TMZ Sports - Page 50

If you're Shaquille O'Neal, A-Rod, Cardi B or Aaron Judge ... there's only one place to take in Super Bowl LV -- in the lap of luxury set up by their pals, Robert Kraft and Michael Rubin.

The 76ers partner and Patriots owner hosted the most celeb-filled suite at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, and besides the aforementioned sports and music superstars ... Jennifer Lopez, Meek Mill, 21 Savage, Winnie Harlow and all of the Migos -- Offset, Quavo and Takeoff -- watched the game together.

As for their allegiances -- well, we know Kraft said he was pulling for his ex-QB, Tom Brady, to win his 7th Super Bowl ring ... and since Brady's a big Yankees fan, you'd think J Lo and A-Rod would return the favor.

However, you can see Yankees slugger Judge, was pulling for KC -- he was rocking a Patrick Mahomes jersey. Tough day for both, especially PM.

The sports moguls also made super plenty of non-celeb heroes enjoyed the game. Kraft flew 76 healthcare workers from New England to Tampa aboard the Patriots team jet ... and Rubin also hosted family members negatively impacted by the justice system.

Pedro Gomez -- longtime ESPN reporter -- has died suddenly at the age of 58, the network announced.

ESPN has not revealed the cause of death -- only noting he died "unexpectedly at his home" on Sunday afternoon.

Gomez joined ESPN in April 2003 and was one of the most respected Major League Baseball reporters in the country ... covering over 25 World Series throughout his impressive career.

During Barry Bonds chase of Hank Aaron's all-time home run record in the mid-2000's, Gomez famously covered the Giants slugger for several seasons.

ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro released a statement on Gomez's passing, saying ... “We are shocked and saddened to learn that our friend and colleague Pedro Gomez has passed away.”

“Pedro was an elite journalist at the highest level and his professional accomplishments are universally recognized. More importantly, Pedro was a kind, dear friend to us all. Our hearts are with Pedro’s family and all who love him at this extraordinarily difficult time.”

Prior to joining ESPN, Gomez worked for several newspapers in the '80s and '90s -- including the Sacramento Bee -- where he was a beat reporter for the Oakland Athletics.

The entire sports world -- and especially MLB -- is mourning Gomez's death.

The Dodgers tweeted, saying they're "stunned and saddened to hear about the passing of Pedro Gomez. We are thinking of his family, friends and colleagues and offer our condolences during this difficult time."

The Red Sox also issued a statement on social media, saying ... "Our hearts go out to the Gomez family, including Pedro Gomez’s son, Rio, a pitcher in our minor league system."

Pedro -- who passed away suddenly -- tweeted about the Super Bowl only several hours ago.

Gomez -- a south Florida native who attended the University of Miami -- is survived by his wife, Sandra, and their 3 children.

NEVER BET AGAINST TOM BRADY. IN A SUPER BOWL. EVER.

The 43-year-old QB just led his Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a dominant victory over Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday -- final score, 31 to 9.

And, he was also named Super Bowl MVP -- the 5th time he's won it!!!

Brady was unreal -- actually, that's not true. He was exactly as real as he's been in just about EVERY one of the 10 Super Bowl he's appeared in ... poised, smart and deadly.

Not only did TB12 pick apart KC's insane talented secondary ... he TALKED TRASH in the process -- getting in Tyrann Mathieu's face after a 2nd quarter touchdown.

Things were chippy between the two all night ... but Brady clearly got the better of the match up, tossing a total of 3 TDs and he was never really in danger.

Tom's BFF, Rob Gronkowski, also balled out of his mind Sunday -- the 31-year-old caught TWO touchdowns from his old New England Patriots teammate.

And, when he wasn't putting up points, Gronk was a FORCE as a blocker.

Of course, Tampa's defense was also on fire all night long -- stuffing KC's run game, constantly putting pressure on Mahomes and preventing big plays from superstar WR Tyreek Hill.

The victory means Tom will now add a 7TH Super Bowl ring to his collection ... more than any other player in NFL history.

Gronk will get his 4th ring -- which ties him for 3rd on the all-time list of Super Bowl victories ... joining legends like Joe Montana, Ronnie Lott and Terry Bradshaw.

And, what's great for Bucs fans ... both Tom and Gronk have said they plan on coming back to play in Tampa Bay again next season.

Hell, Tom says he wants to stay in the league past the age of 45!!

