TMZ Sports - Page 50

Michael Strahan is making sure Texas Southern University's football team is straight for the rest of the season -- donating 100 brand new helmets to his alma mater.

TSU's head coach, Clarence McKinney, spoke with TMZ Sports about the amazing gesture on Wednesday, saying after his team's white helmets got old and beat up, they hit up Strahan for help.

And, it didn't take long for the Hall of Famer to deliver aid -- with McKinney telling us the former TSU star sent over 100 new maroon and grey Riddell helmets to the Tigers last week!

"He's been good to our program," McKinney said. "The players are pretty excited about the donation."

"We practiced in them on Monday," McKinney added. "The players love them."

This ain't the first time the New York Giants legend helped out his alma mater -- Strahan also donated high-quality XTECH football pads to the Tigers in 2019.

Strahan was a beast when he played for the HBCU in the 90s ... he broke TSU's single-season sack record (19) and still holds the school record for career sacks (41.5).

The 49-year-old was also named Black College Defensive Player of the Year (1992) and was inducted into the Black College Football Hall of Fame in 2014.

All-Pro defensive tackle Gerald McCoy has just been slapped with a 6-game suspension for breaking the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy ... and he's blaming it all on a doctor's prescription.

The 33-year-old Las Vegas Raiders star -- who is currently out for the season with a knee injury -- released a statement addressing the news Wednesday afternoon ... saying it was an "honest mistake" but takes full responsibility for the violation.

"It is with great disappointment that I recently learned I tested positive for a banned substance -- something I was prescribed to take to help with scar tissue and tendon strength from a previous injury," McCoy said.

"In no way would I ever intentionally take anything to help with performance or gain a competitive advantage."

Of course, McCoy was a problem for offenses for years ... but has recently dealt with a number of injuries that have kept him off the field.

McCoy -- the #3 overall pick in 2010 -- says he has nothing but respect for the sport and would never take a shortcut to success ... apologizing to his family, the league, his team and the fans for the hiccup.

Devin Williams -- one of the best relief pitchers in the MLB -- punched a wall and broke his hand over the weekend ... and is now likely out for the rest of the season.

The 27-year-old explained the situation to reporters on Wednesday ... saying the injury happened shortly after the Milwaukee Brewers clinched the NL Central division Sunday night.

Williams said he went out to have a few drinks to celebrate the playoff berth ... but for some reason, became enraged on his way home and socked a wall.

Williams said he tried to pitch with the injury this week ... but just couldn't -- and was later diagnosed by team docs with a broken hand that will almost certainly require surgery.

"I'm pretty upset with myself," said Williams, who's expected to now miss all of the Brewers' playoff games. "There's no one to blame but me."

"I feel like I've let my team down, our coaching staff, our fans, everyone. I know how big of a role I play on this team and there's a lot of people counting on me. But I guess all I can do now is cheer my team on and learn from it and not make that same mistake in the future."

The blow is a significant one for Milwaukee -- Williams is a big reason the team had World Series aspirations this year. In 58 games, the right-hander posted a 2.50 ERA with a staggering 87 strikeouts.

Michael Porter Jr. -- one of the biggest rising stars in the NBA -- says he will not get the COVID vaccine ... explaining he doesn't "feel comfortable" with the idea of getting the shots.

The Denver Nuggets forward -- who's made anti-vaxx statements in the past (see the video below) -- spelled out his feelings to The Denver Post this week, saying he just flat-out doesn't want the vaccine.

"For me, I had COVID twice," Porter Jr. said. "I saw how my body reacted, and although the chances are slim, with the vaccine, there's a chance you could have a bad reaction to it."

He added, "For me, I don’t feel comfortable."

Porter Jr. also insisted the NBA should not be allowed to require its players to get the jab ... saying, "It should be everyone's decision."

