TMZ Sports - Page 50

Joe Rogan thinks there's no end to woke and/or cancel culture -- even going so far as to say that it will silence straight, white men and relegate them to being indoor cats if it continues.

The famous podcaster made the comment on an episode of the 'JRE' last week while talking to comic Joe List ... starting out by saying you can never be woke enough for the so-called woke crowd -- and that, basically, they're taking a mile instead of the inch they were given.

He was making a somewhat decent point at first ... but then threw skin color into the mix, which is what A LOT of people have a problem with, it seems -- as the backlash has mounted.

Check it out for yourself ... Joe says straight, white men will be the ultimate victims of this rising PC culture, as he believes they won't be allowed to talk in the near future -- because their "privilege" has allowed them to do so for while others were forced to be quiet.

He goes on, saying straight, white men won't be allowed to go outside one day too at this rate "because so many people were imprisoned for so many years." He's speaking in hyperbole, of course, but everyone gets his point ... and not everyone agrees.

But, JR offers his simple solution ... just be nice to each other! He goes on to say there are nefarious people who are exploiting these overly-sensitive times.

"Unfortunately, l can’t wear them no more. It’s not possible after what happened in the game."

Los Angeles Lakers star Dennis Schroder says he's DONE rocking Kyrie Irving's signature shoes ... explaining it's all 'cause the two got into a spat during a game last month.

You'll recall ... Schroder and Brooklyn's star point guard went after each other in the third quarter of the Lakers-Nets tilt on April 10 -- getting into a HEATED argument on the court.

The two got in each others' faces so heavily, they were eventually ejected ... and afterward, Irving appeared to accuse Schroder of calling him the n-word.

"The N-word is a derogatory slur!" Irving said on Twitter, before adding, "Throw that N-word out the window, right alongside all of those other racist words used to describe my people."

The drama had appeared to have died down after that ... but it's clear, Schroder is still holding a grudge several weeks later.

The 27-year-old made a YouTube video this week revealing his insane shoe collection ... and when it came time to show off his pairs of Kyries -- he vowed to never wear them again.

"Kyrie Irving -- I have a lot of his shoes," said Schroder, who went on to say he has between 30-to-40 pairs of Irving's kicks. "Unfortunately, l can't wear them no more. It's not possible after what happened in the game"

"I can not do it. Not going to wear it again."

Schroder says he's now going to do a giveaway to unload his Kyries ... explaining all of it will be shipped off to fans who reach out.

"I'll donate," Schroder said, "so text me."

Matt Barnes was a tough guy on the court, but he's looking to make people laugh it off ... with the ex-NBA forward landing his own comedy series with Showtime!!!

41-year-old Barnes has reportedly struck a deal with the TV network and Lionsgate to develop "The Education of Matt Barnes," a half-hour scripted comedy series loosely based on his life postretirement, according to Deadline.

The show will be a "story of how a single dad from Encino balances home, business, activism and relationships while navigating the temptations of the celebrity-centric, Instagram and TikTok universe of LA," the report says.

The project is backed by writer and creator Matt Pyken, who most notably worked on "Empire" ... and "Blackish" director Pete Chatmon is on board for the pilot.

Remember, Barnes told us back in 2017 he had big plans in the entertainment industry ... and the dude wasn't kidding -- he'll act as co-executive producer alongside the Tannenbaum Company for the project.

There will be plenty of storylines to use from Barnes' memorable 14-year career in the NBA ... as well as his life as a father of 3 kids.

A surfer in Australia was attacked by a great white shark while out in the water Tuesday morning ... and, tragically, his injuries were so bad, he died at the scene.

Authorities in New South Wales say the 59-year-old had been trying to catch waves at Tuncurry Beach when he saw sharks nearby in the water.

Officials say he tried to warn friends of the beasts ... but, sadly, they say one of the sharks latched on to the man's thigh and bit him so ferociously -- it caused serious damage.

Authorities rushed to the scene to try to help the man ... but announced in a statement, "Despite the best efforts of paramedics and bystanders at the scene the man could not be resuscitated."

Officials say a 13-foot great white was suspected to be involved in the attack ... and added the beaches in the area would be closed to the public for the foreseeable future.

