TMZ Sports - Page 24

Ex-Florida State basketball player Michael Ojo -- a fan favorite from 2012-17 -- has died after suffering a heart attack during a workout in Serbia.

He was only 27 years old.

The 7'1", 310-lb center was practicing Friday with Serbian pro basketball team Partizan at the team facility when he collapsed while running, according to Eurohoops.net.

Ojo was reportedly raced to a nearby hospital in Belgrade but it was too late. Doctors were unable to save him.

Ojo was discovered while playing soccer in Nigeria ... and later came to America for high school to learn the sport of basketball.

The friendly giant made national headlines when it was reported Nike dropped $15,000 to build a machine to make Ojo's size 22 shoes.

Ojo played professionally in Serbia after going undrafted in 2017 ... averaging 11.7 points, 5.9 rebs and 1.1 blocks in one season with ABA League team FMP.

He went on to sign a 2-year deal with Crvena Zvezda ... where he won the ABA SuperCup in 2018 and ABA and Serbian League in 2019.

Former FSU player Trent Forrest tweeted about his teammate's passing, saying, "This definitely a tough one man.. One of the best dudes I done came across."

"Was the first to welcome me to fsu and was nothing short of a big brother my freshman year and even after.. it’s crazy to think we was just talking about life last week.. Gone miss ya fasho O!!"

Sam Lunt, former FSU associate director of sports medicine for men’s basketball, spoke with the Tallahassee Democrat about Ojo's passing ... saying, "I am devastated."

"He was one of the best humans I know."

RIP

Texas Tech's women's basketball head coach, Marlene Stollings, was fired Thursday ... after multiple former players claimed she created a toxic culture and was straight-up "evil and manipulative."

More than 10 ex-Red Raiders made the allegations in a USA TODAY report this week ... with some saying Stollings was so abusive, they described some of her acts as "torture."

Several of the women claim Stollings (who took the head coaching job in 2018) and her staff berated them constantly, calling players things like "trash," "disgusting" and "fat pig."

Other former players say Stollings forced them to play through injuries ... and even developed a heart rate monitoring system for games in which players were punished if they dipped below a certain level for just a few minutes.

Things were allegedly so bad, 12 of 21 players had left the program over the past 2 years -- including 7 recruited under Stollings.

One ex-Red Raider, Emma Merriweather, says during a meeting with Stollings' strength and conditioning coach ... she was forced to step on a scale and then berated over her weight.

"I was just so embarrassed," Merriweather said of the incident. "I think that might have been the most embarrassing moment of my life."

Merriweather claims she went on to have a panic attack later in the day over it all.

"A lot of these girls had never experienced depression or extreme anxiety before they came to Tech and they experienced it with Marlene,” Merriweather said. “Coach Marlene was evil and manipulative and vindictive in a quiet watered-down manner, so you can’t outwardly say, 'This person is evil.'"

"That woman is a millionaire off being evil."

Other players say Stollings' strength and conditioning coach made sexual comments toward them ... and one former Red Raider accused the man of touching her inappropriately under the guise of a recovery exercise.

Earlier this week, Stollings had released a statement defending her team's culture, saying, "Our administration and my staff believe in the way we are building and turning this program around here. Our student athletes are developing a disciplined approach both on and off the court."

Initially, school athletic director Kirby Hocutt defended Stollings' program as well ... but in a statement Thursday night, he said he was firing the 45-year-old coach, and promised to reveal more details in a news conference Friday.

Oakland A's bench coach Ryan Christenson says he "made a mistake" by throwing up a Nazi salute TWICE during Thursday's game against the Rangers ... insisting it was unintentional.

"I made a mistake and will not deny it," Christenson said in a statement.

Christenson made the salute while greeting players in the dugout at the end of the game. You can see pitcher Liam Hendriks trying to correct Christenson's salute into an "elbow bump" position.

But, R.C. eventually went back to the Nazi salute one more time.

