TMZ Sports - Page 5

Brittney Griner is adding another accolade to her resume ... the Phoenix Mercury star has just won AP Comeback Player of the Year honors -- some nine months after she returned to the United States from Russian detainment.

The Mercury announced the award on Tuesday ... revealing the 6-foot-9 center would share the hardware with Lynx forward Napheesa Collier, who came back to Minnesota this season after sitting out last year to give birth to her first child.

As we reported, Griner was arrested in February 2022 after Russian authorities said she had hash oil in her luggage at an airport. She was eventually sentenced to nine years in prison in the case, though she was set free following a prisoner swap for arms dealer Viktor Bout.

A couple months after she landed back on U.S. soil -- she signed a one-year deal with the Mercury -- and she shined in her return to the hardwood ... averaging 17.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.

The season wasn't without its lows, however ... she did battle injuries, and she took a few games off for a mental health break. She also infamously had a run-in with a troll at an airport.

But, she was selected to her ninth WNBA All-Star team regardless ... and last week, when reflecting on the season, she told media members, "I tell you one thing, it's not good being at the end of the standings but it's better than where I was a year go, that's for sure."

Earlier Tuesday, Breanna Stewart took home AP Player Of The Year honors ... while Aces star Alysha Clark won Sixth Woman of the Year. Sun honcho Stephanie White won Coach of the Year ... and 2023 first overall pick Aliyah Boston won Rookie of the Year.

Aaron Rodgers' first season with the Jets is over before it could ever take off -- the superstar quarterback suffered a torn Achilles in his first-ever game for New York, officially ending his 2023 campaign.

The team confirmed the devastating news on Tuesday ... announcing the 39-year-old Super Bowl champion will be sidelined for the rest of the season after an MRI revealed a complete tear in his left Achilles tendon.

Rodgers went down in the Jets' fourth offensive snap of Monday Night Football against Buffalo ... when Bills linebacker Leonard Floyd tackled him to the turf.

Initial x-rays came back negative ... and there was a small possibility Rodgers may have just had a high ankle sprain.

Unfortunately for Rodgers and Co., Tuesday's scans confirmed the worst.

Now, the once-Super Bowl hopefuls will turn to backup Zach Wilson ... in hopes of having a successful season without their star QB under center.

Rodgers has experienced numerous injuries throughout his career ... but this is by far the most serious, and many are wondering if he will be able to bounce back and return to his dominant ways.

Now that Aaron's out for the rest of the season with a torn Achilles, do you think it's the end of his football career? Vote below.

Despite being turned away from multiple major tournaments over his refusal to get the COVID vaccine, Novak Djokovic is insisting he's not an anti-vaxxer.

The tennis superstar -- who just secured his 24th major championship with a victory at this month's U.S. Open -- broke the whole situation down for John McEnroe during a recent interview for Omaha Productions' "McEnroe's Places."

Djokovic told the tennis legend on the show that his gripe with the COVID vaccine situation was not necessarily whether it was effective or anything like that ... but rather, the way he perceived it was being forced onto people.

"I was never anti-vax," Djokovic said. "I was always pro-freedom-to-choose. And that's something that we took really for granted. I didn't feel like a lot of people had a choice, really."

Djokovic told McEnroe that at the height of the vaccine mandates and vax passports -- he felt like he was "a villain of the world."

"I just wanted to compete," he said, "and I wanted to play tennis because that's what I do best."

While still apparently unvaccinated from COVID, Joker's seemingly put the whole issue behind him ... he's dominated 2023 so far as vax mandates have eased, reclaiming his spot as the No. 1-ranked men's tennis player in the world.

In fact, just a few days ago, Barack and Michelle Obama -- two of the biggest proponents of COVID vaccines -- watched him courtside at the US Open ... and cheered him on.

JoJo Offerman is breaking her silence on Bray Wyatt's shocking passing ... remembering her fiancé as "the kindest, funniest, most caring man in the world."

JoJo -- who started dating Wyatt (real name Windham Rotunda) in 2017 -- poured her heart out in an emotional post on Tuesday ... her first since the WWE Superstar passed away last month.

