TMZ Sports - Page 16

New York Jets star rookie Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner is checkin' off items on his bucket list in a hurry -- 'cause just two months after he landed his dream gig in the NFL, he got his mom a sweet, new ride!

Gardner -- the fourth overall pick in April's NFL draft -- shared the awesome moment on his Instagram page Tuesday ... showing him, his mom and a brand new Mercedes-Benz.

"Another one off the checklist!!!" Gardner said of the present to Mom. "Ma, I appreciate you for raising a great man❕ And thank you God for allowing me to make this happen. Love you both💙."

Before the former Univ. of Cincinnati cornerback was drafted by the Jets, he praised his mom as a "hero" for keeping him on the right track ... which he says ultimately led him to the NFL.

And, in return, he told her to retire from work.

"It felt great," Gardner said to the NFL.com in March. "That was just a blessing, because I always told her growing up, 'You ain't gonna have to work anymore.'"

"When I wanted her to pay for camps, she'd be like, 'Do you have to go to this camp?' She'd always end up paying for it so I could showcase my talent. It got me here."

The 21-year-old -- who was considered the top CB in the 2022 class -- signed a 4-year rookie deal in May for a fully guaranteed $37.5 million.

Delonte West says there's nothing to worry about after video of him panhandling in the streets went viral last week ... insisting he's doing okay, and is actively looking for a job.

Remember, we broke the news in February that the former NBA guard -- who's publicly battled mental health and addiction issues -- was back on the right track, training to make the Big 3.

But, last week, a fan shared video on social media showing West, looking disheveled, panhandling in the streets of Virginia ... and it caught many off guard.

So, when Image Direct caught up with the 38-year-old this week, they asked Delonte if he was doing okay, and why he was on the streets asking for money.

"It is what it is," West said.

"I got children. I'm in between jobs. People can help me as much as they can, but you know, as a man I gotta do what I gotta do for my babies."

As for the Big 3, West says there were so many talented players there he understands why he didn't make the cut ... but he's thankful for the chance.

"I was excited to have the opportunity," West said, "I'll be there next season. I'll be there rooting guys on."

Despite a bunch of tough breaks, the 8-year NBA vet seemingly isn't letting some difficult times discourage him ... saying he'll keep working hard and hopes to be a part of an NBA coaching staff soon.

"I'm always involved in the game I love. Last year, I was scouting for the Dallas Mavericks and the previous three years, I was an NBA scout for the Boston Celtics."

West added, "I was actually looking forward to being a head coach or assistant coach in the NBA this season but like I said, it's a business that have a lot of people involved and wanna stay involved."

"Prayerfully, luckily I'll be up for discussion this upcoming season."

Rob Gronkowski is once again hanging up his cleats ... the legendary tight end has just retired from football for the second time in his career.

The Tampa Bay star announced the news Tuesday ... this after he initially came out of retirement to play with Tom Brady and the Bucs in 2020.

In his two seasons with TB12 in Florida since, he won another Super Bowl ring ... and caught 100 more passes for 1,425 yards and 13 TDs.

"I want to thank the whole entire first class Buccaneers organization for an amazing ride, trusting me to come back to play and help build a championship team," Gronk said in a lengthy retirement post on his Instagram page.

"I will now be going back into my retirement home, walking away from football again with my head held high knowing I gave it everything I had, good or bad, every time I stepped out on the field."

Gronk first called it quits following the 2018 season ... saying after a 9-year stint with Brady and the New England Patriots, his body didn't feel well enough to keep going.

Gronk had toyed with the idea of coming back for a third season in Tampa Bay this offseason, telling TMZ Sports he was staying "in shape" just in case he got the itch to play again. But, apparently, that itch never came ... and he seemed sure of his decision in his announcement Tuesday.

"From retirement, back to football and winning another championship and now back to chilling out," Gronk said, "thank you to all."

What's interesting ... Gronk's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said there is at least a small chance this isn't the end of Rob's historic career ... telling ESPN's Adam Schefter, "It would not surprise me if Tom Brady calls him during the season to come back and Rob answers the call. This is just my opinion but I wouldn't be surprised if Rob comes back during the season or next season."