Christenson says the whole thing was born out of an attempt to be more COVID-conscious.

"Today in the dugout I greeted players with a gesture that was offensive. In the world today of [COVID-19] I adapted our elbow bump, which we do after wins, to create some distance with the players."

"My gesture unintentionally resulted in a racist and horrible salute that I do not believe in. What I did is unacceptable, and I deeply apologize."

The A's acknowledged the move looked like a Nazi salute and apologized as well.

"We do not support or condone this gesture, or the racist sentiment behind it."

GOOD NEWS -- Daniel Cormier just revealed his wife is 7.5 months pregnant!!!

And, to keep her safe, DC says he's been training for his rematch with Stipe Miocic in a "bubble" environment to prevent any possible COVID-19 exposure.

FYI, Cormier will step into the Octagon for his rubber match with Stipe at UFC 252 on August 15 to fight for the heavyweight title.

41-year-old Cormier insists this will be his farewell fight to cap off his Hall of Fame career ... and he's been training like a maniac to get ready.

But, DC's not naive about the pandemic and realizes that his training has required him to interact with a bunch of people from the outside, raising his risk of catching coronavirus.

So, he's been living at a 2nd home that he owns to limit the interactions with his own family ... because he doesn't want to get anyone sick!

"Yeah, I got a pregnant wife who's 7.5 months pregnant. Two kids, a 9-year-old, an 8-year-old, and I'm not even living at home because I'm having to prepare for this fight -- but that also shows the commitment from the family to understand what I'm trying to do here is so special."

In other words, Cormier says everyone is making a sacrifice so he can put on the best performance possible at UFC 252 ... because going out as champion is extremely important to him.

"I think that all the things I've done at heavyweight and at light heavyweight makes me one of the greatest fighters of all time, period! But, if I become a 2-time heavyweight champion there's only a few guys that've done that before in their careers. I think that by being the most dominant heavyweight of all time twice would make me the greatest heavyweight UFCs ever seen."

Cormier adds, "Obviously, Stipe's accomplishments and accolades speak for themselves. You know he's won everything. This is a true legacy fight."

"People don't like to talk about legacy all the time, but this a legacy fight in it's purest form."

He's right ... but more importantly, CONGRATS ON THE BABY!!

Dak Prescott is following Kim Kardashian's lead ... telling Oklahoma officials to immediately free death row inmate Julius Jones -- claiming he was wrongly convicted of murder and doesn't deserve to die.

The Dallas Cowboys QB spelled it all out in a powerful letter to Gov. Kevin Stitt and the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board.

"Please don't let another innocent black man die from the systemic mistreatment that has plagued our nation for far too long," Prescott wrote.

Jones was accused of murdering a white man during a carjacking in 1999 when he was just 19-years-old. He was later convicted at a jury trial in 2002 and was sentenced to death.

But, Prescott says there are huge problems with the case -- telling officials, "I firmly believe the wrong person is being punished for this terrible crime."

In his letter, obtained by TIME, Prescott claims, "an evaluation of the process that led to Mr. Jones’ conviction raises serious legal and ethical concerns. I implore you to right this wrong."

Jones has spent the past 18 years in a cell, staunchly proclaiming his innocence -- and fighting like hell to have the conviction overturned.

Jones believes he was framed, and given an unfair trial for a bunch of reasons. He also claims racism played a huge role in the jury's conviction decision.

In fact, his whole story has become famous after it aired in a 2018 ABC docuseries, "The Last Defense."

Prescott is now joining stars like Kim K, Common, Russell Westbrook, Trae Young, Blake Griffin, Baker Mayfield and more who have all also previously expressed support for Julius.

"The treatment of Julius Jones is the kind of miscarriage of justice African American men like myself live in fear of, and that is why I feel compelled to use the influence that God has blessed me with to speak up for what I believe is right and to give a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves," Prescott wrote in his letter.

