TMZ Sports - Page 50

The Utah Jazz have stopped selling a shirt that prominently features Michael Jordan's "Jumpman" logo ... this after fans complained the imagery brought up some painful memories for them.

The tee showed Jordan's famed silhouette jumping over Jazz lettering ... something Utah backers seriously frowned upon, given everything MJ did to them during his time with the Bulls.

You'll recall, while starring for Chicago in the 1990s, he beat the Jazz regularly ... including twice in NBA Finals matchups.

So, when some supporters saw the grey shirt being sold in the team's store -- they complained relentlessly -- and, according to Salt Lake Tribune reporter Andy Larsen, the Jazz ended up pulling the item quickly over the backlash.

As for how the shirt came about in the first place, following the NBA's partnership with Jordan Brand years ago ... teams all over the league -- not just the Jazz -- began rolling out the generic design with the "Jumpman" logo on them.

The Chargers fan who blew up on social media for displaying a roller coaster of emotions during "Monday Night Football" is putting all speculation to rest ... adamantly denying she was a paid actress or AI bot -- she's just that crazy about her team!!

Merrianne Do achieved overnight fame for her animated expressions while supporting Justin Herbert and the Chargers during their 20-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys at SoFi Stadium ... and many were quick to accuse her of being planted by the team or league for manufactured clout.

TMZ Sports spoke with the internet's newest celebrity ... and she says the truth is, she's your average fanatic who's super passionate about her squad.

"I wish I was being paid," Do tells us. "If [the skeptics] only knew this is how I am every day. My kids are like, 'Mommy this is how you are at my flag football game, why do they think you're getting paid?' I'm like. 'I know, but they don't know me.'"

As it turns out, it's true -- Do and her husband are truly diehard Charger fans -- the two have season tickets in the second row ... and if they aren't sittin' there, they're posted up in the cabana suites.

"We are diehard fans," she says. "It's always been like this. People that know me know that I've been this crazy football fan all my life."

The internet sleuths have been quick to try and poke holes in Do's explanation ... even posting pics of her in Minnesota Vikings gear -- but she has a reason for that, too.

"I grew up in Minnesota before moving to California almost 20 years ago," Do says. "I don't think you have to be a single-team fan. I love my Chargers and I'm not gonna deny my Vikings. At the end of the day, yes, I've been a Vikings fan, I've been through that journey as a Vikings fan and still am, but I'm here in LA for the past 20 years."

Long story short, Do didn't get a cent for her viral moment ... but knowing how internet fame works, that could all change.

"To anybody that thinks this is paid, I am not paid, I'm still eating my ramen noodles."

Kim Zolciak is finally responding to Kroy Biermann's divorce filing, and she has some demands of her own ... including primary physical custody of their kids.

The 'RHOA' star filed her counterclaim in court, obtained by TMZ, and she makes no bones about who their 4 children should live with going forward. Kim is asking a judge to grant her primary physical custody of the kids -- but says legal custody should be shared between Kroy and herself.

Kim doesn't get into details about why she deserves to have her children with her full-time ... the only thing she points out in her docs is that she's "a loving, fit and proper parent." She does say Kroy should be granted "liberal visitation" with the kiddos.

Kim also says she's dependent on Kroy for support and maintenance -- which is why she's asking the judge to grant her temporary and permanent alimony, on top of child support.

Keep in mind, this flies in the face of what Kroy asked for in his most recent divorce filing ... where he asked for sole physical AND legal custody -- plus child support, alimony, etc.

In terms of their shared property and assets ... Kim's asking the court to equitably divvy that all up. She also points out they have their Georgia mansion together. As we previously reported, they just listed it on the market for a cool $6 million.

Canelo Alvarez still doesn't consider Conor McGregor a legitimate threat in the boxing ring ... doubling down and saying he can whoop the UFC superstar with just one hand!

