TMZ Sports - Page 9

Phoenix Mercury star Skylar Diggins-Smith just took a dig at her own head coach -- calling the woman a clown following comments she made on the WNBA's newly-announced All-Star rosters.

Vanessa Nygaard made the remarks on Wednesday -- the day after the WNBA All-Star starters and reserves were announced -- slamming the game's voters for not putting Diggs' teammate, Diana Taurasi, on a roster.

"I reiterate that she [Diana Taurasi] should be an All-Star," Nygaard said. "There will be a game in Chicago, but it will not be an All-Star game because Diana Taurasi's not playing."

Diggins-Smith -- who signed with the Mercury in 2020 -- caught the clip and was clearly furious over it ... considering she actually had made the roster and is slated to go to the big game.

Diggins-Smith retweeted the video with a 🤡 emoji ... definitely taking the remarks as shade.

Of course, Diggins-Smith and Taurasi have had an icy relationship recently ... just last month, the two got into a heated exchange right on the bench and had to be separated by teammates.

The mother of Miles Bridges' two children just shared several disturbing images of the injuries she claims to have suffered at the hands of the NBA forward ... saying she sustained a fractured nose and wrist, a severe concussion and more.

"I hate that it has come to this but I can't be silent anymore," Mychelle Johnson said in an Instagram post on Thursday. "I've allowed someone to destroy my home, abuse me in every way possible and traumatize our kids for life."

TMZ Sports broke the story -- Bridges was arrested for felony domestic violence on Wednesday ... after Johnson claims they got in an argument that turned physical.

The woman's identity was not revealed at the time, but Johnson is now breaking her silence on the alleged incident ... and her version of the story is troubling.

Mychelle says Miles choked her until she went to sleep ... tearing muscles in her neck in the process.

The photos appear to show various marks and bruises on different parts of Johnson's body -- including her face, arms, legs, neck, hands, wrists and back.

Johnson also appeared to share her medical forms from the emergency room ... where the diagnosis is listed as "Adult victim of physical abuse by male partner."

The form states Johnson suffered "Assault by strangulation, brain concussion, closed fracture of nasal bone, contusion of rib, multiple bruises, strain of neck muscle."

"I don't need sympathy," Johnson added. "I just don't want this happening to anyone else, I just want this person to get help, my kids deserve better."

"That's all I want. It hurts, everything hurts, this situation hurts, most importantly I'm scared and hurting for my kids who were witness to everything."

Along with the alleged injury photos, Johnson also posted a video where their son recounts the alleged attack on his mom.

Johnson and Bridges first started dating around 2016 ... and have two young children together. There are reports the couple is married.

Bridges -- who has not addressed the allegations -- was booked and released Wednesday afternoon ... and resurfaced on Thursday at a basketball workout.

Bridges is coming off the best season of his career ... and was expected to be a top target in free agency.

Arguably the biggest days in Brittney Griner's life have finally arrived -- her drug case trial in Russia has begun ... and it appears she chose to send a loud and clear message with her fashion for the monumental moment.

Cameras at a courthouse in Moscow captured Griner in the minutes before the trial officially began Friday morning ... and they showed the WNBA superstar rockin' a Jimi Hendrix T-shirt for the occasion.

While we're sure Griner is a big fan of the musician's work ... it seems the 31-year-old -- who's been detained in Russia since mid-February after authorities claimed she had hash oil in her luggage at an airport -- was attempting to send an "I'm innocent" note to the world.

You'll recall, Hendrix was arrested in Toronto back in 1969 after he, too, allegedly had drugs in his bags at an airport. Hendrix eventually stood trial in the case, but was found not guilty.

Griner -- who's facing up to 10 years behind bars if convicted on the charges -- is clearly hoping for a similar result in her drug case.

Friday's hearing reportedly lasted around two and a half hours, and is scheduled to continue next week. U.S. officials said at the courthouse following the proceedings that Griner told them she is in good spirits and "is keeping up the faith."

Griner's wife, meanwhile, spoke with CNN on Thursday night ahead of the important hearing ... and stressed she still wants to get in front of Joe Biden to make sure he knows just how important Griner is to her, her fans and America.

"He has that power -- he is the person that ultimately will make that decision for BG to come home," Cherelle Griner said. "And, so while everyone else wants to tell me they care, I would love for him to tell me he cares."

Dave Bautista is so furious over Roe V. Wade being overturned ... he's now begging men to get off their asses and speak up about women's rights, clearly believing it'll help avoid similar situations in the future.

