TMZ Sports - Page 50

The L.A. Rams are the latest NFL squad with a COVID positive player ... and now the team has shut down practice to keep everyone safe.

"This evening, we learned a Rams player tested positive for COVID-19. The player immediately entered self-quarantine and out of an abundance of caution, we are entering intensive protocol," the team announced Tuesday night.

The Rams did NOT identify the player.

The team says they've canceled in-person practice on Wednesday "out of an abundance of caution."

Meetings -- and everything else -- will go down virtually.

This is the Rams 1st positive COVID test since linebacker Terrell Lewis had the virus at the start of training camp.

Not even a busted-up shoulder can take away the Christmas spirit from Christian McCaffrey ... the injured NFL star played Santa for Olivia Culpo's nephew -- and the vid is super sweet!

The Panthers running back -- who's currently out with a shoulder ailment -- jumped on FaceTime to pretend to be Kris Kringle for his GF's toddler nephew on Tuesday, and he CRUSHED the role.

Check out the footage Olivia posted of the cute moment ... McCaffrey made a white beard out of a blanket and had the little boy truly believing he was talking with Santa!

"Hey, Remi!," McCaffrey said on the phone. "Have you been a good boy this year?! I know you have! You've been a great boy!"

The two spoke for a while ... and McCaffrey ultimately promised him a truck and a bike for Christmas Day presents!

"My elves are going to work on it and we're going to fix it right up and put it under that great tree!"

#Adorable!

McCaffrey -- who's been dating Culpo for over a year now -- has played Santa for Olivia's nephew before ... and he appears to be killing it every step of the way as the swimsuit model's new man.

Recovering from surgery sucks ... that is, unless you have a gorgeous bikini model to help take care of you.

L.A. Dodgers star Cody Bellinger had surgery Tuesday to fix a dislocated shoulder he tweaked during the team's World Series run ... and his insanely attractive GF, Chase Carter, was right by his side to tend to his every need.

25-year-old Bellinger shared a snap of his arm in a sling on IG ... with CC lounging in bed right next to him.

"Gangs all here," Bellinger said. "Shoulder is feeling great the surgery went great. Thank you to everyone who has reached out!!"

Cody and Chase sparked dating rumors earlier this year when the S.I. Swim model posted several snaps with the slugger to her IG Story ... and the duo went public with their relationship shortly after.

The couple has been heating up social media ever since ... even sharing a kiss during the Dodgers' postseason run.

As for Bellinger's return time, the champ has some really good news for Dodger fans ...

"Looking forward to being ready for spring training this upcoming season! 🙌🙌"

Get well soon, Cody!!

DeAndre Baker has found a new football home after his armed robbery case was dropped ... he's reportedly set to sign with the Kansas City Chiefs in the coming days.

The cornerback -- who was cut from the NY Giants after he was hit with multiple felony charges stemming from his alleged role in a May 13 incident -- will visit K.C. this week and is set to ink a deal to join the team shortly after, according to multiple reports.

Baker is expected to begin his career as a Chief on the team's practice squad.

It's huge news for the 23-year-old former 2019 1st-round pick ... because just a few days ago, he was staring down LIFE IN PRISON.

We broke the story, Baker was accused of pulling out a semi-automatic firearm at a cookout in Miramar, FL. and ordering partygoers to give him their cash, watches and other valuables.

Baker was arrested and ultimately hit with multiple counts of robbery with a firearm.

But, prosecutors announced Monday they dropped all the charges after they say the alleged victims and witnesses in the case became "uncooperative" and had their credibility "inalterably tarnished."

Prosecutors claim it all stemmed from an attorney, William Dean, who represented 3 victims in the case.

"[Dean] was arrested for extortion related to soliciting a cash payout on behalf of the three men in exchange for altered testimony," prosecutors said.

Baker's attorney, Bradford Cohen, was thrilled with the prosecutors' decision ... telling TMZ Sports on Monday, "The result is the correct result in dismissing Deandre's case. We have been saying he was a victim of an extortion from day one."

TMZ Sports has obtained more video from the night Dallas Goedert was knocked out inside a South Dakota bar ... and the new footage shows the NFLer got in a patron's face before the attack.

In the clip, you can see Goedert -- wearing a black shirt and holding a drink -- puts his finger on a man's chest, walks him backward and then gets nose-to-nose with him.

Seconds later, Goedert puts his hand on the man again and appears to push him backward ... and that's when the 25-year-old tight end got violently rocked in the face by another man.

However, our Goedert sources are adamant the TE was simply trying to play peacemaker before he was KO'd.

As we previously reported, the whole scene went down on June 19 at Zoo Bar in Aberdeen, SD ... and Goedert had to go to the hospital due to injuries he suffered in the skirmish.

