Basketball

"Hey Reb!" is officially no more ... UNLV has punted the mascot forever -- but the school is still keeping its "Rebels" nickname.

University president Keith Whitfield made the announcement in a letter to the UNLV community on Tuesday ... saying the cartoon character with Confederate ties will be retired for good.

Whitfield said the school currently has no plans to replace the mascot with a new one.

Of course, the decision isn't too surprising ... given the school just removed a famous on-campus statue of "Hey Reb!" back in June.

UNLV hoops legend Isaiah "J.R." Rider praised the decision at the time, telling TMZ Sports, "I think it's the right thing to do personally."

As for the school's nickname, however ... Whitfield says the university has no plans to drop the "Rebels" moniker from its teams and programs.

"Personally, I have always viewed the term 'Rebels' as a strong, nationally recognized brand synonymous with UNLV," Whitfield said in the letter. "I believe the word 'rebel' represents an attitude or spirit."

"It captures the essence of an iconic city that is unconventional and celebrates its independence, tenacity, and resiliency. Rebels have a purpose or motivation for a greater cause and are not afraid to take risks to make incredible things happen."

Kyrie Irving is officially BACK!!

After missing 7-straight games due to personal reasons, the Brooklyn Nets superstar made his highly-anticipated return on Tuesday ... and he's got a message for the fans.

"I am back, I am happy to be back, we got some great pieces and we move on and I let my actions and my game speak for itself like I planned on doing," Irving said, according to ESPN's Malika Andrews. "I just needed a pause."

Kyrie further explains he had "a lot of family and personal stuff going on, so just wanna leave it at that.”

Irving declined to speak about potentially violating the league's COVID-19 protocols by attending a birthday party for his sister ... saying he's ready to move forward.

It was a bizarre situation for first-year head coach Steve Nash, who initially admitted he had trouble communicating with the 28-year-old guard during his time away.

Irving says he has talked to his teammates and he's been welcomed back ... adding, "I have a conversation with each one of them and we move on."

Irving -- who has been active in numerous causes off the court during his career -- also spoke about the state of the country ... and delivered a strong statement about what really matters in his life.

Awesome step in the right direction for Delonte West -- the ex-NBAer is now employed by the same rehab facility he received treatment from late last year!!

As we previously reported ... Mark Cuban personally tracked down the 37-year-old at a Dallas gas station in September 2020 and helped the hooper reconnect with his mother.

Together, West's mom and Cuban convinced the former Dallas Maverick to seek treatment at the Rebound therapy center in Florida ... as an attempt to bounce back from hard times.

The progress was clearly visible -- with West smiling from ear-to-ear during activities like horseback riding, frisbee golf and kayaking as he took steps towards recovery.

Now, The Athletic's Shams Charania reports West will continue to surround himself within the Rebound family ... this time, as an employee.

The report also states West has maintained contact with Cuban and his family as he continues to work on his health.

Of course, West was the 24th overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft ... playing for the SuperSonics, Mavs, Cavs and Celtics.

The guard fell on hard times in the years following his hoops career ... and members of the NBA community -- including Cuban, Doc Rivers and Jameer Nelson -- have been focused on trying to get West back on his feet.

The recent updates have been positive -- West was even spotted working on his jumper back in November ... and it's clear he has a strong support system behind him.

Kyrie Irving came through with an incredible gesture for George Floyd's family ... with Stephen Jackson revealing the NBA superstar recently bought them a new home.

Jackson -- who personally knew Floyd and referred to him as his "twin" -- vowed to be a father figure for George's 7-year-old daughter, Gianna, after George's death in May 2020.

But, the ex-NBAer says he's not alone in supporting Floyd's family ... joining Etan Thomas' "The Rematch" podcast to praise other huge names who have stepped up in support.

"I'm just continuing to do what I said I was going to do," Jackson said on the podcast. "I said I was going to be my brother's keeper and take care of his daughter and make sure that her next days are her best days."

"A lot of my friends ... Kyrie Irving bought them a house. Lil Wayne's manager bought them a Mercedes-Benz. Barbra Streisand gave them stock in Disney."

As we previously reported, Lil Baby also stepped up to throw a lavish party for Gianna's 7th birthday ... and Jackson says the kind gestures have helped her deal with the tragic loss of her father.

"I think God has definitely blessed her," Stack continued. "Right now, she's doing the best she's ever done. She's happy."

