TMZ Sports - Page 50

LSU gymnast and social media superstar Olivia Dunne's stock continues to rise -- the beloved influencer was just nabbed to star in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition!!

The publication just announced the 20-year-old's next big move on Thursday ... sharing several smoking-hot snaps to confirm her spot in next month's issue.

Of course, Dunne has a massive following on TikTok and Instagram ... boasting millions of followers on both platforms.

Dunne -- who makes millions off the NCAA's recent name, image and likeness rules -- spoke about the big move on Thursday ... saying, "Thank you @SI_Swimsuit for making my dreams come true💕"

SI Swim editor MJ Day explained the decision to include Dunne in the annual mag ... saying the athlete is way more than a sexy star.

"The refusal of some to appreciate Livvy for being more than just a pretty blonde is missing the point," Day said. "The backlash she received for 'leveraging' her sexuality for endorsement dollars after the NIL restrictions were lifted is incorrect."

"We are here to celebrate this incredible young woman and encourage the world to respect and applaud Livvy and her fellow athletes for owning the blood, sweat and tears that have fueled a lifetime of achievements."

Bam Margera is no longer on the run in Pennsylvania, surrendering to face charges for allegedly assaulting his brother ... and speaking out with details of how he says it all went down.

Bam turned himself in Thursday, days after cops in PA put out a warrant for his arrest. It was Sunday when Bam allegedly got in an altercation with his brother, where cops say he threatened to put a bullet in his head.

The Pennsylvania State Police tells TMZ ... Bam appeared in court for his first appearance and his bail was set at $50,000. He's due back in court at the end of May.

According to court docs, the judge ordered Bam to complete a drug and alcohol assessment. He was also ordered to stay away from his brother and the other victims and his brother's house. The judge said Bam has to get permission from the Pretrial Services Department if he wants to leave the state of Pennsylvania.

Upon turning himself in, Bam shared a photo of himself in front of the courthouse on social media and captioned it, "I just got out of the courthouse with my lawyers. Everything went great and the false accusations of what my brother says are not true and he will be sued for defamation as well as being evicted from castle bam sooner than later. The reason I lost my cool is because I read his phone saying he wants me back in California and he wants to find a way to 302 me. F*** him"

Bam's attorney Michael van der Veen tells TMZ... “He was arraigned and entered his plea of not guilty. He was released on an unsecured bail. Mr. Margera enjoys all of his constitutional rights, including the presumption of innocence. The wild rumors regarding his behavior this week are absolutely false. He is in good health and in good spirits.”

TMZ broke the story ... cops were called to a home in Pocopson Township, PA Sunday where Bam's brother, Jess, claimed Bam attacked him, hitting him multiple times in the head. Jess said Bam was enraged, allegedly saying, "I'll kill you. I'll put a bullet in your head".

Jess said Bam fled into the woods after the alleged attack.

TMZ broke the story ... Bam allegedly made phone calls to his family while on the run, seemingly intoxicated, telling everyone how much he hated them for putting him in a treatment center last year and accusing them of stealing money from him.

Bam Margera is on the run from cops, but he's still contacting family members with disturbing and aggressive phone calls ... blaming them for his struggles.

Sources close to Margera tell us ... Bam's family is clueless as to where he fled since disappearing Sunday. We're told everyone who loves Bam is extremely worried -- he's been a loose cannon lately and they want him to come home so they can help him.

What's more ... our sources say Bam has made random calls to family members -- seemingly intoxicated -- telling them how much he hates all of them for putting him in a Florida treatment center last year. He's also accusing them of selling his home and stealing money. He trusts no one and has threatened to sue them for money he claims they stole from him.

During these phone calls, we're told Bam refuses to disclose his location ... they don't even know if he's still in Pennsylvania. Our sources say cops are interviewing people and trying to determine his whereabouts.

Bam doesn't have a cell phone, and cops have allegedly told the family they aren't working to ping the girlfriend's cell (he's allegedly traveling with her) because the case isn't considered a priority.

TMZ broke the story ... cops were called to a home in Pocopson Township Sunday, April 23 after Bam's brother, Jess, says Bam attacked him, striking him multiple times in the head. Jess says Bam was enraged, allegedly saying, "I'll kill you. I'll put a bullet in your head."

Jess says Bam fled into the woods behind the house after the alleged attack, and cops have not been able to locate him since.

LeBron James tried to summon some "Ted Lasso" magic to give the Lakers a boost in their playoff game Wednesday night by rockin' some show-themed gear -- but even with the power of AFC Richmond on his side ... the King and his squad still fell short in Memphis.

The L.A. superstar sported a blue hoodie with Lasso's fictional soccer team's logo on it as he entered the FedExForum in Tennessee ... clearly hoping it would help draw some good vibes for his team in their closeout game with the Grizzlies.

