TMZ Sports - Page 50

Frank Vogel is out of a job ... the Los Angeles Lakers have fired the longtime NBA head coach after a terrible 2022 season -- just two years after he led his squad to an NBA title.

Vogel, who coached the Lakers to a championship in 2020 -- his first season with the team -- was relieved of his coaching duties following a disappointing season this year.

The Lakers finished with a 33-49 record -- 8th worst in the NBA -- and Vogel received his fair share of criticism and blame for the Lakers' struggles.

Vogel wraps up his tenure in L.A. with a 127-98 record in the regular season ... and a postseason record of 18-9.

Lakers VP Rob Pelinka released a statement announcing the firing.

“I have a tremendous amount of respect for Frank both on and off the court. Frank is a great coach and a good man. We will forever be grateful to him for his work in guiding us to the 2019-20 NBA championship. This is an incredibly difficult decision to make, but one we feel is necessary at this point. All of us here wish Frank and his wonderful family all the best for the future.”

Things weren't always bad for Vogel  ... during the 2020 season, the Lakers posted a 52-19 record -- the best record in the Western conference -- and third best in the league.

Vogel's been an NBA coach since 2001 -- getting his start as an assistant with the Boston Celtics, before serving as the head coach for the Indiana Pacers for 10 seasons.

The departure of Vogel leaves the Lakers, who missed the play-in tournament this season, with a void to fill at head coach.

Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo is being investigated by police after he smashed a young fan's phone following his team's loss on Saturday.

The incident went down after MU lost to Everton 1-0 at Goodison Park ... when Ronaldo, as he was leaving the field, appears to smack something to the ground as he walks through an area where fans were standing in close proximity.

The video circulated on social media ... with many fans calling out Ronaldo for his alleged bad behavior.

A spokesperson for the Merseyside Police confirmed they were looking into the incident, saying, according to ESPN, "As players were leaving the pitch at 2.30 PM, it was reported that a boy was assaulted by one of the away team as they left the pitch."

"Inquiries are underway and officers are working with Everton Football Club to review CCTV footage and are carrying out extensive witness inquiries to establish if an offense has taken place."

Ronaldo has since apologized for his actions in a social media post, saying ... "It’s never easy to deal with emotions in difficult moments such as the one we are facing. Nevertheless, we always have to be respectful, patient and set the example for all the youngsters who love the beautiful game."

He continued ... "I would like to apologize for my outburst and, if possible, I would like to invite this supporter to watch a game at Old Trafford as a sign of fair-play and sportsmanship.🙏🏽"

We reached out to police, who told us they are "aware of the incident and dealing with all aspects of the incident."

'NSYNC is BACK -- well, partially -- the boy band hit the stage after Alexa Bliss and Ryan Cabrera's wedding over the weekend ... and the WWE Superstar joined them on stage!!

TMZ Sports has obtained video of the epic moment (thank you, Mojo) ... showing the wrestler singing and dancing her heart out alongside Lance Bass, Chris Kirkpatrick, and Joey Fatone as they perform the 2000 hit, "Bye, Bye, Bye."

Alexa and Ryan got hitched in Palm Springs on Saturday ... and we're told it was a star-studded crowd with some of the biggest names in wrestling and music.

The wedding looked awesome, but the reception turned into a freakin' rock concert ... with O-Town, Yellowcard, Bowling for Soup and We the Kings playing multiple songs for the crowd.

Of course, it's pretty rare to see 'NSYNC performing nowadays -- especially with Justin Timberlake and JC Chasez distancing themselves over the years.

The quintet reunited in 2013 to perform at the MTV VMAs ... and a JT-less 'NSYNC joined Ariana Grande at Coachella in 2019.

A fan attending the Toronto Blue Jays game on Friday was arrested ... after cops say she socked an officer in the face during an altercation in the crowd.

The incident happened during the Jays' contest against the Texas Rangers at Rogers Centre ... when cops say a female fan became enraged with law enforcement after they tried to boot her from her seat.

The Toronto Police Service says the woman and another man were involved in a fight with others in the area -- and officers were attempting to deescalate the situation by removing the two from the section.

But, in footage of the incident, you can see as the two were being escorted out ... the woman quickly turned and launched a right hand into the cheek of a female officer.

