TMZ Sports - Page 50

LeBron James says his White House boycott is over ... and is 100% down to celebrate the Lakers championship with President-elect Joe Biden.

No NBA team has celebrated a title with President Trump since he took office in January 2017 -- with the Golden State Warriors and Toronto Raptors each opting to celebrate elsewhere.

In fact, the Dubs celebrated with President Obama privately instead of going to the White House when they won in 2017.

King James praised the Dubs for the move ... calling Trump a bum in the process.

Now that LeBron and the Lakers are champions, the question --- will they go to 1600 Penn??

LeBron answered in a Twitter exchange with Draymond Green ... saying now that Biden will be in office, he'll return to the White House!!

Draymond tweeted at LeBron on Saturday ... saying, "Yoooo @KingJames y’all can go to the White House and celebrate y’all title G!"

LBJ responded, "YO we back up in there my G!!! I’m taking my tequila and vino too!"

President Trump has his head in the sand, or more accurately, the sand trap ... because he tried to distract himself from reality by hitting the links just as Joe Biden was declared the next President of the United States.

DT left the White House early Saturday morning en route, at first, to an unknown location ... which, as it turned out, ended up being his own golf club in nearby Sterling, VA to golf with some folks. Seems like he knew what was coming -- he's isolated out there.

Here's the kicker ... the photo above was taken the moment Biden was declared the next President. Trump was teeing off on a chip shot ... all by his lonesome, standing next to a golf cart. SAD!

It's unclear if he's officially heard the news or not -- or if he's turning a blind eye until he absolutely has to. Regardless, he's in for a rude awakening when he gets back into D.C. ... as we've shown you, the streets are lined with people celebrating Biden's victory.

Scary moment for ex-NFL running back Trent Richardson -- when a gun was pulled on him during a dispute at a furniture store, and the incident was captured on video.

... but the store owner claims Trent was the aggressor -- and they only pulled out the gun to defend the shop.

Here's what we know ... the former Alabama star hit up the Furniture Plug store in Birmingham on Oct. 28 to deal with a complaint about a problem with a recent order. During the visit, the owner's wife whipped out a firearm.

Surveillance video shows Trent and his manager leaving in a hurry -- clearly concerned for their safety.

We spoke to the store manager who claims Trent was the aggressor -- but the football player says that's just not true.

Here's Trent's side as told by his manager ...

Brandon Bowers tells TMZ Sports ... Trent had ordered thousands of dollars worth of new furniture earlier in the year to be delivered to his home.

But, when it arrived, he says most of the items had significant damage -- from tears in a couch, to a cracked bed frame ... even a dresser that was missing handles and mirrors.

So, Bowers says Trent gave the store owner an ultimatum -- either refund the money or replace the furniture with acceptable pieces.

We're told Trent felt the store owners were giving him the runaround -- so he went to the store on Oct. 28 with his manager to talk things out in person.

Bowers says the store owner got aggressive and at one point challenged the former #3 overall NFL Draft pick to a fight.

Trent declined -- saying he wasn't going to brawl with the man in front of his wife ... and that's when Bowers says the wife pulled out a pistol and began waving it around.

Bowers says he immediately grabbed Trent and bolted for the door -- fearing for their lives. Now, Richardson is taking action -- he intends to file a report with local police.

We also spoke with Furniture Plug owner Clint Catlin -- who tells us, "We were protecting our store. Trent came in aggressive. My wife being her, she was protecting her space."

"Trent's a big guy, came in aggressive. He made her pull out the pistol. This is a family business. We were protecting our brand."

We also spoke with Clint's wife, Mariah, who says "I felt Clint's life, my life and our 7-year-old's life were threatened."

As the furniture in question, Clint says the items were sent to Trent's home in good condition and the photos are not a true reflection of what really happened.

Throw another assist on LeBron's resume ...

Shannon Sharpe tells TMZ Sports he STRONGLY believes the NBA superstar deserves some of the credit for helping Joe Biden close in on the presidency.

