TMZ Sports - Page 50

The Rock may be cooking in the WWE once again ... but some fans aren't super happy about it -- 'cause it seems his return has knocked a major storyline off track.

Here's the deal ... last night, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson got into an intense staredown with current Undisputed WWE Universal champ Roman Reigns at the end of ESPN's WWE SmackDown -- an insane moment seemingly setting up a match between the two wrestlers.

Indeed, rumors have been floating around today that they will fight in the next couple of months -- maybe at WrestleMania in early April -- and the online response ... is a bit lukewarm if we're being totally honest.

Sure, there are diehard Rock supporters who want to see their champ-turned-actor wipe the floor with Reigns ... but a lot of people are pointing to recent Royal Rumble winner Cody Rhodes and asking why it seems his story's now taking a backseat to The Rock's.

See, right before The Rock came out for his staredown ... CR talked about taking RR's title from him -- a right to challenge Cody earned by winning The Royal Rumble just last week -- and then seemingly stepped aside as he introduced The Rock to the crowd as if to indicate DJ's getting the chance instead of him.

That's all kinda shocking for fans ... 'cause Rhodes has been on the road to Roman for a while now while The Rock only recently hopped back into the ring.

As we previously reported ... Dwayne called out Roman Reigns back in early January during a surprise appearance on RAW during which he asked if he should be sitting at the "head of the table."

So it seems clear The Rock wants the title ... and that's where people are starting to voice their frustration -- because it sounds like the WWE's not really interested in furthering Cody Rhodes' journey anymore. Basically, they've backed a different dawg in the ring, and -- based on the X trend -- fans just aren't totally on board.

The major question here ... is it fair for fans to voice their frustration with The Rock at all? After all, the guy's not writing his own storylines as far as we know, and he's a legend in the sport, so it makes sense the WWE wants to use him.

But, Johnson recently joined the TKO Group board -- the governing body of the WWE and UFC -- and he now holds "The Rock" trademark ... so you could say he's got a lot more agency than your average WWE superstar.

Plus, Johnson's got a bit of a rep as someone who gets what they want in Hollywood. When he was working on "Black Adam," for example, he said he worked his magic to make a standalone film instead of first appearing in "Shazam!" ... a departure from the OG plan.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are being courted by a Las Vegas strip club ... not to work the poles, but to party their faces off if his team wins the Super Bowl across the street.

Larry Flynt's Hustler Club in Las Vegas is offering Taylor and Travis what the strip joint's calling a Topless Touchdown Celebratory Package ... and it's valued at $1 million.

So long as Travis and the Kansas City Chiefs beat the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas -- which is being played across the street from the Hustler Club -- the package is theirs for the taking ... and it's on the house.

Here's what $1 million gets ya inside the strip joint ... unlimited access to the $10K per hour Mohney Suite, an Ace of Spades champagne bottle parade, and $50K for Taylor and Travis to make it rain.

Oh, and that's not all ... roundtrip limo transportation is included, plus Taylor and Travis get a VIP Platinum Lifetime Membership to HC ... which gets them free lap dances for life.

Frankly, this is a Hail Mary from the Hustler Club ... it's hard to envision Taylor and Travis taking them up on the offer ... but then again, Travis wore a Vegas strip club shirt after a regular season win over the Las Vegas Raiders.

Brittany Rose, the GM of the club, tells TMZ ... “We are used to catering to a-list celebrities and athletes alike so we can ensure their discretion will be met while partying inside our venue.”

Shooters shoot, right?!?

Even if Taylor and Travis turn 'em down, there's a good chance the Hustler Club is going to have a few Swifties in the house.

The gentlemen's club is currently auditioning Swifties for positions.

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift clearly have the support of those in Kansas City's locker room ... 'cause Chiefs star Justin Reid tells TMZ Sports he's a huge fan of the pop star and her relationship with his teammate.

The K.C. defensive back said this week he has been able to interact with Swift since she and Kelce went public with their romance earlier this season ... and he had nothing but nice things to say about their encounters.

In fact, he said the 34-year-old "Love Story" crooner paid compliments to everyone he's seen her meet so far this year.

"She's very, very sweet," Reid told us ... "I don't understand why she's getting all the hate. She's an awesome person, awesome artist all around."

