F1 Drivers Freak Out Over Vegas Grand Prix ... 'We Can Meet At Casino'

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PITS ON THE STRIP
F1

Formula 1 is returning to Sin City ... and the biggest names in the sport can't wait to gamble and party!!

F1 made the massive announcement Wednesday night ... confirming the rumors everyone was hoping to be true -- the Las Vegas Grand Prix will go down in November 2023.

The race will be nothing short of epic -- the 3.8-mile track layout will include the iconic Vegas strip ... with top speeds expected to hit 212 miles per hour!!

Naturally, the drivers are absolutely stoked about the big news ... and F1 released a compilation of everyone's priceless reactions.

"Are we gonna race there?! Noooo," a shocked Esteban Ocon said ... adding, "Hopefully, we can all meet at the casino."

Sebastian Vettel echoed the idea ... saying, "I'm sure that some drivers will spend some money in the casinos and hopefully try and gain it back on Sunday."

Superstar Lewis Hamilton was clearly stoked -- and equally worried -- saying, "It's gonna be a pretty hardcore event."

"Knowing that it's a real party city, it's difficult for a racing driver to ... I don't know how we're going to focus that weekend. There's going to be so much going on."

Valtteri Bottas had a hilarious reaction ... saying, "I've been once to Vegas. When I left, I said, 'Never again,' ... but, I'm coming back. Might need to try and behave better than I did last time."

Reigning champ Max Verstappen joked that there's going to be so much partying, some guys might not make it to the race ... even requesting there be a week break after the race to help everyone recover (or party more).

The Vegas GP will be the third American race added to the schedule ... joining Austin and Miami.

The addition is a result of the booming popularity of the sport ... which has seen an influx of fans in recent years.

Can we skip ahead a year and a half?!

David & Victoria Beckham London Mansion Burglarized ... While Couple Inside Home

David and Victoria Beckham's London mansion was burglarized late last month while the couple and their 10-year-old daughter were still inside the home ... but, thankfully, everyone is safe.

Cops confirmed to TMZ Sports that in the early morning hours of March 1, officers responded to the Beckhams' Kensington home for a report of a burglary that was believed to have taken place between 8:30 PM and 11:30 PM on Feb. 28.

Police tell us "a number of items were reported stolen" ... and, according to The Sun, that included expensive "designer and electric goods."

The Sun reported the break-in was discovered by David's 17-year-old son, Cruz, after he had returned home late in the evening from hanging out with friends.

Cruz reportedly saw broken glass and a ransacked room -- and then helped search the house for the culprit with his father. The alleged thief, though, was believed to have already escaped.

According to The Sun, security video showed the suspect climbing over the Beckhams' gate, then climbing up the couple's home, before breaking into a spare bedroom's window.

The Sun reports that while David, Victoria and the rest of the Beckhams were uninjured in the incident ... the couple is "shaken up" over it all.

Police tell us no arrests have been made in the case -- and an investigation is ongoing.

Antonio Brown Hasn't Fixed Injured Ankle ... Only Having Surgery If An NFL Team Wants Me

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I KNOW MY VALUE
TMZSports.com

Antonio Brown badly wants to play in the NFL again, but the former Tampa Bay Bucs star wide receiver says he'll only have surgery to repair his busted ankle if an NFL team commits to signing him.

AB joined Babcock on the TMZ Sports TV show (airs weeknights on FS1), and dished on everything from a possible reunion with Tom Brady in Tampa, to the status of his injured ankle, and what message he'd send to NFL Front Offices.

33-year-old Brown -- the President of Kanye West's Donda Sports -- sees himself playing in the league, but tells us the idea of reuniting with his once good friend, TB12, and the Bucs org. is almost certainly NOT going to happen.

"I don't think that's a possibility," Brown said. "How things were handled. How I was handled in regards to the injury. [They] just weren't able to use me for my value. My true value."

"But I was grateful for the opportunity and the position that I was in and I made the most out of it."

It's worth noting, we spoke to AB before Bruce Arians stepped down as Bucs head coach.

Antonio is still adamant he never "quit on the job." You'll recall Brown infamously left the field during the Bucs game against the New York Jets ... leading many to believe the star WR was done playing professional football.

"For them [Tampa Bay Bucs] to try to manipulate the narrative or act like I walked away from my job is far from the truth."

Of course, AB says the beef with Arians all goes back to the coach trying to force the All-Pro receiver to play on a badly injured ankle. So, we asked Antonio, who previously said he was getting the ankle operated on, whether he had yet gone under the knife.

"I need to get my ankle fixed, but I just want to make sure I got an obligation or a commitment from a team," Brown told us, adding ... "It's a lot for a guy to go do surgery without an idea of where you gonna work, or who you going to work for."

