TMZ Sports - Page 2

Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona's beloved scooter, which he regularly rides to and from games, was apparently stolen over the weekend ... and now, cops are on the hunt for the alleged thief.

According to the Cleveland Police Department, a member of the Guardians staff said Francona's ride was taken outside of his apartment building sometime between 9:30 PM on Jan. 20 and 8 AM on Jan. 21.

Cops say the Cleveland staffer told them Francona had parked his 2018 Genuine MC Buddy 170i black scooter on Friday night and took the ignition key -- but noticed it was gone the following day ... leading authorities to believe the suspected thief had pushed or tampered with the motorbike to take it.

According to the police report, Francona claims he did not give anyone permission to use it -- and cops have now launched an investigation into the matter.

So far, no suspects have been named and no arrests have been made ... though cops noted in the police report there were several surveillance cameras on the street where his scooter was taken.

Gisele Bundchen and her jiu-jitsu instructor are getting close once again -- this time, the two were seen riding horses in Costa Rica, in what's either an amazing just-friends date ... or further proof the two are now an item.

Tom Brady's ex and Joaquim Valente were spotted on the animals back on Jan. 18 ... and the duo looked like they had a blast.

The couple(?) rode the horses for roughly two hours through the jungle -- and check out Gisele's grin, she sure seemed giddy while plodding through the afternoon with Valente.

Of course, there's been no official confirmation they're dating -- Gisele's camp initially claimed Valente had been tagging along on family vacays to train her and her kids -- but they've certainly appeared to be awfully coupley this month.

First, they were seen jogging while appearing to share AirPods ... and just days later -- riding horseback with none of Gisele's kids in sight.

No word yet on how Brady feels about it all ... but he hasn't been in the best mood this week.

On Monday, just seven days after the Buccaneers QB was bounced from the playoffs by the Dallas Cowboys, he snapped at his good friend Jim Gray on their podcast ... unleashing an F-bomb tirade about how he wasn't sure if he'd be retiring or not.

Jimmy Butler and the Heat turned a nightmare into a dream come true for one Argentinian fan who flew all the way to Miami to watch his favorite player ... gifting the kid a signed ball and a jersey after the NBA star missed the game due to an injury.

The young fan -- 12-year-old Felipe -- was spotted holding a huge sign that read, "Dear Jimmy: We flew over 4,405 miles to see you play. Can we get a photo or a big face coffee? ;)" before the game ... but unfortunately, Butler was ruled out with a back injury.

Cameras caught the moment the young fan and his sister, Zoe, found out Jimmy would not be playing in Tuesday night's matchup against the Boston Celtics ... and it's absolutely crushing.

But, this story has an amazing ending ... 'cause Butler and the Heat got wind of the kid's predicament and decided to hook him up with an even better experience.

The Heat gifted the fan with an autographed Miami Heat basketball and a new Butler Nike Mashup Vol. 2 Authentic jersey ... and gave him on-court access, which led to a photo with Heat point guard Gabe Vincent!!

Butler addressed the gesture on his Instagram story -- captioning a photo of the interaction, "I got you."

Of course, Butler always looks out for his fans ... with TNT's Jamal Crawford saying he's not one bit surprised the All-Star went above and beyond for one of his fans -- because he's done it throughout his career.

Awesome move, Jimmy.

K-pop superstar Lisa from BLACKPINK posed for a pic with a diehard Blink on Wednesday ... and that fan just so happened to be soccer superstar Neymar!!

One-fourth of the popular group shared the snapshot to her Instagram story just minutes ago ... showing the two celebs smiling from ear-to-ear.

As it turns out, the Paris Saint-Germain striker has been a BLACKPINK supporter for a while now ... he's shared their music videos on his Twitter, and even danced along to their song, "How You Like That," while streaming PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds back in 2021.

In fact, the superstar athlete has even used the group's skins pack on PUBG as he played in front of his 2.1 million followers.

The interaction was mutually exciting for the two stars ... as Neymar shared the pic on his own Instagram as well.

FYI -- Lisa and Neymar combine for 289 million followers on Instagram ... as they're some of the most-followed accounts in their respective fields.

LeBron James nearly lost his cool with a heckler on Tuesday night -- having to be held back from the man after the guy shouted insults at him, including one dig that featured a shot at the Lakers star's hairline.

The moment happened as the King and his squad were headed into the locker room at halftime of their game with the Clippers at Crypto.com Arena ... when a guy started going off on the L.A. forward.

