TMZ Sports - Page 50

Former boxing champ Andre Ward tells TMZ Sports he's got a simple solution for Ryan Garcia's apparent woes ... stay off social media -- and start taking his upcoming fight with Devin Haney more seriously.

Garcia has a bunch of his fans -- and Ward, too -- concerned about his mental health ... after he spent a few days this past month posting some bizarre things on his X and Instagram pages.

Some of the posts included vows to expose numerous secrets about society ... as well as a video claiming something bad had happened to him.

Ward told us out in NYC this week he's noticed it all, and he's worried -- but he thinks the 25-year-old can get back on track if he simply stops hitting the send button online.

"I think the first thing is, he's got to get off social media," Ward said. "I think somebody around him gotta tell him, 'We gotta deal with this, but we not going to deal with it in the public side.'"

"It's enough to be dealing with it and struggling with it as is," he continued, "but then you gon' let the whole world in on your struggle. It's not always a wise thing to do."

Things have seemed to turn so troubling with Garcia that some of his biggest supporters have urged him to opt out of his April 20 bout with Haney ... but Ward believes he'll manage -- if his training camp goes accordingly.

"That ain't time for self-care, that's not time for counseling, that's time to get ready for war," the 40-year-old said.

"I'm praying for him and I wish him nothing but the best."

"Ghost Adventures" star Zak Bagans ain't just chasing ghouls -- the dude's a major sports buff, and has been dropping serious cash on some top-notch sports memorabilia.

The paranormal investigator tells TMZ he splashed a jaw-dropping $160,000 at Goldin Auctions to snag the NBA Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero Best 1/1 rookie card, which is most definitely a sports collector's dream.

Also, the card is signed by Banchero himself in sleek blue ink -- which undoubtedly increased its monetary value.

Zak's not just splurging for kicks, he's playing the long game here ... saying the card could be a goldmine down the road and worth millions if he wins an MVP or future championship. Talk about a savvy investment move!

What's more, the person who first scored that epic NBA rookie card before it hit the auction block was none other than Jonny Venters, the Atlanta Braves All-Star pitcher!

Venters spoke to the owner of Goldin Auction, Ken Goldin himself, about getting his hands on the holy grail of sports memorabilia -- with KG dubbing it the ultimate hit from 2022.

Jonathan Majors' Hollywood career isn't over yet -- even as his sentencing looms, he's going full gym rat, getting in shape for an upcoming film shoot ... and we got a glimpse of his routine.

Sources close to Majors tell TMZ … he was in L.A. for a week, hitting the gym hard and training for a possible gig before flying back to New York.

No word on what Jonathan's potential role might be, but we're told it would require him to be in incredible shape ... and that's why he was training so intensely.

Our sources say Jonathan's aiming to get shredded -- like superhero ripped -- and the video shows he's getting pretty close to that goal.

Remember, Jonathan was a Marvel star before the studio dropped him immediately after a New York jury found him guilty of misdemeanor assault and harassment for the now-infamous incident with his ex-GF, Grace Jabbari.

We're told Jonathan's working out with his regular trainers, who are getting him in tip-top shape.

For the next month or so, our sources say Jonathan will be shuffling back and forth between visiting Meagan Good in New York and training in Los Angeles.

What's unclear is when the movie shoot would begin -- if he lands it, time is of the essence ... assuming he'd have to get it done before he's sentenced.

Keith Thurman is back ... and if you don't like it, oh well -- 'cause One Time says he is what boxing has been missin' and doesn't give a damn what the haters have to say!

TMZ Sports spoke with the 30-1 welterweight fighter ahead of his March 30 bout against Tim Tszyu (24-0) at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

It will be his 3rd fight in the last four years ... so you can understand why many don't believe Thurman will come back and be his old dominant self, but he doesn't care.

"My haters are my real motivators!" the 35-year-old said, "So keep hatin' baby and I'ma keep pushing."

"If you're not hated out here, you not doing nothing positive in life. Everyone who does something positive in life is gonna have haters. I'm a dreamer, I'm living the dream and the haters can hate all they want."

Thurman -- who fought big stars Manny Pacquaio, Danny Garcia, and Shawn Porter -- says his long absence is felt in boxing and plans to bring back awesomeness with his return.

"I believe boxing needs Keith Thurman. I really deliver some of the greatest entertainment on that world-class scene every time they put me in the ring," Thurman said.

Thurman also has a message for the critics who never stepped into the ring ... yet have so much to say about him and other boxers.

"We put our blood, sweat, and tears into that ring," Thurman said." We step into the fire where most people, they can sit here and they can type up and make all the comments -- they wouldn't last ONE MINUTE in the ring."

"They wouldn't last one minute. They're not about that life!"

