TMZ Sports - Page 26

Soccer legend Pele's health has taken a turn for the worse ... with local doctors announcing his cancer has advanced, and he is currently receiving "elevated care" for kidney and heart issues, according to the AP.

The 82-year-old's daughter shared an update on Tuesday ... saying the family will remain with Pele at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo over the Christmas holiday "for various reasons."

"We, as always, thank you for all the love you show us here in Brazil as well as around the world!" Kely Nascimento said on Instagram.

"Your love for him and your stories and prayers are a HUGE comfort because we know we are not alone."

Kely says the family will make the holiday extra special ... and have plans to celebrate at the hospital.

"We are going to turn this room into a Sambódromo (just kidding), we will even make caipirinhas (not kidding!!)."

"We wish everyone who celebrates a Christmas that filled with family, full of children, some fighting 🤷🏽 ♀️ and TONS of Love and Health !!"

Pele is considered to be the greatest soccer player of all time -- having won World Cup titles in 1958, 1962 and 1970.

There have been conflicting reports regarding his health recently ... with Kely denying last month the Brazilian hero was experiencing complications during his chemotherapy treatment.

Two of the most powerful men in United States history are heartbroken over the death of Franco Harris ... with both Joe Biden and Barack Obama saying Wednesday they're devastated by the Steelers legend's passing.

The current POTUS and the ex-POTUS both took to their social media pages to remember the Pro Football Hall of Famer ... with Biden explaining he'd actually been a friend of Harris' for years.

"I knew him for his character and compassion," Biden said, "someone who spent time with my boys after we lost my first wife and infant daughter."

Obama meanwhile, said he too knew Harris off the field -- and loved the guy.

"He was an extraordinary man," #44 said ... before writing that Harris "will be missed."

The former running back passed away overnight on Tuesday, his family announced on Wednesday. A cause of death has yet to be revealed.

Harris seemed to be in great spirits just hours before his death -- posing for photos with fans in front of his statue at the Senator John Heinz History Center.

"Our thoughts go out to his family and all of Steeler Nation," Obama said.

The New York Knicks no longer have one of their 2025 second-round picks -- the NBA has concluded its investigation into premature free agency discussions with Jalen Brunson ... and determined the team did, in fact, tamper with the guard.

The league announced the punishment on Wednesday ... saying the Knicks kickstarted their recruitment of the former Dallas Mavericks player prior to the start of free agency this past offseason.

Of course, there was always suspicion surrounding the acquisition ... especially considering Jalen's dad, Rick, became an assistant with the Knicks just one month before Brunson signed a four-year, $104 million deal with New York in July.

On top of that, the Brunson family is very close to Leon Rose, the current president of the Knicks.

The news of Jalen's intentions to sign with the Knicks broke even before the free agency period started ... so it became obvious a probe was on the horizon.

On the bright side, the Knicks could still have two second-round picks in 2025 ... courtesy of trades with the Detroit Pistons and Brooklyn Nets.

Brittney Griner is asking everyone who supported her while in Russian custody to do the same for Paul Whelan ... by sending encouraging letters to the former U.S. Marine.

BG emphasized how much messages helped her throughout the past 10 months she was behind bars in Russia ... saying in an Instagram post it was one of the few gestures that kept her hope alive.

"Your letters were also bigger than uplifting me," the WNBA champ said. "They showed me the power of collective hands. Together, we can do hard things. I'm living proof of that."

"My family is whole and now, thanks to you, we are fortunate to get to spend the holidays together. However, there remain too many families with loved ones wrongfully detained."

The 32-year-old specifically brings up the former Marine, who's serving a 16-year prison sentence in Russia for an espionage charge in 2018, saying she wants people to show the same amount of love for Whelan as he remains behind bars.

"I hope you'll join me in writing to Paul Whelan and continuing to advocate for other Americans to be rescued and returned to their families," Griner said.

Of course, Whelan -- as well as many Americans -- is displeased with President Joe Biden and the administration for not including him in the prisoner swap for Griner earlier this month .... especially since he claims he "was arrested for a crime that never occurred."

"I'm ready to go home," Whelan said to CNN hours after the U.S. exchanged arms dealer Viktor Bout for Griner.

"I just need an airplane to come and get me."

The U.S. government says Russia was not willing to make a deal including Whelan ... claiming several attempts were made.

Jeanie Buss just added another ring to her collection -- the Los Angeles Lakers owner is engaged to Jay Mohr!!

TMZ Sports has confirmed ... the couple of several years recently took their relationship to the next level after the comedian got on one knee and proposed.

