TMZ Sports - Page 50

If Chris Johnson weren't CJ2K, he could have been CJ100Meter ... 'cause the Titans legend tells TMZ Sports he would have been an elite track runner if he hadn't focused on football.

The former running back broke it all down for us after praising DK Metcalf's impressive May track run ... saying there's no telling where his speed would have ended up if not for the NFL.

"I would've been very competitive," said Johnson, who added he ran a 10.3 100-meter as a high schooler.

"If I would have kept with that, ain't no telling how fast I would have got."

Johnson says he spent his whole college career trying to bulk up for football ... but he explained to us if he had stayed lean and just run track, he could have been Usain Bolt-like!

"I can just only imagine if I would have stayed 160 pounds and just continue to run track, ain't no telling how fast I would've been."

Of course, Johnson ain't blowing smoke here ... the dude was SERIOUSLY speedy -- remember when he ran that 4.24 40-yard dash at the 2008 NFL Combine?

AEW star Max Caster ain't a one-hit wonder ... 'cause the pro wrestler just dropped another insane TMZ Sports-inspired rap verse -- and it's pretty damn good!!

In case you missed the biggest stories of the week, Platinum Max has got you covered -- from the "Suns In 4" guy to Chris Paul getting COVID-19 to the sticky situation going on in the MLB.

Caster -- half of AEW's "The Acclaimed" tag team -- goes on for a minute straight ... even throwing in a line about the Carmelo Anthony and La La divorce.

Anderson Silva is taking his talents to the boxing ring ... and the ex-UFC champ says after his fight with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. this weekend -- he's totally open to fighting the Paul bros!!

TMZ Sports talked to the 46-year-old MMA G.O.A.T. just days before he fights former middleweight champion, 35-year-old Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in the squared circle.

FYI, Chavez Jr. -- the son of legendary Mexican fighter, Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. -- has a professional boxing record of 52-5-1 with 1 no contest. He's shared the ring with Canelo Alvarez and Danny Jacobs.

But, if you thought this was a 1-and-done event, you're wrong ... 'cause Spider says he's down to take on all comers -- INCLUDING the Paul bros.

"In the future, everything's possible. The Paul brothers, I respect both. There are good boys," Silva says.

Of course, there are fight game purists who hate the idea of a legit legend like Anderson fighting a YouTuber ... but Silva says things have changed.

"Everything's changing in the world. People like to see the big shows, entertaining shows."

Daredevil Alex Harvill -- a famous motorcycle stuntman -- died Thursday after crashing during a world-record jump attempt.

He was just 28 years old.

The scene was absolutely horrifying ... Harvill was trying to launch his bike off a ramp 351 feet at the Moses Lake Airshow in Washington -- when he came up short and crash-landed into a dirt mound.

Harvill was thrown over his handlebars, and tumbled dozens of feet before he finally came to a stop.

According to the Grant County Sheriff's Office, Harvill later died from the injuries he suffered during the accident.

The Sheriff's office added Harvill's family has been notified ... and said an autopsy will be conducted on Friday to determine the cause and manner of his death.

"Our deepest sympathies go out to Alex’s family, friends and loved ones," the Sheriff's office said.

The Airshow, meanwhile, had vowed to donate all of the proceeds from Harvill's jump Thursday to help pay his medical bills.

Harvill -- who just welcomed his second baby into the world last month -- was a very experienced stuntman ... he had previously set a world record in 2013 when he jumped from one dirt ramp to another 297 feet away.

RIP

Colts star tight end Mo Alie-Cox says the blueprint for Tim Tebow's success at his new position is simple ... telling TMZ Sports all the new Jaguar has to do is just be open to learning.

"The tight end position, you have to learn how to block," Alie-Cox said.

"You have to catch passes. The protection -- the little things like that. So, it's a lot that goes into it. It's a lot of mental."

Alie-Cox, though, says he's pretty sure Tim's going to be just fine ... despite never playing the position and despite being out of the NFL for nearly a decade.

