TMZ Sports - Page 48

Jim Harbaugh is against abortion ... and the Michigan football coach delivered a passionate message on the controversial topic, saying, "I believe in having the courage to let the unborn be born."

Harbaugh -- who is Catholic -- was tapped to deliver the keynote address Sunday during the Plymouth Right to Life dinner and auction at St. John's in Plymouth, Michigan ... where he passionately spoke about abortion, according to the Detroit Catholic.

"I believe in having the courage to let the unborn be born," Harbaugh said. "I love life. I believe in having a loving care and respect for life and death. My faith and my science are what drive these beliefs in me."

According to the outlet, the theme of the night was "We Were Made to be Courageous," and Harbaugh, along with his wife, Sarah and Father John Riccardo, another keynote speaker, emphasized that in their addresses.

Jim's comments come at a time when the abortion rights debate rages in the country ... especially after the Supreme Court recently ruled citizens don't have the constitutional right to get an abortion.

Throughout the night, Harbaugh acknowledged conversations about abortion can get "passionate" and "messy" ... but maintaining respect and civility when dealing with each other can go a long way.

"I have faith in the American people to ultimately develop the right policies and laws for all lives involved," Harbaugh said. "I recognize one's personal thinking regarding morality of a particular action may differ from their thinking on whether government should make that action illegal."

Harbaugh said he's well aware the government allows things others deem immoral, but out of respect for the "greater good or constitutional right" those actions are allowed ... but in Jim's eyes, abortion doesn't meet that criteria.

"Ultimately, I don't believe that is the case with abortion," Harbaugh said. "Yes, there are conflicts between the legitimate rights of the mother and the rights of the unborn child."

A Houston Texans running back has been charged with burglary with intent to rape just days before the team kicks off its 2022 training camp ... TMZ Sports has confirmed.

Harris County court records show Darius Anderson -- a 24-year-old tailback who's a member of the Texans' practice squad -- was hit with the felony charge on July 15.

Further details surrounding the allegations against Anderson are unclear. We've reached out to law enforcement as well as Anderson's attorney for comment, but so far, no word back yet.

The Texans, meanwhile, released a statement Monday night saying they are aware of the claims against their halfback.

"We are gathering information," the team added, "and have no further comment at this time."

Anderson, who starred at TCU, initially broke into the NFL in 2020 after signing as an undrafted free agent with the Dallas Cowboys. He was waived by the team a few months later, but then signed with the Indianapolis Colts.

Following a short stint in Indy, Anderson signed to the Texans' practice squad in Dec. 2021. He has yet to play in an NFL game.

Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler is literally the biggest fight you could make in all MMA, so says "Iron" Mike, who tells TMZ Sports that's the fight he -- and the people -- want!!

"If Conor's coming back anytime soon, I think me and Conor would make some fireworks and it's a fight that fans want to see. I think it's the biggest fight we can make in mixed martial arts right now and I try to say that as humble as possible but I think it's a huge fight," Chandler told Babcock when he joined the "TMZ Sports" TV show (weeknights on FS1).

Of course, the 36-year-old #5 ranked UFC lightweight is coming off a devastating knockout of Tony Ferguson ... who starched with a front kick at UFC 274 in May.

Conor, for his part, hasn't fought since July 2021 ... when he gruesomely broke his lower leg during the trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier.

McGregor likely won't fight until the first half of 2023 ... but this isn't a situation where Mike is going to try and bait McGregor, who sustained an incredibly serious injury

"The guy snapped his leg. It wasn't a small injury, it required surgery, maybe multiple surgeries, a titanium rod going in, and all that stuff," Michael says.

He later continued ... "I'm not gonna throw stones at the guy. I mean the guy completely shattered his leg and it was literally just a year ago. Have people come back quicker than he's gonna come back? Yes, probably, but also we don't know the extent of Conor's injury."

And, Chandler believes the sport of MMA is better with, not without, Conor.

"The [UFC] and the lightweight division is better when Conor McGregor is a part of it but that being said, he needs to come back at the right time."