Fortunately for the Eagles tight end, he was NOT seriously hurt in the altercation.

But, 30-year-old Kyle Hadala was arrested and charged over the punch ... ultimately getting hit with a simple assault charge for throwing the haymaker.

Hadala has pled not guilty to the charge ... and has fought the case heavily in court -- arguing he only threw the punch because he was just trying to defend his friend.

"They picked out my smaller colleague from the group, got in his face, and made very threatening remarks toward his personal well-being," Hadala told TMZ Sports back in July.

"Then one of his crew told my other colleague, and I quote, 'You’re just a fat f**king pussy. I'll beat the s*** out of you.'"

Hadala is due in court Wednesday for a bench trial in the case ... and we're told he's hoping the video from the bar helps him beat the case.

AEW + Director X = 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯

TMZ Sports has obtained AEW's explosive new trailer -- featuring Nyla Rose using a sledgehammer to smash the living hell out of a Jaguar ... and it's AWESOME!

The trailer was put together by legendary music video and movie director, Director X -- who's worked with every major artist you've ever heard of from Jay-Z to Rihanna to Kanye, Bieber to Drake ... even Ariana Grande, One Direction and Korn!

Director X tells TMZ Sports the goal is to show how AEW is "smashing the status quo" -- and what better way to than to give Nyla Rose a sledgehammer and let her tee off!

FYI, Rose is the first transgender wrestler signed to a major wrestling promotion -- and Director X tells us he was so moved by her story, it became an obvious decision to open the video with Nyla's glass-shattering scene.

"I mean it just felt right," Director X tells us ... "It's by far the most dramatic scene. She has one of the most dramatic stories you know what I'm saying? Like it's a big, big deal."

Director X says empowering women like Nyla says a lot about AEW and how they're taking pro wrestling to the next level.

The trailer also features Cody and Brandi Rhodes, Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks and more ... explaining how they launched a brand new successful wrestling promotion against all odds. The ultimate underdog story.

The video also celebrates the 1 year anniversary of "AEW Dynamite" -- the #1 wrestling show on Wednesday nights on TNT.

"We're boundless in our ability to grow," Cody says ... "We're boundless in our talent."

Babies are known for kicking, but Ryan Garcia's is already punching!!!

The boxing star announced his child's gender on Tuesday ... by letting his pregnant partner Drea Celina playfully hit him with some one-two combos!

And, awesome news ... it's gonna be a girl!!!

The 22-year-old made the big reveal minutes ago ... saying, "So I guess I’m a girl dad ❤️❤️ only thing is my girls are going to know how to fight 🥊."

The term "Girl Dad" has become famous in recent months ... with the late Kobe Bryant using the term to describe his love for being the head of an all-lady family.

The accompanying video is adorable ... Drea hits daddy with some shots (while he wears protective padding, of course) -- and you can tell Garcia is genuinely impressed with her punching power!

Garcia also shared the new one's name ... adding, "BABY BELA ON THE WAY💕💕💕"

The couple has made headlines in recent weeks for other reasons, but it looks like things are good between them right now ... which is great!!

It's a miracle Kevin Porter Jr. wasn't injured during a scary car wreck Sunday night ... cops just released photos from the scene, and his car was mangled.

Cops say the Cleveland Cavaliers player wrecked his Mercedes Benz at around 2 a.m. in Ohio, and when they responded to the scene ... officers claim they found a loaded handgun and what appeared to be weed inside the vehicle.

The 20-year-old NBA player was arrested for improper handling of a firearm, marijuana possession and more.

But, here's the crazy part, cops say Porter Jr. admitted to drinking earlier in the evening -- but did NOT present "clues of impairment" during a field sobriety test ... so he's not facing any DUI charges.

Unclear what caused the wreck at this point ... but one thing is clear -- Porter Jr. is extremely lucky to be alive.

Check out the damage to the windows, windshield and body of the car -- damage cops say was sustained when the vehicle rolled over.

You can see in the photos, the crash set off multiple airbags inside of the vehicle.

Porter Jr. pled not guilty to the misdemeanor charges and entered a no plea on the felony gun charge.

Playing for the god awful NY Jets took a real toll on Jamal Adams -- who says he battled depression during his sad run with Gang Green.

"Bro, I fought depression in New York," the star safety said on the 'All Things Covered' podcast with Bryant McFadden and Patrick Peterson.

"And I’m man enough to say it. I came home after a tough loss and just sat in my room in the dark -- no phone, no TV. [My dad] hated to see me like that. It killed my pops so much."

Adams spent 3 years with the Jets before forcing the team to trade him to Seattle before the 2020 season. The Jets were 16 and 32 during his time in NY and have only gotten worse.

"[My dad] was calling my agent at the time and saying, 'Hey man, I don’t like seeing my son like this. I need him out of this situation.' It took a toll on my life outside of football."