"He hasn't played the position but I mean, he's a hard worker," Alie-Cox said. "You can't put anything past Tim Tebow."

Alie-Cox added, "I think he's got it."

Reports out of Jaguars practices so far seem to indicate Tim's doing well in the transition ... but when we asked Alie-Cox if there was any shot Tebow ends the season with more catches than him, Mo said no way.

Have you ever seen an angel tattoo with LaMelo Ball's hairdo???

Well, the NBA's Rookie of the Year just got it done on his right forearm -- and it's pretty awesome!

TMZ Sports has learned ... the Charlotte Hornets star wanted to get a tat of himself as a cherub, so he hit up his ink master, Herchell L. Carrasco.

We're told the two met up at Carrasco's shop, Pachuco Tattoo, in Orange, Calif. over a week ago ... and after 6 hours of work, the final results were in!

The piece came out dope ... there's a dramatic red and black "RARE" wording above a Melo-like angel -- plus his logo at the base with a red halo!

We're told the hairdo idea was done at the last minute -- and Carrasco did it free-handed!!!

The new ink complements Melo's existing piece, also done by Carrasco, on his other forearm.

That artwork features a lion looking into water -- which Carrasco calls an "evolution tattoo" -- since Melo got it done right before the 2020 NBA Draft.

It's Father's Day weekend and we're putting the spotlight on these NBA dads that really scored with these adorable kids!

Shaquille O'Neal, Steph Curry, and Gordon Hayward are just a few of the players to name that will be spending this weekend celebrating alongside the fam.

These guys have proudly posted pics of their little ones by their side and now we're sharing the sweet snaps with you!

From LeBron James and Tristan Thompson to Russell Westbrook, Jordan Clarkson, and Dwyane Wade there are so many memorable moments they want ya to see.

Take a look at all the other ballers sharing snaps with their mini-me's by scrolling through our gallery of NBA dads!

Olympic hero Greg Louganis' marriage is coming to an end after nearly 8 years of matrimony.

The diving legend's husband, John Chaillot, has filed divorce docs. According to court records, John submitted the paperwork last Friday in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

Greg, who won 4 gold medals at the 1984 and 1988 Summer Olympic Games, tied the knot with John in Malibu back in October 2013 ... about 4 months after they announced their engagement.

The Olympian and paralegal started dating in 2012, meeting through the online dating site Match. It's unclear what led to the split. They did not have any children together.

It's the first divorce for Greg, who's also famous for his work post his diving career -- he's written books, acted in movies and is a well-known activist for gay rights and HIV awareness.

Arthroscopic surgery can't stop Genie Bouchard from having a super cute playdate with her NFL boyfriend, Mason Rudolph ... with the star couple hitting the beach in Miami on Friday!!

The 27-year-old tennis pro revealed she went under the knife earlier this month to fix a torn subscapularis ... and has been on the road to recovery ever since.

Part of that rehab?? Catching some rays with her 25-year-old Pittsburgh Steelers QB boo for a bit to kick off the weekend -- but don't worry, it looks like Genie switched to a waterproof sling before hopping in the water!!

As we previously reported, GB and MR went "Instagram official" back on Valentine's Day earlier this year ... after they started dating back in fall 2020.

They've been on a hot streak ever since ... and Friday was no different -- Rudolph appeared to help apply sunscreen on Genie's face and make sure she kept her balance while getting hit with waves.

Genie -- sporting a white bikini -- looks to be in great shape as she's on the mend ... and Rudolph showed off his quarterback bod while rocking some blue trunks.

"Hi, I'm Cole Beasley and I'm not vaccinated! I will be outside doing what I do. I'll be out in the public. If you're scared of me then steer clear or get vaccinated. Point. Blank. Period."

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Cole Beasley just went on a passionate rant on his decision to NOT get vaccinated -- not now, not EVER -- saying, "I may die of COVID, but I'd rather die actually living."

