TMZ Sports - Page 50

The bromantic dinner between Henry Winkler and Patrick Mahomes hasn't gone down yet ... but the actor tells TMZ Sports the offer still stands -- and, yes, ricotta-stuffed chicken is still on the menu.

Remember, The Fonz rapidly became Mahomies with Mahomes after shouting him out on a radio show last year -- and it all eventually led to a very sweet in-person meetup at the Chiefs vs. Chargers game this past season.

In fact, the friendship evolved so much between the two ... Winkler actually ended up inviting Mahomes to a dinner at his house in Los Angeles to dine on his famous chicken dish.

When we got Winkler out at LAX this week, though, he said the breaking of bread with the NFL star has yet to happen ... but he's still holding out hope it'll eventually go down.

"Patrick," Winkler told us, "I really hope you take me up on my offer and come over to my house for dinner."

Winkler said his chicken stuffed with cheese will be on the menu any time ... adding that "of course" Brittany Mahomes and the children are invited!!

If Aaron Rodgers ends up packing his bags and taking his talents to the Jets, former Giants stars Eli Manning and Shaun O'Hara have some simple advice on how he can thrive in New York -- "just win!!"

The two-time Super Bowl MVP and his good buddy/former teammate took a few minutes from their Easter extravaganza with The Children's Place in New Jersey on Friday to chat with Babcock and Lucas on the TMZ Sports TV show (airs weekdays on FS1) about the biggest story of the NFL offseason ... and they both offered a solid perspective on what's going through Aaron's head as he contemplates his future.

"It's hard just because your whole life, you work towards it," Eli tells us. "You're dedicated to the game, you've been doing it the past 25 years since high school, preparing to play this game. To say, 'Alright, I'm not doing it anymore,' it's a really tough decision."

"Usually, in your heart, you just know you're not willing to do the preparation, to do the work, to do the full commitment it takes to play at that level."

Eli -- who retired in 2020 -- says he knew he made the right call when he called it a career ... because when he started watching games as a spectator, the tackles made on the field looked "brutal."

O'Hara added even after players retire, they will continue to think they can still play ... but he says since Rodgers is playing at such a high level, he'd be shocked if he left the game behind right now.

If O'Hara is right, there's a good chance Rodgers could end up with a new home after 18 seasons with the Green Bay Packers ... and there's rumblings that next team could be the Jets.

Since Manning and O'Hara have a ton of experience playing in the Big Apple, we asked if they had some wise words for the 4-time MVP ... and Eli thinks Rodgers would do just fine, especially after he spent several days on an isolation retreat in Oregon.

"I don't think Aaron needs any advice from us," Eli says. "The guy's been playing at an unbelievable level for so long, MVP. If he wants to come to New York and play if that's an option, he'll think about it."

"He's had his time in the darkness to debate that. And, he honestly can still play at a high level and come to New York with a young team, they have a talented roster there with the Jets."

O'Hara added all Rodgers has to do to keep the fierce New York media off his back is to rack up victories ... and Eli agreed.

"Yeah, everything works out if you win."

Manning and O'Hara were together for a really special reason -- they teamed up with The Children's Place to host more than 300 kids for a day of fun at Superdome Sports in Waldwick to kick off the brand's Spring collection.

There were football drills, giveaways, obstacle courses and Easter egg hunts ... and it was clear everyone had a blast.

Eli even showed he's still got a great arm in some throwing drills ... and gave some pointers to the youngins as well.

Eli also visited the Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital in Hackensack earlier on Friday ... meeting with a bunch of amazing kids and handing out Easter baskets and autographs!!

Mac McClung put on a legendary performance during the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, and now you can cop the actual Puma kicks he wore during the epic performance, 'cause they're hitting the auction block!

The Philadelphia Sixers/Delaware Blue Coats (G-League) guard brought life back to the Dunk Contest last month after winning the competition with some insane dunks.

TMZ Sports has learned the Rise Nitro sneakers he wore -- and the basketball he used -- are now up for grabs at Goldin ... in an auction featuring all game-used memorabilia and apparel.

If winning the kicks and/or ball isn't enough, there's another big bonus. We're told the winner will get a personal FaceTime with the 24-year-old.

Even better, we're told a portion of the proceeds for each item will go to the ALZ Alzheimer's association.

"Mac McClung is a star in the making who deserves to take center stage at our first-ever auction featuring only game-used items,” Goldin founder Ken Goldin said.

“We’re thrilled to be charged with these items from Mac that commemorate one of the most exciting dunk contest performances in history."

Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio are urging President Joe Biden to pull the plug on the vaccine mandate for international travelers ... hoping it'll pave the way for Novak Djokovic to play in the big Miami Open tennis tournament later this month.

