Rudy Gobert Speaks On $100K Fine My Emotions Got Best Of Me!!!

$100K is A Lot!!!
TMZSports.com

Rudy Gobert is addressing his whopping $100k fine for making a money gesture toward officials last week ... telling TMZ Sports he simply reached his boiling point and reacted with his emotions.

Gobert made the Johnny Manziel-esque hand sign at official Scott Foster during the Minnesota Timberwolves vs Cleveland Cavs game on March 8 ... insinuating refs are influenced by sports betting.

The 3-time All-Star also called out the refs during the post-game press conference ... saying he felt gambling has really hurt the sport.

We caught up with the Minnesota Timberwolves center on Rodeo Drive just a few days after the league handed down the 6-figure penalty for his actions and postgame comments ... and although the dude has made more than $217 MILLION over the course of his career, even he had to admit that's a huge hit financially.

"How I feel about the fine? I mean it's a fine. It's a lot of money," Gobert said ... before explaining his actions.

"We human beings at the end of the day. We not always right but everyone's allowed to speak their mind. Also, it's a game with a lot of emotions so sometimes we react off of frustration."

Gobert -- who is averaging 13.7 points and 12.9 rebounds per game this season -- got the maximum fine that a player can get for conduct or statements detrimental to the team or league ... but Charles Barkley believes he should've been suspended for it.

"It will ruin a sport if people thought it was fixed," the ex-NBA star said on "NBA on TNT."

Despite the fine and criticism, Gobert has amazing things to look forward to -- namely, his new baby ... and he revealed the child's gender to us!!

The TMZ Podcast: Drake Bell Comes Forward to Allege Child Molestation in Nickelodeon Doc ... Abused by Dialogue Coach

On this episode of The TMZ podcast ...

Former Nickelodeon star Drake Bell is speaking out for the first time about being sexually abused by a dialogue coach when he was 15 years old.

Dakota Johnson is swearing off any films similar to her box office bomb ,'Madame Web'.

Kanye West's wife Bianca Censori's family took happy and wholesome photos together prior to the recent feud drama over her wardrobe.

Plus, Travis and Jason Kelce were honored at a Cleveland Cavaliers game with their very own bobbleheads!

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Hosts: Charlie Cotton & Eric Colley

Travis y Jason Kelce Son invitados de honor en el partido de los Cavs...

Travis y Jason Kelce fueron honrados con pequeñas figuritas de ellos mismos en el partido de los Cleveland Cavaliers el martes, pero no es exactamente lo que piensas, ¡cada uno recibió su propio muñeco!

Los hermanos Kelce acudieron al Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse de Cleveland anoche, su ciudad natal, y presenciaron en primera fila el partido entre los Cavs y los Boston Celtics. Los Cavs ganaron en un apretado 105-104.

Los hermanos Kelce en miniatura
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Pero esa fue solo una parte de la emoción. Resulta que todos los aficionados de los Cavs recibieron figuritas especiales de Travis y Jason (conocidas como Bobbleheads), donde aparecen con camisetas de Cleveland y balones de baloncesto en sus manos. Como saben, los Kelces crecieron en Cleveland Heights y asistieron a una escuela en los suburbios.

Los kelces se reúnen con los Cavs
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Los dos invitados de honor también fueron invitados a la cancha por los Cavs antes de que comenzara el partido. A Jason le entregaron su propia camiseta con el número "62" en un marco de fotos en el marco de su emotivo retiro de la NFL esta semana.

Más tarde, los hermanos fueron filmados con sus bobbleheads personales, los que recibieron el sello de aprobación de Travis y Jason. Echa un vistazo al video publicado en X, los hermanos estaban encantados con sus regalos y la única crítica de Travis fue que se le había olvidado llevar una cadena en el cuello como su figurita.

Parece que Jason se está lanzando de cabeza a la jubilación, ¡y a mesas en llamas!

Los hermanos rodaron una promo acrobática para el episodio de esta semana de su podcast "New Heights" en la que Jason hizo la mayor parte del trabajo, saltando sobre una mesa en llamas, mientras Travis se quedaba al margen riéndose a carcajadas.

