TMZ Sports - Page 50

Boston Red Sox star Mookie Betts is sitting out a visit to the White House to celebrate his team's World Series win.

According to the Boston Globe, Betts was asked about the trip to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Saturday night -- which is currently scheduled for May -- and he reportedly said, "I won't be going there. I decided not to." He didn't elaborate beyond that, but he joins at least one other Sox player skipping it ... third baseman Rafael Devers also said he'd be a no-show.

FWIW ... Betts is the American League MVP, and arguably the best player on the Sox's roster. It's kind of a big deal in baseball if one of the best of the best doesn't wanna meet with President Trump.

Three other Red Sox players are reportedly on the fence, but the rest of the team has expressed interest in meeting with the Prez. The team was supposed to head out there in February, but it was pushed back to May because of the government shutdown.

Red Sox President Sam Kennedy said he didn't feel it was appropriate to be celebrating at the White House while so many federal employees were going without a paycheck and struggling.

Tom Brady and the Patriots have really convinced themselves they're the underdogs in Super Bowl LIII ... which couldn't have been more obvious than at their send-off rally.

The Pats' QB was center stage Sunday at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA for one last hurrah before the team heads out to Atlanta ahead of the big game against the Los Angeles Rams. With Blue Man Group on hand to warm up the crowd ... Brady finished 'em off by starting a battle cry that screams of defying the odds ... "WE'RE STILL HERE!!!"

The only problem ... the Patriots are heavily favored to win, so they're not underdogs at all -- even if they and their die-hard fan base truly believe they are.

In case you missed it, Tom and co. had a nice little mantra going among themselves last weekend when they beat the Chiefs in overtime ... "You're/I'm too old." But, Julian Edelman probably said it best on the sideline ... "YOU'RE TOO F***IN' OLD!!!"

This will be Tom's ninth trip to the Super Bowl with the Pats, and it'll be a chance to win his sixth SB ring. Considering they've been here time and again with young buck teams like the Rams ... something tells us they'll be just fine.

Whatever works for you guys, though.

Meanwhile, in LA ... Rams fans stood outside the still-to-be-completed L.A. Stadium at Hollywood Park, where they did their best to match the Pats' energy. They got spirit ... we'll give them that.

Every time David Arquette launches off the top rope, his family cringes inside ... 'cause the actor-turned-wrestler's sister tells TMZ Sports his new career scares the hell outta her!!

We spoke with Golden Globe-winner Patricia Arquette about David's new, more bloody career as a pro wrestler ... and she says he's got her full support ... even if she's too scared to watch him perform.

"It scares me a little bit. We're all scared as a family," Patricia says. "But also, I know this is David's life and David is an eccentric, wonderful, incredible person and it's his path."

Patricia says she's most worried about David getting hurt ... and rightfully so. Have you SEEN what he does in the ring?!?

As we've previously reported, Arquette has been on a mission to get respect as a real deal wrestler -- after participating in one of the worst storylines EVER back in the WCW days.

Arquette won the WCW heavyweight title back in April 2000 as part of a promotion for his movie, "Ready 2 Rumble" ... a stunt that's been panned as the lowest moment in pro wrestling history.

But, David has been laser-focused on redemption and even went to Mexico to train with luchadores to prove he can hang with the big boys.

His comeback has been nothing short of impressive -- he's executed crazy aerial maneuvers, bulked up ... and even sacrificed his body in a death match.

The 47-year-old was hospitalized and got stitches -- but returned to the ring a short time later.

We just saw Arquette a few weeks ago and he made it clear he ain't slowing down any time soon.

Brian Ortega says he's ALMOST back to 100% after breaking his nose and thumb at UFC 231 ... which begs the question -- is a rematch with Max Holloway on the horizon?!

TMZ Sports spoke with T-City -- who just got back from some R&R in Mexico -- about his plans following his loss to Holloway last month ... and he says he'll be good to go in 2 months.

Ortega says he's got a number of options to pursue when he gets back into the Octagon ... and says he's even exploring moving up to lightweight.

Todd Gurley and Sony Michel listen up ... Terrell Davis is giving some Super Bowl running back advice that you better take if you wanna have success in the big game.

"Try not to make this game any different than the ones you played," T.D. tells TMZ Sports.

Sound simple?? Sure ... but the ex-Broncos star says he's seen way too many guys over the years turn the game into too big of a deal -- and then ruin it.

"A lot of times, what happens is players assume, 'It's a Super Bowl, so I gotta do something different. I gotta prepare more, I gotta do something that I'm not used to doing.'"

"And, that's when they get in trouble."

FYI, Davis is an ex-Georgia superstar like Michel and Gurley ... AND the guy's won 2 rings -- so seems the Pats and Rams RBs would be wise to take note.

