TMZ Sports - Page 50

Simone Biles has proven yet again that her G.O.A.T. status extends far off the gymnastics floor ... 'cause she just helped gift her Olympics teammate Suni Lee's father with a new wheelchair -- and the amazing gesture was all captured on video.

24-year-old Biles surprised Suni's dad, John, on the "Today" show on Wednesday with the present ... revealing a new, state-of-art electronic ride with a sweet video message.

"Hi, Mr. Lee, it's Simone," Biles told John before showing him the present. "I love your daughter, Suni, so much and I know how much she loves you."

"You have done so much for her so I reached out to my friends at the 'Today' show to see if we could do something special for you. Hope you like it!"

John -- who was paralyzed from the chest down in 2019 after falling off a ladder -- was thrilled with the gift ... shouting, "Oh, wow!" when he first put his eyes on it.

The new wheels are a significant upgrade from John's manually operated wheelchair ... with the "Today" show saying the souped-up ride will eventually be custom-fitted for all his needs.

John said the new chair with make his and his family's life much easier ... adding, "This is amazing. Thank you, guys!"

Simone Biles' romance with Jonathan Owens may need to go more long distance than usual this football season ... 'cause the Houston Texans have just cut the gymnast's boyfriend.

The Texans made the move in paring down their roster to 53 on Tuesday ... which is, of course, sad news considering how smitten Owens and Biles appeared to be in Houston.

You'll recall ... the two athletes began dating about a year ago, and have formed a great relationship while living together in Texas.

The couple has been spotted out in Houston often ... with Biles famously attending a bunch of Owens' Texans practices after she returned from the Tokyo Olympics earlier this month.

Owens is now a free agent ... and any team could sign him and potentially pull him away from Texas.

There is a chance, however, Owens could stick around the Texans' org ... he's eligible to be a part of the team's practice squad -- and it actually seems likely he'll end up there, given he had a role on the Texans' P.S. last season.

Either way, we're betting the couple's relationship will power through it all regardless ... 'cause the two have been inseparable since getting together in 2020.

In fact, Biles just celebrated the pair's 1-year anniversary earlier this month ... joking on social media, "so happy past 1 year to the best thing that’s ever happened to you: ME."

Good luck, J.O.!

Hurricane Ida has forced the Saints to move their season-opener against the Packers out of New Orleans ... with the NFL announcing the game has been officially relocated to Florida.

The league said on Wednesday that due to storm damage and the ongoing efforts to recover from it all in New Orleans ... the Saints' highly anticipated Sept. 12 Week 1 matchup will now be played at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville.

"The decision was made, in consultation with state and local officials and both clubs, in the interest of public safety," the NFL said, adding the game's kickoff time will remain at 4:25 PM ET.

It's unclear if any further Saints games will need to be moved.

The Saints announced earlier this week that the Superdome did not sustain any major damage as Ida pounded the city ... though the team's head coach, Sean Payton, did say he now expects the Saints to be away from New Orleans for about a month.

Joel Embiid does NOT want Ben Simmons shipped out of Philly -- despite the fact the star PG had a horrific postseason and reportedly wants to be traded -- saying the All-Star duo can win a 'chip if they stay together.

"I love playing with Ben. Stats don’t lie. He’s an amazing player and we all didn’t get the job done," Embiid says.

"It’s on me personally. I hope everyone is back cuz we know we’re good enough to win."

Of course, 25-year-old Simmons seriously struggled last season, especially in the playoffs, when the Sixers lost Game 7 at home to the Atlanta Hawks ... with a trip to the Conference Finals on the line.

Simmons averaged a career-low in points (14.3), rebounds (7.2) and assists (6.9) in 2020-2021. He averaged 11.9 points per game in the playoffs. On the other hand, Embiid dropped over 28 points per game during the regular season and playoffs.

Ben reportedly recently told Philly brass he wants out of the City of Brotherly Love ... a plan 27-year-old Embiid ain't with.

That's important because there are rumors Joel and Ben have big beef ... and the fracture is part of the reason the former #1 overall pick wants out.

In fact, USA Today reported the "Simmons-Embiid rift has been escalating" ... and the team is now forced to pick between the players 'cause they can't co-exist together.

But, Embiid is clearly calling BS ... and wants to keep the squad together.

The NBA season starts in only 48 days ... will the Sixers run it back with the same squad -- or unload the 3x All-Star.

Eli Manning surprised the hell out of Michael Strahan on Wednesday -- jumping out of a box to inform the ex-NFL star his Giants jersey is being retired ... and the scene was AWESOME!!!