But, for now, it seems the 33-year-old is really done.

See ya in five years in Canton!

The party in the Bay Area clearly didn't stop when the Warriors' parade ended Monday afternoon ... cause Steph Curry hit up a club afterward -- and SLUGGED tequila straight from the bottle!!

The NBA Finals MVP was caught on video downing Clase Azul -- some very pricey booze -- in the hours after Golden State's championship celebration ... and he looked like he was having the time of his life.

Curry chugged for roughly 10 seconds ... and like a true champ, he barely made a face afterward.

The moment was just one of many memorable ones for Curry on Monday -- who, while celebrating his fourth title since 2015, even got a sexy dance sesh in with his wife, Ayesha.

Curry was also spotted holding a bottle of Don Julio 1942 at the after-party -- and check out that footage ... it's clear dude had quite a day!

Vladimir Putin, through his spokesperson, is talking about Brittney Griner's imprisonment for the first time ... refuting the charge the WNBA star is a political prisoner, saying she's locked up because she violated Russian law.

31-year-old Griner has been behind bars since February after Russian officials say she attempted to bring hashish oil into the country. The U.S., however, characterized her detainment as being politically motivated.

In other words, America believes Griner's being used as a bargaining chip ... as relations between Russia and America (and the West in general) are incredibly strained with war raging in Ukraine.

But, Dmitry Peskov, Putin's mouthpiece, told NBC News Brittney's detainment is simple -- she broke the law, and is being held accountable just like "hundreds and hundreds of Russian citizens that were sentenced for carrying hashish."

Peskov then asked ... "Why should we make an exemption for a foreign citizen?"

Putin's spokesperson also said there are many Americans living legally in Russia.

"[Griner] violated Russian law, and now she’s being prosecuted," Peskov said.

"It’s not about being a hostage. There are lots of American citizens here. They’re enjoying their freedoms … but you have to obey the laws."

Noted hip hop historian Tom Brady is naming his champion in a crowded sea of 2022 album releases, and for him it's ... Pusha T’s 'It’s Almost Dry!'

During a literal promo run for his Brady Brand “Run” apparel line, TB12 used Pusha and Kanye’s 'IAD' collaboration “Dreaming of the Past” as he jokingly bragged about being the fastest QB in the NFL.

Pusha got wind of the drop ... retweeted and got TB12 to cosign that ‘IAD’ was indeed Album Of The Year. In their book at least, anyway.

Released in April on Good Music and Def Jam, the album split production duties between Ye and Pharrell and features from JAY-Z, Lil Uzi Vert and Kid Cudi … who said it was his last time pairing with Ye … but that’s another story.

Push recently performed cuts at Pharrell’s Something In The Water Festival and reunited with brother Malice of the Clipse and Justin Timberlake.

TB12’s the football GOAT and if his music tastes are influencing his playing … then it’s probably safe to trust his ears. Unless you're lining up against him on Sundays.

The attorney representing the two dozen women accusing Deshaun Watson of sexual misconduct says all but four of the lawsuits against the NFL star have now been settled.

The accusers' lawyer, Tony Buzbee, just made the announcement ... saying in a statement, "Today I announce that all cases against Deshaun Watson, with the exception of four, have settled."

"We are working through the paperwork related to those settlements. Once we have done so, those particular cases will be dismissed."

Buzbee added, "The terms and amounts of the settlements are confidential. We won’t comment further on the settlements or those cases."

As we previously reported, 24 different female massage therapists -- all represented by Buzbee -- had accused Watson of wrongdoing in 24 separate lawsuits filed over the past 15 months in Harris County, Texas.

The women, according to the suits, alleged Watson was inappropriate with them during what was supposed to be professional massage sessions.

Watson -- who was not arrested and not criminally charged over the allegations -- had denied all wrongdoing repeatedly ... reiterating just last week he "never assaulted any woman."

Watson has yet to comment on Buzbee's announcement.

Buzbee said Ashley Solis' lawsuit is one of the four against Watson that still remains unsettled. Solis was the first massage therapist to step forward in 2021 and accuse Watson of misconduct.