En cuanto a la novia de Travis, Taylor Swift, la cantante ha estado viajando por todo el mundo en el marco de su gira "Eras" y tiene algunos shows más en Singapur.

Estamos cubriendo todo lo relacionado con Taylor en el nuevo Swift-Tea Podcast, disponible en todas las plataformas de podcast.

Joey Chestnut Downs 39 Pierogies In 2 Minutes!!! ... Dominates 3v1 Contest

The Pierogi Punisher
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The Kelce Bros. weren't the only superstar athletes at the Cavs game Tuesday night -- the world's best eater, Joey Chestnut, rolled through Cleveland as well ... putting his unbelievable abilities on display for everyone in attendance!!

Jaws returned to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse for the Wine and Gold's home matchup against the Boston Celtics ... but the real contest went down at halftime, when the hot dog champ faced off against three normies in a pierogi challenge.

Chestnut -- who's by far the most famous figure in professional eating -- completely wrecked the field ... finishing 39 dumplings in two minutes, while everyone else combined for 23.

Joey looked pretty stuffed after the final buzzer -- his eyes got super wide as he was handed a championship belt.

It's not the first time Chestnut has taken on a trio of Cavs fans -- he previously crushed 47 back in 2022.

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Joey was eating fast, but the Kelces were drinking just as quickly ... 'cause Jason and Travis gulped on some beers in the blink of an eye while at the big game.

The Cavs went home winners, too -- coming all the way back from down 22 in the fourth to snap the Celtics' 11-game streak.

Travis And Jason Kelce Guests Of Honor At Cavs Game ... Get Personalized Bobbleheads

Travis and Jason Kelce were honored with small statues at the Cleveland Cavaliers game Tuesday, but it's not quite what you think ... they each got their own bobblehead dolls!

The Kelce brothers showed up at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in their hometown of Cleveland last evening – and they sat front and center for the Cavs matchup against the Boston Celtics. The Cavs won in a squeaker 105-104.

Bobblehead Brothers
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But that was only part of the excitement in the arena. Turns out Cavs fans all received special bobbleheads of Travis and Jason in Cleveland jerseys with basketballs gripped in their hands. As you know, the Kelces grew up in Cleveland Heights and attended high school in the suburbs.

The Kelces Meet The Cavs
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The two guests of honor were also invited onto the court by the Cavs before the game started. Jason was handed his very own number "62" jersey in a picture frame after his emotional retirement from the NFL this week.

Travis and Jason were later filmed with their personal bobbleheads, giving the dolls their stamp of approval. Check out the video posted to X ... the siblings did a pretty funny bit with Travis' only criticism being that he forgot to wear a neck chain like his figurine.

Looks like Jason's diving headfirst into retirement ... and flaming tables!

The bros shot a stunt promo for this week's episode of their "New Heights" podcast where Jason did the bulk of the work -- leaping on to a flaming table, while Travis stood on the sidelines on laughing his ass off.

As for Travis' girlfriend Taylor Swift, the superstar singer has been galivanting around the world on her "Eras" tour and has a few more shows in Singapore.

We're covering all things Taylor on the new Swift-Tea Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.

NBA's Rajon Rondo Arrested In Indiana ... Booked On Weed & Gun Charges

Rajon Rondo -- a two-time NBA champion -- was arrested on Sunday and booked on gun and weed charges, TMZ Sports has confirmed.

According to Jackson County Jail records in Indiana, the ex-Boston Celtics star was thrown behind bars at around 4 PM. A rep for the facility tells us he was booked on three separate charges -- possession of paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, and unlawful possession of a firearm -- before he was released on $705 bond.

Court documents we obtained show it all stemmed from a routine traffic stop at around 2:21 PM on an Indiana highway.

According to the docs, an Indiana State Police trooper pulled over Rondo for no plate on the back of his Tesla. However, during the stop, the trooper stated he smelled marijuana emanating from the former basketball player ... and in an ensuing search of his car, a small amount of weed, drug paraphernalia, and a gun were all discovered.

