TMZ Sports - Page 50

Forget The Masters ... here's the golf event you NEED to watch -- Tiger Woods and his 11-year-old son have committed to play in a tourney against John Daly and his son!!!

The epic matchup -- featuring the 2 legends and their boys plus several other family pairings -- will all go down at the 2020 PNC Championship in Orlando from Dec. 17-20.

Woods will enter the event with his son, Charlie, whose swing is so good ... he's already been described as a golf prodigy.

Daly, meanwhile, will compete in the event for the 2nd straight year with his 16-year-old son, Little John Daly, who has also been heralded as one of the next possible great ones in the sport.

Of course, the annual tournament is just for fun ... the event won't count on anybody's career records or anything crazy like that -- but there actually is some money on the line!

The PNC Championship -- which, in total, will feature 20 major winners paired alongside a family member of their choosing -- has a total purse of $1,085,000 ... and winners even get a dope trophy!

"I can’t tell you how excited I am to be playing with Charlie in our first official tournament together," Woods said in a statement about the event.

"It’s been great watching him progress as a junior golfer and it will be incredible playing as a team together in the PNC Championship."

The tourney will be a 2-day, 36-hole event ... and last year's winners, Bernhard Langer and his son, will be in the field again this year.

The latest camera-smashing allegations involving Antonio Brown do NOT have the Bucs concerned ... head coach Bruce Arians says he knew of the incident and insists AB's behaved since his signing.

"He's been a model citizen," Arians said.

Don't get it twisted, though ... BA says if that changes -- he'll have no issues sending Brown packing, adding, "If and when he's not [a model citizen], we'll move on."

Brown, just days before his Bucs signing, was accused of throwing a temper tantrum at a guard at the security gate of the fancy Hollywood Oaks private community in the Miami area back on Oct. 15.

In the police report, cops say witnesses told them Brown flipped out when a guard made him come down to let a guest in ... getting so mad, he smashed a security camera.

Cops in the police report also say witnesses told them Brown called the guard a "racist b*tch" and even threw his bicycle at the arm of the guard gate.

AB was NOT arrested over the incident ... cops say in the police report the president of the homeowners association did not want to press charges, allegedly saying she feared Brown "may retaliate against her employees."

The HOA prez has since downplayed the incident, telling the Miami Herald that Brown appeared to simply have "just kind of an emotional reaction."

Arians was asked Wednesday night if he believed the whole thing signals more problems could be on the way soon ... and the coach said he did not feel that way currently.

"I don't really think we're going to have any problems," Arians said. "We haven't had any so far and I really would not anticipate any."

GET THAT BUCKS HAT OUTTA HERE!!!

RJ Hampton was selected Wednesday as the 24th pick in the NBA Draft -- but it's his dad who's going viral for throwing a hat!

With the NBA Draft going down virtually due to the pandemic, ESPN had cameras in all of the player's homes to capture those life changing moments.

The Milwaukee Bucks had the 24th pick -- so, when RJ's name was called, one of the kids celebrating with Hampton grabbed a Bucks hat to give to the hoops star.

That's when RJ's dad swooped in, snatched the hat and fired it across the room ... begging the question, WHY?!!?!?

Here's the explanation ... the Bucks had traded the 24th pick to the New Orleans Pelicans, who had then traded the pick to the Denver Nuggets.

So, even though Milwaukee INITIALLY had the 24th pick and technically selected Hampton, it was obvious he wasn't gonna end up there.

Dad clearly knew the backstory and tried to keep that Bucks hat off his son's head -- mission accomplished (with gusto!).

Don't worry, RJ ultimately found the right hat. Congrats!

Ask ... and you shall receive!

It appears Logan Paul is getting his wish to fight Floyd Mayweather -- because the boxing legend seemingly accepted the offer and wants to get it on ASAP.

As we previously reported, Mayweather was approached with a deal to fight the YouTube superstar in the past few months -- but things have escalated recently.

In fact, 25-year-old Logan publicly called out the 43-year-old legend over the weekend -- saying, "If I caught Floyd with one punch -- one punch -- I would snap this f**ker in half."