We also talked to Chandler about the just announced 155 lb. title fight featuring Charles Oliveira (#1 ranked) and Islam Makhachev (#4 ranked) at UFC 280 in October.

Mike gave us a winner (he says it'll be Charles -- whom he fought in 2021) ... and he explained why during the interview.

FYI, neither man has lost anytime recently. Islam's last L was in 2015 ... and Charles' was in 2017.

And, get this. Mike has another gig outside of the Octagon. He's the Chief Athletic Officer at Speede ... a fitness company crowdfunding (via Indiegogo) a product that's said to be a revolutionary home gym.

With Michael's help, the company has already received over $236K in funding. The original goal was to raise $15K.

Tragic news for the Baylor community -- the university's live bear mascot, Judge Joy Reynolds, has died. She was 21 years old.

Joy -- who has been in the Baylor family since she was 4 months old -- passed away peacefully surrounded by her caregivers, staff and veterinary team, the school announced.

"One of Baylor’s treasured North American Black Bears, Joy will forever be remembered as an enduring symbol of Baylor’s spirit and tradition," the university said Monday ... adding the bear will be honored with a memorial on campus.

Joy -- who was named after wife of former Baylor president, Dr. Herbert H. Reynolds -- is survived by her sister, Lady, and brother, an animal actor in California. She was predeceased by an older brother.

Joy was beloved in Waco -- she was a big supporter of the Bears and participated in many charitable activities. In fact, she is also credited alongside Lady with being the first live mascots to ever post on Twitter, thanks to a "paw-friendly" app mounted inside their habitat.

The school says a memorial will be held for Joy when students return to campus in the fall.

Zach Wilson is gonna love this.

65-year-old fitness legend Denise Austin showed off her incredible physique while strutting the runway alongside her daughter at Miami Swim Week ... throwing on a bikini and absolutely crushing it!!

The workout video icon walked alongside 29-year-old Katie -- a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit rookie -- over the weekend ... making them the first mother and daughter to rock the runway together at the event.

Of course, Austin became a household name after making more than 50 fitness tapes over several decades ... and her daughter has followed in her footsteps with her own health-focused app.

Austin spoke about the experience ... saying it was "A ONCE IN A LIFETIME MOMENT!!"

"With my daughter @katieaustin walking in the @si_swimsuit runway show!! Me at 65 in a bikini ... with my little girl!!!!!! Pure joy!!"

Katie raved about the special opportunity ... adding, "Hugging my mom on the runway was such a cute moment. We passed each other and got to say I love you."

"I really cherished every moment of this past weekend and feel so grateful of the opportunities in my life!!!!"

It's official ... TMZ Sports has learned WWE legend Ric Flair is teaming up with his son-in-law, Andrade, to fight Jeff Jarrett and Jay Lethal in his "last match" ever.

For months, there had been speculation about who'd join Flair inside the ring for arguably the biggest night of his career ... so it's fitting he chose his daughter Charlotte's husband, Andrade.

As for their opponents, Flair and Jarrett have history going back to their WCW, WWE, and eventually the TNA days. Ric and Lethal have a close relationship inside and outside the squared circle, as Jay has been training with the "Nature Boy" ahead of the big match.

Lethal has been one of the men responsible for helping Flair regain his in-ring confidence ... exchanging bumps with the 73-year-old Hall of Famer, who hasn't lost much of the mojo that made him one of the greatest entertainers in wrestling history.

As Flair prepares to take one final strut down the aisle as a performer, he recently told Mojo and Babcock on the "TMZ Sports" TV show he was medically cleared by his doctor, so he isn't all that concerned about his health failing during the match.

Flair -- who has a pacemaker and takes blood thinners after nearly dying several years back -- says he won't take his medication the day of the big match.

As for what to expect in the squared circle, Naitch told us while he'll never be the exact same competitor he was in his heyday, he's still got more than enough to go out there and put on a great performance.

"I'll never run at 100% again. But, I'll be running at 80, 85%," Ric told us in late May.

