TMZ Sports - Page 50

Ohio State just caught a HUGE break in the Chase Young saga ... the superstar defensive end's suspension will be over after 2 games, the NCAA determined on Wednesday.

Long story short, this means Young will be back for the Buckeyes' biggest games of the season -- #9 Penn State and big-time rival Michigan.

Young was forced to sit out OSU's blowout 73-14 win over Maryland last weekend ... and will miss the team's matchup with Rutgers on Saturday, which should be an easy win.

Of course, the 20-year-old was punished after he admitted to receiving a loan from a family friend to fly his GF out to last season's Rose Bowl.

Although Young paid the loan back in full, the NCAA ultimately suspended the pass rusher 2 games -- 2 less than what he was reportedly facing.

Young could end up being the #1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft ... and currently leads the country with 13.5 sacks.

Here's LeBron James going out of his way to show love to NFL star Kyler Murray at the Lakers game on Tuesday ... it's a cool moment.

But, there's another issue with this clip ... did LeBron ignore L.A. Dodgers star Cody Bellinger, who was sitting right next to the QB?!

SAY IT AIN'T SO BRON!!!

Here's the deal ... King James went over to the expensive seats at Talking Stick Resort Arena with about 25 seconds left in the 4th quarter to dap up Murray, the #1 overall pick in the NFL Draft.

FYI, Murray and LeBron have been friends for a while -- in fact, Kyler has a deal with Bron's Uninterrupted media company ... and rocked the logo inside of his suit jacket on Draft night.

But, during the broadcast, we DIDN'T see LeBron show love to Cody ... who was sitting right next to Kyler!!!

Look, doesn't mean Bron didn't chop it up with Cody before or after the game (or maybe LBJ just didn't recognize Cody in a backward hat).

Bron definitely SHOULD know Bellinger ... he shouted out the MLB star for wearing his Lakers jersey for a Taco Tuesday-themed Halloween costume this year!

But hey, at least Cody's killin' it off the diamond ... he and his smokin' GF, Sabrina, seem to be happily in love.

If Stipe Miocic is SERIOUS about a boxing match with Tyson Fury, the Gypsy King says he'll gladly ACCEPT ... as long as they can book it AFTER his rematch with Deontay Wilder.

Of course, Stipe is the reigning UFC heavyweight champ -- but he's so confident in his striking ability, he recently said he'd be down to fight Fury in a boxing match.

So, Fury -- never one to back down -- responded to Miocic ... and he's ALL THE WAY DOWN!

"Stipe says he wants to box me, that would be a good fight for sure," Fury told MTK Global ... "After I get Wilder out of the way I’ll fight Stipe in a boxing match if he wants it."

"It would be a big crossover fight like Mayweather and McGregor."

Fury continued, "I’m open to that fight so he should come and see me. It would be the same outcome for any of them, they’ll all get smashed."

Miocic isn't the only UFC star who wants a piece of Fury -- Francis Ngannou wants a 2-fight deal so he can fight Tyson in boxing and then MMA.

Fury has said he's interested in an MMA fight too -- and even trained with UFC star Darren Till over the weekend.

"It was exciting training with Darren Till and we get on like a house on fire," Fury said ... "He put me through a hard training session and it was really good."

We recently spoke with Dana White about the possibility of a crossover fight with Fury -- and while White's a huge fan, he thinks Tyson would get DESTROYED in the Octagon.

L.A. Rams WR Robert Woods is going to bat for his QB Jared Goff -- telling TMZ Sports the team is still 100% behind Goff ... but acknowledges he's having a "rough year."

25-year-old Goff signed a $134 million contract extension in Sept. after leading the team to the Super Bowl in 2018 -- but the Rams are 5-4 in 2019 and Goff hasn't been playing great.

In fact, many critics are saying the Rams WAY overpaid the former #1 overall draft pick -- with some even suggesting the team needs to cut bait, ASAP.

But, now Woods ... who says Goff is still a monster with all the right skills -- tells us the QB just needs to get out of his funk.

"Jared's the same guy," Woods says ... "Still got that arm, still got that talent. It's just a rough year, it's a rough patch."

"He's just gotta put the ball in my hands and let's go," Woods joked ... "Just get it in your athletes' hands. Let us run! Let us do our work!"

Woods says he strongly believes the Rams are still solid playoff contenders and Goff is the QB that will lead 'em to the promised land.

As for Goff's stats -- he's thrown 11 TDs with 9 INTs this season. In 2018, Goff had 32 TDs and 12 INTs.