"[LeBron James] and Stacey Abrams registered so many people to vote," Shannon said.

"It was him that said, 'you know what? Open up these arenas and make them polling stations.'"

Sharpe says things like LeBron's "More Than a Vote" organization -- which helped thousands of people register to vote -- as well as all his other charitable contributions put Biden in a position to possibly beat Donald Trump this week.

"I'm sure [LeBron] had something to do with it because we registered the voting block. "

"You look at what happened in Detroit, you look at what happened in Philadelphia, look at what happened in Atlanta, you look at what happened in Milwaukee."

"Now, I don't know what's going to transpire, but when President Biden, when this thing is finally official, his first meeting should be with the leaders from those communities. They should eat first! What can I do for those communities? That was his Moses. They delivered him the presidency. "

For his part, Bron celebrated like crazy on Friday -- when it appeared obvious to him that Biden would secure the White House ... writing on his social media page, "Let’s go!!!!!"

Scary news ... Alabama running back Trey Sanders was hospitalized Friday after being involved in a car crash, the school announced.

In the Tide's statement, head coach Nick Saban said the redshirt freshman "is in stable condition after sustaining non-life threating injuries."

The coach added, "We are in direct contact with his family and the physicians that are treating him as we continue to gather more information.”

According to MyPanhandle.com, Sanders was driving with his brother in Clarksville, Fla. when they were involved in the wreck.

The website reports Sanders was life-flighted to a nearby medical facility.

Sanders was a HIGHLY touted recruit coming out of IMG Academy in 2019 ... some recruiting pundits had him as the #1 prospect in the entire country.

King Von's death is hitting the sports world hard -- with NBA stars like Montrezl Harrell, Stephen Jackson, Evan Turner and more mourning the loss of a rising star gone too soon.

The rapper was shot and killed after a violent altercation outside a nightclub in Atlanta on Friday. He was only 26 years old.

Harrell shared his condolences to Von's family shortly after the news broke ... saying, "Damn it’s sad we lost another young brother to soon ... What is going on in the world."

"This the true sad part, three young blessings won’t see their dad come home again."

Jackson posted a video on Instagram ... calling for an end to senseless violence.

"Your brothers are not the enemy," Jackson said. "The ones got u thinking that are the real enemy. Wake up. Love for all who have love for all."

Turner also reacted on social media, saying, "This killing each other s**t gotta stop... Rest In Peace, King Von"

Other tributes came from athletes like Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Kenjon Barner, who said, "Damn I really just started listening to King Von and became a fan and he gone smh wow 2020 you got it we understand! RIPKingVon."

2016 NCAA champ Kris Jenkins spoke out in shock ... tweeting, "That king Von s**t wild smh RIP."

Ex-NFL first-round pick George Foster also recently came across Von's music, adding, "Man, I just really heard the King Von fella for the first time like last week, and thought 'jit ain’t bad.'"

"Now lil buddy gone smh."

The New England Patriots also honored the late rapper at practice on Friday ... playing his breakout hit, "Crazy Story," over the speakers.

RIP

Justin Turner is breaking his silence about the COVID debacle during Game 6 of the World Series -- saying he's apologized to his teammates for "failing to appreciate" the dangers of the virus.

MLB has also wrapped up its investigation into Turner -- and is admitting the league could have handled the situation better.

The Dodgers star 3rd baseman was pulled from Game 6 in the 7th inning right when MLB and Dodgers officials learned a recent COVID test of his turned up positive.

But, Turner returned to the field with his wife Kourtney after the game ended to partake in the victory celebration with teammates, coaches and others.

At the time, MLB blamed Turner for not following COVID protocol -- claiming he "emphatically refused to comply" with official orders.

Now, Turner is speaking out in a statement saying ... "I will not make excuses for my conduct but I will describe my state of mind."