The spectacle of Flair -- a 16-time World Heavyweight Champion -- wrestling at this stage in his life has garnered the admiration and respect of his contemporaries like Booker T, who lauded the "dirtiest player in the game" for having the desire to perform in his 70s.

"What Ric Flair is doing, he's doing that because he loves this business, man," Booker T recently told us.

"Ric Flair told me a long time ago that he would never retire. That's that guy, man."

It didn't take long for Evander Kane to enjoy his new $20 MILLION contract ... 'cause the Oilers star hit Rodeo Dr. for a shopping spree just days after putting his signature on the paper!

TMZ Sports got the Edmonton forward out on the ultra-famous Beverly Hills road on Friday -- three days after he officially agreed to stay in Edmonton for four more years on a new $5 mil per year deal -- and it wasn't hard to see the dude is clearly happy with his new Oilers pact.

Out on the strip with his girlfriend, Mara Teigen, and their baby -- Kane looked pleased and told us he was enjoying every last bit of his new agreement with the NHL team.

The 30-year-old was tight-lipped about what he bought with some of his new cash -- but he did say he had plans to be with Mara and the baby out in SoCal for most of this offseason.

Sadly for fight fans, the leadup to this year's hockey season won't come with a boxing match against Jake Paul -- Kane, who famously called out the YouTuber back in 2020, said he's officially moved on from that goal.

"I got better things to do," Kane said.

Ronald Acuna Jr. will be the brightest All-Star during this week's festivities in L.A. ... thanks to his new $140k diamond chain!!

TMZ Sports is told Acuna -- a starting outfielder for Tuesday's All-Star Game after receiving the most votes among National League players -- copped a blinged-out nod to his aggressive style of play ... and it's incredible!!

The piece features Acuna's nickname, "La Bestia" -- which means "the beast" -- decked out in 12 carats of emerald-shaped VVS diamonds and 6 carats of round brilliant rocks ... and a gorilla enameled on top.

Gabriel The Jeweler tells us the chain is also made of 80 carats of VVS baguettes ... with the whole thing being worth a whopping $140k!!

We're told Acuna has plans to show off the bling when he takes the field at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday ... so keep your eyes peeled.

Acuna and superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr. also got iced-out versions of their personal logos ahead of ASW ... which was a collaboration with Nick Drbal's Xample brand.

We're told Drbal -- both players' business manager -- designed the logos that inspired the shopping spree.

To top things off, the Xample team also walked away with a number of logo chains as well.

Leonard Fournette is slamming the door on a report he showed up to Bucs minicamp weighing 260 lbs., pissing off the coaches -- saying it's all cap -- 'cause he was actually only 245 lbs.

The story came from Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times ... who reported on his Sports Day Tampa Bay podcast Monday the team was displeased with their RB because of his elevated weight.

"Coaches were not happy," Stroud said, "and that’s an understatement, when [Fournette] didn’t participate in the OTAs, but then he shows up at the mandatory minicamp weighing damn near 260 [pounds]."

“And that’s not a good sign for a guy that you’ve just spent a three-year contract on."

Well, Fournette -- whose new deal is worth $21 mil -- went on Twitter shortly after and called it fake news.

"No I weighed 245," the 27-year-old tweeted, "y’all say anything."

Fournette also retweeted a video of him cleaning 325 pounds from earlier this month -- obviously trying to prove a point.

Last season, Leonard was listed at 228 lbs. ... 17 pounds lighter than the 245 he says he weighs now. Fournette rushed for 812 yards and rushed for 8 TDs. He also had 69 catches for 454 yards and 2 receiving TDs.

The wife of ex-UCLA star Cade McNown, Christina McNown, got 500 hours of community service in her theft case, TMZ Sports has learned.

Christina pled no contest to petty theft Monday in L.A. -- roughly seven months after she was charged with four felonies following allegations that she stole designer goods from ex-her boss, philanthropist Sydney Holland.

