TMZ Sports - Page 44

Kobe Bryant's family is gunning to lock up the trademark for "Mamba and Mambacita" -- with the intention of using it for clothing and shoes, according to the application filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark office.

An attorney for Kobe Bryant LLC filed the application on March 10, 2021 -- noting the trademark would be used for clothing ... namely shirts, skirts, pants, shorts, bottoms, socks, dresses, jackets, hoodies, etc.

The application also notes workout clothing such as sweatbands, armbands and footwear.

So, is there a Mamba and Mambacita shoe in the works? Unclear.

In fact, the Bryant family could just be trying to lock up the trademarks to block anyone else from using it ... just like Tom Brady did when he applied for the "Tom Terrific" trademark.

Sabine Schmitz -- affectionately known as the Queen of Nürburgring and former host of the hit BBC show "Top Gear" -- has died.

Sabine, the only woman ever to win Germany's famous 24-hour touring car and GT endurance racing event in 1996 and 1997, died Tuesday. She revealed last year she had been battling a rare form of cancer since 2017.

The Nürburgring's racing account tweeted, "The Nürburgring has lost its most famous female racing driver. Sabine Schmitz passed away far too early after a long illness. We will miss her and her cheerful nature. Rest in peace Sabine!"

Sabine was no stranger to the race track, having grown up in Nürburg and so close to the Nürburgring circuit in western Germany. She also raced for the Porsche motorsport team ... which also paid tribute to her saying it's "very sad to hear that Sabine Schmitz (1969-2021) has passed away."

The Porsche motorsport team added, "The 'Queen of Nordschleife' was a crowd favourite due to her open, humorous way. Our sympathy goes to her family and friends."

Sabine would go on to become a regular guest on "Top Gear" ... making her first appearance in 2004. Executive producer Clare Pizey, said, "Sabine was a beloved member of the Top Gear family and presenting team since 2016, having first appeared on the show in 2004, and everyone who had the pleasure of working with her on the team is in shock at this news."

The show's former host, Jeremy Clarkson, also was stunned by the news saying, "Terrible news about Sabine Schmitz. Such a sunny person and so full of beans."

LeBron James says he couldn't be happier to have broken the Red Sox ownership group color barrier this week ... explaining he hopes the move inspires the Black community.

"I think for me and for my partner, Maverick, to be the first two Black men to be a part of that ownership group in the history of that franchise, I think it's pretty damn cool," James said after his Lakers beat the Timberwolves on Tuesday night.

"It gives me and people that look like me hope and inspiration that they can be in a position like that as well, that it can be done."

James added, "It gives my kids at my I Promise School more and more inspiration as well."

James and his long-time business partner, Maverick Carter, officially joined Fenway Sports Group on Tuesday ... making them the first Black ownership partners in the history of the Red Sox.

A self-proclaimed Yankees and Indians fan ... James said Tuesday he's fired up to be teaming up with the org. -- telling media members the Red Sox are "obviously a historical franchise."

"And we know the history of the World Series championships that they've brought home to Boston and players that have come through there and the legacy that they hold in that area."

FYI -- the Sox, according to Forbes, are the third most valuable franchise in the MLB (behind the Yanks and Dodgers) ... reportedly valued at $3.3 BILLION.

As for what's next for LeBron -- who, by the way, also owns a piece of the legendary Liverpool soccer team -- he said buying an NBA team is the new major goal.

"I got so much to give to the game," Bron told reporters Tuesday. "I know what it takes to win at this level. I know talent. I also know how to run a business, as well."

Gerald McCoy's time as a Cowboy might not be over yet ... the defensive tackle says he's open to a Dallas return in '21 after an injury robbed him of his 2020 season.

"Cowboys are definitely a possibility," the free-agent McCoy tells TMZ Sports.

The 33-year-old was Dallas' huge offseason signing last year ... but a ruptured quad tendon in training camp forced the Cowboys to cut ties with him before he could play an in-game snap.

Now, though, McCoy says he's healthy ... and ready to help Dallas if it wants him back.

