TMZ Sports - Page 38

Jerry Ferrara has a long list of names he wants to have appear on his new "Throwbacks" sports podcast with Matt Leinart ... but there's one person he's got highlighted at the very top of it -- New York Knicks superstar Jalen Brunson.

TMZ Sports spoke with the former "Entourage" and "Power" actor about his project with the Heisman Trophy winner ... and he's excited to chat weekly with his cohost about all things sports and life in general.

Ferrara explained it's not going to be all Xs and Os -- he's going to give the perspective of a true sports fan ... as he has a lifetime of experience from cheering for his beloved Yankees, Giants and Knicks.

Nikki Bella's back in the public eye in a big way ... taking the stage at Netflix's live hotdog eating contest between Joey Chestnut and Takeru Kobayashi days after her husband was arrested for felony domestic violence.

The former WWE wrestler is in Las Vegas for the Labor Day sausage showdown ... hosting the event alongside Rob Riggle and getting some serious love from the crowd.

It's Nikki's first public appearance since Artem Chigvintsev's Thursday arrest in Napa, California ... and she was greeted by a big cheer when she was introduced as host ... and someone even shouted, "Love you, Nikki!!!"

Joey Chestnut and his longtime nemesis Takeru Kobayashi went head-to-head in a hot dog eating contest for the first time in 15 years ... with Joey winning in a landslide and setting a record in the process.

The rivals matched up Monday on 'Unfinished Beef,' a Netflix special live from Las Vegas, and stuffed their faces full of wieners and buns ... with a huge crowd cheering them on.

Joey cruised to victory ... leading all the way. When the 10-minute timer expired, Joey's total sat at 83 hot dogs ... compared to a final tally of 66 for Kobayahsi.

If you catch Eric Ebron out in the streets soon, there's a pretty good chance you'll see him reppin' his alma mater ... 'cause the ex-tight end just copped a Tesla Cybertruck decked out in UNC decor -- and it's awesome.

TMZ Sports has learned the former Pro Bowler went to his go-to guy at Dreamworks Motorsports to get a whip that would help him show off his love for the Tar Heels ... and check it out, it sure seems the famed car customizer delivered.

You can see the fully tinted electric pickup truck is covered in satin black color change wrap and is sitting on 26-inch Giovanna Dicotto wheels, which are finished in gloss black and reflective UNC blue.

Jake Paul isn't worried one bit about Mike Tyson's health status leading up to their fight ... telling TMZ Sports he's so confident the boxing legend will be in the ring come November, there's no backup plan whatsoever.

We caught up with "El Gallo" less than two months 'til their big showdown in Dallas ... and despite Iron Mike's medical emergency that forced them to push the fight from its original July date, he's certain everything's good now.

"I don't have concern," Paul told us. "He's doing great. He's super healthy behind the scenes and feeling great."

Star boxer Jermall Charlo has been formally hit with a DWI charge following allegations he drunkenly crashed his Lamborghini in Texas back in May.

According to court documents, obtained by TMZ Sports, in addition to the DWI ... prosecutors also levied a misdemeanor leaving the scene of an accident charge against Charlo. Court records show officials formally filed the misdemeanor counts against the 34-year-old pugilist on Aug. 20.

As we previously reported, Charlo was first arrested in the case on May 6 -- when cops claimed Charlo slammed his red Urus into another car on a Brazoria County roadway.

Ricky Pearsall's lucky to be alive and has God to thank for shielding him from the bullets fired during Saturday's attempted robbery ... this according to his mom.

Erin Pearsall shared an update on her son's condition less than 24 hours after cops say a 17-year-old suspect shot him in the chest while trying to steal his Rolex watch in broad daylight.

In her Facebook post, EP confirms her son was shot in the chest -- the bullet exited out his back -- but, miraculously, the bullet missed all of his vital organs.

Nikki Bella was seen for the first time since Artem Chigvintsev's domestic violence arrest ... and her bare ring finger speaks volumes about the state of their marriage.

