TMZ Sports - Page 45

Bill Haney says it's time for Ryan Garcia to pay for all he's said ... and the trainer/dad of undefeated superstar boxer Devin Haney says his kid is going into the ring with one thing on his mind -- execute King Ry!

TMZ Sports talked to Bill just days before the hugely anticipated scrap where we chopped it up about all things Haney-Garcia, including whether pops thinks Ryan is struggling with his mental health, to how he believes the fight will turn out.

"It's absolutely an act," Bill said of Ryan's recent actions, before making it clear Team Haney wouldn't be distracted.

"We're not at the least bit taken back by the antics. If he can fool us, he can beat us, and we're nobody's fool. I think that's what he can do," Bill said.

"You try to give us the illusion that you're not focused, that you're not serious about the fight. To give us, you know, just that little bit to slow us down. But I'm telling you, we're motivated. New York City has motivated us!"

On the fight, it doesn't sound like Devin plans on showing any mercy to the 25-year-old, 24-1 boxing star.

"To all my parents, put your kids to bed or be careful of what they see. Because on the 20th, Devin is being sent in there to kill Ryan Garcia," Bill told us.

Haney then delivered another warning.

"If you go against the United States of America, it's treason," Haney said, "And, if he was to go against a religion, it would be blasphemy. To go against Devin the Dream, it's an execution, and it will be carried out on April the 20th at [Barclays]."

We also talked to Bill about his unwavering dedication to 25-year-old Devin ... and how his role has changed over the years as his undefeated (31-0) boxer son rose through the ranks.

"The first part of my life was protecting him. The second part was teaching him. Now I'm in that friendship stage. So it's a give and take. I give him my honest opinion, but it's all him. I'm telling you, when he found boxing and boxing found him, it was a marriage made in heaven."

The Devin Haney-Ryan Garcia super fight goes down on DAZN in just three days ... and Bill sent one last message.

The winner of the Number 10 Chicago Sky jersey sweepstakes has been confirmed ... Kamilla Cardoso will keep the number she wore in South Carolina while Angel Reese will switch to 5, calling it "new beginnings."

Remember, former Gamecocks center Cardoso and Reese -- who played forward at LSU -- both wore number 10 during their standout college basketball careers.

In fact, Reese even wore the number before stepping foot in Louisiana... rocking 5 at the Univ. of Maryland (2020-2022) and Saint Frances Academy in Baltimore. Cardoso, on the other hand, has worn different jersey numbers since high school.

So, when the Chicago Sky selected Cardoso and Reese at the WNBA Draft Monday night, we questioned who'd get 10.

The Chicago Sky posted the new rookie jerseys on their site on Tuesday ... and you can obviously see Cardoso's black and blue number 10 jersey.

Reese addressed the change to 5 ... and the 7th overall pick claims she's fine with the new number.

"New era, new beginnings," the 21-year-old said. "Go cop now!"

Despite the change, you can expect Reese's gear to sell like crazy. Remember, Fanatics told us Caitlin Clark's rookie jersey was the hottest seller for a rookie athlete ever, with a record number of fans copping Caitlin's merch.

Reese is also incredibly popular ... and her jersey is sure to be one of the most rocked in the country.

Speaking of the two superstar hoopers ... their teams, the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever, will match up in a highly anticipated game on June 1.

Eyeballs all across the nation continue to flock toward Caitlin Clark ... Monday night's WNBA Draft -- which the former Iowa superstar headlined -- was just revealed to be the most-viewed in the history of the event!

ESPN announced Tuesday that 2.45 million people tuned in to watch the Indiana Fever take Clark with the No. 1 overall pick ... smashing the previous high of 601,000 watchers in 2004. The outlet added that at its peak, the draft's broadcast drew in a total of 3.09 million people.

According to the network, the selection ceremony -- which also featured stars like Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso -- was the most popular program on Monday night amongst people under the age of 35 years old.

Caitlin Clark has always been a baller, but even her own high school coach, Kristin Meyer, never saw this level of stardom coming, telling TMZ Sports, "I can't say that I honestly predicted this!"

Don't get it twisted, Meyer knew from the get-go Clark was special and would find success -- but No. 1 college women's basketball player ever simply didn't cross her mind when she had the point guard runnin' pick and rolls at Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines, Iowa.

"This level of success, and especially this level of fame that she's achieved," Meyer said, "it's just something I don't think anyone could have predicted."

The week has only just started but, in case you're behind, here are some TMZ TV hot takes to catch up on.

First up, on "TMZ Live," Harvey and Charles discuss Courtney Love's biting criticism of Taylor Swift. She even came for Beyoncé, too!!!

O.J. Simpson's estate is NOT flush with the kinda cash you'd expect -- nor is it enough to satisfy his debt to Ron Goldman's family ... at least that's what his executor is claiming.

