TMZ Sports - Page 50

Jake Paul is trying to shame Dana White into ponying up BIG money by using an old clip of DW flippantly saying he'd bet a million bucks on Ben Askren ... but the video proves nothing.

The YouTuber-turned-boxer posted a series of snippets Saturday on his IG Story, showing he and Snoop Dogg are still trying to collect on a bet they insist Dana made over the boxing match from last weekend. In Jake's eyes, he's got the smoking gun to prove his case.

He resurfaced an interview Dana did on Mike Tyson's 'Hotboxin'' podcast -- in which he casually said he'd bet a million dollars that Askren would whoop Paul in the ring.

Since then -- and in light of Jake actually winning -- both he and Snoop have been demanding he fork over anywhere between 1 and 2 million dollars ... while Dana has denied ever making such a bet with them, specifically. Fact is, Dana seems to be right.

First off, this clip that Jake surfaced isn't new ... it's been out for a month now and everyone was well aware Dana said he'd throw down a mil. However, it seems like Jake/Snoop are the only ones who took it literally and for some reason ... think they're owed something.

There's also the fact that there's ZERO evidence suggesting Dana made a one-on-one bet with Snoop at any point ... not for a million, and not for two million. Dana has repeatedly denied doing so, even explaining that if he was gonna bet that big ... he'd do it in Vegas with better odds. So again, Jake's video doesn't appear to be anything more than a troll job.

Fact is ... harping on a hypothetical bet is a little absurd at this point. By the looks of it, Dana doesn't owe Jake or Snoop a dime ... so this social media campaign won't go anywhere.

TMZ Sports has obtained police video from Justin Layne's arrest Friday ... and the Steelers DB can be heard in the back of a squad car saying, "They acting like I got some drugs -- I got one blunt!"

The 23-year-old -- who was a Steelers third-round pick in 2019 -- was pulled over after cops say he was doing 89 MPH in a 60 MPH zone in his 2020 Dodge Charger.

During the stop, officers put him in the back of a patrol car while they searched his ride ... and that's when Layne got on the phone with some of his friends to talk them through his situation.

While on the line ... Layne can be heard telling one friend, "I'm nervous as f***, bro. They about to get me."

Layne continued, "They might get me for the pistol, bro." He later told his friend that he had a blunt in the car.

Cops say they eventually found weed residue, a grinder and a loaded Glock 9mm pistol during their search of his car ... and released photos of their findings to TMZ Sports.

Layne was ultimately arrested and booked on a felony charge of improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle.

What's interesting ... Layne mentioned twice during the stop he was an NFL player -- and even at one point told an officer he played for the Steelers.

For their part, the Steelers said they were aware of the situation and were gathering more information.

Bengals star Tyler Boyd won't change into a swaggier jersey number this season ... he says even though he's allowed to now -- he ain't about to open up his wallet for it!!

The NFL passed a new rule this week that'll give skill position players like Boyd the ability to rock basically any digits they want for the 2021 season.

And, as a guy who currently wears a forgettable #83, Boyd seemed like a prime candidate to switch.

But, when the 26-year-old -- who wore #23 in college -- was leaving Catch on Thursday night ... he said point-blank he's sticking with the ocho tres.

"I'mma keep my same number, bro," the Cincinnati wideout said. "I'mma keep my s***. I'mma have to pay if I want to get my s*** changed!"

As for why Boyd would have to shell out coins to get a fancier number ... the league is forcing players to buy out the inventory of current unsold jerseys in order to make the switch.

The move could cost hundreds of thousands -- if not MILLIONS -- so, yeah, Boyd says he's sticking with his number for now.

TIGER WOODS!!!

The golf superstar is up on his own two feet -- and flashing that trademark smile -- to mark the 2 month anniversary of that horrific car crash.

45-year-old Tiger is standing on crutches at one of his golf courses -- with a medical brace on his lower right leg and ankle ... standing next to his beloved dog.

