TMZ Sports - Page 50

UFC legend Matt Hughes is adamant he NEVER physically abused his wife and nephew -- and claims they're all making up false allegations to drive him out of their lives.

Long story short ... Hughes says he's "not the same person" since his accident -- when a train slammed into his truck in 2017, resulting in a serious brain injury.

"Since my train accident in June of 2017, my life has been changed forever. Some days have been absolute hell," Hughes says.

"The challenges and battles that I have faced have been far greater than anything I ever took on in a cage ... everyday I continue to try to be as normal as someone with a brain injury can be."

TMZ Sports broke the story ... Matt's wife and nephew both obtained restraining orders against him, claiming he's gotten violent and they're scared for their safety.

In fact, Matt's wife claims he attacked her on multiple occasions and threatened to shoot her.

Matt responded to those allegations in a statement posted to social media -- saying the accusations are false.

"Unfortunately, my marriage was not perfect long before the accident, but NEVER, NEVER, NEVER would I, or have I, physically hurt those who I care about most."

"I do not resent those who are trying to hurt me and paint me out to be a monster through these false accusations."

Matt says he also believes his family members are trying to rid him from their lives because he's become a burden due to his brain injury.

12:50 PM PT -- The Ravens announced they have cut Alex Collins.

Baltimore Ravens running back Alex Collins was arrested following a car crash near the team's practice facility ... TMZ Sports has confirmed.

Cops say the RB is still in custody ... but charges have yet to be filed against the 24-year-old star.

We're told Collins crashed into a tree at 6:48 AM ET Friday in the 10000 block of Dolfield Road in Owings Mill, Maryland ... a mere mile from the Ravens' Under Armour Performance Center facility.

The Ravens tell us they've spoken with police and are aware of the situation.

Collins was a stud for Baltimore after they picked him up shortly after he was cut by the Seahawks in 2017 ... rushing for 973 yards and 6 TDs in 15 games.

But, this past season, Alex battled injuries ... and was placed on IR in December before the team really made its playoff push with Lamar Jackson under center.

Still, Collins managed to rush for 411 yards and 7 TDs despite only playing in 10 games.

Collins -- a former Arkansas superstar -- was picked by Seattle in the fifth round in the 2016 NFL Draft.

The Brooklyn Nets are completely unfazed by the lawsuit over their Notorious B.I.G.-themed jerseys ... 'cause the team's rockin' the threads on Friday, despite Coogi taking legal action.

We broke the story ... Biggie's favorite sweater brand claims no one from the team or the NBA or Nike ever got permission to use the iconic pattern ... and called for the league to stop selling the "Brooklyn Camo" jerseys.

The Nets don't seem to care one bit ... announcing the team will be honoring the rap legend in the special jerseys when they take the court Friday against the Charlotte Hornets.

Coogi claims they have copyrights for their most famous designs -- called "Pea Soup" and "Ricotta" -- and they feel the Nets straight swiped their swag.

A rep for the NBA told the New York Times, “There is no merit whatsoever to their claims.”

Of course, jersey selections can be made months in advance -- especially for certain tribute nights ... but the decision to stick with the Biggie alternates proves the Nets ain't sweatin' a legal battle with Coogi.

Ex-NBA star Gilbert Arenas says Khloe Kardashian has no one to blame but herself -- and her vagina -- for Tristan Thompson's cheating.

Arenas went on a pretty vulgar tirade on social media (captured by Baller Alert) explaining in graphic detail why he thinks KK's skills in the bedroom are to blame for Thompson stepping out on her.

The former All-Star then makes a LeBron comparison -- shaming Khloe because Tristan hooked up with 21-year-old Jordyn Woods ... and not a more "experienced" woman.

"He didn't even cheat on u with a (lebron type of talent #veteran)," Arenas said ... "He went for a trey young, exciting BUT no playoff experience."

Bryce Harper could have another HIGHLY paid teammate in the near future -- because Curt Schilling believes the Phillies are gearing up to make a serious run at Mike Trout.

Of course, Philly just signed Harper to a 13-year, $330 MILLION contract in a move that Curt believes immediately turns the Phillies into a World Series contender.

But, Schilling says he doesn't believe the spending ends with Harper ... telling TMZ Sports, "I believe after next season, Mike Trout goes on the market ... and I can see the Phillies making stupid money offers in that direction as well."