Paul added, "If I caught Floyd in a real fight, street fight, whoop his ass! No question."

Well, Floyd got the message loud and clear and finally replied on Wednesday night.

"These YouTube girls better find some Barbie dolls to play with 'cause I’m not the one for the kid games," Mayweather tweeted while promising to beat Paul's ass like he did Conor McGregor.

"3 years ago a fighter from the UFC said my name and I had to put a muzzle on that bitch. [Logan Paul] can get the same treatment before I go conquer Japan again."

Mayweather recently announced an exhibition match in Japan in Feb. 2021 -- the opponent is yet to be named.

So, when would Paul and Mayweather actually scrap?

We're told Paul has been training and could go at any time. Mayweather famously trains like a maniac -- he won't need much time either.

In other words, this could come together FAST.

More celebrity firepower is being added for the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones Jr. fight -- with Ne-Yo being tapped to perform the National Anthem before the main event, TMZ Sports has learned.

We told you at the beginning ... the people behind the event were laser-focused on bringing in top-level talent to up the entertainment value surrounding the fight, and they're delivering -- with Lil Wayne, French Montana, DaBaby, YG, Wiz Khalifa and more set to perform during the November 28 fight at Staples Center in L.A. (available on PPV via cable and satellite, and PPV streaming at Triller).

Now, Ne-Yo has signed on to perform the Anthem -- a lifelong dream for the performer who's been a hardcore Mike Tyson fan since he was a kid.

“Opening for a fight of this magnitude is an honor and I can’t wait to witness one of the most noteworthy nights of the decade," Ne-Yo says.

"I may be performing, but I am a fan at the end of the day and I look forward to witnessing this once in a lifetime lineup.”

In fact, Ne-Yo told ESPN back in 2012 Tyson was his favorite athlete growing up.

"The guy was unstoppable when he was on top of his game," Ne-Yo said in 2012 ... "Nobody could touch him."

Ne-Yo has also said he's a massive boxing fan ... and had long hoped to be apart of a major boxing super fight -- so, mission accomplished!!

There's more ... we're told legendary ring announcer, Michael Buffer -- the "Let's Get Ready To Rumble" guy -- has signed on to work the event, as well.

As for 54-year-old Mike and 51-year-old Roy ... they're both in incredible shape -- and have vowed to try and knock each other out when the bell rings.

The pick is in ... and the Minnesota Timberwolves have taken Anthony Edwards with the first overall selection in the 2020 NBA Draft!!!

The 19-year-old shooting guard was the betting favorite to have his name called first ... so it shouldn't come as a big surprise.

The Atlanta native was a beast as a freshman at Georgia -- averaging 19 points and 5 rebounds a game.

Edwards was emotional after his name was called ... honoring his late grandmother and mother -- who both died from cancer in 2015 -- with portraits by his side.

LaMelo Ball -- hands-down the most popular player in the draft -- was taken #3 overall to the Charlotte Hornets ... after the Golden State Warriors decided to go with Memphis center James Wiseman at #2.

Of course, the big event is totally virtual this year due to the coronavirus ... but that didn't stop the draft day drip!!

Iowa State star Tyrese Haliburton is making a run for best dressed ... rockin' a light blue floral print suit ... while Wiseman went with a green plaid look.

Dayton forward Obi Toppin is sporting a classic maroon 'fit ... and ya can't help but notice Ball's custom logo chain and black and gold suit.

As for celeb appearances, betcha didn't think you were gonna see Spike Lee at the draft ... but the film legend made a cameo when North Carolina star Cole Anthony -- Greg's son -- was drafted #15 overall by the Orlando Magic.

It may seem random, but Lee is longtime family friends with the Anthony fam ... and even though Cole didn't get drafted by Spike's Knicks, the dude lost his mind!!

A.J. McKee is only 25 years old, and has a perfect 16-0 record ... and if that ain't scary enough, the undefeated fighter tells TMZ Sports he's recently been mentored by Floyd Mayweather.

