TMZ Sports - Page 50

Add "team owner" to Kevin Durant's massive resume ... 'cause the NBA champ just bought a stake in the Philadelphia Union of the MLS!!

The Union announced the partnership on Monday ... saying KD bought 5% of the team ... with the option to take on another 5% down the road.

Durant's official title will be "investor and community partner" ... and the team will work with his Thirty Five Ventures on marketing and community outreach.

"I’m excited to partner with the Philadelphia Union for years to come," KD said in a statement. "My team and I connected instantly with the Union coaching staff and leadership, as well as the team’s story."

Durant says the team will work with his Kevin Durant Charity Foundation to make an impact in the communities surrounding Philadelphia as well.

Principal owner of the Union Jay Sugarman spoke about the new partnership, saying "The partnership between Kevin and the Philadelphia Union is based on a set of shared values and philosophies."

"We want to be known as an innovator in our league and a team that is never satisfied with the status quo. Kevin brings us unique perspectives as a person, as a champion, and as a sports icon."

"Combined with his competitive drive and forward-thinking mentality, we believe Kevin adds a key piece in reaching our ambitions for the club."

Terrell Owens is adamant he experienced "systemic racism" in the NFL during his time with the San Francisco 49ers ... and he seems to be pointing the finger at coach Steve Mariucci.

The 46-year-old Hall of Famer was explaining to TMZ Sports why he believes he was "blackballed" from the league 9 years ago ... when he made the bombshell allegation.

"I could've still continued to play but because I was outspoken, because of who I was, I wasn't allowed the opportunity."

"Because I was outspoken. Because of who I was and because of some of the coaches that said things behind closed doors and got in the ears of these owners, that's why I wasn't able to really continue on with my career."

"To me, that was systemic racism. I experienced it when I was in San Francisco under coach Mariucci. I experienced it. Trust me, I experienced it."

When asked, Owens wouldn't get into specifics -- but says his reputation suffered as a result of what happened during his time in SF.

"There's a lot of media that portray me a certain way to where now even people think I'm this bad person. That I'm a character, I'm selfish, all these things. But, at the end of the day, I knew who I was and I just kept moving forward."

We reached out to Steve Mariucci to see if he would address TO's allegations but so far, no word back.

File under: Things Your Superstar QB Should NEVER Do!

Here's video footage of Lamar Jackson tumbling over a jet ski and into ocean water in a beach football game over the weekend ... and we gotta say, it's terrifying!!!

The NFL MVP was getting in a little run with his bros on the sand ... when he started doing Lamar Jackson things.

The clip is pretty crazy ... Jackson's acceleration from zero-to-sprint is INSANE -- but when he finished off the run, John Harbaugh and ALL of Ravens nation couldn't have been happy.

Check out the clip, Jackson tumbled and dove headfirst over a waverunner ... and it's maybe the scariest hit he took in all of this past calendar year.

Fortunately, LJ came up from the fall just fine ... but, man, SHEEESSSSHHHHH!!

Of course, beach football injuries are VERY real ... remember, star NFL running back Robert Edwards completely shredded his knee in an infamous sand game back at the 1999 Pro Bowl.

"My wife, my family have been attacked and abused on social media. It’s just heartbreaking.”

That's the reaction NASCAR truck series driver Ray Ciccarelli says he's received since he threatened to quit over the sport's confederate flag ban ... and now, he just wants it to all stop.

The 50-year-old gave a lengthy interview to TobyChristie.com shortly after his infamous Facebook post ... saying he believes all of his comments were "misconstrued."

Specifically, Ray says he does NOT necessarily support the confederate flag ... he just supports people being allowed to fly whatever flag they want at races.

"In no way shape or form was I defending the Confederate flag," he said. "Everything I was saying was the fact that I understand both sides' feelings toward the flag."

"My viewpoint, all I was trying to say is how do you take [the flag] from one group and help support the group that it offends and then what do you do to the group that you took it from? Now, they get outraged."

Ray says his comments on kneeling during the national anthem were also twisted a bit ... saying he has NO issue with protestors there as well.

Ciccarelli claims he just has a problem with NASCAR implementing rules on both matters "out of left field."

"I had seen the news thing come through referring to, NASCAR now allows you to kneel during the anthem, It just irritated me some,” Ciccarelli said. “I believe in standing for the national anthem, and I believe that if you want to kneel during the anthem, you should kneel."

"It just kind of triggered me, because we’re being told you can’t kneel, now you can kneel. It just set me off."

Ciccarelli says he's hopeful his clarification on his comments will get critics off his back, saying, "This was a very educational learning experience."

