TMZ Sports - Page 9

Burt Young -- best known for his role as Paulie in the "Rocky" film franchise -- has died.

The Oscar-nominated actor passed away in Los Angeles on October 8. A cause of death was not disclosed.

His manager told TMZ, “Burt was an actor of tremendous emotional range. He could make you cry and he could scare you to death."

Young appeared in dozens of movies and TV shows during his decades-long career. Some of his most notable flicks included "Chinatown," "Once Upon a Time in America," "Back to School" and "The Pope of Greenwich Village."

He also landed parts in 2 hit TV programs, "M*A*S*H" and "Baretta."

But, Young will always be remembered most for playing Paulie, the rough and tumble brother-in-law of Sylvester Stallone's Rocky Balboa.

They starred together in each of the five "Rocky" movies from 1976 to 1990, as well as the final one in the series, "Rocky Balboa," in 2006.

Young received an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Paulie in 1976, but lost to Jason Robards as Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee in "All The President's Men."

Young was 83.

Sophia Bush is in a new relationship, but she's in no rush to talk about it ... staying quiet about things with recently divorced USWNT star Ashlyn Harris.

Sophia touched down at LAX Wednesday, just one day after news broke she and Harris were a new item. Sophia wasn't in the mood to talk -- avoiding answering about how she and Ashlyn met or what it's been like to get support from her estranged husband, Grant Hughes.

As we reported, Grant's been nothing but supportive of Sophia's new relationship -- just two months after Sophia filed for divorce.

In a statement to TMZ, a rep for Grant tells us, "Grant will always want the best for Sophia, and is supportive of all that makes her happy and fulfilled."

Sophia's not the only one who recently got divorced, Ashlyn and her wife Ali Krieger filed for divorce just last month after 4 years together ... they've got two young kids together.

Mary Lou Retton has suffered a "scary setback" this week in her battle with a rare form of pneumonia ... and she now remains in the ICU fighting for her life.

The Olympic legend's daughter, Shayla, provided the concerning update in a video on her social media page Wednesday evening ... saying Retton had been showing signs of improvement prior to the turn.

"Basically, at the beginning of this week," Shayla said, "we were going on the up-and-up. We were so excited. Seeing so much progress. And then yesterday, we had a pretty scary setback. She is still in ICU."

Thankfully, there is at least a bit of positive news ... Shayla said Retton had a much better day Wednesday, though the 55-year-old former gymnast is clearly nowhere near out of the woods yet.

"We're just working through some things as far as her setback goes," Shayla said.

Retton has been in the ICU since earlier this month ... though plenty have sent prayers her way in the hopes she improves. So far, over 8,000 donors have given more than $450,000 to a SpotFund created on her behalf ... something Shayla said she's super grateful for.

Alex Volkanovski was literally holding his adorable newborn Reign when he got the call -- Charles Oliveira was out and Islam Makhachev needed an opponent -- and the 145 lb. champ almost instantly knew it was time for daddy to go to work!

Volkanovski joined Michael Babcock on the "TMZ Sports" TV show (airs daily on FS1) on Wednesday ... where Alex "The Great" talked about the phone call he received late last week from his manager.

"I think I might've had Reign, my newest addition to my family, my newborn Reign," Alex said ... "I might've been holding her, and [my manager] gets on the phone and says, 'Mate, you wouldn't believe it.' And I'm like, 'What's up?' Did not cross my mind one bit. I'm thinking it's for something else. He goes, 'It's looking like Charles isn't going to make it and they need someone.'"

Volkanovski was obviously shocked ... and after conferring with his coach, Joe Lopez, and wife Emma, the decision was clear -- we've got a fight in less than two weeks, and it's going down halfway across the world.

Of course, Makhachev was originally scheduled to fight Oliveira -- a rematch of UFC 280 (Islam won by 2nd round submission).

In some ways, Volkanovski, who lost by unanimous decision to Islam in February (although many people think he actually won), believes the lack of a training camp could actually be beneficial.

"I'm feeling good. I'm excited. That's one thing that I've taken out of all this whole thing, obviously, it's crazy. But man, it's gonna be fun. I don't think I've ever been this excited for a fight.

"Obviously you get excited, but you go through camp, and camp can be exhausting. Mentally and physically exhausting thinking about the fight the whole time. Now I don't have time for that. As soon as I heard about it I had a smile on my face and it hasn't gone away even until now."

Patrick Mahomes ain't satisfied with a baseball, soccer, pickleball and F1 team -- the Kansas City Chiefs superstar just revealed he wants a stake in an NFL organization when he retires.

The two-time Super Bowl champ made his intentions known in a press conference with reporters on Wednesday ... just one day after it was announced he invested in the Formula One Alpine racing squad.

