TMZ Sports - Page 48

Imagine skiing one of the most serene and gorgeous slopes in America ... and seconds later YOU'RE LITERALLY BEING CHASED BY A MASSIVE MOOSE, so close it could nearly nip the back of your boots!

That's exactly what happened to a skier named Kenny Rynearson in Jackson Hole, Wyoming recently ... and the wild encounter was captured on video.

The clip shows a moose in a full sprint down the mountain ... as Kenny did his best to evade the big beast (there may have been a few "oh s***" screams).

Rynearson eventually created some distance before assisting a fellow skier, yelling, "go faster!" as the animal continued to give chase.

Thankfully, it doesn't appear anyone was injured ... but this could've potentially been ugly.

Moose are huge ... they can grow to nearly 7 feet tall (standing on all fours), and weigh 1,600 pounds. The animal in question doesn't appear that big ... but it'd be a bad day if it caught you.

And, they can move, too ... running up to 35 MPH for short distances. For reference, Usain Bolt, at his fastest, went almost 28 MPH. Thankfully Kenny had skis on, and not running shoes.

It appears Taylor Swift might not be at the Super Bowl after all ... 'cause Travis Kelce just seemed to tell reporters he's unsure if his girlfriend will make it.

The Chiefs star dropped the nugget on media members just minutes ago at a news conference in Las Vegas ... when answering a question about whether or not Swift has given him a championship "pep talk."

Swift's boo explained with a laugh that she hasn't ... telling a crowd full of microphones that she's currently focused on entertaining the masses at her latest "Eras Tour" shows out in Japan.

Then, he added, "The Super Bowl, we'll worry about if she can make it" -- implying that it's nowhere near a foregone conclusion that she'll be in attendance on Sunday when he takes on the 49ers.

Swift, of course, is slated to be in Tokyo performing until Saturday ... but most have thought she'd be able to jet off to Sin City in enough time to catch Kelce's kickoff at Allegiant Stadium.

Clearly, though -- at least in the eyes of Kelce -- that's no sure thing.

It'd obviously be a pretty big blow for Chiefs Kingdom -- she's been at every single one of their playoff games so far this postseason ... and K.C.'s won them all.

Kelce was also unsurprisingly peppered with a few other Swift questions while on the podium Wednesday, and he hilariously said he never would've thought his Swift shoutout on his "New Heights" podcast over the summer would've led to all this.

But, he sure seemed pleased it worked out ... even if she somehow won't be able to join him Sunday.

Vegas has rolled out the red carpet for Super Bowl LVIII weekend ... capitalizing on the sporting event of the year with some exclusive swag.

Check it out ... the NFL Super Bowl Experience at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center is selling some funky gold sequined SB branded tops -- a must-have if you wanna stand out at those watch parties.

For those hoping to keep things low-key, there's also some casual clothing merch on sale ... and you can make a touchdown of your own by grabbing one of the footballs lining the walls.

Oh, and there are loads of toys on sale to keep those kiddos preoccupied while you enjoy the match.

Of course, excitement is high ahead of the game, with Vegas gearing up how they know best -- tons of Elvis Presley impersonators, bright lights, and massive SB billboards everywhere down the strip.

Preparation is also underway at Allegiant Stadium, where either the San Francisco 49ers or the Kansas City Chiefs will reign supreme come Sunday.

Donna Kelce has apparently forgotten that her son is dating a known billionaire -- 'cause she's out here acting like she might not be in the luxury suite come game time.

Travis Kelce's mom did an interview on the 'Today' show Wednesday, and they were asking her where exactly she'd be sitting in the private luxury suite that Taylor and Co. will be in during the Super Bowl at Allegiant Stadium in Vegas.

Hoda suggested DK oughta sit next to Taylor for good luck -- amounting to a pretty standard and easy softball question ... but instead of knocking it out the park, Donna muddied things up a bit.

