TMZ Sports - Page 50

Conor McGregor has put his MMA training on the back burner to prepare for his boxing match with Floyd Mayweather ... TMZ Sports has learned.

We spoke with McGregor's rep who says The Notorious is "only training boxing" while working out in Dublin to focus on the super fight.

That's right ... the UFC lightweight (and former featherweight) champ ain't practicing mixed martial arts.

Dana White announced last Thursday that McGregor's side of the deal is complete ... and the UFC star has been posting training pics directed at Floyd on Instagram ever since.

While the fight still isn't a done deal, Floyd has remained optimistic, telling reporters over the weekend that if he un-retires for a fight, "it's a 90% chance it's against Conor McGregor."

Huge day for J.R. Smith -- and it has nothing to do with the NBA Playoffs -- his preemie daughter has finally been discharged from the hospital after a miraculous 4 month battle.

As we previously reported, J.R.'s wife Shirley gave birth to their daughter Dakota (aka Kota) back in January -- nearly 5 months before her due date.

Shirley says the baby was born at just 21 gestational weeks -- and many medical experts believed she barely had a chance at survival.

But Kota defied the odds and with the incredible treatment she received at Cleveland Children's Hospital, she finally got her eviction from the NICU on Tuesday.

J.R. and Shirley are clearly over the moon. Props to the doctors, nurses, staff and everyone involved!

Welcome home, Kota!

Cortez Kennedy took a young Shaun Alexander under his wing ... schooling him on life skills that he used during his All-Pro career ... the star running back tells TMZ Sports.

We talked to Alexander about the passing of his former teammate and friend ... a guy Alexander says was instrumental in his career.

Shaun reminisces about a day back in 1990 when Kennedy and Ricky Watters invited S.A. to chill and watch the Miami vs. Notre Dame football game.

There were nachos ... and a lot of life advice ... from how to spend money, to getting married.

Dennis Erickson -- who coached Tez at the U and in the pros at Seattle -- echoed Shaun's praise of the HOF'er ... saying Kennedy was just as great off the field as on it.

Barack Obama can't get enough of Tuscany -- or at least its killer golf courses, 'cause he's back driving the fairways.

Obama hit the links Tuesday at the Castiglion del Bosco Resort in Siena, Italy -- and looked focused on his form. Decent follow-through, too.

You'll recall ... the former Prez also got his golf on over the weekend. While Michelle's been taking in Italy's sights, shops and restaurants ... BO's all about honing his game on this vacay.

BTW ... the Castiglion resort is all about 2 things: golf and wine. Barack's choice is clear.

Cleveland police are boosting security for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals as a result of the terror attack at Manchester Arena, TMZ Sports has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell us there will be more uniformed and undercover officers than usual at Tuesday's game against the Celtics at Quicken Loans Arena.

On top of that, we're told there will be more undercover security outside the venue as well.

NBA spokesman Mike Bass tells us in light of the recent attack, the league is "in communication with the appropriate authorities and taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our fans, teams and staff.”

The Manchester tribute flag you're seeing all over the Internet was created by an artist who never signed off on his work being used by millions of people ... for free, mind you -- and yet he's not pissed.

Mark E. Tisdale, who's American, tells TMZ he created the original art back in 2013. He was surprised to see it become such a uniting symbol for the Manchester tragedy ... posted by tons of people, including David Beckham.

Mark says, obviously, he didn't design the flag years ago with tragedy in mind. However, in light of the bombing ... he's glad it's being used to help bring people together on social media.

And while his art's mostly being spread without crediting him ... he says he has gotten a lot more traffic on his website where he sells his digital art.

Mark's planning to donate any dough he makes off the Manchester flag to relief efforts.

Cortez Kennedy was unconscious and "cold" when EMTs responded to his house Tuesday morning.

In the emergency dispatch audio, obtained by TMZ Sports, you hear the dispatcher say they were responding to an "unconscious patient" with "no vitals." They said the patient was a 49-year-old male, although Kennedy was 48.

Cops say the call came in around 10:20 AM to his house in Orlando. It's unclear who called 911.

Lewis Hamilton is calling for his fans to "spread love and lift one another" in the wake of the Manchester Arena bombing that left at least 22 people dead Monday night.

The British racing superstar says he's in disbelief after the terror attack. "I don't understand what these people were thinking. There's no way they can win and there's nothing they can accomplish."

WWE is consulting with local officials to determine if an NXT event at Manchester Arena in 2 weeks should be canceled after the terror attack ... WWE tells TMZ Sports.

NXT -- WWE's developmental promotion that has produced huge stars like Finn Balor, Kevin Owens and Seth Rollins -- has a show scheduled for June 6th at the arena.

In light of the attack, WWE is consulting with Manchester officials to determine if they should call off the show.

A rep for WWE tells us, "WWE offers its heartfelt condolences to those affected by this tragedy. We are working with local authorities on the appropriate course of action as it relates to our event scheduled for Tuesday, June 6 at the Manchester Arena."

The Manchester event is part of a weeklong tour across the pond that also includes stops in Leeds and Brighton.

NFL Hall of Famer Cortez Kennedy is dead at the age of 48 ... TMZ Sports has learned.

