TMZ Sports - Page 50

Former Florida high school football star Sam Bruce -- who was briefly part of the 2016 Miami Hurricanes team -- died due to a heart attack ... according to the medical examiner's report.

The Broward County Medical Examiner released the report, obtained by TMZ Sports, which revealed the cause of the issue was coronary artery disease.

Officials determined the manner of death was "natural."

As we reported, Bruce tragically passed away on April 28 after he suffered a medical episode while driving his car in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Bruce had become known nationally because of his play at powerhouse Florida H.S. St. Thomas Aquinas -- where he torched defenders so often, he earned the nickname "The Samborghini."

The do-it-all athlete eventually signed with the Hurricanes, but was dismissed for violations of team rules just months into his freshman season.

Bruce's death rocked the football world back in April -- with many current and former NFL players, including Chad Johnson, mourning the loss on social media.

Bruce was just 24 years old.

Best Tuesday ever?!?!

New York Yankees ace Nestor Cortes had a hell of an experience on the mound at his first All-Star Game -- and then he got engaged to his girlfriend!!

The left-handed pitcher just shared the news on his social media page ... saying following his dominant outing in Tuesday night's midsummer classic, he proposed to his GF -- and she said yes.

"All Star week made 2 of my dreams come true," the 27-year-old said. "Pitch in a all star game. And propose to my bestfriend. With my parents along my side. I had to make us official."

Alondra G. Esteras Russy confirmed on her own social media that she didn't turn the Yanks star down ... writing on pics of her new ring, "Of course i said YES !"

Cortes appeared to pop the question at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art -- a fitting place, considering the paint he had thrown at the All-Star Game just hours earlier.

In his one inning of work, he struck out two, allowed no hits and gave up no runs -- as he helped propel the American League to a 3-2 win over the National League.

Only thing that could make this year better would be a World Series ring -- and, given the way the Yankees look, that might just happen.

The COVID-19 drama isn't behind Novak Djokovic just yet ... tennis officials confirmed the legendary player will NOT compete in the upcoming Grand Slam, the U.S. Open, unless he gets vaccinated.

The 35-year-old Serbian tennis star -- who isn't vaxxed against the virus -- will not be on the court in Flushing Meadows, Queens ... because the United States doesn't currently allow unvaccinated, non-citizens to enter the country.

There was hope amongst tennis fans that something might be done to allow Novak to play ... but on Wednesday officials squashed that idea.

"The US Open does not have a vaccination mandate in place for players, but it will respect the US government’s position regarding travel into the country for unvaccinated non-US citizens,” the Open announced.

Djokovic, a three-time U.S. Open champ, was also banned from the Australian Open for the same reason.

That story became one of the biggest and most polarizing in the sports world.

Technically, Djokovic still has time to get the jab ... the tourney doesn't kick off until August 29.

But, in the immediate aftermath of his victory over Nick Kyrgios at Wimbledon (his 7th win), Novak reiterated his vax stance for anyone wondering if he had a change of heart with the Open looming.

"I'm not vaccinated, and I'm not planning to get vaccinated," Djokovic said, according to ESPN.

Djokovic, however, remained optimistic that the policy in the USA on the COVID vaccine could change ahead of the tourney.

Unfortunately for ND, that doesn't seem like it's going to happen ... and it's a big blow for Novak because he's just one Grand Slam title behind Rafael Nadal for the all-time lead.

FYI, 36-year-old Rafa has 22. Novak 21. 40-year-old Roger Federer 20.

Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay has agreed to, among other conditions, take mental health counseling in order to close out his criminal damage case, TMZ Sports has learned.

According to court documents, Gay cut the deal with prosecutors in late June -- roughly six months after he was arrested for allegedly breaking a vacuum during an argument with the mother of his child.

Per the documents, prosecutors agreed to let Gay enter into a diversion program in order to avoid a trial and any further jail time.

As part of the diversion program, Gay agreed to take mental health counseling, submit to drug and alcohol testing, pay fines, fees and restitution, and generally keep his nose clean for 12 months.

If all conditions are met, prosecutors are expected to dismiss the case against the 24-year-old.

As we previously reported, Gay was hit with one misdemeanor charge of criminal damage under $1,000 following his Jan. 19 arrest in Johnson County, Kansas. Gay had pled not guilty to the charge at a court hearing on Jan. 20.