Due to a previous case against Rondo, he was not supposed to have the firearm.

All three charges against the four-time All-Star are misdemeanors.

This is, of course, not the first time Rondo has been accused of wrongdoing ... in May 2022, a woman filed an emergency protection order against him after she claimed he snapped at her for interrupting a video game session he was having with his son.

She accused Rondo of smashing things around the house, before pulling out a gun. The case, however, was dismissed weeks later.

DECEMBER 2020
PARKING LOT ALTERCATION
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Rondo was also sued in 2020 ... after a woman claimed she was injured during an altercation with the former point guard and his girlfriend outside an apartment complex. That case was settled in 2022.

Rondo played 16 seasons in the NBA, last suiting up for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2021-22 season.

Tristan Thompson Teams Up With Special Olympics ... Becomes Ambassador

Tristan Thompson has a new job outside of the NBA -- the Cleveland Cavaliers player has been named the newest Global Ambassador for the Special Olympics!!!

The 2016 NBA champion and Special Olympics International announced the news on Tuesday ... with Thompson saying he's "excited and honored" to partner with the sports organization that provides competitions for five million athletes (kids and adults) with disabilities.

"This is a great opportunity to support an amazing organization, but also use my platform and voice to help support athletes with intellectual disabilities," Thompson said.

"As a Global Ambassador, I will help inspire others to be more inclusive and take action to help change the stereotypes that exist for people with disabilities."

Thompson -- who is in his second stint with Cleveland -- will help promote the organization ... as well as work with local and global entities through activations by the Special Olympics.

In fact, the Cavs are hosting 40 athletes from Special Olympics France for a basketball clinic while they're in Paris for their game against the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday.

Thompson will join a list of several NBA/WNBA players who are also Global Ambassadors for the Special Olympics ... including Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker and Elena Delle Donne of the Washington Mystics.

"Special Olympics is honored to name Tristan Thompson as our newest Global Ambassador," CEO Mary Davis said. "Tristan demonstrates passion and dedication to creating a more inclusive world where exclusion has no place, and everybody belongs and is respected."

"We join Tristan in his commitment to elevating inclusion in communities around the world and look forward to working with him to positively change the lives of people with intellectual disabilities."

Of course, Thompson working with the Special Olympics hits close to home ... his younger brother, Amari, was born with disabilities.

Thompson was granted temporary guardianship over him in September after the sudden death of his mother, who used to take care of him.

Tristan Thompson Se une a las Olimpiadas especiales ... Como embajador

Tristan Thompson tiene un nuevo trabajo fuera de la NBA, ¡¡¡el jugador de los Cleveland Cavaliers ha sido nombrado como nuevo Embajador Global de las Olimpiadas Especiales!!!

El campeón de la NBA en 2016 y Special Olympics International anunciaron la noticia el martes. Thompson dijo que estaba "emocionado y honrado" de asociarse con la institución, que organiza competencias para 5 millones de atletas (niños y adultos) con discapacidades.

"Esta es una gran oportunidad para apoyar a una organización increíble, pero también para utilizar mi plataforma y mi voz para apoyar a los atletas con discapacidad intelectual", dijo Thompson.

"Como Embajador Mundial, ayudaré a inspirar a otros a ser más inclusivos y a tomar medidas para ayudar a cambiar los estereotipos que existen sobre las personas con discapacidad".

Thompson, que está en su segunda etapa con los Cleveland, ayudará a promover la organización y trabajará con entidades locales y globales a través de activaciones de las Olimpiadas Especiales.

De hecho, los Cavs están recibiendo 40 atletas de Special Olympics Francia para una clínica de baloncesto mientras están en París para su partido contra los Brooklyn Nets el jueves.

Thompson se unirá a una lista de varios jugadores de la NBA/ WNBA que también son Embajadores Globales de las Olimpiadas Especiales, incluyendo estrellas de los Phoenix Suns como Devin Booker y Elena Delle Donne de los Washington Mystics.

