TMZ Sports - Page 50

Carmelo Anthony ain't gonna have an easy time finding a new squad after the Rockets boot him to the curb ... so says Byron Scott.

Don't get the ex-NBA coach wrong ... he likes Melo and thinks he can still shoot it -- but, he tells TMZ Sports, the market for the 10-time All-Star after he moves on from Houston will be wafer-thin.

"It's gonna be hard, man," Scott says.

Byron's biggest issues with Melo? He says the dude can't fit in with teams looking to rebuild with younger players -- and he can't fit in with squads that get up and down the floor.

So, Scott says the only possible landing spots for the future Hall of Famer are with veteran, half-court teams ... or nowhere else.

BTW ... we also asked Scott about the Lakers and the job Luke Walton is doin' -- and he says everyone just needs to be patient when it comes to LeBron's first year in Hollywood.

But ... we had to ask -- would he consider linking up with his ex-Lakers teammate, Magic Johnson, and coaching L.A. if Walton falters??

Baker Mayfield is hot ... Sam Darnold is not ... that's according to a future Hall of Famer who says the Browns nailed the #1 pick by drafting Mayfield, and punting on big Sam.

The man destined to end up in Canton is Browns legend Joe Thomas -- an all-world OL star for 11 seasons -- who made 10 Pro Bowls and 1st team All-Pro 6 times.

Yeah ... guy was amazing.

So, should the Browns have taken Darnold -- widely regarded as the best QB prospect -- or did they grab the right guy drafting Baker with the 1st pick?

"They absolutely did. I think for Sam, if he wouldn't had that really good game on national TV against the Lions early on in the season, people would be talking about him being a bust, because he really hasn't played well since then."

In other words, Thomas really believes the Browns have FINALLY found their franchise QB (he blocked for an incredible 21 signal callers during his career in Cleveland).

"For me, the future is really bright. Baker is playing really well and he's already exceeding my expectations."

It's been a roller coaster ride of a season for the 3-6-1 Browns (they recently fired head coach Hue Jackson) ... but still, Joe's feelin' super optimistic -- especially with the way B.M. lit it up on Sunday.

Tito Ortiz thinks Chuck Liddell sucks now. It's that simple. Ortiz no longer thinks Liddell is good at fighting, and made it clear he thinks he's trash after a recent Lidell workout he witnessed.

And we got it all on video.

Ortiz and Liddell are squaring off in an MMA match for Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy promotions on November 24th, and we're guessing Tito wanted to see what Chuck had in store for him.

After heading over to the King's MMA gym in L.A. earlier today, Ortiz seemingly got his answer ... watching a mitt session Liddell had, and getting so disgusted he had to leave the building, but not before he threw some parting shots.

"Man, you guys are gonna call this a quick muthaf**king night, I guarantee."

He didn't stop there, saying Liddell looked "like junk," and he was going to "smash him."

The L.A. Rams are giving the Thousand Oaks community something to cheer about in the wake of the recent tragedies ... donating tickets to their next home game to those affected by the bar shooting and wildfires.

The "Monday Night Football" matchup with the K.C. Chiefs was supposed to go down in Mexico City ... before poor field conditions brought the game back to L.A.

There was a massive concert at the game's original venue -- Estadio Azteca -- just last week ... and judging by the pics, there was no way the field would've been fixed in time.

The Rams are taking it as an opportunity to bring the city together ... and announced thousands of tickets will go to "first responders who are bravely protecting the greater Los Angeles community, as well as people who have been impacted by our community’s recent tragedies.."

Matt Barnes stays winning ... 'cause he mopped the floor with his twin boys at the bowling alley!!

The match was pretty epic ... the two 10-year-olds were neck and neck with their ex-NBA dad -- only a few pins apart heading into the 10th and final frame.

But, that's when Matt turned the chill all the way off ... and buried two straight strikes for the W.

The best part?? Barnes trash-talked through it all ... especially when his boys asked if he was gonna get the turkey to finish off the victory.

"Call it Thanksgiving, you better f*cking believe it!!!"

Losers had to do push-ups ... and yeah, Matt made sure to keep the chirping going through those too!

Dan Rather ain't all that impressed by the Giants' win Monday night -- he thinks they're still awful ... but he's happy as hell for Eli Manning!!

The CBS News legend watched Eli turn back the clock on 'MNF' ... leading a game-winning TD drive over the 49ers late in the 4th quarter -- and dude couldn't have been more proud of the QB.

"I'll tell you what, whatever you think of the Giants -- and they are terrible -- I love Eli Manning," Rather tells TMZ Sports.

Dan says Eli reminds him a little bit of himself ... saying he too is an aging legend on the back 9 of his career -- and he understands exactly what the QB is going through.

"As an anchorman on the fade, on the way out, you say to yourself, 'I'm not as good as I once was. But, for once, I'm as good as I ever was.' That was Eli Manning last night against San Francisco."

Dan says he thinks the Giants should not only continue to roll with Eli this season -- he wants to see him under center NEXT season too.

