Diego Maradona Soccer Legend Dead at 60 Pope Francis Offers Prayers for Soccer Legend

UPDATE

1:44 PM PT -- The Pope is paying tribute to Diego Maradona in the best way he can -- praying for the guy.

UPDATE

As you may know, Pope Francis is from Argentina -- same as Maradona.

UPDATE

A Vatican spokesperson says when Pope Francis learned of the soccer star's death, he reflected "fondly to the times they met in these years and remembers him in prayer."

UPDATE

The spokesperson also noted Pope Francis had been praying for Maradona recently after learning of his medical issues.

UPDATE

Additionally, the President of Argentina has reportedly declared 3 days of mourning for Maradona.

UPDATE

9:33 AM PT -- TMZ Sports talked to U.S. soccer legend Alexi Lalas ... about the passing of Diego Maradona.

UPDATE
112520-alexi-lalas-kal
ALWAYS REMEMBERED
TMZSports.com
UPDATE

The sports world is reacting to the news ... with soccer legend Pele paying tribute to his friend.

UPDATE

"What sad news," Pele said Wednesday. "I lost a great friend and the world lost a legend. There is still much to be said, but for now, may God give strength to family members. One day, I hope we can play ball together in the sky."

UPDATE

Olympics superstar Usain Bolt also shared his condolences ... posting a pic with Diego on his Twitter.

UPDATE
UPDATE

Cristiano Ronaldo posted a heartfelt farewell ... calling Maradona a friend, genius, magician and "one of the best ever."

UPDATE

"Today I say goodbye to a friend and the world says goodbye to an eternal genius."

UPDATE

"He leaves too soon, but leaves a legacy without limits and a void that will never be filled. Rest in peace, ace. You will never be forgotten."

Diego Maradona -- widely considered one of the greatest soccer players of all time -- has died at his home in Argentina, according to his reps.

He was 60.

Maradona, who was still recovering after emergency brain surgery earlier this month, reportedly suffered a heart attack at his home Wednesday morning and was not able to pull through ... according to Argentinian news outlet Clarin.

His death was confirmed by Maradona's longtime lawyer and agent Matias Morla.

Back in the day, Maradona was considered one of the best soccer players in the world -- leading Argentina to a World Cup in 1986.

In fact, his "Hand of God" goal against England during the '86 World Cup is one of the most famous moments in soccer history.

Maradona was tracking down a ball and slyly used his hand to punch it over the goalkeeper into the net -- while pretending his hand never actually touched it. His acting job worked and the goal counted!

After his playing career, he struggled with drug addiction, alcohol abuse and health issues -- and had been hospitalized multiple times.

But, he was still widely loved in his home country -- and the fans came out in force to show love just a few weeks ago when he was being transported to the hospital for brain surgery.

As we previously reported, doctors discovered a blood clot on Maradona's brain that required emergency treatment ... and he went under the knife on Nov. 3.

In the days that followed, Maradona's doctor said the outlook was good and he expected the star to make a successful recovery.

But, something went terribly wrong on Wednesday ... and now the world is mourning Maradona's death.

RIP.

Ryan Garcia I'll KO Luke Campbell 'Within 3 Rounds' ... I Guarantee It!!!

Here's a pretty solid betting tip for all you boxing (and gambling) fans ...

Ryan Garcia says he's "100% sure" he'll knock out Luke Campbell in the first 3 rounds of their January fight ... adding, "I'm very, very, very sure of that."

King Ryan talked all sorts of trash about his opponent on Kevin Hart's "Cold As Balls" YouTube series ... explaining why he believes the fight could propel him to global stardom.

In fact, the 22-year-old told Hart it's downright "the biggest fight of my life so far."

"This is going to put me on, you know, that level where I get that respect," Garcia said. "I think this fight will solidify me as probably one of the best in the world right now."

Ryan is clearly oozing confidence over the upcoming fight ... and perhaps rightfully so, the dude is now 20-0 after knocking out Francisco Fonseca in the 1st round of his last tilt in February.

