NCAA

Buddy Teevens' injuries were so severe following a "serious" biking accident a few weeks back, his leg was amputated and his spinal cord injured, his wife announced this week.

"As Buddy navigates through the healing of his injuries, he is experiencing many positive improvements. Unfortunately, as a result of the accident, Buddy's right leg was amputated due to the severity of the injury," the longtime coach's wife Kirsten announced through the Ivy League university.

She added ... "He is alert and communicating with us and ready for transfer to a premier rehab facility to continue healing. Spinal cord injuries are challenging, and if anybody is up for the challenge, it is Buddy."

66-year-old Teevens was struck by a car in Florida around 8:40 PM on March 21 as he was cycling home from a restaurant. Police said Buddy was crossing a highway when the accident occurred. He was rushed to a local hospital in "critical" condition.

Teevens is a legend at Dartmouth. He played quarterback for the school from 1976 to 1978. In his last season, he was an honorable mention All-American.

After hanging up his pads, Buddy picked up the whistle ... coaching Dartmouth during two different stints, as he spent over 30 years as a Division 1 coach. The first stretch at Dartmouth was between 1987 and 1991.

Teevens then spent time at Tulane and Stanford, before returning to the Hanover, New Hampshire university in 2005. Buddy's been the coach since. He's a Dartmouth institution.

Buddy has two grown children with Kirsten ... and his family thanked everyone who's sent thoughts and prayers.

The car wreck that left NFL draft prospect Michael Jefferson with significant injuries earlier this month appeared to be caused by an under the influence driver ... this according to the crash report obtained by TMZ Sports.

In the docs, authorities say Charles Dunn, the 55-year-old man who died after slamming head-on into Jefferson's Chevrolet Impala on April 9 in Mobile County, AL, was suspected of having both alcohol and drugs in his system at the time of the accident.

It's unclear why officials believe that ... they said in the docs blood was taken from Dunn, but the results have not come back yet.

Jefferson, meanwhile, was not suspected of being under the influence at the time of the crash, authorities said in the docs.

According to the report, the Louisiana wide receiver -- who was projected to be taken in next week's NFL draft prior to the accident -- was going 75 MPH in the 65 MPH zone before the collision. Dunn's speed was listed as "unknown."

Officials included a diagram of the crash in the docs -- which showed Dunn's Dodge Charger (labeled Unit 1) had been traveling southbound but moved into Jefferson's northbound lane before they hit head-on. Jefferson's car (labeled Unit 2) was then hit by a third vehicle after spinning out from the initial impact, the diagram shows.

Jefferson's agent, Jon Perzley of Sportstars, said after the accident the 23-year-old sustained injuries that "required multiple surgeries." It's not yet clear how they'll impact his football future.

Jefferson was a star at Louisiana last year, and some pundits had considered him one of the 30 best available receivers in the 2023 NFL draft class.

Aliyah Boston -- the top pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft -- believes NIL deals for college hoops stars like Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark could change the league ... and by that, she means bigger paychecks for the players!!!

TMZ Sports spoke with the former South Carolina forward/center recently in New York City ... just as the "NIL deals vs. WNBA salaries" conversation started to trend over Reese's reported income from brand deals

According to On3, the LSU star's projected earnings grew to $876k after her Final Four performance ... which is more than any WNBA player's 2023 salary, including Diana Taurasi, who'll make $234,936 this year.

This revelation was met with a lot of criticism, considering pros like Taurasi and A'ja Wilson make less than college student-athletes. But, Boston -- who will play for the Indiana Fever this upcoming season -- believes it could actually force the league to increase their salaries.

"Everything that's happening is to grow the game," the 21-year-old said. "I just think no matter how it goes, I just think it's all just to grow the game."

The 2022 Naismith Women's College Player of the Year also believes it's a personal decision whether a college athlete wants to stay in school or not ... saying they must do "what's best for them."

Michael Thomas has dealt with injuries the last few seasons, but the NFL star's still strong as an ox ... and the proof's on video!

