TMZ Sports - Page 50

Magic Johnson may soon be adding the title of NFL owner to his legacy ... the NBA icon is part of a group that just submitted an offer to buy the Washington Commanders that meets Dan Snyder's asking price.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the Lakers Hall of Famer, alongside 76ers owner Josh Harris and billionaire Mitchell Rales, officially submitted a $6 billion bid to buy the franchise on Tuesday.

The development is substantial ... because Snyder -- who revealed in late 2022 that he was exploring selling the Commanders -- had been reportedly seeking $6 billion for his club ... which could mean a sale to the Johnson/Harris/Rales group is now imminent.

The move would spell bad news for Jeff Bezos and Jay-Z ... as the two titans had big interest in buying the Commanders, even grabbing dinner in L.A. back in November to formulate a potential purchase plan.

Others with interest in buying the Washington franchise reportedly included Canadian billionaire Steve Apostolopoulos and Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta.

If the Commanders do sell ... the $6 billion deal would break the previous record sale for an NFL franchise set last summer, when billionaire Rob Walton purchased the Denver Broncos for $4.65 bil.

WWE Superstar Alexa Bliss is giving an up-close look at her skin cancer surgery recovery ... showing off several stitches on the side of her face and joking she's "lookin' like Frankenstein!!"

As we previously reported, Bliss went under the knife last week ... after docs discovered she had basal cell carcinoma, which is one of the most common types of skin cancer in the U.S.

Alexa is now on the mend after the "quick and easy procedure" to remove the spot on her face ... and things appear to be going well, 'cause she's cracking jokes about it all now.

"Went from looking like glam to looking like Frankenstein," Bliss tweeted alongside a pic of her stitches.

Although Bliss is still recovering, the 31-year-old didn't let it stop her from hitting up the iHeartRadio Awards on Monday with her husband, Ryan Cabrera.

With Bliss in L.A. for the awards show, WWE fans began to wonder if she'll appear at WrestleMania 39 this weekend at SoFi Stadium ... and while she confirmed to Cinema Blend she'll be there, she didn't reveal whether she would be entering the ring.

"I will be in L.A. for WrestleMania," Bliss told the outlet. "I will be at the arena. Who knows what that leads to? Because, you know, in WWE, you never know what’s going to happen. It's the company where you always expect the unexpected. We'll have to see."

Maksym Galinichev -- a European boxing champ and Youth Olympic medalist -- was tragically killed while defending Ukraine against Russian troops. He was only 22.

Galinichev was with the 25th Separate Airborne Sicheslav Brigade (part of Ukraine's Air Assault Force) when he was killed on March 10 ... Anton Gerashchenko, advisor to the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, announced on Twitter, saying Galinichev was defending Ukraine in Luhansk region.

"Maksym enlisted as a volunteer and came back to the frontlines twice after being wounded and recovering," Geraschenko said.

"Eternal memory to Hero."

The Ukrainian boxer started his career when he was just 10 -- winning two gold medals at the European Youth Championship and the silver medal at the 2018 Youth Olympics in Argentina.

He could've participated in the European Boxing Championships in Armenia last year but refused so he could join Ukrainian forces.

Tributes from fans and athletes have been flooding social media since his death, including from Vladyslav Heraskevych, the first-ever skeleton racer from Ukraine, who praised Galinichev for defending his country.

"Glory to Hero 😢"

Forget doing gender reveals at parties, USMNT star Matt Turner did his at work ... booting a ball after a big soccer match Monday -- unveiling he and his partner are having a girl!!!

The awesome reveal went down right after the U.S. beat El Salvador, 1-0, in the CONCACAF Nations League tournament at Exploria Stadium in Florida.

Turner's squad huddled near the goalkeeper, and after an announcer gave him a countdown, the 28-year-old kicked a small soccer ball to reveal a cloud of pink smoke -- signaling he and his wife, Ashley, are going to be girl parents.

The team, crowd, and Turner all went crazy ... splashing water everywhere while hugging the Arsenal star.

Afterward, Turner told GOAL he's super excited about his baby girl's arrival ... but also nervous.

"It's a good feeling to know that we're gonna have a little baby girl and I think I'm in big, big trouble in the future," Turner said. "She's gonna have me wrapped around her finger!"

This will be Turner's second child with Ashley, an ex-NFL cheerleader ... they just had their son, Easton, last June.