Check it out ... she says that the suites referenced are actually quite expensive (indeed, they are) and that as far as he knows, she'll be in the bleachers cheering Travis on around a bunch of normies. You can tell the 'Today' crew wasn't buying it ... and nobody else is either.

Fact is ... Donna will almost certainly be among the select few in the private box -- just like she has been for several weeks this season -- and it goes without saying ... Taylor and Travis's camps can absolutely afford it, even if it is in the price range of millions.

Even though most everyone assumes this ... Donna is almost making it seem like she's not sure where she'll be sitting -- and on its face, it sorta makes Taylor and Travis look bad, which is bizarre. You'd think this issue would've been cleared up by now ... apparently not!

Remember, Christian McCaffrey's mom also recently suggested she wouldn't be in a private suite because of the astronomical price ... but her son's GF, Olivia Culpo, quickly clarified that her potential future mother-in-law was, in fact, gonna be sitting pretty in a box at the game.

Ya gotta imagine Taylor and Travis will do the same as well at some point. Yes, Mama Bear ... you're gonna have a great freakin' view, and you're 100% getting the VIP treatment.

Supercross rider Cameron McAdoo let it all hang out during a race over the weekend ... suffering a truly unfortunate wardrobe malfunction in the crotch of his pants -- forcing him to complete the event with his junk on full display!!

The NSFW moment went down at the start of the 250SX East event in Detroit ... when McAdoo took a handlebar to the twig and berries after getting caught in a pileup at the beginning of the race.

The mishap ripped his trousers wide open ... but shockingly, he didn't let it stop him from finishing the race with his nuts freely flopping around for all to see.

McAdoo -- who earned 15th in the competition -- addressed the whole ordeal after the fact ... saying it was a very painful experience.

"I raced the entire main with everything, EVERYTHING out," McAdoo said on his vlog. "So, that was interesting."

McAdoo also showed off the underwear he had on for the race ... revealing a massive hole right in the front.

McAdoo was able to take it all in stride ... joking about it on social media.

Austin Butler has learned a major lesson ... never refer to your ex of nearly 10 years as a 'friend' cause you will catch a lot of flak for it -- just like he did this week.

The actor had to clarify what he meant from an interview he did almost a year ago ... when he pulled a Biz Markie and referred to Vanessa Hudgens as just a pal. At the time, he was recounting a story about how the idea of playing Elvis first came onto his radar ... which included Vanessa telling him he oughta portray the King while listening to Xmas songs.

In a new interview with Esquire that dropped this week .. he clarified what he said about her at the time, clarifying he meant no disrespect ... not mention downplaying the role VH played in his life during their nearly decade-long relationship. On the contrary, he insists he only referred to her as a friend out of her own interest ... to protect her privacy.

Austin says he opted for that wording based on his own experience ... explaining that values privacy so much himself, and didn't want to put the "High School Musical" star in a position where her own was compromised and she'd be forced to comment on their relationship.

He noted ... "I have so much love and care for her. It was in no way trying to erase anything."

ICYMI ... Vanessa's fans were up in arms over the original flippancy of Austin failing to acknowledge she was his longtime girlfriend ... they dated for a helluva long time before splitting up in 2020.

The pair pulled the plug on their romance ... and they've each since moved on. Austin's now dating model Kaia Gerber. ... and Vanessa's gotten hitched to baseball player Cole Tucker.

Kyrie Irving went off in more ways than one in his return to Barclay Center Tuesday night ... dropping 36 points against his old Nets team AND also taking a jab at NYC Mayor Eric Adams!

And, no, this wasn't a random diss directed at the mayor ... there's some bad blood here.

The drama began when a fan sitting courtside asked Irving ... "Why you didn't play like this when you were on the Nets?"

The Mavericks star had a response ... "Thank Mayor Adams for that, bro."

Of course, Irving, an 8x All-Star, spent parts of 4 seasons with the Nets ... but despite having two of the best players in Kyrie and Kevin Durant, the team didn't win, and Ky was ultimately traded to Dallas last season.

