TMZ Sports - Page 16

Khabib Nurmagomedov met with another world leader this week -- the Head of Dagestan -- and it sounds like he's staying retired.

Khabib sat down with Sergei Melikov, the acting Head of the Dagestan Republic -- who praised Khabib for bringing a "great victory to our people" with his UFC 254 win over Justin Gaethje.

"Khabib, you became the pride of not just your family and your people but the pride of Dagestan," Melikov said in an interview captured by RT Sport.

"Dagestan takes your victory as its own and celebrates it as its own win."

Of course, Khabib announced his retirement from MMA in the moments after the fight -- and even left his gloves in the octagon in a symbolic gesture.

UFC president Dana White recently said he's been talking to Khabib about returning for one last fight -- but when Khabib was talking with Melikov, he didn't sound like a man contemplating a comeback.

Khabib said fighting after the death of his father was difficult -- "The emotions in this fight were completely different. Everything was completely different without my father."

"I was offered the fight [with Gaethje] right after everything happened. I had the decision to accept it or turn it down -- nobody knew about this -- or retire."

"Or I could come back, fight and then retire. Now I tell the people close to me that aren’t happy with me retiring that even if I fought 10 more times, I’d still have to face that decision."

"This decision could come up when I’m 32, 34, 35. It’s a hard decision because I’ve been fighting all my life. I’ve been on the mats for as long as I remember. It’s difficult to leave and do something else. People can’t understand it, but what can you do?”

So, what will Khabib do? His father wanted him to retire with a 30-0 record. He currently sits at 29-0.

A Holy Grail collection of Patrick Mahomes cards is up for sale ... and some of the pieces in the set are so rare and unique -- the asking price is a cool $7.5 MILLION!!!

The owners of the cards -- 29-year-old Robert DeArmitt Jr. and his wife, Heidi -- tell TMZ Sports the collection took about 3 years to amass ... and it all started as an investment project for the couple back in 2017.

According to Robert, he and Heidi saw Mahomes play often as Texas Tech fans ... and they just had a feeling the quarterback was going to be a beast after being drafted by the Chiefs -- so they started acquiring pieces.

Robert says one of his first big purchases was a $275 card that he bought shortly after Mahomes' first start as a rookie in K.C.

That card, Robert says, is now worth around $400K!!!

In total, Robert says he and his wife poured in around $20,000 making the collection ... and they're now looking to part ways with over 33 of the pieces for a small fortune.

Robert tells us he's already had "7-figure offers" for the set ... but he says he believes at its floor, the collection is worth AT LEAST $7.5 mil.

As for the cards in the collection ... most are 1-of-1 prints -- aka the only versions of the pieces in existence.

Almost all of the cards have some sort of Mahomes autograph or patch ... and most have perfect Gem-Mint 10 grades on them.

Robert's listed it all on eBay ... and, yeah, there is a "best offer" option.

Ex-MLB prospect Brandon Martin has been convicted of killing three men -- including his disabled father -- with a baseball bat back in 2015 ... and could now face the death penalty.

27-year-old Martin was a promising young shortstop in the sport ... and was a first-round pick of the Tampa Bay Rays in 2011.

Martin killed his 64-year-old dad, 58-year-old uncle and a 62-year-old alarm installation worker at their family home in Corona, CA in September 2015.

The details are gruesome ... Martin beat the men with a black bat inscribed with his name before stealing the alarm installer's truck and fleeing the scene.

The following day, law enforcement spotted the pickup truck ... and Martin tried to escape before ultimately ditching the vehicle, breaking into a house and jumping from a 2nd-story window in an attempt to get away.

Martin was charged with 3 counts of first-degree murder ... as well as a number of other charges stemming from the incident. He pled not guilty and the case went to trial.

A jury started deliberating earlier this week ... and after 4 hours, Martin was found guilty on all 7 counts, including all 3 first-degree murder charges.

The conviction makes Martin eligible for the death penalty ... which is being sought by the District Attorney.

Carl Lentz -- best known as Justin Bieber's former pastor and mentor -- says his church booted him because he cheated on his wife.

A day after the Hillsong East Coast church announced they'd fired Pastor Lentz over "leadership issues and breaches of trust, plus a recent revelation of moral failures," Carl revealed those failures included infidelity.

