TMZ Sports - Page 15

G.O.A.T. players fetch G.O.A.T. numbers .. and that's why LeBron James and Tom Brady's trading cards just sold for a combined $3.44 million at auction!!

A King James '03-'04 Upper Deck "Exquisite Collection" Rookie Patch Autograph card -- 1 of only 99 ever made -- sold for $1.72 million ... a record for the super coveted card.

The card -- rated a mint 9 -- comes complete with an LBJ autograph ... and a rookie patch from one of James' rookie Cleveland Cavaliers uniforms.

As for the 7x Super Bowl champ, the Brady 2000 Playoff Contenders #144 Signed Championship Ticket Rookie card -- graded a near mint 8.5 by Beckett -- it also sold for $1.72 million.

Both cards closed Saturday night on the Goldin Auctions website ... after weeks of fierce bidding.

The scary part ... GA founder Ken Goldin says he expects prices to continue to rise.

"Prices for cards across sports like golf, soccer and hockey, and for trading card games like Pokémon, have absolutely taken off and we’re just scratching the surface!”

Kanye West has the Midas touch ... a pair of shoes he wore during his performance at the 2008 Grammys just sold for a record 7-figure price.

The prototype Nike Air Yeezy 1 brought in a whopping $1.8 million in a recent private sale, according to Sotheby's, which brokered the deal.

Kanye famously wore the kicks, known as the "Grammy Worn" Nikes, at the 2008 Grammy Awards, when he performed "Hey Mama" and "Stronger."

The $1.8 million sale price completely shatters the record for the most expensive pair of sneakers ever sold ... it's the first pair to sell for over $1 million, nearly tripling the previous high of $615k for a pair of 1985 Nike Air Jordan 1s Michael Jordan wore when he broke a backboard during a preseason game in Italy.

MJ's record didn't last long ... those kicks sold last year, and now Kanye's got the top spot.

Ye and Mark Smith designed the size 12 shoes, a combination of Nike and Yeezy signature brandings. There's a classic Nike Swoosh, plus a Yeezy forefoot strap and a bright pink "Y" medallion lace lock.

Get a sick headshot ... then hit The Griddy next?!?

Players in Fortnite will now be able to do exactly that ... and it's all because Justin Jefferson made the dance famous during his touchdown celebrations!!!

Here's the deal if you ain't familiar ... the Minnesota Vikings superstar has been hitting the move in endzones since his LSU days, where he got inspiration for the dance from its creator, Louisiana athlete Allen "Griddy" Davis.

In fact, Jefferson scored so much and did the dance so much ... it became a phenomenon, with athletes from every major sport hitting the move to celebrate big plays!

Now, it's grown so huge, it's getting immortalized in Fortnite, with reps for the game announcing Monday the Griddy will be a new "emote" that players can hit in matches.

As for how it'll look in the game, check out the video of Jefferson's avatar hitting the dance ... it's spot on!!!

Reps for Fortnite say the emote be available starting Wednesday ... and Justin couldn't be more pumped about it.

Chadwick Boseman's impact on and off the screen goes far beyond his trophy case ... so says Reggie Bush, who tells TMZ Sports the actor's posthumous Oscar snub doesn't define his legacy.

Many believe the "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" star was robbed of Best Actor honors at last night's Academy Awards ... with Anthony Hopkins winning for his role in "The Father."

We spoke with Bush about the results outside Spring Place in Beverly Hills ... and he makes it clear Boseman's body of work speaks for itself -- Oscar or no Oscar.

"It would have been nice to see him win, but it was great to see all the nominees get a shot," Bush tells us.

"Chadwick Boseman, he's a legend regardless. No matter if he wins or not. A trophy is not gonna validate what he did. The work he put in validates that."

It's almost as if Bush is reflecting on his own experiences -- the former NFLer forfeited his 2005 Heisman Trophy after an investigation determined he committed NCAA violations by receiving improper benefits.

Even though his name and image were scrubbed from USC's campus and record books, nothing will change the fact that Bush is easily one of the best -- if not THE best -- college football players of all time.

Taking all that into consideration, it's no wonder Bush isn't sweating Boseman's snub.

There's also another reason why Bush was watching the Oscars -- did you know Andra Day, who was nominated for Best Actress, is his step-sister?!?!?

Chris Weidman and his shattered leg are on the road to recovery ... 'cause the UFC star says doctors successfully fixed his broken tibia and fibula during surgery on Sunday.

Only 17 seconds into the 1st round of his fight with Uriah Hall, the former middleweight champ fired off a leg kick ... literally snapping his leg while the packed crowd in Jacksonville watched in horror.

36-year-old Weidman posted a video on social media ... updating his fans from his Florida hospital bed, saying, "It's pretty brutal but I'm going to get through this."

Weidman continued ... "They put a titanium rod through the tibia so they go through the knee and put the rod and drill it through the tibia make it straight and hard. My fibula was broken as well."

