TMZ Sports - Page 50

Melvin Gordon went head to head with his Uber driver over who's going to win Sunday's Wild Card matchup between his Chargers and the Baltimore Ravens ... and the guy didn't have a clue who he was talking to!

The video's hilarious -- the Chargers stud RB playfully goads his friendly driver to make predictions on the game and ends up getting some spicy trash talk out of him ... especially about Philip Rivers.

After praising Ravens QB Lamar Jackson and basically telling Gordon the Chargers QB sucks, he adds ... "I'm going to pull for Phil Rivers to get up off the ground because they gonna put him on the ground."

The driver also feels confident in Baltimore because they've been playing more as a team now that Flacco's on the sidelines, but clearly ... he doesn't have much info on that Melvin Gordon guy.

Even funnier ... despite making it clear he's pulling for the Ravens, the driver eventually admits he's from Texas, but he's "got to talk that crazy talk" since he's picking up Baltimore residents.

Victor Espinoza's been taking steps to return to doing what he loves after nearly dying in a training accident, and he just took another huge step ... up onto a horse!!!

The famed jockey reportedly got back on a horse for the very first time Saturday at Santa Anita since his near-death injury in July. Victor hops aboard the horse, St. Joe Bay, and goes for a little ride.

We broke the story ... the Hall of Famer was severely injured after a horse he was riding went into cardiac arrest on the track last summer in Del Mar, California. Victor nearly lost his life in the fall when a bone chipped off his neck and just missed cutting an artery.

He's been on the road to recovery ever since, getting out of a neck brace in September and working his way back into riding shape.

According to BloodHorse, Espinoza's still going through physical therapy and isn't ready to get back to racing yet.

New York Giant's running back, Saquon Barkley is spreading his good fortune -- literally -- by passing out hundred dollar bills like they were playing cards at a blackjack table.

Barkley, who's up for Pepsi's Rookie of the Year, was at Red Rabbit nightclub Friday night in New York City, and he cheerfully doled out $100 bills to folks waiting in line in the freezing cold to get inside.

Barkley is reportedly pulling in $31.2 million over 4 years. Not bad for a 21-year-old.

David Arquette is a glutton for punishment ... returning to the wrestling ring after a deathmatch that almost killed him.

Arquette took the mic at a news conference Friday night to hype his upcoming match with veteran pro wrestler Jocephus in a "hair match" for the National Wrestling Alliance. The stakes ... loser shaves his head.

NWA President and former Smashing Pumpkins frontman, Billy Corgan, kept the 2 men apart during the faceoff at the Pinnacle Family Entertainment Center in Clarksville, Tennessee.

Jocephus stormed the stage with a VHS copy of Arquette's 2000 pro wrestling movie “Ready to Rumble” ... mocking him as an actor and implying he had no business trying to measure up in the ring.

As we previously showed you, poor David was a bloody, mangled mess last November after getting smashed in the head with a light tube.

Early Doucet -- a former superstar LSU wide-receiver-turned-NFL-draft-pick -- was hit with a temporary restraining order in November after allegedly brutalizing his wife for the second time.

TMZ Sports has obtained court docs filed in Louisiana which show the 33-year-old was ordered to stay at least 100 yards away from the alleged victim and her 2 children after an incident in which Doucet allegedly attacked the woman and smashed up their home.

The accuser told officials Doucet physically assaulted her in early November -- causing bloody injuries to her face and chest. She also claims Doucet smashed holes in the door and walls.

The judge set a follow-up hearing for December where both sides could tell their side of the story -- but no word yet on if the judge has extended the restraining order.

We do know it's the second time the accuser has gone to authorities with violent allegations against Doucet.

We've also obtained a police report from April 2017 showing Doucet named as the suspect for assaulting the same woman, who he was dating at the time.

Police took photos which show the woman bloodied and bruised and missing a tooth. Cops' photos of Doucet's hands show bloody knuckles.

We've reached out to officials to find out what happened with that case -- so far, no word back.

We've also reached out to Doucet for comment but have not heard back.

Doucet was a key part of the 2007 LSU national championship team. He caught 7 passes for 51 yards and a TD in the BCS title game against Ohio State.

"Hold tight, I'm coming, Princess."

Luke Rockhold wants a big piece of Jon Jones ... and that's his message to the UFC superstar.

TMZ Sports spoke with Luke -- the former UFC middleweight champ who's moving up to light heavyweight -- and he ain't switching divisions just 'cause cuttin' weight sucks.

He wants to fight Jon Jones.

"I'm a different man at this weight, with the power behind me. I'm moving up to get after him. So, that's what I'm here for."

Luke's just the latest to throw his hat into the super crowded "I wanna fight Jon Jones" ring. Earlier this week, Anthony Smith AND Corey Anderson also told us they want a crack at Jones.

