TMZ Sports - Page 2

The wife of a New York Jets player is furious with "Jersey Shore" castmate Angelina Pivarnick ... claiming the reality TV star slid into her hubby's direct messages this weekend -- despite knowing he was a married man.

Alexis Bawden -- Nick Bawden's longtime partner -- said the incident happened on Sunday afternoon ... right after the fullback had taken the field to play against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium in Jersey.

According to Alexis, Pivarnick saw her decked out in gear representing her husband while she was on the sidelines at the stadium ... but ignored it all -- and went on to send a DM to Nick on Instagram anyway.

Alexis says Pivarnick wrote, "See u soon" -- and it made her livid because she believed it was an effort to woo her man.

"I just want to say if you're a fan of her, she's weird," she said in a TikTok slamming Pivarnick. "That's weird. You don't message a married woman's man you're going to see him soon after you see his wife go by on the field. Weirdo."

Pivarnick eventually responded after the TikTok went viral ... saying in a since-deleted statement on her Instagram Stories that she never made a move on the football player.

"This s*** that's being told about me sliding into a married man's IG has gotten out of control," Pivarnick wrote. "His wife is clearly a clout chaser and I only spoke to players I knew and in a friendly way."

"I know she's reaching," she added. "She needs to stop trying to slander me and stop being a liar. I am not into married men and would never write that shit. If she doesn't stop my lawyer will send her a letter of cease and desist soon. Not playing. Add this to TikTok girl. What a joke."

Here's something that almost NEVER happens to Taylor Swift ... walking anywhere, much less into an NFL game, with zero fanfare -- but we've learned that's exactly what she pulled off on Sunday.

This shot shows Taylor -- rocking the Chiefs' windbreaker -- walking into Arrowhead Stadium to see Travis Kelce and his team play the Chicago Bears. The woman in the black leather jacket is part of Travis' PR team, and she escorted Taylor and Trav's friends to his luxury suite.

The amazing part is ... we're told there were no fans screaming for Tay Tay as she walked into the stadium, and made her way to the suite.

You gotta hand it to Taylor and Travis for pulling off the perfect sneak attack. No one knew she was going to the game -- we got wind of it just 20 minutes before kickoff -- and, as a result, the Swiftie army was NOT lined up to see her arrival.

Kinda shocking they weren't on the lookout, considering Travis made it known he had invited her to a game.

As we reported, Traylor (yeah, that's what we're calling 'em) were quietly escorted out of the stadium -- and only one reporter, WGN's Jarrett Payton, was able to get a quick shot of them inside.

They pulled away from Arrowhead in a pretty conspicuous way, though -- looking like Danny and Sandy from "Grease" in Travis' metallic purple convertible muscle car -- but they definitely pulled off a 'Mission: Impossible' getting her in on the DL.

The Swifties seemingly rushed to get their Travis Kelce merch after Taylor was spotted supporting her new potential love interest at Sunday's game ... 'cause the Kansas City Chiefs superstar's jerseys are flying off the shelves!!

TMZ Sports has learned -- Kelce's No. 87 threads were among the most popular items on the NFL Shop on Sunday ... this according to Fanatics, the league's official e-commerce partner.

"Yesterday, Travis Kelce was one of the top 5 selling NFL players and saw a nearly 400% spike in sales throughout the Fanatics network of sites, including NFLShop.com," Fanatics tells us.

While it's impossible to tell who exactly made all the purchases, the massive increase in jersey sales comes on the heels of the "Anti-Hero" singer's visit to Arrowhead Stadium to watch the Chiefs whoop the Bears, 41-10.

So, yeah, it certainly feels like Taylor's fanbase is 'shipping' the duo ... and considering how passionate her following is, it wouldn't be shocking if the Swifties emptied their wallets to secure their new favorite athlete's jerseys.

Swift seemed right at home with Chiefs Kingdom as she watched the matchup in a suite alongside Kelce's mom, Donna ... despite being a longtime Philadelphia Eagles fan.

