TMZ Sports - Page 50

Conor McGregor is finally acknowledging Jake Paul's existence ... calling the YouTube-turned-fighter a "confused little kid" ... but definitely not shutting the door on a potential fight!!

Jake has been on an all-out blitz to get 'Notorious' to be his next boxing opponent in recent months ... even offering the UFC superstar $50 MILLION to make it happen.

Now, Conor is giving his response to the challenge ... and while it may initially be a huge bummer for the 24-year-old, the dream is most definitely still alive.

"That is what it is," Conor told BT Sports on Wednesday. "We'll see what happens. That's it. He seems like a confused little kid to me, to be honest."

Conor gives Jake credit for his willingness to get in the ring ... but ultimately, it sounds like Paul will be fighting someone else come April 17.

"It's not on the radar at the minute with the young lad," Conor added.

FYI -- McGregor was briefly asked about Jake's fight against Nate Robinson earlier this week and praised the money the event made. But this appears to be his first direct response to Paul's challenge for a fight.

While he may not want to fight Jake, Conor does, however, acknowledge Jake's MAJOR beef with teammate Dillon Danis ... so there's a possibility that fight may eventually happen down the road.

McGregor admits he's looking forward to checking out Jake's bro, Logan, fight Floyd Mayweather next month ... saying TBE looks a bit "fat."

Michael Chandler is making his UFC debut this weekend after years of kicking ass in Bellator ... and the MMA star says he's gunning to give Khabib something "spectacular" -- and entice the retired lightweight champ back to the Octagon.

TMZ Sports talked to 34-year-old Chandler from Abu Dhabi ... and asked about his "dream scenario" -- is it a Conor or Khabib fight??

"I came [to the UFC] for big fights, of course, but I also came here, I want that gold around my waist. Having the gold around your waist, in turn, gets you the bigger fights," Chandler tells us.

And, the guy with the title ... that's Nurmagomedov.

"I would have to say if I had to lean one way, I would go Khabib. You gotta get that title shot. Those are not easy to come by here in the UFC, so I would definitely choose that, but of course they’re all getting talked about after I win my fight Saturday night."

Chandler -- whose beaten guys like Eddie Alvarez and Benson Henderson (twice) -- takes on #6 ranked lightweight, Dan Hooker (wins over Paul Felder, Gilbert Burns) on Fight Island.

Of course, Dana White recently met with Khabib on Fight island ... and said the 29-0 fighter was looking for something "spectacular" from Conor, Poirier, Hooker or Chandler -- in order to consider returning to fight.

"'Spectacular' is always my main objective when I step inside of that cage, and that cage door closes. It's time to work, and I'm always looking for the finish," Chandler says.

From there ... Michael would like to fight Khabib, take his belt, and then book a fight with McGregor.

Boxing star Claressa Shields says America has lots of healing to do ... but she doesn't plan to sit back and watch, telling TMZ Sports she's "absolutely" down to help President Biden.

We talked to Shields on Inauguration Day ... and asked her if she'd consider joining the Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition -- if Biden wanted her.

Her answer ... YES -- because America has a weight problem that needs to be fixed.

"Absolutely. I think that America is one the countries that has the biggest problems with obesity," Shields says.

"And that's all over the world. I think that comes from a lot of the food consumption. I think it's about teaching kids they have choices on what they eat. And what they eat will affect their bodies in the long run."

It's not far-fetched ... the 25-year-old boxer and 2x Olympic gold medalist knows Biden, and is one of the most dominant athletes in the world.

FYI, Trump's council was star-studded ... with Bill Belichick, Mariano Rivera, Herschel Walker, and Johnny Damon -- among others -- sitting on the committee.

We also asked Shields about the significance of Kamala Harris taking the oath of Vice Prez ... especially for young girls across the country.

"You can do anything you wanna do, that's what it says. Anything you wanna be, anything you wanna do. We have representation all over the board."