"I miss the love of my life so much it hurts," JoJo said on Instagram. "He was everything I ever wanted and everything I never knew I needed, and I let him know that everyday."

"I'm so grateful that he allowed me to love him fiercely. But I am so blessed he loved me fiercely in return. He was and always will be the best person I know, my best friend, and my soulmate."

"Windham truly gave me a love that will last a lifetime and oh baby I thank him for that."

JoJo praised Wyatt for making everyone around him feel special ... and the bond they shared was unmatched.

JoJo added she will make sure their two kids, Knash and Hyrie, will feel the love he had for them every day.

"He was the only person in the world that I could be unapologetically myself around and not only did he accept it, he loved it," JoJo continued. "I cry because I wish we had more time baby, but I smile because I was so blessed to be loved by you in the time we did have."

As we previously reported, Wyatt died on Aug. 24 after suffering a heart attack at his home in Florida. He was 36 years old.

"The statement attributed to me in Mr. Trotter's complaint is absolutely false," Pegula said Tuesday in a statement. "I am horrified that anyone would connect me to an allegation of this kind. Racism has no place in our society and I am personally disgusted that my name is associated with this complaint."

Jim Trotter, a longtime reporter and columnist who worked for NFL Network for 5 years, is suing the NFL ... claiming his contract wasn't renewed after he pressed Roger Goodell on the league's hiring practices when it comes to minorities.

"Jim Trotter ... was let go by the National Football League because he challenged Commissioner Roger Goodell and others regarding the NFL's record of race discrimination and lack of diversity," the complaint, filed in U.S. District Court in New York, reads.

On several occasions, Trotter, an employee of the NFL-owned NFL Network, publicly grilled Goodell on the lack of Black execs within the league and teams, including during a nationally televised interview during the week leading up to the Super Bowl in February 2023.

Still, Trotter says all indications were he'd receive a new contract in the spring, as his deal was expiring ... however, in late March, his deal was not renewed, and he was out of a job.

"It has already been acknowledged by many in the media that the NFL retaliated against and took vengeance on Mr. Trotter for him having taken the NFL to task on its discriminatory practices," Trotter's attorneys from Wigdor LLP wrote.

"The NFL’s treatment of Mr. Trotter is consistent with a documented history of silencing, retaliating against and 'blackballing' Black men who speak out about such conduct. This is the NFL’s modus operandi and part of the fabric of the league."

Wigdor is the same firm that is representing former Dolphins head coach Brian Flores in his racial discrimination suit.

The lawsuit also references Jerry Jones ... and an alleged conversation he had with Trotter in August 2020, when the reporter asked the Cowboys owner (similar to the question he posed Goodell) about the league's hiring practices when it came to Black executives.

“If Blacks feel some kind of way, they should buy their own team and hire who they want to hire,” Trotter claims Jones responded.

Trotter also references Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula ... whom he claims once remarked ... “If the Black players don’t like it here, they should go back to Africa and see how bad it is.”

JT says he raised concerns about the comment, but "no remedial action was taken."

FYI, per Trotter's suit, the NFL only has 8 Black General Managers and 3 Black head coaches.

In addition to the 53-page lawsuit, Trotter, who now works for The Athletic, also released a statement further explaining his reasons for filing the lawsuit.

"The NFL has claimed it wants to be held accountable regarding diversity, equity and inclusion. I tried to do so, and it cost me my job. I'm filing this lawsuit because I can't complain about things that are wrong if I'm unwilling to fight for what is right," JT wrote on social media.

Mike Williams -- a former NFL receiver who played for the Buccaneers and Bills -- has passed away following a tragic accident at a construction site.

He was only 36 years old.

Williams' agent, Hadley Engelhard of Enter Sports Management, confirmed the news ... saying the New York native died Tuesday morning.

"He will be missed," Engelhard said in a statement. "He fought hard his whole life. Prayers to his family."

As we previously reported, Williams was placed on life support in Florida after he was injured doing electrical work at a construction site. Williams was "mostly non-responsive" as he fought for his life last week, according to family members.

Williams -- a standout at Syracuse -- was selected in the 4th round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He had a stellar first season for the Bucs, finishing second in Offensive Rookie of the Year consideration.