Charles Barkley says it would be "stupid" to cancel the remainder of the NBA season ... saying players wouldn't just miss out on cash, but they'd also lose their platform.

"I think it will be stupid to not play for 2 reasons," Barkley said on ESPN's "Get Up!"

"Number 1, if they don't play, they're gonna be 'Out of Sight, Out of Mind' for the rest of the year."

Barkley says LeBron James is one of the most famous athletes on the planet, but without the NBA season, "he won't be visible anywhere. So, it's out of sight out of mind."

Number 2 ... Barkley says players could be using their fat NBA paychecks to continue to help the cause.

"They're gonna lose billions of dollars that the players could use to go into their own communities and do some great stuff. So, it's not good on any part."

As we previously reported, Stephen Jackson came out strong against continuing the season -- saying it will take away the media focus from the Black Lives Matter movement.

Kyrie Irving and Dwight Howard recently came out with similar statements to Jackson. And, Monday morning, Barkley addressed those players as well.

Stephen Jackson is imploring NBA players to NOT return to action this season ... saying a basketball comeback would hurt the Black Lives Matter movement and the fight for social justice.

"Now ain't the time to be playing basketball, y'all," the former NBA star said. "Now ain't the time."

Jackson was friends with George Floyd and has become a very influential voice in the media since Floyd was killed.

"Playing basketball is going to do one thing: take all the attention off the task at hand right now and what we fighting for."

Jackson says the NBA season -- which is currently set to tip off next month in a "bubble environment" in Orlando -- would dominate the headlines ... and push away all the progress national protests have made in the wake of George Floyd's death last month.

"Nobody's going to be talking about getting justice for all these senseless murders by the police," he said. "And, nobody's going to be focusing on the task at hand, bro."

Several players are already in Jackson's corner ... Nets star Kyrie Irving and Lakers stud Dwight Howard have both said this past week they don't want to come back.

In fact, Howard said straight-up, "No Basketball 'til we get things resolved."

Of course, others want to see the season go forward ... the league's biggest star -- and Howard's teammate -- LeBron James, has said consistently he's ready for a comeback ASAP.

And, Clippers guard Patrick Beverly backed him in a tweet Sunday, writing, "Hoopers say what y’all want. If @KingJames said he hooping. We all hooping. Not Personal only BUSINESS"

But, Jackson doubled down in another video message to players Sunday ... saying, "Our moment is now."

Sammy Sosa still won't do it -- he will NOT admit to taking PEDs during that legendary '98 season ... but admits he's made his peace with God.

51-year-old Sosa sat down with ESPN for its new 30 for 30 "Long Gone Summer" and was pressed on if he'll ever "come clean" about his alleged PED use during the famous Home Run Chase, as Chicago Cubs owners have long hoped he will.

Sosa cracked a smirk and said, "What do they want about me when pretty much everyone in that era did it?"

When pressed again, Sosa laughed uncomfortably and added, "I'm a very happy person, my friend. I'm good, I'm happy. Know what I mean?"

"There is about 4 or 5 [players from that PED era], maybe more than that, in the Hall of Fame. So, am I the one to blame?"

It was pointed out in the doc, Sosa has denied using steroids and other PEDs in the past -- even doing so before congress in 2005.

Reporter Paul Sullivan pointed out ... "there is no smoking gun" to prove Sosa did cheat.

"The only proof is the New York Times story about the leaked voluntary drug test. But, even that one, who's seen it except the NYT guy?"

Still ... COME ON!!!

Even 56-year-old Mark McGwire has come clean about taking PEDs ... and says in the new doc, "I regret doing it."

But, not Sammy. He's digging in his heels.

"A lot of people say different things, different opinions but I can say to you, what Mark and I did in '98 was incredible."

"Doesn't matter if we're never going to make it to the Hall of Fame, but that's okay."

"I have a peace with God. I'm happy. I've got my family. I've got my granddaughter, I'm good. but I believe what Mark and I did in 98, definitely, we shocked the world and I do not think something like that will happen again."

As for McGwire, he called his use of PEDs "stupid" -- but claims he only really used 'em to help recover from injuries ... not for the added power boost.

McGwire finished that season with 70 home runs. Sosa finished with 66.

They've got style. They've got charisma. They've got insane knockout power ... and that's why Sean O'Malley says he ain't mad at the recent comparisons to Conor McGregor.

"Anytime you're getting compared to someone great like that, you're doing something right," the undefeated 25-year-old tells TMZ Sports.

Of course, O'Malley's stock has been on the rise after flattening his last two opponents in sensational fashion. Most recently, a phenomenal 1-hitter quitter KO over Eddie Wineland at UFC 250.

