NBA Superstar Russell Westbrook did his part to make sure some of LA's bravest were well fed -- but he didn't just serve up an average-Joe kinda meal -- he hit a Hollywood hotspot.
Westbrook surprised healthcare workers at Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital Thursday night with Italian dinners from The Nice Guy. We're told Russ and his buddy Milo Frank of The h.wood Group passed out 50 sealed containers of Spaghetti Bolognese -- and in true L.A. style -- there were even gluten-free and vegan options.
Westbrook plays for the Houston Rockets, but is a native to So. Cal so MLK Jr. Hospital makes a lot of sense. The meals were thanks in part to Postmates.
As for the dinner selection, The Nice Guy plays host to some of Hollywood's biggest stars from The Kardashians and Jenners to Justin Bieber, Drake and even Westbrook's former teammate Kevin Durant.
Russ joins a growing list of celebs to step up with meals ... Danny Trejo and his Trejo's Tacos restaurant also recently doled out a ton of free food to those on the frontlines.
NBA Hall of Fame Coach Jerry Sloan -- who was a member of the Utah Jazz organization for more than 30 years -- has died.
Sloan died early Friday due to complications from Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia. The Jazz released a statement, saying, "Jerry Sloan will always be synonymous with the Utah Jazz. He will forever be a part of the Utah Jazz organization and we join his family, friends and fans in mourning his loss. We are so thankful for what he accomplished here in Utah and the decades of dedication, loyalty and tenacity he brought to our franchise."
Sloan was the head coach of the Jazz for 23 years with 1,223 wins, 20 trips to the playoffs and two NBA Finals appearances ... in which Sloan's teams lost to Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.
Sloan's post-game presser after Michael Jordan's "Flu Game" was recently featured on ESPN's "The Last Dance" ... the coach claimed he didn't even know MJ was sick.
The team statement continues, "Like Stockton and Malone as players, Jerry Sloan epitomized the organization. He will be greatly missed. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Tammy, the entire Sloan family and all who knew and loved him.”
Sloan worked for the Jazz organization for 34 years as either head coach, assistant, scout or senior basketball adviser.
The auction for Robert Kraft's Super Bowl LI ring is over -- and the final bid was OVER A MILLION BUCKS!!
$1,025,000 to be exact!!
As we previously reported, the New England Patriots owner offered up the ring to help raise money for COVID-19 relief as part of Michael Rubin's All In Challenge.
And, remember, this ring was from the legendary 28-3 Super Bowl comeback against the Atlanta Falcons in 2017 ... the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history!
As far as the jewelry itself -- it's one of the biggest championship rings ever created ... weighing 5.1 carats and featuring 10-karat white gold and nearly 300 diamonds.
So far, the winning bidder has not been identified -- but obviously, it's someone with a LOT of money to spend!
In addition to the ring, Kraft says he'll hand-deliver it to the auction's highest bidder in his personal trophy room ... and says if the winner is out of state, he'll send the team jet to pick them up!
That's not all ... RK says the trip will come with a personal tour of the Pats facilities -- and maybe even a few meals with the 78-year-old!!
Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Montravius Adams was arrested in Georgia this week after cops say they found weed in his car during a traffic stop.
LESS THAN AN OUNCE.
Yep, the 24-year-old -- a 3rd-round pick out of Auburn in 2017 -- was initially pulled over Tuesday around 6 PM when cops say he was driving around with suspended registration.
During the stop, the officer smelled weed and searched the vehicle -- turning up less than an ounce, according to the police report.
Adams was arrested and booked into the Houston County Jail for possession of marijuana, driving without insurance and driving with a suspended registration.
Adams posted $2,900 bond and was released after about 2 hours in custody.
"The Packers are aware of the matter involving Montravius Adams," the team said in a statement ... "We will refrain from making any further comment as it is an ongoing legal matter."
Adams has played in 37 NFL games for Green Bay since he was drafted in '17 -- though he only recorded 11 total tackles in 2019.
Aaron Judge's GF brought up her relationship with the Yankees star during a DUI arrest in February ... straight-up asking officers during the stop, "Do you know who my boyfriend is?!"
