TMZ Sports - Page 50

Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez didn't just walk away after their first attempt to buy the NY Mets fell flat -- they came back with a squad of rich NFL and NBA players ... and now they're back in the game!

The power couple recruited a dream team of current and former NFL ballers to join their investment group to make a 2nd run at the MLB franchise ... with names like Travis Kelce, Brian Urlacher, Joe Thomas, and DeMarco Murray.

There are two NBA stars in the group as well -- Washington Wizards beast Bradley Beal and Denver Nuggets center Mason Plumlee.

Remember, J Lo and A-Rod had previously tried to buy the Mets for around $1.5 billion -- but it didn't exactly work out since the Wilpon family (which owns the team) was hoping to get around $2.5 billion.

Now, J-Rod's group is back with a larger bid -- $1.7 billion, according to ESPN ... and they're reportedly in the mix.

Hedge fund billionaire Steve Cohen is the front-runner to buy the team -- he's loaded and has already made a $2 billion bid, according to the NY Post.

But, there's still time for J-Rod's group to come back with a larger bid -- and ESPN says the Wilpons would prefer to sell to Lopez and Rodriguez if they can come closer to the top bid.

NFL Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher is stoked about the possibility of becoming an owner -- telling ESPN, "It's pretty cool."

"It's especially cool to be involved with Alex. Alex is the man. You've got Kelce, Joe Thomas, DeMarco Murray. It's great to be in a group with them."

Kelce -- K.C. Chiefs superstar tight end -- also weighed in ... saying it's a "crazy opportunity."

"I had a chance to meet Alex Rodriguez a couple years ago and just told him how much of a fan I was as a kid of him. I'm very thankful for the success that I've had in the NFL, to have an opportunity like this come across the table. I couldn't think of a more unique set of people to be in charge of this."

As we previously reported Alex and Jennifer see tremendous potential for the Mets -- with sources telling us he feels the organization has been "so mismanaged" over the years, there is nothing but upside if he can right the ship.

The big question ... can the dream team of investors ultimately compete with a single motivated billionaire?

The University of Texas says it's making major changes across its campus to "promote diversity, inclusion and equity" -- including renaming its football field after two of its greatest athletes, who are black.

Joe Jamail Field -- at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium -- will be renamed Earl Campbell-Ricky Williams Field, after the two Heisman Trophy winners.

According to the school, the name change came at the request of the Jamail family.

Nothing controversial about Jamail that we're aware of -- he was a wealthy UT alum who donated a ton of money to the University and they honored him by naming the field after him in 1997. He passed away in 2015 at age 90.

Ricky issued a statement on the honor ... saying, "Earl and myself are honored to be part of the momentum of change sweeping our alma mater, the University of Texas, the nation, and the world."

He added, "We recognize the naming of Campbell/Williams Field is a historic moment and we urge our nation's univiersities to continue to reflect and review the history, symbolism, and dentities that we place on monuments, public institutions, and sports organizations."

Campbell also spoke out -- saying, "The symbolism of this honor transcends the recognition of the Heisman Trophies we received."

"It extends to all students, but specifically black athletes, who continue to work to define our collective motto 'Winning with Integrity.' Ricky and I are humbled by this honor."

Of course, Ricky Williams was a MONSTER during his time at Texas -- winning the Heisman in 1998 after one of the greatest seasons ever -- rushing for more than 2,300 yards and 29 TDs.

Campbell was also a beast -- winning the Heisman in 1977 when he sued for 1,744 and 18 TDs.

There's more ... UT says it will also be erecting a statue at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium of Julius Whittier, the Longhorns’ first Black football letterman.

The school also announced several changes to "promote diversity, inclusion and equity" at the university ... which are things Longhorns football players have been asking for for months.

Remember, linebacker DeMarvion Overshown began a boycott of football workouts just a few days ago because he believed the school was dragging its feet on implementing changes.

It's official ... The Washington "Redskins" are no more.

The NFL franchise announced Monday morning it's FINALLY changing the team nickname they've had since 1933 ... effective immediately.

"Today we are announcing we will be retiring the Redskins name and logo," the team said.

The team says owner Dan Snyder and head coach Ron Rivera are "working closely to develop a new name and design approach that will enhance the standing of our proud tradition, rich franchise and inspire our sponsors, fans and community for the next 100 years."