Swift and Kelce ended up leaving the stadium together ... cruising away in his old-school convertible.

Taylor Swift is in tight with the Kansas City Chiefs now that she's linked to Travis Kelce -- and as a result of her proximity/influence ... one Native American group is making a big ask.

This all has to do with the famed "Tomahawk chop" that Chiefs fans are known to do during games -- which has become tradition -- to the chagrin of some activist groups, including one that was outside Arrowhead Stadium Sunday to protest the gesture.

This org is called Not In Our Honor, and it's headed up by Rhonda LeValdo, who was out there among other Native American activists and advocates with signage reflecting their demands ... namely, lose the chop and maybe even the team name.

She tells TMZ ... she and her group are making a direct plea to Taylor, now that she's got a seat at the proverbial table, saying ... "We remain hopeful that an outside influence like Ms. Swift could be an ally for us in moving the conversation forward on why the chop is a racist act."

LeValdo adds, "To us, that hand gesture is synchronized racism. We implore Ms. Swift to take the time to understand our perspective and the scientific and psychological research into the harm to youth and communities caused by such behavior."

Worth noting -- TS was on camera during one of the Tomahawk chops at Sunday's game ... but she didn't participate in it, despite many others around her doing so. Instead, she literally danced in place -- but it's unclear if that telegraphed how she feels.

The folks over at NIOH are hoping she's on the same page as them, with LeValdo further telling us she encourages people to read up on their history -- and that they realize the "Chop" is a continued mockery of their Native American heritage and past ... which is riddled with ugly chapters dating back to day 1, when their land was occupied by white settlers.

This issue is part of a much larger conversation as it pertains to sports. The Washington Commanders recently changed their team name amid mounting outrage, and ditto for the Cleveland Guardians. Until now, the Chiefs appear to have mostly escaped the criticism.

Nate Diaz is no longer facing any time behind bars for his role in an altercation on Bourbon Street earlier this year ... prosecutors have just dropped the criminal case against the former UFC star.

A spokesperson for the Orleans Parish District Attorney's office confirmed to TMZ Sports on Monday afternoon that Diaz's second-degree battery charge has been dismissed. No further details surrounding the case's disposition, however, were given.

Diaz's rep, Zach Rosenfield, said in a statement that he was pleased with the decision ... reiterating yet again that he believes when Diaz choked out Rodney Petersen in the middle of the famed New Orleans street back in April, he was doing nothing more than defending himself.

"Since Rodney Peterson sought out to fight Nate on Bourbon Street, we have maintained Nate's actions were 100 percent in self-defense," Rosenfield stated.

"It was clear on the video, clear in pictures and clear from the multiple other videos Rodney posted before and after."

"Nate has a right to defend himself against those who want to make a name for themselves and did so," Rosenfield added.

"We appreciate the Orleans Parish District Attorney taking the time to review all aspects of this case and their decision to not proceed with it."

Diaz never seemed to be too bothered by the criminal case ... he actually joked about it all with Jake Paul in May -- laughing with the YouTuber/boxer at their pre-fight press conference.

12:55 PM PT -- A source with direct knowledge tells us Taylor Swift did not sneak out of the suite, she walked out with Travis Kelce's family and their entourage.

Taylor Swift fans believe she went to great lengths to sneak out of the private suite where she was watching rumored boyfriend Travis Kelce play football ... Swifties think she left in a popcorn machine.

The fan theory is spreading like wildfire on social media Monday, with Swifties claiming Taylor was inside a large, metallic box that was being wheeled through the Arrowhead Stadium concourse, where tons of folks were waiting to catch a glimpse of TayTay.

Video shows a staffer wheeling the container as one Swiftie claims Taylor's inside the box. It's interesting there's a big bag of popcorn on top of the container instead of inside, plus a law enforcement officer keeping watch.

As you know, Taylor watched Travis' Kansas City Chiefs beat the Chicago Bears, 41-10, Sunday afternoon in KC ... showing up to support him shortly after being romantically linked to the team's star tight end.

