TMZ Sports - Page 12

Ex-NBA player Gerald Wilkins allegedly punched a woman and a man at an Atlanta gas station around 3 AM -- and that's why he was arrested for battery, TMZ Sports has learned.

We broke the story ... Gerald Wilkins -- younger brother of NBA legend Dominique Wilkins -- was arrested on August 18 and faces 3 criminal charges, including battery.

Now, we've obtained the police report which spells out the allegations against him ... and it's not great.

Wilkins told cops he got into an argument with a female rideshare driver who refused to let him inside her car unless he ordered correctly through the app.

The driver claims Wilkins got so heated, he punched her in the shoulder -- and that's when 2 male witnesses jumped in to break it up.

One of the male witnesses claims he was punched in the face by Wilkins during the melee.

A 3rd witness, who was pumping gas at the time, seemed to back up the female driver's story ... that Wilkins was the instigator.

Wilkins says he called 911 and claimed to be the real victim -- telling the operator he was attacked.

But, cops didn't believe Gerald's story -- and ultimately arrested him.

Records show he's facing 3 criminal charges -- 2 counts of misdemeanor simple battery and 1 count of misdemeanor criminal trespass.

Nikki Bella's spent barely 3 months in her dream home living next to her sister ... but the dream's over 'cause she's putting the house on the market.

The "Total Bellas" star listed her 5-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom pad for $1,995,000. It sits on a 10,000-square-foot lot inside an exclusive, 16-home gated community.

Anyway, the crib's what you'd expect from a WWE star, who designed it from start to finish. The house is really nice ... huge wood-beamed ceilings, a sub-zero and Wolf appliances, 3 fireplaces and a custom wine/sitting room.

Now here's what's interesting ... this season's "Total Bellas" centered around Nikki building her dream house, hoping twin sister, Brie would become her badass neighbor, which is exactly what happened. They joked if they got on each other's nerves, Nikki could just up and sell the house. No word if that's what happened here.

It's more likely Nikki and her fiance, Artem Chigvintsev, just need more room for their new baby boy. She gave birth to the couple's first child earlier this month. Movin' on up!!!

"I'm going in there hoping to kick his ass pretty quick!"

That's Pat McAfee laying out his gameplan for beating Adam Cole at NXT TakeOver XXX ... with the ex-NFL punter telling TMZ Live he thinks he's got a real shot to win!!

Of course, McAfee's never professionally wrestled in his life ... but he's had a serious bone to pick with Cole ever since the wrestling star blew up on him on his show last month.

If you missed it ... the scene was crazy -- Pat made a comment implying Cole had used other wrestlers to grow his status -- and Adam WENT OFF!!

Cole got in McAfee's face, yelled and screamed ... and even pushed one of Pat's coworkers!!

The two have since had some dust-ups in the NXT ring ... with Pat legit PUNTING Cole in a confrontation two weeks ago!!

But, most believe as a pro wrestler ... Cole's got Saturday's official matchup in the bag -- although McAfee says he feels he's got destiny on his side!!

"My entire life," McAfee says, "I always thought that I was born for the professional wrestling world."

Pat tells us being an athlete with a huge personality has set him on this path ... and he's hoping to lay the hammer down quickly on Adam in the squared circle.

"I'm getting an opportunity to put up or shut up," Pat says. "And, I'm excited to see how it goes."

"Greetings. Welcome to the Death Star, where our opponent's dreams come to die."

Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis gave a helluva pump-up speech before the first practice at the new Allegiant Stadium on Friday ... introducing the team's state-of-the-art facility and revealing its official 'Star Wars'-themed nickname.

"My father always said that the greatness of the Raiders is in its future. Well today, that future really starts."

Of course, Friday marked the first time the team practiced inside the new stadium ... which, might we add, is really badass.

Davis hit the players with some inspirational words and a number of cliches ... but overall, the guys have to be jacked to get to play in this thing.

The NFL owner said the stadium was "built on the backs of thousands of players coaches, administrators, and fans, who for the past 60 years have proudly worn the Silver and Black ... adding, "This is our field of dreams. This is our house."

"The stadium's personality will be defined by you, so take pride every time you step on this field wearing those famed black jerseys and silver helmets. You are the Raiders. There will be many personal accomplishments out here on this field."

There's more ... it's good stuff!!!