It all went down on the set of "Good Morning America" ... when Eli was rolled into the studio in a giant wooden box to break the news to Michael that no future NY player would ever wear his old #92 again.

Check out the video ... Strahan was shocked to see his former QB -- and he was even more surprised when his ex-teammates Justin Tuck and Jessie Armstead joined in too!

The trio explained to Strahan the honor ... informing the former pass rusher that his jersey retirement ceremony will happen on Nov. 28.

To make the announcement even sweeter, they told Strahan the game will be when the Giants play his old rival, the Philadelphia Eagles.

New York later released a statement on the honor, with Giants president John Mara saying, "He deserves to have his number retired as other Giants immortals have, including Mel Hein, Frank Gifford and Lawrence Taylor."

Mara added, "Michael's career was defined by his achievements, his consistency and his leadership. Very few defensive ends played the position as well as Michael."

Strahan -- a second-round pick in the 1993 NFL Draft -- was a BEAST during his 15-year NFL career ... logging 141.5 sacks -- the most in Giants history and the 6th-most ever in the league.

Strahan still holds the record for the most sacks in a single-season (22.5) ... and he also owns a Super Bowl ring -- one in which he earned by famously beating Tom Brady's undefeated Patriots.

"Michael Strahan was a Hall of Fame player and he is a Hall of Fame person," Giants chairman and executive vice president Steve Tisch said.

"Only the very best players get their jerseys retired and Michael is in that category in Giants history and NFL history, as well."

Bill Belichick is clearing the air on why Cam Newton is no longer a New England Patriot ... saying it had NOTHING to do with the QB's COVID-19 vaccine status.

The longtime Pats head coach addressed the decision to sack the 2015 MVP with reporters on Wednesday ... and while he didn't budge on most of the questions surrounding the roster move, he made sure to squash any indication it was related to Cam being unvaccinated.

"No," Belichick said bluntly ... before claiming vaccinated players have had issues with COVID as well.

"The number of players and coaches and staff members that have been affected by COVID in this training camp who have been vaccinated is a pretty high number. So, I wouldn't lose sight of that."

Belichick adds there are other players on the team who haven't gotten the jab ... and having everyone vaccinated wouldn't guarantee other issues from popping up.

"Your implication that vaccination solves every problem is just not really ... I would say that has not been substantiated based on what's happening in training camp this year. That's all."

Of course, Cam ran into some issues last week after some confusion surrounding daily testing ... and was forced to keep away from the team for 5 days.

Hall of Fame wrestler Rikishi says his niece was tragically murdered in a shooting earlier this summer ... and now, he's pleading with the public for help in finding who did it.

Rikishi re-posted a flier Tuesday from the San Francisco Police Department ... which he says spells out the horrific details of his niece's death on July 30.

In the bulletin, cops say they responded to a report of a shooting at around 6:45 PM ... and learned a 45-year-old woman and a 16-year-old girl had been shot.

Police say the 45-year-old was treated for her injuries and is expected to survive ... though they say, tragically, the 16-year-old died from her wounds.

Rikishi says the 16-year-old is his niece, Jaedah Tofaeono, and he pleaded with the public to "PLEASE HELP FIND THESE MOTHERF*****S."

"Need your help," Rikishi added. "They murdered my niece In the BAY AREA 16yrs old ... Check it .. Spread the word."

The SFPD says it's offering a $50K reward for "information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the suspect(s) responsible for the murder."

Patriots legend Deion Branch says Bill Belichick actually HELPED Cam Newton by cutting him Tuesday ... explaining to TMZ Sports the move will now allow the QB to find a starting job elsewhere.

Branch's logic is simple ... he says if Newton had stayed in New England, he would've warmed the bench all season behind Mac Jones.

Now, however, after releasing the former NFL MVP -- Branch says Belichick allowed the 32-year-old to go try to compete for a QB1 role in another city.

"Let's tip our hats off to coach Belichick and the move that he did make," Branch said ... "freeing Cam and allowing him to go and seek another team."

Branch believes there will be plenty of Newton suitors now that he's on the open market ... with the ex-Pats wideout telling us everyone from the Houston Texans to the Miami Dolphins could be interested in signing the 32-year-old.

"For sure he'll be picked up," Deion says.

Jake Paul's retirement lasted a whopping 25 hours ... 'cause the YouTube superstar-turned-boxer says he's officially back in the fight game again.

"Updated status: I’m coming out of retirement," Paul tweeted on Tuesday.