There's more ... Ryan also talked about his friendship with Canelo Alvarez -- and how they're still on great terms despite Canelo's messy split with promoter Oscar De La Hoya, who still reps Ryan.

"We’ve got the best relationship," Garcia said of Canelo. "We might not have the same language -- he speaks Spanish -- but, man, we get along so good."

Oscar has previously told TMZ Sports he thinks he can bring Ryan a $700 MILLION fight contract one day ... so yeah, no need to burn that bridge, right!?

091819_oscar_de_la_hoya_4635391 :: 0_1ilgam8n :: 0_i9s5949a
THERE'S NO BEEF
TMZSports.com

Ravens vs. Steelers Thanksgiving Game Postponed ... 'Abundance of Caution'

UPDATE

10:12 AM PT -- Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster is PISSED ... ripping the league and the Ravens on social media.

UPDATE

"First the NFL takes away our bye week because another team can’t get their Covid situation together, now they take away our Thanksgiving primetime game for the same reason. Smh."

UPDATE

Smith is referring to the Week 4 matchup vs. the Tennessee Titans -- which was postponed after a COVID outbreak within the Titans organization.

UPDATE

Because the game was postponed late in the week, the players didn't get to experience a true "bye week" ... they had been practicing and preparing to play all week long.

UPDATE

Now, Juju is disappointed he won't be able to showcase his skills in front of a national audience on Thanksgiving -- in what would have been the biggest game of the day.

The NFL has officially postponed its biggest Thanksgiving Day football game -- Ravens vs. Steelers -- after multiple players tested positive for COVID.

"Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers game scheduled for Thursday, November 26 has been moved to Sunday afternoon, November 29," the NFL confirmed.

"This decision was made out of an abundance of caution to ensure the health and safety of players, coaches and game day personnel and in consultation with medical experts."

Earlier this week, Baltimore's top 2 running backs -- Mark Ingram and J.K. Dobbins -- were ruled out for Thursday night after testing positive for COVID.

But now, there seems to be a chance they could get back on the field for Sunday's game ... IF they weren't symptomatic.

Per the NFL's COVID policy, an asymptomatic player can return if 5 days have passed since the initial positive test AND the player receives 2 consecutive negative rapid tests at least 24 hours apart within that 5-day span.

We don't know if the RBs were symptomatic or not -- but we're making calls to try and find out.

In the meantime, there are still two other games going down on Turkey Day ... Houston vs. Detroit and Washington vs. Dallas.

Originally Published -- 10:07 AM PT

Vanderbilt Football Considering Female Soccer Star to Kick ... After Team Hit By COVID

Something historic might come out of the COVID pandemic ... Vanderbilt's head football coach says he's considering using a female soccer player to be his team's placekicker this week after the Commodores were hit by coronavirus quarantines.

Derek Mason, who's coached Vandy football since 2014, said Wednesday the school's women's soccer team's goalie, Sarah Fuller, "is an option for us" in the team's game against Missouri on Saturday.

FYI -- if Fuller does log a snap in the game ... it's believed she will be the first woman EVER to compete in live-action for a Power 5 football program.

As for why Mason's considering it ... aside from Vanderbilt's kicking woes this season -- the team had to place a bunch of special teamers in quarantine this week due to a possible COVID outbreak.

1125-Derek-Mason-audio-02
LOOKIN' AT ALL OPTIONS
ESPN 102.5 The Game Nashville

"Well, right now, we’re just looking at all options," Mason said of Fuller on ESPN 102.5 The Game. "She’s a complete competitor. She’s an option for us. So, right now, that’s where we sit."

According to the Vanderbilt Hustler, Fuller suited up for the Commodores at their practice Tuesday ... but did NOT kick with the team.

Instead, per the report, Fuller -- who donned full pads -- just went through walkthroughs with the team and coaches.

Fuller helped lead Vandy's women's soccer team to an SEC Championship last weekend in a COVID-shortened season ... playing in 8 games and logging 25 total saves.

The Commodores football team, meanwhile, sure could use her help ... they're winless this season in 7 games and their kickers are a combined 3-for-7 on field-goal attempts so far.

