TMZ Sports - Page 50

Rolando Romero has been pulled from his fight with Gervonta Davis after being accused of sexual assault ... but the boxing star is adamant the allegations are "totally false," and he's vowing to clear his name.

The undefeated (14-0) 26-year-old boxing star was scheduled to fight Tank -- also undefeated -- December 5 in Los Angeles ... but was replaced on Monday just days after several women alleged the fighter sexually assaulted them.

One of the accusers is a 24-year-old woman who claims Romero sexually assaulted her at his apartment in fall 2019 after they played a game of Connect 4.

The woman told SI she didn't go to the police when the alleged incident went down because it was "a paralyzing moment" ... and frankly, she didn't think anyone would believe her story.

All told, there are multiple women accusing Romero.

Romero addressed the damning allegations on social media, taking to Instagram to declare his innocence.

"Although the allegations against me are totally false and I will prove that through the legal system, I agree that it is in the best interest of everyone involved that I not participate in the upcoming pay-per-view event," Rolly says.

"After clearing my name I will return to the ring as soon as possible."

Wanna own Barry Bonds' iconic 500th home run ball??

Welp, it’s too late ... ‘cause the piece of history just sold at an auction for a whopping $300k!!

Bonds' ball -- which was hit off Dodgers pitcher Terry Adams -- was among the top sellers in SCP Auctions' Fall catalog ... and sold for $50k more than expected.

It’s not hard to see why someone would want to get their hands on this particular item -- Bonds is one of, if not THE greatest, hitters in MLB history ... and he’s got a legitimate argument in the GOAT discussion.

Of course, this homer ball was recovered as a result of the valiant efforts of a fan who retrieved it from the waters of McCovey Cove on April 17, 2001.

On top of the Bonds ball, the Honus Wagner T206 card -- considered the Holy Grail of sports collectibles -- sold for an incredible $1.1 million.

Altogether, the auction -- which closed this past weekend -- set more than two dozen records, with sales totaling $5.6 million.

SCP President David Kohler said ... "The sports memorabilia market is on fire, as evidenced by the world records we set."

"From high-end graded cards to the best of sports memorabilia, the results of our Fall Premier Auction are astonishing."

A house with some seriously famous past owners -- including Kendall Jenner, John Krasinski and Emily Blunt -- just added another well-known name to its address, James Dolan's son, Ryan, now holds the keys.

Ryan Dolan, son of the owner of the New York Knicks and Rangers as well as Madison Square Garden, plunked down $8.025 million for the house ... high above the Sunset Strip as well as the legendary Chateau Marmont.

Ryan's realtor was none other than Dalton Gomez, Ariana Grande's hubby who sells real estate for a living.

The house has the obligatory pool, rooftop patio, 6 bedrooms and 5 baths.

Jenner owned the home until 2017 when she sold it for $6.5 million. It was plagued with security issues ... namely stalkers who repeatedly showed up at her door. Prior to Kendall, Emily Blunt and John Krasinski owned the place.

Kobe Bryant was showcased in an extravagant Halloween display in Los Angeles this spooky holiday ... with the Los Angeles Lakers legend getting a jaw-dropping pumpkin tribute.

The nod to the NBA icon was part of the "Nights of the Jack" at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas ... which is an annual over-the-top event that turns pumpkins into art pieces.

The festival included octopi, sharks and other animals ... as well as athletes getting the old-fashioned jack-o'-lantern treatment.

But, the Black Mamba got his very own display ... showing Kobe in a #24 Lakers jersey with the phrase, "Mamba Forever," and his signature autograph.

The whole piece used several pumpkins to complete ... and the finished product is incredible.

Kobe’s daughter, Gianna, as well as LeBron James and WWE Hall of Fame Hulk Hogan also got the pumpkin treatment.

Horse jockey Miguel Mena was tragically killed after being stuck by a car in Louisville Sunday night, according to reports. He was only 34.

The Jefferson County Coroner's Office in Kentucky says Mena was walking on the interstate in Louisville when he was hit by a vehicle around 7:30 PM.

At this time, there's no explanation to why Mena was walking on the highway -- the manner of death was ruled accidental.

The Peru native became a jockey in the US in 2003 -- he started in 2 Kentucky Derbys and rode 2,079 winners, including 481 at Churchill Downs ... which is 15th all-time.