"I see it both ways," the 23-year-old continued. "If you want to get it because you feel more protected and you feel safer, and it's protecting people around you, get it. That's good for you. But if you feel like, 'Oh, for me, I don't feel safe getting it, then don't get it.'"

For now, the Association has not made it mandatory for players to get the vaccine ... although the unvaxxed will have far more rules and regulations placed on them this season than the vaxxed.

For example, vaccinated players will have more freedom to leave hotels while on the road as well test much less often for COVID.

Porter Jr., though, is clearly fine with that ... adding, "I don’t want to risk putting something that might affect me negatively in my body."

U.S. Olympian Klete Keller admitted he spent nearly an hour in the U.S. Capitol building on January 6th, pleading guilty to felony obstruction of an official proceeding ... and now faces years in prison.

Remember, 39-year-old Keller -- a 2x gold medalist and former teammate of Michael Phelps -- was caught on video inside the halls of the capitol during the raid.

In fact, KK was wearing a Team U.S.A. jacket ... which helped others identify him once the footage was posted online by reporters.

Keller, who was hit with 7 charges stemming from the incident, appeared in person at a Washington D.C. District Court and pled guilty to the obstruction charge.

It's a charge that could carry decades in prison ... however, it's likely Keller ultimately gets sentenced to about 2 years in federal prison.

While addressing the court, Klete said he tried to erase all traces he was present at the raid, admitting he destroyed his phone and threw away the jacket he was photographed wearing.

Keller represented America as part of the U.S. Swim Team at the Olympic Games in '00, '04, '08. He was the anchor on the 4x200 meter freestyle relay team in 2004 ... and famously held off Australian superstar Ian Thorpe to narrowly secure the top spot on the podium.

Justin Jefferson was not only the best player on the field for the Vikings this weekend -- he was also the most swagged out ... 'cause he rocked a pair of Swarovski crystal-filled spikes that were AWESOME!!

JJ hit up celeb shoe artist Mache for the pieces earlier this season -- and the dude went crazy on the spikes ... icing out a pair of all-black cleats for the Minnesota star to wear against the Seahawks.

On one of the shoes, Mache threw crystals on a big jet -- a nod to Jefferson's "jet" nickname (as well as his sweet diamond pendant). On the other, the artist made two "Js" shine as well.

And, Jefferson certainly didn't disappoint in his first game wearing them -- catching 9 passes for 118 yards and a touchdown.

It wasn't hard to see Jefferson was in love with the pair even before ballin' out in them, 'cause Mache shared a video of the moment the wideout received them, and he was in awe.

Here's the funniest video you'll see all day ... Pedro Martinez was so upset over the umpiring in an MLB game Tuesday night, he straight-up cussed live on-air!!!

Martinez was breaking down the S.F. Giants' game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on MLB Network when he noticed pitcher Luke Weaver appeared to make an illegal move on the mound.

The Boston Red Sox legend argued the movement should've been called a balk -- and when his co-host explained Weaver's never been called for one before in his career ... Pedro snapped!!

"Well," Martinez said, "the umpires don't know s*** about what they're doing!!"

The outburst was so funny, fellow analyst Harold Reynolds could not stop laughing -- and eventually, Martinez had to say he was sorry for the foul language.

"I'm sorry," Pedro said with a big grin. "I apologize. What can I say?"

Kyrie Irving and Andrew Wiggins will each lose more than $15 MILLION if they refuse to get the jab ... because the NBA just announced it will NOT pay players who miss games for not having the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Association has not made it mandatory for players to be vaxxed, but local mandates in San Francisco and New York City will keep guys like Wiggins and Irving -- who have reportedly elected against the vaccine -- from being able to play home games for the Warriors and Nets, respectively.

Considering NBA teams play half of their games at home, this would keep the 2 stars from playing in at least 41 games this season ... which will put a serious hurt on their bank accounts.

Wiggins -- who is in a 5-year, $147,710,050 deal -- will reportedly pass up on $15.8 million this season ... while Irving -- 4-year, $136,490,600 contract -- will forfeit $17.5 million.

