TMZ Sports - Page 50

Kayla Harrison is a wanted woman ... her manager Ali Abdelaziz tells TMZ Sports everyone from the UFC to WWE is gunning to sign his MMA star client.

We talked to Abdelaziz -- who was having dinner with Kamaru Usman and Egyptian actor Mohamed Ramadan in Beverly Hills -- about 31-year-old Harrison's fighting future.

"Everybody trying to sign Kayla. Even Walmart try to sign Kayla. The WWE been calling too but we're interested in real fighting," Ali says.

The 3x PFL tourney winner (12-0) has been DOMINANT in the cage ... and is arguably MMA's hottest free agent.

Of course, Kayla, a 2x Olympic gold medalist, wouldn't be the first MMA star to turn to pro wrestling. Her former Judo teammate, Ronda Rousey, was the WWE Raw Women's Champ.

But, Ali tells us Harrison won't be following in Rowdy Rousey's footsteps ... at least not now.

"[Kayla's] focusing on fighting right now. PFL, it doesn't matter where she gonna be -- whatever Kayla wants," Abdelaziz says.

Her manager continued ... "I think she's happy with PFL, but listen. I got great relationships with UFC, Bellator, but I have to show a little loyalty to PFL."

FYI, neither WWE nor the UFC has publicly said they intend (or don't intend) to make a run at Harrison.

Ali also addressed Twitter-gate, answering whether he was the person who fired off an anti-Justin Gaethje message from Khabib Nurmagomedov's account (he was not).

On the topic of Justin, Abdelaziz also sets the record straight on who deserves the next title shot at 155 pounds ... Islam Makhachev or Gaethje.

We also talked to Kayla, and asked her straight-up ... what's the one fight you want more than anything else?

"I think right now the fight is Cyborg. I think Amanda [Nunes] is the greatest of all time for a reason. To get to that point, I have to continue to climb, and I think Cyborg is a step on that ladder," Harrison said.

"[Cyborg's] also one of the greatest of all time. She's no slouch. And, for me, it'd be an honor for me to share the cage with her."

A fight with Cris would likely mean signing with Bellator ... where Cyborg currently fights.

Harrison is technically not a free agent yet (but she will be in a matter of days) ... question is, who will land the MMA star?

Michael Strahan scored with these good looks!

Here's the 31-year-old version of the retired NFL defensive at a benefit for the Pediatric AIDS Foundation in New York City back in 2002 (left). That year he earned the record for most sacks of a quarterback in a single season ... which he still holds today!

And, 19 years later ... the 'Good Morning America' television personality -- who is celebrating his 50th birthday today -- still working on his athleticism at the 'Big Daddy' Celebrity Golf Classic and Gala Event in New York earlier this year (right).

All CAP!

The question is ...

A movie about Serena and Venus Williams -- focusing on their dad teaching 'em tennis -- is, apparently, getting blasted as sexist ... even though they're literally the ones behind it.

Count this as the biggest bad hot take of the week ... and Twitter mostly agrees -- this person seems to be woefully misinformed on the making of "King Richard" -- not to mention the real-life history of Serena and Venus in general -- which stars Will Smith as their father in the titular role, and sees a young Serena and Venus turning into sports prodigies.

A woman named Dr. Jessica Taylor laid into the fact that this flick was more about their pops than them, per se, which she found insulting for some reason ... and to which she expressed outrage, almost on their behalf.

She writes, "Did they seriously make a film called ‘King Richard’ about the success of Serena and Venus Williams - but it’s about their dad, Richard?" What Dr. Taylor fails to realize, it seems, is that Venus and Serena are executive producers of the film.

So the "they" she's referring to here is actually VW and SW ... and the internet let her know about it, with one person responding -- "Venus and Serena wanted it that way. They are literally the executive producers of the movie. Please sit down somewhere"

Unclear if this message got through to the good doctor, because she followed up with yet another equally tone-deaf remark ... saying, "I get this has annoyed people but I genuinely didn’t expect a film about two of the most powerful, successful and amazing black female athletes to be named after a man, or centre a man."

She adds, "I would have loved this film to be all about them, and not a man. That’s it really." The implication, in our eyes, is that there's sexism afoot with the way it's presented.

