TMZ Sports - Page 50

Kliff Kingsbury is out in Arizona ... the Cardinals announced Monday they've fired their head coach after a brutal 4-13 season.

The 43-year-old had just signed an extension earlier this year ... but, after a disappointing campaign and an overall record of 28-37-1 in 66 games -- the Cards decided to move on.

The former Texas Tech head coach (2013-2018) had been hired by AZ in 2019 ... and saw his best season in 2021, when he led the Cardinals to an 11-6 record and his lone playoff appearance.

But, the team was blown out by the Rams -- and came back in 2022 and fell flat, finishing in fourth place in the NFC West standings.

Further complicating issues for Kingsbury ... he appeared to butt heads with franchise quarterback Kyler Murray multiple times this year, before the signal-caller suffered a season-ending ACL injury on Monday Night Football in Week 14.

No word yet on where the Cardinals will turn to replace Kliff -- but, reportedly, they have interest in ex-Saints head coach Sean Payton.

Aaron Rodgers very well could have played his last NFL game on Sunday ... with the Green Bay Packers quarterback kick-starting retirement rumblings based on how he presented himself after being eliminated from the playoffs.

The 4-time MVP had the football world in a frenzy following the Packers' 20-16 loss to the Detroit Lions ... when he appeared to soak in what may be his last moment in a Green Bay uniform at Lambeau Field -- putting his arm around longtime teammate and best friend Randall Cobb as they made their way to the locker room.

After the L, Rodgers' comments certainly added to the speculation ... saying he will make a decision on his future after he takes some time to process everything.

"At some point the carousel comes to a stop and it’s time to get off," Rodgers said on Sunday.

"I feel good about what I've accomplished in this league and wouldn't have any regrets walking away. But I gotta see what it feels like once I get away from this."

Rodgers also had people talking when he rejected Lions receiver Jameson Williams' jersey swap request ... when he appeared to tell him, "I’m gonna hold on to this one."

Rodgers later explained he likes to keep specific jerseys that might have a special meaning to him ... and said since it was a primetime Week 18 game at Lambeau, those threads fell under that category.

Packers star Quay Walker is apologizing for shoving a Detroit Lions trainer during "Sunday Night Football" -- calling his actions both "stupid" and "wrong."

The Green Bay defender put his hands on a Detroit official who was trying to tend to an injured player late in the game at Lambeau Field ... and the rookie linebacker's actions were so disturbing, referees actually ejected him from the game.

The 22-year-old first-round pick was panned for the move -- particularly after the Buffalo Bills had just credited one of their trainers with helping save Damar Hamlin's life earlier in the week -- and on Monday morning, Walker issued an apology for his actions on his Twitter page.

"I want to apologize publicly about what happened Sunday night," said Walker, who led the Packers in tackles this season. "I reacted off of my emotions again and take full responsibility of making another stupid decision."

"Since then I've questioned myself on why did I do what I did when the trainer was doing his job!! I was wrong!!"

Walker -- who was actually ejected earlier this season against the Bills for shoving a Buffalo assistant in a similar fashion -- also explained his actions that followed the ejection ... saying he was kicking himself in the stadium tunnel after he had "messed up again."

"[I] was wrong for what I did and couldn't believe I did it again," Walker said. "To the Detroit lions and to the entire training staff including the person I did that too. I'm sorry."

Walker says he will accept whatever punishment will come his way.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, meanwhile, called the incident "unacceptable" ... and said he holds his players to a "much higher standard."

Olivia Dunne -- an LSU gymnastics star and one of the most followed college athletes on social media -- is calling for respect from her supporters ... after a group of them were seen in a disturbing video parked outside one of her meets wildly screaming for her.

The gaggle of college-aged boys posted up at an exit of the Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City on Friday just after the Tigers and Utah Utes battled on the floor ... and the sea of males could be seen in the footage not just chanting her name, but asking repeatedly where she was.

At one point, after the camera panned down the line of yelling people, one of the men in the video said, "Please. Do you know where Livvy is? I'm serious."

According to the mother of Utes gymnast Jillian Hoffman, the scene away from the camera grew even more unnerving ... as Jennifer Hoffman said in a Facebook post several of the fans in the area were "so rude and disrespectful" to her daughter and teammates.