The politicians spelled out their wishes in a letter -- which they sent to the commander in chief on Friday -- saying they want #46 to make the change so The Joker can be ready to smash balls at the tourney in Miami Gardens, FL on March 19.

In their letter, they argued that removing the restriction and allowing Djokovic to play could provide a huge economic boost for their local economies.

They also called the current U.S. policy "outdated and worthy of rescission," considering Biden declared on "60 Minutes" back in Sept. 2022 that the "pandemic is over."

The lawmakers, both Republicans, added that they believe since Djokovic is a world-class athlete in world-class shape, he is "not at high-risk of severe complications from COVID-19."

Of course, under the current rule, Djokovic -- who is unvaccinated -- is not allowed to travel to the United States ... precluding the Serbian tennis superstar from playing in the Miami Open and several other upcoming high-profile tournaments.

Miami Open officials have reportedly filed a petition to get him a waiver from the rule -- and Scott and Rubio made it clear, they're in favor of it being granted.

Remember that whiteboard President Barack Obama used to fill out his 2013 NCAA Tournament bracket? Well, now it could all be yours ... if you've got some DEEP pockets.

TMZ Sports has learned ... the piece of equipment #44 famously wrote on to give his predictions for the tourney a decade ago is hitting Heritage Auctions -- and it's expected to ultimately sell for around $20,000.

Of course, it's a steep price for a bracket that got busted quickly, but ya gotta remember ... Barack only filled out a few of these during his time as President -- when he'd meet up annually with ESPN's Andy Katz to talk March Madness.

In this particular set of picks, Obama went with a Final Four of Indiana, Florida, Ohio State and Louisville. Not great -- as Louisville, Wichita State, Michigan and Syracuse actually made it. But, hey, one of four isn't bad!

Almost all of the picks were handwritten by Obama himself -- and afterward, he signed it.

The whiteboard is now framed behind plexiglass ... and it's considered one of the more special ones of his presidency, considering it's the first bracket he did after his reelection in November 2012.

LeBron James' foot injury didn't stop him from going to Bronny's playoff game on Thursday night ... and he's sure as hell glad that was the case, 'cause he got to see his kid go OFF in a thriller!!

The young James and his Sierra Canyon squad went up against sixth-seeded Etiwanda in Chatsworth, Calif. in a CIF State regional quarterfinal game ... and Bronny had quite the night.

The 6-foot-3 guard -- who was just selected to the McDonald's All-American Game -- scored 21 points from all over the court ... and even got a chance to throw down a huge dunk in front of dad.

LeBron was front and center to watch it all -- cheering his face off -- while making sure to keep his injured foot protected by a huge walking boot.

Riding Bronny's performance, the Trailblazers ultimately won the important game, 61-55 -- and LeBron couldn't have been happier about it afterward.

"Bronny you were SPECIAL tonight kid!!" James said via Twitter. "Keep going! AlwaysProudDad"

Bronny's S.C. team will now head to the semifinals to face Bishop Montgomery, the tourney's No. 2 seed, on Saturday.

Lucky for 'Bron, the Lakers are off on that date ... so, it's more than likely he'll be courtside for the big game then, too.

Lewis Hamilton just got his first win of 2023 -- the Formula 1 superstar was just granted a medical exemption to wear his nose ring ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix.

The FIA -- F1's governing body -- announced a crackdown on jewelry last year ... forbidding drivers from wearing accessories during races. Any violation of the rule would result in fines and eventual suspension.

But the new rule resulted in complications for Hamilton, who claimed he was experiencing blood blisters from having to take his nose stud out for every race.

The FIA announced Friday it received a report from Mercedes' team doctor asking for a medical exemption to allow Hamilton to compete with his nose ring in -- which was granted.

"The Stewards consulted the FIA Medical Delegate, who viewed the medical report, examined the driver and concurred with the opinion therein," the decision read.

"We have determined to take no further action as there are concerns about disfigurement with frequent attempts at removal of the device."

Of course, Hamilton has been outspoken against the rule to begin with ... and gave a middle finger to the FIA by wearing a ton of jewelry during his press conference at the Miami Grand Prix last May.

Get a *load* of this ... former Dodgers infielder Kiké Hernandez admitted he crapped on himself on the field during a 2020 playoff game!!

Hernandez's teammate, Justin Turner, who reunited with Kike in Boston with the Red Sox, asked KH for his most embarrassing moment during a Major League Baseball game, and he dropped a bombshell (yes, pun intended).

