Sports

The Dianna Russini and Mike Vrabel sports scandal has claimed another victim ... NFL reporter Crissy Froyd, TMZ has learned.

Crissy tells us she was sacked on Thursday from USA Today ... just days after she blasted Dianna's resignation.

Crissy tells TMZ she's "beyond distraught" ... especially because Nancy Armour did a story for the network expressing a similar sentiment about Dianna without punishment.

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.“

Azzi Fudd was officially introduced as a member of the Dallas Wings on Thursday ... but her first experience with the local media hit a snag when a reporter asked about her relationship with superstar teammate Paige Bueckers.

The awkward moment went down at the No. 1 overall pick's presser -- after some standard basketball questions, one journalist asked if Fudd was still dating Bueckers ... and if so, had they talked to other couples in the WNBA about the dynamic.

Before Fudd could say a word, a Wings staffer interrupted ... saying the inquiry was out of bounds.

Braxton Berrios doesn't seem too fazed by his ex-girlfriend Alix Earle's drama with Alex Cooper -- the NFL hunk was spotted on a dinner date with a new woman on Wednesday ... and let's just say the dude certainly has a type.

The Houston Texans receiver hit up the Bird Streets Club in Los Angeles with stunning model Hollie Ford ... and he was all smiles as the two left the establishment in his G-Wagon.

After he opened the door for Ford (aww, what a gentleman), Berrios was asked about the biggest internet feud of the week as he hopped behind the wheel ... and he stated he had no new info to share -- even declining to show support for his former partner.

Tiger Woods is trying like hell to keep his prescription records out of his DUI case -- the golf legend's attorney claims his privacy is at risk if a subpoena for his pill history is granted.

Prosecutors are looking to track down a bunch of info on Woods' meds -- how many times his prescriptions have been filled this year, the amount of pills he's gotten, his dosage and the instructions that come with them, including warnings about driving after consumption -- after he was charged with DUI and refusal to submit to a lawful test in connection to his March 27 crash.

Douglas Duncan recently filed a response to the subpoena request ... stating it would be an "intrusion into Mr. Woods' privacy" if the records are included in the criminal investigation.

"I was expecting Herb to pick my hand up."

Curtis Blaydes wholeheartedly believes he beat Josh Hokit during their insane UFC 327 fight ... a bloody, action-packed scrap that's been described as the greatest heavyweight bout ever.

"When they gave us the judgment, I was in a little bit of shock. I was like, 'Dang, I thought I did enough,'" Curtis told Babcock.

Officially, the 35-year-old heavyweight lost by unanimous decision, with all three judges' scorecards reading the same ... 29-28 (2 rounds to 1 for Hokit).

WWE Superstar Rusev is ready to step out of the squared circle and into the boxing ring -- he’s got his sights set on Jake Paul ... even with WrestleMania right around the corner!!!

We caught up with the Bulgarian Brute ahead of his Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match this weekend in Las Vegas ... and during a conversation about which celebrities he would want to “crush,” Rusev initially brought up Jelly Roll -- before quickly turning his attention to Jake.

“I would definitely love to put my hands on that guy,” Rusev said.

And it’s not just talk. Rusev claims his own boxing coach has been pushing him toward it ... telling him he has the tools to make real noise in the sport, especially his power.

According to Rusev, his trainer believes he has a “mean right hook” that could seriously do damage in the ring.

Rusev also took a jab at Paul’s past injuries, referencing his jaw and joking that he’s “half Terminator,” suggesting he’s not exactly worried about what Jake brings to the table.

Jake Paul has made a name for himself by taking on fighters from all over the combat sports world ... most recently getting rocked by Anthony Joshua, resulting in a busted jaw.

And Rusev sounds more than confident he would handle business ... just like AJ did last year.

Despite the talk, Rusev is currently locked in on WrestleMania ... where he will compete in a chaotic ladder match for the Intercontinental Championship.

He's not overlooking it ... but it's clear he's put some thought into what comes next.

More trouble for Mark Hunt -- one of the most beloved UFC fighters ever -- the heavy-hitting heavyweight was arrested after he was accused of threatening to kill a female acquaintance.

"I'm just going to murder you in the end anyway," the 52-year-old MMA legend allegedly texted the woman after a dispute this week in South Wales, Australia, which prompted cops to rush to the scene and take Hunt into custody Tuesday night.

He is facing one count of stalking or intimidation with intent to cause physical harm.

Hunt was initially refused bail before his first court appearance on Wednesday, but was ultimately allowed to bond out after agreeing to abide by a series of strict conditions.

The Super Samoan was a fan favorite during his run with the UFC, beloved for his devastating power, and his signature walk-offs.

In the Octagon, Mark mixed it up with some of the best heavyweights ever, including Stipe Miocic, Brock Lesnar, Alistair Overeem, Junior dos Santos, Curtis Blaydes, and Derrick Lewis, among others.