"I take that as a compliment, getting compared to Conor. As far as the skill set wise, I think I have more skills when it comes to the striking."

Hey, O'Malley definitely doesn't lack confidence!

"I can stand southpaw and throw anything the same as I can stand orthodox and throw anything. I'm very, very dangerous from every position."

"He's mainly a southpaw with a bomb left hand and he throws left heaves and some decent spinning stuff. I feel like I have more tools in the toolbox than anybody in the MMA as far as coming up with striking."

O'Malley jokes that he only hopes the comparisons stop when it comes to some of the outside the Octagon activity Conor's been involved with ... like the arrests.

"I don't wanna be compared to him as I'm on TMZ going to jail! I'm gonna try to avoid those situations as much as I can."

Browns superstar Myles Garrett just came through big time for a man who was permanently injured during the Black Lives Matter protests in Cleveland ... personally reaching out and helping raise money for his recovery.

24-year-old John Sanders was taking pictures of the protests in Downtown CLE on May 30 ... when he was shot in the eye with a beanbag.

Sanders lost his left eye and suffered other facial injuries as a result ... and a GoFundMe has been set up to help him with hospital bills and other expenses.

Word got to Myles, who called upon his 210k Twitter followers to help out by donating to Sanders' campaign.

Not only did Garrett spread the word ... he personally hit up Sanders to lift his spirits and share some encouragement.

"He was just texting me about how badly he felt about what happened and how he wanted to make a difference in any way he could," Sanders tells TMZ Sports.

Sanders tells us the GoFundMe donations DOUBLED in the days following Garrett's tweet ... with more than $17,300 raised so far.

"It's wild," Sanders tells us. "I mean, the whole thing -- from being such an extreme living example of police brutality and lack of training to actually having someone in the NFL that is not only probably the best player at their position, but also someone I've held in high regards actually reach out to me -- is really overwhelming.

"To help me? Never happens to me. I'm overly thankful."

Jason Derulo is feeling accomplished -- and full -- after eating 20 burgers in 2 hours ... and now he's challenging The Rock to a hot dog eating showdown on the Fourth of July!!!

The "Cats" star and "Swalla" singer just set the stage for what could be the biggest celebrity culinary face-off of all time ... calling out The Rock and prematurely declaring victory if they go dog-for-dog on Independence Day.

Jason's fresh off a pretty impressive start ... he challenged himself to eat 22 burgers in 2 hours to celebrate reaching 22 million followers on TikTok -- yes, this is what goes down on the app.

While Jason came up a little short on his burger binge -- eating 20 burgers instead of the full plate of 22 -- he says it made him realize he could be a pretty darn good competitive eater.

Jason's got his work cut out for him -- The Rock is known for his epic cheat meals when he's not getting shredded in the gym -- but he says one of his hidden talents is his massive appetite. Gotta feed that anaconda!!!

The man who manages Justin Gaethje and Khabib Nurmagomedov has a warning to Conor McGregor -- you won't get a title shot until you fight a top-tier opponent like Tony Ferguson.

Ali Abdelaziz -- who also reps champs like Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo -- says he's sick and tired of Conor always trying to strong-arm himself into title fights that he doesn't deserve.

"Right now, he's on punishment for his bad behavior," Ali tells TMZ Sports ... "Right now, he needs to sit down."

"Go fight Tony Ferguson, stay busy, stay active. Go fight Jorge Masvidal. Stay active, I want to see activity. Remember, he used to say that to all of us, guess what? Payback is a bitch."

Obviously, Ali doesn't believe Conor's recent retirement announcement will stick -- he thinks it's just another attention grab.

"Same old prostitute, he wants attention."

Ali says he's unsure if either Khabib or Justin would even give Conor a shot -- but an impressive performance against a guy like Tony Ferguson or Jorge Masvidal would help his case.

Ali also talked about the upcoming UFC 251 main event between his two clients Kamaru Usman and Gilbert Burns -- and how they won't let their friendship stand in the way of a ferocious brawl on Fight Island.

"Best two fighters in the division that's gonna fight. Buy the Pay-per-view and you're gonna find out."

Josie Harris -- Floyd Mayweather's ex -- died from the result of an accidental overdose of Rx medication, TMZ Sports has learned.

We broke the story, Harris was found unresponsive in her car in front of her Valencia, Calif. family home back in March.

We were told despite lifesaving efforts from emergency personnel ... Harris passed away on the scene at 40 years old.

An autopsy was conducted, which included toxicology, and we're told the family has now been informed the official cause of death is listed as an accidental overdose.

We spoke with Josie's attorney, Dan Friedlander, who issued a statement on behalf of the family.

