TMZ Sports - Page 50

Steelers LB Anthony Chickillo is off the hook after he allegedly roughed up his track star girlfriend ... prosecutors tell TMZ Sports she refused to testify against the NFL player, so the charges were dropped.

As we previously reported, Chickillo was arrested on Oct. 20 after his GF -- Canadian track star Alysha Newman -- said an argument at a fancy Pennsylvania resort's casino later turned violent in their hotel room.

Newman claimed Chickillo grabbed her by both arms, forced her against the wall and door and eventually threw her to the ground while intending to cause her injury.

In court records obtained by TMZ Sports, cops say they noticed Newman "had visible redness to both her right and left bicep areas, with bruising beginning to form."

Chickillo was eventually taken into custody and hit with three charges -- simple assault, criminal mischief and harassment.

For her part in the altercation, cops also hit Newman with a summary citation for harassment.

But, prosecutors tell us after interviewing both Newman and Chickillo at length, both parties said they would refuse to testify against each other and did NOT want to pursue charges.

So, at Chickillo's hearing in court Wednesday ... prosecutors announced they dropped the charges.

Anthony returned to work afterward ... showing up to the Steelers' facility, but it's unclear when he'll be able to play again as he's still on the Commissioner's Exempt List.

Of course, even with the charges dropped, the NFL can still suspend the linebacker if it finds in its own independent investigation that he did violate its personal conduct policy.

Chickillo has been a regular on the Steelers' roster over the past five years ... playing in 57 games and recording 7.5 sacks.

Man, Baker Mayfield got HOT!!!

The Cleveland Browns QB was taking questions from the media at his daily press conference when he got fed up with a reporter ... and chewed the guy out in front of everyone.

ESPN Cleveland's Tony Grossi was asking Baker about a drive where it seemed the offense was moving with a "lack of urgency" and wanted to know what the deal was.

Baker started to answer the question ... but when Tony kept prodding, Mayfield lost his cool.

"I just told you the clock was running and we had a penalty! Do you wanna give them the ball back? No! You don't play, you don't know it. That's just plain and simple."

Rossi asked if Mayfield was ultimately happy with the drive ... and Baker went in AGAIN!

"Was I happy with the drive? No! We didn't score points. That's the dumbest question you could ask! What? Jesus, Tony."

Mayfield immediately ended the presser and walked off.

Afterward, Baker tweeted ... essentially saying he's NOT sorry for the exchange and this is just the kind of person he is.

"Everybody wants to hear the truth until they actually get it," Baker tweeted.

"I am who I am and always have been. Don’t call it emotional when it’s convenient and then passion when it fits. I care about winning, so yeah I’m frustrated."

"If I was to act like it’s okay to lose, then y’all would say that I’ve gotten complacent. My sense of urgency is at an all time high. And if I offend anybody along the way... that’s too bad."

The only thing keeping LaMelo Ball from basketball greatness is LaVar Ball ... so says Stephen Jackson, who wants everyone to team up and protect the hooper from his dad.

The 18-year-old has been skyrocketing up the NBA prospect rankings as of late ... and while the dude's clearly got skills, Stack and Matt Barnes think Papa Ball's antics could mess it all up.

"I think we need to come together and hire a security team to keep LaVar away from the younger son, 'cause the younger son is the one," Stack said on Showtime's "ALL THE SMOKE" podcast.

"He's got game, he's got everything. All the talent, he out there overseas working, doing his thing. We CANNOT let LaVar mess up this kid's career."

Barnes added the issues were clear when LaVar started overshadowing Lonzo in Los Angeles ... and the best thing for him was to get the hell away.

"From the outside looking in, it really looks like there's a conflict of Zo wanting to be his own man and LaVar trying to hold on like, you're gonna do this 'family brand' thing," Barnes said.

Stack added, "Your dad cannot be speaking against your organization in the media, bruh."

"You went from the father everybody loves to the father everybody hates."

"You got to have a talented, black quarterback."

That's how legendary Texas running back Earl Campbell says he'd fix the Longhorns' woes ... and the 64-year-old seems dead serious about it.

The NFL Hall of Famer spoke with the Austin American-Statesman this week when he made the claim ... saying, "All these schools that are winning, even in the pros, have black quarterbacks."

Campbell added, "When guys are not open, something can still happen."

Texas has lost three games this season ... and has only won more than seven games in a season just one time since 2014. Its current starter, Sam Ehlinger, is white.

The Statesman reports Campbell cited successful QBs like Tua Tagovailoa (who's actually Polynesian), Vince Young, Jalen Hurts, Deshaun Watson and J.T. Barrett to back up his claim.