30-year-old Thomas -- 6'3", 212 lbs. -- flexed (literally) on Instagram on Monday, deadlifting 530 lbs. for one rep using a trap bar ... and doing it with what looked like relative ease.

It probably shouldn't come as a shock ... Thomas is one of the world's most elite athletes. Prior to being drafted in 2016, Michael put up 18 reps of 225 lbs. ... better than three-fourths of the other athletes at the wide receiver position.

Thomas played in only three games in the 2022 season ... after missing all of the 2021 campaign. In 2020, MT played in 7 games. But, prior to 2020, Thomas was arguably the best wideout in the game. He caught 149 passes in 2019, scoring 9 touchdowns.

FYI, the deadlift world record is held by Hafthor Björnsson -- aka "The Mountain" -- who pulled an absurd 1,105 lbs. in May 2020. But, Thor weighed around 450 lbs. ... so, Thomas' lift is damn impressive!

Brian Hartline, OSU OC and former NFL player, was allegedly drinking prior to riding an all-terrain vehicle with a buddy early Sunday morning that crashed and flipped, injuring the Buckeyes coach, according to BH's sister, who frantically called 911 trying to get help.

"My friend's husband called us and said 'call 911 right now.' So my brother is out with them and his wife just took a 4-wheeler out to them and I heard a really loud scream," Brian's 33-year-old sister Jamie told the 911 operator in a call obtained by TMZ Sports.

The operator then asked ... "Have they been drinking?"

Jaimie responded ... "Yes, they have!"

We also obtained a short clip from a police-worn body camera ... and it shows what appears to be an injured Brian on the ground while he receives help.

In the background is the flipped ATV.

As we previously reported, 36-year-old Hartline was on his estate in Liberty Township, OH around 1 AM Sunday, riding on the ATV with his friend, when something went wrong.

It's unclear who was driving at the time of the accident.

Hartline was named the Buckeyes WR coach in 2018 ... and worked his way up to OC.

Before he was a coach, Hartline played for the Buckeyes from 2005 to 2008. He was a 4th-round pick who suited up for the Miami Dolphins and the Cleveland Browns during his 7-year NFL career.

Jalen Hurts just GOT PAID ... the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback just became the highest-paid NFL player ever (yearly) after signing a 5-year extension worth over a quarter of a billion dollars!

The blockbuster deal was announced Monday morning, per Adam Schefter ... which will pay Hurts $255M through the 2028 season, with $179.3 million guaranteed.

That means Hurts gets $51 million average annually, making him the highest-paid player ever!

That's more than Patrick Mahomes, who averages $45M annually.

Of course, none of these figures factor in endorsements, etc.

Hurts also has a no-trade clause in the deal, the first in Eagles' history ... and the organization confirmed the deal by tweeting, "QB1 is here to stay."

Hurts had an interesting journey to the NFL. He had an amazing career at Alabama before he was benched for Tua Tagovailoa in the 2018 CFP National Championship game.

Jalen ultimately transferred to Oklahoma for his senior year and was selected by the Eagles in the 2nd round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

From them, he's earned the fat contract.

He almost instantly became a star upon being named the starter ... logging 6,845 passing yards, and 38 passing touchdowns the last two seasons. But, he's not just a threat to throw the ball ... he also ran for 1,544 rushing yards and 23 rushing touchdowns.

Hurts led the Eagles to their first Super Bowl since 2018 -- and became the youngest QB to ever make it to the big game.

He also made history with the most rushing yards and rushing TDs by a QB in the SB.

Congrats!! 💰💰💰

Brian Hartline -- offensive coordinator for the Ohio State Buckeyes football team -- was hospitalized over the weekend after an early morning ATV crash ... but thankfully, coach says he's "doing well."

The accident happened at Hartline's estate in Liberty Township Ohio on Sunday, the day after Buckeyes' spring game, when his ATV crashed.

The 36-year-old, and a second male passenger, were transported to Riverside Hospital after suffering injuries ... but the good news is he's doing okay. Hartline even gave fans an encouraging update via Twitter after the incident.