Lentz says ... "I was unfaithful in my marriage, the most important relationship in my life and held accountable for that. This failure is on me, and me alone and I take full responsibility for my actions."

The pastor says he's deeply sorry, admits he failed to live up to the standard of a church leader and understands a change needed to be made because of his actions.

Lentz says he's now on a journey of rebuilding his relationship and trust with his wife, Laura, and their kids ... and shared a family photo at a formal event.

Lentz is famous, of course, because of his close relationship with Bieber ... there's a Hillsong church in L.A. too. Lentz and JB were inseparable for years and the singer considered him a friend and spiritual mentor ... at least up until mid-2018.

As we reported ... they had a major falling out around then, and it was contentious enough that Carl had trouble spitting out a congratulations to Justin when he got engaged to Hailey Baldwin.

The Biebs has continued to attend Hillsong on the west coast, but he and Carl were clearly no longer buddies as the pastor continued to lead the Hillsong NYC location.

Delonte West's still got it!!!

The ex-NBA star has taken his recovery to the hardwood ... hitting the basketball court to brush up on his skills this week -- and the dude looks GREAT!!!

The 37-year-old has looked better by the day as he bounces back from troubled times -- from horseback riding to skydiving to kayaking as part of his treatment process.

West was even spotted polishing his handles and jumper during a workout in Florida on Nov. 2 ... and we're told he was in great spirits!!!

Instagram user og__chris19 tells TMZ Sports ... Delonte was talking about how he was happy to be back on the court, focused on recovery and getting better.

Get this -- we're told West even said he wanted to get into coaching in the future.

It's been an amazing sign of progress for West since Mark Cuban picked him up at a Dallas gas station back in September ... and it's clear he's working hard on staying committed.

Gervonta Davis' rep has issued an official "no comment" in regards to claims the boxing star was involved in a hit-and-run crash in Baltimore early Thursday morning.

Here's the deal ... cops are investigating a hit-and-run incident that took place around 2 AM in South Baltimore -- where witnesses told officers a Lamborghini blew through a red light and hit another vehicle.

There is police scanner audio where cops describe the car in question as a 2020 Lamborghini with no tags.

Local reports out of Baltimore say the car is a Lamborghini Urus, a very expensive SUV. There is footage of Davis driving off in a tricked out Urus with no tags after his victory over Leo Santa Cruz on Saturday.

When cops arrived at the scene, the car responsible for the crash had fled -- despite several people sustaining injuries in the wreck.

We spoke with police who told us they would not comment on if Davis was a suspect.

Gervonta was reportedly celebrating his birthday at a nearby nightclub before the hit-and-run crash. The club is located less than a mile from the crash scene.

At this point, Davis has not been arrested or charged with a crime. The investigation is ongoing.

As for the victims, we're told everyone in the car sustained at least minor injuries. One person was transported to a hospital.

Tennis star Alexander Zverev is adamant he did NOT put his hands on his ex-girlfriend ... saying the recent allegations made against him are simply not true.

The 23-year-old German's ex-GF, Olga Sharypova, went public last week with claims he hit her head against a wall, twisted her arms and tried to strangle her with a pillow in August 2019.

Zverev quickly responded with a statement of his own ... saying the accusations are "unfounded."

"I very much regret that she makes such statements," the #7-ranked player in the world said. "Because the accusations are simply not true. We had a relationship, but it ended a long time ago."

"Why Olga is making these accusations now, I just don't know."

Zverev was asked again about the claims after beating Miomir Kecmanovic at the Paris Masters tournament on Wednesday ... doubling down on his innocence.

"I have said everything on my Instagram," Zverev said. "There is nothing else I can add right now. I’m here to play tennis."

"I mean, the relationship, as I said, has been over for a very long time."

Odell Beckham can somehow make a knee brace look cool -- with the Cleveland Browns superstar rockin' his new accessory on his birthday ... and it's #fashion.

It's been a tough time for OBJ -- the WR went down with a torn ACL injury two weeks ago ... which required season-ending surgery.

The 28-year-old showed face to celebrate his big day Wednesday night ... hitting up David Grutman's Komodo restaurant in Miami with girlfriend Lauren Wood and other close friends nearby.

"28 at midnight, wonder what’s nexts for me...," Odell said with a pic by celeb photog Julian Otavo hours before his birthday ... showing the WR sporting a swaggy outfit with his new brace on his left knee.