Irving's response to the fan was certainly referring to Adams' COVID-19 vaccine mandate policy during the pandemic ... which meant Ky, who chose not to get the vax, couldn't play any home games (or games in New York).

Not having Kyrie was a blow to the Nets team on the floor during the 2021-2022 season ... but it was also the root of a ton of controversy, given the polarizing nature of the vaccine mandate issue.

Despite the shot during the game, after the game, 31-year-old Irving talked positively about his return to BK.

"I don't think about it too often now," Irving told reporters, adding, "Pretty much at peace with what happened and spending time here. I wish a lot of guys well and a lot of people that I've gotten a chance to get to know."

"Got to see a lot of smiles. Got to make some kids really happy and that's what this job's about."

Not everyone was smiling, though ... before Irving's shot at Adams, some fans booed their former star guard during player introductions.

The winner of Super Bowl LVIII could grab the Lombardi Trophy AND a whole lot of booty ... 'cause TMZ Sports has learned a Nevada brothel is offering the Big Game's winner a "sextravaganza" -- free of charge!

Two workers at the famed Chicken Ranch brothel, Alice Little and Addison Gray, tell us bookings for their services have skyrocketed this week due to Las Vegas' Super Bowl festivities ... and in order to thank the NFL for it all, they've come up with an offer that the Niners or Chiefs will be hard-pressed to turn down if they win on Sunday at Allegiant Stadium.

The two say whoever gets the dub will have access to a "no-holds-barred orgiastic blowout" at the establishment's 40-acre campus.

The package, the two say, includes a free limo service, access to the bar, swimming pool, VIP Bungalows ... and sex specialty areas. They added that "nothing is off limits" ... explaining that anything the winners desire is 100 percent on the house.

"It's only right that we play our part and express our sincere appreciation to this year’s champions for their invaluable contribution to our industry," Gray said.

The brothel is also extending the invite to the players' WAGs ... with Grey telling us there's no need for the significant others to be left out.

"If any player would like to invite his wife or girlfriend, many of our ladies specialize in threesomes, orgies and swinger sessions," Gray said. "All guests, male and female, are welcome to participate."

The two tell us sex is not mandatory for the special deal ... saying the winning team can just pull up to party away from the Vegas chaos if they choose.

"We're going to treat the Big Game winners like the gridiron gods they are," Little said.

Brock Purdy has a passing resemblance to the man who assassinated John F. Kennedy -- something he was asked about this week ahead of the Super Bowl ... and it was awkward.

The 49ers QB was made aware of comparisons people have been floating lately between himself and Lee Harvey Oswald -- who, of course, killed JFK in 1963 using a sniper rifle. He's one of the most infamous people in American history ... and BP kinda looks like him.

During a press conference Tuesday, Brock had the question posed to him -- namely, was he aware folks have been calling him an Oswald look-alike? Unsurprisingly, he said he wasn't.

When Brock denied any knowledge about it, he was asked the obvious follow-up ... what do you make of the comparison? His response is funny -- you can tell he's at a loss for words.

It's probably not the greatest feeling knowing you're a bit of a dead ringer for the man responsible for murdering a U.S. president ... and Brock's stammering here reflects that.

The dude already had a lot on his mind right -- y'know, on account of the fact that he's gotta try and lead his team to a win on Sunday in the biggest game of the year -- and now ... he's got this weird connection to LHO that's been concocted by the Twitter-sphere. Not great!

Taylor Swift is back to doing what she does best -- hitting the stage and belting out tunes ... only here she's in Tokyo, kicking off the first of 4 shows before darting back to Vegas.

The pop star resumed the international leg of the 'Eras' tour Wednesday, popping up at the Tokyo Dome for her regular full set of songs in front of a packed house ... and thousands of fans. From the looks of these photos, she hasn't lost a step since November.

TayTay was rocking all her usual costumes and wardrobe for the concert -- and she was full of energy, just like she usually is. And yes ... the Swifties got there early to take it all in.