"Every f**ing man needs to be louder about the rights of women," the former WWE champion said.

The "Guardians of the Galaxy" star made the urging at The Henry out in L.A. earlier this week ... just days after the U.S. Supreme Court reversed Roe V. Wade, the 50-year-old precedent that legalized abortion nationwide.

Bautista was very obviously still PO'ed over the decision ... and said flat-out that men should be doing and saying more to make sure women are not marginalized.

"[They should be] speaking out," he said. "Be f***ing loud."

This is not the first time the 53-year-old has taken a strong pro-abortion rights stance ... back in 2021, he said in a tweet if you disagree with him, he's "not open to discussion about" it.

Wrestling star Jeff Hardy is fighting back in his DUI case -- pleading not guilty to all charges this week, court documents show.

Hardy, according to the docs, pled not guilty on Tuesday to the three charges related to his arrest earlier this month.

During the June 13 incident, cops accused Hardy of driving while absolutely wasted in Volusia County, Fla. Officers said in police documents, breathalyzer tests following the arrest showed the AEW star had a BAC of .294 and .291.

Police footage from the stop shows Hardy slurred his words, stumbled on his feet, and admitted to cops he had drank shots of Fireball before getting behind the wheel.

NBA star Miles Bridges was arrested for felony domestic violence in Los Angeles on Wednesday, TMZ Sports has learned.

The 24-year-old forward -- who most recently played for the Charlotte Hornets -- turned himself into a local jail regarding an alleged physical altercation that happened on Tuesday.

Law enforcement sources tell us a woman claims she was in an argument with Bridges that turned physical. We're told police were called to the scene, but Bridges was gone by the time cops arrived. We're told the woman required medical attention.

The 6'7", 225-pounder was arrested by LAPD after turning himself in Wednesday afternoon. His bail was set at $130k ... and he's since been released.

Bridges -- who's also a rapper under the name RTB MB -- spent his first four seasons with the Hornets ... but is expected to be a top free agency target this off-season.

Bridges was the 12th overall pick out of Michigan State in 2018 ... averaging 13.4 points and 5.6 rebounds a game over 4 seasons. He had the best season of his career in 2021-22 ... averaging 20.2 points, 7 rebounds and 3.8 assists.

We've reached out to Bridges' people for comment ... so far, no word back.

The marriage between Kevin Durant and Brooklyn didn't last long ... the superstar wing reportedly now wants off the team.

NBA insider Shams Charania just broke the news ... reporting Thursday afternoon that K.D. has requested a trade from the Nets.

The move is shocking for a myriad of reasons ... No. 1 being Durant just signed a 4-year, $198 MILLION contract extension to stay with the team back in 2021.

But No. 2, Kyrie Irving -- Durant's good friend and teammate -- had just agreed to stay on with the Nets.

Durant got to Brooklyn via free agency in 2019, but sat out his first year while recovering from an Achilles injury. In the ensuing two seasons, he's averaged nearly 30 points per game.

No word yet on where Durant wants to be traded to ... but we're betting there's no shortage of suitors.

Avalanche stars Cale Makar and Devon Toews weren't only losing their minds at the Stanley Cup title parade on Thursday ... they also lost their shirts -- after they stripped during the ceremony!

The hilarious moment was captured on live TV ... when Makar and Toews were celebrating Colorado's huge win on the upper deck of one of the fire trucks in the parade, which was held in downtown Denver.

You can see Toews and Makar were lit (and hot since it's 80 degrees there Thursday) -- and they both took off their championship T-shirts right near Makar's MVP trophy.

The broadcasters thought it was hilarious ... with one saying, "Probably fueled by liquid courage this morning."

They weren't the only ones takin' it off ... winger Mikko Rantanen pulled his shirt over his head so he could chug a can of beer in style.

Meanwhile, Avs center J.T. Compher made his way to the streets, meeting with fans and even taking a ride on a cop's bicycle.

Max Verstappen is breaking his silence on Nelson Piquet's controversial comments about Lewis Hamilton ... saying the 3-time champion was wrong to use the language he did, but insisting his girlfriend's father is not a racist.

"Everyone is against racism, I think it's very straight," Max told reporters ahead of this weekend's British Grand Prix.

"I think the wording that was used, even though, of course, we have different kind of cultures and things that were said when they were younger, is not correct."

