2019 ESPYs Fashion The Good, The Bad and the Swaggy

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Who's the best-dressed athlete in sports?? Now's your chance to see them go head-to-head with their threads at the 2019 ESPYs ... with the biggest ballers showing off their swag!!

LA Rams QB Jared Goff and his bikini model GF, Christen Harper, are one attractive couple in a rare public appearance together ... and Russell Wilson and Ciara are looking hot, as always.

UFC superstar Tyron Woodley is bringing the star power with a blue print suit ... and NBA hooper Trae Young went with the classic all-black look.

Golfer and model Paige Spiranac is hard to miss with a shiny silver dress ... and UCLA gymnast Katelyn Ohashi -- who  went viral for her perfect 10 routine back in January -- showed off her skills on the red carpet!!

The World Cup Champion U.S. Women's soccer team is even at the big event -- jetting from their celebratory parade in NYC to the show ... with a police escort from the airport!!

Everyone from Dwight Howard to Myles Garrett to PJ Tucker showed off their best looks for the show -- hosted by Tracy Morgan -- on Wednesday ... so be sure to check out all the drip!!

Beyonce & Blue Ivy Lead the Pride at 'Lion King' Debut ... In Roaring Fashion

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Beyonce and Blue Ivy were a spitting image of each other at the premiere of the new 'Lion King' movie -- and they couldn't have looked more like royalty if they tried.

Queen Bey and her cub rocked half suit jackets and half gowns on the red carpet Tuesday at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, where the live-action Disney reboot was getting its West Coast debut. Mama bear lion was adorned in glittering chains that covered her upper half, while she led a flowing mesh train down low ... with BI wearing a similar outfit.

Beyonce's hairdo was something to behold as well -- it looks like she went with an intricate braided look, with her hair parted on the left side and slightly curled toward the front.

Blue Ivy had her locks up in pigtails, which were wrapped in what looked a lot like diamond hair ties. It's like they were reflecting Bey's character in the flick -- young and adult Nala.

A bunch of the cast was there too, including a dapper Donald Glover (Simba), Seth Rogen (Pumba), Billy Eichner (Timon) Keegan-Michael Key (Kamari) and other celebs who showed up just 'cause ... Tiffany Haddish, Chrissy Metz, Jimmy Kimmel and Chance the Rapper.

As for what folks are saying about the movie ... it's apparently really, REALLY good (graphics-wise, anyway). Critics are calling it a spectacular visual feat like nothing Disney's done. 

Yeah, ya gotta catch this one on the big screen. 

Ted Cruz Kap Isn't Boosting Nike's Stock ... It's Trump's Economy!!!

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Kap didn't do it

Nike's stocks going up ever so slightly -- which just so happened on the heels of the Betsy Ross controversy -- has absolutely nothing to do with Colin Kaepernick ... so says Ted Cruz.

The Texas senator shut down any notion that Kap sent Nike's market value soaring in the wake of the footwear company yanking its planned Betsy Ross shoe at the ex-QB's behest, because he says there's a much simpler explanation ... a booming economy. 

There's no way of knowing for sure what effect, if any, Kap's involvement might've had -- but we do know anytime his name gets brought up next to the Swoosh ... they do well. 

As far as what Ted makes of the whole situation, he elaborates on what he tweeted this weekend ... when he said he wouldn't buy anymore of the only tennis shoe he's ever owned.

Check it out ... doesn't sound like Teddy's ready to start burning his Nikes quite yet, but he does bemoan the fact the great American company has become politicized .... and in a direction opposite his own views.

Senator Cruz also has some choice words for Kaepernick. 

Barstool Sports Sued Over Famous Sad Roger Goodell Image

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UPDATE

5:58 PM PT -- TMZ Sports spoke with Barstool president Dave Portnoy ... who says he has email conversations with the designers that prove they were more than okay with Barstool buying the image for $300 back in 2015.

UPDATE

"We've spoke with these guys a lot during the course of the last 5 years where they've done a bunch of designs for us," Portnoy says. "They always act super happy, but never heard them ever say to me, 'hey, we think you violated our contract.'"

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Dave Portnoy
NOT CLOWNIN' AROUND
UPDATE

"It could not be more black and white that they sold us the design. It's sad. It's disappointing that if they had this big of a problem, that they haven't mentioned it."

UPDATE

Portnoy says he expects an apology from the designers.

Barstool Sports is being sued over its most iconic image -- Sad Roger -- with the guys who allegedly created the shot of Roger Goodell with a clown nose claiming Barstool has been using it without permission. 

The guys behind the suit are Jake Bernier, Kenneth LeMarier and Joseph Bernier ... who claim they created Sad Roger and licensed it to Barstool for a "one-time use in 2015."

The image became the face of Barstool's war against NFL commissioner Roger Goodell when he went after Tom Brady for allegedly deflating footballs during the 2014 NFL season. 