We talked to the 145 lb. featherweight contender ... and he revealed that he's been chopping it up with Mayweather -- another guy who knows a little something about being unbeaten.

"I've spoke with Floyd, I've talked to him and I even told him, I'm the 'you' of MMA," McKee says.

"What do I gotta do to get that 'you' check? There's always knowledge and wisdom you can get from other people and that's something I was really big on when I spoke with [Floyd]."

A.J. says TBE -- 50-0 in the squared circle -- spent about a half-hour advising him ... and gave him invaluable advice.

"[Floyd] said this is me, 'this is my show.' If no one around me adding to me or pleasing or trying to help me be better and add to my empire, then why do I have them around?"

"It's selfish, but in a sport, in a fight game that we have and that we are in, I get it! We talked for a good 30 minutes. We really went in kinda deep."

Well, this could be an issue.

Nearly the entire Las Vegas Raiders' starting defense has been placed on the team's reserve/COVID-19 list ... after DE Clelin Ferrell tested positive for the virus on Wednesday.

At least 7 players -- including Lamarcus Joyner, Johnathan Abram, Maliek Collins, Johnathan Hankins, Isaiah Johnson, Arden Key and Kendal Vickers -- were placed on the list after being determined as close contacts to Ferrell this week.

But, it's not a lost cause for the Raiders just yet -- the players WILL be eligible to suit up Sunday night against the Kansas City Chiefs if they continue to test negative.

However, the batch of players will not likely be cleared to rejoin the team until Saturday at the earliest ... which will be tough as the Silver and Black prepare for Patrick Mahomes and Co.

Of course, the Raiders have had their fair share of fines from the league due to COVID-19 violations ... including head coach Jon Gruden, who has been hit with $100k and $150k penalties this season.

The rise in positive COVID-19 cases across the league forced the NFL to issue a memo to all 32 teams, requiring them to go into intensive protocols for the remainder of the season.

Under the required protocols -- which begin on Saturday -- all team meetings will be held virtually or in large spaces and masks or face shields must be worn at all times at the team facility.

LeBron James is taking a page out of Michael Jordan's book ... by investing a huge chunk of change in a new tequila company!!!

King James -- who's always been outspoken about his love for wine -- is switching gears and joining forces with Lobos 1707, which launched Wednesday.

Bron revealed his decision to get involved in an interview with WSJ Magazine ... saying he tried the product on vacation in Italy and instantly fell in love.

"If it’s organic to who I am or what I’m doing, then it’s a lot easier for me to be a part of something," LeBron said.

"I was in a perfect place in my life. Me and my friends were trying different tequilas. I actually bought a place with Maverick Carter in Cabo a few years ago. There’s obviously a big tequila heritage there."

The move adds to Bron's growing list of business ventures -- including Blaze Pizza, SpringHill Entertainment and more.

And get this -- LBJ gave a sneak peak of his new product when celebrating with his Lakers teammates at Nobu shortly after winning the NBA title ... so ya know it's championship material.

The Lobos tequila will run from $45-$150 depending on which bottle you get -- Lobos 1707 Tequila, Joven; Lobos 1707 Tequila, Reposado; Lobos 1707 Tequila, Extra Añejo; and Lobos 1707 Mezcal Artesanal.

Of course, MJ recently got involved in the booze biz as well ... launching the Cincoro tequila brand with Jeanie Buss and Wes Edens.

James could barely contain his excitement on Twitter, saying, "We live!!! We’re excited to have all of you, your family, and friends around the table. And if we run out of room… we’ll just build a bigger table!"

Robinson Cano has been popped for a banned substance again ... and this time, it'll cost him the entire 2021 season AND a fat paycheck.

The New York Mets star second baseman tested positive for PEDs, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan, and he's now been suspended for all of next year.

38-year-old Cano will also forfeit $24 MILLION in salary due to the season-long ban, Passan added.

The 8-time All-Star had previously been busted for using a banned substance back in 2018 ... when MLB hit him with an 80-game suspension.

At the time, Cano admitted to taking Furosemide -- which MLB has barred because it can act as a masking agent for PEDs -- but the baseball star claimed he did NOT use it for performance enhancement on the diamond.