This year, he won the Masqueparade in the Ohio Derby (G3) and Dalika in the Robert G. Dick Memorial (G3).

Mena earned $36k in his last win on Oct. 24 at Keeneland -- and overall, made $72 million in his career.

Several jockeys expressed their sadness over Mena's tragic death on social media ... with Alex Canchari saying, "my heart hurts right now I can’t believe this."

"RIP my friend Miguel Mena😔😔 a devoted father an amazing/fearless Jockey and a role model to so many my heart is broken for Miguel’s family I have no words rest easy Cholo  🙏😔😔"

Churchill Downs Racetrack President Mike Anderson released a statement -- "This news is absolutely shocking, terrible and heartbreaking."

"Our team is devastated to learn of Miguel’s passing. He was such a courageous rider who fought to overcome several challenges and adversity. We’ll miss his bright smile."

Anderson added, "Our deepest condolences are extended to his many friends, fellow riders and family, and our immediate thoughts are with his wife April and his daughters Naelah and Montserra."

Mena would have turned 35 this Saturday.

Amari Cooper is making his case for best teammate ever -- the star wideout just bought diamond chains for Dak Prescott and members of the Dallas Cowboys receivers ... a gift worth $120k total!!

TMZ Sports has learned ... Amari wanted to show love to his teammates for balling out so far this season, so he hit up Gabriel The Jeweler to whip up some dog tags for his QB, fellow receivers and a couple trainers.

Gabriel -- who's done work for the biggest names in the NFL, like Odell Beckham, Davante Adams and Aaron Donald -- made 15 pieces total for Cooper ... with each displaying the players' numbers and the word "DAWGS" etched across the top.

Altogether, we're told the project is worth $120k!!!

Cooper has gotten some incredible pieces in the past -- from his "Route Runner" chain to his own mini Cowboys jersey -- and now these chains will fit right in!!

Ravens linebacker Malik Harrison caught a stray bullet in the calf while at a gathering in Cleveland during the teams bye week, Baltimore announced on Monday, saying fortunately the injuries are not life-threatening.

Harrison, 23, was a third-round draft pick of the Ravens in 2020. Malik has played in all 7 of the Ravens games this seasons, racking up 44 combined tackles.

"On Sunday night while attending a gathering in Cleveland, Malik Harrison sustained a non-life-threatening injury after being struck by a stray bullet in the left calf," the Ravens said in a statement.

"Malik, who received medical care at a local hospital, has been in touch with our team doctors and will return to Baltimore today."

It's unclear what kind of event 6'3", 247 lb. Harrison attended ... or who was the intended target of the shooting.

Harrison -- who was First Team All-Big Ten at Ohio State in 2019 -- has played in 23 games throughout his 2-year professional career ... compiling 66 total tackles.

The first place Ravens are set to take on the Vikings in Baltimore this Sunday. It's unclear how much time Harrison will miss.

Huge win for female handball teams across the world -- players will no longer have to wear bikini bottoms for uniforms ... as the International Federation just reversed its sexist rule that sparked outrage.

Remember, the European Handball Federation made headlines back in July for fining each player 150 euros (almost $177 in USD) for wearing shorts instead of bikini bottoms ... which was considered a uniform violation.

The garment switch was a protest by female players to highlight the unfairness that men wear long shorts while women have to wear tiny bikini bottoms.

Even singer Pink was pissed about the controversy and offered to pay the players' fines.

No one will have to empty their wallets anymore ... 'cause the federation reversed the dress code and is now allowing women to wear shorts.

In the updated International Handball Federation rulebook -- women "must wear short tight pants with a close fit that are in accordance with the graphics."

The previous rule was to wear bikini bottoms "with a close fit and cut on an upward angle toward the top of the leg" ... and if you didn't, you would be fined or disqualified.

The new ruling will go into effect in January 2022.

Norwegian Handball Federation President Kåre Geir Lio told NBC News on Monday that this reversal is a big step toward gender equality in handball.

"I think it’s good for the game," Lio said, "but first of all, it’s good for the women, and it’s good for how we treat each other in sports."

Bill Belichick is just like everyone else in New England, mourning the death of Boston Red Sox legend, Jerry Remy ... who passed away after a year 13-year battle with cancer over the weekend.