It's all in new police video obtained by TMZ Sports ... which shows Judge's longtime GF, Samantha Bracksieck, name-dropping the NYY outfielder several times to arresting officers.
And, spoiler alert ... it didn't go so well for her.
Here's the deal ... the 26-year-old was pulled over at around midnight on Feb. 25 in Scottsdale, AZ after cops say they spotted her driving without her headlights on.
During questioning ... video shows she admitted to an officer she drank two glasses of wine at Mastro's Steakhouse before getting behind the wheel.
When cops suspected her of being too drunk to drive ... they put her through field sobriety tests and administered a breathalyzer. And, after they say she bombed the tests and blew a .12 ... they put the cuffs on her.
That's when Samantha became standoffish toward officers ... telling them, "Do you understand what you're doing right now?"
"I just need to get home," she added. "Do you know who my boyfriend is?!"
The officers responded, "We don't."
"This is going to be bad for me," Sam continued. "I'm just saying that right now."
Officers didn't even ask a follow-up and put her in the back of a squad car ... but that's when she pulled the Judge card a few more times to another cop.
"My boyfriend is not in a spot where I should be, like, having this happen," Bracksieck said. "He's like a public figure. So, like, me being arrested for, like, having two glasses of wine is not okay."
Bracksieck continued, "My boyfriend is in the spotlight of New York media in general. And, now here I am handcuffed here in Arizona ... like, that is not good."
The cop clearly didn't care all that much ... and eventually took Bracksieck to the station, where officers say in the police report they tested her breath two more times -- claiming she blew a .169 and .181.
Prosecutors ultimately hit Samantha with five charges over the incident, including extreme DUI -- which is classified as a BAC of .15-.19.
Samantha -- who's due in court for a hearing on the case in June -- is facing jail time and fines if she's convicted.
We've reached out to Bracksieck and the Yankees for comment ... but so far, no word back yet.
Tyron Woodley says he's not just looking for a win on May 30 -- he wants to make a violent statement to the UFC that he's ready for his title shot.
The former welterweight champ is taking on Gilbert Burns at UFC Fight Night ... and says he's in a very "violent headspace."
"I'm willing to do some sh**ty stuff to people, put them in compromising positions, hurt them -- like literally hurt them."
"I don't know if I've ever been this focused," Woodley said this week on "The Hollywood Beatdown."
Tyron says he considers his fight with Burns to be a "real war" -- one that Gilbert will wish he never asked for in the first place.
"This is going to be a clear case of someone asking for something they didn't really know what they were asking for."
You gotta watch the clip ... Tyron says he can't wait to fight in an empty arena so the fans at home can hear him "talk sh*t" to Burns while he beats his ass.
"People are gonna feel bad for him."
Burns is on a 5-fight win streak -- including a win over Demian Maia back in March.
Check out more "Hollywood Beatdown" and other cool stuff on the TMZ Sports YouTube channel.
A group of 850 former Kentucky Wildcats cheerleaders are rallying behind the coaches fired over wild hazing allegations ... demanding they get their jobs back!
As we previously reported, UK axed the cheer team's advisor, head coach and 3 assistants after investigation into a crazy team lake retreat back in February.
The school claims the retreat was debaucherous -- with allegations of team members being forced to booze and perform topless and bottomless cheerleading stunts.
Several active members of the team have disputed the allegations -- but the school fired the staff anyway ... citing results of a 3-month investigation.
Now, the UK Cheerleading Alumni Association is going to bat for the staff in a strongly worded letter to school honchos.
"To say the UK cheerleading advisor and coaches lack integrity is insulting," the alumni statement says.
"To suggest that the advisor and coaches didn’t provide proper oversight is absurd. To so harshly penalize a program -- especially one that has led such an exemplary existence for four-plus decades -- is unfair!"
"Although what is alleged to have happened with the current squads is regrettable, we support them too, because we believe no person should be defined by their mistakes."
The group added this message for the fired coaches -- "You were always there for us. We're proud to return the favor."
