TMZ Sports - Page 12

L.A. ain't messing around with Taylor Swift in town ... cops are beefing up security for public transit, with an operation that'll be taken as seriously as football's biggest day.

The L.A. County Sheriff's Department announced Tuesday that LAPD is working with Metro to support the swarm of folks heading to and from Taylor's 6 shows at SoFi Stadium -- providing a ton of officers through the spread out Metro system.

The dept. says, "The Department is providing a similar level of visibility as the 2022 Superbowl in order to ensure the safety of the public throughout the Metro System."

In case ya forgot, tickets for her SoFi shows sold out instantly on Ticketmaster, so the only way to score tix at this point is by shelling out thousands for resale.

Swifties in L.A. have been going nuts over her arrival -- with fans already waiting for hours just to grab some merch!!!

The violence simply couldn't wait for Saturday night -- the Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz press conference ended in an all-out brawl involving both fighters' security ... with multiple punches thrown.

The chaos went down minutes ago in Dallas ... shortly after Jake and Nate jawed back and forth in their last media event prior to their big fight at the American Airlines Center.

Something happened on stage as Nate and Jake faced off ... and a huge scuffle ensued.

It appears Nate was exchanging words with Jake's manager, Nakisa Bidarian ... when Paul's security intervened.

In footage from the incident, you can see punches thrown ... but thankfully, the scrap was handled rather quickly -- and both boxers appeared to steer clear of it.

Jake and Nate unleashed on each other earlier in the event ... with Paul saying, "I'm going to bend him over and f*** him like a cowboy."

"I'm gonna ball on his face, like Luka Doncic dropping 40 on his face. Knock him out, Luka Doncic on his head ass."

There were also some homophobic comments made ... with Diaz referring to Paul as the f-word during a heated exchange with a member of Betr Media.

The real fight goes down in just two days ... getcha popcorn ready.

Magic Johnson's having the time of his life on his annual summer yacht vacation, gassing up the jet ski and hitting the beautiful Ionian Sea off the coast of Greece ... and boy, was he flyin'!

The NBA legend made his name on land, but turned into a bit of a water sports athlete on Thursday ... posting video -- wearing a life jacket (safety first) -- ripping around on a white and black jet ski.

You can see Johnson was all smiles as he sent it, full throttle, amidst the gorgeous scenery.

"I got my jet ski on for a few hours this morning in Myrtos Bay on Kefalonia Island, Greece," the 63-year-old said.

"There is no greater thrill for me than being out on the water and seeing some beautiful coastlines, especially in a country like Greece."

Johnson also surprised his wife, Cookie, and her friends with a photo shoot ... with the famous Flying Dresses Santorini.

"My wife Cookie looks absolutely STUNNING in her gold flying dress!" Johnson said.

Last month, Magic and his wife of nearly 32 years welcomed good friends Samuel L. Jackson and Judge Mathis, among others, on their 292-foot yacht.

LL Cool J is sick of hearing how rap is both a "young man's game" and comparable to sports ... setting the record straight on how he feels hip hop culture should thrive.

The legendary rapper appeared on SiriusXM’s "Sway In The Morning" Thursday to promote his new tour, the 50th anniversary of hip hop, and he closed the interview with his first-ever freestyle on the celebrated radio show. ... supplying a dizzying array of rhymes.

LL rocked the mic for nearly two minutes, causing all Sway's Universe cohosts to go wild as Tracy G proclaimed LL shut down their freestyle segment for the rest of the year.

Earlier in the interview, LL expressed his disappointment with older rappers being rubbed out of the culture, much like he did when he took DJ Akademiks to task last year.

LL admits he's a fan of songs from the likes of Lil Baby, Lil Durk and DaBaby but says his reason for creating his "Rock The Bells" platform was so he didn't have to pretend like he's not older than he is.

The 55-year-old MC also laid into the rap debates that liken the genre to sports and says rappers only flirt with retirement like pro athletes over insecurities of becoming obsolete ... a position LL says he's allergic to!!!

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland could double as a K-pop idol ... 'cause the soccer superstar just got a personal dance lesson from Blackpink's Jisoo!!

The athlete and singer met up for a one-on-one interview during Man City's visit to Seoul as part of its preseason tour of Asia last month ... and at one point in the conversation, Jisoo gave Haaland a tutorial on how to do the viral dance to her solo song, "Flower," which has nearly 350 MILLION views on YouTube.

Of course, the "Flower Challenge" was a big thing on TikTok ... with a bunch of users trying out the dance craze.

While Haaland didn't do the whole dance, he was able to nail the hand movements from his seat ... even getting his own flower props to execute the routine.

