TMZ Sports - Page 50

Mets star Marcus Stroman is NOT happy that a quip was made about his du-rag during a TV broadcast Tuesday ... with the pitcher saying the comment had "racist undertones" to it.

The remark went down during the 4th inning of the Diamondbacks' broadcast of the Mets-DBacks game ... when color commentator (and former World Series-winning manager) Bob Brenly threw a jab over Stroman's visible head covering.

"Pretty sure that's the same du-rag that Tom Seaver used to wear when he pitched for the Mets," Brenly said.

The comment was met by immediate backlash on social media ... with many finding it to be very offensive and racist.

And, when Stroman took to Twitter after the game ... he clearly agreed.

The 30-year-old starting pitcher retweeted outrage from several people ... and added in a tweet of his own, "Onward and upward...through all adversity and racist undertones. The climb continues through all!"

Stroman later added in a tweet that if he had openly criticized Brenly over the comment, "media will turn this against me somehow."

Brenly has yet to comment on the issue. Stroman, meanwhile, has since promised to launch a line of du-rags following the incident.

Stroman took the no-decision in the Mets' 6-5 loss Tuesday to the DBacks ... throwing 6 innings while allowing just 3 earned runs and 7 hits.

He was also involved in an altercation with Arizona 2nd baseman Josh Rojas in the 5th inning that led to benches clearing ... though, thankfully, cooler heads ultimately prevailed.

"You guys remember this one???"

That's Tom Brady joking about one of the most embarrassing moments of his NFL career ... the 4th down mixup in Chicago -- and hey, it's good that he's able to finally laugh at himself!

Brief backstory ... Tom's Tampa Bay Bucs were taking on the Bears back in October, trying to come back from a 20 to 19 deficit late in the 4th quarter.

But, during the final drive, Tom lost count of the downs ... and after an incomplete pass, he held up 4 fingers, believing he still had one more chance.

He did not.

Game over. Bucs lose.

Of course, Tom's squad ended up winning the Super Bowl ... which is probably why he's now ready to poke fun at himself over the moment in a new TikTok video.

"4th quarter, last chance in Chicago," Brady said while setting up the clip ... "I thought it was the 2nd to last chance in Chicago, but apparently not."

"I don’t think I’ve ever been as confused as I am in this moment right here. Look at that face."

After the game, Bucs coach Bruce Arians SWORE Brady knew it was 4th down.

Apparently not!

The SF Giants' classic black and orange will be getting a touch of rainbow this weekend ... the team says it will recognize Pride Month by wearing Pride colors on its uniforms.

Giants officials say they'll add a "Pride Patch" on the sleeve of their jersey Saturday against the Chicago Cubs ... and they'll debut a custom cap for the game as well.

"We are extremely proud to stand with the LGBTQ+ community," team prez and CEO Larry Baer said, "as we kick off one of the best annual celebrations in San Francisco by paying honor to the countless achievements and contributions of all those who identify as LGBTQ+ and are allies of the LGBTQ+ community."

Pride Month began Tuesday as the calendar officially rolled over into June ... and the Giants are going all in to make sure they honor the moment.

In addition to the uniform changes ... SF officials also say they'll adorn their scoreboard with Pride colors and wrap Willie Mays Plaza palm trees with the hues as well.

"Very proud that the San Francisco Giants are taking this step," Giants manager Gabe Kapler said Tuesday. "Very proud to be part of it."

Best practice EVER?!?!

A youth football team in Chicago got the ultimate surprise visit on Tuesday  ... when none other than President Barack Obama came through to give an epic pump-up speech!!!

#44 popped up at Jackson Park to visit the Chicago Southside Wolfpack football team ... and naturally, the kids and coaches lost their minds when they saw the local legend in the flesh.

Barry O gave some solid pointers to players about life on and off the field ... saying, "Sometimes, you’re going to have some doubts. Sometimes, you’re going to make mistakes. Sometimes, you won’t get what you want right away."

"But the key is, can you build that strength in yourself to come back?"

Truly awesome stuff!!

Obama even met with all the kids -- taking pictures and shaking hands.