"Julius Jones’ case is a clear example of what can happen to a person who cannot afford legal representation, and what can happen to a black person at any time in this country – which is exactly why so many are protesting for the changes we so desperately need."

Here's the cheat sheet for our clip with "Suga" Sean O'Malley:

1. He's got a big orgy planned for when he wins the UFC title

2. He thinks the fact marijuana is still outlawed in MMA is "ridiculous" and "embarrassing"

3. He REALLY wants to fight Cody Garbrandt once he gets past Marlon Vera at UFC 252 next weekend.

First things first ... O'Malley is very open about the fact he's in an open relationship and has been for a while.

So, we asked the 25-year-old if the couple brings in other people to celebrate after a big UFC victory and he told us he's saving the big group bash for when he becomes the champ.

"Yeah, that's after a title fight win. That will happen."

Next, weed ... O'Malley is a big proponent of marijuana -- both medical and recreational and thinks it's ridiculous that UFC fighters like Luis Pena and Tim Elliott were just hit with suspensions after testing positive for weed.

"It's ridiculous that they get suspended for it. It's embarrassing that's even a rule. We're in 2020."

O'Malley says he knows the rules will eventually change -- "it's got to" -- but until then, he's being smart about his own THC usage.

"For me, I've gotta diet, I gotta not be snacking at night so I gotta quit anyway. I can't fight the munchies, they always win."

When it comes to life inside the octagon, O'Malley is on fire -- with 2 impressive knockouts in a row in 2020.

He's been trading verbal jabs with Cody Garbrandt -- but tells us he's dead serious about fighting "No Love" if the UFC offers it up.

"It's a fight that I'm not gonna turn down. If UFC says 'hey you wanna fight?', it's a yes for me."

O'Malley adds, "I think it's a good fight for me. It's a striking battle and I'm a better striker so obviously I'd like that fight."

But first, O'Malley squares off against Marlon Vera -- a 27-year-old from Ecuador who's won 5 out of his last 6 fights.

The firearms seized in the FBI raid at Jake Paul's house are now in the hands of the Sheriff ... and we're told the guns aren't the reason the feds stormed the place with a warrant.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... there were multiple guns taken from Jake's crib in Calabasas during Wednesday's FBI raid, and they're now being held by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for safekeeping.

It sure seemed weapons may have been what drove the FBI to get a search warrant and, in a massive show of force, raid Paul's L.A. home, as well as his friend's home in Vegas. We do know the raids were somehow connected to looting at a Scottsdale, AZ, mall ... where Jake and his friend were front and center.

As you know ... aerial footage of the scene from ABC 7 showed law enforcement officials walking down Jake's driveway with rifles and perhaps shotguns.

We're told Sheriff's deputies seized the guns once FBI agents entered the home because the house was not secured and deputies couldn't just leave the guns laying around.

Our sources stress the guns were not taken as evidence of any crime, or FBI agents would have taken them themselves.

We broke the story ... Jake had 2 large guns prominently displayed in his bedroom, which were casually displayed in a recent YouTube prank.

LOOK OUT BELOW!!!

International soccer superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic is making a big splash on vacation with his family in Saint-Tropez ... by jumping off an expensive-ass yacht into the water below.

38-year-old Ibra has been getting some quality R&R while on vacay this week ... alongside wife Helena Seger and sons Maximilian and Vincent.

Now, if you know anything about Zlatan, he considers himself to be the greatest soccer player to walk the earth ... but the cocky footballer says he ain't just limited to land!!

"Lion on land, shark at sea," Ibrahimovic said on Instagram.

If we're talking form, Ibrahimovic ain't too shabby!! He's probably up there with Conor McGregor's diving abilities ... and much better than Jay-Z for sure, (sorry, Hov).

But, in true Zlatan form, the AC Milan forward wasn't ALL play while getting rays on the yacht -- he's been working out on the deck to prove he's staying in pristine shape.

The exercises appear to be working ... 'cause the dude looks RIPPED!!!