The 32-year-old has been going OFF on Twitter over the past 2 days ... calling out the NFL Players Association over new protocols for unvaccinated players during preseason.

Long story short -- vaccinated players will pretty much be able to go back to normal, while unvaccinated will still be required to wear masks and stay at the team hotel ... among other restrictions at team facilities.

While folks have raised the question -- why not just get vaccinated? -- Beasley makes it clear that's not an option ... and will sacrifice whatever it takes to stick to his beliefs.

"I don't play for the money anymore," he added. "My family has been taken care of. Fine me if you want. My way of living and my values are more important to me than a dollar."

"I'm not going to take meds for a leg that isn't broken. I'd rather take my chances with COVID and build my immunity that way."

"Eat better. Drink water. Exercise and do what I think is necessary to be a healthy individual. That is MY CHOICE based on MY experiences and what I think is best."

Beasley says if he's forced to walk away from football over his stance, he'll welcome it with open arms and make up for all the time he's missed with his family over the years.

But, Beasley says he's not alone -- he claims a lot of other guys in the league feel the same way ... he's just not afraid to say it.

FIFA has just dropped the hammer on Mexico's men's soccer team ... hitting the national squad with sanctions over their fans' anti-gay chants.

The soccer org. announced Friday that Mexico will have to play their next two home games with no fans in attendance after their supporters repeatedly yelled homophobic language during games in March.

FIFA also announced it's fining Mexico around $65,000.

There could be more punishment coming down soon as well ... FIFA officials said they're also looking into other games in which Mexico supporters hurled anti-gay chants.

"The committee has also opened separate proceedings against the FMF in relation to homophobic chants by Mexican fans at their team's friendly match against Iceland played in Arlington, Texas, on 29 May 2021," FIFA said in a statement.

It's unclear if FIFA will also launch a probe into Mexico's most recent CONCACAF Nations League games, in which refs had to pause play due to the crass chants from the crowd.

Sang Ho Baek -- a freshman on George Mason's 2021 baseball team -- died Saturday after his Tommy John surgery turned tragic ... his teammate, Scott Morgan, has confirmed.

The pitcher recently underwent the elbow procedure ... and in a statement on a GoFundMe page, Morgan announced Baek ultimately passed away due to complications from it.

He was just 20 years old.

"After battling through injuries throughout the season, Sang required Tommy John surgery," Morgan, a GMU outfielder, wrote in the GoFundMe statement.

"He suddenly passed away due to complications with his surgery. As a team, we are all mourning his passing."

It's been reported Baek suffered a blood clot while trying to recover from the procedure.

Baek played in seven games for the Patriots in '21 ... and his GMU head coach, Bill Brown, said he was "an incredible teammate."

"He will be missed and forever cherished in our hearts," Brown added.

Danish soccer star Christian Eriksen is getting a "heart starter" implanted to his chest soon ... a big step toward ensuring he never suffers another terrifying cardiac episode again.

Denmark national team doctor Morten Boesen made the announcement Thursday ... saying after multiple exams on the athlete, specialists have determined the 29-year-old needs an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.

"This device is necessary after a cardiac attack due to rhythm disturbances," Boesen said.

"Christian has accepted the solution and the plan has moreover been confirmed by specialists nationally and internationally who all recommend the same treatment."

As we previously reported, Eriksen went into cardiac arrest during last Saturday's Denmark vs. Finland game in Copenhagen ... and the scene was horrifying.

Eriksen collapsed on the pitch and needed a defibrillator to be revived ... and he's been in the hospital ever since.

Eriksen, though, has been in good spirits while recovering -- the soccer player posted an update from his hospital bed earlier this week saying, "I'm fine -- under the circumstances."

It's unclear if Eriksen will be able to play soccer again ... but he did make it clear he'll certainly be cheering on the Denmark team as it takes on Belgium on Thursday.

