Ex-NFL Star Willie McGinest Arrested In L.A.

UPDATE

9:51 AM PT -- Law enforcement sources tell us ... Willie McGinest turned himself in, in connection with an assault that allegedly occurred within the past two weeks.

New England Patriots legend Willie McGinest has been arrested in Los Angeles, TMZ Sports has learned.

The ex-NFL star was booked at around 7:30 AM on Monday morning, jail records show. His bail has been set at $30,000.

It was not immediately clear what crimes he's been accused of.

McGinest, a first-round pick in the 1994 NFL Draft, played in the league for 15 years ... and is considered one of the greatest Patriots players ever.

He won three Super Bowls with the org. ... and made two Pro Bowls with the team as well. The linebacker was ultimately inducted into the franchise's Hall of Fame in 2015.

McGinest -- who found a second career following his retirement as an NFL analyst for various television networks -- finished his career following the 2008 season with 804 total tackles and 86 sacks.

Originally Published -- 9:35 AM PT

Patriots' Jakobi Meyers I Was 'Trying To Be The Hero' ... On Game Losing Lateral

"I was trying to be a hero, I guess."

That's Jakobi Meyers explaining his actions on the final play of the Patriots game Sunday -- that turned into one of the most shocking endings in NFL history.

ICYMI, the Patriots and the Las Vegas Raiders were tied, three seconds away from overtime ... when New England decided to run a draw play instead of taking a knee.

Pats' RB Rhamondre Stevenson lateralled the ball to Meyers, who shockingly attempted to throw a long lateral back to Mac Jones ... but was intercepted by Raiders' Chandler Jones, who proceeded to run over Mac, on the way to a 48-yard game-winning touchdown.

After the game, Meyers -- who signed with Pats in 2019 -- did his best to explain his head-scratching move.

"Just trying to do too much," the 26-year-old said about his part in the final play, "Trying to be a hero, I guess."

"I ain't see dude back there, tried throwing the ball. Like I said, I just was doing too much. I should've went down with the ball.”

Meyers flatly said the lateral wasn't part of the plan (plan was to run the ball and get to OT) ... but he (believed he) saw Mac open.

"I didn't see Chandler Jones at the time," Meyers said.

"Thought [Mac Jones] was open, tried to give it to him and let him try and make a play with it. But the score was tied, so like I've said, I should’ve went down."

The WR says he'll learn from this costly mistake and do better from here on out.

FWIW, respect to Meyers for standing there and answering questions after the worst football moment of his career.

The Patriots are still in the playoff hunt -- thanks to some other bubble teams losing -- but the loss didn't help, and neither will the Cincinnati Bengals coming into town Saturday.

Of course, this isn't the first time the Patriots have lost in seemingly impossible ways. The "Miracle in Miami" happened 4 years ago this December.

Phil Urban College Basketball Player Dead At 20 ... Shot & Killed At Nature Preserve

College basketball player Phil Urban -- a freshman forward at Post University -- was tragically shot and killed at a nature preserve in New Jersey on Saturday, officials said.

He was just 20 years old.

According to the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office, police responded to the Hopewell Valley Nature Preserve in Hopewell Township at 7 PM on Saturday ... and found Urban "slumped over" in the driver's seat of a Mercedes on a trail.

Officials say Urban was taken to a local medical facility -- but was pronounced dead there from a gunshot wound.

Authorities say a preliminary investigation showed Urban appeared to have been attempting to meet someone at the preserve ... and "was shot at some point during the encounter."

No arrests have been made ... and a probe is ongoing.

Post Univ. president John Hopkins said in a statement that Urban "modeled the attributes of leadership, commitment and hard work on the court and in the classroom."

Hopkins added the school and its community are "heartbroken" over Urban's death.

Urban committed to play hoops at Post Univ. back in April. The school welcomed him at the time with a tweet ... writing, "We are excited about what Phil will add to our team both as a player and person. Welcome to the nest, Phil!"

RIP.