We're told Buss and Mohr -- who bonded over sports and comedy -- are ecstatic about how their love has developed over time ... and they're excited to spend the rest of their lives together.

The clues were there -- Jeanie has been spotted wearing a ring on that finger recently ... and sources close to the couple confirmed they are, in fact, engaged.

Jeanie and Jay started "quietly" dating back in 2017 ... and the two frequently attended Laker games together.

Jeanie has been head over heels for Jay ... and on her birthday last year, shared just how special he makes her feel in a mushy social media post.

"Happiness. Love. Joy," Buss said in September 2021. "That’s what you have given me on my birthday and every day in between."

Buss was previously engaged to coaching legend Phil Jackson ... but they announced their split in December 2016.

Mohr -- the former "Last Comic Standing" host and sports media personality -- was married to Nikki Cox for 10 years before filing for divorce in 2016.

Pete Davidson and Chase Sui Wonders were spotted at Pete's place late at night ... and while we've been told they're just "great friends," these shots seem to tell a different story.

The "Bodies, Bodies, Bodies" co-stars arrived at his NYC apartment late Monday night ... seemingly having a great time with each other yet again.

This of course comes on the heels of the 2 being spotted a few times together. As we reported, they were trying to stay low at a Whole Foods in Brooklyn over the weekend, covered in hoodies as they exchanged smiles at checkout.

They were also seen with their other 'BBB' co-star, Rachel Sennott at a NY Rangers game last week ... it could've just been a 3-way friendly outing, but now, connecting the dots ...

Dating rumors have been circling, but a rep for Pete shot them down -- telling TMZ they most definitely are not an item, but instead are "great friends and they have been since they met filming 'Bodies, Bodies, Bodies.'"

Antonio Brown won't be thrown behind bars over an alleged battery after all ... officials said Wednesday the ex-NFL star's arrest warrant has been withdrawn -- and he's no longer facing criminal charges.

Police had issued the warrant for Brown's arrest back in November ... after a woman accused the former football player of throwing a shoe at her during a violent incident on Nov. 28 at a home in South Tampa.

But, the State Attorney's Office said Wednesday the alleged victim recanted her story to them during a follow-up interview on Dec. 16.

Following the woman's new statement, prosecutors said they "determined we could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt a battery took place."

"As a result," the SAO said, "a letter of release was issued, which formalizes the SAO's decision not to prosecute and withdraws the previously issued arrest warrant."

Lou Gehrig. Babe Ruth. Thurman Munson. Don Mattingly. Derek Jeter.

Aaron Judge just joined baseball royalty ... becoming the 16th captain in New York Yankees history.

#99 received the honor in his first press conference after signing a massive 9-year, $360 million deal to remain in pinstripes ... with Hal Steinbrenner announcing the decision just minutes ago.

"It is my great pleasure, thankfully, despite a brief absence, technically speaking, to welcome Aaron not only back to the Bronx, but to welcome Aaron back to the Bronx as the 16th captain of this great organization, the New York Yankees," Steinbrenner said Wednesday.

"An honor and position he greatly deserves."

Jeter -- the most recent captain in franchise history -- was present for the ceremony ... and he appeared thrilled to pass down the title to the slugger.

Of course, many expected the move after Judge agreed to come back to the Yanks ... after several teams tried to sign him in a blockbuster free agency.

Ex-NYY player Nick Swisher even predicted it would happen ... previously telling TMZ Sports, "I think he signs a monster deal; 7, 8-year deal, and guess what we do? We put that C on his chest and the Yankees fans -- it makes everybody happy."

LeSean McCoy just shaded the hell outta Dak Prescott ... calling the Dallas Cowboys quarterback "ass" and claiming he's playing like "trash" after a loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The ex-Philadelphia Eagles star unloaded on Dak during his appearance on FS1's "Speak" this week ... bluntly saying #4 is not living up to expectations as the leader of America's Team, and certainly not playing like a man deserving of a 4-year, $160 million contract.

"Dak is ass," McCoy said. "Can I say that on TV? 'Cause he is ass ass."

LeSean's gripe comes on the heels of Dak's pick-six that handed the Jags the win in overtime on Sunday ... even though the interception was more due to receiver Noah Brown failing to secure the pass.

But, McCoy says the first pick Dak threw earlier in the Week 15 matchup was "terrible" ... and he criticized the vet for failing to secure the ball in crunch time and blowing a 17-point lead.

McCoy says Dak's decision-making has been an issue all season ... and blames it for Dallas' loss to the Green Bay Packers last month as well.

