TMZ Sports - Page 25

The hatred for the cheating-ass Houston Astros looks to be still rolling along smoothly ...

Here's video of Arizona Diamondbacks closer Archie Bradley appearing to flip off the 'Stros after a huge home run Wednesday night ... and it's pretty hilarious!!!

In the 5th inning of the D'Backs' rout of Houston in Phoenix ... Nick Ahmed blasted a moon shot bomb deep to left-center field that had Arizona's players going crazy.

The camera panned around to everyone while Ahmed was rounding the bases -- and when it got to the Diamondbacks' bullpen, you can see Bradley clear as day pumpin' a middle finger toward the diamond.

Was it directed at the 'Stros players? Seems like it. Was it because Houston was caught in a massive sign-stealing, cheating scheme that rocked baseball? Probably.

Bradley hasn't addressed the single-barrel salute with media yet ... so it's all unclear at the moment.

What is clear, though ... is everyone still hates the Astros for their roles in a 2017 cheating scandal.

Remember, Dodgers pitcher Joe Kelly was just suspended 8 GAMES by MLB after he almost incited a brawl by nearly beaning both Alex Bregman and Carlos Correa in a game last week.

Marty Jannetty is now claiming self-defense in the apparent death of a man he says he killed 47 years ago ... saying he used a brick to fatally fend off a rapist.

The ex-pro wrestling star called in to the Boston Wrestling Sports show on Wednesday night -- where he was questioned about a bizarre Facebook post in which he suggests he killed a guy and dumped the body in the Chattahoochee River sometime around 1973.

At first, 60-year-old Jannetty tries to be careful about the language he uses ... but ultimately describes an incident involving a male bowling alley employee who allegedly tried to "rape" him in a car behind a building in Georgia.

"He was a front desk clerk," Jannetty said ... "He was known to sell the weed. What I didn't know was he lured in little kids."

Jannetty claims the man tried to grab his genitals, so Marty tried to flee ... but the man grabbed him by the hair and got physical with him so Marty couldn't escape.

That's when Marty says he grabbed a brick and fought back.

"I can't say he deserved to die, but he deserved to get his ass beat."

"And, when I was beating him in the head with a brick, I was only trying to beat his ass, I wasn't trying to kill him."

Jannetty suggests the man died -- and that's when he tried to get rid of the body.

"Can you imagine dragging a guy -- he's just tried to f*** you in the ass --- can you imagine dragging him to the river and throwing him in? And, then finding out on the news the dude's missing. You know the dude. And, you know more than that. That affected me bad, bro."

As we previously reported, the Columbus Police Dept. in Georgia has already opened a probe into the apparent killing.

In fact, a spokesperson from the homicide/cold case division told us, "The first step will be seeing if we have any missing persons or unidentified remains cases that match the limited information in the post."

How's Danica Patrick getting over the Aaron Rodgers breakup???

LAKE VACAY WITH THE FRIENDS, BABY!!!

The former NASCAR superstar threw on a tiny bikini and hit up a body of water somewhere in the U.S. this week -- and, yeah, doesn't look like she's too broken-hearted, right!?

Danica got in some sun, some swimming and even a little wake surfing with a couple buds ... and it appears she's doing just fine with Aaron in her rearview mirror.

As we previously reported, the power couple officially called things off last month after two years of some pretty heavy romance.

The NFL superstar and the ex-racecar driver -- who started dating back in 2018 -- were exchanging L-bombs on the regular ... and had even bought a $28 million mansion together in Malibu.

In fact, Danica had told Jenny McCarthy on her SiriusXM show back in November she wouldn't mind getting engaged to the QB.

No reason's been given yet for the splitsville ... but Patrick's clearly doing her best to move on.

LeBron James says the NBA won't miss Donald Trump as a viewer -- essentially telling POTUS not to let the door hit him on the way out!

"I really don't think the basketball community are sad about losing his viewership," James said after the Lakers lost to the OKC Thunder on Wednesday ... "And, that's all I got to say."