Kevin Durant's fed up with Charles Barkley's criticism ... calling the NBA legend "a hatin' old head" after Chuck questioned KD's legacy, comments the NBA superstar believed were "nasty."

The latest iteration of their beef started when KD and the Brooklyn Nets were swept by the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs back in April.

Chuck ripped Durant for failing to lead the Nets to playoff success ... and said despite KD winning 2 NBA titles with Steph Curry and the Warriors, he questioned whether KD was truly a champ because he wasn't the leader in Golden State (according to Barkley).

"If you ain't driving the bus, don't walk around talking about you a champion," Charles said.

To add more fuel to the fire, the Celtics -- the same team that swept the Nets -- lost to the Golden State Warriors ... Durant's former squad.

Of course, Barkley took more shots at KD 'cause of that, saying on ESPN ... "Before KD gets that great respect from all the old heads, he's going to have to win a championship as the guy, as the bus driver."

"Listen, he joined that team that had already won a championship so no disrespect, that's just a fact."

Durant responded on Monday via Twitter ... "All this s*** is nasty."

"Another terrible analogy from a hatin' old head that can't accept that we making more bread than them. It's just timing Chucky, don't hate the playa."

Tragic news ... Caleb Swanigan -- the former Purdue star who was later picked in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft -- has died at 25 years old.

A spokesperson for the Allen County Coroner’s Office in Indiana tells TMZ Sports ... the ex-Boilermaker center died of natural causes.

In a statement released Tuesday morning, the Purdue men's basketball team said Swanigan passed on Monday night.

"Devastated," the school's team's account wrote in a tweet. "Our thoughts and prayers to Caleb Swanigan’s family and friends. The world lost a gentle soul last night. Love you Biggie."

Purdue head coach Matt Painter added in a statement, "Biggie had a positive influence in everyone's life. Was such a thoughtful person and gentle soul who had to overcome so much in his life. He will be greatly missed."

Before starring at Purdue, Swanigan compiled one of the greatest high school basketball careers ever in the history of the state of Indiana.

The 6-foot-9, 260-pound hooper was a five-star recruit, who earned McDonald's All-American honors after averaging 22.6 points and 13.7 rebounds per game in his senior season.

During his two years with the Boilermakers, Swanigan averaged 14.4 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. He was eventually taken by the Portland Trailblazers with the 26th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.

Swanigan played in the NBA with the Trailblazers and the Sacramento Kings until 2020.

Damian Lillard, who played with Swanigan in Portland, paid homage to Swanigan in an Instagram post Tuesday ... writing, "Rest In Peace Big."

The Trailblazers added in a statement, "We are heartbroken by the passing of former Trail Blazers player Caleb Swanigan. Our thoughts and prayers are with Caleb’s family, friends and all who loved him. Rest In Peace, Biggie."

Off the court, Swanigan had a music career -- rapping under the name "Slyy5jackk." He released several songs including "Thoughts/THOTS" and "My Life" in 2021.

Swanigan had just put out a music video called "Acquired Taste" in April ... and according to the rapper's IG, a new project was coming soon.

Three Pittsburgh Pirates staffers looked more like "The Three Stooges" on Monday night ... because they failed to corral a squirrel that had gotten loose in the outfield during a game -- and it was comical.

The little critter jetted out into left field during the second inning of the Buccos' game against the Chicago Cubs ... and a short time later, Pirates officials apparently thought it'd be good to send three guys out with a bucket, a towel and a net to get it away from players.

Turns out ... that was not a great idea.

Check out video from the game's broadcast, the trio hilariously tried everything they could to capture the squirrel -- but the animal juked them at every turn.

Eventually, the squirrel grew tired of making the guys look silly -- and bolted through a fence.

The scene was so hysterical, the MLB even had some fun with it ... tweeting out, "sandy cheeks wildin."

Vince McMahon made another unexpected appearance on TV -- this time he surprised the 'Raw' crowd in Nebraska -- just days after WWE announced the boss would be temporarily stepping aside as CEO and chairman of the company.