"I think Tom [Brady] is trying to do it right now, but that's definitely where you want to get to," Mahomes said. "I love this sport and want to give back in any way possible. When I'm done playing, obviously I'll be a Chiefs fan, but at the same time I want to have that competitive edge I've always had my entire life."

Of course, 28-year-old Mahomes will have to wait until he hangs his helmet up for good before he can hop on board with NFL ownership ... as the league's current rules prohibit active players from having a piece of any organization.

While he waits, Patrick says he's looking at all opportunities to expand his portfolio ... but he's already had a great start -- investing in the Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Current, just to name a few.

"I'm always looking around," Mahomes added. "I can't do it in the NFL while I'm playing, so I'm always looking around at other sports. It's hard to get in all sports, NBA, and all that different type of stuff, but I'm always keeping my ears open. If they give me the opportunity, I'm going to jump at it."

It's been over a month since Max Scherzer has thrown for the Rangers, but ALCS announcer Joe Davis says the Astros still better be wary of the ace ... telling TMZ Sports the guy could turn into "a psycho" in Game 3 on Wednesday night.

"I mean this in the best way I could," Davis said of the term with a smile, hours before Texas and Houston kick-off.

"I wouldn't be shocked if he found a way to go five innings and they couldn't touch him."

Of course, Davis says he could see things going the other way for the 39-year-old too ... as Scherzer's been away from the mound for such a lengthy period of time while trying to get his shoulder healthy.

"I think it's the most fascinating storyline of this series," Davis said. "What are they going to get from Scherzer?"

If last week's ALDS celebration showed anything, it's that Scherzer will be fired up to take the bump Wednesday night regardless ... particularly with the Rangers already up 2-0 in the series.

The chiropractor to a ton of Hollywood stars -- ranging from the Kardashians to Logan Paul and Kevin Hart -- won't be providing services any time soon ... cuz he's now behind bars.

Dr. Patrick Khaziran is famous for appearing on "The Kardashians" and working with huge names like Jamie Foxx and Diddy ... but he got busted for his role in a fraud scheme with former NBA players and is now locked up at USP Lompoc in California.

Known as "Dr. Pat" to the Kardashians, he's featured on the latest episode of the famous family's Hulu series ... getting high praise from Khloe, who is trying to sell him as the answer to Scott Disick's lingering back problems from a 2022 car accident.

In the episode, Scott and Khloe pay Dr. Pat a visit at his chiropractic office in Los Angeles ... which prosecutors claimed was at the center of a scheme to defraud the NBA's health plan out of millions.

The feds say Dr. Pat created fraudulent invoices former NBA players used to bill the league's healthcare plan for medical services that were never actually provided.

The FBI says Dr. Pat was part of the fraud scheme from at least 2016 to 2019 ... during which the feds say he cost the NBA health plan $1.3 million in losses, pocketing $439K for himself and splitting the rest of the dough with former NBA players.

Dr. Pat, who is also a favorite of current NBA players Tristan Thompson and Justise Winslow, was ultimately convicted ... and in February he was sentenced to 30 months in prison.

A University of Georgia student tragically passed away over the weekend ... after falling 90 feet while rock climbing at a nature facility in Alabama. She was only 18.

Yutong Zhang -- who went by Faye -- was killed around 12 PM on Oct. 14, the Cherokee County Coroner's Office confirmed to AL.com.

Officials rushed to the scene after Zhang fell at the Cherokee Rock Village ... a park featuring boulders that reach 200 feet.

Zhang was a member of the Active Climbing gym in Athens, Georgia ... and the establishment released a statement on the tragedy, mourning her loss.

"Our thoughts are with Faye's family, friends, and the University of Georgia community at this difficult time," the gym said.

"We join them in mourning this profound loss and honoring the vibrancy, passion, and kindness that she brought into our lives."

"Faye, your spirit will forever be a part of our community. Rest in peace."

The university is also saddened by the passing of Zhang, who was in her first year at UGA.

"Our deepest sympathies go out to the student’s family," UGA spokesman Greg Trevor said, "and we will continue to provide counseling and support to members of our community who have been affected by her passing."

Chandler Jones was just released from jail ... and apparently one of his first orders of business was to take a selfie video outside the station.

"Fresh out of jail again," Jones said in the clip. "Ya'll Pray For me."

Chandler Jones has been arrested in Las Vegas again.

The former Raiders star was locked up on Tuesday, according to jail records ... the second time in less than three weeks that police have placed the football player into custody.

Records show he was booked on a charge of violating a domestic violence temporary protection order ... and as of Wednesday morning, he remained behind bars.

No further details surrounding the arrest were made immediately available.