"The picks he's throwing, he's not even trying to fit the ball through the needles or smaller windows," McCoy said. "These are like, easy passes. They run the ball well. What else can you do? I'm paying you $160 million, that's how you play?"

"If you tell me that's outstanding, I don't know what to say. I'm lost for words.

Bode Miller's son suffered a seizure on Monday and was rushed to the hospital ... but, thankfully, the little boy is now home and resting comfortably.

The Olympic skier's wife, Morgan, detailed the horrifying experience in a social media post on Tuesday ... saying it painfully reminded her of when the couple's 19-month-old daughter, Emeline, tragically died following a pool accident in 2018.

"Life is constantly walking a knife edge and it's not something we are unfamiliar with," Morgan wrote alongside a photo of Bode and 3-year-old Asher in a hospital bed.

"Yesterday, Asher had a febrile seizure which scared us half to death. We took the same ambulance to the same hospital we took Emmy to."

She added, "But this time we got to leave with our child."

Morgan then shared a picture of Asher back at home on the couch with Miller ... looking comfortable and happy.

Khloe Kardashian is trendsetting in an all-new way -- she's got the sneaker resale market popping, just because she wore a pair of Jordans to Bronny James' high school basketball game.

Khloe's Mocha Jordan 1's shot up in price after she rocked 'em last week, according to Remo from Walk Like Us ... a digital marketing company that works with resellers.

Remo tells TMZ ... the shoes normally go for a max of $130 for the women's grade school sizes, but after the Kardashian's appearance some are going as high as $600 -- which we're told is pretty rare, especially for the female sizes. FYI, sizes 6 and 7 are the most expensive right now.

We're told a spike like this is more common for men's size, but retailers instantly noticed the price jump up the same day Kim and Khloe sat courtside for the L.A. area high school showcase.

As we reported, the sisters were having a blast at the HS game featuring LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony's sons. The crowd was filled with celebs, including La La Anthony and Scottie Pippen, along with the K sisters.

Franco Harris -- a Pro Football Hall of Famer and one of the most legendary Pittsburgh Steelers of all time -- has died ... his family announced Wednesday.

He was 72 years old.

A cause of death has yet to be revealed ... though the Harris family said he passed away overnight.

"The entire team at the Pro Football Hall of Fame is immensely saddened today," Hall of Fame president Jim Porter said Wednesday morning in a statement.

"We have lost an incredible football player, an incredible ambassador to the Hall and, most importantly, we have lost one of the finest gentlemen anyone will ever meet. Franco not only impacted the game of football, but he also affected the lives of many, many people in profoundly positive ways."

Harris was taken by the Steelers in the first round of the 1972 NFL Draft ... and it didn't take long for him to become a huge star. In his rookie season, he ran for 1,055 yards and 10 touchdowns, making the Pro Bowl team while winning Rookie of the Year honors.

Harris went on to make eight more Pro Bowls with the Steelers ... and ended up winning four Super Bowls with the team. In SB IX, he was named MVP.

In his career, Harris rushed for 12,120 yards and 91 TDs, while adding 2,287 yards and 9 TDs receiving. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1990.

The 6-foot-2, 230-pound running back, though, is most well known for his role in the "Immaculate Reception" -- a wild play in a 1972 AFC divisional round playoff game against the Raiders that many consider one of the greatest moments in NFL history.

During the play, the Steelers were down 7-6 on fourth down with just 22 seconds left in the game. Quarterback Terry Bradshaw heaved a pass that was ultimately deflected backward -- right into Harris' waiting arms.

Harris then ran it in for the game-winning score.

Harris was set to be honored by the Steelers just one day after the 50th anniversary of the play ... with Pittsburgh formally retiring his No. 32 on Saturday during its game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

"Words can’t begin to describe the pain I am feeling," former Steelers running back Jerome Bettis said following Franco's death Wednesday. "Franco will always be a brother, mentor and my definition of greatness. He was a legend on the field and the personification of excellence off of the field -- A true class act to look up to and aspire to be like."

"RIP #32"

Cops went in on Damon Arnette throughout the football player's arrest back in July ... with one straight up calling the ex-Raiders defensive back "a f***ing idiot" during the stop -- new police video, obtained by TMZ Sports, shows.

The interaction was all captured on an officer's body cam, revealing cops were super ticked off at the former first-round pick after pulling him over in Miami just after midnight on July 26.

The officers appeared to be upset with Arnette because, according to police documents, just hours earlier, they had pulled him over and found he had been driving on a suspended driver's license, but allowed him to leave so long as he didn't drive again until he got his license reinstated.

One cop can be heard in the video telling the former Ohio State star, who was 25 years old at the time of the stop, "We gave you a f***ing break! You knew your f***ing license was suspended."

