TMZ Sports - Page 13

The Michael Strahan Super Bowl 42 jersey auction has been temporarily suspended ... after the NFL legend claimed the auction house has a FAKE.

As we previously reported, Goldin Auctions is adamant their jersey is 100% real -- and insist it was authenticated by multiple professional (and reputable) photo-matching services.

But, Strahan claims to have the real jersey framed in his home -- and both sides were digging in their heels about which is the actual jersey from the 2008 game when the Giants defeated Tom Brady's New England Patriots.

Now, Goldin has announced the jersey has been pulled from the auction block "until the consigner of the jersey and Strahan can settle their dispute."

"At this time, it is unfair to the potential buyers and the seller of the jersey to continue with the sale due to the recent claims made."

Goldin Auctions still believes their jersey is the real one -- but says they are "not interested in a dispute with the former athlete."

Goldin insists a 3rd party authentication company studied the jersey in Strahan's home -- and believes it is NOT the real deal.

Strahan claims he gave the jersey to a friend directly after the game and instructed him to bring it to his hotel room -- and he's had it ever since.

The auction house claims the jersey ended up with a NY Giants equipment manager -- who eventually got it to another person, who brought it to Goldin.

"Some black people are going to be upset with me ..."

UFC star Tyron Woodley does NOT believe Donald Trump is a racist -- insisting the only color he REALLY cares about is green.

Tyron -- who's been EXTREMELY critical of Trump in the past -- explained his position on 'The Hollywood Beatdown' ... saying he's convinced cash matters more than color to POTUS.

"If you have green on your face to him, he's gonna f**k with you. I think it's about green to him."

Trump came up during a conversation about Tyron's highly anticipated clash with Colby Covington on Sept. 19 ... a fight that's taken years to come together.

Colby is a hardcore Trump guy who was invited to meet the President at the White House in August 2018 following a victory over Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 225 earlier that year.

Trump's sons have also supported Colby -- they were both in attendance when Covington defeated Robbie Lawler in 2019. POTUS called Colby to personally congratulate him after the fight.

So, we asked Tyron how he felt knowing the Trump family will likely be watching when he takes on MAGA Covington ... and that's when Tyron told us how he really feels about the Commander in Chief.

Woodley also says he's focused and training his ass off for the Covington fight -- and predicts a violent finish.

He also weighs in on Jon Jones -- explaining why he thinks Bones should get an immediate shot at the UFC heavyweight title ... and why he's more than capable of beating monsters like Francis Ngannou and Stipe Miocic.

Cincinnati Reds announcer Thom Brennaman says he's "ashamed" that he used a homophobic slur on air ... and says he's now dedicating himself to working with the LGBTQ community to grow from this experience.

"As many of you know, I said something hateful on the air Wednesday night," Brennaman said in a long op-ed posted on Cincinnati.com ... "something no one should ever say."

Brennaman says he didn't realize the homophobic f-word was "so rooted in hate and violence" -- and says he vows to never use it again.

"I cannot erase what I have done," Thom said. "The only thing I can do is humbly apologize, accept the consequences of my actions and resolve to be better and behave differently from now on."

Brennaman directly addresses the LGBTQ+ community ... saying, "I am truly and deeply sorry. You should never be denigrated with crude and hateful language. I failed you, and I cannot say enough how sorry I am."

Brennaman also says he has already spoken with MLB exec Billy Bean -- who's openly gay -- and Bean has agreed to work with him on how to "become a more informed person."

"I immediately plan to participate in diversity, equity and inclusion training and have reached out to PFLAG for resources and guidance," Thom said.

Brennaman -- who's been suspended by the Reds and pulled from the "NFL on FOX" schedule -- says he doesn't know if he'll ever work in broadcasting again ... but says this incident has forced him to "reflect on who I am and how I am want to be seen and thought of."

The K.C. Chiefs will no longer allow their fans at Arrowhead Stadium to wear headdresses or paint their faces in Native American style ... announcing a permanent ban on both things Thursday.

The team says it's all a part of an effort to be more sensitive toward Native American cultures ... with Chiefs officials adding there might be even more changes coming.

K.C. says it's also reviewing the "Arrowhead Chop" -- a stadium-wide chant where fans pretend they have tomahawks while screaming at the top of their lungs.

