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David Ortiz is still mourning the death of Tim Wakefield ... telling TMZ Sports this week his former Red Sox teammate was a "great guy, man."

"Great guy," he repeated.

Ortiz opened up to us about Wakefield for a few moments while out in Los Angeles ... just days after the former Boston star pitcher died from brain cancer.

Big Papi said the knuckleballer was straight-up "like my family, man" ... and you can see in the clip, he's obviously still in pain over the passing.

Ortiz and Wakefield grew close during their time together at Fenway Park -- you'll recall, they shared a locker room with one another for nine seasons. And, the two formed such a strong bond ... Wakefield actually showed up to Cooperstown last year to watch Ortiz get inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Papi is hardly the only former Red Sox player to express heartbreak over Wakefield's death -- multiple former teammates sent thoughts and prayers on social media as well.

Tim was just 57 years old.

If it wasn't for music, Rick Ross could've been a damn good basketball player ... at least, that's according to famed NBA shooting coach Lethal Shooter, who tells TMZ Sports the rapper's got the goods on the court!

Lethal -- real name Chris Matthews -- came to the conclusion after working with the "Hustlin'" artist earlier this month before he had to take a private jet to Las Vegas.

Matthews spent about an hour with the celeb ... and he was so impressed with Ross' work ethic, he said the dude could've been "elite" on the hardwood if he had chosen ball over hip hop.

"As soon he got out of the car, he didn't waste any time," Matthews said of Ross. "He was looking to train. He only took two breaks. He wanted to learn."

Matthews, of course, didn't say an NBA career would've been in Ross' future if he had picked basketball at a young age ... but he explained to us the 47-year-old could've potentially made it as a college hooper if he wanted.

"I feel like people don't realize Rick Ross is pretty tall and anything that somebody put their mind to, they're capable of," Matthews said.

"What I saw from somebody, the age that he's at, that he was learning so fast I think he could've been capable at a young age to play at an elite level as far as high school and college."

Matthews knows a thing or two about A-listers with hoops skills ... he's trained a bunch of celebs over the years -- and told us guys like Future and Mark Cuban have some underrated games.

"When I was training Mark Cuban a few months back," Matthews said, "I felt like you can tell at a young age he was one of those guys that was always gonna bring it on defense, always gonna bring the intensity."

When the 38-year-old is not helping celebrities with their jump shots ... he's going nonstop at giving back to his hometown Washington D.C. -- telling us he recently donated $18K to three different schools in the DMV area.

10/16/23 12:45 PM PT -- Cops say they took Walter into custody over the weekend.

3:23 PM PT -- Marty York just broke his silence, posting a photo of Walter and writing, "This is the hardest post I'm ever going to have to write. Last night my mother was murdered by a man she was seeing. Right now there is a nationwide manhunt."

He continues, "If you've seen this man please call the police immediately. I can't even comprehend what is happening right now, but I feel if I find this person I'm going to physically maul him. I pray to God I don't find him because it will be a fate worse then hell."

Tragedy has struck the family of "The Sandlot" actor Marty York, his mother, a sheriff's deputy, was murdered in her own home ... and cops are on the hunt for the alleged killer.

Cops say Deanna Esmaeel was found dead Thursday inside her home in Crescent City, California. On Friday, the Del Norte County Sheriff's Office -- where Deanna is a deputy -- put out an alert to the public in hopes of tracking down Deanna's boyfriend, Daniel James Walter.

Investigators say Walter, who recently changed his name to Edward Patrick Davies, is the suspect in Deanna's murder ... though they don't say what happened.

According to the alert, deputies were able to locate Walter's vehicle, but the 54-year-old was nowhere to be found.

Sheriff Scott of the DNSO released a statement following Deputy Esmaeel's death, saying, "We are all deeply heartbroken with the loss of Deputy Esmaeel. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family, friends, and co-workers."

Marty York played "Yeah-Yeah" in the 1993 classic "The Sandlot" and has continued to act on various projects through the years. He has not yet publicly commented on his mother's murder.

Haley Cavinder's borrowing a phrase from another hooper who was pretty good at basketball ... I'm back!

22-year-old Haley, after penning an emotional goodbye letter with her twin sister Hanna in April, has decided she won't hang up her Nike's after all ... she's entered the transfer portal and plans to play again starting next season.

Cavinder's last run on the court was epic ... she helped lead the Univ. of Miami women's basketball team to their first-ever Elite Eight. The Cinderella run included an upset of No. 1 seeded Indiana, a game Cavinder iced with clutch free throws in the final seconds.

Haley earned second-team All-ACC honors that season, averaging 12 points and four rebounds.

Aside from the success on the court, Haley's also a star away from the hardwood ... counting nearly three-quarters of a million followers on Instagram.

