TMZ Sports - Page 50

Matt Barnes has officially "buried the hatchet" with his ex-nemesis, Derek Fisher ... saying he's totally cool with the L.A. Sparks head coach after their infamous backyard brawl.

Of course, the two ex-NBA ballers nearly broke the internet back in 2015 ... when Barnes punched Fisher in the mouth for dating his ex-wife, Gloria Govan, and being around his kids without his knowledge.

The moment got so big, even Kanye West mentioned the incident in his track "30 Hours."

But now, Barnes says he's actually made up with D-Fish ... and explains there are two major reasons why it's so important to have a cordial relationship with him.

"To me, it’s about raising these twins the best we possibly can and co-parenting," Barnes told the Portal A's "Charges With Rex Chapman" podcast.

"So, now he and I are cool, on the same page, we communicate and see each other when we’re at events. They’ve been to my house for the twins’ birthday. I’ve been to their place."

Barnes understands the legendary story will always be a thing, but wants to clear the air about people claiming Fisher "stole my chick."

"Like he started dating my ex-wife," Barnes says. "That’s what it was. He didn’t steal s*** from me. What I’m tripping off is you’re in my house that I pay for with my kids and you didn’t tell me."

As we previously reported, Gloria told us back in 2018 there would be NO WAY Barnes would be invited to her wedding with Fisher (BTW -- their ceremony was delayed due to COVID-19).

Rachel Nichols has been AXED from covering the NBA Finals ... with the ESPN reporter losing her sideline gig following her controversial comments regarding Maria Taylor.

Nichols sparked outrage after leaked audio from 2020 went public over the weekend ... when she claimed the decision to have Taylor host Finals coverage was due to ESPN "feeling pressure" about adding more diversity among on-air talent.

In the audio -- which was leaked by an ESPN employee to the New York Times -- Nichols is heard saying, "If you need to give [Taylor] more things to do because you are feeling pressure about your crappy longtime record on diversity -- which, by the way, I know personally from the female side of it -- like, go for it."

"Just find it somewhere else. You are not going to find it from me or taking my thing away."

While Nichols apologized for her comments and praised Taylor on Monday, ESPN has decided to keep her on the bench for the 2021 Finals between the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns.

The network announced rising star Malika Andrews -- who's been an NBA insider since 2018 -- will take over the mic starting Tuesday night ... saying, "We believe this is the best decision for all concerned in order to keep the focus on the NBA Finals."

It's unclear if the move is permanent, but ESPN says Nichols will continue to host "The Jump."

Belal Muhammad says he has unfinished business with Leon Edwards ... and wants to scrap only months after a (very) gross eye poke forced their fight to be stopped early.

TMZ Sports asked the 32-year-old who he wanted next after his unanimous decision victory over MMA legend Demian Maia ... and the #9 ranked UFC welterweight called out a dude he knows very well.

Leon Edwards ... the 29-year-old, #3 ranked welterweight.

"[Leon and I] literally had one round! Nothing happened in that round. There's 4 more rounds to that fight and you saw the Nate Diaz fight, dude got almost knocked out in the 5th round," Belal says.

Rewind about 100 days ... Belal and Leon's UFC Fight Night main event fight was ruled a no contest after just 5 minutes -- when Edwards accidentally jammed his finger in Muhammad's eye, scratching his cornea.

Muhammad says Edwards had an opportunity to get himself a title shot when he fought Diaz at UFC 263.

"For a guy like [Leon], you had a chance to earn your title shot against Nate Diaz, steal his fans, but you blew it because you played it a little bit safe, you didn't go for the finish."

Of course, Edwards won via unanimous decision ... but was close to being finished by the Stockton superstar during the final minute of the fight.

We asked Belal what he'd say to Leon if he were watching the interview.

If Bruce Springsteen was born to run, his daughter was born to ride -- 'cause Jessica Springsteen will be competing at the Tokyo Olympics on the U.S. equestrian team!!

29-year-old Springsteen is an absolute boss on the horse -- she's currently ranked 27th in the world by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports.

Springsteen -- whose mom also happens to be singer-songwriter Patti Scialfa -- will compete in the show jumping competition later this month ... which she says has been a lifelong goal.