We got Simpson's longtime attorney Malcolm LaVergne Tuesday on "TMZ Live," and he opened up about O.J.'s finances following his death last week. As Malcolm put it, O.J. died with less than 5-figures in one Nevada bank account, and overall ... had less than millions to his name.

In his final days, O.J. was receiving the maximum amount of social security, as well as pensions from his time as an NFL star and actor. Malcolm claims those payments totaled less than the $400K per year that's been reported.

A woman who accused Trevor Bauer of sexual assault has just been hit with a criminal charge ... after she allegedly defrauded the former Cy Young winner into paying her for an abortion he believes never happened.

The charge -- fraudulent schemes and artifices -- was formally filed against Darcy Esemonu in Arizona on Monday ... weeks after a Maricopa County grand jury indicted her on the felony count.

According to a video statement Bauer posted on his YouTube page Tuesday, it stems from allegations Esemonu made against the former Dodgers star in a 2023 lawsuit.

The woman alleged in her papers that Bauer raped her during a 2020 encounter and got her pregnant. In a countersuit, Bauer denied any wrongdoing ... but he did say he had consensual sex with her one time in Dec. 2020, when the condom he had been using broke.

He claimed in his countersuit that after their hookup, Esemonu told him she was pregnant and wanted more than $1 million to terminate it. Bauer claimed he would support her decision ... before he gave her $8,761 for the cost she eventually said it took to end the alleged pregnancy.

However, in his video statement Tuesday, Bauer said, "She never had an abortion, because she was never even pregnant." He added that that was all "corroborated by her own medical records."

Bauer said authorities were made aware of all of this after they initiated an investigation into her sexual assault allegations against him.

Court records show Esemonu was also charged with fraud due to her interactions with a man named Marco Bresciani. In addition, the records show she was charged with felony theft by extortion for wrongdoing against Bresciani as well.

"Her m.o. is clear," Bauer said of the newly filed charges. "Lie to men to get their money. Extort them if she must. When they refuse to pay, stop paying, or stop giving her what she wants, go to the police, accuse them of sexual assault, and file a civil suit against them to retaliate."

Bauer stated he's hopeful he can now get another crack at pitching in the MLB again soon.

Logan Paul and Nina Agdal don't know their baby's gender just yet, but it's clear the WWE Superstar is hoping for a girl ... gushing over the possibility and saying, "I'm just gonna melt."

The Maverick opened up on his impending fatherhood during his "Impaulsive" podcast this week ... and he couldn't help but get excited over the huge milestone.

Paul explained his life will change forever once they welcome the kid to the world ... 'cause, for the first time, he won't be prioritizing himself -- it's all gonna be about his partner and the new family they created together.

Logan said he's wanted to be a dad for a long time ... but hadn't met the right person until the Sports Illustrated model came along.

"It's like a feeling that I can't even comprehend right now, especially if it looks anything like Nina," Logan said of the baby on the way. "Like, I love Nina so much, and then this little version of her that's also half me, that is going to be my entire life?"

Logan also praised his fiancée ... saying she's been handling the pregnancy extremely well and is going to be an incredible mother.

"I can't wait to find out the gender," he added.

Quavo's "Huncho Day" event is back in Atlanta for 2024 ... and TMZ Sports has learned the superstar rapper is expanding this year, adding both basketball and 7v7 football games in addition to his first-ever "Quavo Cares Social Impact Hub", a gun violence prevention that focuses on community safety.

For the past six years the 33-year-old rapper, along with apparel brand Legends, has given back to his city of ATL by throwing the annual shindig -- a celebrity football game -- at his alma mater, Berkmar High School.

But, this April 28th, Quavo (real name Quavious Marshall) is adding to the festivities ... the 7th annual "Huncho Day" will feature the Team Huncho Basketball and Team Huncho Elite 7v7 football games.

Football and basketball youth clinics, supported by the Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Falcons, will also be there, along with a fun zone for kids.

He's also introducing a new initiative called the "Quavo Cares Social Impact Hub" ... and we're told it's "an experiential space for civic and community resource partners to provide and educate the Atlanta community on their service offerings, with a special focus on gun violence prevention."

The social impact hub -- which is powered by Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund -- has several partners, including the Hawks, Falcons, 100 Black Men, Be SMART, H.O.P.E. Hustlers, the Atlanta City Mayor's Office, and more.

We're told the gun violence prevention foundation stems from the death of fellow Migos rapper and Quavo's nephew, Takeoff, who was shot and killed in 2022.

It's official ... Travis Kelce will be adding game show host to his already impressive resume -- the NFL superstar just confirmed he has been tapped to be the frontman of the new "Are You Smarter Than A Celebrity?" program.

Prime Video announced Tuesday the show will be a spin-off of "Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?" ... and Kelce said in a statement he's pumped to be the mic man for it.

"I grew up loving game shows," Taylor Swift's boo said, "and I'm excited to be following in the footsteps of so many TV icons by hosting my very first one with 'Are you Smarter than a Celebrity?'"

