Sports

Ryan Clark getting sent packing from ESPN isn't sitting well with the network's biggest star -- Stephen A. Smith voiced his frustrations over the move in a lengthy video on Tuesday ... saying his now-former colleague is the best in the business.

"I'm gonna miss him," SAS said. "I am not happy about this decision one bit. The bosses know I'm not happy about this decision. I've made that very, very clear."

The "First Take" host acknowledged it's part of the business ... and it's something he's experienced several times at ESPN, but this one is different due to his personal connection to Clark.

Cam Newton is out at the World Wide Leader ... the latest casualty in a round of cuts that claimed the jobs of some of the most prominent figures in sports media.

The former NFL MVP was laid off this week, according to TMZ Sports' sources ... a surprising move from the powers that be in Bristol.

Newton was only with ESPN for a few years -- he signed on in late 2024 -- but found success opposite Stephen A. Smith during the NFL season, where he was SAS' main debate partner on "First Take."

Newton was elevated into the premiere spot after Shannon Sharpe parted ways with ESPN last year.

Ryan Clark is sending some words of encouragement to all his coworkers getting axed from ESPN ... saying he hopes they all land on their feet -- while admitting he knows exactly what they're going through.

The former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back and ex-ESPN talent went to X to share his kind message on Tuesday ... saying, "Sending prayers and love to all those laid off today by ESPN."

"So many of you have poured your life into that company, & I know how you’re feeling right now. My hope is as this door closes another opens for you all. God bless!"

It's no secret Aaron Rodgers has been on the outs with his family for many years ... but all that's come to an end now because they just reunited ... for the most part.

That's right ... On Monday, the Pittsburgh Steelers star quarterback posted a series of Instagram photos showing Aaron bonding with his mom, Darla, his dad, Ed, and his brother, Luke. But his other brother, Jordan, was MIA, so it's unclear where that relationship stands.

In the caption, Aaron wrote, "Another bonding week #fam."

Ryan Clark was doing his job when he found out he no longer had one -- the NFL player-turned-ESPN analyst disappeared from "NFL Live" mid-show after a report was published stating he was impacted by a round of layoffs at the network.

The Athletic dropped the news on Monday, stating the former Steelers defensive back was being let go ... but there was one problem -- the network wasn't planning to break it to Clark himself until Tuesday morning.

With the cat out of the bag and Clark's phone likely blowing up over the development, producers elected for a lengthy commercial break.

Stefon Diggs’ male sexual assault accuser, Christopher Griffith, says he now has hard evidence proving the NFL star coordinated the L.A. beatdown on him ... TMZ has learned.

Christopher filed court docs saying he plans to add new allegations to his lawsuit against Stefon using the evidence handed over by Diggs during discovery in the case.

He said he now has text messages and phone records from Stefon’s assistant showing the coordination of the attack ... including logistical correspondence about booking flights and hotel arrangements with one of Chris’ assailants on the day he was attacked.

LeBron James still has the NBA in a holding pattern as he ponders his next move ... but Paul Pierce tells TMZ Sports the answer is simple -- go home!

The rumor mill is still swirling weeks after the 4x NBA champ parted ways with the Lakers and it seems as if The King has narrowed down his next kingdom to the Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, and of course, his old team (twice removed), the Cleveland Cavaliers.

We chopped it up with The Truth at Derek Fisher's 3rd Annual Be Better Foundation Celebrity Golf tourney, and asked him where he would like to see LeBron go.

A Chicago Cubs fan is going viral after he smacked a younger spectator upside the head for not standing during the national anthem ... but not everyone thinks this is patriotic.

Check out the video ... an older gentleman in a Cubs uniform barks at a younger fan in front of him to get off his butt for the Star-Spangled Banner at Wrigley Field ... and when the guy keeps sitting, the Cubs fan reaches back and slaps the back of his head.

Other folks in the stands turn around to see the fuss, and at least one man who saw it all go down raises an issue.