Mike went on to play four seasons with Tampa Bay, and had short stints with the Bills and Chiefs.

He logged 3,089 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns over the course of his career.

The Bucs released a statement on Williams' passing ... saying, "We are saddened to hear of the untimely death of Mike Williams, which has left our organization, his former teammates and fans with heavy hearts."

"We send our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones as they mourn this tragedy."

Tom Brady's talents aren't limited to the football field, 'cause the retired NFL superstar's got some serious skills on the hardwood, too -- showing off his wet jumper in a recent basketball workout!!

The 7-time Super Bowl champion put his moves on display with an Instagram video on Tuesday ... putting up shots with his eldest son, Jack, at The Summit in New York with famous NBA skills trainer Chris Brickley.

The 46-year-old is pretty impressive as he sinks shots all over the court ... even testing his luck against Jack in a friendly game of one-on-one.

Jack -- the son Brady had with actress Bridget Moynahan in 2007 -- also proved he's got range for days ... draining a couple three-point shots in front of his pops.

"Thanks for having us @cbrickley603," Brady said on IG. "I’m gonna need a few more sessions to be able to keep up with this kid soon."

FYI, this isn't the first time Brady revealed he's more than just a football player ... Tom was caught on camera years ago playing pick-up basketball with the G.O.A.T. of the sport -- Michael Jordan.

Brady has been keepin' himself busy since he retired earlier this year .... outside of family time and shootin' hoops, the future NFL Hall of Famer has become a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders and Aces, an owner of a Major League Pickleball team, and joined E1 boat racing league.

He's also an advisor for Delta Airlines.

Patrick Mahomes learned the importance of punctuation while sharing his grief over Aaron Rodgers' injury on Monday ... clarifying he does not actually "hate that man" -- he just forgot to add a comma.

The Kansas City Chiefs superstar was quick to react to Rodgers' apparent ankle ailment while watching the New York Jets vs. Buffalo Bills matchup ... going to his X account to address the incident.

"Hate that man… Praying for the best 🙏🏽"

Of course, upon first read, it comes across as Mahomes revealing his abhorrence for the four-time MVP ... but Patrick eventually realized his mistake and made use of the "edit" feature on the social media platform.

"Hate that, man… Praying for the best 🙏🏽"

Ah, much better.

Mahomes took the gaffe in stride ... joking, "Knew i was going to need that edit button on here one of these days 🤣"

Unfortunately for Jets fans, they're not laughing Tuesday morning ... as many fear, Rodgers could be out a significant amount of time to nurse his injury.

While the extent of it has not been announced, Jets staffers are reportedly losing sleep over the idea of being without Rodgers ... which would essentially end their chances of contending for a Super Bowl.

Lionel Messi is playing like a king down in South Florida ... and now, he'll get to live like one there, too!!

The new Inter Miami superstar has just copped a $10.8 million mansion in Fort Lauderdale ... and the crib is massive -- featuring eight bedrooms, 9.5 bathrooms and 10,486 total square feet.

It comes with all the bells and whistles, too -- there's a big pool in the backyard plus two docks outside. The inside is decked out as well ... with an Italian kitchen, workout room, entertainment lounge, VIP and Captain's suites and offices.

Messi's new place is close to his soccer club's facility ... so if he's ever itching for some extra practice, he won't have far to go. The Real Deal was first to report the purchase.

Messi has been dominating throughout his new venture in the MLS ... with tons of celebs hitting up his games to witness greatness.

Now he's got a spot for all his famous friends to hang out after his games!!

Well ... this sucks.

NFL superstar Aaron Rodgers went down with an apparent injury during the first game of his New York Jets career on Monday Night Football ... bringing his big debut to a screeching halt.

Rodgers was getting drilled on numerous occasions as the Jets started their first offensive drive of the matchup against the Buffalo Bills ... with several defensive players making their way to the backfield and knocking him down.

But just 6 minutes into the game, #8 took a hit from former first-round pick Leonard Floyd that would prove to be a major blow ... 'cause even though he was initially able to get back up on his feet, he sat back down on the grass with a concerned look on his face.

Rodgers was then assisted off the field alongside medical staffers ... and was later taken away on a cart as Zach Wilson took over under center.

