TMZ Sports - Page 30

Lamar Odom's got a job offer to be the next head basketball coach at his former New York high school ... and he's giving the prospect some serious consideration.

A source familiar with the situation tells TMZ … Lamar recently had a conversation with the folks at Redemption Christian Academy in Troy, NY and was presented with an offer to be the head coach.

We're told Lamar originally reached out to the school about a month ago to inquire about the current head coach. Shortly after, the conversation developed into the school asking if he would consider taking the head coaching job for this upcoming school year. Should Lamar accept, we're told he would start in August and coach for 4 months, during the season.

Lamar's connection to the school is personal ... he played his senior season at Redemption, where he was named National Player of the Year by Parade Magazine. Lamar averaged 25 points, 17 rebounds, 12 assists and 5 blocks at Redemption, and he was also named a McDonald's All-American and played in the 1997 Magic Johnson Roundball Classic.

Our sources say Lamar would love a coaching job in California, where he currently lives, but he's seriously considering taking the position at Redemption because the school has a special place in his heart. Of course, if Lamar accepts he would move to NY and live there during the season.

Ultimately, we're told Lamar wants to coach college basketball in the future ... and he also wants to get back in the classroom and earn his BA in business, which would help with his Odom Recovery Group.

Our sources say those plans are on hold until Lamar decides if he wants to coach at Redemption.

"Elon, you need me on your team, brother!"

That's retired UFC superstar Jorge Masvidal's message to Elon Musk ... offering to train up the $250 billion man for his would-be scrap with fellow billionaire and social media rival, Mark Zuckerberg.

"Elon, if you're watching this, I mean, we all know you're a smart dude, man. You're going to want as many options, missiles, if you're going to war, right, you're going to want the snipers, you're going to want everything. Give your boy a shot, man! I can show you some techniques to deal with these jiu-jitsu guys that they don't like."

"I'm not going to be teaching all this arm bar stuff," Masvidal said, continuing ... "I'm just gonna show you some techniques to break someone's face, man."

And, let's be real ... there aren't many people who have more combat experience than Gamebred -- from the streets to the biggest arenas in the world -- and that's why Jorge believes he could help Elon.

Of course, we've seen Musk working out with legendary Brazilian jiu-jitsu instructor John Danaher and BJJ black belt (and great podcaster) Lex Fridman ... but Masvidal believes he can help in ways they may not be able to.

"All those guys, you mentioned are studs but none of those guys have 50 pro fights and all the amateur fights that I got, all the street fights that I got. So no offense to none of them, because they're all great at what they do. Elon, you need me on your team, brother! That's who you need on your team."

Although he admittedly is Team Elon, Jorge has no beef with Zuck (even says he's "done some great things in this world") ... he just connected with Musk on a different level.

"The reason why I love Elon so much, this dude's a patriot, man. He's just a dude that's for America, that understands how our rules work, and he's not even like naturally American, you know? And understands how well this country works and what makes this country work, that's why I'm cheering for Elon."

There's much more with Masvidal.

Jorge's Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA promotion has been incredibly successful. In fact, Masvidal inked two former UFC heavyweight champs, the legendary Fabricio Werdum and Junior dos Santos are rematching (they fought at UFC 90 in 2008!) on September 8 in Jacksonville!

LaMarcus Aldridge just got a new massive back tattoo featuring an image of the Joker ... and check it out -- it's so seriously awesome!!!

The former NBA star hit up Andres Ortega and his Onder Ink team last month to get the piece done ... and after sitting under the needle for 10 hours, most of the backside of the hooper's 6'11" frame was completely covered in ink.

On the bottom of the tattoo, Aldridge got Batman's nemesis tatted because, according to Ortega, the former San Antonio Spurs forward said there was a time in his life when nobody believed in him -- and this was his way of laughing at those detractors.

Aldridge also got images of a lion and its cub to represent the relationship he has with one of his children. The skyline of Dallas -- Aldridge's hometown -- was also added to the top of the artwork.

The 7-time NBA All-Star got his jersey No. 12 inked too ... and Ortega tells TMZ Sports he added religious imagery to honor his faith as well as family members who have passed.

Talk about unlikely allies ... UFC star Michael Chandler believes Conor McGregor is getting an unfair shake when it comes to his reputation as a coach on The Ultimate Fighter!

"I  think Conor's getting a little bit of a raw deal when it comes to how much he was there or wasn't there [with his team]," Chandler told Babcock on the "TMZ Sports" TV show (airs weekdays on FS1).

If you haven't seen the show ... Conor and Michael are coaching opposite one another on TUF 31, and a decent amount of time has been spent on The Notorious being absent for certain team activities, including weigh-ins.

But, Chandler says that's not really fair to Conor.

"Showing up for the weigh-ins isn't that big of a deal and they kept asking me about it so obviously I kept talking about it. I don't think the results would be any different, to be honest with you."