Video shows the woman was then taken to the ground immediately after the punch ... and was ultimately put in handcuffs.

Cops say the woman, ID'ed as 27 years old, was eventually arrested and charged with assaulting a police officer and being intoxicated in a public place.

The strippers weren't the only ones takin' it off at a popular Miami strip club this weekend -- Antonio Brown went topless too while he raged with Jamie Foxx!

It all happened at Booby Trap On The River (greatest name) ... where the 54-year-old actor/singer was hosting a party with Bitcoin Rodney on Saturday.

The NFL free agent made an appearance with Foxx on stage and while everything was cool, calm and collected, Foxx turned it up with a special request for AB.

And, that's when the party REALLY started.

"Turn up ni***!" Foxx said on the mic, "Take ya shirt off ni***! Run through this mothaf**ka! Get naked!"

You know AB ain't afraid of takin' his shirt off, anytime, anyplace (shoutout to the Bucs) --  and he did just that, showin' the strippers he's got dance moves, too.

And, AB also spit a few bars on the mic.

Brown has been enjoyin' life partying since parting ways with Tampa Bay on January 2, doing everything from hittin' up NBA games with Floyd Mayweather to partying with Madonna and Kanye.

The Super Bowl champ recently told us he wants to play again and will get his ankle fixed ... only if he gets signed.

You knew this was coming ...

Alex Rodriguez was epically teased over his ex, Jennifer Lopez, getting engaged to Ben Affleck ... with Michael Kay hinting at it during the Yankees vs. Red Sox game -- and the moment is hilarious.

The ex-MLB slugger was chopping it up with his co-host during the "KayRod" broadcast of "Sunday Night Baseball" on ESPN 2 ... when Kay decided to poke some fun.

"It's a great time in sports," Kay said in the 9th inning. "You have a new Masters champion, NBA playoffs are about to start, baseball's in full swing, people getting engaged. I mean, it's a happy time in the world."

A-Rod's reaction is priceless -- he awkwardly plays along and says, "Happiness and world peace is what we're looking for."

The best part -- after 2 seconds of piercing silence, A-Rod returned his focus to the game ... saying, "The 2-1 pitch."

Remember, J-Rod started dating in 2017 ... and were engaged in 2019. They never made it to the alter, as they broke up in 2021.

As for Kay and Rodriguez, they didn't always have the greatest relationship ... but it seems like they're all good now.

A fan at a minor league baseball game got doused with his own beer ... after a foul ball hit his drink straight into his face -- and the entire, hilarious scene was all captured on camera!

The funny incident went down during Springfield's game against the Northwest Arkansas Nationals on Saturday ... when Cardinals second baseman Chandler Redmond was up to bat against pitcher Anthony Veneziano.

Redmond took a couple pitches -- and then fouled off a ball that somehow ricocheted into a can that was placed near a screen behind home plate.

In video of the incident, you can see the ball hit the drink so hard -- it splashed beer everywhere, including all over the can's owner's face!!

Thankfully, the guy was a great sport about the impromptu booze shower -- laughing hysterically and then giving two thumbs up to the centerfield camera.

"And that is our first beer victim or beverage victim," one of the announcer's said.

Tragedy has struck the Dallas Cowboys organization again ... longtime assistant coach Gary Brown died on Sunday -- just days after one of the team's legends, Rayfield Wright, passed away.

Brown -- who coached Dallas' running backs from 2013 through 2019 -- had reportedly been in hospice care recently after a lengthy battle with cancer.

He was just 52 years old.

"Everyone who knew him, loved him," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said in a statement. "He meant so much to the players he coached and the coaches he coached with. His love for family, football and life was evident each day."

"He continued to fight, and he never gave up. My family and the Dallas Cowboys family are heartbroken, and our love and support are with his wife, Kim, his daughters, Malena and Dorianna, and his son, Tre."

Brown had a lengthy career as a player in the NFL before jumping into coaching, rushing for over 1,000 yards in 1993 and 1998.

He ultimately went into coaching after retiring following the 1999 season ... eventually landing with the Cleveland Browns in 2009 and then later the Cowboys in 2013.