"My course is coming along faster than I am," Tiger wrote on IG ... "But it’s nice to have a faithful rehab partner, man’s best friend."

It's a great sign to see Tiger smiling and upright ... considering the catastrophic injuries he suffered during that Feb. 23 car wreck in Southern California.

As we previously reported, Tiger suffered comminuted open fractures in his right leg -- meaning the bone was shattered in at least 2 places and broke through the skin.

Doctors used a rod to stabilize it, according to Tiger's medical team -- and he's reportedly been spending the past several weeks recovering and rehabbing at one of his residences in Florida.

Tiger was driving through Rancho Palos Verdes on his way to an L.A. golf course when he crashed his Genesis GV80 SUV down the side of a hill -- wrecking the car and suffering major injuries.

Investigators determined Tiger was doing driving at speeds between 82 and 87 MPH leading up to the crash -- more than 40 MPH over the 45 MPH speed limit ... and was doing 75 when he collided with a tree.

Officials said Tiger showed no signs of impairment and believe he may have panicked behind the wheel and stomped on the accelerator instead of the brake when he realized he was losing control.

Woods obviously missed The Masters tournament due to his injuries and many wonder if he'll ever be able to play pro golf again.

Chicago Bears legend Steve McMichael -- who later became a pro wrestling star -- has been diagnosed with ALS and is already paralyzed from the shoulders down.

The 63-year-old -- who was a key part of the famous 1985 Bears championship team -- revealed the diagnosis to the Chicago Tribune ... admitting, "This ain't ever how I envisioned [my life] was going to end."

"Mongo" McMichael was a 5-time All-Pro during his 14-year NFL career and was named one of the 100 Greatest Chicago Bears of All Time.

He later became a star pro wrestler with a stint in the WWE in 1995 before moving over to WCW where he took on the likes of Bill Goldberg and Ric Flair.

Steve was diagnosed with ALS -- also known as Lou Gehrig's disease -- back in February ... and unfortunately, it's ravaging his body rather quickly.

ALS is an "always fatal" progressive neurodegenerative disease -- that essentially shuts down the body's ability to function. Average life expectancy is 2 to 5 years from diagnosis, according to ALS.org.

According to Steve's official GoFundMe page, Steve's wife Misty "feeds him and supports him with all hygiene needs."

Steve is losing function in his legs -- and the Chicago Bears actually bought him a special custom wheelchair to help him get around.

Despite his medical situation, McMichael is still cracking jokes about the diagnosis ... telling The Tribute, "I thought I was ready for anything. But man, this will sneak up on you like a cheap-shotting Green Bay Packer."

The Chicago Bulls paid tribute to a lost member of their family before Thursday's game ... with the team holding a moment of silence for Scottie Pippen's son, Antron.

Scottie's eldest child, 33-year-old Antron, passed away earlier this week ... a loss that shook the entire organization.

The team played its first home game on Thursday night since Antron's tragic death ... and honored the Bulls legend's son on the scoreboard prior to tipoff against the Charlotte Hornets.

Pippen was grateful to the team for the gesture ... saying, "Thank you, @chicagobulls, and to all of you who have reached out this week."

"I feel your love and support, and it means so much."

As we previously reported, Pippen praised his son for his passion for basketball ... saying if it weren't for his chronic asthma, the Hall of Famer truly believes Antron could have followed in his footsteps to the NBA.

"He never let that get him down, though -- Antron stayed positive and worked hard, and I am so proud of the man that he became," Scottie said on Monday.

He added ... "Please keep his mom, Karen, and all of his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers."

Caitlyn Jenner is throwing her hat in the ring to become the next governor of California.

There was a lot of talk that she might run and Caitlyn didn't stop the buzz. She made it official Friday, saying, "I have been a compassionate disrupter throughout my life, from representing the United States and winning a gold medal at the Olympics to helping advance the movement for equality. As Californians, we face a now-or-never opportunity to fundamentally fix our state before it’s too late.”