Aaron Judge Fan Who Auctioned Ball Not Upset ... Despite Costing Himself $1.5 Mil!

The fan who caught Aaron Judge's historic 62nd home run ball has no regrets about rejecting a $3 million offer, despite it only raking in half that number at auction.

Cory Youmans, the Texas Rangers fan who caught the ball in Arlington, saw the ball sell for $1.5 million over the weekend at auction ... but Cory says he's at peace with how things played out.

"Congratulations to Joe! Given the historical significance of #62, it was important to me that the selling process was fair, accessible, and transparent," Youmans said Sunday in a statement.

"As this chapter comes to an end and I reflect on catching home run ball #62, I'll always remember the kindness of the fans around me on that exciting night in Arlington," Youmans said. "It was the epitome of how sports brings humans together, and I'll cherish that memory forever.”

Remember ... Youmans caught the ball on Oct. 4, and the Yankees initially tried to bargain with him to give it up, but Cory refused.

As expected, CY began receiving offers for the ball, culminating in a $3 million offer from a private buyer, which Youmans turned down, thinking he could make more if the ball went to auction.

Unfortunately for Youmans, that wasn't the case. As for the new owner, the auction says it was sold to a "prominent Midwestern businessman and collector," though the person wasn't identified.

"I am lucky, blessed, and grateful to own a piece of baseball and American history."

World Cup Celebration Huge Party In Buenos Aires Streets ... Drone Cam Captures Wild Scene

Thousands of people flooded Buenos Aires streets to celebrate Argentina's World Cup victory on Sunday ... and the wild scene was all captured on breathtaking drone video.

The party went down just minutes after Lionel Messi and the Argentinians beat France in penalty kicks -- with a sea of people packing into the country's capital to celebrate the W.

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In the drone footage, you can see fans lining streets for what appeared to be miles ... all going crazy over the big victory.

Some waved flags, some chanted and cheered ... and all, clearly, had a blast.

No word on when -- or if -- the party died down ... but the country's supporters had every right to throw the bash, seeing as it was the nation's first World Cup title since 1986.

The game, meanwhile, is being considered by many to already be the best in W.C. history ... it was a nail-biter that featured 6 goals followed by intense PKs.

Messi scored two total, and buried his lone penalty kick attempt. Later he was given the tournament's Golden Ball -- the award for best player at the event.

It's still not quite clear if Messi is officially done with international play -- but if it was the end, it was certainly a hell of a way to go out ... and one Argentinians will be celebrating for a while.

'BELOW DECK' CAPT. LEE ROSBACH I'm Getting My Muscly Sea Legs Back ... After Major Health Scare

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GETTING SWOL

"Below Deck" star Captain Lee Rosbach is doing boatloads better after telling his crew he had to step off the boat due to serious health issues ... now he's liftin' weights like a champ!

"The Stud of the Sea" was seen Wednesday pumping some major iron at the gym ... lifting 175 lbs on a chest press -- just a couple of days after his departure announcement aired on the Bravo show.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... the bombshell announcement on the most recent episode was shot back in February, and he was in pretty bad shape at the time -- but he's made nothing but progress ever since.

We're told Rosbach's been working with a team of experts to help with his mobility -- and he's been hittin' the gym every day to get his strength back.

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I'VE MADE A DECISION
BRAVO

Leaving the boat was one of the hardest mountains he ever had to climb. Nonetheless, Captain Lee isn't ready to hang it up -- and he hasn't ruled out a return to the luxury yacht life.

Way to go, Cap ... you're on your way to gettin' those sea legs -- again!!!

Amar'e Stoudemire Arrested for Domestic Violence ... Denies Assaulting Daughter

UPDATE

5:55 AM PT -- 12/19 -- Amar'e Stoudemire is breaking his silence on the arrest ... saying Sunday evening he did not assault his daughter.

UPDATE

"As the investigation unfolds, the facts will show the allegations to be groundless as my daughter's medical condition is not the result of being assaulted by a father who is nearly 7 feet tall and weighs 250 pounds," he said in part of a statement on his Instagram page.