As you probably know by now ... the Apple TV+ show is all about how Lasso, an American football coach played by Jason Sudeikis, inspires a ragtag soccer team in Europe to improbably win games against all odds.

While James' team wasn't exactly underdogs in the playoff contest with Ja Morant and the Grizz -- the message to L.A. was still loud and clear.

But, the pregame 'fit didn't bring much luck to the Lakers ... they were kicked around for most of the night -- and ended up losing, 116-99. To make matters worse for James, he didn't play his best, scoring just 15 points.

Of course, L.A. will still have two more opportunities to put the Grizzlies away -- Game 6 will go down on Friday ... and if a Game 7 is necessary, it'll happen on Sunday.

It ain't C.J. Stroud, Will Levis, or Anthony Richardson ... no, according to Pro Football Hall of Famer Warren Moon, Bryce Young is this year's top quarterback prospect!!

The ex-Seattle Seahawks superstar broke it down for TMZ Sports on the eve of the NFL's annual draft ... telling us he thinks the Univ. of Alabama signal-caller is the top dog at the position for 2023.

"Bryce Young is my favorite," Moon said ... before adding, "I think he's going to be a tremendous pro."

Moon said he loves the 21-year-old's instincts, leadership abilities, and track record of playmaking ... although he did concede he has at least some concern about the quarterback's 5-foot-10 frame.

Then again, Moon told us he thinks even that's a bit overblown ... saying guys like Kyler Murray and Russell Wilson have found plenty of success despite similar statures.

As for who his second favorite quarterback in the draft is ... Moon told us Ohio State's Stroud slides into that spot for him.

When it comes to Levis and Richardson, he said he's a fan of them too ... but he told us they'd really benefit from sitting on an NFL bench for a year and learning from a veteran QB.

Dwyane Wade, dad to a transgender daughter, says he's no longer living in Florida despite being a legend in the state, thanks to what he believes are restrictive policies infringing on the rights of LGBTQ residents.

The 41-year-old Basketball Hall of Famer recently sat down with Rachel Nichols for her show 'Headliners' when he revealed he is no longer a resident of the Sunshine State.

"That's another reason why I don't live in [Florida]. A lot of people don't know that," D-Wade responded when Nichols asked what message he'd send to state legislators.

The 3x NBA champ continued ... "I have to make decisions for my family, not just personal, individual decisions."

Florida governor, Ron DeSantis, and many state-level lawmakers have passed controversial legislation, including the so-called "Don't Say Gay" bill, amongst other laws, and Wade flat out says his family wouldn't be comfortable.

"You know, obviously, the taxes is great. Having Wade County is great. But my family would not be accepted or feel comfortable there. And, so that's one of the reasons why I don't live there," Dwyane told Nichols.

Of course, Dwyane's 15-year-old daughter Zaya came out as transgender in 2020. She's since legally changed her name and gender. Wade has been very outspoken in his support of his daughter.

The Wades aren't alone in leaving the state. Despite an influx of people moving to places like Florida, Texas, and Tennessee in the last few years, many have already left those areas.

Wade ultimately played 15 seasons in Miami, delivering three NBA championships to South Florida. Now he's gone.

Anthony Edwards has been cited for assault, TMZ Sports has confirmed ... after the NBA superstar swung a chair in frustration following the Timberwolves' loss on Tuesday night.

The incident happened just after Minnesota dropped its playoff series to the Nuggets in Denver ... when Edwards was running off the floor, ticked off over the 112-109 defeat that sent the Wolves into their offseason.

Video shows as the 21-year-old was on his way into the locker room, he grabbed a folding chair and swung it around. He ultimately dropped it ... before he continued on his way to Minnesota's dressing area.

But according to the Denver Police Department, two women who were working the game at Ball Arena claim they were struck by the chair as Edwards spun it in his arms. Cops say they suffered injuries during the incident.

According to police documents, Edwards was cited for misdemeanor third-degree assault -- knowingly or recklessly causing bodily injury.

If convicted, Edwards faces up to 18 months in jail and/or fines totaling $1,000.

He's due in court for a hearing on the matter in June.

The Wolves said in a statement Wednesday evening they were aware of the citation and "are in the process of gathering more information. We have no further comment at this moment."

NASCAR Cup Series driver Alex Bowman suffered a fractured vertebra in a horrifying car accident at a sprint car race this week ... and now, he'll be sidelined for up to a month.

The scary incident took place in the opening heat of a race in the High Limit Sprint Car Series in West Burlington, Iowa. Bowman -- in the #55 car -- collided with Conner Morrell after hitting his rear tire -- resulting in both cars flying through the air.