Of course, what Dr. Taylor, again, does not seem to understand ... Serena and Venus are obviously onboard with this approach to the film, as it's one they wanted to tell and even signed on to shepherd. They've spoken about this in interviews, too, saying they wanted to highlight the role their father played in their lives -- and the gratitude they feel for his hard work.

Funny enough, there are other film critics who are coming to the table with the same POV as this Twitter user -- finding fault in the fact that Will gets most of the shine, and not the girls.

Janet Jackson's Super Bowl wardrobe malfunction is getting reexamined anew -- and there's a lot of finger-pointing ... especially as it relates to Justin Timberlake and Les Moonves.

The 2004 debacle receives a deep dive courtesy of a Hulu documentary, titled 'Malfunction: The Dressing Down of Janet Jackson' -- which discusses what happened before, during and especially after JJ's breast was exposed on live TV during the Halftime Show.

The one-hour special doesn't shed much definitive light on how exactly the snafu came to pass -- other than alluding to a secret convo allegedly had between JT and Janet's stylist in her dressing room before the show -- but the fallout is certainly front and center.

In the aftermath of the embarrassing moment, different people who say they were in the know back then claim the then-top dog at CBS, Moonves, actually demanded a face-to-face apology from both Justin and Janet ... implying if they didn't, there'd be trouble.

Reporters who were covering the story at the time say Justin actually stopped by CBS's L.A. office and did exactly that ... metaphorically "kissing the ring," as these folks describe. Janet, however, apparently refused to bend the knee ... and rebuffed Moonves' alleged demand.

The way they explain it ... Moonves was supposedly furious over what had happened, and deeply embarrassed -- so much so, in fact, the documentary suggests he was working behind the scenes to torpedo Janet's career going forward. Meanwhile, JT's career flourished.

The doc also looks at how the media handled things ... and it's clear, Janet became the butt of a running joke that lasted a good while -- one she couldn't escape, and which some talking heads say was a misogynistic, sexist and racist double standard being applied to her.

By the end of it, JT and Moonves are painted as the villains from this saga. We'll say less on LM -- who ended up leaving CBS in disgrace -- but for Justin's part ... he has apologized for the 2004 moment many times, including just earlier this year in a fresh statement.

Many felt he left Janet hanging at the time, and Justin himself seems to acknowledge that ... saying he let her down. Still, on the heels of this doc -- it would appear his apology isn't enough, because folks online are seriously pissed at him over what they perceive as a great injustice that irreparably harmed Janet.

Kamaru Usman doesn't care who doubts him ... telling TMZ Sports he STILL wants to box Canelo Alvarez, and wholeheartedly believes he can beat the world's best pound-for-pound boxer.

We shot the UFC welterweight champ Thursday night at Il Pastaio in Beverly Hills, and we asked the 34-year-old fighter ... "who's a name that interests you?"

"I've already said the name that interests me. Canelo. That's what interests me."

We then asked Usman about Dana White's recent comments, following Canelo's latest KO win over Caleb Plant, where the UFC president said "[Kamaru] doesn't want to fight Canelo" -- because Alvarez is so damn dangerous in the ring.

But, Usman isn't letting that stop him.

"That's Dana, but I'm fighting. Dana's boss man, but I'm the one who's fighting," Kamaru says.

Prior to that Plant fight, we recently talked to the 31-year-old, and asked the boxing superstar if he was interested in boxing the top pound-for-pound MMA fighter in the world.

Canelo didn't exactly slam the door ... but told us he was focused on solidifying his resume as one of the greatest fighters ever.

If the men do fight ... make no mistake, Kamaru isn't doing it just for a paycheck. He straight up believes he can beat Alvarez.

Deron Williams says it's amazing to see fellow class of 2005 draftee Chris Paul still crushing it at 36 years old ... telling TMZ Sports he's amazed by the guy's longevity, but admits he's a bit jealous.

"I'm a little jealous he's still out there shining," 37-year-old Williams said this week. "And, you know, it's fun to watch."

"He's a special player, one of the best to ever do it and he's defied time."

Of course, this is CP3's 16th season in the league -- he's played for 5 teams, including the Suns ... who he just led to the NBA Finals last season.

