 24 over the 55 MPH speed limit in his black Mercedes-Benz on the highway.

A deputy on routine patrol pulled Smith over at 11:22 AM ... and when he approached the vehicle, he claims he smelled marijuana.

Smith's vehicle was eventually searched, and he was arrested for unlawful carrying of a handgun, possession of narcotics and speeding.

According to jail records, his bond was set at just over $6K.

The Union County Detention Center tells us Smith posted bond and was released. His first court appearance is June 14.

The Panthers released a statement after Smith's arrest ... saying, "This is a pending legal matter and there will be no further comment at this time."

Smith -- a 6th round pick in the 2021 draft -- appeared in six games this season and has six catches for 104 yards.

Players from the New Orleans Pelicans and Saints are helping their city after powerful tornados slammed the community this week ... by delivering tons of supplies to a relief fund.

The Orleans area was hit hard on Tuesday night with storms that produced horrifying tornadoes -- some with wind speeds of 136 to 165 mph.

The dangerous tornadoes left one person dead, several injured and extensive damage in its path.

The Pelicans and Saints announced they would come together and host a donation drive at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center for the victims of the devastating storms.

You can see Tanoh Kpassagnon -- defensive end of the Saints -- and Trey Murphy, Naji Marshall and Herbert Jones of the Pelicans carry huge bins of supplies to the event.

Former Saints QB Drew Brees -- who has donated millions to the state of Louisiana -- was heartbroken over the destruction ... and asked everyone for their prayers.

"Praying for everyone affected by last night’s tornado through Texas and Louisiana," the 43-year-old said on Wednesday via IG.

"May God watch over our city, first responders, and those suffering. May we all come together to support each other during this time."

Shad Gaspard, the former WWE Superstar who died while saving his son, will be honored posthumously with the 2022 Warrior Award at this year's WWE Hall of Fame ceremony in Dallas, nearly two years after the tragic incident.

The former wrestler will be recognized for his heroic efforts ... and will receive one of WWE's most prestigious awards during WrestleMania weekend.

The Warrior Award was introduced in 2015 -- it was named after WWE Hall of Famer, Ultimate Warrior -- and is presented to an individual who has exhibited unwavering strength and perseverance.

The award is reserved for an individual who lives life with the courage and compassion that embodies the indomitable spirit of the Ultimate Warrior, one of the most popular wrestlers to step foot in a ring.

39-year-old Gaspard personified those traits ... especially in the waning moments of his life.

As we previously reported, the wrestler was swimming with his 10-year-old son near Venice Beach in L.A. when a strong rip current engulfed the two.

Lifeguards were able to locate Gaspard and his son, but he told them to focus on getting his son to shore safely. When help returned, it was tragically too late for Shad.

And, it wasn't the first time Gaspard acted courageously. In 2016, Shad foiled an attempted armed robbery at a gas station. He joined the TMZ Sports TV show shortly after to explain his heroics.

Gaspard made his WWE debut in 2006 ... where he was one-half of the famous tag team, Cryme Time, alongside his partner JTG.

Shad's death reverberated with many WWE superstars from Triple H and The Rock, who praised their former contemporary for being a great human being.

Shad's wife, Siliana Gaspard, will accept the award with their son on his behalf.

WWE legend Triple H is opening up about his future in the ring, insisting he'll never wrestle again because of a heart condition that nearly killed him, and now requires him to have a defibrillator in his chest.

Triple H, real name Paul Levesque, joined Stephen A. Smith on his "Stephen A's World" show ... and the former WWE champ said flat out his wrestling days are over.

Levesque detailed a scary medical situation where he says he almost died in late 2021. He wasn't feeling well, and went to see doctors who performed tests. After an EKG and [echocardiogram], Paul says he received an urgent message from his doctor.

"I got a quick text message saying don't take time, pack a bag real quick and head to the emergency room."

When he got to the hospital, Triple H says his heart was functioning at a very diminished level, and the outcome looked grim.

"I was nosediving and was sorta at the one-yard line of where you don't want to be," Triple H told Smith.

Paul got emotional at times when talking about the possibility of never seeing his family again.

"There's moments in there, when they're putting you out and stuff and you wonder, 'Is this it? Do you wake up from this?'"

Thankfully, doctors saved Triple H's life ... but because of the scare, he's done working inside the squared circle.