"Been dreaming of this since I can remember!" Jessica said of her selection. "Endless gratitude for my team, friends and family for helping me make this a reality.

Jessica will be accompanied by her 12-year old horse – Don Juan van de Donhoeve -- who also got a special shoutout!!

"There’s no horse in the world I’d rather be on this journey with, thank you Don! You’re my horse of a lifetime🤗"

Although this is her first time being selected for the squad, Springsteen was an alternate rider for the 2012 London Games, but did not qualify for the 2016 Games in Rio.

In addition to Springsteen, Team USA is rounded out by McLain Ward, Kent Farrington and Laura Kraut -- and there are 3 gold and 2 silver medals between those 3 athletes combined!!

And get this -- it appears that Bruce had strong confidence in his daughter’s ability to make the Olympic team, 'cause the Boss' "Springsteen on Broadway" show has a mini hiatus from July 17 to August 17 ... almost as if he knew Jessica would be competing.

But the bummer for the Springsteens?? The Olympics' COVID-19 policy will keep the fam from watching any events in person.

How's Joey Chestnut recovering from his 76-hot dog, 22,800-calorie 4th Of July feast???

MIXED GREENS AND VEGETABLES, BABY!!!

TMZ Sports got the planet's greatest eater out in NYC just one day after he put away a world-record number of wieners ... and he told us the key to recovery from here is simply salads and greens.

"I'm still bloated," the 37-year-old legend said. "If I start sweating, I'll smell like meat. But I go in knowing that it's going to take a couple days to recover."

"As soon as I can, I'm going to start eating a salad, greens and high fiber."

It's a miracle Chestnut can even consider eating again at this point ... 'cause the dude consumed about two weeks worth of food in 10 minutes at the annual Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest on Sunday.

In total, Chestnut plowed through 1,368 grams of fat, 1,824 grams of carbs and 836 grams of protein.

Chestnut obviously didn't feel wonderful -- at least physically -- outside of his hotel Monday ... and because of it, he seemed to hint that an ending to his eating career could be on the horizon.

"I tried pushing a little bit harder but I'll tell you what, last year I felt I recovered a little bit quicker," Chestnut said. "This year, I'm getting older and I don't know how much more I can push it while I'm getting older."

"It's like anybody. You have to be aware of your body.”

That said, Chestnut added, "As long as it’s still fun and as long as I’m healthy, I’ll be doing it. I hope I can keep making gains, but it’s going to get harder and harder. I can see that coming."

A Georgia golf pro was killed on the 10th hole of a country club over the weekend ... and witnesses say the scene was absolutely terrifying.

Gene Siller -- the director of golf at Pinetree Country Club in Kennesaw -- was working Saturday when someone drove a white pickup truck onto the course before stalling near one of the hole's greens.

Witnesses tell WXIA when Siller showed up to the hole to investigate ... he was shot and killed by the driver.

One witness near the scene on the course said he heard five gunshots ... explaining, "everyone was trying to figure out what was going on."

Police say Siller was shot in the head ... adding that the alleged gunman fled the scene and is still currently on the loose.

What makes the story even more horrifying ... cops say they found two more people dead from gunshot wounds inside of the bed of the pickup truck.

Police have not yet released any sort of motive for the alleged attack ... and have still not made any arrests.

46-year-old Siller left behind a wife and two children. A GoFundMe set up in his honor has already amassed over $424,000.

It's that time of year -- when Magic Johnson, Samuel L. Jackson and LL Cool J team up to remind us how insanely rich they are ... by cruising on a yacht that costs MORE THAN A MILLION DOLLARS A WEEK!!!!

Of course, the group of buds gets together every year to celebrate all their accomplishments ... making their way through the Italian waters on expensive ass boats.

The Lakers legend returned to the incredible 281-foot Aquila for this year's bash ... which as we previously reported, is as baller as it gets.

The boat comes with a gym, jacuzzi, movie theater, spa, it's own nightclub ... and reportedly a whopping $1.1 MILLION price tag per WEEK (even higher than its previous rate of $950k a week in 2019).

Rodney and Holly Robinson Peete are also along for the ride ... but there's no sign of usual attendee Steve Harvey yet.