After the announcement, Washington QB Dwayne Haskins weighed in ... saying "As a kid who grew up in the dmv it’ll always be #HTTR but looking forward to the future."

The team had initially announced a "thorough review of the team's name" back on July 3 after Native American groups and sponsors had decided enough was enough and put pressure on the team to make a change.

Nike had stopped selling "Redskins" merchandise on its official website -- and FedEx -- which has spent MILLIONS over the years for the naming rights to FedExField in Maryland -- threatened to jump ship if the team didn't make a change.

And, Fawn Sharp -- president of the National Congress of American Indians (which represents more than 500 tribal nations) also issued a scathing statement to the team -- calling for players to boycott until the name was changed.

What's important about Fawn ... is Washington had long argued that Native American groups were largely supportive of the nickname. Fawn and the NCAI called BS and they couldn't hide behind that claim anymore.

The team has not locked in new team name yet -- they're reportedly working on the business side of that ... but the season is set to begin soon, so the clock's ticking.

So far, the Redtails and the Warriors have been thrown around as possible replacement names -- you like?

NY Giants cornerback Deandre Baker is denying paying off 4 victims in his armed robbery case ... despite new allegations to the contrary.

The new claims are spelled out in a warrant obtained by the NY Daily News ... in which law enforcement officials say they have video evidence and Instagram messages which show the NFL player paid out $55,000 between 4 victims to recant their stories.

As we previously reported, Baker -- along with Seattle Seahawks cornerback Quinton Dunbar -- have been charged with multiple counts of armed robbery with a firearm stemming from a May 13 incident at a cookout in Florida.

Officials say Baker essentially worked with a witness who happened to be a longtime friend -- known as "Coach" -- to orchestrate the payouts at the office of Dunbar's attorney.

Cops say they have IG direct messages from Baker to "Coach" saying, "Yo I’m in the city now getting cash how much to bring ?? I’m tryna get there too u ASAP."

Cops say they have records which show "several phone calls between Baker and [Coach]" discussing the alleged payoff.

And, there's this ... cops also say they have surveillance video showing an unknown person arriving to the lawyer's office with a "black bag" containing a bunch of cash.

Cops say, at one point the person "opens it and removes the money and the shows the bag to "Coach."

"[Coach] then takes the bag."

On the same day as the alleged payoff, Dunbar's attorney allegedly contacted police to inform them 4 witnesses "have recanted their sworn/recorded statements against Dunbar."

Coincidence? The cops think not.

But, Baker's attorney Bradford Cohen tells us Baker did NOT pay anyone off ... period -- denying all of the new allegations.

Cohen says, "Deandre has been saying since day 1 that this was an extortion scene. Nothing from that day has changed."

"Any texts from [Baker] to these extortionists were made to keep them on the hook, as we informed authorities of this extortion the minute money was demanded."

"Deandre was with his attorneys, including myself, on the day in question and I was in contact with the authorities at the same time of the extortion demand."

"We have no affidavits from the alleged victims. Our affidavits are from independent witnesses."

Cohen says Baker has also taken a lie detector test from a "nationally recognized examiner" and passed as truthful.

The drama continues ... stay tuned.

If you're wondering why Olivia Culpo, Kate Bock and Jasmine Sanders are all up on each other with no masks on the cover of the new SI Swimsuit Edition ... there's a good reason.

IT WAS SHOT BEFORE THE COVID LOCKDOWNS!

The mag wrapped up its final shoot in on March 5 -- roughly 2 weeks before Los Angeles issued its stay-at-home order due to the pandemic. Things obviously escalated around the country after that.

The three ladies -- who are all repped by The Society Management -- wrapped up their Bali shoot back in November ... well before the pandemic came into play in the U.S.

So, yeah ... no masks and no social distancing on the SI cover -- but also, NO COMPLAINTS!

Of course, the models are no strangers to TMZ Sports ...

Culpo has been dating Carolina Panthers superstar Christian McCaffrey for more than a year and documenting every step of the way -- (see: here).

Bock's longtime BF is Cleveland Cavs' star, Kevin Love ... who together (with their adorable pup, Vestry) have provided incredible content on vacays all over the globe -- (see: here).

As for Sanders, she's been spotted hitting LA with NBA hunk Kelly Oubre, Jr. ... but even when she's alone, she's brought the heat on her social media -- (see: here).