Brown helped coach Demarco Murray, Darren McFadden and Ezekiel Elliott, among others, to huge years ... before he left the team after the 2019 season following Jason Garrett's departure.

"This has been a tough week losing Rayfield, Dwayne [Haskins] and Gary B," Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith said early Monday morning. "May the piece of God cover their families and may his grace cover us. Rest in Peace my friends."

Henry Ruggs' former Alabama teammate, Jaylen Waddle, says he was shocked by the ex-Raiders star's arrest ... calling Ruggs both a "good person" and a "good dude."

Waddle explained his feelings on Ruggs' legal situation to Pacman Jones and Omar Kelly on the the "I Am Athlete" show this week ... saying he never would have thought Ruggs would be in the situation he's currently in.

In fact, Waddle said out of the star 'Bama wideouts who went to school together -- which also included Devonta Smith and Jerry Jeudy -- Ruggs was perhaps the best guy in the meeting rooms.

"Out of all us," Waddle said, "that'd be the person that you least expect something like that to happen to."

Waddle told Jones and Kelly that Ruggs was such a good friend, the two still keep in contact with each other to this day.

As we reported, Ruggs is facing decades behind bars after he was accused of driving drunk and killing Tina Tintor after he crashed his pricey sports car into the back of her Rav4.

Ruggs is currently out on bond while he awaits trial.

Waddle didn't want to comment too much on the situation due to the pending legal case -- but he did say the incident has made him more aware of his surroundings and behavior.

Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz pulled out all the stops for an off-the-hook wedding, and lots of celebs were there to watch.

The son of David and Victoria Beckham strolled down the aisle at the family estate in Palm Beach Saturday night, and man, who wasn't there?

Here's a partial list ... Serena Williams, Eva Longoria, Gordon Ramsay, Spice Girls Mel B and Mel C. But wait, there's more ... Gigi Hadid, Nicole Richie, Elizabeth Hurley, Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen.

The bash costs a reported $4 mil, and maybe more.

They tied the know under a chuppa festooned with flowers ... honoring Nicola's Jewish roots. BTW ... David's maternal gramps was also Jewish. After they said their vows, they smashed a glass enveloped in a napkin ... another Jewish tradition.

As for the best men ... Brooklyn chose brothers Romeo and Cruz. His sister, Harper was a bridesmaid.

The Beckham's erected a ginormous white tent on their lawn which has a spectacular ocean view.

The dinner was dished out by famed chef Thierry Isambert ... he was President Bill Clinton's cook so can't be too shabby.

And we haven't confirmed ... but it looks like Snoop Dogg may have DJ'd the reception. He told The Mirror, "Brooklyn’s wedding is going to be a big affair and my gift to him and his wife-to-be is I will come down and do a set for them on their big day."

Nicola, who appears in "Transformers: Age of Extinction," has not only taken Brooklyn's name ... she has it tattooed on her back!

The couple recently found a buyer for their Beverly Hills mansion, they reportedly were shopping around for a more humble abode on the west coast and also a home in Miami.

Magic Johnson ain't watching HBO's hit series about his time with the Showtime Lakers ... but the actor who plays him is defending the show -- telling TMZ Sports everyone on the project means absolutely no disrespect to the Hall of Famer.

Icons like Magic and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar have recently spoken out against "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" ... with Johnson telling us earlier this year he wouldn't be watching, and the latter saying the show is a waste of time to any REAL Laker fan.

We spoke with Quincy Isaiah -- star of "Winning Time: Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" -- out at LAX this week ... and he wants Magic to know that he meant no harm with how he portrays his character in the doc.

"I mean, I understand where they coming from because it's a story about their life," Isaiah said. "So, it's tough. But I really feel like we did a really good job of showing humans and showing a full version of who we at least perceive them to be."

"There's no malice behind it."

FYI, 'Winning Time' chronicles the professional and personal lives of the Lakers in the 1980s -- a dynasty that won 5 championships and went to 9 NBA Finals.

Quincy -- who plays Magic in the series -- says despite some of the pushback he's received from the real Lakers, the purpose of the doc is to take real-life events and turn them into entertaining content.

"At the beginning and end of every episode it says 'this is a dramatization,'" Isaiah said. "We take real facts that happen, and we make it good for TV."