Haley and her sister Hanna also signed an NIL deal with the WWE as part of its inaugural "Next In Line" class. Many fans expected them to join the pro wrestling powerhouse as the next step in their career.

Adding to the surprise of Haley's decision ... she made it clear she didn't want to play without Hanna, saying, "I started with her, so at the end of the day, I want to end basketball and start our new lives together, but it was definitely difficult for me."

The "F*** Dallas" shirt George Kittle wore during the Niners' tilt against the Cowboys over the weekend will cost the tight end a pretty penny.

A league source confirmed to TMZ Sports on Friday that the NFL fined the San Francisco star $13,699. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the NFL dubbed the under-tee that Kittle rocked during the Sunday Night Football blowout as "abusive language."

The league has not yet publicly commented on the punishment.

Of course, Kittle can certainly afford the fine ... he's in the middle of a five-year, $75 million deal. Although based on the interviews he's done this week regarding the shirt, it seems he wouldn't have cared either way.

The 30-year-old told reporters on Thursday it was "100 percent" worth it ... adding, "I'd do it again."

Here's a sight Jets fans are going to love ... Aaron Rodgers walking without crutches -- just three weeks after tearing his Achilles!!!

New York's "All-Access" team captured the images back on Oct. 1 ... when Rodgers was visiting his squad at MetLife Stadium as it prepared to take on the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football.

The superstar quarterback -- wearing jeans, a T-shirt and athletic shoes -- strolled into the locker room without the aid of crutches ... and when one team official urged him to be careful on his surgically repaired leg, he told the guy to "chill out."

"Let me just do my thing, OK!?" the four-time MVP said while moving with a limp. "Just show 'em I can walk."

Rodgers then posted up near his locker -- joking with others in the area -- before he showed once again he could saunter around without crutches.

It's all a great scene for Gang Green ... as Rodgers has said he's actually hoping to make his return to the gridiron this season.

Of course, it takes most about a year to get officially healthy from Achilles tears ... but the QB told Pat McAfee days after he first injured the leg that he was hoping his doubters would fuel him into a quicker recovery time.

"Give me the timetables," he said to McAfee. "Give me all the things that you think can, should, or will happen because all I need is that one little extra percent of inspiration. That's all I need."

Ex-NFL player Sergio Brown -- who's accused of murdering his mother -- fought Mexican cops in a wild meltdown on a plane over the weekend as they were trying to extradite him to the U.S. ... new video shows.

The footage was filmed by Michelle Williams, a California resident, who told CBS 8 the incident went down on an Aeromexico plane still on the tarmac in the Mexico City airport. Williams said the plane was slated to go to Tijuana.

In the clip, you can see Brown appeared to be extremely agitated as two law enforcement officers were trying to hold him down in his seat so they could start the process of getting him back to the States after a warrant for his arrest was issued in Illinois.

Brown complained repeatedly that he was being kidnapped -- and at one point, he got physical with one of the cops.

Brown can be seen in the video pushing the man ... before the officer's partner restrained the former Buffalo Bills defensive back from behind. Still, 35-year-old Brown screamed and wiggled.

"Let me go!" he yelled. "This is kidnapping! Cameras, please! Kidnapping!"

The struggle lasted several more seconds -- and after Brown appeared to lurch backward and hit his head on the top of the plane ... a woman who said she was a doctor stepped in to try to calm him down.

They shared an exchange of words ... before the video cuts out.

Despite the chaotic scene, Brown was ultimately moved to the U.S. ... and booked into a San Diego jail on Tuesday. On Wednesday, cops revealed he was taken in on a warrant for first-degree murder in the death of his mom, Myrtle Brown, who was found deceased with apparent assault injuries last month.

Brown -- who played in the NFL from 2010 to 2016 -- had been in Mexico in the days following the 73-year-old's death ... partying and drinking with clubgoers in Tulum as if nothing was wrong.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are clearly goin' strong ... we've learned the 2 will be spending the entire weekend together after both scored some massive wins this week.

Multiple sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ ... Taylor and Travis will be together this upcoming weekend -- Travis and the Chiefs played Thursday night, so he's got time off.

It's unclear if they'll stay in Kansas City for their time together, or if they'll jet out of town ... but with Travis now off the clock until early next week and Taylor not taking the stage until November 9 in Argentina, the lovebirds can go just about anywhere they want.

As we reported, Taylor showed up once again at Arrowhead Stadium Thursday night to cheer him on while sitting next to his mom, Donna Kelce -- who was donning a friendship bracelet, made popular at Taylor's concerts!

Don't forget, Taylor was in L.A. the night before for the world premiere of her 'Eras Tour' film, which is now officially in theaters -- hey, maybe Taylor and Travis will go catch the flick during their weekend getaway!