The undisputed super middleweight champion's proclamation came shortly after the Notorious name-dropped him yet again on Tuesday ... when Conor claimed he fared far better in his fight against Floyd Mayweather than Canelo did in his own matchup with TBE.

"One of the greatest performances in Professional Boxing this was," McGregor said of footage of the Floyd vs. Canelo footage. "I landed more shots on Floyd than Canelo. I’d love another go."

FYI, McGregor landed 111 shots on Mayweather in 2017. Canelo, however, landed 117 -- 31% power punches -- during his fight with Floyd in 2013.

The 60-2-2 boxer caught the sneak diss in Conor's pitch to Floyd ... and clapped back with his own shot.

"I just need one hand with you," Alvarez said, "and I don’t need to throw so many punches 🤣."

This isn't the first time Canelo has promised a victorious one-handed victory over McGregor ... he made a similar statement after Conor said he'd fight him back in May.

"I saw [John] Ryder, I’m a southpaw, Ryder was a southpaw, Billy Joe [Saunders] was a southpaw, I’ve seen methods, I’ve seen things I’d do," McGregor said.

"I know he’s waning, I’d fight Canelo no f***ing problem. Out straight. No problem."

Of course, the betting odds would be in favor of Alvarez in a fight -- he just retained his belts against Jermell Charlo last month, while McGregor hasn't had any action since he broke his leg against Dustin Poirier in July 2021.

Days after sending his private jet to Israel to deliver thousands of pounds of supplies, Floyd Mayweather spent time on a video call with some of the IDF special forces soldiers who received some of the goods.

Mayweather, from Los Angeles, spoke to the Israeli Defense Force's Yahalom Unit -- a special forces anti-terrorism unit -- on Monday, and gave the soldiers a bit of an inspirational pep talk ... as they fight for their country.

"We only want peace in Israel. Thank you for standing up for your country," Floyd told the soldiers, who were wearing custom TMT x Israel hats, along with their IDF uniforms, weapons slung, and faces covered to protect their identity.

We're told the call lasted several minutes.

We broke the story ... Floyd's "Air Mayweather" jet delivered over 5,000 lbs. of supplies on Saturday, and judging by the video, at least some of the items have been doled out, and the unit was clearly grateful.

"Floyd, how are you doing? We are here from the special forces unit, Yahalom. We want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts during those dark times and thank you very much. We love you," one of the soldiers told Mayweather.

Mayweather also attended a pro-Israeli march in Century City on Sunday ... where he walked shoulder-to-shoulder with thousands of supporters. He's also posted support for Israel on social media on multiple occasions.

Mayweather's video call was set up by his friend Jona Rechnitz and philanthropist Nachman Rosenberg.

Cowboys and Chargers players weren't the only ones throwing hands at Monday night's game -- their fans were too ... getting in a wild brawl in a concourse.

Around a dozen people clad in Los Angeles and Dallas jerseys were seen trying to beat the hell out of each other while at SoFi Stadium for the much-anticipated "Monday Night Football" contest.

It's unclear why the fight started ... but check out videos from the scene, both women and men were involved in the skirmish -- throwing punches left and right.

It didn't all seem to be Dallas vs. L.A., either ... as some Chargers supporters appeared to go at it with each other during the fracas as well.

Security ultimately got involved and looked like they mercifully restored order ... though no word if any arrests were made.

Of course, it was hardly the first tilt of the night ... as Cowboys pass rusher Dante Fowler got into it with Chargers star Austin Ekeler before the game, nearly causing an all-out melee on the field.

Dillon Danis apparently got paid a pretty penny to get his ass whooped by Logan Paul ... saying this week he made over $1 MILLION for the one-sided boxing match.

Danis revealed the figure while on "Piers Morgan Uncensored" just days after Paul beat him in Manchester ... saying emphatically that was his cut for the tilt.

Dillon had previously told Paul he could have the entire check if the WWE Superstar won the fight ... but he walked that all back while chatting with Morgan.

