TMZ Sports - Page 29

LeBron James just unloaded on the NBA ... saying the league bungled Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver's suspension -- calling it straight up "wrong."

"Read through the Sarver stories a few times now," the L.A. Lakers superstar tweeted Wednesday afternoon. "I gotta be honest…Our league definitely got this wrong."

"I don’t need to explain why," he continued. "Y’all read the stories and decide for yourself. I said it before and I’m gonna say it again, there is no place in this league for that kind of behavior."

As we reported, following an NBA investigation, league officials said Sarver did, in fact, use the n-word on multiple occasions in the workplace. They also said they found he made inappropriate comments about female employees, and did not treat them equally. Investigators added that Sarver was inappropriate physically toward male employees as well.

They did note in their findings that Sarver's use of the n-word was not motivated by racial hate or prejudice.

As punishment for it all, the league announced on Tuesday it was hitting Sarver with a one-season ban ... and fining him $10 million -- things LeBron clearly believes were nowhere near harsh enough.

"I love this league and I deeply respect our leadership," LeBron said. "But this isn’t right. There is no place for misogyny, sexism, and racism in any work place. Don’t matter if you own the team or play for the team. We hold our league up as an example of our values and this aint it."

For his part, commissioner Adam Silver did apologize to those affected by the owner's actions ... and did vow to do better going forward.

If Zack Hample does what he does best, he'll end up with at least one of Albert Pujols or Aaron Judge's historic and record-breaking home run balls ... and he tells TMZ Sports they'll be in good hands -- 'cause they'd be going back to the rightful owner.

If you're unfamiliar with Hample, he's a foul ball and home run magnet at MLB games ... and has caught more than 12,000 in his lifetime -- including Alex Rodriguez's 3,000th hit and Mike Trout's first career home run.

Given Pujols' quest for 700 career home runs and Judge inching closer to Roger Maris' American League record of 61 dingers in a season ... we had to hit up Hample to see what his game plan is for the rest of the season.

Hample lays it all out -- explaining his best shot at getting one of the historic balls ... which ranges from crowd size to ticket prices and more variables.

But if he succeeds, Hample says Pujols and Judge won't have to sweat it one bit -- he wants to get the balls in the hands that they would mean the most to.

"I personally won't ask for that much," Hample said. "With the A-Rod (3,000th hit) ball, the Yankees ended up donating $150k to a children's baseball charity that I've been supporting for a number of years."

"So, if I do get a historic baseball, I'd love to give it to the player that hits it, encourage the player or the team to make a donation but I'm certainly not going to make a demand or anything like that."

Pujols currently has 697 dingers ... and Hample said any homer ball for the remainder of his career will be special. Same goes for Judge, who's currently at 57.

A Chick-fil-A worker looked more like Conor McGregor during an incident at one of the popular fast food joint's Florida locations this week ... thwarting an alleged carjacking by putting a wild MMA move on the suspect.

According to the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office, the altercation went down after 43-year-old William Branch grabbed the car keys from a woman holding a baby and then attempted to steal her vehicle.

Cops say the woman screamed for help -- and that's when a young Chick-fil-A employee sprung into action.

Video shot by a witness shows the man latched on to Branch -- and put the guy in a guillotine ... before taking him to the ground.

The restaurant staffer then wrestled with Branch for several moments -- before eventually subduing him.

Cops later arrived on the scene and arrested Branch, booking him on charges of carjacking with a weapon and battery. They later commended the Chick-fil-A worker for his bravery.

"A major shout-out to this young man for his courage!" police said in a statement.

NBA commish Adam Silver is addressing comparisons between Donald Sterling and Suns owner Robert Sarver -- who was punished for allegedly saying the n-word -- calling the situations "dramatically different" from one another.

Sarver was slapped with a $10 million fine and one-year suspension on Tuesday after a lengthy NBA investigation showed the multi-millionaire owner repeated the n-word on at least five occasions and treated female employees differently, among other accusations.

The league noted Sarver didn't appear to use the word with racist intent ... but was repeating the word.

Still, many people have raised Sterling's name ... asking why the former Los Angeles Clippers owner was banned forever (he also received a $2.5 million fine), while Sarver was hit with a relatively modest 365-day suspension.

Of course, TMZ Sports broke the Sterling story in 2014 ... when the real estate developer and team owner was heard berating "friend" V. Stiviano over a photo she took with Lakers legend Magic Johnson at Staples Center during a Clips game.

"It bothers me a lot that you want to broadcast that you’re associating with Black people. Do you have to?" Sterling asked Stiviano.