Nick Saban Positive for COVID Again w/ Mild Symptoms ... Out for Iron Bowl

Alabama football coach Nick Saban has tested positive for COVID-19 -- again -- only this time he's symptomatic and will likely not coach in the Iron Bowl against Auburn on Saturday.

"This morning we received notification that Coach Saban tested positive for COVID-19," the University said in a statement.

"He has very mild symptoms, so this test will not be categorized as a potential false positive. He will follow all appropriate guidelines and isolate at home."

#1 ranked Alabama is set to take on #22 ranked Auburn in the Iron Bowl this weekend -- a HUGE game -- but Saban is not expected to be on the sidelines this time around.

Saban previously tested positive for COVID back in October -- but was not symptomatic and he ultimately coached just 3 days after the positive test when Bama took on Georgia. The Tide won that game in a 41 to 24 shellacking.

After the game, Saban was seen on video dancing in the locker room with players while NOT wearing a mask.

Get well soon, Coach.

Michael Jordan Donates $2 Million to Food Shelter ... 'An Incredible Gift'

Michael Jordan is feeling the holiday spirit -- the NBA legend just donated $2 MILLION to help feed people in need!!!

"In these challenging times and in a year of unimaginable difficulty due to COVID-19, it’s more important than ever to pause and give thanks," Jordan said.

"I am proud to be donating additional proceeds from 'The Last Dance' to Feeding America and its member food banks in the Carolinas in Chicago to help feed America’s hungry."

Of course, "The Last Dance" documentary was wildly successful -- it's very cool to see MJ using that extra cash to help the less fortunate have a nice holiday.

The people at Feeding America -- which touts itself as "the largest charitable food assistance network in the U.S." -- were stoked to receive MJ's gift.

"An incredible gift to be thankful for -- NBA legend Michael Jordan is donating $2 million to help our neighbors facing hunger!"

Feed America says it works with 200 food banks and 60,000 food partners across the country -- and they're encouraging everyone who can help to pitch in!

Jordan has been super charitable this year -- back in June, he ( along with Jordan Brand) pledged $100 million over the next decade to fight racial inequality.

Aaron Rodgers Pissed About WR Getting Death Threats ... 'Chill Out, It's a Game!'

"Just chill out a little bit. It's a game."

That's Aaron Rodgers responding to the IDIOTS who made death threats at Packers WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling -- reminding everyone to CALM THE HELL DOWN.

Remember, Valdes-Scantling had a costly fumble in overtime against the Colts on Sunday -- and it ultimately led to Green Bay losing an important game.

After the game, MVS got death threats from morons on social media. The WR clapped back at the time saying, "Death threats over a football game? Jesus you people need help. It’s actually sick."

Enter Aaron Rodgers ... who was asked about the situation Tuesday on the "The Pat McAfee Show" -- where he went off on the lunatics behind the threats.

"Anybody who is so distraught about this that they need to go to Twitter and talk about killing someone, I would suggest that you relax," Rodgers said.

He continued, "It’s a game. We’re all trying our best. We’re trying to entertain you, but we’re also trying to do our best because we have a lot of pride in our performance."

"Nobody’s trying to do anything to f*ck up our season or your precious watching experience."

Rodgers said MVS is, in fact, one of the most productive wideouts he's EVER played with ... and the QB made it clear Valdes-Scantling is integral to the Packers' success -- despite his late turnover against Indianapolis.

For his part, MVS has said he's moving on from the whole situation ... writing on his Twitter page after the game Sunday night, "I’m good. My team got my back."

John Wall Hands Out 1,000 Meals In D.C. Fan Brings Up Trade Rumors to NBA Star

112520_john_wall_kal
STILL GOT LOVE FOR D.C.
TMZSports.com

"Hey baby boy, if you leave -- I'm still gonna love you!"

That's what one Wizards fan told John Wall straight to his face at a food giveaway in D.C. on Tuesday amid rumors Wall wants out of Washington.

