TMZ Sports - Page 50

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo says Noah Lyles was spitting facts when he claimed NBA guys aren't "world champions" after winning the Finals ... admitting he feels the track star's comments were spot-on.

The U.S. sprinter faced a ton of criticism over his take ... with guys like Devin Booker, Draymond Green and more calling out Lyles and dragging him as a result of the quotes.

But, there's at least one guy in Lyles' corner ... 'cause Giannis revealed on the "48 Minutes" podcast he felt compelled to defend the track star.

"I wanted to back him up so bad," the 28-year-old said on Tuesday.

"He received so much backlash for saying, like, the obvious, but some people don’t understand it. I don't know, maybe it's like an arrogance thing."

Giannis -- who's from Greece and played for his country before joining the Bucks in 2013 -- made his case by using soccer as an example.

"I don't think in any other sport you are called the world champions," Giannis said. "Like in soccer, which is way bigger than the NBA, more popular than the NBA, when the Champions League, the UEFA Champions League champions ... they don't say [they're] world champion."

"When they win the World Cup, they play against the USA team, they play against the teams around the world, countries around the world, then they say world champs."

Giannis -- who won an NBA Finals in 2021 -- understands the NBA is the best league in the world, but since it's only based out of the U.S. and Canada, it's really not representative of the entire planet.

"At the end of the day, for you to be a world champ, you have to beat the world," Antetokounmpo said.

It's going to be a long road to recovery for Aaron Rodgers, according to physician and YouTube star, Dr. Mike ... who detailed the superstar quarterback's path back to the gridiron after the devastating injury he sustained Monday night.

Achilles tears are always serious, but they get even harder to rehab as an athlete gets older, according to Mike ... and Rodgers will soon celebrate his 40th birthday (December).

"To have it at the age of 39 is really rough because it makes the road to recovery that much more difficult," Dr. Mike told TMZ Sports' Mojo Muhtadi.

Mike says the average recovery time is 10-12 months ... but there are instances where recovery has been much quicker (up to 6 months -- this is very uncommon), as well as longer.

It's not a rare injury ... in fact, Mike says around 1 in 4 athletes sustain an injury to their Achilles, and it's not something that only affects football players.

"We even saw this injury with a late Kobe Bryant when he had this injury and also in his mid-30s. And he came back from it, but he was never quite the same. He didn't have that explosiveness," Mike explained.

Assuming Rodgers wants to continue playing, there's some question about how effective he could be as a player.

"I think it's safe to say his mobility will be limited even if he does come back. But the explosiveness is what suffers because it's hard to regain that strength. Although this day and age, we have some pretty cool technologies to help athletes heal faster and better than we did even 10 years ago."

And, Mike is pumped to see what the most modern medical tech can do for Rodgers.

"I'm excited to see the protocol that Aaron Rodgers goes through on this because I think it's going to be not only exciting as a sports fan but also as a doctor to see how the technology helps someone of his stature come back."

Bottom line -- Rodgers is one of the most talented and determined athletes to ever put on a helmet, and if he's intent on returning, Dr. Mike isn't going to count him out.

The new leader of the NFL Players Association, Lloyd Howell, is demanding teams rip up their turf surfaces and replace them with grass ... believing the switch could prevent injuries similar to the one Aaron Rodgers suffered on Monday night.

Howell -- who took over the executive director position from DeMaurice Smith this offseason -- insisted on the swap out in a stern statement Wednesday morning.

"Moving all stadium fields to high quality natural grass surfaces is the easiest decision the NFL can make," Howell said.

"The players overwhelmingly prefer it and the data is clear that grass is simply safer than artificial turf."

Howell went on to say he knows the cost could be high for teams to change surfaces ... but noted "there is a bigger cost to everyone in our business if we keep losing our best players to unnecessary injuries."

He added that he thinks the move is possible because several stadiums will make the switch when they host World Cup games or big exhibition soccer games in the near future.

"This is worth the investment and it simply needs to change now," he said.