The image was a hit with Stoolies -- many of whom rocked Sad Roger towels at the Patriots 2017 home opener. Sports Illustrated reported Barstool spent $140,000 to give away 70,000 towels that day. 

Barstool has been using the image on shirts, posters and even Christmas ornaments. In fact, New Orleans Saints' head coach, Sean Payton, appeared to wear a Sad Roger shirt after the Saints lost in the NFC championship over a blown non-pass interference call. 

Barstool is still selling the men's shirt under the title, "Clown Tee" for $29.95. 

In their lawsuit, filed Monday in federal court in New York, the alleged creators claim Barstool never got permission to use the image after that one-time usage license in 2015 ... and  they're pissed. 

The guys claim they're entitled to $150,000 for every time Barstool infringed on their copyright -- though they haven't specified exactly how much money they want from the suit. 

We reached out to Barstool for comment -- so far, no word back. 

Originally Published -- 4:20 AM PT 

Kim Kardashian Shapewear Name Not Set in Stone ... At Least Not Yet

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UPDATE

1:08 PM PT -- Kim K says she hasn't renamed her shapewear line. That being said, she's asking fans for input on Solutionwear and taking suggestions. 

UPDATE

Kim Kardashian West's solution for that Kimono PR nightmare is just that ... Solutionwear. That's the new name for her line of slimming undies.

Kim made the announcement Monday morning but the name isn't all that new, legally speaking. According to docs obtained by TMZ, Kim's company -- Kimono Intimates -- had trademarked Solutionwear back in April. The name was approved for publication last week. 

The new branding is for Kim's shapewear line and other products including lingerie, breast shapers, nightgowns and more.

You'll recall Kim was accused of cultural appropriation for trademarking the word associated with traditional Japanese garments. But, Kim never intended to produce the traditional Japanese Kimono garments.

As we reported ... her Kimono name only applied to her business. The shapewear line -- a collection created to include women of all shapes, sizes and skin complexions -- had been super hyped up before this controversy slowed down the roll out.

Originally Published -- 9:33 AM PT

Colin Kaepernick 'Spokesperson for the Black Culture' ... Says Trinidad James

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MAN OF OUR PEOPLE

Colin Kaepernick isn't just an athlete with a platform -- "he's the spokesperson for the black culture" ... so says rapper Trinidad James. 

After Kaepernick reached out to Nike with concerns about their Betsy Ross Flag shoe, Trinidad says the culture immediately got behind Colin because they trust him as a leader. 

Trinidad -- the guy behind the hit "All Gold Everything" -- essentially explains why he believes Kaepernick's activism comes from a good place ... and that's why so many people are on board with his movement. 

As we previously reported, Nike felt Kap had a point with his objection to the Betsy Ross shoe (he claimed the 13-star flag has been co-opted by white nationalist groups) and pulled the kicks from stores. 

Several politicians have now gotten involved -- with people like Ted Cruz calling for a Nike boycott.

Others ... like California's Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom have praised Nike for representing "the best of our American values."

Colin Kaepernick Nike Stocks $urging ... Following Betsy Ross Controversy

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The heat Nike is taking over the controversy surrounding Colin Kaepernick and the Betsy Ross Flag Shoe is having another effect ... enhancing the brand's appeal to investors. 

Nike shares are surging in the wake of the company's decision to recall its special Betsy Ross Flag Air Max 1 USA sneakers after Kaepernick complained the 13-star flag design was offensive because it's been co-opted by several white nationalist groups. 

Since Nike pulled the plug on the sneakers following Kaepernick's objections earlier this week, Nike shares have seen a 2 percent increase since Tuesday, adding nearly $3 BILLION to the shoe giant's market value. 

Friday afternoon, trading Nike shares were up slightly to $86.62 and the company's market value is now $136.38 billion.

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THEY'RE A MARKETING MACHINE

The stock surge looks a lot like what Kevin O'Leary predicted a few days ago ... the "Shark Tank" investor told us Nike is taking advantage of the controversy with a firestorm of free marketing. 

A similar trend involving Nike and Kap unfolded last year, with Nike stock rising and sales jumping after the Swoosh signed Kaepernick as a spokesman.

NFL's Kam Chancellor I'm in the Fashion Game Now!!! Launching Shoe Collection

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PASSION FOR FASHION

From Super Bowls to comfy soles ... NFL star Kam Chancellor is launching his own shoe collection ... and his goal is to make stylish shoes that don't destroy your feet!

The 4-time Pro Bowler just retired from the league due to injuries ... so now he's taking his talents to the fashion game with the launch of his line, The Chancellor Collection, with his wife, Tiffany.

TMZ Sports spoke with Chancellor about his decision to come out with his own shoe ... and he says it's all because he was sick of his feet hurting all the time.

