TMZ Sports - Page 50

Joe Burrow. Dak Prescott. Drew Brees. Sam Darnold.

As NFL quarterbacks continue to go down with injuries, there's one guy who says he's ready for his shot -- COLIN KAEPERNICK.

The 33-year-old just sent ANOTHER message to GMs across the league -- saying he's BEEN READY to step in and compete for a job ... if there's a team with the cojones to pick up the phone and call.

"1,363 days of being denied employment," Kaepernick said on social media ... "Still putting in work with [Eric Reid].  
Still going hard 5 days a week.  #StillReady #StopRunning."

The message seems to be directed at the Bengals, who just lost #1 overall pick, Joe Burrow, to a knee injury over the weekend.

Kaepernick hasn't played a down in the NFL since the 2016 season.

Of course, Kap and Eric Reid both believe they're being blackballed for starting the now-famous kneeling demonstration during the national anthem.

High-profile critics including Donald Trump called for Kaepernick to be fired for kneeling -- despite support from people like Barack Obama, LeBron James and others.

As we've been reporting for years, Kaepernick has been training like a maniac -- and sources connected to the QB have been telling us repeatedly that he's been in game shape, ready to go at the drop of a hat.

Remember, it was Nov. 16, 2019, Kaepernick put his skills on display during a public workout -- and he looked pretty good.

So, will the Bengals, Cowboys, Jets or anyone else actually pick up the phone and make the call?

Birdies, pars, bogeys ... and fat jokes?!

If Charles Barkley and Peyton Manning's pre-golf tournament trash talk is any indication of how Friday's The Match III is going to go down ... we're in store for a whole lot of the above!!

Chuck, Manning, Phil Mickelson and Steph Curry all logged on for a Zoom call to preview their big tourney -- which will air on TNT this week -- and there was plenty of joking banter between the four.

But, the best heckling was between Manning and Charles ... with Peyton hitting Chuck with a hilarious tubby joke!

Here's how it went down ... Charles claimed he's been working on his game tirelessly to prepare for the event -- even saying he's hit the Stone Canyon course in Oro Valley, AZ a few times.

Then, he took a shot at Peyton's alma mater ... saying, "You know, Peyton, I just got to make sure he got my phone number. He texts me all the time, but, since Tennessee hasn't won a game, it's been a few weeks since he texted me!"

That's when Manning went into full-on roast mode -- hitting Chuck with this hilarious zinger ...

"That's kind of news to me that Charles has been to Stone Canyon three times. He hasn't played golf. He's just gone there to eat three times. They have great lunch and dinner service. So, this will be his first time playing the course in the actual match on Friday."

SHEEEEESSSHHHH!!!

There was a whole lot more from the guys' interview ... Barkley made fun of Manning and Curry's Hall of Fame chances; and everyone generally cracked on Charles for having a horrific golf swing.

Good times!!!

By the way, the event is all going down for a good cause ... the foursome is playing to raise money for HBCUs across the country.

Rob Kardashian is ON FIRE -- the sports card collector just pulled an ultra-rare Honus Wagner autograph ... and the video is epic!

Here's the deal ... Rob K. has established himself as one of the top dogs in the high-end sports card market -- often buying boxes of pricy, rare cards in the hopes of hitting big.

AND HE KEEPS HITTING BIG!!!

This time, Rob paid $750 for a chance at the contents of the BullPen BullChest at the Bullpen card shop in L.A.

Basically, 6 people pay $750 each to split the contents of the BullChest which is loaded with expensive PSA graded cards, boxes of unopened cards ... sometimes just packs of rare cards.

The collectors get to select 1 item from the chest in an order that's randomly selected by the shop.

This time, Rob was 5th to select (not the best position) -- but it worked out for him this time!

Rob decided to pick an unopened box of 2020 Topps Dynasty cards -- which usually runs around $500 and only contains ONE CARD!!

But, when the Bullpen staffer opened the pack (Rob was watching virtually on a live stream) ... he went CRAZY when he realized he pulled a special 1-of-1 Honus Wagner auto!

Wagner died in 1955 -- but the people at Topps secured an authenticated autograph used it as the base of a new card.