Remember ... this is the first time Taylor has performed in a setting like this since right around Thanksgiving time -- when she had a few gigs lined up in Brazil ... some of which ended in tragedy.

Once she wrapped those shows, though, she came right back to the States and spent the rest of the holidays with Travis Kelce -- as well as friends and family ... and she's had a nice long break from her professional life these past couple months.

The grind, however, kicks off anew now ... and she'll be regularly performing again all over the world through the rest of this year -- albeit, with some brief gaps here and there.

As for this upcoming weekend -- when Travis and the Chiefs play the 49ers in the Super Bowl -- Taylor is expected to show up for that come Sunday ... she'll have plenty of time.

Granted, she might be jet-lagged -- but by all accounts, TS will be front and center to cheer on her boyfriend like she has been for much of the NFL season. Her final show in Tokyo finishes up on Saturday ... after which, she can just jet back here with no real pressure.

In the meantime ... her Tokyo fans get to enjoy her for the next few days. Win-win!

Toby Keith was honored by his beloved Oklahoma Sooners men's basketball team Tuesday night in the best way possible ... with some meaningful courtside tributes -- and a big win.

The country star's favorite squad set out a guitar, a red solo cup and an OU ball cap just before tip-off against No. 21-ranked BYU ... to remember the musician in the wake of his passing.

The team also held a moment of silence for Keith inside Lloyd Noble Center in Norman ... before it went out and put on one of its best performances of the season.

The Sooners trounced the Cougars, 82-66 ... and then they kept the homages to Keith flowing in the postgame.

Head coach Porter Moser brought a red cup to his meeting with media members ... and said some kind words about Keith in a cheers to the "Should've Been A Cowboy" crooner.

Later, Moser's entire team raised a cup high for Keith in the locker room as well.

Keith, of course, would have loved it all ... he was seen supporting the Sooners throughout his life -- showing up for almost every big sporting event the school had.

In fact, he was such a notable fan ... the university released a statement following his death that read, in part, "We thank him for the unwavering support he always gave, his generosity as a human being and the countless smiles and memories he created here in Oklahoma and around the world."

As we reported, Keith died peacefully on Monday while surrounded by his family after a battle with stomach cancer. He was 62 years old.

Taylor Swift tribute artist and "RuPaul's Drag Race" contestant Jade Jolie is calling all Swifties ... for a meet and greet and Swiftie look-alike contest ahead of Super Bowl LVIII.

Jade is hosting the contest at the Cat's Meow in Downtown Vegas the day before Taylor's beau Travis Kelce and his Kansas City Chiefs take on the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl.

There are 3 prizes for Swifties who can pull off Taylor's iconic look -- first place gets a Cat's Meow Party Package valued at $1,500 ... it's 4 hours of karaoke and a premium open bar for up to 20 people.

Second place gets $500 toward a bar tab and third place wins free admission for life to the Cat's Meow ... a famous karaoke joint on Fremont Street.

Jade, a damn good Taylor look-alike, will also host a meet-and-greet with fans.

The event is going down Saturday night from 9 PM to 1 AM ... which should be around the time Taylor is potentially touching down in Vegas after wrapping up her concert in Japan, hopping on her jet and zooming east to catch Travis and the Chiefs play.

Taylor and Jade have crossed paths in the past ... Jade was in her music video for 'You Need To Calm Down' and attended the 2019 VMA's with Tay. It doesn't sound like Taylor's gonna be on hand for this event ... so we're gonna have to settle for a bunch of look-alikes.

Start making those friendship bracelets!!!

It's hump day at TMZ, and we are rolling on the TV front -- where the topics ranged from a tragic death to an uphill legal battle in Chicago ... and just about everything in between.

'TMZ Live' was rife with opinions -- particularly on the topic of Jussie Smollett, who is now trying to have his criminal case appeal heard by the Illinois State Supreme Court ... arguing he ought not have to serve any more jail time after being convicted for the alleged hoax.

