TMZ Sports - Page 11

Matt Barnes feels Damian Lillard getting traded to the Bucks -- instead of his preferred destination of the Heat -- is a blessing in disguise ... telling TMZ Sports he believes the All-Star guard has a better chance at winning an NBA title in Milwaukee than he would in Miami.

The "All The Smoke" podcast host and ex-NBA star gave us his take at the 5th Annual KiKi Shepard Celebrity Golf Classic last week ... and he says even though Lillard didn't end up in South Beach like he reportedly requested, he should be more than thrilled with the outcome.

"I'm excited for Dame," Barnes said. "Obviously he wanted to go to Miami. That didn't happen, but for him to have the opportunity to win, I think is the key and the goal and him teaming up with Giannis [Antetokounmpo] is definitely gonna give him a great opportunity to win a championship."

"I think probably even a better opportunity than he would had in Miami."

Of course, some fans might not agree -- the Heat have been to the NBA Finals twice since the 2020 season ... and Jimmy Butler is one of the best playoff players in the league.

However, Butler, coach Erik Spoelstra and the Heat came up short both times ... where the Bucks made the Finals and won in 2021 -- their first appearance in over four decades.

"Bucks are high," Barnes said. "It's gonna be a fun season."

Pat Miletich and Mike Jackson used to be close friends -- key words, used to be -- now the men are about to scrap in an MMA cage, and they both have designs on seriously hurting each other!

Miletich and Jackson are fighting October 14 at Caged Aggression 36 in Davenport, Iowa ... and we talked to both men as they prepare to battle.

Miletich, a UFC Hall of Famer (2014), is 55 years old and hasn't fought in nearly 15 years. But, because the guys don't see eye to eye when it comes to life and politics, this was a fight Pat couldn't pass up.

"We got a pretty severe problem and there has to be some retribution for that. Do I hate Mike Jackson? No. Will I pull his arm off? Depends on my mood."

Pat continued ... "I can take him down at will. If I wanna be compassionate, take him down and choke him really quick. That's probably an option, to be honest with you."

Ah, compassion.

As for 38-year-old Mike, he rose to prominence in 2018 when he beat (it was later overturned and ruled a "no contest" over a failed drug test for weed) professional wrestler turned fighter CM Punk.

"If I'm being honest with you, only one objective is for him to be carried out of a stretcher, whether he's unconscious or not," Jackson told us.

"I don't want him walking out on his own like that's my only objective."

Jackson then went on to explain the nature of their beef and how it started (it concerns January 6/The Capitol) ... and it's clear the men have serious issues.

Because of the backstory, MJ says the fight means more to him than CM Punk ... which put Mike on the map with casual fans.

"I know the Punk fight was a really big fight in the MMA sphere given the platform it was on, but personally given where I am currently in my life and what I'm fighting for and all the things that's going on in the social sphere, this fight means way more to me. It's not just a fight."

7:36 AM PT -- Anthony Chickillo's girlfriend, Tatu Baby, tells TMZ Sports ... the former NFL player was going through a medical episode due to bipolar disorder caused by a concussion that he suffered during his playing days.

"It was just a medical situation," Tatu Baby says.

Tatu Baby added that Chickillo is currently hospitalized and getting the medication he needs in order to get better.

Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Anthony Chickillo was tased by cops at a hospital this week ... after police say he had a breakdown inside of a doctor's office.

According to the Hialeah Police Department, Chickillo was at the Hialeah Hospital in Hialeah, Fla. on Thursday morning ... when witnesses say he suddenly snapped and began "trashing" an office, breaking things and throwing chairs.

Cops say the former football player then allegedly "tried to attack everybody" -- before he got into a wrestling match with his dad.

Bystanders called 911 -- and when officers arrived on scene, we're told they deployed a taser in order to subdue him.

In video obtained by TMZ Sports, you can see 30-year-old Chickillo was barefoot and shirtless as cops finally got him in handcuffs and took him away from the area.

The HPD tells us, though, Chickillo was not arrested ... and instead was placed on a 72-hour psychiatric hold.

We're told he will not be arrested once he's released either because nobody at the doctor's office wanted to press charges.

Chickillo is not a stranger to run-ins with the law. In 2019, he was arrested for allegedly roughing up his girlfriend. The charges were ultimately dropped, however, after prosecutors said she refused to testify against him.