"The family is aware the medical examiner has released the report and they are thankful for the closure. Josie will be remembered as a truly kind and giving person and loving mother. She was loved and will be missed."

Floyd dated Harris in a famously up-and-down relationship from 1995 until 2010 ... and after her death, he called her "a great woman" and "a great person."

As we previously reported, Floyd was so rocked by the passing of Josie, as well as his Uncle, Roger Mayweather, he decided against making a return to the pro boxing ring in 2020.

She's beaten everyone.

Ronda Rousey. Cris Cyborg. Holly Holm. Miesha Tate. Valentina Shevchenko (twice!).

But, Amanda Nunes is still often excluded from "Greatest Of All Time" conversations. And, Dana White thinks he knows why ...

"I think it's because she's a woman, to be honest with you."

32-year-old Nunes currently holds belts in TWO divisions -- bantamweight and featherweight -- and hasn't lost a fight since 2014.

But, after that "L" to Cat Zingano, Nunes has been on an 11-fight win streak ... defeating some of the biggest names in the history of women's MMA.

Most recently, Nunes dominated Felicia Spencer at UFC 250 ... just months after a 5-round victory over Germaine de Randamie.

"It's getting very hard now for people not to start respecting her, especially after this last performance," White says.

"When she fought Germaine de Randamie, people were like 'Ohh she looked awful human in that fight.' She looked human?!! What?!? She fought the greatest female striker ever and she won the fight. What do you guys want from this woman?! And, this last fight against an unbelievably tough durable Spencer, she put on an absolute clinic."

So, who's next for Nunes? Some have been calling for a 3rd fight with Valentina Shevchenko (who's a beast) or even a boxing match with undefeated champ Claressa Shields.

White weighed in on both situations ...

First, Claressa ...

"The hard part with a fight like that is where do they fight? Do they box or do they do MMA?"

"I know Clarrisa's been training [in MMA] but she couldn't possibly be at the level as Amanda Nunes."

Still, White says he likes Claressa and recently met with her manager ... but they've gotta figure out how to make a fight work.

As for Shevchenko ...

"'Well, maybe we throw Shevchenko at her again' is what people are thinking. And, I don't like anything about that because they already fought twice and Amanda beat her twice."

New Orleans Saints star linebacker Demario Davis is praising the NFL for its $250 million donation to help fight social injustice ... but says black players should have a say in where the money ends up.

"We as players, it's our responsibility to hold the league accountable to make sure that we have real action," 31-year-old Davis tells TMZ Sports.

"The players come from these communities so we know how to help change them."

Davis continues ... "With a contribution as large as $250 million, I think there are systems that can go into place to help -- along with black players -- to change black communities."

"So, working together on that, that's definitely a conversation that I want to be a part of."

For its part, the NFL says it HAS been working with current and former players to "identify and work with programs that address criminal justice reform, police reform and economic and educational advancement for African Americans."

Clearly, Davis wants to be a part of that group moving forward.

As for working directly with Roger Goodell, Davis is open to that, too -- even praising the NFL Commish for the work he's put in behind the scenes.

"One thing I can say about Roger is he has constantly tried to be a liaison in conversations between players and owners. The extent of that conversation we will see going forward. But, I think it's a tremendous opportunity, but that's just words so far, we'll see what kind of actions come from it."

We also asked Demario if Colin Kaepernick should be back in the league -- and you gotta hear what he has to say about that.

There's more ... Demario is currently in Minnesota, where he visited the George Floyd memorial at the site where he was killed.

"To be at that spot, it just did something to me -- to say like I'm here in this moment that change is actually happening. It was just a powerful experience."

Davis is currently on a tour promoting his book "The Unsuccessful Champion" -- explaining, "I think that's about overcoming adversity and understanding that it's not about what happened to you, its all about how you respond to it."

"That's life."

A teenage soccer player in Mexico allegedly murdered by police scored the final goal at his own funeral Friday ... and the video of it will bring you to tears.

The powerful scene all went down in Oaxaca ... where teammates decided to honor their fallen 16-year-old friend by setting him up for one last shot attempt.

Check out the clip, the boys positioned his casket so they could redirect a soccer ball off of it ... and when the ball slid past the keeper into the makeshift goal -- things got emotional.

All of his teammates surrounded the casket, hugged it and sobbed uncontrollably.

Sports reporter Guillermo Schutz posted the vid to social media ... captioning it in Spanish, "In Oaxaca, this is how they bid Alexander a final goodbye, the 16-year-old teen murdered by municipal police. His friends honor him with one last goal. We're all crying."

The footage was so touching ... even former UCLA hoops star Lorenzo Mata had to share it on Twitter.

Powerful stuff.