So far, no response from the school -- but let's be real, the chances of them bringing back the staff at this point are slim to none.
"Shad was one of those guys that everybody loved."
That's Triple H telling TMZ Sports why the death of former WWE superstar Shad Gaspardis such a huge loss ... explaining, "He was just a great human being."
Of course, Shad began his relationship with WWE in 2002 when he tried out for the "Tough Enough 2" reality show.
He busted his ass and earned a WWE contract in 2005 -- eventually making the big stage in early 2006.
He ultimately parted ways with WWE in 2010 but Triple H says they had a good relationship ... and even chatted just a few months ago.
"Just the greatest guy," Triple H said ... "So nice."
The WWE exec also said the fact he died while trying to save his 10-year-old son "tells you everything you need to know about the guy."
Gaspard was declared missing on May 17 after he was caught in a riptide during a swim with his son in Marina del Rey.
Rescuers were able to pull his son out of the water, but they were unable to save Shad. His body was found on May 20.
Triple H says WWE honored Shad on Wednesday's 'NXT' show -- but he believes there will be another tribute on "Friday Night Smackdown."
Dak Prescottand the Cowboys are firing back at a report claiming the QB turned down a 5-year, $175 MILLION contract extension ... saying that offer simply never hit the table.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport says he spoke with Prescott's agent and reps from the team ... and they confirmed contract discussions between the two sides have only consisted so far of the length of the deal -- not money numbers.
Of course, ex-NFL QB and current league analyst Chris Simmsreported this week that he's heard otherwise.
Simms -- speaking on 105.3 The Fan -- claimed he was told by "some people who are in the know" that Dak was poo-pooing a 5-year deal that would pay him roughly $35 mil per year.
"He wants a four-year deal," Simms says. "If they do agree to a five-year deal, they would like a really big number at the end of that fifth year to cover their butts for what the market might be at the position five years from now."
"And, I’ve heard he’s asking for somewhere like north of $45 million in that fifth year."
But, Rapoport reported Thursday, "The two sides have never discussed such scenarios or anything like it. Dak wants a shorter deal, the Cowboys want a longer one. July 15 is the deadline."
Currently, Prescott is scheduled to play on the franchise tag in 2020 ... which would pay him around $33 million this season.
Cynthia Bailey and fiancé, Mike Hill, are getting a taste of married life before walking down the aisle ... and it's all thanks to quarantine.
The 'RHOA' star and FOX Sports host joined us Thursday on "TMZ Live" and told us life together in isolation can be draining and also rewarding. Sounds a lot like marriage, and keep in mind, this is their first time really living under one roof ... normally, he's in L.A. while she's in ATL.
Cynthia and Mike agree ... the endless days cooped up together do wear on them, like most couples -- but don't get it twisted. Mike says he's happy Cynthia is his cellmate for quarantine prison, and adds ... the conjugal visits are a major plus!!!
Cynthia says they're still on track to get married in October, and they've got their fingers crossed a second wave of COVID-19 doesn't force them to postpone. As she explains, the wedding date is pretty significant.
There could be more bumps in the road though ... Cynthia tells us why there are still some questions with wedding logistics.
Like Mike says, hopefully they read the fine print.
Mike Tyson says he's seriously considering a rematch withEvander Holyfield -- but only because it would raise MILLIONS for people in need.
"That would be awesome for charity," Tyson said on "TMZ Live" ... "Can you imagine me and him going in the ring together?"
Of course, 53-year-old Tyson has been training like a maniac recently and looks absolutely terrifying -- something he credits to the stem cell treatments he's been receiving.
Now, with 57-year-old Holyfield also training for a comeback -- we asked if there's truth to the rumors they're planning on running it back for a 3rd time.
"Anything is possible," Tyson said ... noting that he's "having fun, looking good, showing off my new bod and stuff."
Tyson says he's committed to living a life of charity and gratitude -- but he knows a fight with The Real Deal could make a serious difference in a lot of people's lives.
"Hey, listen, there are a lot of people out there that need help and something like that could help a lot of people, that's in need for help."
Tyson also revealed he's focusing on meditation -- and feels he's on the path to enlightenment.