"Someone on this field today will make the first tackle, somebody will score the first touchdown and somebody will make the first interception, but most importantly ... it is what we do as a team."

What sucks is that fans won't be able to experience the epic Death Star until next season (maybe) ... but at least the games are on schedule to happen on location in 2020.

THIS IS HOW PEOPLE DIE!!

No, not the O.J. part of the video ... THE NO MASK PART OF THE VIDEO!!

(Though maybe the O.J. part of the video, too).

Point is, this is O.J. Simpson holding court Thursday night at a Vegas hot spot with no regard for the COVID-19 pandemic.

You can see in the video ... O.J. was up close and personal with a bunch of people at JING lounge in Summerlin. He's like the mayor out there.

Obviously, Juice is allowed to go out and have dinner ... but it seems he was pretty cavalier with the mask situation -- barely anyone around him appeared to be wearing one as they crowded around each other for a fun night out.

The place was rockin' -- with bottle service, music and fans asking O.J. for pics (yes, seriously).

In fact, an unmasked Simpson wrapped his arm around a female admirer for a photo just like it was pre-COVID times.

Problem is ... Nevada ain't exactly in the clear yet.

The state has reported 64,433 total confirmed cases and 1,185 total COVID-19-related deaths ... with 849 new cases reported over the past 24 hours.

Wanna know what a hand looks like after its been through hamate bone surgery???

No? Well, Tommy Pham just showed off the results anyway -- and it's all GROOOOSSSSS!!!!

The San Diego Padres star busted up the bone last weekend fouling off a pitch ... and went through surgery at some point in the last few days to get it all fixed.

Seems the operation went well ... but when Tommy showed off a pic of the aftermath -- it was gnarly!!!

Check out the wound ... there's stitches. It's purple. It's yellow. It's nasty.

Good news is, Pham is only set to miss around 4-6 weeks ... and should be able to help the Padres at some point in their playoff run in September.

And, if we're keepin' it real, it's not like S.D. needs him all that much at the moment anyway ... have you seen all the grand slams they've been hitting lately?!?!

2019 World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg might be DONE for the season ... and the team says it's all 'cause of an ailment you get from typing too much!!!

Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez said Friday the ace could have season-ending surgery due to carpal tunnel syndrome -- a nerve issue in the wrist.

Of course, the injury is commonly brought on by people who spend too many hours at a keyboard ... but Strasburg clearly got it from hurling curveballs and 95 mph fastballs.

Strasburg had complained of tingling and numbness in his hand prior to taking the bump this season ... and ultimately went on the IL last week over the injury after only starting 2 games.

Martinez says the 32-year-old saw a hand specialist this week ... and the Nats got the bad news Friday.

It's a huge blow to the team ... Stras was arguably the biggest reason the Nats won the World Series last season -- and not having him for a postseason run could spell an early exit.

The NHL is coming out STRONG against announcer Mike Milbury -- condemning a stupid, sexist comment he made on air.

Milbury was calling the Islanders vs. Capitals game on Thursday when his partner brought up the league's "bubble" environment on the air.

That's when Milbury chimed in ... saying it's great place for the hockey players because there are "Not even any women here to disrupt concentration."

OOPS.

The 68-year-old former player's comments were met with immediate criticism on social media.

Hockey writer Hannah Stuart tweeted her disapproval, saying, "What Milbury says here isn't just sexist, it's dangerous. Hockey culture already has enough of a problem re: seeing women as lesser than."

Journalist/professor Nicole Kraft added ... "Misogyny alive and well in @NHL broadcast booth/bubble."

And, now the NHL is going after him too ... saying:

"The National Hockey League condemns in the insensitive and insulting comment that Mike Milbury made during last night's broadcast and we have communicated our feelings to NBC."

"The comment did not reflect the NHL's values and commitment to making our game more inclusive and welcoming to all."

Milbury's no stranger to controversy -- he faced criticism just last week for calling out Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask for opting out of the playoffs to be with his family.

Jon Jones choked out Ryan Bader in 2011, but the Bellator champ-champ wants another crack at the UFC legend ... admitting he just wasn't the complete fighter he is now.

TMZ Sports talked to Bellator's 37-year-old light heavyweight and heavyweight champ -- who's taking on Vadim Nemkov at Bellator 244 Friday night -- about his history with Jones ... and Bader made it very clear he's got revenge on his mind.