And, if he keeps playing at this level ... he might never retire!

Amanda Gorman dedicated her latest poem for Super Bowl LV to three frontline workers whom the NFL dubbed honorary captains ahead of the coin toss ... and she did their services all the justice in the world.

The poet laureate -- who's been the talk of the town since her rousing reading at Joe Biden's inauguration -- was once again given a chance to show off her prose on the biggest stage in the world ... and she didn't disappoint, beaming in virtually with new original work.

The three captains were James Martin (a Marine vet), Suzie Dorner (a nurse manager) and Trimaine Davis (an educator). Amanda went through each person's contributions during the pandemic, big and small, and highlighted how they've helped out their community.

James provides his home to at-risk kids and streams football games for folks who aren't able to do it themselves; Trimaine donates laptops, internet hotspots and other resources for people who cant afford it, and Suzie serves as an ICU managing nurse out of Tampa.

The three frontline workers were present on the field while a pre-taped video with Gorman's remarks played. Before it aired, she said the move to get a poetry reading involved in the Super Bowl was a game-changer ... in the right direction.

She writes, "Poetry at the Super Bowl is a feat for art & our country, because it means we’re thinking imaginatively about human connection even when we feel siloed. I’ll honor 3 heroes who exemplify the best of this effort. Here’s to them, to poetry, &  to a #SuperBowl like no other."

A pair of awesome performances opened Super Bowl LV, with their own unique spins on some of America's most treasured anthems ... including one from H.E.R. that truly stood out.

The R&B crooner was tapped Sunday to sing 'America the Beautiful,' which she handled seamlessly from an elevated platform near the stands. She had an electric guitar on her too, and put it to good use during the performance ... while giving the song new life.

H.E.R. completely slowed down the tempo of what is normally a pretty high energy song, and sang it in a completely different style than how it's normally delivered. You could call it soulful, but it also had some major rock vibes too -- 'cause H.E.R. shreddddded on that instrument.

Next up was Jazmine Sullivan and Eric Church, who teamed up for a duet version of the National Anthem ... which was also sung in a slightly different fashion than usual -- namely, slowed-down and sorta sultry.

Church also strummed the guitar for this performance, while weaving in his vocals with Sullivan's ... who kinda took the lead with her powerful voice. They killed it -- and the crowd loved every minute of it ... with most players standing, wearing masks with a hand over their heart.

A cop in Ontario, Canada viciously attacked a skateboarder who was begging for help, and it's all on video.

20-year-old Skyler Kent had apparently run a red light in front of police, so they pulled him over and he was given a ticket. The officers then went after Kent for a second time, and he was tackled by one of the cops, and that's where the video starts.

You hear Skyler repeatedly scream, "Get off of me!" as he is smothered in cop. The officer implores Skyler to stop resisting, to which he responds ... he's not resisting.

The cop orders Skyler to put his hands behind his back and then puts a taser to his head and warns, "You want this? I'll light you up!"

As bystanders plead for the cop to stop hurting the skateboarder, the cop screams, "Roll on your stomach!" The officer appears to slam the taser at Skyler's head. Another officer then comes and flips Skyler over. The first cop then grabs Skyler's hair and slams his face into the pavement. It's just brutal.

Now get this ... Skyler was charged with causing a disturbance and assault with attempt to resist arrest.

The Police Chief said the cop in question has been "reassigned to alternate duties" pending the outcome of an investigation, adding the video is "concerning."

The Weeknd's super-natural looks are just as amazing as his voice!

Here is a 22-year-old version of the singer showing off his stylish good looks at an award show in New York City back in 2013 (left). This was the same year he released his first studio album titled "Kiss Land."

And, 8 years later ... the Super Bowl LV halftime performer shared a stunning selfie showing off his perfectly chiseled jawline and sculpted cheekbones on Instagram just last month after keeping his face covered with bandages during his recent performance for a storyline around his new album "After Hours" (right).

We're sure there will be plenty more to be seen on stage later today during his solo halftime show because his good looks are blinding ... light.

The question is ...

Forget a Super Bowl ring, Aaron Rodgers is getting a WEDDING RING -- because the superstar QB just announced he's engaged!!

Sooooo ... who's the future Mrs. Rodgers?!?!?

Aaron isn't saying ... yet ... but the smart money's on "Big Little Lies" actress Shailene Woodley!