"We never shook hands," the 30-year-old MMA fighter said.

Danis then explained he thinks there's actually a way he'll be eventually dubbed the winner ... saying because Logan attempted to punch him while on the ground during the match, he should be awarded the victory.

"I might be the winner," he said.

Of course, Danis was anything but victorious during their bout at AO Arena ... losing every round, before getting disqualified in the sixth.

Terrell Owens was hit by a car on Monday night ... and it's all because he got into a tiff with someone during a pickup basketball game earlier in the evening ... this according to cops.

Law enforcement tells TMZ Sports ... Owens had been hooping in the Calabasas area when he apparently got into an argument with someone else on the court.

We're told following the game, the man who had been beefing with the NFL legend got into a car ... and drove the vehicle right into the former wide receiver's knee.

Thankfully, cops say Owens did not require medical attention.

Law enforcement says officers took a report for assault with a deadly weapon ... though no arrests have been made. An investigation remains ongoing.

Owens, of course, has been involved in several, similar bizarre incidents since his retirement ... back in 2022, he got into a wild argument with a female neighbor that actually led to criminal charges for the woman.

Then, later that year, he was involved in a fistfight with a heckler outside of a CVS.

The golf world is mourning the death of Ivor Robson -- better known as the "Voice of The Open" -- including Tiger Woods who thanked the icon for making each Open Championship "so memorable."

The Open released a statement on Tuesday announcing the death of Robson at 83.

Tiger paid tribute once the sad news broke, writing, "Thank you Ivor for making each one of my Open starts so memorable," Woods said on X.

Other golfers honored Robson, as well. Thomas Bjorn called him "a real legend in our world who will be deeply missed" and Paul McGinley described him as "the most famous & popular first tee starter golfer has ever had."

McGinley added ... "His legacy will be that iconic and quintessential British voice of his."

Robson began his career at The Open in 1975 ... and was one of the most admired announcers in sports until his retirement in 2015 after 41 Championships.

In fact, Robson, who established the famous "On the tee" introduction, was known to not even take bathroom breaks during the Championships.

Martin Slumbers, CEO of The R&A (Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews), expressed sadness over Robson's passing.

"He was popular and well respected among all golfers who played in The Open and I know that they will share in our sadness at this news," Slumbers said.

"On behalf of all of us at The R&A, I would like to convey our heartfelt condolences to his wife of 61 years, Lesley, and the Robson family."

In 2015, when Ivor called his last Open Championship, he said ... "It has been a wonderful career. It's been a great honor," Robson said at his final announcement. The way I have been treated by players, officials, sponsors ... thank you all very much."

Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are taking their on-field chemistry to a completely new sport -- the Kansas City Chiefs superstars are teaming up as investors in the Alpine Formula One team ... part of a massive, $210 million investment!!

Otro Capital announced a star-studded list of sports superstars that are joining its partnership with Alpine on Tuesday ... which includes the pair of two-time Super Bowl winners, golfer Rory McIlroy, boxer Anthony Joshua and soccer players Trent Alexander-Arnold and Juan Mata.

Otro said it hopes the addition of popular athletes from all different parts of the sports world will bring new fans to Alpine ... and help in areas like media, tickets and merch.

Mahomes spoke about the business move ... saying, "I've always had a passion for all sports. The opportunity to lead an investor group with Travis in Alpine F1 alongside Otro Capital was one I couldn’t pass up."

"It's an exciting time for the sport and this is an opportunity to bring our shared values to the world stage. I’m looking forward to being a part of its growth."

Kelce added ... "I am thrilled to lead an investor group and join forces with Patrick and the team at Otro Capital on this exciting venture with Alpine F1. Our shared passion for excellence and innovation forms the cornerstone of this partnership."

"It’s about being able to contribute to a sport that demands precision, teamwork, and relentless pursuit of success. I am looking forward to this new chapter and can’t wait to see what we achieve together."