"As far as in-ring, I'm done. I will never wrestle again," Paul told Stephen, saying, "First of all, I have a defibrillator in my chest, and it's probably not wise for me to get zapped on live TV."

We haven't seen the 52-year-old wrestle in years -- and it was rumored that his wrestling days were over following his cardiac incident late last year.

In fact, Triple H's (aka "The Game") last televised match came in 2019 ... where he was defeated by Randy Orton in Saudi Arabia.

When H wasn't entertaining the WWE universe inside the ring or on the mic, he was busy helping grow NXT, the developmental arm of the company.

Triple H is one of the pioneers in the industry -- his career spans almost 30 years and he's won multiple titles throughout his tenure as a WWE superstar.

TMZ Sports spoke with Ric Flair, who sent his best wishes for the legend shortly after the news.

The announcement spells the end of an era for one of the most dominant athletes to step foot inside the squared circle.

Deshaun Watson sent a clear message to female Cleveland Browns fans on Friday ... saying he understands the seriousness of the sexual misconduct allegations made against him -- but maintaining he "never assaulted any woman."

Watson opened his conference by thanking Dee and Jimmy Haslam for bringing him to the organization ... saying he was excited to have an opportunity to prove his true character.

Watson spoke about the public outcry following the trade ... saying, "I understand the whole circumstances is very difficult, especially for the women side of the fans in this community. I'm not naïve to that. I know these allegations are very, very serious but like I mentioned before, I never assaulted any woman, I never disrespected any woman."

He added ... "I was raised by a single-parent mom, who has two aunties, who has a sister ... and that's who raised me. I was raised to be genuine and respect everyone and everything around me. I've always defended that and I will continue to stand on that."

GM Andrew Berry acknowledged the transaction was "difficult" and "triggered" emotions within the community ... but doubled down on the team's claim it did its due diligence when it decided to pursue Watson.

Berry says the team used independent investigators in Houston to provide an unbiased conclusion ... claiming the team has faith in Watson as a person.

Berry says the team was advised to NOT reach out to the 22 women accusing Watson of sexual misconduct ... as it could impact the criminal proceedings.

As we previously reported, Watson was traded to the Browns in exchange for three first-round picks, one third-round pick and two fourth-round picks last week.

The 26-year-old is currently facing a mountain of lawsuits over claims of sexual misconduct made by more than 20 massage therapists ... yet he has adamantly denied any wrongdoing.

The Edmonton Oilers gave a five-year-old battling stage four brain cancer the moment of a lifetime when they let him be their flag bearer for the night ... and star player Connor McDavid provided him with a pep talk right on the ice!!

The emotional scene went down Thursday night as the Oilers took on the San Jose Sharks ... with passionate fan Ben Stelter getting honored before the game.

In the emotional video, you can see Ben -- wearing a custom Oilers jersey -- accompanied onto the ice by team captain McDavid ... as he was introduced over the PA system to the crowd.

Ben, who's battling glioblastoma (an aggressive type of cancer that can occur in the brain or spinal cord) was diagnosed with a brain tumor a year ago ... and underwent four rounds of chemotherapy and 30 sessions of radiation to remove it.

Unfortunately, the tumor returned in December.

And now, Ben is starting another round of radiation in the near future ... so the Oilers wanted to show the youngster some love and support.

"It was an honor to have such an inspirational #Oilers fan as our @Scotiabank Skater," the org. wrote on social media.

Lisa Leslie says women's basketball players were instructed to NOT make a big deal over Brittney Griner's arrest in Russia, despite the incredible seriousness of the situation ... all to avoid the WNBA star from becoming a political pawn in a fight between two nations.

The Hall of Famer sat down with Brandon Marshall, Chad Johnson, and former WNBA player Chantel Tremitiere for an episode of "I AM ATHLETE" ... where Leslie revealed players were told to keep quiet on Brittney's detainment.

"So what we were told, and again, this is all sort of passed along through hearsay," the 7x WNBA All-Star prefaced, explaining ... "What we were told was to not make a big fuss about it so they could not use her as a pawn, so to speak, in this situation in the war. So to make it like it's not that important, or don't make it like 'Free Brittney' and we start this campaign and it becomes something they can use."

"That's what we were told. And I don't want to say who told us. I don't want to say who said that, but it's been kind of spreading through the women's basketball world."