As for how long Chris will be off his feet, it's going to be 2 months before he can so much as walk unassisted.

"I think it's gonna be 8 weeks until I can walk without crutches and stuff and drive and all that."

Weidman says he's heard from a TON of family, friends, fighters and fans since suffering the devastating injury.

"I'm so thankful for all the love and support."

But, will Weidman ever fight again?? It sure sounds like he's going to try ... but, it's gonna take some time.

Chris says it'll be 6 to 12 months before he can start training again.

Joey Logano is thankful to be alive today ... after the NASCAR superstar was involved in a terrifying crash Sunday where his car went airborne.

The horrifying moment all went down during NASCAR's race at Talladega Speedway ... when Logano's ride was nudged while hitting triple-digit speeds.

As Logano spun out, his car flipped into the air and stayed there for several seconds.

Video of the wreck is INSANE ... especially from the perspective of fellow racer Bubba Wallace, who had a camera pointed at the wild action the entire time.

Logano's car eventually crash-landed onto its roof and skidded hundreds of feet ... but the 30-year-old miraculously suffered nothing more than bumps and bruises.

During an interview just minutes after the accident, Logano said he was super grateful to have no injuries ... but implored NASCAR to make rule changes to avoid similar future wrecks.

"On one hand, I am so proud to drive a Cup car that is safe -- that I can go through a crash like that and get out and speak about it," Logano said. "And one hand, I'm mad about being in the crash and the other hand I'm just happy I'm alive."

"On the other hand, I think when are we going to going to stop? Because this is dangerous doing what we are doing. I got a roll bar in my head. That is not OK. I am one hit away from the same situation Ryan Newman just went through."

You'll recall, Ryan Newman was hurt in a similar airborne crash during last year's Daytona 500 ... and required a stint at the hospital to fully recover.

John Keller -- a 20-year-old quarterback for the Central Michigan Univ. football team -- was shot Saturday morning ... and his family says he's now "fighting for his life" at a hospital.

Police say Keller was involved in a dispute at a party near the CMU campus at around 1 AM Saturday when he was struck by gunfire.

The QB was rushed to the hospital in "serious condition," according to the Isabella County Sheriff's Office.

The gunman, meanwhile, fled the scene and is still at large, cops say.

Keller's family and friends said in a GoFundMe set up on Sunday to help cover the cost of the quarterback's medical bills that Keller was shot in the chest and "remains in critical condition."

Officials added in an update Sunday afternoon that Keller -- and another CMU student who was shot during the altercation -- were "recovering."

Cops say they are still searching for the shooter ... and are asking anyone with information to call 989-773-1000.

"My message for Jake Paul is he's a massive p***y and he doesn't want to fight ... So, when he grows a pair of balls, come and see me. But until then, don't mention my name ever again."

That FIRE is coming from rising boxing star Tommy Fury, who tells TMZ Sports he's 100% down to fight the internet sensation ... but says Paul is too scared to make it happen.

21-year-old Tommy and the 24-year-old internet superstar have been going at it for MONTHS on social media ... with Tommy's 2-time heavyweight champ older bro, Tyson igniting the feud by mentioning Paul on Twitter.

Now that Jake whooped Ben Askren's ass last weekend, we spoke with Fury about the possibility of being next ... and he's ready to put him in his place.

"I'm here and I'm ready and I'm going to fight, but obviously, this man is not," Fury tells us ... adding he had ZERO interest in getting involved until Jake called him out for clout.

"In the boxing world, he's a nobody and he's just trying to use the Fury name -- the best fighter in the world is Tyson -- to try and get the boxing audience talking about him."

FYI, Fury is a monster in the ring -- he's 5-0 with 4 knockouts ... and would easily be Paul's toughest matchup to date.

Fury says he's down to fight Paul "anytime, anyplace, anywhere" ... and might get his wish -- Jake recently said he would fight Tommy if Tyson boxed Michael Hunter on the same card.

Kamaru Usman was ready to party his face off after practically knocking Jorge Masvidal's face into space during UFC 261 ... and he did that and then some at a post-fight rager.

The Nigerian mixed martial artist swung by Myth Night Club late Saturday night after beating the brakes off Masvidal at the nearby VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, FL ... and club-goers were definitely ready to embrace the welterweight champ.

Usman was dressed to impress as well ... rocking a clean suit and some shades. He was ready to boogie too -- the guy didn't shy away from the dance floor, or the DJ booth.

We're hearing Usman showed up near closing time ... when DeeJay Capone was still blasting music. After the normies were kicked out -- an after-party proceeded ... which is what you see here in the video of the event we obtained. Looks like a good time was had by all.

The man had every reason to celebrate ... this after knocking out Masvidal cold with a clean, hard punch to the jaw. The KO went down in the second round, about a minute or so in.

Masvidal was actually laughing at Usman seconds before he got his clock cleaned ... and the crowd was absolutely stunned at how it all unfolded.