"I'm healthy now," McCoy says. "I'm just not at 100 percent. But, by training camp, I'll be 100 percent."

The Cowboys would presumably have interest in bringing him back on board ... their interior D-line was one of the worst in franchise history last year, and McCoy sure could help.

But, if Dallas chooses to search elsewhere ... McCoy says he's open to anyone who will give him a look -- telling us a return to Tampa Bay is something he wouldn't mind either!

"If a team wants me on their team -- they want a guy who's going to give them everything they got," McCoy says, "who's going to lead the right way, show up to work the right way and play the game the right way, then they can sign me."

"And, that team, I promise you they won't regret it."

We also spoke with McCoy about Drew Brees' retirement -- and the big defensive lineman who had a rivalry with the QB for years had nothing but praise for Drew.

In fact, McCoy says if he ever makes it to the Pro Football Hall of Fame ... he plans to shout out Brees in his speech!

There's more ... McCoy has VERY strong opinions on the high school basketball announcer who hurled racist slurs at the players for taking a knee during a game.

Gerald explains why the announcer's excuse -- that he was experiencing a diabetic episode which caused him to say offensive things -- is complete bullcrap.

Tiger Woods is finally out of the hospital and recovering at home -- and assuring his fans he's "getting stronger every day."

"Happy to report that I am back home and continuing my recovery," Woods said in a statement Tuesday afternoon.

"I am so grateful for the outpouring of support and encouragement that I have received over the past few weeks."

"Thank you to the incredible surgeons, doctors, nurses and staff at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and Cedars Sinai Medical Center. You have all taken such great care of me and I cannot thank you enough."

Tiger continued, "I will be recovering at home and working on getting stronger every day."

The 45-year-old golfer suffered major damage to his right leg during a Feb. 23 car crash in the Rancho Palos Verdes area of Los Angeles.

Woods suffered comminuted open fractures to both his upper and lower tibia and fibula -- which required emergency surgery.

Doctors at Harbor-UCLA used a rod to stabilize the leg and screws to treat Tiger's badly damaged ankle.

He was moved to Cedars Sinai in the days following the crash where he continued his care.

Cops opened an investigation into the accident but officials say there were no obvious signs that Tiger was under the influence of any substance at the time of the crash.

Woods was in town for his Genesis Open golf tournament -- and had stuck around after it concluded to shoot promo videos with celebrities like Dwyane Wade and David Spade for Golf.com.

Tragic news from Keyshawn Johnson ... the former NFL star receiver just announced his oldest daughter, Maia, has passed away. She was 25 years old.

"It is with incredible sadness that I have to share the news about the passing of my beautiful Daughter Maia," Johnson said Monday.

"Maia, as my first born child, has been the joy of my, and her Mother Shikiri’s, life."

Maia was Johnson's first child with Shikiri Hightower, whom he was married to from 1998-2002. They also had a son, Keyshawn Jr., in 1998. Johnson also has two children with his current wife, Jennifer Conrad.

Johnson added ... "She came into our lives just as we were both coming of age as adults and has been a constant beloved presence for both of us."

"We are heartbroken and devastated by her loss. Shikiri, Maia’s siblings, our family and me appreciate your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time."

No cause of death has been revealed publicly at this point.

Several of Keyshawn's current and former ESPN colleagues have shared their condolences following the announcement ... including Louis Riddick and Jemele Hill.

"I am so very sorry Keshawn." Riddick said on Twitter. "That is devastating and heartbreaking to hear. From my family to yours...our deepest and most sincere condolences brother.

Hill added ... "So very sorry for your loss."

RIP

Shaquille O’Neal’s first experience with IcyHot is something he will literally NEVER forget!!

The NBA legend shared the hysterical (and painful) story on the “Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend” podcast … explaining he was once forced to leave an NBA game early after a team trainer used the blue gel “too high” when treating an injured leg.

“I always used to see IcyHot in the locker room, and one day I kind of had like a thigh bruise, and the guy rubbed it, but he rubbed it too high.”

“During the game, my little guys started getting hot -- like, really hot. Like, I thought something was wrong.”

