TMZ Sports - Page 50

You're looking at an extremely rare, one-of-a-kind basketball card featuring Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen's autograph ... and an actual piece of their game-worn NBA jerseys.

This is awesome, and it can be yours ... as long as you've got about a quarter milli in the bank.

The 2005-2006 Upper Deck "Exquisite Collection" Logoman card is on the block at Goldin Auctions ... and features the signatures of the Chi-town legends in blue ink.

The back of the card contains a message from Upper Deck's CEO, and reads ... "You have received a Dual game-Used NBA Logo Patch card personally autographed by Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen from the Upper Deck Company."

"On the front of this card are authentic NBA Logo patches from jerseys worn by Michael Jordan in an NBA game and Scottie Pippen as a member of the Portland Trailblazers in an NBA game."

So yeah, pretty special.

How special??

The auction -- which closes Saturday night -- already has 8 bids and sits at $200,000.

If basketball cards aren't your thing (and you happen to be ridiculously wealthy), GA also has a 1909-1911 T206 Honus Wagner card -- the Holy Grail of baseball cards -- with a bid of $960K!!

Soccer fans, rejoice ... Cristiano Ronaldo is free of COVID-19!

The superstar's team, Juventus, made the announcement Friday ... saying the 35-year-old has finally tested negative after contracting the virus nearly three weeks ago.

"Cristiano Ronaldo carried out a check with a diagnostic test (swab) for Covid 19," the team said in a statement. "The exam provided a negative result."

"The player has, therefore, recovered after 19 days and is no longer subjected to home isolation."

It's great news for Juventus ... the squad won just 1 of its 4 games with Ronaldo out -- and lost its highly anticipated matchup with Lionel Messi's Barcelona team on Wednesday.

As we previously reported, it was announced on Oct. 13 that Ronaldo had COVID ... and he had quarantined himself every day since.

Though, based on his isolation pics, it didn't seem THAT difficult ...

Cleveland Browns superstar Odell Beckham says he has a "ton of emotions flowing" through his head following his devastating season-ending injury ... calling the process "really f'n tough."

OBJ went down during the first drive of the Browns' match-up with the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday ... and it was later revealed he tore his ACL.

Now, the 27-year-old is opening up on the news ... saying he can't explain why or how it happened, but will trust the process.

"I just wanna thank you all for checkin on me," Odell said Friday. "this is tough really fkn tough, I really don't have many words right now definitely not the right ones at least."

He continued ... "I couldnt tell u why this happened, this one doesnt make much sense, its not for me to question, but i believe God truly has a plan and is using me for it."

"Ton of emotions flowing.. just takin some ME time, some time to heal."

As we previously reported, Baker Mayfield came to OBJ's defense earlier this week when a reporter asked about critics saying the Browns are BETTER without the receiver ... calling it "completely insensitive."

Others throughout the league -- from teammate Jarvis Landry to Jamal Adams and more -- also showed support for OBJ in the days following the injury.

MLB superstar Yasiel Puig is being sued by a woman accusing him of sexual battery at an NBA game back in 2018, according to court docs obtained by TMZ Sports.

The woman behind the lawsuit is using the pseudonym Jane Roe to protect her identity -- but claims Puig assaulted her at Staples Center on Oct 31, 2018.

In the docs, the woman alleged, "she was forced into a bathroom and Yasiel Puig grabbed at her trying to take her clothes off, touched her sexual organs during this struggle, and eventually pinned her with 1 arm and used his other to stroke his own penis, exposing himself, and eventually ejaculating."

The woman says in her lawsuit, she was "simply heading to use the bathroom" -- and did not go to the restroom with the intention of having a sexual encounter with Puig.

In her lawsuit, the woman does not say whether she went to law enforcement after the alleged incident -- we're digging to find out.

The date of the alleged assault correlates with a Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks game at Staples Center -- and there are pics of Puig sitting courtside at that game.

The woman is suing for sexual battery, assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence and false imprisonment.

The woman does not specify an exact amount she's asking for -- but notes it's more than $50,000.

The accuser's attorney has confirmed with TMZ Sports that the Yasiel Puig mentioned in her lawsuit is in fact the MLB star.

We're reaching out to Puig for comment -- but so far, no word back.

How far will one fan go to support his Philadelphia Eagles??

How about spending his LIFE SAVINGS to come up with the most badass at-home game day setup -- complete with a full bar!!