"Until the University of Texas realizes -- and nothing against Ehlinger, you got to have a talented, black quarterback."

Campbell played 4 seasons for UT from 1974 to 1977 ... piling up 4,443 rushing yards and 40 rushing TDs. He went on to have a legendary NFL career, rushing for 9,407 yards in 9 years.

Huge news from Saudi Arabia ... where WWE just announced its very first WOMEN'S wrestling match in the country -- and it will all go down THIS WEEK!!!

Saudi officials had previously blocked WWE from holding a women's match -- but Triple H had noted the country was going through a "significant cultural shift" and was hopeful things would change.

Now, Triple H has gotten his wish ... with WWE commentator Michael Cole making the announcement from Riyadh on Wednesday morning.

"I am so proud to announce that tomorrow at WWE Crown Jewel we host the first ever WWE women's match in Saudi Arabia."

So, who's getting the ring? Lacey Evans vs. Natalya ... two superstars with a storied history.

And, get this, Evans is a real-life veteran of the U.S. Marines who served for 5 years -- and her WWE finishing move is called, "The Women's Right."

Evans spoke out about the match saying, "When I signed up for WWE my goal was to really impact the world and the people that I can, and we're doing it one day at a time."

One thing the world will definitely be watching when "Crown Jewel" goes down on Thursday -- the ring attire.

During a women's match in Abu Dhabi back in 2017, the women wore outfits that covered most of their bodies. Guessing they will go with a similar look this time around.

The sister of New York Knicks player Reggie Bullock was murdered Monday night after cops say she suffered a gunshot wound to the chest in Maryland.

TMZ Sports has confirmed 22-year-old Keiosha Moore was shot just a few miles from Downtown Baltimore sometime Monday evening ... and walked to a nearby hospital with a bullet wound in her chest.

Police say they responded to the hospital at around 7:48 PM ... but Moore was pronounced dead a short time later.

Cops say the person who shot Moore is still unknown ... and add they have launched an investigation into the shooting.

Bullock wrote on Twitter on Tuesday night, "GUN VIOLENCE I WILL LEAD OMM💔"

It's the second time 28-year-old Bullock has had to go through this tragedy ... back in 2014, another one of Bullock's sisters, Mia Henderson, was killed in what appeared to be a hate crime for her being transgender.

Bullock has talked often about how that shaped his life ... saying on "The Herd" back in 2016 Mia taught him how to be a strong person.

Bullock has since been extremely active in communities to help stop bullying.

The Knicks announced Tuesday that Bullock's teammate, Dennis Smith Jr., is also dealing with a tragedy this week ... saying he lost a close relative recently as well.

“Our Knicks family is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of two of our players’ close family members," the team said in a statement.

"At times like this, we are reminded that life is bigger than basketball. Our thoughts are with them and their families.”

UFC star Derrick Lewis says he doesn't mind watching men bleed in the Octagon -- but he gets squeamish when it comes to bloody women because it makes him think of messy periods.

The 34-year-old heavyweight spelled it all out on "Bernie & Sid in the Morning" -- saying, "I really don't like watching women fights."

When pressed on the issue, Lewis explained ... "Last week, I finally had thought I forgot they had periods. I wonder if they still fight on their period?"

Lewis continued ... "You would think they get cut in the face, something like that [and] they're bleeding and stuff like that ... but no, it's from them being on their period."

"So, I don't like watching women fight."

For the record, this has NEVER been an issue in the UFC or any other pro-MMA or combat sports organization, as far as we know.

Chargers reinforcements might not be on the way after all ... Derwin James tells TMZ Sports he's not sure yet if he'll be able to return from a foot injury this season.

"I don't know, man," the stud safety says. "I just got to keep healing and we'll see what happens."

Derwin -- who's one of the game's brightest young defensive players -- has been out since the summer after he needed surgery to fix a foot he busted up back at Florida State.

The 23-year-old was put on injured reserve and was expected to make a return sometime this season ... but now, he doesn't seem entirely sure that's going to happen.

In fact, when our camera guy asked if Derwin would be able available for either game against the Chiefs this year (one is Nov. 18, the other is Dec. 29), he said, "You gotta see. Tune in."

It ain't like James has suffered a setback or anything ... in fact, when he was out promoting phone company ROKiT in L.A. on Tuesday, he showed no signs of a limp and was having a blast.

It just seems like the dude's trying to get back to 100% ... telling us, "Feeling good, getting better, man. Getting healthy. Trying to get back out there."

Remember when Serena Williams absolutely obliterated her racket at a Wimbledon match in 2005??