"Para Special Olympics es un honor nombrar a Tristan Thompson como nuestro nuevo Embajador Mundial", declaró Mary Davis, directora ejecutiva de la organización. "Tristan demuestra pasión y dedicación para crear un mundo más inclusivo, donde la exclusión no tenga cabida y todo el mundo pertenezca y sea respetado".

"Nos unimos a Tristan en su compromiso por elevar la inclusión en las comunidades de todo el mundo y esperamos trabajar con él para cambiar positivamente la vida de las personas con discapacidad intelectual".

Por supuesto, que Thompson trabaje en los Juegos Olímpicos Especiales le afecta de cerca, pues su hermano menor Amari nació con discapacidad.

Thompson obtuvo la tutela temporal sobre él en septiembre tras la repentina muerte de su madre, quien solía cuidarlo.

Myles Garrett Buys Stake In Cleveland Cavs ... I'm A Part Owner!!!

Myles Garrett is going all-in on The Land -- the Cleveland Browns superstar just became a part owner of the Cavaliers!!

The team just made the big announcement on Wednesday ... saying the 27-year-old dominant defensive end will also serve as an ambassador for the organization.

"As a leader on and off the field, Myles has become a Cleveland icon and shares in our organization's commitment to being a transformative force for good across the region," Cavs owner Dan Gilbert said.

"We are honored to welcome this long-time friend of the team as our new partner and investor. Myles’ passion and commitment to the city he loves will allow us to reach new communities and continue to build the successful future of this franchise."

Garrett -- who's in the middle of a $125 million deal -- has been building his portfolio lately ... also investing in a Major League Pickleball team earlier this year.

The 2017 No. 1 overall pick has played in Cleveland his entire career ... racking up four Pro Bowls and two First-Team All-Pro selections.

He's also gotten pretty tight with the Cavs during his time in northeast Ohio ... even showing off his crazy dunking skills while hanging out with the squad at Summer League this past offseason.

SLAM DUNK

"I have admired the Cavaliers organization’s hard work, tenacity and dedication to the community since my early days in Cleveland,” Garrett said. "To have the opportunity to join this impressive and purpose-filled franchise, under Dan’s leadership, is truly a dream come true."

The news comes just hours before the Cavs kick off their 2023-24 season against the Brooklyn Nets ... and the team will certainly hope Myles' dominance rubs off on Donovan Mitchell and Co.

Let 'em know!!

Koby Altman Arrest Video Cavs President Struggled W/ Field Sobriety Tests ... During OVI Stop

TOUGH TESTING

Cleveland Cavaliers president Koby Altman appeared to have serious balance issues during his OVI arrest over the weekend ... seemingly struggling through several field sobriety tests before being put in cuffs, police video obtained by TMZ Sports shows.

Altman -- who joined the Cavs in 2012 -- was pulled over in Cleveland around 9 PM on Friday ... after troopers say they witnessed his white 2022 Lexus make a traffic violation.

During the stop, officers claim Altman was close to causing an accident and showed signs of impairment.

Video shows Altman attempt the walk-and-turn, one-leg stand and eye tests ... and at one point, he claimed the officers were messing up his performance.

Altman -- who turned 41 on Saturday -- explained to cops he was an exec with the Cavs ... and said he was tired after returning from an overseas trip and lengthy dinner earlier in the night, admitting to having a few drinks.

When officers asked Altman to submit to a breathalyzer, he refused ... and he was handcuffed.

Altman was ultimately charged with committing a marked lanes violation and operating a vehicle while impaired. His attorney submitted a not guilty plea on his behalf in court on Tuesday.

Altman was director of pro personnel with the Cavs when they won the NBA Finals in 2016 ... before taking over the team one year later. He made several impactful trades during his tenure ... and drafted stars like Darius Garland and Evan Mobley.

The Cavs -- who promoted Altman to president of basketball operations in 2022 -- addressed his arrest over the weekend ... saying the organization was aware and working to gather more information.

TEYANA TAYLOR IMAN Y YO NOS SEPARAMOS Todavía amigos y padres

Teyana Taylor acaba de confirmar lo que la gente ha sospechado durante mucho tiempo acerca de ella y su marido, Iman Shumpert, su relación ha terminado.

