TMZ Sports - Page 50

Legendary wrestler Blackjack Lanza -- who was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006 -- has died at 86 years old ... Vince McMahon announced Wednesday.

"Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Jack Lanza," the famed WWE honcho said in a statement on his social media page. "He was a man's man, respected and beloved by all."

No cause of death has been revealed.

Lanza began his wrestling career in the early 1960s, and gained fame after he formed a tag-team partnership with Blackjack Mulligan.

The two -- who went by the moniker "The Blackjacks" -- became one of the most legendary duos in wrestling history ... eventually going on to star in McMahon's World Wide Wrestling Federation in the 1970s.

Lanza ultimately retired from wrestling in the 1980s ... but continued to work with McMahon and the WWE for years.

"His loyalty and dedication will never be forgotten," McMahon said.

Lanza had a huge impact on today's biggest wrestling stars ... with Triple H calling Lanza a legend after the two had a meeting back in 2016.

"One of the greatest minds in the business," Triple H said at the time, "thank you for letting me sit under the learning tree."

He added on Wednesday -- "Certain talent will seek certain agents for advice, but EVERYONE sought out Lanza’s."

"The sweetest man but incredibly tough & 100% dedicated to making us better. Jack often didn’t tell you what you wanted to hear, but ALWAYS told you what you needed. I’ll miss you dearly my friend.

One of sports TV's power couples has broken up -- ex-NBA player Jalen Rose filed for divorce from ESPN host Molly Qerim, TMZ Sports has learned.

Court records show Rose filed docs earlier this year ... kickstarting the process to end their 2 and a half year marriage.

Sources tell us the breakup was amicable and both sides remain cordial.

Rose first went public with the "First Take" host in June 2016 ... and they tied the knot at a lowkey NYC ceremony in July 2018.

Jalen filed April 30, 2021 ... just months after the couple starred in a Gatorade commercial together. Jalen says in court docs the marriage broke down irretrievably after Qerim moved to Connecticut.

It should be known -- in the docs, Jalen does not want alimony and doesn't want Molly to have it, either. We're told there was not a prenup and Molly does not want any spousal support.

The breakup signs were all over social media -- Molly previously included "Rose" in her name on Instagram and Twitter, but has recently scrubbed it from her accounts.

On top of that, the couple hadn't been photographed together much at all in the months leading up to the filing ... and Jalen and Molly also haven't posted each other on their pages for months.

However, Qerim has shown public support for Rose even after the filing -- in June, she spoke out about his struggles with deaths in the family in an emotional segment on "First Take."

Rose played in the NBA from 1994-2007 before taking his talents to television. Qerim previously worked at NFL Network.

Ex-Arizona star Frank Sanders just got a tattoo of Kliff Kingsbury -- and it's clear the former Cardinals wideout wasn't trying to hide it, getting a BIG piece done on his arm.

The 48-year-old -- who played for the Cards from 1995 through 2002 -- put the ink on his forearm on Tuesday ... and check it out, it ain't tiny!

Sanders said it measures around 3 inches tall and 6 inches wide ... and features a "K2" to honor the two "Ks" in Kliff Kingsbury's name. The tat also features the letters "PHNX" surrounded by the Cardinals' logo.

As for why Sanders got it -- he had been critical of Kingsbury in the past but promised if the Cardinals scored a win over the San Francisco 49ers back in Week 9, he'd get the tat.

Pele is hospitalized in Brazil -- where the soccer legend is undergoing chemotherapy treatments -- this months after the soccer G.O.A.T. found out he had colon cancer.

The 81-year-old FIFA "Player Of The Century" is receiving chemo at Sao Paolo Hospital Albert Einstein, the hospital and Pele's assistant announced this week, in an effort to treat cancer found during a routine exam in September.

After the diagnosis, the former footballer underwent surgery to remove a tumor in September, spending nearly a month in the hospital. At the time, the hospital said Pele would require chemotherapy.

So, nothing unexpected ... and the hospital says the plan is to discharge Pele -- who is in stable condition -- in the next few days.

Despite the health conditions, Pele has continued to keep a positive attitude.

“When the path is difficult, celebrate each step of the journey,” he wrote on Instagram during his last hospital stay.

“Focus on your happiness. It’s true that I can’t jump anymore, but these past few days, I’ve been punching the air more times than usual.”

As for Pele the player, many people consider him to be the greatest soccer player of all time. He is the only male to win the World Cup three times ... leading Brazil to their first title in 1958.