LL has been documenting the whole trip -- showing off incredible views of Capri, Porto Cervo and more -- and the gang has shown no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Don't expect a Trevor Bauer return to this mound this week ... L.A. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he anticipates his pitcher's paid leave to be extended while the assault investigation into the MLB star continues.

The Dodgers head man made the announcement Monday ... saying he does not envision Bauer re-joining the team when the 30-year-old's initial 7-day paid leave period ends Friday.

"I don't see it happening," Roberts told reporters.

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred placed Bauer on paid administrative leave last Friday ... in the wake of allegations that Bauer violently punched and choked a woman during two sexual encounters earlier this year.

Per MLB rules, Manfred can extend the administrative leave if the MLB players' union signs off ... and, according to Roberts, that seems likely at this point.

As we previously reported, a woman says Bauer choked her to the point of losing consciousness while having sex with her during two separate incidents in April and May.

The woman -- who in civil court docs says she met Bauer through Instagram -- also claims the baseball player punched her and scratched her repeatedly, leaving her with visible lacerations and bruises.

The woman also claims Bauer had anal sex with her while she was unconscious, something she did not consent to.

Bauer and his reps have strongly denied the allegations ... claiming the incidents were entirely consensual and that the pitcher's accuser had actually enthusiastically encouraged the rough sex.

WWE star Jimmy Uso has been arrested for DUI again ... after cops say he was driving in Florida with a BAC of .205, TMZ Sports has learned.

According to police docs, Uso -- real name Jonathan Fatu -- was pulled over at around 10:35 PM on Monday in Pensacola after cops say he ran a red light after being clocked going 50 MPH in a 35 MPH zone.

In the docs, officers say during subsequent questioning ... they smelled booze on the 35-year-old, so they asked him to exit his Dodge Charger.

Cops say when Uso got out of his vehicle, he was noticeably swaying ... and claim that Uso had told them he had consumed "multiple" beers before getting behind the wheel.

Officers say Uso went on to bomb field sobriety tests ... so they arrested him.

In the docs, cops claim Uso's BAC breath tests came back at .202 and .205 -- well above Florida's legal limit of .08.

According to jail records, Uso was booked on a misdemeanor DUI charge, and he's currently still behind bars. Police docs show Uso was also hit with citations for speeding and running a red light.

His bond is currently set at $500, jail records show.

This is the second time in the last two years that Uso has been accused of drunk driving ... he was booked for DUI in Pensacola back in July 2019.

But, a jury later found Uso not guilty in the case ... despite police video that appeared to show Uso swerving and stumbling during his arrest.

Uso was also arrested earlier in 2019 after he allegedly got into a drunken dispute with cops in Detroit.

The violent robbery of NBA's Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, as well as the attempted robbery of Fashion Nova CEO Richard Saghian that turned into a deadly shoot-out, could be connected ... according to our law enforcement sources.

TMZ's learned police are investigating the 2 June incidents -- along with multiple others that have been reported in L.A. lately -- to determine if they're part of a larger crime ring.

We're told in both cases and other similar cases, it's believed the victims were followed home after a night out and once they arrived ... they were approached by the suspects and robbed of their valuables at gunpoint.

As we reported ... one such incident went down in the Hollywood Hills in the early morning hours of June 25, where cops say 3 suspects tailed a Rolls-Royce taking the Fashion Nova boss home.

After Saghian went inside, we're told the suspects ordered 2 men who were traveling with Richard to the ground and took jewelry ... but then Richard's security responded and a shootout ensued.

Security and the suspects exchanged fire, and one of the suspects was shot and killed. Another suspect was critically injured. The security guard was shot as well. The third suspect was unharmed.

A week earlier -- as TMZ Sports first reported -- the Lakers guard was robbed at gunpoint by 3 suspects while he was in his driveway around 4 AM talking with friends. We're told the thieves made off with about $150,000 worth of loot, including a Rolex, jewelry and an iPhone.

Rachel Nichols has apologized to fellow ESPN colleague, Maria Taylor, on national television -- this after a bombshell NYT report -- and ex-NBA stars Kendrick Perkins and Richard Jefferson were there to add their two cents.