Her path isn't set in cement. There is a petition to recall Governor Gavin Newsom ... a movement that has gained steam in the wake of the pandemic. If the recall movement qualifies for the ballot, California voters will be asked 2 questions. Should Newsom be recalled? If a majority of voters say yes, then the second question is on the table. Who do you want to replace him? That's where Caitlyn's name will land.

Here's the reality ... she has an edge because of her name. You may recall, years ago California Governor Gray Davis was recalled and Arnold Schwarzenegger led the large pack of candidates to become the next governor.

There will almost certainly be a large number of candidates vying for the job, but Caitlyn may be the most famous of the batch, which would give her an edge.

Caitlyn already took a shot at Newsom, saying, "This isn’t the California we know. This is Gavin Newsom’s California, where he orders us to stay home but goes out to dinner with his lobbyist friends." She's obviously referring to Newsom's notorious dinner at the French Laundry.

She's not the only celeb flirting with a governorship. Matthew McConaughey is not only interested in running ... he seems to be leading the pack and even pulling way out ahead of current governor Greg Abbott.

"No time or distance can separate us!"

That's Dak Prescott remembering his older brother, Jace, on the one-year anniversary of the 31-year-old's tragic death ... while adding, "We love you Jace and miss you daily."

The middle Prescott brother died by suicide on April 23, 2020 ... and Dak was hit tremendously hard by the news.

The NFL superstar told Graham Bensinger in an interview months after the tragedy that Jace was his best friend ... and he cried uncontrollably after learning of the death.

Dak's other older brother, Tad, was also deeply affected by the loss ... and he, too, posted about Jace on Friday morning's anniversary.

"R.I.P. little brother," Tad wrote on social media. "You're missed daily."

Dak, Tad and Jace were all extremely close ... the three were even featured in a national Campbell's Chunky Soup commercial in 2019.

In fact, Dak famously gifted Tad a diamond moose pendant for his birthday last November to remember Jace, who had earned the "Moose" nickname while growing up.

Dak has been outspoken about getting help for mental health issues since his brother's death ... reiterating repeatedly that it's OK to not be OK sometimes.

STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOING AND LOOK AT THIS ADORABLE BUNNY!!!

A pair of San Francisco Giants fans hit up Oracle Park to watch their boys take on the Miami Marlins on Thursday ... and forget the peanuts and crackerjacks, they brought their cute ass therapy rabbit along to enjoy the fun!!

The 4 1/2-month-old bunny named Alex belongs to owners Kei Kato and her fiancé, Josh Row ... who bought the Flemish giant after Kato's brewery restaurant closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alex helps with Kato's anxiety and stress ... and brings joy to the couple's life during the tough times.

The furry friend has been living it up since he joined the family -- from NASCAR races to tubing and kayaking ... and even helped hand out Easter eggs to kids!!

The fun continued when Kato and Row brought Alex to his first baseball game ... and it was a monumental moment -- it's believed he's the VERY FIRST bunny to attend a ballgame at Oracle Park, according to the team.

Alex -- who was wearing a Giants-colored bowtie -- quickly became a fan favorite ... and the Marlins even tried to convert him to their side with some free merch, while SF invited him back as their good luck charm.

Giants CEO Larry Baer also spoke about their new fan ... saying, "Love this therapy bunny," Baer said. "We could all use a therapy bunny right about now!"

So, what's next for the lovable trio?? They're hoping to hit up a Warriors game ... and Golden State has already welcomed Alex with open arms.

This is incredibly disturbing ...

A flag football coach in Michigan punched a parent in the face during a meltdown at a game over the weekend -- igniting a police investigation.

Officials confirm the incident took place Saturday at the Midwest Performance Academy in Niles, MI ... in front of a bunch of young kids.