The Patriots coach ended his weekly interview on WEEI ... memorializing the 68-year-old former player (infielder) and broadcaster of over 3 decades.

“Before we sign off, I just wanted to say to all of our fans out there, who are mostly Red Sox fans, how much we all are saddened by Jerry’s passing and how much he meant to all of us, the connection that he was to the Red Sox, his voice in the game and (how great) it was for the fans,” Belichick told the guys.

The 6x Super Bowl-winning head coach continues ... “He meant so much to Boston sports as a player and as an announcer, and his commentary of the game and insight into the game."

"We’ll all miss him. I know our fans are Jerry Remy and Red Sox fans, too, so our sympathy goes out to the Remy family. I just want to express my and all of our appreciation for all that he did to make Boston sports enjoyable and exciting for all of us. We’ll certainly miss him.”

The Red Sox also released a statement on Remy's death, with team owner John Henry saying ... "We are saddened by the loss of a beloved player, broadcaster, and 13-year cancer warrior."

Remy -- who played 7 seasons for the Sox as a 2nd baseman -- was inducted into the team's Hall of Fame in 2006.

Jerry -- who was born in Massachusetts -- was last seen at Fenway on October 5 for the Wild Card game against the New York Yankees. He threw out the first pitch to former teammate and broadcast partner, Dennis Eckersley.

Kal Penn says he's sharing his life story -- including the fact he's gay -- to let others know that you can do anything while being true to yourself, like say ... being a gay NASCAR fan.

We got the actor, politico and now author leaving 30 Rock Monday morning in NYC, and asked how his coming out over the weekend is being received in Hollywood and beyond.

Check out this chat we had ... Kal says so far so good, and when our guy asks why he waited 11 years to share his truth -- he cracks a hilarious joke, but then opens up.

Kal explains his manager suggested he pen his adventures on and off camera -- y'know, seeing how he went from a successful actor, getting tons of work ... to a White House staffer working in the Obama administration. Obviously, he had good material.

On a philosophical level ... KP tells us he's coming out with all this now -- including his relationship with fiance, Josh -- in hopes of inspiring others to dream big, dare to do the impossible and push themselves.

Kal even dishes on some deets from the book, including the tale of how he came to meet his partner ... which entails an interesting tidbit about the "real revelation" here -- the fact that he's apparently super into NASCAR.

More trouble for NASCAR -- Kyle Busch is apologizing for using the r-word in a post-race interview on Sunday ... saying he should have never used the derogatory term.

Busch was furious with Brad Keselowski after making contact with the driver at the NASCAR Cup playoff race at Martinsville ... sounding off to reporters following his 2nd-place finish.

"He drills my ass coming out of (turn) 4 for no reason," Busch said after the race.

"I mean, where was he going? What was he gonna do? Spin me out? He was trying to do a (Kevin) Harvick is what he was trying to do. For what? For second place? To do what, he wasn't gonna transfer through with that."

"It’s frickin’ (r-word), man. So stupid." Busch added. "I don't understand these guys. I should beat the s*** out of him right now, is what I should do. But, that doesn't do me any good, either."

Busch took to Twitter to share his regret over using the term ... saying, "In one of my post-race interviews I used a word I should never use and I want to apologize for it."

It's the third time a high-profile driver has used a derogatory slur recently -- remember, Kyle Larson was suspended after using the n-word during a stream ... and Hailie Deegan underwent sensitivity training after using the r-word.

A spokesperson for NASCAR says the org. is reviewing Busch's comments ... which means sensitivity training, a fine or a suspension could be on the horizon.

The sack reaper??

That’s what Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett called himself on Halloween … dressing up as the Grim Reaper -- in a costume that featured an impressive list of QB's he's sacked.

Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Tom Brady, Russell Wilson, and Ben Roethlisberger all made the cut ... and had their names painted on the back of the Grim Reaper's back.

The costume was pretty cool ... Garrett was draped from head to toe in black, and rocked an orange mask. He even had a scythe.

We know the Browns defensive lineman takes Halloween very seriously. Remember, Garrett placed headstones of quarterbacks he sacked on his lawn in front of his Cleveland home.

The guys above weren't the only NFL stars to make the Reaper's back ... Cam Newton, Deshaun Watson, Jimmy Garoppolo, Jameis Winston and rookie QB Justin Fields also made the list.

