TMZ Sports - Page 17

Jayson Tatum and Matthew Tkachuk were destined to be world champions ... so says their former middle school gym teacher, who tells TMZ Sports he recognized long ago that there was something special about the two.

The Boston Celtics hooper and Florida Panthers left winger -- who both won their respective titles in the NBA and NHL this month -- both attended Chaminade College Preparatory School in St. Louis, MO as kids ... and Michael Derkits -- who also coached Tatum on the basketball team -- got an early look at their potential.

Derkits said Tatum and Tkachuk hit it off as soon as the former transferred to Chaminade as a 7th grader ... and he credits to them having similar personalities.

Chris Pratt says he's willing to change cinematic universes, Kesha got booted from a gas station and Stefon Diggs is failing at Pilates ... all this on today's TMZ Hot Takes.

On "TMZ Live" Harvey and Charles react to Chris telling our photog he's down to make movies in the DC Universe despite his Marvel fame.

Christian McCaffrey and Olivia Culpo are officially husband and wife -- the San Francisco 49ers superstar running back and stunning model just tied the knot at an extravagant ceremony in Rhode Island.

TMZ Sports has learned ... the wildly attractive couple walked down the aisle in front of their closest family and friends at the Ocean House in Westerly, Rhode Island Saturday afternoon.

We got pics of the couple leaving the ceremony, walking up to excited friends and family to share in the happy moment ... they're holding hands and looking loving while beginning this next chapter of their lives together.

Logan Paul's spittin' on that thang in WWE ... reacting in a way inspired by the "Hawk Tuah" girl mid-bout -- and, it's got the internet in a frenzy.

The YouTube star turned pro wrestler pulled up to "WWE SmackDown" Friday night in Madison Square Garden and faced off with LA Knight and Santos Escobar in a threeway battle ... and, after failing to pin Escobar, he pulled his head back and spat out the viral phrase.

Check out the clip ... Logan clearly annunciates the words heard 'round the world -- spitting in the general direction of his opponent after not getting the win.

Taylor Swift is head over heals in love with Travis Kelce – and she continues to show it while performing onstage.

The pop star's latest shout out to her boyfriend came Friday as she cranked out her famous tune, "Midnight Rain," at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland.

Check out the brief video ... Taylor was singing and pointing at the sold-out crowd before striking Travis' famous pose mimicking an archer when he plays tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Orlando Cepeda -- a Baseball Hall of Famer and teammate of the late Willie Mays -- has died ... according to statements from his family and MLB.

The Giants legend passed away at his home Friday according to his wife, Nydia, while surrounded by family and listening to his favorite music. She says the family takes comfort he's now at peace.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred remembered Orlando for his on-field accomplishments ... as well as his role as one of the first Latin American players in the game who paved the way for more inclusion in baseball during the 1960s.

Celine Dion hit up the 2024 NHL Draft in Las Vegas on Friday -- and she even participated in the event despite her constant battle with a rare neurological disorder.

The iconic singer seemed to be in great spirits as she arrived at The Sphere in Sin City to attend the National Hockey League's big night.

During it, Celine walked onstage in a chic dress and stepped up to a microphone, telling the crowd she was excited while joking that she's "not even a hockey mom."

Nicola Peltz-Beckham has lawyered up following the untimely death of her beloved chihuahua Nala ... and is prepared to go full throttle against those allegedly responsible.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Nicola has retained a legal team and plans to go after the grooming company located in upstate New York that worked on her pup at a home she was staying at before Nala experienced a medical emergency that turned fatal.

We're told Nala had a check-up with her long-term vet prior to the trip in NY, and was deemed fit and healthy ... which is why her sudden passing has been so shocking to Nicola.

Breathe easy, 49ers fans ... Brandon Aiyuk says in spite of all the drama with his contract this offseason, he still wants to be in a San Francisco uniform in 2024.

The star wideout -- who's entering the final season of his rookie deal -- made it clear to TMZ Sports out at LAX on Friday that he's ready to suit up yet again for Kyle Shanahan ... even though he and the team have not yet agreed on a new extension.

"For sure," Aiyuk told us at the airport. "For sure!"

Brian Ortega stepped into the UFC 303 co-main event on two weeks' notice ... and some have called the decision reckless and potentially costly for the MMA star. So, why'd T-City accept the fight? TMZ Sports asked him.

"At this point it just becomes about having fun with my career. Taking the craziest fights now, and this is one of them, right?" 33-year-old Ortega told us.

"Two weeks notice, save 303, checklist. That's something that gets me excited, gives me nerves. Makes me feel alive again. Makes me feel like a young up-and-comer."

If you're wondering why there will be a bunch Pirates fans suddenly rockin' Paul Skenes and Jared Jones '24 shirts at PNC Park next month ... it's no doubt in part due to Livvy Dunne, who's made the tee a must-have item after wearing it to a game last weekend.

The LSU star gymnast -- who's Skenes' girlfriend -- sported the shirt while at Paul's big June 23 matchup against the Tampa Bay Rays ... and the folks who created it, Baseball Dugout LLC, tell TMZ Sports sales of the garment have exploded since.

We're told that after Dunne showed off the black and gold 'fit on her social media pages ... there was about a 1,400 percent increase in sales!

Ian Garry is a few days away from making the walk against Michael Page at UFC 303 ... and despite Venom's resume, the Irish star sounded as confident as ever during a recent convo with TMZ Sports.

26-year-old Garry previewed his upcoming match against former Bellator star, MVP ... and while many people may consider Page a legend, Ian very clearly isn't impressed with Michael's work in the cage.

In fact, when asked how he would handle MVP's unique style in the Octagon, Garry did not hold back!

There's a ton of fallout from the first presidential debate, and some backlash to Bronny James joining his famous father's team ... all this and more on today's TMZ Hot Takes.

First up on "TMZ Live" Harvey and Charles break down the debate with a candidate who is chomping at the bit to take down Trump ... Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger are expanding their family ... because she's got another bun in the oven.

Arnold Schwarzenegger's daughter is pregnant with the married couple's third child ... TMZ has confirmed.

Unclear how far along Katherine is in this pregnancy ... ditto for whether it's a boy or a girl on the way.

Kim Zolciak's found herself a flirtatious escape from all her marital struggles ... in the arms of one Chet Hanks, and now there's video proof of their connection.

MTV dropped the first teaser Friday for "Surreal Life: Villa of Secrets," and in it, the former Bravo personality and Tom Hanks' son were filmed sharing a steamy moment.

Check it out ... Chet praised Kim's good looks, applauding the 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' alum as a "MILF."

Rich Paul says Bronny James would be in the NBA even if his name was John Smith ... downplaying all the critics' claims of nepotism playing a major role in LeBron James' son getting drafted to the Lakers.

Bron and Bronny's agent touched down at LAX on Friday -- just 24 hours after the rookie had his name called with the 55th pick in the draft.

Paul talked all about the highly-publicized selection for the Purple and Gold ... saying first and foremost, he's thrilled for the 19-year-old hooper -- 'cause he definitely deserved the opportunity.