Shields -- who is fighting on an all-female boxing card on March 5 -- continued ... "All of us women need to come together and support each other and just make 2021, and the years to come, be better years for women."

"We’re always put on the back burner, and it’s time for us to make ourselves be put in 1st place."

Philip Rivers is done with the NFL ... the Indianapolis Colts star quarterback announced Wednesday he's retiring after 17 seasons.

"It's just time," the 39-year-old told the San Diego Union-Tribune. "It’s just right."

Rivers ends his career with a super impressive resume ... he made 8 total Pro Bowls, threw for more than 63,000 passing yards and logged 421 passing TDs.

In fact, some believe the work he put in with the Chargers could eventually one day earn him a bust at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

As for why Rivers -- who had a solid season in his first year with the Indianapolis Colts in 2020-21 -- decided to finally call it quits, he said a growing desire to coach high school football helped him make the choice.

"I can sit here and say, 'I can still throw it. I love to play,'" Rivers said. "But that’s always going to be there. I’m excited to go coach high school football."

You'll recall, back in May 2020, Rivers accepted the head football coach role at St. Michael Catholic HS in Fairhope, AL ... and got emotional explaining why he took the job.

Now, Rivers says he can't wait to get started molding high schoolers ... saying after his retirement, "That’s what I’ve always wanted to do. It’s been growing. I can’t wait."

Rivers added he's "100 percent at peace" with the choice to hang up the spikes.

"A young kid from Northern Alabama who grew up wanting to play pro ball," Rivers said. "I got to do it."

Jake Paul is officially getting back in the ring ... and his opponent is none other than ...

We don't know yet.

24-year-old Paul (2-0) is fresh off his impressive bout against Nate Robinson back in November ... knocking out the ex-NBA star in the 2nd round on the massively successful Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. card.

Paul teased a HUGE announcement leading up to Wednesday ... which ended up being the fight date -- April 10.

Jake says Snoop Dogg will be back on the mic for the event ... and is hoping to make the biggest Pay-Per-View ever.

The YouTube superstar-turned-fighter has been trash-talking guys like Conor McGregor, Bellator fighter Dillon Danis, ex-UFC star Ben Askren and more in recent weeks.

In fact, Paul made a wild video calling out McGregor back in December ... offering $50 million to make the fight happen.

But, Paul isn't ready to spill the beans on who he'll be lining up against come April ... saying he's giving Conor one last chance to sign on for the fight before he moves on to someone else.

Jake even posted vid of a banner flying across Miami on Wednesday ... which read, "Conor McGregor is scared of Jake Paul."

Triller's first event had huge names like Wiz Khalifa, Snoop, French Montana and more ... so it's safe to say it'll be another crazy party this time around.

Arnold Schwarzenegger just got the shot needed 'round the world -- and he was happy to play up some of his best Hollywood lines to make it all the more familiar.

Arnold posted video of himself Wednesday, which shows him pulling into Dodger Stadium to receive his vaccine for COVID. You see him sitting passenger-side in an SUV as a medical staffer sticks with a needle and injects the serum ... Arnold, of course, didn't flinch.

It's funny ... he dropped two famous movie lines of his during his vaccination -- a well-known one from "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" and a more obscure one from "Jingle All the Way." If you're a die-hard Arnold fan, you know both off the top ... but it's unclear if his vaccine giver did.

He tells her to "put that needle down!" as she's injecting him, which is a reference to 'JATW' when he told his schmucky neighbor, Ted, to put the cookies down that he was salivating over. The woman doing the deed didn't seem to respond to it, though 😅

Then came the more iconic Arnold line in the aftermath ... "Come with me if you want to live," which is what the Model 101 Terminator told Sarah Connor in the legendary sequel.

That quote is probably more relevant, but in any case ... AS gives a ringing endorsement of the vaccine, and invites everyone who's eligible to come get one ASAP.

"Boy is getting out of this Dr. Seuss, Monopoly-ass car!"