Alpine -- which also has financial backing from actors Ryan Reynolds, Michael B. Jordan and Rob McElhenney through Maximum Effort Investments -- is currently sixth in the constructor standings thanks to drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly ... so it'll be interesting to see if the Chiefs duo's success can rub off on them.

Lance Bass is not the Swifties' lord and savior -- something he made abundantly clear at Monday night's Chargers game ... in hilarious fashion, no less.

The *NSYNC star was among a handful of stars at SoFi stadium during MNF -- and as the broadcast was going and cutting to different people in the crowd ... they eventually landed on LB, who was sitting in a private suite with his crew.

It looks like he was ready for the close-up ... because he had a sign propped up when they eventually panned to him, and it read "NOT TAYLOR SWIFT." He was smiling and waving -- and everyone seemed to get a kick out of it ... including fellow patrons.

It's just the latest joke someone has cracked at the expense of the NFL ... and Taylor, too, if we're being honest. There's been wall-to-wall coverage of her relationship with Travis Kelce -- which has reached a fever pitch whenever she's shown up to one of his games in person.

Mind you ... she's attended 3 football games so far, and they've all been super high-profile.

There was Taylor's initial appearance in Kansas City, which was totally surreal -- but her 2nd outing in New Jersey (with a bunch of famous pals in tow) might've been just as crazy.

She ended up skipping Travis' third game -- when he and the Chiefs went to Minnesota to play the Vikings -- but she showed face yet again just last Thursday ... when she popped up in K.C. for his game against Russell Wilson and the Broncos.

For all of them, Taylor's been seen cheering and rooting ... and there's been a lot of camera time focused on her -- to the chagrin of a lot of football fans, as we've come to learn.

There must've been a "no girls allowed" rule between the Kelce brothers at the Philadelphia Phillies game on Monday ... 'cause Travis and Jason were spotted enjoying the playoff matchup together -- and Taylor Swift was M.I.A.

The two NFL superstars hit up Citizens Bank Park for Game 1 of the NLCS against the Arizona Diamondbacks ... and the crowd was certainly happy to see them -- erupting in cheers as the bros were shown on the scoreboard in the middle of the contest.

Even though the pop singer was nowhere to be found, her presence was still felt -- as her songs were played over the sound system multiple times throughout the night.

Of course, it's not too crazy for the Phillies to show love for T-Swift -- after all, she is a Pennsylvania native ... and has previously professed her allegiance to Jason's Eagles.

Speaking of Jason -- who's beloved in the city amid a Hall of Fame career with the Birds -- he also stole the show when he chugged a beer, much to Travis' delight.

Travis' appearance at the game comes on the heels of his romantic weekend with Swift -- as we previously reported, the couple was inseparable in NYC ... including two date nights and attending "Saturday Night Live."

Taylor has since returned to the west coast ... but Travis decided to hang back for a bit longer.

Don't sweat it, Swifties ... just 'cause Taylor wasn't there with her new man doesn't really mean much -- Jason's wife, Kylie, wasn't there either ... so we take it the guys just wanted to bro out for the night.

Michael Jordan got the red carpet rolled out for him at Usher's show over the weekend ... getting prime seats, a shoutout during the concert -- and even a sexy dance from Tiffany Haddish!!!

His Airness pulled up to the "Let It Burn" crooner's performance at Park MGM in Las Vegas on Saturday ... and almost immediately, king treatment commenced.

Jordan, his wife and a couple other friends were walked to some chairs in a VIP area that seemed to feature bottle service.

Then, as Usher was singing, Haddish cruised over to Jordan's group to give the NBA legend a show of her own ... gyrating in front of the former Chicago Bulls star -- while he clapped and laughed.

Usher himself then made sure Jordan felt special in the audience ... pausing his whole act to acknowledge that the hooper was in attendance.

"We love you, Mike," he screamed as everyone went crazy.

Of course, the conduct toward MJ shouldn't surprise anyone ... after all, he's the NBA's G.O.A.T. -- and he and Usher are longtime pals.