Wall -- along with volunteers from the John Wall Family Foundation -- handed out 1,000 free meals to people in the D.C. area. He also blessed 150 families with $25 gift cards for groceries.

The fans showered Wall with love for hosting the event -- and Wall told the fans how much he loves working with the community in D.C.

But, the topic on everyone's mind ... is John Wall leaving?

There are reports Wall wants out of the organization that took him with the #1 overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft.

He repeatedly told reporters "no comment" when asked about the situation.

But, he couldn't help but crack a smile when the fans heaped praise on Wall for everything he's done in D.C. over the last decade.

So, will he stay? Will he go? Who knows ... but for now, give the guy some credit for helping feed a ton of families.

The Weeknd Grammys Says Nothing's Corrupt ... Super Bowl Had No Effect on Noms

The Weeknd's Grammys snub had nothing to do with him playing the Super Bowl ... at least according to the Recording Academy Chief.

Harvey Mason Jr. -- interim President and CEO of the Academy -- says, "We understand that The Weeknd is disappointed at not being nominated. I was surprised and can empathize with what he’s feeling. His music this year was excellent."

He adds, the Grammys had no issue with him performing at the Super Bowl and would have loved to have him also perform for the awards show. TMZ broke the story ... negotiations for The Weeknd's Grammy performance got nasty, and our sources say he was issued an ultimatum -- play for us or the Super Bowl.

As for Weeknd receiving zero nominations -- Mason claims there was nothing nefarious to it. He says, "To be clear, voting in all categories ended well before The Weeknd’s performance at the Super Bowl was announced, so in no way could it have affected the nomination process."

As we reported ... it was revealed The Weeknd would be doing the SB Halftime Show on Nov. 12. The Grammys point out its voting deadline for noms was in October. Mason is adamant nobody was upset about the prospect of the singer performing at both events ... because the Grammys happens first.

Mason also says he's "saddened" over The Weeknd and his team saying "The Grammys remain corrupt." He says ... "I try to empathize with where that came from, but it was difficult to hear."

Despite the apparent damage control, it appears this controversy's not going away anytime soon. The Weeknd's manager, Sal Slaiby, also slammed "corrupt leaders" at the Grammys and demanded transparency.

Scooter Braun piled on, tweeting that Sal and The Weeknd deserved to be nominated and deserved better.

Tommy Lasorda Condition Improving ... But Still In Hospital

Tommy Lasorda's recovery is moving in the right direction -- he's now taking phone calls in his hospital room from friends and former players!

The 93-year-old is still being treated at a hospital in Orange County, CA -- where he was admitted roughly 2 weeks ago.

We broke the story, Lasorda was initially admitted due to heart issues ... but things took a turn for the worse while he was there, and he needed to be put on a ventilator. We're told the issues were NOT coronavirus related.

At the time, sources close to the situation told us Lasorda's long-term prognosis was not clear ... given his age and medical issues.

But now, a great update courtesy of Dodgers spokesperson Steve Brener who told the AP things are looking up!

Brener says Tommy is taking "online calls" from former players and coaches -- which is great because Lasorda is widely known as a social butterfly who loves choppin' it up with people!

Hopefully, he'll continue to make progress and get home soon!

Lasorda is widely known as one of the greatest MLB managers EVER -- the dude won 1,599 games in 21 years as the Dodgers' honcho ... and earned Manager Of The Year honors twice.

Lasorda -- a 2-time World Series champ -- was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997.

Tim Tebow Returning to NY Mets In 2021 ... COVID Won't End MLB Dreams!!!

Don't dig a grave for Tim Tebow's MLB career just yet ... HE'S COMING BACK TO THE METS IN 2021!

... so says Mets president Sandy Alderson who made it clear the franchise isn't ready to move on from the former NFL quarterback.

Remember, the minor league baseball season was scrapped in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic -- leaving players like 33-year-old Tebow contemplating his baseball future.

But, Alderson said he spoke with Tebow over the weekend -- and it seems they reached an agreement to resume the Tim Tebow experiment next season.