Now, this is Obama we're talking about ... so you better believe there were some dad jokes thrown in.

FYI, the Wolfpack's practice field is the future site of the incredible $500 million Obama Presidential Center, which will begin construction later this year.

But, don't worry about the Wolfpack -- they're getting a brand new field!!

Think Phil Mickelson is done celebrating his PGA Championship victory yet?!?

HELL NO ... Lefty's still going strong -- he chugged some fancy wine out of his Wanamaker Trophy on Tuesday -- all while Tom Brady egged him on!!!

Phil posted the fun footage on his Instagram account ... showing him getting in a celebratory sip of some red stuff despite being over a week removed from his epic win in South Carolina.

"Like, I know the wine is good," Phil said on video after taking the swig. "But, there's something about the Wanamaker that just gives it a little extra."

Phil added as a caption to the vid, "The wine had an extra ingredient this time - just a dash of VICTORY 😋 Tastes so good!"

Brady loved it all ... commenting on his pal's gloating, "Nothing like it Champ!"

Of course, Phil's had SO MUCH FUN since winning at the Ocean Course last month ... he's talked smack all over his social media and is showing no signs of slowing down his celebrations anytime soon.

As for the wine, it's some good stuff ... it's a bottle of Tor Kenward's Black Magic -- and it's so exclusive, one bottle has a price tag of $450!

Khloe Kardashian is fed up with the harassment from a woman claiming Tristan Thompson is her baby daddy, saying her attempted 15 minutes of fame are up ... and Khloe's threatening to sue the woman if she doesn't shut up.

Khloe's attorney, Lynda Goldman, fired off a cease-and-desist letter to Tristan's paternity accuser, Kimberly Alexander, Tuesday ... calling her out for recently admitting to faking DM's from Khloe.

The legal threat, obtained by TMZ, reads, "You put words in her mouth that she never said and that she wouldn’t say. You faked the whole thing. And you have now publicly admitted it."

Goldman lays out a timeline, saying Alexander's son was 7 at the time she asked TT for a paternity test, which he took twice, and according to Goldman, the results were clear -- he was NOT the dad.

Goldman also addresses Alexanders past claim the lab that did the test was a “Kardashian affiliated facility,” saying, "It is no such thing. It is one of the most reputable labs in the country, and your own lawyers approved it and accepted the test results."

It's the second cease-and-desist letter Khloe sent to Alexander. As we first told you, Khloe and Tristan's lawyer, legal pit bull attorney Marty Singer, fired off a legal threat back in May 2020, claiming Tristan took a paternity test at a reputable lab approved by both parties that proved he's not the father.

In Tuesday's legal threat, Khloe's lawyer claims Alexander refuses to accept the paternity results and instead keeps harassing Khloe.

The Oakland A's have FIRED the food vendor responsible for serving its minor league players meals that look WORSE than the Fyre Festival, the team announced.

Look at these terrible meals -- this is the crap players, coaches and staffers in the A's minor league system were served up during recent road trips ... and the players couldn't take it anymore!

Photos of the insultingly bad meals were posted on the Twitter page for the Advocates for Minor Leaguers group -- a watchdog group for minor league players.

The group explained, "Players in the Oakland A’s organization shared these photos of their recent post-game meals. No employer would serve these meals to employees they care about. Why are the A’s serving them to their future Major Leaguers?"

Great question, right?!

Enter Dave Kaval, president of the A's ... who claims the team was PISSED when it found out about the food situation -- and insists team honchos took immediate action.

"This was totally unacceptable," Kaval said ... "When we found out several weeks ago we terminated the third party vendor."

"We apologize to our players, staff, and coaches. We will redouble our efforts to provide the best options for our team at every level."

Note to players, if the team ever tries to screw you out of food or bottled water in the future, you know who to call ...

New police video shows cops had a conversation about Tony La Russa's MLB resume during his 2020 DUI arrest ... with one officer even saying on camera, "This guy's like the Michael Jordan of baseball."

The footage of the Feb. 24, 2020 incident was released Tuesday to WGN News ... and it's pretty wild.

In the clip, you can see officers in the Phoenix, AZ area had approached La Russa on the side of the road after his car had apparently suffered some major tire damage.