Hey, we tried to warn ya -- there was a super slim chance Jake was actually retiring for good when he claimed he was walking away from the sport on Monday ... especially since he's poised to get a FAT paycheck from the Tyron Woodley fight.

Just as expected ... Paul is back.

Remember, "retiring" really doesn't mean much in boxing and MMA -- a ton of guys have gotten back in the ring after calling it quits.

The legend Muhammad Ali retired a couple times ... and George Foreman and Randy Couture are among others who stepped away before changing their mind.

More recently, Conor McGregor has retired at least 3 times in his career ... and that may very well be the guy Jake is channeling with this latest publicity stunt.

Jake's quick return now opens the door for a Woodley rematch ... which Paul claims could happen as long as Tyron holds his end of the deal and gets the "I Love Jake Paul" tattoo.

Malik McDowell -- a 2nd round pick out of Michigan State in 2017 -- is gunning to make the most of his second chance at being an NFL player ... saying he's in the "best place" he's been in a long time.

Of course, 25-year-old McDowell has yet to play a down in a REAL NFL football game -- he suffered an injury in an ATV accident just weeks before his rookie training camp with the Seattle Seahawks ... and was arrested 5 times between 2017 and 2019.

He was released by the 'Hawks in March 2019 ... and was sentenced to 11 months in jail later that year. Needless to say, most people expected McDowell's career all but over.

But, McDowell has been busting his ass ever since his release -- he signed a contract with the Cleveland Browns in May ... and on Tuesday, he was named to the team's 53-man roster for the 2021 season.

Malik spoke about his journey back to the field ... saying his time behind bars helped put his priorities in order and motivate him to turn things around.

"I know what my life could be without football and the stuff I fell into without playing football," McDowell said Tuesday. "I just wanted to get more structure back in my life."

Malik says he's not going to make the Browns look bad for giving him another shot ... and he's going to give it his all.

"My career's at stake, my livelihood, taking care of my family, chance to take care of my family. Just to do what the everyday person can't do, go out there in front of thousands of fans and play a game and get paid lots of money to do it."

"That's a lot of people's dreams and I get to live my dream."

McDowell also gives a big shoutout to his biggest supporter -- his mother, Joya Crowe.

"When I ain't believe in myself, she was still believing in me and everyday she told me you gon' play football one day again, even when I didn't believe her 'cause I'm going through all my situations."

"She saw past everything I was going through and she know me the best. That's my real driving force. She was the one who pushed me the most."

Want a pair of Michael Jordan's skivvies??

If your answer is "Yes," ... you're weird. BUT, you're also in luck, 'cause one of the G.O.A.T.'s old pairs of draws just hit the auction block!!!

We're serious -- the MJ-worn grey and black boxer shorts are up for sale via Lelands ... with a starting bid of $500!!

And, get this -- the auction company says there is evidence they were, in fact, worn by His Airness -- Lelands saying this priceless pair "shows definite use."

Okay settle down, nasties ... the proof is the loose threading in the shorts!!!

So, how did Lelands get their hands on Jordan's boxers?? It turns out John Michael Wozniak, MJ's old bodyguard (who was featured in "The Last Dance") had them all these years!!

But don't worry -- there's no way the draws will smell ... there's still a dry-cleaning tag on the inside of the underwear!!

The undies aren't the only pair of MJ apparel on the block ... you can also bid on everything from Jordan's cashmere coat to suits to button down dress shirts and belts -- all gifts from Wozniak.

Jayson Tatum has become the latest NBA superstar to honor Kobe Bryant with a tribute tattoo ... and the Boston Celtics superstar's new artwork is AWESOME.

The 23-year-old revealed the ink this week ... showing off two black mamba snakes on the inside of his knee that form the shape of a "24" -- Kobe's old jersey number.

The tattoo artist who did the piece, Steve Wiebe, tells TMZ Sports ... Tatum got the work done in Los Angeles this month -- sitting for an hour and a half to get it all completed.

Of course, Tatum is a HUGE fan of Kobe's ... he's said often Bryant was his favorite player growing up -- and he's talked glowingly of the time the two spent together.

In fact, Tatum and Kobe would work out together from time to time in offseasons ... and Tatum has said the drills with the Lakers legend helped mold his game.

As we previously reported, plenty of NBA players have gotten Kobe ink on their bodies after the Hall of Famer died in a helicopter crash in January 2020.

LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Matt Barnes all got tats after the tragedy. Vanessa Bryant and celebs like The Game and Snoop Dogg also famously got tribute ink as well.