The Jets are currently 0-9 and have become the laughing stock of the NFL. This year's team could go down as the worst team in NFL history.

Adams described the organization this way -- "They do not want to win."

The good news ... Adams seems to be in a much better place mentally in Seattle, praising the organization on the podcast.

"This is how the NFL is supposed to be. This is the dream I was dreaming."

"You're never going to meet a nice woman -- especially in basketball."

That's LaVar Ball's fatherly advice to his NBA sons -- explaining why they're only going to meet "hoes" while living the jet-setting life as pro basketball players.

"You’re not going to find nobody like I found your mom," LaVar explained on the "Endless Hustle" podcast while talking about the advice he's given his sons Lonzo, LiAngelo and LaMelo.

"If you’re in this profession, you got all this fame and notoriety -- how are you going to meet a good girl? You’re not."

LaVar says the only places NBA players meet women during their busy careers are at restaurants, clubs or in the arenas -- "So, I hate to tell you but you’re going to meet a hoe. Just how it goes, son."

"So son, that’s the bad part of the life you’re going to get -- you're never going to meet a good woman."

LaVar also warned that by the time his kids understand what he's talking about -- it'll almost be too late ... because if they meet a woman who's 30 and single "You gotta wonder why she's by herself at 30."

"So there’s something that’s dangerous no matter how good they look -- but have a good time son. I feel bad for you -- but hey I love the fact you made it!"

When asked how he'd react if his sons brought home a "hoe" -- LaVar said that's already happened more than once.

"I already seen 'em! They already brought a few through here!"

LaVar says his boys will never be able to meet a woman at a typical job or at church because the demands of the NBA are too time-consuming -- plus, the constant travel also makes things tough.

Cleveland Cavs player Kevin Porter Jr. allegedly punched a woman in the face and ripped off her wig during an altercation back in August ... but Porter's attorney says the claim is bogus.

The allegations are spelled out in police reports obtained by TMZ Sports ... which detail an August 16 incident involving Porter, his sister and two other women.

The 2 alleged victims told police things popped off when "words were exchanged" at an apartment complex in Downtown Cleveland ... and things escalated from there

One of the alleged victims told cops Porter's sister struck first -- punching one of the women in the face.

That's when, the women say, Kevin jumped in ...

"At this time, Mr. Porter threw his drink in the face of [an alleged victim] and then ripped the wig off her head and then punched her in the left side of her face causing slight swelling visible at the time of this report," the police report says.

Cops say they spoke with a witness who saw the whole incident and backed up the two women ... claiming the Porters were the aggressors.

In fact, the witness says she saw Kevin Porter with one of the women's "weave in his hand when he then punched [one of the women] in the face causing her to [fall] into the refrigerator."

When cops arrived, they noted both of the women who allegedly fought with the Porters had visible injuries.

The woman who was allegedly struck by the NBA player had a swollen left cheek, cops say. The other woman had a broken fingernail and a small lump on her forehead.

Both women opted to NOT receive medical treatment at the time of the incident.

Cops say they told the two women to contact the city prosecutor's office if they wanted to press charges. So far, neither Porter nor his sister have been charged with a crime.

Porter's attorney, Alex Spiro, issued a statement adamantly denying the allegations -- saying, "There is no truth to this allegation which is why the allegation has led nowhere."

20-year-old Porter has other legal issues ... he was arrested Sunday following an early morning crash in Ohio.

After the wreck, cops say they found a loaded handgun and what appeared to be weed inside the vehicle. He is facing multiple charges including felony improper handling of a firearm inside a motor vehicle and misdemeanor 1st-degree drug abuse -- along with other traffic citations.

Porter pled not guilty to the misdemeanor charges -- and entered a no plea on the felony.

Clemson Tigers star Trevor Lawrence says he's doing great after recovering from COVID-19 ... with the QB telling reporters he's feeling "back to normal" and happy to rejoin the team.

The Heisman hopeful found out he contracted the virus on Oct. 29 ... and experienced symptoms like loss of smell, a headache, and, as he described it, feeling "pretty bad."

But, the 21-year-old is doing MUCH better now ... saying he's back to 100% and ready to suit up against Florida State this weekend.

"I feel good," Lawrence said. "I feel just as good as I did when I left a few weeks ago and back to normal."

Lawrence went 2 full weeks away from the team ... but says he's back in the groove with his teammates.

"Feeling good, getting my timing back with all my receivers and everything. Getting back in the swing of things, but I'm feeling really good."

As for playing through the pandemic, Lawrence says his experience has given him a new perspective on his love for the game ... and he's "appreciative to be back."

Tyson Fury's newest training sesh literally brought the house down -- as the ceiling collapsed while the heavyweight champ was annihilating the heavy bag!