A POTUS, a golf superstar and a model walk into a party ...

That's what went down Sunday night ... 'cause former President Donald Trump schmoozed it up with golfer Dustin Johnson and Paulina Gretzky during a Halloween bash at his Mar-a-Lago Club in Florida.

DJ, his fiancée and friends socialized with #45 during the gathering -- with Trump greeting Paulina with kisses on both cheeks, saying, "You look great."

While Johnson sported a tennis pro outfit and Gretzky went with a Baywatch uniform, Trump appeared to either ditch the costume dress code or go as himself ... and both options are pretty believable.

So, what did the group talk about?? You can bet Trump talked DJ's ear off about all things golf ... and probably even challenged him to hit the links together.

It's been a busy weekend for The Donald -- as we previously reported, he showed up with Melania at Game 4 of the World Series in Atlanta on Saturday ... and was shown smiling from ear-to-ear and giving two thumbs up to the crowd.

Unsurprisingly, Trump's appearance didn't go without controversy -- he was spotted joining fans in the "Tomahawk Chop" ... which has been deemed racist and offensive to Native American culture.

Jameis Winston could potentially be out for the season with an injury, but that didn't stop the QB from dancing his ass off with his crutches to celebrate a huge Saints win over Tom Brady and the Buccaneers!!

Jameis went down with a possible ACL and MCL injury in the second quarter of New Orleans' matchup with Tampa Bay on Sunday ... after getting hit by TB linebacker Devin White.

While an emotional Sean Payton said Winston's injury could be "significant" -- and reports claiming it could be season-ending -- ya wouldn't be able to tell by Jameis' spirits in the locker room after the game ... 'cause the dude was dancing up a storm!!

C.J. Gardner-Johnson's Instagram Live session caught the whole celebration after the 36-27 victory ... with all the players dancing as Nardo Wick's "Who Want Smoke??" blares in the background.

The injury is a huge bummer for Winston and the Saints -- he had been playing well with 14 touchdowns, just 3 interceptions and a quarterback rating of 102.8 -- but the dude's focus was clearly on the team's effort after the game.

Trevor Siemian was able to come in and secure the win for NOLA ... and hey, if you can beat the defending champs, the season might not be lost.

Master P has a message for the haters who think Dwyane Wade got his son, Zaire, a spot in the G League ... telling TMZ Sports, "Life ain't fair."

As we previously reported, the former Sierra Canyon standout joined the Salt Lake City Stars earlier this month ... which just so happens to be the affiliate for the Utah Jazz, of which D-Wade is part owner.

We spoke with MP about Zaire's opportunity while at LAX this week ... and he brings the truth.

"When you look at it, it's a blessing," P said. "His dad knows the business. He played in the game."

P says Zaire is working with some top-notch trainers and busting his ass every day ... and thinks Wade can really "change the game" if he continues to put in serious effort.

MP -- who suited up for two NBA teams back in the day -- knows a thing or two about raising an athlete ... his son, Hercy, is a hoops star at an HBCU and he thinks his team can make the tournament if his son keeps it up.

"You know what, he's working hard," Master said. "He just played last night. He had a great game. They won."

"That's what life is about. Just getting better and better."

As for Wade, P also went on to rave about how bright the future is for him in the G League ... but is Zaire "finessing" the system?!? He disagrees.

"He taking advantage of an opportunity. He knows he wants to be a pro player."

Halloween is upon us -- but a lot of Hollywood's A-listers got started a night early, including some of the biggest sports superstars out there ... who looked scary good in costume.

There were tons of parties Saturday night in L.A. ... and they were attended by the likes of our most famous athletes, who did not disappoint in the slightest with their 'stumes.

We saw LeBron James as Freddy Krueger, Russell Westbrook and Nina Westbrook as Chucky and his bride, Jake Paul and his girlfriend as Dana White with his "hookers and cocaine," Paul Pogba as a skeleton, Neymar Day of the Dead sugar skull and Jordyn Woods and Karl Anthony-Towns as Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf.

Anthony Davis as Candyman was most definitely a standout, as was Aaron Rodgers as John Wick -- a costume he says was a year in the making ... which is ... strange. Just throw on a suit and get going, right???