Kennedy played 11 seasons for the Seattle Seahawks ... and was an 8x Pro Bowler. He was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012.

We spoke to Orlando PD who confirmed Kennedy's passing ... but they added "there is nothing suspicious" about his death.

We've spoken to family members who say they're currently traveling to Orlando.

Cause of death is still unclear.

Pro Football Hall of Fame President David Baker said, "The entire Hall of Fame family is stunned and deeply saddened to learn the news of Cortez Kennedey's passing."

"Cortez will be remembered not only for all his great achievements on the football field but how he handled himself off the field. He epitomized the many great values this game teaches which serves as inspiration to millions of fans."

Story developing ...

Manchester United players went through an intense security search before going into practice Tuesday morning ... in the wake of the arena bombing that left at least 22 people dead Monday night.

Stars including Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Paul Pogba and Wayne Rooney had their vehicles searched outside of the Aon Training Complex, which is about 30 minutes away from Manchester Arena.

Security searched everyone's cars and the team bus with scanning devices before allowing them through to the practice facility.

Manchester born and raised Denver Broncos tackle Menelik Watson says the scumbag terrorists who attacked his home city are only gonna make Manchester stronger.

Watson -- who was drafted in the 2nd round of the '13 draft, and plays tackle for the Broncos -- was visibly shaken when we spoke to him ... saying "this one hurts a lot."

Despite the pain Watson and others from the city are feeling, he says Manchester is a tough place that won't be broken ... and will instead "band together."

"Scumbags want to impose their will on people through terror, and it doesn't work. It never works. The city of Manchester will only get stronger from this."

Manchester United held a moment of silence for the victims of the arena attack during practice Tuesday ... and have vowed to help emergency services "in any way that may be required."

Wayne Rooney, Paul Pogba and the rest of the club paused for a minute to honor the families and victims of the terrorist attack at the Ariana Grande concert Monday night.

At least 22 people have been killed and 59 others were injured by the nail bomb attack.

Rooney's current and former teammates voiced their reactions on Twitter this morning.

Rooney: "Devastating news this morning. Thoughts and prayers are with all those affected."

Pogba: "My condolences to all families of the victims in Manchester and to all families who are losing loved ones in so many countries due to acts of violence."

Danny Higginbotham: "I'm a proud Manchester lad. What happened last night was truly horrific but won't break the great city. Thoughts with all affected"

Ashley Young: "Absolutely shocked to hear the news this morning. Thoughts with all that lost loved ones & prayers for those being treated in hospitals"

Daley Blind: "Can't believe what happened last night, My thoughts go out to all those affected. #PrayForManchester"

Man. United plays in the Europa League final against AFC Ajax on Wednesday, but UEFA says "there is currently no specific intelligence which might suggest that any of the UEFA Europa League final activities in Stockholm may be the target of attacks."

Michael Bisping is furious about the senseless terror attack in his hometown of Manchester, and has taken to social media to vent about the event, calling the bombers "Motherf**kers."

Bisping took to his social media in the aftermath of the attack, posting to voice his concerns for everyone affected in the attack, and his anger at event was evident in his hashtag.

"Lost for words at this cruelty. My thought and prayers are with everyone who was in attendance #motherf**kers."

Michael isn't the only athlete to react to the attacks, guys like Dwight Howard, David Beckham, and Lewis Hamilton have too, but it's clear his connection is strong, and so is his anger at the attackers.

The entire sports world is reacting to the attack at Manchester Arena, with some of the biggest stars in sports taking to social media to voice their condolences and feelings about the terror attack.

The venue has played host to some of the world's biggest sporting events including the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

Here are some of the reactions.

Manchester United: "We are deeply shocked by last night’s terrible events at the Manchester Arena. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected."

Manchester City: "The thoughts and prayers of everyone at MCFC are with those affected following the horrifying events of last night."

David Beckham: "Heartbreaking news from Manchester. As a father & a human what has happened truly saddens me. My thoughts are with all of those that have been affected by this tragedy..."

Dwight Howard: "With You In Prayer #prayers4manchesteruk #worldcommunity #humanitywillprevail"

Wayne Rooney: "Devastating news this morning. Thoughts and prayers are with all those affected."

Usain Bolt: "Thought & prayers goes out to people of Manchester and all those who are affected."

Arda Turan: "No words. My thoughts and prayers go out to all affected in #Manchester"

Rio Ferdinand: "My thoughts & prayers are with all the families & friends affected by last nights attack in Manchester! #StandTogether"

Yaya Toure: "Such terrible news in Manchester. Thoughts and prayers with all those affected"

Lewis Hamilton: "Can't believe what's happening in this world. I am devastated. God please take care of these angels. My prayers are with all those lost and their loved ones. 💔💔💔 #PrayForManchester #Heartbroken"

Brian Scalabrine says there's absolutely NO WAY in hell the Celtics can beat the Cavs and advance to the NBA Finals ... that is, unless there's a zombie apocalypse!!

The NBA champ and current Cs analyst says even though Boston took Game 3 on the road, and only trails the series 2-1, they got no shot at dethroning King James and Co. with Isaiah Thomas sidelined with an injury.

"There's not one sliver of hope that they can actually pull this series off," ... UNLESS "we have a zombie apocalypse and LeBron gets bitten in the neck."