Unclear what it's worth ... but it's fair to say Rob EASILY made back his investment!

As we previously reported, Rob recently pulled an ultra-rare Tom Brady card that some believe could sell for more than $200k!

Pope Francis has invited 5 NBA players to his home court -- The Vatican -- for a 1-hour meeting Monday about social justice issues.

The 5-player delegation features Sterling Brown -- the former Milwaukee Bucks star who was the victim of a police brutality incident in 2018 when he was tased by cops at a Walgreens.

The other players ... Kyle Korver, Orlando's Jonathan Isaac, Marco Belinelli and Anthony Tolliver.

Both Brown and Korver were members of the Bucks in the NBA Bubble this year when they boycotted a playoff game to protest the shooting of Jacob Blake. Brown is now a member of the Houston Rockets.

23-year-old Jonathan Isaac was one of the only players to stand during the national anthem during their Bubble. He's also an ordained minister.

Unclear exactly what the players and The Pope will talk about -- but it was reportedly Pope Francis who had a rep reach out to the NBA Players Association to get the ball rolling

Pope Francis reportedly "wanted to learn more about how players had recently brought attention to pressing social justice issues and economic inequality -- and what they planned for the future," according to ESPN.

After the meeting -- which took place in the papal library at the Apostolic Palace -- the players were scheduled to get a tour of St. Peter's Square.

It's the end of an era ... NBA star (and legendary bachelor) Chandler Parsons is officially off the market after popping the question to his girlfriend -- and she said YES!!

The 32-year-old proposed to Haylee Harrison over the weekend -- a business owner (who also used to be a model) ... and yeah, the ring is HUGE!

Sources tell TMZ Sports ... the rock is nearly 7 carats -- and while we don't know the price, it's obvious money was no object to a guy who's reportedly made north of $126 MILLION during his NBA career.

"Now til forever," Parsons said on IG. "@hayleexharrison you came into my life and changed it forever. I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with you."

"I love you so much future Mrs. Parsons!!!"

The two have been dating since 2019 -- but we're told Parsons and Harrison met through mutual friends a few years back. They currently live together in Malibu and West Hollywood.

Of course, Parsons is a 9-year vet in the Association, while Harrison is days away from launching her own cosmetics line, Treats Beauty.

"I can’t believe I get to marry my best friend," Haylee said Sunday. "You are seriously so special. I just feel so lucky to get to live life by your side and learn from you and grow together."

"We’re so lucky we have each other. Chandler Evan Parsons, I am so so in love with you and so excited to spend the rest of my life with you."

"Congrats to us baby, we did it!!!"

Parsons had a pretty amazing run back in his single days ... dating beautiful stars like Bella Thorne to Toni Garrn and Arianny Celeste.

2020 started off rough for Parsons -- he was badly injured in a car accident back in January, when a drunk driver slammed into his vehicle.

We're told his basketball career is still up in the air, which sucks -- but at least he's ending the year on a much happier note!

Dabo Swinney is FURIOUS Florida State canceled its game with Clemson on Saturday ... saying straight-up he thinks the Seminoles used coronavirus as an excuse to back out.

"This game was not canceled because of COVID," the Tigers head coach said Sunday. "COVID was just an excuse to cancel the game."

If you missed it, Florida State and Clemson were scheduled to kick off Saturday ... when it was revealed a Tigers player -- who had made the trip with the team to Tallahassee, FL for the game -- had tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday.

Dabo says the team followed all the proper protocols and believed, despite the test, no one else was affected by the virus and the game should've still gone on.

But, FSU officials, citing the health and safety of their players, decided it was best to NOT play ... and canceled the matchup.

Dabo, speaking in-depth about the decision on Sunday, absolutely railroaded the school for the choice ... insinuating the 'Noles (a HUGE underdog in the game) simply just didn't want to play Clemson.

"The standard to cancel a game was not met," Dabo said. "A guy testing positive on a Friday does not cancel a game."

The coach continued, "We offered to test again. Play Saturday night. Sunday. Monday. And it was declined. We met the standard to play, and we should've played."