Despite making 7 Pro Bowls, Antonio says he would not be content if he never played another down in the NFL.

"I'm a player first," AB said. "I couldn't even be in this position without being a football player. So I never want to take that for granted. I would love to continue my career. I got a lot of game left in me."

In fact, Brown says he sees other wide receivers (rightfully) being taken care of with huge contracts (see Davante Adams' new $141-million deal) ... and he can't help but wonder why he hasn't signed a big-money deal.

"I still feel like I can put up big numbers, and I see what these guys are getting paid. I just wonder why my value isn't being upheld as the same."

But, don't take that as shade ... 'cause AB says they deserve it.

"I'm happy for those guys. I'm really grateful for those guys who pioneered the game. They take it further, and made their prices go up. So I'm grateful for those guys to get what they deserve," Antonio says.

"My situation is never about anyone else. It's just all about getting what I deserve because I know what I am and what I stand for, and you can't play with me, the numbers are the numbers."

In closing, Brown sent a message to prospective teams who might be on the fence when it comes to signing him.

"Watch the tape. It's not what the articles they sell. It's what I'm willing to do and what I'm capable of doing. I put my heart on the line, I put my will on the line, I put my skills on the line. I'm the best go in the stadium every week."

SlapFIGHT Makes Fight Offer To Will And Chris ... Slap It Out In A Match!!!

If Chris Rock is looking to serve up a dish of revenge on Will Smith, a Slapfighting organization is willing to provide everything the legendary comedian needs to smack the hell out of the A-list actor.

SlapFIGHT Championship puts on slap fights (like the name sounds -- there are 5 weight classes, and competitors slap each other until someone quits or goes to sleep) ... and the org. tells TMZ Sports they're offering a safe and controlled place for the two entertainers to slap each other silly in an exhibition match.

JT Tilley, the CEO, says he'd like to see Rock seek revenge on Smith after the incident at the Oscars.

"I made an offer," Tilley tells us, adding, "I would love to host an exhibition match between them two and make it safe as possible."

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TAKIN' NO DISRESPECT
ABC

Tilley says SlapFIGHT fans definitely want this fight to happen ... with many declaring Rock would win if it went down.

"Our fans (via social media) think Chris Rick would be the winner," Tilley says, "because he obviously has a strong chin."

That doesn't mean Will -- who is about 6'2", 200 lbs.-- won't be good at the sport ... in fact, Tilley says the 53-year-old's slap technique is similar to their top fighter, middleweight champ Wolverine.

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SLAPPED SILLY

If they're not interested in competing, Tilley says he'd like to host Chris and Will at one of their fights. But of course, a rematch sounds better.

"I would like to give them a chance to settle their differences," Tilley says.

"Give me a call!!"

Rory McIlroy Tiger Woods 'Looked Great' ... In Round At Augusta

Here's further proof that Tiger Woods might actually be competing in next week's Masters ... his good buddy, Rory McIlroy, just said the golf legend "looked great" in his practice round at Augusta on Tuesday.

Tiger flew into Georgia to get some hacks in at the course just a few days before the event kicks off next week ... and according to Rory, Woods has made significant strides since the last time he saw the 46-year-old.

"He looked great," Rory said. "But he was still pretty -- you know, he was just like, 'I'm just seeing what's going to happen here. I'm going to see if I can make it around 18.'"

Tiger has yet to commit to playing in the prestigious golf event -- which he's won five times in his career -- reportedly using this week to see if his surgically repaired leg can hold up for a weekend of competition.

Rory said Tiger appeared to be undecided about it all on Tuesday ... explaining to the Golf Channel, "He's being very conservative."

Tiger still has several days left before he needs to make a commitment.

As we reported, Tiger broke his leg in a car crash in February 2021, and needed several surgeries to repair the damage. He's only golfed at one big tournament -- the PNC Championship with his son -- since the accident.

The Masters is slated to begin at Augusta on April 7.

Florida H.S. Track Meet Runner Sucker Punched Mid-Race ... Wild Video

Shocking scene at a high school track meet in Florida over the weekend ... when an athlete sucker punched a runner in the head during a race.

The incident went down at the Tohopekaliga Tiger Invitational in Kissimmee on Saturday ... when witnesses claim the athlete in a black uniform was standing on the track as the runner in white and red was circling around and leading the pack.

Witnesses say the runner in first place yelled at the athlete in black to move ... but when the next lap came around, the guy appeared to purposely get in the way of the runner by standing on the track.