UPDATE

"I could never see myself assaulting any person, especially my children. I respect, protect, and love my family, particularly my children."

Amar'e Stoudemire was arrested this weekend for domestic violence -- this after he allegedly beat his teenage daughter.

The ex-NBA star was booked early Sunday morning in Miami on one count of misdemeanor battery and one count of domestic violence. He posed for this mug shot on the way in -- but as of late Sunday morning, he appears to have been released from custody.

According to the arrest report, obtained by TMZ, Stoudemire is alleged to have struck one of his teen daughters -- one is 17 and another is 14 -- across the face at least twice ... once with a closed fist, which was described by the girl as a punch, and another being a slap.

The report states that his daughter was left bloodied from the hits, and goes on to say the alleged victim described him as continuing to strike her body after the blows to her face.

The reason he allegedly snapped ... per cops, Amar'e described disciplining her after she responded with "attitude" to her grandma (Amar'e's mother) when she called for her at his house, which caused Amar'e to confront his kid ... and allegedly dole out a "whooping."

The daughter is reported to have contacted her mother, Alexis, with photos of her alleged injuries -- which spurred the 911 call and subsequent arrest. Sounds like Alexis came to pick up the rest of their 3 kids and left with them all as well when police took Amar'e away.

Originally Published -- 12/18 10:55 AM PT

'RNR' Champ Bobby Laing Frank Gore Says He's Down To Fight ... 'Definitely An Option On The Table'

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GIMME GORE!!!
TMZSports.com

Undefeated Rough 'N Rowdy champ Bobby Laing says a fight against Frank Gore is a real possibility ... telling TMZ Sports the ex-NFL star heard his call-out loud and clear -- and he wants to scrap.

"Lights Out" is fresh off beating 12-year vet Adam "Pacman" Jones for the second time at Barstool Sports' RNR 19 last Friday .. and right after having his hand raised, Laing said he wanted a piece of Gore.

We spoke with Laing about potentially squaring up against the 49ers great ... and he tells us the two sides have been talking for a LONG time in hopes of setting up a bout.

In fact, Bobby and Frank have been trading DMs a lot recently ... and Laing's post-fight interview after beating Pacman again reignited talks of a matchup.

"It's definitely an option on the table," Bobby says. "I want to do it. He sounds like he wants to do it. It's just a matter of if Barstool is gonna set it up or not."

FYI -- Frank has two pro fights under his belt ... going 2-0 after losing to ex-NBA star Deron Williams via split decision back in 2021.

Bobby says he expects to keep his undefeated record in tact against Gore ... and claims Pacman was just "step one" of getting into bigger, higher profile matchups.

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DON'T UNDERESTIMATE ME
TMZSports.com

"I gotta keep beating these people that have more clout than I have," Bobby says. "And then eventually, after a few more wins, maybe then I'll be the guy that people will be like, you gotta beat me to get more clout."

Laing also explains what exactly went wrong for Pacman in their second bout ... and has a special message to his fans -- AND his haters.

World Cup 2022 Argentina Beats France in Final ... Take It in PKs

Argentina just beat France in what might've been the best World Cup final ever -- a nail-biter that came down to the wire ... and in the end, a good old-fashioned shootout.

The game had everyone at the edge of their seat through the full 90 minutes of regulation -- not to mention the extra 30 minutes that was played after things were left tied at 2-2. Lionel Messi scored Argentina's third goal in extra time, and then Kylian Mbappe responded by tying it up yet again ... sending the match into penalty kicks, where ARG eked it out.

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GGGOOOAAALLL !!!
FOX Sports

After three straight goals from Argentina -- and two misses from France -- Gonzalo Montiel had a chance to clinch it, which he promptly did by putting the ball in the back of the net. France's goalie, Hugo Lloris, didn't stand a chance ... diving in the other way.

The two stars of each respective team, Messi and Mbappe, scored their penalties ... and the rest of the Argentina squad did their job too. But, two French players screwed the pooch.