Jisoo gave her stamp of approval on Haaland's attempt ... with the entire room clapping following his impromptu performance.

Haaland also came bearing gifts ... handing Jisoo a customized Man City jersey -- complete with No. 103, in honor of her birthday (January 3).

But don't start shipping Haaland and Jisoo -- the singer is currently dating Korean actor Ahn Bo Hyun, their reps confirmed Thursday -- and Erling is dating Isabel Johansen.

Joseline Hernandez just got slapped with two more felony charges from her backstage brawl at a Floyd Mayweather fight ... so she had to go through the booking process again at a Florida jail.

The "Love & Hip Hop" alum was in court Thursday for her arraignment when the judge dropped the bad news ... prosecutors are charging her with two felony counts of battery on a law enforcement officer.

Joseline stood before the judge stone-faced as he explained why she needed to be taken into custody again and booked on the new felony charges ... check out the video, it sounds like she won't be spending much of her day in jail.

TMZ broke the story ... police body camera footage from the aftermath of Joseline's epic beatdown of Big Lex captured her violent, profanity-laced rage from start to finish ... and the video shows her shoving cops.

Joseline had initially been charged with a felony charge of resisting officers with violence, plus a slew of misdemeanor charges ... and she previously went through the booking process for those charges.

But, as the judge explained, two new felony charges being tacked on meant Joseline needed to be taken into custody and booked a second time ... in part to prevent her legal team from finding some potential legal loopholes.

Kamaru Usman says he's wanted to fight Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson for some time ... and with both men in need of an opponent, the former UFC welterweight champion has an idea -- fight each other!!

"I've done everything there is to do. The only guy that, to be honest, that even make sense right now is Wonderboy, 'cause he needs an opponent," 36-year-old Usman told TMZ Sports on Tuesday.

"Wonderboy's been around for so long, and he's just that name to where it's always a good fight."

40-year-old Thompson, a mainstay at the top of the 170 lb. division for years, has one of the most unique styles in all MMA (Kempo) ... and that's a challenge that excites Usman.

"His style is very, very difficult to fight. He's just one of those names, he's in my era, that I never really got to fight."

Of course, Wonderboy was supposed to fight Michel Pereira at UFC 291 on Saturday ... but the fight was scrapped after the Brazilian fighter missed weight, tipping the scale at 173 lbs.

Some fans and others around the sport have criticized Wonderboy for not fighting, despite the fact he cut and made weight, and Pereira didn't. Kamaru says those people are full of crap.

"I know everyone is crucifying [Wonderboy] for not taking that fight. But why? I don't understand that. Why?" Usman asked.

"People are like, 'He's a bitch.' 'He's scared.' 'He didn't want to take the fight.' Why? We signed on a contract, and [Pereira] said he was going to make this weight. He decided not to make this weight, and [Thompson] told him, 'Ok, I need you to go back and make this weight.' And if he's not going to try, why is that [Wonderboy's] fault? No, absolutely not [his] fault. People need to stop that."

"Wonderboy did his job. He came in there, he made weight, he trained for the fight. What more could you ask of him?"

There's much more ... we also talked to the future UFC Hall of Famer about his close friend and gym-mate Justin Gaethje's incredible KO win over Dustin Poirier at UFC 291, with the BMF belt on the line.

Kamaru talks about why the win was so important for his squad/coaches.

UFC fighter Song Yadong just revealed he was robbed at gunpoint by four men earlier this week ... and his friend, who was with him at the time, was pistol-whipped during the alleged gas station robbery.

"For the first time in my life, I was held at gunpoint," the 25-year-old bantamweight fighter said on Thursday.

"Last night, my friend and I drove back to Sacramento from San Francisco. On the way back, we were robbed by four black men at gunpoint."

Yadong (20-7) admits he was a bit tipsy when the incident happened.

"When we got there, those four Black people who robbed us were already there,"  Yadong said. "They're not following us, they're waiting for the victim."

Yadong -- who last fought in April -- says after they grabbed water at the gas station store, they were approached and held at gunpoint while the perpetrators demanded their valuables. Song says his friend was pistol-whipped.

"The man told him to hand over his money, his wallet, his necklace, and hit him with the handle of his gun," Yadong said.

Yadong says he's happy he and his friend are alive to tell the story and advised anyone being robbed to give the thieves whatever they want ... or "you're screwed."

The specific location of the incident is unknown, but we reached out to San Francisco.

Mark Zuckerberg's training so hard for a potential MMA fight with Elon Musk that he's eating 4,000 calories EVERY DAY to avoid widening the huge size difference between the billionaires!

Zuck's been busting his ass training with some of the best UFC fighters in the world ... and even recently disclosed he installed an Octagon on his lawn!