Jones was previously arrested for two counts of the same offense on Sept. 29 ... after authorities claimed he went to a woman's home, grabbed some of her items from her backyard, and then appeared to burn the stuff while "completely nude inside of his own backyard."

Jones was released by the Raiders shortly after the initial arrest.

The 33-year-old, however, appeared to be in good spirits following it ... smiling and laughing with artists while at a local tattoo shop in early October.

Antonio Brown coughed up $15,000 toward child support payments following his arrest earlier this month ... and in a video he posted Tuesday, he seemed bitter about the situation.

Brown was locked up on Sunday after he had been accused of ducking payments to his ex, Wiltrice Jackson ... but a short time later, he doled out the $15K necessary to get out of jail.

And, on Tuesday, he shared a video on Instagram showing him singing some Young Jeezy lyrics that seemed to show he was mad at Jackson, the mother of his 15-year-old daughter.

"And I don't wanna tell my child that his moms ain't s***," he belted out while holding what appeared to be a receipt for the child support payment and a large wad of cash. "And this ain't about me, she just a money hungry bitch."

Jackson told TMZ Sports just last week that she was upset with Brown for not paying child support for their daughter ... claiming he owed her nearly $31,000.

"I do want him arrested," she said. "Because, right now, he's making a mockery out of the judge, out of everything, because he feels like he's untouchable."

4 quarters weren't enough ... Odell Beckham Jr. and Jeffery Simmons went to overtime on Sunday, literally coming to blows after the Ravens-Titans game in London, according to OBJ's teammate Marlon Humphrey.

The beef started during the game ... 26-year-old Simmons tackled Ravens WR Zay Flowers low, and 30-year-old Odell objected, seemingly kneeing Jeffery. That didn't go over well with the DE, who shoved OBJ to the ground, drawing a 15-yard penalty.

After the game, which the Ravens won 24-16, Simmons clearly wasn't over what happened with Odell.

On his show, the Punch Line Podcast with Marlon Humphrey, the 3x Pro Bowler says he was hanging out on the field at Tottenham stadium when he saw the huge, 6'4", 305 lb. defender waiting, helmet on.

A bit strange, but Marlon says he assumed Simmons was waiting for a family member.

Alas, that wasn't the case ... moments later Humphrey heard someone yelling for Ravens' security.

"I turn around, [Beckham Jr. and Simmons] are genuinely like fighting. I am pretty sure Odell is grabbing his facemask," Marlon described.

"They had to be separated and everything. I don't know how this has not [been reported]. I mean, [Simmons] is crazy. He wanted that fade from Odell."

Order was eventually restored ... and the two stars went their separate ways. Probably best for Odell ... who is just 5'11", and weighs under 200 lbs.

Of course, it's not the first time Odell's mixed it up on the football field. Recall the infamous Giants vs. Panthers game back in 2015.

Bella Hadid's new boyfriend is a good old-fashioned cowboy -- and while he's certainly known in his own profession ... the dude isn't nearly as famous as any of her other exes.

35-year-old Adan Banuelos -- who doesn't have his own Wikipedia page -- is an esteemed horse rider and trainer ... known for getting the animals ready for competition/performances. He's been doing this since he was a kid ... coming from a family of horse trainers, who are also accomplished.

What we do know for sure is that he started racking up awards in his industry in the 2010s -- specifically, with the National Cutting Horse Association ... an org he's very familiar with.

Cutting horses essentially boils down to making sure they can herd cattle and participate in other athletic events ... including what you might see at a rodeo. Banuelos himself isn't a rodeo guy, per se, but he's got a rep for being one of the best at preparing horses for that.

As proof, consider AB was inducted into the NCHA Hall of Fame in 2017 ... going on to be named the NCHA's "Leading Open Rider" in 2018, 2020, 2021 and 2022. He's also won the NCHA Open Futurity Champion ... among LOTS of other accolades he has to his name.

In terms of how he makes a living ... it probably goes without saying, he sells his horsey skills and runs his own business. And it sounds like he's been doing quite well for himself ... 'cause the dude actually touts his own net worth on his website -- at least $5 million.

We also know Banuelos lives out there deep in the heart of Texas ... which is where Bella was just spotted hanging out with him in public and showing off major affection too.

Still no word on how exactly these 2 met, but Bella's affinity for horses as an equestrian is no secret ... so, perhaps, she stumbled across him through connections in that world. In any case, Banuelos is on the map now -- and has a bigger profile than he's ever had before this.

Keep in mind, the men Bella has been involved with pre-Adan are big names ... like Marc Kalman, a famous art director, and of course The Weeknd.

Jake Paul and Jutta Leerdam are going stronger than ever after 6 months together ... and the Olympic speed skater celebrated the milestone by posting a touching tribute to the Problem Child.