And, he is also the country's all-time leading international scorer with 77 goals and scored more than 1,000 in his entire playing career before retiring in 1977.

"Hacksaw" Jim Duggan is getting an early Christmas gift this year ... the WWE legend announced that he's officially cancer free after his bout with prostate cancer!!

"I just wanna share the great news I just received," Hacksaw said Wednesday, "That my cancer is all encapsulated inside my prostate."

"Thank God, I'm officially cancer free."

Hacksaw says doctors performed tests on his bones, lymph nodes, and the surrounding tissue ... and once everything came out clear, they officially declared him cancer free.

Back in October, the Hall of Famer was hospitalized to undergo a procedure that would try to eradicate the disease. Duggan and his wife, Debra, opened up about how he had been battling the disease for months.

67-yeard-old Duggan went down to South Carolina to have his surgery ... and, fortunately for him, his family said everything went as planned and he was recovering and resting comfortably.

This isn't the first time Jim has battled health problems ... 20 years ago, he was diagnosed with kidney cancer. In 2018, he spent time in the ICU suffering from heart issues.

"This is my second bout with cancer," Duggan said. "Twenty years ago, I had kidney cancer. Now prostate cancer."

In light of his recent experience, Jim encouraged people to stay on top of their health ... saying ... "Folks remember, early detection saves lives."

Tiger Woods is back ... the golf legend has just committed to playing again nearly 10 months after his car crash -- officially signing up for next week's PNC Championship with his son.

The event will take place beginning on Dec. 16 in Orlando, Florida ... and it's a huge deal -- considering it'll be the first time Woods has competed on the course since he horrifically broke his leg in a Feb. 23 car crash.

As we previously reported, Woods suffered comminuted open fractures in his right leg -- and he said last week the injuries were so bad, amputation was a very real possibility.

But, Tiger's made huge strides in his comeback -- swinging his golf clubs regularly ... and now, he clearly feels he's ready to compete in a tournament.

While the PNC Championship is certainly not the Masters -- it's still a 36-hole event that'll pit Tiger and his son, Charlie Woods, against some of the biggest names in golf -- including John Daly, Justin Thomas and Bubba Watson.

"Although it’s been a long and challenging year," Woods said of his impending return, "I am very excited to close it out by competing in the PNC Championship with my son Charlie. I'm playing as a Dad and couldn't be more excited and proud."

Alex 'A-Rod' Rodriguez just unloaded one of his Miami properties for $6.3 million ... a price point that qualifies as the highest recorded lot sale ever in the area.

The home, located in the Design District, has plenty of backyard space -- with a pool and grilling area -- and inside has 3 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms ... and a modest (at least for A-Rod) 3k-sq-ft of living space.

As you can see in the photos, the pad is just steps away from the water... but this sort of thing isn't new to A-Rod, who has lived in Miami for years.

The former MLB slugger made a nice return on the property, considering he bought it for $5.5 million back in March, he was represented by his sister and agent Arlene Susy Dunand of Coldwell Banker ... the buyer was repped by Compass agent Julianna Castro.

A-rod owns multiple luxurious homes in the Miami area ... last year, he and his now-ex J Lo bought a Massive $40 mil waterfront estate on Star island -- the super-exclusive, super-expensive area for celebs and business tycoons.

Dak Prescott is one of the best QBs in the NFL and apparently one of the best teammates, too -- 'cause he just gifted his squadmates with pairs of sick, Cool Grey Jordans!!

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jabril Cox revealed the present on his social media page ... showing off the feet heat while thanking his team's signal-caller.

"Bless you 4Dak," Cox said while opening the box.

In the note on the shoes, Prescott -- who signed a deal mega deal with Jordan brand this offseason -- wrote to his teammates, "Thankful for you this holiday season." He also autographed the paper.

Of course, the gift is going to be well received in the locker room -- the Jordans have yet to be released to the public, and they'll no doubt be hard to obtain when they eventually drop this week.

The shoes will retail for $225 -- but they'll almost certainly go for way more than that on resale sites ... so, dope gift for sure, Dak.

Serena Williams will not be playing in next month's Australian Open tournament 'cause she isn't physically healthy enough, with the tennis G.O.A.T. explaining she's "not where she needs to be physically."

"Following the advice of my medical team, I have decided to withdraw from this year's Australian Open," Williams said in a statement.

"While this is never an easy decision to make, I am not where I need to be physically to compete," Williams said.