"They literally said to their faces," Jennifer wrote, "you are not Livvy but you will do, can we get a picture."

The reporter who shot the clip called the site "scary and disturbing and cringey." Another reporter on the scene said LSU actually had to move its team bus to avoid the crowd.

Livvy eventually sent a tweet on Sunday night asking her fans to be more "respectful" going forward.

"I will always appreciate and love the support from you guys," said Dunne, who has 6.7 million followers on TikTok, "but if you come to a meet, I want to ask you to please be respectful of the other gymnasts and the gymnastics community as we are just doing our job."

Dunne had interacted with some of the fans at the meet -- after they were seen inside of the stadium holding signs and chanting her name. She took selfies with them, and appeared to thank them for coming.

She faced criticism, though, for acknowledging the mob at the arena -- backlash that Dunne's mother said in a tweet on Sunday was completely inappropriate.

"It is not ok to blame any athlete/celebrity when fan behavior crosses the line," Katherine Dunne said. "In a sport where all the girls wear nothing but leotards stop suggesting that how Livvy dresses means she deserves this in any way. Stop shaming girls for the behavior of boys."

Livvy's popularity has exploded in the past year -- piling up millions of followers on all of her social media platforms, while securing NIL deals reportedly worth north of $2 million.

Rising undefeated MMA star Victoria "The Prodigy" Lee -- who competed in ONE Championship in Asia -- passed away last month, her family announced. She was only 18.

Lee's older sister, MMA fighter Angela, broke the sad news via Instagram on Saturday ... saying Victoria died on Dec. 26.

"She has gone too soon and our family has been completely devastated since then," Angela said in the caption.

"We miss her. More than anything in this world. Our family will never be the same. Life will never be the same."

Angela added her baby sister was the best person she knew ... and she was beautiful inside and out.

"We love you Victoria. I love you Sprout. Until the end of time."

Lee was an up-and-coming mixed martial artist ... but recently put her career on hold to focus on graduating from high school.

ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong said she was an "extraordinary martial arts prodigy" and "watched her blossom over the years as a martial artist and a human being."

"I will always remember Victoria for the beautiful and precious soul that she was. May you rest in peace, Victoria. We will all miss you."

Victoria was also a Junior World Champion ... and IMMAF Junior State and World Champion.

Besides Angela, Victoria's brothers -- Christian and Adrian -- are also MMA fighters.

Lee had an undefeated record of 3-0 and dedicated her last win to her parents.

"I am so lucky to have such incredible parents," Lee said in an IG post. "This victory goes 100% to you mom and dad."

Cleveland legend Bernie Kosar was booted from his radio gig with the Browns on Sunday ... and it's all because the ex-quarterback bet on his former team to beat the Steelers.

Kosar -- who played for the Orange and Brown from 1985-93 -- placed the $19,000 wager (in honor of his jersey number) with the Tipico Sportsbook app last weekend ... becoming one of the first legal bets placed in Ohio.

The former Pro Bowler claimed if Cleveland (+120 in most sportsbooks) ended up beating Pittsburgh, he would donate the winnings to charity.

The Browns ended up losing, 28-14, but not only did Kosar lose his $19k ... he also lost his pregame radio show job with the team -- due to breaking one of the league's most unforgivable rules.

"Earlier this week we notified Bernie, that per league policy, we were required to remove him from our pregame radio coverage for the season finale after he violated the NFL gambling policy by placing a bet on an NFL game," the Browns said on Sunday.

"We understand what Bernie means to this community and our history but as team contracted personnel hired to provide content on our media platforms, his bet was a violation of NFL rules and we must adhere to all NFL policy."

Kosar addressed the move on Twitter ... saying, "I am shocked & disappointed. Brown & Orange is my life … Go #Browns."

Chicago White Sox star Liam Hendriks -- arguably the best closer in the MLB -- has been diagnosed with cancer ... and is slated to begin treatment for the disease ASAP.

The right-handed pitcher revealed the news on his social media page Sunday -- saying docs recently discovered he had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. He went on to say he'll begin medical care to try to eradicate it all on Monday.

The 33-year-old, though, vowed to beat it ... saying he's going to use "the same determination I have used when facing other obstacles in my life."

