TMZ Sports - Page 18

Hold the Almond Joys ... the Crenshaw Cougars youth football team got something wayyy better than fun-size candy bars this Halloween -- the kids were treated to nearly $45,000 worth of rare kicks like Jordans and Off-Whites!!

33 players, all 10 years old and younger, received brand new sneakers from Cool Kicks ... courtesy of their coach Big U, a community leader who runs Developing Options ... a non-profit aimed at keeping young kids off the streets.

And, we're not just talking about your standard pair of athletic shoes.

The sneakers cost anywhere from several hundred to over three thousand dollars(!!!) ... and included several Jordan 1 x Travis Scott, Brooklyn Off-White Air Force 1's, and many other incredibly rare pairs. The bill cost an astonishing $44,697.90.

To make the "Trunk or Treat" event a reality, U teamed up with Jas Mathur ... who along with pal Jona Rechnitz, helped hand out the sneakers at Crenshaw H.S.

The kids also got candy and an up-close look at some really cool cars ... courtesy of Hood Muscle Cars (HMC) car club. Many of the cars were decked out in spooky Halloween decorations ... complete with skulls, spiderwebs, and gravestones.

Kevin Durant is getting what he wanted this offseason -- the Brooklyn Nets have fired head coach Steve Nash ... after a 2-5 start.

48-year-old Nash was hired back in September 2020 ... and was 94-67 at the helm.

Of course, Durant gave the Nets an ultimatum back in June ... saying he wanted to either be traded or have Nash and general manager Sean Marks gone.

He later agreed to stay in BK ... with both sides saying they would "move forward with our partnership."

Nash recently had a meltdown against the Milwaukee Bucks on October 26 ... where he was ejected in the third quarter.

The Nets went 48-24 in 2021, 44-38 in 2022 ... and 2-5 this season under Nash.

Kyrie Irving previously made shocking comments about Nash in September 2020 ... when he claimed the Nets didn't have a real head coach.

There were reports this summer that Kyrie hated Nash ... and thought he was a terrible head coach.

Nash released a statement minutes ago ... saying, "It was an amazing experience with many challenges that I'm incredibly grateful for."

"It was a pleasure to work with the players, performance team, and front office every day," he added. "I'm especially grateful to my coaching staff and video room who are a talented group with so much character and professionalism."

"Lastly, thanks to Brooklyn and the passionate fans who support this team. Family first and my family has found a home here and LOVES being a part of this beautiful community. I wish the Nets all the success in the world and the Nash's will be rooting for our team as they turn this season around."

The firing comes as the team deals with distractions off the court as well ... after Kyrie came under fire for posting a link to a movie that has been criticized for spreading what many consider antisemitic beliefs.

Jacque Vaughn will serve as interim head coach starting Tuesday night against the Chicago Bulls.

Deion Sanders is forbidding his Jackson State football players from leaving their Houston hotel rooms this weekend ... giving the demand in a heartfelt speech following Takeoff's tragic death.

The NFL Hall of Famer addressed the Migos rapper being shot and killed in Houston with his players on Tuesday ... pointing out the incident happened in the same city where they will play the Texas Southern Tigers on Saturday.

"Takeoff was murdered in a dice game in Houston -- where we're going," Sanders said.

"So, that eliminates all y'all leaving that hotel, 'cause it ain't happening until I give you further notice."

The 55-year-old explained to his team they may need to make drastic life changes to prevent similar incidents from happening to them.

"You cannot kick it with the same dudes you kicked it with," Sanders continued. "You cannot associate in the same realms that you associated with. You gon' have to change if you expect change."

"I'm sad because it always seems like it's us, but we wanna say we matter, we wanna say we keep it 100, but it's always us!"

Of course, Sanders and the JSU Tigers went through this type of loss almost a year ago ... when Young Dolph was tragically killed in his own hometown of Memphis.

"I'm just sick and tired of the consistency of people, that are influential to you, are leaving us consistently -- that's our rappers," Sanders said.

Tom Brady appeared to be on his own for trick-or-treating with the kids -- the Tampa Bay Buccaneers superstar threw on a grim reaper costume for the Halloween festivities ... with no sign of Gisele Bündchen.

Brady posted a pic alongside 9-year-old Vivian and Ben, 12, on Monday ... and he was seemingly in good spirits -- cracking a joke about his all-black attire.

The quarterback and supermodel were known to do cute couples costumes over the course of their 13-year marriage ... including their famous avocado and toast get-up.

TB12 previously said he always left the costume ideas up to the wife ... but given their recent divorce, that's probably out of the question now.