But, Rockhold's got the best resume of the 3 fighters ... and a fight with him and Jones would be a big money maker ... and it's a match L.R. is totally confident he'll win (he told us he'll be champ in '19).

Why? 'Cause he wasn't all that impressed with Jon's performance against Alexander Gustafsson.

"I thought he looked beatable."

So, who's Jon gonna pick???

Diamond Dallas Page took a 475-pound man -- and nearly cut him in half -- helping the guy shed 200 POUNDS ... with some help from comic Bert Kreischer.

It's an unbelievable story ... Bert -- who famously performs without a shirt -- has been on a health kick and posted a story on his social media about Vance Hinds, an obese man who wanted help losing weight.

The pro wrestling legend stepped up and reached out to the 475-pound man ... offering to coach him through his patented DDP Yoga program -- the same program that Jake "The Snake" Roberts credits with saving his life.

The results ... AMAZING.

After 365 days, Hinds dropped 198 pounds ... and he documented the entire journey on video.

DDP tells TMZ Sports he couldn't be more proud of the guy -- but the work ain't done yet. Hinds says he's gunning to drop another 100 POUNDS with Page's help.

Of course, Page is super confident he can hit the goal weight -- and if you know anything about DDP, dude doesn't ever fail.

Looking for the inside track when it comes to NFL betting this weekend?

Here's Post Malone ... who's friends with a bunch of the Dallas Cowboys and says he's seriously convinced they're gonna beat the dog snot out of the Seahawks on Saturday.

Hey, so far this season Post has been pretty good with predictions -- he put out a song last weekend correctly calling the outcome of the Cowboys vs. Giants game.

But, Post ain't using rap lyrics to make his next Miss Cleo forecast ... 'cause he's straight-up guaranteeing a Seahawks ass kicking this weekend AND a Cowboys trip to the Super Bowl!!

"We're going to kick some ass. I know it for a fact, we're going to kick some ass. I know we're going to get it on and make some trouble."

"And, I'll see you at the Super Bowl. Let's get it on."

BTW ... if you're wondering how Post will celebrate another correct prediction -- we're pretty sure it ain't gonna look much different than this ...

Hulkamania is about run wild on 'Monday Night Raw' ... for the first time in years.

The WWE legend, Hulk Hogan, will return to 'Raw' on Monday to honor his good friend "Mean" Gene Okerlund, who passed away Wednesday morning.

Hulk and Gene were great friends for decades -- their interviews were classic. Hulk tweeted about Okerlund after his passing saying the guy was "the best partner I ever had."

"We never rehearsed or did anything scripted from a writer. Gene would ask me, 'Hey big man what do u want to do?' I would always answer 'just follow you brother' and it worked from 1980 - 2017. RIP my brother HH."

Unclear exactly how the tribute will play out -- but expect it to be emotional.

As we previously reported, Gene's health went into decline roughly a month ago when he suffered injuries due to a fall at his Florida home.

He was transferred to a nursing home, but was never able to recover.

Okerlund passed away Wednesday morning with his wife, Jeanne, at his side.

He was 76.

Katt Williams' ex-GF, Hazel-E, is ringing in the New Year with a new man -- starting fresh with football star Lucky Whitehead.

The cute new couple hit up Ruth's Chris Steak House in Virginia on New Year's Eve, wining and dining on surf and turf as they snuggled up in a booth. You can tell they're definitely loving each other's company.

After the meal, Lucky showed Hazel the wild side of his hometown of Manassas, VA by partying the night away at Breakers Sky Lounge.

It's a new relationship, but the former 'L&HH' star was already feeling Lucky's vibe ... doing some grinding on her hunky new bae.

Hazel and Katt dated for 2 years before breaking up in March 2016 ... the exes recently tried to rekindle their romance, getting back together and splitting again after only 3 weeks.

We're told Lucky -- who played for the Dallas Cowboys and the NY Jets -- recently slid into Hazel's DMs and she decided to give him a chance. So far, so good.

Some people say it's Daniel Cormier. Others say it's Jon Jones ... but Amanda Nunes says when it comes to the greatest MMA fighter ever, SHE'S #1.

Most MMA experts agree Nunes solidified her place as the greatest female fighter ever with her dominant victory over Cris Cyborg at UFC 232.

But, with a resume that boasts wins over Ronda Rousey, Miesha Tate and TWO victories over Valentina Shevchenko ... ya can't ignore Amanda's G.O.A.T. case.

TMZ Sports spoke with the Lioness -- who's still giddy over the win -- and she says there's no doubt she's the best to ever step in the Octagon.

We also asked about a rematch with Cyborg -- and Nunes told us it'll be at least two years before Cris gets another shot.

