TMZ Sports - Page 50

Kurupt and DJ Battlecat are currently repping for two turfs -- Los Angeles will forever be their home base, but their focus is bringing electricity to their Las Vegas residency for Raider Nation!!!

TMZ Hip Hop caught up with the West Coast legends ahead of their rowdy festivities this week ... and this Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings will be no exception.

The pair specialize in riling up fans during every Raiders home game inside the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino with their "Black Hole" events.

Kurupt, Battlecat, and their Dogg Pound brother Daz Dillinger were also among the honored guests for 93.5 KDAY's 40th anniversary celebration where they performed several of their classic cuts.

Speaking of their hits, Kurupt tells us his royalty checks have been clearing without a hitch as of late!!!

Snoop Dogg, as you know, acquired Death Row in 2022 -- much to the annoyance of OG founder Suge Knight -- but, Kurupt says he was just gushing to Daz about how happy he is with their current situation. Gooses and ganders, people.

From Snoop's "Doggystyle" to 2Pac's "All Eyez On Me" to his own groundbreaking "Dogg Food" album, Kurupt has claims to many royaltie$$$ ... good thing it's panning out for him.

Colby Covington will have a very powerful supporter on hand next Saturday when he fights Leon Edwards for the UFC welterweight title ... 'cause Chaos tells us his friend Donald Trump will be in the building!

"110%, the greatest president in history, 45 and soon to be 47th president of the United States, Donald J. Trump, will be in attendance front row," 35-year-old Covington told Babcock on the "TMZ Sports" TV show (airs weekdays on FS1).

In fact, Colby says he nearly arranged for DT to escort him to the Octagon before the title fight.

"I was trying to get him to walk out with me. He was really excited to walk out with me, but it's a logistical concern for the UFC, and I understand that. The guy comes with a lot of Secret Service, and it's a big deal anytime he walks in. Unfortunately, I won't be able to have him walk out, but he will be front row cheering me on, and I'll get to put that belt around his waist. It's gonna be amazing!"

Of course, Trump is a huge UFC fan ... and has a relationship with Colby and Dana White. In fact, DT attended UFC 295 at Madison Square Garden last month where he received a raucous ovation (from everyone besides Bill Burr's wife).

Colby then took a shot at Leon ... who has been the 170 lb. champ since beating Kamaru Usman at UFC 278.

"It shows that I'm the A-side in this fight. Is he bringing out the Royal family? Is he bringing out Mary f***ing Poppins? Is he bringing out Paddington the Bear? Naw, he's a f***ing nobody!"

Covington hasn't fought since March 2022, when he beat former best-friend-turned-rival Jorge Masvidal. We asked CC how he felt after the long layoff.

"I feel great, man. I've never felt better.

"I haven't wanted to take this time off, but the time off has been good so I could focus on some of my weak areas. I feel like I'm the most well-rounded fighter in the game right now and next Saturday night fans are going to be surprised, they're going to be shocked. It's gonna be a great night, it's gonna be a 1776-type night, and that means the British don't come to American soil and call the shots. It means you're about to come all the way over here to America to get your ass kicked and over back home to the UK empty-handed, Junior. See you soon, Leon Scott."

The hype for Bronny James is REAL ... the college basketball player is already sellin' out games just like his pops, and before his big USC debut.

Bronny and the rest of the USC Trojans are going up against Long Beach State on Sunday, but good luck gettin' a ticket -- 'cause every single one has already been snatched up!

Sunday's game marks the first time Bronny's hitting the court as a college athlete, and LeBron told reporters on Thursday how excited he was for his boy's big milestone ... saying it's a match he's incredibly looking forward to.

LeBron even claimed he'd miss his own Lakers game if it fell on the same night as Bronny's ... luckily, it doesn't.

TMZ broke the story, Bronny suffered cardiac arrest during a workout on campus back in July, and ended up spending a couple of days in the hospital ... and was cleared last month to get back on the court.

The NFL has just handed down a 6-game suspension for Kansas City Chiefs receiver Justyn Ross ... after he was arrested in October for an alleged altercation with his girlfriend.

Adam Schefter was first to report the news Friday ... revealing the NFL implemented the punishment on Ross for what it says were violations of the league's Personal Conduct Policy.

Because Ross -- who signed with the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in May 2022 -- already missed five games following his placement on the Commissioner's Exempt List after the arrest ... he will now only have to miss this weekend's tilt against Buffalo before he can return to Kansas City game days.

Schefter reported as part of the league's punishment, however, he will have to pay back the game checks he received while on the exempt list.