Jets coach Robert Saleh told ESPN's broadcast team Rodgers appeared to have hurt his ankle ... although the extent of the injury is unknown at this time.

It will be a huge bummer for the Jets if Rodgers is forced to miss time ... as the team's acquisition of the Super Bowl champ had the entire league expecting a turnaround this season.

The Dodgers appear to be done with Julio Urias following his arrest earlier this month ... the team has removed the star's locker from its clubhouse -- and scrubbed a couple murals he was featured in around its home stadium as well.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the ace's locker was given away to the team's new infielder, Kolten Wong, after Urias was arrested for allegedly roughing up his girlfriend back on Sept. 3 at an MLS game in L.A.

In an interview with reporters Monday afternoon, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he believed the decision indicated the team was moving on from Urias.

"It's sad," he said, revealing he hasn't spoken to Urias since the arrest. "It's sad on every level."

He added, "It's a very, very unfortunate, sad situation."

In addition to booting him from the locker room, the Dodgers also removed at least two images of Urias from Dodger Stadium -- including painting over one mural he was prominently featured in.

Urias is currently away from the team after the MLB put him on administrative leave while it investigates claims he pushed a woman into a fence after watching Lionel Messi compete against LAFC. Urias is facing one felony charge of corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant over the allegations.

The Dallas Cowboys' win streak over New York teams won't just stop at one ... at least, that's according to Drew Pearson, who tells TMZ Sports his old squad is going to beat up on the Jets this weekend.

Pearson made the claim just hours before Aaron Rodgers was forced out of Monday night's win over the Buffalo Bills with an Achilles injury ... but regardless of who's under center in NY, the Hall of Famer seemed super confident in his prediction.

"[New York will] bring the circus with 'Hard Knocks' and all that," he said.  "They're coming to see us -- but we're going to send them home hard knocked. Knocked out!"

Of course, Pearson is biased -- he played all 11 years of his NFL career with the Cowboys and he's remained a huge fan even in retirement ... but he said Dallas' 40-0 win over the Giants was just that impressive.

In fact, the ex-wide receiver called the victory "one of the most impressive performances I've seen from the Dallas Cowboys in a long time."

Pearson praised the Cowboys' efforts in all three phases of the game -- offense, defense and special teams -- calling it "a total team performance."

Pearson, however, isn't ready to dub Dallas the Super Bowl favorites just yet ... saying the improvement of the other three teams in the NFC East means the Cowboys will have to bring it every week going forward.

Suspended Michigan State football coach Mel Tucker is breaking his silence amid an investigation into sexual harassment claims made by rape survivor and activist Brenda Tracy ... calling her complaint an attempt to "revive her career."

Tracy is accusing Tucker of making unwanted sexual comments and masturbating during an April 2022 phone call ... months after the two developed a personal friendship.

Tracy has since filed a Title IX complaint with the university ... detailing how the call resulted in her re-visiting her previous trauma.

Tucker was suspended without pay after the allegations went public ... and now, he's going scorched earth on Tracy and the investigation.

"Brenda Tracy's allegations of harassment are completely false," Tucker said in a lengthy statement. "The proceedings initiated by Ms. Tracy are devoid of any semblance of fairness for any matter of this importance, and the University's 'hearing' scheduled for October 5-6 is so flawed that there is no other opportunity for the truth to come out. That is why I share some truth with you now."

Tucker admits he developed an "intimate, adult relationship" with Tracy following her first visit to MSU in the summer of 2021 ... adding they would have late-night phone calls numerous times and disclose private information about each other, but noting she would initiate many of those conversations.

The coach -- who signed a huge, 10-year, $95 million deal in 2021 -- acknowledges the April 2022 call happened ... but said it was a "mutual, private event between two adults living at opposite ends of the country," and claims Tracy initiated the adult convo by making comments about what she would look like without clothes on.

Tucker claims Tracy welcomed their developed relationship ... requesting and accepting personal gifts, payments and donations to her non-profit. He also said Tracy went on to maintain communication with him, wishing him a happy Father's Day two months later.

