TMZ Sports - Page 50

Horrible allegations of racism being hurled at Real Salt Lake owner Dell Loy Hansen -- with former players and staff describing him as an n-word-dropping racist, akin to Donald Sterling.

Andy Williams -- a former RSL player, who later worked for the team -- told The Athletic, "He's a f**king racist, to be honest."

"I’ve been in situations where it’s like Donald Sterling. He says something, and it’s like, ‘Oh my God, what did he just say?’ It’s Donald Sterling part 2."

"It’s just unbelievable. It’s crazy how he doesn’t see that the stuff that he says affects people."

The bombshell report also describes a 2014 incident in which Hansen used the n-word twice when speaking with the team equipment manager.

Two years later, The Athletic reports Hansen made racially charged comments to FC Dallas player Kellyn Acosta, who scored a goal in the club's victory over RSL.

After the game, Hansen allegedly told his general manager, "When are we gonna lynch this guy?" while directly in front of Acosta.

Former RSL defender Aaron Maund described another disturbing incident when Hansen saw him wearing a hoodie on an elevator in the stadium and told him, "Oh my God, I thought you were a thug."

As we previously reported, Hansen has been under fire over the past few days for comments he made about protests and demonstrations surrounding the Jacob Blake shooting.

Hansen compared watching the protests to being stabbed and said the player demonstrations had "taken a lot of wind" out of his sails.

NBA star Donovan Mitchell was furious about DLH's comments ... and publicly called for him to sell the team.

Tom Brady says he'll look to his teammates to help him address social issues ... saying he'll "listen and learn" from their experiences to face them head-on.

TB12 was asked about the protests, boycotts and other actions taking place around the league and throughout the world of professional sports ... and Brady did his best to give the safest answer he possibly could.

Brady didn't offer his opinion on the Jacob Blake shooting -- nor did he reveal his personal feelings about superstars like LeBron James refusing to take the court for NBA playoff games this week.

Players around the league look to Brady as a leader and we know there are people looking to take their cues from him as the most high-profile athlete in football.

But so far, he's not really saying much.

Meanwhile, Drew Brees wore Jacob Blake's name on his helmet during practice this week in a show of support with his New Orleans Saints teammates.

Hell, even Cincinnati Bengals rookie QB Joe Burrow offered a strong opinion this week, saying, "How can you hear the pain Black people are going through and dismiss it as nothing?"

It is a MIRACLE neither Derrick Lewis nor his young son were injured in an ATV crash at their home ... in an incident caught on video.

The UFC superstar pulled out an ATV on his driveway and invited his young son to sit on his lap ... when things went terribly wrong.

The boy accidentally grabbed the handlebar, which caused the vehicle to accelerate -- zipping right into a stone planter area.

Somehow, Derrick was able to maintain control of the ATV and kept it from flipping over -- eventually bringing it to stop.

Neither Derrick nor his son were wearing helmets or any other kind of safety gear when the incident took place.

Afterward, Lewis posted the footage to social media and said, "We're OK."

But, it's clear the UFC community -- a bunch of tough people -- were rattled.

Dana White commented, "Very lucky."

Jon Jones added, "Geez, Hope the little guy wasn’t too shaken up."

Michelle Waterson said, "Yikes. Glad you're ok."

We reached out to Lewis to find out more about the incident -- we'll let you know when we hear back.

By the way, Lewis is reportedly gearing up to fight Curtis Blaydes on Nov. 28.

The Milwaukee Bucks didn't just boycott for Jacob Blake -- they reached out to his family and sent an autographed jersey to lift their spirits.

"I'm from Chicago, but now I am truly a Milwaukee Bucks fan," Jacob's father, Jacob Blake Sr., said on CNN.

"They reached out to my son, sent him a jersey that was signed by the whole organization ... that made him smile."

Blake was shot in the back 7 times during an incident with the police in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He's paralyzed from the waist down -- but his father says he's still handcuffed to his hospital bed.

With so much negativity still swirling around him, Jacob's father says he's committed to only bringing positivity to the bedside ... and credited the Bucks for helping him out.

"The thing that made him smile was the Milwaukee Bucks. That made him smile."

Jacob Sr. says he's a former athlete and what makes the gesture from the Bucks even more special is the fact they're currently in the playoffs,

"I understand the sacrifices those young men made, and I understand that it's playoff time and they're making these sacrifices."

