TMZ Sports - Page 50

Alexey Shved -- a Russian-born basketball player who hooped in the NBA -- was hospitalized after he was attacked outside of a Moscow restaurant ... but thankfully, he's on the road to recovery.

According to Shved's Russian basketball team, CSKA Moscow, the 34-year-old was attacked by a "hooligan" on Monday night ... and "suffered a serious head injury as a result of the fall."

Alexey --- who played for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers, Houston Rockets, and New York Knicks -- was transported to the hospital by ambulance.

Shved, wearing a neck brace, seemed in relatively good spirits as some of his teammates and coaches visited him in the hospital.

Shved's team said he contacted the police to investigate the incident ... and added he would not be able to participate in the squad's next round of matches.

The 6' 6" shooting guard spent his final season in the NBA with the Knicks in 2015, averaging 14.8 points per game in 26.4 minutes for the Knickerbockers.

The wife of Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett is breaking her silence days after their 2-year-old daughter drowned in the family pool ... saying they're devastated over her death and will love her "forever and ever and always."

The terrible incident happened on Sunday ... police received an emergency call indicating Arrayah had fallen into the pool at their Tampa area home. Sadly, despite the rescuer's best efforts, the 2-year child passed away.

Arrayah had just celebrated her birthday days earlier on April 19th.

The 2-time Super Bowl champ hasn't commented on the horrific tragedy, but his wife Jordanna -- whom he married in 2012 -- now has, releasing a statement Wednesday.

"Thank you all for all the messages, flowers, thoughts and prayers," Jordanna said. "Our world will never be the same. Arrayah was the apple of my eye, and my heart will forever be with hers."

Jordanna -- who has three other children with Shaq -- went on to say there's no "Barrett 6" without Arrayah.

"I love you so much my baby. I am so so sorry. Until we see each other again, please watch over your siblings and momma and dada."

"We love you forever and ever and always. I can’t wait to see that precious smile again, and just hug you so close. I would do absolutely anything."

The Barrett family will lay Arrayah to rest on Friday ... and the family has asked everyone to wear bright colors to honor her memory.

The Bucs -- who signed Shaq to a 4-year extension worth $72 million in 2021 -- issued a statement over the weekend, saying their "thoughts and prayers" are with the entire family during this "unimaginably difficult time."

Joel Embiid's first Most Valuable Player selection just got a lot sweeter ... 'cause his Sixers teammate, James Harden, gifted him a Rolex in honor of the award!!

The Philadelphia center beat out former MVP winners Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo for the nod Tuesday night ... and when the man of the hour showed up at the arena to take on the Boston Celtics in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Beard came bearing gifts.

Embiid was clearly thrilled over the gesture ... thanking Harden and hugging it out in the tunnel after receiving the expensive watch.

What's funny -- the timepiece didn't fit the 7'0" giant's hand ... but Uno assured the MVP he'll hook him up with some more links soon.

The watch also has a special message engraved on the back ... which reads "'23 MVP."

Embiid -- who said it is his first Rolex -- couldn't help but show off his gift with reporters earlier Wednesday ... smiling as he put it in front of the cameras.

If Embiid suits up for Philly in a few hours (he's been out with a knee sprain), and the watch gives him a bit more motivation, it could be bad news for the Cs -- 'cause the Sixers are currently leading the series, 1-0.

Former Team USA track star Tori Bowie was found dead inside her home, TMZ Sports has learned ... after her loved ones told cops they were concerned they hadn't heard from her in several days.

According to the Orange County Sheriff's Office in Florida, officers conducted a well-being check at Bowie's home Tuesday afternoon. When authorities arrived at the residence, they made entry ... and found the three-time Olympic medalist deceased. A preliminary investigation showed no foul play was involved.

A cause and manner of death are not yet known -- the Orange County Medical Examiner's Office tells us they're still investigating the matter.

Bowie's management team said Wednesday they were crushed to learn of her passing.

"We've lost a client, dear friend, daughter and sister," the agency said. "Tori was a champion … a beacon of light that shined so bright! We're truly heartbroken and our prayers are with the family and friends."

Bowie -- a two-time NCAA long jump champion who won three medals at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil -- was just 32 years old.

Jackson Mahomes -- younger brother of Kansas City Chiefs superstar Patrick Mahomes -- was arrested for aggravated sexual battery on Wednesday ... in relation to an alleged incident at a Kansas restaurant in February.

Mahomes was booked around 7:45 AM .... and his bond was set at $100,000. According to court records, he's been charged with three counts of aggravated sexual battery. He was also charged with one count of misdemeanor battery.

The 22-year-old social media star was accused of sexually and physically assaulting the owner of the Aspens Restaurant and Lounge ... when the 40-year-old woman claimed he tried to forcibly kiss her multiple times.