Former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman suffered a horrendous injury just seconds into his fight against Uriah Hall, and he was carried out on a stretcher.

The fight had just begun... 17 seconds in, Weidman delivered a leg kick which Hall checked, and you literally see his leg snap. It takes a second for it to register, and Weidman then collapses in pain as he tumbles to the mat.

Hall won by TKO, in front of a packed crowd at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville. Weidman was taken out on a stretcher.

After the fight, Hall said, "I've got nothing but respect for Chris Weidman ... He's truly one of the best. It's a crazy story, that he was the first man I fought that defeated me [in 2010], that introduced me to fear. I didn't know what fear was. Then we went different paths. He was the first person to defeat Anderson [in the UFC], and I was the last. It's crazy how we ended up here again."

Master P says he hammered out a multi-million dollar deal for his H.S. basketball-playing son ... and is simply waiting on an NCAA rule to change before putting pen to paper and making his kid a millionaire!!

TMZ Sports was talking to P and his 19-year-old son, Hercy Miller -- a top H.S. senior who just committed to play ball at Tennessee State -- when the hip-hop legend dropped the news.

"We have a lot of deals on the table, not only for Hercy, but for [son] Mercy. In August, the league is changing, the NCAA. You'll be able to make money off your likeness, you'll be able to do marketing deals," P says.

"So, right now I have a deal on the table for Hercy for $2.5 million. He never even played a lick of [college] basketball."

FYI, Hercy will be a college freshman this fall.

Historically, college athletes were forbidden from getting paid ... but all that started to change last year when the NCAA finally -- after immense outside pressure -- reversed course and threw support behind amateur athletes' ability to make money through endorsements.

P -- a business mogul who's made millions through music, fashion, movies, and everything in-between -- believes players will be allowed to start earning as early as this August ... and that's why he has a fat contract waiting for Hercy.

But, the future Tennessee State hooper isn't the only Miller boy getting the bag ... P says he has a $1 million deal on the table for his 15-year-old son, freshman B-ball star Mercy Miller.

The deals aren't yet signed ... so P didn't want to reveal the companies he's working with -- however, he did say Hercy's deal is centered around a product.

We also talked to P and Hercy about high school basketball stars hooping at HBCU's -- instead of traditional college basketball powerhouses -- a trend Hercy hopes to kickstart with his recent decision to play at Tenn. St.

"The game is changing," Master P says ... "I feel like now, a lot of high school kids are gonna start saying, 'I wanna go somewhere and make history, be a part of the moment and make a difference and also get to the league.'"

"Julian Edelman will be in the Hall of Fame."

That's Terrell Davis saying it's not a matter of if but when Julian Edelman gets into Canton ... telling TMZ Sports the Patriots legend HAS done enough to get the call someday.

"For me, I'm saying yes," Davis says. "I think he is a Hall of Famer."

Edelman retired earlier this month after he said his body couldn't withstand the rigors of the NFL anymore ... and the debate over his HOF candidacy has been intense ever since.

Julian's regular-season numbers are historically not good enough to get him in ... but when we spoke to Davis -- who did get into the Hall despite unconventional career statistics -- he guaranteed Edelman would get a bust eventually.

"Always to me, it's looking at impact," Davis says. "I don't care about whether you made it to the Pro Bowl or 1st Team All-Pro -- I mean, those are great to have and they signify how great you've played."

"But, my eyes tell me that when I watch this man play every single Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, whatever day they played on, he was a playmaker. He was a difference-maker. And, he made huge plays in the Super Bowl as we saw."

Davis says he's not sure if Edelman will be a first-ballot guy ... but he added that shouldn't matter in the end regardless.

"Once you're in, once we're amongst each other," Davis says. "There is no, 'Oh, yeah, that's the guy that waited 11 years to get in the Hall of Fame.'"

The Kardashians won't be hitting the campaign trail on behalf of Caitlyn Jenner now that's she's running for governor of California ... because their views and the views of C.J. don't mesh, and the fallout from her divorce from Kris makes it all just too tricky.

Sources close to Caitlyn tell TMZ ... she spoke to her family before announcing her campaign Friday, giving them a heads up. We're told she did not expect them to stump for her on the campaign trail, and now we know why.

Caitlyn's politics have been an issue with the family for years.  She has taken positions on issues like gay marriage -- which she initially opposed but now supports -- which landed like a lead balloon with the Kardashians.

As for Kim, in particular, we're told she genuinely likes Caitlyn and the 2 have a good relationship. Kim's been active in politics, working with Trump on prison reform, but has never personally aligned herself with conservative views. You'll remember, she never publicly endorsed Kanye during his Presidential bid.

The Kardashians seem to have a bend toward the Dems ... they were behind Hillary Clinton in her 2016 run ... remember, Caitlyn supported Trump, although she disavowed him 2 years later.

There's another issue that prevents the Kardashians from getting involved in Caitlyn's campaign. We're told there are still hard feelings over her divorce from Kris, and the kids don't want to get in the middle.

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.