SPOILER: That wasn't all he had to say.

Of course, Bron as reacting to comments Trump made earlier that day -- when he blasted the NBA kneeling protests as "disgraceful" during an interview with "FOX & Friends."

LeBron and the overwhelming majority of people inside the bubble have been kneeling during the national anthem before games while wearing Black Lives Matter shirts.

Trump no likey.

"When I see people kneeling during the playing and disrespecting our flag and national anthem, what I do personally is turn off the game," Trump added.

When asked about the comments, LeBron said he didn't want to get into another public social media spat with POTUS ... but followed up by essentially calling for people to vote Trump out of office in November.

"I think our game is in a beautiful position and we have fans all over the world and our fans not only love the way we play the game, we try to give it back to them with our commitment to the game."

"But also respect what else we try to bring to the game and acknowledge it -- what's right and what's wrong," James said.

"And I hope everyone, no matter the race, no matter the color, no matter the size, will see what leadership that we have at the top in our country and understand that November is right around the corner and it's a big moment for us as Americans."

"If we continue to talk about, 'We want better, we want change, we have an opportunity to do that."

"But the game will go on without his eyes on it. I can sit here and speak for all of us that love the game of basketball: We could [not] care less."

"You're talking about grown men, 85% of them single and you have them locked up at Disney World?!"

That's ex-NBA star Gilbert Arenas raising some issues going on inside the NBA bubble ... insinuating players are reaching their breaking point after going weeks without sex.

Look, it's a fair point -- the players entered the bubble at the beginning of July ... and so far, officials have restricted families and girlfriends from joining them.

When we saw Arenas out in Calabasas on Wednesday, he told us he's been speaking with some of the guys on the inside -- and gave us the update on how they're holding up.

"[They're] primadonnas right now," Arenas says ... explaining they're used to living a fun, party lifestyle -- but that all changed when they stepped in the bubble.

Now, they're restricted to their confined space at Disney World -- and it's starting to take a toll.

Arenas is also calling out Lou Williams -- and saying his excuse about hitting up the famous Magic City strip club for chicken wings during his time out of the bubble is complete BS.

"I would never eat at a strip club. I don't go to the strip club to eat wings," Gilbert says.

"I can go to Wing Stop for some wings. I go to the strip club to see strippers."

The NBA is continuing to walk the walk in its fight for racial justice ... it's now pledged to donate $300 MILLION over the next 10 years to help Black communities.

The league just made the announcement Wednesday ... saying it's all part of the NBA's newly created "Foundation" -- which was just formed to help in the battle for social equality.

The league says each of its 30 team owners will donate $1 million annually to the Foundation for the next decade with the hopes of improving "employment and career advancement" in Black communities.

The league also says the Foundation will work with other national groups to try to create other forms of revenue to "deepen the NBA family’s commitment to racial equality and social justice."

"We believe that through focused programs in our team markets and nationally," commissioner Adam Silver said, "together with clear and specific performance measures, we can advance our shared goals of creating substantial economic mobility within the Black community."

According to the league, the Foundation will focus on donating money into three main areas in Black communities: "obtaining a first job, securing employment following high school or college, and career advancement once employed."

"The creation of this foundation is an important step in developing more opportunities for the Black community,” OKC Thunder star Chris Paul said.

"I am proud of our league and our players for their commitment to this long-term fight for equality and justice, and I know we will continue to find ways to keep pushing for meaningful institutional change."

Darren Rovell thinks Johnny Manziel is washed up.

Johnny Manziel thinks Darren Rovell is a "bitch."

Yep, things are heating up between the ex-NFL star and the business reporter -- and it's all playing out on social media.

Here's how it started ... Rovell posted a tweet on Wednesday comparing 2 Sports Illustrated cover stories from 7 years ago.  ... featuring the Alex Rodriguez steroid scandal as well as the "Johnny Football" craze.