According to witnesses, the runner in first then pushed the athlete in black to get him out of the way. In response, the athlete chased down the runner and punched him from behind.

The runner who was attacked then fell to the track ... but it's unclear if he suffered significant injuries or if he finished the race.

We reached out to the host school for comment ... but it claims no Osceola County students were involved.

However, we're told law enforcement and the Florida High School Athletic Association were notified of the incident.

We reached out to cops, but they've yet to provide us any further information.

Story developing ...

Jennifer Lopez & Ben Affleck Swing and a Miss ... In Batting Cage Outing

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SWING AND A MISS!!!
BACKGRID

A-Rod's baseball talents clearly didn't rub off on his ex -- Jennifer Lopez came up to bat, with Ben Affleck and daughter Emme watching, and struck out. Frequently.

The couple took J-Lo's 14-year-old daughter to the cages Tuesday in L.A. ... while Emme stepped in for some swings, Ben and Jen were doing some PDA in the background.

Eventually, it was Mom's turn to step up, but it didn't go smoothly. First of all, Jen tried swinging while still rocking her purse. Not to worry ... Ben held it while she got back in the box.

Made absolutely no difference, though ... still a whole lot of striking out. Gotta admit, though -- no one's ever looked this good, while looking so bad at a sport.

Ben and Jen are in escrow for a massive estate as of a few weeks ago -- putting around $55 million down for the compound! Ben, days after entering escrow, was longingly looking at Jen during her acceptance speech at this year's iHeart Music Awards, likely excited for their future.

Seems like the two are working on a lot of things together lately, but maybe baseball isn't one of them ... time for that 7th inning stretch?

Jon Gruden Sells Las Vegas Mansion For $7 Mil ... Months After Raiders Ousting

Jon Gruden lost his job in Vegas -- and now he's officially given up his home there as well ... TMZ Sports has confirmed the former Raiders head coach just officially sold his mansion in the desert for $7 million.

The 58-year-old put the 8,684-square foot palace on the market back in February following his infamous ousting from the Raiders ... and it didn't take long for it to sell.

We're told the sale just closed recently -- and it's clear from the pics of the place, the buyer is going to be happy with the purchase.

The pad features retractable floor-to-ceiling windows along with five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a chef's kitchen and a climate-controlled wine cellar.

The property's backyard is decked out too, with an infinity-edge pool, spa, fire pit and BBQ area. It's also got beautiful views of the Nevada mountains.

Heidi from Lifestyle LV tells us the listing also included an empty lot (also owned by Gruden) that's adjacent to the mansion. The final price tag was $7,025,000.

As we previously reported, Gruden -- who began coaching the Raiders for a second go-around back in 2018 -- resigned on Oct. 11, 2021, after it was revealed he sent emails in the past that contained racially insensitive, misogynistic and homophobic language.

Since then, Gruden has filed a lawsuit against the NFL and Roger Goodell, claiming the commish leaked the emails to destroy his coaching career and reputation.

L.A. Dodgers Fan Super Awkward Matt Beaty Tattoo ... Gets Signature Days Before Trade To Rival!!!

Well, this is awkward ...

A Dodger fan now has a tattoo of a player on his favorite team's rival ... and it's all 'cause the outfielder got surprisingly traded from L.A. just days after the ink went on the skin.

Here's the deal -- a fan was at the Dodgers' spring training workouts in Arizona earlier this month, when he asked both Cody Bellinger and Matt Beaty to sign their names on his arm.

In exchange for the autographs, the fan promised to get the sigs tattooed permanently -- so the players obliged.

A short time later, the fan went under the needle -- and the tattoos came out clean!!!

The problem? Just days later, Beaty got sent packing to the Padres, one of L.A.'s most-hated rivals.

No word on how the fan is planning to move forward with the fresh tattoo now -- particularly because Beaty also changed his jersey number following the trade. But, Matt at least offered to somewhat help the guy out.

"Well, if he wants to scratch out the No. 45 and put in No. 27," Beaty said, "I'm happy to do that for him."

As for the whole ordeal, Beaty had a feeling the dude might come to regret it eventually.

"This guy sticks his arm with Cody’s [autograph], and he's like, 'Hey, sign my arm, too.' And I'm like, 'Sure,'" Beaty said.

"Then later that night, of course, I get notifications [of the tattoo] and I'm like, 'Geez, what is this guy thinking?' It's going to be with that guy for a long time."

Tough pill to swallow, but hey -- there appears to be room for a nice cover-up tat at least.

Lil Baby Jump Shot Tips ... From 5⭐️ Duke Recruit

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DOING A LIL HOOPIN'

Lil Baby knew where to go for jump shot rehab -- the McDonald's All-American Game in Chi-Town -- featuring 24 of the best girls basketball players in the country ... where Baby got tips from future Duke University star Ashlon Jackson.