La Russa can be heard on the video having a talk with one cop about his ride ... which eventually led to questions about whether the 76-year-old had been drinking before getting behind the wheel.

La Russa initially said he hadn't had anything to drink ... but after cops told him he blew a .09 (the legal limit is .08), Tony then admitted he DID have a glass of wine before driving.

Tony was eventually placed in cuffs and thrown in the back of a squad car ... and that's when you can see in the footage, he became unhappy.

He griped about his cuffs, and then said, "I'm legitimate. I'm with the Angels. I'm a Hall of Famer."

In video, though, you can see at least one cop had no idea who La Russa was ... because an officer had to explain to the other La Russa's resume.

"He's a f***ing Hall of Famer," one officer said ... before adding, "This guy's like the Michael Jordan of baseball ... like World Series manager, like Manager of the Year."

La Russa -- who was hired as the Chicago White Sox manager just months after the arrest -- was ultimately hit with two misdemeanor DUI charges, though he struck a deal with prosecutors back in Dec. 2020 to close out the case.

Court records show La Russa agreed to plead guilty to a reduced charge of reckless driving ... and, in exchange, officials agreed to drop the other DUI charge.

La Russa was ordered to spend one day in jail -- though his attorney said the MLB manager was allowed to serve it via home confinement.

Kazan also said La Russa was ordered to pay a $1,300 fine and complete 20 hours of community service as part of his sentencing.

La Russa eventually opened up about the arrest in Feb. 2021, explaining, "It was an inexcusable mistake."

MMA legend Tito Ortiz is tapping out of his role as Huntington Beach Mayor Pro Tem ... weeks after he was exposed for allegedly filing a B.S. unemployment claim.

"To put it simply, this job isn’t working for me," 46-year-old Ortiz said Tuesday night during a City Council meeting.

Ortiz has formally resigned, effective immediately.

During the meeting, he explained his decision -- saying he could no longer handle the "hostility and judgment" he faced on a daily basis ... adding he felt he was a target for "character assassination each and every week."

"I ran for this position with hopes to better my community, work on my constituents and give them a voice, making our beautiful city safe and clean and to ensure a bright future for my children,” Ortiz said.

"I was under a notion that I was in a bipartisan position and that we all had a common goal that our city and our constituents could have."

"As of recent, the attacks against me have moved to involve my family. I now feel that their safety is in danger."

Ortiz -- one of the greatest UFC fighters of all time -- won a City Council seat back in November, after receiving support from the Trump family.

During his campaign, Ortiz championed Trump's positions on things like border security, immigration, law enforcement and more.

But, since his first day in office, Tito had been under fire from other politicians and city officials who say he refused to follow COVID protocols and even got in a screaming match with a citizen.

And, just last month, Ortiz found himself in hot water for allegedly filing for unemployment against the City of Huntington Beach ... despite still drawing a full monthly check. Ortiz has denied wrongdoing.

More great news for UFC superstar Henry Cejudo ... not only is he engaged to a Brazilian model -- he's also gonna be a daddy!!!

TMZ Sports has learned ... Triple C and his fiancée, Ana Karolina, are expecting their first child together -- a baby girl due in November.

Of course, Cejudo and Karolina first went public back in November 2020 ... and have been inseparable ever since.

Fun fact -- Cejudo previously said Ana was his crush for 4 YEARS before he finally got a chance to meet her through a mutual friend.

Now, the couple is set to welcome their baby girl in just a few months ... and have already decided on a name -- America.

We're told despite announcing their engagement on Instagram on Tuesday, 34-year-old Cejudo actually bent the knee in front of Ana's family in Sao Paulo back on April 29 ... and of course, she said "yes!"

The couple hosted a gender reveal party to share the big news with all their family and friends ... celebrating with some music and pink decorations.

Cejudo -- barring a UFC comeback (which he's flirted with) -- will have PLENTY of time to help with the baby prep ... he announced his retirement from MMA in May 2020 after beating Dominick Cruz at UFC 249.