According to witnesses, several sharks had been spotted swimming in the water in recent days. It's believed this was the first shark attack in the area since 2016.

Ryan Leaf says his battle with prescription drugs all began back in 2004 ... when he was booed and jeered so loudly at a big boxing event, it sent him into a deep, downward spiral.

The former San Diego Chargers quarterback opened up about his struggles with addiction on Rex Chapman's "Charges with Rex Chapman" podcast this week ... explaining in detail the horrible night that hooked him on Rx pills.

Leaf says he was at a fight in Las Vegas (he claims it was a Mike Tyson tilt, though it seems he has his boxers mixed up because Tyson didn't fight in Vegas in '04) ... when the PA announcer began rattling off the list of celebs in attendance.

"They announced Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Charles Barkley, Dr. Dre," said Leaf, who was 27 years old at the time and had just retired from the NFL.

"The audience cheered and clapped. And, then the MC there at the MGM Grand announced my name and like the whole auditorium just booed and hissed."

Leaf continued, "My addict brain heard not only are you a terrible football player but you are an awful human being."

Ryan says that negative reception had a huge impact on him ... and when he was offered the prescription pain killer Vicodin to mix in with his booze later in the evening, he jumped at the opportunity.

And, that's when he says his fight began.

"This would be the first time I abused it and ... I didn't feel that judgment, I didn't feel that fear, I didn't feel that less than," Leaf said. "I didn't feel anything."

"I didn't feel better but it turns out I was just searching for that feeling of not feeling any of the feelings that I had been feeling for so long. I just wanted to numb out. And, that night changed."

Leaf says he went on to fight an addiction with the prescription pills for the next EIGHT years ... as he says he was "chasing that initial high from that night."

The champ is home -- and the party is underway!!!

Charles Oliveira returned to Brazil on Monday after an amazing knockout victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 262 on Saturday night ... and the people are going crazy!!!

Oliveira rode on top of a fire truck as he returned to his favela in Brazil -- where crowds of people were cheering for the 31-year-old UFC lightweight champ ... and literally dancing in the streets!

Oliveira has been fighting in the UFC since 2010 -- and went through some hard times over the years ... leading some to wonder if he would ever reach his potential.

Well, he did just that on Saturday -- overcoming adversity to floor Chandler in the 2nd round of the championship fight.

Oliveira has been glued to the belt ever since -- even sleeping with it on Saturday night ... and can ya blame him?!!

Now, he's back home to continue the celebration -- and it's clear he's made his country proud!!!

Charles' coach Diego Lima posted footage of the welcome party -- and said, "Brazil is celebrating, the Favela is celebrating, @charlesdobronxs number 1 in the world, CONGRATULATIONS bro!"

Lima added, "Thank you for bringing this happiness to our country, thank you for showing that everything is possible for those who believe, you shocked the world once again, and it's just the beginning of a legacy!!!!"

Amazing news for Albert Haynesworth -- the ex-NFL star finally got a new kidney!!!

Remember, the 39-year-old former defensive lineman revealed back in July 2019 his kidneys had failed ... and he was in dire need of a lifesaving transplant.

Nearly 2 years later, Haynesworth found his match -- a physical therapist assistant from Arkansas named Zach Penny -- and underwent successful surgery in April to receive the new kidney!!

Haynesworth recently spoke about his recovery with Paul Kuharsky ... saying, "Now, I feel better,"

"I see changes in my body. Now I am kind of discovering another new norm."

Haynesworth added he believes his kidney failure stemmed from taking anti-inflammatory shots before every game of his 10-year career.

"At 33, 2 years out of the league, my kidney function was below 50 percent," Haynesworth said. "So it has to be the junk that we were taking, like Toradol. Everybody used to line up to get their Toradol shots and take the pills afterward and all of that s***."

"I guarantee that had a lot to do with it because that really kills the kidneys."

As for Penny's willingness to help out and donate his kidney, Haynesworth calls him a "real living angel."

"This kind hearted selfless human being drove seven hours from Arkansas to give me one of his kidneys!" Haynesworth said on Instagram. "This is one of the happiest days of my life next to the birth of my kids."

Another Bob Baffert bombshell ... the legendary trainer has been temporarily suspended from horseracing in the state of New York pending a full investigation into doping allegations.