Rovell says A-Rod was at "Rock Bottom" back then while Manziel was the "envy of the college football world."

He then points out that in 2020, the tables have apparently turned.

"Today, A-Rod is as relevant as ever. Manziel achieves a flash of relevance by flipping off a building into a pool."

Side note -- it was a pretty impressive flip.

Manziel clearly feels Rovell's tweet was an unwarranted cheap shot -- and fired back Wednesday with one of his own.

"Seven years later and you’re still as big of a bitch as ever."

OUCH.

Rovell hasn't responded to Manziel and when we reached out, Rovell issued a "no comment."

Shocker, there's some bad blood between the two men that goes back years -- and it apparently all started in 2013 when Rovell investigated whether Manziel was signing autographs for cash while at Texas A&M.

Turns out, Rovell was on to something -- and Manziel was suspended by the NCAA for one-half of a football game.

He eventually went on to be a 1st round pick in the NFL Draft -- but everyone knows what happened after that ... rehab, CFL, fired from CFL, divorce, mental health issues, etc.

But 27-year-old Manziel has said he's moved on with his life and accepts that his NFL career has ended.

The argument that's broken out on social media ... is Rovell out of line for pointing it Johnny's downfall, knowing what he's been through? Or is it fair game since he's pointing out facts.

As for A-Rod, he's doing great -- he survived the steroid scandal. He made a fortune in business. He's trying to buy the NY Mets. And, he's engaged to J Lo.

Jake Paul's L.A.-area home is the scene of an early morning FBI raid ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell us ... Jake's house in Calabasas is currently being searched by the feds -- and that a search warrant has been issued to do so. We don't know why or what the authorities are looking for, but we do know agents are on the ground, taking a look around.

We know Jake draws a lot of attention with his YouTube stunts, which are often documented on camera -- some of which have landed him in hot water, legally before. The raid isn't a prank gone wrong though ... we know it's real this time.

It's unclear if Jake himself is home right now.

Ya don't buy a car without checkin' under the hood, right?

And, if you're Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez, ya don't buy a pro baseball team without checking out the stadium!

That's what J-Rod did on Wednesday -- getting a VIP tour of Citi Field in Queens as part of their plan to buy the team.

J Lo -- sporting a flowing white sundress -- led the charge with A-Rod and a few other businessy-lookin' dudes.

As we previously reported, the power couple has been gunning to buy the team for months -- and recently linked up with some rich partners to add to their ownership group.

The most recent addition to Alex and Jen's team is Mike Repole -- who co-founded BodyArmor and Vitaminwater. He's rich and also a life-long Mets fan.

They had previously brought on a dream team of current and former NFL ballers including 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.

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.

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

But, ESPN says the Wilpons would prefer to sell to Lopez and Rodriguez if they can come closer to the top bid.

Drew Drechsel, the reigning "American Ninja Warrior" champ, is now facing federal charges for luring an underage girl for sex.

Last year's 'ANW' winner allegedly began a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl in New Jersey back in 2015 ... according to legal docs, obtained by TMZ. Drechsel, nicknamed the Real Life Ninja, was arrested Tuesday at his home in Saint Cloud, FL.

The feds say the alleged victim contacted cops in NJ in June 2019 and told them she started having sex with Drechsel when she was 15 and he was 26. She claims they first met in 2014 after an 'ANW' contestant event, exchanged numbers and began texting each other.

In the docs, the alleged victim claims Drechsel invited her to his gym in Hamden, CT as a 15th birthday present, and they had sex after his girlfriend left the gym. She told police she informed her mother about the encounter the very next day.

The mother alleges Drechsel didn't deny having sex with her daughter when confronted, but claimed he did not know the girl's age.

According to docs, the alleged victim also told cops she met Drechsel multiple times outside a NJ gym and had sex with him when she was 15 to 17 years old.

The feds say she told them Drechsel frequently asked her to Skype him while she was naked, and they allegedly found child pornography on Drechsel's cell phone ... along with his requests for her to delete their text messages.