In addition to the community service, we're told Christina was also ordered to complete a theft course. Court officials say a stay-away order barring her from contact with Holland was also put in place.

We're told Cade was not present in court.

TMZ Sports broke the story, Christina was arrested in December after she allegedly took hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of purses, clothing and jewelry from Holland.

Christina, who had been working for Holland as an assistant and a stylist for over a decade, was accused of stealing the items over a several-month span in 2021.

"With her plea today, Ms. McNown is being held responsible for her numerous thefts from Ms. Holland, which cost Ms. Holland hundreds of thousands of dollars, not to mention the loss of irreplaceable items with sentimental value," said Holland's attorney, Karen Sosa. "We hope Ms. McNown reflects on her behavior and does not repeat these crimes in the future."

Neither Christina nor Cade -- the former UCLA QB who starred under center for the Bruins from 1995 to 1998 -- has commented publicly on Monday's court proceedings.

Cameron Smith, #2 ranked golfer in the world and winner of The Open, is nearing a deal to join LIV Golf, TMZ Sports has learned … which would make him the latest star to join the Saudi-backed organization.

Of course, big names like Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau have defied the PGA Tour and inked huge money deals to play in the new league. Smith, by far, would represent the highest-ranked player they've been able to lure over.

Our sources tell us they'd be shocked if the deal didn't happen.

In fact, after winning at St. Andrews, Smith was asked by reporters about rumors he was going to LIV. Cam's response? He wasn't thrilled with the question, but didn't say no.

“I just won the British Open, and you’re asking about that? I think that’s pretty not that good,” Cameron said. “I don’t know, mate. My team around me worries about all that stuff. I’m here to win golf tournaments.”

As for the money Smith would receive, that's not known ... but obviously it'll be significant.

For reference ... Mickelson was reportedly paid $200 million to sign with LIV. DeChambeau's contract was said to be around $125 million. All the big named players received huge deals.

Of course, the PGA Tour and LIV are in the midst of a full-on war with each other ... as the upstart org. has persuaded some of the game's biggest names with windfalls of cash. The Tour has responded by threatening to ban players who sign.

In fact, there was talk last week that LIV players may not be allowed to compete in the four Majors starting in 2023 ... a move that'd be a huge blow to the golfers.

Not all of the biggest golfers have said "yes" to LIV. Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy both turned down lucrative offers. Woods's offer was said to be "high nine figures," according to LIV CEO Greg Norman.

Want to make a quick buck on Monday night's Home Run Derby? Bet on Pete Alonso ... 'cause Joe Musgrove -- one of the best pitchers in baseball -- tells TMZ Sports he thinks the Mets' star first baseman will win it easily!!

The San Diego Padres ace -- who's personally thrown against nearly every one of the participants in this year's derby -- said even though it's a stacked field, he believes the Polar Bear will come out on top for a third straight time.

"Dude," he said, "it's hard to pick anybody other than Polar Pete, man."

Musgrove told us he believes the 24-year-old's swing is just too good for the other seven participants -- Kyle Schwarber, Albert Pujols, Juan Soto, Jose Ramirez, Corey Seager, Julio Rodriguez and Ronald Acuna -- to beat out.

"His swing is so easy," Musgrove said. "Simple. Repeatable."

As for someone who he'd love to see compete with Alonso in the finals of Monday night's event -- Joe told us he's going to be pulling for Pujols there.

The 29-year-old, who's making his first All-Star appearance this week (and will no doubt be hopped up on his favorite Celsius drink at the events), added that he's hoping to meet Shohei Ohtani while out at the fun festivities.

Police in Milan are adamant they did nothing wrong when holding soccer star Tiemoue Bakayoko at gunpoint ... saying while the situation ended up being a "misunderstanding," they were in the midst of searching for someone allegedly involved in a shooting.

"With reference to the video released today, related to a police check carried out against the Milan player Tiemoue Bakayoko, we underline that the check -- occurred during an operation whose context justified the adoption of the highest security measures," police said in a statement to CNN.

