TMZ Sports - Page 50

LaMelo Ball fans no longer have to shell out $400 for his signature kicks -- the Charlotte Hornets baller just revealed his first shoe with Puma ... and they come with a far-from Big Baller price tag!!

Remember, Melo left the family brand and signed a huge deal with PUMA last August ... and on Tuesday, announced his first collab with the brand will be out in December.

The kicks are called the MB.01s and look pretty dope -- with Nitro Foam in the midsole, a red colorway and wings on the side.

The sneakers also feature the words "Rare" on the sole, "Melo" on the heel and "1 of 1" on the tongue.

The sneaks also have "Not From Here" etched in front of the laces -- 'cause get it? Melo's outta this world!!

"The phrase 'Not From Here' means kind of like you’re an alien," Melo said in an interview (Sorry, Demi Lovato).

"You’re not from here, you’re something nobody’s ever seen before. You’re one of one. Something like that. It’s real different."

The best part?? Melo's new shoe is a LOT cheaper than his BBB MB1 -- like $270 cheaper -- so it's great news for fans looking to cop the new kicks.

You may have seen the Rookie of the Year rocking them at the 2021 NBA Summer League ... and they'll be available for everyone come December.

Dwyane Wade's 19-year-old son is following in his dad's footsteps and taking his talents to the professional level -- Zaire Wade is set to sign a G League deal and join the Utah Jazz affiliate!!

The 6'2", 175-pound hooper was a 3-star high school prospect alongside Bronny James at Sierra Canyon ... and most recently suited up for Brewster Academy in New Hampshire for a post-grad year.

Zaire reportedly got looks from programs like South Carolina, DePaul, Nebraska, Toledo and Rhode Island ... but on Tuesday, it was reported he will forego college to play for the Jazz's Salt Lake City Stars, according to Shams Charania.

Of course, Wade is part-owner of the Jazz, so it makes sense to have his son join the organization as a player.

It's big shoes to fill -- D-Wade is a surefire Hall of Famer after 16 seasons with the Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers ... averaging 22 points a game and winning 3 NBA titles.

J.R. Smith's up-and-down first college golf tournament has just hit a new low ... he stepped in a beehive while playing a hole Tuesday and required medical attention.

The former NBA player -- who joined North Carolina A&T's golf team this year -- was playing in his final round at the Elon Phoenix Invitational at in Burlington, NC, when he hit a wayward shot on the 12th hole.

Smith -- according to witness Jared Bunder -- went into the woods to search for the ball ... but then stepped on a pile of bees.

Images from the scene show Smith was clearly in some pain -- he rubbed his foot/ankle area repeatedly -- and he ultimately required assistance from on-site medics.

Smith, per Bunder, let other groups play ahead of him while he received the medical care.

Smith's scorecard shows he was able to return to action, though, finishing the 12th hole with a double bogey. He then rebounded to card a par on the ensuing Par 4 13th.

So far, Smith is 2-over through his first four holes of his final round.

As we reported, Smith didn't have the best start to his first tourney with North Carolina A&T ... logging scores of 78 and 83 in his first two rounds. He's currently in 81st place.

Ben Simmons has reported to Philadelphia ... and while that may be surprising to fans, it was even more shocking to the 76ers, who reportedly had NO IDEA the NBA star was planning to show up Monday night.

Simmons copped a flight from L.A. to Philly and pulled up to the Wells Fargo Center shortly before the Sixers' preseason game to receive a COVID-19 test ... officially kickstarting his process to rejoin the squad.

But, as ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports, Simmons did not give Philly a head's up on his arrival ... which had to have made things pretty freakin' awkward when he popped up out of nowhere.

25-year-old Simmons has been trying to force his way out of Philly for months ... even reportedly willing to miss out on millions in order to get his way.

But, the Sixers called BS' bluff, withholding 25% of his salary -- which comes out at more than $8 MILLION -- and handing down fines for missed practices and preseason games, which were piling up rapidly.

While it's still possible Simmons never suits up for the Sixers again, it's far more likely he will play for Philly while both sides either try to kiss and make up or find a reasonable trade to ship him outta town.

Simmons is set to meet with Sixers brass on Tuesday ... and we're sure that'll be completely drama-free.

Chuck Liddell was arrested early Monday morning for domestic violence ... and the UFC legend is currently sitting in a Los Angeles jail cell.

TMZ Sports has learned the L.A. Sherriff's Department received a call about a fight at a Liddell's Hidden Hills home. When cops arrived, they investigated ... and determined the 51-year-old former fighter was involved in a verbal argument that turned physical.