"Melbourne is one of my favorite cities to visit and I look forward to playing at the AO every year. I will miss seeing the fans, but am excited to return and compete at my highest level."

FYI, the Australian Open -- one of the sports 4 major tourneys -- goes down in late January in Melbourne Park. Serena has won the tournament 7 times.

The Australian Open tweeted out support for the tennis legend, writing ... "All our love, @serenawilliams. Come back stronger 💪 #AusOpen."

This latest announcement from Serena comes just months after she withdrew from the U.S. Open ... so she could nurse a hamstring injury she sustained at Wimbledon.

Williams -- who holds more grand slam titles (23) than any other active player -- needs one more victory to tie Margaret Court's record (24) ... and two more to pass her.

Drew Brees is speaking out on Glenn Foster's death ... posting a touching tribute to his former New Orleans Saints teammate on Tuesday.

"My heart goes out to the family and friends of my former teammate Glenn Foster," the future Hall of Famer said Tuesday on Instagram. "I’ll always remember his smile and positive nature."

As we previously reported, Foster died while in police custody on December 6 ... just two days after he was initially arrested on charges of reckless endangerment, resisting arrest and attempting to elude.

The details surrounding his death are unclear.

Foster played for the Saints alongside Brees in 2013 and 2014, logging 3 sacks in 17 games.

Players throughout the league have mourned Foster's death, including fellow ex-teammate Terron Armstead, who said, "I really can't find the words to properly express. Rest In Peace Glenn Foster, you’ll be missed bro!"

Forget popcorn and beer, Ben Affleck got a side of Jennifer Lopez at the Lakers game on Tuesday ... with the Oscar winner getting some serious PDA from J Lo all night in front of LeBron James!

Ben and Jen sat courtside for L.A.'s tilt with the Boston Celtics at Staples Center ... and cameras caught them getting cozy throughout the evening.

Early in the game, the two were seen on the broadcast cameras -- with J Lo holding Ben's hand while LeBron was just feet away playing on the hardwood.

In the middle of the game, the couple was spotted on the jumbotron, and their flirtatious convo was viewed by everyone in the venue's packed crowd.

And, after the game, J Lo was seen wrapping her arms around Ben, snuggling her man as everyone filed out of the venue where the PDA continued at an event sponsored by PrettyLittleThing.

Of course, it was all lovey-dovey ... but Ben didn't exactly get to go home super pleased -- his beloved Celtics were blown out by LBJ and the Lakers, 117-102.

Amanda Nunes says Julianna Peña is straight-up "delusional" for thinking she's gonna take a belt off the champ-champ ... but the Lioness tells TMZ Sports that doesn't mean she's sleeping on the Venezuelan Vixen's skills in the Octagon.

We talked to the 33-year-old UFC star just days before her big UFC 269 fight with Peña ... and Nunes is ready to goooo.

"[Julianna] is delusional, but it doesn't mean I'm not taking her seriously. I do. I trained very hard and very smart, I'm very sharp for her. A lot of things she says are not true, she's being delusional."

We also asked Nunes, a heavy favorite in the fight, how she envisioned beating Peña.

"Honestly I don't see this fight going to the judges at all. Honestly. I'm very sharp. I know she's gonna make a lot of mistakes like she always does."

Amanda added ... "I know I'm gonna catch her many times."

As you might suspect, 32-year-old Peña -- the #3 ranked bantamweight -- believes Amanda isn't taking her seriously ... telling us that's a mistake because she's coming to win.

"I feel like a lot of people are sleeping on me and they think I'm a sacrificial lamb but I definitely think that, you know, I know that I'm definitely not a sacrificial lamb and everyone loves an underdog," Peña told us.

There's more ... we also talked to Amanda and her wife, fellow UFC star Nina Nunes about their adorable baby daughter, Reagan.

Aldon Smith is in trouble with the law once again ... TMZ Sports has learned the NFL star was arrested on Monday and booked on a felony charge of DUI causing injury.

Details surrounding the arrest are unclear -- we're working on it -- but records show Smith was booked into a Northern California jail at 7:38 PM on Monday night.

The records show Smith's bail has been set at $50,000. Smith is still in custody.

The 32-year-old pass rusher is due in court for a hearing on the matter on Wednesday, according to the records.

Smith, of course, is no stranger to run-ins with police ... he's been arrested for DUI multiple times in the past, and was also accused of domestic violence in 2018.