AnEsonGib will NOT be fighting Austin McBroom on July 30 ... and now the entire Social Gloves event is in serious trouble.

Sources tell TMZ Sports a head injury is forcing Gib to back out of the bout at Crypto.com Arena ... after doctors refused to clear the YouTuber to step into the ring.

We're told McBroom is scrambling to find a new opponent ... but it's not looking good.

If he's unable to get a fighter, sources say the event is at risk of being scrapped ... which would be bad news for people wanting to see two NFL running backs try to knock each other out.

We broke the story -- Le'Veon Bell and Adrian Peterson are slated to face off in the ring next weekend ... as well as rapper Blueface and ex-NBAer Nick Young.

The first Social Gloves event last year also had its problems ... with multiple fighters claiming they weren't paid.

McBroom told us last month he learned from the experience (the fighters eventually got paid) ... and promised a flawless event this time around.

The King ain't gonna like this ...

New Orleans Pelicans star Jonas Valanciunas threw several jabs at LeBron James while participating in a recent game of charades ... calling the Laker a crybaby and a flopper with his actions.

Valanciunas made the imitations out in Lithuania while on a show in front of a bevy of cameras.

In video of Valaciunas' impersonation of LeBron -- you can see the 6-foot-11, 265-pound center rub his eyes as if he were crying. He then pretended to hit the floor after being touched lightly.

Valaciunas' guesser eventually got the references -- something we're sure 'Bron didn't love to see.

This is the second time someone in the Pelicans' org. has fired away at LeBron and the Lakers this month -- just a few days ago, the team's official Twitter account made a dig at James and the Lake Show as well.

Quidditch is making a switch -- the real-life sport inspired by the Harry Potter series has changed its name to Quadball ... in an effort to distance itself from author J.K. Rowling's "anti-trans positions."

Months after Major League Quidditch and U.S. Quidditch announced their plans to rebrand ... the move was made official in a statement this week, with the orgs. saying, "Today marks a monumental step in the history of our sport, and it marks an equally big step for Major League Quadball."

Back in December, the orgs. stated two reasons behind changing the name -- one being the "quidditch" trademark being owned by Warner Bros. ... and the other being the fictional version of the game's creator's controversial beliefs.

"If sex isn’t real, there’s no same-sex attraction," Rowling said in 2020. "If sex isn’t real, the lived reality of women globally is erased. I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. It isn’t hate to speak the truth."

Rowling's comments sparked backlash from Harry Potter stars like Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson ... as well as countless fans of the series.

The league says it prides itself on being "one of the most progressive sports in the world on gender equality and inclusivity" due to a gender maximum rule, which limits the number of players of the same gender playing at one time.

A mural of Brittney Griner -- and 17 other Americans detained in countries like Russia -- was erected Wednesday in Washington D.C. ... all to bring awareness to Americans locked up abroad.

Of course, Griner's case has received a tremendous amount of attention, but that's not necessarily the case with all the captive U.S. citizens ... and the hope is the artwork will get the word out.

Isaac Campbell, an artist from Iowa who's in charge of the project, spent about 8 hours putting the 15 ft. tall mural together in Georgetown before opening it to the public, according to the Washingtonian.

The photos were provided by the Bring Our Families Home Campaign.

Campbell cut and pasted photos onto the wall ... using flour, water, and sugar to form a non-toxic, biodegradable glue, with help from detainees' family members and citizens passing by. It's expected to eventually fade ... but it could take weeks, months, or longer, depending on the weather.

Aside from the artwork, Campbell hopes the message behind the mural resonates with people more than the artistry, so detainees like Griner can return to the United States.

“We really need to put pressure on all people with any tools, whether that’s wheat-pasting, or whether that’s using your own personal platforms on social media to help apply pressure," Campbell said.

"Or if you’re in any stage of government, and you can provide support and begin to help bring these people home."

Other than Griner -- a star hooper for the Phoenix Mercury -- other Americans like Paul Whelan, U.S. citizen and former Marine who's been detained in Russia since 2018 on drug and espionage charges, are featured.

Griner recently pled guilty to a drug charge ... but her trial near Moscow is still ongoing (the Russian justice system is different than in America). She faces up to 10 years in prison.

Griner's next hearing is scheduled for July 26.