McMahon, who's being investigated for allegedly paying an ex-employee "hush money" after the two had an affair, started off his segment by thanking the fans for making 'Raw' the longest episodic running program in TV history.

Vince, 76, was also there to announce to the capacity crowd that John Cena, a future WWE Hall of Famer, would be at next week's episode of 'Raw.'

McMahon, however, did not address the scandal.

Monday's appearance marks the second time Vince has been seen on WWE programming since The Wall Street Journal report. He also kicked off Friday Night's 'Smackdown' show ... where many thought he'd address the decision to voluntarily relinquish his duties as the org.'s top boss.

In a recent press release, WWE and its Board of Directors said McMahon "will retain his role and responsibilities related to WWE's creative content during this period" -- adding Vince is committed to cooperating with the review.

McMahon, largely credited for building WWE into the global powerhouse it is today, has been a staple on the company's TV shows over the decades ... but he's seemingly appearing more since the allegations against him came to light.

Montrezl Harrell's attorneys tell TMZ Sports the NBA player has "never" trafficked marijuana or been a part of "any other illegal activity" ... this despite prosecutors hitting the Charlotte Hornets center with a felony drug charge last month.

As we previously reported, Harrell was charged with trafficking less than five pounds of weed after a car he was riding in was pulled over by Kentucky State Police back on May 12.

In police documents, officers say the car that Harrell was in had three pounds of marijuana in vacuum-sealed bags inside of a backpack on the back seat.

Harrell -- who was not arrested at the scene -- was given a citation ... and then formally charged. If convicted on the count, the 28-year-old could face up to five years behind bars.

But, Harrell's attorneys, Drew Findling and Marissa Goldberg, tell us they believe Harrell did nothing wrong ... and are confident that will get proven through the legal system.

"We want to be clear that Mr. Harrell was not driving the vehicle and following the stop he was only given a ticket to appear in court at a later date for a marijuana-related charge as were all occupants of the vehicle," Harrell's attorneys said.

"Mr. Harrell was never placed under arrest. We believe that there are legal and factual issues with this case that will be addressed in court, if that becomes necessary."

They continued, "Mr. Harrell, is a devoted family man and a committed professional basketball player and has never been a part of any form of marijuana trafficking or any other illegal activity."

It didn't seem possible ... but NFL defensive lineman Adam Gotsis has found a way to be even more of a badass -- by getting a sick, 3-foot tattoo all over his back and butt!

TMZ Sports has learned the 6-foot-4, Jacksonville Jaguars pass rusher hit up artist JB Tattoos to get an extra-large tat done of a Japanese Hannya mask -- which symbolizes wisdom and good luck.

JB -- who's located in Denver -- tells us Gotsis flew him out to Florida to get the ink done ... and after sketching out the artwork on 9 sheets of paper, the two went to work.

JB says he tatted Gotsis from his neck to his glutes for two, 12-hour sessions within two days ... and tells us the 29-year-old sat like a champ for a tat that ended up covering around 3 feet of his huge frame.

"He was a savage," JB says. "Only minor twitches here and there!"

Brittney Griner's wife, Cherelle, is absolutely livid she didn't get to talk to the WNBA superstar on their 4-year anniversary this past weekend ... claiming the U.S. government botched a long-awaited, scheduled call between the two.

Cherelle says Griner -- who recently had her detention in Russia extended yet again by a court in the foreign country -- tried calling nearly 12 times on Saturday, but did not get through to her, according to the Associated Press.

Cherelle says she's "very pissed" over it ... because the call had been scheduled for close to two weeks, and she had been told it would go through. And, it obviously meant the world to her -- as she's still yet to hear Griner's voice since the basketball player was taken into custody back in February.

But Cherelle says the U.S. government dropped the ball ... and didn't staff someone to work the phone on Saturday -- leaving all 11 of Griner's calls to go unanswered.

"I was distraught. I was hurt. I was done, fed up," said Cherelle, who told the AP that she later learned that the phone line is generally only staffed on weekdays, not weekends.

Cherelle said a contact from the State Department apologized to her for the mishap. The AP, meanwhile, reported the State Dept. said in a statement it's "aware of the issue and was looking into it."