The Kobe Bryant tributes continue to roll in for the newest edition of NBA 2K ... with the late Lakers legend receiving the mural treatment in the game's "neighborhood."

As we previously reported, the Black Mamba's presence will be heavy in NBA 2K21, which drops next week ... with a "Mamba Forever" edition featuring Bryant on two different covers for the current and next-gen consoles.

Fellow cover athlete Damian Lillard also teamed up with Snoop Dogg and Derrick Milano to make a song about Kobe for the game's soundtrack.

2K Sports revealed yet another tribute for Bryant in a new teaser Friday ... displaying a mural in his honor while showing off the game's new Neighborhood -- "2K Beach," a play off Venice Beach.

For those who aren't hip to the game, the Neighborhood is where players can go to play against other gamers, improve their avatar and participate in other events.

Of course, Bryant was a big part of 2K's success for years ... and was featured on the cover numerous times.

The Chicago Bears want to make it clear ... they do NOT endorse Brian Urlacher's IG post, criticizing NBA players for being outraged over the shooting of Jacob Blake.

Urlacher -- a Hall of Famer who spent his entire 13-year NFL career with the Bears -- set social media on fire Thursday ... by taking a shot at the NBA boycott.

"Brett Favre played the MNF game the day his dad died, threw 4 TDs in the first half, and was a legend for playing in the face of adversity,” Urlacher's post said.

"NBA players boycott the playoffs because a dude reaching for a knife, wanted on a felony sexual assault warrant, was shot by police."

Urlacher also appeared to "like" a social media post that said, "Free Kyle Rittenhouse,” the 17-year-old who allegedly shot and killed two people who were protesting the shooting of Jacob Blake.

The backlash was fast and furious ... with several high-profile outlets trashing Urlacher.

Isaiah Thomas wrote, "That’s sad smh. He’s a real life sucka for that."

Quentin Richardson added, "And To think I used to cheer for this dude as he played for my Bears!! F*ck outta here Urlacher!! U trippin!"

Ex-Bears running back Matt Forte -- who played with Urlacher -- said, "The comment [Urlacher] posted is void of empathy, compassion, wisdom and coherence. But full of pride and ignorance!"

"I pray for those who have been blinded by their wealth, privilege and earthly fame that breeds arrogance in their hearts."

"And those who refuse to Acknowledge racism and injustice but instead choose to place their energy into justifying it by quickly judging the victims life as if they themselves are more valuable because their sins are different or weren’t caught by man ... but God sees all."

Enter the Bears organization ... which quickly issued a statement on the matter.

"The social media posts in no way reflect the values or opinions of the Chicago Bears organization."

This girl is incredible!!!

12-year-old skateboarding sensation Sky Brown is already taking her talents to new heights -- literally -- just 2 months after suffering a devastating injury.

Remember, Brown was training at Tony Hawk's skate park when she had a bad wipeout ... suffering skull fractures, a broken wrist, broken hand and a black eye.

But, Sky wasted no time getting back on the board again ... and now she's even taking on greater challenges by attempting to tackle pro Elliot Sloan's mega ramp!!!

Why's it called a mega ramp, you ask?? Uhh, 'cause it's freaking MASSIVE!!!

But, that didn't bother one bit to Sky, who took a few moments to compose herself ... and then nailed the ramp within her first few tries.

"Sky was the first girl to jump the mega at my place and she made it look easy," Sloan said of the accomplishment.

"Not only did she clear the gap but she did the full line. She blew us all away and I can't wait to see what's next for her."

Oh ... and for those freaking out, Hawk makes sure to point out there was an airbag ready to catch Brown, just in case.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver is finally speaking out about the boycotts that rocked the league -- saying, "I understand the pain, anger and frustration that so many of us are feeling in this moment."

Silver issued a league-wide statement to players and staff explaining his thoughts on the outrage over the shooting of Jacob Blake ... and says he's working with players on ways the league can help players take meaningful action.

"First, let me say that I wholeheartedly support NBA and WNBA players and their commitment to shining a light on important issues of social justice," Silver said.

"While I don't walk in the same shoes as Black men and women, I can see the trauma and fear that racialized violence causes and how it continues the painful legacy of racial inequity that persists in our country."

Silver says he spoke with NBA players, coaches and team governors on Thursday -- with the hope of figuring out the next steps to "further our collective efforts and actions in support of social justice and racial equality."

"The discussion centered around how we can best collaborate to address a broad range of issues, including increasing access to voting, promoting civic engagement, and advocating for police and criminal justice reform."