Tom Brady had a star-studded reunion with some of his legendary former New England Patriots teammates recently ... and naturally, they ditched their t-shirts and played football!!

The newly-retired quarterback met up with Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola and more for a day of fun in the sun at the beach ... and they bonded over what they did so well for so many years.

All the guys -- including Brady -- proved they haven't given up on their fitness in retirement ... putting their bodies on full display as they tossed the pigskin around.

Brady's son, Jack, was also there ... but it's unclear if the kid showed off his arm in front of his dad's friends.

It wasn't just ball, though -- Gronk appeared to have the time of his life as he threw on some big-ass goggles and rode around on a handheld jetski.

What's interesting -- Tom also tagged his buddy, Jeffrey Soffer, in the post ... which seems to confirm their friendship wasn't ruined over the erroneous rumors of Gisele dating the billionaire real estate developer (it was later reported Soffer is actually engaged to a completely different woman).

Bronny James took flight at the McDonald's All-American dunk contest on Monday night ... leaping over his younger bro for a sick slam -- but in the end, it wasn't enough to beat out a Duke commit to win the event.

LeBron's offspring participated in the prestigious skills competition two decades after The King won it all back in 2003 ... and the 18-year-old came thiiiiiiis close to repeating Dad's feat.

Bronny, a 6-foot-3 shooting guard, opened the competition with a self-lob, reverse dunk that scored a 65/70. His second throwdown -- a self-lob, one-handed windmill -- earned him a 57/70 and a place in the finals.

The Sierra Canyon star opened up the championship round by bringing out his younger brother, Bryce -- and dunking all over him ... an impressive accomplishment, considering the 15-year-old is 6-foot-5.

The slam got him a 63/70 ... but when Bronny wasn't able to complete his second dunk in the finals -- Blue Devils signee Sean Stewart took home the event's crown.

Bron was largely impressed with his boy's performance -- the Lakers superstar live-tweeted the whole event, critiquing the judges' scores ... while praising some of Bronny's work. His wife, Savannah, meanwhile, attended it all in-person, and gave Bronny 10s for every dunk.

Despite the loss Monday night, Bronny will have another opportunity to show out in Houston this week ... the actual McDonald's All-American Game tips off at 6 p.m. PT on Tuesday.

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez are like a couple of clams ... looking happy as can be at the premiere and after-party of his brand new flick.

The 2 were having a blast Monday night at the world premiere of Ben's new movie, "Air" ... and, of course, the couple was holding court on their way into L.A.'s Regency Village Theater.

They even gave fans what they came for ... sharing a few kisses and chattin' it up with the photogs snapping pics. They might have been acting like they were the only 2 there, but they weren't -- Ben's costars Jason Bateman and Viola Davis were also there to kick off the film.

J Lo and her man were still giving honeymoon vibes at the after-party where they cozied up on a couch. You can see the meme now, can't ya? "Find someone who looks at you the way Ben looks at Jen."

Ben also delivered a speech at Monday night's event ... giving his buddy and costar Matt Damon top billing as he called him the "biggest joy of my professional life."

Don't worry his wife got some attention too, telling her, "You’re fabulous, you’re amazing, you’re wonderful, good, kind, magnificent and I love you.”

Ben directed "Air," and produced it with Matt ... the movie's about the Nike sales team's efforts to strike a deal with an NBA rookie named Michael Jordan.

Washington Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal -- a three-time NBA All-Star -- is under police investigation ... after he was involved in a confrontation with some hecklers following a game last week, TMZ Sports has learned.

The complaint against Beal was lodged on March 22, according to the Orlando Police Dept., roughly 24 hours after the basketball player was involved in a spat with two fans following his team's 122-112 loss to the Magic in Florida.

The dispute between Beal and the fans arose right after the 29-year-old hooper was walking down a tunnel to the Wizards' locker room area at Amway Center.

One of the guys in a group yelled at Beal, "You f***ed me [out of] $1,300, you f***!"

Beal then turned, walked toward the fans, and appeared to knock the hat off one of the guys' heads in response to the heckle.

Beal and the fans then jawed back and forth, with Beal calling the comment "disrespectful."

"Keep it a buck," Beal said. "I don't give a f*** about none of your bets or your parlays, bro. That ain't why I play the game."

Things were tense between Beal and the group -- with the men exchanging a flurry of words -- before the Wizards star was ushered into the locker room without further incident.