We're told the alleged victim is Liddell's wife. She did not require medical attention.

Chuck was taken to jail ... where bail was set at $20,000. He's listed at 6'2" and 240 pounds on his booking sheet.

Of course, Liddell -- AKA The Iceman -- was once one of the UFC's biggest stars and best fighters in his heyday ... with wins over Tito Ortiz, Vitor Belfort, Randy Couture and Alistair Overeem.

Liddell last fought Ortiz in 2018 ... and last year, said he was retiring for the time being.

Liddell has stayed in the fighting scene in retirement ... recently serving as referee for the Aaron Carter vs. Lamar Odom Celebrity Boxing match.

Story developing ...

Jon Gruden is out in Las Vegas ... but there will still be a Gruden on the Raiders' staff.

Jon's 27-year-old son, Deuce Gruden, is staying put in his role as an assistant strength and conditioning coach with the team, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported late Monday night.

Of course, Deuce is accused of no wrongdoing ... but it's interesting nonetheless, given the way Jon was ousted on Monday.

As we reported, Jon resigned in disgrace following reports that he sent multiple emails from 2010 to 2018 that contained anti-gay and misogynistic language.

In a statement revealing his intentions to step down as Raiders head man, Jon said he was "sorry" for it all ... adding, "I never meant to hurt anyone."

Deuce, meanwhile, has yet to publicly comment on the situation ... but it's clear, he's not letting it affect his job status with the team.

Deuce was initially hired on Jon's staff after the 58-year-old took over the head coaching reins in 2018.

Tommy Pham is finally revealing what his back looked like the night he was stabbed at a strip club in San Diego ... and it's GRUESOME.

The Padres star remembered the one-year anniversary of his stabbing by posting a photo of his slash wound ... and you can see, the 33-year-old is clearly lucky to still be alive today.

The picture shows Pham was gashed by a blade from the back of his right hip all the way to the back of his left hip -- leaving a deep, bloody wound.

As we previously reported, Pham was stabbed after he got into an altercation with several people in the parking lot at Pacers Showgirls International on Oct. 11, 2020 ... and he says he needed 200 stitches to close the wound.

Pham -- who ended up suing the club over the incident, claiming its employees and security didn't do enough to help protect him -- ultimately made a full recovery and played well in 2021.

The outfielder logged time in 155 games, hitting 15 home runs and stealing 14 bases ... and based on his social media post Monday, it's obvious he's proud of what he overcame.

It's somehow getting worse for Jon Gruden, because his emails don't just include racist language ... now there's a report he also used homophobic slurs aimed at Roger Goodell.

Gruden, who already apologized for a racially insensitive email he fired off in 2011, reportedly referred to the NFL Commissioner as a "f*****" and "clueless anti-football p****" ... according to emails obtained by The New York Times.

Gruden also reportedly wrote Goodell should not have pressured former NFL coach, Jeff Fisher, to draft "queers" in 2014 ... referencing Michael Sam, the first openly gay player drafted into the NFL.

The alleged homophobic language might not sit well in Gruden's locker room ... he's currently the coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, who have defensive lineman Carl Nassib on the roster, the first active player who is openly gay.

According to The New York Times, Gruden fired off the emails from 2010 to 2018, when he was out of pro football and working as an analyst for "Monday Night Football" on ESPN.

Gruden reportedly aimed homophobic slurs at Goodell in several instances, as well as using other offensive language to describe NFL owners, coaches and media.

Even Barack Obama and Joe Biden were reportedly mentioned in Gruden's emails ... with Gruden ripping Obama during his 2012 re-election campaign and referring to Biden as a "nervous clueless p****."

As we reported ... Gruden's been on the hot seat since a 2011 email was uncovered, where he says NFL Players Association president, DeMaurice Smith, had "lips the size of Michelin tires."

Gruden apologized for the racist email a second time Sunday, after his team lost to the Chicago Bears, saying he doesn't "have an ounce of racism in me."

The new report also says Gruden mocked Caitlyn Jenner in his emails, after she received an award from ESPN in 2015 following her transition.

Gruden's currently in the 4th year of a 10-year, $100 million contract to coach the Raiders ... and it's unclear if he faces any discipline.

Tyson Fury, 2-time heavyweight champion of the world, undefeated (31-0-1) with wins over Deontay Wilder (twice) and Wladimir Klitschko ... the greatest heavyweight ever?!?

Hell no, according to Oscar De La Hoya ... who, standing with his girlfriend Holly Sonders, tells TMZ Sports the Gypsy King is certainly one of the greatest of this generation -- but not the best ever.