Brady's outfit is about as scary as the Bucs season ... they're currently 3-5 and on a three-game losing streak.

A dazed Hope Solo was yanked from her car by cops after being uncooperative during her DWI arrest earlier this year ... new police video shows.

The footage -- obtained by Queen City News -- was captured on a Winston-Salem Police Officer's body-worn camera on March 31 ... just after he was called to a North Carolina Walmart parking lot over reports that a woman had been asleep behind the wheel of a running car with her kids inside.

Video shows when the officer walked up to the GMC Yukon at around 10:20 PM, Solo -- a U.S. women's soccer legend -- appeared to be passed out with her head resting on her driver's seat while her engine was on.

Solo immediately became alert following the officer's knock on her window -- and during ensuing questioning, she appeared to be completely out of it.

She mumbled, scrolled through her phone and even took a call. She insisted she hadn't been drinking -- and had only stopped to take a nap because she was tired.

The officer, though, suspected she was drunk -- and told her he smelled alcohol coming from her vehicle. She then began arguing with the man and another officer who had arrived on the scene to assist.

The cops asked her to step out of her car repeatedly, but she refused. Her kids, meanwhile, could be heard screaming and crying in the background.

Ultimately, one of the cops grabbed her by the arm and pulled her from the ride.

Footage shows Solo continued to be combative, refusing field sobriety tests. Cops then put her in handcuffs. She could be heard later in the video yelling while walking with an officer, "Oh my God, you don't need to f***ing touch me!"

Solo was eventually hit with three charges over the case -- driving while impaired, resisting a public officer and misdemeanor child abuse.

In July, she reached a deal with prosecutors to close out the case -- pleading guilty to DWI. In exchange for the plea, her other two charges were dismissed.

Solo was given a 24-month suspended sentence ... and was also ordered to pay fines and fees, among other stipulations.

Following the case's disposition, she said in a statement, "I underestimated what a destructive part of my life alcohol had become."

"I continue to be a student of the greatest school called life and I will continue to learn and grow from these experiences," she added. "I will continue to gain empathy, knowledge, and stories to share."

Cincinnati Bengals offensive analyst Adam Zimmer -- the son of longtime Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer -- passed away unexpectedly on Monday, according to his sister.

He was only 38.

Corri Zimmer White announced the news in a heartbreaking Instagram post ... calling her brother the "kindest, sweetest, family loving, sports obsessed soul there ever was."

"My heart is shattered and it hurts so bad," said Corri, who shared several photos of her brother in her announcement. "I'm so lost, I'm so overwhelmed, I'm so heartbroken."

A cause of death was not revealed.

"My brother was one of my best friends," Cori added, "especially after my mom died, we became so close."

Adam started his NFL coaching career in 2006 when he became the New Orleans Saints assistant linebacker coach at 22 years old.

He went on to coach for the Chiefs, the Bengals and then the Vikings, where he served as a linebacker coach and co-defensive coordinator underneath his father.

He had been working remotely as an analyst for Bengals head coach Zac Taylor this year.

"Please pray for our family as we try to navigate through this," Corri said.

"Adam, I love you so much and I will miss you every second of every day until I see you again. Please watch over us and help us be okay."

RIP

Khloe Kardashian and Tristan Thompson certainly raised a lot of eyebrows this weekend with many wondering if the former couple had rekindled things yet again ... but we're told it simply isn't happening.

Kim Kardashian held a massive Halloween bash at her Hidden Hills estate for all of the youngins in the Kardashian/Jenner family. However, a video recap North posted from the party had everyone talking because you see Tristan front and center.

Sources connected to both Khloe and Tristan tell us ... he was only there to spend some time with his son and daughter -- he and Khloe aren't an item in any romantic capacity.

What's more, we're told he and Khloe have repaired their relationship to a point where it's easy to co-parent, and Khloe wants Tristan to be able to attend holidays and fun events for their kids for the rest of their lives without drama.

We're told at this time, there's not a chance Khloe would get back with Tristan romantically -- he's destroyed those chances -- they're in a really good place and he's a great dad.

TMZ broke the story, Khloe and Tristan hired a surrogate to bring another baby into the world. However, unbeknownst to Khloe, Tristan had gotten another woman pregnant ... embarrassing Khloe by cheating on her once again.

Stassie Karanikolaou is taking after her BFF Kylie Jenner when it comes to throwing a banger ... she had a huge Halloween party and some of the biggest celebs pulled up in killer 'fits.

The shindig went down Halloween night at Delilah in L.A., and Stassie stunned in her take on Medusa.