"Winning the World Series was my lifelong dream and the culmination of everything I worked for in my career."

"After waiting in the isolation room while my teammates celebrated on the field, I asked whether I was permitted to return to Sheffield with my wife in order to take a photograph."

"I assumed at that point that few people were left on the field. I was under the impression that team officials did not object to my returning to the field for a picture with my wife."

"However, what was intended to be a photo, capturing the two of us, turned into several greetings and photos where I briefly and unwisely removed my mask."

"In hindsight, I should have waited until the field was clear of others to take that photo with my wife."

"I sincerely apologize to everyone on the field for failing to appreciate the risks of returning to the field. I have spoken with almost every teammate, coach, and staff member and my intentions were never to make anyone uncomfortable or put anyone at further risk."

MLB commish Rob Manfred is also speaking out -- saying MLB has concluded its investigation into the COVID incident and feel they could have handled it better.

Manfred essentially says Turner deserves some blame for the incident -- but not all of the blame.

"Mr. Turner has publicly recognized that his conduct was wrong and has expressed remorse for that conduct," Manfred says in a statement.

Manfred says there were multiple "miscommunications" in the insanity following the game and MLB could have done a better job communicating the protocol to Turner.

"In retrospect, a security person should have been assigned to monitor Mr. Turner when he was asked to isolate, and Mr. Turner should have been transported from the stadium to the hotel more promptly."

It seems MLB will NOT punish Turner for the incident.

Trae Young with the assist!!!

The Atlanta Hawks superstar did a VERY cool thing on Friday -- splurging for lunch for the people counting ballots at State Farm Arena ... and they couldn't be happier about it!

The 22-year-old NBA sensation's rep hit up Jason's Deli in midtown Atlanta -- and told the crew Young wanted to do something nice for everyone helping out with the election process.

Young ended up buying 50 boardroom box lunches -- complete with sandwiches, chips, a pickle and a cookie. He also sprung for extra fruit side items for all. Way to keep it healthy!

Total cost -- $670 plus a nice 20% tip.

Obviously, Young can afford it -- he's super-rich, but this is more about the gesture than the price.

The Fulton County election workers were stoked when the food arrived with a note from Young that read, "Thanks for all you do!"

Fulton County thanked Young and the ATL Hawks -- noting the NBA team has "supported us throughout this election process."

There's a ton of pressure on the election workers in ATL right now -- as the votes in that area are playing a pivotal role in the presidential election.

Pour one out for Keith Smith's poor toilet ...

The Atlanta Falcons fullback admitted this week he has a SERIOUS affinity for Chipotle ... explaining he gets bowls from the Mexican food joint 4 or 5 times a day!!

"You probably won't believe it," Smith said on the "Endless Hustle" podcast this week. "But, most people who know me know that it's legit."

The 6-foot, 240-pound NFLer explained he uses the restaurant as a way to sort of meal prep.

Smith -- who turned 28 back in April -- says he gets his bowls compartmentalized ... getting the chicken, rice and beans all separate so he can concoct the deliciousness whenever he's ready.

"Like, this is not a joke," Smith said. "Like, 4 or 5 times a day, I got my bowl. Same thing every time."

As for why Chipotle and not El Pollo Loco or some other spot? Smith says it's simple ... "You know what you going to get. The consistency."

In case you were wondering, a modest Chipotle chicken burrito bowl has around 800 calories in it. So, do the math -- that's roughly 4,000 calories of Chipotle PER DAY!!

Jay Cutler needs help -- the ex-NFL quarterback's beloved dog, Bane, has gone missing in Tennessee ... and he's asking everyone in the area to join the search to bring him home.

Bane joined Cutler and Kristin Cavallari's family as a pup in February 2015 -- and was featured on their reality show, "Very Cavallari." He also became a regular on Kristin's IG page.

Jay was particularly close with the German Shepherd -- and when Jay and Kristin broke up earlier this year, he apparently kept Bane at his Tennessee home.