The owner also alleged Jackson seemed intoxicated earlier in the night ... and claims he shoved a male member of her wait staff.

A conviction for aggravated sexual battery in Kansas can carry up to a 55-month sentence.

Shortly after the alleged incident, Jackson's attorney, Brandan Davies, said he did nothing wrong.

"Our investigation has revealed substantial evidence refuting the claims of Jackson’s accuser including the statements of several witnesses. We have reached out to law enforcement to provide the fruit of our investigation so that they may have a complete picture of the matter."

The incident appeared to have been caught on surveillance video ... and has been under police investigation since March.

Jackson -- who is known for documenting his life on the internet -- spent several weeks out of the public eye following the allegations ... but has since returned to social media and attended the NFL Draft in Kansas City last week.

It's not the first time Jackson has found himself embroiled in controversy -- he also faced backlash for dumping water on Baltimore Ravens fans at a game in 2021 ... and doing a TikTok dance over Washington's field memorial for late NFL star Sean Taylor a few weeks later.

He was also recorded grabbing a woman's face in Las Vegas in 2022.

Chanel Iman is gonna be a mom again ... 'cause the Victoria's Secret model just revealed she's having a child with her NFL player boyfriend, Davon Godchaux.

Iman -- who has two kids with estranged husband Sterling Shepard -- broke the news to her 3.4 million Instagram followers on Wednesday ... sharing pics from an intimate, all-white photo shoot with the Patriots defensive tackle.

"God is great!" Iman said in the caption. "It’s all been a blessing 🙏🏽."

"Our family is growing and we are so excited to meet our new little one 👼🏽."

This will be the couple's first child together -- Godchaux has a son from a previous relationship ... and Iman has two daughters, Cali and Cassie, with Shepard.

As we previously reported, Shepard filed for divorce after three years of marriage in June 2021.

Iman and Godchaux -- who signed a 2-year extension with the Patriots last July -- went IG official shortly after her separation from Shepard ... and the two have been inseparable since.

The couple is very public about their love for each other ... and have taken a bunch of family trips together.

P.K. Subban body-shamed Lizzo live on-air while breaking down an NHL playoff game for ESPN on Tuesday night ... and his comment was so crass, many online are now demanding an apology from the former All-Star.

Subban -- who joined ESPN's hockey coverage following his retirement in 2022 -- made the remark while he was breaking down Game 1 of the Panthers vs. Maple Leafs Stanley Cup Playoff series.

Subban's co-host on the ESPN set, John Buccigross, suggested Toronto should "pack a lunch" after losing 4-2 -- insinuating the team should eat more to make it stronger in Game 2.

Subban agreed ... and then fired off a cheap shot at the "Truth Hurts" singer.

"Maybe they need to pack a Lizzo-sized lunch," Subban said.

The words were immediately hit with backlash on social media ... with many calling for the former New Jersey Devils defenseman to say he's sorry. Others on Twitter urged ESPN to punish its top hockey analyst for the comment.

So far, neither Subban nor ESPN has addressed the controversy. Lizzo hasn't either ... though she's no stranger to responding to comments about her body.

Just call him Snoopstradamus!!!

Hours after Snoop Dogg predicted Jordan Poole would choke in a key moment in Game 1 of the Warriors vs. Lakers playoff series Tuesday night ... the Golden State star did just that!!

The "Gin & Juice" rapper initially offered up the Miss Cleo-like prognostication during an appearance on "First Take" ... when he correctly guessed the Lakers' defense would force Poole into a situation he wouldn't be able to capitalize on.

"We're going to be probably doubling Steph," the Lakers superfan said on the show, "and somebody else is going to be open. Jordan Poole, keep shooting. I like the way you've been missing brother."

Turns out, in the fourth quarter down 115-112 ... L.A. doubled Curry -- which led to Poole trying to make a game-tying 3-pointer from deep behind the 3-point line. But, he missed it ... giving the Lakers the big win.

Poole, though, did have a solid game otherwise ... scoring 21 points (7-15 FGs) -- but his end-of-game brick drew a lot of ire from fans, including Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal.

"I don't like that shot right there," Barkley said on NBA on TNT ... while Shaq added that it wasn't a "good shot" by the guard.

One person who didn't mind the shot was Dubs head coach Steve Kerr, who said in the postgame press conference he was happy with the possession.

Brooks Koepka got a birthday present of a lifetime this year ... the golf superstar is going to be a daddy!!

The 33-year-old and his model wife, Jena Sims, shared the awesome news on Wednesday ... saying, "happiest birthday, the best is yet to come 🤍🤍🤍"

The married couple also shared several snaps from the beach ... showing Brooks kissing Jena's growing baby bump as she wore a white bikini top, grey sweatshirt and jeans.