Odell's former teammate, Saquon Barkley -- who also, unfortunately, tore his ACL earlier this season -- respected Beckham's 'fit for the evening ... saying, "Drip with the brace on ya dig 😤"

There are many questions surrounding OBJ's NFL future as rumors circulate his time in Cleveland is over ... but one thing's for sure -- a bit of a rough patch isn't gonna stop him from celebrating the big 2-8.

Troy Aikman is demanding justice for an SMU student who was shot and killed on Halloween ... with the Hall of Famer pleading with the public to come forward if they have any information on the case.

Dallas police in Texas say at around 3 AM on Saturday ... 19-year-old Robert “Jaden” Urrea was pronounced dead with a gunshot wound near bars in downtown.

Cops say in surveillance video of the incident ... they could see Urrea interacted with a white, 4-door car -- when suddenly the vehicle sped off and Urrea crumpled to the ground.

Urrea's family members said in a statement Jaden was "maliciously shot in the chest at close range" ... and they claim the violent act was completely unprovoked.

"We strongly believe this was a drive-by shooting, unprovoked, committed by complete strangers," Urrea's family said.

Now, Aikman is urging anyone with information on the case to contact the Dallas Police Department ... posting a flier to his social media page Thursday and adding the hashtag "#JusticeforJaden."

A $25,000 reward has been set up for the capture of the suspects ... with Urrea's family saying, "Our family is working with Crime Stoppers to offer a substantial reward for information that leads to the indictment of the responsible individuals."

Cops say they're knee-deep in an investigation into the incident ... and add the car they're seeking information on is "possibly a Ford with a sunroof and custom wheels."

Cody Bellinger's 2020 is SO MUCH BETTER than yours ... 'cause just a few days after he won the World Series -- he got put into a big role in an uber-popular video game!!

The L.A. Dodgers superstar announced Wednesday he'll be a character in the newest installment of the Assassin's Creed series ... and his avatar looks awesome!!

Bellinger says his in-game character will be named Otta Sluggasson ... and, of course, the game-version of Belli will wield a big, spiked baseball bat and wear eyeblack.

Belli and the creators of the game, Ubisoft North America, released footage of the outfielder in the creating process of the avatar ... and it ain't hard to see Cody loved all of it.

Bellinger tested out weapons, got his face scanned, and even did a voiceover for the role!

As for a description of the virtual Bellinger ... video game creators say Otta is a "Dane with a knack for hitting rocks very very far."

Checks out to us!

Another day, another COVID scare in the NFL ... this time, it's the Houston Texans closing its team facility after a player has tested positive.

"We were informed last night that a Texans player has tested positive for COVID-19," the team said in a statement on Thursday morning.

"In consultation with the NFL and medical experts, we have made the decision to close the facility and conduct all operations virtually today."

The player has NOT been identified by the team -- there are reports it's a linebacker.

The noted the player in question "immediately self-isolated and contact tracing has begun."

"We will follow the NFL’s intensive protocols and guidance regarding the team’s operations. The health and safety of our team, as well as our entire staff, are of highest priority."

The Texans are slated to play the Jacksonville Jaguars this weekend. So far, that game is still scheduled to be played as planned.

Lamar Odom's fiancee says she's called off their engagement -- and is raising new concerns that he's backsliding in life.

"Y'all know I'm honest and transparent so I have to be the first to let you guys know that I am no longer engaged to Lamar," Sabrina Parr posted Wednesday night on IG.

"This has been a difficult decision for me to make but it is the best for myself and my children."

Here's the troubling part ...

"Lamar has some things that he alone needs to work through," Parr said.

"I love him dearly but I am no longer able to be by his side while he seeks the help he so desperately needs."

Parr did not specify what she's concerned about -- but Odom's issues are no secret. He's struggled with substance abuse over the years and nearly died from an overdose during a 2015 incident at a Nevada brothel.

"I wish him all the best and I am asking that you pray for everyone involved," Parr added.

40-year-old Odom had proposed to Parr (a fitness and life coach) at Myles Chefetz's Prime 112 restaurant in Miami back in November while dining with pal Nene Leakes.

They had only been dating for 3 months at the time but felt there was a connection.

Wanna play Kenny Chesney's guitar? Or slip on George Clooney's watch? How about a designer bag from Jennifer Aniston's closet? You've got a shot and it's all for a good cause.