Taylor cheered from a suite, where she was hanging out with Travis' mom ... and the two seemed to really get along.

After the game, Taylor and Travis walked out of the locker room area together ... but no one knows how she got from the suite to the stadium bowels without being seen ... hence the popcorn machine disguise theory.

Taylor wasn't too shy once she got near Travis ... they drove off in a convertible and had the top down too.

It's going to be interesting to see where things go for Taylor and Travis ... so get your popcorn ready.

Do you think Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are the real deal, or just a PR stunt? Vote below.

Israel Adesanya just issued an apology to his family and beloved fans after pleading guilty to drunk driving ... saying he was wrong to get behind the wheel.

The incident happened on August 19th ... after the 24-3 UFC star had dinner and a few drinks with friends in Auckland, New Zealand.

While driving home, the 34-year-old came across a random breath testing unit ... and allegedly had a reading of 87 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters, which exceeds New Zealand's legal limit of 50 milligrams.

"I want to apologize to the community, my family and my team for the decision I made to get behind the wheel after drinking at a dinner," Adesanya said in a statement.

"I am disappointed with my decision to drive, It was wrong."

Style Bender continued ... "I know that people might follow me and I want them to know I do not think this behavior is acceptable."

Adesanya pleaded guilty in court on Monday ... and is facing a max penalty of three months in jail or a $2,600 fine.

This arrest happened three weeks before Adesanya lost to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 in Sydney, Australia ... which cost him his middleweight title.

Former NFL star Jarrett Payton has no doubts about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce bein' a couple ... and that's coming from the guy who got the viral video of them leaving the Chiefs game together.

Jarrett, the son of football legend Walter Payton, joined us on "TMZ Live" Monday to talk about his experience capturing Taylor and Travis leaving Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium together ... and he's telling us why there's real chemistry between them.

Jarrett's quick clip has quite the story behind it -- he says he was on the field filming coverage for Chicago's WGN and was heading to the car when he was stopped by security and told to wait there while they dealt with something ... or someone.

Luckily, he says he was told to stay put in the hallway ... and the 2 strolled past him not long after that.

He also thinks Travis gave him a bit of a look while walking out -- a total "come on, dude" kind of glance -- but Jarrett admits was like a kid in the candy store.

As you know, the internet's been going nuts over Taylor and Travis leaving together ... and the singer was also having a blast in a private box with Travis' mom, Donna, just hours before.

And for those of you who are convinced the 2 are an item, it sounds like Jarrett's right there with you on that one.

Do you think Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are the real deal, or just a PR stunt? Vote below.

Antonio Brown has seen enough of Matt Canada's offense in Pittsburgh -- the controversial ex-NFL superstar just unloaded on the Steelers coach in a social media rant ... wildly comparing him to Adolf Hitler.

AB has been an outspoken critic of Canada recently ... ripping his former team over its scoring struggles this season, and even throwing out his interest in replacing the current offensive coordinator.

Brown continued his public bashing on Monday ... sharing a picture of Canada with Hitler's signature toothbrush mustache drawn on it and saying, "Adolf Canada."

The posts were understandably met with backlash ... with several users also pointing out they fell on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism.

"Tweeting this is crazy," one follower replied ... while another added, "Yeah, this is wildly inappropriate. It's not even remotely funny."

The Steelers were able to score a few offensive touchdowns en route to a 23-18 win over the Las Vegas Raiders ... but it's safe to say AB was still not satisfied with Canada's performance nonetheless.

The Pittsburgh Steelers still have yet to make it home following their big win against the Raiders in Nevada .... their charter plane was forced to make an emergency landing on Monday morning -- stranding the team in Kansas City.

The Delta Airlines flight was grounded not long after it left Las Vegas following Pitt's 23-18 victory ... after the plane reportedly experienced oil pressure issues.