Former NFL player Josh Mauro allegedly went on a four-day drug and alcohol bender before his fatal overdose ... partying with multiple women right up until his final hours.

Josh began binge-drinking and using cocaine at his Arizona home days before his April death ... according to the California Post, citing a newly released Maricopa County Medical Examiner report.

Investigators reportedly reconstructed Josh's final days through interviews with several women who came and went from his home ... with the women describing a party that continued into the hours before he was found dead.

Tom Brady and Logan Paul may have the perfect place to settle their beef ... the squared circle at an upcoming WWE event!

TMZ Sports has learned there are ongoing conversations between the 7x Super Bowl-winning quarterback and World Wrestling Entertainment -- meaning TB12 could soon find himself staring down his WWE Superstar rival in the ring, mano a mano.

It all makes perfect sense now.

The two stars have been trading shots for months, starting with Brady’s appearance on Logan’s 'Impaulsive' podcast earlier this year. Things cooled off for a bit … until this weekend, when it exploded.

Former Pittsburgh Steelers star running back Le'Veon Bell was busted over the weekend ... and it's connected to child support payments, or an alleged lack thereof.

Le'Veon's attorney, Thomas Shaffer, tells TMZ ... Le'Veon did not make support payments, which are based on a healthy NFL salary -- a salary he's not earned in years.

Shaffer notes the support guidelines by law are based on current income, not his NFL salary, so computing these guidelines on inaccurate information is unfair.

Le'Veon allegedly owes more than $50,000 for child support.

The child in question lives in Michigan ... which is why the Michigan Attorney General has the case.

Warde Manuel's days at the helm of the University of Michigan athletic department are numbered ... the AD is stepping down at the end of the year after a massive investigation into the Sherrone Moore scandal.

"Today, I am announcing that Warde Manuel has told me that he would like to step down," Michigan President Domenico Grasso announced, before thanking the longtime administrator.

"I have the deepest respect for Warde and his countless contributions to Michigan and have asked him to stay on until the end of the calendar year."

Spain celebrated its second World Cup after a thrilling victory over Argentina on Sunday ... and thousands of miles away, the REAL fiesta was going down in the streets!!

Countless Furia Roja supporters soaked in the 1-0 result and their first championship since 2010 with a massive public gathering ... with fireworks, flares, drinks, and more.

In Valencia, there was a mind-blowing display in the sky ... with nonstop sparklers and explosives setting the tone for the night.

Jermaine Eluemunor had a bird's-eye view of Jaxson Dart's standout rookie season, and the star Giants right tackle says his young QB has what it takes to be the best in the league!

The 31-year-old big fella didn't hold back while chatting with Babcock about the new-look G-Men this week, heaping praise on the young signal-caller ... as the team prepares for the upcoming season with one of the most accomplished coaches in the NFL, John Harbaugh, on the sideline.

"We all want to win, and we have every single piece you can need," Eluemunor said. "We have an elite left tackle [Andrew Thomas]. We have an up-and-coming quarterback who I think can be the best quarterback in the NFL," Jermaine said, before highlighting an array of players on both sides of the football, from Cam Skattebo to rookie Arvell Reese.

Spain just won the FIFA World Cup over Argentina in epic fashion … needing every minute and then some to clinch a 1-0 win and spoil what was very likely Lionel Messi's last match in the tournament.

Spain was quick to get the heart rates up early in the contest at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday … with two close opportunities from superstar Lamine Yamal, but the defending champions were able to protect their goal.

Despite plenty of action, both sides went into the first hydration break without getting on the board … and they weren’t shy about getting chippy in the process.

Late NBA pioneer Jason Collins was honored at the 2026 ESPYs ... and his twin brother, Jarron -- who accepted an award on his behalf -- tells TMZ Sports the moment was truly humbling.

Jason passed away earlier this year from an aggressive form of brain cancer ... and was recognized on Wednesday for his contributions to the league ... most notably, becoming the first openly gay active player in major pro sports.

After a video documented his groundbreaking announcement in 2013, it then pivoted to his brave health battle ... and the impact he left behind.