Here's the deal ... the Green Bay Packers QB appeared at the NFL Honors event -- where he won his 3rd NFL MVP award -- and he dropped a pretty huge bombshell during his acceptance speech.

"2020 was definitely a crazy year," Rodgers told the crowd via ... "I got engaged!"

He proceeded to shout out some of the special people in his life -- including "my fiancee."

Rodgers didn't expand on engagement -- but there have been rumblings for months that he quietly began dating 29-year-old Woodley after his split with Danica Patrick.

Reps for both Rodgers and Woodley aren't saying anything more about the engagement -- but c'mon ... at this point, the cat's outta the bag.

The timing of the announcement is interesting -- either Rodgers was trying to steal some headlines before the big game he's not playing in ... or he was hoping the announcement would fly under the radar amidst all the Super Bowl hoopla.

37-year-old Rodgers previously dated Olivia Munn. His brother Jordan Rodgers found love on "The Bachelorette" back in 2016 when he got engaged to Jojo Fletcher.

WWE Superstar Drew McIntyre says Shaquille O'Neal would've been a LEGENDARY wrestler if he chose WWE over the NBA, telling TMZ Sports he would've been like Andre The Giant with great mic skills!!

We talked to the current WWE Champion about the 7'1", 325+ lb. Hall of Famer ... and asked how Diesel would've fared in the squared circle.

"He's a big big man! Very charismatic guy. If he didn't get into basketball at such a high level, he definitely would have succeeded in the world of WWE."

Now, not sayin' Shaq made the wrong decision. After all, he made $286 million in NBA contract money alone ... and was one of the most dominant forces in league history.

But, pretty cool to hear a legit WWE Superstar say hoopin' ain't the only sport where Shaq could've been a legend.

"Just based on the size alone, he would have been a heck of a WWE superstar, and such a spectacle like an Andre the Giant," McIntyre says, adding ... "but add on that personality on top of it -- box office!"

Drew says he was actually in the building when Big Show -- another gigantic, legendary wrestler -- and Shaq nearly went at it at WrestleMania 32 in 2016.

"I was there when [Shaq] and the Big Show had the face-off and Shaq is considerably taller, which I don't think Show was so happy about."

You're probably asking ... why are we talking to Drew McIntyre about Shaq??

Well, the WWE Superstar -- along with Tim Tebow, Ezekiel Elliott, Quavo, Olivia Culpo and a bunch of other big stars -- are players in the Shaq Bowl ... O'Neal's Super Bowl pregame extravaganza.

The stars will compete in everything from tug-of-war (Drew Mac says Zeke's his biggest competition) to a hot wing eating contest ... and all the craziness will be streamed live on Facebook!

Ben Roethlisberger should call it a career ... so says his former teammate Ike Taylor, who tells TMZ Sports the QB NOT retiring this offseason could hurt the team for years down the road.

Ike kept it real with us when breaking down Ben's future ... saying while the 38-year-old has more than earned the right to play in Pittsburgh next season, he's not sure if it's the greatest move for the franchise.

"You're setting them back a year or two or three [with a comeback]," Taylor says of the Steelers. "The reason why I think you're setting them back is because you've seen the progression in Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow -- before he got hurt -- and Baker Mayfield."

"So, we're talking about three young quarterbacks in one division. Who you going to pick last?"

Taylor says the answer to that question is Ben ... which is why he wants to see Roethlisberger ride off into the sunset this offseason so Pittsburgh can find a QB who can keep up with the rest of the AFC North's young guns.

"Ain't nothing wrong with shutting that thing down," Taylor says. "It's hard for a lot of people to shut it down. It's hard."

Don't get it twisted, though ... Taylor had tremendous praise for Ben, saying the guy's career was second to none.

And, if Ben truly is willing to take a massive pay cut to stay under center in the black and gold ... Ike says the Steelers don't have much of a choice other than to bring him back.

But, Taylor did advise Ben that he's got to take a page out of Tom Brady's book -- and get his body right for next season so he can have success as a pocket passer.

There's more ... Ike also spoke with us about another one of his former teammates, Antonio Brown, and says it wouldn't surprise him if AB won Super Bowl MVP honors on Sunday.

Kansas City will have some super famous AND super powerful fans hoping for a W on Sunday ... with big names in Hollywood showing off their Chiefs Kingdom spirit ahead of Super Bowl LV!!