Texas A&M star receiver Ainias Smith might not make his scheduled appearance at SEC Media Days this week after all ... he was just arrested for DWI, TMZ Sports has confirmed.

Records show Smith was booked into Brazos County, Texas jail on Wednesday on three charges -- unlawful carrying of a weapon, driving while intoxicated, and possession of marijuana.

Smith took a mug shot at the station with what appeared to be a blanket wrapped up around his shoulders. According to a jail official, the 21-year-old has yet to bond out.

No further details regarding the arrest have been released ... we've reached out to the Texas A&M Police Dept., but so far, no word back yet.

Smith, one of the Aggies' most explosive players the past three seasons, was expected to represent TAMU at SEC Media Days in Atlanta on Thursday with two of his other teammates.

Since 2019, Smith has piled up 1,321 receiving yards, 373 rushing yards and 19 total TDs for the Aggies.

NBA star Miles Bridges has been charged with felony domestic violence and child abuse in Los Angeles after allegedly beating the mother of his kids ... in front of the children.

TMZ Sports broke the story late last month ... the 24-year-old former Charlotte Hornet turned himself in to authorities in L.A. the day after the alleged incident. He was ultimately released after posting $130K bond.

Now, Bridges has been slapped with "one felony count of injuring a child’s parent and two felony counts of child abuse under circumstances or conditions likely to cause great bodily injury or death."

Controversial L.A. District Attorney George Gascon addressed the charging of Miles, saying “Domestic violence creates physical, mental and emotional trauma that has a lasting impact on survivors,”

Gascon continued ... “Children who witness family violence are especially vulnerable and the impact on them is immeasurable. Mr. Bridges will be held accountable for his actions and our Bureau of Victim Services will support the survivors through this difficult process.”

The details surrounding the alleged incident aren't entirely clear, but sources previously told us Miles and his GF were involved in an argument that turned physical.

Mychelle Johnson, the alleged victim (Mychelle identified herself), claims she was injured from the alleged attack ... saying she was diagnosed with multiple injuries including a "brain concussion, closed fracture of nasal bone, contusion of rib, multiple bruises, strain of neck muscle."

Mychelle also posted photos of the alleged incident.

At the time, Johnson said ... "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."

The 6'7" forward is scheduled to be arraigned in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

If convicted, Bridges faces years in prison.

Nelly belted out several home runs ... on a stage in Los Angeles as the co-host and performer for his carnival-themed MLB All-Star after-party with Dodgers star Mookie Betts.

The Diamond-certified rapper brought Betts and his wife Brianna up on stage, dedicating his “Hot In Herre” performance to them … just like he did a few months prior at their wedding!!!

Mookie and Nelly have become fast friends since that big day back in December, and collaborated on Tuesday night's event to celebrate the All-Star Game ... which Mookie played in a couple hours earlier on his home turf at Dodger Stadium.

He also clowned Mookie's National League squad for disrupting sports bets by blowing their 2-0 lead to lose 3-2.

Drake's dad, Dennis Graham, was also in the building, as were YK Osiris and Kid Ink.

Joe Rogan's back in extremely hot water for making a pretty horrific crack about shooting unhoused people in L.A. -- and even though he'll probably say people missed his point, he's getting ripped for the "joke."

Joe fired off the comments on the most recent episode of "The Joe Rogan Experience" ... he was discussing L.A.'s crisis with comedian Tom Segura, and griping about homeless people's belongings being strewn around public areas.

Tom chimed in that all that stuff is personal property, and you can be arrested if you attempt to remove a homeless person's possessions. Rogan's response is why this exchange has gone viral.

He said, “You’d get arrested. Hilarious. But, they wouldn’t arrest you if you shot somebody. Maybe you should just go shoot the homeless people.”

The remark's stirred a firestorm on social media, where folks are accusing Rogan of inciting violence against people living on the streets. Others have labeled the convo "disgusting," "repulsive" and tone deaf -- joke or not.

Now, the full context -- Rogan used that comment as a launching point to complain about L.A. County D.A. George Gascón, who's been widely criticized for being soft on certain crimes ... even when firearms are involved.

Winning 4 NBA titles?? No problem. But, a game of Connect 4 Hoops with his wife?? That might be Stephen Curry's weakness ... 'cause the superstar sharpshooter went toe-to-toe with Ayesha at an arcade -- and he might have lost!!