Unclear what set off the coach ... but you can see in the video he appeared to be arguing with a parent or coach from the other team and as he storms off the field, he stops to square up with a parent on the sideline.

The parent did NOT impose any sort of physical threat -- but the coach apparently didn't like his body language and sucker-punched him in the face, sending the dad crashing to the floor.

Chaos ensues ... you can hear kids crying and other parents screaming in shock.

At one point, other adults attempt to subdue to the coach.

So far, the name of the coach has not been released -- but WNDU's Ibrahim Samra reports the victim has reached out to the Niles Police Dept. and an investigation is underway.

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Justin Layne was arrested Friday ... after cops say he illegally had a loaded firearm in his car during a traffic stop in Ohio.

Officials for Willoughby Hills Police Dept. say Layne was pulled over at around 1:20 AM after an officer clocked him going 89 MPH in a 60 MPH zone in his 2020 Dodge Charger.

Police say during the stop, they discovered Layne had a suspended driver's license and a warrant for his arrest stemming from a failure to appear in court for a previous traffic violation.

Officers claim they also smelled an odor of marijuana in the car -- and after searching the vehicle, they say they found a loaded Glock 9mm pistol in the center console.

Cops say Layne did NOT have a licensed concealed carry permit, so they arrested him and booked him on a charge of felony improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle.

Cops noted in police documents 23-year-old Layne "was cooperative during the entire process."

In the docs, officers also say patrol squad camera footage caught Layne saying on phone calls "it's over, I'm goin down" and "they acting like I got some drugs, I got one blunt" on his ride to the station.

The Steelers say they are aware of the incident and are gathering information.

Charles Barkley ... this is not good.

The NBA legend is under fire for comments he made Thursday night on "NBA on TNT" -- comparing the women of Georgia to actual bulldogs.

Ernie Johnson was pointing out how Lakers' star Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had dropped 29 against the Dallas Mavericks ... and shouted out KCP's college program, the University of Georgia.

That's when Charles chimed in ...

"Only school in the world they named their mascot after the women down there."

The Univ. of Georgia mascot is the Bulldogs -- and no, it didn't seem like Charles meant that as a compliment to the women for their hard-nosed demeanor.

In fact, Ernie Johnson knew it was a problem as soon as the words came out of Chuck's mouth ... and scolded him on the air.

"So totally uncalled for," Johnson said ... "Not even gonna dignify that with a response."

Barkley had a history of making fun of women in various cities -- he's repeatedly said the ladies of San Antonio are "big women" and blamed it on the delicious churros that are popular in the area.

Donald Trump just went after LeBron James in the wake of his controversial "You're Next" post ... calling the NBA star's words "RACIST" and telling the hooper to stick to sports.

"LeBron James should focus on basketball rather than presiding over the destruction of the NBA, which has just recorded the lowest television RATINGS, by far, in the long and distinguished history of the League,” Trump said in a statement.

“His RACIST rants are divisive, nasty, insulting, and demeaning. He may be a great basketball player, but he is doing nothing to bring our Country together!"

LeBron tweeted -- and later deleted -- a photo of the cop who shot and killed 16-year-old Ma'Khia Bryant after responding to a violent altercation this week in Columbus, Ohio.

In his post, the Lakers star captioned the pic, "YOU'RE NEXT #ACCOUNTABILITY" ... implying the officer should be prosecuted in a similar fashion to Derek Chauvin.

The problem ... some found the post to be threatening, with the National Fraternal Order of Police -- the biggest police union in the country -- calling it "disgraceful and extremely reckless."

U.S. Senator Tom Cotton from Arkansas added, "LeBron James is inciting violence against an Ohio police officer. This is disgraceful and dangerous."

Trump clearly felt similarly, releasing his scathing statement through his office Thursday night.

James eventually offered an explanation for the post after the backlash, writing in a statement of his own, "I’m so damn tired of seeing Black people killed by police. I took the tweet down because it's being used to create more hate."