Silver says the league will have a finalized plan, which will be made public, later today.

"I understand that some of you feel the league should be doing more. I hear you -- and please know that I am focused on ensuring that we as a league are effecting real change both within our organization and in communities across the country."

Silver says he wants to encourage players to continue to speak out and work with the league on making real change.

"We are always here to support you."

He's got a lot going on right now -- but LeBron James found time to write a love note to his wife on her birthday.

"My beautiful strong ambitious driven committed loving amazing woman I call my queen, my best friend, my love, my wife," Bron wrote Thursday evening in an IG post to Savannah James.

"I scream from the damn bubble happy birthday! Please enjoy your day, your weekend, your moment in time! I love you!"

35-year-old LeBron and 34-year-old Savannah were high school sweethearts back in Akron, Ohio. They got engaged back in 2011 and married in 2013. They have 3 kids together -- Bronny, Bryce and Zhuri.

LeBron has had his hands full lately -- not only leading the Lakers during the NBA playoffs in the bubble in Orlando, but taking on President Trump and others who have been critical of his social justice action over the past few weeks and months.

Rayshard Brooks' widow can't be more thankful for LeBron James and the rest of the NBA taking a stand with their boycott ... and she's hopeful true change is on its way.

Tomika Miller tells TMZ ... she beamed with pride after the Lakers and the rest of the NBA teams decided to boycott Wednesday's playoff games to bring attention to police brutality following the shooting of Jacob Blake and the 17-year-old who allegedly shot and killed 2 protesters in Kenosha, WI.

Tomika says there's a huge difference between her taking a stand at her workplace versus the NBA -- and several MLB, WNBA and MLS teams for that matter -- boycotting games. The size of the platform matters, and she says it brings a bigger spotlight on the plight of Black Americans.

Tomika said the players' actions let people like her know the "little people" are not forgotten by the privileged. As you know by now, Tomika's husband, Rayshard, was shot in the back and killed in June after cops found him asleep at the wheel at an Atlanta drive-thru.

When officers tried to handcuff him, a struggle ensued -- Brooks grabbed an officer's taser and ran before he was shot in the back 3 times. Making matters worse ... the family lawyer says cops waited more than 2 minutes to even check on Brooks once he was down.

Blake also was shot in the back ... 7 times at point-blank range by Kenosha, WI police officer Rusten Sheskey.

One of Floyd Mayweather's top business associates is so outraged over the recent police shootings, he wrote up a new police reform proposal in the hopes of fixing the system.

Brent Johnson is the CEO of One Entertainment -- and handles international business deals for Floyd Mayweather. He also has a law degree.

Johnson has drawn up a 6 point document titled, "Amendment Proposal for American Police Policy Reform" which lays out his plan.

AMENDMENT 1 – Zero Tolerance for Racial Bias and Violence Against Minorities (5-5-5 Plan)

Any officer who has 5 confirmed incidents involving racial bias within a 5-year period will be hit with a nationwide ban on employment in law enforcement, in any capacity, across the country.

AMENDMENT 2 – Racial Representation In The Police Population (The 70% Rule)

Lute Olson -- one of the greatest college basketball coaches of all time -- has died, his family confirms. He was 85.

The University of Arizona legend passed away Thursday while in hospice care in Tucson.

Olson led the men's hoops program for U of A for 25 years -- from 1983 to 2008 ... bringing home a national championship in 1997.

That team featured future NBA stars like Mike Bibby and Jason Terry.

He was a 7-time PAC-10 Coach of the Year and brought 5 different teams to the Final Four.

And, get this ... starting in his 2nd year at Arizona, Olson's teams made the NCAA tourney in 23 straight seasons!!!

Olson was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002 -- while he was still coaching! He retired 6 years later.

His record at U of A is insane -- 589 wins and only 187 losses.

In the years after his retirement, Olson became a fixture at all Arizona home basketball games and often traveled to road games in California.

On April 12, 2018, The University of Arizona honored Olson with a statue outside the McKale Center on campus.

Some of the stars who played under Olson include ... Steve Kerr, Damon Stoudamire, Gilbert Arenas, Richard Jefferson, Luke Walton and Channing Frye.

He also coached Kenny Lofton -- who went on to become a big MLB star.

Olson is survived by his wife, children and several grandchildren.