As we previously reported, the 23-year-old was accused of getting into a physical altercation with his girlfriend in Johnson County, Kansas on October 23 ... after he allegedly found out she was cheating on him.

The woman told police, according to court documents, that Ross got in her face, pushed her, and started throwing things at her after he looked through her phone. The docs also say he damaged her Mercedes during the incident

Ross was formally hit with criminal charges over the allegations -- including one count of domestic battery -- although the case was ultimately dismissed on Nov. 22 after a judge granted his application for diversion.

Adam Silver just spoke on the Josh Giddey situation ... explaining the NBA is currently taking "a backseat" on the matter while police investigate claims the point guard had an inappropriate relationship with a minor.

The Association's commish didn't get into too many specifics on the topic while addressing it with ESPN's Malika Andrews on Friday afternoon ... but he did confirm the NBA will allow cops to do their due diligence before it decides on how it'll move forward with the Oklahoma City Thunder star.

"I think if you look back," Silver said, "I can't think of many circumstances where we've suspended a player based on an allegation alone."

"I'd also add," he continued, "where there is a criminal investigation, we take a back seat."

The disturbing allegations against Giddy cropped up last month ... when an X user posted images to their account that appeared to show the now-21-year-old with an underaged girl.

A short time following the posts, the Newport Beach Police Dept. told TMZ Sports it was looking into the matter. Days after that, we learned the family of the girl at the center of the probe hired famed attorney Gloria Allred to assist in the case.

However, Giddey has been allowed to play for the Thunder despite it all ... something that Silver seemed to say will continue as long as the police investigation remains ongoing.

The New Orleans Pelicans are trying like hell to get Zion Williamson to work on his fitness, but the franchise player is tuning them out -- this according to a new report.

The 2019 No. 1 overall pick appeared gassed throughout the Pels' In-Season Tournament semifinal game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday ... something many analysts pointed out as a reason why it was a 133-89 blowout in favor of LeBron James and Co.

Of course, Zion's size has always been a hot topic since he entered the league ... and the team even reportedly implemented a weight clause in the five-year extension he signed last season that would penalize him if the sum of his weight and body percentage surpassed 295.

FYI -- Zion reportedly weighs in at 284.

According to Christian Clark of NOLA.com, the Pelicans have continuously told Williamson he has to work on his diet and conditioning ... but simply put -- he "doesn't listen."

The 2023 Game Awards went to Hollywood Thursday night ... and some huge stars like Timothée Chalamet and Anthony Mackie were on hand for one of the biggest nights in gaming!

The Game Awards went down last night at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles ... and Chalamet did some heavy lifting, crowning 2023's Game of the Year, "Baldur's Gate 3!"

The Larian Studios game, an RPG, was released in early August, and with millions of players, it's one of the most played games on Steam.

Mackie, who stars in "Twisted Metal," a TV show based on the late '90s Playstation game, presented an award to one of the most talked about games of the year (for better or worse) -- Cyberpunk 2077.

CP was named the Best Ongoing Game.

HBO's "The Last of Us" was another big winner ... taking home the award for Best Adaptation for their 9-episode series, which beat out films like "Gran Turismo" (starring David Harbour) and "Super Mario Bros.," an animated movie starring Chris Pratt.

Of course, "The Last Of Us," based on the game of the same title, was one of the most celebrated shows of last year, with actor Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey playing the roles of Joel and Ellie.

Don't expect the blurring of the lines between the gaming world and Hollywood to slow down, either ... more adaptations are on the way!

In fact, Fallout and Borderlands are expected to drop in 2024. Sequels to Sonic the Hedgehog and the Halo series are also expected next year ... meaning the '24 award show should be awesome.

The wins keep coming for Taylor Swift ... whose "Eras" tour has already raked in an estimated $1.04 BILLION in gross ticket sales.

According to live-music trade publication Pollstar, it's the first-ever tour to smash the billion-dollar milestone.

The sky-high numbers have topped all previous tours in ticket sales for the 12-month period from Nov. 17, 2022, to Nov. 15, 2023 -- and yes, that includes Beyoncé's "Renaissance" tour, which takes second place.

It's estimated that Tay's tour has sold a whopping 4.35 million tickets from 60 shows ... with merchandise sales racking up to $200 million during the yearly run.

Those record-breaking numbers are expected to escalate -- as Pollstar predicts that ticket sales from the next eligible box-office year will once again hit $1B -- taking the tour's total to $2B.

Of course, the enormous success of her tour means Taylor will be lining her pockets with some hefty payday checks -- though she's shown that sharing is caring ... dishing over $50M in total bonuses to her concert crew and an extra $100k to every truck driver hauling her tour equipment around the country.