Kevin Porter, Jr.'s time as a Cleveland Cavalier is all but over ... with the NBA player reportedly getting "combative" in a food-throwing incident in the team locker room.

KPJ hasn't played a minute of basketball this season due to "personal reasons" ... but returned late last week after his extended time away from the team.

According to The Athletic, 20-year-old Porter became super pissed when he arrived to the locker room on Friday and noticed recently-acquired Taurean Prince had taken over his locker ... and KPJ's new spot was among the "end of the bench" players.

The report says Porter started to yell ... and even threw food at one point.

Cavs GM Koby Altman and J.B. Bickerstaff tried to defuse the situation to no avail ... with the head coach being described as "shocked and disgusted" by Porter's comments.

Now, the team is washing their hands of the troubled rising star -- with the report saying the relationship will end either via trade or release.

Of course, it's been a rocky start to Porter's NBA career -- the 2019 30th overall pick was arrested in Ohio back in November following a one-car accident.

He faced multiple charges including improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle and weed possession ... but eventually, all charges were dismissed.

Porter -- who was also briefly suspended for "conduct issues" during his freshman season at USC -- showed serious upside during his rookie season ... averaging 10 points in 23 minutes per game.

Devastating news for Karl-Anthony Towns ... the NBA star announced he's tested positive for COVID-19 ... just 9 months after his mother passed away from a lengthy battle with coronavirus.

The 25-year-old says he received the news prior to the Minnesota Timberwolves' matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies -- which has been postponed -- and will isolate and follow all protocols immediately.

"I pray every day that this nightmare of a virus will subside and I beg everyone to continue to take it seriously by taking all of the necessary precautions," KAT said Friday.

"We cannot stop the spread of this virus alone, it must be a group effort by all of us."

KAT's mother, Jacqueline Towns, contracted COVID-19 in March 2020 and was put in a medically induced coma due to complications.

She tragically passed away on April 13.

KAT's father, Karl, Sr. also previously tested positive for the virus ... but made a full recovery.

Towns continued ... "It breaks my heart that my family, and particularly my father and sister continue to suffer from the anxiety that comes along with this diagnosis as we know all too well what the end result could be."

Towns sends an incredibly powerful message to his family ... vowing to beat the virus and be there for his loved ones moving forward.

James Harden is saying goodbye to his home of 9 years with an emotional tribute ... saying he is "forever indebted" to the city after failing to bring the Larry O'Brien trophy back to Houston.

The 2018 MVP had a messy breakup with the Rockets to say the least ... from asking for a trade, to partying in ATL and Las Vegas during training camp, to publicly bashing the team.

But, JH put all that aside in his final message to H-Town ... thanking the organization and city for taking a chance on him.

"What can I write? What words can convey all the ways I feel," Harden said Friday.

"Houston you welcomed me with no guarantees. Took a leap of faith and it changed my life and the lives of my family, forever. This organization, this city has given me everything I could ask for and more."

He added ... "Before the scoring titles, long before MVP, you believed. For that I am forever indebted. The city opened its arms and welcomed me and my family as one of its own and for that I am forever indebted."

FWIW -- the Rockets won their first game of the post-Harden era Thursday night ... beating the San Antonio Spurs 109 to 105. So, things aren't all bad in H-Town!!

The superstar continued ... "I gave my mind, body and soul in hopes of bringing the glory to the city. I fell short and for that, I am forever indebted. It’s far from a goodbye, as I pay all my debts."

Kyrie Irving has been hit with yet another fine this season ... this time, the Brooklyn Nets superstar will have to cough up $50,000 for violating the league's health and safety protocols.

As we previously reported, the NBA was investigating video of a maskless Irving attending a private birthday party for his sister earlier this week, which is against the league's COVID-19 policy.

The rule states players cannot attend indoor events exceeding 15 people.

The Association handed down its punishment Friday ... and while KI was hit with the $50k fine, he will also forfeit game checks for the 2 games he missed following the party, which amounts to $816,898, according to insider Bobby Marks.

It's not the first time Irving has had to pull out his wallet this season ... he was fined $25k for refusing to speak to the media.

The latest development adds to the drama-filled season for Irving -- who went MIA on the Nets last week for "personal reasons."

James Harden's new upscale restaurant in Houston isn't even open yet, but the place is getting flooded with bad reviews ... courtesy of a bunch of pissed-off Rockets fans!!