The Sox utility man told Turner he was taking antibiotics for a tooth infection a few years back, and one of the side effects of the medicine was ... you guessed it, diarrhea.

Kiké recalled the crappy incident, saying he was so pumped after the team got a big out in a pressure-packed situation in the National League Division Series (NLDS), he screamed, "F Yeah!"

"I was DHing and I thought I farted," Hernandez said to Turner. "I went out to lead off the inning. I struck out in three pitches."

He continued ... "When I went in the dugout, I went straight to the bathroom, pulled my pants down, completely sharted."

"So you're saying you misjudged a fart," Turner asked Hernandez. "Uh, no. What I'm saying is I s*** my pants during a game in the playoffs," Hernandez replied to Turner.

A college basketball player was socked in the face by a vicious punch during a dispute in a game on Thursday night ... and the wild skirmish was all captured on video.

It happened at the Ford Center in Indiana ... when Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and UT-Martin were squaring off in the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament.

In the broadcast video of the game, you can see UT Martin big man Rifen Miguel rushed into the paint in an apparent attempt to grab a rebound late in the first half of the contest ... but slammed into the back of SIUE forward DeeJuan Pruitt in the process.

Pruitt clearly didn't like the contact, and immediately raced to get into Miguel's face to let him know about it.

Miguel then leaned on Pruitt as he made his way back down the court -- when, suddenly, Pruitt rocked him in his jaw with a huge right hand.

Miguel turned to go after Pruitt ... but both benches cleared, and players, coaches and officials intervened before things escalated further.

Miguel was noticeably shaken up after the altercation ... needing to be held up by his teammates.

Both dudes, meanwhile, were eventually ejected from the contest.

Soccer superstar Achraf Hakimi -- who plays alongside Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé on Paris Saint-Germain -- has been charged with rape ... but his lawyer is denying any wrongdoing.

An investigation was launched earlier this week ... after a 23-year-old woman went to police and claimed 24-year-old Hakimi raped her. The woman did not press charges ... but her claims, however, compelled French prosecutors to open a probe.

According to ESPN, the Moroccan national team star was questioned about the allegations on Thursday ... and was later charged by an investigating judge and placed under judicial supervision. He is not allowed to make contact with the alleged victim.

Hakimi's attorney, Fanny Colin, released a statement on the allegations ... saying Hakimi strongly denies the accusations.

"According to the elements currently at the disposal of the police that M. Hakimi, in this case, is the victim of an attempt of racketeering," the outlet reports.

Colin also claims the woman refused to undergo any medical or psychological exams ... and did not speak with Hakimi in person prior to going to police.

Hakimi has been sidelined with a leg injury ... but PSG coach Christophe Galtier told reporters Friday he is expected to play in Wednesday's match against Bayern Munich. He did not comment on Hakimi's legal status.

Reggie Bush's wife channeled her inner-Teyana Taylor, making an extremely sexy dance video to celebrate her hubby's birthday, and the video's so hot, not even pouring rain could cool things off! 🥵

Lilit -- who married the former NFL running back in 2014 -- shared the dance video on Instagram on Thursday ... Bush's 38th birthday.

"Happy Birthday Daddy @reggiebush 🥰," the 35-year-old said in the caption. "I dedicate this dance to you my love."

Lilit showed off her moves to Chris Brown's "Under The Influence," popular amongst dancers, and performed in a two-piece black fit.

"Sometimes mommy dances 🤪", she said.

Remember, Bush started dating Lilit in 2011, a few years after his very publicized relationship with Kim Kardashian ended. The couple has 3 children together.

Happy birthday, Reggie!

Oscar Pistorius could be released from prison at the end of this month ... the ex-Olympic sprinter is now up for parole in South Africa -- 10 years after he killed his girlfriend.

A hearing will go down on March 31, according to Pistorius' attorney, Julian Knight ... who added that if parole is granted during the proceedings, the convicted killer could be out from behind bars that same day.

Pistorius has completed more than half of the 13-year, 5-month sentence that he was given for shooting and killing 29-year-old Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine's Day in Feb. 2013.

You'll recall, Pistorius, a double-amputee nicknamed "Blade Runner," admitted to shooting her in his South African home -- though he claimed it wasn't on purpose ... saying he thought she was an intruder. He was eventually convicted of manslaughter, which was later upgraded to murder.

According to The Independent, Steenkamp's family is against Pistorius' early release ... though South African law will allow Pistorius to seek it nonetheless, as offenders in the country can apply for parole once they've served at least half of their sentences.

Live from New York, it's Jason Kelce!!! Oh, and his kid brother whatshisname, Super Bowl champ guy ... Travis Kelce too.