"I am confident that I will make a full recovery and be back on the mound as soon as possible," Hendriks said.

"I know with the support of my wife, my family, my teammates and the Chicago White Sox organization, along with the treatment and care from my doctors, I will get through this."

Several MLB stars commented on three-time All-Star's post ... including future Hall of Famer Miguel Cabrera, who left praying hands emojis.

Hendriks has been in the major leagues since 2011, but has blossomed into one of the game's best just recently. He had a breakout year with the Oakland A's in 2019 -- and has gone on to become one of the most reliable ninth-inning guys in baseball since.

The White Sox -- who signed Hendriks to a 3-year, $54 million contract in 2021 -- said Sunday night they plan to help the pitcher on his journey to recovery ... adding they're "optimistic he will pitch again for the White Sox as soon as viable."

No, Clipper Darrell ain't on his way to becoming Celtic Darrell after being punched at a game earlier this month ... the L.A. superfan tells TMZ Sports he's still in love with the Clippers -- even if he's still ailing from the knockout blow.

We broke the story ... the iconic NBA fan -- real name Darrell Bailey -- was left unconscious after a Crypto.com Arena security guard socked him in the face following a dispute at the Clippers' game against Boston back on Dec. 12.

Darrell told us at the time he was left in a load of pain -- and he actually had to be taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Many wondered if the situation would sour his feelings on Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and the rest of the guys on the hardwood -- but the 55-year-old told us this week he ain't going anywhere ... even if the experience he had with the arena staffer was traumatic.

"I look forward to returning to Crypto.com Arena to root for my 2023 NBA Championship Clippers!" he said. "Let's Go Clippers Let's Go!!!"

Darrell did add he's still hurting from the punch -- saying he's continuing to receive medical care for his ailments. But, he did appear to be in better spirits.

"What happened that night came as a complete shock, and it left me heartbroken," he said. "I'm still dealing with the emotional and physical aftermath of being assaulted and knocked unconscious by the AEG security guard. I'd like to thank the fans, athletes, the Clippers organization, and AEG for their love and support and for reaching out to me to check on my health and well-being."

"I'd ask that my privacy be respected while I continue treatment for my injuries."

The Buffalo Bills were ready to play football again this weekend, but they were also ready to honor their teammate, Damar Hamlin ... and they did both in equal measure.

The squad took the field Sunday against the Patriots, with a ton of players -- including QB Josh Allen -- carrying custom flags that asked people to "Pray for Damar," which also bared his official number, 3. The Bills are at home, so their crowd was completely fired up.

There were several fan-made posters with their own messages for Damar ... bottom line, everyone had the safety on their mind. And everyone paid tribute in their own unique way.

This wasn't the only nod to Damar ... before kickoff, the team acknowledged and thanked the medical staff that worked on DH almost a week ago, who undoubtedly saved his life.

On the football field, itself ... even more magic from Buffalo. Nyheim Hines caught the opening kickoff and sent back a 90-plus-yard return -- running practically all the way down the field, breaking tackles along the way, and scored a touchdown in a miraculous play.

It was a helluva way to start the game ... and you could see and hear the excitement both among his teammates and even in the booth -- where the broadcasters described it as "storybook" type stuff. Damar himself seemed to love it ... tweeting, "OMFG!!!!!!"

Speaking of Damar ... his condition continues to improve, and he was showing his guy support from his hospital bed -- posting a photo of himself with a "Love for Damar" tee, and telling the Bills it was "GAMETIME."

Eric Wood believed the Bills were destined to win the Super Bowl before the season started, but with the endless tragedies the teams endured, including Damar Hamlin's medical emergency, the former Pro Bowler thinks this is the year the Lombardi trophy finally arrives in Orchard Park.

TMZ Sports talked to Wood, who played all 9 seasons in Buffalo (2009-2017), and now serves as the color analyst on the radio (the ex-star was calling the game when #3 went down), and we asked if he believes the team's fate is to win their first ever SB.

"I do and I felt that way before the season," Wood said, adding, "The Bills started this season as the unanimous betting favorite to win the Super Bowl and these injuries have derailed some things. It's games being moved and a lot of adversity that these Bills had to deal with but in my mind, it does feel like destiny."