Cain Velasquez has been given the all-go to corner Usman Nurmagomedov's Bellator 300 fight this weekend despite his ongoing criminal case ... and Usman tells TMZ Sports he couldn't be more pumped to have the UFC legend by his side.

"I'm so excited," the MMA star said.

It was unknown a few weeks ago if Velasquez would be able to help out in Nurmagomedov's championship tilt against Brent Primus in San Diego on Saturday night ... as he's still facing 10 charges for allegedly trying to shoot Harry Goularte, a man who had been accused of molesting one of his close relatives.

But, according to MMAFighting.com, Velasquez was cleared by the courts recently to help coach in the bout ... and Nurmagomedov -- who's been training with Velasquez at American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose in the leadup to the match -- is thrilled.

"Cain he's like, he talks with everybody the same," the 25-year-old said. "If you're a star, he doesn't talk with you different."

"He's, like, a very good person," Usman added. "Family guy. He's really humble, too. Very kind guy."

Cain isn't the only MMA legend to help Nurmagomedov gear up for his match ... he said his cousin, Khabib Numagomedov, has called to give tips and advice as well.

Deion Sanders is apparently aiming to make a ton of coin off of his most famous catchphrases... 'cause TMZ Sports has learned he's now filed trademarks for "Bull Junk" and "Give Me My Theme Music."

Prime's company submitted the applications on Thursday ... just days after filing for the terms "Working Or Twerking," "Ain't Nobody Care" and others.

In the applications, the NFL legend's counsel says he's looking to trademark the phrases for clothing items ... including hats, hoodies, sleepwear and more.

What's interesting ... Sanders' company also filed for a trademark for the phrase "Prime Time By Deion Sanders" -- a possible indication he's looking to come out with a clothing line down the road.

Sanders, of course, has been a gold mine for fun expressions ever since he became a college football head coach ... first displaying the humor at Jackson State before packing it with him to Boulder.

Simone Biles reminded everyone once again on Friday she's the G.O.A.T. of gymnastics ... 'cause she won her sixth all-around gold medal -- and became the most decorated gymnast EVER!!!

The 26-year-old made the history at the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Antwerp, Belgium ... after she scored 58.399 points on the balance beam, floor, vault and uneven bars.

Her sixth gold medal in the all-around event tied her with Japan's Kohei Uchimura for the most titles by man or woman ... but, perhaps more importantly, it gave her a combined 34 world and Olympic medals -- a number no one has ever reached.

After Biles logged the win ... she was caught on camera in shock.

"I was emotional because it was my first Worlds here 10 years ago, and then now my sixth one, so it is crazy," Biles said.

"But I swear, I do have something in my eye that's been bothering me for like four hours, and I cannot get it out. So while I was looking up there, it was like a combination of both."

The day is an amazing one for Biles ... especially considering how she needed a mental health break following her emotional run at the Tokyo Olympics.

Her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, couldn't have been prouder of her effort ... writing on his Instagram page, "Simply amazing. So happy for you baby."

Biles' win wasn't the only historic moment at Friday's event ... defending champ Rebeca Andrade and Shilese Jones placed second and third, marking the first time everyone at the world all-around podium was Black.

Travis Kelce is taking Aaron Rodgers' playful diss in stride ... admitting he thought it was actually funny when the Jets superstar referred to him as "Mr. Pfizer" earlier this week -- but doubling down on his decision to be a vaccine spokesperson.

Kelce addressed AR8's recent comments on the "Pat McAfee Show" with reporters on Friday ... cracking a few jokes of his own as he discussed the whole ordeal.

"I thought it was pretty good," Kelce said at the Chiefs' facility. "I mean, with the 'stache right now, I look like a guy named Mr. Pfizer. Who knew I'd get into a vax war with Aaron Rodgers, man. Mr. Pfizer versus the Johnson & Johnson family over there."

Of course, Kelce is referring to Jets owner Woody Johnson, who is an heir to the Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical company.

TK then got real for a second ... explaining his reason for getting the jab.

"I got it because of, you know, keeping myself safe, keeping my family safe, the people in this building. So yeah, I stand by 1000%. Fully comfortable with him calling me Mr. Pfizer."