"I had a closet full of designer shoes and they weren't comfortable, so my feet suffered," Chancellor says. "That pushed me to start my own shoe line to create some cool looking shoes, but also comfortable shoes and also affordable shoes. That's what pushed me down that road."

Chancellor says he's making shoes for both men and women and he's targeting the $115 price range. 

The 31-year-old says he was very hands-on with the design of the shoes ... and was part of the process the entire way.

Chancellor says he's already got the shoes selling in stores in Chicago and Seattle ... and the goal is to get all of his NFL friends to wear them for their pregame outfits. 

'Shark Tank' Star Kevin O'Leary Betsy Ross Flag Flak ... Pure Genius, Nike!!!

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THEY'RE A MARKETING MACHINE

Kevin O’Leary firmly believes Nike fully manufactured the controversy surrounding the Betsy Ross Flag shoe and Colin Kaepernick ... and he says it's brilliant.

We got the "Shark Tank" investor leaving the "Squawk Box" show Wednesday morning in NYC and had to ask him about the heat Nike's catching for recalling its special Betsy Ross Flag Air Max 1 USA sneakers.

Kevin says that while Nike made a mistake getting the Betsy Ross flag involved to begin with ... the shoe giant knew exactly what it was doing when it yanked the shoes -- creating a firestorm of free marketing. 

As you know, Kap felt the 13-star flag design prominently featured on the heel was offensive because it's been co-opted by several white nationalist groups. Nike felt Colin made a valid point and pulled the plug on the shoes. 

Kevin says Nike's gotten good at this ... just look at what happened when the Swoosh signed Kaepernick as a spokesman. Nike's stock rose, sales also jumped -- controversy validated.

Kim Kardashian Awarded $2.7 Mil in Knockoff Dress Lawsuit

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Kim Kardashian just scored a huge legal victory -- in the millions -- in her war with a company she says uses her face, body and name to sell knockoff dresses.

Kim's been awarded $2.7 million in damages and another $60k in attorneys' fees from Missguided USA. Kim had sued the company back in February.

In the ruling, the judge said, "Missguided has repeatedly used Kardashian's name and likeness without permission on its social media platforms to promote the sale of its clothing."

The court points out Missguided's website has entire pages dedicated to selling and knocking off dresses inspired by Kim. The real offense is they're using photos of Kim to make it seem to consumers she's associated with the brand. 

Kim basically won by forfeit. Missguided USA never responded to her lawsuit, so the court awarded Kim a default judgment. 

In addition to the money, the court has permanently blocked Missguided from using Kim's trademarks ... which includes face and other assets.

Paul Pogba The Fan Crush In NYC ... Mind-Blowing Insanity!

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BIG APPLE MAYHEM

Hundreds of fans SWARMED the streets of New York on Tuesday to catch a glimpse of soccer superstar Paul Pogba ... nearly trapping his car in the process -- and the video is insane!!!

The 26-year-old Manchester United superstar was in town to do an autograph signing at the Adidas store ... where he posed for pics and chopped it up with fans all afternoon. They loved it!

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HANGIN' WITH FANS

But, when it was time to leave ... man ... things got WILD in the streets! 

Tons of fans came out from everywhere with their cell phones up in a crazed effort to get a shot of the French superstar ... ya gotta watch the video. 

At one point, it looked like a scene from "The Walking Dead" and it seemed Pogba's SUV was blocked in from the fans -- but the driver somehow found an opening and hit the gas. 

Pogba is reportedly in the middle of some drama with Man U -- he wants to leave for Real Madrid ... and there's some serious friction with Paul and his Man U bosses. 

They're especially pissed (according to reports) that Pogba's still hanging out in the U.S. while training is going down back in the UK. 

Paul doesn't seem to care though ... looks like he's having more fun here. 

Hey, there's always the MLS!!!

Nike's Betsy Ross Shoes Selling for $2,500 ... After Kaepernick Recall

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Here's a lesson in supply and demand ... 

After Nike recalled their special Betsy Ross Flag Air Max 1 USA sneakers, DEMAND EXPLODED ... with several leaked pairs selling for more than $2,000!!! 

The shoes were originally supposed to be released on June 29 with a $120 price tag -- but after Colin Kaepernick reached out to Nike to express concerns with the design, the Swoosh ordered retailers to pull the kicks and send them back to headquarters. 

The move almost immediately caused the shoe value to skyrocket with collectors because they essentially became a limited edition shoe ... with very few pairs getting through to consumers. 

We checked out the website StockX -- a super popular streetwear auction site -- and one pair of the Betsy Ross kicks sold for $2,501 ... a Size 8. 

A pair of Size 10.5s and a pair of Size 9s sold for $2,000 each. Another 10.5 sold for $1,750. A few pairs of Size 10s have sold in the $1,200 range.  