"Furosemide is used to treat various medical conditions in the United States and the Dominican Republic," Cano said in '18. "This substance was given to me by a licensed doctor in the Dominican Republic to treat a medical ailment."

"While I did not realize at the time that I was given a medication that was banned, I obviously now wish that I had been more careful."

Unclear what Cano tested positive for this time ... but his absence next year will sure hurt the Mets.

Cano had a monster 2020, batting .316 and hitting 10 home runs in just 49 games.

Before the suspensions ... Cano was considered a Hall of Fame candidate -- with a career batting average of .303 and 334 total home runs.

Here's a side of Bill Belichick you rarely see ... the 6x SB winning head coach just made a public appeal to the U.S. -- pleading with the government to "take action against Turkey and Azerbaijan," and stop the Armenian genocide.

The 68-year-old coach was meeting with the media on Wednesday ... when he was asked about new Defense Secretary Christopher Miller using Belichick's famous "Do Your Job" quote in a memo to the Defense Department.

Belichick said he was honored by the inclusion ... before making the impassioned plea.

"I’ll just say, while we’re on the subject, I read his point about combating traditional threats. And, I couldn’t help but think and hope that we’ve seen from other countries around the world, and I hope that our country will take action against Turkey and Azerbaijan for their unprovoked and deadly attacks on Armenians," Belichick said.

"We’ve seen that when a humanitarian crisis and things like that, like ethnic cleaning, go unpunished, that they just continue to happen. I hope that we can put a stop to that."

Of course, the situation between the countries is extremely tense ... and despite attempted cease-fires, many people have been injured or killed.

This isn't the first time BB has expressed support for Armenia. Back in 2015, Belichick wore an Armenian flag while meeting with President Obama.

One of the reasons the subject hits close to home for the coach ... one of his closest advisors, Patriots staff member, Berj Najarian, is Armenian.

WHOA!!!

Los Angeles Chargers rookie Justin Herbert just chopped it ALL off on top ... with the QB debuting a brand-new look on Wednesday.

The 22-year-old signal-caller has made a name for himself since his Oregon days for his skills on the field ... but was just as attention-grabbing when the helmet came off.

Matter of fact, the guy had such great flow ... he got an endorsement deal from Head and Shoulders!!

But, that is all a thing of the past ... with Herbert straight-up buzzing it all off.

So ... why?!

"No particular reason," Herbert told reporters. "It was just time and it was getting too long, so it was time to cut it."

JH added it had nothing to do with the Chargers' 3-game losing streak ... saying he's not a superstitious guy.

"Honestly, it was just getting long and time to cut it."

Marc Colombo did NOT beat the hell out of Joe Judge in a fistfight this week ... so say the NY Giants, who tell TMZ Sports an alleged brawl between the coaches NEVER happened.

Colombo -- a former Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman who's been coaching OL in the league for the past few years -- was abruptly fired from the Giants' staff on Wednesday.

And, according to FOX Sports' Jason McIntyre, it's all 'cause the assistant got in a scrap with the head coach.

"I'm told NY Giants coaches Joe Judge and Marc Colombo got into a fistfight this morning," McIntyre reported. "Punches thrown. I'm told Colombo got the better of him, and Judge fired him instantly."

The story is WILD ... considering Colombo is 6-foot-8 and played offensive tackle in the NFL for a decade.

But, when we reached out to the Giants for comment ... a rep told us straight-up, "There is absolutely no truth to that."

Giants reporter Ralph Vacchiano says the firing actually all stemmed from Colombo being unhappy with Judge's decision to bring in former Patriots offensive line guru Dave DeGuglielmo to help Colombo with the unit.

"It was clear that a Colombo-DeGuglielmo pairing wasn't going to work," Vacchiano said, "so Judge decided to fire Colombo instead."

“Listen I studied his every move. I knew what he was gonna do when I went in. I actually called my manager a week before the fight, and told him I was gonna have the fastest knockout in BKFC history.”