"I would love to have that [Jon Jones] fight. It'd be a big fight," Bader says.

"Hell yeah, I would love to do some sort of cross-promotion with him or any of the guys over there."

Remember, Jones submitted Bader via a guillotine choke during the 2nd-round of their UFC 126 fight nearly a decade ago.

RB admits he was a 1 trick pony back then ... but that ain't the case anymore.

"We fought way back in 2011 and whatnot. I had no idea what I was doing back then besides wrestling. Mentality, skill set, physicality, it's all 100% different."

Proof?

Bader hasn't lost since 2016, has 2 belts, and has wins over Fedor Emelianenko, Ovince St. Preux, and Rashad Evans.

As exciting as the thought is of a UFC-Bellator cross-promotion featuring 2 elite fighters ... the reality is, it probably ain't gonna happen.

However, former top 5 ranked UFC light heavyweight Corey Anderson just signed with Bellator ... and he's in Bader's division.

So, does Ryan think Anderson's worthy of jumping the line and getting an immediate crack at his title??

It's The People's XFL now!

Dwayne Johnson -- AKA The Rock -- says the deal to buy the XFL is officially DONE ... and he can't wait to get to work.

As we previously reported, Rock and his partners -- Dany Garcia (Rock's business partner and ex-wife) and RedBird Capital (led by Gerry Cardinale) -- made a $15 million deal to take over Vince McMahon's beloved pro football league after it filed for bankruptcy earlier this year.

The deal was approved in bankruptcy court earlier this month -- and Rock says all of the I's have finally been dotted and the T's have been crossed.

"The deal is official closed and 'the keys' to the XFL have been handed over," Rock says.

"I humbly accept and promise to put my callouses to hard work building our new brand. Congrats to my partners @DanyGarciaCo & #GerryCardinale and our sharp, hungry team."

Rock included a graphic of the "key" -- which says the word "Mana" ... a Polynesian word for spiritual power.

No word on Rock's timeline to bring back the league -- but his good friend, Dana White, advised the WWE legend to get moving ASAP because there's a hungry market for live sports.

White even offered to council the XFL on how to properly navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, as he has done himself with the UFC.

It was long-rumored that 74-year-old Vince McMahon personally jumped off a 10-foot platform before WrestleMania 36 to ease Rob Gronkowski's fears ...

Turns out, IT'S TRUE -- AND THE WHOLE THING WAS CAPTURED ON VIDEO!!!

The whole incident was captured by "WWE 24: WrestleMania: The Show Must Go On" [h/t ProWrestlingSheet] -- which shows everything that happened behind WWE's biggest event of the year.

Remember, the event was taped on March 25 and 26 -- and aired on April 5 and 6 -- featuring Gronk serving as the "host" of the 2-day PPV event.

One of the big 'Mania moments featured Gronk jumping from the platform -- but before that happened, Vince McMahon personally walked the NFL star through the stunt.

Again, VINCE IS 74 YEARS OLD AND THREW HIMSELF OFF A PLATFORM!!!

No sweat for Vince! Gronk noted that the stunt was more like a "trust fall" with spotters.

In the end, Gronk executed his jump perfectly -- winning the WWE 24/7 title in the process!!

Daddy's BACK!!!

NBA guard Mike Conley has cleared quarantine and will play for the Utah Jazz on Friday ... just days after leaving the NBA bubble to witness the birth of his new baby son, Elijah.

As we previously reported ... it was a QUICK turnaround for the vet -- the 32-year-old left the Orlando bubble on Sunday and rushed to Ohio be with his wife, Mary, who was due on August 27.

The new baby knew dad had work to do, so Elijah cut to the chase and entered the world later Sunday night ... with papa present for the big moment!!

Conley rushed back to the bubble on Monday and entered a 4-day quarantine in hopes of being ready for Game 3 of the Jazz's first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets ... and it's just been made official he will suit up on Friday, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

It couldn't have been better timing for Conley -- his squad is currently tied 1-1 with the Nuggets ... and Utah's got momentum after a huge Game 2 win.

Tony Stewart says it's time for NASCAR to welcome back Kyle Larson after it fired him over his use of the n-word ... saying this week, "he served his penalty long enough."

"NASCAR has gotta get off their ass and do the right thing and give this kid an opportunity to get back in a car," the racing legend said in an interview with CBS Sports.

