Athletes

Ex-NFL star Shawne Merriman is being taken to federal court for fraud by a company claiming he owes more than $2.5 million ... TMZ has learned.

According to court docs, obtained by TMZ, a company called ARI Agent LLC claims Shawne took millions of dollars in financing but has not repaid a single cent. The investment firm says the former NFL star borrowed the money for his company, Lights Out XF, which is focused on mixed martial arts and entertainment.

ARI says this is no "routine default or simple contract dispute, but a deliberate, coordinated, multi-step scheme by Merriman to commit fraud, coercion, misrepresentation, and obstruction -- all designed to avoid repayment and accountability."

The Kentucky Derby winner is slowing its "tempo" -- the horse's trainer just announced Golden Tempo will not attempt a Triple Crown and bypass the Preakness Stakes on May 16.

Cherie DeVaux Racing announced the move on Wednesday ... saying the decision was made "after much thoughtful discussion as a team."

"We are incredibly appreciative of the excitement and support surrounding the possibility of a Triple Crown run. The enthusiasm from racing fans, our owners, and our entire team has meant more to us than we can properly express."

Paul Pierce's baby mama Princess Santiago isn't hiding out after the former NBA All-Star's bombshell admission ... and she's got the child right by her side.

Santiago was spotted out in Beverly Hills on Tuesday for the first time since Pierce admitted to being the father. She was seen grabbing a bite at an outdoor restaurant ... calmly cradling her 2-month-old son King Rafael Santiago Pierce as the custody battle with Pierce plays out behind the scenes.

The vibe was low-key and all about mom duty. In the pics, she keeps things intimate, holding the baby close and even leaning in for a sweet kiss ... clearly locked in on her newborn despite the headlines swirling around her.

The Met Gala red carpet is officially on and the early arrivals are already going full main character.

The Carters are in the house ... Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Blue Ivy made the gala a family affair ... and they look stunning.

Sabrina Carpenter arrived wearing all black in Hollywood glam. Gigi Hadid showed up in a sheer, dark gray gown as she shows off her bare back and bum while glistening in the carpet lighting. Amanda Seyfried and Connor Storrie also made their respected cameos. Amanda in a blush pink, floor-length maxi dress paired with a dazzling necklace to brighten the look. Connor making his Met Gala debut in an all-black moment, serving up some shoulders with a polka-dotted halter top that trails behind as he takes his first steps.

Madonna arrived wearing a dramatic pirate inspired hat and a brass trumpet, accompanied by women in sheer blindfolds who highlight her look.

Earlier on ... Cara Delevingne, Bill Skarsgård, and Lauren Sánchez Bezos were some of the first to arrive. Cara stunned in a sleek black gown with a sheer, trailing back that turned the museum steps into her runway, while Skarsgård brought his signature edge to the carpet, wearing a suit with a double-breasted trench coat. Sánchez Bezos showed up in a strapless navy gown dripping with jeweled shoulder details.

Inside fashion's biggest night, stars are dressing to the dress code "Fashion Is Art" -- the theme is "Costume Art" -- celebrating the Met's "Costume Art" exhibition.

Stefon Diggs has yet to find a new NFL home, but he'll take up temporary residence at a Massachusetts courthouse for the next few days ... with his personal chef assault trial kicking off on Monday.

The 32-year-old free agent showed up in a suit for jury selection ... and kept a blank stare as he made his way up the stairs and inside the building.

The presiding judge gave background info on the allegations ... and a list of potential witnesses was presented.

David Beckham is still looking fit at 51! Today marks another trip around the sun for the shredded soccer star ... and you know what that means.

We've gathered DB's hottest shots to celebrate his big day ... and he's looking ripped as ever in the photos.

Italian racing star Alex Zanardi, who later became a Paralympic gold medalist after surviving devastating injuries, has died at 59.

His family confirmed the news Saturday morning, revealing he passed away Friday night and saying in a statement, “Alex died peacefully, surrounded by the affection of those closest to him." No cause of death was disclosed at the time.

In 2020, Zanardi suffered severe head and facial injuries when his handbike collided with a truck during a relay event in Tuscany ... leaving him in a medically induced coma.

Late Angels great Garret Anderson was dealing with multiple medical conditions before he died earlier this month, according to the local coroner.

While Anderson passed away from acute necrotizing pancreatitis, the coroner says the Angels' all-time hits leader was also dealing with liver and heart issues.

During the autopsy, it was discovered that the longtime big leaguer had a "massive fatty liver" and "hypertensive-type cardiovascular disease."