Here's the deal ... Kenny, Jen and a bunch of other celebs are marking Veterans Day this year by supporting Homes for Our Troops and raising funds with a massive online auction. Other items going to the highest bidder include a dress worn by Mindy Kaling and a chance to hang on set with Jake Gyllenhaal.

The auction opens Tuesday -- the day before Veterans Day -- and it's being spearheaded by George, Mindy, CNN's Jake Tapper and Wynonna Judd. This year's auction looks a little different due to the pandemic, and a bunch of famous folks are offering zoom hangouts in lieu of meet and greets.

George's watch, Jen's Louis Vuitton tote and Kenny's guitar are all autographed ... and there's a bunch of signed sports memorabilia from NFL players like Jimmy Garoppolo, Baker Mayfield, Chandler Jones and Jimmy Graham.

Get in your bids before the November 17 deadline, and you could win a zoom chat with celebs like Ben Stiller, Bryan Cranston, Dave Matthews, Elizabeth Banks, Jerry Seinfeld and Olivia Wilde.

NBA forward Alize Johnson's mom says she was at a loss for words when she was gifted with a new house ... telling TMZ Sports she was BLOWN AWAY by her son's huge gesture.

As we previously reported, the 24-year-old Indiana Pacers player surprised his whole family with a new home in Williamsport, PA ... as a "thank you" for helping him reach his dreams as a professional NBA player.

We spoke with Johnson's mom, Chanelle, about the incredible moment ... and she broke down exactly what it was like to be surprised with the new digs!!

"I'm very proud, very proud and just speechless," Chanelle told us. "Speechless for the things that he's done and just his heart and his humility through the whole process."

"But, he's always been a humble kid but just to see him take care of us before his self is just -- it's mind-blowing."

As for who gets to decorate the new crib, the hooper says he only has a few requests.

"I told them, 'When we move in, listen. I don't care about anything but just let me deck the basement out and the outside pool and stuff like that,'" Johnson tells us.

"That's the only thing I was concerned about but beautiful house, beautiful neighborhood and we're gonna have some good memories there and I'm looking forward to my siblings getting in there and having it to remember growing up."

The San Francisco 49ers are the latest team to shut down their facility due to COVID-19 ... just one day before they're supposed to take the field for "Thursday Night Football."

The news broke minutes ago ... with ESPN's Adam Schefter saying Niners wide receiver Kendrick Bourne tested positive for coronavirus one day before their game against the Green Bay Packers.

The decision to shut down the team's facility was made as a "precaution," per the report ... and the organization will now go through the process of contact tracing to prevent further spread.

The report comes on the heels of the Pack's own COVID-19 nightmare -- running back AJ Dillon tested positive earlier this week ... and linebacker Kamal Martin and running back Jamaal Williams were placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list after being deemed close contacts.

The NFL has yet to comment on the status of 'TNF' ... but it's not looking great.

LeBron James is pleading with citizens of Akron, Ohio to help police in a murder case involving his good friend's sister ... saying Wednesday, "My city I need y’all to go to work."

Bron's lifelong pal, Brandon Weems -- who's the Cleveland Cavaliers' director of scouting -- lost his sister earlier this week in what officials have ruled a homicide.

According to News 5 in Cleveland, 37-year-old Ericka Weems was found by family members in Akron on Monday with a gunshot wound to her head.

Cops say they've launched an investigation ... but so far, they've made no arrests and say they've yet to identify any suspects.

LeBron is pleading for help to change that ... begging people of his hometown of Akron to come forward if they have any knowledge of the case.

"AKRON OHIO!!" LeBron wrote Wednesday on Twitter. "My brother’s sister was murdered this past weekend in her home! My brother family need answers to why and by whom."

"My city I need y’all to go to work and find out who did this awful, shameful, disgusting thing to such a caring, loving angel! #Justice4EricaWeems."

LeBron and Brandon's friendship goes back decades ... with MLive reporting the two met at Pee Wee football when they were little kids.

The two went on to become teammates on their St. Vincent-St. Mary H.S. basketball team ... and Bron grew so close to Brandon, he's called him his "brother" repeatedly in interviews over the years.

Akron detectives are urging people to call 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2TIP if they have any information regarding the case.

A reward of up to $5,000, meanwhile, has been offered for information by Summit County Crimestoppers as well.