"I appreciate everyones support," Hartline tweeted. "I crashed my side by side on my property and have been taken to the hospital for further evaluation. I am doing well."

Hartline was promoted from passing game coordinator to OC in January ... head coach Ryan Day said Brian had been "successful in every football capacity for which he has been engaged."

Hartline, who became OSU's wide receiver coach in 2018, has helped several Buckeye alumni become NFL stars including Garrett Wilson, Paris Campbell, and Terry McLaurin.

"He has progressed incredibly well from college to NFL receiver, and then from quality control coach to wide receivers coach to passing game coordinator. He figures things out quickly and he is more than ready to now transition to offensive coordinator."

Hartline also played for the Buckeyes from 2005 to 2008 and the 4th-round pick suited up for the Miami Dolphins and the Cleveland Browns during his 7-year NFL career.

NBA star Miles Bridges has been suspended 30 games by the NBA ... for a domestic violence incident involving the mother of his kids last summer.

But, because 25-year-old Bridges missed the entire season (he was unsigned), the NBA has credited him with serving 20 games, meaning he only will have to sit out 10 more games next season.

"The incident occurred on June 27, 2022, in Los Angeles, after which Mr. Bridges was arrested and charged with multiple offenses."

"On November 3, 2022, Mr. Bridges entered a plea of no contest to a felony domestic violence charge and the remaining counts against him were dismissed," the league announced Friday afternoon.

Shortly after the incident, Mychelle Johnson claimed she suffered injuries to her face, arms, legs and back.

The NBA says they conducted their own investigation and conferred with D.V. experts, and that's how they arrived at the penalty.

"The 30-game suspension is based on all facts and circumstances of this matter and considers the conduct and its result, as well as the outcome of the criminal matter, among other factors."

Bridges was arrested on June 29 and ultimately charged with felony domestic violence ... and while he always maintained his innocence (Miles claims his ex has incessantly harassed him), he pleaded no contest to the charge in court.

The NBA star was sentenced to 3 years probation and 100 hours of community service, as well as requiring he take parenting classes.

Miles was the 12th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, after starring under Tom Izzo and Michigan State. Bridges has averaged 13.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists over the course of his career.

Lolo Jones has some strong (albeit playful) words for Shaquille O'Neal after the NBA legend called Angel Reese LSU's G.O.A.T. ... telling TMZ Sports Diesel had to be "high" when he made the statement.

Jones -- who starred for LSU's track team before competing in BOTH the Summer and Winter Olympics -- got wind of O'Neal referring to Reese as the greatest athlete to ever come out of Baton Rouge on his 'Big Podcast' this week, and she vehemently disagreed with her fellow Tigers alum.

In fact, she seemed to think Shaq wasn't in his right mind since undergoing surgery last month.

"Shaq knew what he was doing," Jones said. "Shaq's just bored. He's coming off hip surgery. He's chilling at home. I think Shaq, honestly, is high on some pain medicines. The list is so big with LSU."

Jones -- a decorated hurdler and bobsledder -- feels Shaq was trying to stir the pot by saying Reese is LSU's top-ranked athlete ... knowing that it makes for good "water cooler talk."

"So, for Shaq to have the audacity to say 'she's the best ever,'" Jones continued, "I'm like, 'Bro, chill on the pain meds,' because that list is arduous. So long."

Jones -- who won three NCAA titles and earned 11 All-American honors as an LSU Tiger -- said she wouldn't put herself at the top of the list of the university's G.O.A.T. athletes.

But, don't get it twisted -- Lolo told us she isn't disrespecting Reese ... saying, "We're not hating on Angel. We love to see it. She's cooking. Let her keep cooking. But I'm telling you, LSU track and field is the powerhouse for that university."

Angel Reese > Shaquille O'Neal
Angel Reese > Joe Burrow
Angel Reese > "Pistol" Pete Maravich
Angel Reese > Justin Jefferson
Angel Reese > Y.A. Tittle
Angel Reese > Odell Beckham Jr.