Looking like a scene out of an action movie, both cars suffered significant damage. Somehow, both drivers got out of their vehicles and were able to walk away. But unfortunately for Bowman, he later discovered he had a fractured vertebra.

In a statement released via his Twitter, Bowman said he is feeling okay and is focused on healing and resting to ensure he can return to the race track ASAP.

"Being out of the car is never an update any driver wants to make," Bowman said. "I’ll be doing everything I can at home to help ensure my recovery is as quick as possible to get back in the 48 car soon."

Bowman -- whose first cup series came in 2014 at the Daytona 500 -- has won seven races in the series. He has also raced in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

No word on Conner Morrell's status following the crash ... but being able to walk away from a scary scene like this at least inspires confidence that Morrell will be good in the long run.

Bam Margera is on the run from the police with his girlfriend and her 8-year-old child, and to make matters worse, he's developed an addiction to meth ... at least according to his brother, Jess Margera.

The former "Jackass" star's sibling is making the alarming allegations on Twitter, claiming Bam is in a really bad place right now.

Jess says Bam is traveling by car with his girlfriend and her daughter, and he says he "can't even imagine the environment in that car night now," worrying about the kid's safety and adding ... "she doesn't deserve this unnecessary trauma."

Bam's brother claims he's picked up a meth habit recently and is now "unrecognizable." Jess says he doesn't know what Bam's capable of when he's using meth and says it's been "scary" and "heartbreaking" to see Bam "hallucinating."

TMZ broke the story ... Bam's got a warrant out for his arrest in Pennsylvania, where State Police say Bam got into an altercation with his family and then made a getaway into the woods.

Floyd Mayweather's next fight isn't just going to be a boxing match, it's also going to be a big music event, too ... 'cause TBE will be squaring up against John Gotti's grandson, John Gotti III -- and music superstar Ozuna will be performing!!

TMZ Sports is told the bash will go down on June 11 in Sunrise, Florida ... and Floyd (50-0, 27 KOs) is expected to make the exhibition bout official at a press conference on Thursday.

We're told Ozuna -- whose songs have billions of views on the internet -- will be taking the stage for a special set during the extravaganza ... making it an entertaining night in both sports AND music.

Gotti III -- a mixed martial arts fighter (5-1-0) -- is 2-0 (1 KO) as a professional boxer ... and the fight is being promoted as a "Last Names Matter" spectacle ... which makes sense, considering his grandpa is one of the most infamous crime bosses ever.

"Floyd was the first to start the exhibition concept, and everyone followed. Now he is adding some spice to the mix," James McNair, Mayweather’s pal, and president of the Money Team, told TMZ Sports.

"A boxing exhibition and musical performances all under one roof."

Boston Celtics exec Heather Walker -- who had worked for the NBA org. for nearly two decades -- has tragically died after a battle with brain cancer, her friends and family announced Wednesday.

She was 52 years old.

In a statement that Walker's loved ones posted on her Move 4 Heather Facebook page, they wrote that Walker "isn't fighting anymore and can finally rest."

"She is with so many who have gone before her that I'm sure she was welcomed with open arms," they added.

Heather, who joined the Celtics org. in 2006 and later became the team's vice president of public relations, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer called glioblastoma in 2021.

While she continued to work for the Celtics, she was a huge advocate for brain cancer research, and eventually started the Heather Walker Fund for Glioblastoma Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where she had been receiving treatment.

The Celtics called the news of her passing Wednesday devastating.

"We will miss her for her energy, the joy, and laughter that followed her everywhere she went," the team said in a statement, "and we are grateful for everything she provided her Celtics family and the countless people that she positively impacted along the way."

They added, "She will remain part of our fabric for as long as the Celtics go on."

Janet Jackson's schedule is wide open after her Atlanta concert got pushed back in favor of the Hawks' playoff game ... and Trae Young wants her to kill time by watching his team fight to stay alive against the Celtics!!

The legendary singer was slated to perform at the State Farm Arena as part of her "Together Again" tour on Thursday ... but the venue was accidentally double-booked along with Game 6 of the Hawks vs. Cs series, perhaps because many believed Boston would have handled business by now.

The final decision -- Jackson's concert was pushed back a day to Friday, and the Hawks will take on Jayson Tatum and the Celtics as planned on Thursday.

"All tickets for Thursday night's show will be honored for Friday night," Live Nation said of the Janet concert. "Refunds will be available at point of purchase for those who are unable to attend."

Young -- who forced Game 6 after an insane game-winning shot on Tuesday -- has little-to-no sympathy for the concert delay ... but the 24-year-old sees this as an opportunity for Ms. Jackson to come through.