But, Bane is now M.I.A. and Jay is concerned -- posting a call to action on social media to help find his pet.

"Ok Instagram it's time to do some good today," Cutler said. "Bane is missing. 80lb German shepherd. Last seen on Old Hillsboro in Franklin, TN."

"$1000 dollar reward for his return. Let's find him."

There have been issues on Jay's ranch this year -- remember, his chickens were being massacred by a mysterious predator that turned out to be a raccoon.

Jay personally sat watch to protect his chickens -- ya gotta believe he's on the ground searching for Bane too.

Canelo Alvarez is declaring his independence from Oscar De La Hoya -- claiming he's cut ties with Golden Boy Promotions and is now a "free agent."

Canelo had previously filed a $280 million lawsuit against Golden Boy, Oscar and DAZN claiming they're preventing him from getting back in the ring and continuing his fighting career.

The boxing superstar had famously signed an 11-fight, $365 million deal with DAZN in October 2018 -- a deal put together by Golden Boy -- but Canelo has only fought 3 times since then.

Long story short ... there have been issues about potential opponents, including a 3rd fight with Gennady Golovkin. Plus, Oscar and Canelo have been at odds for months.

It's become obvious the relationship between the two former friends is seriously damaged.

Fast-forward to Friday, when Canelo's manager, Eddy Reynoso, issued a bombshell statement claiming Alvarez is now a free agent and is working on setting up his next fight ... THIS YEAR.

"Starting today, November 6th, ‘Canelo’ becomes a free agent, so we are ready to continue with his boxing career," Reynoso says.

"All this time we have been working very hard in the gym with a lot of responsibility and discipline, to be in great physical shape and ready to fight this year and it will be!"

"We will announce date, rival and place very soon, and we will return stronger than ever to keep growing and showing that Mexican boxing is the best."

ESPN is reporting Golden Boy and DAZN have formally released Alvarez from his contract -- after days of negotiations to try and save the relationship.

Bottom line ... Canelo is set to move on.

Luke Bryan just took the Georgia-Florida rivalry to a whole 'nother level ... the country music superstar is now using Tim Tebow's Heisman Trophy to cast a curse on the Gators!!!

Bryan -- a BIG Georgia fan -- revealed Thursday he and his wife won the rights to the trophy for 6 months at a charity auction last year ... donating cash to the Brett Boyer Foundation in exchange for the honor.

The thing is ... Tim waited until this week -- just days before the Gators-Bulldogs game on Saturday -- to deliver the award, and Bryan said he believes something was fishy about the timing of all that.

"I feel it was an effort to bring bad mojo into my household," said Bryan, who seriously LOVES the Dawgs.

So, what did Luke do to combat that???

REVERSE CURSE, BABY!!!

Bryan says he's now going to use Tim's trophy to try to will his Dawgs to a win over the Gators ... explaining, "I've got this all week to put a curse on the Florida Gators!"

Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET in Jacksonville ... and, if the Gators start doing some funny things -- BLAME LUKE!!!

Alex Cora is back in Boston ... the Red Sox have re-hired him as their manager after he spent this past season serving a ban for his role in the Astros' cheating scandal.

The team made the move Friday ... according to MLB Network's Jon Heyman, who added Red Sox brass interviewed Cora last week in Puerto Rico.

"Apparently," Heyman reported, "he answered all their questions satisfactorily."

Of course, the hiring will no doubt cause controversy in MLB circles ... Cora was outed as one of the integral pieces of the Astros' sign-stealing cheating scandal back in 2017.

Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a report last February that Cora -- a 'Stros bench coach at the time -- was the mastermind behind the whole trash-banging scheme.

For his part, Alex didn't deny the cheating and accepted the one-season ban that Manfred hit him with ... but the 45-year-old manager added he was pissed others involved in the scheme weren't hit with similar punishments.