Also, let's not forget -- her concert film also bagged an enormous $250M at the global box office.

Surely, her achievements speak volumes ... hushing the haters of her recent Time's Person of the Year crowning.

Kevin Costner is apparently rebounding after his split from Christine Baumgartner because he and Jewel are now a thing ... sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ.

These pics were shot on Richard Branson's Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands ... where the 2 of them were part of a tennis fundraiser for the Inspiring Children Foundation. Jewel is the founder of the org, and Kevin was a guest.

Here's what we know. The 2 flew to the Caribbean together and hung out a lot for more than a week. As one source put it, "There was definitely something going on. They were flirty, and when they were together, it was like they both just lit up."

One source added, "You could tell they were trying to be discreet, but anybody who saw them could tell something was going on."

Jewel had mentioned Kevin on social media, talking about the event, writing ... "it's an incredible time, and one I use to relax, rest and play w my son! @kevincostnermodernwest was kind enough to mentor our kids this year."

They played doubles with Sir Richard, who, as she says, "plays a mean game!"

We're told the 2 also flew back together.

As we reported, Kevin, 68, recently settled his bitter divorce from Christine after 18 years of marriage. Jewel, 49, split from her husband Ty Murray, back in 2014. One source told us Jewel is "picky," adding, "She wants a good man, and Kevin fits the bill."

Our sources say the relationship is "rather new," but everything we're hearing is that they are definitely a thing.

Dak Prescott is calling on NFL fans to drop trou' and take a deuce all over their hated rival teams ... and it's all in the name of colorectal cancer awareness!!

The Dallas Cowboys quarterback released the hilarious, minute-long promo on Friday ... where he's inviting diehard football backers to join the bowel movement by getting their colons screened and supporting their allegiances at the same time.

"As a professional quarterback, I get a lot of s***," Prescott says in the video for the Colorectal Cancer Alliance's Lead From Behind campaign. "And, I get it -- when you're not a fan of something, s***ing on it can make you feel good. But, what if I told you now, it can do some good, too?"

Prescott then goes on to reveal an at-home screening kit with customizable stickers ... and naturally, the collection features images of pretty much every NFL team's mascots, so people can literally s*** on any fanbase.

"Not a fan of marine life?" Prescott asks as he holds up a dolphin sticker. "Slap it on!!"

Prescott also shades the 49ers, Browns and Eagles ... but conveniently, there's no Cowboys-related sticker in sight.

"Have issues with old-timey prospectors? Boom," Prescott continues. "It works with anything -- from colors to large American predatory birds."

Actor Ryan Reynolds' voice makes a brief appearance, too ... and even he catches a stray in the process.

The clip is pretty damn funny, but the topic is serious for Dak -- he lost his mother, Peggy, to colon cancer in 2013.

LeBron James and the Lakers punched their tickets to the In-Season Tournament championship Thursday night, but there was a different matchup the NBA superstar said he was pumped about -- Bronny's first-ever game at USC.

King James addressed the big news of his eldest son being slated to make his big debut this weekend with reporters on Thursday ... and he explained how it'll mean "everything and more" to see his kid fully return from his cardiac arrest in July.

"Looking forward to that for sure," LBJ said after the Lakers routed the New Orleans Pelicans in the semis in Vegas. "Super excited for that moment."

Bronny is expected to play in USC's home game against Long Beach State on Sunday ... after completing his first full-contact practice on Thursday.

LeBron explained he is excited to see Bronny run out on the court with his teammates following his medical clearance ... but also when he enters the game -- whenever that may be.

"It's a big milestone for our family, for sure," LeBron said. "It's another step for him on his journey in his basketball career. Looking forward to it."

Of course, LeBron previously stated he was willing to miss one of his own games in order to be there for his son ... so we take it he will be front and center to soak it all in on Sunday.

Quavo just channeled his inner 'Karate Kid' ... breaking a board with just one punch during a sweat sesh in Japan!!!

The Migos rapper hopped in a Gi for the feat ... slamming his fist right through a piece of wood -- and video from the scene is awesome.

You can see the 32-year-old rapper square up with his trainer ... before throwing a right hand that blasted straight through the piece of timber.

Unclear why Quavo was performing the move ... though based on his social media postings this week -- it appears to be for a scene in an upcoming music video.

Nonetheless, Quavo was obviously thrilled with it all ... yelling after breaking the board, "Yeahhhhhhhh! That was nice!"