La cantante oficialmente dio la noticia el domingo, compartiendo una larga declaración en Instagram. ¡Ella escribe: "No demasiado en mi bestie! Para ser justos, Iman y yo estamos separados y lo hemos estado por un tiempo. Para ser 1000% claros, la 'infidelidad' no es una de las razones de nuestra separación".

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Y añade: "Seguimos siendo los mejores amigos, grandes socios y formamos un gran equipo a la hora de criar a nuestros dos preciosos hijos. Lo más importante es que somos FAMILIA y en los 10 años que llevamos juntos y los 7 de casados nunca hemos jugado con ESO".

Teyana continúa explicando que la razón por la que ha mantenido esto en secreto es porque ella es privada y no se sentía como si fuera asunto de nadie más, una decisión con la que está feliz ya que ella e Iman han sido capaces de navegar esto en sus términos sin tanto ruido.

Ella termina diciendo: "La única razón por la que estoy compartiendo ESTA parte de la charla es porque las narrativas se están yendo un poco de las manos y es injusto para todas las partes involucradas. Espero que esto les aclare un poco las cosas". Vale, AunTey, los vuelvo a sacar del chat, ¡adiós!".

Teyana e Iman llevan juntos bastante tiempo: se casaron en 2016 y tienen dos hijos en común. Sus asuntos personales también han sido objeto de mucha intriga.

Teyana Taylor Iman & I Separated ... Still Cool, Still Co-Parenting

Teyana Taylor just confirmed what folks have long suspected about her and her husband, Iman Shumpert ... their relationship is over.

The singer officially broke the news Sunday, taking to IG with a lengthy statement. She writes, "Not too much on my bestie! In all fairness, Iman and I are separated and have been for a while. To be 1000% clear, 'infidelity' ain’t one of the reasons for our departure."

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She adds, "We are still the best of friends, great business partners and are one hell of a team when it comes to co-parenting our 2 beautiful children. Most importantly we are FAMILY & in the 10yrs together, 7yrs married we ain’t ever played with or about THAT."

Teyana goes on to explain that the reason she's kept this under wraps is because she's private ... and didn't feel like it was anyone's business -- a decision she's happy with as she and Iman have been able to navigate this on their terms without so much noise.

She finishes by saying ... "The only reason I’m even sharing THIS part of the chat is because the narratives are getting a little out of hand & it’s unfair to all parties involved. I hope this provided some clarity for y’all. Okay AunTey taking y’all back out the chat bye!"

Teyana and Iman have been together for quite a while now -- they got hitched in 2016, and share two children together. Their bedroom biz has also been the subject of much intrigue.

NBA's Caris LeVert $93,000 Watch Allegedly Stolen ... Cops Investigating

Caris LeVert's super rare watch was allegedly stolen at a party earlier this month ... and now, TMZ Sports has learned the Cleveland Cavaliers forward is asking cops for help in getting it back.

Law enforcement tells us ... LeVert told cops it all went down on Aug. 1 during a bash at his Los Angeles-area home.

According to cops, someone was seen in LeVert's bedroom during the festivities ... and when the hooper went to check out the situation, he noticed his watch case was open and his $93,000 Peugeot was missing.

We're told LeVert went to the LAPD and filed a grand theft report ... and while no arrests have been made -- the case is currently under investigation.

LeVert -- the No. 20 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft -- began his career with Brooklyn ... though he's been on Cleveland's roster since the 2021-22 season, averaging 12.4 points per game.

He just signed a 2-year, $32 million deal to remain a Cav this offseason.

Channing Frye R.J. Ran Up $36k Tab On My Card!!! ... Before 2005 Draft

RUNNING UP THE BILL
Road Trippin'

Channing Frye had a "welcome to the NBA" moment before he even made it to the league ... 'cause he claims Richard Jefferson racked up a whopping $36,000 tab on his credit card the night before he was drafted!!

The pair of Cavs champions/former Arizona Wildcats detailed the 2005 rager on their "Road Trippin'" podcast this week ... when RJ invited Frye and his crew of 20-30 friends to go clubbing in the Big Apple.