"Hey Bron! Hey Bron!" the man said from his floor seat as the Lakers were down 77-54. "You better get this s*** together!"

The fan continued, "With that receding-ass hairline!"

LeBron turned quickly, appearing to want to go after the man, before security intervened.

"Look, he mad!" the heckler shouted as LeBron was being ushered away from the scene. "Look at him! You sick!"

It's unclear if the fan faced any punishment over the interaction.

The trolling, while clearly annoying, didn't stop James from going off ... he scored 46 points in the contest with the Clips, making him the only NBA player to score 40-plus against every team in the league.

Ex-NFL defensive tackle Chris "Swaggy" Baker had a serious health scare ... revealing he suffered a stroke -- but thankfully, he appears to be doing better and on the road to recovery.

The 35-year-old former Washington star shared an update on his Instagram story ... saying, "Tell Your love ones you love em my life almost ended 2days ago."

"I can't believe I had a stroke but God not done with me yet."

Baker also shared video from a Hartford, CT hospital room ... showing him sitting up and talking to a nurse as he appears to be hooked up to IVs.

Baker's mother says he suffered the "serious" stroke on Friday ... but doctors stated he is responding as if it were minor, and he is expected to make a full recovery -- calling it a "miracle."

She added Baker required emergency surgery following the stroke.

Baker was a lovable figure during his nine seasons in the league ... and was never shy to show off his dance moves on and off the field.

In fact, TMZ Sports has covered plenty of instances of Baker boogying on the runway at charity events in the past.

The Connecticut native most notably played for Washington from 2011-16 ... and racked up 214 tackles and 12 sacks over the course of his career.

Guy Fieri and Tom Brady are friends ... so naturally, we asked the Food Network star if he had any insight into TB12's plans, and while Fieri didn't know if/where Brady plans to play football, he did have a suggestion.

COME TO THE RAIDERS!!!

TMZ Sports talked to Fieri -- a huge sports fan -- the day he announced he was throwing a MASSIVE Super Bowl party in Arizona on Super Sunday (more on that in a minute) ... here's what Guy said about Tom.

"I'm a Raider. You know me. I'm just standing over here, 'Hello! Feel free!'" ... as Guy waved his arms in the air, calling Brady to the dessert.

Wherever he plays, Fieri says he hopes we haven't seen the last the 7x Super Bowl champ.

"Tom, I'm just so impressed, he's such a great guy, such a great athlete, he's been through a lot, and I hope this is not the last snap we saw. I really do hope he's gonna come back. The guy's in amazing shape."

Back to Fieri's Super Bowl bash ... Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Tailgate. It's going down right next to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, where the big game will be played.

"You take the greatest sporting event we have," Fieri said, continuing ... "The Super Bowl is the big dance, so why not throw the big tailgate?"

Typically, tailgating at the Super Bowl doesn't happen ... but Guy's party isn't typical.

"We're gonna make it free. You're gonna get LOCASH and Diplo performing. You're gonna get great DDD restaurants that are gonna be there selling food. We're gonna have a VIP experience you can buy into where you'll get completely pampered, but we're gonna put on a party that recognizes and celebrates how great the Super Bowl is and it's literally right across the street from the Super Bowl."

As for the crowd he expects ... let's just say you should get your tickets soon.

Former Univ. of Florida quarterback recruit Marcus Stokes, who lost his Gators scholarship after rapping the n-word on video, has now landed a new scholarship offer -- this time from an HBCU.

Stokes revealed on Tuesday that Albany State Univ. -- a Historically Black College and University in Georgia -- sent the offer his way this week ... just over two months after he was embroiled in controversy.

You'll recall, the four-star recruit lost his future as a Gator in November after he posted a quick video of him singing the n-word on camera on his social media page. He apologized for it afterward, calling it "hurtful and offensive to many people" -- but his recruitment skidded to a halt.

Stokes said Tuesday he was "blessed" to receive the new college interest from Albany State -- adding in an additional tweet that he was going to "find my home" as National Signing Day kicks off next week.

According to 247Sports, Stokes is also receiving interest from Division II school West Florida -- and is planning a visit there this week.

Tragic news in the boxing world ... Donovan Garcia -- a decorated teenage boxer out of Colorado -- has died after suffering significant injuries in a car crash, his family revealed this week.

He was just 15 years old.

According to a GoFundMe page set up by the promising young pugilist's family, he was involved in a "major car accident" on Jan. 11.

The fighter was rushed to the hospital where he battled to recover ... but, sadly, his family said he passed away days later.