Kelce -- who celebrated his 34th birthday on Thursday -- was also asked about his recent romance with Taylor Swift and the hype around it ... and he knows he brought all the attention on himself.

People in and around the sports world are honoring the life and legacy of Chicago Bears great Dick Butkus following his death ... with Barack Obama, Bill Belichick and more sharing their memories of the Hall of Fame linebacker.

"In Chicago, Dick Butkus was football," Obama -- a diehard Windy City sports fan -- said on Friday. "Thinking of his family today, and all the Bears fans who loved watching one of the best to ever play the game."

Belichick also addressed the tragic loss ... taking a few minutes out of his press conference to praise Butkus' impact on football.

"The prototype middle linebacker," the Patriots coach said. "From his playing style, to the look, to his ads. He was a Chicago Bear if there ever was one."

BB added he got to spend time with Butkus in recent years ... saying it was great to meet and talk with him.

"A ton of respect for Dick, his play style, what he did for the game. At that time, the way he played, he was the ultimate middle linebacker."

Former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher also joined in paying his respects ... saying, "Dick Butkus was not only a Legend, he was my Idol. Loved his Frankness, Toughness, and the Inspiration he was for me! You set the Standard for the role of a MLB! Love you Dick."

Current Bears wide receiver D.J. Moore -- who finished with 8 receptions, 230 yards and 3 touchdowns during Chicago's win over the Washington Commanders on Thursday Night Football -- also shared a touching message about 51 after the game.

"R.I.P Dick Butkus. Was looking over us Tonight," he tweeted.

Deion Sanders was under the weather on Thursday after having a bad reaction to medication ... Coach Prime was forced to skip his radio show Thursday, but thankfully, Colorado says the Hall of Famer is okay!

The CU Buffs' weekly radio show started Thursday afternoon with one very noticeable absence ... Deion, the man everyone wanted to hear.

Instead, assistant coach Gary "Flea" Harrell was behind the mic ... and show host Mark Johnson provided an update on Sanders.

“We are going without Coach Prime here today," Johnson said. "We received notification a little while ago that (he) was a little under the weather and had a bad reaction to his immune IVs, is what I was told.”

A spokesperson for the Buffs didn't add any further detail, per The Denver Post, but added the coach was fine.

Sanders has had a few health issues since putting on the headset. In 2022, Sanders had two toes on his right foot amputated.

The good news ... Coach Prime is expected to be well enough to travel with his team for their game on Saturday against Arizona State.

The Buffs started the season 3-0, and were ranked as one of the top 20 teams in the country ... before being blown out by Oregon.

Travis Kelce's mom is opening up about her son's budding relationship with Taylor Swift ... revealing that she's a HUGE fan of the pop star.

Donna Kelce sat down for an interview with host Jennifer Vickery Smith on the podcast "Got It From My Momma" -- and discussed a range of Taylor-related issues, including her 2 favorite songs: "Shake It Off" and "Bad Blood."

During Friday's episode, Donna also addressed all the drama surrounding Travis and Taylor's romance over the past few weeks since the couple went public.

Donna said, “I feel like I'm in an alternate universe. It’s something I never thought I’d be involved with." She briefly mentioned her family has been targeted by "haters" who are unhappy about the relationship.

Now, Trav's mom also popped up on NBC's 'Today' Friday morning, and Hoda Kotb and co. asked her what it was like to sit next to Taylor in those stadium suites for 2 consecutive weeks. Let's just say it wasn't exactly a glowing review, and more than anything it seems like Donna's hesitant to get too excited about her son's new "situation."

But, she's also keenly aware that the NFL is “laughing all the way to the bank,” with all the ticket sales at games Taylor has attended to watch Travis play with the Kansas City Chiefs.

On the podcast, Donna went on to say her family has given the NFL better publicity than any pricey PR firm, which would charge the league a million bucks.

But, there's no bad blood between them. Donna says she's happy for the NFL, adding, “Good for them. They’re getting the ramifications of everything."

As we reported ... Taylor and Travis started seeing each other several months ago - but they stayed under the radar at first. Now, the lovebirds are out there for all to see as Taylor has shown up at 2 of Travis' football games within the last few weeks.

Jay Cutler has apparently found love again three years after his split with Kristin Cavallari ... 'cause the ex-NFL star just went Instagram official with his new girlfriend!!