Drechsel -- who won $1 million on 'ANW' -- remains in custody after a judge found him to be a flight risk and danger to the community. U.S. Marshals are transporting him from Florida to NJ, where he'll stand trial.

Saw this coming from a mile away ... but here's President Donald Trump going scorched earth on the NBA kneelers -- calling the demonstration "disgraceful."

"When I see people kneeling during the playing and disrespecting our flag and national anthem, what I do personally is turn off the game," Trump said Wednesday morning in a phone interview with "FOX & Friends."

"I think it's disgraceful. We work with [the NBA], we worked with them very hard trying to get open. I was pushing for them to get open. Then I see everybody kneeling during the anthem. That's not acceptable to me."

"When I see them kneeling during the game, I just turn off the game. I have no interest in the game. Let me tell you this, plenty of other people out there, too."

During the call, Trump also claimed NBA ratings are way down -- when according to TV sports media outlets, the rating are up 14% from the average before the season was suspended.

Trump added, "We have to stand up for our flag, stand up for our country. A lot of people agree with me. If I'm wrong, I'm going to lose an election. That's okay with me. I will always stand for our flag."

Trump has always hated kneeling -- and publicly blasted Colin Kaepernick and other NFL stars for taking a knee back in 2017 ... calling for the NFL fire any "son of a bitch" who doesn't stand for the Star-Spangled Banner.

Ever since the NBA rebooted last week, just about every player, coach, ref and staff member inside the Bubble have taken a knee during the anthem before games.

Only 4 people -- 2 players, 2 coaches -- have stood for the anthem.

LeBron James, who took a knee, said he hopes the demonstration makes Colin Kaepernick proud and helps to shine a spotlight on police brutality and social injustice affecting the Black community and others.

During the call, Trump also claimed he's done more for the Black community than any other president -- with the "possible exception of Abraham Lincoln."

Ex-WWE superstar Marty Jannetty may have confessed to murdering someone when he was 13 years old in a bizarre social media post ... and now cops are investigating.

The former member of the tag team "The Rockers" told a story on Facebook about trying to buy weed from a man who worked at a bowling alley in his home town when things went awry.

"I was 13, working at Victory Lanes bowling alley buying weed from a f** that worked there ... and he put his hands on me ... he dragged me around the back of the building ... you already know what he was gonna try to do."

Jannetty continued, "That was the very first time I made a man disappear. They never found him. They shoulda looked in the Chattahoochie River."

By the way, Jannetty is 60 years old -- so the alleged incident would have taken place around 1973.

Now, the Columbus Police Dept. in Georgia tells us straight up, "We are going to look into this."

In fact, a spokesperson from the homicide/cold case division says, "The first step will be seeing if we have any missing persons or unidentified remains cases that match the limited information in the post."

The CPD notes that they have "several current active homicide investigations underway and they will have to remain the priority" -- so, it won't be an all hands on deck situation right now.

We've reached out to Jannetty for comment several times -- but haven't heard back. The Facebook post has since been removed from his page.

Jannetty was huge during the WWF's run in the '80s and '90s -- teaming up with Shawn Michaels on The Rockers ... one of the most popular tag teams of the era.

Josh Allen vs. Patrick Mahomes -- who's got the stronger arm?!

The Buffalo Bills QB says he's down to settle the debate once and for all ... telling the "Good Morning Football" team Wednesday he's formally accepted Mahomes' throw-off challenge!!

"We're working on it," Allen said ... "I'd love to finally settle this and figure it out."

LET'S GOOOO!!!!

If you missed it ... after Allen was given a higher throw power rating in Madden 21 than Mahomes (99 to 97) -- Pat wasn't too happy.

The K.C. Chiefs superstar said he was down to get on a field and prove the video game creators wrong ... telling ESPN he wanted to line up with Allen and see it for real.

"I've yet to see somebody have a stronger arm than me," Mahomes said.