That's badass bare-knuckle fighter Uly Diaz on his record-setting, 3-second knockout of opponent Donelei Benedetto at Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 14 on Saturday night.

So, yeah ... everyone else was SHOCKED at how fast Diaz ended the fight -- except Uly.

Diaz -- who says he has the prediction on video -- tells TMZ Sports he studied Benedetto, and actually had a premonition he'd immediately turn his lights off.

“I manifested this. I dreamt about this moment. Listen, it’s an amazing experience. It sounds crazy to say it, but I promise you, my hand to God, I saw all this happening before it did."

The KO's gone viral online, and Uly says he's heard from everyone from ordinary fans, to his childhood friend, Pitbull ... to freakin' Hulk Hogan!

"You know what, a lot of people have been hitting me up. But, by far I think the coolest thing for me, I freaked out when I saw it, was Hulk Hogan hit me up and told me he was a fan," Uly tells us.

"He told me to keep up the hard work. Stay focused. Listen, it’s amazing."

We also asked Diaz if his knockout was the best in combat sports in the year 2020 ... or if others like Tank Davis or Joaquin Buckley's were more impressive.

Diaz didn't mince words when he answered the question.

Kevin Love says he still goes through "super brutal" days in his battle with his mental health ... admitting things sometimes get so bad, suicidal thoughts cross his mind.

The NBA star opened up about it all on this week's episode of "In Depth with Graham Bensinger" ... saying despite all of his work on his mental health -- sometimes it can all still overwhelm him.

"You don't get to turn it on or turn it off," the Cleveland Cavaliers forward said ... adding some days still feel "heavy" to him.

Love says the admission makes him feel "vulnerable" ... but he explained it's important for him to speak out about it so he can work through it.

"Listen, if you've been down that road ... I think it does cross your mind," Love said of his battles with suicidal thoughts.

"And, I just learned to speak my truth, honestly. I've learned that nothing haunts us like the things we don't say. So, me keeping that in is actually more harmful."

Love, though, says he's come a long way from his darkest moments in his struggles with depression ... the 32-year-old recalled a time back in his days with the Minnesota Timberwolves where things got so bad, he actually searched for ways on the Internet to take his own life.

"The good thing that happens is when you do search that, it comes up with the National Suicide Prevention Line," Love said.

"It was just scary to get down that route and think about the idea of taking my own life. But it was something that crossed my mind pretty often, especially when you're in a moment like that."

But, Love says he's found ways to consistently get through everything ... explaining knowing he's not alone in the battle really helps.

"I know that there's a whole group and a strength in numbers out there of people that are dealing with it," Love said. "And if we have more people that pay it forward like we've seen across a number of sports and a number of walks of life that it's going to be better."

It turns out the Lakers had their eyes on more than the Larry O'Brien trophy in 2020 ... 'cause 'Bachelorette' star Tayshia Adams says a player on the championship squad slid into her DMs!!

But, before you go there, Adams says it wasn't LeBron James ... even though she WISHES it was.

The reality show star made the big reveal on the "Click Bait with Bachelor Nation" podcast recently ... saying a member of the Purple & Gold hit her up following her rise to fame.

"Well, I’m not going to say the name ... but I’ve talked to a Laker," Adams told Rachel Lindsay and Becca Kufrin.

That's when Lindsay immediately asked if it was Kyle Kuzma, who she says has a reputation for hitting up 'Bachelor' alums.

"Maybe, maybe not," Adams said. "I have talked to Kuz."

Of course, the ladies *had* to ask if it was King James ... and Adams denied any contact with the 4-time champ.

"I wish it was LeBron James," Tayshia said, laughing.

"No, believe me, no one exciting, I wish someone really good. But, no, nobody exciting."

Hey, we're not judging the culprit here. Adams is gorgeous, or as current 'Bachelorette' contestant Chasen would say -- "a smoke show." But, by the way she describes the cyber interaction, the mystery player may need to work on his DM game.

The hosts threw out one more name in hopes of cracking the case -- Anthony Davis -- but no dice.

"No, nobody exciting. The tea is dry. It’s cold. I’m so sorry, I wish."