As for if Reid, Kelce and the rest of the Chiefs will get a private concert from Swift if they're able to beat the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII next week ... Reid says he isn't exactly holding his breath on that one.

"I'm sure she'll be busy celebrating with her man," he said with a laugh.

Of course, it's not yet for sure if Swift will even attend Kelce's Big Game -- after all, she has a concert in Tokyo just a day before kickoff ... though given the way she's already traveled this year for Travis, it seems likely at this point.

Andre Reed says he could definitely see Stefon Diggs returning to the Bills next season ... but he tells TMZ Sports the star wideout's wallet could be a little bit lighter if that's indeed the case.

Diggs' future in Buffalo appears to be in question this offseason ... as his 2024 cap figure has ballooned to nearly $30 million -- and, at times in his career, he's seemed upset with his role on the team.

In fact, even Diggs himself said at the Pro Bowl on Friday, "I can't tell you what the future holds."

Reed, though, tells us he's sure hoping Diggs comes back ... saying straight up, "They need him."

However, the Buffalo legend is clearly aware that Diggs might have to take a pay cut for it to happen.

"If anything, they'll ask him to do that to save cap space to bring some more guys in," Reed says. "Whether Stefon does that or not, I think he realizes where he is and what kind of team he's on. And, I can see him staying there."

As for Buffalo's head coach, Reed's obviously pleased ownership is sticking with Sean McDermott despite another disappointing playoff loss ... telling us he thinks the 49-year-old has what it takes to get the team over the hump next season.

He added that "these players respond to him" ... and he's now predicting a bounce-back in '24.

Taylor Swift could help put some money in your pockets this Super Bowl ... 'cause there are a ton of prop bets surrounding the pop superstar!!

The folks over at BetOnline revealed their list to TMZ Sports ahead of the big game between the 49ers and Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas ... and naturally, Travis Kelce's girlfriend is at the center of attention.

Check out some of the most interesting -- and straight-up silly -- prop bets that fans can drop some dough on in hopes of cashing in:

Which will be higher?

• Taylor Swift live shots   +150
• Travis Kelce catches    -200

Where will Travis Kelce propose to Taylor Swift?

• Vacation                   -200
• Field (non-end zone)    +400
• Podium                    +500
• End Zone                  +600
• After-party                 +800
• Tunnel                     +2000
• Locker Room             +2500

Who will be shirtless first?

• Jason Kelce  -10000
• Taylor Swift   +2000
• Olivia Culpo   +2500

Some other bets will be on the color of Tay's 'fit, if she'll be sitting next to Patrick Mahomes' wife, Brittany ... and if one of her songs will be played during a broadcast break.

There's even post-Super Bowl bets ... like if Swift and Kelce will still be together by the 2024-25 season or if she'll be pregnant before the New Year.

Usher also got some love ... with over 10 options for special guests who could join the R&B sensation during his halftime show -- including Swift (but it may be best to stay away from that one, given TMZ's recent report stating she will not join him during the performance).

Even if the "Cruel Summer" crooner doesn't take the stage, peeps could be feelin' rich if Ursher gives her a shoutout!!

Of course, President Joe Biden will be watching the biggest sports event of the year ... and there are several bets to see if he'll mention Mahomes or Swift in his pre-game interview.

Take a look at all the prop bets and put some money down by Feb. 11!!

We finished the week strong here at TMZ -- and with some tragic news, too, no less -- with a little bit of levity, but a lot of drama ... and we covered it all on our TV shows.

Kicking things off on 'TMZ Live,' we started scorching hot with some tea that resurfaced about Ayo Edebiri -- who was somewhat recently talking major trash about Jennifer Lopez ... with whom she's appearing alongside on 'Saturday Night Live' this weekend. Awkward!!!

Take a look for yourself to see exactly what she said, and what we're hearing she thinks of J Lo these days. Hard to say things won't be tense between them ... 'cause this was harsh.

Heading over to 'TMZ on TV,' we couldn't help but tip our cap to Tiffany Haddish's lawyer -- 'cause he seems to have scored her a pretty sweet deal in her L.A. DUI case.

Long story short, that case now goes away ... and she just has one DUI case to go!

The sports/entertainment word suffered a massive loss in the sudden death of Carl Weathers -- famous from the 'Rocky' movies and others, not to mention for his time with the Raiders.

Not much is known about the circumstances of his passing -- but Mike and Mojo got into his contributions on and off camera ... and there's a lot.

