TMZ Sports - Page 50

NFL star Maurkice Pouncey was one of Aaron Hernandez's closest friends -- and tells TMZ Sports the Netflix documentary about the troubled NFL star is "all bulls**t."

The documentary -- "Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez" -- has made headlines for several claims about Aaron ... from gay sexual relationships to prison fights to alleged gun violence.

Both Maurkice and his NFL star brother Mike Pouncey were super close with Aaron for years -- and even visited him in prison -- and it's clear they don't believe ANY of the claims from the documentary.

When asked specifically about the gay claims, Maurkice echoed the comments from Aaron's fiancee ... who said they NEVER knew about that side of Aaron but would have loved him the same if it was true.

"What I know there ain't no truth to it," Pouncey says ... "We know nothing about that."

There's more in the clip ... including Pouncey's feelings about Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett.

Remember, it was Pouncey who first attacked Garrett after Myles swung a helmet at Pittsburgh Steelers QB Mason Rudolph during a game back in November.

Pouncey was suspended for 2 games and fined for going after Garrett -- while Myles was suspended indefinitely.

L.A. Dodgers superstar Cody Bellinger surprised a bunch of officers at an LAPD station earlier this week ... and he hooked everyone up with merch, autographs and tacos!!!

TMZ Sports has learned ... the 24-year-old slugger hit up the North Hollywood station and dropped in on all the officers on duty to get to know the folks protecting his city.

We're told Belly brought Dodgers hats for everyone, took pics and signed autographs ... and stayed for about 3 hours.

The dude even fed the officers some grub from King Taco ... and later on in the visit, tried out the officer-involved shooting simulator, where Bellinger got to use a gun that didn't use real bullets, but acted as one, to see just how hard it is to make life and death situations.

All in all, it looked like a good time and we're sure Bellinger will be invited back -- as long as he brings more tacos.

Gary Sheffield says it's a downright stupid move for the Red Sox to trade Mookie Betts ... but the MLB legend says if the Dodgers get the OF, it could lock up a World Series title!!

"Mookie is that guy that can be a difference maker," Sheffield tells us.

Of course, Boston is considering moving Betts -- the 2018 AL MVP -- for prospects because of his high salary demands ... and the Dodgers are reportedly more than willing to tango.

Young L.A. stars like Alex Verdugo, Dustin May and even Gavin Lux have been rumored to be in play for the trade ... and Sheffield sure seems to think it'd be worth the price to get Mookie.

"A lot of teams have good offenses," Sheffield says, "But, if you got a certain player in your lineup, he can take you over the top and [Betts] is that guy."

We also talked with Sheffield about the Astros hiring Dusty Baker to be their next manager ... and Gary LOVES the move, saying the 70-year-old will be able to clean up the clubhouse after it was rocked by the cheating scandal.

The 49ers and Chiefs are facing off in Super Bowl LIV on Sunday ... so naturally, TMZ Sports is here to present the beautiful wives and girlfriends backing their men on the field!

This is not hyperbole -- these gorgeous ladies might be the most impressive batch of WAGs we've seen to date ... with absolute bombshells across the board.

Over on San Francisco's side, ya got Claire Kittle -- George Kittle's wife -- who doesn't need a neon bikini to stand out, but she sure can rock it!!!

To keep it in the TE category, Levine Toilolo's wife, Stephanie, doesn't mind loungin' around in a red-hot 2-piece.

As for the Chiefs ... you're probably well aware of Patrick Mahomes' super-supportive bae, Brittany Matthews, who will most certainly be heard throughout Hard Rock Stadium during the big game ... and Travis Kelce's incredibly smokin' GF Kayla Nicole, who's been one of the biggest highlights of Kansas City's playoff run.

Gervonta Davis got into a physical altercation with a woman at a charity basketball game in Miami ... and it's all on video.

Davis -- one of the hottest rising stars in boxing -- was at a charity basketball game in Miami with a female companion when things started to go awry.