However, despite the apology, Griner's wife said she's now very skeptical of the government moving forward ... saying she has "zero trust" in U.S. officials at this moment.

"If I can’t trust you to catch a Saturday call outside of business hours, how can I trust you to actually be negotiating on my wife’s behalf to come home?" Cherelle asked. "Because that’s a much bigger ask than to catch a Saturday call."

Cherelle -- who previously said she was hoping to personally meet with Joe Biden over Griner's status -- said she's losing faith that that meeting will actually go down now.

"At this point," she said, "it's starting to feel like a no."

Draymond Green had a secret weapon up his sleeve this championship season ... spiritual guidance from none other than the iconic Deepak Chopra!

And now their journey together -- which was filmed over the course of a few months -- has been turned into a new TV show on Prime Video called The Sessions: Draymond Green.

TMZ Sports talked to Gotham Chopra, one of the 4x NBA champ's other spiritual advisors, and Deepak's son, about 32-year-old Green's journey.

"When athletes physically hurt themselves, you tear an ACL or your rotator cuff or whatever, there's a very clear, you see the doctor, you get the scans, okay got it, you have the surgery. There's a roadmap," Gotham says.

But, what's the course of action when you're dealing with mental or emotional issues? Unfortunately, there really isn't a well-known plan in that circumstance.

"Fortunately, it's become destigmatized -- athletes have mental or emotional breakdowns and they're dealing with the pressure or the media or losing, etc. and they just need help. Where do they go? Historically, you don't talk about it, let alone treat it."

Gotham says Draymond -- who was going through some stuff on and off the floor -- realized he could better harness his emotions (a difficult line to toe because that's partially what makes DG special on the court) ... and thankfully Green had the courage to seek guidance.

The episodes will show Green as he learns to meditate ... and goes through a bunch of other treatments.

Ultimately, the hope is other people, not just athletes, open up to the possibility of working on mental health and spirituality.

"It's not just athletes. We all lived through 2.5 years of a pandemic. We've all lived on Zoom calls. We're all dealing with the same sets of issues. Elite athletes on the biggest stage is great for television, but I think it's actually relatable," Gotham says.

"What happens when your young daughter gets sick? What happens when your career gets derailed by something outside your control? These are actually relatable things, and these tools of going inward and finding some silence, they're helpful to everybody."

FYI, Draymond also worked with spiritual healer Devi Brown ... who works with Deepak.

Green's clearly pumped for the show -- which is out now -- to be seen by his many fans ... and anyone who may be struggling.

Warriors star Draymond Green just dropped 2 f-bombs at the team's championship parade ... and, as expected, the crowd absolutely loved it!!

Green was on stage with his teammates -- who just won the NBA Finals in 6 games over the Boston Celtics -- to celebrate the Warriors' 4th title in 8 years.

And per usual ... Green didn't hold back when he hopped on the mic.

"I don't know what y'all want me to tell you, that we better than everybody," Green said. "This has been an amazing year. I told y'all don't let us win the f***king championship."

"Clearly, nobody could stop it. I warned y'all," Green added.

Dray opened up his speech by admitting he was trying to think of the most controversial thing to say ... and boy did he deliver.

The 4-time NBA champ -- who is quite outspoken on social media -- vowed to "continue to destroy people on Twitter" ... then went on to say how much he loves the guys he plays with.

In vintage Draymond fashion, Green ended his speech to the crowd with an emphatic message to anybody not in Dub Nation.

"I just want to say thank you all," Green said, "and as always f*** everybody else," he added.

But, before the festivities got underway, Green's teammate, Klay Thompson, lost his championship hat while boating on his way to the parade.

"Oh, no," Thompson said. "I lost my hat."

Klay's running mate and fellow Splash Brother, Steph Curry, pulled up to the parade donning some serious bling ... a necklace with the 3 rings he won from 2015, 2017, and 2018 on it.

Oddly enough, that wasn't even the best part of the day so far ... a fan showed up with an actual goat dressed in a Curry jersey.

What's interesting -- Warriors players called out the Boston fanbase for chanting expletives during the heated series ... but it all must be a context thing for them.