TMZ Sports - Page 50

Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, has plenty of money to spread around, and he recently did just that ... pouring millions into Ice Cube's growing Big3 basketball league.

Sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ, Ye was brought in as a new league investor during the 2021 season. Our sources say Ye invested somewhere in the mid to high seven-figure mark, and league cofounders Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz also invested additional money into Big3.

As for what sparked the news ... Kanye let the cat out of the bag on his league involvement during a lengthy sit-down interview on Revolt TV's "Drink Champs." Ye mentioned his negotiations with Cube, saying he'll only sign a contract that's one page or less.

Big3 -- a league featuring former NBA superstars as well as international players -- was first announced in 2017 and has grown in popularity ever since. The league features 12 teams, playing throughout the United States, and a 3-on-3 competition style.

Kanye was actually spotted at a 3-on-3 game back in July in Vegas chatting Cube up courtside ... gotta imagine they were talking business.

Welp, he was trying to do something nice ... but former President Donald Trump knocked a kid upside the head with a baseball at the World Series, and the video is pretty funny.

(The boy is okay!!)

#45 was in the house at Truist Park in Atlanta for game 4 of the World Series last Saturday night -- sitting in an open-air suite with Melania Trump -- a game the Braves won 3-2 over the Astros.

The video shows a young boy desperately attempting to get DT's attention. Finally, the ex-prez heard the kid, and asked him to throw a baseball for him to sign.

The boy complies ... and Trump -- who claimed he could've gone pro as a baseball player -- made a nice catch, snagging the ball, which was underthrown by the kid.

The 75-year-old politician grabbed a marker from a Secret Service agent ... and signed the baseball.

Then came time to toss the ball back ... and that's when Trump plunked a kid square in the dome, after an adult male who was with the kid failed to make the routine catch.

Thankfully, the boy appears to be okay ... and fans nearby were able to retrieve the baseball.

The silver lining ... we previously reported on Trump-signed balls that have sold for around a thousand bucks a pop.

As for Trump, he spoke about his baseball prowess back in 2004.

“I was supposed to be a pro baseball player. At the New York Military Academy, I was captain of the baseball team. I worked hard like everyone else, but I had good talent.”

The Philadelphia 76ers have resorted to hitting Ben Simmons where it hurts again -- his wallet -- 'cause the team just fined him $360k for missing Thursday's game ... and will continue to until he starts cooperating.

The 25-year-old has yet to play this season ... claiming he's not mentally ready to suit up after an offseason riddled with trade demands and other drama.

While the Sixers were initially fining Simmons for missing preseason games and practices, they halted the punishment after the guard revealed his physical and mental struggles.

As ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports, Simmons has refused to meet with team officials to work through his struggles ... but has been working with mental health pros through the NBAPA.

Simmons' Sixers teammates initially seemed pissed with his absence this season ... but after Tobias Harris and Joel Embiid made public statements in his support, it felt like both sides were going to be able to make up and move on.

Henry Ruggs was flying down a Las Vegas street seconds before he crashed into a Toyota killing the driver ... and you can almost feel the speed by looking at this surveillance video.

The video captures Ruggs' Corvette going at 156 miles an hour ... authorities say that's the speed captured on the car's onboard computer. The surveillance video -- obtained by TMZ Sports -- was shot about a block away from impact.

You can see the red in both images from this side-by-side ... the Stingray has a red light on the passenger's side door. You also see green paint on both images.

As we reported, authorities say at the point of impact the Stingray was going 127 MPH, so presumably, Ruggs saw the Toyota and slammed on his brakes ... to no avail.

23-year-old Tina Tintor and her Golden Retriever Max were both killed in the crash. Her family's lawyer says, "Tina's tragic loss has devastated her family beyond a grief they could never comprehend."

Ruggs has been charged with DUI resulting in substantial bodily harm as well as reckless driving. With other charges prosecutors are considering, Ruggs could face more than 40 years in prison.

The Raiders released him Tuesday night, shortly after he was charged.

Colin Powell is getting a poignant sendoff at Washington's National Cathedral ... with former Presidents and other political power players coming through to pay their respects.

So far we've seen President Biden and former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush at the memorial service ... plus a pair of former Secretaries of State in Hillary Clinton and Condoleezza Rice, and former Vice President Dick Cheney.

Powell had a decorated military career before becoming Secretary of State in 2001 under Prez Bush.

As you can see, everyone in attendance is wearing a face mask, and not only, we're sure, because Dr. Anthony Fauci is there.