Buffalo Bills superstar Tre'Davious White is considering NOT playing in 2020 over COVID-19 concerns ... and he's going scorched earth on ANYONE who has a problem with that.

"Crazy that me choosing my family’s wellbeing over a game comes with so called fans attacking and questioning me and saying I’m selfish," the All-Pro corner said Thursday.

"No you guys are selfish for thinking that football is bigger than life."

The 25-year-old added, "Oh by the way my girl’s grandfather passed from COVID. U understand now?"

Tre would be BY FAR the biggest name to not participate in the '20 season over coronavirus fears ... and from the sounds of things, he's leaning toward doing exactly that.

The NFL's opt-out deadline is Thursday ... so we'll know Tre's decision in just a matter of hours -- but the defensive back, who has kids, told reporters Wednesday he was really wrestling with the move.

"I'm still kind of undecided," White said. "Honestly."

The decision is a big one ... White is the Bills' best player is only a season or two away from cashing in on a HUGE new contract in Buffalo.

The NFL says players have until 4 PM ET to make the opt out call. Stay tuned.

The dominoes continue to fall in college football -- this time, Penn State superstar linebacker Micah Parsons has decided to skip the 2020 season to prepare for the NFL Draft.

It's major news considering Parsons is projected to be a Top 5 pick in the 2021 draft class ... after recording 192 tackles, 6.5 sacks and six forced fumbles in two seasons with the Nittany Lions.

"As I considered all my options for 2020 season, I decided I needed to make a choice, not for myself, but my son and those dearest to me," Parsons said in his announcement Thursday.

The 21-year-old Harrisburg, PA native played a big role in the 2019 Cotton Bowl Classic -- dominating with 14 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and winning the Defensive MVP.

He also earned All-American honors, 2019 Big Ten's Linebacker of the Year award, and was a Butkus Award finalist.

"The potential risk to the health and well-being of my son far outweighed my urge to play football this season," Parson said. "Therefore, I decided to opt out the 2020 season and prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft."

Parsons joins a growing list of NCAA stars opting out -- Virginia Tech star cornerback Caleb Farley and Minnesota stud wide receiver Rashod Bateman also dropped out due to COVID-19 concerns.

As for Heisman hopeful Justin Fields, he's committed to suiting up for the Ohio State Buckeyes ... and has no plans on sitting out.

Dutch cyclist Fabio Jakobsen nearly lost his life in a horrific crash in a race in Poland this week ... and he's now in a medically-induced coma recovering from serious injuries.

Jakobsen was jockeying for first place at the end of the Tour of Poland on Wednesday ... when he appeared to be cut off by fellow cyclist Dylan Groenewegen.

What happened next was terrifying ... Jakobsen flipped over some signage lining the raceway and then crashed face-first into a solid barrier.

Jakobsen suffered major injuries in the wreck ... his cycling team announced he had to undergo facial surgery and then be put into a coma.

But, thankfully, team officials say Jakobsen avoided serious spine/neck ailments.

"Fabio had facial surgery during the night," the cycling team said in a statement Thursday. "His situation is stable at the moment and later today the doctors will try to wake Fabio up."

Groenewegen was heavily criticized for his role in the crash ... he was DQ'ed from the race despite finishing first -- and was blasted by Jakobsen's team's GM, who called Groenewegen's end-of-race maneuver "criminal."

For his part, Groenewegen apologized on Twitter, writing, "I hate what happened yesterday. I can't find the words to describe how sorry I am for Fabio and others who have been dropped or hit."

"At the moment, the health of Fabio is the most important thing. I think about him constantly."

Meanwhile, U.S. cycling legend Lance Armstrong sent his best wishes to Jakobsen, saying, "Thoughts and prayers go out to Fabio Jakobsen. Hang in there buddy."

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is fed up with the NFL's lack of diversity on the sidelines ... calling out the league and saying "it's a joke" more minority coaches aren't getting gigs.