Q tells us he's thankful for the persona Magic created for himself as a star athlete ... 'cause it's opened doors for him in his acting career.

"Magic, man, I love you dude," Isaiah said. "You literally lived an incredible life so that I could ... I'm getting into an Escalade because he lived an incredible life. I have nothing but love and respect for that man," Isaiah said.

Isaiah believes if he ran into Johnson one day, there would be no bad blood because Magic understands he's just acting, and there's no ill-will.

Although Johnson's not watching Quincy, Isaiah says he's looking forward to the Laker legend releasing his doc "They Call Me Magic," which premieres on April 22 ... and he encourages everybody to watch both.

Finally, we asked Q about this year's disappointing Lakers team, and he said what NBA fans had known all season.

Alex Volkanovski says he isn't the greatest featherweight fighter of all-time ... but damnit he's close, telling TMZ Sports he plans to be active this year, and will be considered the best by the end of this year.

"I'm not expecting people to give me that GOAT status straight away. You need to work for that," Volkanovski says, adding, "I don't believe I'm there yet."

But, Alex, the champion, is headlining UFC 273 against "Korean Zombie" (Chan Sung Jung) ... and plans to fight several times in 2022 -- and when the ball drops, bringing in '23, he'll be considered the greatest.

"I plan on having a busy year, staying active. I'll definitely be taking that G.O.A.T. status of the division before the year is up."

FYI, Jose Aldo and Max Holloway (Max did beat Jose twice) are widely considered the two best MMA featherweights (145 lbs.) ever. Volkanovski has beaten both men ... Holloway twice (UFC 245, UFC 251), and Aldo (UFC 237), too.

Alex has only lost one fight in his professional career (23-1) ... and that fight was in 2013, nearly a decade ago, and wasn't even in the UFC.

Since taking the L, Volkanovski's won 20 straight ... including wins over Brian Ortega and Chad Mendes, in addition to future Hall of Famers, Aldo and Holloway.

We also talked to Alex about a possible trilogy fight with Max ... the #1 ranked contender. Both their fights were very close ... and many believe Holloway actually won the 2nd fight.

Darren Waller is clearly buying the hype around the Raiders following the team's trade for Davante Adams ... telling TMZ Sports he's looking for Vegas to have a "special year" this season.

We got Waller out at LAX earlier this week -- just about a month after the Raiders landed Adams in a blockbuster trade with the Packers -- and the star TE sure sounded fired up for his team heading into 2022.

Waller said he believed the Raiders are "going to be a really good team" following the Adams acquisition -- and then told fans to expect something "special."

"It feels like it has the makings of a special year," Waller said. "For sure."

We also asked Waller about his quarterback and the criticism that he faces ... and Darren says he's paying no attention to the Derek Carr haters.

In fact, Darren told us he loves playing with the veteran signal-caller -- adding, "He's a great player."

UFC star Marlon "Chito" Vera guarantees he's going to knockout Rob Font in their main event match on April 30 ... and then, after that, the brash fighter says he has his sights set on a title shot -- something he feels he would have earned by then.

TMZ Sports spoke to the 29-year-old at Churchill Boxing Club in Santa Monica as he was preparing for his upcoming fight against 34-year-old Font ... and he said he's excited for the opportunity to prove himself.

"I'm happy for the opportunity, and feel that my time is coming," Vera said. "Everything is getting together, and it's about time before I get a title shot."

We asked Chito if he thinks the winner of his match -- which pits two of the best fighters in UFC's Bantamweight division against each other -- will receive a title shot ... and he told us it's possible, depending on how their fight ends.

"I think if somebody makes something cool," Vera said, "something flashy, and I feel the way I've been coming my last couple of wins, if I finish him the way I expecting to finish him, I'ma get a title shot."

"I'ma finish him 100%!!"

We also asked the Ecuadorian fighter if he'll be paying attention to who wins the fight between Petr Yan and Aljamain Sterling -- and he told us, absolutely, and that he's down to fight the winner -- if the UFC made it happen, of course.

"I would love to," Vera said. "I would say what the UFC say. At the end of the day, it's how things are, how you made it happen and the fans also get involved. I'm a guy who brings it and I'm a guy that has never been in a bad fight so I think my time is coming."

