TMZ Sports - Page 50

Brazilian soccer legend Pelé has received yet another honor four months after his passing -- his name was added to the Portuguese dictionary as an adjective with a definition only fitting for a G.O.A.T.

The three-time World Cup winner's name was added to the Michaelis, a brand of dictionaries published in Brazil, after a campaign by his foundation to include his name garnered more than 100,000 signatures.

"That or someone who is out of the ordinary, who or who by virtue of their quality, value or superiority cannot be equaled to anything or anyone, just like Pelé," the definition reads.

"Edson Arantes do Nascimento (1940-2022), considered to be the greatest athlete of all time; exceptional, incomparable, unique."

Pelé's definition drives home the point that he was beyond exceptional at his craft while paying homage to the remarkable career he had on the pitch for Brazil.

As we reported, Pelé -- born Edson Arantes do Nascimento -- died last December at a hospital in São Paulo ... surrounded by his loved ones after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Pelé was initially diagnosed with cancer in 2021 ... and spent his final two years in and out of medical facilities, valiantly fighting the disease.

In 1958, Pelé -- widely regarded as one of the greatest scorers ever -- won his first World Cup when he was 17 ... and captured another two titles for Brazil in 1962 and 1970.

A baseball signed by President John F. Kennedy during an historic trip to Venezuela in late-1961 is up for auction, one of the most coveted presidential John Hancocks, and the ball could sell for upwards of $200K!

The Spalding "Associacion Venezuela de Baseball Professional" ball that SCP Auctions is selling was signed on December 18, 1961, shy of two years before Kennedy's tragic death, when the first-term president traveled to meet Venezuelan president Rómulo Betancourt.

A newspaper reporter named Julio Messuti carried around the ball for days, hoping JFK would sign it ... and as the trip drew to a close, he got his chance, somehow getting by Secret Service and reaching Kennedy, who signed the ball.

The paper El Universal published a photo of POTUS signing the ball.

There's a massive market for baseballs signed by U.S. presidents -- the rarer, the better -- and there aren't that many JFK-signed balls that have been authenticated.

"As far as sports memorabilia goes, there is high interest in baseballs signed by our past Presidents, with the game being America's National pastime going back over 125+ years," David Kohler, SCP president, told us.

"JFK signed baseballs are some of the rarest in all the collecting community with only a handful ever authenticated by the foremost experts."

As we reported in 2020, Donald Trump signed baseballs were selling in the $2,000 to $3,000 price range -- a stark contrast from the $1,000 price point memorabilia shops were getting when he first assumed the White House in 2017 -- despite his polarizing persona.

There have already been 9 bids for the ball ... with the top number currently at $53,594.

Kevin Durant is gonna "do it" for the rest of his life -- the NBA superstar just signed a contract with Nike that will keep him with the shoe giant until he takes his last breath.

The two sides announced the massive news on Friday ... saying they're both thrilled to be attached at the hip for decades to come.

"When I first signed with Nike, I couldn’t have dreamed of how far we’d go in this partnership," KD said, via Boardroom.

"We’ve done amazing work creatively and philanthropically. We’ve traveled the world together and built a business that will now last forever. I’m excited for the future and honored to be in rare company with this deal."

The 34-year-old NBA champion first teamed up with the Swoosh as a rookie in 2007 ... and has released 15 signature shoes over the course of his career.

KD's contract is super rare, but not unheard of -- the only other athletes to get the honor are Michael Jordan and LeBron James.

Not only will the brand continue to release KD shoes and merch, but it will also continue to help with his foundation and initiatives to expand the game of basketball to communities throughout the world.

Two California high school baseball teams got into a massive brawl during a game earlier this week -- and it grew into such a large melee on the diamond, cops tell TMZ Sports they're now investigating it all.

The fight erupted after Norwalk H.S. beat Mayfair H.S., 3-2, on Wednesday in Lakewood, which is about 25 miles south of downtown Los Angeles.

The victory meant the Norwalk Lancers swept Mayfair and would advance in the playoffs ... and in order to celebrate the occasion, one of the Lancers' players brought a broom to the postgame handshake line.

Fans in the crowd, though, didn't appreciate the sweep taunt ... and you can hear in footage from the scene, one person yelled, "Put your broom in the dugout! Respect the game!"

Mayfair players clearly didn't like it either ... and seconds later, an all-out brawl between both teams erupted.

At one point, parents even got in the middle of it ... with some calling players on the field derogatory names.

A different angle of the fight shows several players threw punches in the skirmish ... and on Friday, the Lakewood Sheriff’s Department told us officers did ultimately respond to the scene and an investigation is now underway.

The California Interscholastic Federation and officials from the two schools said they're still gathering information on the unfortunate incident ... and a punishment could come down at a later date.