The former No. 8 overall pick says the group included a ton of ex-Arizona guys like Gilbert Arenas and Luke Walton, Nets and Knicks players and fellow class of 2005 draftee "David Lee's punk ass" (RJ's words, not ours) ... but there was no issue with rolling deep, 'cause Jefferson had clout in the city after helping the Nets reach the NBA Finals.

"Richard, for lack of a better term, ran that demographic of New York," Frye says.

Once they got inside the club, it was bad news for Frye ... who willingly handed over his card to RJ after he asked him to "hold the table."

As it turns out, Frye says the massive group ended up partying on his dime the whole night ... with the final damage coming out to a mind-blowing $36,000!!

"They swipe it, they swipe it," RJ says. "He's just getting crushed. And this is kind of like a rookie hazing."

Channing rightfully freaked out over it all ... explaining, "The NBA money hadn't even got into the ozone yet, and my phone is blowing up."

"My s*** is still college s***, I don't even have an NBA check yet!!"

RJ insists he was looking out for his guy the whole night ... saying he was acting as a security blanket in case things went south.

Frye went on to make more than $68 million over the course of his career ... so don't worry, he definitely recovered.

James Worthy LeBron Statues In L.A. And Cleveland?! ... 'It's Doable'

THE BEST OF THE BEST
TMZSports.com

LeBron James might be immortalized outside two arenas by the time his career is over ... so says Lakers legend James Worthy, who tells TMZ Sports he could definitely see the NBA superstar getting statues in Cleveland AND Los Angeles.

The three-time NBA champ spoke with us about the King's Purple & Gold legacy earlier this week ... and he said it's entirely possible James gets the bronze treatment outside Crypto.com Arena one day.

"It depends on what he does here out," Worthy said at the Teqball USA Pre-ESPY party. "Personally -- and I think he'd agree -- he hasn't been here long enough."

"But I think his overall greatness, when you have a player like LeBron, who breaks Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's [all-time scoring] record in Los Angeles, does it as a Laker, then wins a championship as a Laker, you can't argue that he could get a statue in Los Angeles."

"And he could get one in Cleveland as well," Worthy added. "So, I don't know about Miami, but bringing one to Cleveland and Los Angeles, it's doable, in my opinion."

It's assumed LeBron will get a statue in Cleveland -- after all, he's by far the greatest player in franchise history and led the Cavaliers to their first championship.

There are currently six Lakers statues outside the arena ... including Shaquille O'Neal, Magic Johnson, Jerry West, Kareem, Elgin Baylor and broadcaster Chick Hearn.

If LeBron eventually joins that group of legends, Worthy wouldn't be surprised one bit.

LeBron James NBA Logoman Patch Card Hits Auction ... One Of A Kind From '16 Finals

A super rare card that features an NBA Logoman patch from one of LeBron James' jerseys during his epic 2016 Finals series has just gone up for sale ... TMZ Sports has learned.

PWCC officials tell us they put the card on their auction block Thursday ... and it's truly a one-of-a-kind item.

It's a Panini Eternal piece that was created just after the trading card co. scored one of LBJ's jerseys from the series against the Warriors where he came back from down 3-1 to win Cleveland's first title.

Panini cut the NBA Logoman patch from the threads -- built it into the card ... making it a true 1-of-1.

No word on what it's ultimately expected to fetch when the final gavel hits ... but PWCC exec Jesse Craig called it "one of LeBron's best cards" ever.

"Outside of some rare booklet-style cards, this is the only series of cards I am aware of that included LeBron James NBA Finals-worn jersey pieces in them," Craig said.

"It's of interest to see it go to auction right now because of the playoff battle between LeBron and Curry. That 2016 Finals is the notorious 3-1 Golden State lead that LeBron and the Cavs overcame to secure their elusive championship. This card was constructed as a monument to the victory of King James."

Bidding on the card -- which is graded Mint 9 and features James holding the Larry O'Brien trophy with a short blurb about his legendary Game 5 performance on the back -- ends on May 25.

Good luck, bidders!!

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