The Chiefs also say they might be doing away with their famous drum-pounding pregame ceremony too.

K.C. says Thursday's changes all come as a result of 6 years worth of discussions with Native American leaders.

"We are grateful for the meaningful conversations we have had with all of these American Indian leaders," the Chiefs said.

"It is important that we continue the dialogue on these significant topics, and we look forward to continuing to work together in the future."

Of course, others in major sports are taking similar steps ... NFL's Washington team just changed its name -- while the Cleveland Indians say they're considering doing the same.

Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri says RACE was the main reason he was disrespected and assaulted by a cop at the 2019 NBA Finals -- stating, "It's because I am Black."

50-year-old Ujiri has finally broken his silence about that bombshell body cam video which shows him clearly being shoved TWICE by an aggressive white deputy in the final moments of Game 6, as the Raptors were winning the title.

The video clearly proves the deputy was LYING when he claimed Ujiri instigated the altercation that night. Ujiri was calmly trying to present his security badge to the deputy when the guy flipped out, cussed him out and shoved Masai twice in the chest.

"The video sadly demonstrates how horribly I was treated by a law enforcement officer last year in the midst of my team, the Toronto Raptors, winning its first world championship," Ujiri said in a statement.

Ujiri says the moment should gave been one of the greatest of his life -- a reward after years of grinding -- but it was spoiled by that horrible deputy.

"I was reminded in that moment that despite all of my hard work and success, there are some people, including those who are supposed to protect us, who will always and only see me as something that is unworthy of respectful engagement. And, there’s only one indisputable reason why that is the case - because I am Black."

Ujiiri says he understands that he was ultimately vindicated because he had the resources to take on law enforcement -- and he fears for those who don't.

"The only reason why I am getting the justice I deserve in this moment is because of my success. Because I’m the President of a NBA team, I had access to resources that ensured I could demand and fight for my justice. So many of my brothers and sisters haven’t had, don’t have, and won’t have the same access to resources that assured my justice. And that’s why Black Lives Matter."

Cincinnati Reds announcer Thom Brennaman uttered an offensive, homophobic slur while calling the Reds game Wednesday ... apparently not realizing his microphone was on.

Brennaman -- who was announcing a doubleheader against the Kansas City Royals -- was heard referring to a city as "one of the f** capitals of the world."

Seconds later he snapped back into announcer mode and read a promo for the Reds Live Pregame Show ... as if nothing had happened.

But, viewers were SHOCKED ... and the clip went viral on social media in a matter of minutes.

56-year-old Brennaman has been calling MLB games since the '90s and has been the featured play-by-play broadcaster for major events like the BCS National Championship Game, the 2007 Fiesta Bowl, the 2008 Sugar Bowl ... even the 2011 Pro Bowl.

He's been working with the Reds since 2006.

BE HONEST -- would you try to get your ball back if a giant alligator tried to steal it off a golf course?!!?

HELL NO, RIGHT!?

That's the question some golfers in Louisiana had to ask themselves after a 'gator tried to join their foursome this week ... and the whole thing was caught on video.

Lane Rodrigue tells us he was playing with friends at the Idlewild Golf Course in Patterson, Louisiana on Monday when  the monster walked right on to the course and snatched up his ball.

The guys were shocked -- and jokingly debated "playing it where it lies" ... but ultimately decided to let the gator keep it as a souvenir. No one got hurt. The gator is fine.

The whole thing harkens back to "Happy Gilmore's" mentor Chubbs Peterson who famously griped that a "damned alligator BIT my hand off" ... "cut me down in my prime!"

RIP Chubbs.

Cal Ripken Jr.'s Iron Man streak is now his second-most awesome feat ... 'cause the MLB legend says he was able to beat prostate cancer in a matter of weeks!!

The 59-year-old told reporters Thursday he was diagnosed with the disease way back in February ... but, thankfully, he says he's been cancer-free since March surgery.

"The cancer was all contained in the prostate, they did a pathology report afterward and confirmed that that was the case," Ripken Jr. said.

"I’ve since had a three-month test to see if my PSA was undetectable and it was, so we can make a case that all the cancer was contained and it’s all out now."

Ripken Jr. says he was initially going to keep everything private ... but after realizing going public with his experiences could help others have similar success with the illness, he let it "slip out."