As we previously reported, Piquet was discussing an accident between Hamilton and Verstappen at the 2021 British Grand Prix in an interview with Motorsports Talk ... when, according to a translation by CNN Brazil, he referred to Hamilton as a "little n*****."

Piquet has since apologized ... but adamantly denied any racial intent behind his comment, saying it was a term used in Brazilian Portuguese to mean "guy" or "person."

Max backs the man up ... saying he's known Nelson to be a good man.

"I've spent a bit of time with Nelson," said Max -- who's dating Piquet's daughter, Kelly. "And, he's definitely not a racist and he's actually a really nice and relaxed guy."

Verstappen says the backlash can be a lesson for all people to keep from using the word in question ... calling it "very offensive."

As for Nelson's ban from the F1 paddock ... Max is against the punishment.

"When you ban people, you are actually not helping the situation," Verstappen said.

A serious head injury caused by a freak baseball accident changed Jeremy Giambi's demeanor in the six months leading up to his death, a new medical examiner's report reveals.

According to the documents, obtained by TMZ Sports on Thursday, the ex-MLB player was struck in the head by a baseball while working as a pitching coach in August 2021.

The accident caused a serious injury -- investigators say he suffered a fractured zygomatic bone, and required surgery to fix the issue.

But, according to the report, witnesses told them that in his recovery from the injury, Giambi became "very emotional, very negative and would let the smallest things ruin his day."

Another witness, according to the docs, had described Giambi as "very emotional, depressed, and paranoid" in the months following the surgery. It was noted Giambi "had scans done and saw a neurologist but was not diagnosed with anything."

Giambi -- the brother of ex-MLB star Jason Giambi -- killed himself roughly six months after the injury on Feb. 9 at his parents' home in Claremont, Calif. Officials said he left a suicide note at the scene.

Investigators wrote in the docs that Jeremy had a past history of drug use, but he was not believed to be abusing any drugs in the months prior to his death. Lab results show he had no alcohol or drugs in his system at the time of his passing.

Jeremy -- who played six years in the MLB and gained national fame for his time as an Oakland A -- was just 47 years old.

Anthony Edwards might have a future in the NFL -- the Minnesota Timberwolves star showed off his rocket arm in a highlight video ... and it was so impressive, even the G.O.A.T. himself, Tom Brady, had to show respect.

The 20-year-old hooper posted a clip of his football workout with some of his friends recently ... with the guys engaging in 1-on-1 battles.

In the video, Ant -- who was playing QB -- airs it out with a beauty of a throw ... putting the football where only the receiver could catch it.

But, Edwards didn't stop there ... he successfully completed a back-shoulder pass as well, easily one of the toughest throws for any QB in the NFL to make.

"Don't I look like something?" Edwards asked after delivering back-to-back bombs. "What y'all think? I got a profession in this s*** or what? Pay me!"

Ant's incredible display of marksmanship was so good that it caught the eye of TB12, who tried to convince the NBA baller to suit up in the NFL.

"Ant, I know the money is good but you're playing the wrong sport bro @NFL," Brady tweeted ... with Edwards replying, "Gronk gone, so what's up?"

Of course, replacing Rob Gronkowski won't be easy for Brady and the Tampa Bay Bucs, but at 6'4", and with the ability to spell for the 44-year-old Brady at QB, Edwards may not be a bad idea.

If the Timberwolves aren't worried about losing their superstar to the NFL, they should definitely be concerned about him bolting for Hollywood ... 'cause the guy is a hell of an actor as well.

Logan Paul is officially becoming a WWE Superstar -- the Maverick just signed a contract with the wrestling giant.

The 27-year-old shared the news on Thursday ... posting pics of his contract signing alongside Triple H and Stephanie McMahon at WWE headquarters.

Of course, Paul wowed the wrestling world with his tag team performance with The Miz at WrestleMania 38 in Dallas in April ... so it was certainly a natural move for the promotion.

As we previously reported, Miz was blown away with Logan's athletic ability and hard work leading up to the match ... and now that he's signed on the dotted line, the Maverick will be showing off his skills in the squared circle a bit longer.

Sources tell us the contract will keep Logan involved in multiple events through next year ... and it's not just for show -- he will be a Superstar.

An impressive wrestler in high school, Logan has made a name for himself in fighting -- he has fought YouTuber KSI twice ... and most recently, went up against Floyd Mayweather in an exhibition.

Logan wasted no time getting into his new role -- saying he's already focused on getting revenge on Miz for crossing him after their WrestleMania victory.