In order to maintain his already slight stature, MZ revealed his McDonald's order on Threads, and it's a hefty amount of food for a 145-lb. guy.

"20 nuggets, a quarter pounder, large fries, Oreo McFlurry, apple pie, and maybe some side cheeseburgers for later?" Zuck said.

Assuming Zuck got two cheeseburgers "for later" (vet move), the Mickey D's alone is over 2,300 calories.

UFC fighter Mike David didn't totally agree with the nutritional choice.

"You’re in camp! No McDonalds 😂" the 10-2, 30-year-old MMA fighter wrote to Mark.

Good luck getting Zuck to stay away from the Golden Arches ... the Meta CEO responded soon after, justifying his diet choices.

"Not cutting weight so I need ~4000 calories a day to offset all the activity. And it's so delicious..." Zuckerberg explained.

Translation, Mark doesn't have to lose weight in order to fight. In fact, it's the opposite. It would behoove him to gain weight, 'cause Musk tips the scales around 230 lbs., and if the guys were to step foot in the Octagon today, Zuckerberg would be at an ~85 lb. disadvantage.

Zuck's huge caloric intake shows how hard he's been training. Just last month, he was working out with UFC champions Israel Adesanya and Alex Volkanovski. A gang of other fighters have also offered to help.

Congratulations are in order for Brooks Koepka and Jena Sims -- the golf star and his model wife just welcomed a baby boy!!

The married couple shared the exciting news on Thursday ... posting a pic with their new bundle of joy -- Crew Sims Koepka, who was born last week.

"I love my Crew," Brooks captioned his announcement on Instagram ... which shows the first-time parents smiling from ear to ear.

Jena detailed the whole experience ... saying, "Crew Sims Koepka was ready for the world because he decided to break my water just 2 minutes after Brooks walked inside the house from the gym on Thursday, July 27th at 5:50 PM."

Jena added the arrival was six weeks ahead of schedule ... joking Crew is "Already showing us who's boss."

"My incredible team had him out in a matter of 3 hours after going into active labor."

Jena praised her husband for his support throughout the process ... saying, "He made me laugh when I needed to, cried with me, held me, did everything possible he could to help my healing in the hospital, and I'm just so grateful."

Crew is currently in the NICU with an undisclosed health complication, but Jena explained things are going in the right direction ... as he is off oxygen, breathing on his own and "meeting tiny milestones every day!"

The new mother shared her agony over leaving the hospital without her son ... but said they have been visiting their little boy as much as they can.

Brooks and Jena went public with their romance at the U.S. Open in 2017 ... and they tied the knot in 2022.

Ask and you shall receive!!

Mike Tyson is granting Francis Ngannou's wish ... officially joining the former UFC champion's team to help him train for his upcoming boxing match against Tyson Fury.

Remember, Francis told TMZ Sports last month he would love to work with Iron Mike leading up to his October 28 bout against Fury (33-0) ... saying, "I think getting some advice or some training from Mike Tyson would be good."

"I also think of somebody like Lennox Lewis, which could be good."

Well, it's happening ... 'cause Michael Benson of talkSPORT confirmed on Thursday the legendary heavyweight champ will be part of Ngannou's training camp and be in his corner for his fight in Saudi Arabia.

Tyson actually gave Ngannou tips on how to beat Fury in the past -- after he appeared on the Hotboxin' podcast, Mike showed the 36-year-old how to throw a body shot on the 6-foot-9 beast.

Stephen Curry and his wife, Ayesha, are celebrating their 12-year anniversary in the best way ... enjoying a romantic getaway in Greece -- and their pics from the trip will make you jealous.

The Golden State Warriors superstar and his partner have been living it up in Europe all week ... and they haven't shied away from documenting the whole vacation on social media.

The Currys appear to be without their three kids during the trip ... and if that's the case, they're taking full advantage of the uninterrupted time together -- with boat trips, fancy dinners and plenty of wine.

Ayesha posted about their anniversary on July 30 ... saying, "12 years of being married to my best friend and love of my life. 15 years of dates and making memories."

"So much more to go. I love this man so much!!! Feeling blessed beyond measure ... okay back to celebrating."

And they did just that ... 'cause the Currys have been soaking in the R&R for days, and it doesn't look like they're slowing down anytime soon.

Tom Brady is racking up teams like Super Bowl rings -- the retired NFL superstar has become part owner of yet another sports organization ... this time, it's the Birmingham City Football Club.

The G.O.A.T. announced the business move in a hype video on Thursday ... saying "he's officially coming on board" the English Football League Championship squad.