Hassan Whiteside went IN on Jabari Parker's ride as the Kings prepped to leave for L.A. on Tuesday ... clowning the hell out of the Sacramento star's vintage whip in the parking lot!!

"Where you get that from?" Whiteside asked Parker. "Cat in the Hat? That s*** fuchsia! Fuchsia!"

FYI -- the car is pretty cool to at least SOME people ... it appears to be a light pink, 1950 Chevrolet Carryall that we're sure cost Parker some pretty big coin.

But, didn't matter to Whiteside ... 'cause the grill sesh just kept on going!

"Hey, Jabari!" Hassan said. "You a trendsetter, man. A trendsetter!"

All the guys seemed to love the jabs -- everyone within earshot was cracking up!!

Of course, the Kings could certainly use the levity, they haven't had exactly the best start to the season ... going 5-9 through the first 14 games.

Maybe a little roast sesh is what's needed to turn the tide?!?

By the way, if this all sounds familiar ... it's 'cause it kind of is -- remember just a few weeks ago when Kyle Kuzma cracked on Anthony Davis for his whip?!

Swag has reached the nation's capital -- with Vice President Kamala Harris' nephew-in-law rocking the insanely expensive and rare Dior Air Jordan 1s to the inauguration!!

Social media blew up in epic proportions after the kicks were spotted during Wednesday's historic ceremony in D.C. ... with everyone asking the same question:

Who the hell has this much drip in Washington?!?!

As it turns out, it was the veep's nephew-in-law, Nikolas Ajagu -- the husband of Harris' niece, Meena -- who decided to make a big statement with his kicks.

The case was cracked when Meena was asked on Twitter if her hubby was the man in the Dior Js ... to which she hilariously responded, "Yes smh."

Of course, the Dior Jordan 1s are some of the most highly-coveted shoes on the market right now ... with an average price of $10k on reseller site StockX.

The Dior x Jordan partnership is the first high-end designer brand collab for the Jumpman ... which hit shelves for a limited release back in 2020 with a $2,300 price tag.

Conor McGregor Jr. is already learning the ropes of being super famous ... joining his papa for an incredibly adorable poster signing sesh ahead of UFC 257!!!

3-year-old Conor Jr. has pretty much been following in his MMA superstar dad's footsteps since birth -- from joining him in the gym to wearing stylish designer outfits together.

Conor decided to bring his mini-me along to sign some promo posters ahead of his huge Fight Island bout with Dustin Poirier ... and the kid didn't just sit around -- he got in on the action, too!!

The video is downright precious ... with Notorious walking Conor Jr. through the motions and showing him how to get through the sesh with ease.

Conor absolutely LOVES it ... laughing and smiling from ear-to-ear as his kid signs to the best of his ability.

Now, the big question is -- how much would a Conor McGregor JUNIOR autograph sell for?? Hard to tell, but these posters could very well be the first documented signature of the young boy's life.

FYI -- signed Conor pics ain't cheap. Most cost a couple hundred dollars.

The Golden State Warriors are finally returning to the White House ... courtesy of a one-of-a-kind gift to Vice President-elect Kamala Harris from NBA superstar Stephen Curry!!!

The Oakland native and HUGE Warriors fan is set to become the 49th -- and first female -- VP in the history of the United States on Wednesday ... and Curry came through with an unforgettable present that'll look reaaaally good hanging up in Harris' White House office.

The 3-time NBA champ surprised Harris with a video prior to Wednesday's inauguration ... presenting her with her very own #49 Warriors jersey with a "Madame VP" nameplate and an autographed message from Curry.

Of course, the Warriors' recent championship teams famously boycotted visiting the 1600 Penn during Donald Trump's presidency ... so it'll most likely be the first time any sort of positivity about the Dubs has entered the White House in a LONG time.

"Madame Vice President, I'm not saying you've got to put this up in your office at the White House, but it probably would be a good idea," Curry said in the video.