When it comes to celebrations, Josh Naylor is unmatched ... 'cause for the second time this season, he lost his mind after a walk-off HR -- this time headbutting his own manager!!!

Naylor -- who previously went bananas after hitting a game-winning dinger back in May -- stepped to the plate in the bottom of the 10th inning with the Guardians trailing 6-5 on Wednesday night ... and then went oppo off Twins pitcher Jharel Cotton to win the game for Cleveland.

As he was rounding the bases, he got rid of his helmet -- which his manager, Terry Francona, appeared to pick up and put on -- and then he went crazy with his teammates.

But after Josh was mobbed by his team at home plate, he found the helmeted Francona -- and then slammed his forehead right into Tito's!

The clip is hilarious ... at one point following the blow, Naylor can be heard shouting, "Give me that sh*t."

Of course, back in May against the White Sox, the 25-year-old slugger made history when he drove in 8 runs in his final 3 at-bats -- and then became unhinged.

Josh proclaimed he wanted "all the smoke" repeatedly, and went insane in the dugout.

Former Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone just gave an eyebrow-raising endorsement of Vladimir Putin ... calling the Russian president a "first-class person" and claiming he'd "take a bullet" for him.

The controversial comments came during Ecclestone's appearance on Good Morning Britain ... when the billionaire was asked if he still supports his friend amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"I'd still take a bullet for him," 91-year-old Ecclestone said Thursday. "I'd rather it didn’t hurt, but if it does I'd still take a bullet, because he’s a first-class person. What he’s doing is something that he believed was the right thing he was doing for Russia."

Pretty interesting take, considering many want to see Putin dead.

Ecclestone also went after Volodymyr Zelensky ... claiming the Ukrainian president should have done more on his end to prevent the war.

"The other person in Ukraine," Ecclestone added. "His profession, I understand, he used to be a comedian. And I think he seems as if he wants to continue that profession."

"I think if he'd have thought about things, he would have definitely made the big enough effort to speak to Mr. Putin, who is a sensible person and would have listened to him and could have probably done something about it."

F1 distanced itself from his comments shortly after the interview ... saying, "The comments made by Bernie Ecclestone are his personal views and are in very stark contrast to the position of the modern values of our sport."

It ain't all just ice cream and lovey-dovey dates with Gisele for Tom Brady while on vacation in Italy ... he's clearly prepping for his NFL season as well -- hitting workouts on a yacht with no shirt on!

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers star was seen this week on a boat in Portofino getting in a serious sweat sesh ... sparring topless and also riding a stationary bike.

Tom threw the gloves on for several minutes -- working up a lather in the 85-degree Italian sun -- before finishing it all off with a ride.

TB12 was later spotted swimming in the ocean water ... nailing some sweet pencil dives off the ship to get his 44-year-old body some more movement.

Of course, we know Brady's mixed in at least a little pleasure on the trip ... cameras caught him sharing a sweet treat with Gisele while in town off the boat earlier this week.

Draymond Green is sharing his regret over calling Kendrick Perkins a "c**n" ... admitting he should have used a different word to get his point across while beefing with the ex-NBA player/current analyst.

The 4-time champ and Perk had been chirping at each other for a while, but things took a serious turn earlier this week when Green referred to the ESPN talent as the racial term ... which prompted Perk to respond with a fiery video on Instagram that's since been deleted.

The Warriors star says he spoke with NBA commish Adam Silver and lifelong friend/Pistons legend Joe Dumars over his comments ... and he now has a better understanding of why he was in the wrong, even though he didn't have any racial intent behind it.

"I'm no idiot, I do understand the word c**n is used in a racial way," Green said on his podcast. "However, I also think growing up, culturally, things are different. We all grow up in different places, we all use words different, and so for me, when I use the word – like I said, I could have very well replaced it with clown – growing up where I grew up, you may say to one of your boys 'Yo, stop acting like a c**n.'"

"And for me, it's like, 'stop acting corny, you're on some weird-type stuff," he added. "'That's wack, you don't have to do that, that's wack.' So for me, in using the word, that's what I was implying."

Green says using the word is "a huge moment for growth and learning for me" as a member of the "new" media ... and understands he represents the league as a whole when he takes the mic.

"And, as someone who stands against racism, who you know has stood against it for years and is not afraid to get out in front of it, I can admit right here that I was wrong. And, regardless of how I may use the word with my friends or how that word may be perceived anywhere else in the world, it was wrong here."