Even folks from outside the politics and the military are there honoring Powell -- baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. is there.

Interestingly, former President Bill Clinton is not at the service. Most likely because he was recently hospitalized for a UTI that spread to his bloodstream.

Univ. of Georgia linebacker Adam Anderson -- one of the team's best players -- has reportedly been suspended indefinitely ... after a woman says he raped her the night before the Bulldogs' game last weekend.

According to police docs, obtained by TMZ Sports, officers say a 21-year-old woman told them that after having a few drinks at an Athens, GA residence last Friday ... she awoke to Anderson having non-consensual sex with her.

No further details of the alleged incident were revealed in the docs.

Athens-Clarke County Police lieutenant Shaun Barnett told ESPN no arrests have been made despite the woman's claims ... adding that it's all "still open and under investigation."

Nonetheless, per ESPN, UGA football has barred 22-year-old Anderson from the team indefinitely while the probe continues.

For his part, Anderson has denied the allegations ... with his attorney, Steve Sadow, telling TMZ Sports the claims are "unfounded and unsupported."

"Adam hopes and prays the UGA community, and the public keep an open mind and not prejudge him based on inconsistent, unsubstantiated and baseless accusations," Sadow said.

Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart said he was aware of the woman's report and that he would be working closely with the school's administration to ensure they cooperate fully with all law enforcement and campus protocols.

Anderson, meanwhile, played in Georgia's win over Florida on Saturday -- the day after the alleged incident with the woman -- recording 7 tackles and a .5 sack.

Pro bass angler Aaron Martens -- a 3-time Bassmaster Angler of the Year -- has passed away after a battle with brain cancer. He was 49 years old.

Martens was a legend in the sport -- he won 9 Bassmaster tournaments over two decades ... earning more than $3 million in prize money.

Known as the "Furious Hog Snatcher," Martens was nominated for Best Outdoor Sportsman at the 2005 ESPY Awards.

Major League Fishing released a statement on the tragic news ... saying, "There are many, many words that could be used to describe Aaron -- talented, competitive, kind, creative, funny, thoughtful, gifted, sweet, quirky, generous."

"The world knew Aaron because of his brilliance at his craft, but for those who were fortunate enough to enjoy his presence in their lives, he’ll be remembered for the roles he played (and loved) the very best: loving father, devoted husband, beloved son and brother, dear friend and faithful believer."

Fellow fishing star Bill Dance shared his condolences on Twitter ... saying, "He was a class act and just a doggone good guy that our industry and all anglers are sure gonna miss."

"He was just so happy and genuine, just a dadgum GOOD GUY," he added. "Definitely a keeper that's going to be missed! Our family's thoughts and prayers go out to his family."

"You were one of the best Aaron! Rest In Peace my friend."

Tom Brady and the Buccaneers have held up their end of the deal with the Bucs fan who gave back the QB's 600th TD ball ... sending the guy a BUNCH of signed swag on Friday.

The fan, Byron Kennedy, showed off the memorabilia on his social media page ... revealing two Brady jerseys, a Mike Evans uni, a Tampa Bay helmet and some cleats.

All of the gear appeared to be personally signed by both Brady and Evans -- and Kennedy was stoked to have received it all.

"Thanks for the badass gear to decorate my house with," Kennedy said.

As we previously reported, Kennedy received the historic pigskin following an Evans touchdown grab from Brady back on Oct. 24.

Evans unknowingly handed over the ball during a post-score celebration -- and when Brady wanted it back -- Kennedy obliged.

Some called him a fool for the move -- as auction experts said the ball could be worth $500,000 ... but the Bucs and Brady offered a deal to ease some of the potential wallet pain.

In addition to the jerseys, cleats and helmet ... Brady also said he was giving Kennedy a bitcoin -- and Rob Gronkowski even offered up some cryptocurrency as well.

The Jake Paul vs. Tommy Fury fight just got a helluva lot more interesting -- ex-NBA star Deron Williams (yes, the dude who played for the Jazz) has been added to the undercard ... and he could be going up against none other than former NFL running back Frank Gore!!!

Williams -- the third overall pick to the Jazz in 2005 -- reportedly just signed on to follow in Nate Robinson's footsteps and make his boxing debut on December 18 in Tampa Bay.

While Williams doesn't have any fights under his belt, we're told he's actually nothing to scoff at -- Deron was a state champion on the mats in Texas. He won titles as an 8 and 12-year-old in 1993 and 1997.