Baby was at the All-Star game in Chicago to perform during the halftime show of the high-profile sporting event Tuesday night. But, before the "Drip Too Hard" rapper performed, he took pics with the players and hoisted up a few shots.

5-star guard and Duke recruit, Ashlon Jackson, ranked the 16th best player in the nation, posted a video of her and Baby shooting around ... and with help of the sharpshooter, the hip-hop stars' J looked on point.

The video shows Jackson working on Baby's form and follow through ... before he proceeded to knock down a long jump shot.

And, Baby went to the right person for help. Ashlon who won the McDonald's 3-Point contest.

Baby clearly appreciated the advice ... and posed for a ton of pics with players and coaches.

FYI, the McDonald's game is a big deal. Everyone from Candace Parker to Skylar Diggins to Sabrina Ionescu have played in the McDonald's game (and on the guys side -- LeBron, Kobe, KG)

Of course, we've seen Lil Baby in action before ... when he played with fellow hooping rapper 2 Chainz in a game against Quavo & Jack Harlow in a 2-on-2 charity basketball game. Baby and 2 Chainz -- who played college basketball -- lost 21-7, and the Internet let Baby have it for a perceived lack ok skills.

But now, Baby's got a J ... so, NBA Celebrity All-Star Game next?!

Justin Bieber Booed At Montreal Concert ... For Dissing Canadiens

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BOOS FOR BIEBER

Justin Bieber might need a lesson in "know your audience" ... 'cause fans booed the hell out of the singer during his tour stop in Montreal on Tuesday for dissing the hometown Canadiens.

Bieber -- a MASSIVE fan of the Habs' hated rivals, the Toronto Maple Leafs -- showed love for his team right before his final song of the night ... saying, "How about those Leafs though, huh?"

The "Ghost" crooner even gave a shoutout to his close buddy for scoring a goal against the Canadiens on Saturday ... saying, "Auston Matthews is really doing some work here in Montreal."

Of course, the Canadiens are hot garbage this season ... sitting at the very bottom of the standings with an 18-38 record, despite beating the Leafs over the weekend.

Biebs made sure to let the crowd know he was well aware of their struggles this season ... adding, "How's that playoff spot looking for you guys this year?" and "Maybe next year, maybe next year."

The fans weren't having it -- letting the boo birds fly and even shouting expletives as Bieber continued to diss the hometown team ... even starting a "Go Leafs, Go" chant.

The stunt comes one week after the Leafs debuted their Bieber-designed Drew House jerseys ... which they wore on the ice for their Next Gen game.

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CANADIAN COLLAB
Toronto Maple Leafs

Bieber eventually got real and stopped the trolling ... saying Montreal is truly one of his favorite places to perform in the world.

Hey, ya gotta give the guy credit -- he's a diehard fan, no matter what territory he's in.

Bruins' Taylor Hall Sucker Punches Leafs Defenseman ... After Being Shoved Into Boards

Boston Bruins star Taylor Hall -- a former league MVP -- was so pissed about being shoved into the boards during a game Tuesday night ... he retaliated by sucker punching the dude who pushed him.

The wild scene all went down late in the second period of the Bs' tilt with the Maple Leafs -- after Ilya Lyubushkin hurled Hall face-first into the wall as the Boston winger was trying to cross the midline.

You can see in footage of the play, Hall clearly thought the shove was unnecessary and dirty -- so he ran up from behind Lyubushkin and socked him in the jaw.

The Leafs defenseman went down hard -- and stayed on the ice for several seconds before he wobbled off into the locker room.

No word on if Lyubushkin suffered any serious injuries in the play -- but he was unable to return to the game. Toronto said in a statement afterward that the 27-year-old was being held out for "precautionary reasons."

The NHL, meanwhile, has already announced punishment for Hall over the swing -- saying it's fined the 30-year-old $5,000 "for roughing" Lyubushkin.

Lyubushkin's team was able to get the last laugh on Hall on Tuesday, though, coming away from the game with a 6-4 win.

Broncos' Kareem Jackson Tribute Tattoo For Demaryius Thomas ... 'One Love'

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FOREVER IN INK

Kareem Jackson is honoring his friend Demaryius Thomas in a awesome way -- by getting a portrait tattoo of the former Broncos star.

The Broncos safety and Thomas go way back ... the two NFL players grew up in the same area in Georgia and played for the same team at different times.

So, when Thomas unexpectedly passed away last December, Jackson was devastated ... saying at the time, "I'm still having a hard time accepting this one."