The ACC is trying to figure out a way to reschedule the game ... but Dabo made it clear if FSU doesn't reimburse the Tigers for travel expenses -- which were reportedly in the $300,000 range -- he ain't playin' it.

"To me, the Florida State administration forfeited the game," Swinney said. "And if they want to play Clemson, in my opinion, they need to come to Clemson or they need to pay for all expenses."

"Other than that, there's no reason for us to play them. We were there, we were ready and we met the standards."

A pro soccer player could be facing discipline from his league ... after he straight-up grabbed his opponent's penis TWICE in a disturbing in-game incident that was all caught on video.

Here's the deal ... on Saturday in England, Preston North End FC player Darnell Fisher was trying to guard Sheffield Wednesday's Callum Paterson during a corner kick in the second half.

Video of the play showed Fisher got super close to Paterson ... and then Fisher suddenly grabbed Paterson's junk.

Paterson was clearly upset by the move -- he looked over at the ref to see if the official was going to say something to Fisher -- and that's when Fisher cupped Paterson's genitals yet again.

The two eventually separated, and Fisher's Preston squad ended up winning the game 1-0 ... but afterward, the Football Association reportedly launched a probe into the incident.

According to Sky Sports, the FA is set to investigate whether or not it should punish Fisher for the move.

Similar incidents in sports this past year have garnered big discipline ... remember, rugby star Joe Marler was hit with a 10-WEEK ban for grabbing a guy's penis in a game.

After 3 decades, it was the final bell for The Undertaker at WWE's Survivor Series on Sunday night -- and the final sendoff was killer.

Vince McMahon appeared in the center of the ring to announce The Dead Man one last time ... and he was clearly emotional about it.

“Tonight marks the end of an era," McMahon said ... "An end of an era of the most storied career in history, it'll never be duplicated."

He continued, "They say nothing lasts forever. I think they’re wrong -- because the legacy of The Undertaker will live on eternally!"

That's when the lights went dim and fire began to explode all over the arena -- a dramatic setting for Taker's final ring walk.

Once he got in the ring, Taker -- real name Mark Calaway -- only said a few words, but he made 'em count.

"My time has come to let The Undertaker Rest. In. Peace."

That's when a hologram of Taker's former manager, Paul Bearer, appeared.

Bearer -- real name Bill Moody -- passed away back in 2013.

It was a nice tribute to both Taker's career -- and a show of respect for Moody, who played a pivotal role in shaping Taker's character back in the day.

After the show, several WWE superstars paid respect to Taker on social media.

John Cena -- "After three decades of @undertaker committing wholeheartedly to the @WWE, tonight we bear witness to the end of an extraordinary body of work. For all the in ring moments and as a member of the @WWEUniverse, I say #ThankYouTaker!"

The Rock -- "30yrs ago today, he made his iconic #SurvivorSeries debut. Like EVERYONE - I was in awe as a rookie in the @WWE when his first words pierced my soul as he walked in the dressing room and said, “Muthaf**ka” True story! Honored to share the ring w you, my brother. #ThankYouTaker

A $6 MILLION fundraiser is underway to reopen the home where Muhammad Ali grew up -- with the hopes it will "serve as a beacon of hope and remind visitors greatness can begin anywhere."

Ali's parents bought the 1,200-square-foot home in Louisville, Kentucky back in 1947.

The home originally only had 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom for Ali, his parents and his younger brother, Rahman. The entire family lived in the home until 1961.

The home had fallen apart over the years until it was purchased in 2012 by attorney George Bochetto and real estate investor Jared Weiss.

The goal was to open the home as a museum -- which they initially did in 2016, just before Ali passed away. But, the museum closed in 2017 due to financial issues.

Now, the owners have teamed up with several key partners in the hopes of successfully relaunching in 2021.

The Board of Directors includes Malcolm X's oldest daughter, A. Shabazz, Ali's ex-wife, Khalilah Camacho-Ali ... and Muhammad's brother, Rahman.

Muhammad Ali's son, Muhammad Ali Jr., is also involved in the project this time around.

Organizers say they need $1 million to get the ball rolling -- with a goal of raising $5.8 mil.