In fact, they famously collaborated to make an ultra-rare version of one of Jordan's signature shoes back in 2014 -- kicks that Usher actually broke out during Saturday's show.

"I'm putting them on because I want to be like Mike!" Usher said.

The mother of "The Sandlot" star Marty York shared her concerns online not long before she was murdered ... speaking out about the mental health of her boyfriend -- the man Marty believes killed her.

Marty's mom, Deanna Esmaeel, wrote in a schizophrenia support group on Facebook earlier this month, asking, "Anyone else here have spouse or significant other with schizophrenia .. mine doesn't trust me and accuses me of cheating constantly."

She went on to claim she's been on the receiving end of name-calling and him "becoming physical for no reason" ... referring to her boyfriend, Daniel James Walter.

Deanna also left a comment last week on someone's post, who asked how others deal with the abuse coming from a schizophrenic partner.

She replied, "You will learn to see a pattern in his behavior. When you see the pattern initiate put in earplugs or headphones and turn up the music. Don't listen. Keep smiling."

She told the anonymous asker the abusive reactions weren't reflective of their partner's feelings, adding, "I get mine to smoke pot as cannabis actually stops the episode and redirects it."

TMZ broke the story, Deanna was found dead Thursday inside her home, with the Del Norte County Sheriff's Office -- where she was a deputy -- putting out an alert to help track down Walter.

PD said Walter was a suspect, but officers were only able to locate his car ... although he was later captured in Oregon.

"Happy Gilmore" star Christopher McDonald may have been a bit over-served at the Bills game on Sunday ... 'cause he appeared to be very intoxicated -- stumbling and swaying while inside the stadium's concourse.

Check out this video obtained by TMZ Sports ... the actor -- who played Shooter McGavin in Adam Sandler's blockbuster golf flick -- looked like he could hardly stand during Buffalo's contest with the New York Giants at Highmark Stadium.

In the footage, which was taken at halftime of the game, McDonald can be seen nearly falling down some stairs ... before two men helped save him from a face plant.

He was also spotted in the clip needing some further assistance from the guys as he wobbled back to his seat -- all while several people yelled "Shooter!" at him.

One witness at the game tells us McDonald -- a diehard Bills supporter -- was then seen inside of a suite getting water from pals.

We've reached out to a rep for McDonald for comment, but so far, no word back yet.

Rey Mysterio heard Logan Paul call him out after beating up Dillon Danis on Saturday ... and now the WWE Superstar is intent on making the YouTuber-turned-fighter pay in front of the world!

TMZ Sports ran into Rey Monday afternoon in NYC (he's hard to miss with the luchador mask!) ... and we had to ask him about Paul's in-ring trash talk.

"I'm looking to shut him up in a way," 48-year-old Mysterio told us without hesitation.

"He said he has his eyesight on something and someone, it's me and the U.S. title. So let's go! I've only been doing this for 34 years. I don't think he was even born before that happened."

Of course, after 28-year-old Logan beat Danis, he called out the pro wrestling legend ... "Rey Mysterio, I already beat you once, brother, and I'm coming for that U.S. Championship. Let's go!"

FYI, Mysterio has been the United States Champion since mid-August.

Rey and Logan have some history. In fact, Paul and The Miz defeated Mysterio and his son Dominik at WrestleMania 38 in 2022.

Thankfully, it doesn't sound like we're going to have to wait long until the men are back in the squared circle together.

"I'm hoping to see [Logan] there this Friday [on SmackDown]," Mysterio told us, adding, "I don't know if it'll go down right then and there [on SmackDown], but we will plan a date."

Despite the bad blood, even Rey couldn't help but admit Logan's pretty awesome in the ring.

"I have seen his growth inside the ring and he picks up very fast," Mysterio said, adding, "He's good. I'm not gonna lie. But I don't think he's better than Rey Mysterio."