As for Jose Aldo, the man who put Chito down in December of 2020, Vera told us he would fight Jose in a rematch tomorrow, if it meant he could get his hands on him.

"I would f***ing fight Aldo tomorrow," Vera said. "Just because the way the fight went. Just because he declined to fight me five rounds. People don't know that. December 19 we fought. They offered us a spot, December 5, in the beginning of the month, he declined it because he didn't have enough time to cut weight. I guess he's a fat f***, but it is what it is."

Vera tells us he learned a lot from his loss against Aldo, but he wants a 5-rounder with Jose tomorrow, but this time around he promises "to put him down."

"I learned a lot from it, I took experience from it, but I just ran out of time. But, props on him. He was able to hold me down in that position. It is what it is. I don't put excuses, never. So, if we met him again, I'm stopping him."

Finally, Vera tells us he's willing to give Sean O'Malley (who suffered his only loss to Chito) a rematch, but the grudge match between the two never happened 'cause of failed communication.

"The UFC already called me last July, 'Hey, you wanna fight O'Malley in the McGregor card?'" "I said 'cool,' but I say, 'my coach actually say this,' 'don't say nothing. Have them call him first and you will see what happen.'" "They never called back so it's not up to me."

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins tragically passed away early Saturday morning ... after being hit by a car. He was just 24 years old.

Law enforcement in Florida released a statement this morning announcing they were investigating a deadly crash in the area where Haskins was tragically hit and killed.

"Florida Highway Patrol is working a fatal vehicle vs pedestrian crash on westbound I-595 at I-95. Westbound lanes of I-595 will remain closed during this investigation."

Haskins was a star at Ohio State ... leading the Buckeyes to a Big Ten championship and Rose Bowl victory in the 2018 season.

Dwayne went on to be the 15th overall pick in the 2019 draft to Washington, where he spent two seasons. He joined the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021.

Haskins was in Boca Raton, Florida training with his Pittsburgh teammates -- including Najee Harris, Chase Claypool and Mitchell Trubisky -- this week ... and several players posted video of the workout session.

Haskins proposed to Kalabrya Gondrezick, a former Michigan State basketball player, in 2021 ... and the couple got married several months later.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin released a statement ... saying, "I am devastated and at a loss for words with the unfortunate passing of Dwayne Haskins. He quickly became part of our Steelers family upon his arrival in Pittsburgh and was one of our hardest workers, both on the field and in our community."

"Dwayne was a great teammate, but even more so a tremendous friend to so many. I am truly heartbroken."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Kalabrya, and his entire family during this difficult time."

The NFL also released a statement ... saying, "The NFL family mourns the tragic loss of Dwayne Haskins and we extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones."

Haskins' Buckeye teammate, Joe Burrow, shared his condolences on Twitter ... saying, "Tough to find the words ... you will be missed."

Steelers star pass rusher T.J. Watt also shared memories of his former teammate ... saying, "The world lost a great person today. When Dwayne first walked into the locker room I could tell he was an upbeat guy. He was always making people smile, never taking life for granted. His impact on me will last a forever."

Ron Rivera, who coached Haskins in Washington, added ... "I am absolutely heartbroken to hear the news of the passing of Dwayne Haskins Jr. Dwayne was a talented young man who had a long life ahead of him."

"This is a very sad time and I am honestly at a loss for words. I know I speak for the rest of our team in saying he will be sorely missed. Our entire team is sending our heartfelt condolences and thoughts and prayers to the Haskins family at this time."

Boris Becker has been convicted by a jury of his peers who believed he committed bankruptcy fraud, and he could spend years behind bars as a result.

The 54-year-old tennis great was convicted on multiple charges, including concealing assets and debts, and we're talking about more than a million bucks in debt.

It wasn't a total loss ... Becker was acquitted on 20 additional charges, including allegations he failed to turn over his Olympic gold medal and Wimbledon awards to the bankruptcy trustee.

Boris now faces 7 years in prison. He's free on bail pending sentencing, which is scheduled for later this month.

Becker was mum on the verdict. As you probably know ... he was an unstoppable force in tennis, winning 6 Grand Slams.

During the trial, Becker admitted he squandered his fortune -- $50 mil -- on his first divorce, child support and an extravagant lifestyle.