Witnesses tell us the two began yelling at each other and things turned physical -- although it's unclear who put hands on who first. But you can see in the video it's a heated situation -- and the two were both escorted out.

We're told no one has been arrested

But we're told the people behind the event are extremely upset at Davis. We're reaching out to Gervonta's camp for comment ... so far, no word back.

Steve Young sure did score with these good looks!

Here is a 33-year-old version of the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback and 3x Super Bowl Champion who played 15 seasons in the NFL total ... 13 of which were spent with the 49ers. Young was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player twice in his career, one of which was in 1995 after Super Bowl XXIX (left).

And, 25 years later ... the now 58-year-old athlete who now spends his time as an analyst ... was recently showing off his on-camera looks while covering the AFC wild-card playoff game (right).

He just keeps getting Young-er!

The question is ...

Jay-Z is once again explaining why his partnership with the NFL is actually for the same cause Colin Kaepernick fights for ... it's just the approach that's different.

Jigga sat down with the NYT this weekend ahead of Super Bowl LIV and re-defended his collaboration with the league, which many saw as a betrayal of Kap and everything he stood for. Jay also took a lot of heat at first, but he seems okay with it for the bigger picture.

He tells the paper, "As long as real people are being hurt and marginalized and losing family members, then yes, I can take a couple rounds of negative press," going on to insist he is still fighting for people of color -- only now, from a position of strength and influence.

Case in point ... Sunday's broadcast will apparently include a PSA-type video -- one in a series, per NYT -- that aims to tell the stories of black men and boys killed by cops.

It'll probably be similar to the PSA Malcolm Jenkins and Roc Nation teamed up to produce, which was called "Everyone's Child." Unclear if this new vid is part of the same "Responsibility Program," but chances are it falls under the same umbrella.

Getting back to Kaepernick though, Jay kinda sticks to his guns in this new interview as far as addressing the guy's situation ... acknowledging he was done dirty by the league, but also strongly suggesting it's time to move forward and start looking for new solutions.

Jay says, "No one is saying he hasn’t been done wrong. He was done wrong. I would understand if it was three months ago. But it was three years ago and someone needs to say, ‘What do we do now -- because people are still dying?'"

The Big Game means big paydays for celebs ... and Nicki Minaj, DaBaby, Lil Baby and Yo Gotti are among the famous folks cashing in on appearances at Super Bowl parties in Miami.

One of the biggest cash cows for rappers this weekend is Studio 23 in Miami Beach. Sources with knowledge of the deals tell us Nicki's getting $125,000 to host Monday night's finale and Gucci Mane's pocketing $100k to host Saturday night's bash.

Jeezy and Yo Gotti hosted parties Friday night, with Jeezy getting $40,000 from Studio 23 and Mirage Miami shelling out $50k for Yo Gotti's services.

Gunna's hosting at the Mirage Saturday night, and he's getting $60k -- on top of the $60k he got from Studio 23 for Thursday's gig.

Lil Baby and DaBaby are co-hosting the Trap Bowl day party Saturday at Wynwood Factory in Miami's art district, and Lil Baby's earning $70,000, compared to $80k for DaBaby.

Pitbull did not disappoint at Shaq's Fun House in Miami Friday night, getting the crowd fired up and then delivering a rousing tribute to Kobe.

Mr. Worldwide sang "Give Me Everything," and then launched into his commentary, saying Kobe's memory will endure. He then went into a diatribe over the cauldron of hate known as social media.

Diddy followed suit, performing "I'll Be Missing You" as images of Kobe filled the venue. He also performed "Mo Money Mo Problems" with his son, Justin.

Shaq, of course, delivered a moving, personal tribute to Kobe. As the crowd chanted Kobe's name -- led by Shaq -- the video chronicled the incredible partnership between the 2 basketball greats who together were an unbeatable duo. BTW, Shaq also showed off his DJ skills, which are considerable.