"Of all-time? All-time? So, you're disrespecting Muhammad Ali?" the former 6 weight class world champ fired back at our guy.

FYI, 6'3" Ali finished his legendary career with a 56-5 record ... with wins over George Foreman, Sonny Liston (twice), Joe Frazier (twice), and Ken Norton (twice).

For what it's worth, just minutes later, Ali's grandson, pro fighter Nico Ali Walsh told us Fury was a top 5 heavyweight ... and a bout between TF and his grandpa would be the greatest fight ever.

So, maybe not that crazy of a question.

Even if De La Hoya isn't ready to put Fury above Ali ... he still believes the trilogy fight was incredible.

"I thought it was a beautiful fight. I'm happy that Tyson and the Bronze Bomber gave us an amazing performance," Oscar said.

"I promoted the Bronze Bomber for 40 fights, and he always had a heart. So, I'm glad that they gave us a beautiful fight."

Jon Gruden apologized for his racially insensitive 2011 email once again on Sunday ... insisting he's not a racist and telling reporters, "I can't tell you how sick I am."

The Las Vegas head coach met with media members just minutes after the Raiders' 20-9 loss to the Bears ... and it wasn't long before Gruden had to answer questions about an 11-year-old email that contained racist language.

"I apologize for the insensitive remarks," the 58-year-old said. "I had no racial intentions with those remarks at all."

If you missed it ... during a probe into allegations of workplace misconduct in the Washington Football Team's organization, an email Gruden had sent to a team exec had been discovered by NFL investigators.

In the body of the message, Gruden had said NFL Players Association president DeMaurice Smith had "lips the size of Michelin tires."

Gruden initially apologized on Friday, claiming the comment was not a racist one ... but rather a unique way of calling Smith a liar.

On Sunday, he reiterated that stance yet again ... adding, "I stand here in front of everybody apologizing. I don't have an ounce of racism in me."

"I'm a guy that takes pride in leading people together. I'll continue to do that for the rest of my life. And again I apologize to D. Smith and anybody out there that I have offended."

Gruden said he had yet to meet with NFL officials over the email ... but acknowledged that could happen in the next few days.

It's unclear if the coach faces any discipline. League sources said Friday a probe was ongoing.

Raiders owner Mark Davis, meanwhile, said Gruden's words were "disturbing" and added, "we are addressing the matter with Coach Gruden."

Even after retirement, Michael Jordan still finds ways to break records ... 'cause a game-worn patch card he signed just sold for $2.7 MILLION, an all-time high price for a piece of His Airness' memorabilia.

The rare card is a 1997-98 Upper Deck -- and it's considered one of the greatest hoops cards ever made.

It features M.J.'s autograph, a swatch of the jersey that he wore during the 1992 NBA All-Star Game, and it's limited to just 23 copies.

But, more importantly, it's believed to be the first card to ever feature both a piece of a game-worn jersey and a signature -- which experts say make it truly historic.

"It makes sense that this card -- and the innovative new designs and card styles that it spawned in the industry -- is one of the most pivotal in our hobby," said Ken Goldin, president of Goldin Auctions, which auctioned off the piece Monday.

"Owning this card is like owning a sliver of MJ's legacy and we were very proud that we were trusted with this record-breaking transaction."

The card is also an important piece because the '92 All-Star was the one where Magic Johnson made his return to the NBA after retiring before the 1991-92 season.

The previous record for Jordan memorabilia was held by a different version of the card -- numbered 21/23 -- which sold for $2.1 million at Goldin Auctions earlier this year.

Baker Mayfield's wife is going OFF on fans blaming the Browns QB for Sunday's loss ... saying all the haters need to "wake up" and quit being so ungrateful.

Baker and Co. fell to 3-2 after a heartbreaking 47-42 loss to Justin Herbert and the Chargers at SoFi Stadium ... with #6 going 23-32 for 305 yards and 2 touchdowns in the effort.

Despite having an overall decent game, some fans criticized the 26-year-old signal-caller for not coming away with the dub.

Enter Mrs. Mayfield, who fired back at all the anti-Baker hate with a passionate Instagram post Monday morning.

"For all you fans who are blaming yesterday’s loss on Baker, wake up," Emily said. "It was one hell of a game and that game could have gone either way. He left it all on the field."

Baker's wife of 2 years says he has worked his ass off since he joined the team in 2018 ... and hasn't received the acknowledgment he deserves from the fans.

"You truly don’t know what you have. I have watched him give his all and change the entire  culture in Cleveland, yet he gets so little credit for it."

"He never asks for recognition and continues to carry the weight, day in and day out, despite the hate."