The veteran NBA anchor took a moment Monday on "The Jump" to address the Times' story from this weekend -- which shed light on drama at the sports network over the past year ... this following recorded controversial remarks Rachel made surrounding Maria, who's Black.

Right off the bat, RN acknowledged she didn't like that she'd become the story ... but owned up to it nonetheless, saying she was deeply sorry to anyone she let down with her comments, especially Maria. Rachel added she was grateful to be part of the ESPN team.

Perk and Rich took it from there ... with the former chiming in first, thanking Rachel for taking responsibility for her actions, and relaying to the audience that he knew her heart -- while also pointing out he'd always felt comfortable in her presence. He also shouted out Maria, whom he said was deserving of every opportunity that came her way ... and that he hoped they could all support each other going forward. RJ echoed those sentiments as well.

He ended on a somewhat sobering note though, saying he, Rachel and others at ESPN have had hard convos of late in regards to this ... and that they'll continue to have hard convos. Rachel thanked them for their POVs, and they continued on with NBA Finals coverage.

The response comes on the heels of surfaced audio, which depicts Rachel having a candid conversation with LeBron James' PR advisor, Adam Mendelsohn, last year during the playoffs ... during which Rachel expressed frustration that ESPN was looking to have Maria share hosting duties with her during the Finals -- something Rachel likened to a "diversity" move.

Former Navy CB Cameron Kinley is asking for President Joe Biden's help ... after the U.S. Military continues to deny his request to delay his service -- so he can play in the NFL.

Kinley -- a 22-year-old former Navy FB team captain -- just graduated from the Naval Academy and signed a deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

However, Kinley committed to serving as an officer in the Navy following graduation (service he still intends to fulfill) ... but first, he wants to play some ball -- and he's hoping to get an assist from 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

"President Biden, first off thank you for all that you do. I have a lot of respect for you, for anybody who's willing to lead our country," Kinley says.

"I'm just asking that you consider helping me with this situation I am currently in and allowing me to delay my commission so that I can go play in the NFL and then serve my commitment whenever I get done playing."

Kinley also believes his presence in the NFL will be a great recruiting tool ... showing potential recruits you can serve your country AND follow your dreams as a pro athlete.

"There's so many different ways that I can recruit, there's so many ways I can bring positivity to our fighting forces, to allow young men and women to see the opportunity that you have and to see that dreams can come reality."

We also asked Kinley's agent, Ryan Williams-Jenkins if he's considering taking legal action if the decision isn't reversed.

"That's not the case here at this time," Williams-Jenkins says ... "What we'd like to do is take all the proper channels and do things correctly. We believe there is a case to be made from Cameron to be played."

RWJ also points out that several graduates of Army and Navy -- like Malcolm Perry and Keenan Reynolds -- were approved to play in the NFL .. and he's confused about why Kinley is being denied.

"The list goes on and on of players that were able to delay their commission and play in the NFL or be commissioned and play in the NFL simultaneously which is another avenue that we're exploring for Cameron," Williams-Jenkins says.

Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks died Sunday night at the age of 24 after being struck in the chest by a firework at a July 4th celebration, according to local authorities.

Kivlenieks -- who was born in Latvia -- signed with the Blue Jackets in 2019 ... and appeared in 2 games for Columbus this season.

Matiss was at an Independence Day party at a private residence in Novi, Michigan when the deadly accident occurred.

Officials in Michigan say a mortar style firework was inadvertently fired in the direction of a group of people in a hot tub ... striking Kivlenieks.

Rescue workers rushed to the scene around 10 PM and transported Matiss to the hospital ... but doctors were unable to save the goalies life.

Law enforcement is still investigating ... but doesn't believe there was any foul play involved.

"At the moment, we're pretty certain this was a tragic accident," a police spokesperson said.

Authorities originally believed Matiss died of a subsequent slip and fall after the blast ... but on Monday morning, a medical examiner in Michigan said that wasn't true -- clarifying the firework caused the fatal injury.

The Blue Jackets issued a statement on social media, writing ... "It's with a very heavy heart that we share the news that goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks passed away last night at the age of 24."

"We are heartbroken. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace, Kivi."