In fact, Tyson will be participating in a massive World Meditation Day event Thursday at 11 AM PT ... along with Deepak Chopra and Tony Robinson.
Tyson says the goal of the event -- which will be streamed live on Facebook -- is to get 1 BILLION people from all over the world to unite for synchronized meditation and prayer.
LeBron James is already back to work with his Lakers teammates ... holding small, private workouts in secure spots in L.A. ... and enforcing strict safety protocols to keep everyone safe from COVID.
Of course, the Lakers facility reopened this past Saturday ... but players aren't able to train together on the court at the same time.
The King has found a way to assemble some of his men to keep the chemistry alive ... securing a closed-off, private court to train with 1-2 teammates at a time, according to Shams Charania.
"All the safety measures have been taken," Shams says. "In these private workouts, everyone has been tested, everyone involved has practiced social distancing."
LeBron James has held safe, private on-court workouts with some Lakers teammates at a secure location, our NBA @ShamsCharania reports. More details: pic.twitter.com/P4TamkL6li
"Everyone involved has taken the necessary steps to make sure that they're following all the guidelines."
Bron's teammate, Danny Green, gave details on what it's like being at the Lakers facility on the "Load Management" podcast ... saying everyone gets swabbed before they enter the door, has phones, keys, wallets and more sanitized upon arrival ... and have to exchange their shoes with flip flops.
As for training ... teammates are put on schedules to make sure they never cross paths ... and only have an allotted amount of time to practice on the court.
The good news? California Governor Gavin Newsom says there could be pro sports back in the state as early as the first week of June.
Ex-Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis says giving owners a draft incentive to hire minorities is "like having Jim Crow laws" ... ripping the proposal as straight-up "offensive."
Remember, the NFL owners reportedly planned to vote on a proposal that would reward teams with a better 3rd round draft pick if they had hired a minority GM or coach.
While the proposal was tabled during the owners meetings on Tuesday, Lewis went off on the idea of giving teams an incentive to hire minorities in an interview with The Baltimore Sun.
"It was offensive, definitely offensive," Lewis said. "It was like having Jim Crow laws."
As for compensating teams with draft picks? Lewis isn't happy with that, either.
"Draft picks are like gold. That doesn’t make a lot of sense to me. As a head coach, no one wants to be hired or put in that position."
Owners DID vote to expand the Rooney Rule to require teams to interview at least 2 minority candidates when hiring new coaches ... which Lewis says is a good thing.
"This will be a plus requiring more than one minority to be interviewed because it will cause them to take a deeper dive."
FYI -- there are currently 4 minority coaches and 2 minority GMs in the NFL, which is comprised of 32 total teams.
Lewis is all for raising that number ... but not with draft picks.
7:50 AM PT -- 5/21 -- Shad Gaspard's wife, Siliana, just issued an emotional statement on the passing of her husband ... calling him "our protector, our warrior."
UPDATE
"Aryeh, myself and the Gaspard and Chittick families would like to take this time to thank everyone for their prayers and support, as we mourn the terrible loss of our beloved Shad," Siliana said.
UPDATE
"Shad was our whole world and we were his. There are not enough words to describe what he means to all of us. He was our heart, our soul, our protector, our warrior. He was a bright force of nature, who brought joy to many through his joyous and gracious nature."
UPDATE
"The outpouring of love from Shad’s friends, colleagues and fans has meant more to us than you can even imagine. We’d like to once again thank the lifeguards, coastguard, divers, fire and police departments for their efforts."
UPDATE
"Shad was and will always be our real life super hero."
UPDATE
3:19 PM PT -- 5/20 -- Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is grieving the loss of his fellow WWE Superstar ... calling Shad a "great guy" and saying "this is a tough one to process."
UPDATE
"My deepest condolences and love to Shad Gaspard’s wife, son and family," Johnson said on Instagram.
UPDATE
"Shad drowned in the ocean, but not before instructing lifeguards to save his 10yr old son first. That’s the love of a father."
UPDATE
"Love and light to Shad’s family. And your warrior spirit lives on through your son."