"Sorry not sorry to this LEGEND," the 2-time All-Star tweeted. "Hope she can be at the game now!"

FYI, Thursday's game is a must-win for the Hawks if they want to keep their season alive and force a Game 7. The winner of the series will head to the semifinals against the Sixers.

Gisele Bündchen's new chapter of life has her going all in on philanthropy work -- givin' back in a major way to help battle the growing childhood homeless crisis in Florida.

The supermodel announced Tuesday she'd be gifting a whopping $1 mil to the Miami chapter of Lotus House, the nation's largest women's shelter, which just broke ground on a new state-of-the-art facility called The Children's Village.

We're told the new facility's goal is to focus on the needs of the community's youth, and to keep the momentum going on preventing homelessness in the area. Gisele's gift will go toward a new playground as well as more programming within the village.

The 7-figure donation was a no-brainer for Gisele, who said ... "Building a solid community for children is so important, especially for those who are vulnerable and in need."

She's stoked about the playground, too ... adding it'll be extremely beneficial to kids' physical health, social interactions, and overall self-confidence.

Lotus House has been open to those in need since 2006 -- growing from 34 beds to serving more than 10,000 women and children. Today, the facility has more than 80% of its guests successfully exiting... far above the national average.

The man of the hour has arrived -- Aaron Rodgers just touched down at the New York Jets' facility on Wednesday ... and he's already decked out in his new team's merch!!

Gang Green shared video of their newest quarterback showing up at 1 Jets Drive minutes ago ... and he was met right at the door by team owner Woody Johnson, head coach Robert Saleh, and the rest of the front office.

Everyone in the clip is understandably smiling from ear to ear ... and they gotta be relieved to finally have their coveted 4-time MVP in the building.

Rodgers -- who officially became a Jet on Monday -- will face the New York media for the first time later in the day ... and we're sure he will have plenty to talk about.

He already shared his goodbye to his team of 18 seasons ... penning a heartfelt letter to the Green Bay Packers on Instagram.

"I’m not sure it’s possible to fully express the gratitude that I have to the @packers, our incredible fans, the state of Wisconsin, the thousands of players that I crossed paths with, the incredible men and women who work for the organization, and the amazing people who I got to meet along the way, in one post with 10 pictures, but I hope you read this and feel my heart and soul, filled with love, joy, and peace about my time in green and gold. 💚💛," Rodgers said in the post.

He also thanked everyone from the front office to coaches, staffers, teammates and everyone in between ... as well as the fans who supported him over the years.

"This is not the end for us, I will see you again Green Bay, you’ll always have my heart ❤️"

We'll update the post as soon as he sits in front of the mic.

John Metchie III has made yet another huge stride in his recovery from cancer ... the star wide receiver returned to Texans practice Tuesday -- and he looked good!!!

The former Univ. of Alabama wideout was diagnosed with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia a few months after he was drafted by Houston last year ... and he was forced to sit out his entire rookie season while receiving treatment.

But, the 22-year-old fought it all valiantly throughout the year ... and he was finally able to rejoin his teammates on the practice field this week.

The wideout -- rockin' the No. 8 and a sweet pair of sunglasses -- caught a ton of passes throughout the workout ... and photos from the team show he certainly looked like he belonged.

The goal, of course, is to be ready for Week 1 in September ... and new Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans appeared cautiously optimistic earlier this month that that could be a real possibility.

"With John, as with every other player, we're going to take it one day at a time and see where he can grow and where he can be when the time comes," Ryans told reporters. "At the right time, when the season comes, we'll see where he is."

The Texans could certainly use the playmaker -- their offense ranked near the bottom of the league in passing yards in '22 with just 3,642.

Fernando Tatis Jr. was public enemy No. 1 at Wrigley Field Tuesday night -- but the Padres star was unbothered as Cubs fans serenaded him with steroids taunts during the game.

Tatis Jr. -- suspended for 80 games by MLB in August 2022 over a positive PED test -- was showered with "he's on steroids" chants as he stood in the outfield.

How'd the 24-year-old respond to the trolling? By dancing to the chants and, at one point, even gesturing toward fans in the bleachers.

Remember, MLB suspended Tatis Jr. for half a season after he tested positive for Clostebol, a banned substance, and the suspension, coupled with a wrist injury, caused him to miss the entire 2022 campaign.

Fernando, who has always maintained he never intentionally ingested performance-enhancing drugs, said he took medication to treat a skin infection, and that caused the positive test.

Tatis Jr. has apologized for the suspension, saying he was genuinely sorry for letting so many people down, and adding he has work to do to regain trust.

The 2x Silver Slugger debuted with the Padres last Thursday, where he hit leadoff for San Diego against the Arizona Diamondbacks.