"We just have to be better," Tomlin said Thursday on "Good Morning Football."

"Why sugar coat it? There's less than half the minority coaches in the NFL today than there was in 2007 when I got my job."

FYI -- there are currently only 4 minority coaches in the league in 2020, while there were as many as 8 in 2011 and 2017.

"From that perspective, it is a joke. It needs to be addressed," he added.

Of course, the NFL has made attempts to provide more opportunities for minority coaches in the past ... most notably the "Rooney Rule," which was implemented in 2007.

The league has also tossed around the idea of giving teams an incentive via draft picks if they hire minority coaches or execs ... which was widely criticized.

Tomlin acknowledges the league's efforts ... but trying isn't enough -- he wants results.

"I know that we're working diligently to address it, but the bottom line is it has to be reflected in the hiring."

Things are getting testy between UFC's Yair Rodriguez and Zabit Magomedsharipov ...

The two were SUPPOSED to do battle at UFC Fight Night on August 29 -- but that's been pushed after Yair suffered an ankle injury.

Zabit -- the #3 ranked featherweight contender -- ripped Yair about the situation on social media saying, "Yair has no balls."

Zabit then called for a replacement fight with the champ, Alex Volkanovski ... a fight Alex seems to be interested in taking.

The whole situation didn't go over well with Yair -- the #5 ranked featherweight contender -- who clapped back at Zabit Thursday morning.

"Sit down and wait for me the way you have been waiting," Yair said.

"You will get a real good taste of my big mexican balls soon enough."

Yair added, "And since when did you become the sh*t talker? That you or your manager? Either way you’ll both wait for me like the little dogs you are. Tongue out and begging. I’ll see you in October-November 5 rounds."

Both Yair and Zabit have been incredibly impressive lately.

Yair is on a 2-fight win streak with victories over Jeremy Stephens and the Korean Zombie.

Wanna see what a face looks like after it takes a puck straight to the jaw in an NHL game??

Good ... 'cause Winnipeg Jets defenseman Tucker Poolman just revealed the injuries he suffered after blocking a shot with his cheek this week -- and they're gnarly!!

The 27-year-old NHL player was with his teammate Andrew Copp in the hockey bubble when he showed off the battle wounds ... and you can see the dude's face is swollen and scabbed.

"Guy's got a golf ball on the side of his cheek," Copp said of his teammate.

As we previously reported, Poolman went down to block a shot in the second period of the Jets' game against the Flames on Tuesday night ... but the frozen rubber ended up catching him right in the face.

Tucker immediately collapsed to the ice ... and blood spewed everywhere -- leaving a long trail of red as he hurried into the locker room.

But, the guy got stitched back up and played in the third period ... and clearly -- his teammates respect the hell out of him for the toughness.

"Absolute warrior," Copp said.

Ex-NFLer Justin Bannan has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity in his attempted murder case ... after the defensive lineman allegedly shot a woman back in 2019.

41-year-old Bannan -- who played 11 seasons in the NFL -- was arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder, assault and burglary back in October 2019 ... after he shot a woman in the shoulder in Boulder, Colorado.

The woman survived -- and she's suing Bannan over the shooting -- but he's also being prosecuted criminally and faces serious prison time if convicted.

Officials say at the time of his arrest, Bannan told a bizarre story about how he was on the run from the Russian mafia and had ditched his cell phone over fears he was being tracked.

Bannan also claimed he did not intend to fire his weapon, claiming the shooting was an accident and he never intentionally targeted the female victim.

Officials say the woman had worked in the same building as Bannan ... but they really didn't know each other.

Cops also say when the 6'3", 310-lb. Bannan was arrested, he was carrying a rolled-up $20 dollar bill, which later tested positive for cocaine.

According to FOX 31 Denver, Bannan is now set to undergo a mental health evaluation at a state hospital.

Bannan was a standout defensive lineman at the University of Colorado from 1997-2001 ... and was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the 5th round of the 2002 NFL Draft.