The L.A. County Coroner has identified the body found on L.A.'s Venice Beach as ex-WWE superstar Shad Gaspard ... TMZ Sports has learned.
The body was first seen on the beach by a citizen who called cops around 1:30 AM Wednesday ... according to our law enforcement sources. We're told officers responded and recovered the body right near Venice Pier.
A short time later, several people (we're told family members and close friends) gathered at the beach.
As we first reported, he went missing on Sunday afternoon when a group of swimmers, including Shad and his son, Aryeh, got caught in a rip current south of the Pier.
Shad heroically told lifeguards to focus on getting his 10-year-old son to shore safely, but when they returned he'd gone under.
Police and Coast Guard boats and divers searched the rough water for nearly 2 days before suspending their efforts.
Shad loved hanging out at the beach, and less than 2 weeks ago he'd posted a heartwarming vid walking through the sand and surf with Aryeh. Shad wrote, "Love the life I built for my self and my family."
He was one-half of the popular WWE tag team, Cryme Time, along with his partner, JTG.
He was also a regular at the legendary Gold's Gym in Venice, and as we learned firsthand ... a truly great guy.
Shad is survived by his wife Siliana and their son.
It's 2021 or bust for the Tokyo Olympics ... this according to the IOC president who says they simply can't afford to push the Games any further.
"You cannot forever employ 3,000 to 5,000 people in an organising committee," Bach told BBC Sport ... "You cannot have the athletes being in uncertainty."
Of course, the Olympics were initially scheduled for 2020 -- but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Olympic Committee agreed to postpone to Summer 2021.
It's the first time in modern history the Olympics have been postponed.
But now, IOC President Thomas Bach says there's a limit to how far they can push the event ... explaining that if it's not safe to hold the Games in 2021, they're just gonna call the whole thing off.
Exclusive: IOC's Thomas Bach tells me he understands why the rescheduled Tokyo 2020 Games would have to be scrapped if it cannot take place next summer.https://t.co/svjGIVInKppic.twitter.com/3adWYO1KB4
"You cannot every year change the entire sports schedule worldwide of all the major federations. You cannot have the athletes being in uncertainty."
"You cannot have so much overlapping with a future Olympic Games, so I have some understanding for this approach by our Japanese partners."
Bach says the IOC is committed to the 2021 Games -- but he's keeping it real ... it's impossible to know for sure if the world will be ready for that kind of a gathering with the coronavirus threat still looming.
"We have to be prepared for different scenarios. There is the clear commitment to having these games in July next year."
"At the same time, looking at the scenarios this may require towards the organisation, with regard to health measures, these maybe need quarantine for the athletes, for part of the athletes, for other participants.
"What could this mean for the life in an Olympic Village and so on? All these different scenarios are under consideration and this is why I'm saying it's a mammoth task, because there are so many different options that it's not easy to address them [now]. When we have a clear view on how the world will look on 23 July, 2021, then [we will] take the appropriate decisions."
The future Hall of Fame tight end says he's gained back the 20-or-so pounds he lost after his Patriots retirement ... joking he's "four more protein shakes away from being at my playing weight."
Rob quit the game back in March 2019 ... and almost immediately dropped down to around 240 pounds, causing everyone to wonder if he was really done with the game for good.
"It felt good just to drop that weight," Gronk told CBS Sports HQ on Wednesday. "You know, ease up my joints, let my body free. I kind of felt like that weight was bloated weight, too. So, it felt good to get rid of it."
But, after agreeing to reunite with Tom Brady last month ... he's already bulked back up, saying he only needs a couple more lbs to be NFL-ready.
"I'm about 257 pounds right now," Rob says ... "I'm excited about that. I'll definitely be at my weight when it's time to go. I'll be at 260 to 265 when it's time to roll."
As for how the weight changes will affect Rob -- who says he hadn't previously been under 260 since his senior of HS -- he's confident the cutting and bulking won't spell disaster in a return to the gridiron.
"It's time to build back upon it," Gronk said. "Put lean muscle on my body and get ready for the NFL season like I never have before."
OCTOBER 2015