Kyrie has spoken out about his choice ... saying it's a personal decision and he hopes to be with his team as much as possible.

Wiggins is reportedly hellbent on not getting the vaccine ... despite the Warriors setting up meetings with health officials to try to ease any fears.

The league says players cannot be forced to get vaxxed unless the players' union agrees to it ... and it sounds like that ain't happening any time soon.

Cleveland Browns safety Grant Delpit got straight-up torched this week -- but it wasn't on the football field, it was against a lucky kid who challenged him at a school supplies giveaway!!

Here's the deal -- the ex-LSU star hosted a shopping spree at a local Meijer in Cleveland ... giving kids all the school supplies, toys and clothes they could get their hands on.

But, one confident boy decided to use the event as an opportunity to go face-to-face against 23-year-old Delpit ... claiming he could "Moss" the 2nd-round pick, according to reporter Camryn Justice.

Of course, getting "Mossed" means completely embarrassing a defender with an insane catch or separation on a route ... something made famous by Hall of Famer Randy Moss.

Delpit heard the challenge loud and clear ... and let the kid take his best shot right in the middle of the store with teammate AJ Green playing QB.

The kid lined up for his route ... AND HE'S GOT SKILLS!!!!

Now, we know Delpit wasn't going 100%, but that shouldn't take away from the foot skills and speed the kid put on display as he breezes by the 2019 Jim Thorpe award winner to make the catch.

But, the kid wanted more -- and the second time around, he had a diving catch that would make Mr. Moss himself proud.

Delpit cheered the kid on ... raising his hands and celebrating as the young athlete secures the catch.

Don't be surprised if you hear from this kid again!!

The Ukrainian Hockey League player who made a wildly offensive and racist gesture toward his Black opponent during a game last weekend has gotten off easy ... only being hit with a 3-game suspension for the vile act.

The UHL announced Andrei Deniskin's punishment on Wednesday ... saying in addition to the 3-game ban, the HC Kremenchuk player could also face an additional 10-game suspension as well.

The league, though, said Deniskin could pay a fine instead of serving the extra 10 games ... making the whole thing feel like nothing more than a slap on the wrist.

Of course, many believed Deniskin's punishment should've been way more harsh ... considering he crossed every line imaginable during his game against HC Donbass on Sunday.

Cameras caught the hockey player directing a banana peeling and eating gesture with his hands toward Jalen Smereck ... after the two had gotten into an altercation on the ice.

The taunt was appalling ... and, in fact, Smereck was so offended by it, he said he would not play another game in the UHL unless Deniskin was booted from the league.

Officials attempted to explain Deniskin's punishment was not more severe due to an agreement between the country's hockey governing bodies.

"The matter was given to the @IIHFHockey of Ukraine’s Disciplinary Committee by the #UHL in accordance with a long-standing agreement between the Federation and the Ukrainian Hockey League," said Eugene Kolychev, the general manager of the UHL.

"The Ukrainian Hockey League and I stand with Jalen #Smereck and thank all of the fans and media who have offered their support to him. The @uhlua believes that there is no place for racism in the world in which we live, let along in the hockey community."

LaMelo Ball may not need school, but the NBA star is stressing the importance of an education for others ... by kickstarting his very own 4-year scholarship program!!

The 20-year-old Charlotte Hornets superstar announced the big plan on Wednesday ... saying he'll help one lucky student looking to study sports management or communication/marketing at Long Island University's Roc Nation School of Music, Sports and Entertainment in Fall 2022.

Students with a 1100 SAT score (or 22 on the ACT score) are eligible ... and the app requires a written essay on what the LaMelo Scholarship will mean to them 10 years down the road.

The scholarship will come with some sweet perks -- the Roc Nation school prides itself in its variety of industry resources to help students prepare for the real world.

Ball says he decided to give back in hopes of helping the youth succeed ... just like he did when he entered the league in 2020.