Sterling also told her ... "You can sleep with [black people]. You can bring them in, you can do whatever you want. The little I ask you is not to promote it on that ... and not to bring them to my games."

Silver explained why he believes the Sterling situation is far worse than Sarver.

"For me the situations are dramatically different. What we saw in the case of Donald Sterling was blatant racist conduct directed at a select group of people," Adam told media in NYC.

Silver also apologized to former and current Suns/Mercury employees, and spoke about the sheer shock he felt when learning of the accusations against Sarver.

"I was in disbelief to a certain extent about what I learned had transpired over the last 18 years in the Suns organization. I was saddened by it, disheartened, I want to again apologize to the former and in some cases current employees of the Phoneix Suns for what they had to experience, there's absolutely no excuse for it, and we addressed it."

Kyle Kuzma had the Internet buzzin' once again after the NBA star rocked an ... errr ... unique outfit on the runway at Puma's New York Fashion Week show.

The 6'9" Washington Wizards forward wore all black -- including a black jacket with Puma's signature logo -- which encircled his waist and went down to his feet.

Kuz also had on a black hoodie with a black top that had the word "Puma" ... meanwhile, his GF, model Winnie Harlow, wore a black and white Puma dress.

"Very much a iconic moment for our brand @puma … @juneambrose sis you absolutely did your thing. Oooooooooffff," Kuzma said about Puma's creative director on social media.

Puma posted video of Kuz and Winnie kissing just moments before the hooper hit the stage.

Of course, the Wizards' star -- who returned to past form during his first year in D.C. -- has a passion for fashion ... routinely wearing outfits that cause a stir on social media.

Remember, Kuz wore an oversized pink sweater on gameday back in November ... and was mercilessly trolled by fellow NBA stars Demarcus Cousins, Isaiah Thomas, and J.R. Smith.

The mom who told her daughter to attack her opponent during a youth basketball game last year has been forced to cough up more than $9,000 in restitution to the teen victim ... after agreeing to enter a diversion program, TMZ Sports has learned.

Back in November, Tira Hunt was heard on video telling her daughter -- whose father is ex-NBA player Corey Benjamin -- to go after a rival player following an on-court collision in Garden Grove, CA.

The victim's mother went to cops over the violent incident ... and in December, Hunt was hit with two misdemeanor counts -- contributing to the delinquency of a minor and battery.

Hunt was facing up to one year in jail if convicted ... but on Wednesday, an Orange County Superior Court judge approved a diversion program that has a laundry list of conditions.

Among Hunt's requirements include the $9k payment, written apologies to the victim, her parents and the two basketball teams involved, and anger management classes before returning to basketball games. On top of that, Hunt has been forced to stay away from the victim.

Benjamin apologized for his daughter's actions following the incident ... saying that was not how he raised her.

Brian Robinson is continuing to make incredible strides after being shot twice in the lower body last month -- the Commanders running back was spotted out at practice Wednesday riding a bike and looking good.

Robinson -- who was shot in D.C. on Aug. 28 in what cops believe was an attempted carjacking -- had a wrap around his knee, but appeared to be moving just fine on the stationary cycle.

He reportedly also got in some agility work with trainers on the field following the ride.

The 23-year-old seemed to be in good spirits during it all -- chatting with Washington staffers as he got in the workout.

Of course, it's all a great sign, considering just a few days ago he was on crutches following a surgery.

Robinson, though, has remained positive throughout the recovery process -- even bringing Oreos for his teammates when he made his initial return to the Commanders' practice facility.

Robinson is currently on the Commanders' Non-Football Injury list -- meaning he won't be available to play for the team until Week 5 at the earliest.

Toni Breidinger is ditching the racing jumpsuit for some lingerie -- not only is she a speed freak, she's now a Victoria's Secret model, too!!

The 23-year-old ARCA Series star announced her exciting off-track pursuit on Wednesday ... saying she is officially joining the undie company family.

Breidinger isn't just happy about the new gig, she says it's also a major accomplishment in getting over something she's struggled with since she was a child.

"Little me is crying," Breidinger said on Instagram. "Growing up I struggled a lot with body confidence. this past year I focused on my mental and physical health over appearance."

"I'm honored to be part of @victoriassecret family. Thank you for letting me feel confident in my own skin!🤍"

Two women showed up to the Univ. of Utah football game this past weekend and freed the nipple -- and fans and officials were so upset over it, the school's police dept. says it's now investigating it all.

The women stripped off their tops prior to the Utes' game against Southern Utah University at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Saturday ... ditching their shirts and opting for only body paint instead.

According to the university, a female police officer asked them to put on tops a short time later. The school says the women complied -- but now police say they are looking into the matter to see if the duo should face criminal charges.