Terrifying moment during an independent wrestling match last weekend ... a wrestler accidentally set himself on fire while trying to perform a stunt -- and suffered significant burns to his face and body in the process.

It all happened at XPW Wrestling's deathmatch event in Pomona, Calif. on April 22 ... when MASADA was attempting to blow a fireball at his opponent.

Video of the match -- a no-holds-barred contest where weapons are allowed -- shows MASADA grabbed a flaming torch, poured a substance in his mouth ... and then tried to blow the liquid and the ensuing flames at his counterpart.

The problem? The stunt somehow went awry ... and the fire went everywhere, swarming MASADA's entire upper body.

In footage of the match, you can see the flames engulfed the wrestler's face, chest and shoulders for several moments before they were mercifully extinguished.

Somehow, MASADA ended up finishing the contest ... but he raced to the hospital immediately afterward, and was diagnosed with first- and second-degree burns all over his body.

The 41-year-old told TMZ Sports on Friday he's still in the burn unit at a nearby medical facility recovering ... adding, "My face is healing up fast, just the rest is going to take a while."

As for what happened during the fire mishap, MASADA told us, "I've done that spot a lot when I wrestled in Japan, but it was rushed and I think being outside had something to do with it."

MASADA expects to be out of the squared circle for a bit ... but he said there are no plans to hang up his wrestling boots anytime soon despite it all.

Coach Monica Aldama, known from the hit Netflix series "Cheer," is pushing back on the claims and lawsuit against her ... saying in no way did she try to silence one of her cheerleader's claims of sexual assault.

Aldama tells TMZ ... she's "heartbroken by the false allegations" made against her by former Navarro College and cheer squad member Madi Lane -- adding the safety of her students is a top priority.

Aldama says she worked "year after year" to keep Navarro Cheer a safe space, adding she'd never remain silent about sexual assault claims "if I were aware that any sexual misconduct occurred in the Cheer program."

Navarro College, which is also getting sued by Lane, echoed Aldama's denial -- with a rep telling us it's prepared to "vigorously defend itself in court."

As we reported, Lane claims she was sexually assaulted by a fellow teammate in 2021 during her freshman year ... saying she brought it to Aldama's attention, but was allegedly told, "If you keep quiet, I’ll make sure you can cheer anywhere you want."

It's safe to say Jason Kelce loved the Eagles' first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft ... 'cause when his team selected Jalen Carter, he chugged a beer with Birds fans in the building!!

The awesome moment was caught on the live TV broadcast ... which took place Thursday night in Kansas City.

You can see the great Eagles' center was extra hyped after Philly traded up to the No. 9 pick to get the Georgia Bulldogs defensive tackle ... and to celebrate, Kelce took down a cold one right in front of the cameras.

But, it wasn't the only time the Super Bowl champ chugged a beer on camera ... he did it again, disappearing an entire bottle of beer in seconds while fans cheered him on.

Kelce -- who was drafted by the Eagles in the 6th round of the 2011 NFL Draft -- seemingly loved the pick, as Carter was considered one of, if not the best player in this year's draft.

During his last season at Georgia, Carter had 32 tackles, 3 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. He was also named First-team All-SEC and Unanimous All-American in 2022.

He also won two CFP championships with the Bulldogs.

"He has all the talent in the world, and I’m happy for him and our team," Kelce said on Instagram. "Welcome to Philadelphia big man!!"

The Celtics' closeout win over the Hawks on Thursday was apparently bittersweet for Jayson Tatum ... who admitted after the game he was kinda pissed it ultimately forced Janet Jackson to postpone one of her concerts.

Just after Boston took down Trae Young's squad in Game 6 of the Celts' playoff series with Atlanta, Tatum got on the courtside microphone ... and said he was sorry to Jackson.

If you're unfamiliar, because Boston didn't beat the Hawks in Game 5 ... the two teams had to return to State Farm Arena on the same night Jackson was supposed to perform as part of her "Together Again" tour. The decision was made to move her show to Friday night so the NBA playoff game could be played.

Tatum was clearly bothered by it all ... because after he helped the C's to a 128-120 win -- he told NBA on TNT, "I want to say an apology to the legend Janet Jackson."

"We were supposed to close out in Boston and she had to postpone her show. I hope she sees this. I apologize for that."

No word yet from Jackson on the matter ... but we're sure she appreciates the shoutout nonetheless.

As for where Tatum goes from here ... Boston's next series against the Sixers will begin on Monday -- leaving him plenty of time to potentially catch one of Jackson's three shows this weekend.

James Harden didn't exactly use at least one of his days off between NBA playoff series for relaxation ... TMZ Sports has learned the 76ers star was involved in a dispute with a man outside of a Las Vegas hotel and casino earlier this week.