While people might be rolling their eyes at the notion he's continuing to fight this, Harvey says Jussie might actually have a point and get his conviction tossed ... time will tell.

Over at 'TMZ on TV,' we honored and remembered the great Toby Keith -- who just passed away after a battle with stomach cancer, which he ultimately succumbed to.

The staff shared kind words about the legendary country star.

Finally, we land on 'TMZ Sports' where Babcock and the team broke down Patrick Mahomes' response to his father's arrest during a Super Bowl presser.

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

Ex-NBA star Stephen Jackson just unloaded on Austin Rivers ... calling him "trash" and a "scrub" for comments he made about Bronny James.

Rivers recently gave his take on LeBron's dream of playing alongside his son in the NBA ... revealing he hopes it doesn't happen, as it could do more harm than good for a young hooper still developing his skills on the court.

Rivers compared the situation to playing for his father, Doc, during his time with the L.A. Clippers ... and claimed Bron and Bronny suiting up together might welcome a ton of criticism directed at the current USC star.

Stak took major issue with Rivers' comments ... teeing off on him in the comment section of an Instagram post this week.

"And your daddy not LeBron," Jackson said. "Shut up."

"Difference is you trash, Bronny not. You can’t compare to him, scrub."

Some folks are upset with the 2003 NBA champion's response ... considering Rivers was a former top recruit and earned a ton of accolades at Duke before going No. 10 overall in the 2012 Draft.

Bronny is still early in his college career ... averaging nearly 6 points and 3 rebounds a game in 14 appearances after suffering cardiac arrest during a workout in July 2023.

Taylor Swift's NFL critics have had bad blood over her presence on the football scene ... but Vegas is more than willing to let her dominate their Super Bowl festivities -- take a look!

As a tribute to the pop star tirelessly coming out to cheer on her boo Travis Kelce, a Vegas venue will be going ahead with a Taylor-themed event for the SB weekend -- serving up a cocktail inspired by her signature makeup look to cheers to the winning football team.

Chéri Rooftop, nestled under the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas, will be serving up the "Red Lip Classic" cocktail -- which, of course, also references the lyrics to her tune, "Style."

Combining Malibu, Baileys Strawberry Cream and Disaronno, the drink is price-tagged at $20 and will be available throughout Big Game week.

For those hoping for a bit of a T-Swift break ... there'll be plenty of other places to keep you entertained -- including Sin City hot spot HaSalon who's be hosting "The Big Game Soiree" for SB Sunday.

The venue will transform into a plush living room-style setting with TVs dotted throughout for you to kick back and watch the game in peace without having to deal with the crowds at the Allegiant Stadium -- while also chowing down on some fun game day staples.

Swiftie or not, the Super Bowl weekend is a chance for everyone to come together and celebrate -- though, it's been hard to ignore how much of an impact Taylor Swift has had on the game this year.

The music icon's been responsible for more people than ever tuning into the game thanks to her romance with Travis practically playing out on the field. So, it's only fair to celebrate the woman herself this weekend ... that's how these places feel about it anyway.

Raiders pass rusher Janarius Robinson was arrested in Las Vegas on Tuesday morning -- right in the middle of the NFL's Super Bowl week.

Cops said in a statement the 25-year-old was booked on a charge of driving under the influence after he was stopped on The Strip at around 5:59 AM.

Further details surrounding the matter were not made immediately available.

Robinson initially began his career with the Vikings in 2021 after they selected him with a fourth-round pick ... but he was placed on injured reserve just before his rookie season began.

He spent time on Minnesota's and Philadelphia's practice squads in 2022 ... but he didn't see any regular-season action.

In 2023, he signed onto the Raiders' practice squad ... and in December, he was finally promoted to the active roster -- and he was able to flash some big potential in his limited snaps.

In six games -- two of which he started -- Robinson logged eight combined tackles and one sack ... leading many in Vegas' org to believe he could be a key player for the team next season.