Howell isn't the only one who's made the call for the switch since Rodgers tore up his Achilles on artificial turf against the Buffalo Bills -- the quarterback's former teammate, David Bakhtiari, said Monday night, "How many more players have to get hurt on ARTIFICIAL TURF??!"

Kim Zolciak is coming to a small screen near you in the immediate future -- however, don't expect to see her on Bravo just yet ... you will have to switch to MTV to catch her and other stars -- including Macy Gray, Chet Hanks and Johnny Weir -- all on the same show!!!

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Kim has signed a deal to appear as one of the cast members for the upcoming 8th season of "The Surreal Life."

Of course, Kim won't be alone in the house, we're told in all, the cast includes Gray, Hanks, Ally Brooke, O.T. Genasis, Josie Canseco, and Weir.

Our sources say Kim and the rest of the cast flew to Colombia over the weekend where production begins this month.

If you didn't hear, 'Surreal Life' was resurrected for a new season last year -- this after being off the air since the mid-2000s. The contestants last season included folks like Dennis Rodman, Stormy Daniels, Frankie Muniz, Tamar Braxton and others ... a mixed bag, indeed.

Obviously, this development is coming amid a tumultuous time for Kim -- she's in the middle of a divorce (again) from Kroy Biermann, with whom she's gone back and forth over their marriage in recent months.

As we've reported, the latest there is that Kroy's dead set on ending it, despite Kim's apparent optimism about a rekindling.

Anyway, this 'Surreal Life' gig could certainly be seen as some welcome news for her. With Kim getting on camera again, it means she'll be collecting a hefty check from the network ... which could go a long way toward alleviating some of her financial burdens.

We're sure Kim will have no problem sinking back into reality TV ... she's a vet at this point. On top of 'Real Housewives' -- on which she starred for 5 seasons, she also had her own Bravo show, "Don't Be Tardy" for 8 seasons before it was canceled.

Warren Moon doesn't think Aaron Rodgers' Achilles tear will end the quarterback's career ... telling TMZ Sports he's betting the Jets star will make another run at things in 2024.

"Knowing Aaron Rodgers," the Hall of Famer said, "I don't think he wants to go out like this."

Rodgers blew out the tendon on just the fourth play of his Jets career Monday night ... and many have wondered if his time in the NFL is now over.

After all, he turns 40 in December ... and he spent a significant portion of this offseason already pondering retirement -- well before he was dealing with a serious leg injury.

But Moon thinks Aaron will get back on the gridiron eventually ... saying, "My gut tells me that he's probably going to try it one more time."

"Just because he feels like this isn't the way he wants to end his career," Moon added, "four plays into this season."

Moon anticipates it'll be about an eight-to-nine-month recovery for Rodgers ... which will mean he'll have plenty of time in the offseason to ramp up for one more go at things in the Big Apple.

In the meantime, Moon tells us if he were running the Jets ... he wouldn't tap a veteran like Matt Ryan or Carson Wentz to be the new starter -- saying NY should just run with Zach Wilson as its QB1.

Former Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic player Brandon Hunter has died, Ohio men's basketball coach Jeff Boals said Tuesday. He was just 42 years old.

Hunter -- a standout high school hoops player in Cincinnati -- was a star forward for the Bobcats, earning three first-team All-MAC conference selections and leading the NCAA in rebounding his senior season ... before being taken with the 56th overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft.

He played 67 games over two seasons in the Association ... scoring a career-high 17 points against the Milwaukee Bucks in 2004.

Hunter had an extensive career overseas as well ... suiting up for numerous international clubs from 2006-13 in Greece, Italy, Puerto Rico and more.

Hunter got into coaching, real estate and sports management following his playing days.

"RIP to a Bobcat Great," Boals said on Instagram minutes ago. "Gone way too soon."

Ex-NBA point guard T.J. Ford also addressed Hunter's passing on social media ... saying, "We just spoke last week. Losing a lot of my friends lately."

Details surrounding Hunter's death have not been released.

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.