If you're not familiar with Connect 4 Hoops, it's just like the old-fashioned game -- but instead of dropping plastic tokens, you're shooting a basketball into a column to try and get four lined up.

The Currys were clearly competitive with the fun showdown -- Steph even screamed with frustration when one of his shots went into the wrong column.

"C'mon Esh," Asia Saffold -- who captured the matchup -- yelled in support of the cooking businesswoman ... and sure enough, Ayesha made her next shot.

But, the greatest shooter of all time wasn't going down without a fight ... and he finally made his target with the following bucket.

How did this game end?? We don't know!!! Saffold left us hangin' by cutting the video short, so the winner was not disclosed.

Regardless of the result, Saffold says everyone had a great time celebrating Steph and Ayesha's daughter Riley's 10th birthday.

"Today we had an epic reunion with the Curry crew," Saffold said, "and celebrated Riley's 10th bday!!! Such good times."

A fan being escorted from the MLB All-Star Game went face first, smashing his face on the hard pavement ... during a physical exchange with Dodgers Stadium security, and the insane scene was captured on video!

It's unclear why the fan was removed from baseball's 92nd Midsummer Classic in Los Angeles, only a few innings into the game. What is clear ... the dude went down hard.

The fan -- wearing a No. 22 Clayton Kershaw jersey -- is flanked by 4 members of Dodgers security and 2 police officers, and they're attempting to walk the guy downstairs, presumably out of the stadium.

But, as they reached the bottom, the guy aggressively turned toward security. The other members of the team yanked him back, and the guy was either pulled over or didn't move his feet, and ... thud!

Thankfully, the fan was helped to his feet, and looked to be okay.

"Four of you! Four of you! Four of you! Four of you!" the guy exclaimed as he was being ushered away by stadium security. "How many?" the guy asked, seemingly referring to how many people it took to get him under control.

Bystanders and fans were stunned ... and obviously, concerned for the well-being of the guy who just ate concrete.

Charles Johnson -- a former NFL first-round draft pick and Super Bowl champion -- has died at 50 years old.

The North Carolina high school he had been working at as an assistant athletic director confirmed the sad news on Tuesday ... writing in a tweet, "RIP Coach. You will be missed by so many, especially your Husky Family."

No cause of death has been revealed.

Johnson was taken by the Pittsburgh Steelers at #17 overall in the 1994 NFL Draft -- just a few picks after the Colts took Marshall Faulk -- and he went on to have a solid pro career.

The 6-foot, 200-pound wide receiver played nine years in the league for the Steelers, Eagles, Patriots and Bills ... piling up 4,606 receiving yards and 24 TDs in his career.

Johnson ended up being a part of Tom Brady's first-ever Super Bowl win -- he was on the 2001 New England team that beat Kurt Warner's Rams at SB XXXVI.

He left the NFL following the 2002 season.

A mint, one-of-one Upper Deck Exquisite Triple Logoman card containing actual jersey patches from LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Michael Jordan just hit the auction block, and will sell for MILLIONS!!

The card went live on Goldin Auctions website Wednesday morning ... and it's one of the coolest and most sought-after cards in existence. That's because, aside from containing real memorabilia from the basketball legends, it's literally the only one of its kind.

Ken Goldin, CEO of GA, tells us the card could sell for upwards of $3 million. Bidding opens at $750K.

The front of the UD Exquisite features 3 NBA patches from game-used jerseys, worn by James, Jordan and Bryant. It's unclear exactly when they rocked the jerseys which ended up in the card ... but they were worn during real-deal NBA games.

On the back is a message congratulating the (very lucky and now wealthy) owner of the special card.

"You have received a Michael Jordan. LeBron lames and Kobe Bryant Game-Used trading card. On the front of this card are pieces of memorabilia that have been certified to us as having been used in an NBA game. We hope you enjoy this piece of basketball history, as we continue to keep you as close as you can get!" the card reads.

And, don't think Logoman's go for huge amounts of money. A LeBron James Logoman card recently sold for 2.4 million ... and that only had 3 King James patches (Cavs, Heat, Lakers jersey).

Of course, by almost all accounts, MJ, LeBron and Kobe are three of the greatest players to ever hoop. They've combined 10 NBA MVPs, 15 NBA championships, and 50 All-Star game selections.