Sports

Once upon a time, Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin told TMZ Sports he was itching to get in the cage for an MMA fight ... so does he still feel that way in 2026??

Hell. No.

The 60-year-old Dallas Cowboys legend told Babcock nine years ago he'd love the opportunity to beat someone's face in (professionally) ... admitting he was already doing the training, so why not see what he can do??

Tiger Woods is back on U.S. soil for the first time since heading to Switzerland for rehab in early April ... and we've got the first visuals of the golf legend getting off his private jet, after leaving Zurich hours earlier.

50-year-old Woods was photographed stepping off his Gulfstream G550 Wednesday afternoon at Palm Beach International Airport ... and he looked stoned-faced, showing no emotion as he walked across the tarmac, with his pup by his side.

Tiger had been in an exclusive, and ultra-expensive Swiss rehab facility since around April 3, when his PJ took him from Florida to Europe for treatment.

Charles Barkley believes there are "a bunch" of gay athletes throughout all pro sports ... but the reason they aren't open about their sexuality is that even in 2026, society remains largely homophobic.

The Chuckster shared his thoughts as the "Inside the NBA" crew remembered Jason Collins on Wednesday ... and while the 47-year-old coming out as the first active gay player in 2013 was a historic moment for the league, it's clear he feels there's more work to do.

As Kenny "The Jet" Smith said an announcement like that might not be as big of a deal in present day because of Collins' bravery -- Barkley disagreed.

50 Cent and Eminem just gave fans a full on nostalgia moment ... reuniting courtside in Detroit like it was the early 2000s all over again.

The hip-hop heavyweights and longtime friends were spotted at Little Caesars Arena for Game 5 of the NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Tuesday night, where the Detroit Pistons battled the Cleveland Cavaliers.

50 and Em were seen laughing, chopping it up, and soaking in the action and once they hit the jumbotron, the crowd erupted with social media quickly following suit over the rare public reunion.

3:30 PM PT -- Tiger's plane just touched down at Palm Beach International Airport.

Tiger Woods private jet is en route to American, after flying from Switzerland on Wednesday ... and there's reason to believe the golf legend is on board, after wrapping up a month-plus stay at a rehab facility in Zurich.

Woods' 2008 Gulfstream G550 -- an ultra-long-range business jet that go for a cool $50 Million -- departed from Zurich Airport a few minutes after 2PM local time ... headed for the United States.

The destination airport is currently unclear, as is whether Tiger is a passenger on his jet.

It only took three years, but Noah Syndergaard is finally responding to a savage diss his ex Alex Cooper uttered in 2023 ... saying he must be living rent-free in her head if she's still talking about him.

The former New York Mets star -- who dated the "Call Her Daddy" host in 2017 -- joined OutKick's "Tomi Lahren is Fearless" podcast this week ... and was asked about getting shaded on Cooper's platform back in the day.

For those who aren't in the Daddy Gang, Cooper said he "can't get a f***ing contract" ... and even though she didn't name him, everyone knew it was about Thor.

Jaren Jackson Jr. is devastated by the death of his close friend, Brandon Clarke ... releasing a heartbreaking statement on the tragedy on Wednesday -- admitting he can't wrap his head around his "twin" being gone.

JJJ and Clarke were inseparable -- even after the 26-year-old was traded to the Utah Jazz this season, they continued to maintain a solid brotherhood.

Jackson Jr. went to social media to pour his heart out over the loss ... saying, "i couldn’t imagine a world where this was even a possibility. i love you forever brother, this is absolutely devastating. i just wish i could talk to you."

The NBA acknowledged the two tragic losses in the family ahead of Tuesday's playoff game ... with the San Antonio Spurs honoring both Brandon Clarke and Jason Collins prior to tipoff against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The fans at Frost Bank Center took part in a moment of silence for both players ... with P.A. announcer Roland Ruiz addressing the news with heartfelt words about both pros.

"The NBA family mourns the passing of two if its own -- Brandon Clarke, a beloved member of the Memphis Grizzlies since 2019, whose leadership and passion earned him respect throughout the Memphis community and around the league, passed away at the age of 29, and 13-year NBA player and NBA Cares ambassador Jason Collins died after a long battle with brain cancer," the Ruiz announced.

Brandon Clarke's body has officially been cleared to be released to his family ... but the mystery surrounding his sudden death remains unclear.