UFC fighter Ryan Spann -- who trains with Williams at Fortis MMA -- said he even sparred with the guy and got his ass beat!!!

As for his opponent, Shams Charania says it could be Gore -- a 5-time Pro Bowler who played 16 years in the NFL.

Gore has put in some serious training off the field and has shown he's got some skills, so it could end up being quite the interesting matchup.

Odell Beckham Jr.'s rollercoaster ride in Cleveland is expected to finally be over this week ... 'cause the Browns are reportedly about to cut the star receiver.

The team is working with Odell on his contract in order to officially release him, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Friday, and a move to get him off the Browns' roster could come down in a matter of hours.

Of course, the writing has been on the wall for Odell's release for the past few days -- if not months -- as the wideout has found himself embattled in drama over and over again in Cleveland.

Just this week, Odell's father posted a lowlight reel of Baker Mayfield ... showcasing all the times the quarterback has missed an open OBJ on the field.

And, Odell's made it no secret he hasn't loved his small role in Cleveland's offense too.

Since being traded from the Giants back in 2019 ... Odell has played in just 29 games and has just 7 receiving TDs -- including none this season.

When the Browns officially jettison the wideout ... he's expected to have plenty of suitors -- receiver-needy teams like the Packers, Saints, Ravens and Patriots all could make a run at him.

By the way, it's Odell's birthday Friday ... happy 29th?

Steve-O admits it -- to his naked eye, there's no way Pete Davidson should be bagging beautiful women like Kim Kardashian but adds ... it's got nothing to do with eyes or looks.

We got the "Jackass" star Thursday at LAX, and he was happy to weigh in on the new couple that has everyone buzzing after 2 consecutive dates in NYC. Steve started out by taking what, initially, came off like a big shot at Pete ... comparing him to Tom Brady.

He says we can all agree TB is gorgeous, "But Pete Davidson? I don't see it."

Damn, Steve!!!

But, after that brutally honest opinion, he broke down exactly what Kim probably has seen in Pete since their time together on 'SNL' and riding rollercoasters together last weekend.

Steve says, "It's testament to how funny Pete Davidson is. The way to a woman's heart is to be funny."

We'll say this -- Steve-O offered us some strong visual support for his theory by pointing out his own gorgeous GF, who was standing just a few feet away. For the record, she also admits it's about good humor.

The family of the woman who was killed in the horrific DUI-related crash at the hands of Las Vegas Raiders star Henry Ruggs says it's impossible to express the grief they're feeling.

The lawyer for Tina Tintor's family released a statement, saying, "Tina's tragic loss has devastated her family beyond a grief they could never comprehend."

The statement goes on to say ... "Family was everything to Tina, and she was the light of her parents' life. Tina lived in Las Vegas since she was a baby. She loved her 3-year-old Golden Retriever, Max, who passed alongside her Tuesday morning."

As we reported, Ruggs was behind the wheel of his Chevy Corvette, allegedly driving 156 MPH when he apparently saw Tintor's vehicle and slammed on the brakes. Authorities say at the point of impact Ruggs' car was going 127 MPH. The impact caused Tintor's car to explode, and witnesses say they heard screams from inside her vehicle but they could not do anything to save her.

Ruggs has been charged with DUI resulting in substantial bodily harm as well as reckless driving. He faces a maximum of more than 40 years in prison if convicted of both charges.

More troubling news for the Las Vegas Raiders ... former 1st-round pick Damon Arnette is now being accused of injuring a woman in a violent car crash last year, but the CB is vowing to fight the allegations.

It's all spelled out in a new lawsuit, obtained by TMZ Sports, in which a woman says on Oct. 14, 2020 ... Arnette slammed into her car with his vehicle at around 7:29 AM in Las Vegas.

The woman says in the docs that Arnette -- who was taken by Vegas 7 picks after the Raiders took Henry Ruggs in April 2020's NFL Draft -- thought he had missed his turn into the Raiders' facility, so he swerved at around 65 MPH in order to still make the right.

The woman says the driver's side of his car hit her driver's side violently ... causing significant damage to both rides.

What's worse ... the woman claims Arnette "illegally left the scene of the crash" afterward and headed toward the Raiders' headquarters just feet away.

The woman in the docs says she suffered several injuries in the accident -- including head trauma, and is now dealing with shoulder, neck and back pain as well as depression and panic attacks.

She says she suffered damages exceeding $92,000.