Shaq says the pain eventually got so intense ... he couldn't continue hooping.

“It got to the point where I was like, 'Hey man, I think I need a doctor. My little guys are on fire.'"

O'Neal says he left the court and made a beeline for the showers ... but the water only spread the IcyHot around ... making the situation wayyyy worse.

Thankfully, Shaq says there was a janitor in the locker room ... who suggested he use milk to kill the burn.

“So now I'm in the shower pouring milk on my boys and the guys coming in, they're looking at me like, 'What the hell are you doing?'"

The milk? Well, it worked ... and Shaq knew firsthand the pain-relieving product did too.

So, he signed an endorsement deal with the company ... and many years and big checks later, Big Diesel still works with the brand.

"We’re not playing the Jehovah’s Witness All-Star team here. We’re playing the [Florida] Gators, man."

What a stupid thing to say, right?!

Well, the man behind that idiotic quote is Virginia Tech basketball coach Mike Young ... and guess what, he's apologizing now!

Young was addressing the media during an NCAA Tournament news conference Tuesday ... when he was asked about his mindset going into the team's 1st round game against the Florida Gators.

"We’re not playing the Jehovah’s Witness all-star team here. We’re playing the Gators, man. We’re playing the Gators."

Get it ... Young's insinuating that a team full of Jehovah's Witnesses would be trash compared to the Florida Gators.

Someone wanna clue in Coach Young about Serena Williams -- perhaps the most dominant athlete on the planet ... who also happens to be a Jehovah's Witness?

Obviously, there are many examples of talented JW athletes -- but that's not the point. The point is, it was a stupid and offensive comment. And, within hours, Coach Young was apologizing.

"Earlier today on the NCAA Tournament conference call, I attempted to show my respect for our upcoming opponent, the University of Florida. Regrettably, I didn’t articulate that sentiment in an appropriate manner," Young said.

"I apologize for my insensitive remark and am sincerely sorry for anyone I may have offended."

Makola M. Abdullah, Ph.D. is the esteemed President of Virginia State University.

... AND HE CAN BALL, SON!!!

The Prez was leaving his campus office when he was approached by a student named Afo -- who's pretty well known for staging fun pranks and viral videos around the school.

Afo's bit of the day was approaching people with a basketball for an impromptu game of 1-on-1 to see if random people would square up on the spot.

Afo balled up a woman in a tight red dress, a security guard and others -- but when he approached President Abdullah, that's when the tables turned!!

The President smacked the ball right out of Afo's hands and proceed to ball out -- even removing his fancy jacket to show he wasn't messing around.

But, the best part was the NUTMEG at the end that had Afo on skates!!! It was awesome!!!

It was all in good fun -- and the two even snapped a pic together afterward.

Afo tweeted, "I’m not gonna lie, it took a lot for me to post this. He definitely got me tho."

President Abdullah also weighed in -- saying, "You already know it's all love. I can't wait until everybody is back on campus."

We spoke with President Abdullah who tells us he's just a recreational player who loves the game -- and had a blast messing around on campus.

He praised Afo as a "fantastic kid" who's a talented entertainer and a scholar who's expected to graduate soon.

As for a possible rematch, Abdullah put it this way -- "I don't know if my knees will let me do it twice! I think I might have gotten just enough out of these knees. I'm going to retire now."

LeBoston Red Sox.

Yep, LeBron James is now a part-owner of one of the most storied franchises in pro sports ... the Boston Red Sox.

So, how did it happen?

LeBron has obtained shares in the Fenway Sports Group -- which is the parent company of the BoSox, along with several other prominent sports teams and companies.

No word on how many shares LeBron owns or how much money he put down -- but what's clear is he's a minority partner in FSG, which means he's a part-owner of the Sox, as first reported by the Boston Globe.

By the way, the Boston Globe is owned by John Henry -- the majority owner of the Boston Red Sox, who's reportedly worth $2.8 BILLION.

LeBron has publicly supported the NY Yankees for years -- but obviously, those days are over now.