Check your local listings for when TMZ is on in your area or catch up on past episodes!

Sylvester Stallone is speaking on Carl Weathers' sudden death -- and it couldn't be more emotional and heartfelt .... yeah, this one's a tear-jerker.

The actor posted a video Friday just hours after news broke that his 'Rocky' costar had passed away the day prior -- and you can tell Sly is absolutely torn up about it ... fighting back tears as he honors his longtime friend and companion in the ring.

Sly says he owes so much of his career and success to Carl ... noting the man had a magnetism and energy about him that made him so special -- especially for the 'Rocky' franchise. SS recounts first meeting Carl ... and knowing right away, this guy's a star.

This video was actually filmed with Sly standing in front of the famous painting that was commissioned to recreate the end of 'Rocky III,' where they face off in the ring anew.

Sylvester ends his gut-wrenching remarks here with a special message for his good friend -- "Apollo, keep punching."

He also adds this of the late Weathers ... "We lost a legend yesterday. My life was forever changed for the better the day I met Carl Weathers. Rest in power."

We couldn't have said it better ourselves.

Kayla Harrison's opening up on all things UFC ... from her practice runs making 135 lbs. in the lead-up to her huge scrap with Holly Holm to whether she still has an interest in meeting Amanda Nunes in an Octagon!

33-year-old Harrison chopped it up with TMZ Sports ... weeks after she rocked the MMA world, moving from PFL to Dana White's promotion.

The 2x Olympic gold medalist and 2x PFL champion will fight 42-year-old Holm on the stacked UFC 300 card on April 13. We asked Kayla about signing with the UFC, and her thoughts on her legendary opponent.

"It's been amazing. Honestly, my life is so good. I really do feel like everything is happening at the right time and the right place with the right people," Harrison said.

"To be going to the Olympics of MMA on UFC 300 against Holly Holm, a legend in the sport. I'm so excited, I'm so amped. This is the s**t that gets me going, and yeah, I'm ready!"

When UFC 300 rolls around, it won't be happening at 145 or 155 lbs. ... no, Harrison is fighting at bantamweight. We asked her if she fears being able to make the weight.

"Listen there's this giant misconception about my weight, and I think people think I walk around at like 180 lbs. or something. The reality is I was fighting at 155 lbs. and I was walking into the cage at maybe 160 lbs. I don't get much bigger than 160."

Kayla continued ... "I was always the smaller fighter and usually the less experienced fighter. I don't believe in weight cutting, but now I'm going to do what everybody does and I'm gonna be in the cage and I'm gonna be the bigger, faster, stronger and more experienced fighter."

"Is it gonna suck? Yeah. I'm not gonna enjoy dieting, but it's a chosen sacrifice."

Harrison has long said she wants to be the G.O.A.T. ... a title Amanda Nunes currently lays claim to. We asked KH if she still has visions of fighting Nunes in the future.

"Listen, Amanda is the greatest of all time. That's a fact. So, of course, I would love for that to happen," Kayla told us.

"I've always said that, and not out of a place of disrespect. To me thats the highest compliment I could give her. you're the best, I want to find out what I'm made of with you.t a lot to prove. I've got a lot to do. I've got my work boots on. I'm in the gym, I'm hungry, I'm staying humble, but of course!"

"I've always said that, and not out of a place of disrespect. To me thats the highest compliment I could give her. you're the best, I want to find out what I'm made of with you."

The Lioness is still technically retired ... though it sounds like she could be gearing up for a comeback.

Retired or not, first things first ... Holly Holm, and Kayla has her hands full.

3:27 PM -- New Mexico State just announced it's suspending Robert Carpenter indefinitely for his punch Thursday night.

"His actions do not align with the standards we uphold at New Mexico State," the school said in a statement Friday afternoon, "and we believe it is important to ensure that any actions contrary to our principles will not be tolerated."

New Mexico State men's basketball player Robert Carpenter unloaded a haymaker on his opponent's nose during a tiff in a game Thursday night ... and the incident was so brazen, even his own coach is now expecting him to receive a suspension.

The violent play happened with about 12 minutes to go in the first half of the Aggies' tilt with Liberty in Las Cruces ... when Carpenter and Shiloh Robinson got in a tussle while trying to fight for position for a possible rebound.