FYI, Chandler's team (made up of former UFC fighters looking to make a return to the promotion) is 6-0 against McGregor's squad (made up of prospects).

It's somewhat surprising to see Michael defend Conor. Things got physical between the men on last week's episode of the show, resulting in McGregor shoving Chandler, causing Dana White to sprint into the Octagon (can't fight for free!).

Michael walked us through the dustup with Conor and gave us an update on where things stand with the fight negotiations between the men.

There's more -- we also talked to Mike about Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. Some people like the fight, while others hate it. Count Mike in the group of people ready to grab their popcorn.

Victor Wembanyama was asked point blank this weekend if he has any plans to apologize to Britney Spears after one of his bodyguards swatted at her -- and his response is telling.

The young basketball phenom was making the rounds in Vegas Saturday for NBA Con, and it looks like Wemby stopped off at a local gym to say what's up to some young hoopers/adoring fans ... who were absolutely mobbing the guy on his way out of there.

Check out this footage -- obtained by TMZ -- and you'll see what we mean. There's kids all over the place following him as he proceeds to an exit ... and they're vying for autographs.

Interestingly, this is actually a similar vibe to the scene he found himself earlier in the week when Britney attempted to get his attention ... and it also looks like he's rolling with the same security detail -- including, perhaps, the exact gentleman who made contact with BS.

The difference here, it seems, is that Wemby and his crew are a lot more relaxed this time around ... even though you could argue this is more hectic of an environment than when Britney rolled up on him. Watch his bodyguard -- a lot less handsy, but ever watchful.

Then, comes the huge question from someone in the crowd ... who asks Wemby straight up if he wants to say sorry to Britney over what happened -- something she's asked for herself.

There's been different accounts as to whether the security guard in question made amends afterward -- we've heard he did actually come over to apologize to her, but a statement she released suggests otherwise ... as she appears to want more from Wemby and the Spurs.

In any case ... the guy doesn't answer the question here, and simply keeps on going. Assuming he heard it -- frankly, who couldn't have at that volume -- ya gotta figure this means he ain't planning to say more than what he's already said on the matter.

Even when he addressed it with the media, VW didn't seem to show much remorse over the incident -- saying he was pretty unaware of what was going on until after the fact. What he did say, which other video we've obtained contradicts, is that he was grabbed from behind.

Megan Rapinoe is retiring from soccer -- but she's got one last thing to achieve on her checklist before doing so ... winning another World Cup.

The longtime U.S. women's soccer legend -- who's been on the national team since '06 -- made the announcement Saturday at a presser, telling reporters this upcoming tourney would be her last as a professional ... and that she'd be hanging up her cleats afterward.

She does say there'll be more to come for her down the road -- presumably meaning she'll still be involved in soccer in some capacity -- but first, her focus is on snagging the gold.

During her remarks ... MR got a little choked up as she reflected on her storied career, thanking teammates, coaches, fans and everyone who's supported her over the years. She also touched on the game itself and commented on just how far it's taken her in her life.

She also shouts out her partner, WNBA star Sue Bird, for giving her inspiration in coming to the decision -- ICYMI, SB announced her retirement from pro basketball just last year.

Megan's thoughts are touching ... and it's a huge moment, seeing how she's been on several U.S. Women's Soccer teams, having played with some of the greats of the modern era. She's played with the likes of Abby Wambach, Alex Morgan, Carli Lloyd, Hope Solo and so many others ... and is, by and large, considered to be one of the final players of the old guard to still be on the pitch today. She's also served as a captain on the team for years now.

Of course, her accolades are many. Megan's helped the U.S. win the World Cup twice, and she's also led the U.S. to a gold medal in the Olympics before. MR's won a lot of awards, too, including the Golden Boot and Golden Ball from FIFA for her standout performances.

Scottie Pippen is seemingly trying to outdo his ex-wife Larsa when it comes to who can act racier with their dates.

Check out these photos, obtained by TMZ, which show Scottie driving an SUV with a woman in back as she posed for what could easily pass for a Playboy spread.

With the window wide open, the woman pushed up her shirt, exposing her breasts, covered by a white bra, for everyone to see. We're sure there were more than a few guys lovin' the view.

As for Scottie, he flashed a peace sign out his window while the two cruised out of a parking lot in Malibu Friday.

The basketball legend's R-rated ride comes on the heels of Larsa's naughty make-out session with her boyfriend, Marcus Jordan, inside a club. Video shows Marcus puffing on a hookah mouthpiece, placing his lips on Larsa's chest and blowing smoke in between her boobs.

But the drama didn't stop there ... Marcus' dad, former Chicago Bulls star Michael Jordan, was recently filmed by paparazzi in Paris saying he doesn't approve of his son's relationship with Larsa.