DaBaby jumped on stage next to Shaq -- who looks massive by comparison -- and performed "Bop." He was in some hot water last month -- he was arrested and charged with battery for allegedly attacking and robbing a club promoter. That case is pending.

The Los Angeles Lakers honored the late Kobe Bryant with a tribute before the first game following his death ... with emotional performances by Usher and cellist Ben Hong ... and a powerful speech by LeBron James.

The Lakers superstar took center court to address the fans in attendance ... and spoke straight from the heart, calling Kobe his brother and the event a celebration of his career.

"I got something written down, they asked me to kinda stay on course, or whatever the case may be," LeBron said. "But Laker Nation, I would be selling y'all short if I read off this sh*t, so I'ma go straight from the heart."

"I look at this as a celebration tonight. This is a celebration of the 20 years of the blood, the sweat, the tears, the broken-down body, the getting up, the sitting down, the everything, the countless hours, the determination to be as great as you could be."

"I wanna continue along with my teammates to continue his legacy. Not only for this year, but as long as we can play the game of basketball that we love, because that's what Kobe Bryant would want."

James finished his speech with the message -- "So in the words of Kobe Bryant, 'Mamba Out' ... but in the words of us, 'Not forgotten.' Live on, brother."

Prior to LBJ's words, Usher performed a strong rendition of "Amazing Grace" while the video board showed a montage of the tributes that have popped up throughout the world, and Hong played while Bryant's on-and-off the court accomplishments flashed on the screen for all the fans to enjoy.

The Lakers then posted the names of all 9 people lost in the tragic helicopter accident and honored them with a 24.2 second moment of silence while the board showed the 2 courtside seats draped with Kobe and Gigi's jerseys.

Boyz II Men performed the National Anthem ... with all 3 members wearing the Kobe shirts handed out to every fan in attendance. Several players -- including LeBron -- broke down in tears during the performance.

The Lakers players honored Kobe by wearing Kobe's #8 and #24 jerseys during warmups ... and each player was announced as Kobe Bryant for the starting lineups.

LeBron wore Kobe's signature shoes, which might be the first time he's worn anything other than his own sneakers in an NBA game.

The Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers followed other teams' lead by opening the game with 24-second shot clock and 8-second violations.

Kobe's #8 and #24 were displayed on the court ... as well as a "KB" badge on the players' jerseys.

The fans were shouting Kobe's name outside Staples before entering the arena ... and we have video of the emotional scene.

Carmelo Anthony -- who was very close with Kobe -- did not make the trip because he's still mourning Kobe's death.

James revealed his permanent tribute to Kobe before the game, a tattoo that reads "Mamba 4 Life."

The memorials outside Staples continued to pour through LA Live on Friday ... and TMZ Sports was able to capture some of them.

Justin Bieber is adding to his growing cartoon art collection ... with a tribute to Kobe Bryant ... complete with imagery of the Black Mamba balling out with the Lakers.

Our sources tell us Justin's team reached out to Idiot Box Art owners Emily Bright and Tamara Martin to purchase their newest original piece honoring Kobe ... and the Biebs snagged one for only $1,200.

The cartoon art -- depicting a teddy bear wearing Kobe's #8 Lakers jersey over a Mamba hoodie and some Nikes -- is made of hand-cut wood covered in acrylic paint and finished with a coat of resin. The piece is one of 5 created, and it's 41.5 inches X 24 inches.

We're told the Kobe art sold out in a few hours ... so the artists are making miniature versions for $200 a pop, and they're going on sale February 6 and 7 with 24 percent of profits going to the MambaOnThree Fund.

Kick off Super Bowl LIV weekend with these hot cheerleader bods!

The stars of Netflix's docuseries "Cheer" have been showing off their skills onscreen and now it's time to show off their squad-bods when they leave the mat!

We've got a challenge for you that might just top the Daytona competition ... Tumble through our gallery of the "Cheer" cast hot shots and see if you can guess which Navarro cheerleader is in the pic. Try and go full out by guessing them all!