"He’s anxious to come back," Alderson told the NY Post.

"And I told Tim, ‘Look, why would you want to end your quest based on a COVID-related reason? You didn’t get a chance to perform this year.’ He was hurt a little bit the previous year. So I think Tim is committed to coming back. And I think we’re committed to giving him an opportunity to do that and we’ll see where it goes."

Alderson says both sides realize Tim's baseball career will end at some point -- but that time isn't now!

"This is not a quest without end. At some point it will culminate. But I think that will be at a time when Tim and the organization come to some agreement about where he is and what his potential is. But I didn’t want him to go out based on some COVID-related interruption."

Tebow signed his deal with the NY Mets in 2016 -- and while it's been fun to watch him compete, his numbers haven't exactly been stellar -- he's only batting .223 in his 3 minor league seasons.

He spent a short stint at the Triple-A level in 2019 -- but didn't exactly shine there either ... with a .163 batting average in 264 plate appearances.

After spending three seasons in the NFL, Tebow decided to give baseball a shot. He was signed by the Mets in 2016 and has moved up through the team’s minor-league system. Tebow reached Triple-A briefly in 2019, and will likely begin 2021 at that level.

Tebow recently spoke about his baseball career to MLB.com -- acknowledging the end could be near.

"It’s not something that I want to do forever," Tebow said ... "because there’s a lot of other things that are in my heart that I want to pursue."

"But it is something that is still in my heart today.”

Lavar Ball 1-On-1 With Jordan Ain't Happening ... We Over 50!!!

112420_lavar_ball_mj_kal
IT'S GONNA COST!!!
TMZSports.com

Terrible news for hoops fans hoping to see Michael Jordan and LaVar Ball face off on the court ... the Big Baller is calling off a 1-on-1 game, saying they're just too old!!

It was a rare moment of humility from LaVar, who has been hyping up a mano-a-mano matchup with the GOAT for years.

But, at the Ball fam's turkey giveaway in South Central L.A. on Tuesday, LaVar told us straight-up -- it's not happening.

"Realistically, neither one of us is gonna do this," LaVar told TMZ Sports. "We over 50!"

Don't get it twisted -- LaVar joked both guys would be down if it came with a crazy price tag of $200 MILLION and at a crazy location like the Empire State Building ... but in reality, the only one getting the W is father time.

As we previously reported ... LaVar's son, LaMelo was just drafted by MJ's Charlotte Hornets -- which is why people thought the two could actually step on the court together.

112020_lamelo_ball_KAL
NOT HAPPENIN'
Hornets

But, now that LaVar's pulled off the game, we asked if he's chopped it up with his son's new boss and maybe smoked a cigar or 50 together.

By the way ... MJ will def consider this video a victory -- he's an insane competitor and would never say he's too old for anything.

There's more ... we also spoke with LaVar about the Balls unloading a semi-truck-worth of supplies for the Thanksgiving holiday ... and why it's so important for the family to give back to the community.

112420_lavar_ball_event_kal
HERE TO HELP
TMZSports.com

The Weeknd Got Grammy Ultimatum: Us or Super Bowl ... Prior to Nomination Snub

UPDATE

4:38 PM PT -- The Weeknd remains extra testy with the Grammys ... he just ripped the process on social media, calling it "corrupt."

UPDATE
UPDATE

Abel says Grammys brass owe him, his fans and the music industry "transparency."

The Weeknd was faced with a tough choice -- perform the Grammys or the Super Bowl -- but hammering out a deal to do both could've cost him Grammy nominations.

Sources familiar with the situation tell us The Weeknd's team was in talks for weeks with Grammy brass, who issued the ultimatum -- us or Super Bowl LV. We're told both sides eventually came to an agreement where Abel could do both, but not without negotiations getting very testy.

Our sources say there's growing suspicion Abel's decision to perform at this year's Super Bowl cost him Grammy noms because the bitter back-and-forth talks pissed off Grammy honchos.