As for Robert's contract -- he's in the middle of a 5-year, $34 million contract which he signed in 2017 -- but believes he's got even BIGGER money coming his way down the line.

Steve-O likes jamming ... needles through his hand ... and he hopes you like jamming too.

Check out this insane video that definitely ain't for the faint of heart ... Steve-O takes a super long, but also thin, needle and sticks it all the way through his left hand!!!

The stunt looks extremely painful, but as Steve-O puts it ... the needle's actually working wonders for his paw. Watch the video, he explains why -- think acupuncture on steroids, but without actual 'roids.

BTW ... the dude showing Steve-O the ropes is magician Chris Oberle. He's been doing magic for 15 years, performing for some huge celebs like Jason Statham, Nate Diaz, Steve Aoki and Ryan Cabrera.

This is NOT a magic trick though ... it's all too real.

Of course, America's favorite jackass is no stranger to painful stunts ... the last time we saw him inflicting pain on his own body, Steve-O was taking a golf club to the face courtesy of Chuck Liddell.

The WORST thing the New York Giants could do for the struggling and banged-up Saquon Barkley is force him to sit the rest of the season ... so says the team's all-time leading rusher, Tiki Barber.

The G-Men are having a terrible season -- they're 2-8 and going nowhere fast -- and there's been talk that sitting the 2018 Offensive Rookie of the Year is the smart move for the future.

FYI, Barkley has had a rough go of it the last few weeks -- culminating in the worst game of his career against the then 1-win NY Jets -- when he rushed for 1 yard on 13 carries ... and according to coach Pat Shurmur, got banged up during the game.

So, when we saw Tiki in NYC -- the best running back in franchise history -- we asked him if Giants brass should force Barkley to hang up his cleats until next season.

His answer ... hell no.

"I don't think they should shut him down. I think that would be detrimental to his psyche, 'cause he wants to be out there playing," Barber tells us.

"I think limiting his carries might be smart going forward. Get Wayne Gallman some runs, and try to keep [Saquon] as healthy as possible."

We also talked to Barber about rookie QB Daniel Jones -- who's thrown a bunch of TDs (15) -- but has also fumbled the ball at an alarming rate (13 times).

Remember, Tiki had a fumbling issue before NYG head coach Tom Coughlin changed the way the RB carried the ball … turning him into a star.

Despite putting the ball on the ground way too often, Barber thinks Jones has a bright future in NYC.

"He's having some turnover issues. But, the timing is so different and the speed is so different in the NFL. That's what's causing him to hold on to the ball a little bit longer than he should," Tiki says.

Colin Kaepernick had some demands before agreeing to work with the NFL to conduct a private workout this weekend ... starting with making sure teams were sending serious decision-makers and not the peons.

We've spoken with multiple sources about the workout and were told the NFL contacted Kap's camp first after multiple teams reached out to the league to express interest in the QB.

We're told the league gave Colin a hard deadline on whether he was in or out -- and Colin responded with a few demands of his own.

First, Colin wanted to make sure the workout would be a "legitimate process" -- and not a P.R. stunt.

There is an expectation from Colin's side that the league will provide a list of team officials who will attend.

We're also told Colin pushed back on the workout date because he felt Saturday is a tough day for NFL teams since most teams are traveling and prepping for a game on Sunday.

But, the NFL wouldn't budge and Colin ultimately agreed to do the workout on Saturday. It's still unclear why the league was so dead set on Sat.

Colin tweeted about the workout on Tuesday -- making his expectations crystal clear ... he wants BOSSES on the premises.

"I’ve been in shape and ready for this for 3 years, can’t wait to see the head coaches and GMs on Saturday."

Ex-Tennessee football player Jeremy Banks has finally broken his silence after getting kicked off the team last month ... posting a picture with local police officers and apologizing for his "mistake."

Of course, 20-year-old Banks went on an anti-police rant captured on video while being arrested back in September -- saying, "Where I'm from, we shoot at cops."

He also made comments like "Y'all police are some p*****s, bro. Real s**t, I don't f**k with y'all."

Tennesse stuck with Banks after the video came out -- but cut him from the team days later when TMZ Sports learned the linebacker had made violent threats at a female student in August.

Banks had been radio silent up until last week when he posted an apology on Twitter.

"That night I had forgot to pray moments before, it was counted for though. FOR THE PEOPLE #ThanksGod," Banks tweeted, alongside a pic with what appears to be members of the Knoxville Police Department.