It's truly a shame, because Mbappe was literally the only guy on his team to keep them in the fight ... scoring all 3 of France's goals, earning a hat trick and giving his squad the morale to play on. In the end, all that work was squandered away in a virtual crapshoot.

Still, it was an explosive game up until the very end -- with tons of back-and-forth up and down the pitch ... and a lot of great soccer put on display for the entire world.

Sports fans couldn't have asked for anything better, really. This was one for the books, no doubt.

This also serves as a beautiful bow-out for Messi -- who's said to be retiring after this. He's sure to be awarded Player of the Tournament and every other honor available for individual achievement. The guy's a legend, and he went out on top in the World Cup.

Storybook type stuff here. Congrats!!!

Sylvester Stallone Fans Pissed Over Rocky Meet & Greet ... Will Get Money Back

Sylvester Stallone has some heartbroken fans after an event with the "Rocky" star allegedly sold more photo-op packages than could be accommodated ... and now they'll get refunds.

Sly was booked for a gig last weekend in L.A. called "Experience With Sylvester Stallone LIVE" -- sponsored by a company of the same name, Experience With -- where folks shelled out to have a nice dinner, hear Sly talk onstage and bid on signed memorabilia.

Naturally, there were different ticket packages available -- including some top-tier ones that included a meet and greet and promised a pic with the legend himself ... with pricing options from $750-$1,250.

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What ended up happening, though ... Sly wasn't able to get through all the photo ops. We've seen an alleged email organizers sent to disappointed fans that read, "The reason the photos did not go as planned is that Mr. Stallone had to leave the event earlier the expected and was not feeling 100%. Our events can be very demanding, we have to respect the celebrities wishes at all times."

Of course, fans were pissed ... but a source close to Sly tells us the email wasn't accurate. We're told Sly's contract committed him to a certain time with the photo-ops and he actually stayed longer than he had to ... they blame organizers for selling too many of the photo packages for the time allotted.

Ticket buyers flooded Experience With's social pages, and openly wondered whether they'd be getting reimbursed for the Sly incident ... it appears there were quite a few people who were left empty-handed, without any guidance from EW about what was going to happen.

Welp, Experience With is setting the record straight -- telling TMZ everyone who paid for an upgraded photo op ticket with SS and didn't receive one will be reimbursed accordingly.

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Experience With also clarified they got through about 60% of the photos so the number of people left hanging amounted to around 100 ... and not 300 like some had claimed online. They also say this sorta thing happens from time to time with their celebs, as these can turn into long nights.

Experience With says all customers have been contacted and offered full refunds or the option to attend another event with Sly in the future.

Velveteen Dream Arrest Video Wrestler Berated Cop Over Miranda Rights ... 'You F***ed up!!!'

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READ MY RIGHTS!!!
TMZSports.com

Ex-WWE superstar Velveteen Dream exploded on an officer over his Miranda rights during an arrest earlier this year ... hurling f-bombs at the cop and calling him a "rookie" repeatedly -- new police video, obtained by TMZ Sports, shows.

The footage was captured on officer-worn body cameras on Aug. 20 ... after the Orlando Police Dept. said the wrestler -- real name Patrick Clark -- bit and punched a gym employee following an altercation at a fitness facility in Orlando, FL.

The video shows as soon as cops put Clark in cuffs -- he immediately became combative ... demanding they allow him to speak with his lawyer. When they wouldn't, he threatened to sue.

The 27-year-old -- who left the WWE in 2021 after starring in NXT -- yelled so much from the backseat of the patrol car, the cop turned up country music loudly ... but that didn't slow down Velveteen Dream.

"This is crazy!" Clark said. "This is crazy! I work for the WWE! This is crazy!"

Clark -- who admitted in the video to being "a little inebriated" -- then said he was not read his Miranda rights before he was arrested ... and proceeded to go ballistic on the cop about it for several minutes.