"This isn’t about one officer," LeBron continued. "It’s about the entire system and they always use our words to create more racism. I am so desperate for more ACCOUNTABILITY."

James has been vocal about social injustices and police brutality throughout this NBA career ... leading kneeling demonstrations during the NBA bubble last summer and often providing impassioned post-game and pregame speeches to media about equality.

Tristan Thompson came this close to fighting Phoenix Suns player Torrey Craig on Thursday -- calling the guy "trash" as teammates raced to break up a heated on-court screaming match.

Thompson and his Boston Celtics were beating up on the Suns on the court in a 99 to 86 victory ... but as the final seconds were ticking away in the 4th quarter, Tristan had some words for Craig.

Doesn't take an expert lip-reader to see Tristan calling him "trash" -- while Craig tried to get up in his face.

The two clashed heads and contained to talk smack while teammates and staffers raced to break them up.

Eventually, the guys went back to their benches -- no punches were thrown. They each received a technical foul for the spat.

As the announcers pointed out, the two did NOT shake hands or hug it out after the game ... they probably just needed some space to cool off.

Terrence Clarke -- a 19-year-old University of Kentucky basketball player and a projected 2021 NBA Draft pick -- was killed Thursday in a car accident in Los Angeles, law enforcement sources tell TMZ Sports.

We're told Clarke was driving a Genesis around 2 PM in the San Fernando Valley when his vehicle was struck by another car ... sending him smashing into a pole and before ultimately slamming into a wall.

Footage from the accident shows Clarke's vehicle completely smashed in.

Law enforcement sources tell us the accident is being investigated -- but so far, no official cause of the crash has been determined.

We're told Clarke was in Los Angeles with his Kentucky teammate, B.J. Boston -- another NBA Draft prospect.

Boston was reportedly in the car behind Clarke when the accident occurred -- but we're told he's physically okay.

Clarke was rushed to a nearby hospital ... but injuries proved too severe and doctors were unable to save his life.  He was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.

Terrence -- a 6'7" guard -- was an absolute stud on the hardwood. Rivals rated him a 5-star recruit coming out of high school in New Hampshire ... and ranked him as the #8 overall high school player in the entire country.

He didn't play much at Kentucky -- but he clearly had the talent to succeed at the pro level and recently declared for the 2021 NBA Draft.

Some experts projected he would be a 2nd-round pick -- with tons of upside.

Tragic story.

RIP.

Stefon Diggs' flashy Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon was found abandoned near train tracks in Miami over the weekend, TMZ Sports has learned ... but the NFL star is denying any wrongdoing in the situation.

Here's the deal ... law enforcement officials tell us they responded to a call of an abandoned vehicle sitting in dirt just feet from train tracks near the Miami Airport Station in Florida at around 5 AM on Sunday.

According to officials, the car -- a silver Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV with Maryland license plates -- was registered to Diggs.

But, authorities say there was no indication of the Buffalo Bills receiver, a driver OR passengers on the scene ... so after a short investigation, they simply had the vehicle towed.

The entire situation is bizarre ... especially given the Mercedes' six-figure price tag -- but when we reached out to Diggs' camp for comment, they had a simple explanation.

According to a spokesperson for the wideout, Diggs was not in Florida at the time, and had lent the car to a friend in the area.

That friend, the spokesperson said, got a flat tire, called for a tow, but did not wait for the company to arrive and left the ride at the scene.

"[Stefon] was not driving the car," Diggs' rep says. "He allowed a friend to use the car while he was gone. Unfortunately, the friend had got a flat tire with the car."

The rep says Diggs was eventually informed of the situation and is now having the car repaired at a Mercedes-Benz dealership.

Diggs' spokesperson was adamant the car was NOT stolen, and added there was absolutely no wrongdoing involved in the incident.

Cops, meanwhile, say a report on the abandoned car is still pending. It's unclear if police are investigating further into it.