Regardless, they've been seen together quite a bit in the past few weeks -- apart from the viral video of them leaving Travis' game last month, the 2 were also spotted getting close at a local bar, with her arm wrapped around him.

Drake's wallet will be a whole lot fatter if Logan Paul eviscerates Dillon Danis on Saturday ... 'cause the rapper just placed a massive, $850,000 bet on the WWE superstar to score a knockout victory!!!

The "God's Plan" crooner put down the money on The Maverick on Thursday ... revealing he'll get back $1.35 MILLION if Paul comes through.

Drake said he's backing Paul because of all of the trolling Danis has done in the leadup to their much-anticipated boxing match -- which has included a slew of digs at Paul's fiancée, Nina Agdal.

"Never bet against personal vendetta and settling scores," he said of the wager on his Instagram page.

Paul was clearly happy to have Drake in his corner ... he tweeted in response to the bet, "Easy money."

Danis, meanwhile, was pretty pissed, writing in a statement of his own, "850 on my head is disrespect."

It all, of course, nearly didn't happen ... as on Thursday morning, Danis threw a microphone at Paul that opened up a gash near the YouTuber's right eye. Fortunately for fans of the fight, Paul said it didn't do too much damage, and the match is still on.

David Njoku's face was badly burned in the fire pit accident, but things could've been way worse ... the Browns star says his eyes were open when the fireball burned his face, and he could've lost his eyesight.

“I give all the glory to God. When it happened my eyes were open, so I saw everything and I really should’ve been blinded,” Njoku told reporters, adding ... "Luckily I'm not, so I give all glory to God."

Of course, the 27-year-old, former first-round draft pick stamped his status as one of the toughest dudes around when he played the week 4 game against the Ravens just days after the incident, somehow wearing a helmet over the burned area.

“All the pain and suffering from training in the offseason is far worse than any of this,” Njoku said.

The Browns lost handily to Baltimore, 28-3, but David was a bright spot, catching 6 passes for 46 yards ... despite the burns.

Initially, Njoku didn't reveal the injury. In fact, he walked in and out of the locker room with a mask that covered his whole face.

Then, earlier this week, David shared a photo from shortly after the incident, in addition to a photo showing the burns healing, albeit slowly.

As for how he's feeling now ... how's this for good news?

Offset's long-awaited album "Set It Off" has finally dropped … and he celebrated with a club bash blowout featuring Cardi B as the ultimate hype woman!!!

TMZ Hip Hop obtained footage from inside Offset’s album release party Thursday night at Poppy in West Hollywood. Cardi got the crowd amped as she dished out tequila shots.

However, Cardi wasn't about to let fans drink on an empty stomach … passing out heaping helpings of Shake Shack for the crowd. Cardi was definitely having a good time, at one point spilling some of the drink all over herself.

R&B star Mario was also in the building, and Bronny James was spotted soaking up the album.

Cardi told fans she's a big fan of the Don Toliver-featured track “Worth It,” and we’re told that will be the album’s next single ... always good to keep wifey happy.

Outside the club, the raunchy couple turned up to their “Freaky” duet — Cardi’s second "Set It Off" album contribution in addition to the previously released “Jealousy.”

Steve Smith Sr. went all the way in on Jerry Jeudy before Thursday Night Football ... calling the Broncos wide receiver average in front of millions of people!

Smith, a retired, 5x Pro Bowler, revealed he was involved in a pregame incident with 24-year-old Jeudy ... as the receivers came face-to-face, and it didn't exactly go smoothly.

“The word that I’ve used to describe him in the past was a J.A.G. -- Just A Guy. When I saw him, he’s playing well. I wanted to say to him face-to-face, ‘Hey, I know I said some things in the past I probably shouldn’t have and 'I’m sorry.’ That’s what I wanted to say to him. His response was, Ninja, I don’t mess with you. And, it was a curse word. So I was like, ‘All right.’ And, then he repeated it,” Smith told the NFL Network audience.

That's when the gloves came off.

"I'm sorry I said you were a JAG, 'Just A Guy' who is an average wide receiver [the Broncos] used a first-round pick on that isn't doing anything. I hope today you actually show up in a way that you haven't shown up in the last couple years since they drafted you."

Steve continued ... "So if you ever got a problem with Agent 89, I'm sorry for saying that you are an average wide receiver that they will eventually move on from. When teams call me to ask if they should trade for you, I will say 'No, don't trade for Jerry Jeudy because he is mentally unable to handle constructive criticism who watch specifically if you can be a wide receiver. He's a tier three."

Remember, this was all before the game even started.

A severe beating could be in Cristiano Ronaldo's future ... and it's reportedly all because he hugged and kissed a female painter in Iran last month.

Here's the deal ... Ronaldo was in the country to play in Al-Nassr's Asian Champions League game against Persepolis on Sept. 19 -- but before the match happened, he was greeted by several fans who showered him with gifts.