Despite being shipped to the Brooklyn Nets this week, Harden's restaurant -- named "Thirteen" after his jersey number -- is set to open its doors later this month.

A number of passionate fans used the restaurant's review section as an opportunity to troll the hell out of their new nemesis ... leaving a bunch of angry 1-star reviews of the place.

Here are a few examples of the reviews:

"Literal trash just like James harden"

"Owner doesn’t know how to cook it up in the court."

"Doesn't quite have that championship taste."

"toxic owner, food just never comes out finished. definitely a choking hazard. owner walked out on the chefs he brought in himself. wouldn’t touch this place with a 4 mile long pole."

One fan even used the same words from Harden's final post-game presser with the Rockets ... saying, "I literally have done everything that I can. I mean, this situation is crazy. It's something that I don't think can be fixed"

There are a LOT more we could share ... but you get the point.

Some fans, however, are taking the higher road by trying to combat the bad reviews with 5 stars and kindness, like this guy who said, "The owner carried my team for 8 years and made us relevant."

The new spot will offer fine wine, cocktails and steaks ... so folks can at least enjoy that even if Harden is gone.

Got a James Harden jersey and a dirty whip?? You're in luck, 'cause one Houston car wash is giving out free washes in exchange for #13 Rockets threads!!

The 2018 MVP is officially a member of the Brooklyn Nets after a blockbuster trade on Wednesday ... forming a super team with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.

I Car Wash in H-Town came up with a solution for sad fans ... by taking their now-useless jerseys and offering their top tier wash in return, as ABC13 reported.

So, what's gonna happen to all the Harden jerseys?? TMZ Sports spoke with owner Sean Qureshi, who says he's hoping to TORCH 'EM ALL when JH returns to Houston as a Net.

"My plan is to burn them," Qureshi said. "I'm gonna make sure with local fire department just to make sure everything is on the up and up. But if they allow me to, whenever Harden comes back for the first game with the Nets, I'm burning them all that day."

Quereshi says he's preparing for around 50 fans to take him up on his offer ... meaning he expects to lose money in the promotion.

It appears James Harden is on the verge of getting a one-way ticket outta Houston ... 'cause Rockets head coach Stephen Silas told the NBA superstar to stay home after ripping the team in a post-game interview.

31-year-old Harden unleashed on the Rockets after their 117-100 loss to the Lakers on Tuesday night ... saying, "we're just not good enough" and claiming the situation is beyond repair.

In wake of Harden's comments, a clearly fed up Silas explained why The Beard was absent from practice Wednesday.

"We felt that it was best for the group and best for James not to come to practice," Silas said.

Harden's teammate, John Wall, spoke out about #13's reaction to the team's 3-6 start ... saying, "It’s only been nine games. Come on, man, you want to jump off the cliff after nine games?"

"When you have certain guys in the mix that don’t want to buy in all as one, it’s going to be hard to do anything special, to do anything good as a basketball team."

DeMarcus Cousins wasn't as nice Wednesday afternoon.

"My interest is to play with John Wall, to be brutally honest," Cousins said.

"The (James Harden) disrespect started way before. This isn't something that all of a sudden started last night."

"It's completely unfair to the rest of the guys in the locker room."

Of course, Harden's name was in the news all offseason -- JH was spotted in ATL and Las Vegas while his teammates were in Houston preparing for the season ... claiming he was "training" for the season.

There are rumors Harden could be shipped to the Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia Sixers or other potential teams as a result of the drama ... so it's very possible he's played his last game in Houston.

LeBron James is now $100 richer ... and it's all thanks to a mid-game bet he made on an insane no-look 3-pointer with teammate Dennis Schroder!!

The Lakers were already easily handling the troubled Houston Rockets early in the game Tuesday night ... holding a 21-point lead through the first quarter.

But, the real fun started a few minutes into the second, when Schroder yelled out a proposition to Bron to nail a wide-open corner 3 ball for $100.

"Bet a Benjamin on it!" Schroder said from the bench a few inches away.

Naturally, LBJ pulled up, took the shot, turned around and looked Schroder dead in the eyes and said "BET!!" before the ball even made its descent to the hoop.

Of course, the ball hit nothing but net, and the Lakers bench went absolutely bonkers!!

So, why did LeBron flip around before the shot even went in like he was Steph Curry?? It's all about that bet etiquette!!