"Donations will also go toward expanding The Museum footprint, improving the grounds, creating community programs as well as an endowment," organizers said.

"With a commitment to the community, sponsorships and scholarships dedicated specifically to the youth of the Louisville community will also be a priority of the organization and Restoration Campaign."

Muhammad's brother, Rahman, says, "To know that others can step into the room we grew up in, or the backyard he played in, and the back room he and I shadow boxed in is incredible. It’s like stepping back in time."

Green Bay receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling's costly fumble helped seal a loss for the Packers on Sunday ... and now, the dude says he's getting death threats over it all.

The untimely giveaway happened in overtime against the Colts in a 31-31 game ... when Valdes-Scantling caught a little bubble screen pass and then coughed up the football.

Indianapolis players were able to recover ... and just four snaps later, the Colts kicked the game-winning field goal to give the Pack its 3rd loss of the season.

Afterward, Valdes-Scantling says upset fans took things WAY TOO FAR ... writing on his social media page that some have actually threatened to kill him over the turnover.

"Death threats over a football game? Jesus you people need help," MVS wrote Sunday night. "It’s actually sick."

The good news? Valdes-Scantling says his teammates and coaches racing to his defense after the fumble (star QB Aaron Rodgers and head coach Matt LaFleur both said after they've still got plenty of confidence in the wideout) helped.

"I’m good," Valdes-Scantling said. "My team got my back."

The receiver also added earlier in the night, "Thank You God. Without failure there is no growth."

It's been just over a year since Errol Spence nearly died in a horrific late-night Ferrari crash -- and the boxer is telling TMZ Sports how the incident changed him forever.

"Yeah you look at life kinda different," the 30-year-old, undefeated superstar tells us.

"You find out you're not invincible, for one ... so then you just care for things a lot more, making sure you spend time with your loved ones and things like that."

"You never know when you're gonna go. So for me, it's spending time with my loved ones."

As we previously reported, Spence -- one of the best boxers in the world -- wrecked his Ferrari during an Oct. 10 crash that was captured on video.

The fact he survived is nothing short of a miracle -- considering he was ejected from the vehicle on impact and the car was ripped to shreds.

The reigning WBC and IBF welterweight champ not only fully recovered from his injuries, but began training to defend his titles against Danny Garcia on Dec. 5!

Garcia is no tomato can -- he's 36-2 with victories over stars like Zab Judah, Amir Khan, Paulie Malignaggi and more.

So, why rush in against a top opponent instead of taking a warm-up match?

"I didn't wanna ease back into things. I feel like I'm the top guy in the division. I'm the top dog. So, I wanted probably the next best thing which is Danny Garcia."

Spence notes he was supposed to fight Garcia before the crash -- "So, I decided to continue with it and fight him in December."

And, if he wins, Spence already has another opponent in mind ... Canelo Alvarez!

"It'd be an awesome fight at 160 pounds," Spence tells TMZ Sports ... "Especially if we have it at the Cowboys stadium!"

Spence is referring to AT&T Stadium in Dallas -- also known as Jerry World -- and says fighting Canelo in front of 100,000 fans would be one of the biggest events in boxing!

"It definitely can happen."

Folks struggling with the pandemic and all of its fallout got a big break Saturday, with celebs and others pitching in to help feed those in need.

The Feed Your City Event is 10-events strong, and it was held in numerous U.S. cities.  Among them ... Compton, where Dr. Dre, music industry icon Tony Draper and retired NBA star Ricky Davis sponsored the event in Compton.

The event is timed around Thanksgiving, where people could get free groceries including, of course, turkeys. This year the giveaway includes PP supplies.

The event was COVID-safe, with a one-lane drive-thru and another line for walk-ups.  Everyone socially distanced and masks were plentiful.

Also involved in organizing the event ... Compton Mayor Aja Brown, Power 106 and 93.5 KDAY.

Clare Crawley and Dale Moss are already engaged, but they're taking their relationship to new heights by spending a holiday with each other's families ... despite cheating rumors.

Sources close to "The Bachelorette" couple tell TMZ ... they're ignoring claims that Dale stepped out on Clare ... they'll spend their first Thanksgiving together on the West Coast.