Another seller claims they have a pair of Size 10s and they're asking $6,974 -- but who knows if they'll actually get it.  

Before the news about Colin Kaepernick's involvement went public, the shoes had been reselling in the $250 range ... but the news about CK caused a massive shift and they're still on fire. 

As we previously reported, Colin went to Nike with concerns about the Betsy Ross 13-star design on the shoes ... a design that's recently been co-opted by several white nationalist groups. 

Nike ultimately felt Colin's point was valid and issued a recall. It's unclear exactly how many pairs slipped through and got to the public. 

Colin Kaepernick Convinces Nike To Yank Betsy Ross Flag Shoe

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Colin Kaepernick apparently has a lot of influence over Nike ... because the quarterback-turned-activist convinced Nike to nix plans to sell a flag-themed sneaker Kap considered offensive. 

The sneaker giant was set to put a new colorway of its popular Air Max 1 sneaker on the market this week, featuring an old U.S. flag with 13 stars from the American Revolution ... but according to a report in the Wall Street Journal, Nike pulled the shoe before it went on sale because Kaepernick complained. 

Nike even sent the sneakers to retailers, but then the company asked to have the merchandise back. 

Kaepernick, who is endorsed by Nike, reportedly reached out to The Swoosh with huge concerns after images of the shoe with the Betsy Ross flag started being posted online ... he thinks the imagery is offensive because of its connection to slavery.

We're told Kap also took issue with the fact that two prominent white nationalist groups -- including the Patriot movement -- use the flag as a symbol for their group. 

Kap was not alone in his criticism, tons of users on social media reacted to the imagery with similar concerns. 

The OG Betsy Ross flag was created back in 1792, and its 13 white stars represent the 13 original colonies. 

NBA's Kelly Oubre Jr. Starting My Own Clothing Line Hit Me Up, Jerry Lorenzo!!

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BRINGING IT TO THE SEASON

NBA fashion god Kelly Oubre Jr. is turning his swag into a money making machine ... and he tells TMZ Sports one of his dream collabs is none other than Fear of God creator Jerry Lorenzo!!!

Wave Papi has been turning heads with his threads since entering the league in 2015 ... and even took part in his first Paris Fashion Week event over the weekend ... making headlines in the process. 

Now, he's in the process of launching his own line -- Dope Soul -- so, we had to ask who he'd love to work with in the fashion game ... and dude's aiming for the hottest names in the game.

Not only is the 23-year-old baller trying to work with his guy, Lorenzo ... he also name-drops Virgil Abloh of Off-White and Louis Vuitton.

We also asked Oubre about his "shawl" look during the Pigalle Paris event ... and he explains the inspo behind the 'fit.

Kim Kardashian West No Plans to Make Kimono Garments Other Companies Use the Name Too!!!

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Kim Kardashian West has no plans to produce traditional Japanese Kimono garments -- and certainly hasn't put a lock on the product name, which has been used in business for years.

Kardashian launched her Kimono shapewear line earlier this week ... a collection Kim created to include women of all shapes, sizes and skin complexions. The brand came under heavy fire from those saying Kim was inappropriate in using the Kimono name ... a type of Japanese garment.

We did some digging and discovered Kim isn't the only one to use the garment name in business -- there's Komono Sunglasses, Kimono Lash, Kimono Restaurant and Kimono Condoms -- just to name a few.

Our sources say Kim has no intentions of ever producing the Japanese garment, and her trademark of the Kimono name only applies to her business ... as is standard practice. She's also trademarked Kimoji, KKW Beauty and KKW Fragrance in the past ... all brands incorporate her first name to some degree.

Kardashian's line has already been super hyped up ... with celeb friends like Chrissy Teigen jumping on the bandwagon early. Kim also revealed Kanye was the one to design the brand's logo.

Jordyn Woods New Clothing Line Sans Kardashians ... No 'BooHoo' Act Here

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Jordyn Woods ain't playing the crying game after being excommunicated by the Kardashians -- it's the opposite actually ... despite what her new fashion brand might suggest.

Kylie's former BFF launched a new clothing line Tuesday in partnership with online retailer BooHoo. Seems she's the face of the line ... at least that's what we get after watching the video she posted of herself rockin' some of its gear ... all the while flaunting her curves for the cam.

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It's interesting ... the BooHoo line looks similar to stuff the Kardashians have worn and sold from their own fashion empire. Seems Jordyn's ripped a page right out of their biz book and is keeping it going for herself ... how 'bout that?!

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WE'VE GIVEN HER EVERYTHING

There's also this -- Kim K suggested on the latest 'KUWTK' episode that Jordyn's only been able to provide for her own family through what Kylie has "given" her with respect to jobs and other opportunities.

Whatever the case, Jordyn obviously has been doing just fine without the Kardashians ... and appears to only be moving up in her own lane one new deal at a time. Good for her.