BTW ... we also asked Terrell about Tom Brady -- and ya gotta hear why the Hall of Famer is SO astonished by what the Pats QB is doing at 41 years old.

Anthony Barr says he has LOVED his time in Minnesota ... but the superstar LB admits his Vikings career might be over -- telling TMZ Sports, "My possibilities are open."

A.B.'s had a stellar past 5 seasons with the NFC North squad ... starting 71 games and earning 4 Pro Bowl selections.

But, Barr's set to be a free agent in a couple weeks ... and tells us he could actually see himself in another uniform next season.

"I love Minnesota, but I'm willing to play anywhere I find fit."

Anthony likely won't come cheap ... he's NFL.com's No. 11 available free agent this offseason -- and could net a deal somewhere in the $45 MILLION range!!!

11:00 AM PT -- Law enforcement sources tell us ... Bates hailed a cab in Manhattan and was taken to his hotel in Queens, and the fare totaled $32.06. We're told, he told the driver he didn't have cash or a card and took off ... so the driver called the police.

We're also told before Bates attacked the sergeant at the station, he said, "I want to punch you in the face" ... then did exactly that.

Our sources say Bates has now officially been charged with assault on a police officer and resisting arrest, along with theft of services.

A relatively unknown NFL linebacker just made a name for himself in the worst way ... by allegedly flying off the handle and punching a cop in the face!

According to law enforcement sources ... Lions LB Trevor Bates was arrested around 3 AM Saturday morning at a Hampton Inn in Queens, NY for refusing to pay his cab fare. Cops were called to the hotel and took him into custody for theft of services.

We're told while he was at the local station preparing for fingerprinting, Bates became irate and declared he didn't like one of the officers in the room. He then allegedly punched a sergeant ... causing a laceration above the cop's left eye.

Our sources say the sergeant received 3 stitches and was treated for a concussion at the hospital before being released.

Bates was taken to the hospital, as well, for a psych eval. We're told he has not formally been charged yet for assaulting an officer.

Jason Momoa not only owns the land beneath the sea ... he owns the ski slopes too!

We got the coolest man at the Sundance Film Festival Friday night leaving Butcher's Chop House in Park City, Utah, and he declared his impending dominance on the slopes. Jason says he's breakin' out the snowboard Saturday and he will be king of the mountain.

He's certainly king of the sea. "Aquaman" has become the highest grossing DC superhero flick, grossing more than a billion bucks.

Jason's at Sundance to host a panel on, "The Creatives Behind Some of YouTube's Buzziest Channels."

Kelly Rowland has a ton of respect for Gladys Knight -- but tells TMZ Sports she would NOT have made the same choice to sing the national anthem at the Super Bowl.

Of course, Rowland is playing Gladys Knight in the BET series, "American Soul." She's previously talked about what an "honor" it is to play the 74-year-old singing legend.

So, with Knight at the center of the NFL controversy -- we asked the former Destiny's Child singer what she would have done if the NFL asked her to perform "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the big game.

Rowland tells us ... she would have turned them down -- though, she doesn't go into detail.

As we previously reported, there's been a backlash from stars like Nick Cannon and Common who have told us they wish stars like Travis Scott would pull out of the Super Bowl over the way the league has treated Colin Kaepernick.

Despite the criticism, Knight has doubled down on her decision to perform -- saying she hopes to use the Super Bowl platform to unite the country.

Rowland has worked with the NFL multiple times in the past -- in fact, she performed with Beyonce at the Super Bowl back in 2013.

It's now time to reevaluate who your Valentine is this year ... because UFC star Arianny Celeste is doing a super hot lingerie shoot for Lovers Day ... and she doesn't know you exist.

Celeste and her best pal Alejandra Boggiano dropped new smokin' hot images of their Valentine's Day shoot for their company Girlfriend Box ... and TMZ Sports has them.

The company offers a service to guys who want to get their GFs sexy outfits, by offering them a subscription program.

Good idea ... and a better way to sell the idea is Arianny serving up a variety of scantily clad looks to promote the company, and we gotta say ... DAMN.

BTW -- GF Box subscriptions range from 69-89 bucks ... and in case you were wondering, Arianny DOES NOT come with your first month, but you do get a Valentine's Day card, an outfit and jewelry for your girl.

Could the Golden State Warriors starting 5 *actually* single-handedly beat the Eastern Conference All-Star starters?!?!

You better believe it ... so says Chris Webber, who tells TMZ Sports the Dubs are just too damn good to lose that fantasy matchup.

The 2019 All-Star game starters were announced Thursday night ... here's the East:

-- Kyrie Irving, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, Kawhi Leonard and Kemba Walker

Here's the Warriors starting lineup:

-- Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Boogie Cousins, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green

Webber does a great job breaking down why the Eastern Conference All-Stars would LOSE if they took the court against the Warriors ... and he's pretty damn confident about it.