"I’m truly sorry for my mistake & I really appreciate everyone that’s rocking with me..."

Banks is still currently enrolled at UT ... but has not been a part of the team since his dismissal last month.

Besides some tremendously stupid decisions off-the-field, the 20-year-old is immensely talented ... and played both offense and defense for the Vols.

Rafael Nadal DESTROYED a reporter who asked the tennis star if his recent marriage caused him to play like trash Monday ... telling the journalist his question was straight-up "bulls**t."

Nadal married his childhood sweetheart, Xisca Perello, in Spain last month ... and in his first big competition at the ATP World Tour Finals since the nuptials, he got wrecked by Alexander Zverev in straight sets, 6-2 6-4.

So, a reporter asked him afterward if perhaps the reason for his poor play was because of his recent wedding vows ... and that's when Nadal started to tee off.

"Honestly, are you asking me this?" Nadal said. "Is [this] a serious question or it's a joke? Is it serious?"

The reporter pushed forward ... but Nadal kept the clap-backs coming.

"I'm surprised," Nadal said. "It's a big surprise for me you ask me this after I have been with the same girl for 15 years and having a very stable and normal life."

"It doesn't matter if you put a ring on your finger or not. In my personal way, I am a very normal guy."

Finally, Nadal ended the uncomfortable exchange by saying, "Okay. We move to Spanish because that's bulls**t. Thank you very much."

For as awkward as the encounter was ... Nadal kept his cool for the most part -- which is good news for the guy, considering he's got to play another match on Wednesday.

Colin Kaepernick will showcase his talent for NFL teams at a private workout in Atlanta on Saturday in hopes of getting another shot at playing in the league.

... and get this -- the workout was arranged by the NFL!

A memo was sent to every NFL team informing them about the workout session ... which will include throwing drills and an interview session with interested parties.

The biggest question ... will any team take Colin up on the offer and attend the workout?

There are plenty of teams in need of a QB -- starting and backups -- starting with the Cincinnati Bengals, who suck right now.

Kaepernick has been working out and training 5 days a week for years in the hopes of getting back to the NFL ... but said recently no teams have called him for a workout.

Ya gotta assume ... if a team does show up, they will ask him about his kneeling protest and if he plans to continue to take a knee during the national anthem if he does sign with a team.

Remember, Kap's former 49ers' teammate, Eric Reid -- who took a knee with Colin -- is currently playing with the Carolina Panthers and still kneels for the anthem.

Interestingly enough, Cam Newton just went to IR with a foot injury -- so there could be room for a QB over there ... we'll see if they attend the workout.

Colin hasn't played in the NFL since the 2016 season when he parted ways with the San Francisco 49ers.

Kaepernick sued the NFL claiming the league colluded to blackball him because of his protest -- but they later settled the case.

Just call him Raystradamus ... 'cause Ray Lewis tells TMZ Sports he was positive Lamar Jackson would be a beast in the NFL, saying he even predicted it to Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti back in 2018!!!

"I was telling him about this draft," Lewis says. "I was like, 'Listen. You don't know what you got in Lamar Jackson, but I watched that kid his ENTIRE career. He has an 'it' factor!'"

Ray -- who spoke with us on the set of Showtime's "Inside the NFL" -- tells us he's a HUGE college football fan ... and watched a ton of Lamar while the quarterback was tearing up defenses at Louisville.

Ray says it didn't take him long to determine the guy would be an NFL superstar, telling us, "There's a number of athletes that come around in generations that have an 'it' factor."

"He has an 'it' factor."

As for what "it" is, Lewis says it's simple -- "It's, 'I make everybody around me better.'"

Lewis says he and Jackson actually have a good personal relationship as well ... telling us he hosted Jackson at his home shortly after the Ravens drafted him 2018.

"We sat out back by my pool and I just gave him all this insight about what life is and what he can do in Baltimore and how he can change the culture."

The Houston Astros have launched an investigation into claims the team cheated during the 2017 MLB season ... the same year they won the World Series.

Former 'Stros pitcher Mike Fiers said in an article posted by The Athletic on Tuesday that he personally witnessed Astros players going above and beyond to steal signs from opposing teams back in '17.

"That’s not playing the game the right way," said Fiers, a current Oakland A's pitcher who left Houston after the 2017 season. “They were advanced and willing to go above and beyond to win.”

The Athletic, citing multiple MLB sources, reports Houston used an outfield camera to record other team's catchers ... and watched video of the footage in the clubhouse hallway.