MJ Day, editor in chief of SI Swim spoke on the decision to go with the 3 women ... saying it was their business endeavors outside of modeling that made them a perfect fit.

"These women are limitless, unstoppable and collectively represent the next wave of moguls to come out of the franchise."

The issue -- which hits shelves on July 21 -- will feature 4 different covers ... one with all 3 models ... and 3 other versions featuring each model by herself.

Congrats!!

3 ... 2 ... 1 ....

That's how long it took for Meyers Leonard to chug a full can of Coors Light in his Orlando hotel room this weekend ... AND, GUYS, THE NBA BUBBLE IS LIT!!

Check out video of the Miami Heat's 7-footer taking down the suds like it was a shot of water ... we clocked him at an otherworldly 3 seconds!!

"King of the Bubble," 28-year-old Leonard said of his unreal drinking ability. "Accepting all challengers."

The beer-crushing feat came on the heels of JJ Redick putting up an impressive shotgun performance of his own ... and it now appears this will be a Bubble thing going forward.

Because after Leonard posted his footage ... Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson said he wanted in on the action -- and it looks like we're going to have an all-out chug fest in Florida!!

"JC, you name the time, place, and $$ amount and I’m there brother," Meyers told Clarkson. "Count on it."

It's unclear what Jordan's drinking skills are ... the 28-year-old has yet to show off his can-crushing talents -- but it doesn't seem this is a battle worth fighting, 'cause Leonard says he's got room to improve EVEN MORE!!

"I messed up the beer crack too," Leonard said of the epic chug. "Slowed me down."

Lewis Hamilton's fight for social justice made its way to Formula 1's victory podium Sunday ... the racing star raised his fist after a dominant win and then pledged to spend the rest of his life working to end racism.

The impactful scene all went down in Austria ... where Hamilton destroyed the field at the 2020 Styrian Grand Prix and then used his victory spotlight to push for racial equality.

35-year-old Hamilton raised his fist on the podium multiple times ... channeling Tommie Smith and John Carlos' famous gestures at the 1968 Olympics.

"Racism is going to be here for longer than our time here,” Hamilton said after the win. "People of color who are subject to racism don’t have time. We have to commit to push for equality and continue to raise awareness."

"A lot of work needs to go on in F1, the FIA needs to be part of it, the drivers need to be a part of it. We are going to be fighting and pushing for it all year. For me, this is going to be a lifelong thing."

Hamilton raced with a Black Lives Matter emblem on the front of his helmet ... and he and other drivers also took a knee to show support for the movement prior to the race as well.

Hamilton has been one of the most vocal athletes in the BLM movement ... even repainting his car and redesigning his uniform earlier this month to raise awareness for the cause.

"We stand together," Lewis tweeted after Sunday's race. "The team today took the knee which was just amazing to see that together we can learn and be open minded of what’s going on in the world."

"Thank you to everyone in my team and to you #TeamLH, I appreciate all of your support and your positive messages."

Now, this is straight-up unfair!!

A D1 college softball star used her talents in a dunk tank challenge against her boyfriend ... and guess what happened??

Yep -- SPLAAAASH!!!

University of Illinois sophomore pitcher Addy Jarvis and Noah Drudy were partying with family members in Ohio over the holiday weekend ... when Drudy decided to test his dry fate by hopping in the tank against the ace.

Of course, to try from a close distance would be WAY too easy for the Illini's 2020 wins leader ... so Jarvis tried it out from long range.

But, that didn't help Drudy's chances one bit ... 'cause Jarvis wound up for the pitch ... and nailed the target right on the nose!!!

Of course, it shouldn't come as a surprise ... Jarvis is a beast on the field ... and even threw a one-hitter this season.

THIS IS AMAZING VIDEO!!

Could you imagine going on "Family Feud" and being asked a question as simple as ...

"If Captain Hook was moonlighting as a handyman, he might replace his hook with what tool?"

That's what NFL Hall of Famer Bruce Smith was asked by Steve Harvey and you know what answer he gave?

A PENIS!

To be fair, Bruce offered "hammer" as his first guess but his teammate already said it ... so, technically it was his second guess.

But, still ... A PENIS?! BRUCE!!

Obviously, Steve Harvey busted up laughing because it's such a ridiculous answer.

Can you imagine Capt. Hook chasing Peter Pan around with a wiener dangling from his left hand?