Williams applauds Paul's ability to succeed everywhere he goes.

"Seems like every team he goes to he makes them instantly better because there's nobody who predicted the Suns to be in the Finals last year," D-Will said.

"He was a huge part of that."

D-Will also admits that he misses the game since he last played for the Cavaliers in 2017 -- but an NBA comeback is not in his plans.

"To be out of the league for four years and just to go back on that, I'm smarter than that. I realized that ship has sailed so I have to let that go."

Ex-Atlanta Hawks forward Chandler Parsons says he's still trying to rebound from the serious injuries he suffered after getting hit by an alleged drunk driver in 2020 -- telling TMZ Sports his recovery process has been "intense."

The 33-year-old NBA player was in his 2017 Rolls-Royce when he was struck by another vehicle on Jan. 15, 2020.

Parsons was seriously hurt in the wreck -- his attorneys say he had a brain injury, disc herniation and a torn labrum -- and the hooper hasn't been on an NBA roster since.

So, when we got Parsons out in L.A. earlier this week -- almost two years since the accident -- we had to ask if he's trying to make an NBA comeback.

"We'll see," Parsons said. "Working out, staying in shape, but trying to still recover from the car crash last year, so we'll see."

Parsons says the recovery process has been hard ... adding, "Still kind of managing everything but still trying to work out."

While the rehab has clearly been a grind ... he's still gotten some great news through it all -- 'cause he and his fiancee, Haylee Harrison, just had a baby!

And, Parsons also shared an update on the couple's upcoming nuptials -- telling us his wedding is set to go down next October in Mexico.

Art LaFleur, famous for playing Babe Ruth in the classic baseball movie "The Sandlot," is dead.

The actor died Wednesday following a 10-year battle with Parkinson's disease ... according to his wife, Shelley. We're told he died at his home surrounded by his children and Shelley -- and although he was in hospice care, Art was cracking jokes to try to make his family laugh in the time leading up to his death.

His wife is remembering Art as a "generous and selfless man" ... qualities she says carried over into his acting career, "but more importantly it was who he was for his family and friends."

Art is most known, and beloved, for his role in 1993's "The Sandlot" -- but he was also in another big baseball flick, playing first baseman Chick Gandil in 1989's "Field of Dreams" alongside Kevin Costner.

He didn't get into acting until he moved from Chicago to Los Angeles way back in 1975 when he was already 31 years old. He went on to become one of those character actors audiences always recognized, acting in movies like "The Blob," "Cobra" and a couple of the 'Santa Clause' films.

He also landed episodic TV roles on "Malcolm in the Middle," "The Bernie Mac Show," "JAG" and many other shows.

Art was 78.

The Boston Celtics and the NBA continue to honor the late Terrence Clarke -- this time, with a brand new basketball gym at a community center featuring his name.

The newly renovated gym will be at the Boston Centers for Youth & Families Vine Street ... which is where Clarke grew up playing basketball.

It's an amazing tribute ... featuring the former Kentucky guard's initials and #5 jersey in a blue heart at center court and an honorary banner.

It also has a quote from Clarke on the sideline -- saying,  "I want to be that guy for everyone in the city."

There's also a Terrence Clarke memorial inside the entrance with a wall mural and a locker.

The Clarke family -- plus Celtics players, personnel, New Balance and BCYF -- will unveil the TC gym on Nov. 21.

As we previously reported, the 19-year-old baller was killed in a car crash in Los Angeles on April 22 -- just months before the 2021 NBA Draft.

Clarke -- who averaged 9.6 points, 2 assists and 2 rebounds at UK -- was projected to be drafted.

The NBA paid tribute to Clarke by making him an honorary pick at the Barclays Center during the draft ... with commissioner Adam Silver saying, "His extraordinary talent, commitment and dedication to the game deserved to be recognized on this stage."

L.A. Clippers' Brandon Boston Jr. -- who was there when the fatal crash happened -- paid tribute to his Kentucky teammate by tatting a portrait of Clarke on his leg.

The Kansas City Chiefs say they're going to make sure the 5-year-old who was seriously injured in the Britt Reid car crash earlier this year is taken of "for the rest of her life."