"I wouldn’t say the Iron Man contributes to it, but I was the kind of person who was thinking, ‘OK, I’ll just keep this a secret,'" Ripken Jr. said.

"But the longer you deal with it and you understand the outcome has been favorable and positive, the reason I’m letting it slip out now is I want to use the opportunity to help other people who struggle with that decision and encourage other people to go get their regular exams, get their tests."

Jake Paul is making lemonade outta the FBI's lemons ... namely that raid at his mansion, which is his inspiration for a music video shoot ... one that has some folks up in arms.

The YouTube star is casting for a new music vid "reenacting his recent run-in with the law," which is a very downplayed description of a fully armed, military-style FBI raid.

Jake's looking for a couple men to play the roles of FBI agent and paparazzi, and naturally, he's also putting out a call for tons of hot chicks. It's still a music video, and he's gotta have eye candy.

In addition to pretty women ... Jake also recruited hypercar suppliers Obi Okeke -- aka Doctor Bugatti -- and Donny Gath from iLusso OC to snag him a $300K Maybach S650 Cabriolet for the shoot.

The music video shoot appears to be happening Saturday in Calabasas, presumably at the same house that was raided, and folks are already mad at Jake and questioning him on coronavirus safety precautions.

The questions are warranted ... as we reported, Jake's Calabasas crib hosted a super sloppy boxing match last week that looked like a COVID-19 nightmare. There were tons of people crowding together, few face coverings and sweaty boxers fighting for air.

For Jake's part, he wore a mask around the neighborhood with his ex, Tana Mongeau, but some people are worried the video shoot will be a repeat of his boxing bash -- short on safety measures.

Georgia State freshman QB Mikele Colasurdo says he's been diagnosed with a heart condition after battling COVID-19 ... and he won't be able to play this season.

"Today I was diagnosed with a heart condition as a result of my COVID-19 infection," Colasurdo said.

"Unfortunately, this means that I will not be able to play this football season."

Colasurdo -- 6'1", 210 lbs -- thanked the Georgia State football program for "providing a safe environment for us to train and practice."

"Ultimately it was the procedures and tests set forth by GSU that allowed the doctors to find this condition in my heart and help keep me safe," the QB said.

"I am very thankful."

Colasurdo was the South Carolina Gatorade High School Player of the Year in 2019 -- and a finalist for South Carolina Mr. Football.

He was also expected to compete for the starting QB job in 2020 as a true freshman.

Despite the situation, Colasurdo says he'll return for the 2021 season.

Scary news out of Cleveland Browns' camp ... veteran cornerback Kevin Johnson lacerated his liver in practice Wednesday and is now in the hospital receiving treatment.

The Browns made the announcement Thursday ... saying Johnson initially complained of abdominal pain after a teammate landed on him during drills.

Turns out, Johnson was seriously injured ... with the team saying test results revealed the liver damage after he was sent to the hospital.

"Kevin is resting comfortably and is expected to remain in the hospital for at least another 24 hours for observation," the team said.

Johnson -- a Houston Texans first-round pick back in 2015 -- joined the Browns this offseason and was expected to be in the team's two-deep on opening day next month.

The Toronto Blue Jays say they're sorry players wore shirts that depicted their mascot as a homeless person ... and now, the team has officially banned the apparel from the clubhouse.

Several Blue Jays players were spotted wearing the T-shirts this month ... with pitcher Anthony Bass proudly displaying the attire on social media last weekend.

The all blue shirt featured the words "Homeless Jays" ... and showed a Blue Jay cartoon wearing tattered clothes while holding a baseball bat with a sack of belongings in it.

Of course, the shirt was meant to be a play on the Blue Jays being barred from playing games in their hometown over the COVID-19 pandemic ... but many called it straight-up offensive.

And, in a statement released by the team this week ... it agreed, apologizing for a "lapse in sensitivity" toward homeless people -- and adding they won't allow players to wear it again.

"The Blue Jays take accountability for ensuring negative stereotypes are not perpetuated and for supporting marginalized groups in our community," the team said. "The club has addressed the issue of the T-shirts with our players and they will not be worn again."

The team added, "The Blue Jays have a strong commitment to lifting up our most vulnerable through Jays Care Foundation, including a longstanding partnership with Toronto Community Housing."