The rivalry between NY and Boston goes back decades and there's no way you can support both teams ... even if you're LeBron!

LeBron's business partner, Maverick Carter, is also part of the FSG ownership group now -- which makes him a Sox part-owner as well.

LeBron has yet to publicly comment on the deal -- but he's expected to make some sort of announcement in the near future.

FYI, the Boston Red Sox are reportedly valued at $3.3 BILLION, according to Forbes ... which makes them the 3rd most valuable franchise in MLB, behind the Yankees and Dodgers.

LeBron has some experience with pro sports ownership -- he bought a piece of the legendary Liverpool soccer team back in 2011.

As for FSG, the company owns pieces of the NESN network, Roush Fenway Racing, Liverpool FC and more.

The move expands LeBron's already impressive empire -- he's reportedly made $343 million from NBA contracts alone.

Plus, his media company, Springhill Entertainment, is thriving with "Space Jam 2" coming out soon.

And, don't forget that reportedly $1 billion lifetime deal with Nike.

He's also a part-owner of the Blaze pizza company and has a stake in the Ladder supplement company, which he created with Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Bottom line ... LeBron is not only the greatest athlete on the planet, he's a pretty savvy businessman, too!

You help Derrick Henry rush for 2,000 yards, you get iced out!!!

That's exactly what the Tennessee Titans star did for his offensive line this week ... gifting them all awesome diamond chains for helping him reach the milestone.

27-year-old Henry was straight-up unstoppable in 2020 -- he ran for 2,027 yards and 17 touchdowns ... becoming just the 8th player in league history to join the 2,000 Yard Club.

Henry couldn't have done it without his boys up front ... and now he's showing some serious love by commemorating their accomplishment with the icy memento.

Center Ben Jones showed off the finished product ... which features a pendant with "2K" on the front and a crown on top.

The back features Jones' name and number ... as well as "O-Line 2k" and "2027 Yards."

No word on how much the pieces cost ... but Henry's got the coin -- he signed a $50 million contract last summer.

Kristaps Porzingis is NOT being shipped out of Dallas under ANY circumstance ... so says Mark Cuban.

The Mavs owner forcefully shut down persistent rumors that Dallas is looking to move the 25-year-old ... despite only being in the 2nd year of a 5-year $158 million contract he signed in 2019.

There have been rumblings about the Mavs looking for a trade partner for the past month -- including an SNY report that Dallas has reached out to the Golden State Warriors to see if they were interested in a deal.

Cuban had denied the rumors back in February -- but the rumblings continued -- which led to Cuban slamming the door shut on a possible KP move during Tuesday's appearance on "Live with Kelly & Ryan."

"We're not trading KP," Cuban said ... "KP's a star."

As Ryan Seacrest continued to probe, Cuban doubled down -- "It's not gonna happen, Ryan. You heard it here first. Definitely not gonna happen."

Porzingis missed the first 3 weeks of the NBA season while recovering from knee surgery -- and missed another 2 weeks last month with a back injury.

Despite the hiccups, KP is still a monster when he's on the court -- averaging 20.8 points and 8.4 rebounds per game.

The Mavs are currently in 8th place in the Western Conference -- and clearly Cuban is hoping KP will keep them in the playoff hunt.

The Houston Astros do NOT deserve an asterisk next to their 2017 World Series championship ... so says Miguel Cabrera, who thinks the notion of a tainted title is "bulls***."

The MLB superstar didn't mince words in an interview with ESPN this week ... saying straight-up Houston earned its '17 ring, despite its massive sign-stealing, cheating scandal that season.

"In the end ... it's baseball," the future Hall of Famer said. "[Try to] go ahead and do it like those guys did."

It's a hot take from Cabrera ... considering most of Miguel's baseball peers wildly disagree.

MVPs like Cody Bellinger and Mike Trout have blasted the Astros for their roles in the cheating ordeal ... and were HEATED when none of the players were severely punished.

In fact, former Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia has been so livid over it all ... he's ripped the 'Stros every opportunity he's had, even recently calling Carlos Correa a "clown."