Die-hard fan Barry "The Hatchet" Vagnoni opened the doors to his incredible Eagles shrine in Reading, PA for the upcoming doc, "Maybe Next Year" ... which follows Philly fans during the 2017 Super Bowl run.

73-year-old Vagnoni says in the doc (set to release on Nov. 10) he got his inspiration to come up with the perfect viewing experience after watching the movie, "Field of Dreams" ... essentially saying if he builds an outlandish sanctuary, Eagles fans will come.

So, that's exactly what he did -- convincing his wife to spend their savings to make an addition to their home for friends and fam on game day -- and it's WILD.

The place is decked out from floor to roof in Eagles decor and can seat a BUNCH of people.

"The passion for the Eagles came from my dad -- he loved the Philadelphia Eagles," Barry tells us. "He wasn't over the top like I am. I've grown into a coo-coo."

"They could do so much if they decided to use their stupendous level of popularity to fight racism."

Soccer superstar Megan Rapinoe clearly ain't happy with the efforts Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have made to try to stamp out racism ... and now, she's urging them to do far more.

"I’m not talking about wearing a Black Lives Matter T-shirt," Rapinoe told L'Equipe Mag this month. "I’m talking about going deeper."

Racism is still a huge problem in international soccer -- particularly in 2019.

The two international footballers -- arguably the most popular athletes on the planet -- have in the past used their platforms to fight against racism and for equality.

Just two years ago, Ronaldo famously stood up for a Black player who fans had hurled racial insults at ... writing in an IG post, "In the world and in football there always needs to be education and respect. No to racism and to any sort of insult and discrimination!!!"

Messi, meanwhile, was part of a 2016 UEFA PSA with Ronaldo and other stars denouncing racism.

But, clearly, Rapinoe feels that ain't enough ... pushing for them to use their voices much more.

Megan went on to praise athletes like Naomi Osaka, Lewis Hamilton and LeBron James for their efforts in the battle for social justice.

He only played at USC for 1 year ... but DeMar DeRozan paid back his school with a MASSIVE donation that funded an incredible weight room renovation.

The University of Southern California just revealed its completely upgraded athlete weight room inside the Galen Center ... complete with new technology, new equipment, the works!

One of the issues that had been plaguing the school ... some of the equipment wasn't big enough for the taller athletes!

So, thanks to DeMar -- they swapped out old machines for new machines that can handle players 6'6" and above!

DeMar only played at USC during the 2008 season -- and was so dominant, the school retired his #10 jersey.

So far, the San Antonio Spurs star has made more than $175 MILLION on contact money in 11 seasons in the NBA ... and he decided to throw some cash back to the school to help other athletes grow.

The school didn't specify exactly how much cash DeMar donated -- but noted it's the single largest donation EVER from a former "USC to the NBA" basketball player.

"We feel like this new weight room, the equipment we were able to purchase and the layout, the flooring ... even down to the new lights, new sound system everything is at the highest level," USC strength and conditioning coach Josh Heidegger said.

Another COVID scare in the NFL -- this time, the Denver Broncos confirm a player has tested positive ... so Friday practice has been canceled.

The team has not released the identity of the player -- but notes he is already "at home in self-isolation along with two other players who were determined to be close contacts."

The Broncos note they have been following guidelines and working with the league and medical experts. But still, stuff happens.

"As a precaution, we have made the decision to postpone today’s practice and conduct virtual meetings in preparation for Sunday’s game against the Chargers."

"The team is scheduled to return to UC Health training Center for practice tomorrow."

The team adds, "The health and safety of the players, coaches and staff will continue to be of the highest priority."

Also worth noting, the Chargers have also canceled a practice this week due to a player testing positive.

Seems the NFL has had COVID issues every week since the season began — even stars like Cam Newton have been affected.

Bill Belichick opened his Friday press conference by paying tribute to a local hero ... praising ex-hockey player Travis Roy just days after his tragic death.

Roy was paralyzed back in 1995 -- just 11 seconds into his Boston University playing career -- when he slid head-first into the boards during a game. He later used his platform to become a motivational speaker and philanthropist for those battling similar injuries.

45-year-old Roy passed away Thursday after complications suffered from a recent procedure ... and on Friday morning, Belichick recognized his contributions during his Patriots press conference.

"First of all ... just on behalf of the team, pass along our condolences to Travis Roy’s family," Belichick said. "He’s been such a great inspirational story to all of us ... Nationally, but certainly in this area."