The jawing back and forth lasted about 50 seconds before Beal was ushered away.

But, the alleged victim contacted police and they met the following day. The fan told police Beal hit him in the head when he swatted the cap. Cops took a report for battery and began investigating.

Police watched cell phone video of the incident. They also went to the Amway Center in an attempt to hunt down surveillance video, but the incident occurred off camera.

The alleged victim told cops he wants to press charges against Beal, and police noted there was enough probable cause to charge Bradley with "simple battery," saying "charges will be filed at large with the State Attorney's Office."

As for the Wizards, they tell us ... “We are aware of the situation regarding Bradley Beal in Orlando but won’t have further comment until we’ve gathered more information.”

The Magic, meanwhile, tell us they are aware of the incident and are letting the OPD handle it.

Dana White, fans, fighters ... just about everyone was shocked MMA judge Joel Ojeda scored Marlon Vera, despite being thoroughly beaten, the winner over Cory Sandhagen, and now UFC star Gilbert Burns tells us law enforcement should investigate.

"I think this judge needs to be investigated," Gilbert told TMZ Sports, adding, "We need the FBI on this judge. Those judge might be working with the betting company."

If you missed it, 30-year-old Sandhagen (ranked 5th before the fight) and 30-year-old Vera (ranked 3rd) fought in the main event at UFC Fight Night on Saturday night in San Antonio ... a 5-round scrap that went to the judge's scorecards.

After the fight, both men stood at the center of the Octagon, as Bruce Buffer announced a "split decision" ... and, cue the head-scratching.

Judge Sal D'Amato scored the fight 50-45 for Cory (5 rounds to none), while Chris Lee scored it 49-46 (4 rounds to 1 for Sandhagen). But, Ojeda, was seemingly watching another fight ... scoring the bout 48-47 for Chito (3 rounds to 2).

D'Amato and Lee have loads of experience, while Ojeda has worked only a handful of UFC fights (4).

Now, Chito is one of the baddest dudes in the world, but Saturday just wasn't his night ... by just about every metric.

"Chito's my guy and I want him to win, but, theres no way he won that fight," Burns said. "It's clear to anyone. What's wrong with that judge?"

Further proof ... according to the UFC's official stats, Chito landed 73 strikes to Cory's 187. Sandhagen was also credited with 3 takedowns, resulting in over 7 minutes of control time. Vera attempted 1 takedown but was unsuccessful.

Even Dana was floored.

“I was literally coming out of the bathroom and I was like, ‘What the f**k?’”

The UFC honcho continued ... "It could have been 5-0, it could have been [4 rounds to 1], but [split decision]? Wow, that’s pretty scary.”

We reached out to the Texas Dept. of Licensing & Regulation, who oversee judges in the state, and they told us "TDLR is aware of the concerns about the scoring in one of Saturday's UFC fights. All TDLR officials receive ongoing training and we monitor each fight for consistency and accuracy in scoring."

When we followed up, questioning whether the judge was being investigated, TDLR said they couldn't comment on individual judges, but added they review performance after each event.

We also talked to Gilbert about his upcoming UFC 287 co-main fight with rival Jorge Masvidal ... a fight he says he's gunning to win by knockout our finish 'cause -- can't trust the scoring!

Hold up wait a minute ... Lamar Jackson wants to be a New England Patriot?!?

According to Meek Mill, yes!!!

At least, that's what Robert Kraft is saying ... 'cause the New England Patriots owner said Monday the rapper texted him recently, telling him the Ravens QB now wants to be under center for Bill Belichick in 2023.

Kraft dropped the eyebrow-raising update while at the NFL's Annual League Meeting in Phoenix ... telling reporters in the desert he got the texts from his good buddy (they've worked constantly on social justice issues for the past several years now) three or four days ago.

But, Kraft said no move will be made unless Belichick gives the OK -- saying the Pats head coach will ultimately make the final decision.

The news came just a couple hours after Jackson -- a 2-time Pro Bowler -- revealed he requested a trade from the Ravens earlier this month ... claiming the team won't give him what he deserves, money-wise.

"You all are great but I had to make a business decision that was best for my family and I," the 26-year-old signal-caller said.

"No matter how far I go or where my career takes me, I’ll continue to be close to my fans of Baltimore Flock nation and the entire State of Maryland. You’ll See me again."