According to video we obtained, Harden was at an entrance to the Flamingo on the Strip at around 1:25 AM on Monday -- just two days after Philadelphia won its opening-round playoff series over the Nets in Brooklyn -- when he got into an argument.

The footage shows the Sixers point guard yelled at the man ... before he tapped the guy's chest and smacked his face.

Our sources tell us the man in the video is a member of Harden's crew ... and after the exchange, the two went about their night as if nothing happened.

It's unclear what all kick-started the confrontation -- but witnesses told us once Harden noticed people were watching nearby ... the basketball player and the man he was quarreling with headed inside of the building together.

A Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Dept. spokesperson tells us officers were not called to the scene ... saying on Wednesday, "We have had no incidents involving James Harden reported to the LVMPD."

Lamar Odom is reaching out his hand to Bam Margera in the midst of all his substance abuse and legal problems, saying he's more than happy to help, free of charge, if the reality star allows it.

We caught up with the former NBA star in Manhattan Beach, CA and he offered some advice for the former "Jackass" star ... hours after Bam turned himself in to PA cops for allegedly assaulting his brother.

Lamar says, his first piece of advice is for Bam to lean into religion -- if it's something in his life -- to help him during his troubles. LO also personally invited BM to one of the 3 wellness centers he co-owns and operates, called Odom Wellness Treatment Centers, to address substance and drug abuse problems ... reminding us, he's been through it too.

As we reported, Bam surrendered Thursday to face charges in Pennsylvania for allegedly attacking his brother, Jess, last weekend. Cops say he threatened to put a bullet in Jess' head before going on the run. Bam denies that's how the story unfolded.

Regardless, he's been dealing with a ton of issues lately -- most of them seemingly tied to his addiction and mental health issues.

As we reported, the 2-time NBA champ acquired 3 rehab centers in Southern California and is now on a mission to help others in need. You'll recall, LO overdosed at a Nevada brothel in 2015 and suffered kidney failure, heart attacks, and several strokes ... but he's been able to turn his life around.

Lamar says he's welcoming Bam with open arms if, and only if, he wants the help. He left off with a simple message to BM ... "I love him and just stay strong."

Turns out, Jalen Carter's legal woes didn't impact his NFL draft status that much at all ... the former Univ. of Georgia star was just selected by the Eagles with the No. 9 overall pick.

Commissioner Roger Goodell announced Philadelphia's selection minutes ago in Kansas City ... sharing a big hug with the 22-year-old on stage -- a somewhat surprising scene, considering Carter's tumultuous March.

You'll recall, while the defensive lineman was in Indianapolis for the NFL's annual scouting combine back on March 1 ... authorities in Georgia issued a warrant for his arrest.

Officials alleged he had been racing a UGA football assistant moments before her fatal car crash in January ... and charged him with one count of misdemeanor reckless driving and one count of misdemeanor racing.

With the case still lingering over his head two weeks later, Carter showed up to UGA pro day on March 15 ... and struggled.

While the football player eventually reached a plea deal with prosecutors to close out his reckless driving case on March 16 ... many had expected it all to impact where the blue-chip prospect could fall during Thursday night's first round.

In fact, ex-NFL general manager Michael Lombardi told TMZ Sports he'd have "a lot of concern" picking the guy.

But, Carter ultimately went right around where he was expected to be picked before the charges were levied ... and he's now slated to sign a 4-year deal in Philly worth more than $23 million.

Bryce Young is now officially the future in Carolina -- the Panthers just took the former Univ. of Alabama quarterback with the #1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft!!!

The 21-year-old shared a big embrace with Roger Goodell after the league's commish made the announcement ... and everyone in Carolina's war room could be seen smiling ear-to-ear on the draft's broadcast.

Of course, most expected this to happen ... Young had been the favorite to be the Panthers' selection for weeks -- but Carolina and its fans were thrilled over it all Thursday night nonetheless.

Young was certainly deserving of the pick ... in three seasons at Alabama, the signal-caller completed over 65 percent of his passes, threw 80 touchdowns to only 12 interceptions and had a 165.0 passer rating.

Young also won the 2020 CFB national championship under Coach Nick Saban ... while earning the 2021 Heisman Trophy.

Young set numerous records for the Crimson Tide too -- he threw for the most single-season passing yards (4,872) and the most single-season passing TDs (47) in Bama history.

The Panthers are now hoping Bryce can provide them some stability at the QB position ... as the team's struggled to find a consistent starter since Cam Newton initially left the team following the 2019 season.

Last year, Carolina rolled out a combination of Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, and P.J. Walker -- but all three QBs struggled to succeed, and the Panthers missed the playoffs.

The 2023 NFL Draft is finally here ... and the biggest prospects are bringing their incredible fashion sense to Kansas City -- with some amazing 'fits and iced-out accessories!!