... which means Baffert will likely be blocked from entering a horse in the prestigious Belmont Stakes on June 5, which is HUGE.

The New York Racing Association made the announcement on Monday -- saying Baffert is currently suspended from "entering horses in races and occupying stall space at Belmont Park, Saratoga Race Course and Aqueduct Racetrack."

"During the temporary suspension, NYRA will not accept entries or provide stall space to any individual employed by Bob Baffert Racing Stables."

NYRA says the suspension stems from Baffert's horse, Medina Spirit, testing positive for a banned substance following his victory at the 2021 Kentucky Derby ALONG with the fact several other Baffert horses have flunked drug tests over the years.

Baffert has reportedly had 5 horses test positive for banned substances since May 2020 ... and the NYRA clearly believes something fishy might be going down behind the scenes.

"In addition to the ongoing investigation into Medina Spirit’s victory in the Kentucky Derby, NYRA has taken into account the fact that other horses trained by Mr. Baffert have failed drug tests in the recent past, resulting in the assessment of penalties against him by thoroughbred racing regulators in Kentucky, California, and Arkansas."

As for the length of Baffert's suspension, the NYRA says they will wait to see the results of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission's probe into Medina Spirit before making a final decision. No word on how long that could take ... maybe days, maybe weeks.

For his part, Bob has denied intentional wrongdoing -- saying he believes Medina Spirit tested positive for betamethasone after taking a medication prescribed by a veterinarian.

NYRA President and CEO Dave O'Rourke issues a statement on the matter -- saying, "In order to maintain a successful thoroughbred racing industry in New York, NYRA must protect the integrity of the sport for our fans, the betting public and racing participants."

"That responsibility demands the action taken today in the best interests of thoroughbred racing."

Even LeBron James has to toot his own horn sometimes ... with the NBA superstar taking a shot at his haters after reaching yet another career milestone.

36-year-old Bron just secured his 17th-straight season of averaging at least 25 points per game ... dating all the way back to his second year in the league (when he was just 19 years old).

The feat is bonkers, especially considering greats like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant have each only had 12 total seasons averaging 25 or more during their careers.

King James decided to poke some fun at his biggest critics via Twitter on Monday ... acknowledging his accomplishment with some good ole' humble braggin'.

"Since I was 19 years old! And I’m a pass first guy. Always been. That’s why I’m never mentioned with the greats of scoring huh??" James said minutes ago.

"That’s perfect cause I’d rather keep it that way! #ThekidfromAKRON #SFG #JamesGang #Blessed."

Despite being widely regarded as one of the best -- if not THE best -- basketball players to ever walk the earth, it's clear James still wants his damn respect.

New Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell is pleading with team execs to allow him to walk around the facilities with a real-life lion ... saying he's dead serious about adopting a big cat!!

"I would love to literally just have a pet lion," Campbell said. "Just a legit pet lion. On a chain -- a big-ass chain."

The 45-year-old coach explained the thought process on Barstool Sports' "Pardon My Take" podcast this week ... saying he believes the animal could help motivate his squad to win games.

"He really is my pet," Campbell said of how he'd treat the beast. "We just walk around the building. We go out to practice. We're in 7-on-7. We're behind the kicker when he's kicking. We're just -- there we are."

Campbell added, "I mean, think about it. It'd be outstanding."

Campbell says he's approached team owner Sheila Ford about the plan ... but, sadly, he admitted there might be too many issues with it all to make it actually happen.

"The problem -- I don't know if PETA is going to allow that," Campbell said. "That's going to be hard."

SPOILER -- PETA WILL NEVER EVER APPROVE THAT IN A MILLION, BAZILLION YEARS BECAUSE LIONS AREN'T SUPPOSED TO BE PETS!!

That said ... if he somehow gets a lion, Campbell promised he'd take great care of the king of the jungle ... and even said he'd let it eat his arm if it meant a Super Bowl ring!!

"That would be better," Campbell said. "'Cause it would validate -- this is a freakin' -- this is a creature now. This is an animal. This thing is from the wild."

Legendary NBA announcer Marv Albert -- the "voice of basketball" -- is stepping away from the mic ... with the Hall of Famer confirming his retirement at the end of the 2021 season.