Broadcast video shows the guys pushed and shoved each other ... before, suddenly, Carpenter uncorked a right hook that landed flush on Robinson's face.

The Liberty forward immediately crumpled to the ground in pain ... and Carpenter was instantly ejected after being issued a flagrant foul 2.

Robinson eventually got up after being tended to by trainers, but he did not return to action.

After the game -- which NMSU ended up winning, 79-73 -- Aggies coach Jason Hooten called Carpenter's actions unacceptable ... and said he anticipated a ban for Carpenter was forthcoming.

"Even if there was something that put Rob in that state of mind to do what he did," Hooten said, "it's still not acceptable."

Hooten did add, though, that he knows Carpenter "feels really bad about what he did."

"There's just no room for that in the game," he said. "At all."

Hooten told media members Carpenter will definitively not play in NMSU's game on Saturday against Jacksonville State ... though his status after that is still unclear.

Carpenter has been one of the Aggies' best players this season, averaging 9.7 points and 3.9 rebounds per game.

1:30 PM -- As it turns out, Lisa McCaffrey won't have to fraternize with the regulars after all ... 'cause Olivia Culpo just revealed she hooked her future mother-in-law up with a suite for the Super Bowl!!

The model addressed Lisa's now-viral quote on Instagram Friday afternoon ... calling it "fake news" and saying she did, in fact, snag a luxury box for the big game as a birthday present.

FYI -- it's Lisa's birthday next week ... and if the Niners end up winning, it's safe to say this will be her sweetest celebration yet.

Christian McCaffrey and Olivia Culpo are both rich and successful, but even they have a limit when it comes to Super Bowl tickets ... with the NFL star's mom revealing they couldn't secure a suite for the Big Game due to the insane price tags.

Lisa McCaffrey broke it all down on her "Your Mom" podcast this week ... saying her son's loved ones will be sitting among the normies when the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs face off at Allegiant Stadium next weekend.

"We looked into a suite and none of us can afford it," Mama McCaffrey said. "Not even Christian, money bags over there -- nor money bags Olivia. So, we are not in a suite, I’ll tell you that right now."

It's pretty eye-opening -- CMC has made more than $65 MILLION in NFL money alone so far in his career ... and OC is one of the most recognizable models in the industry, even gracing the cover of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition in the past.

But, Lisa said there aren't enough couch cushions in the world the power couple could search in order to scrounge up the dough for a luxury box in Las Vegas ... and she's speculating it's either due to the game being in Las Vegas for the first time -- or the "Taylor Swift factor."

Lisa also points out big companies like to snag the suites to entertain clients ... which also may have led to the "outrageous" prices.

In fact, Lisa said all Christian's buddies will forgo attending the game for a watch party instead ... but he was able to snag eight tickets for the fam.

Earlier this week, StubHub announced the get-in price for the game was a whopping $6,500 ... and the average entry fee is $9,300.

As of this post, there are a few suites still available ... ranging from $300k to $2.5 MILLION. So yeah, ya can't blame CMC and OC for exploring other options.

As for Ms. Swift, Lisa admitted she's a huge fan of the singer and her relationship with Travis Kelce ... but she's refusing to listen to any of the Grammy-winner's discography leading up to the game -- 'cause she's rooting for the enemy.

3:41 PM PT -- Two of Carl's former costars have expressed condolences for the late actor.

Arnold Schwarzenegger posted a photo of them from the set of 'Predator,' and wrote ... "Carl Weathers will always be a legend. An extraordinary athlete, a fantastic actor, and a great person. We couldn’t have made Predator without him. And we certainly wouldn’t have had such a wonderful time making it."

Dolph Lundgren of 'Rocky' fame also posted a tribute, writing ... "I was saddened to hear the news this morning. Along with the world, I will miss Carl. He was a great actor, a terrific athlete and a good friend. I cherish many special memories of Carl, both professionally and personally. Like Apollo Creed, he had that special charm that always brought a smile to your face"

Carl Weathers -- famous from a number of movies, but most prominently as Sylvester Stallone's early nemesis in the 'Rocky' movies -- has sadly died ... TMZ has confirmed.

The beloved actor passed away peacefully Thursday while surrounded by loved ones -- this according to a statement from his family. They say, "We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers."

They add, "He died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1st, 2024. … Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life. Through his contributions to film, television, the arts and sports, he has left an indelible mark and is recognized worldwide and across generations. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend."