The former WWE star was just spotted in Oakland, boarding a private plane with a gal pal ... likely headed to Las Vegas where she'll be cohosting Netflix's live hotdog eating competition, "Chestnut vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef" Monday.

Bella hopped on the plane with a big grin, hat pulled low over her eyes ... but, obviously, everyone's looking at her finger -- 'cause she's ditched her wedding ring after a tumultuous week.

LeVar Burton is defending space exploration, Angelina Jolie is not dating anyone, and Kyren Williams is previewing the upcoming NFL season ... all this on today's TMZ TV Hot Takes.

First up on "TMZ Live," Harvey and Babcock break down LeVar's position on space ... now that we're dealing with an astronaut emergency up there.

Flau'jae Johnson isn't interested in being called an athlete who raps ... the LSU national champion and artist behind the hit track with Lil' Wayne says her goals are far loftier -- as in Adele collaborations and Grammy Award wins!

TMZ Sports talked to 20-year-old Flau'jae just days after she dropped the music video for "Came Out A Beast" -- which already has over a million views -- and asked #4 if she believed she was the best athlete rapper.

"I don't know. I'm not them. That's not my title because I'm really taking this seriously. Like I'm trying to perform arenas. I'm trying to tour. I'm trying to be a real established artist. I want to win a Grammy."

Jeremy Stephens is gunning to improve his Bare Knuckle Fighting record to a perfect 2-0 next Saturday ... and the big question is, could a win propel him to a fight with former foe turned BKFC owner, Conor McGregor?!

TMZ Sports caught up with the 38-year-old fighter ahead of his second scrap with the promotion, against 6-2 Bobby Taylor. While Taylor has more experience fighting without gloves, Stephens doesn't anticipate much of a challenge.

"Body bag, not worried about the opponent, man," he said. "Just [going to] put him in a f****** bag. We're here to f****** hurt him, this is the hurt business. He's just an opponent, go in there and do my thing."

Edgar Berlanga vows to not only win his fight against Canelo Alvarez .... but he's also promising to retire the legendary boxer, telling TMZ Sports boxing needs a new frontman!

"I'm destined right now to make history on September 14th," the boxer said ahead of his Las Vegas bout against Alvarez. "To become a legend that day, to take over the sport of boxing and become the face."

Of course, Alvarez is one of the faces in boxing ... along with other fighters like Terence Crawford and Gervonta Davis.

Matthew Gaudreau's death is inspiring genoristy in others ... with many people donating thousands to his widow and soon-to-be born child after his tragic death Thursday.

A GoFundMe has been started in honor of the brother to NHL standout Johnny Gaudreau ... with all the proceeds going to his wife Madeline -- and, it's just crossed over the $375k mark.

The frundraiser's description explains the money will go toward alleviating the financial burden brought on by Matthew's sudden passing ... though obviously they admit no amount of money will alleviate the family's grief.

The widow of Johnny Gaudreau has shared her first messages since he was tragically killed by a suspected DUI driver on Thursday ... and it is heartbreaking.

As TMZ previously reported ... the NHL star and his little brother, Matthew, were hit and killed while riding their bikes. The suspect in the case has since been charged with their deaths.

Meredith Gaudreau on Saturday shared two devastating posts on social media about her husband’s death ... and explained what an amazing husband and father he was.

Ricky Pearsall, the 49ers 2024 first-round draft pick, was shot earlier today during an attempted burglary in San Francisco, the city's mayor announced.

23-year-old Pearsall is in stable condition at a local hospital ... after reportedly being shot in the arm around 3:30 PM.

The alleged shooter was caught at the scene and is currently in custody.

The harrowing incident went down Saturday afternoon in the Union Square area of downtown SF, according to SFPD.

Artem Chingvintsev got busted, Kamala Harris got questioned and AEW star Mercedes Moné revealed her dream tag team partner ... all this on today's TMZ TV Hot Takes.

First up on "TMZ Live," Harvey and Babcock have the latest on the 'DWTS' pro being arrested in Napa Valley for domestic violence.