Britney Spears wasn't the only one inconvenienced during the Victor Wembanyama slap saga in Sin City, because Pauly Shore lost his table at Catch ... and this one really hurts.

Folks who were dining at Catch at the same time as Britney, Wemby and Pauly tell TMZ … after the slapping incident, Britney went to dinner inside the fancy restaurant and her party was seated ... at the same booth where they had seated Pauly.

Turns out Pauly had just gotten seated, he got up to use the restroom, and when he came back, Britney and her group were at his table, where he had left his phone, glasses and fanny pack.

Britney's security, we're told, initially stopped Pauly from getting back to the table ... but they eventually let him through.

We're told Paul greeted Britney and they both kind of laughed off the seating situation, and her manager, Cade Hudson, handed over Pauly's things.

Ultimately, we're told Pauly got seated at a different table ... it's unclear if this was just a mix-up or if Catch deliberately bumped him for BS. ET first reported on Pauly's table mishap.

As we first reported ... video shows Britney approaching Victor on their way into Catch and getting slapped by his security, and eyewitnesses say Britney was in shock and angry during dinner.

Cops investigated the slapping incident and decided against pursuing criminal charges against Wemby's security.

Dennis Rodman's girlfriend says the NBA legend's new face tattoo featuring a portrait of her was not her idea at all ... explaining to TMZ Sports that when he first told her he wanted to get it, she thought he was "crazy!!!"

Rodman and his GF, Yella Yella, spoke all about the new artwork roughly 24 hours after the former Bulls star got it done ... and the two made it clear to us, The Worm wasn't influenced by anyone other than himself when he decided to get the ink put on his cheek.

"I actually told him not to do it," Yella Yella said. "I'm like, 'What're you doing!'"

Rodman, though, said he was full-go on the idea once it popped into his head ... explaining, "This is my last dance with a woman."

"She's very lovely," he added. "And I thank her for loving me the way I am -- and that's why I did it for her."

Yella Yella says initially Rodman wanted the portrait to be even bigger than what it ultimately ended up being ... leading her to call him both "crazy" and "a wild boy."

Alex Volkanovski says he's totally focused on defending his featherweight title against interim champ Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290 ... but openly admits there's a fight he wants in the future -- a rematch with lightweight champ Islam Makhachev!

"Obviously I've got to go do my thing. I'm focused 100% on Yair, but obviously, I want that rematch," Volk told TMZ Sports.

"Then you've got guys like Ilia's [Topuria] name gets thrown out there, and whoever it is I'm gonna turn up cause I wanna be active, that's that. It's pretty simple with me. Ya know people aren't gonna be waiting long, but it just depends on who the UFC wants, but obviously I want that rematch."

Of course, Alex and Islam fought at UFC 284 in February, a fight AV lost by unanimous decision. However, that doesn't exactly tell the full story ... many fans felt Volkanovski actually won the fight, and should've been double champ.

First things first, Alex, who is a sizeable favorite (around -380), has to beat Yair if he wants to be double champ. On the other side of things is Rodriguez ... who won the interim title in a fight with Josh Emmett (also at UFC 284).

Yair, like Alex, badly wants this win ... and says he's ready to go to extreme lengths.

"I accept anything that comes with [the fight]. I understand the sport and more than being prepared to win this fight, I'm ready to f****** die, and that's one of the things you've got to be prepared for every time that you step in the cage," Rodriguez says.

"Many people go in there only thinking I'm winning, I'm winning. I go in there with many fears, but also I beat my fears every single day. So I'm ready to die."

There's more -- we also talked to the men scrapping in the co-main event, Brandon Moreno and Alexandre Pantoja, who are fighting for a third time.

Pantoja, the #2 ranked contender, beat the flyweight champion twice ... but those fights were years ago.

Moreno says he's out to prove ... a lot has happened since 2018.

Fred VanVleet is fired up to be joining the Rockets ... telling TMZ Sports that after spending the past seven seasons in Toronto, he's "looking forward" to the new sitch!!

The All-Star guard explained his excitement to us over his new 3-year, $130 million contract with Houston while he was out getting some shopping done on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills this week.

While he obviously loved his time with the Raptors (the guy, after all, won a championship and made his first-ever All-Star team in Toronto), he did admit he's eager to get everything going in H-Town.

As for some of his new teammates -- guys like Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green -- he's clearly happy to be walking into a lineup featuring those guys as well.

"We're just trying to take a step forward," he said. "One day at a time."

VanVleet, Brooks and Green will all have a new coach this season in Houston -- the Rockets inked Ime Udoka to a new deal back in April ... so it'll be a bunch of fresh faces all around in 2023.

Britney Spears and NBA phenom Victor Wembanyama have critically different accounts of what went down before his security guard slapped her, and video of the incident, obtained by TMZ, supports Britney's version.