That piece of history is now up for grabs, 'cause the destroyed racket has hit the auction block ... and the starting bid is $8,000!!!

According to Nate D Sanders Auctions, Serena signed and gifted the busted racket to a fan after losing the first set of her first-round match against longtime friend Angela Haynes.

In true badass fashion, Williams came back and won the match ... after she replaced her busted racket, of course. She went on to place 3rd in the tourney. Her sister, Venus Williams, went on to win Wimbledon that year!

Don't feel too bad for Serena, she's won the tourney 7 TIMES in her storied career -- and racked up more Grand Slam titles than any other woman in tennis history. So yeah, she eventually got over the smashed racket incident.

Bidding on the item kicks off on Thursday with an $8,000 starting bid -- but since people are CRAZY for Serena memorabilia, this thing could skyrocket in price real quick.

Good luck rich people!!!

Justin Verlander's super famous wife, Kate Upton, was BLASTED on social media after she tweeted about a controversial call in Tuesday's World Series ... and she fired back by callin' her critics misogynists!!

Late in Game 6 of the Astros-Nationals series ... Nats SS Trea Turner hit a ground ball to the pitcher, and while he scooted his way toward first base, he was ruled OUT for not running within the baseline.

The call was IMMEDIATELY panned by almost everyone watching the game ... but to Kate -- who was sitting just a few rows behind home plate -- she thought it was the correct ruling.

"He wasn’t within the base path," Verlander's wife said. "Those who don’t know the rule you HAVE to run inside the 2 lines. Not sure why the review is taking so long..."

Upton was ripped apart by baseball Twitter ... receiving thousands of comments in just a few minutes -- and so she followed up with another tweet clappin' back at her haters!!

"I LOVE talking about sports and reading all of the dumb misogynist comments," she said.

"It reminds me that women need to keep fighting for equality. It’s 2019 but feels like the 1950s. #feminist"

Kate feels vindicated by MLB reporter Jon Morosi, who tweeted out:

"MLB rule: 'When running the last half of the way to first base while the ball is being fielded in the vicinity of first, a baserunner must stay within the three-foot runner's lane to the right of the foul line unless they are avoiding a player fielding a batted ball."

So, it seems Kate is technically right ... but historically, there's been wiggle room with the rule. Umps will generally let it go unless it appears the baserunner is making an intentional effort to mess with the defensive play.

Minutes later, in the same game, Astros star Jose Altuve ran way inside the designated 1st base basepath and didn't get punished for it.

Most felt Turner's route was fine ... and, in fact, Trea and the Nationals made their opinion LOUD AND CLEAR on the field.

Nats manager Davey Martinez was ejected over the call ... while Turner himself was caught on a hot mic calling MLB's chief baseball officer, Joe Torre, a coward for not stepping in and overturning the ruling.

Eventually, things calmed down on the field and Washington ended up with the win ... setting the stage for an EPIC Game 7 matchup Wednesday night.

Some good news, bad news for LeBron James ...

The good news ... the NBA superstar doesn't seem concerned about the fires near his home anymore. He partied at the Dream Hotel on Tuesday night wearing a Halloween mask.

The bad news ... WEAK COSTUME, BRO!!!

Don't get it wrong, we love Mario Bros. -- Luigi is the beloved neglected younger brother -- but a dinky little mask?! You're better than that Bron!!!

Fact is, the Lakers star has had a rough week -- he was evacuated from his Brentwood home early Monday morning due to the raging Getty Fire and moved into a nearby hotel.

Unclear if Bron is back in his home yet (the fire is still a threat according to officials), but James sent a taco truck to the first responders on Tuesday to show his appreciation.

Great work, now upgrade that mask!!!

FaZe Banks -- one of the biggest names in Esports -- is under investigation for allegedly destroying his hotel room and causing more than $30k in damage, TMZ Sports has learned.

FYI, 27-year-old Banks is the co-founder of the wildly successful FaZe Clan -- perennial contenders in games like "Call of Duty," "Fortnite," "Overwatch" and more. FaZe Clan is so huge, stars like Offset, Lil Yachty and Post Malone have joined the squad.

But, during a Vegas bender on October 14, we're told cops were called to FB's room at the Encore at Wynn Las Vegas on a destruction of property call.

We're told the room was an absolute DISASTER zone -- with smashed furniture, holes in the walls, a smashed window, broken lamp stand, pictures ripped off the wall, stains on the carpet and more.

Our sources say even the plants in the room were wrecked -- with soil all over the ground.

Oh, and it appeared the main flat-screen TV got it too -- it looked like it had been smashed multiple times with heavy objects.

In other words, WHAT A PARTY, RIGHT!?!?!?