NFL legend Tony Gonzalez's Beverly Hills mansion is in new hands -- and some very rich hands, at that -- 'cause the Hall of Famer just reportedly sold his pad to a billionaire businessman for $21 million!!!

Gonzalez -- one of the best tight ends to ever play the game -- is officially parting ways with the 7-bedroom, 12-bathroom crib ... which comes decked out with some truly unique elements.

For instance, the home has a full-size homeschooling classroom, its own speakeasy-inspired lounge with plenty of wine storage and an elevator!!

The house also has a gourmet chef's kitchen with top-notch appliances, a gym and a subterranean garage that can fit 8 cars.

The backyard is just as baller -- with a lighted tennis court, pool and cabana.

Gonzalez bought the property for $7.1 million back in 2016 and tore down the existing house to rebuild this 13,300-square-foot pad in 2018, according to the L.A. Times.

The estate -- co-listed by Rodeo Realty's Michelle Graci and Rayni & Branden Williams of The Beverly Hills Estates -- just sold for $21.15 million to billionaire investor Wayne Boich -- a discount from its initial $30 million price tag.

Boich was represented by Jay Luchs & Steven Schaefer of Newmark.

IT'S OFFICIAL -- Jake Paul's next boxing opponent is ex-UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley!!

Both sides have signed contracts to clash on August 28 on Showtime -- and Jake is already talking all sorts of trash!

"I have a list of people I plan on knocking out and as I enter my fourth pro fight," Paul said ... "I am excited to cross the first one off the list by challenging myself against Tyron Woodley, a 5 time UFC Champion known for his knockout power."

24-year-old Paul is 3-0 as a pro, with victories over Nate Robinson and UFC fighter Ben Askren.

39-year-old Woodley won the UFC welterweight championship in 2016 with a ferocious knockout of legendary striker Robbie Lawler. He has victories over stars like Carlos Condit, Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson and Darren Till.

But, Woodley is currently on a 4-fight losing streak -- after falling to stars like Kamaru Usman, Gilbert Burns and Colby Covington.

Jake insists he isn't afraid of Woodley -- saying, "Tyron ran his mouth a little too much in the locker room when I knocked out his best friend Ben and earned himself a top spot on the Problem Child death list."

"Tyron’s a seasoned striker who has fought the best MMA fighters in the world but will be dropped by a Disney teen star in 2 rounds."

"Maybe this time Dana White will actually be a man of his word and put his money on his former champion instead of trying to undermine my success like a jealous ex. Influencer vs MMA….let’s get it on. It’s Showtime."

Orlando Magic player Terrence Ross says someone STOLE his super expensive Lamborghini from the dealership ... AND THEN SMASHED IT INTO A BUILDING!

Yeah, what a horrible Tuesday!!

Here's the deal ... the 30-year-old former Slam Dunk champ says he got a call Tuesday morning from the Orlando PD saying they found his beloved orange Lambo Urus, a fancy SUV that starts at $220k!

Ross -- the 8th overall pick of the 2012 NBA draft -- was confused because he had dropped it off at the Fields Motorcars of Florida dealership recently to fix a flat tire ... and thought it was safe!

But, cops explained the situation to Ross this way:

"Two guys broke into the dealership, smashed through a glass, went through desks, grabbed keys, go out to the lot and start seeing which key works and the key that they stumbled upon was MY key."

"They take this car and they start driving ... [the cops] find these dudes cruising around like Winter Garden in my whip. They start the chase, the dudes take off IN MY WHIP, smash it, lose control of it and crash it into the side of a building. Completely totaled."

"So, now I'm pretty much without a car ... so now we back to basics. Car shopping. I'm so sick right now. So goddamn sick -- that was the greatest car I've ever had! And, now it's gone. Gone! Can't even get it back so I'm sick right now. I'm sick."

Cops confirmed the Lambo was eventually recovered in Maitland, Florida.

The good news ... Ross has reportedly made more than $67 mil during his NBA career ... so he'll be okay.

Plus, he's got insurance.

Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela just went HAM on the New York Knicks ... calling out the players for trying to "play tough" and guaranteeing to boot them from the playoffs!!!