Texas Tech linebacker Tyree Wilson made quite the statement in a two-piece black suit ... which features a ton of blue and pink flowers splattered all over it.

The 22-year-old also paid homage to his school with the TT logo stitched inside the jacket!!

Boston College receiver Zay Flowers also had a custom jacket for his big night ... and honored his fam with photos inside the jacket. USC wideout Jordan Addison is bracing for his impending NFL money ... 'cause he got pictures of $100 bills stitched in his blazer.

Bryce Young -- who's projected to be the no. 1 overall pick to Carolina -- arrived with his parents and had on an expensive Dior jacket that might look familiar if you watched Travis Kelce's Saturday Night Live gig.

"You wait for this moment for so long and it's finally here," the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner said. "As a little kid, you know, you always dream of moments like this."

Some soon-to-be NFL rookies kept it simple and sweet ... like Alabama's Brian Branch, who wore an all-white fit, and Texas Longhorns running back Bijan Robinson, who elected to go all black.

Ohio State's Jaxon Smith-Njigba and C.J. Stroud looked sharp as hell, too ... especially thanks to their massive diamond chains.

Anthony Edwards' attorney is livid that prosecutors elected to hit the NBA superstar with assault charges this week ... saying the counts against his client are "baseless."

Harvey Steinberg, Edwards' rep, released a scathing statement on the matter on Thursday afternoon ... a day after the Timberwolves' guard was cited for tossing around a folding chair in the aftermath of Minnesota's loss to the Nuggets in Denver.

"With the game over," Steinberg said, "Anthony's exit from the court was partially obstructed by a chair, which he moved and set down three steps later."

"As video of the incident confirms, Anthony did not swing the chair at anyone and of course did not intend to hurt anyone."

The attorney added, "Anthony intends to vigorously defend against these baseless charges."

According to the Denver Police Dept., when Edwards picked up the chair and spun it in his arms, he struck two women with it. Cops say both suffered injuries.

Former Pro Bowl defensive back William Moore -- who played seven seasons for the Atlanta Falcons -- was arrested this week ... after he allegedly shot at a car while children were inside it.

According to the Gwinnett County Police Department, officers were called out to Alexander Park in Lawrenceville, Ga. at around 6 PM on Sunday ... following reports of a domestic dispute. Once they arrived, cops say a woman told them an unknown male, later identified as Moore, had shot at her car.

She also, according to police, said an unknown woman slashed her tire with a screwdriver during the incident as well.

The woman, police said, explained to officers that everything had started after her 9-year-old niece got into a tiff on the playground with Moore's young daughter.

According to police documents, the woman told police an angry Moore approached her and told her he was "going to get his niece to come and fight her" over the kids' altercation.

Police in the docs said the woman tried to leave in her car to avoid conflict ... but Moore blocked her in her parking spot with his vehicle. That's when cops say the unknown woman started puncturing her front left tire with a screwdriver.

Cops say the woman told them she tried to leave, but accidentally struck Moore's car ... and that's when she claims Moore shot at her ride while her niece and son were in the back seat.

According to the police report, the bullet struck the woman's driver's side door ... but thankfully, no one was injured.

The incident was apparently caught on video, and in the footage ... it looks like you can see Moore and a woman near the victim's car before a gunshot rings out.

Police said they later stopped a vehicle at the park matching the description of the suspect's car and detained Moore.

According to the Gwinnett County Sheriff's jail records, Moore was booked on two counts of aggravated assault, one count of felony criminal damage to property in the second degree, and one count of felony possession of a firearm or knife during the commission.

He's also being charged with two misdemeanor counts of cruelty to children in the third degree. His bond has been set at $21,700.

A pair of boxing gloves worn by Michael B. Jordan in his latest blockbuster, "Creed III," is up for auction ... and can be yours for the right price!!

SCP Auctions is offering a pair of cream-colored Grant boxing gloves worn by MBJ, who stars in the film as Adonis "Donnie" Creed, son of Apollo Creed, to the highest bidder.

The gloves show visible signs Jordan wore them while filming the latest installment in the Rocky-adjacent series ... which had huge success across the world. In fact, the movie grossed almost $156 million domestically and $116 million internationally, for a total of $272.1 million worldwide, according to box office figures.

Creed III tells the story of Adonis' childhood friend and former boxing prodigy Damian "Diamond Dame" Anderson, played by Jonathan Majors, resurfacing to fight Creed, according to IMDB.com.

Speaking of the embattled Majors ... a pair of boxing gloves he wore while filming Creed III is also up for auction with SCP.

The 10 oz. XL Grant gloves are black with gold and bronze accents, and their condition indicates they were used by Majors, whose character was the main antagonist in the film.

MBJ directed, produced, and starred in "Creed III" -- and if you didn't know already judging by the success of the movie, Creed IV's on the way!