79-year-old Albert has been calling games for 55 years -- spending 22 years with Turner Sports. He's called 25 NBA All-Star Games, 13 NBA Finals and the 1992 Olympics, covering the iconic "Dream Team."

He's also worked at 8 Super Bowls and Stanley Cup Finals ... as well as NFL games, horse racing, tennis, baseball and more.

Albert will be signing off one final time after the conclusion of the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals ... with TNT set to air a 30-minute tribute in his honor.

"My 55 years of broadcasting the NBA has just flown by and I’ve been fortunate to work with so many wonderful and talented people," Albert said Monday.

"Now, I’ll have the opportunity to hone my gardening skills and work on my ballroom dancing."

Albert -- known for his signature "YES!" catchphrase -- kickstarted his career with the New York Knicks in 1963 and went on to work with NBC Sports and CBS Sports as well, before joining TNT in 1999.

Albert was honored with the Curt Gowdy Media Award by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1997 ... and has a stuffed trophy case with numerous other awards for his work.

NBA commish Adam Silver praised Albert ... saying, "There is no voice more closely associated with NBA basketball than Marv Albert’s."

"My first memories of the NBA were of listening to Marv call a game with his signature style, iconic phrases and unparalleled passion. From his remarkable run as play-by-play announcer for the Knicks to his prominent national roles calling our marquee games on NBC and Turner Sports, Marv has been the soundtrack for basketball fans for nearly 60 years."

A Florida doctor's insane card collection -- featuring ultra-rare Babe Ruth items -- is hitting the auction block following the doc's tragic COVID death ... and experts say it could all sell for around $20 MILLION!!!

Dr. Thomas Newman -- who had been collecting cards since the 1980s -- had amassed the WILD assembly of pieces before he passed away in January at 73 years old due to complications from coronavirus.

The collection is stunning ... there's famous Ruth and Mickey Mantle rookies -- and it also features cards from Honus Wagner, Ted Williams, Cy Young and more.

Newman's family says it's enlisted Memory Lane Auctions in Tustin, CA to help facilitate the sale of the pieces after the doctor's passing ... and experts there anticipate record-breaking prices for the cards.

In fact, one of the Ruth items -- a 1933 Goudey #53 -- could sell for over $5 MILLION, so says auction house president JP Cohen.

"[It] is the finest known of its kind," Cohen said, "and we expect it to break the record of $5.2 million for any sports card."

The Mantle rookie, a 1952 piece with a near-perfect PSA 8 grade, meanwhile, is expected to fetch over $1 million on its own as well.

Auction officials say bidding on the cards is set to begin on June 21 ... and close on July 10.

Kwame Brown is the one who wants "All The Smoke" now ... 'cause the ex-NBA top pick is UNLEASHING his fury on Stephen Jackson, Matt Barnes and Gilbert Arenas for speaking on his name ... and it's pretty intense.

The response comes after the trio of ex-hoopers discussed Brown's career on Barnes and Jackson's podcast last week ... breaking down why the high school superstar never lived up to his expectations in the NBA.

Arenas -- who played with the 2001 #1 overall pick from 2003 to 05 -- referred to Brown as a "man child" whose confidence was shot due to then-GM-turned teammate Michael Jordan's antics.

Agent 0 added Brown could have been an Anthony Davis-type player ... but was more of a "show pony."

Brown got wind of the comments ... and fired back at the guys in a scathing video he posted on Instagram.

"I'mma give you feminine n****as what you been asking for. You n****s been talkin' a lot, saying a lot of things you don't know what the f*** you talkin' about."

"Y'all get on the internet and y'all report things that make no goddamn sense. I grew up in an era where you don't play with grown-ass men and I think both of you two gentlemen know, personally, that I'm a grown-ass man."

Brown went on to say he's also in Atlanta ... and hints at wanting a personal confrontation over the comments.

But, he didn't stop there ... Brown then uploaded an hour-long YouTube video to continue his thoughts ... calling Barnes a "Becky with the good hair" and Jackson a fake tough guy.

"It's okay to have an opinion, but it's another thing to do what you guys are doing and then be in my face. Stephen Jackson -- we was teammates and I seen you crying every time Charles Oakley 'bout to slap the s*** out you, so I KNOW you."