Dez Bryant's callin' his Achilles surgery Tuesday a huge success ... straight from his hospital bed -- while feelin' loopy as hell!!!

The wideout, after just 2 days with the New Orleans Saints, popped his Achilles tendon in practice last week and needed surgery to repair the mess.

That operation just went down ... and, per a completely drugged out Dez, it went well!!

"I just finished surgery. I'm out," Dez says with a laugh. "God is great. Thank everybody for the support."

In case you didn't believe the superstar receiver ... Dez put his doc on the screen to confirm the good news.

"Everything went well. Success! Nothing to worry about."

Forget Tom Brady ... the Harlem Globetrotters gave the New England Patriots cheerleaders something to REALLY get fired up about -- INSANE TRICK SHOTS!!!

Zeus McClurkin and Firefly Fisher hit up Gillette Stadium, and after kickin' it with Pats owner Robert Kraft ... they took to the field with cheerleaders and fired away at some baskets.

They shot it from the scoreboard ... the concourse ... the stands ... and even the nosebleeds -- and yup, bang, bang, bang on all of them.

No, Brady or Bill Belichick weren't in the house for the show ... but, don't worry, the Globetrotters made sure at least ONE goat was there!!

The cheerleaders and even the team's mascot loved it all. Eat your heart out, Julian Edelman.

Le'Veon Bell ain't playing for the Steelers this year ... and maybe never again -- 'cause the All-Pro RB just missed the deadline to report to the team.

Bell -- who's been holding out since the offseason in search of a new mega-deal with Pittsburgh -- had until 1 PM PT to sign his franchise tag.

But ... the deadline came and went with no Bell to be found.

As we previously reported ... Bell's been tearin' it up on jet skis and in nightclubs during his time away from the squad -- but most, including the team's owner, expected him to be back with the team today.

Bell, though, decided against it ... and will now forfeit ALL of the $14.5 MILLION the Steelers were set to pay him this season.

It's not like Pitt's exactly crying over the move ... James Conner's been killin' it in Bell's stead -- and teammates have ripped the RB for his holdout throughout the past few months.

Former NHL star Sheldon Souray's dog allegedly bit a young girl -- injuring her -- and now the stud defenseman is facing a lawsuit.

Souray played 13 seasons in the NHL -- for the Devils, Canadiens, Oilers, Stars and Ducks -- and was known for his ridiculously hard slap shot.

In the civil suit -- filed last week in L.A. County Court -- Souray is accused of failing to control his dog ... and as a result, the animal allegedly bit the kid in the hallway of her Beverly Hills apartment building in October 2017.

According to the lawsuit, Souray should've known about his dog's "unpredictable and violent/dangerous propensities."

Interesting to note ... 2 months after the alleged incident, Souray posted a picture of his dog on Instagram, with the caption ... "Dougie’s been in bad boy school for 6 weeks. Comes home next week. Gonna be a party."

It's unclear if Dougie is the dog involved in the alleged incident ... or if the alleged incident had anything to do with him being sent to "bad boy school."

The alleged victim is asking for over $25k from Souray ... but the exact amount is unclear.

Kevin Durant's mom tells TMZ Sports she loves LeBron James and Magic Johnson, which can only mean one thing ...

Wanda Durant loves LeBron and Magic. Nothing more. Nothing less.

Of course, Lakers fans are gonna love this clip ... K.D. is a free agent this summer and some are hoping he'll end up with the King in L.A.

We asked Wanda if she thought the 2 superstars will link up and wreck the West together ... and SHE DOES NOT SAY NO.

"My son has been in the NBA now for 11 years, so he's wise enough to make the decision that's best for him. I trust that."

There's more Laker love in the clip too ... Wanda gushes about Magic and his wife, Cookie -- which could be a whole lotta nothin' ... but, could also be a whole lotta somethin'.

There you have it. K.D.'s free agency mystery solved. You're welcome.

Kristaps Porzingis can't play basketball right now ... but that doesn't mean he ain't havin' fun -- 'cause the Knicks superstar just hit up an NYC party with Ivan Drago!!!

Dolph Lundgren was out at Mr. Chow Tribeca -- celebrating the upcoming release of "Creed II" -- so the Unicorn put his ACL rehab on hold and popped by to join the party.

Why?? We're told Kristaps -- whose nickname used to be "Young Drago" -- is a HUGE fan of the 'Rocky' villain, and always wanted to meet him.

The first interaction between the two at the Haute Living and Zenith Watches bash was pretty great ... K.P. towered over the 6-foot-5 actor -- and, at one point, Dolph just had to ask, "How tall are you, man?!"

Of course ... Kristaps measures in at 7-foot-3 -- only about a foot and a half taller than Drago's most famous opponent, Sylvester Stallone.

So ... it all begs the question -- WHO YA GOT IN THIS FIGHT?!

11:00 AM PT -- Urban Meyer says Ohio State is looking into legal action following McMurphy's story on Trevon Grimes.