If Roger Goodell reveals next month that the Colts have drafted Braden Fiske ... don't be surprised to see the Florida State superstar going crazy -- 'cause he tells TMZ Sports playing for his childhood favorite squad "would be pretty surreal!"

Although he's spent the past year down in Tallahassee soaking up the rays in the Sunshine State ... Fiske says he'd have no problem moving back to the cold if Indianapolis took him in the draft.

After all, he grew up in Michigan City, Indiana ... and idolized Peyton Manning, Edgerrin James, Marvin Harrison and the rest of the legendary 2000s Colts.

"I think it'd be really cool to go back and represent Indiana and just play in my home state," he told us. "That'd be super cool."

There's just one small issue with the hypothetical, however ... and it's that the entire league now no doubt wants the 24-year-old on their team after what he did at the combine last week.

The 6-foot-5, 297-pound defensive lineman ran an explosive 4.78 in the 40-yard dash. He also clocked a 4.37 shuttle time that beat a record Aaron Donald had set. He looked great in drills too.

It's all culminated in a bunch of teams showing interest in him ... with nearly every one telling him they'll be at his Pro Day later this month to watch him on the field again.

Whatever franchise he ultimately ends up on, Fiske said he's got some names he's looking to sack ... with the early list including Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow and Aaron Rodgers.

We're just about ready to start a new week -- but before we do, let's review our TV topics.

Starting out on "TMZ Live" ... Charles and Charlie talked about Travis Kelce flying out to Singapore to catch his girlfriend Taylor Swift's latest concerts in town -- where he was dancing and having a good time ... and where Taylor seemed to make a change for him.

Check it out ... it appears she made a lyric change, and perhaps out of respect for TK!

Next up, we got "TMZ on TV" ... where the gang discussed "Euphoria" star Nika King and her recent admission(?) that she's hurting financially amid delays for Season 3 of the show.

A follow-up interview suggested she wasn't really broke ... and we debate all that here.

Lastly on "TMZ Sports" ... Babcock talked to Antonio Tarver about the Paul vs. Tyson fight.

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

Brock Purdy was once labeled "Mr. Irrelevant" in the NFL 'cause of his lowly draft status -- but now, he's a married man ... and his regular surname will do just fine for the missus.

The 49ers quarterback got hitched Saturday in Des Moines, IA -- saying "I do" to his longtime GF Jenna Brandt ... to whom he got engaged this past summer. They obviously didn't wanna wait long to get married ... 'cause this is them as the bride and groom!

Peep the pics ... Brock and Jenna were in the classic tux/wedding gown 'fits -- and yes, they were each looking fantastic. Ditto for the squad they had with them ... everyone was sharp.

And if you're wondering, yes ... Brock and Jenna enjoyed themselves some newlywed kisses for the camera right outside the church where they tied the knot. We're hearing it was a packed wedding, too, with upwards of 350 guests and 4 different buses for transportation.

Unclear if any teammates showed up for the nuptials ... but Brock and Jenna were beaming regardless. It's a sweet silver lining for him, no doubt, after the Super Bowl loss -- where he played damn well ... and was within a few plays of winning it all against the Chiefs.

As for Brock and his bride -- it's fitting they got married in Iowa ... on account they met at Iowa State University as college students, and kept their relationship going into the NFL.

No word on when exactly they first got together, but Jenna and Brock went IG official just a couple years ago ... and it seems Jenna is a country girl from the photos she posted, whereas BP is a desert boy himself (Arizona, born and raised).

They might've only been dating for a few years -- but Brock was clearly head over heels, 'cause he got on bended knee this past July ... and had a sweet message for her too.

In posting his engagement pics, Brock wrote ... "My Jenna girl forever. I can’t wait to be your husband and grow together in Christ. Here’s to forever babe. I love you JB!!

Now, they're forever babes ... meet Mr. and Mrs. Purdy, everybody.

Tyreek Hill was involved in a heated confrontation at Kevin Hart's comedy gig in Atlanta ... which escalated into a full-blown brawl… TMZ has learned.

Sources close to the Dolphins’ star wide receiver tell us that after settling into a seat at the Coca-Cola Roxy Friday, a woman grabbed him, claiming he had taken the seat she had paid for.

We're told Tyreek refrained from any physical retaliation ... he simply denied the accusation and immediately got the hell outta there before the situation spiraled.

Wise move, because according to cops…the dispute did get physical when the same woman, accompanied by a male companion, became involved in a verbal exchange with Tyreek’s friends.

Tensions boiled over, leading to a physical confrontation when she allegedly pushed someone from the other group.

The venue’s security managed to pump the brakes on the conflict ... before cops from Cobb County PD responded to the scene and separated the involved parties.