Of course, Griner was arrested sometime in February at an airport near Moscow after Russian customs officials claimed they found vape cartridges in her carry-on luggage. Brittney -- who could face over a decade in prison -- has been held in custody since, with little information about her captivity known.

Leslie's comments are fascinating ... and could shed light on why Griner's detainment wasn't known by the American public for days, if not weeks, after she was arrested.

Obviously, the war in Ukraine complicates Griner's case. The west, led by America, has levied severe sanctions against Russia, dealing a big blow to the country's economy.

But, Russia does have some leverage against the United States ... and one of those leverage points is Brittney Griner.

Presumably, that's why the women were told not to publicize Griner's situation ... hoping Russia wouldn't find out people cared about, and for Brittney's situation. If Americans demand Brittney back, that pressures the U.S., and therefore is a bargaining chip for Vladimir Putin.

But, not speaking out about their friend is hard for Lisa.

"It's heartbreaking for all of us. We want to do more. And you think should we all use our social media platform and get behind it or not. This is the first time we're in a situation and don't know what to do."

Leslie says she talks about Griner almost every day ... and they wonder if she's being treated well.

"We talk about it daily. We're just like, 'Dang, what's she doing now? You think they cut off her hair? You think she has a bed long enough for her to fit in? You think she's in the room...' We've had full-on conversations about it. Her parents gotta be sick."

Lisa Leslie isn't the first person who has raised the issue of being a political pawn.

We recently talked to U.S. Congressman Colin Allred -- a former scholarship athlete at Baylor (like BG) -- was also concerned about Griner being used by Russia.

DK Metcalf says he was blindsided by Russell Wilson's departure ... saying he never thought his QB would ever leave the Seattle Seahawks.

The star receiver opened up on the blockbuster trade on the "KG Certified" podcast this week ... saying he was told about the potential deal during a Gatorade shoot ... and an hour later, #3 was gone.

"I ain't heard from Pete [Carroll] until later that night and John [Schneider] because they were probably busy with phone calls and everything," Metcalf said.

Of course, Metcalf and Wilson -- who was traded to the Broncos earlier this month in exchange for picks and players -- had great chemistry on the field. Last season, the two connected for 12 touchdowns.

Considering how well they clicked on the field, Metcalf says he didn't see the move coming.

"I never thought he was gonna leave Seattle" ... adding, "I was in just in shock because I didn't think it was gonna happen."

What also hit home for Metcalf -- the release of linebacker Bobby Wagner, who was with the 'Hawks for 10 seasons.

"So, my mind was like 'All right, Russ gone, what do I do?' Later that night, Bobby gets cut ... and me and Bobby -- that was my guy."

"When he left, that hurt," Metcalf added. "That was my big brother."

With all the offseason blows, Metcalf feels he has to step up more than ever ... and become a leader for the Seattle Seahawks.

"It's my time in Seattle, now. That's the way I look at it."

Metcalf was a 2nd-round pick out of the 2019 draft ... and quickly became a star in Seattle with his size and speed. In three seasons, he's logged in 3,170 receiving yards and 29 TDs.

Formula 1 superstar Max Verstappen is teeing off on Netflix's popular 'Drive to Survive' series ... saying the show unfairly makes fellow driver Lando Norris look like a "d***."

Many of the sport's biggest names have been critical of the series in recent weeks ... with producers getting called out for starting fake drama and taking comments out of context to stir the pot.

The Red Bull driver has avoided speaking with Netflix cams for several seasons ... and went in-depth this week about why he continues to take issue with the show in the 4th installment of the show.

"For me personally, what I didn't like -- and it isn't even about me -- it's about Lando and Daniel (Ricciardo), which I think are two great guys and are really nice, first of all, and it made it look like Lando was a bit of a d*** ... which he isn't at all," the 2021 champ said this week, according to WTF1.

Verstappen says new F1 fans who watch the show will get the wrong impression of the McLaren driver ... and he thinks that's completely unfair, as he knows Lando to be a good guy.

Verstappen claims the same thing happened to him in the early seasons ... saying, "You just immediately get a wrong picture of a good person, and that is exactly what I think happened to me in the beginning, and then I think I am someone that when you ruin it from the start, you don't fix it. That's it. you ruined it."