"We all did it," Cora said in an interview with ESPN this summer ... before adding, "Everyone who was part of the team from around mid-May until the end of the season, we are all responsible."

The NFL just dropped the hammer on the Las Vegas Raiders for repeatedly violating COVID-19 protocols ... stripping the team of a draft pick and levying huge fines.

The league made the moves Thursday, according to multiple reports ... taking away Vegas' 6th-round pick in the 2021 draft and fining the team $500,000.

Head coach Jon Gruden was also hit with an additional $150K fine.

As for the rules the Raiders violated ... ESPN's Adam Schefter says there were several, including Gruden continually dropping his mask on the sideline.

The NFL, per Schefter, also punished the Raiders for players not properly wearing face coverings at a Darren Waller fundraiser event in September.

Schefter added the Raiders also allowed an unauthorized guest into their locker room earlier this season -- a big no-no in pandemic times.

Of course, this ain't the first time the Raiders were punished for violating coronavirus protocols ... back in Sept., Gruden and the team were fined for the coach not properly wearing a face-covering during games.

In October, Raiders players were hit with fines for the mask violations at Waller's event as well.

Khabib Nurmagomedov met with another world leader this week -- the Head of Dagestan -- and it sounds like he's staying retired.

Khabib sat down with Sergei Melikov, the acting Head of the Dagestan Republic -- who praised Khabib for bringing a "great victory to our people" with his UFC 254 win over Justin Gaethje.

"Khabib, you became the pride of not just your family and your people but the pride of Dagestan," Melikov said in an interview captured by RT Sport.

"Dagestan takes your victory as its own and celebrates it as its own win."

Of course, Khabib announced his retirement from MMA in the moments after the fight -- and even left his gloves in the octagon in a symbolic gesture.

UFC president Dana White recently said he's been talking to Khabib about returning for one last fight -- but when Khabib was talking with Melikov, he didn't sound like a man contemplating a comeback.

Khabib said fighting after the death of his father was difficult -- "The emotions in this fight were completely different. Everything was completely different without my father."

"I was offered the fight [with Gaethje] right after everything happened. I had the decision to accept it or turn it down -- nobody knew about this -- or retire."

"Or I could come back, fight and then retire. Now I tell the people close to me that aren’t happy with me retiring that even if I fought 10 more times, I’d still have to face that decision."

"This decision could come up when I’m 32, 34, 35. It’s a hard decision because I’ve been fighting all my life. I’ve been on the mats for as long as I remember. It’s difficult to leave and do something else. People can’t understand it, but what can you do?”

So, what will Khabib do? His father wanted him to retire with a 30-0 record. He currently sits at 29-0.

A Holy Grail collection of Patrick Mahomes cards is up for sale ... and some of the pieces in the set are so rare and unique -- the asking price is a cool $7.5 MILLION!!!

The owners of the cards -- 29-year-old Robert DeArmitt Jr. and his wife, Heidi -- tell TMZ Sports the collection took about 3 years to amass ... and it all started as an investment project for the couple back in 2017.

According to Robert, he and Heidi saw Mahomes play often as Texas Tech fans ... and they just had a feeling the quarterback was going to be a beast after being drafted by the Chiefs -- so they started acquiring pieces.

Robert says one of his first big purchases was a $275 card that he bought shortly after Mahomes' first start as a rookie in K.C.

That card, Robert says, is now worth around $400K!!!

In total, Robert says he and his wife poured in around $20,000 making the collection ... and they're now looking to part ways with over 33 of the pieces for a small fortune.

Robert tells us he's already had "7-figure offers" for the set ... but he says he believes at its floor, the collection is worth AT LEAST $7.5 mil.

As for the cards in the collection ... most are 1-of-1 prints -- aka the only versions of the pieces in existence.

Almost all of the cards have some sort of Mahomes autograph or patch ... and most have perfect Gem-Mint 10 grades on them.

Robert's listed it all on eBay ... and, yeah, there is a "best offer" option.