The teams General Manager, Jarmo Kekalainen, also weighed in on the horrific loss ... "Life is so precious and can be so fragile. Hug your loved ones today. RIP Matiss, you will be dearly missed."

Hollywood heavyweights rolled through en masse for a 4th of July bash in the Hamptons -- courtesy of Michael Rubin -- and it was a who's who of fame ... and dancing.

The 76ers team owner hosted what might perhaps be the bash of the year Sunday -- a "White Party," where folks are encouraged to dress in all white, and rage til the early morn'. That's exactly what his guests did ... and they didn't pass up the dance floor either.

Check out these pics of the festivities, including who swung by for a good time -- A-listers like Jay-Z, Beyonce, Meek Mill, Travis Scott, James Harden, Yo Gotti, Jon Bon Jovi, J Balvin, Winnie Harlow, Bobby Shmurda and more showed face ... the latter of whom, our sources tell us, talked possibly collab'ing with Mr. Balvin. More to come on that soon, we're sure ...

The entertainment was top-notch, too ... we're told Meg Thee Stallion got on stage in an area of the property that was converted to a club -- plus, Lil Baby and Tinashe grabbed a hold of the mic as well. Even Cactus Jack got in on the fun ... DJ'ing for a bit and then doing an impromptu performance of "The Scotts" with Kid Cudi, who also attended.

And yes, like we mentioned ... these stars were showing off their moves, including JT from the City Girls and her boo, Lil Uzi Vert, who led the charge with a dance-off. Peep this.

LUV went straight up into break-dancing mode ... and the dude can get down! JT was filming him as he did his thing -- and safe to say, those watching were in awe at what they were seeing. Not only is he a good musician, but the guy can break it down like it's nobody's business.

Speaking of dancing ... TikTok star Charli D'Amelio was getting her groove on as well. JT filmed a clip of the 17-year-old grinding with her girlfriends, and she event twerked a bit too.

We don't know if we should crown this guy Dad of the Year, or Gutsiest Dad of the Year ... because he could easily fall into both for this incredible feat with his kid and a baseball.

Check out this insane clip of what seems to be a relatively new father holding his child at the Arizona Diamondbacks game Sunday, where they were in Phoenix facing the visiting SF Giants. Of course, when you go to a live game ... ya gotta look out for those foul balls.

They can come at you fast when coming off a player's bat at the plate ... and that's exactly what happened here for this fella. His instinct was ... catch the damn thing, barehand!

Watch for yourself -- he literally releases the baby that he's holding in his left hand/arm to reach up and snag the ball midair (which he successfully does) ... and an instant later, he swings his arm back down to catch the falling kid (again, he pulls it off somehow).

BTW, we forgot to mention ... Papa Bear here was also carrying a beer in his free hand -- so it's literally like a circus stunt. He spilled a little while making the amazing catch(es), but the suds stayed mostly intact. As freaked as people were, they were equally impressed.

Not every boxing superstar hates Logan and Jake Paul ... 'cause heavyweight champion Tyson Fury tells TMZ Sports the two brothers have been AWESOME for the sport!!!

Remember, Canelo Alvarez felt the exact opposite when he spoke to us about the YouTubers-turned-fighters back in December 2020 ... saying they were being "disrespectful" to boxing.

But, the Gypsy King couldn't be more kind about Logan and Jake ... saying, "I've been pretty impressed with the Pauls -- both of them -- to be fair, they've been a good breath of fresh air to the boxing scene."

"Fantastic, guys. Well done if you're watching."

After all, both brothers have been able to put on a show -- Logan just went 8 rounds with Floyd freakin' Mayweather ... and Jake most recently KO'd former UFC star Ben Askren.

Very kind words coming from the 30-0-1 fighter, but don't get it twisted -- Fury thinks his little brother, Tommy will completely wreck Jake if they ever get in the ring together.

"I think Tommy knocks him out cold. I think [Jake's] a decent fighter for sure. But, I know Tommy's a dynamite puncher."

Tommy has been going back and forth with Jake for months ... and even told us back in April he thinks Paul is a "massive p***y."

Jake's busy prepping for his fight with Tyron Woodley ... but it's clear Tyson wants his brother to get a piece next.