It's unclear why the Grammys would play such hardball in trying to exclusively book him for their airwaves. It might be fear of duplicate performances, as CBS is airing the award show AND the game one week apart in February. Still, our sources tell us Abel and co. feel the dispute might have something to do with his exclusion.

Abel wasn't the only one who fans felt got cheated this year, voicing outrage Pop Smoke, Roddy Rich and Lil Baby -- all Black hip-hop artists -- didn't receive more nominations.

If The Weeknd does decide to stick to the deal and perform at both events -- it would be a huge achievement for any artist.

Originally Published -- 3:53 PM PT

Jake Paul No Sex W/ GF Before Robinson Fight ... 'She Hates Me'

112420_jake_paul_kal_v2
EYES ON THE PRIZE
TMZSports.com

"I haven't had sex in a while, which is difficult to do since I have a girlfriend and she's hot as f**k."

Here's proof Jake Paul is DEAD SERIOUS about his boxing career ... saying he refuses to hook up with his bombshell model GF, Julia Rose, before his bout against Nate Robinson.

Jake and Nate are on the undercard for the epic Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones fight this Saturday ... and the Youtuber-turned-boxer is taking a page out of Rocky Balboa's book and abstaining from banging before hitting the ring.

Remember, it was Mickey who famously said "women weaken legs" in the original "Rocky" film ... and superstars like Floyd Mayweather have fully committed to the superstition.

So ... how is Jake's lady taking it??

"She's pissed, man," Jake tells TMZ Sports. "She hates me. She just looks at me like, 'I f**king hate you, bro. Why can't we do this right now?!'"

FYI -- the social media superstar and the Shagmag founder have been together since earlier this year ... and Julia has even helped Paul in the gym while prepping for the Robinson fight.

Aside from sex, Jake says he's also been cutting out food as he works toward making his goal weight of 189 ... so it's safe to say, Saturday can't come soon enough for the dude.

Be strong, Jake ...

Peyton Manning Hosting Game Show Reboot ... 'College Bowl' Is Back!!!

Peyton Manning stiff-armed the "Monday Night Football" gig ... but the future Hall of Fame QB found a show he's down to host -- a reboot of the 1960's game show, "College Bowl."

44-year-old Manning has signed on to host the 10-episode season of the once super-popular game show ... a quiz show which pits college students from different universities against each other.

The prize??

Well, SCHOLARSHIP $$$$!!!

The 2x Super Bowl-winning QB is pumped for the new gig (and the loads of prize money they're goin' to give away), saying ... “I’ve always loved intense college competition, so I’m thrilled to be part of the team bringing back ‘College Bowl.”

“Having personally seen the profound impact scholarships can make on deserving students, I can’t wait for the moment when we get to award life-changing scholarships to the winning team,” Manning says.

And, while Peyton is hosting the show -- which originally aired CBS and then NBC until 1970 -- he's also getting some help from his brothers, Eli and Cooper ... who are reportedly serving as Executive Producers.

It's unclear exactly when the show will premiere ... but add another Bowl to Manning's resume!!

MLB's Randy Arozarena Under Investigation ... Over Alleged Violent Incident In Mexico

Tampa Bay Rays outfielder, Randy Arozarena, is the subject of an MLB investigation stemming from an alleged violent incident in Mexico involving the mother of his child and the woman's father.

25-year-old Arozarena was reportedly detained at the woman's home, according to local media outlets.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reports Arozarena "allegedly tried to take his daughter from her mother and assaulted the woman’s father."

Reports out of Mexico indicate Arozarena showed up to the home with gifts for his daughter -- but things went awry when he arrived and he allegedly tried to take the child from the house without permission from the mother.

Waiting for your permission to load the Facebook Video.

Video has surfaced allegedly showing a standoff between Arozarena and neighbors -- while Arozarena is holding a child.

Mexican authorities have said they will release more information about the case in the coming days. In the meantime, MLB has officially launched an investigation to gather information.

Arozarena was the breakout star of the MLB playoffs in 2020 ... he hit 10 home runs in the Rays' march to the World Series -- and won ALCS MVP honors after Tampa Bay beat Houston in 7 games.