The NFL team made the announcement Friday ... explaining after working with Ariel Young's family and medical experts -- they've developed a plan to ensure Young will be supported forever.

According to the Chiefs and Ariel's attorney, Tom Porto, the plan will provide Ariel with "world-class medical care and long-term financial stability."

As we previously reported, Young suffered catastrophic injuries after Reid -- a former K.C. Chiefs assistant coach and Andy Reid's son -- allegedly slammed his pickup truck into the back of a vehicle she was in on Feb. 4 in Kansas City.

Young has slowly and steadily recovered since ... and, as part of Friday's announcement, the Chiefs and Porto say she's continuing to get better daily.

They added that even though her recovery process is still "a long road" -- she did attend her first day of school earlier this fall.

Colin Kaepernick says the Kyle Rittenhouse verdict shows the criminal justice system is broken ... calling the 18-year-old who fatally shot two people a "white supremacist" who benefited from an institution based on white supremacy.

Rittenhouse was found not guilty on all charges in the Kenosha shooting case on Friday ... a verdict that has sparked outrage amongst many people across the country.

Kap gave his two cents on the news shortly after it broke ... saying, "We just witnessed a system built on white supremacy validate the terroristic acts of a white supremacist."

"This only further validates the need to abolish our current system," he added. "White supremacy cannot be reformed."

Kap has spoken his mind on countless social justice issues since kickstarting his national anthem demonstration in 2016 -- recently he called for the police institution to be abolished after no charges were presented in Breonna Taylor's death.

"The white supremacist institution of policing that stole Breonna Taylor’s life from us must be abolished for the safety and well being of our people," Kap tweeted in September 2020.

Other athletes have voiced their disgust with the Rittenhouse verdict ... including NASCAR racer Bubba Wallace, who said, "Ha, let the boy be black and it would’ve been life ... hell he would’ve had his life taken before the bulls*** trial ... sad."

Robert Griffin III added ... "Kyle Rittenhouse can kill without a sliver of doubt & walk free but Julius Jones is in jail for life without the chance for parole after being on death row for 20 years with all types of doubt in his case. What is Justice? God help us."

English cricketer Alex Hales is owning up to wearing blackface for a Tupac costume in 2009 ... saying it was "incredibly reckless and foolish."

32-year-old Hales is speaking out after a picture of him donning dark makeup on his face and body was published this week ... claiming it was supposed to honor his favorite rapper at a music-themed costume party.

"The theme was musicians and Tupac is, was and always will be my favorite musician, so I went as him," Hales said in the video.

"Obviously, I realize this is incredibly disrespectful and I want to apologize for the offense this has no doubt caused."

He continued ... "It was incredibly reckless and foolish on my behalf and I apologize for that, and apologize to the club for the embarrassment it would have caused them."

"I deplore all forms of racism and discrimination."

The apology comes amid allegations of widespread racism in the sport ... as former Yorkshire cricketer Azeem Rafiq says his experiences were so bad, he needed medication to deal with the mental health issues.

Rafiq accused Hales of other racism as well ... claiming Hales' dog, "Kevin" was named after a blanket racist term his teammates used to describe black people, which he adamantly denies.

Kristin Evans -- the woman who was brutally attacked by Zac Stacy -- is back in the hospital dealing with injuries she suffered in the violent incident, TMZ Sports has learned.

Sources tell us Evans, who initially received medical care in the hours following the attack, returned to the hospital Friday morning after she was still experiencing the lingering effects of Stacy's rage.

We're told Evans has been throwing up the past few days ... and is also suffering from back, rib and torso pain.

As we previously reported, Evans was checked out Saturday after Stacy punched her, threw her into a television, and then body-slammed her.

Initially, she believed she had somehow avoided serious injury ... though there's now obviously concern that's changed.

Stacy, meanwhile, was arrested Thursday night over the incident ... and is still behind bars while facing felony charges of aggravated battery and criminal mischief.

Zac Stacy appeared in a Florida courtroom Friday morning just hours after his arrest ... and a judge told the former NFL player he would not be allowed out of jail until he surrenders his passport.

Stacy -- who went before the judge wearing a COVID mask and a blue shirt -- said that might be an issue ... revealing his passport is currently locked in his car in Tennessee.