MV also spoke about the show with reporters ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Friday ... comparing the show to "Keeping up with the Kardashians" -- and not in a good way.

As for Verstappen's appearances in the show, he says he was surprised to see himself featured so much, considering he's declined interviews for years.

"It's probably stuff from 2018 or something they picked up and used again, [talking about] fighting and what I like to do, but that already, of course, is not correct. I could hear it in my voice. It was a bit different."

Rachel Balkovec -- a Yankees' minor league manager -- showed off her gnarly eye injury she got after being hit in the face with a batted ball at Spring Training.

Balkovec -- who was signed as the Tampa Tarpons' manager in January -- was working out with the team on Tuesday when she was struck in the face.

The injury forced the 34-year-old to miss the team's home opener on Thursday.

Balkovec did go on IG to show off the swollen and bruised left eye she was left with after the freak accident.

"Thanks for all of the messages," Balkovec said, "Just feeling extremely lucky, and also like I’ll never throw side flips again for the rest of eternity 👍🏼"

"This is why you have to life your life in a way that you’re okay leaving it at any moment. Not a minute to waste being, thinking or playing small."

Despite how painful the injury looks, Rachel had a sense of humor about it ... saying, "Well I *DID* have several modeling contracts lined up, but this put a wrench in those plans ;)"

She even tagged several model agencies and Vogue.

Balkovec has been with the Yanks organization for several years ... first as a minor league hitting coach in 2019, before making history and becoming the first female minor league manager -- the position she currently holds.

The rumors were true ... Johnny Manziel ain't done yet, telling TMZ Sports he is suiting up for Fan Controlled Football this season.

As we previously reported, the 29-year-old Heisman Trophy winner was considering a return to the field after his buddy Druski, an Internet superstar, bought ownership in the Shoulda Been Stars team.

We spoke to Manziel himself ... and he said he's "excited" to be back!

"The FCF has given me an opportunity to coach some of these younger guys, a chance to get around the business side, a chance to have ownership in a football league and still be around the game in some sort," Manziel says.

"For me, the FCF is been intriguing in that right because I don't have to do it as a full-time job and it's something different for me than it was in the past."

BTW, Johnny participated in several games of the FCF's inaugural season ... playing for the Zappers.

In fact, in his very first game, Manziel made a highlight play, breaking off an impressive run.

It's not just football Manziel is excited about ... he's looking forward to creating content with Druski.

"This year we have some surprises. A non-football player that I'm looking forward to being around and doing a lot of content with is Druski."

Johnny -- who hasn't played in the NFL since 2015 -- isn't looking to make some crazy comeback ... he just wants to be around the guys, and play some football.

Scary moment in the NHL -- Vegas Golden Knights center Brett Howden left Thursday night's game on a stretcher ... after colliding into the sideboards following a hit from the Nashville Predators' Filip Forsberg.

The incident took place in the first period ... as Forsberg and Howden were both trying to secure the puck, but things went wrong.

In a video of the collision, Forsberg loses balance as he's trying to make a play ... and his momentum carries him into Howden, who then goes headfirst into the wall.

Forsberg's teammates had a front-row seat to see it all unfold ... and their faces told the story of just how scary the wreck was.

Officials did not penalize Filip over the play ... as the whole thing appeared to be unintentional.

Forsberg immediately sprang to his feet to check on Howden ... as players and fans in the arena expressed the same concern.

Emergency personnel managed to get to Howden quickly ... putting the 23-year-old on a stretcher. He was taken to the hospital for further medical treatment.

The good news -- Howden appeared to be responsive following the hit ... raising one of his arms as he left the ice.

He is reportedly in stable condition.

A Michigan high school basketball player -- who is completely blind -- had an arena full of fans cheer at the top of their lungs this week ... after sinking a jump shot during a game.

The star athlete is 17-year-old Jules Hoogland from the Zeeland East High School Unified Sports hoops team ... which consists of 3 special education and 2 general ed. athletes on the court at all times.

We're told the final game of the 2022 campaign was on Tuesday ... and special education teacher/Unified Sports coach Nate Vande Gutche says Hoogland had been working hard to improve her shot all season.

The time and effort paid off during Tuesday's game -- Hoogland lined up in front of the basket as a paraprofessional signals the hoop's location by hitting a long yellow pole on the backboard ... and she banked in the shot!!