"I want to encourage the next generation of sports executives and leaders to follow their dreams just like I did to make it to the NBA," LaMelo tells TMZ Sports.

"I’m fortunate to have the means and public platform to support others, so I want to do my part and create a lane for a student to get a strong education and be in position to make a meaningful impact in the sports industry."

Of course, Ball recently spoke out about his own educational experience ... saying "school not even teaching you s***" ... but later clarified he didn't mean that was the case for EVERYONE.

Manny Pacquiao is done with competitive fighting ... the boxing legend announced Tuesday night he's retiring from the sport for good.

Pacquiao revealed the news in an emotional video on his social media page ... thanking his family, friends, trainers and everyone else who helped him along his journey to becoming one of the greatest of all time.

"This is the hardest decision I've ever made," Pacquiao said, "but I’m at peace with it. Chase your dreams, work hard and watch what happens. Good bye, boxing."

Pacquiao absolutely dominated in the ring from the day he took his first pro fight back in 1995 -- finishing his career with a brilliant record of 68-8-2.

He earned victories over guys like Keith Thurman, Adrien Broner, Shane Mosley, Oscar De La Hoya and so many more in his 26 years in the sport.

"Even me," said Pacquiao, who ended up winning a staggering 12 world titles in his career, "I'm amazed at what I have done."

The 42-year-old -- a current senator in the Philippines -- will now be able to put all of his focus behind his political career ... one in which he's hopeful will end with him being the president of the Philippines in the not too distant future.

Tom Brady has helped bring yet another superstar to Tampa Bay ... Richard Sherman just announced he's signed with the Buccaneers after the G.O.A.T. recruited him to the squad.

The 3-time All-Pro cornerback revealed the news on his podcast early Wednesday morning ... saying he had interest from the 49ers, Panthers and Seahawks, but ultimately signed with Tampa Bay after an initial recruiting pitch from Brady.

"He reached out and said they may express interest and obviously he wanted to play with me," Sherman said of the future Hall of Fame quarterback.

"Then their front office reached out and the conversation started a few weeks ago when they lost their starter, Sean Murphy-Bunting -- and then it kind of steamrolled."

Details of the deal have yet to be announced ... but it's a fairly surprising move from the Bucs -- considering Sherman is still facing criminal charges as well as potential discipline from the NFL stemming from his wild July arrest.

As we previously reported, law enforcement has accused Sherman of drinking and driving, crashing his car and then completely melting down at his in-laws' home in Washington.

The 33-year-old NFL player is facing five charges over the incident -- and while he's pled not guilty to all of the counts, he's since apologized for his actions several times.

But, it seems clear the Bucs are comfortable with his legal situation regardless ... 'cause Sherman said on his podcast he's ready to get going in Florida ASAP.

"It's an opportunity I couldn't pass up," Sherman said. "It's a proven team. I just need to go in there and show that these legs still got some juice."

The greatest tight end in the NFL believes LeBron James would have thrived as a pro football player ... 'cause Travis Kelce tells TMZ Sports the King would've been a serious "problem" in the league if he didn't become a basketball icon.

LBJ recently revealed he received offers to play for the Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks during the 2011 NBA lockout ... and said he would have likely tried out at tight end if he decided to play football.

Considering Kelce is a 5-time All-Pro tight end, a Super Bowl champ and a 6-time Pro Bowler, we had to ask about LBJ's chances in the league ... and he truly believes James would have balled out!!!

"I think LeBron is one of the greatest athletes in the world, right," Kelce told Babcock on the TMZ Sports TV show (airs nightly on FS1).

"His athleticism, how knowledgeable he is about the game of basketball that you can tell how he plays, he gets down to the scheme of things."

Kelce continued ... "And, that's a lot about being a football player is understanding schemes, going out there, playing free and letting your athleticism show."