Now, Jackson is keeping Thomas' memory permanently alive with some new ink earlier this week.

The 33-year-old shared the tat on his leg (we think) via Instagram ... a detailed image of Thomas smiling with the words "One Love" above it.

"Your legacy will forever live on through all the lives of those you touched over the years on and off the field," Jackson said after Thomas' death.

"We love you and will miss you brother! Till we meet again Rest easy King!!"

As we previously reported, Thomas was found dead in a shower at his Roswell, GA residence after police responded to 911 calls for a cardiac arrest. Demaryius was only 33-years-old.

RIP

Johnny Football Ass Man-Ziel Hits Beach With Model ... Comeback Going Strong!!!

Johnny Manziel's training for his comeback in the most Johnny Football way possible ... by hitting the beach with an Instagram model and throwing the pigskin!!

The 29-year-old ex-NFL quarterback touched down in South Beach this week ... just days after he told TMZ Sports he's returning to the gridiron for Fan Controlled Football.

Johnny certainly looks serious about the comeback ... 'cause he brought along a ball as he caught some rays with a bikini-clad Kenzie Werner.

We're told Werner and Manziel aren't strangers -- in fact, they've spent time together in Scottsdale in the past ... and partied it up in Miami over the weekend.

They appeared pretty close on Tuesday ... with Werner straddling Johnny as he held her up with his arms.

Johnny even ditched his shirt to play catch with his new lady ... but don't worry, she made sure he had plenty of sunblock by rubbing it all over his arms.

Manziel told us last week he'd be lacing up the cleats for season 2 of the FCF ... saying he's hoping to work alongside new team owner, comedian Druski.

Johnny hasn't played in the NFL since 2015 ... and pretty much shut the door on a return to the league, saying he just doesn't have what it takes to compete at that level anymore.

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BACK AT IT AGAIN
TMZSports.com

As for the personal side of things, Johnny's been pretty private about his dating life since his divorce from Bre Tiesi -- who is now expecting a child with Nick Cannon -- but things seem to be going well with Werner.

So yeah, Johnny Football really IS back.

Eric Church Cancels Huge Concert To Watch UNC Vs. Duke ... Fans Pissed!!!

Eric Church has canceled a huge concert this weekend so he can watch his beloved UNC basketball team play Duke in the Final Four ... and the country music superstar's fanbase is not happy with his decision.

Church announced the cancellation in a message to his supporters Tuesday -- explaining he wants to watch the Tar Heels game on Saturday night so badly that he won't be able to perform at the AT&T Center in San Antonio.

Church called the move "the most selfish thing" he's ever asked of his fans in a statement to them ... but he implored them to understand because the game just means that much to him.

"I've watched Carolina and Duke battle over the year," Church said, "but to have them matchup in the Final Four for the first time in history of the NCAA Tournament is any sports enthusiast's dream."

Some fans, though, were not understanding ... as several stormed his official Facebook page to let off their frustration.

Some called him a "clown," while others said they'd boycott his concerts going forward.

To be fair to Eric, the game is being heralded as one of the biggest college basketball games ever -- and the dude does love Carolina (he's got a hit song about it!).

Tip-off is slated for 5:49 PM PT ... or 7:49 PM CT for all you in San Antonio who suddenly have free Saturday night plans.

Russell Westbrook Heated Exchange With Reporter ... After Lakers Loss

Frustrations have clearly reached an all-time high for Russell Westbrook ... because after yet another Lakers loss Tuesday night, he got into a very uncomfortable and heated talk with a journalist over a question.

The tense exchange all went down in the press conference area following L.A.'s 128-110 loss to the Dallas Mavericks ... when LA Times reporter Brad Turner asked Russ, "What changes going forward?"

Westbrook immediately bristled, saying, "Nothing, man, nothing" before he eventually turned the question on the reporter.

"What do you think should change?" Westbrook asked Turner.

When Turner responded, "Winning," Russ got up from his chair and confronted the reporter off the podium.

The two then went back and forth for several seconds -- before Russ finally diffused the situation by asking other reporters if they filmed the entire interaction.

Westbrook and Turner eventually shook hands, before the star point guard left to head back to the team's locker room.

The incident is yet another lowlight for Russ in his first season with the Lakers -- he's played so poorly for most of the year that he's had to fire back at hecklers repeatedly on the streets and at games.

In fact, the jeers have gotten so bad recently, Westbrook had to plead for fans a few weeks ago to stop calling him "Westbrick."

As for the Lakers, they're in big trouble now ... because the loss Tuesday dropped them to the 11-seed in the Western Conference, putting them on the outside looking in for the playoff play-in tournament.