The huge crowd shouted and celebrated in support of the shot ... and Vande Gutche says the scene was incredible.

"It was so moving to see her hit that shot again in front of 2,500 people."

"We couldn't have been more excited for her and her family," he added. "It capped off what was a very memorable day for all of us!"

FYI -- The Unified Sports program is part of the Special Olympics ... and this season is Zeeland High's 5th year participating.

"It's a blend of athletes that make it special," Vande Gutche said, "This is a true sports experience just like varsity teams."

"It's a blend of athletes that make it special," VandeGutche said, "This is a true sports experience just like varsity teams."

Cancel the rest of the NBA season ... Warriors superfan G-Eazy thinks it's a foregone conclusion his Golden State squad will win the championship this year, despite its recent struggles.

TMZ Sports spoke with Gerald as he was leaving Musso & Frank in L.A. this week ... and the dude was as confident as ever in his beloved Warriors, even though they've been stumbling as of late.

"We'll be all right, man," said G-Eazy, who's been a die-hard Dubs supporter for years. "We're still going all the way."

Of course, a lot of NBA pundits might disagree ... the Warriors, after all, are just 7-12 since early February, and Steph Curry is currently out with a foot injury.

But, G-Eazy, who's written a bunch of songs in honor of the Warriors, still believes in his guys.

"We're going all the way, absolutely," he said. "That's what we do, man. That's what we do."

The Warriors got off to a red-hot start this season ... but injuries to members of their Big Three -- Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Steph -- have put their championship hopes in question.

Vanessa Bryant did it!

Kobe's widow just announced the Bryant family's longtime partnership with Nike has been renewed ... after Vanessa previously said she was parting ways with the Swoosh over money and shoe availability issues.

The previous contract ended in April 2021 after Vanessa was reportedly looking for a "lifetime" contract, similar to what LeBron James and Michael Jordan have gotten.

But, Thursday Vanessa announced both sides were able to come to an agreement to bring Kobe -- and Gigi -- under the Nike brand once again.

"We're excited to announce our partnership with Nike is going to continue! I am so proud that my husband's shoes are still the most worn by players on NBA courts and that the demand for his shoes remain so desired by his fans around the world," Bryant wrote.

And, Vanessa made it clear the deal isn't about financial gain -- it's about continuing to grow Kobe and Gigi's legacy through youth basketball.

"With this new partnership, fans will soon be able to have access to Kobe and Gigi Nike product for years to come and with Nike donating 100% of the net proceeds yearly for Gianna’s shoes to our Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation (M&MSF)."

Vanessa continued ... "I am also grateful that Nike and I will work together to establish a youth basketball center in Southern California that will share the Mamba Mentality with youth athletes for generations to come. I know this is an inspiring moment for my husband and daughter's global fans, and I am very appreciative of each and every one of you!"

The Gigi shoe will reportedly be a custom version of the Kobe 6 Protro, dubbed the "Mambacita Sweet Sixteen."

Russia, in the midst of a horrific war where they've killed innocent civilians, wants to host a major soccer tournament, the European Football Championship, in 2028 or 2032.

Yes, Vladimir Putin isn't going to let the invasion of a sovereign nation and the killing of thousands of people stop them from applying to hold the Euros.

According to the Associated Press, the Russian Football Union announced their intent to play host, with RFU president Alexander Dyukov telling Russian TV ... "We must take the opportunity to host the Euro. It will be at the World Cup stadiums, and we have developed infrastructure."

FYI, Russia hosted the 2018 World Cup.

Even back then many fans weren't happy the country got the most prestigious sporting event in the world. But now, Russia has become pariahs of the world.

In fact, Russia has been shunned by the global soccer community. FIFA (International Federation of Association Football) and UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) decided to ban the country from competing in any international soccer tourneys.

At the time, the organizations released the following statement, saying, "Football is fully united here and in full solidarity with all the people affected in Ukraine. Both [FIFA & UEFA] presidents hope that the situation in Ukraine will improve significantly and rapidly so that football can again be a vector for unity and peace amongst people.”

UEFA also relocated the Champions League finals, originally supposed to be played in Russia in February, to Paris.

Russia will be bidding against Turkey and the British Isles ... who also want to host the 2028 European Championship. As for the 2032 bid, Italy is also vying to host the tourney.