Shocking hot mic video of NY Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen trashing MLB commish Rob Manfred over a proposed social justice stunt ... saying Manfred "just doesn't get it."

Van Wagenen was speaking with people at the Mets media podium Thursday -- and clearly doesn't realize the mics are on.

He proceeds to detail a conversation with Manfred in which the Commish proposed a compromise where Mets players make a symbolic gesture to acknowledge the Jacob Blake shooting during Thursday's game ... but then ultimately play the game instead of boycott.

Van Wagenen says Manfred's proposal went like this -- "You know what would be really great? If you just have 'em all take the field [at 7:10], then they leave the field and then they come back and play at 8:10."

Van Wagenen claims he pushed back against Manfred's plan -- telling Mets COO Jeff Wilpon, "Jeff, that's not happening."

Van Wagenen says he made it clear the player would not be playing -- but explained, "That's Rob's instinct. And, Rob -- exactly what you and I were talking about -- at leadership level he doesn't get it. He just doesn't get it."

"Anyway, we're waiting -- Jeff wants to hear, as soon as we hear from the Marlins, whatever we do we need to coordinate with the Marlins. So as soon as Conforto hears from Rojas -- Miguel Rojas -- let me know because Jeff is standing by for that call ..."

We're out to MLB for comment. So far, no word back.

8 Nebraska football players have filed a lawsuit against the Big Ten Conference ... in hopes to reverse the decision to postpone the 2020 season.

Long story short ... the players claim there was no transparency about what happened behind the scenes leading up to the decision to postpone the season ... and they're demanding answers.

The suit points to Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren who announced there had been a vote of Big Ten presidents and chancellors who had overwhelmingly voted in favor of pushing the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

But, the players say they don't believe there was an actual vote -- claiming reps from multiple Big Ten schools have made public statements that there was no formal vote.

If there was no vote, the players believe the decision to push the season is invalid -- and they're demanding a judge get to the bottom of the issue asap.

The players include linebackers Garrett Snodgrass, Jackson Hannah and Garrett Nelson ... along with defensive tackle Ethan Piper, safety Noa Pola-Gates, wide out Alante Brown and linemen Brant and Brig Banks.

Attorney Mike Flood, who reps the players, issued a statement saying, "This lawsuit isn't about money or damages, it's about real life relief."

"These students athletes have followed all the precautions, underwent regular testing, and lived according to the prescribed guidelines of the world-class experts at UNMC all for the chance to play football in Sept."

The NHL is following the MLB, NBA, WNBA and MLS' lead ... with the league officially postponing games following the Jacob Blake shooting.

"After much discussion, NHL Players believe that the best course of action would be to take a step back and not play tonight’s and tomorrow’s games as scheduled," the league announced Thursday.

The decision comes after several players -- including Matt Dumba and Evander Kane -- criticized the league's response to the boycotts sweeping the sports world.

The NHL says they support the players' wishes ... and will make up the games starting Saturday.

NHL continued ... "Black and Brown communities continue to face real, painful experiences. The NHL and NHLPA recognize that much work remains to be done before we can play an appropriate role in a discussion centered on diversity, inclusion and social justice.

As we previously reported ... the NBA kickstarted a massive movement on Wednesday after the Milwaukee Bucks elected to stay in the locker rooms in protest ... and have since agreed to continue the season.

"We understand that the tragedies involving Jacob Blake, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others require us to recognize this moment," the NHL added.

Tennis superstar Naomi Osaka has reversed course -- and WILL resume playing a major tournament on Friday after initially opting out in the wake of the Jacob Blake shooting.

Earlier this week, the 22-year-old champ announced she would no longer participate in the Western & Southern Open semi-finals match, scheduled for Thursday.

At the time, Osaka explained ... "Before I am an athlete, I am a black woman. And, as a black woman, I feel as though there are much more important matters at hand that need immediate attention, rather than watching me play tennis."

"I don't expect anything drastic to happen with me not playing, but if I can get a conversation started in a majority white sport I consider that a step in the right direction."

After her statement, Osaka says she spoke with reps for the WTA and USTA -- and has decided to resume playing,

"As you know, I pulled out of the tournament yesterday in support of racial injustice and continued police violence," Osaka said in a statement Thursday.

"I was (and am) ready and prepared to concede the match to my opponent. However, after my announcement and lengthy consultation with the WTA and USTA, I have agreed at their request to play on Friday."

"They offered to postpone all matches until Friday and in my mind that brings more attention to the movement."