Thankfully, a Steelers spokesperson said in a tweet Monday morning that everyone on the flight is safe.

"We are making necessary plans to arrive back in Pittsburgh later today," they added.

Pittsburgh star Cam Heyward was able to joke about it all despite the scary nature of the scene ... poking fun at his teammate, Minkah Fitzpatrick, on his X account.

"Dang emergency landing in KC," he wrote. "I think it’s due to @minkfitz_21 'roughing the passer call' but seriously landing KC."

He later jokingly asked Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift to give him a ride from K.C. to Pennsylvania ... as the two just so happened to be in the area for the Chiefs star's game earlier in the day.

"Yo @taylorswift13 & @tkelce," the defensive lineman wrote, "we might need a ride to Pittsburgh."

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce didn't kiss Sunday ... they didn't hug or anything like that, but it's pretty clear, both during and after the game, they're a thing.

Taylor and Travis left Arrowhead Stadium Sunday after the big game in Kelce's sweet convertible. They apparently went to grab some grub, and according to social media buzz, paid to have an entire restaurant unto themselves. We cannot confirm that, yet!

As they left the stadium, they walked side-by-side around the locker room area, strolling past photogs and looking, well, couplie.

Taylor was all in during the game, cheering on Travis as she sat, and stood, and screamed next to Travis's mom.

There have been rumblings for over a month the 2 were dating, and weeks ago we got the sense the rumors were true.

So how does TRAYLOR sound?

Do you think Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are the real deal, or just a PR stunt? Vote below.

9:06 AM PT -- Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Krayzie Bone is going into a second surgery soon in the hopes of stopping some internal bleeding, which is at the root of his health troubles.

We're told this all started Friday when KB started coughing up blood, after which he checked himself into an L.A.-area hospital. After some tests, our sources tell us docs discovered a bleeding artery in one of his lungs ... and they operated on him.

Afterward, we're told Krayzie was placed in an induced coma -- with the idea being that would help the healing process -- but our sources say the issue wasn't resolved, and that the artery continues to bleed in his lung. Now, they're going back to try and fix it for good.

Our sources tell us his family members have been the only ones allowed to see him, and they're at his side now. Krayzie's team, we're told, is meeting today to get more updates.

Krayzie Bone is reportedly fighting for his life in a hospital -- a scary update that has much of Hollywood sending their thoughts and prayers his way.

The Bone Thugs-N-Harmony rapper is said to be on a ventilator as a result of surgery to deal with a respiratory issue he's been battling, which saw him coughing up blood and requiring to go under the knife immediately ... this according to AllHipHop.com.

The outlet reports KB's initial hospitalization stems from a diagnosis of sarcoidosis -- which causes inflammatory cells to form in different parts of the body. After undergoing a procedure to stop internal bleeding doctors detected, sources tell AHH that his condition worsened.

The news appears to have been confirmed by one of Krayzie's own BTNH members, Bizzy Bone -- who posted on social media this weekend ... asking everyone to keep KB in their thoughts. That, of course, spurred a lot of people to react ... including some big names.

Among the celebs who threw up messages of support ... Juicy J, LeBron James, DJ Paul, and others. Of course, tons of hip hop fans at large are pouring out with tributes as well.

Krayzie Bone's family is reported to be seeking privacy and hasn't expanded on where things stand -- but word is ... he's currently sedated and remains in Los Angeles-area ICU.

His contributions to music can't be overstated -- in addition to being a part of one of the biggest hip hop groups to emerge from the '90s, with an incredibly unique style, Krayzie has gone on to launch his own record label, apparel line and podcast network ... to name a few accomplishments. He's also won a couple Grammys in his day as part of Bone Thugs.

The guy isn't even all that old ... he's only 50. Here's hoping he can pull through. 🙏

A shirtless man in L.A. led cops on what has to be one of the slowest and most bizarre chases ever -- going way under the speed limit in a golf cart ... with a dog in his lap!