The members of the 14x National Championship team have worked hard to make the mat and clearly have the physique to prove it!

How cool is this?!?

Sylvester Stallone is SUPER DOWN to share the spotlight in Philadelphia with Kobe Bryant ... telling TMZ Sports the city should build a statue of the NBA legend right next to Rocky!!!

"Absolutely!!!" Sly says.

It'd be an amazing tribute ... while Kobe never played for the Sixers -- he grew up in Philly and starred at local Lower Merion HS as a teenager.

Kobe never shied away from his love for Philly despite playing his entire pro career in L.A. -- even reppin' the Eagles in his final appearance at a Lakers game at Staples before his death on Dec. 29.

We broke the story ... Kobe and his daughter, Gianna, were among nine people who tragically died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, Calif. on Sunday.

Tributes have come in all shapes and sizes since the 41-year-old's passing ... with NBA teams taking shot clock violations, players writing personal messages on their shoes and Staples Center plaza being packed with mourning fans.

Khabib Nurmagomedov's manager says some very powerful and rich men in Saudi Arabia have offered $100 million to get Khabib to box Floyd Mayweather in Riyadh.

... but it's highly UNLIKELY we'll see that fight go down in the Middle East.

Ali Abdelaziz says he recently met with the Saudis to discuss possible fight opportunities. Ali wouldn't say who was behind the offer and when it would take place.

He also said the same people have offered $100 mil to host the Khabib vs. Conor McGregor rematch.

But, here's why it probably won't happen ...

Back in 2019, WME -- which owns UFC -- returned a $400 million investment to the Saudi government following the murder of journalist Jamaal Khashoggi.

That doesn't bode well for a fight in SA.

However, we do know the Saudis have been making a MAJOR push to host global sporting events in Riyadh ... with Anthony Joshua vs. Andy Ruiz 2 recently taking place there. Plus, they've hosted multiple WWE events over the past year.

Venue aside, Ali says Khabib isn't focused on fighting either one of those guys right now -- he's locked in on his UFC 249 bout in Brooklyn against Tony Ferguson on April 18.

Floyd has previously talked about boxing Khabib -- saying he knows there's HUGE money if it happens.

For his part, Conor has said his priority is Khabib -- but Ali says Conor needs to beat some tough opponents first.

Forget the Hall of Fame ... Andy Reid will go down as a top 5 coach EVER with a win in the Super Bowl on Sunday -- so says his former player Tamba Hali.

"Getting this win obviously will make him one of the greatest coaches of all time," Hali says.

Think it's crazy??? The Chiefs legend might not be wrong ... Reid is already 6th all-time in regular-season wins with 210 -- and he's been to SEVEN conference title games as well.

But, the knock on Reid has always been he's never won a Super Bowl ... and if he's able to erase that against the 49ers, Hali says put him on the NFL's coaching Mt. Rushmore ASAP.

"I know the guys that came before him did some great things, but at least top five in all-time coaching," Hali says.

We also spoke with Hali about his ex-teammate Patrick Mahomes ... and the former KC pass rusher LOVES the guy.

In fact, ya gotta hear the amazing story he shared with us about an afternoon that the QB spent with his son.

Seriously, listen to the story and watch this video ... it's all adorable!!!

LeBron James has a new piece of body art -- a tribute to Kobe Bryant complete with imagery of a Black Mamba.

Both LeBron and Anthony Davis hit up tattoo artist Vanessa Aurelia on Wednesday looking to pay tribute to Kobe with some fresh ink.

Fast-forward to Thursday morning ... when Bron and the Lakers were working out in front of the Lakers facility in El Segundo and gave the media a sneak peek at his new art.

The tat is still under wraps but it appears he's got a black mamba snake with some words underneath. Some people in the office think it reads, "Kobe 4 Life" but it's really hard to tell.

We're told Bron plans to do a big reveal on his Instagram soon -- most likely before he takes the court on Friday when the Lakers take on the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center.

Originally Published -- 1/30 1:43 PM PT