The former quarterback's new flame is Samantha Robertson ... and the two have grown so smitten with each other, she's now thrown him up on IG twice in the last couple weeks.

The first came on Sept. 20 ... when she shared some snaps of her and Cutler on the social media platform at a friend's wedding in France.

In total, there were three pics of the duo, including one where she was tucked into his chest with a glass of wine on a gravel road.

"Vive la France," she captioned the post.

When one of Robertson's friends commented, "I love, love" -- Cutler replied, "don't we all♥️"

Just days later, Robertson posted another pic of the two enjoying a Montana sunset. Cutler also commented on that post, writing, "When are we going back?"

"I was ready the second we left," she wrote back.

Robertson was previously married to Trace Ayala -- an actor and Justin Timberlake's good pal. Cutler, of course, had been with Cavallari for nearly a decade before they called things off back in 2020.

Jay had said in 2021 that dating post-Kristin was "hard as hell," explaining on his "Uncut with Jay Cutler" podcast that "meeting people is hard."

KD's going by a different set of initials now -- the NBA superstar played a key role in Drake's highly anticipated album "For All The Dogs" ... serving as A&R for the project!!

Drizzy dropped his eighth solo studio album early Friday morning ... and as it turns out, Kevin Durant was involved in bringing it to fruition.

The Phoenix Suns baller is listed on the credits as an A&R -- short for "artists and repertoire" -- a position that's held by someone who helps put the album together.

Durant -- who was traded to Phoenix in February -- took pride in his role ... and shared the accomplishment on his own Instagram story.

"The greatest," the 2-time NBA champ said of Drake. "6godAM ... for all of us."

Drake also name-dropped his music partner in the track, "All The Parties" ... saying, "Me and KD 'bout to turn up the art."

KD is known to be a big supporter of Drake -- he was even spotted lightin' it up in the crowd at his recent show at the Forum.

The 35-year-old forward also walked out with Drake during his Austin concert last month.

FYI, Durant has also taken a stab at being a hip hop artist himself under the name "Sniper Jones."

Magic Johnson's newest purchase is leaving him quite unhappy -- at least, that was the case on Thursday night -- 'cause after the Commanders got dusted by the Bears, he laid into them on his X page.

The Lakers legend -- who helped Josh Harris purchase the Washington Football Team for $6 billion earlier this summer -- sounded off just minutes after his new squad lost 40-20 ... making it clear he's looking for more from his guys going forward.

"Tonight the Commanders played with no intensity or fire," he said bluntly.

The Commanders did look lifeless during the game's first 30 minutes ... allowing Chicago stars Justin Fields and D.J. Moore to run wild all over them in the first half.

And, while they did fight back a bit to make things somewhat interesting in the second half, they still lost by 20 -- something Magic's obviously fuming over.

"We didn't compete in the first half and got down 27-3 heading into halftime," said Magic, who watched the game from a FedExField luxury box Thursday night. "It was too big of a hole to climb out of and that is why we ended up losing 40-20."

The night at least wasn't all sadness for Magic ... he got to enjoy some pregame giggles with Amazon's "Thursday Night Football" crew, signing a bunch of gear for superfan Ryan Fitzpatrick on the pregame show.

Chandler Jones seems to be handling his messy split with the Raiders well ... the former Las Vegas star was spotted at a tattoo parlor this week appearing to be in good spirits while getting his first-ever tat.

TMZ Sports has learned ... the 33-year-old pass rusher was at Valerie DiMaggio's West Coast Tattoo Parlor in Vegas on Wednesday -- just four days after the Raiders cut him.

Jones, accompanied by a woman who seemed to be his love interest, was seen smiling ear-to-ear throughout his visit ... while he worked with artist Bobby Vegas to get some crosses etched on the side of his neck.

We're told Jones was "super friendly" and "super happy" while he made his way around the shop -- a somewhat surprising sight, considering last week he not only broke down in tears while on a live stream, but he was also arrested for allegedly violating a protective order.

But, according to DiMaggio, Jones was "a real nice guy" the entire time.

DiMaggio says Jones got tattooed for around 30 minutes ... and after it was all finished, he was so thrilled with it, he promised to come back to potentially get some matching ink with the woman he was with.