Calvin Johnson says he's THRILLED to see his ex-teammate Matthew Stafford get traded from the Lions to the Rams ... but the WR admits it "sucked" Detroit didn't let him move on to another squad before he retired.

35-year-old Johnson has distanced himself from the Lions following his abrupt retirement in 2016 ... a relationship that still hasn't been mended, despite his Hall of Fame announcement in 2021.

Megatron spoke about how things got so sour in an interview with Woodward Sports this week ... saying he begged the team to let him start fresh with a different franchise before retiring -- and they refused.

"We asked would they release me or let me go to another team ... they wouldn't," Johnson said ... adding he was willing to play literally "anywhere."

So, when the Lions granted Stafford's trade request after 12 seasons, Johnson hints he's a bit jealous he didn't get the same treatment.

"You know what, it sucked that they didn’t let me go, but they let Matthew go, but hey, you know, it is what it is," Johnson said.

"I’m not mad at Matthew. I love Matthew."

In fact, Johnson says he talked to Stafford this week ... and claims the QB is loving his new home on the west coast.

As for his relationship with the Lions, Johnson is open to making peace with the organization ... if they ever want to extend that olive branch.

"I’m not back in the family with the Lions or anything like that," Johnson added. "It would be nice to if they try to resolve things, but that’s neither here nor there."

Johnson is one of the best to ever suit up for the Lions -- he was a 3-time All-Pro and a 6-time Pro Bowler. He also set the record for most receiving yards in a season (1,964), had 8-straight 100-yard games, caught 83 career touchdowns and posted 11,619 total yards.

No matter what his relationship is with the team, Johnson says he'll always be there for the players.

Moments after Naomi Osaka announced she was withdrawing from Wimbledon to focus on "personal time" ... the tennis superstar was already making good on her word, hitting up a fancy L.A. grocery store with a friend.

Osaka -- sporting a COVID mask -- hit up Monsieur Marcel Gourmet Market, Bistro & Seafood Market.

So, no on French Open ... but yes on French food!

On her way out, Osaka was asked about her decision to take time away from pro tennis to focus on her mental health ... but the 23-year-old wasn't talking.

After all, her team already put out a statement explaining her position -- saying, "Naomi won't be playing Wimbledon this year. She is taking some personal time with friends and family."

"She will be ready for the Olympics and is excited to play in front of her home fans."

In the meantime, Osaka seemed relaxed ... sporting a vintage "Mulan" t-shirt and driving off in her baby blue Ford Bronco.

Kim Kardashian admits she owes her ex-husband, Kris Humphries, an apology for the way she handled their 72-day marriage ... 'cause she "fully broke up with him in the worst way."

Kim made the revelation during Thursday's episode of "Watch What Happens Live" with Andy Cohen, which was really a 'KUWTK' finale reunion. When the convo turned to her short-lived 2011 wedding, she quickly copped to screwing up her exit.

As she put it, she handled it "totally the wrong way," because she didn't know how to deal with it and was nervous to break up with someone.

As you know by now ... they'd only been husband and wife for 2 months when Kim filed for divorce, which was finalized in 2013. But, even years later, Kim says Kris was still fuming from how it all went down.

Watch her describe a 2015 incident at the Beverly Hills Hotel when she ended up sitting at the table right next to him -- like we always say, it's a really small town!

Anyway, despite some pleasantries with his friends ... Kim says Kris "literally looked at me and wouldn't speak to me."

Kim also revealed she felt pressured to marry Kris because it was being filmed for 'KUWTK.' She ignored Kris Jenner's advice to back out, because she didn't want to be known as a runaway bride -- but when she felt "claustrophobic" during their honeymoon in Italy, she knew she'd "made the wrong decision."

Kim's little sis, Kylie Jenner, had a confession of her own ... about why she first made the decision to get lip fillers. Of course, it was a boy's fault -- but added that same teenage insecurity launched her career in the beauty biz.