FYI -- Roy's foundation helped raise millions of dollars to help pay for research and equipment for those dealing with spinal cord injuries.

Belichick added ... "His positive outlook and the way he handled his difficult situation was just incredible. Glad I had an opportunity to interact a little bit with him and his foundation."

"Just a sad day for a kid that went through so much and handled it in an incredibly positive way," Belichick added.

BB says his family has ties to Roy's foundation ... and he was fortunate enough to work with Travis in the past.

"So, we’ve been supportive, as everybody has in this area, and again, just a lot of admiration and respect for Travis and what he did and his approach to life."

How fitting is this?!

Bubba Wallace just unveiled the Michael Jordan-owned race car he'll be driving next season ... and, of course, it's a black and red #23 ride!!!

The NASCAR superstar showed off the whip Friday morning ... and it's awesome, with clear tributes to the Chicago Bulls legend all over it.

27-year-old Wallace was clearly pleased with the car ... he tweeted about it, and during an interview with "CBS This Morning," he said it's all "an exciting opportunity that's been put in front of me that I have to capitalize on."

As we previously reported, Jordan teamed up with NASCAR legend Denny Hamlin back in September to create a single car Cup Series team for 2021 -- and they tapped Bubba to be their driver.

Things appear to be off to a great start with the trio so far ... 'cause Hamlin and Wallace said Friday they were excited as hell to kick off next season.

And, get this ... both dudes were rockin' Jordan sneakers during the unveiling!!

Revenge bod???

Not exactly ... but LSU football coach Ed Orgeron says now that he's single, he's been filling his spare time by running like crazy!

As we previously reported, Coach O and his longtime wife, Kelly, split back in February ... right after he led the Tigers to a National Championship.

Orgeron says he kinda had a "Forrest Gump" moment -- explaining that with the pandemic and his breakup, he just felt like running one day.

"During the COVID, we had a lot of time off -- and I'm single now so I have a lot of time," Coach O said on Barstool's "Pardon My Take" podcast.

"So, I decided to start running 2 hours a day on the weekends -- 2 hours on Friday, 2 hours on Saturday, 2 hours on Sunday ... in the sun at 12 o'clock."

The 59-year-old says he's lost 25 pounds so far (amazing!) -- and admits he feels a lot better these days.

Coach O also says he doesn't like running with headphones -- so, what does he think about when he's on a jog?

"Everything passes through my mind. I get clarity. I get ideas for work. I get ideas for recruiting … I think about my family, I think about other things. I enjoy it. It's been fun."

Coach O admits he gets heckled for his less-than-blazing pace -- but he just laughs it off.

"It's a slow man’s run. I've been ridiculed for that. But, you know what I told 'em? When you’re 59, you run like you walk!"

Clayton Kershaw wasn't on the Dodgers team flight back to L.A. after the World Series -- instead, the star pitcher says he drove home after the COVID scare.

"After the bubble, I drove home," Kershaw said on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" ... "I'm home already."

Kershaw is from Texas -- so, he may have meant he drove back to his home near Arlington. Either way, seems clear he wasn't on the team flight back to L.A.

Of course, Kershaw was seen hugging teammate Justin Turner moments after winning the World Series on Tuesday ... despite the fact Turner had just been informed he tested positive for COVID-19.

As we previously reported, MLB claims it ordered Turner to immediately isolate to prevent exposing other people ... but JT refused and got up close and personal with several teammates coaches and staffers.

Turner did not join the Dodgers on the flight back from Arlington to L.A. -- and apparently, Kershaw didn't either.

Kershaw and Cody Bellinger also told Kimmel that Turner's positive COVID test impacted the team celebration after the game ... because they didn't get to turn up in the locker room as they hoped.

"With everything going on we had to be a little chill," Kershaw said.

"I, at least, got to cheers the guys and we all got to at least have a beer together."

Bellinger added, "Wasn’t the ideal celebration that we all had in mind when we won our first championship but it was still a great time. The feelings now and yesterday are incredible."

There's more ... Bellinger also addressed rumors that he looked HIGH ON WEED during the World Series!

Belli says he would never smoke on the job -- but admits he has a naturally stoney-looking face!

Dak Prescott can't throw another TD for the Cowboys this year ... but he's still helping in a big way -- prepping Dallas' rookie for a possible start with an embrace and advice!

