Athletes

Jemele Hill says UFC Freedom 250 was far from a knockout event ... telling us it felt more like a Trump rally than a party for all Americans.

The sports journalist joined us on "TMZ Live" Monday and ripped this weekend's UFC event at the White House.

While Jemele says there were good moments, overall it didn't feel like a "correct" representation of America, telling us ... "Everything about this felt gaudy. It felt narcissistic. It was like Temu Wrestlemania to me."

Jemele brought up Josh Hokit's "disgusting" and transphobic comment about Michelle Obama, noting he has a history of offensive remarks and was still selected to represent Americans through this platform.

Rosie O'Donnell says UFC fighter Josh Hokit taking a shot at Michelle Obama embodies what Donald Trump supporters are all about.

We caught up with Rosie in NYC on Monday, and she blasted Hokit ... saying his comments reflect the kind of rhetoric she associates with Trump voters ... who she rips as racist, homophobic, and deeply un-American.

Rosie's vitriol wasn't just reserved for Hokit or MAGA ... she also went off on the Prez.

Aldon Smith spent the final hours of his life giving back ... delivering pizzas to homeless people in California.

Pastor Scott Wagers tells TMZ ... Bay Area business owner Amir Shirazi surprised him on Saturday when he showed up with the former NFL star and a bunch of pizzas to give out to unhoused people in San Jose.

Wagers works with an outreach organization, The Mercy Mobile of Silicon Valley, helping out the area's homeless population ... and he tells us Aldon wasn't acting strangely when he saw him.

The pastor tells TMZ ... "Aldon was a very gentle, friendly guy. Nothing seemed off other than maybe seeming a little tired."

Mikal Bridges is still on cloud nine -- enjoying a few adult beverages and jammin' out to pop rock -- two days after the Knicks won their first championship in 53 years!!!

The usually reserved 6'6" wing player went live on social media on Monday, and it was a vibe ... at one point asking himself, "It's 11 AM. What the f*** am I doing?" before asking for another shot.

Among the topics Mikal covered was the possibility of his teammate getting a statue outside the Garden.

Ilia Topuria is admitting half of his fight against Justin Gaethje was literally a blur -- claiming he lost sight in both eyes before the 3rd round ... but he's not using it as an excuse for the outcome.

El Matador just broke his silence on his stunning loss to the Highlight on the White House South Lawn at UFC Freedom 250 ... first congratulating his dance partner for backing his trash talk leading up to the bout.

"You said you'd leave your mark on my face … and you did," Topuria said.

Big Red's ready for the big day -- Andy Reid was recently fitted for his tuxedo ahead of the Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce wedding!!

The Kansas City Chiefs head coach hit up a local tailor with GM Brett Beach and head trainer Rick Burkholder last week ... showing the Super Bowl winner trying on his snazzy outfit for the July 3 extravaganza.

Peters Clothiers says Reid will be rocking a completely custom suit ... confirming that the dress code is far from casual.

Former NBA Star Dwight Howard says his wife is a master of lies and manipulation ... and alleges she tricked him into marriage with false claims about her fertility ... at least according to new legal docs obtained by TMZ.

Dwight filed court docs requesting a protective order against Amber -- also known by her stage name Amy Luciani -- claiming they have had a rocky relationship for years … which led to him filing for divorce.

He said Amber started a “crusade of lies and defamation” against him … costing him job opportunities. He said she is also spreading lies about him to his family, friends, and the mothers of his children.

A video of Aldon Smith getting a haircut just days before his death has surfaced online, showing the former NFL star in a reflective mood during a routine barbershop visit.

In the clip, Smith is seated in the barber’s chair as he chats casually with his barber. At one point, he mentions he’s "had better days," but doesn’t go into detail when asked further.

Smith appears hesitant to elaborate, saying he’s been dealing with something he’s "had to deal with" his whole life, and noting he’s currently struggling with how things are unfolding, without providing specifics.

Jalen Brunson is making it clear he’s got Monica McNutt’s back after she caught heat from Taylor Swift fans during the NBA Finals ... and he has a message for the Swifties.

Following the Knicks’ championship-clinching Game 5 win, Brunson took a moment to address the controversy surrounding McNutt’s comments about Swift during the Game 4 broadcast.

Brunson, who was seen celebrating with McNutt courtside, bumped into her during the postgame excitement before turning his attention to the online backlash.

Oh, Trav! ... Taylor Swift and her soon-to-be hubby weren't ready to call it a night after catching Maya Rudolph's performance in "Oh, Mary!" in New York City.

The couple was photographed heading to dinner in Times Square, following the Broadway show, arriving side-by-side as they continued their evening.

Swift opted for a sleek all-black look, pairing a tailored outfit with stylish pumps, while Kelce kept it sharp in a coordinated dark ensemble of his own .. rocking a floral Valentino shirt and red cap.

Former NBA star Trevor Ariza told the court about his financial situation as part of his legal battle with his ex-wife, Bree Anderson Ariza ... and it's a far cry from what he was making as a player.

TMZ obtained an income and expense declaration filed by Trevor, which states he earns an average of $6,000 per month as a trainer for the disabled … but says he only made around $2,316 last month.

He also claims he earns around $667 per month from investments in Buffalo Wild Wings. He said he has around $50K in cash and bank accounts … and $2.5 million in real property.

For the United States’ 250th Independence anniversary, these shredded studs are entering the White House in peak shape and glory -- we grabbed their most muscular shots, but can you figure out who they are?

Aldon Smith -- the former NFL star whose dominant pass-rushing ability made him one of football's most feared defenders -- has died. He was 36.

Smith died Saturday morning ... but details surrounding his death were not immediately available.

The San Francisco 49ers confirmed the news in a statement ... saying they were "devastated by the sudden and tragic passing" of the former first-round pick. The team remembered Smith's remarkable talent, standout rookie season and the infectious smile that "lit up every room he walked into."

A dream vacation turned tragic in Thailand ... an up-and-coming Australian sprint star has died after a motorcycle crash. She was just 25.

Jemma Stapleton was reportedly riding a motorcycle on Thailand's Koh Samui island Wednesday when disaster struck ... with authorities pointing to rainy weather as a possible factor in the crash. Her family was traveling just behind her when it happened.

The tragedy comes just a little over a week after Stapleton celebrated her 25th birthday and months after another standout season on the track. The Melbourne native finished third in the prestigious Stawell Gift in 2025 and returned to the final again this year -- cementing her status as one of Australia's rising sprint talents.

Hank Azaria is not happy that Taylor Swift was courtside for the Knicks game ... while he had to watch their insane win from the nosebleeds.

"The Simpsons" voice actor went on "The Dan Le Batard Show" Thursday to complain that the pop star was taking up not one, but several seats on Celebrity Row for Game 4 Wednesday.

He told the show's hosts ... "I'll tell you, the one that bothered me was Taylor Swift." "The Birdcage" star noted that while TS was front row, he was "way up in what they call the Cisco Suites," which he says are practically on the ceiling.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are getting hitched at Madison Square Garden ... and some businesses in the area fear the grand spectacle will be a pain in the ass for them.

TMZ reached out to several independent joints around the Garden -- all bars and restaurants -- and not a single one has received any information about the upcoming wedding, including security issues that might occur for such an epic event.

A few places even told us they were dreading the wedding ... because if it's anything like the area being locked down for President Trump at the Knicks game, July 3 will be a "disaster."