The Pats have a bit of a crowded QB room -- Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe both logged starts for the team last year -- but Lamar is a former MVP who could change the complexion of New England's offense.

Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson just revealed her children's school was placed on lockdown as the Nashville shooting went down nearby ... and while her two kids are safe and back home, she's devastated for the families who can't say the same.

The former Team USA star shared the terrifying update on Monday ... saying, "I haven't been able to catch my breath since reading the news and getting a call from our school that they were on lockdown as well given the news. Shaking. Crying. Heartbroken. Horrific."

"Our babies are now home with us. I feel lucky and blessed but still so incredibly sad. No parent or family should ever have to deal with this."

Johnson -- who is married to former NFL player Andrew East -- detailed her chaotic experience ... saying she witnessed ambulances, police cruisers and buses full of kids being taken to safety, as well as frantic parents searching for their loved ones.

"Today has changed me," she added.

Johnson and East have two children together -- 3-year-old Drew and 1-year-old Jett.

At least three children and three adults were killed at The Covenant School in Nashville ... as well as the alleged shooter, who is being described as a 28-year-old woman.

"Praying for the families whose baby won't be coming home from school today and the families who have lost a piece of themselves," Johnson added.

Cops say Aaron Hernandez's brother, Dennis "D.J." Hernandez, experienced a bipolar episode less than three weeks before his ESPN arrest ... one that resulted in a wild police chase through Connecticut roadways.

It all allegedly went down on March 8 -- just 15 days before he was accused of hurling a brick at ESPN's headquarters in Bristol -- when cops say they attempted to stop D.J. in his silver Hyundai as he was driving through Cheshire.

According to the Cheshire Police Department, D.J. was driving erratically and at high rates of speed -- at one point traveling through grass fields in front of the Cheshire Correctional Institution.

But, police say when they attempted to pull him over ... D.J. blew through a red light and lost officers.

According to police documents, obtained by TMZ Sports, cops made contact with D.J.'s mother -- Terri Hernandez -- a short time later ... and they say she told them the 36-year-old former UConn football player had "been acting very strange and she believed he needed to be mentally evaluated at a hospital."

Eventually, police documents show, the Bristol Police Dept. was able to take D.J. into custody "after a brief foot chase." Cops said in the docs D.J. was having a bipolar episode ... and told them he had been driving all over Connecticut trying to get arrested because "he no longer wanted to stay at his mom's house."

Cops say he was committed to the Bristol Hospital on a Police Emergency Examination Request.

D.J. -- who changed his name to Jonathan after Aaron's murder conviction -- was ultimately hit with five criminal charges over the incident, including reckless driving and engaging police in pursuit. He's due in court for a hearing on the matter in mid-April.

As we reported, on March 23, just over two weeks following the March 8 incident, D.J. was arrested again after he allegedly threw a white bag that contained a brick and a handwritten note at ESPN's campus.

Taylor Lewan, Derrick Henry and the Tennessee Titans are mourning after another school shooting took the lives of six people, including three children, in Nashville on Monday ... with the frustrated NFL lineman saying "this s*** has got to stop."

The horrific incident occurred around 10:13 AM when Nashville Police received a call about an active shooter at Covenant School, Covenant Presbyterian Church -- a Christian school for preschool to 6th-grade students.

Three students and three adults were killed in the attack.

"Officers entered the first story of the school, began clearing it," police said at the news conference. "They heard shots coming from the second level. They immediately went to the gunfire."

Police said they saw a female shooter -- who was armed with at least two assault-type rifles and a handgun -- on the second floor when she was fatally shot by responding officers.

Lewan -- who played for the Titans from 2014 to 2022 -- was devastated by news of the tragic event, and went to Twitter to express his frustration over the senseless act.

"This s*** has got to stop," the former first-round pick said. "Disgusting, these are children."

His former teammate, Kevin Byard, also shared his thoughts on social media ... the Titans safety saying, "Cannot believe this happens in our communities. Praying for all the families involved."

Henry -- who joined the Titans in 2016 -- added his own thoughts on Twitter ... saying, "I am heartbroken and sick over the lives lost today at Covenant School. I’m praying for comfort and peace for all those affected in our community 🙏🏾♥️"

The Tennessee Titans also weighed in, expressing support to the families and friends of the victims, as well as the community.