The Knicks vs. Hawks series has been chippy and rough through 4 games to say the least ... and when the 27-year-old baller was asked about the Knicks playing physical, Capela unloaded.

"They try to play tough, push our guys around and talk s***, but we can do that, too," he told reporters on Tuesday.

"We show them as soon as they came back here. We can push guys around, too. We can talk s*** as well, so whatchu gonna do about it? -- and we can get a win with it."

Capela insists the Knicks' style of play hasn't posed a serious threat ... and guarantees a victory in Game 5 to send the Knicks packing on Wednesday.

"And now we’re coming to your home to win this game again and send you on vacation."

DAMN, CLINT!!! Tell us how you really feel!!!

There's more ... Clint had words for Knicks star Julius Randle shoving Danilo Gallinari during Game 4 as "retaliation" for hitting Reggie Bullock's neck on the previous possession.

"You’re trying to look physical, but it’s not working. It’s the last solution," he added.

"You don’t get your star player making dirty plays. Of course, that was a dirty play, retaliation or not … we all can shove someone. You can play hard but within the game."

As for the Knicks ... they're not taking the bait.

Randle responded shortly after, saying, "Why would I give a hell what Clint Capela has to say?"

Derrick Rose added ... "I’m 32 years old. I’ve never talked s*** like that in my life."

"I’m too old for that."

Knicks and Hawks tip-off at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday. Getcha popcorn ready.

Big change in the Canadian Football League ... the Edmonton team has finally revealed its NEW NAME after ditching one that's long been considered racially insensitive.

MEET THE EDMONTON ELKS!!!

Since the team was founded in 1949, Edmonton used the name "Eskimos" -- but over the past few years, there was a public outcry from Inuit groups and leaders who said the name was racist ... and sponsors threatened to walk if the team didn't make a change.

In July, Edmonton announced they would ditch the name and search for something new ... and finally, on Tuesday, they revealed the new name and mascot ... THE ELKS!

The team revealed it had explored other options like the Evergreens, Elements, Eclipse, Evergolds, Eagles and Elkhounds ... but ultimately felt the Elk was the best choice.

Edmonton released a hype video to celebrate the rebrand ... saying, "The team you know and love -- new name, same game. Proud as ever. Bolder than ever. As fierce as they come."

The change is a big deal for one of the most legendary franchises in CFL history. Edmonton has racked up 14 Grey Cup titles since 1954 and are widely considered one of the most dominant franchises in league history.

There has been a huge movement to remove offensive mascots throughout sports -- with the NFL's Washington Football Team and MLB's Cleveland team making big changes in recent years.

Ex-NBA star LaMarcus Aldridge says he's struggling in his post-basketball life ... admitting he's been depressed since abruptly retiring due to a health condition.

Remember, 35-year-old Aldridge walked away from the sport back in April ... after a health scare involving his heart following a game against the L.A. Lakers.

As it turns out, the 7-time All-Star played his entire 15-year career with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, which causes a rapid heartbeat.

Aldridge says he learned about the condition back in 2006 but was able to play a decade and a half without any major issues. However, after his "scary night" against the Lakers, he realized it was time to retire.

"My heart was beating different or as weird as it has ever been before. I never experienced how slow, fast … it was just crazy how it was going that night," Aldridge told The Athletic's Shams Charania.

"Basically, that night being so freaked out -- and knowing I have kids, my mom, a lot of people depending on me and a lot of people that I want to see going forward -- I just felt like I was blessed by God to play 15 years with this condition, and I didn’t want to push it anymore."

Aldridge says he's had a tough time adjusting to life away from basketball ... which has taken a toll on his mental health.

"I’ve been depressed, and I’m trying to figure out how to navigate through not competing on the floor, learning not to be depressed."

"I still love basketball. I still feel like I have a lot to give. But, even now, I’m still trying to find myself. When you go from doing something you love for so long and you lose it overnight, it’s a shock."

Despite the hardships he's faced, Aldridge says he knew he made the right decision ... and the Brooklyn Nets and his teammate Kevin Durant were supportive in his choice.

"I never felt any pressure to come back or make a decision based on the season. It was always: We fully understand what you’re going through, and so if this is what you want to do, you have our support."