Police records show Arnette was actually cited for the crash ... and in an incident report we obtained, cops say he did admit to making the unsafe right turn and crashing, but said he stayed long enough to render aid to the woman.

In the police documents, Arnette said he only left "because he was running late to a meeting at work" ... but had a friend stay at the scene to provide his contact information to authorities.

Cops claim the friend did not provide Arnette's info -- and actually tried to take the fall for the NFL player ... but cops were ultimately able to get to the bottom of it after locating Arnette at the Raiders' facility.

Arnette -- who has played sparingly for the Raiders this season despite being such a high draft pick last year -- was cited for failure to maintain travel lane as well as duty to stop a property damage accident.

As for Damon's side, his attorney Richard Schonfeld tells us ... "Mr. Arnette denies the allegations in the complaint and looks forward to addressing these claims through the court process."

Derek Carr is expressing remorse over the Henry Ruggs accident ... saying he wishes he could've done something to help prevent the crash -- questioning, "Did I not let him know that I could be there for him at 3 AM??"

The Las Vegas Raiders QB spoke with reporters Wednesday about his ex-teammate's situation ... saying, "No one ever wants to see this, whether it's a football player or not. You never wanna see something like this happen and it broke my wife and I's hearts, honestly."

Carr says he actually got a text from Ruggs hours before the tragedy ... with the 22-year-old asking him to critique his swing while at Top Golf in Vegas.

"He literally texted me at midnight a golf swing, hit me and Hunter (Renfrow), 'How's my swing look? You guys need to help me' and just seeing that and then getting the news when we woke up, I just ... I don't even know how I'm supposed to handle that. How am I supposed to react?"

Carr adds his heart goes out to the family of the 23-year-old victim ... and he hasn't reached out to Ruggs yet, but he will in due time.

"I will always be here for him," he added. "That won't change and I prove that over course of time to him, not to anybody else, but he needs people to love him right now."

Raiders interim HC Rich Bisaccia also spoke ... sharing his condolences to the victim's family and saying, "We love Henry Ruggs."

A memorial has been set up in Las Vegas for the victim in the Henry Ruggs accident ... at the spot where the former Raiders player slammed into the back of a RAV4, killing 23-year-old Tina Tintor -- and it's an incredibly sad display.

TMZ Sports has photos of the memorial -- complete with photographs, candles and flowers -- erected by family, friends and other people deeply touched by the tragic story just feet away from where the horrific crash occurred.

Maybe the most heartbreaking -- a pic of the 23-year-old with her beloved golden retriever ... who also died in the crash and subsequent fire. Both were trapped in the vehicle and unable to escape.

Police allege an intoxicated Ruggs was driving his Chevrolet Corvette at ridiculous speeds, hitting 156 MPH just 2.5 seconds before rear-ending the Toyota at 127 MPH, sending both vehicles skidding over 500 feet.

Officials say the 23-year-old and her dog were unable to escape ... and burned inside the car before help could save them.

22-year-old Ruggs, whose BAC was .161 at the hospital, has been charged with multiple felonies -- DUI resulting in death or serious injury and reckless driving -- and is facing 46 years in prison, according to the District Attorney.

On Thursday, we posted an emotional video from the scene ... showing Henry embracing his GF as they sat on the pavement, yelling and crying, just feet away from the burning car.

Ruggs -- who was released by the Raiders less than 24 hours after the accident -- posted $150K bond and is out of custody.

Tina Tintor, the woman Henry Ruggs killed in a horrific crash worked as an employee at Target ... and the store is helping her co-workers deal with the grief of losing a friend.

Tintor, a Vegas resident, worked at a Target location close to her home and the crash site. Tina's former boss and store director, Travis Winston, tells us, "We’re deeply saddened by the death of our former team member, Tina Tintor. We extend our sympathies to her family and friends, and to all those impacted by this tragedy."

Winston also says Target is providing Tina's former coworkers with support, including access to onsite counselors.

As we reported, Tina was trapped inside her Toyota after Ruggs hit her from behind, traveling at an estimated 156 mph. The car burst into flames, and onlookers tried to free Tina, but the heat and smoke were too strong. The 23-year-old and her dog died inside the vehicle.

TMZ Sports obtained video from the scene, showing Ruggs sobbing and cussing just minutes after the accident.

The former Las Vegas Raider made his first appearance in court Wednesday, wearing a neck brace and sitting in a wheelchair. He's been charged with DUI resulting in death and reckless driving ... both felonies.