Aaron Hernandez's older brother, Dennis "D.J." Hernandez, was arrested last week after he allegedly threw a brick at ESPN's headquarters with a note attached to it ... TMZ Sports has learned.

According to police documents, the incident happened at around 3 PM on March 23 at the famed Bristol, Conn. campus -- just after cops were asked to perform a welfare check on D.J. after he had allegedly stated he wanted to smash out windows at the State Capital and at ESPN.

Police say ESPN security told them an Uber had arrived at one of their gates -- but when it was turned away, a passenger in the car got out of the ride, threw something onto the grounds, and then got back into the vehicle and left.

Cops in the documents say when they investigated the object, they discovered it was a white plastic bag with a large brick in it. They also say it had a handwritten note on it.

"To all media outlets," cops say the message read. "It's about time you all realeyes the affect media has on all family members. Since you're a world wide leader maybe you could lead how media and messages are delivered brick by brick. Clean it up!"

Police say the note was signed, "Yours truly, Dennis J. Hernandez."

Cops say when they spoke with a security guard who witnessed the incident at the booth -- the worker told them they were "90 percent positive" the man who threw the object was D.J., a former Division 1 football player and Aaron's older brother.

Cops say they ultimately made contact with D.J., and he admitted to being at ESPN, but "didn't wish to speak about the incident."

D.J. was arrested for misdemeanor breach of peace -- but was released on a promise to appear in court next month.

Cops say they also advised D.J. he was no longer allowed at ESPN's campus -- and could be arrested for trespassing if he returned. They say D.J. "stated he understood."

D.J. has not commented publicly on the incident.

Soccer star Sebastian Lletget says he's the victim of an "extortion plot" amid rumors he cheated on his fiancee, Becky G ... but admits he did, in fact, screw up.

It started last week when an Instagram user claimed the FC Dallas midfielder cheated on the award-winning singer with a woman last year while at a nightclub in Madrid, Spain.

Along with the accusation, the person also seemingly provided receipts including alleged video, text messages, DMs and audio from Lletget.

FYI, Sebastian proposed to Becky G just 3 months ago.

After the posts went viral, the accuser's IG account was deleted ... but the damage had already been done. Days later, Lletget has decided to address the rumors (though not in specifics) in a lengthy statement, saying on Monday, "a 10 minute lapse in judgement results in an extortion plot."

"Since this person did not get what they wanted it has now become a public social media spectacle filled with more lies than any truth and false posts aimed at the love of my life, the one person who I should never take for granted or put at risk."

Lletget -- who joined the Dallas football club in 2022 -- apologized to Becky and vows to do better honoring their love.

"I know that any actions made that put us here should have never happened to begin with," Lletget said.

Sebastian continued ... "You have been the light in my life, my strength, who has always shown me unconditional love. Instead of honoring that love every day, I have done the opposite, hurting you, and disrespecting the one person I love more than anything."

"I am so sorry and Know I have to do whatever it takes to earn back the trust and love you deserve."

Lletget also revealed he'll participate in a wellness program to work on his mental health.

Lamar Jackson just dropped some bombshell news -- the NFL superstar announced he requested a trade from the Baltimore Ravens earlier this month ... claiming the team is not interested in paying him what he deserves.

The former MVP shared his intentions via Twitter minutes ago ... giving his fans a direct update on his NFL future.

"As of March 2nd I requested a trade from the Ravens organization for which the Ravens has not been interested in meeting my value," Jackson said Monday. "any and everyone that’s has met me or been around me know I love the game of football and my dream is to help a team win the super bowl."

"You all are great but I had to make a business decision that was best for my family and I," he added. "No matter how far I go or where my career takes me, I’ll continue to be close to my fans of Baltimore Flock nation and the entire State of Maryland. You’ll See me again"

Of course, Jackson's contract situation has been a hot topic this offseason ... with the Ravens placing a nonexclusive franchise tag on the former first-round pick, which allows him to sign an offer sheet with another team.

Lamar made it clear he wanted to be locked in long-term with a big payday ... but that didn't happen.

As it turns out, Ravens coach John Harbaugh was speaking with the media as Jackson sent out the tweet ... and he said he expects Lamar to be a Baltimore Raven come Week 1.

"Thinking about Lamar all the time, thinking about him as our quarterback, we’re building our offense around that idea," Harbaugh said. "I’m just looking forward to getting back to football and I’m confident that’s gonna happen."