New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson is doing her part to help ensure Louisianians gets back on their feet after Hurricane Ida ... donating $1 MILLION to storm victims.

Benson and the Saints announced the charitable act on Monday -- saying they're praying for those impacted by the hurricane that has wreaked havoc on Louisiana since it made landfall over the weekend.

"As South Louisiana and the Gulf Coast begin to assess the significant damage inflicted by Hurricane Ida, please know our prayers are with all of those who have suffered from the impacts of this historical storm," Benson and the Saints said.

"We have great faith in the resilience and strength of our community and look forward to doing everything in our power to help lead in the recovery."

Benson and the Saints say the $1 million will go to their Gulf Coast Renewal Fund ... and they urged others to join in with donations as well.

"We will continue to be in close communication with governmental and community leaders to determine where aid and assistance can most effectively be directed," Benson said.

The Saints added that the Superdome suffered only "minor damage" in the storm ... and they're hopeful it won't impact any part of their upcoming regular season schedule.

"We know how much winning games can unite and inspire people in our region," the Saints said, "and we can't wait to take advantage of that responsibility and opportunity."

Dale Brisby is getting hyped as 2021's version of Joe Exotic -- and while he does have a new show on Netflix, Dale says there's one huge difference ... he's not behind bars!!!

The star of "How To Be a Cowboy" joined us Tuesday on "TMZ Live" to tell us how a long-time ranch manager and pro bull rider becomes the subject of a wild new TV docuseries.

As a bunch of city slickers, we gotta say it was eye-opening! Dale says he has a fresh group of interns -- half a dozen of 'em -- hungry to learn how to be a real-life cowboy, or how to ride a bull.

He says they're bucket list items for some, and a career starter for others.

The Netflix show drops Wednesday and the reviews are already comparing it to last year's Netflix phenomenon, 'Tiger King.'

Dale seems pretty comfortable with the comparisons, but he makes it clear he doesn't come with Exotic baggage. His character, though, seems just as bold.

BTW, if you're digging Dale's look ... you gotta see him explain why his shades never come off, even when he's riding bulls.

Soulja Boy is ready to settle his beef with Kanye West the ol' fashioned way -- by throwing hands -- telling TMZ Sports he wants to come face-to-face with Ye for a celeb boxing match for the ages.

Draco recently threatened to beat up West on social media, saying he'd "knock out" the Donda artist ... so when we ran into the hip hop star in L.A. on Monday, we asked about the warning.

"That's just me having some fun, you know what I'm saying? We ain't trippin', man," Soulja says ... "Unless Kanye wants to get in the boxing ring, know what I'm saying? I think we could make $100 to $200 million."

Of course, the beef started when West cut Soulja Boy's "Remote Control" verse out of Donda ... and that really pissed him off.

Soulja's got his hands full ... Aaron Carter recently challenged him to a fight (Celebrity Boxing is trying to lock down the match).

But, a scrap between West and Soulja Boy could be one of the biggest celeb fights of all time.

Bottom line, Soulja's message to Ye is this ... "Kanye, lets get in the boxing ring."

Golf fans will now have to find a new way to troll Bryson DeChambeau ... 'cause the PGA Tour just announced it will no longer allow fans to shout "Brooksy" at the star golfer.

At various tournaments throughout the past year, fans have ribbed Bryson with the jeer ... and he's hated it -- snapping at patrons nearly every time.

Of course, the shade is a nod to Bryson's beef with fellow golf star Brooks Koepka -- and it's something Koepka fans have gotten plenty of joy out of the last few months.

But, PGA Tour commish Jay Monahan said Tuesday the taunts will no longer be allowed ... calling the "Brooksy" remarks "disrespectful."

"The barometer that we are all using is the word 'respect,'" Monahan told reporters. "And to me, when you hear 'Brooksy' yelled or you hear any expression yelled, the question is, is that respectful or disrespectful?"

"It has been going on for an extended period of time, and to me, at this point, it's disrespectful. And that's the kind of behavior we're not going to tolerate going forward."

Monahan said the "Brooksy" comments -- and any other acts deemed disrespectful by fans -- will now result in a ban from events.

It's got to be refreshing for Bryson to hear ... 'cause just a few days ago, he reportedly told one fan to "Get the f*** out!" after the person had screamed "Great job, Brooksy!" at him.

Dude's been pretty good despite it all -- so, begs the question ... could the ban now lead to even better performances from the superstar going forward??