"Hang up your f***ing phone, sir!" Clark said. "I was not given my Miranda rights! You f***ed up! You f***ed up, sir! I was not given my Miranda rights, so go ahead and bring me to your motherf***ing station, you f***ed up!"

"Think about that, sir!"

Clark screamed about his Miranda rights the entire ride -- and when they finally got to the police station ... he continued his verbal tirade.

"How'd you f*** up the Miranda rights, sir?!" Clark said while cuffed. "What are you, a rookie?! What're you, a rookie?! Oh! We got a rookie on deck!"

Clark was eventually booked and released ... and later hit with two misdemeanor charges of battery and trespassing on a property after warning.

Court documents show the case was disposed in September ... after the alleged victim said, according to the docs, he "did not wish to prosecute."

Velveteen Dream had appeared to be angling for a WWE comeback in the weeks leading up to the arrest, posting on his social media page about a potential return.

Lil Wayne & Mack Maine Dave & Busters Is Your Reward Kids!!!

Lil Wayne and Mack Maine are putting a big smile on a bunch of teen faces for a Weezy Christmas ... rewarding their hard work with a fun-filled day at Dave & Busters!

The diamond-certified Weezy and his pal Mack teamed up with Wilson Sporting Goods to throw the ultimate day at D&B for kids between the ages of 12 and 16 in their hometown of New Orleans.

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WAYNE'S HOLIDAY WELCOME
Instagram/@liltunechi

The Dave & Busters bash was an attaboy/attagirl, commending the kids for excelling in academics AND with local community sports programs ... basketball, football, baseball, soccer and tennis. Each kid got new sports equipment as a bonus. They had Young Money artists Jay Jones and Allan Cubas on hand to pass out gifts in their hometown.

Wayne and Maine are partnering with a bunch of orgs. to give back to kids in their hometown. One of those efforts includes an athletic program in a renovated Harrell Park, where Weezy grew up.

They're also working with two mentorship programs called "Son of a Saint" ... which helps NOLA kids dream big and become leaders in their community through mentorship and support.

As you know, the Young Money CEO just hit diamond status for his hit song "Lollipop" ... but clearly he's also focused on rewarding others.

Lionel Messi Comparable To Ali, Michael Jordan Says Argentinian UFC Star

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EXCITING TIMES
TMZSports.com

Lionel Messi will attempt to win his first-ever World Cup on Sunday, but win or lose, the Argentinian soccer legend is one of the greatest athletes ever, according to fellow countryman, UFC star Santiago Ponzinibbio ... who compared him to America's most legendary athletes.

"I think it's Michael Jordan, these kind of guys. Legends of the sport, all-time. I think Messi is on this level. Michael Jordan. Tom Brady," Ponzinibbio told us, before also throwing out Muhammad Ali's name.

FYI, Santiago, who's coming off a UFC 282 win over Alex Morono, is from La Plata, Argentina ... about 200 miles from Messi's birthplace, Rosario, Argentina.

Of course, 35-year-old Messi, in his last WC, will lead Argentina when they take on Kylian Mbappe and his France squad for the FIFA World Cup Trophy.

According to the oddsmakers and experts, the game is about as close as could be ... though Santiago says he knows who's going to emerge victorious.

"Man, super, super exciting. I told you, I love soccer. Man, I really believe this team is gonna be champion of the world. They're playing so good."

Messi has accomplished nearly everything in the game. He's won a record seven Ballon d'Or awards and has been awarded about every other honor a soccer player could receive ... except that elusive World Cup.

"I think it's the only thing he needs to do to be complete," Ponzinibbio says, adding, "I think he's in the right spot to make history one more time and I'm excited. "

And, as far as worldwide popularity goes, Lionel, with 392 million, blows away some of the U.S.'s biggest and most popular athletes. LeBron James has 139 million Instagram followers. TB12 only has (relatively speaking) 13 million.

World Cup coverage starts at 9 AM ET on FOX!