"You really an embarrassment and I've been trying to stay quiet on you n****s, but I understand why they give people like you money and give people like you a platform because they want you to continue tricking these kids."

He continued ... "Change your podcast. The new podcast is 'these n****s want some of the goddamn smoke' because I want all the smoke and Jack, your sensitive ass, you know that."

Jackson replied with a video of his own ... saying he has nothing but love for the guy ... and Barnes denied ever saying anything bad about Brown.

"I’m confused," Barnes said "Ion remember talking about Dogg. (Kwame), you wanna be mad at anyone be mad at MJ for drafting you number 1."

But, Brown doesn't seem to be retreating any time soon -- the guy continued to defend his name throughout the weekend ... and even referenced his involvement in Kobe Bryant's legendary 81-point game.

"He had 81 motherf***in' points, did you see the screens I was setting, n****?"

Of course, despite what people say of Brown's career, the guy reportedly made $63 million over 13 seasons ... averaging 6.6 points and 5.5 rebounds.

***WARNING: FINISH OFF YOUR MONDAY MORNING WHEATIES BEFORE CLICKING THIS!!!***

AEW star Christopher Daniels just revealed his eye is a bloody and bruised mess ... and it's all 'cause his face got kicked into a ringside pole during a match last week.

The gruesome injury all went down during AEW Dynamite on May 12 when Daniels and his partner, Frankie Kazarian, were in a heated tag team bout against Matt & Nick Jackson.

After several minutes of grueling action ... Daniels was outside the ring when Nick launched a surprise attack on the 51-year-old, kicking him in the face.

The boot landed so flush, it sent Daniels' head crashing into a pole -- and you can see in video of the play, he immediately started bleeding profusely from his eye area.

Daniels was able to finish the match despite losing a TON of blood ... but days later, he showed the repercussions for doing that were severe.

Check out the photos both he and Kazarian shared ... his eye is red, swollen, bloody and bruised!!!

The somewhat good news? Daniels' Wednesday match could have been his last ever (he and Kazarian agreed to split after they lost), so the guy should have plenty of time to heal now.

Conor McGregor's a daddy ... again!!!

The 32-year-old UFC superstar announced the birth of his 3rd child Monday morning -- Rian McGregor!

"The McGregor Clan is now a family of 5," Conor posted with a picture of the little guy ... "Healthy baby boy delivered!"

As for Conor's fiancee, Dee Devlin -- "Baby and Mammy Wonder Woman are doing great!"

"God I thank you for everything you give to me and my family in this world."

Conor's firstborn son, Conor Jr., was born in May 2017. His daughter, Croia, was born in January 2019.

McGregor doesn't have too much time to bond with the kid before training camp begins -- he's fighting Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 on July 10 ... less than 2 months away.

Conor's having a pretty huge month -- he was just named the #1 top-earning athlete of 2020, according to Forbes, which says CM raked in $180 MILLION last year!

Some scumbag tricked a former college football star into believing he had a tryout with the Atlanta Falcons ... and the guy says he was heartbroken and embarrassed when he learned it was all a hoax.

Juantarius Bryant -- an Austin Peay alum who was a 1st-team all-conference DB in 2019 -- says the horrible incident all went down last week after his phone rang with a 404 area code on the other line.

Bryant says the person claimed to be Falcons defensive coordinator Dean Pees ... and asked him to travel to Atlanta for a Falcons tryout on May 12.

The problem? When Bryant showed up to the facility ... he says the Falcons told him they never called.

And, when he put two and two together and realized what had happened, he says was crushed.

"It's definitely one of the most embarrassing things that has ever happened to me and a very humbling experience," Bryant said in a lengthy statement on Twitter.

"Just want to apologize to everyone and the Atlanta Falcons organization for the mix up. I honestly thought it was a legit opportunity on my end."

Bryant was a star at Austin Peay, playing in 43 career games and logging 242 total tackles, but went undrafted following his senior year in '19.

He's been trying to latch on with an NFL team ever since ... and says the whole experience with the Falcons imposter was "heartbreaking."

"I do not know or understand why this has happened, but I do know that everything happens for a reason," Bryant said.

Bryant though, remained hopeful his NFL dream would come true someday... adding, "I'm still striving, and still in the best shape of my life."