In the meantime, Nunes says she's going back down to 135 pounds to punish the rest of that division.

DITKA IS BACK, BABY!!!

The legendary coach tells TMZ Sports he feels great after suffering a heart attack back in November -- and he's already cracking jokes and golfing again!!

79-year-old Mike Ditka was hospitalized following the medical emergency and doctors decided to implant a pacemaker.

Ditka says he realizes he's lucky doctors were able to successfully treat him and he's focused on enjoying life because he realizes he ain't gonna live forever.

"How long this [pacemaker] will ride out? I don't know ... but I'm gonna try to make it last."

Ditka says he was overwhelmed by all of the support he received from the NFL community -- and tells TMZ Sports he can't wait to support his Chicago Bears when they take on the Eagles on Sunday.

Ditka won't be at the game, he'll be watching from home -- but he explains why he thinks the Bears are a force to be reckoned with.

Nic Naitanui is one of the GREATEST athletes you've never heard of -- an Australian Rules Football superstar -- who spent his New Year's Eve partying with the most famous people on Earth.

And, why? BECAUSE HE'S A STUD!! Seriously, watch his highlights.

The 28-year-old West Coast Eagles star has spent the past few weeks in America while recovering from a torn ACL in his left knee. He's been training at UCLA.

Despite his massive fame in Australia, NicNat has been flying under the radar for most of his trip because -- let's face it -- most Americans don't watch Aussie Rules.

But, our photog, Charlie, is from Down Under -- and could barely believe it when he spotted the Australian sports hero hanging out like a normie in Santa Monica.

Nic told us he's met a ton of big stars during his U.S. trip including Ben Simmons and Kendall Jenner ... and spent his New Year's Eve with LeBron James and Drake!

By the way, Nic is 6'7" and 223 pounds -- a freak of an athlete -- and worked out at the Philadelphia Eagles training facility in 2017.

So, is there a future in the NFL?

"I enjoy the game. I don't know ... maybe one day."

Nic says he'd probably be a good fit for a tight end since he's got some of the best hands in Aussie Rules.

Conor McGregor just left the hospital with his SECOND CHILD -- after his girlfriend, Dee Devlin, gave birth to their new baby!

The UFC superstar posted a photo with the new baby and his older boy, Conor Jr., with the caption, "Heading home with my two healthy babies and an energized and healthy SuperMam."

He added, "2019 is off to the best start! Thank you for the well wishes everybody!"

No word on the name or the sex of the newest McGregor family member. We'll update as soon as we find out.

McGregor's celebrity friends are already reaching out -- The Rock posted a message saying, "Ohana! Congrats brother!!"

Hopefully, Conor had a driver waiting for him outside of the hospital because his driver's license is still suspended in Ireland stemming from a 2017 traffic stop.

As we previously reported, McGregor pled guilty in November to going 95 in a 60 in a blue Range Rover. His license was suspended for 6 months and he was hit with a $1,100 fine.

Conor's oldest child, Conor Jr., was born on May 5, 2017 -- a few months before Conor Sr. got in the boxing ring and fought Floyd Mayweather.

Conor obviously lost that bout -- but reportedly made around $100 MILLION.

Conor Sr. is already training his little boy how to fight -- recently posting footage of Conor Jr. hitting the mitts.

WARNING -- this video of Brian Ortega will make your skin crawl. If you've already had your breakfast, prepare to revisit your eggs and toast ... 'cause this is gnarly.

We're not kidding. This is your last chance to look away.

For some reason, the UFC star thought it would be a great idea to show off what it looked like two pins getting yanked out of his bone and through his flesh on Thursday ... and we wish he hadn't.

Ortega broke his thumb and nose during a bloody fight against Max Holloway at UFC 231 last month ... and despite the nasty vid, the recovery seems to be going okay.

"I didn’t feel a THING," Ortega says ... as the metal pins are clamped with pliers and wrestled out of his hand.

Shockingly, not really any blood ... but it's still hard to watch.

Hope we didn't ruin your Friday.

Here's a cute story to start your Friday off right ... Danny Amendola spotted a little kid wearing his jersey Thursday night -- and surprised the hell outta him in an adorable vid!!!

The Dolphins star was cruisin' around in Miami when all of the sudden a little boy rockin' his No. 80 gear pulled out in front of him.

"Hey bro, bro -- come here," Danny tells the kid ... "You know whose jersey you're wearing??"

The kid -- surprised -- responds matter-of-factly, "Yes. Danny Amendola."

Danny's reaction?? "That's me, how are you brother?!"

The kid lights up immediately ... and the smile is the most adorable thing you'll see today -- and then the two even stopped to pose for a pic together!!!

D.A.'s been killin' it this week ... making little kids' days AND (possibly) getting back with his Miss Universe girlfriend.