"Congratulations! Blazing your own path, we are all rooting and supporting you the whole way."

Worth noting -- the Dubs have recently moved to San Francisco, but are paying homage to their former home of Oakland with a special City Edition jersey this season ... which is what Harris received.

The soon-to-be VP pretty much freaked out in excitement over the gesture ... saying, "This means so much to me, you guys."

Curry also showed love for Harris following the results of the election in November ... sending her an autographed Curry #30 jersey. So, yeah, she may need a bigger closet just for her Dubs merch.

Did you know Nick Saban nearly got his ass WHOOPED by two NFL stars during his stint as Miami Dolphins head coach?!

It's true ... according to Jay Glazer -- the NFL insider revealed Tuesday that Daunte Culpepper and Zach Thomas ALMOST came to blows with the coach!!!

Glazer -- appearing this week on "The Herd" with Colin Cowherd -- said it all happened sometime after Saban accepted the Dolphins gig back in 2004.

Glazer explains ... Saban tried to use the same hard-ass tactics in the NFL that he used with college players -- and it all failed miserably!

"Nick Saban, the reason why he didn't make it in the NFL, Daunte Culpepper tried to fight him one day and the security guy stepped in," Glazer said.

"And then I think his final straw is that he questioned Zach Thomas' toughness and Zach almost kicked his butt. That just doesn't work on this level."

Glazer said he's hoping Urban Meyer doesn't follow down the same path as Saban now that he's made the jump from college to the NFL ... explaining the former Buckeyes coach just has to treat his Jaguars players differently.

"I know Urban's not one of those guys who tries to go after you and demean you," Glazer said, "but I said just make sure you don't do any of that on this level. Because it doesn't work on this level."

FYI -- things worked out pretty well for Saban after the failed stop in Miami ... he's won just about every college championship since he left the Fins for Alabama back in 2006.

Pro surfer Makua Rothman successfully rode a wave that was estimated to be about 100 feet tall over the weekend ... and the insane ride -- which some believe is a world record -- was all caught on video!!

The drop-in went down in Hawaii on Saturday ... when Rothman and some of the rest of the country's best big wave surfers hit up a famous area known as "Jaws" in Pe'ahi to tackle some gnarly swells.

At some point during the day, though, Rothman beat out the other surfers to catch a Holy Grail type of ocean ride -- tackling a wave that was estimated to be between 80 and 100 feet high!!

Surf industry officials close to Rothman tell TMZ Sports the wave might very well be the tallest ever surfed -- beating Rothman's previous record of around 66 feet.

After he finished the epic ride, Rothman was PUMPED over it all ... telling us, "I'm so stoked on this ride and everyone who made that day possible!"

FYI, for as good as Rothman is ... he ain't a stranger to falling on these types of waves -- remember back in 2018 when he got thrashed by a huge one??

WWE hasn't had a live audience since March ... but that's about to change, 'cause Stephanie McMahon tells TMZ Sports WWE plans to have fans in attendance at WrestleMania 37!!

McMahon joined the "TMZ Sports" TV show (airs nightly on FS1) ... where she announced WWE's gunning to have an audience at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa at WM on April 10 and 11.

“I’m thrilled and excited because, hopefully, this will be the first opportunity for us to have our fans back in attendance," McMahon says.

"That’s the current plan. Of course, ticket information is not available yet cause we’re still trying to figure out all the machinations.”

McMahon tells us WWE is keeping an eye on the Super Bowl (Feb. 7, also at RJS in Tampa) ... for tips on how to make sure the massive event goes off without a hitch.

"We're going to learn a lot from [the NFL] logistically, etc., and really best practices, what works, what doesn't work. But man, we can't wait to come in and for 2 nights, really rock that pirate ship."

FYI, it's been 316 days (March 9th's Monday Night Raw) since the wrestling organization had live fans in the building.

Still, plans can change ... and McMahon stressed WWE's top priority is the health of everyone involved.