One of them included painter Fatima Hamimi, who creates art with her feet due to a disability.

She handed over two ultra-realistic drawings of the 38-year-old ... and as a thank you, Ronaldo embraced her and gave her a peck on the forehead.

It all seemed quite innocuous, but according to multiple reports in Iran, Ronaldo is now in hot water over it all -- because in the country, it's reportedly considered adultery to touch another woman while in a relationship. The soccer player, of course, has been in a longtime partnership with Georgina Rodriguez.

Multiple outlets reported this week that Ronaldo's actually been sentenced to 99 lashes over it all. However, at least one report said he can escape the punishment if he shows remorse for his actions.

Ronaldo is not currently slated to return to Iran for an Al-Nassr game again ... although one could be scheduled at a later date if the team makes it to the knockout stages of the Asian Champions League tournament.

Taylor Swift has a new BFF in Brittany Mahomes while watching BF Travis Kelce's NFL games -- and there's video to prove it!!

The pop star came out to see her favorite tight end, Travis, and his Kansas City Chiefs trounce the Denver Broncos 19-8 at Arrowhead Stadium Thursday night.

It was Taylor's THIRD time showing up at one of Travis' games -- and she made the most of it with buddy Brittany -- KC quarterback Patrick Mahomes' wife -- at her side in their comfy suite.

Check out this video posted on X ... Taylor and Brittany just go wild, cracking big smiles while embracing in a huge hug after Travis caught a pass during one of the plays in the second quarter.

Of course, Taylor had her other game day BFF, Travis' mom, Donna, right there beside her, too.

Taylor even gave one of her famous friendship bracelets to Donna, who was proudly wearing it around her wrist all night.

It seems the whole trio -- Taylor, Brittany and Donna -- are thick as thieves these days. Taylor was also spotted striking up a convo with Travis' dad, Ed.

As you know, Taylor and Travis have been acting like a couple over the past few months. Taylor has been popping up at Travis' games and hanging out with him in public and private.

Right now, everyone is one big happy family!!

Do you think the Taylor Swift and Brittany Mahomes friendship is the real deal? Vote below.

Soccer superstar Neymar nearly got into a fight with fans after his game Thursday night ... and it's all 'cause one of them drilled him in the head with a bag of popcorn.

The wild moment happened following Brazil's 1-1 draw with Venezuela at Arena Pantanal in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.

As Neymar was leaving the pitch a bit disappointed -- Brazil and its fans had anticipated a win -- a white bag full of the salty snack came flying from the stands ... and knocked him right in the noggin.

While it, of course, didn't do any physical damage to the 31-year-old athlete ... he was livid nonetheless, and appeared to try to go after the person who hurled it at his face.

Fortunately, Neymar's teammates held him back ... and pulled him into the locker room before things could escalate any further.

Afterward, Brazil's coach, Fernando Diniz, blasted the fan for the act.

"I completely disapprove," Diniz said. "Cursing and booing is fine. Throwing a bag of popcorn doesn't do anything for anyone."

"It's disrespectful towards those who came to play and tried to do the best they could."

6:08 PM PT -- Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's mom, Donna, look thick as thieves ... because Taylor gave Donna one of her famous friendship bracelets.

Pretty ingenious way to get in tight with the family, right?!?

5:00 PM PT -- Taylor Swift is watching the game from Travis Kelce's suite ... sitting next to his mom, Donna.

It's the same suite Taylor was in the first time she watched Travis and the Chiefs play ... so we'll see if she's a good luck charm again, and it seems she's cool with Travis' mom, which is always important.

Taylor Swift is officially in the building, ready to watch Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs in person for the third time in four weeks.

Swift just walked into Arrowhead Stadium, where Travis and company are set to take on Russell Wilson and the Denver Broncos. Taylor walked through security with a giant smile on her face while wearing a red Chiefs jacket.

Taylor's had a wild 24 hours ... shutting down The Grove shopping center in Los Angeles Wednesday for the premiere of her "Eras Tour" movie.

Taylor posed for pics, chatted with fans and even spent some time with Beyoncé at the premiere. She hopped on a jet out of L.A. and arrived in Kansas City just a few hours ago for the big game.

As we reported, Travis' status was previously "questionable" for the game, as he was battling an ankle injury ... but he's officially gotten the green light.

Taylor previously attended Travis' Week 3 matchup against the Chicago Bears, then followed the team to New Jersey to watch them play the Jets in Week 4. She skipped out last weekend when the team was in Minnesota.

While Taylor and Kelce have been relatively quiet on their relationship status, we've heard from sources the two had been hanging out for months before she attended his first game.

We should note ... the Chiefs haven't lost since Taylor was first in attendance, so we'll see how this one plays out.