Arnette responded, "I got practice in the morning," ... but the cops clearly didn't care, saying in the video, "It doesn't matter bro, you're going to jail, bro."

After one of the officers finished putting the cuffs on Arnette, he searched the guy's pockets -- and found what was later described by police in the docs as a "white powdery substance consistent with that of cocaine."

That's when the officer can be heard in the footage going off on Arnette.

"Idiot," the policeman said. "You're a f***ing idiot, bro. You had the chance. You had the chance to go home. You f***ed it up."

On the way to the station, the video shows the cop continued to chastise Arnette ... telling him in the squad car, "Now you're going to jail for what? 'Cause you're stupid."

"Honestly, it sucks," the cop added. "We can't even give people warnings without them f***ing it up for themselves."

Arnette was eventually hit with criminal charges over the incident -- including felony cocaine possession and misdemeanor knowingly driving with a suspended license.

The NFL player, though, entered a diversion program in an attempt to close out the case in September. A spokesperson for the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office told us at the time Arnette must, among other conditions, submit to random drug testing, complete a substance abuse evaluation, report monthly and pay fees as part of the program. If he complies with all of the conditions, the spokesperson said prosecutors would revisit his charges.

Former Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman, a third-round pick in 2012, is in hospice fighting for his life ... his former teammates said Tuesday.

Orlando Franklin -- who helped block for Hillman for three seasons in Denver -- initially revealed the sad news on his Twitter page ... asking Broncos fans for prayers for the ex-tailback.

"He's in hospice and not doing well," Franklin said.

Another one of Hillman's former teammates, Derek Wolfe, said later Tuesday the 31-year-old is currently battling "bad liver cancer."

"It's not looking good," Wolfe said on 104.3 The Fan on Tuesday. "He has pneumonia and I'm putting it out there just to send positive vibes his way."

Hillman played for the Broncos from 2012 through 2015 -- and helped Peyton Manning and the rest of the team win Super Bowl 50. Wolfe remembered him as a "great football player, great person, great teammate" and "an all-around great dude" on Tuesday.

Hillman, who starred at San Diego State before his NFL career began, also played for the Minnesota Vikings, San Diego Chargers and Dallas Cowboys in his career.

Absolute chaos unfolded in the streets of Buenos Aires, Argentina, as the World Cup champions held their victory parade -- and things got so out of control, players had to be evacuated from their celebration via helicopter.

Argentina, fresh off defeating France in the World Cup on Sunday, were met with millions of fans on Tuesday to celebrate their win -- their first since 1986 and third overall.

Fans were understandably excited that the men's soccer team could once again call themselves world champs ... and it showed throughout the parade.

There were so many people on the streets that the festivities had to be cut short ...  and Argentina players had to abandon their team buses and fly over the city instead.

We know championship celebrations can get out of hand ... but this parade was unlike anything we'd ever seen.

A video posted on social media shows the moment two fans attempted to jump onto Argentina's team bus ... which certainly posed a safety issue for the squad and others involved.

The first guy, who appeared to jump from a fixture as the bus drove by, stuck his landing. But the second guy slipped as he jumped and fell off the back of the bus and to the ground, causing the vehicle to stop.

No word on if the dude got hurt ... and we certainly hope that's not the case, but stunts like this put into perspective just how much this World Cup championship means to Argentina fans.

Gardner Minshew spoke from the heart as he addressed the crowd at college football legend Mike Leach's memorial service on Tuesday ... even dropping an f-bomb as he remembered his former coach.

The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback was excused from team practice so he could attend the ceremony ... and the former Washington State star expressed how much Leach meant to him during their time together in 2018 while at the podium at Humphrey Coliseum.

"He touched so many lives, impacted so many people," Minshew said. "I know how much he impacted mine and I was really just with him for about six months."

"To say playing for Mike Leach ... that was a dream really doesn't cover it. He was my favorite coach long before I ever met him."

Gardner said Leach was a different type of coach ... and dropped an expletive to get his point across.

"He had confidence -- it was part confidence, part just really not giving a f*** what people thought," Minshew said.

"It was awesome, man. It was contagious. Made you so feel good when you were with him. Felt like you can do anything."

It worked for Minshew ... 'cause he won the 2018 Alamo Bowl under Leach, was a Heisman Trophy candidate, was named the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year, and won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award that season.

"There was no façade, ego or front. It was all just him."

Minshew -- who will be taking over for injured Jalen Hurts on Saturday if the Eagles starter can't play against the Cowboys -- was one of the many former players and coaches who spoke at Leach's memorial.