Trout is a 7-time All-Star, 2-time AL MVP and widely regarded as the best player in baseball. He's expected to fetch a contract in the neighborhood of $400 million when he becomes a free agent after the 2020 season.

Everyone knows Trout is a big Philly guy -- he's a staple at Eagles games -- and grew up nearby in south New Jersey.

"My god, could you imagine throwing Bryce Harper in right field and Mike Trout in center field?!"

Nikki Bella is putting John Cena firmly in her rear view ... and moving forward with her new love interest ... her "Dancing With The Stars" partner, Artem Chigvintsev.

Sources close to Nikki tell TMZ ... Nikki isn't rekindling her romance with John -- despite rumors to the contrary -- and she sees no future with him.

We broke the story ... Nikki and John broke up last summer. We're told they still talk every now and then, but nothing will ever go back to how it was.

With John down for the count, we're told Nikki and Artem are spending a lot of time together.

We're told Artem flew out to L.A. Monday on his day off and squired Nikki to Wally's in Bev Hills. They drank wine and shared a meat and cheese board. Folks who were there say the date went on for hours ... lots of flirting.

Our Nikki sources say she's really into him and it looks like it's turning serious.

Stay tuned.

Randy Gregory's week ain't gettin' any better ... 'cause the Cowboys star is now facing eviction after allegedly failing to pay almost $15,000 in rent and utilities.

26-year-old Gregory had been living in a nice 3-bedroom home in Frisco, Texas since August 2018 -- but according to a letter sent to the NFL player and his attorney on Feb. 5, he fell behind in payments to the tune of $13,674.

Sources involved in the situation tell us that number has now inflated to nearly $15,000.

The letter, obtained by TMZ Sports, demands Gregory either pay the money he owes or "vacate the premises within one day."

According to our sources, Gregory has still not forked over the cash ... and he's still living in the home.

The home is pretty nice -- 3,500 square feet, 3.5 bathrooms, with a bar, game room and a nice outdoor BBQ area. It's also located about 1 mile from the Cowboys practice facility.

We're told Randy had signed a 1-year rental agreement in August -- but stopped paying the $4,500/month rent back in December.

Gregory's made some money ... he signed a 4-year, $3.8 million deal after being drafted by the Cowboys with the 60th pick in the 2nd round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

But, his time in the NFL has been plagued with drama and failed drug tests (reportedly 7 or more) -- with the most recent coming to light this week -- prompting the league to indefinitely suspend the talented defensive end.

Giannis Antetokounmpo says if he was in Zion Williamson's shoes ... he would NOT sit out the rest of the NCAA season -- telling TMZ Sports, "I love basketball too much."

Don't get it twisted ... 24-year-old Giannis isn't throwing shade and says he respects whatever decision Zion makes -- but said he knows what path he would choose.

Zion -- the obvious No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft -- scared the hell out of everyone when he suffered a knee injury during the Duke vs. North Carolina game earlier this month.

He hasn't been back on the court since, and many are wondering if he'll ever suit up for the Blue Devils again ... considering he's got MILLIONS of dollars waiting for him in the NBA.

Giannis says Zion has to do what's best for him.

There's more ... since Giannis was on the court during Ja Rule's doomed halftime performance at the Bucks vs. Timberwolves game on Saturday, we had to ask about the new JA RULE CURSE!!!

Remember, the T-Wolves clowned the disgraced Fyre Festival honcho after his performance was marred by technical issues ... so Ja cursed the team for 30 YEARS!!!

But, Giannis actually has Ja's back -- saying it wasn't the rapper's fault things went south that night, and telling TMZ Sports he still loves the artist.

There's more ... we also asked Giannis if he's paying attention to all the talk about him being in the running for MVP this season -- and of course, the guy couldn't have been more humble.

Giannis is having a monster season -- averaging 27 points a game with 12.6 rebounds and 5.9 assists. BEAST!!!

Ex-college football star Shawn Oakman -- once projected to be a 1st round NFL Draft pick -- was found not guilty in his sexual assault case.

The former Baylor defensive end appeared in court Thursday to wrap up the 3-day trial -- in which the 26-year-old was accused of forcibly raping a woman in 2016, after a night at the bars.

As we previously reported, the accuser claimed Oakman brought her back to his place after meeting at a bar and forced her into his bedroom, tore her clothes off and raped her.

Oakman told police the sex was consensual -- claimed the two had been in a sexual relationship -- and denied any wrongdoing. The accuser claimed they never dated.