Hunt last fought in December 2018 in a losing effort.

Mark has faced significant challenges since walking away from fighting, including health, financial, and legal troubles that have severely impacted his life.

While Hunt has not addressed the claim, his legal team disputed the charge in court.

Volleyball player Jordan Lucas took the internet by storm by serving skills and sass in his highlight reel ... and while not everyone in the sport is thrilled with his celebrations, he tells TMZ Sports it's all part of being in the heat of battle.

We caught up with the star Cal State Northridge athlete amid his viral fame ... and Lucas said the support he's gotten has been nothing short of amazing -- even Billy Porter hit him with a follow on social media!!

He added it's awesome to help put the spotlight on the school's program and the sport as a whole ... and the experience has been "surreal" and "overwhelming," but the love is much appreciated.

It's only mid-April, but it could've been October for Alex Vesia ... the Dodgers reliever was emotional on the mound after closing out the game in front of dozens of doctors and nurses who treated his late daughter, Sterling Sol, last year.

Tuesday night was the Dodgers' annual Healthcare Appreciation Night, and the 30-year-old pitcher invited almost 30 hospital workers who helped the family navigate the most difficult period of their lives in late 2025.

So, when Vesia entered the 2-1 game vs. the Mets in the 9th inning -- with closer Edwin Diaz unavailable -- Alex didn't squander the opportunity, striking out the side, getting the save, and sealing the win for Los Angeles.

LaMelo Ball is facing a ton of criticism for tripping and injuring Bam Adebayo in a Play-In Tournament matchup on Tuesday ... but the Charlotte Hornets star claims the incident was the result of getting hit in the head.

The play went down early in the second quarter of the elimination game ... when Heat forward Simone Fontecchio blocked Ball's shot, and Adebayo tried to save it from going out of bounds.

Ball found himself lying out on the hardwood during the sequence ... and he reached out and grabbed Adebayo's leg, forcing him to join him on the ground.

Age ain't nothing but a number as 41-year-old LeBron James enters the playoffs ... so says his former teammate, Channing Frye, who tells TMZ Sports the only thing on the King's mind right now is winning ... not Father Time.

All eyes will be on the four-time champion as L.A. prepares for its date with the Houston Rockets in the first round of the 2026 postseason ... even more so now that Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves are out with injuries.

Frye -- who won a title with James on the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers -- explained the superstar's mindset ahead of a showdown with Kevin Durant and Co. ... and he said it really is as simple as scraping together some victories.

Of course, James has had enough success for 10 NBA careers ... but it doesn't mean he's cool with mailing it in at all just 'cause his team's short-handed.

Red card for Lionel Messi ... who is at the center of a bombshell lawsuit in Florida, with a promoter claiming the soccer legend left them bleeding cash on a pair of hyped up friendlies that they claim he blew off.

VID, a Miami-based company that puts on large-scale music and sporting events, according to court docs obtained by TMZ Sports, filed a lawsuit against the 38-year-old footballer and the Argentine Football Association on Tuesday in South Florida, alleging fraud and breach of contract, saying they were burned out of millions of dollars.

In August, VID says they struck a deal and ultimately paid the AFA $7 million for the exclusive rights to two exhibition match-ups scheduled for October -- Argentina vs. Venezuela, and Argentina vs. Puerto Rico.

Dianna Russini -- the reporter spotted getting cozy with Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel in Arizona last month -- has resigned from her job with The Athletic.

The NFL insider submitted a letter to her employer on Tuesday ... saying she has handled her responsibilities with "professionalism and dedication" throughout her career ... and she stands by every story featuring her byline.

Russini -- who joined the outlet in 2023 after leaving ESPN -- said she's leaving not because she did anything wrong ... but because of the "self-feeding speculation that is simply unmoored from the facts."

Sherrone Moore was facing 6 months in jail, but the former Michigan head football coach won't spend another minute behind bars ... he was just sentenced to probation, entirely avoiding jail.

The 40-year-old coach appeared before the honorable J. Cedric Simpson in a Washtenaw County courthouse on Tuesday afternoon, where he was sentenced after pleading no contest to two charges, malicious use of a telecommunication device in a domestic relationship and trespassing.

Ultimately, Moore, 40, will be on probation for 18 months. He was also ordered to pay around $1,000 in fines.

Pacman Jones can breathe a massive sigh of relief ... the former NFL star was sentenced to five years of probation in his officer assault case on Tuesday -- after staring a year and a half in prison right in the eyes.

Jones went before Judge Patricia Summe in Kenton County, Kentucky on Tuesday ... wearing a dark-colored suit for the occasion.

Jones shared a prepared statement in court -- apologizing for his actions in June 2025 and stating he didn't realize he had hit "rock bottom" until after the incident.