The 24-year-old Dutch athlete shared the shoutout to her man on TikTok ... showing the lovely couple's highlights over their past half-year -- including bae-cations, hugging, kissing and being silly together.

"6 months ago you asked me to be your girlfriend," Leerdam wrote in the video. "The best time of my life. I feel so blessed with everything you are."

"Thank you for being more than I could ever dream of. For your big heart, for all your love and effort, and for being you. I love you Jakey."

Jake's fans made it clear they love seeing see how happy Jutta makes him ... with one supporter saying in her comments, "You bring out the best in him! He deserves you."

Another said, "This a whole different Jake Paul and I like it."

Remember, Paul confirmed he was dating the 2017 World Junior Champ with an IG post in April ... officially giving love another shot after breaking up with longtime girlfriend Julia Rose.

He's been head over heels for Jutta ever since ... recently saying on his brother Logan's "Impaulsive" podcast she's the "purest soul" he's ever met.

"Pretty f***in' incredible of a woman, and I'm very happy with her. I'm in love," Paul said. "Deeply in love, it's so cool, bro. It's crazy how life works, man."

Russell Wilson may not be winning on the football field, but off it is a different story ... the NFL star and his wife Ciara donated $1 million total to a bunch of organizations around Denver!

Russell and Ciara revealed the amazing contribution on Tuesday ... saying they gave ten different nonprofits in Denver $100k each.

The 9x Pro Bowler and Ciara -- who is pregnant with their third child -- hand over massive checks to "deserving organizations"  ... in partnership with their Why Not You Foundation and Common Spirit Health.

"We are forever grateful for the opportunity to impact our youth!" Wilson said.

"Today, we celebrated 10 deserving organizations which will each receive $100,000 to support their remarkable work in health equity, education, food security, social justice, and support for children and youth."

Of course, the gesture comes days after the Broncos lost a close Thursday Night Football game to the Chiefs, bringing their record to 1-5 record, putting them in last place in the AFC West.

Fans had high expectations when they landed the Super Bowl champ in a trade back in March 2022 ... giving him a 4-year, $245 million extension.

But, the 34-year-old quarterback hasn't been good ... he's 5-16 as the starter, and was sacked 55 times last season, the most in his NFL career. This year hasn't been much better.

However, Broncos' new head coach Sean Payton says the blame shouldn't be entirely on Russ.

"We got to be able to throw it better to win in this league, and that wasn’t directed at one player," Payton said after the TNF loss, "It was directed at all of us on offense."

Despite the struggles in Broncos Country, Wilson hasn't let the on-field struggles slow down his philanthropy.

Travis Kelce was shaking in his boots when Taylor Swift came face-to-face with his dad, Ed, during his Thursday Night Football matchup last week ... admitting he has no idea what the two talked about -- and he's concerned.

The Kansas City Chiefs superstar addressed his pops' recent interaction with his new lady during his "New Heights" podcast with his brother, Jason, on Wednesday ... saying meeting his mom, Donna, is one thing -- but Ed is an entirely different animal.

"If you were watching the game, you saw something momentous happen -- which was Taylor Swift talking to Ed Kelce,'" the Eagles center said.

The two brothers joked about the pairing ... with Jason saying, "He shouldn't be talking to Taylor Swift."

"This is a terrifying conversation," Travis added. "I felt terrible for Taylor."

Jason explained the fear comes from the fact that their dad can be quite the wildcard ... and considering they didn't know what was said, the possibilities are endless.

"Talking to mom, alright that's gonna be fine. If you see dad talking to anyone and you can't hear what's happening, who knows where that conversation is going."

The guys were obviously joking ... with Travis making sure the listeners knew Ed is the "best f***ing dad in the world" -- and claiming that's where Jason gets his iconic storytelling skills.

Terrell Owens is clearly unbothered by being struck by a vehicle following an argument at a basketball game earlier this week ... joking Tuesday that he hopes the man's car "is OK!!!"

Around 24 hours after cops say Owens was hit in the knee by a man's ride after the two had beef during a hoops sesh ... T.O. took to Instagram to let his fans know he's doing just fine.

Owens posted what appeared to be highlights of him playing in the Monday night game that led to the incident ... and then he wrote in the caption, "*hope the car is ok!!!"

He added, "ABOUT LAST NIGHT…BUT I DO HAVE A RIGHT TO PROTECT MYSELF."

In a separate statement to TMZ Sports, Owens said everything's fine with his body following the altercation.

We broke the story ... cops arrived to check on the situation with Owens and the man at around 10 p.m. on Monday night in Calabasas. They took a report for assault with a deadly weapon ... though no arrests have been made yet.