"A bet isn't official until you look a man in the eye, so I had to look him into the eye."

Schroder also commented on the shot, calling it straight-up "legendary."

Tip for all trolls looking to come at Philadelphia 76ers guard Danny Green ... ya better be ready to eat your words -- 'cause the dude WILL clap back!!

Here's the deal -- it's fair to say Green seriously struggled against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night ... going 0-9 and racking up a whopping 2 total points in 28 minutes.

Naturally, one fan let Green have it after the final buzzer ... yelling at the 12-year vet to do better as he walked into the locker room.

"Man, you gotta start shooting better, man," the heckler said after the Sixers' 112-94 loss to the Hawks. "You was 0-10, bruh. 0-10!!!"

That's when Green put the dude in his place ... reminding him just exactly who he was talking to.

"I got 3 rings, n****," Green said ... acknowledging his success with the San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Lakers.

Of course, Green is known for being a sharp-shooter ... but Internet trolls are never shy to give the 33-year-old an earful when he has an off night.

It even got to the point where Green claims he and his fiancee were on the receiving end of death threats after missing a wide-open 3 pointer in Game 5 of the NBA Finals last season.

The NBA is looking into videos appearing to show Kyrie Irving partying at a nightclub without a mask -- all while he’s been MIA from his team.

The Brooklyn Nets superstar hasn’t played an NBA game since January 5. Tonight will be the 4th game he's missed. Neither BK or Kyrie have explained his absence ... outside of the team saying it was for personal reasons.

This is where the situation gets even stranger ... 'cause videos have now surfaced that seem to show a maskless Irving celebrating his sister's birthday with his family at a North New Jersey night spot this week.

We're told the NBA is aware of the videos ... and plans to review the circumstances surrounding the situation -- and will almost certainly speak to Irving.

A big deal not only because Kyrie's being paid $136 mil to hoop ... but the NBA has strict COVID-19 protocols in place -- and clubbing is definitely NOT permitted.

FYI, after a hot start -- and now without Irving -- the Nets have lost 2 games in a row and are 5-6.

Even with the NBA's strict coronavirus guidelines, the season has gotten off to a rocky start ... with multiple games being postponed thanks to positive tests and/or close contacts.

In other words, if the NBA determines the videos are new and Kyrie violated the rules ... don't expect to see him on the court anytime in the near future.

University of Kentucky athlete Ben Jordan -- who played both baseball and basketball for the Wildcats -- has died, according to local reports. He was 22.

Details surrounding his death are unclear at this time.

The 6'9", 250-lb. Jordan was a star 2-sport athlete in high school -- he was rated the 97th best overall prospect in the country and third in the state of Kentucky for the Class of 2017.

He was named all-area in baseball and basketball during his sophomore, junior and senior seasons at West Carter High School.

The Kentucky native arrived in Lexington and redshirted in 2018, making his collegiate debut in 2019 ... appearing in 10 games and striking out 8 men.

As for on the hardwood, Jordan walked on to the basketball team in mid-October ... making 2 appearances with John Calipari's 2019-20 squad.

Cal released a statement on Jordan's passing, saying, "Our hearts are broken today."

"It is difficult for me to express and to put into words what a tragedy it is to lose a young person too early."

He added, "Ben impacted our team last season in so many ways with his kind heart, his big smile and his wonderful personality. He cared so deeply about this place and it meant so much to him to be a part of this team."

"We are grieving today over the loss of a teammate and a brother, but Ben will not be forgotten. We ask that everyone keep Ben and his family in their thoughts and prayers during this time as we try to find a way forward."

The NBA season is stumbling out of the gates ... with multiple games being postponed due to COVID-19.

The league has been hit hard with the virus over the past week ... as the Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks and more have been struggling to put enough men on the court due to the NBA's Health and Safety protocols.

Fresh off the Heat's matchup with the Celtics being postponed Sunday, the Association has now pushed back 2 more games -- Mavs vs. New Orleans Pelicans and Celtics vs. the Chicago Bulls.

Of course, the league requires an 8-man roster in order to compete ... and the Heat and Mavs have been unable to fit that requirement as they conduct contact tracing following positive or inconclusive tests within their organizations.

The Philadelphia 76ers have also dealt with COVID-related issues after Seth Curry tested positive last week.

Despite the mess, the league officials say they will NOT postpone the season ... as they anticipated some hiccups along the way.