"Working with the local organizing committee, all of the health officials, health and safety is first and foremost, of course," Stephanie says.

"For our fans, for our performers, for the employees, for the staff working the building, there's a lot of different logistics that need to determined, but hopefully, it'll all work out, and this will be the first WWE event where we actually bring the WWE Universe back together in person, and I cannot wait."

As far as the exact number of fans they plan to admit ... Stephanie says WWE has a plan, but isn't ready to reveal the figure at this time.

For comparison's sake, WWE had around 100K fans at WM 33 at AT&T Stadium in 2016 (WWE's going back to Texas for WM 38).

Obviously, the number will be way smaller this April. But, bottom line ... humans will be there!

There's more ... we also talked to Stephanie about Rob Gronkowski AND Tom Brady.

Gronk is the former 24/7 Champ -- and host of last year's Mania -- so we asked McMahon if a cameo from Rob and his G.O.A.T. QB teammate was in the cards.

Los Angeles Dodgers legend Don Sutton -- one of the greatest pitchers of his generation -- has died at the age of 75.

Sutton's son, Daron, made the announcement on social media on Tuesday ... saying his Hall of Fame father passed away overnight.

"Saddened to share that my dad passed away in his sleep last night. He worked as hard as anyone I’ve ever known and he treated those he encountered with great respect ... and he took me to work a lot. For all these things, I am very grateful. Rest In Peace," Daron wrote.

Sutton -- who was inducted into the Pro Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998 -- pitched 23 seasons in the big leagues ... including 16 years with the Dodgers.

Don was a 4x All-Star and was MLB's ERA leader in 1980. He won 324 games ... and struck out 3,574 batters -- good enough for 7th all-time.

In addition to his time in Los Angeles, Sutton also pitched for the Houston Astros, Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland Athletics, California Angels.

The Dodgers retired his #20 jersey in 1998.

Deion Sanders says a priceless boombox was stolen from his truck early Monday morning ... and now, he's offering a reward with the hopes of getting the piece back.

Prime -- who's now the head football coach at Jackson State -- says at 5:37 AM, a white suburban pulled up to his car at a hotel in Jackson, Miss. and broke into his black, Ford F350.

Deion says the scumbag smashed out his window ... and took a boombox that was VERY valuable to him.

"I'm a little disturbed," Deion said in a video message this week. "Because the boombox has a sentimental value."

Sanders added, "Somebody that's very special and dear to me gave me that as a birthday gift. And I want that back."

Deion says he's now offering an unspecified reward for the music-playing device ... explaining he doesn't care about the damage to his truck or anything else.

"Please, find my boombox," Deion said. "Streets, please, find my boombox."

We reached out to the Jackson Police Dept. over the incident ... and a spokesperson tells us they're on the hunt for the suspect, adding the white suburban is a "suspect vehicle that we've been looking for a while now."

"Hey Reb!" is officially no more ... UNLV has punted the mascot forever -- but the school is still keeping its "Rebels" nickname.

University president Keith Whitfield made the announcement in a letter to the UNLV community on Tuesday ... saying the cartoon character with Confederate ties will be retired for good.

Whitfield said the school currently has no plans to replace the mascot with a new one.

Of course, the decision isn't too surprising ... given the school just removed a famous on-campus statue of "Hey Reb!" back in June.

UNLV hoops legend Isaiah "J.R." Rider praised the decision at the time, telling TMZ Sports, "I think it's the right thing to do personally."

As for the school's nickname, however ... Whitfield says the university has no plans to drop the "Rebels" moniker from its teams and programs.

"Personally, I have always viewed the term 'Rebels' as a strong, nationally recognized brand synonymous with UNLV," Whitfield said in the letter. "I believe the word 'rebel' represents an attitude or spirit."

"It captures the essence of an iconic city that is unconventional and celebrates its independence, tenacity, and resiliency. Rebels have a purpose or motivation for a greater cause and are not afraid to take risks to make incredible things happen."