Their friends were quick to send their kind words on social media ... with everyone saying congrats.

Of course, Brooks and Jena first went public at the U.S. Open back in 2017 ... and were married in June 2022.

They've been attached at the hip ever since ... and Jena makes sure to attend all of Brooks' tournaments.

To commemorate Brooks' best birthday ever, Jena even got him a cake ... which read, "HBD daddy."

Tori Bowie, a track and field athlete who won three Olympic medals for Team USA, is dead.

Tori was found deceased Tuesday in Florida, but the cause of death remains unclear.

Her management team released a statement Wednesday morning confirming the tragic news, saying they're "devastated" over her passing.

"We've lost a client, dear friend, daughter and sister," the sports agency said. "Tori was a champion…a beacon of light that shined so bright! We're truly heartbroken and our prayers are with the family and friends."

At the 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil, Tori won three medals ... including one gold as a member of the women's 4x100 meter relay team. Tori also earned a silver in the 100-meter dash, plus a bronze in the 200-meter dash.

Before her Team USA triumphs, Tori was a standout track star in college at the University of Southern Mississippi ... where she was a two-time NCAA long jump champion in both indoor and outdoor track.

The year after her three-medal performance at the Rio Olympics, Tori became the world's fastest woman ... winning the 100-meter dash at the 2017 IAAF World Championships in London with a blistering time of 10.85 seconds.

In addition to her athletic success, Tori also modeled ... she was featured in a Valentino campaign and also posed for ESPN The Magazine's Body Issue.

Tori was 32.

Aaron Rodgers appears to already have a new Jets BFF -- he went on a man date with NY star Sauce Gardner to the Knicks game Tuesday ... and it sure felt bromantic to us!!

After months of recruiting the quarterback to the Big Apple, Gardner finally got some alone time with his new teammate ... and the two seemed to certainly hit it off.

According to Rodgers' IG, the guys got some grub at Carbone ... before they pulled up to Madison Square Garden for the Knicks' huge playoff game against the Miami Heat.

The two had great floor seats -- they sat next to "Entourage" star Jerry Ferrara -- and they even got to rub elbows with Carmelo Anthony and his son, Kiyan.

The guys were later shown on the jumbotron during the game -- where they received a massive ovation from the nearly 20,000 fans in attendance.

The dudes appeared to be good luck for the home team, too ... as NY beat up the Jimmy Butler-less Heat, 111-105.

Both guys gushed over the evening afterward on social media, with Rodgers writing, "Another great day and night in the city with my boy @saucegardner."

"One of the best days/nights I had in a while man❕I appreciate you my guy🤞🏾," Gardner added in the comment section.

Henry Cejudo believes he's one win away from securing a spot as one of the greatest four fighters in MMA -- joining legends Demetrious Johnson, Jon Jones, and Anderson Silva -- and all that's left to do is beat champion Aljamain Sterling.

36-year-old Triple C joined Babcock on the "TMZ Sports" TV show (airs weekdays on FS1) ... where he talked about his return to the Octagon after 3 years away, and what a win would mean for his legacy.

"I think that puts me on the Mount Rushmore of MMA. I'm probably not better than Demetrious or Jon Jones or Anderson Silva, but I think that puts me at number four," Henry said.

"I think that puts me in a league, I'm a two-division champ, Olympic champ. I come back three years later, I do believe in my heart that I am the greatest combat athlete of all time, just by my resume, just by my accolades, but I think this fight right here puts me on Mount Rushmore."

Of course, Henry hasn't fought since he beat the legendary Dominick Cruz at UFC 249 in May 2020. He was in the midst of a 6-fight win streak, including dubs over Mighty Mouse, Marlon Moraes, and T.J. Dillashaw.

FYI, Cejudo won an Olympic gold medal in freestyle wrestling back in 2008 in Beijing.

Now, Henry will look to earn that spot on Mt. Rushmore ... with a win over bantamweight Aljamain Sterling at UFC 288 on May 6.

If he gets past Aljo, Henry says he'd like to fight rival "dirty Q-tip Ronald Meth-Donald" 'Suga' Sean O'Malley.

Once he does all that, Cejudo believes there is a path to becoming the greatest ever, period. In order to do that, he believes he needs to beat current pound-for-pound king Alex Volkanovski for a third belt ... which has never been done before.

Soccer reigned supreme once again when it came to lining pockets in 2022 ... with Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé making the most money out of all athletes, according to Forbes' annual list -- and LeBron James and Stephen Curry rounding out the top five.

In the top spot is 38-year-old Ronaldo -- who parted ways with Manchester United in November to join Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr in January. The superstar raked in $136 million total on and off the field over the past 12 months.