Tucker also refutes Tracy's claim he canceled her scheduled appearance at the school following the phone call ... saying he was simply postponing it due to conflicts.

The most eye-opening part of Tucker's response, though, is when the coach suggests his potential firing could be used to make up for the school's mishandling of the Larry Nassar scandal.

"The investigation has not been fair or unbiased," Tucker continued. "I can only conclude that there is an ulterior motive designed to terminate my contract based on some other factor such as a desire to avoid any Nasser taint, or my race or gender."

He added ... "Ms. Tracy's attorney told us from the very beginning that I should not lose my job over her allegations, but that it would take a lot of money to make it go away. Her twisting of our personal relationship months after it concluded is designed to revive her career and destroy my life, precipitated by her greed."

The University of Alabama says it's outraged after a fan was heard yelling racist remarks and homophobic slurs at Texas players during their game on Sunday ... telling TMZ Sports it's flat-out "disgusted" by the behavior.

The disturbing shouts were captured on video at some point during the Longhorns' 34-24 victory over the Crimson Tide on Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa.

In the footage, you can hear one man behind the UT bench shouting the anti-gay f-word repeatedly at a trio of Longhorns who were dancing on their sideline during the win.

The man also can be heard in the clip screaming for the players, who are Black, to "go back to the projects."

The three Longhorns players -- defensive backs X'Avion Brice and Jelani McDonald, and running back Quintrevion Wisner -- have yet to comment publicly on the footage ... though Wisner's mother said in a statement on X that she was heartbroken over the situation.

"The fact my son down there and they saying go back to the projects really just saddens my heart that as his mother no matter how old he had to listen to that!" Angie Wisner said.

"Love you Son!  But, the parents went through this all night! Beer cans thrown at us, water bottles, spit! Disgrace."

As for Alabama, the university slammed the fan's actions in a scathing statement on Monday afternoon.

"We are disgusted by reports of vile language and inappropriate behavior Saturday night," the statement read. "To be clear, we condemn this behavior, and it will not be tolerated in our venues. It is not representative of UA or our values."

"We expect all attendees to act with class and respect toward others. Fans are strongly encouraged to report issues to our security resources on-site."

"Gameday and delayed reports are appropriately addressed, and anyone found to be in violation of our rules and expectations is promptly removed and may be banned from future events."

A female Commanders fan socked another woman in the back of the head during a tense scuffle at FedEx Field on Sunday ... and the wild moment was all captured on video.

The tussle went down at some point during Washington's tilt with the Arizona Cardinals ... when a group of people wearing Commanders' gear got so livid with each other, things turned physical.

It's unclear what sparked the initial commotion -- but as the individuals were arguing, one woman in a black Jahan Dotson jersey cocked back her fist and threw it into another woman.

The blow rattled the Commanders fan ... and she held the back of her head in pain as others stepped in to separate the two.

Fortunately, no other punches were thrown ... and cooler heads prevailed amongst the combatants.

It's unclear if any arrests were made ... but at least all parties got to go home somewhat happy despite it all -- as the Commanders pulled out the victory, 20-16.

US Open champ Coco Gauff still has a massive grin on her face after winning the big tourney, but she won't be celebrating with a huge bash ... just a bunch of zzzz's.

The 19-year-old pro seemed to be in a great mood Monday, stepping out of her NYC hotel room just days after striking gold at this year's big event. Coco stopped to snap a pic with a fan while jumping in a waiting car with a Miles Morales plush in her hand.

Of course, Coco was asked about her post-win plans, but the only thing on her mind is heading home and climbing in bed for some sleep ... sounds like a perfect idea.

Coco's been on the tennis court for years and turned pro back in 2018. She's ranked number 3 in the world in singles tennis and number 1 in doubles -- in other words, this weekend's big win was a long time coming for the teenager.

As we reported, Coco had her semifinal match delayed by a protestor who glued his bare feet to the concrete floor of the stadium ... taking about 49 minutes of attention to remove him before Coco could continue her match.

She even had some serious support from Justin and Hailey Bieber in the 3rd round, who were cheering her on from their box seats. After that match, Coco told an ESPN reporter, "I definitely saw who was there. I thought, 'I cannot lose in front of Justin Bieber.'"