In May, 10 people were shot and killed in a Buffalo supermarket -- targets of a racially motivated hate crime. Team owner Kim Pegula battled health issues earlier this season. The western New York area has also been hit with multiple snowstorms, including a historic blizzard that killed at least 44 people. Dawson Knox's brother died unexpectedly. Then there's Damar. The area has been through so much.

The Bills have never won a Super Bowl. They made 4 straight between 1990 and 1993, but lost all the games.

FWIW, they won 2 AFL Championships in 1964 and 1965.

Eric believes after all the pain and suffering, this is the year the drought finally comes to an end.

Of course, the Bills are 12-3 and considered one of the best 2 or 3 teams in the league.

As for the mindset as the team steps on the gridiron again for the first time since "Monday Night Football," Wood says the message is straightforward.

News of Aaron Rodgers and Mallory Edens' new romance was just confirmed this week, but the clues were there as early as last month ... with the two sharing candy as they watched the Milwaukee Bucks from their courtside seats.

As we reported on Friday -- the Green Bay Packers quarterback and Bucks owner's daughter are, in fact, dating ... with the news coming off as a surprise to many.

But upon further review of Rodgers and Edens' recent public outing ... folks shouldn't be so shocked.

In the short clip from the Dec. 2 matchup against the Lakers, Aaron grabs a handful of what appears to be Mike and Ikes and downs 'em before passing it to Edens, who takes the box from him.

We get it -- it's not much, but it's certainly something a couple would do ... and just goes to show that they were enjoying their time together.

As we previously reported, the rumors had been swirling all week ... with many pointing out Edens recently hit up a Green Bay Packers game decked out in the home team's gear. Turns out all the rumors were right!!

Aaron Donald ain't just a monster on the field ... he's a hero off of it too -- 'cause Make-A-Wish recipient Kyle Frazier tells TMZ Sports the Rams star helped him beat cancer, and then gave him some great football advice as well!!

The 21-year-old college football player -- who beat Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2019 -- initially met Donald over Zoom in 2020 as part of his Make-A-Wish request.

At the time, due to the pandemic, the duo could only talk remotely ... although Frazier said it helped him recover from the disease, and ultimately assisted him on his way to playing as an offensive lineman at Savannah State University.

This past weekend, Frazier was actually able to meet with Donald in person and fulfill the rest of his Make-A-Wish request ... and he told us following the experience out at LAX this week that it was a life-changing moment for him.

"To be able to meet somebody I really look up to, I aspire to be," he said, "it was just amazing. I don't think words can explain it."

In addition to meeting with Donald, Frazier also got to work out with the guy -- and he says while there, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year gave him some wisdom that he said he'll never forget.

"If it was easy, everybody would do it," the sophomore said of what Donald told him. "So, you know, keep working. Don't stop. It's hard being great."

Frazier also got to sign a one-day contract with the Rams and take in their game against the Chargers as part of his Make-A-Wish dream ... and now, he tells us he's feeling more inspired than ever.

"It's definitely set another goal for me," he said.

Big Show recognizes Mercedes Mone -- formerly known as Sasha Banks -- is a unique talent ... and tells TMZ Sports any wrestling promotion that signs her is getting a superstar.

We asked Show about the rumors that Mercedes could sign with AEW ... on the heels of her debut with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), and he seemed receptive to the idea.

"I think she'd be a tremendous asset to any company," said Show at LAX on Thursday. "She's a star and has an incredible fan following. Any company would be glad to have her."

"For a long time, everyone got spoiled because there was one company to work for. Now there are multiple viable companies again to work for."

Show -- real name Paul Wight -- spent 22 years with the WWE before joining AEW as a wrestler and a commentator ... which is why he sees the value in wrestlers having options these days.

"It gives talents an opportunity to express themselves and create the deals they want to make," Show said. "It gives a chance for someone stagnant in one company to reinvent themselves."

Ultimately, Show believes the advent of multiple wrestling companies -- and those companies flourishing -- is a good thing ... and wrestlers like Mercedes should take advantage of it.

Shawne Merriman's bringing back Lights Out Xtreme Fighting -- after more than a year of being dormant -- and the former NFL star and promotion founder tells us won't rule out taking a fight!