Argentina Vs. France WAGs of the 2022 World Cup Finals

It's about to go down between France and Argentina in the World Cup Final on Sunday ... and expect a lot of nervousness in the crowd -- not just from the fans, but the players' WAGS, too!

Lionel Messi's wife will surely be biting fingernails throughout the contest -- the Argentinian model who has over 23 million followers on Instagram has dated the soccer star for YEARS ... and has three kids with him as well.

Rodrigo De Paul's girlfriend, Tini Stoessel, who is an award-winning Argentine singer ... will also be watching on intently.

Fitness model Agustina Gandolfo, who's been dating Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez since 2018, will surely be glued to the TV as well. And, the wives of Argentina stars Emi Martinez and Angel Di Maria will no doubt be watching too.

The France squad's lovers will be rooting their men on as well ... there's Amelia Ossa Llorente -- Lucas Hernandez's wife -- and Erika Choperena, who will probably have the kids decked out in their dad Antoine Griezmann's soccer fit again.

Speaking of kids, you might catch Theo Hernandez's girlfriend Zoe Cristofoli cheering in the crowd ... with their 8-month-old son, TJ.

And, we can't forget star goalkeeper Hugo Lloris ... whose wife, Marine, is a founder and director of a luxury girlswear brand.

It's going to be a mad house at Lusail Stadium ... and you better believe these lovely ladies will be front and center 'til the end.

The Liver King Lifts Weights in L.A. Traffic ... And Yeah, I'm Still Juicing

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CAN'T QUIT COLD TURKEY
TMZSports.com

The Liver King isn't going to let his steroids scandal bring him down -- in fact, he's stepping right up ... to TMZ ... to explain that he's still on the juice. 💀

We got Brian Johnson -- the influencer behind the internet personality -- out on Rodeo Dr. Saturday, where the dude was shirtless (per usual) and about to start pumping iron in front of everybody ... which he promptly did, right in the middle of traffic. Dead lifts, baby!

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After a few reps, we invited TLK to come chat with our Celebrity Tour patrons ... and he did. Before hopping on, though, we asked him some hard questions -- like why he lied about not being on the stuff for years, and why folks should believe anything he says now.

He's got answers for all that, basically saying ... look, believe me or don't -- but my workout regimen and supplement program will get ya jacked and feeling great. That's basically his message.

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BEING ABSOLUTELY SURE
Instagram / @liverking

Then, a bombshell ... Liver King admits he's still on 'roids!!! When we ask why -- especially since it's caused him so much reputational damage -- he says he has to ween off it, and that he can't just cut it out cold turkey.

If you're unfamiliar with this whole saga ... Brian recently copped to being on steroids, this after years of denying it and insisting that his program was the only thing giving him results on his physique.

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LIAR KING

He still backs his core tenets of fitness and nutrition -- including eating liver -- and he's gonna keep on keeping on, we suppose. Flex on 'em, dude. 💪🏽

Michael Rapaport Sides W/ Draymond Green In Fan Spat ... 'It's A Family-Friendly Event!!!'

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PROTECTING PLAYERS
TMZSports.com

No, Draymond Green ain't pillow soft for having a heckler booted from an NBA game earlier this week ... so says Michael Rapaport, who tells TMZ Sports the Warriors star was in the right in the situation.

Green had the courtside fan kicked out of Tuesday night's Warriors vs. Bucks game in Milwaukee -- claiming the man threatened his life during a trash-talking sesh.

The man has since said he did no such thing -- but when we got Rapaport out this week ... the comedian, who's usually full of hot takes, said he was siding with Green in the spat.

"Even though Draymond Green is not, you know, you know," Rapaport said out in NYC ... "Fans are inappropriate sometimes. It's a family-friendly event."

Rapaport said fans need to treat games as if they were going to Disneyland -- as in, behave themselves extra carefully -- otherwise, they should be subjected to ejections.

Green, meanwhile, told reporters after the incident he was hopeful that the NBA and even politicians would get involved in making rules and regulations to prevent heckling going forward -- a solution Rapaport is clearly in agreement with.