Of course, there may be a bit of bias in Kelce's answer ... he grew up in Cleveland Heights, just about 45 minutes from LeBron's hometown of Akron. But, make no mistake, he's serious about LeBron's abilities on the gridiron.

"I think Bron would have definitely been a problem on the football field, no doubt about it," he added. "Especially with tight end room. That's us Northeast Ohio guys, man. We're all-around athletes. You can throw us in any sport, we'll have success."

As for whether LBJ would have been able to make that transition in 2011, Kelce says he wishes he could have seen that experiment unfold.

We also spoke with Kelce about his partnership with LG, where he's opening the doors to his life off the field for the "Travis Kelce, Only On OLED" series ... which also stars 2 of his childhood friends.

Jesse Palmer is the new permanent host of "The Bachelor" ... replacing Chris Harrison, who was cut loose after his racism scandal.

The move keeps it all in the family, so to speak ... because Jesse's a former 'Bachelor' himself, and now he'll be the face of the ABC franchise for its upcoming 26th season.

Jesse says he's humbled by the opportunity to return to the show as host, and he's looking forward to offering the next 'Bachelor' advice as production is about to begin.

Some of that advice might involve being certain about names of the women in the rose ceremony -- something Jesse learned the hard way in 2005 in one of the show's most infamous moments.

TMZ broke the story ... Chris says he has no hard feelings over his 'Bachelor' exit, telling us he's happy to have his Mondays back and seems at peace with the end of his era.

Chris hosted both shows in the franchise for 2 decades, but he found himself embroiled in scandal this year after he excused historical racism during an interview with ex-'Bachelorette' Rachel Lindsay.

Jon Jones allegedly pulled his fiancee's hair and then headbutted a police car, leaving a dent in the hood and chipping paint, during his Las Vegas arrest early Friday morning, TMZ Sports has learned.

According to a Vegas Metro PD arrest report, cops were called to Caesars Palace around 5:08 AM for a "domestic disturbance" in a hotel room ... involving a white female who was "bleeding from her nose/mouth" and a "black male adult who is a professional MMA fighter."

When police arrived, they spotted Jon walking near the hotel, where they stopped and detained him.

Cops say 34-year-old Jones became "irate and smashed his head onto the front hood of the LVMPD patrol vehicle," leaving a medium-sized dent, as well as chips in the paint.

While handcuffed, police say Jones experienced a wide range of emotions. At one point, cops say he threatened to sue the department for handcuffing him on the biggest night of his life.

FYI, Jones' 2013 fight with Alexander Gustaffson was inducted in the UFC's Hall of Fame only hours before his arrest.

The officers also claim Jon joked about wanting to fight all the cops, to see if he could take them all on at the same time.

Police say they then interviewed the alleged victim, Jon's fiancée, Jessie, and the mother of his 3 kids, who claimed she was asleep when Jones came back to their room after a night out in Vegas with his friends.

Jessie told police "Jon came back and was not very happy." When they asked her if things turned physical, she replied "Umm not too physical but a little bit yeah."

When cops asked what she meant, Jessie said, "he touch the back of my head and pulled my hair a little bit but he did not hit me or anything."

However, cops said they noticed blood on her lip, which was also swollen. Jessie told cops it was because they were dry. Police also say they saw blood on her sweatshirt.

Cops checked Jon and Jessie's hotel room, and say they saw blood on the bedsheets.

When detectives were leaving the scene, they note Jessie was concerned about when Jon would be released from county jail.

As for who called the police, Jessie went down to a security booth to ask for an additional room key around 4:30 AM. A security guard said she saw blood on her person, and asked Jessie if she was okay. The guard claimed Jessie then began to cry and said she was scared to return to her room.

The guard then claims Jessie and Jon's youngest child said "can you call the cops?"

Jones -- who told police he never got physical his fiancée -- was ultimately arrested for misdemeanor domestic battery and felony tampering with a vehicle.

Jon has a court date scheduled next month.