Unclear what ailments, if any, Carl may have been battling lately ... he'd been actively acting in recent years -- and on the surface, there didn't seem to be much wrong with him.

In any case ... it's an absolute blow to showbiz -- Carl was a titan in the movie industry, with acting credits dating back to the early 1970s when he was guest starring on shows like "Good " 'Kung Fu," "S.W.A.T.," "The Six Million Dollar Man," "Cannon" "McCloud" and more.

His true big break came courtesy of Sly ... Carl was cast as the brash and bold heavyweight champ of the world, Apollo, and he was pitted against Rocky in the ring for two films.

His character stuck around for another two 'Rocky' films ... in the third one, he actually brought the Italian Stallion out of a slump and back to glory with a new type of training he'd never experienced ... making for some iconic, memorable scenes as part of a montage.

The shot of them slow-mo running on the beach, and Sly eventually pulling ahead, goes down in movie history as one of the most awesome and inspiring things caught on camera.

Apollo was killed off in "Rocky IV" -- in dramatic fashion, no less -- but his imprint in that movie franchise lives on even today ... Michael B. Jordan plays his fictional son in the 'Creed' flicks, which are still going strong -- and which continue to be cranked out in Hollywood.

Even outside of 'Rocky,' Carl's presence left an impression in just about every cult classic flick he's been a part of. Just to name a few right off the bat -- "Predator," "Happy Gilmore," "Action Jackson," "The Defiant Ones," "Braker," "Death Hunt," "Hurricane Smith," and others.

His TV credits are also quite impressive ... CW was on shows like "Fortune Dane," "Tour of Duty," "Street Justice," "In the Heat of the Night," "Brothers," "The Shield," "Arrested Development," "Chicago Justice," ... and more recently, in Star Wars' "The Mandalorian."

He'd appeared in episodes of the latter as recently as 2023. In all, he has 80 acting credits.

Outside of Hollywood, Carl was involved in noble charitable efforts -- including Lupus L.A., The L.A. Police Memorial Foundation, The PEACE Fund and The Tower Cancer Research Foundation.

Prior to his acting career, Weathers played for the Oakland Raiders from 1970-1971 ... and the team addressed the tragic loss in a statement Friday afternoon.

"Always a proud Raider, Weathers will be missed dearly by his Raiders Family and his many fans worldwide," the team said. "Our deepest condolences are with the Weathers family at this time."

He's survived by his two sons. Carl was 76.

RIP

Jason Kelce threw on his best Mickey Mouse T-shirt and had a Disney day with the fam on Friday -- and by the looks of things, the NFL star very much enjoyed his trip to Walt's World.

In Orlando this weekend for the 2024 Pro Bowl games, Kelce, his wife and his kids got away from the gridiron for a bit and made the trek over to Disney World ... and according to a bunch of people at the park, the Philadelphia Eagles center was lovin' the most magical place on Earth.

One witness tells TMZ Sports, Kelce was first spotted at the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train ... and plenty of people stopped what they were doing to snap pics of Travis Kelce's brother as he made his way around.

Later, others saw him helping his kids take a jaunt on the ultra-popular Mad Tea Party tea cup ride.

Of course, Jason's got a few more days of relaxation before it'll get a bit more stressful for him ... after all, his little brother is playing against the 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII, and he'll have to be on his best behavior in the stands as he'll almost certainly have a seat yet again next to Taylor Swift if she can make it to the Big Game.

LeBron James is fuming over the Joel Embiid knee injury news -- slamming all the talking heads who criticized the Sixers star for missing games ... and calling on them to admit they were wrong.

The reigning MVP suffered a lateral meniscus injury in his left knee during Philly's game against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday ... and it was later announced he'd be sidelined at least through the weekend as the team figures out how to treat the ailment.

29-year-old Embiid had missed multiple games due to soreness in that same knee ... and at the time, several analysts ripped him and questioned the legitimacy behind his reason for sitting.

Now that Embiid is out an undisclosed amount of time and at risk of missing out on MVP contention due to the league's requirements for award eligibility ... LeBron is shining a light on the folks who had it completely wrong.

King James went to social media to voice his frustrations ... saying, "Where are all the media outlets, tv media personalities, hot takes that talked so much 💩 about Joel Embiid about missing those games when he knew what he was dealing with."