The report states Astros staffers and players would then try to decode the signals ... and when they felt they had them down, they would relay the expected upcoming pitches to batters using a loud banging noise.

The report claims the alleged cheating took place during the regular season ... but says it's unclear if it continued during the Astros' epic playoff run that year.

Houston released a statement saying they're looking into the matter, writing, "The Houston Astros organization has begun an investigation in cooperation with Major League Baseball."

"It would not be appropriate to comment further on this matter at this time."

Of course, the 'Stros have become no stranger to controversial MLB investigations ... just a few weeks ago they fired high-ranking exec Brandon Taubman after a probe revealed he directed taunts about Roberto Osuna to female journalists.

Having a real-life buffalo as a mascot can be pretty freakin' cool ... that is, unless that mascot is actually TOO WILD to control and is forced into early retirement.

That's exactly what's happening to the Colorado University's beloved furry friend, Ralphie V, who's made her last run after 12 years of service due to "safety concerns" ... the school announced Tuesday.

If you haven't seen the tradition before, it's one of the dopest things in college football -- that is -- when Ralphie behaves.

According to athletic director Rick George, that hasn't been happening lately ... so CU decided to regroup and let 13-year-old Ralphie chill before she hurts someone.

"Ralphie V has served the department and the university well," the AD said. "She has been a very special buffalo and has truly been adored by many. We hope she lives for many years to come and look forward to finding her successor."

Ralphie V will be honored at the school's final home game ... when her "career" will be celebrated.

But, don't worry CU fans ... the 53-year-long tradition will be back next season with Ralphie VI ... and the school's already started interviewing potential replacements.

Another huge gamer is AGAINST the lifetime Fortnite ban on FaZe Jarvis -- this time it's MMA star Demetrious Johnson who says the punishment simply doesn't fit the crime.

As we previously reported, Epic Games permanently 86'd the 17-year-old gamer from all Fortnite-related activities after he admitted to using illegal software to gain an advantage.

Jarvis said he used the Aimbots -- which makes it easier to kill opponents -- for entertainment purposes while goofing around on YouTube and NOT in actual competition.

Enter DJ ... who's not only one of the best MMA fighters EVER, but he's also huge in the gaming world -- and he told us why the lifetime ban feels way too harsh.

The good news for Jarvis, Demetrious -- who's big into PUBG -- says the gamer is more than welcome to switch over and compete in his world as long as he doesn't cheat again!!

Conor McGregor is straight-up SCARED to fight Jorge Masvidal -- so says Street Jesus himself -- which is why the Irishman hasn't said a PEEP since he beat Nate Diaz.

The UFC's reigning BMF champ went on the 'Dan Le Batard Show' and was asked about a potential fight with Conor ... and that's when Masvidal spelled it all out.

"To be quite frank, [Conor] was flirting with fighting the winner when the possibility of the winner was Nate," Masvidal said.

"He kept throwing it out there. He even made his prediction. But, since I've won, he hasn't said a peep."

"That dude don't want it, man."

Masvidal says he's not a bully -- and won't trash Conor in the hopes of baiting him into a fight -- but it seems pretty clear Jorge wants it.

"If you wanna fight, I'm licking my chops."

As for Conor, he announced his return to the Octagon will go down on January 18 -- but didn't reveal his opponent.

Lamar Odom is engaged ... again ... but this time he swears he found "The One!"

The 40-year-old ex-NBA star popped the question to his 32-year-old girlfriend, Sabrina Parr, with a MASSIVE diamond ring ... and she said, "Yes!"

"Introducing my new fiancé," Odom said ... "Soon to be Mrs. Parr-Odom. She's the ONE!!!"

Parr is a health and life coach -- and we first saw them together back in August when they hit up Chipotle for a lunch date in Atlanta.

Things escalated quickly ... and 3 months later, they're engaged!

There were reports the relationship was "fake" when they first got together -- but doesn't seem so fake now, does it?

As for the proposal, 'Real Housewives' star NeNe Leakes was apparently in the building ... she posted, "So glad I could be here wit you. Love both of you and praying over this union."

Of course, Odom has a history of proposing quickly -- he popped the question to Khloe Kardashian back in 2009 and they tied the knot after only 1 month of dating.

The two split in 2013 -- but for years, Odom was adamant Khloe was the love of his life and he'd win her back.

Khloe eventually moved on ... and it's good to see Lamar has too.

Congrats!