Emily calls for the Dawg Pound to start supporting the guys on the team instead of tearing them down all the time ... saying, "The hate does nothing for them."

The Philadelphia Eagles fans initially believed to be banging in a bathroom stall at the Carolina Panthers' stadium Sunday were NOT arrested over the incident ... TMZ Sports has learned.

A rep for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department tells us officers were dispatched to a men's bathroom during the Eagles vs. Panthers game at Bank Of America Stadium ... but they could not confirm if the couple was, in fact, engaging in intercourse.

Instead, we're told the cops simply arrived due to reports of a woman in the men's bathroom -- which, they say, is a violation of stadium policies.

The CMPD spokesperson says the couple was taken out of the stall and escorted out of the venue ... but they were not ultimately arrested.

Still, video from the scene showed the whole incident created quite the spectacle regardless.

In clips filmed by witnesses in the bathroom, you can see several males crowded around the stall while the two were in it.

Unclear exactly what was going down behind the closed door -- cops only said the two were fully clothed when they arrived on scene.

Jon Gruden could lose his job over his 2011 racist email ... so says Raiders legend Tim Brown, who claims firing the head coach is on the table for Las Vegas owner Mark Davis.

"If Mark thinks that there's a problem here, Mark will make a move," Brown said over the weekend during an interview with "SiriusXM NFL Radio," according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

"That's how serious Mark is about this kind of stuff. Mark is not going to play this racist stuff. He's not going to allow this stuff to happen."

In a 9-year-old email that Gruden sent to a Washington Football Team exec ... Gruden used racist language to criticize NFL Players Association president DeMaurice Smith.

"Dumboriss Smith has lips the size of Michelin tires," Gruden wrote.

Gruden -- who was an analyst for ESPN at the time -- has apologized vehemently for his language ... but has insisted there were no racial undertones to it.

Instead, Gruden claimed he was just trying to use a different wording of "rubber lips" -- a phrase he says he often uses to describe liars.

Regardless, Brown said he could see Davis bringing out the axe and starting a search for a new head coach over Gruden's words.

"He loves Gruden," Brown said of Davis, "but he loves things being right more than he loves Gruden."

For his part, Brown defended his former head coach -- who he played for with the Raiders from 1998 to 2001 -- saying he does NOT believe the 58-year-old is a racist.

"The way I talk about Gruden, people think he's my dad or something because I have that kind of admiration for him," Brown said.

J.R. Smith's officially a college golfer -- the 36-year-old made his debut at a tournament on Monday ... and it may not have gone the way he was hoping.

The ex-NBA star suited up for North Carolina A&T on the first day of the Elon Phoenix Invitational at the Alamance Country Club in Burlington, NC on Monday ... and he had a pretty solid start, hitting 2 birdies in his first 5 holes.

But, after making par on holes 10-14, Smith carded 7 bogeys and a double-bogey to finish out with an 81 (+7) ... just 6 spots above last place.

Look, there was no way the former All-Star was going to come in and wreck the competition, but the fact he's even out there doing his thing is pretty awesome ... and he looked damn good, too.

Smith will be able to work on his score during the second round of competition -- which got underway -- and we'll be keeping an eye out to see what he does on the links!!

Big shout-out to Smith for putting in the work and getting this far.

Muhammad Ali vs. Tyson Fury would be the GREATEST FIGHT OF ALL TIME ... period, so says The Greatest's grandson, professional boxer Nico Ali Walsh.

TMZ Sports talked to the 21-year-old, 1-0 boxer ringside following the Fury-Deontay Wilder trilogy fight ... and we asked him how Fury would've fared against his legendary grandfather.

"That would be my favorite fight to watch. That would be the greatest fight of all time. The press conferences would sell out, the weigh-ins would sell out. The fight would sell itself," Ali Walsh said.

Okay, okay ... this obviously is nothing more than a fantasy matchup, a dream fight ... but it's fun to imagine.

Picture Fury and Ali -- 2 of the best talkers the sport has ever seen -- on the mic before the fight. Then, once in the ring ... wow.

We also asked Nico where Fury ranks all-time ... and it's clear how highly the young fighter thinks of the Gypsy King.

"I’ve always said that Tyson Fury is the greatest Heavyweight of my era, and I gotta say that Deontay is number two. And that's what Tyson said. It was an amazing fight tonight."

But, where does Tyson rank all-time?

"I’d put him in the top five heavyweights of all-time. He’s unlike any other heavyweight." Ali Walsh told us.

And, who'd win that fantasy matchup between Fury and Ali?

Well, Nico has an idea ... but even he admits he might not be the most objective her.

"I'm biased, but I'd say my grandfather all the way."