The slow-speed pursuit went down Sunday night -- the driver, reaching top speeds of 19 MPH, had allegedly stolen the vehicle from a nearby shopping center, which is when the "chase" began in earnest.

With as many as 4 LAPD cruisers in tow ... the driver was topless and barefoot with a pup chilling in his lap.

After multiple failed spike strip attempts by officers, he drove the cart into a parking lot and hopped out with the dog in his arm ... running around a semi-truck that was unloading.

Bam Margera has hit a fantastic milestone on his road to recovery ... we're told he's been sober for a month and is even hitting the skate park again.

Sources close to Bam tell TMZ ... Bam recently reached the 1-month mark and has been living on a farm owned by another professional skateboarder just outside of Philadelphia.

We're told he's been on the farm with his girlfriend, Dannii -- the 2 have been going to the gym every day and hiking with their dogs, and Bam's lost a ton of weight ... which has given him the ability to start skating again, and he's once again making it look easy.

Our sources say he's been loving getting back into the sport, but more importantly, has kept a really tight circle of positive friends and influences. Dannii even gave him an ultimatum that seems to have helped -- he picked her over the booze.

We're told the former "Jackass" star feels this is the first time he's wanted to get sober for himself ... as opposed to being forced by family or friends through an intervention.

As we reported, Bam's been in a legal battle with his estranged wife, Nikki, over custody of their 5-year-old kid, Phoenix -- she was granted temporary sole custody of the boy last month, following an arrest and citation for separate instances of public intoxication. Bam has been able to FaceTime with Phoenix 4 times a week.

BTW, Bam's brother, Jess, revealed earlier this year Bam destroyed a guitar they got from Billy Idol in a fit of rage. We're told Bam and Dannii hung out with the singer in Philly last weekend after a concert, and Billy actually signed a new guitar for him.

Travis Kelce was stepping out of the Chiefs game with Taylor Swift in an outfit that's named after one of her biggest albums, but here's the thing -- the duds were renamed AFTER he bought it ... let us explain.

The Kansas City Chiefs tight end was rocking the "1989 Bedroom Painting" denim jacket and pants as he left the stadium with Taylor after Sunday night's game.

KidSuper, the company that made the threads, revealed a bit of sneaky marketing after the game ... telling folks on X it was originally called "Bedroom Painting," but the album title was slapped on after Travis was spotted wearing it with Taylor.

Smart move for sure, as Swifties everywhere are wondering if his outfit was the smoking gun proving the relationship ... but it looks like the brand is behind all the commotion.

Taylor sent her fans into delirium Sunday night as she appeared at Arrowhead Stadium, watching Travis play as she sat -- and stood, and screamed -- with his mom!

We've heard for weeks this was not a publicity stunt ... they really have been dating. Sunday night should put all doubts to rest.

Do you think Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are the real deal, or just a PR stunt? Vote below.

Taylor Swift appears to have confirmed the dating rumors about her and Travis Kelce -- 'cause she's in the building to watch his game right now ... standing next to his mama.

The pop star just showed up on FOX's NFL broadcast ahead of kickoff between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Chicago Bears. The Chiefs are at home today at Arrowhead Stadium ... and right as they started to introduce the game, they cut to TS in a private box.

TayTay was decked out in KC colors ... but more importantly, right next to Donna Kelce, TK's mother. When the camera came upon her, she started cheering and screaming.

Indeed ... the fact Taylor is there is a huge deal, and most certainly puts these rumors to rest. Obviously, they are in touch and they are hanging out ... and perhaps even more.

Remember, just earlier this week ... Travis publicly said he'd invited Taylor to a game, and it sounds like she took him up on his offer pretty quickly.

This, of course, all comes on the heels of Travis's brother, Jason, apparently lending credence to all the speculation ... saying he believed all of it to be "true." We can see it with our own eyes now.

Unclear how serious they are with each other, but if history is any indication -- Taylor's love interests coming out to show support is a good sign that they're together.

How serious it is or how long it lasts ... time will tell. Have fun, you two!