Lots of stars pulled up in their season's best including ... Lil Nas X, Tyga, and David Dobrik. MGK and Megan Fox also showed up in their couples costume.

Among other big names in the building ... Tana Mongeau, Todd Gurley, Wiz Khalifa and girlfriend Aimee Aguilar, Diplo, Addison Rae and Omer Fedi.

Chantel Jeffries, Bronny James, Adam Lambert, Anwar Hadid also were in attendance for the affair -- which seemed to be lacking spookiness, but more than made up for it with the badass costumes.

Stars from both the NFL and the NBA are mourning Takeoff's tragic death on Tuesday -- with Trae Young and Alvin Kamara both releasing statements in disbelief after the rapper was shot and killed.

Young, the Atlanta Hawks star point guard, tweeted ... "No F***ing Way.." Kamara, a Georgia native, added in a tweet of his own, "RIP bra."

Others in the sports world -- including Jake Paul, Darrelle Revis and Ric Flair -- paid their respects to the Migos musician after learning of the tragedy as well.

"Senseless killings need to stop," Paul said on his social media page. "Need to unify. RIP TAKEOFF."

Added Revis, "our legends are being taken away too soon. a big supporter of Migos. it's just not good to wake up to news like this."

Flair -- who grew close to Migos over the years -- posted his condolences ... as well as a picture alongside the rap trio.

Takeoff's hometown Atlanta Falcons also released a statement ... saying, "Takeoff’s legacy lives on in Atlanta and across the world."

"Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends."

Takeoff -- who just dropped his "Only Built for Infinity Links" album with Quavo -- was shot in Houston shortly after 2:30 AM following a dice game at a bowling alley.

Law enforcement sources told TMZ Hip Hop an altercation broke out during the game ... and Takeoff was shot and killed. Two others were shot as well.

"To all the youth…," Paul added in another tweet, "put down the guns and pick up some boxing gloves to settle your differences. Violence is not the answer."

Takeoff was just 28 years old.

Several fans had a strong message for the Brooklyn Nets amid Kyrie Irving's backlash for posting about an antisemitic movie on social media -- donning yarmulkes and "fight antisemitism" shirts while sitting courtside at the game.

The group sat near the Indiana bench during the Pacers vs. Nets matchup in Brooklyn ... and Kyrie reportedly acknowledged them by making a thumbs-up gesture.

One of the fans claims Irving spoke to them during the contest ... saying he was "grateful for you guys," although they felt it was in a sarcastic tone, according to the New York Post.

The fan said the shirts were a message for the Nets ... adding the team should cut ties with Irving.

The move comes on the heels of Kyrie's decision to tweet out a link to "Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America," a movie that has been accused of being filled with stereotypes and tropes.

Kyrie defended the move ... saying he "meant no disrespect to anyone’s religious beliefs."

"The 'Anti-Semitic' label that is being pushed on me is not justified and does not reflect the reality or truth I live in everyday," he added. "I embrace and want to learn from all walks of life and religions."

Joe Tsai -- the owner of the Nets -- spoke out against Irving's post ... saying he was disappointed in the superstar's decision to share the project.

Tsai also said he wanted to meet with Irving to help him understand why his actions were hurtful.

Kanye West -- who is also facing his own backlash -- commented on Kyrie's actions ... calling him a "real one."

As for the game, the Nets won 116-109 ... with Irving earning 28 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists.

He did not speak with the media after the contest.

Tom Brady says there hasn't been bad blood between him and Gisele Bundchen during their recent divorce proceedings ... revealing Monday it's all been "a very amicable situation."

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB opened up about his split from his supermodel wife for the first time since she filed the docs in Florida last week ... speaking about the breakup and the fallout from it for around two minutes on his "Let's Go!" podcast with Jim Gray.

Brady never mentioned Gisele by name, and spoke largely in vague cliches, but he did say, thankfully, things haven't gotten nasty between the two former lovers.

"Obviously, the good news is it’s a very amicable situation," he said ... before adding his focus is now on two things -- taking care of his family, and winning football games.

"That's what professionals do," the 45-year-old said.

"You focus at work when it's time to work and then when you come home, you focus on the priorities that are at home. All you can do is the best you can do. And, that's what I'll continue to do as long as I'm working and I'm being a dad."

Brady also addressed whether or not it's all affected his play on the field this season ... and he said no -- explaining he's had to deal with a lot in his personal life throughout his 23-year career.

"Everyone is going through different things," he said. "We all have our unique challenges in life. We're all humans. We do the best we can do."