According to the Los Angeles Medical Examiner's website, the ME has declared the NBA star's body ready for release, however his cause and manner of death is currently deferred ... pending additional testing as authorities investigate.

As we previously reported, Clarke’s death came just days before he was due in court to face multiple criminal charges, including trafficking a controlled substance and felony fleeing.

The Los Angeles Fire Department PIO confirmed to TMZ Sports they responded to a medical emergency call around 5 PM on Monday ... and when paramedics got to the scene, the 29-year-old male was declared deceased.

TMZ Sports confirmed his death is being investigated as a possible overdose ... with officials finding drug paraphernalia inside the home the Memphis Grizzlies player was staying at.

Jason Collins -- the NBA's first openly gay player -- has died at 47 years old after a battle with brain cancer, the league announced.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver released a statement on the loss ... saying, "Jason Collins’ impact and influence extended far beyond basketball as he helped make the NBA, WNBA and larger sports community more inclusive and welcoming for future generations."

"He exemplified outstanding leadership and professionalism throughout his 13-year NBA career and in his dedicated work as an NBA Cares Ambassador," he added. "Jason will be remembered not only for breaking barriers, but also for the kindness and humanity that defined his life and touched so many others."

Brandon Clarke's death is being investigated as a possible overdose ... with officials finding drug paraphernalia inside the home the Memphis Grizzlies player was staying at on Monday, TMZ Sports has confirmed.

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a medical emergency call around 5 PM on Monday ... and when paramedics got to the scene, Clarke was declared deceased, first reported by NBC4.

An autopsy will determine the cause and manner of death.

The NBA is devastated by Brandon Clarke's death ... with the Memphis Grizzlies player's teammates over the years sharing heartfelt tributes on social media.

Kyle Anderson, who had two stints with the Grizzlies, said he was "so f***in hurt" by the loss ... adding, "I love u so much brother i wish i coulda been there for u im so f***in hurt man."

Ja Morant published a picture of them together with a caption that read, "love you broski. gone way too soon. it's bigger than basketball."

"still our goat BC15."

Brandon Clarke was seemingly happy and healthy in the days leading up to his tragic death at just 29 years old, his barber tells TMZ Sports.

Clarke, who passed away Monday night in the Los Angeles area, had been staying in the city with one of his friends from college ... and Brandon seemed to be enjoying the offseason.

In fact, we talked to the guy who cut Brandon's hair on Friday, and he says the hooper seemed perfectly content during the appointment.

The barber says the guys even watched the NBA Playoffs during the haircut, tuning in to the Spurs vs. Timberwolves game.

TMZ Sports broke the story on Tuesday ... Clarke passed away early Monday evening, leaving the sports world stunned.

Everyone from Brandon's teammates to the Grizzlies, and even the NBA expressed condolences over the horrible news.

“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke. As one of the longest-tenured members of the Grizzlies, Brandon was a beloved teammate and leader who played the game with enormous passion and grit," commish Adam Silver said.

"Our thoughts and sympathies are with Brandon’s family, friends and the Grizzlies organization.”

Prosecutors will get the chance to see Tiger Woods' prescription drug records, a judge has ruled.

In a hearing at Martin County Circuit Court in Florida on Tuesday, the judge granted the state's request to subpoena records of Tiger's meds as part of their DUI investigation.

The judge gave prosecutors permission to access his prescription records on file at Lewis Pharmacy in Palm Beach ... following his arrest in Florida earlier this year.

Hilary Duff's "luck ... or something" isn't running out anytime soon -- the former Disney star is now a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover model!!

The publication shared the big news on Tuesday ... making the announcement alongside some jaw-dropping behind-the-scenes shots of the actress/singer showing off her beach bod as she posed for the camera.

Duff was in South Caicos for her shoot ... with Kat Irlin snapping the shots.

Luka Doncic just revealed his fight for his daughters has forced him to back out of playing for his national team this summer ... explaining his kids "will always come first in my life" as he seeks joint custody.

Doncic -- who missed the Lakers' entire playoff run with a hamstring injury -- dropped the statement after L.A.'s season came to an end at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday ... saying his focus is on his family this offseason, and he loves his little ones "more than anything."

"As I continue working toward joint custody of my daughters, I have been forced to make a difficult decision between traveling and playing for the Slovenian national team and being with my daughters this summer," Doncic said. "Unfortunately, it has been made extremely difficult for me to see them over the past eight months."