"Now he’s out with an injury because of it. Not 1 person has went back on tv or their dumbass podcast and apologized to that MAN!! No accountability 🗑️🗑️🗑️"

Embiid has played in 34 games so far this season ... and if he misses four more contests, he will lose his shot at top league honors -- despite averaging 35 points, 11 rebounds and nearly six assists.

February's highly anticipated heavyweight clash between champions Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk is OFF ... after The Gypsy King suffered a deep cut above his eye, forcing him to pull out of the fight.

"I am absolutely devastated after preparing for this fight for so long and being in such superb condition. I feel bad for everyone involved in this huge event and I will work diligently towards the rescheduled date once the eye has healed," Fury said.

Tyson continued, even saying sorry to Oleksandr and his people.

"I can only apologize to everyone affected including my own team, Team Usyk, the undercard fighters, partners, and fans as well as our hosts and my friends in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."

It's especially a bummer for Fury 'cause he'd been training so hard for the fight ... and had his body looking better than it has in years. In fact, he's noticeably leaner now than when he fought Francis Ngannou in October 2023.

If you're a boxing fan, there's a good chance you were pumped for the upcoming bout, originally scheduled to go down on February 17 in Saudi Arabia ... until this morning's sparring sesh.

The deep cut is very close to where Fury was split open while fighting Otto Wallin in 2019 ... nearly forcing that fight to be stopped. It's unclear if that played a part in today's cut ... as scar tissue can make a fighter more apt to sustaining cuts.

A rep for Fury said the eye required immediate medical attention, including stitches, to close up the wound.

It's unclear how long Tyson will need to heal up ... but several reports indicate Usyk may not want to wait, and will instead seek out another opponent to step in on short notice.

Michael Bublé was seemingly feeling too good during NHL All-Star Weekend festivities on Thursday ... and he's chalking it all up to taking way more mushrooms than he signed up for.

The 48-year-old Canadian musician -- who's a celebrity captain for the All-Star Game -- spoke with the media following the Player Draft at Scotiabank Arena ... and as he fielded questions, he abruptly claimed he was spaced out on psychedelics.

"My buddy told me, this is just a microdose of mushrooms and he was LYING," Bublé said ... adding the drugs made him feel like he was in a Will Ferrell movie.

"So, I’ll be honest, I thought I was in 'Blades of Glory' for most of the time that I was out there, until it sort of settled down and then I realized, 'Holy s***, I am in the NHL All-Star Game."

Actor Will Arnett -- who was up onstage with Bublé -- took it all in stride ... and the two joked his admission lost him a lot of endorsement money.

Despite the hilarious moment, Bublé later backtracked on his statement at dinner after his All-Star appearance ... saying the whole thing was an attempt to be funny.

"It was a joke," Bublé said alongside YouTuber Steve Dangle. "Of course I wasn’t [on mushrooms]! I'm sitting here at dinner. I do have a problem with bread. When I get anxious, I can’t stop eating it. But no, not mushrooms."

It was an emotional night in NYC ... not only did the Knicks, beat up and all, win their 9th straight game, but Jalen Brunson was selected for his first All-Star game -- and it brought him, and even some fans, to tears!

The announcement was made on Thursday ahead of the Pacers vs. Knicks game at Madison Square Garden ... the 27-year-old guard was named a reserve for the Eastern Conference All-Stars.

It's Brunson's first-ever All-Star nod ... and after the 6'2" guard dropped 40 in a NYK dub, once again proving he's an elite player, Jalen was asked about the special night.

That's when Knicks fans started chanting "MVP" ... and Brunson was overwhelmed with emotion.

"I mean," Brunson started saying while holding back tears, "I got nothin' to say."

The Knicks and Brunson's family, including his father, Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson, also made a congratulatory video for Jalen.

The MVP chants and All-Star selection are well deserved. Brunson -- who signed with the Knicks in 2022 after 4 seasons with the Mavs (many "Experts" and fans said NY overpaid for JB) -- is averaging 27.1 points and 6.4 assists per game this season while shooting 48%.

In his one-and-a-half seasons in New York, Brunson's already accomplished a lot ... including tying Stephon Marbury for the franchise record for most 40-point games, as well as leading the Knicks to their first 14-win month in 30 years!

And, if Brunson's Knicks keep playing like they are, there are a lot more big moments ahead.