"[Angel Reese's] probably the greatest athlete ever to come out of LSU Sports," Shaquille O'Neal said on "The Big Podcast with Shaq," doubling down, saying, "Did you hear what I just said? Male and female."

It's not surprising that Shaq is super high on Angel. The Big Fella had her back in a major way when people got on the newly crowned NCAA champ for taunting Caitlin Clark with John Cena's "You Can't See Me" gesture.

LSU is known for its marquis athletes, past and present. Legends. Hall of Famers.

In addition to the guys up top, Patrick Peterson, Andrew Whitworth, Alan Faneca, Kevin Mawae, Ja'Marr Chase, Jamal Adams, Alex Bregman, Todd Walker, Tyrann Mathieu, Lolo Jones, Bob Pettit and so many more went to LSU.

Shaq -- who starred for the Tigers from 1989-1992 -- said he puts Reese ahead of other notable LSU athlete alums, including himself ... because she won a national championship for the university.

"She delivered that package," Shaq said. "It's a lot of names you can throw around, men and women, but she's probably the greatest athlete."

FYI, Reese averaged 23 points, 15.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists this season.

"Some people are going to exclude it to women athletes," O'Neal said. "I'm not doing that. She's the greatest athlete to ever come out of LSU because she got it done. Joe Burrow got it done a couple of years ago, but she's way more athletic than he is."

NFL draft prospect Michael Jefferson -- widely considered one of the 30 best receivers in the 2023 class -- was involved in a fatal car crash on Sunday night ... one that reportedly left him with significant injuries.

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency officials tell TMZ Sports ... the accident occurred on U.S. 43 in Mobile County, Ala. at around 7:55 PM -- when a 55-year-old man who was driving a 2014 Dodge Charger collided head-on with Jefferson's 2019 Chevrolet Impala.

Authorities say following the initial collision, a 2008 Nissan Maxima also struck the Dodge. The driver of the Dodge, officials tell us, was not wearing a seat belt and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Jefferson's agent, Jon Perzley of Sportstars, told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Tuesday his client was injured in the wreck ... and "required multiple surgeries."

It's not clear yet how it will impact the 23-year-old's football career.

ALEA officials, meanwhile, tell us troopers are still investigating the accident.

Jefferson, who began his college career at Alabama State, was a star Louisiana last season -- logging 51 catches for 810 yards and seven TDs. He showed up to the NFL's combine in Indianapolis last month and performed well, running a 4.56 40-yard dash.

Some experts had the 6-foot-3 wideout projected to be a mid-round pick in this month's draft.

The Cavinder twins' days on a college hardwood are over ... Haley and Hanna revealed Monday they're forgoing their fifth years of NCAA eligibility -- and will pursue "a new chapter" in their lives.

The two -- who have amassed millions of followers on their social media accounts since transferring to the Univ. of Miami this past offseason -- made the announcement in an emotional statement on Instagram.

They thanked their Canes teammates and the university -- particularly for the way they were accepted after they came in from Fresno State in 2022 -- but said simply they're looking forward to life after basketball.

The move is surprising -- considering the two had helped The U make it to the Elite 8 of the women's NCAA tournament this year ... and appeared to have a great shot of repeating the feat in 2024 if they came back for their last year of eligibility.

But, of course, the twins have all kinds of options now at their feet with basketball over.

The women are social media darlings -- making fun videos of them dancing and lip-synching that fans have loved. They're also budding fitness gurus.

And, they've been considered potential candidates to join the WWE, too.

Neither girl expounded on what is exactly next for them in their announcement Monday -- choosing only to say goodbye to the sport they've loved for nearly two decades.

Cole Pensick -- a former offensive lineman for the Nebraska Huskers -- died in an early morning car accident in Nebraska on Saturday ... TMZ Sports has confirmed.

He was 32.

Nebraska football commented on the tragic news ... "Mourning the loss of one of our own. On behalf of the Nebraska Football program, our deepest condolences go out to the family, friends & teammates of former Husker lineman Cole Pensick."