"I think he's paid his penalty and he's served the penalty long enough where you know we've had similar instances in the sport that have happened and the penalties didn't last as near as long as this has lasted with Kyle."

As we previously reported, 27-year-old Larson dropped an n-bomb during a virtual race back in April ... clearly not realizing his audio was streaming out to people watching along on Twitch.

After crashing during a lap, Larson apparently had a difficult time communicating on his headset and radioed out, "You can't hear me? Hey, n*****."

Larson vehemently apologized afterward -- but NASCAR and several of Larson's biggest sponsors (including McDonald's and Credit One Bank) dropped him HARD.

Stewart says the cancellation of the guy has gone on long enough ... and he's urging the sport to bring Larson back ASAP.

"It's changed Kyle's world, it turned everything upside down and not only did it affect him, it affected his family and a lot of other people that didn't deserve to be affected," Stewart said.

"So I think it's been long enough. I think it's time for NASCAR to get off their ass and to do the right thing and allow him to come back to the series now."

For his part, Larson said in an interview with the Associated Press this week he's grown tremendously since the incident ... adding, "I was just ignorant. And immature."

WARNING: THIS VIDEO WILL MAKE YOU SQUIRM!!!

A Philadelphia Phillies pitcher was hit square in the groin by a 105 mph line drive Thursday ... and the ball caught so flush with the guy's man junk -- he needed a cart to leave the field.

Relief pitcher Jose Alvarez was facing Blue Jays outfielder Lourdes Gurriel in the bottom of the 5th -- when LG launched a comebacker that found its way straight into Alvarez's crotch.

Alvarez was able to shake off the pain for long enough to get the out at first ... but immediately after, the dude crumpled to the grass, wincing and grabbing his ding dong area.

Jose was down on the field for several minutes ... before, eventually, trainers loaded him onto a cart to take him into the locker room.

Unclear the extent of Jose's injuries ... but dude did give a wave on his way off the diamond -- a decent sign everything might be all right after all.

But, man. Yikes.

LSU head coach Ed Orgeron says he NEVER knew of alleged Derrius Guice sexual assault ... insisting a report to the contrary is "completely false."

As we previously reported ... 2 former LSU students told USA Today Sports that the former Tigers superstar RB raped them at their own apartments after nights of heavy drinking.

One of the women says she passed out on her bed and has flashback memories of Guice assaulting her.

She also says it was all particularly troubling because her boyfriend at the time was Guice's teammate on the LSU football team.

In the report, the boyfriend alleged Orgeron had at least some knowledge of the incident ... and says the coach brushed it all off to him when they had a conversation about it.

In fact, the boyfriend said to USA Today Sports that Orgeron had told him, "everybody’s girlfriend sleeps with other people."

Orgeron, however, fired back at the report in a lengthy statement Thursday night ... saying he had absolutely ZERO knowledge of an alleged Guice assault.

"The anonymous quote attributed to me by a former player in USA Today is not accurate," the coach said. "Out of respect for the young man's privacy, I will not reveal the full details of the conversation. What I will say is that a player came into my office to discuss transferring from our program."

"We also discussed the player's relationship challenges with his girlfriend. I told him what I would tell my own sons: 'We all experience heartbreak growing up. Do not throw away a promising academic and football career at LSU because of a personal obstacle.'"

"Any insinuation that I had knowledge of his girlfriend and Derrius Guice is completely false."

Orgeron added that he is complying with investigators ... saying, "The sexual assault allegations made against Derrius Guice should be taken very seriously and the alleged victims must be heard and supported."

Ron Rivera has announced he's been diagnosed with a form of skin cancer -- but says it won't stop him from coaching then Washington Football Team in 2020.

58-year-old Rivera informed his players Thursday night he's undergoing treatment for squamous cell carcinoma located in a lymph node.

The coach says it's "very treatable and curable."

Rivera told ESPN's Adam Schefter, "I'm planning to go on coaching. Doctors encouraged me to do it, too. They said, 'If you feel strongly, do it. Don't slow down, do your physical activities.' But everyone keeps telling me by week three or four, you'll start feeling it."

Rivera says he first discovered an unusual lump on his neck back in July -- and followed up with a doctor. He was formally diagnosed with cancer just two weeks ago.

"I was stunned," Rivera said ... "But I was angry because I feel like I'm in the best health I've been in."

"I'm going through the proper treatment. This will be fine."