Anyway, everyone laughed ... Steve Harvey dropped an expletive.

Oh, and shocker ... ZERO people surveyed said "penis."

Sorry, Bruce.

"I felt like I was just left to die."

That's Cam Newton opening up after a Saturday night workout session -- saying he felt abandoned by the NFL after parting ways with the Carolina Panthers ... and now he's promising an epic comeback.

Cam was dropped by Carolina back in March after basically missing the 2019 season due to injury. His 2018 campaign wasn't great either.

The market wasn't exactly scorching hot for the QB despite his insane potential. The 31-year-old finally signed with the Patriots in late-June in a shocking 1-year deal that only guarantees him $550k for 2020.

Cam seems pissed about the way things went down -- saying he feels "sh*tted on" ... and vows to change the way he's treated in the NFL by seizing his new opportunity with Bill Belichick.

"You know what makes this sh*t different is they ain't never seen this Cam," Newton said.

"They ain't never seen him. You want to know how I know? Sh*t, I ain't never seen him -- the forgotten Cam. The sh*tted on Cam. The tired of being sick and tired Cam. I felt like I was just left to die. It's over with for him. He ain't the same player."

Newton continued his rant by insisting he's more motivated than ever -- and even referenced a conversation he recently had with his son, Chosen.

"[My son] Chosen say, 'Daddy, daddy, daddy? We going to Charlotte?' I say, 'No, son, it's over with. We got another place we going to. We're going north.'"

Good news for Arizona Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill ... who was released from the hospital Sunday after battling COVID-19.

The 55-year-old NFL owner tested positive last week after traveling to the East Coast and was admitted to Newport Hospital in Rhode Island. He had complained of headache and fever.

But now, he's on the mend -- and praising the medical workers who treated him.

"This week I learned first-hand just how serious COVID-19 is," Bidwill said.

"My immense appreciation for all those on the front lines of this pandemic has only increased and I am particularly grateful to the tremendous nurses and doctors at Newport Hospital."

"I am also overwhelmed by the outpouring of kindness from the Red Sea as well as so many friends and colleagues in Arizona and throughout the country. I'm very fortunate to have this experience behind me and strongly encourage everyone to continue practicing the important measures to avoid it themselves."

Two kangaroos got into it on camera -- and by the looks of how the bout went ... one of them was Tyson Fury, the other was Deontay Wilder, and one got his ass kicked.

These fully-grown marsupials were going at it in a (sorta) hardcore boxing match down on a farm in Australia -- and while they both seemed to be in the same weight class and have the about the same reach, one of the 'roos certainly had the upper hand ... and the upper jab!

For funsies, let's just call these fellas Apollo Creed and Rocky Balboa (from Part I), where the former was delivering a serious beat-down, but the Stallion just kept coming back for more.

That's kind of what's happening here -- the more proficient boxer of the kangaroos gets tons of clean hits in ... and a few hard kicks to the body too, while balancing on its sturdy tail. Apparently, anything goes in the animal kingdom -- it's almost like a UFC Octagon out there.

It's also just wild to see these creatures in action, 'cause they clearly do this type of thing all the time, and they look almost human-like as they rumble.

Terrelle Pryor tells TMZ Sports his NFL career ain't done yet ... the wide receiver is gearing up for a comeback, and says he's already spoken with the Patriots about a possible signing.

The 31-year-old hasn't played in a regular-season game since 2018 ... and after he nearly lost his life in a stabbing incident back in Nov. -- some thought his career was done.

But, Pryor tells us he's been working like a maniac to get back on the field ... and says he and his reps have already been in contact with several teams -- including New England.

"There have been conversations with a couple -- five teams," Pryor tells us.

But, TP says because of the COVID-19 pandemic ... he hasn't been able to get a tryout with anyone just yet, but he's confident that'll change soon.

Pryor says he's fully healthy now ... and would really love a shot to catch passes from either Cam Newton in New England or Ben Roethlisberger in Pittsburgh.

"Those two are very intriguing," Pryor says. "Especially Cam. I've been a big fan of him throughout the years ... And, obviously, Big Ben, that's my hometown of Pittsburgh, so that's just two teams that I really want to play for."

Pryor, though, says he's open to everybody ... and claims he's found the solutions to stop injuries that have plagued him ever since he left Cleveland after his breakout year in 2016.