Yep, there's a good chance it happens, because the Eagles star -- who lost to Travis' Chiefs last month -- was asked to make a special cameo appearance this weekend on "Saturday Night Live" for Travis' hosting gig.

Sources close to production tell TMZ Sports ... Travis will have some familiar faces in the crowd for his big night, including his famous mom Donna Kelce, his Uncle Don, Aunt Joan, and possibly his dad, Ed.

'SNL' producers are hoping Jason joins the family affair too, and not just to sit in the audience. We're told they want him in front of the camera at some point during the show.

Sources say Jason's attendance will be a last-minute decision, though, considering he and his wife just welcomed a baby girl, Bennett, last week -- plus he's also busy with the NFL Combine and his 'New Heights' podcast.

Having Jason join in on Travis' show makes total sense ... especially considering Super Bowl LVII was dubbed "The Kelce Bowl" as their teams faced off in the big game.

Both Kelces are also known to be two of the most talented and charismatic guys in the NFL, so the possibilities in the writers' room are endless. Travis has already dropped two hilarious promos for his comedic debut.

Sources say the Kelce clan is "very excited" for Travis' moment ... but Jason's gonna get his own shine when the fam heads to Philly Sunday to spend time with his new bundle of joy.

Ya wouldn't usually say this to athletes, but in this case, you can -- break a leg, Travis ... and possibly Jason!

Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes are making public appearances as a couple now, and they're all smiles about it ... despite her messy divorce drama with Morgan Evans.

KB and CS hit up the New York Rangers game Thursday night at Madison Square Garden ... and during their time in the stands, Chase grabs her by the chin for a kiss ... real romantic stuff.

The couple seems to be in great spirits -- while we've seen them all over each other at LAX, and havin' a great time at a Nashville honky tonk ... this is the first time they've both gone to a public event as a duo. That we know of, at least.

Of course, Kelsea being on cloud 9 comes on the heels of some serious turmoil between her and her ex-husband. The drama didn't end when she and Morgan called it quits last year, because Kelsea dropped an album on Feb. 14 about the end of their marriage.

What's more, she went on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast last week -- digging deeper into her side of what she saw as a nasty split, blaming him for forcing her to do stuff like give up half the house or cough up alimony.

As we reported, her recent comments got a public response out of Morgan, who said she's leaving out "what really happened."

He kept things pretty vague, but there are reports Kelsea cheated on Morgan back in 2019 with The Chainsmokers member Drew Taggart. Kelsea allegedly told Morgan about it in 2021, which led to the divorce.

Obviously, it's become a messy situation, but Kelsea and Chase still look pretty happy!

Frank Gore just cut a deal with prosecutors, TMZ Sports has learned ... agreeing to plead guilty to an ordinance violation to close out his domestic violence case.

The San Francisco 49ers legend pled guilty to violating the public health nuisance code in New Jersey on Monday -- a downgrade from his initial charge of simple assault. He was ordered to pay fines and fees, which, according to court records, totaled around $2,000.

His other false imprisonment charge in the case was dismissed.

It's somewhat surprising, considering the heinous allegations against him. You'll recall, the former NFL running back was accused of grabbing a naked 28-year-old woman by her hair on July 31, 2022 and dragging her across the 59th floor of the Tropicana Casino's Havana Tower in Atlantic City.

At the time, police who spoke with the woman said she "did not exhibit signs of injury" following the incident. But, Gore was ultimately charged after cops said they further investigated the claims.

Frank, 39, never publicly commented on the matter.

College baseball player Jatonne Sterling, a member of the Clark Atlanta University team, was shot and killed on Tuesday. He was just 20 years old.

The Atlanta Police Department said the tragic shooting happened less than a mile from CAU's campus in Georgia ... near a church.

According to cops, officers responded to the scene at around 1:42 p.m. ... and found Sterling suffering from a gunshot wound. They said he was "not alert, conscious, or breathing and was pronounced deceased on the scene."

Cops say they have launched an investigation into the shooting, but no arrests have been made yet.

CAU, an HBCU, and its athletics department mourned Sterling's death in a social media post, saying, "Gone too soon."

"Please keep Jatonne’s family in your prayers. 🙏🏾," the school added.

According to CAU, Sterling was a utility player on the baseball team who was majoring in computer science.

Before getting a baseball scholarship to play for the CAU Panthers, Sterling was a standout athlete at Chicago's Morgan Park High School ... where he won a championship in 2021.

His former high school baseball coach, Earnest Radcliff, told 11Alive he spoke with Sterling a week ago and looked at him like a son.

"I don't have any words to describe the hurt for this young man," Radcliff said. "No parent should have to bury their child."

R.I.P.