Allen claimed Wednesday the two had a deal in place to get the throw-off done ... but says COVID-19 restrictions have forced them to postpone it.

Unclear when the new date will be ... but Allen says he's hoping the challenge will lead to some charity money.

As for the favorite in the throw-off ... Mahomes says he can throw a ball in the area of 85 yards -- and seems Allen is confident he can match that.

First, it was Lamar Jackson ... and now it's Hollywood Brown dropping major hints about wanting the Ravens to sign Antonio Brown ... saying his cousin would be a great fit in Baltimore.

Of course, AB had been working out with Jackson and Brown this off-season ... and the reigning MVP said just last week he's still hoping the team pulls the trigger and signs the free agent receiver.

Now, Hollywood is going to bat for his cuz ... saying the addition would make the team better ... and praising AB's work ethic.

"I feel like he could fit in this locker room," Brown told reporters on Wednesday. "He’s gonna go out there and give 100% and seeing guys like that is gonna make other guys do the same."

Hollywood added ... "I been working out with AB since I was in college so I know he’s a guy that’s going to push you and he’s a guy that’s gonna take care of his body."

There's obviously one big factor that could keep the Ravens from picking up the phone and calling Mr. Big Chest -- Brown was just suspended 8 games by the NFL for violating its personal conduct policy.

Ohio State QB Justin Fields will NOT opt out of the 2020 season ... saying he's still laser-focused on winning championships AND the Heisman Trophy.

Of course, Fields is one of the top QBs in the country -- Yahoo Sports has him ranked #2, right behind Clemson's Trevor Lawrence.

Fields threw for 3,273 yards and 41 TDs as a sophomore in 2019 while rushing for 484 yards and 10 TDs ... landing him a spot as a Heisman Trophy finalist.

But, with so much uncertainty surrounding the college football landscape in 2020 -- and at least one star player opting out to prep for the NFL Draft -- Fields wanted Buckeye Nation to know he's not going anywhere.

"I never thought about opting out," Fields told the media Tuesday.

The 6'3", 225 pound QB understands why others would opt out -- citing safety and financial concerns -- but says that's just not the path for him.

"Some people's families might not be as financially stable as others. Plus, me growing up as a kid, I've always been a competitor and I've always loved to play football. Me just growing up with my family, I never really needed anything. My family has provided me with everything I've needed."

"So, getting to money as fast as I can isn't really a priority for me."

"I'm just trying to stay as optimistic as possible right now. But as far as opting out, I mean, I can see where those guys are coming from, but I never thought about opting out."

Now, Fields says he's ready to compete for rings, trophies and glory -- starting with beating Michigan.

"Then we want to win a Big Ten championship. Then we want to go on and win the first game of the playoff and then win the national championship."

"Then as far as my goals personally, I want to show everybody that I'm the best quarterback in the nation. Of course, I want to win the Heisman and do all of that stuff. But the team comes first, so if none of that happens, I'm fine with a national championship."

NFL superstar Travis Kelce has finally confirmed his split with longtime girlfriend Kayla Nicole -- but insists it's NOT because he cheated with a "Becky."

As we previously reported, Kayla unfollowed the KC Chiefs TE on Instagram last week and scrubbed her profile of all traces of Kelce ... typically a sign of a break up.

Kelce just made the news official in a tweet late Tuesday night ... clapping back at a social media post that he was "caught w/ a Becky" -- AKA, a white chick.

"This is fake news ... a lie ... and not why Kayla and I broke up," Kelce said in a since-deleted tweet ... "Take all your hatred somewhere else please."

Kelce and Kayla were couples BFFs with Patrick Mahomes and his girlfriend Brittany Matthews ... they recently partied in Lake Tahoe together.

But, Brittany is still commenting on Kayla's IG page which probably means they'll stay friends ... even if things might be awkward for a while with Travis.

Kayla and Travis began dating in 2017 -- and it's still a mystery why they broke up.

Too bad ... they were fun, interesting and super good looking.