Cops say they reviewed video and determined the woman was the primary aggressor in the altercation, and she and her male companion were detained in handcuffs.

However, the people they clashed with didn't cooperate with police, and didn't want to press charges.

Donatella Versace really knows how to make an entrance, even if it involves getting stuck in an elevator ... which is what went down as she arrived to cohost an event at the L.A. LGBT Center with Dwyane Wade.

Sources tell TMZ it was a full house in the elevator, as the designer was held prisoner with her assistant, her publicist, her security, the center's CMO, and the head of Versace PR for 10-15 minutes -- and we've got the footage of them finally being freed.

As you can see, the elevator clearly has a mind of its own, refusing to cooperate. But, security on the other side steps in to save the day, prying those stubborn doors open with their bare hands ... and Versace eventually emerges, looking somewhat dazed and confused.

The rest of DV's team trickled out behind ... and we're told everyone survived the whole situation unscathed. Fashion emergency averted!

The fire department arrived on the scene to double-check everything shortly after ... and it looks like there are no major lingering issues over the elevator incident.

Of course, the show must go on ... and Versace went on to be named the Org's Global Ambassador and also donated $50,000 to the center.

Donatella even turned the situation into a charming anecdote during her speech after being introduced by Wade, saying: "I feel so honored to be here tonight. It's so emotional for me -- but also because I was stuck in the elevator. I thought I was never going to make it to this roof, but I did!"

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are officially in their vacay era -- something the lovebirds eased into with a night of celebrating in Singapore with her band.

The couple looked to be having a casual date night near a mall, where some fans spotted them getting escorted around the grounds in a golf cart. One of the Swifties shouted, "Congrats, Travis" ... perhaps referring to his Super Bowl victory last month -- but, more likely, giving the NFL star props for dating Taylor!

Traylor's been busy as ever since he touched down in Singapore to catch her last 2 shows there. They also did dinner at a fancy Japanese restaurant called KOMA, where they were joined by some of her bandmates.

The Singapore shows wrapped up the Southeast Asia leg of her "Eras" world tour, and now she has a couple months free to travel and/or chill out with her BF ... who's also in off-season vacay mode.

Wherever they go, they're sure to draw tons of attention -- even as they walked through an apparently empty mall, someone spotted them as they hugged and walked hand-in-hand.

As we reported, Travis was having the time of his life at TayTay's concert the previous night. He and his buddies were dancing their asses off in a stadium luxury suite ... and, later, he was waiting for her with a hug and kiss as soon as she ran off the stage.

Taylor's next scheduled show isn't until May, in Paris, so they've got time to do whatever the hell they choose.

Chuck Liddell is finally addressing what led to him going overboard on a Lamborghini yacht last month ... telling TMZ Sports it was a simple whoopsie-daisy moment.

The Iceman turned into Aquaman during a recent trip to San Diego ... falling off the side of the luxurious watercraft in front of all his peers -- requiring some serious assistance to get out of the water.

Liddell chalked the fall up to his animated hand gestures while talking ... and once he lost his balance, he only had two options -- hit the deck or aim for the H20.

Of course, Liddell chose the latter ... and in his opinion, that was the best way to avoid getting hurt.

The former UFC superstar says he's a pro when it comes to boats ... and he's pretty adventurous at sea, even doing flips off top decks of much bigger vessels in the past.

As for how he's doing, Liddell says he's completely fine ... so everyone can relax.

Forget Russell Wilson, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye ... JuJu Smith-Schuster says he wants Mac Jones to return as the Patriots' starter in 2024.

"Honestly, man," the New England wideout told TMZ Sports out at LAX this week, "my boy Mac, that's my guy."

"I know at the end of the day," he continued, it's "whatever the coaches decide to do. But I think Mac's still got it."

Of course, there are plenty in Foxborough who vehemently disagree with JuJu ... as Jones was only 2-9 in the 11 games he started last season.

In those contests, he threw for just 2,120 yards, 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. His quarterback rating dipped all the way to 77.0 too.

To make matters worse for the former first-round pick, it was the second straight year he appeared to regress ... leading plenty in Patriots Nation to urge the team to move on to a draft pick or a veteran like Wilson. In fact, NFL Network inside Ian Rapoport reported Friday the team itself is exploring trading the 25-year-old.

But, Smith-Schuster made it clear to us he's hoping the ex-Alabama star -- and his backup, Bailey Zappe -- get another chance in '24.

"I'm riding with Mac," said the receiver, who signed a three-year deal with the Patriots last offseason. "I'm riding with my boy Zappe. Those are my boys. I came in throwing with those dudes."

"But, whatever happens, happens."