Of course, Webber used to play for the Warriors -- but there's no bias here. Webber's hittin' us with truth bombs.

As for the Western Conference All-Stars ... here's how that team looks:

-- LeBron, KD, Steph Curry, James Harden and Paul George.

That's scary.

What do Tom Brady and Atlanta strip clubs have in common???

THEY'RE BOTH THE BEST IN THE WORLD!!!

At least, according to Asante Samuel ... who tells TMZ Sports that Brady's still the G.O.A.T. -- and the booty clubs in ATL are too!

We got the ex-Pats DB just a couple days after Brady earned his 9th trip to the Super Bowl ... and Asante couldn't help but gloat about the correct Brady prediction he made to us last month.

"He's still the G.O.A.T. He's the best ever to do it. You can't compare him to nobody ... When it's time to make the play to win the game or the situational plays, he's the G.O.A.T.!"

Then, Asante -- who played 2 seasons for the Falcons -- broke down the strip club scene that fans will be faced with at SB 53 ... and tells us that, like Brady, they're the best too!!!

"The strip club is the main attraction, man. You go in there and see all the booty you want!"

It's crazy Louisiana senator Bill Cassidy took time Friday to blast the NFL on the floor of the Senate ... so says Jay Glazer, who tells TMZ Sports, "Talk about damn politics!"

The blown pass interference call in last weekend's NFC title game has put every Saints fan on the planet into an uproar ... with everyone from players to politicians ripping the league.

In fact ... Cassidy took the debate straight to Capitol Hill this week -- calling for the NFL to launch a full investigation into the incident!!!

But, Glazer tells us it's ridiculous that happened ... saying politicians need to have their focus on things other than the gridiron.

"Let's try and get the government right first before we start talking about what's going on in the NFL."

As for the Glazer's feelings on the call itself ... he says it was atrocious -- and guarantees BOTH the Rams AND Saints feel bad about it all.

Adrien Broner is a wanted man in Florida ... again.

The star boxer failed to show up in Broward County court once again Wednesday ... and the judge issued a warrant for his arrest immediately afterward.

Remember, this ain't the first time Broner's had this problem ... he's been arrested TWICE already for this same issue -- including just last month -- all stemming from a Dec. 2017 speeding incident.

So, where was Broner instead of court Wednesday? Dude has been in Los Angeles -- in fact, he went to the Lakers game on Thursday night. Hey, priorities right?

Cops arrested the 29-year-old for having no driver's license, speeding, no registration or proof of insurance on Dec. 7, 2017 ... but nobody's been able to get him to show in court since.

If/when he ever appears for the traffic offense ... don't be surprised if the judge throws the book at him for blowing off the case so many times in the past year.

Joe Rogan rewatched an old comedy classic recently -- "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective" -- and pointed out something which seems crazy obvious now ... IT'S SUPER TRANSPHOBIC!!!

The UFC announcer was talking about all sorts of issues with New York Times reporter Bari Weiss on the "Joe Rogan Experience" podcast this week when he brought up the 1994 Jim Carrey flick.

"I didn't realize how transphobic that f*cking movie is," Rogan said ... "It's off the charts!"

Rogan says he hadn't seen the movie in years, but when he sat down to watch it with 8 and 10-year-old daughters he quickly realized, "It is so insanely transphobic."

If you remember ... the whole point of the flick is for Ace to track down the former Miami Dolphins player who kidnapped the team mascot -- and (spoiler alert) it ends up being the kicker.

But the kicker, Ray Finkle, was no longer living as a man -- he became Lois Einhorn.

When Ace and Dan Marino crack the case and realize Lois used to be Ray -- they cringe in disgust and everyone who had kissed Lois begins puking and washing out their mouths.

Rogan asks the question ... if places like iTunes should remove the movie from its library due to its offensive nature. Bari argued that it's important to NOT erase movies like "Ace" but notes how far society has come since the movie came out.

Ronda Rousey is not taking kindly to reports she's planning on leaving WWE to start a family -- saying she's the ONLY person authorized to speak on matters regarding her vagina.

Rousey's personal life was the subject of a bunch of reports Thursday after wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer reported Ronda could step away from WWE after Wrestlemania in April to focus on expanding her family.

Ronda addressed the report with ESPN's Ramona Shelburne and came out swinging.

"I honestly don't know why [anyone] feels [they're] an authority to speak on plans for my uterus," Rousey said.

"It's my vagina, my life, keep the speculations to yourself. Leave me and my reproductive organs alone."

Ronda HAS spoken on the record several times about her plans to reproduce -- telling "Ellen" back in 2016 her plan was to have kids with Travis Browne and in May 2018 she said she would be pregnant "soon."

We had reached out to WWE about the Meltzer report and they told us, "Whether she wants to start a family is a private matter."