Here's the deal ... the Cowboys' season has become such an injury-filled train wreck that 2020 7th-round pick Ben DiNucci (who played college ball; at James Madison Univ.) is now expected to be under center Sunday vs. the Eagles.

It ain't ideal ... DiNucci was drafted to be a developmental QB who wasn't supposed to see the field for YEARS -- so there's big-time worry in Big D.

But, Dak's making sure DiNucci ain't going into his first possible start underprepared ...

"Kind of just walked up to him and said, 'Hey, this isn't what you said my rookie year was going to be like,'" DiNucci said of his recent talks with Prescott.

"He laughed and gave me a hug and just said, 'We've talked about this. Go out there and do you. Take completions. Trust the guys around you. You'll be great. Don't overthink it. Football's football.'"

DiNucci seemed to take the advice to heart ... 'cause he added, "It's a game I've been playing since seventh grade. Not going to try to make it any more than it is."

"Going to have fun with it, bring a lot of energy, bring a lot of confidence and let my play speak for itself."

Dak's sidelined for at least the next 4 months after suffering a gruesome ankle injury earlier this month. His replacement, Andy Dalton, could miss the next couple games as well after he took a violent hit to the head last Sunday.

So, seems to be DiNucci's show for the foreseeable future ... and if he somehow shines -- better chalk up another game-changing assist for Prescott.

"I was Boosie at one time."

That's Mike Tyson explaining why he felt compelled to confront rapper Boosie Badazz over his history of homophobic comments ... saying he knows what it's like to go from ignorant to enlightened.

Tyson got right to the point with Boosie during a recent taping of his podcast, "Hotboxin' with Mike Tyson" ... condemning Boosie's offensive comments about Dwyane Wade's child Zaya, who recently came out as a transgender girl.

During the podcast, Tyson pressed Boosie on where his hate was stemming from -- wondering if Boosie's aggression comes from his own insecurities about his sexuality.

It was a powerful moment that seemed to have resonated with Boosie ... and Tyson has been cheered for the way he handled it.

But, Tyson tells "TMZ Live" the conversation probably wouldn't have happened if it weren't for his daughter -- who passionately told the boxing legend why Boosie needed to be set straight.

"My daughter," Tyson said ... "She flew all the way from New York City to Los Angeles, California where I'm at just to be there because she thought Boosie was so disrespectful she had to confront him."

Yeah, you read that right -- Tyson's daughter wanted to be the one to go after Boosie, but Mike wouldn't allow it.

Instead, Mike listened to what his daughter had to say and ultimately believed she made some solid points.

Mike said his daughter argued that Boosie's comments have been "disrespectful to the community" -- and she was so passionate about confronting him, Mike was concerned things would go off the rails.

"But, he conducted himself like a gentleman," Tyson said about Boosie ... "It went okay. It didn't go like I anticipated it to go. My daughter has a lot of courage and stuff."

Now, Tyson says he's rooting for Boosie to grow from their conversation and "win the fight over those demons."

There's more ... Tyson also explained to Harvey and Charles why he decided to make a boxing comeback and why he predicts "PAIN" for his upcoming opponent Roy Jones Jr. when they clash at Staples Center on Nov. 28.

Brett Favre has something in common with Lil Wayne and Jack Nicklaus -- they're all officially on the Trump Train.

The NFL legend officially endorsed Donald Trump for President on Friday -- just days after he got the chance to ask POTUS a question at a town hall special.

Here's what Favre tweeted out Friday morning ...

"My Vote is for what makes this country great, freedom of speech & religion, 2nd Amnd, hard working tax paying citizens, police & military. In this election, we have freedom of choice, which all should respect. For me & these principles, my Vote is for [Donald Trump]."

Just last week, Favre appeared on a special town hall edition of "America This Week" with Eric Bolling and asked Trump about sports, politics and anti-racism efforts.

"My question is the NBA and the NFL are struggling with lower ratings as fans clearly do not want political messaging mixed with their sports," Favre said,

"So, how should the leagues support and promote an anti-racism position without becoming political and alienating fans?"

Trump began his response by praising Favre as a "great guy" and a "champion" -- and then got to his answer.

He argued that people don't want to see sports mixed with politics -- "They've got enough politics with me and with everybody else. And, they don’t want to see it with football or sports on Sunday or whenever they happen to be watching."

Trump said he's for players protesting -- but not "on the sidelines during the football game, especially when they’re making $10 million a year for something they’d be doing anyway for free if they weren’t in the league or the NFL or in the NBA."