"And maybe you're asking what do you know about English football, Tom?" Brady said in the clip. "Well, let's just say I've got a lot to learn. But I do know a few things about winning, and I think they may translate pretty well."

Brady -- who joins the club's current owners, Knighthead Capital Management LLC -- will also serve as chairman of the advisory board.

"I know success starts with the work put in when the world isn't watching," Brady added. "I know a team is nothing without the city that shows up and stands behind it."

"Most importantly, I know I like being the underdog. The road's been long for Birmingham, but these fans have never stopped believing."

The Blues will hope Brady's winning will rub off on them ... 'cause the team finished 17th in England's second-tier league last season.

Birmingham City also addressed the move in a statement ... saying Brady will work directly with the team's sports science department to share his knowledge on "health, nutrition, wellness, and recovery systems and programs."

"I'll see you at St Andrew's soon," TB12 added. "It's time to get to work."

Brady has clearly found a new hobby in sports ownership after retiring in February -- his collection now includes Birmingham City, the Las Vegas Raiders, the WNBA's Las Vegas Aces, a Major League Pickleball team, and, most recently, an E1 World Championship electric boat racing franchise.

Newly released police video, obtained by TMZ Sports, shows a cop was furious with Marquise Brown during his arrest last year ... ordering the NFL star out of his car before asking, "The hell you going that fast for?!"

Brown was initially pulled over by the Arizona Department of Public Safety on Aug. 3, 2022 ... after authorities say they clocked him going 126 MPH in a 65 MPH zone -- and you can see in body cam footage, the arresting officer was not pleased at all over the situation.

The video shows after the cop got the Arizona Cardinals wideout to stop on a highway in the Phoenix area, he raced to the football player's door ... and screamed, "Get out of the car right now!"

When he slapped the cuffs on Brown for criminal speed ... he demanded to know what the big hurry was.

"Sorry," Brown responded, "I was on my way to football practice, sir."

The cop, still not happy with the football player, then told the 25-year-old, "You know better than going that fast."

"Yes, sir," Brown responded. "I'm new here, sir."

The wide receiver, who had just been traded to the Cards from the Ravens a few months prior to the traffic stop, added, "I didn't realize I was going that fast."

The officer then put him into the back his squad car -- where Brown informed a Cardinals staffer that he was being arrested.

Brown was eventually hit with a criminal charge over the matter ... though in February, he reached a deal with prosecutors where he agreed to plead guilty to a misdemeanor count of excessive speed to close out the case. In March, he was ordered to pay $473 ... but the judge decided to waive the fine and just give him credit for time served.

When initially addressing the arrest with reporters, Brown called it all "very disappointing" ... while vowing to learn from it.

New York Yankees star Domingo German -- who threw a perfect game earlier this season -- is heading to rehab for alcohol abuse, the team announced.

The Yankees said in a statement Wednesday the pitcher will be placed on the restricted list while he's away from the diamond. New York officials added the submission to the inpatient treatment program was voluntary.

"It is critical that Domingo completely focuses on addressing his health and well-being," the team said. "We will respect his privacy as he begins this process."

German had been having an up-and-down season before leaving the team Thursday ... while he threw a perfect game in June, he was also just 5-7 with a 4.56 ERA.

This is not the first time German will be away from the Yankees for a period of time ... you'll recall, the 30-year-old was also suspended 81 games in 2020 after MLB officials said he violated the league's domestic violence policy in 2019.

The woman accusing Jackson Mahomes of sexual battery says her life has been a living hell after coming forward with her allegations ... claiming she received death threats, and her restaurant suffered to the point where it's now closed.

Aspen Vaughn -- owner of the Aspens Restaurant in Overland Park -- told the Kansas City Star she feared for her safety following the alleged altercation with the NFL quarterback's brother ... saying, "I'm feeling attacked by people I’ve never met."

Not only does Vaughn believe she's a target ... but she also claims her restaurant was severely impacted as well -- seeing a 75% decrease in business before it ultimately shut down.

Vaughn said there were nonstop issues with air conditioning, gas lines and fire alarms at her establishment ... and she believes it was all related to the February incident.

"Why do victims not come forward? It’s because this is how they get treated," Vaughn told the outlet.

Now, the restaurant is up for lease ... and will remain closed until a new tenant takes over.

Jackson was arrested back in May ... after Vaughn alleged he grabbed her and forcibly kissed her multiple times three months prior. Patrick's brother was also accused of shoving a male member of her wait staff earlier that evening.

He was hit with three felony aggravated sexual battery charges and one misdemeanor battery charge stemming from the alleged encounter.

As for his side, Mahomes' attorney adamantly denied any wrongdoing.