When the verdict was read inside the Waco courtroom, his family members cheered -- and Oakman strutted out of the building with a big smile on his face.

Oakman was facing up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

Oakman was a consensus All-Big 12 selection as a junior and a 3rd team All-American. He's also Baylor's all-time sack leader.

Oakman was arrested in the rape case in April 2016 -- days before the 2016 NFL Draft.

Instead, Oakman signed a contract with the Bismarck Bucks of the Champions Indoor Football League -- where he racked up 50 tackles and 2 sacks in 12 games in the 2018 season.

Now that the case is over, it's possible NFL teams will want to give him a workout before the 2019 season -- and he's technically a free agent because he went undrafted in 2017.

Johnny Manziel NEVER really wanted to play in Canada ... and might've purposely violated the terms of his contract to force his way out of the CFL -- so says Warren Moon.

"Maybe he did that on purpose," the Hall of Fame QB tells TMZ Sports ... "Because now there's other options out there."

Of course, Johnny was banned from the CFL on Wednesday after the league announced he failed to live up to the terms of his contract -- which required, among other stipulations, mandatory doctor and therapist visits.

For his part, Manziel didn't deny the claims, saying, "I want to thank Coach Sherman, my teammates, and the CFL fans. My time there reestablished my love for the game of football and the work that goes into it."

Now ... Moon is suggesting it was all part of a bigger plan to get Johnny back playing ball in America for either the newly formed AAF or the upcoming XFL.

"There's more opportunities for him to play in the United States than play in Canada, so maybe that's part of the reason why he violated some of those restrictions in his contract."

Manziel reportedly had minor talks with the AAF ... but the San Antonio Commanders will get the first crack at signing the former Heisman Trophy winner when those talks progress.

Bryce Harper's having the best Thursday ever ... dude just made $330 million -- AND HE GOT A MANKINI STRIP SHOW FROM HIS NEW TEAMMATE, JAKE ARRIETA!!!

Bryce just inked a monster 13-year deal worth around $25 MIL per season with the Philadelphia Phillies ... and to celebrate -- his new team's stud pitcher decided to give him a show.

Jake popped on his bikini briefs and sandals ... and broke out his broom for a little victory dance.

"Getting the house ready for [Harper]," Arrieta said.

By the way, Jake spared no expense for the occasion ... 'cause the Versace skivvies he was wearing come in at a cool $225 a piece!!!

Not that that's expensive for Jake ... dude is in the middle of a 3-year, $75 MILLION contract of his own!!!

As for Harper's Phillies deal ... it's the richest free-agent contract in baseball history -- blowing by the 10-year, $300 million contract Manny Machado just inked with the Padres earlier this month.

But, some wonder if Harper could have actually gotten MORE ... saying his per-season salary is actually NOT ENOUGH for a 26-year-old MVP in his prime.

LeBron James thinks Anthony Davis is being done dirty in the media -- and he seems to be pointing the finger at the people who run the New Orleans Pelicans.

Bron had Davis as a guest on his HBO series, "The Shop" -- where the guys, along with stars like Antonio Brown, discussed real issues in their lives.

The topic turned to "public relations" when Antonio suggested Steelers ownership -- or at least, powerful members of the organization -- were trying to wrongly paint him as a "distraction" in the media over the past few weeks.

"That's the narrative they try to create once you doing your own thing," Brown said on the show ... "It's like, this guy's a distraction. He's this type of guy. All I've ever been is a guy who came from Central Michigan, 6th round, who worked his ass off."

LeBron made a comment essentially agreeing with Brown's opinion -- and then compared AB's situation to Anthony Davis.

Remember, Davis publicly requested a trade in January -- and since he and Bron share the same agent -- a lot of people thought they had teamed up to force the Pelicans to move AD to the Lakers.

During the negotiations, there were negative stories that came out about Davis -- and LeBron sure seems to be suggesting the hit pieces were orchestrated by the Pelicans.

"7 years in the league, nobody's ever said anything negative about AD but you can tell when the narrative changed when you don't do what they want you to do."

Davis is now playing out the season with the Pelicans -- and is hoping to be traded at the end of the season.

Jordyn Woods has changed her story ... we're told she now says she wasn't drunk when she made out with Tristan Thompson and she's really sorry for what she did ... and we've learned that's what she told Jada Pinkett Smith on "Red Table Talk."