Of course, Superman and Ant-Man are both pulling for Patrick Mahomes and Co. to repeat as champs ... with longtime backers Henry Cavill and Paul Rudd supporting the Chiefs for years.

There may not be a more passionate fan than "Modern Family" star Eric Stonestreet, who has been a die-hard fan since birth ... and even got Chiefs player Mitchell Schwartz's game-worn gloves after last year's Super Bowl win!

Oh, yeah, and have you ever heard of a guy named Brad Pitt?? He's a big fan, too .. even rocking a Chiefs hat on the red carpet of the 2020 SAG Awards.

There's more -- from rapper Tech N9ne to actors Rob Riggle and David Koechner, SNL's Heidi Gardner and singer Melissa Etheridge, there's a ton of notable fans hoping Tom Brady doesn't get ring #7.

Leon Spinks -- former undisputed heavyweight boxing champ -- who defeated Muhammad Ali in 1978 ... has died after a 5 year battle with cancer.

TMZ Sports has confirmed Spinks passed away Friday evening at the age of 67 ... surrounded by his wife Brenda and several other close friends and family.

Leon's health had been in decline recently ... the former boxing champ courageously battled prostate cancer for 5 years.

Spinks was the victor in one of the biggest upsets in sports history ... when he shocked the world by defeating Ali in a 15-round, split decision win in Las Vegas in February 1978.

In defeating Ali, Spinks -- the new heavyweight champ -- became the only fighter to ever take a belt from The Greatest.

The Ali fight was the most memorable moment of Leon's career ... but definitely not the only highlight.

In 1976, Spinks won a gold medal as a light heavyweight fighter in the Summer Olympics in Montreal.

Spinks -- born in St. Louis in 1953 -- developed a passion for boxing while in the U.S. Marines.

Pugilism ran deep in the Spinks family ... Leon was the older brother of boxer Michael Spinks -- a former 2-weight class world champion, and Olympic gold medalist (both brothers won gold in '76).

Leon was inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame in 2017.

Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski may have just revealed why they're going to another Super Bowl together -- revealed in a cheeky cellphone ad that's all about connectivity.

TB12 and his right-hand tight end star in a new Super Bowl ad courtesy of T-Mobile, which will air Sunday. It depicts a fictional scenario in which Tom and Gronk are FaceTiming on a "spotty network" and discussing what Tom should do next ... retire, or keep playing.

Because of the bad connection that T-Mobile's mocking, all Tom can hear on his end is Gronk telling him that if he retires, he's weak ... when, in fact, he said the opposite ... telling him to give up the gridiron and join him in Florida.

But, because Tom heard the former, he announces his decision to go to Tampa Bay and try getting another ring ... while also announcing Gronk's coming with him -- to RG's surprise.

Did you know ... ex-football star Doug Flutie has his very own BATMOBILE!?!

It's true -- and the guy was cruisin' it out in Tampa Bay this morning, where he DEFINITELY got noticed by a bunch of people in town for the Super Bowl.

The whip is incredible ... a replica of the classic Batmobile from the 1960s TV show -- designed by legendary car guy George Barris.

Back in the day, Barris created the car from a modified 1955 Ford Lincoln Futura -- and when Adam West got behind the driver's seat, it instantly became one of the most famous rides in the world.

Seems 58-year-old Flutie is a big fan of the Caped Crusader -- he's had the car since 2019 ... and keeps it in a special "Batcave" at his Florida home where he also has a Batman arcade game and Batman pinball machine!!

The car also features a special red Batphone next to the driver's seat -- along with special racing seatbelts in the driver and passenger seats!

By the way, we're told Flutie was super nice when spotted at a gas station on Saturday morning -- taking pics with fans and chatting about the big game.

Notice he's wearing a Tampa Bay Bucs hat .... no surprise he's supporting his old pal Tom Brady considering they played together on the Patriots back in 2005.

50 Cent hosted a wild Super Bowl party Friday night ... and although you see masks here and there, for the most part, it was COVID-oblivious.

The bash went down at a private airport hanger in St. Petersburg. The drill was for everyone to mask up and, with limited capacity, there was room for social distancing. Well, that was the plan.

Doors opened at 9 PM with tickets ranging from $85 for general admission to $7k for a stage table ... judging from the crowd there was enough disposable income to fill the joint.

Tampa's own DJ Fresh performed as well and everyone was very clearly up for a wild and good time.

The party barreled on way past midnight, and more is in store tonight, when 50's set to perform again.