Check out the video ... you hear Britney approach Victor outside Catch restaurant in Vegas Wednesday night, screaming in a British accent, "Sir, Sir!"

Britney reaches up and taps Victor on his left shoulder. This is important because Victor described Britney "grabbing" him. The video does not support that claim.

You then see Victor's security slap her hand and either his hand struck her face or he made contact with her hand and the force of impact caused her hand to hit her face.

Either way, you hear the slap. As the police said, it does not appear he struck her intentionally ... it was more him swatting her hand away.

Britney's glasses flew off, but she did not fall as she indicated.

After the slap, you hear Britney clearly upset, screaming, still in a British accent, "That's America for you. F*** you all!"

Britney and friends went to dinner after the incident ... where a witness tells us she seemed super pissed.

As we reported, the Metro PD has closed it's investigation and no charges will be filed against Victor's security.

Originally Published -- 10:53 AM PT

Honey Boo Boo's dad was supposed to check in for some much-needed help to combat his prescription pill addiction at a rehab owned by Lamar Odom, but he's since gone MIA ... TMZ has learned.

Sources close to Lamar tell us Sugar Bear was scheduled to fly into Kansas Thursday night and begin treatment with Odom Recovery Group at the Gold Bridge Treatment Center for his serious issues. However, we're told he never got on that flight ... and he's giving the Odom group radio silence.

Our sources say Lamar and co. believe SB simply got cold feet, because first he told them he couldn't attend the rehab because of work, then said he couldn't go because he was in the hospital for another health issue.

We're told Lamar's team isn't giving up on Sugar Bear, and hope he'll change his mind on getting help -- but he's not been responsive in their efforts to get in touch.

As we reported ... Lamar purchased 3 rehab centers in California earlier this year, and he's built on that foundation ever since.

Luka Dončić didn't get a ring this year ... but his girlfriend did -- 'cause the Dallas Mavericks star just proposed to Anamaria Goltes in Slovenia -- and she said YES!!!

The NBA point guard and his new fiancee revealed their engagement in social media posts on Friday ... showing the basketball player got down on one knee at Lake Bled.

"💍❤️ 7.7," Doncic captioned the pic.

LeBron James was one of many who were stoked for the hooper ... writing in the comment section on Luka's Instagram post, "Congrats brother!!!!"

Dončić and Glotes have known each other since they were kids ... and, eventually, they began to date in their teenage years.

While the two were off and on for a bit, they ultimately became super serious as Dončić began establishing himself as one of the best players in the NBA.

Since then, she's been seen by his side often ... and she's even been spotted helping out at his charity events in Slovenia while he was back in the States playing basketball.

Now, they'll get to spend forever together ... something the two couldn't seem more pleased about.

Jay-Z just made a massive splash in the soccer world ... his Roc Nation Sports International agency opened shop in Brazil, and now represents one of the biggest international soccer stars alive, Vinicius Jr.!

Hov and Roc Nation landed Vini Jr. after acquiring famed Brazilian soccer agency, TFM ... which reps over 100 soccer players, including the international soccer star.

Of course, if you're a soccer fan, you know 22-year-old Vinicius Jr. ... winger for Real Madrid (and the Brazilian National Team), is widely considered one of the most talented players in the world. Period.

For as great as he is on the pitch, he's equally as popular off it ... counting nearly 40 million followers on Instagram alone. Speaking of social media, Vini posted a photo hanging with Hov in late May... and we're told the stars spoke about the potential partnership.

With the move, Roc Nation believes they're positioned to become an even bigger player in the soccer world.

“In terms of football, Brazil is the center of it all. I strongly identify with a culture that has such an incredible passion for sport and music. Our influence in this game is growing and this move shows our intentions to the world,” RNS president and founder Juan Perez said in a statement.

TFM Agency founder Frederico Pena will now act as lead for the new RNS wing.

"Roc Nation embodies the pinnacle of culture, sports, and entertainment. It made perfect sense to join Roc Nation, elevate our operations, and provide our athletes with comprehensive, global representation," Pena said.

Kim Zolciak and Kroy Biermann have pulled off the seemingly impossible ... calling off their divorce despite weeks of nastiness between the two.

According to court docs -- obtained by TMZ -- both Kim and Kroy filed Friday to dismiss their petitions for divorce.

Our sources say the two are really getting along well at the moment, and want to figure out how to make things work out ... especially for the sake of their 4 young kids. We're told love was never an issue between the two, and they've got a solid core.

The filing comes only days after Kim, Kroy and their kids were seen attending church in Atlanta.

As we reported ... the divorce has been seriously contentious. Kroy's accused Kim of having a gambling problem, and she's said she feared for their kid's safety around Kroy because he smokes weed.

TMZ broke the story -- Kim and Kroy fell under serious financial hardships just before the initial divorce filing -- with a more than $1M bill to the IRS.