Cabrera -- whose Tigers manager is now former Astros 2017 bench honcho A.J. Hinch -- clearly sees things differently ... saying of the entire ordeal, "I don't care about that."

Cabrera says Hinch has been nothing but a good dude since the Tigers hired him this offseason ... adding, "I don't care what they did in Houston."

"He [was] a big part of the success Houston had the last three to five years."

L.A. Lakers star Kyle Kuzma gave a perfectly reasonable explanation for air-balling a FREE THROW against the Warriors Monday night ... saying a nearby earthquake messed up his shot.

Only one problem -- THERE WAS NO EARTHQUAKE!!!

The hilariously bad moment happened halfway through the 2nd quarter ... when Kuz -- a career 72% free throw shooter -- lined up on the charity stripe to shoot a technical free throw ... and the dude completely missed the rim!!

The Warriors bench let Kuz have it ... with Draymond Green erupting in laughter!!

So ... what the heck happened?!

The 25-year-old forward dug deeeep into his bag of excuses to try and justify his embarrassingly bad shot ... blaming the whole thing on seismic waves.

"San Francisco had a 3.5 magnitude earthquake," Kuzma said after the game. "S**t started rumbling. I don’t know. I got scared, and it went far off to the left."

Of course, there was no earthquake ... and Kuz tried his best to maintain his poker face throughout his fib ... but eventually cracked and broke out in a smile.

It wasn't all bad for #0, though ... Kuz ended up with 17 points in the Lakers' win.

Future USC tight end Keyan Burnett went FULL DK Metcalf mode in a game last week ... chasing down an opponent 100 yards to make a touchdown-saving tackle!!!

The insane play all went down in Southern California in Servite High School's game against Damien last Friday ... when Burnett's squad needed him to make a super-human play to save 7 points.

A Damien player scooped up a fumble at the 11-yard line and looked poised to rumble 89 yards to turn a 13-0, 1st-quarter deficit into a 13-7 ballgame.

But, Burnett -- a 6'5", 210-pound 4-star recruit who committed to play for the Trojans earlier this month -- turned on the jets and hunted the ball carrier down!!

Check out the clip, Burnett was in the endzone on the other side of the field when the fumble was initially picked up ... and then he sprinted nearly 100 yards to make the tackle!!

The play was absurd ... and it immediately reminded everyone of when Metcalf ran down Budda Baker during that ridiculous Sunday Night Football play in 2020.

Damien ended up missing a field goal a few plays after Burnett's tackle ... and then, get this -- Burnett scored a 70-yard TD on the ensuing Servite drive to make it a 20-0 game!!

Marvin Hagler's wife is calling BS on unfounded conspiracy theories suggesting the boxer's death was caused by the COVID vaccine -- saying it's simply "nonsense."

"Marvelous" Marvin Hagler -- one of the greatest boxers of all time -- died on Saturday at his home in New Hampshire. He was 66.

Around the time of his death, Hagler's former rival Tommy Hearns floated a theory about Hagler's health in an IG post on his verified page.

"He’s in ICU fighting the after effects of the vaccine!” Hearns said in a post that has since been deleted.

Now, Hagler's wife Kay is firing back -- saying she was WITH Marvin all the way to the end and can personally confirm his death had nothing to do with the COVID vaccine.

"I am the only person that know how things went not even his family know all the details and I do NOT accept to read some stupid comment without knowing really what happen," Kay said in a Facebook post.

"For sure wasn't the vaccine that caused his death. My baby left in peace with his usually smile and now is not the time to talk nonsense."

Kay also notes how Marvin "hated funerals" and "therefore there will be no funerals or church celebrations."

"He wants to be remembered with a happy smile but I would be happy if each of you can light a candle for him."

Hagler's official cause of death has still not been released and likely won't be for weeks, possibly months.

Kay adds, "Thank you for your love, [Marvin] loved people so much, he loved you all he was happy when he read your comments he was a special person the most beautiful person i had ever met in all my life."

Hagler was 62–3–2 in his storied career -- with wins over legends like Roberto Duran, Alan Minter and, of course, Tommy Hearns.