... and the video is pretty great!!

The Gypsy King is gearing up for a fight with undefeated German star Agit Kabayel (reportedly happening in early 2021) -- and he's been busting his ass in his gym in Morecambe Bay to get ready.

But, the 32-year-old took things to another level on Tuesday -- when he rocked the heavy bag so hard, it looked like the sky was falling!

You can see pieces from the ceiling -- where the bag was attached -- came crumbling down on top of the champ, who tried to move out of the way!

At one point, you can hear Fury say, "That coulda come down and hurt me, ya f**kin' idiot!"

Despite the collapse, Fury was still feeling an adrenaline rush and wanted to keep training -- so he simply moved to another bag and kept punching!

After the workout, Fury said the workout was "fantastic" -- noting he's been "absolutely smashing it!"

No lies detected.

Fury defeated Deontay Wilder in their rematch back in February -- but they could face off for a 3rd time in 2021.

Fury has also expressed interest in fighting Anthony Joshua -- which would be awesome.

James Harden and many others in the Rockets' org. all want OUT of Houston ... and it's all reportedly because the team's owner is a big Donald Trump supporter.

NBA insider Ric Bucher dropped the bombshell revelation on "The Odd Couple" podcast this week ... saying Tilman Fertitta's ties to the Republican party and Trump have created a massive divide in the org.

According to Bucher ... players and staffers have disagreed so heavily with Tilman's donations to the Trump campaign -- it's created a straight-up "revolt."

"What I heard is," Bucher said, "and we know how much politics and political position had to do with the boycott and protests during the Bubble -- I'm hearing that Tilman Fertitta’s strong Republican support and donations is one of the things that is contributing to this dissatisfaction."

Bucher added, "There is a revolt here because they look at Fertitta as a guy who supports the current President."

Russell Westbrook has already reportedly requested a trade from the Rockets ... and Harden is said to now want out as well.

The team also jettisoned Robert Covington this week ... while last year's coach, Mike D'Antoni, and last year's GM, Daryl Morey, have already left the squad.

Fertitta -- who bought the Rockets in 2017 for $2.2 BILLION -- has never been shy about his public support for Trump ... he's praised POTUS often, and the two are known to be good pals.

It's the most wonderful time of the year for Dodger fans -- the team has officially announced a drive-thru holiday extravaganza to help celebrate L.A.'s World Series title!!

The team can't currently celebrate with a normal parade through the City of Angels in honor of their 7th championship (thanks, COVID) ... so they came up with a safe way to honor the victory while spreading some holiday cheer at the same time.

Dubbed the "Holiday Festival," the Dodgers say the event will include "a light show, LED video displays, fake snow and interactive displays honoring the Dodgers World Championship and celebrating the holidays!"

The party will take place at the Dodger Stadium parking lot ... but don't get it twisted -- attendees will still be required to wear face masks when their car windows are down (we're looking at you, Justin Turner) ... as well as maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles.

The event starts the day after Thanksgiving (Nov. 27) and runs through Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) ... and tickets go on sale Tuesday.

Wichita State basketball coach Gregg Marshall has officially resigned following an investigation into claims he physically and verbally abused players.

But, he's not leaving empty-handed -- the school says it reached a settlement to pay out $7.75 million to the coach over the next 6 years.

The move is effective immediately. Assistant coach Isaac Brown will take over as interim head coach.

Marshall -- who has previously denied the allegations of abuse -- issued a farewell statement on Tuesday regarding his decision to step down.

"This was a difficult decision, but one I feel was necessary for my family, the university and, most importantly, the student-athletes."

Marshall continued, "I remain grateful for my years spent at Wichita State. I wish to thank the coaches, student-athletes, the university, the community, and all of Shocker Nation for their unending dedication, support and loyalty."

Wichita State athletic director Darron Boatright said the decision to accept Marshall's resignation "is in the best interest of the university, its student-athletes and the WSU community."

As we previously reported, the University launched a probe into Marshall following disturbing allegations from former Shockers players including Shaq Morris -- who claimed the coach punched him in the face TWICE during a 2015 practice.

Six players, who were on the team then, reportedly backed up Shaq's story including NBA's Fred VanVleet who refused to practice the next day until Marshall apologized, which he did.

Morris also said Marshall choked his assistant coach Kyle Linstead during practice in the 2016-17 season.

The 57-year-old coach was also accused of making racist comments to players -- he allegedly made an "Indian howling noise" at Isaiah Bear-Chandler, who is Native American.

Following the Stadium report, Marshall denied all allegations of wrongdoing saying he "never physically struck a player or colleague" -- and attacking the report as "character assassination."

Marshall began coaching the Shockers in 2007 -- and has since led the team to 7 NCAA tournament appearances, including a run to the Final Four in 2013.