Smith was also most recently arrested in April in Louisiana ... after officials say he committed 2nd-degree battery at a coffee shop in the New Orleans area.

Smith was an absolute superstar with the San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders after being picked in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft ... but substance abuse issues and legal troubles derailed his career, and he was out of the league from 2016 through 2019.

Smith, though, got himself cleaned up -- telling TMZ Sports in 2020 he was "an overall better person" -- and eventually signed with the Dallas Cowboys for the '20 season.

He later signed with the Seahawks in 2021 -- though he was cut before the season began.

Aaron Rodgers is breaking his silence after meeting with one of the top sports medicine doctors in the world ... explaining he wanted another doc to examine his busted toe.

"I wanted to get a second opinion on my toe," Rodgers said on the "The Pat McAfee Show" on Tuesday. "We got incredible doctors here in Wisconsin who many people across the country will send their issues to. Foot, ankle, toe, whatever."

Aaron continued ... "I went out and saw fantastic doctors out there and had some good conversations, and thankful for that opportunity to gather some more information."

TMZ Sports broke the story ... the Green Bay quarterback arrived at the Kerlan Jobe offices last Friday morning where he was greeted by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in the parking lot.

Dr. ElAttrache is one of the top sports medicine doctors in the world ... and has worked on famous patients like Tiger Woods and Conor McGregor.

Unfortunately, not even ElAttrache had a magic bullet for Aaron's toe -- outside of resting -- something Rodgers won't get much more of with a Sunday Night Football game against the Bears looming.

Aaron's pinky toe has been the center of a lot of controversy. In fact, last month AR slammed a report accusing him of having "COVID toe" ... with the Super Bowl MVP explaining he simply had a fractured digit.

He even went as far as to show a group of media members his actual toe ... so they could physically see he had no lesions or discoloration on his foot, which had been reported.

He also wishes the Packers -- who were on their bye week -- had another one ... saying ... "The biggest key is rest," when it comes to rehabbing his injured toe.

Former NFL defensive lineman Glenn Foster -- who logged three sacks for the New Orleans Saints in 2013 -- has reportedly died ... just two days after he was arrested in Alabama.

He was 31 years old.

A Pickens County Medical Examiner official confirmed the Dec. 6 death, according to NOLA.com, though the spokesperson would not reveal the circumstances surrounding the passing, saying an investigation is currently underway.

Jail records show Foster was arrested and booked on Dec. 4 on charges of reckless endangerment, resisting arrest and attempting to elude. The records show he was later rebooked on Dec. 5 on charges of simple assault and robbery.

It's unclear if Foster was still in police custody at the time of his death -- we've reached out to the Pickens County Sheriff's Office for comment, but it said the Alabama State Bureau of Investigation is handling inquiries.

Multiple attempts to reach spokespersons for the Alabama SBI have been unsuccessful.

Foster -- who starred for the Univ. of Illinois -- signed with the Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2013 and played two seasons for the team, recording 8 tackles in 17 games.

He retired from the league in 2016.

Foster's former Saints teammate, current New Orleans star Terron Armstead, commented on the news on Tuesday -- saying on his Twitter page, "I really can't find the words to properly express. Rest In Peace Glenn Foster, you’ll be missed bro!"

Tristan Thompson is trying to keep a tightly-sealed lid on info from his latest paternity case -- asking a judge to silence the woman who claims she's carrying his child from leaking info about the case ... while he continues to blast her as being out for fortune and fame.

The NBA star filed an emergency petition Tuesday in Harris County, TX -- asking the judge to issue a gag order in the case ... barring the parties (himself and Maralee Nichols) from speaking out about the case as it plays out in court.

Tristan points to multiple instances in which he believes Maralee has violated what he claims is a confidentiality order the judge orally granted earlier in the case after she sued him over paternity.

In the docs, obtained by TMZ, Tristan claims Maralee has been doing interviews with the media, leaking personal info and even taking to IG and other social media to spread what he says are blatant lies about himself and his family. Specifically, he claims certain Snapchat messages -- which Maralee has claimed were sent to her by Tristan -- were fabricated.

The reason Tristan thinks she's doing all this is "to achieve some sort of notoriety and gain for herself in this lawsuit."

Bottom line ... Tristan wants to keep this entire proceeding under wraps, including any discovery or evidence submitted by either side. He also wants the court to sanction Maralee for the alleged leaks.

To hit that point home, he wants a judge to force her to fork over a $30k bond to ensure she has some money on the line if she breaks the confidentiality order.