Police said the search "was carried out in a manner that was absolutely consistent with the situation of danger" for "self-protection purposes."

"It was a misunderstanding, but colleagues behaved correctly," police said.

The incident involving 27-year-old Bakayoko -- who joined Milan on a two-year loan last summer -- happened about two weeks ago, but went under the radar until video of the incident went viral on social media Monday.

On Monday, AC Milan said the search occurred following a shooting in the nearby area.

Police added once they established Bakayoko's identity and confirmed he had no role in the crime(s) allegedly committed, he was released without further incident.

It's a sad day for Steelers fans -- the transition from Heinz Field is officially underway ... with the stadium's iconic ketchup bottle signs coming down on Monday.

Last week, the Pittsburgh Steelers announced they're partnering with tech insurance company Acrisure for a 15-year naming rights deal ... which will end the Heinz Field era after 20 years.

A news photographer from KDKA captured the first steps of the makeover on Monday -- showing the massive Heinz ketchup bottle sign being removed by a crane and placed on the ground.

Some of the construction workers on site even used it as a photo opp -- posing in front of the bottle after it came down.

While some fans are hurt over the change, Steelers President Art Rooney II is excited about the new name ... saying in a statement the org. is "excited to partner with Acrisure for the naming rights to our stadium."

"We are very appreciative to partner with Greg Williams and his company, and we look forward to a long, beneficial relationship for years to come."

Steelers Hall of Fame coach Bill Cowher likes the name change as well ... adding,  "Pittsburgh will always be a very tough place to play."

Well, 7,000+ Black and Gold fans disagree ... and started a petition in hopes of halting the change.

Based on the quick action to remove all things ketchup from the building, it's not looking good for their cause.

A massive fight broke out at a basketball game over the weekend ... when a referee was attacked by several people -- including a player -- after appearing to throw a punch at a coach during a heated in-game altercation.

The violent incident happened during the Hardwood Classic X RecruitLook Summer Finale in Kansas City ... after a coach appeared to lose it over a technical foul call.

In the video, the coach -- wearing blue shorts and a grey shirt -- gets in the ref's face after hearing the whistle ... and it's clear he's beyond frustrated with the call.

The ref then seemingly tried to create distance by putting his arm out, but the guy wasn't having any of it ... appearing to push his hand out of the way.

The referee then threw a right hook -- although it's unclear whether it actually landed -- and immediately started backpedaling as a mob of people ran on the court and started chasing after him.

That's when the brawl broke out ... with the ref getting jumped by what appeared to be other coaches, spectators, and even a player, who attempted to kick the official while he was down on the ground.

Unclear if anyone was hurt in the incident ... but after the parties were separated, the official stumbled away, falling at one point, and needed to be helped off the court by several individuals.

The man claiming to be the ref posted about the incident on social media ... saying, "I had just called a tech right before the camera came to me. That's why he was pushing up on me like that."

"F*** another tech at that point. He had to catch one."

He added ... "And yeah, that coach was just looking for a reason to start something, he couldn't take the ass whooping like a man."

We've reached out to law enforcement and the teams involved in the incident ... so far, no word back.

An indoor football game turned into a wild street fight this weekend ... when players, coaches and fans all brawled in the stands following the conclusion of the action on the field.

It all went down on Saturday night -- after the West Texas Warbirds whooped the Dallas Prime at the Ector County Coliseum in Odessa.

Video shot by spectators at the arena shows as soon as the final whistle blew -- players went after each other off the field.

Soon after, others got involved ... and you can see in the footage, one coach appeared to rip off a player's helmet and then start throwing haymakers.

All hell then broke loose ... with players from both teams jumping in the action.

Eventually, a Dallas Prime player made his way into the stands and got into it with a fan -- appearing to strike the guy in the head with a left hook.

Somehow, authorities were able to take control of the situation after about 10 minutes of fighting.

Addressing reporters afterward, Ector County Sheriff Mike Griffis said, thankfully, it appeared "no one sought medical treatment or went to the hospital" following the melee.