5:44 PM PT -- A moment of silence was held in Butkus' honor prior to Thursday Night Football at FedEx Field ... where his former team is currently playing against the Washington Commanders.

4:14 PM PT -- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell released a statement on Butkus' death.

"Dick Butkus was a fierce and passionate competitor who helped define the linebacker position as one of the NFL's all-time greats. Dick’s intuition, toughness and athleticism made him the model linebacker whose name will forever be linked to the position and the Chicago Bears.

"We also remember Dick as a long-time advocate for former players, and players at all levels of the game. The Dick Butkus Award and his foundation honored achievement on the field and service to the community among high school, college and NFL linebackers. Dick was a champion of clean sports as his “I Play Clean” campaign helped raise awareness about the dangers of steroid use among high school athletes.

"We send our deepest condolences to the Butkus family, the Bears organization and the many fans and people he impacted throughout his life."

3:46 PM PT -- The Butkus family just released a statement ... saying Dick died in his sleep overnight.

"The Butkus family is gathering with Dick's wife Helen. They appreciate your prayers and support."

The Bears added ... "Dick was the ultimate Bear, and one of the greatest players in NFL history. He was Chicago's son. He exuded what our great city is about and, not coincidently, what George Halas looked for in a player: toughness, smarts, instincts, passion and leadership."

The statement continued ... "He refused to accept anything less than the best from himself, or from his teammates.

"Dick had a gruff manner, and maybe that kept some people from approaching him, but he actually had a soft touch. His legacy of philanthropy included a mission of ridding performance enhancing drugs from sports and promoting heart health.

"His contributions to the game he loved will live forever and we are grateful he was able to be at our home opener this year to be celebrated one last time by his many fans."

NFL legend Dick Butkus -- one of the greatest linebackers of all time -- has died, TMZ Sports has learned. He was 80 years old.

We're told someone went to check on Butkus at his home on Thursday ... and he was found unresponsive.

Our sources tell us ... paramedics responded to a call for a patient in cardiac arrest at Butkus' residence in Malibu at 12:51 PM. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Butkus is among the most intimidating players to ever step onto a football field -- coming in at 6'3", 245 pounds, he was a defensive standout at the University of Illinois before joining his hometown Chicago Bears in 1965 ... going No. 3 overall in the NFL Draft.

He played his entire professional career with the Bears from 1965 to 1973 ... racking up every individual award imaginable -- six All-NFL selections, two Defensive Player of the Year honors and eight Pro Bowls.

Butkus earned many nicknames due to his style of play .. including The Maestro of Mayhem, The Enforcer, The Animal and The Robot of Destruction.

Butkus was named to the league's All-Decade teams in the '60s and '70s ... as well as the 75th and 100th Anniversary teams.

Butkus -- whose career was shortened due to injuries -- had 1,020 tackles, 22 interceptions and 27 fumble recoveries over the span of nine seasons. He was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979, his first year of eligibility.

In 1985, the Butkus Award was established to honor the top linebackers at the high school, college and professional levels.

The Bears retired his No. 51 jersey in 1994.

Off the field, Butkus was known for starring in commercials for Miller Lite, Prestone, Schick and Visa ... as well as dozens of films and TV shows, including "Any Given Sunday," "Hang Time," and "The Last Boy Scout." He was also an analyst for CBS.

Butkus continued to follow the NFL in retirement -- in fact, he posted his weekly picks on his Instagram just hours ago.

Butkus is survived by his wife, Helen, and three children.

RIP

Michael B. Jordan & Steve Harvey are showing signs all is well despite the actor's split with Steve's daughter, Lori Harvey.

MBJ and SH were all smiles at the NBA Abu Dhabi Games Thursday ... dappin' each other up courtside. Michael had a huge grin on his face, going in for the tight squeeze -- as a group of pals couldn't help but smile around them, too.

Seems like there are no hard feelings between them ... as we reported, Michael and Lori, called it quits last June -- about a year after they started seeing each other. She also scrubbed her socials from any mention of him.

There was never an official word about what led to the split ... but Lori talked about red flags in relationships a couple of months after the plug was pulled -- saying being too close with an ex was a major one.

There was also talk that 35-year-old Michael was ready to settle down and get married, but 26-year-old Lori wasn't.