Devin Haney couldn't wait 'til Saturday to put his hands on Ryan Garcia ... 'cause the undefeated boxer shoved his opponent in the face during a heated showdown at the Empire State Building.

Haney shared the footage on his Instagram ... showing him trash-talking back and forth with a shirtless Garcia at their face-off for the April 20 fight at the Barclays Center.

Garcia (24-1) was clearly fired up ... calling Haney a "bitch" several times before Devin lost his cool and shoved Ryan hard in the face.

The push caused Garcia to stumble backward ... but he claims to not have been fazed one bit.

"I told you I ate that," Garcia said on the X app after the incident. "SCRUMPTIOUS I WANT MORE!"

Thankfully, that's all that happened between the two -- after all, the guys are getting paid to duke it out for real in just a matter of days.

Some fans believe the altercation between Haney (31-0) and Garcia was legit ... while others think it was all staged to promote the fight.

But, Haney's dad and trainer, Bill, said it was real ... and personal.

"He disrespected boxing," pops said after the quarrel. "This ain't no game! I'm sending my son to go kill him!"

As for Garcia, he also continued his bizarre social media antics ... claiming Haney's shove should be considered a hate crime, as he now identifies as a woman and a member of the LGBTQ community.

Former St. Louis Cardinals manager Whitey Herzog -- who won one World Series title and three pennants during his illustrious career -- has died at 92 years old.

His family announced the sad news in a statement on Tuesday ... explaining Herzog had been recently battling an illness. They added he spent his final days surrounded by his family members.

"Although it is hard for us to say goodbye," Herzog's loved ones wrote, "his peaceful passing was a blessing for him."

Herzog began his managerial career in 1973 with the Texas Rangers ... but he really made his mark in the Major Leagues when he took over the Cardinals in 1980.

Playing a style of baseball that MLB aficionados dubbed "Whiteyball," Herzog used unique bullpen management as well as players who could run and defend to win games.

He earned the World Series crown with the Cards in 1982 ... and added two more NL Pennant victories in 1985 and 1987.

Herzog -- who also coached the California Angels and the Kansas City Royals in his 18 years as a manager -- ultimately retired in 1990 ... with a record of 1,281 and 1,125.

St. Louis went on to retire his uniform No. 24 ... just after he was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

"On behalf of Major League Baseball," Commissioner Rob Manfred said, "I extend my deepest condolences to Whitey's family, his friends across the game, and the fans of the Cardinals and the Royals."

Added Cardinals honcho Bill DeWitt Jr., "Whitey loved the Cardinals, their fans, and St. Louis. He will be sorely missed."

An incredibly rare Michael Jordan Logoman card is about to be up for grabs ... and trust us, this is one collectors NEED to own!

The 2003-04 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Ultimate Logos Signature Michael Jordan Signed Game-Used Logoman Patch Card will go live on the Goldin website in just a couple of days ... and bids START at a quarter of a million dollars.

Yes, that's how rare this card is.

While Jordan, arguably the greatest hooper of all time, has been featured on a Logoman card in the past as a Washington Wizard, this is the first Chicago Bulls MJ Logoman.

That means the card, in addition to Michael's autograph, signed in blue ink, also contains a patch from an actual game-worn, Jordan Chicago Bulls jersey.

The autograph was rated a Gem Mint 10 by PSA, one of the top card authenticators in the country, meaning the signature is virtually perfect.

The Logoman card is also hand-numbered "1/1" -- this one card is all that exists.

In fact, the whereabouts of the very valuable cardboard were unknown for years ... until the card was submitted to PSA in 2022.

NBA star Blake Griffin is calling it a career after 14 seasons ... announcing his retirement in a heartfelt post on Tuesday.

The 35-year-old forward was the first overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft ... spending 7 1/2 seasons with the LA Clippers, where he made the All-Star team 6 times.

Griffin was a high-flying athlete throughout his time on the hardwood ... winning the league's dunk contest in 2011.

It's safe to say Patrick Mahomes approves of his best buddy's relationship with Taylor Swift ... he gushed over Travis Kelce's boo during a recent interview, praising the pop star for being "down to earth."

The Chiefs quarterback spoke about the "Bad Blood" crooner during a lengthy chat with TIME for its Most Influential People of 2023 issue ... and he had nothing but kind things to say about her.

He said of all the celebrities he's met, she's "probably" the most chill out of all of them. He then raved about her tireless work ethic ... before saying he's also been impressed by the way she's trying to become a football expert.

Caitlin Clark continues to break records -- the basketball superstar skyrocketed to the top of the merch charts after being selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft ... earning the top-selling jersey EVER for a draft pick.

The former Iowa Hawkeyes baller was the obvious choice for the Indiana Fever on Monday ... and considering her historic run in college, no one was surprised to hear her name called first.

Right after Clark's big moment, Fanatics -- the official online retailer for the WNBA -- was quick to offer preorders for her No. 22 jersey ... and they rapidly sold out.