Distance learning sucks if you don't have a dope computer to stay connected in school ... and Deshaun Watson knows it.

That's why the Houston Texans star QB teamed up with Reliant Energy to hand out $175,000 in tech Wednesday to students who need it!

Most Houston area schools have opted to begin the school year virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic ... creating tough situations for some families in dire financial straits.

Watson and Reliant decided to help out by working with the Comp-U-Dopt organization -- which specializes in "providing technology access and education to underserved youth."

Comp-U-Dopt says the $175k donation from Watson and Reliant will allow 500 STUDENTS to receive computers, which they can keep. How great is that!?

"Reliant will also fund afterschool student programming with Comp-U-Dopt for the next three years," the org says.

Watson didn't just cut a check -- he personally went down to the giveaway point in Houston and helped deliver the equipment to the families who needed it.

The 24-year-old baller is big in the community in Houston.

"I would say that if you walked away from practice you'd say, 'Hey, who the hell was #58!?'"

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy says Aldon Smith is KILLING it in his first official workouts with the team ... this despite the dude being away from the game for the past 5 YEARS.

McCarthy praised the hell out of the embattled pass rusher Thursday ... calling Smith's skill set "extraordinary" and his return from a long layoff "impressive."

"I'm very, very happy with where Aldon is right now," McCarthy said ... before adding, "Aldon is off to a very good start. He's impressive. Still very impressive."

It's a pretty shocking report from the Cowboys head man ... Aldon hasn't played a down in the NFL since the 2015 season -- and has battled legal troubles and substance abuse issues during his time away.

But, Smith's sober now, and he told us this offseason he busted his ass in Jay Glazer's gym in L.A. to get his body back into NFL shape ... and clearly, it's all paying off.

"You can see his power and his length is extraordinary," McCarthy said.

Smith was officially reinstated by Roger Goodell back in May.

The Cowboys open up the season in less than a month ... and seems Smith might actually be one of their starting defensive ends for the game.

Maybe Carlos Santana didn't get the memo ...

The Cleveland Indians star 1st baseman rocked a "Chief Wahoo" shirt under his jersey during Tuesday's game -- despite the team BANNING that logo back in 2019.

Remember, the team -- along with Major League Baseball -- put out a grand statement back in 2018 saying the club would officially do away with Chief Wahoo, explaining the logo was "no longer appropriate."

Critics have long said the logo felt like an insensitive, racist caricature of a Native American.

MLB and the Indians put out a joint statement saying they had "thoughtful and productive discussions" and ultimately agreed to move on from the logo by the start of the 2019 season.

The last time Wahoo was on an official Indians uniform was Oct. 2018.

So, you can imagine the shock when Santana wore the shirt during Tuesday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates ... in a monster game for Santana in which he had 2 hits and 5 RBIs. Lots of camera time.

Plus, he wore the undershirt -- without his jersey -- at the post-game presser where Wahoo was more prominently displayed.

Our MLB sources tell us ... the league is aware of the shirt -- and there are plans to talk with the Indians organization about the issue so it won't happen again.

Who would ever think of stealing from UFC knockout artist Justin Gaethje?!?!?! That's what Justin wants to know.

Gaethje says he's got photo and video evidence showing a man breaking into his garage in Denver on Wednesday and jacking his $4,500 electric hunting bike ... and now he's on a mission to get it back.

"This guy just stole a bike from my garage in Denver/Lakewood, CO," Gaethje said.

"If anybody knows a private investigator around the Denver area I’d be happy to hire him."

Justin posted a pic of the missing bike -- a Rambo R1000XP, which comes with a $4,500 price tag.

The bike is often used by hunters to move around terrain while out in the field. It's got a 28 mph maximum speed -- it's a dope bike.

When asked why he didn't confront the guy in the act, Gaethje explained, "I was in the middle of doing yard work, came in for 15 minutes. I walked out 8 minutes after he left."

We've reached out to cops in the area to find out if Gaethje filed a police report and if an investigation has been launched.

So far, no word back -- but some advice... if you stole Justin Gathje's bike, GIVE IT BACK BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!

Gaethje is one of the most violent men in MMA -- recently destroying Tony Ferguson, which paved the way for an upcoming showdown with Khabib Nurmagomedov.