Lamar Odom has been reunited with his beloved Lakers championship rings -- the ex-NBA star says the man who bought the bling years ago made an incredible gesture and gifted them back to him.

42-year-old Odom famously pawned off the rings in 2016 to help pay medical bills after his near-fatal drug overdose at the Love Ranch brothel ... and they were eventually sold at an auction in 2020.

Lamar opened up about the 2009 and 2010 Finals keepsakes on the debut episode of his new "On The LO" podcast ... saying he was flat broke and in the darkest time of his life after his divorce from Khloe Kardashian ... and he regretted giving them up ever since.

But the story has a happy ending ... because Lamar says when he went to the Laker game on Oct. 20, he happened to run into the exact fan who bought the rings for $36,600 and $78,000 each.

Odom says the guy -- who regularly attended Laker games during his career -- explained Lamar should have them back ... because he's the one who earned them alongside Kobe Bryant.

But the two didn't even have to negotiate a deal -- the man gave them back to Lamar for free!!

The woman who was involved in a heated dispute with Terrell Owens in August has been criminally charged ... after prosecutors say she made up bogus claims about the incident.

Court records, obtained by TMZ Sports, show Caitlin Davis was hit with a second-degree misdemeanor charge of false reports last week ... stemming from her role in the tiff with the Hall of Famer in Florida.

According to documents, authorities say she "knowingly" gave "false information to a law enforcement officer" about the spat.

Records show she's due in court in December for a hearing in the case. If convicted, she's facing jail time.

As we previously reported, officers were called to Owens' Deerfield Beach neighborhood on Aug. 3 after the former NFL star got into an intense argument with Davis.

The woman told authorities at the time that he had almost hit her while driving. She added that he got out of his car and threatened her.

Owens denied the allegations ... and live-streamed part of their confrontation on his social media page. At one point during the video, you can hear Davis scream at him, "You're a Black man approaching a white woman!"

Owens is aware of the misdemeanor charge ... saying on "CUOMO" last week that he was grateful for the prosecution.

"If the roles were reversed, they would be going to the full extent of the law to charge me," Owens said. "It's not about me."

"I just think about others that may have been in this situation and if they didn't have the status or wherewithal to do what I did, it could have been gravely different."

Owens added, "I want to be able to use this platform to shed light on what goes on. It doesn't matter what type of neighborhood you're in, this is the reality of the life of a Black individual or Black American."

We reached out to Terrell ... who gave us the following quote.

Phillies fans made sure Justin Verlander got anything but a warm welcome when he showed up to the stadium for Game 3 of the World Series ... and the ace returned the favor by flipping them off!!

The playful moment went down when the Houston Astros' team bus made its way to Citizens Bank Park for Monday night's matchup ... and when it passed by a group of Philadelphia backers, JV decided to give the finger.

The fans loved it ... with one person even saying, "That was great!!"

But, once Justin got off the bus, he gave a thumbs up before doubling down on the gesture -- giving the bird once again with a big smile on his face.

"Hey, that's for you!!" Verlander said.

The fans erupted in laughter ... and it's clear the whole interaction was all in good fun.

Eric Bledsoe is off the hook in his domestic violence case ... TMZ Sports has learned the former NBA player won't face criminal charges despite his arrest last week.

The L.A. County District Attorney tells us ... the case has been declined "due to insufficient evidence."

Bledsoe had been accused of slapping his girlfriend during an incident in Lost Hills, Calif. on  Oct. 26. He was arrested, but bonded out a short time later.

Following the alleged altercation, the 32-year-old's GF posted a pic and video on her social media page ... calling the basketball player "a monster."

She later deleted the post ... and was seen commenting on Bledsoe's most recent Instagram photo Sunday night with the words, "My baby."

Bledsoe responded to the comment, writing "mine," with a heart emoji.

Kanye West was very clearly agitated on social media over the weekend, but his anger was also apparent at his son's soccer game, getting into a heated exchange with another parent.

We've obtained video taken Saturday while Saint played soccer. You can see Kim Kardashian sitting in a lawn chair and surrounded by security while an animated Kanye stands about 30 feet away. It's unclear exactly what he's upset about, but you see Kanye waving his arms in frustration.

From there, another woman -- who is a family friend -- approaches Ye, appears to say something to him and then he storms off.

A witness tells us Kanye came back a few minutes later, seemingly after he had cooled off, and watched the rest of the game without incident.

As we've told you, Kim and Kanye aren't talking -- and that appears to remain true in the video from the weekend. It was a few weeks ago at North's basketball game when Ye showed up wearing a "White Lives Matter" shirt ... we're told Kim didn't interact with Kanye at all during the game.