Coming in at second and third on the list are Messi and Mbappé, respectively. Messi earned $130 million ... while 24-year-old Mbappé -- the only athlete under 30 to grace the top 10 -- pocketed $120 million.

King James is in the top five yet again at fourth on the list, earning $119.5 million. Meanwhile, Steph Curry ($100.4 million) and Kevin Durant ($89.1 million) are the only two other NBA players to make the top 10.

Canelo Álvarez is the lone boxer in the top 10 -- the 58-2-2 Mexican-born fighter made $100 million pounding on opponents inside the ring ... and an additional $10 million out of competition.

Two of golf's biggest names, Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson, proved the LIV money is real ... with DJ earning $107 million, and Phil earning $106 million.

Finally, Roger Federer -- who's won 20 Grand Slam men's single's titles in his career -- held it down for his respective sport ... as he was the only tennis star to make the top 10, earning $95.1 million.

Charles Leclerc is a multi-millionaire, but you wouldn't be able to tell by the way he went into full rescue mode when he lost his AirPods this week ... 'cause he got on the ground, used some tweezers and brought them back to safety -- all while ironically wearing a $200k watch!!!

The Ferrari superstar documented the whole mishap on his Instagram page ... showing him sprawled out on the floor at the Zurich International Airport in Switzerland.

The whole thing looked like a game of Operation ... as the 25-year-old patiently tried to get both his earbud AND the case out of the tiniest crack in the floor -- and thankfully, it was a success!!

What's hilarious about it all -- Leclerc most certainly has the money ... so he could have just as easily gotten a new pair at a nearby gift shop.

Throughout the recovery, Charles was also wearing a super-expensive, rare Richard Mille RM 72-01 watch on his left wrist ... which comes with a $185k price tag, but good luck getting your hands on one of them at that price -- or at all.

Of course, Leclerc has a sponsorship with Richard Mille ... so he's got the hook-up.

Perhaps he needs an Apple brand deal next!!

Forget tuxes and red carpets, Tom Brady was more into tee boxes and fairways on Monday ... eschewing a spot at the Met Gala -- an event he used to attend regularly with Gisele Bündchen -- for a round of golf.

The newly retired quarterback was spotted roughly 3,000 miles away from his ex-wife and the bright lights of the famed New York fashion event ... getting in hacks at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles.

Brady didn't seem to care much about missing the show that he's gone to multiple times over the last decade ... as he appeared ultra focused on improving his golf game.

The former Buccaneers and Patriots star could be seen hitting his wedges, irons, and driver -- while mobbin' around in a golf cart with his pal.

Of course, Gisele didn't seem to be missing Brady too much out in NYC either ... she rolled up to the event dateless -- and looked stunning.

The two used to attend Met Galas often ... hitting almost every single one from 2010 to 2019 -- and their looks over the years were iconic.

Antonio Brown's tenure as a football team owner is allegedly off to a horrific start -- the controversial former NFL star is being accused of running the organization into the ground ... making violent threats toward the ex-head coach and locking players out of their hotel rooms.

TMZ Sports spoke with two former members of the National Arena League's Albany Empire -- head coach Damon Ware and quarterback Sam Castronova -- and they both detailed their hellish experiences before leaving the team.

Ware said Brown's ownership was doomed from the beginning ... explaining it was a "hostile takeover" when the Super Bowl champ came on board in March, forcing other owners out by throwing money their way.

Ware said the main issue was getting everyone paid ... and his conversations with AB about the matter would get so bad, the receiver would resort to texting him violent threats.

According to Ware, Brown -- who now owns 95% of the team -- was a nightmare to work with ... as his ego got in the way of improving the squad and helping players move on to the next level.

"It became all about him, not the football team," Ware said. "We built a wonderful organization over three years -- he came in and killed it."

FYI -- the Empire are back-to-back champions in the NAL, but are off to a 1-2 start this season.

We're told team members usually expect their game checks the week after each contest ... but once the money hadn't hit their bank accounts for their past two contests in April, players contemplated sitting out.

Eventually, the athletes agreed to suit up when they were shown what appeared to be a payment confirmation. But, following Sunday's game, Castronova said players were still without their check ... and several captains decided to confront team officials on their bus ride back from North Carolina.

Once they got to their team hotel, Ware, the captains, and several other players discovered their room keys no longer worked -- and hotel staffers told them it was Brown's doing.

In fact, they had to fight like hell just to get their belongings out of their rooms ... dealing with housekeeping in order to make it happen.

Even though the team has followed up with one missed payment so far, Ware, Castronova and several other key players say they are fed up with the team ... and they're already looking forward to restarting their careers elsewhere.

"It's a happy day for me to be out of this crazy situation," Ware added.

"Goodbye, good riddance."

We covered the drama in a recent episode of the TMZ Sports Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.