"Donovan fought his biggest battle and went 7 rounds, but he was tired," the family said. "His family wants everyone to know that he is at peace and they are at peace with God's will."

Garcia earned several major awards throughout his young career -- according to his social media page, he garnered Silver Gloves State Champion honors as well Junior Olympics State Champion accolades ... and more.

His family wrote in an obituary that he "was loved by the boxing community and many more."

"Boxing was his passion & he won many championships including 2019 golden gloves," the family said. "Donovan has a heart of gold and put everyone before himself."

The GoFundMe page has already raised over $5,000. Its goal is $15K.

Boxing reporter Elie Seckbach first reported the news.

Gilbert Burns wasn't touched during his first round submission win on Saturday ... and the UFC star already knows who and where he wants next -- Colby Covington on "The Ultimate Fighter"!

TMZ Sports talked to the 35-year-old fighter after he choked out Neil Magny at UFC 283 about where he goes from here.

"If I could pick, because I couldn't pick for a while, I want Colby. That's a go-to title shot. If I beat Colby, especially right now. I would love to make a coach [on TUF] and compete against Colby," Burns told us.

FYI, 34-year-old Covington, who last fought at UFC 272 against rival Jorge Masvidal (Colby won by unanimous decision), is ranked second in the division ... behind longtime champ, Kamaru Usman.

Of course, "The Ultimate Fighter" was launched by Dana White and the UFC in 2005 ... putting a group of fighters in a house. Think a UFC and 'Real World' mash-up.

The first season featured coaches Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar. The men famously fought at the end of the season ... in one of the greatest matches in the promotion's history.

Since the show's inception, stars like Conor McGregor, Chuck Liddell, Tito Ortiz and many others have appeared on the TV show.

Gilbert says Dana told him they'd meet this week and go over options for the future.

"I talked to Dana and Hunter right after the fight. They said they would have a meeting [Monday] or Tuesday and they will let me know. I already put a lot of options. That's my number one pick."

Burns talks about his relationship with Covington (believe it or not, GB doesn't hate CC) ... but if the fight doesn't happen, Gilbert says he's down to rematch Khamzat Chimaev.

The men fought in a barn-burner of a contest last year ... and Gilbert pushed the previously untouched and untested (in the UFC, at least) undefeated fighter.

Burns lost by decision ... but is confident he can beat Chimaev.

"100 percent I'd fight him again," Gilbert said.

Polo G is looking to set the trend of "smart jewelry" -- the Chicago rap star's cashing out for a diamond-encrusted bulldog that's plenty flashy, but also functional ... as an iPhone case!!!

Skylar Langfeldt of Icebox Diamonds & Watches tells TMZ Hip Hop the pendant took a couple of months of engineering to perfect all the features. For instance, Polo's phone can actually be charged without being removed from the sparkling accessory.

We're told the pendant includes more than 500 grams of 14kt white gold with 90+ carats of diamonds -- and there's another 55 carats of bling on the accompanying chain!

Fans might confuse Polo for a Boston Red Sox fan after seeing the chain and pendant's red letter "B" enamel accents -- but we're told it's actually a tribute to BMoney 1300 ... Polo's friend who was murdered in August 2021.

Josh Allen is taking aim at all the conspiracy theorists and tinfoil hat-wearers who have insisted there was a Damar Hamlin body double at the Bills' playoff game on Sunday ... saying straight up, "That's stupid."

Allen addressed the outlandish internet rumors while appearing on "Kyle Brandt's Basement" podcast ... urging people to "stop that s***."

"Yeah, that's stupid," Allen said ... before adding, "There's absolutely zero chance. That's the Damar Hamlin. That's our guy. That's our brother."

The theories swirled up after Hamlin wore a mask, hoodie and sunglasses to Buffalo's postseason contest against the Bengals on Sunday ... with trolls suggesting it was all in an effort to hide something.

But the Bills' star QB says that's all B.S.

"One, that's Damar's swag -- he likes wearing that," Allen said. "Two, he was in the locker room with us pregame. So, yes. That was Damar."

Shaquille O'Neal is making good on his promise ... putting the final wheels in motion to rebuild his Krispy Kreme shop in Atlanta after its historic original burned down nearly two years ago.

The NBA legend shared photos of plans for the new-and-improved doughnut place on his social media page Tuesday ... saying the famed Ponce de Leon location will be back in business once again starting this summer.