We're told Dale flew to Sacramento to meet Clare, and they'll be heading down to San Diego to feast on turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie with family and friends on both sides.

Our sources say they place no stock in recent reports alleging Dale was kissing women in NYC last week.

ICYMI ... Dale -- a former football player turned model -- was photographed walking around the city with a few models last week after they worked a Hugo Boss event together.

They got drinks afterward, and that's when the rumor mill churned out talk that he was seen smooching on women. They say it's absolutely untrue ... one of the women Dale was hanging with is married, and the other has a boyfriend.

Regardless, Clare was unfazed by the gossip and met up with Dale in his hometown in South Dakota a few days later. She shared a romantic pic of the meetup.

Our sources say they plan to split their time between Sacramento and NYC due to their jobs.

As you know ... Clare's time as 'Bachelorette' was unprecedented, as she and Dale hit it off so intensely he proposed to her just days into filming her season. She said yes, and as of now ... we're told there's still no trouble in paradise.

John Daly is recovering after undergoing a surgical procedure related to his cancer this week -- a procedure he bumped up in hopes of playing a golf tourney with his son in December.

54-year-old Daly was diagnosed with bladder cancer back in September -- but he's been fighting like hell and recently told us straight-up, "I'll beat this sh*t, f*ck cancer."

Gotta love John Daly!

In fact, Daly's so confident, he recently entered the PNC Championship along with his 16-year-old son Little John Daly so they could play together during the Dec. 17 to 20 event.

The issue ... doctors recently told Daly they wanted him to undergo a procedure connected to his treatment -- and the timing could have clashed with the golf tourney.

So, John took the bull by the horns and bumped up the procedure -- which took place on Wednesday -- so he could have enough time to recover and get himself ready to play in December.

We're told John is doing well so far and is in good spirits -- and remains confident he'll give Tiger Woods and his son a run for their money!

WWE superstar, reality TV legend ... and now, wedding singer?!

The Miz tells TMZ Sports he's ready to add that last item to his resume ... saying he deserves the role at Alexa Bliss' and Ryan Cabrera's upcoming nuptials -- 'cause he helped set them up!!

The 40-year-old has been buds with Cabrera for nearly two decades -- and after he met Bliss through the WWE, he says he basically helped bring the two together.

Now, as somewhat of a reward, he says he's gunnin' to belt out some tunes at their impending reception!!

"Ryan played mine and [my wife] Maryse's wedding, like he played our first song -- our first dance," The Miz told us. "So, I think it's only right for me to return the favor."

And, if it ends up going down ... The Miz says don't expect him to be all that bad!!

The WWE star says all the lessons he learned putting out his "Hey Hey" diss track prior to WrestleMania this year should give him a leg up if it comes time to grab the mic at the wedding.

"To have me play your wedding, he did it for me, I should do it for him!" The Miz says. "It's just tit for tat."

As for the newly engaged couple, The Miz says he's straight-up thrilled they've found love with each other ... telling us, "They're happy. That's all that matters!"

A ball Patrick Mahomes signed back in high school is hitting the auction block ... and check out the signature -- the NFL superstar had a John Hancock like a pro even as a teenager!!

TMZ Sports has learned the K.C. Chiefs QB put pen to ball back in 2013 ... and now, it's the earliest Mahomes auto EVER to go up for auction.

We're told the story behind the ball is pretty special ... the guys at Lelands say Mahomes and his entire Whitehouse H.S. Wildcats baseball team in Texas signed it for a boy who was battling Leukemia.

Leland's reps say the boy threw out the first pitch at one of the team's games (with Mahomes catching it) -- and later, the kid got the whole team to sign it.

Check out the piece ... in the sweet spot, "2013 Whitehouse Wildcats" is handwritten. Just above it is Mahomes' auto, which features his signature with the "#5."

21 of Mahomes' other high school teammates also signed the ball.

Unclear what it's ultimately expected to fetch -- it is awfully hard to price such a unique item, after all -- but bidding has started at $500.

And, if that price sounds crazy ... consider this -- a ball signed by a teenage Michael Jordan in 1976 just sold this year at auction for $36,000!!!