The Polk County Sherriff's Office tells us they responded to a call at 6:42 AM after receiving a report for a pickup truck that was off the roadway and in between trees.

Once they arrived, cops found Pensick, who had been driving a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado, deceased at the scene. Police say he was involved in a single-vehicle accident after failing to stop at a stop sign, and leaving the road.

Law enforcement tells us Cole was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, but added they're still investigating the accident.

Pensick was a standout at Nebraska ... he played in 13 games his senior year (starting 12) and was selected to the All-Big Ten second team by coaches around the league in 2013.

Bu Thiam's role as EVP at Columbia Records has him scoping for new artists from all walks of life ... and he's looking to add NCAA champ Flau'jae Johnson to his roster!!!

We caught up with Bu at LAX and he had nothing but praise for Flau'jae, who recently helped the LSU Tigers win their first women's basketball national championship ... in controversial fashion at that.

Bu says he looked into Flau'jae's credentials and everything checked out, as it should have. The 19-year-old's been rapping long before it became trendy on the Internet ... going viral through appearances on "The Rap Game," "America's Got Talent," and her 2020 "Sway In The Morning" freestyle.

She inked a deal with Roc Nation management last year ... so, at least Bu knows who he needs to convince for a joint venture.

As a music exec, Bu also has to be mindful of the industry's changing landscape ... and he's surprisingly open to the idea of artificial intelligence artists, unlike some of his counterparts, like Swizz Beatz, who's expressed concern.

AI recordings mimicking the likes of Drake, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole and Kanye West are littered all over YouTube ... but Bu thinks the industry needs to be more open-minded and embrace the technology.

Tony Yayo -- the rapper who inspired John Cena's famous "You Can't See Me" gesture -- is speaking out against those criticizing LSU hoops star Angel Reese for waving her hand toward Iowa star Caitlin Clark ... saying, "When a Black girl do it, it's a problem, but when a white girl do it, it's not a problem."

TMZ Sports spoke with the G-Unit MC -- who was trending this past week after Reese's celebration during last Sunday's NCAA championship game -- and he told us the criticism she's been receiving is "kind of crazy."

Yayo said trash-talking in sports is part of the game ... adding he understands the emotions athletes experience when competing, especially for a national championship.

Yayo -- who recently wrapped up a tour with 50 Cent and is gearing up to release new music this summer -- said Reese is popularizing women's basketball ... and she's elevating the sport to newer heights.

"You got Lil Wayne calling her phone," Yayo said. "You got Boosie excited over LSU. This championship was big. Everybody knows who Angel Reese is now, as well as Caitlin Clark."

Tony said he's proud of how Reese has handled herself during the controversy ... and doesn't want it to diminish what the LSU Tigers accomplished, winning the program's first NCAA women's basketball national championship.

"I just don't want all this stuff to overshadow the win," Yayo said. "There are other people on the team. There's a great coach [Kim Mulkey] over there. I'm definitely looking up to anybody that's a role model to Black women in this world."

A national championship trophy isn't the only shiny, new thing in Angel Reese's life -- the LSU basketball star just copped some new bling -- with over 20 carats of high-quality diamonds!!!

TMZ Sports has learned ... the Tigers hooper linked up with celeb jeweler Boo Daddy Diamonds fresh off her NCAA title win over the Iowa Hawkeyes this week.

We're told Bayou Barbie is now the proud owner of several dope pieces ... including an amazing diamond tennis bracelet that's filled with VVS diamonds and 14k white gold.

She also copped two diamond chokers -- one having the initial of her first name -- and we're told the collection totaled out to 20 carats of top-quality bling!

The 6'3" forward deserves to treat herself after the year she just had -- she finished the season with 23 points and 15.4 rebounds per game ... and earned a spot on the First Team All-SEC and SEC's All-Defensive Team.

Reese -- who fractured her foot at Maryland before transferring in 2022 -- also made LSU history with the most consecutive double-doubles ... and leading the women's hoop team to their first NCAA title.