The bad news for Banks -- real name Richard Bengtson -- we're told the estimated damage is over $30,000 which means he can be charged with felony malicious destruction of property. The charge carries a maximum 5 years in prison, but there's no way Banks gets anywhere close to that even if he's convicted.

The good news for Banks -- he's RICH AS HELL and can easily afford to cover the damages if he wants to.

One law enforcement source tells us ... stuff likes this happens in Vegas hotels all the time and the hotel usually drops the case if the damages are paid.

In fact, we just got this statement from Banks' rep -- "FaZe Clan and Encore are working together to resolve this matter."

Translation ... CUT THE CHECK!!!

So far, we're told no charges have been filed -- but the investigation is currently active.

What's interesting about this ... FaZe Clan has a reputation for being the bad boys of Esports ... so, the allegations fit the brand.

LeBron James' Taco Tuesday tradition is making a big impact this week ... the Lakers superstar sent food trucks to the firefighters and first responders working to put an end to the California wildfires.

LBJ -- who was forced to evacuate his Brentwood mansion when fires got dangerously close to his home -- sent his thanks to the people battling the blazes with delicious tacos.

L.A. mayor Eric Garcetti thanked Bron for the gesture ... saying "Thank you, @KingJames, for generously sending a taco truck to support our @LAFD firefighters, first responders, and partner agencies working to fight the #GettyFire."

The King ain't the only celeb chipping in to help ... John Cena has also pledged $500k of his own money towards fighting the California fires.

Of course, Bron is known for being crazy excited to celebrate his weekly ritual ... but this one has to be extra special.

LeBron also spoke about it at Lakers practice, saying "My appreciation and loyalty to the first responders. Those men and women are unbelievable, with what they're doing and their bravery throughout this time."

NY Jets safety Jamal Adams says he was double-crossed by the team's general manager Joe Douglas -- who allegedly "went behind my back" to try to deal him to another team.

Adams was on the trade block before Tuesday's NFL deadline -- but ultimately, the team couldn't make a deal. The Dallas Cowboys and the Ravens were each reportedly making a serious run at the 24-year-old.

After the trade deadline passed, Adams went to social media to blast his team ... saying he was NOT the driving factor behind the potential trade. In fact, Adams says he told Jets officials he wanted to stay.

"Any reports of me asking to be traded from the New York Jets are completely false," Adams said.

But, here's where things turn nasty ...

"At the end of the week last week, I sat down with the GM and Coach Gase and told them I want to be here in New York. I was told yesterday by my agent that the GM then went behind my back and shopped me around to teams, even after I asked him to keep me here! Crazy business."

That obviously leaves both Adams and the Jets in a pretty awkward situation -- can you imagine what practice is gonna be like tomorrow?

Adams is one of the few bright spots on the 2019 Jets -- he's blossomed into an absolute stud after being selected with the 6th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

He's still in his rookie deal, and is pretty much locked up in NY until 2022 if the Jets want to keep him.

So, how do the Jets make things right with Adams? Who knows ... might be irreparably damaged.

Drake didn't just cop insane NBA championship swag for himself ... the 6 God also hooked the players up BIG TIME ... buying the Toronto Raptors custom Finals jackets!!

Of course, Drizzy copped a $150k custom championship ring to commemorate the Dinos' first-ever title ... and now he's decided to gift the dope jackets to all the guys who teamed up to beat the Warriors last season.

NBA Finals hero Fred VanVleet showed off the new merch on Tuesday ... and they come with the whole roster listed on one side, the iconic OVO owl on the other.

On the back, there's a raptor clinging on to the Larry O'Brien trophy ... and the phrase "The Best in the World" on top.

If the jacket looks familiar ... it's the same one the Raptors ambassador wore at the championship parade back in June.

Boxing star Ryan Garcia has a little something in common with Arya Stark -- they've both got hit lists ... with Ryan calling out some of the biggest names in the sport!

The 21-year-old -- who's fighting this weekend on the Canelo Alvarez vs. Sergey Kovalev undercard -- was walking through the MGM Grand in Vegas when he started naming names.

"I want the biggest fights, but I know that won't happen until later on," the 18-0 fighter said.

"Gervonta Davis. Devin Haney. Vasyl Lomachenko" ... "Those are the fights I really want."

Gotta hand it to Garcia, those are three REAL KILLERS he just named.

Of course, Garcia's promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, recently told us Garcia has the potential to be the highest-paid fighter of ALL TIME ... and wouldn't be shocked if he signed a $700 MILLION contract later in his career.

The way to get to that number is by fighting -- and beating -- the best in the business and it seems like Garcia is on board.