Just because Paul Heyman is being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this year doesn't mean he's slowing down anytime soon ... 'cause the wrestling legend tells TMZ Sports in reality, he's just getting started!!

The big news was announced earlier this week ... stating the "Wise Man" would receive top honors when WrestleMania 40 goes down in Philadelphia next month.

Heyman says he turned down several attempts to get into the Hall sooner ... but everything lined up perfectly to get it done this time around -- especially with it being in the City of Brotherly Love, where WCW was based.

Despite the nostalgic aspect of the ceremony, Heyman admitted it's not his style to look back on his journey ... 'cause he's always thinking about what's next.

"I never dwell on the past, I'm always looking into the future, which is another reason why I've never accepted it before," Heyman tells us. "I kind of really look at this as my 'Rookie of the Year' award because I think it's taken 40 years to kind of really figure out this industry and the art of presentation."

Heyman says he really feels like he's firing on all cylinders now ... and he has no plans of slowing down anytime soon -- unless, he jokes, WWE has something to say about it.

As for the day the news broke, Heyman hilariously described it in one word -- "bothersome."

It's finally the weekend, and what better to enjoy than to recap our TV show topics!

Let's start with "TMZ Live," where Charles and Courtney talked about Alec Baldwin's upcoming criminal trial in New Mexico -- where prosecutors are charging him with manslaughter in connection to the shooting death of Halyna Hutchins ... to which he's pled not guilty.

We've heard he may call celebrity witnesses ... namely, those who've defended him publicly.

Next up, we got "TMZ on TV" ... where the gang talked about Larsa Pippen's massive allowance to her daughter -- which teeters into the thousands, and which is quite high!

Different opinions on whether that was appropriate or not ... especially in Los Angeles.

Finally, we land on "TMZ Sports" ... where Mike and Mojo talked Eagles QB Jalen Hurts.

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

Jake Paul and Mike Tyson may not be the only boxing stars fighting on July 20 ... legendary pugilist Antonio Tarver says he wants to settle the score with rival Bernard Hopkins at Jerry's World before Iron Mike and The Problem Child go to battle!

55-year-old Tarver -- a multiple-time world champion -- joined Babcock on the TMZ Sports TV show on Friday (airs nightly on FS1) where he threw out the challenge to The Executioner.

"If they want to put two other old guys on the undercard, I got a name in mind too, so we can all have fun with this," The Magic Man said.

Naturally, we asked ... who?!

"Everybody knows I got a bone to pick with Bernard Hopkins, ya know what I mean? He's a vegan, so he always stays in shape. So maybe we can support this big fight!"

Of course, Tarver and Hopkins famously fought in Atlantic City in June 2006 ... a fight Antonio was heavily favored to win.

But, that's not how it went inside the squared circle -- Bernard dominated the fight.

Antonio is looking for some revenge nearly two decades later.

FYI, Hopkins last fought professionally when he faced Joe Smith Jr. in December 2016. Tarver's last bout was in August 2015 against Steve Cunningham. Together the two legends have over 100 pro fights.

We also talked to Tarver about Jake and Mike ... and while many people have made the case that a near-60-year-old couldn't beat a guy in his mid-20s, that's certainly NOT how Antonio sees things.

Kevin Holland is usually trying his darnedest to stay off his back, but the UFC star will be playing a different role Saturday night, according to Michael Page, who is making his promotion debut ... 'cause Venom tells us he's going to turn Trailblazer into a wrestler!

"Any intelligent mixed martial artist, any smart mixed martial artist, 100% we've got our egos, we've got that tough bravado, but at the same time we want to win, and if it gets further and further away from looking like you're going to win, you have to change tactics," 36-year-old Venom Page told TMZ Sports.

"So, we're prepared for [Kevin] to become a wrestler. I've turned many strikers into wrestlers before, and I'm sure at some point he's gonna want to do the same."

Of course, fans who have watched 31-year-old Holland fight throughout his MMA career know he's a dangerous striker, and his opps have done nearly everything to get him off his feet and on his back ... which is what makes MVP's prediction so bold.

It's also worth noting the UFC isn't giving Page a cupcake of a first fight ... he's going straight into the fire, and that's how he wanted it!

In fact, Michael says he met with UFC execs before signing, and he expressed a desire to fight the best straight away.

"I just want to jump right in the deep end. I've been in the game long enough now to not need warm-ups. Just let me at them and let's see if I sink or swim and we go from there."

Venom, 21-2 as a pro, counts wins over the likes of Douglas Lima, Derek Anderson, and Paul Daley.

As for what he hopes to accomplish, MVP is gunning for nothing short of a title.

Page vs. Holland is far from the only big fight on the UFC 299 card ... the event is anchored by the main event, a rematch between Marlon Vera and "Suga" Sean O'Malley.