Univ. officials said the women will also be referred to the school's Dean of Students for "other potential discipline."

YouTuber Melea Johnson said she attended the game with her family and saw the women without their shirts on -- and was outraged over it all.

"We can’t even go to a family-friendly college football game without our kids & family being exposed to nudity??" Johnson wrote on her Instagram page. "And the stadium and security for the event won’t step in or escort them out because they’re worried they’ll get sued because of discriminatory laws??🤯 👈🏻(that’s what they told me!)"

"Are you kidding me?! This is NOT ok @utahfootball ‼️"

The NAACP is ripping the NBA over the one-year suspension and $10 million fine of Phoenix Suns/Mercury owner Robert Sarver ... calling the punishment a complete joke.

As we previously reported, Sarver was hit with the penalty on Tuesday ... after a lengthy investigation found the 60-year-old used the n-word several times, treated female staff unfairly, sexually harassed women, and used inappropriate physical conduct towards male employees, among other troubling trends.

NAACP President Derrick Johnson is pissed over the NBA's response to the disturbing behavior ... saying "fining a billionaire $10M is nothing but a speeding ticket."

It should be noted ... the $10 million fine is the most allowable under NBA bylaws.

"The NBA's response is shameful. They have failed to adequately address this man's history of racism, sexism, and his years-long nourishment of a toxic culture," Johnson said.

"The fact that the NBA would hand down this so-called 'punishment' in the same year we lost a legend like Bill Russell, who fought racism his entire life, only underscores how prevalent racism still is today."

"The punishment doesn't fit the crime whatsoever, and the NBA must do better than this. This is far from accountability."

The NAACP continued on Wednesday .. retweeting an ESPN segment on the Sarver story ...  questioning how this penalty equals retribution.

"So remind us again why a $10 million fine and a 1-year suspension is really teaching anyone a lesson with as extensive a track record of just not caring what anyone thinks or fearing what the consequences of those actions are?"

"This punishment is a JOKE!"

The Washington Nationals and Joey Meneses have made things right for the little girl who had a ball stolen from her at a game earlier month ... gifting her an autograph and a personalized note.

The incident happened back on Sept. 1 ... when a man was seen on video intercepting a baseball that was intended for the girl who was attending the Nats vs. A's game with her Shenandoah Rec League Babe Ruth 10U All-Star softball team.

According to the girl's mom, Regina Hilliard, the 10-year-old was broken up over it all -- and had hoped the Nats would do something to cheer her up.

Turns out, the team and its star outfielder, Meneses, did just that on Tuesday -- signing a ball for her, and writing her a sweet note.

"I'm sorry you didn't get the ball I threw to you," Meneses said in the card.

"I wanted to make sure you got one, so I hope this signed game ball makes up for it! Hope to see you at a game soon! Your friend, Joey."

Will Zalatoris -- one of golf's hottest young stars -- is begging Tiger Woods to officially apply for a cart exemption on the PGA Tour ... telling the legendary ball-striker to "get in the damn cart!"

Tiger has struggled to get around courses in his return to golf following his near-fatal car crash in 2021 ... and it's bothered him so much, it's affected his scores, and his ability to play tournaments with regularity.

Woods can get permission from Tour officials to remedy the situation by using a cart -- given the severity of the leg injury he suffered in the L.A. accident -- but he's said he'll never do that, telling media members previously, "If I can’t play at that level, I can’t play at that level."

Zalatoris, who's set a goal to play a round with the golf legend at some point in his career, clearly thinks that's a mistake -- believing a cart exemption could extend Woods' reign on courses for several more years.

"The part that amazes me is he has such a hard time walking, but man, he can still play some good golf," Zalatoris told Graham Bensinger on the latest episode of "In Depth With Graham Bensinger."

"Tiger could get a cart if he wants to. But you know he's never going to take it. Because that's who he is. And it's like, selfishly, I'm like, 'Dude, get in the cart. I want to play with you.'"

Zalatoris, who finished in second in both this year's PGA Championship and U.S. Open, added, "I want to see you when you're 50 ... get in the damn cart."

Woods has played competitively with a cart recently -- he used one in his famous return to golf with his son at the PNC Championship in 2021 ... and dominated.

Trevor Bauer is asking a judge to throw out a lawsuit filed by the woman who accused him of sexual assault ... claiming he has video proof, taken from bed after their second sexual encounter, which proves she lied about her injuries.

TMZ Sports obtained a motion filed by 31-year-old Bauer's legal team in southern California, which includes a video that was allegedly recorded by accuser Lindsey Hill after they had sex the night of May 16, 2021.