"I'm not opposed to [fighting]," the former Pro Bowler told Babcock and Mojo on the "TMZ Sports" TV show (airs nightly on FS1), saying "I would fight the right former athlete, another guy in the WWE, something that people would pay to see in Lights Out."

The 38-year-old former NFL star continued ... "They got my Instagram. They got my number. If anybody really thinking about it and it's a good fight and people wanna see it, come on and step in Lights Out. I got no problem!"

Of course, Shawne wouldn't be the first former football player to transition to fighting. Former NFL star Greg Hardy, who had no combat sports background, fought in the UFC.

Matt Mitrione, former Giants, 49ers and Vikings defensive lineman, was a UFC and Bellator star. Matt beat heavyweight legend Fedor Emelianenko, amongst a bunch of other top fighters. Not to mention Brock Lesnar ... and the list goes on and on.

6'4" Merriman would have had the best football career (though Hardy was dominant on the gridiron, too) of all players if he fought. Shawne played around 265 lbs. and was an athletic freak. He ran a 4.68 40-yard dash and put up 25 reps of 225 lbs. before he was drafted 12th overall in 2005.

Merriman, a huge MMA fan, founded Lights Out (his nickname during his playing days) in 2019. They've had 7 events -- all taking place in southern California -- with the last going down in December 2021.

But, the promotion is back ... "Lights Out Xtreme Fighting 8: The Return" goes down on Saturday in Riverside, CA. The event preliminaries will stream at 6 p.m. PST and the main event will stream live at 7 p.m. PST on Fubo Sports as well as the network's Instagram, Twitter and YouTube plus on Shawne Merriman’s social channels

Merriman says he's signed some super-talented fighters and his only hope is they don't leave for Bellator or UFC.

"I know Scott Coker and [Dana White], I've been around this space for a long time. They all know I have a big appetite for growing and being big in the space but ultimately, it's about giving guys, these fighters more eyeballs. Giving them a platform to fight."

"UFC, Bellator, great organizations. They're actually what made me get into the fight game and watch from the beginning. With Lights Out, I think we have an opportunity to come in here and give these fighters an opportunity to go and take care of their families, be legends in the sport, be champions in the sport," Merriman says.

Listen up, movie buffs -- Wood Harris, a staple in some of the biggest sports flicks ever -- is giving TMZ Sports a list of his top football movies of all time... and, yes, "Remember The Titans" did make his cut!!

The 53-year-old, who famously played Julius Campbell in the legendary 2000 Denzel Washington film, broke down his four favorite pigskin-themed features with us out in LA this week ... and there weren't too many shockers.

Harris started with "Remember the Titans" -- before moving on to "Any Given Sunday" and "Rudy."

The actor then kicked around a few movies like "The Blind Side" and "Invincible" -- before ultimately giving his final nod to "The Waterboy."

Not a bad list at all -- but "Varsity Blues," "The Replacements," "Jerry Maguire" and "The Longest Yard" certainly have their arguments.

Damar Hamlin's health has, thankfully, improved dramatically ... so much so, in fact, that the guy is active on social media again ... and his message is one of gratitude and thanks.

The Bills safety -- who's been receiving treatment in a hospital for several days now, following his horrifying on-field collapse -- posted to IG for the first time since the life-threatening incident. He compiled shots of himself, seemingly from the fateful day in question.

The final slide in his 4-pic post shows a quote doctors told him when he was finally awake and talking on his own. It's the "you won" line, which resonated with him.

Damar adds, "When you put real love out into the world it comes back to you 3x’s as much.. 🫶🏾🫶🏾🫶🏾 The Love has been overwhelming, but I’m thankful for every single person that prayed for me and reached out. We brung the world back together behind this. If you know me you know this only gone make me stronger. On a long road keep praying for me!"

His message comes on the heels of his team providing yet another encouraging update on his condition. They said he was making continued progress, but remained in critical care --noting he was breathing without assistance and that his neurological function was excellent.

This turnaround is nothing short of miraculous, considering we now know that his heart gave out ... requiring immediate resuscitation on the gridiron during Monday Night Football.

Since his injury, Damar's been receiving an outpouring of support in several different forms -- including on the charity front ... which has amounted to millions of dollars being donated to a GFM endeavor he was hosting for the holidays.

Seems he's taken notice of that and all the other well-wishes sent his way. A good sign.