OSU also released a statement on Tuesday ... saying "The Ohio State University unequivocally and vehemently disputes the unfounded allegations by Brett McMurphy. Any allegations of racism are outrageous and false."

"The university told McMurphy that we have found no evidence to support these allegations."

Ex-Ohio State coach Zach Smith is calling B.S. on reports of a "racially charged" altercation with a receiver at a 2017 practice ... and several players who witnessed the incident have his back.

'Stadium's' Brett McMurphy is reporting the incident between Zach Smith and former Buckeyes receiver Trevon Grimes that went down at a practice in 2017 ... and claims Urban Meyer tried covering it up.

Smith vehemently refuted the report on Tuesday, saying "Hahahaha hahahahaha - you want to talk about reaching!! Now I’m a racist and got into a fight? You really must be bored Brett."

Of course, McMurphy is the reporter who revealed the domestic violence scandal that later led to Smith's firing and Meyer's 3-game suspension.

"Youre about to lose whatever credibility you had left, if any." Smith added.

McMurphy says Ohio State confirmed an "interaction" between Smith and Grimes ... but denied any racial slur.

But, several current players have broken their silence in support of their former coach ... slamming the report and saying it's flat-out untrue.

"I witness the whole altercation and this didn’t happen," senior Johnnie Dixon tweeted. "You think a group of African American young men will sit there and let something like this happen? Say what you want but this isn’t true at all."

Senior Parris Campbell added, "There’s no way that anyone would believe this. NO WAY. This lie is just out of hand. I was present during the entire altercation and what’s said in this article NEVER HAPPENED."

"I can guarantee it. Crazy how social media gives people platforms just to spread nonsense."

Grimes later transferred to Florida.

"We all know why Trevon left OSU.. or that’s what he made it seem like, in all honesty OSU was prolly just to tough for the kid," Austin Mack tweeted.

Sorry, Redskins fans ... Marcellus Wiley ain't giving props to Washington for its 1st place start ... telling TMZ Sports they've only got a 6-3 record 'cause the NFC East sucks!!

"Man, I hate to be that guy," the ex-NFL star says ... "But, it's a suppressed division. We know that."

The Eagles and Cowboys are 4-5 and the Giants are 2-7 ... and Wiley seems to think that's the only reason the 'Skins are looking at a playoff spot right now.

"Dallas is trying to figure out which way is up. Obviously, Philadelphia is having a hangover from last year. And, you look at the Giants, man, Eli at the quarterback position not living up to the standard."

"Yeah, they're taking an advantage of a suppressed division right now."

The good news for Washington? Marcellus ain't giving much of a chance for the rest of the teams in the East to catch the 'Skins -- laughing at the idea that the Giants can run the table down the stretch.

9:30 AM PT -- LeVert reportedly dislocated his right foot and ankle in the incident ... and he can return later this season.

The NBA community is rallying behind Caris LeVert after his sickening leg injury on Monday ... with superstars like LeBron James and Paul George showing support for the Brooklyn Nets player.

LeVert went up for a block toward the end of the 2nd quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves ... and he landed awkwardly on his right leg, which appeared to snap.

If you haven't seen the video already, it should probably stay that way. If you DO want to see it ... we warned you ... it's painfully gruesome.

"Young Fella prayers to you!" LeBron tweeted Monday night. "Speedy recovery and even stronger impact coming soon for sure!"

George added ... "God bless you youngin tough road ahead but we’re here to help lift you @CarisLeVert ! You know how to reach me"

"Prayers for Caris LeVert," Kevin Love tweeted. "Hate to see this. Having a hell of a season. Keep strong"

Gordon Hayward -- who also suffered a nasty injury last season -- offered his assistance in recovery ... saying "Best wishes and prayers to @CarisLeVert on a speedy recovery! The journey back is hard, but you’ll be stronger in the end. Please reach out if you need anything!"

FYI -- 24-year-old LeVert was having his best NBA season by far ... averaging 18 points a game.

LeVert was stretchered off the court and rushed to a Minneapolis hospital for treatment. Players in the game were so shaken up by the injury that some were reportedly crying in the locker room at halftime.

Chris Paul shared his sympathy, saying, "Prayers out to @CarisLeVert!!! Been watchin him play this season and I’ve loved every bit of it! Hate to see him get injured."

11/13 9:30 AM PT -- LeVert reportedly dislocated his right foot and ankle in the incident ... and he can return later this season.

Brooklyn Nets star Caris LeVert suffered a nasty leg injury Monday night that was reminiscent of the injury that sidelined Gordon Hayward for an entire season.

LeVert landed awkwardly after going up to attempt to block the Timberwolves' Josh Okogie and appears to have snapped his ankle. You can see how much pain he's in right away as he covers his face. LeVert had to be taken off the court by stretcher.

The injury is eerily similar to the one Hayward suffered last year during his debut with the Celtics. Hayward also landed awkwardly on his ankle, and had to undergo surgery to recover.