"She appears to be willingly in bed with a sleeping Mr. Bauer, and is smirking and uninjured," the Cy Young award winner's attorney wrote in the filing.

The clip, which we've seen, is less than 10 seconds long and doesn't contain audio.

Bauer's team believes the video -- which they say they recently received from the Pasadena police department -- proves Hill didn't actually sustain injuries to her face, torpedoing her case.

Hill previously claimed Bauer gave her two black eyes.

Bauer's accuser filed a lawsuit for battery against the pitcher in August 2022, claiming ... "Last year, disgraced Major League Baseball player Trevor Bauer violently and sadistically abused Hill in the most appalling manner imaginable, sexually battering and battering a defenseless woman."

Hill did not specify how much money she's seeking.

At the time, Trevor's team responded to the suit, saying ... "Lindsey Hill’s claims were judicially disproven last August following a hearing regarding a DVRO petition filed in bad faith."

In August 2021, a court denied Hill's request for a permanent restraining order against Bauer ... saying Hill hadn't set clear lines before they had sex. However, the judge described the injuries in photos presented as evidence as "terrible."

Despite the court's ruling, Major League Baseball hit the former Dodgers pitcher with a two-year suspension without pay.

Trevor is appealing MLB's decision.

Best rotation ever??

Mike Tyson and Ric Flair were on cloud nine Tuesday night ... 'cause the two sports legends smoked doinks together after attending a cannabis conference in Chicago -- and judging by the vid, it was some GOOD stuff!!

The Nature Boy posted a clip alongside Iron Mike ... lighting up blunts on camera, smoking and giggling together out in the streets.

"Smokin' That Ric Flair Drip All Night Long With @miketyson! WOOOOO!" Flair captioned the video.

Tyson and Flair became partners in Mike's "Tyson 2.0" business earlier in the year -- and the two collaborated on Naitch's "Ric Flair Drip" cannabis line, according to Benzinga.

Flair and Tyson smoked multiple blunts on stage at the conference, according to Benzinga ... where Mike and Ric touted the benefits of smoking marijuana over using drugs like Xanax for pain relief.

Flair said during the event that smoking pot was a much better way to manage the pain he was experiencing due to the stress the wrestling industry put on his body.

This isn't the first time the two legends blew down ... Mike and Ric smoked with Rick Ross at a Benzinga Cannabis event in April -- after the boxer famously beat up a man on an airplane.

LeBron James is gushing over his beautiful wife, Savannah, on their 9th anniversary ... penning a steamy message in her honor, calling her "so damn sexy."

The Lakers superstar shared a snap from the James gang's recent Vanity Fair photo shoot to send his romantic note ... showing the two dressed to the nines and standing in front of a Porsche 918 Spyder.

The 37-year-old used a "Happy Anniversary" gif on the flick and said, "P.S. you so damn sexy!! WOW 🤤🤤🤤😍😍😍"

Savannah -- who just celebrated her 36th birthday last month -- also penned her hubby a note in an IG post.

"9 years down (21), forever to go!!" Savannah said.

"Cheers to us my love!!🥂Happy Anniversary!!💕 #JamesGang"

LeBron and Savannah more than likely celebrated while they were in Italy ... where the couple was spotted enjoying a romantic vacation -- and LBJ even got a workout in while on a yacht.

The power couple has been together since high school, and they have three kids together -- high school ballers Bronny Jr., Bryce and their daughter, Zhuri.

Daniel Rodriguez has a message for the fans and "experts" (and even Dana White) who've said Li Jingliang was robbed at UFC 279 ... I won the fight!!

"It was a close fight," 35-year-old D-Rod told TMZ Sports just two days after securing the dub, adding ... "At the end of the day, I give Li the first round, and I took the 2nd and 3rd [round], in my opinion. I landed more strikes, I pushed the pace the whole fight."

Of course, Rodriguez, the #14 ranked UFC welterweight, fought Li following a last-minute opponent change (he was originally supposed to fight Kevin Holland) ... and the scrap was super close.

D-Rod -- who hasn't lost since 2020, and is 7-1 in the UFC -- was awarded the split decision win.

During his post-event presser, White told the media he believed Jingliang was the rightful winner.

But, Rodriguez disagrees ... and wholeheartedly feels if the decision went the other way, there would've been outrage from the people.

"If they would've gave the fight to Li, there would've been even more people saying I got robbed, or s*** like that," D-Rod says.

Despite earning the victory and now being a top 15 fighter who's becoming more popular in the sport by the day, Daniel believes he didn't fight his best fight.