Some of his millions of fans on social media thought it was hilarious ... with a few dubbing the jab the "Huncho punch."

A Josh Allen fan grew so angry with another customer at a Canadian McDonald's over the weekend ... he not only socked the guy in the face -- but he hurled a chair at him as well.

The wild scene happened in Truro, Nova Scotia ... after a man in a jacket and beanie got pissed with a Golden Arches employee over the toy in his Happy Meal.

Video from inside the eatery shows the guy was upset that he couldn't get Pokemon cards with his order -- and he demanded a refund.

The dude and the manager went back and forth about the situation for a while ... before the Allen fan stepped in.

The Buffalo Bills supporter seemed to want to order some food -- but when the man in the jacket had bigger desires to continue his spat over his toy ... the guys got into a verbal altercation.

"Dude," the Allen fan said. "I will knock you the f*** out."

After trading words for a few seconds, the man in Allen's No. 17 jersey eventually threw a punch ... and then a tussle ensued.

The guys locked horns for around a minute -- and at one point, the Allen fan appeared to be bitten on the forehead. When the guys eventually separated, the Bills supporter seemed to be bleeding from his eye area.

The fight, though, didn't stop there ... 'cause after they exchanged more words -- the Allen fan chucked a chair at the man -- before he took the guy's backpack and left the building.

Post Malone has become so synonymous with the Dallas Cowboys -- he's now joined the famed "88 Club" group text that includes Drew Pearson, Michael Irvin, Dez Bryant and CeeDee Lamb!!!

Pearson revealed the eyebrow-raising fact to TMZ Sports this week ... saying Post has demonstrated so much love to Dallas over the past few years that he and other Cowboys legends have now opened their arms -- and their text messages -- to the "Congratulations" crooner.

It's, of course, a huge deal ... because the "88 Club" has long been limited to Dallas players who have starred while wearing jersey No. 88 -- and only those players.

But, Pearson explained Post has just become that good of a friend and that big of a fan.

"Our honorary guy on the '88 Club' is Post Malone," Pearson said.

Pearson then told us Post actually chimes in on their group chat during games ... saying, "You know he's going crazy!" while watching the action on his TV screen.

"He's on the group text with us," Pearson reiterated. "He's a big fan."

Post has professed his love for the Cowboys for years -- but most recently, he's really kicked things up a notch. In October, he opened up a Dallas-themed Raising Cane's ... and a month later, he helped design a Cowboys clothing line as well.

Too bad the WBC title fight's not today ... 'cause Devin Haney and Regis Prograis seemed ready to beat the hell of out each other after a heated argument at a press conference days before their boxing match.

The expletive-filled incident happened on Thursday during the Haney vs. Prograis final press conference ahead of their Dec. 9 fight which is going down in San Francisco.

Things got heated after Haney's team said Devin would knock Regis out ... something Prograis questioned, highlighting Devin's knockout rate.

"Who you knocked out Devin?!" Prograis yelled. "C'mon Dev, who the f*** did you knock out?! Nobody!"

"You soft as f***!"

FYI, Prograis has 24 KOs in 30 fights ... compared to Haney, who has 15 KOs in 30 fights. But, Haney is undefeated ... while Regis has one loss.

"You slow! You're a one-trick pony," Haney replied. "You do the same thing every fight!"

Prograis continued his rant ... telling the crowd and even Haney's father, Bill, that he's going to "hurt" the super lightweight boxer come Saturday.

Devin seemed unbothered.

"You not gon' hurt s***!" Haney said. "I'm gonna beat the f*** out you, watch!"

Aaron Rodgers just got tattooed again ... this time he had a dragon featuring a nod to his Jets' jersey put down on his left arm.

The New York quarterback's tattoo artist, Balazs Bercsenyi, revealed the new artwork on his Instagram page on Thursday afternoon ... showing Rodgers got the piece put right in the middle of his bicep.

It's unclear why Rodgers chose the creature -- or what the significance of the lettering around it is -- but Bercsenyi explained the positioning of the dragon's body was no accident.

"Second tattoo for the 🐐 himself @aaronrodgers12," the artist said in a caption on the photos of the ink, "with a subtle hint for Aaron’s new jersey number #8."

The 40-year-old signal-caller was clearly thrilled with how it all came out ... writing in a comment on the artist's page, "Happy Birthday brother! So thankful for you and your mastery."

The tat is the second Rodgers has ever gotten ... he previously had a pair of lions and an eyeball put on his left forearm.

Of course, Rodgers has plenty of time to sit in the tattoo chair these days -- he's been on injured reserve since he blew out his Achilles during NY's first game of the season.