"I told u me and @krispykreme would bounce back better than ever in Atlanta!" Shaq said in his post. "Can't wait to turn on the Hot Light at our brand-new Ponce shop this summer."

Shaq, who bought the place in 2016, had initially promised to repair it in Feb. 2021 -- after officials say an arsonist set it ablaze, ruining it.

At the time, the Diesel said, "we will bounce back better than ever."

The proclamation was well received by the community -- as the doughnut shop is considered one of the most famous in the country following its donation of boxes of treats to mourners who flocked to Atlanta to grieve the death of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968.

"The community has shown us so much support and patience as we designed the new shop," Krispy Kreme exec Dave Skena said.

Babyface will be belting out "America the Beautiful" at Super Bowl LVII next month … and the R&B legend tells us he never expected in a million years he'd be tapped for the honor.

TMZ Hip Hop chopped it up with Babyface shortly after the NFL and Roc Nation's Tuesday morning announcement, and he was already predicting he'll be a frazzled mess leading up to game day -- but he still plans on giving the millions of viewers an honest performance that showcases his talents!!!

Face knows he's got big shoes to fill ... the late Ray Charles’ rendition of 'ATB' -- performed at the World Series in 2001 -- is immortalized in the Grammy Hall of Fame, and is a radio staple every 4th of July.

He says the song speaks to his soul melodically, so he plans on putting together one of his classic Babyface arrangements -- and adds he'll even have some divine inspiration.

What's making the once in a lifetime performance even more special, is the fact he's teaming up with the clothing company Shine the Light On -- a special collaboration to pay tribute to his mother, who passed away in 2012.

Fair to say Babyface will have some angels on his shoulder on Super Bowl Sunday because he's also thinking about late brother ... After 7 singer, Melvin Edmonds, who died in 2019, and was an avid football fan.

He isn't the only performer who's admitted to pregame jitters -- when we spoke to Rihanna last year, she copped to being a little nervous for her halftime show performance. Yes, even superstars get butterflies!!!

But, Babyface has zero doubts RiRi will kill it, and he floated his wishes to record with her down the line.

BTW, Roc Nation also tapped Sheryl Lee Ralph to sing "Lift Every Voice" and Chris Stapleton for the national anthem.

The McDonald's All-American game rosters have been released ... and none other than LeBron's son, Bronny, is one of the 24 players who will participate in the marquee event.

The East and West squads were announced just minutes ago ... with huge names like Bronny, Kentucky recruits Justin Edwards, D.J. Wagner (son of ex-NBAer Dajuan Wagner), Aaron Bradshaw and Reed Sheppard, USC commit Isaiah Collier and future Texas Longhorn Ron Holland getting the nod.

Of course, the game is one of the biggest events for high school hoops ... with a ton of future NBA superstars suiting up for the matchup each year.

In fact, LeBron destroyed the competition when he played in the game in 2003 ... scoring 27 points, grabbing 7 rebounds and handing out 7 assists. He was named the MVP of the contest.

Bronny -- ESPN's 28th-ranked player in the class of 2023 -- is the only player on either roster who has yet to announce their next step after graduating college ... but it's only a matter of time before he picks a school.

The game will take place at the Toyota Center in Houston on March 28.

AEW will honor Jay Briscoe with a tribute match this week ... just days after the wrestling star tragically died in a car crash.

AEW honcho Tony Khan announced the details of the match on Tuesday ... explaining Jay's brother and tag team partner, Mark Briscoe, will fight Jay Lethal on Wednesday night in Lexington, Kentucky to honor Jay Briscoe.

Khan said in a tweet that Mark and Lethal, a longtime friend/rival of JB, wanted to fight one another to celebrate the life and legacy of their brother and contemporary in the industry.

Jay and Mark were Ring of Honor World Tag Team Champions at the time of his tragic death ... and won multiple championships together throughout their storied careers.

As we previously reported, 38-year-old Jay Briscoe -- real name is Jamin Pugh -- died in a car crash on Jan. 17 in Laurel, Delaware, after a 2019 Chevy Silverado collided with his vehicle head-on.

Tributes, donations and remembrances have poured in for the former wrestler and his family since the tragedy ... with the AEW even releasing shirts to help raise funds for the Pughs in wake of the accident.

"The Pugh family lost a husband, a father, a brother, a son," the promotion said after unveiling the shirts, "and in an effort to both honor Jay's memory as well as support those left behind, we are offering this 'Reach For The Sky' t-shirt with 100% of the proceeds going to benefit the Pugh family as they cope with this tragic loss."