Sources with knowledge of the conversation tell TMZ ... Woods made no excuses for her actions, which sent the Kardashians into outer space. She admits she was totally lucid during the party a week ago Sunday.

As we reported, Jordyn felt her life was destroyed by the fallout -- from being thrown out of Kylie's guesthouse to being blackballed in future Kardashian business ventures -- but we're told after she let it all out on Jada's Facebook show, she felt a lot better about her future.

TMZ broke the story ... Jordyn chose to tell her story to Jada because of her deep ties to the Smith family. She especially felt comfortable with Jada, whom Jordyn believes is extremely nonjudgmental.

As we previously reported -- our sources say Jordyn initially told friends she was drunk when she hooked up with Tristan, but we're told her version to Jada is without excuses.

"Red Table Talk" drops Friday.

IS MARTY B COMING BACK TO BIG D?!?!?!?

Probably not ... but the ex-Cowboys TE joked during a workout Thursday that he MIGHT be -- and the clip is funny as hell.

Of course, Jason Witten just ACTUALLY came out of retirement to join back up with the Cowboys -- inking a 1-year deal to leave the "Monday Night Football" booth for the gridiron.

So, while Martellus was crushing a back workout in the gym ... he decided to have some fun for the camera -- joking about a return to Dallas too!

"The Cowboys need a backup tight end?! Let's go! Let's get the band back together, Wit! Let's come out of retirement together!!"

What makes the clip even funnier is the fact that Martellus has said numerous times he HATED Witten and his time in Dallas.

But, Bennett even addressed that in the vid, saying, "I'm older! I understand now! Let's get it together!"

The pleas to join back up with ex-teammates in the NFL didn't stop there ... Marty put the camera in selfie mode after the workout and even made a pitch to Bill Belichick and the Patriots!!

It seems it's all fun and games -- Bennett clearly appears to be enjoying retirement ... but he did used to be a legit weapon in the league.

Martellus caught 433 passes for 4,573 yards and 30 TDs in his career ... and he also won Super Bowl LI with the Pats in 2017.

Robert Kraft has formally entered a not guilty plea in his prostitution case, according to court records obtained by TMZ Sports.

"The defendant Robert Kraft hereby pleads not guilty to all charges and requests a non-jury trial in the above-styled cause," the court docs state.

As we previously reported, Kraft's attorney accepted the summons from the court on Feb. 26 -- and an arraignment was set for March 27 at 8:30 AM ... the same day Kraft was expected to be at the NFL's Annual League Meeting with other team owners in Phoenix, Arizona.

Kraft had already made a public statement denying he participated in any illegal activity -- in response to allegations he solicited prostitution at the Orchids of Asia Day Spa in Jupiter, Florida.

Officials say they have graphic surveillance video showing the 77-year-old New England Patriots owner entering the spa on January 19 and 20 ... and receiving sex acts in exchange for money.

If convicted on both misdemeanor counts, Kraft faces up to a year in jail.

8:00 AM PT -- Tristan might not have been the lucky guy hooking up with the young lady. Witnesses in Carbone tell us he was dining with at least 3 other people -- the woman, his teammate Jordan Clarkson and another (not famous) guy.

We're told she arrived with Jordan and, at least, appeared to be his date.

Tristan Thompson isn't sulking over the war being waged in L.A. after he hooked up with Jordyn Woods ... because he's back in the game, with another hot chick.

Tristan had dinner Wednesday night in NYC at Carbone, and here's where we connect the dots. Check out his Instagram story ... you see his delicious pasta -- Carbone is an awesome Italian restaurant -- and you see in the background the hand of a woman holding a glass. She's sitting at the same table as Tristan, right across from him.

Now, check out the woman who left the restaurant alone ... specifically, check out her nail color. MATCH!

BTW ... we're told Tristan arrived at the restaurant with one of his teammates, and 5 minutes later she was waiting outside the restaurant. We're told the woman showed up and Tristan came out and brought her inside. We're told they were at the table for hours.

We're told Tristan left a few minutes later, sprinting from the kitchen door into a waiting Uber.

Tristan is far, far away from the drama he triggered nearly 2 weeks ago, after making out with Jordyn at a house party. Khloe kicked him to the curb, and the Kardashians are at war with Jordyn.

Earlier in the day ... Tristan was out and about with a hoodie emblazoned with the words, "The Eagle Soars Alone." 'Nuff said.