When the judge pressed, though, Stacy and his attorney said he could have a friend access it and mail it to him -- although they said that might not happen until Saturday or Sunday ... meaning Stacy could remain locked behind bars through this weekend.

Once the passport is turned over, Stacy -- who's facing two felony charges after he was seen on video brutally attacking his ex, Kristin Evans -- will have to post a $10,150 bond, the judge said.

The judge also ordered Stacy to have no contact with Evans and turn over any firearms or weapons in his possession. He added that Stacy must remain in his residence in Tennessee.

At the hearing, it appeared Evans wanted to address the court via the phone, but technical issues prevented that from happening.

As we previously reported, Stacy was charged with aggravated battery and criminal mischief this week after he punched Evans and then threw her into a TV in a violent altercation at Evans' home.

Floyd Mayweather says Logan Paul is lucky their exhibition wasn't a real fight ... 'cause if it was -- and he actually trained for it -- it would've been a 1st round knockout!!

Remember, the YouTube sensation went the distance with Mayweather in June -- even landing a few punches on the undefeated champ.

There wasn't a knockout during the bout ... which pissed off every boxing fan and gave the Paul bros. the bragging rights to say Logan went 8 full rounds with one of the GOATs in boxing.

But, Floyd says no one should've been surprised there was no KO ... 'cause it wasn't a real fight.

"People have gotta know, there's a difference between a real fight and an exhibition," Mayweather said this week at the WBC convention.

"I did an exhibition with the YouTuber Logan Paul. We had fun."

Now, for a REAL fight, Mayweather pulls out all the stops when training for his opponents ... even chopping wood like he did before his Manny Pacquiao fight in 2015.

But, for Logan, Floyd says he wasn't even training that hard.

"All I did was work out from time to time," Mayweather said, "If it was a real fight, it would've been a blowout in the first round."

Funny thing is, Logan told us back in July if he got a rematch with Floyd, "I promise I'll knock him out. Promise."

Well, money talks -- Mayweather reportedly made at least $30 million for the Logan fight ... and like he says, "When it comes to legalized bank robbing, I’m the best.”

The Chinese Foreign Ministry continues to claim they have no idea what happened to tennis star Peng Shuai ... who suddenly vanished over 2 weeks ago after accusing a powerful Chinese official of sexual assault.

Zhao Lijian, ministry spokesperson, was asked about Shuai's disappearance, telling media ... the situation is "not a diplomatic question and I'm not aware of the situation."

FYI, the Chinese Foreign Ministry deals in all things foreign policy for the country. The Foreign Minister is typically one of the most powerful posts in China.

Peng accused former Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli, who is in his 70s, of sexually assaulting her 3 years ago at his home in China.

Just minutes after going public with the allegation, the social media post was deleted. Peng has not been heard from since.

There's been widespread concern for Peng's safety ... and some of the biggest tennis stars in the world have spoken out.

Serena Williams recently wrote ... "I am devastated and shocked to hear about the news of my peer, Peng Shuai. I hope she is safe and found as soon as possible. This must be investigated and we must not stay silent. Sending love to her and her family during this incredibly difficult time. #whereispengshuai"

Current stars Naomi Osaka and Novak Djokovic also expressed fear over her well-being ... as did legendary player Billie Jean King.

To make the story even more bizarre, Chinese state media released a statement, SUPPOSEDLY written by Peng, where the Wimbledon doubles champ retracts her previous statements on the sexual assault, adding, "I am not missing, nor am I unsafe."

In the statement, Peng also claims ... "I've just been resting at home and everything is fine."

Bottom line, almost no one believes Peng wrote the statement.

To their credit, the WTA (Women's Tennis Association) has doubled down since the suspicious statement was released, calling on independent proof that the tennis player, one of the countries biggest athletic stars, is okay.

“The statement released today by Chinese state media concerning Peng Shuai only raises my concerns as to her safety and whereabouts,” Steve Simon, WTA Chairman and CEO said.

He continued ... “I have a hard time believing that Peng Shuai actually wrote the email we received or believes what is being attributed to her.”

Even the United Nations Human Rights Office called for a transparent investigation into Peng's disappearance.