Anderson had "severe hepatic steatosis," the most advanced stage of fat buildup in the liver.

The Argentine Football Association isn't backing down in the face of a multi-million dollar lawsuit filed against them and Lionel Messi ... with the soccer body flat out saying they did nothing wrong!

“AFA is aware of the lawsuit filed by VID Music Group and its principal, Javier Fernandez. AFA fully performed all of its obligations under the relevant agreements, including delivering the Argentine national team for both matches in October 2025," a representative for the association told TMZ Sports.

"The contracts, payment records, and contemporaneous communications tell the full story, and AFA is prepared to present them in the appropriate forum. AFA will defend this matter vigorously — and will pursue collection of the millions of dollars owed to it by the very parties who filed this lawsuit.“

Lindsey Vonn almost lost her leg after her gnarly Olympic crash, but the ski great says she may not be done hitting the slopes ... saying she doesn't want her legacy to end on that "horrible last run."

The legendary American alpine ski racer spoke with Vanity Fair for her first interview since the February incident ... where Vonn detailed the insane pain she went through as doctors attempted to treat a severely broken leg, ankle, and other injuries, which required multiple surgeries.

Tom Hackett, the head physician for Team USA Ski and Snowboard, said Vonn was in agony and wasn't responding to "monster amounts of fentanyl, morphine, oxycodone, like every narcotic you can imagine."

It wasn’t just the physical pain ... the situation weighed on her mentally, too, knowing her career could end on such a brutal fall.

That said, Lindsey's not shutting the door on a comeback.

Legendary bodybuilder Lee Haney is asking fans for help -- the eight-time Mr. Olympia champion says he needs a living kidney donor.

Despite the serious health issue, Haney says he's doing well.

The 66-year-old opened up on social media on Tuesday, after rumors began circulating that Lee was very ill ... following a post from his children that referenced the need for the organ.

"I am alive and well," Haney said, "It’s appalling to see how fast rumors can spread. Yes, I am in need of a living kidney donor as communicated by my two awesome children."

"Many of you have sent prayers my way, and I appreciate them deeply. My approach is to be proactive as I face this current challenge."

Serena Williams is proudly declaring she is "perfectly" herself ... and is celebrating the self-love by posting new Instagram photos in a swimsuit, flexing her toned body!

The tennis legend shared several pics with her 18+ million followers on Friday -- rocking an olive green one-piece bathing suit outside in the sun.

She was all smiles as she modeled for the camera ... writing in the caption, "I am not perfect….but I’m perfectly me."

"Take out time today to celebrate being perfectly you! 💋"

Former NBA big man Glen “Big Baby” Davis is officially out of the slammer.

The ex-Boston Celtics forward -- who won a championship alongside Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen -- was released from prison Thursday after serving time for his role in a massive fraud scheme involving the NBA’s health care benefits program.

"They tried to hold me down," Davis said in a viral X video post-release. "You know what I’m saying? But I’m back, man. I’m back, baby."

Jordan Jones' heroic attempt to protect a woman who was being attacked was captured in a harrowing, newly released 911 audio -- with a witness telling dispatchers the late pro football player tried to intervene before he was shot.

TMZ Sports obtained the 911 calls just days after Jones was shot and killed outside of Saddle Bar in Acworth, Georgia, on March 7.

A caller at the scene broke down what happened to the dispatcher ... saying Jones, who worked as bar security, was shot in the parking lot after he told another man, alleged gunman Daniel Di Vonne Parsons, to stop assaulting a woman.

Dwight and Amber Howard were planning a massive second wedding celebration in India in the weeks and months leading up to their split ... TMZ has learned.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... the couple had been actively discussing and planning a large ceremony overseas, though it's unclear exactly where in India they intended to host the bash.

We're told no official date had been locked in, but the ceremony was very much in the works prior to the divorce.

Dwight and Amber tied the knot in Las Vegas last year. However, our sources say they wanted a more elaborate, traditional celebration abroad with friends and family ... something far grander than their Vegas vows.

Jake Paul is making sure his “queen” rides in style after her latest medal haul … gifting girlfriend Jutta Leerdam a brand-new bronze Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

The YouTuber-turned-boxer showed off the surprise in an Instagram post … revealing he hooked his fiancée Leerdam up with the flashy SUV after she “worked hard for the gold and silver.”

“Only the best for my queen,” Paul wrote. “She worked hard for the gold and silver so I got her a bronze G Wagon.”