TMZ Sports - Page 50

Huge win for female handball teams across the world -- players will no longer have to wear bikini bottoms for uniforms ... as the International Federation just reversed its sexist rule that sparked outrage.

Remember, the European Handball Federation made headlines back in July for fining each player 150 euros (almost $177 in USD) for wearing shorts instead of bikini bottoms ... which was considered a uniform violation.

The garment switch was a protest by female players to highlight the unfairness that men wear long shorts while women have to wear tiny bikini bottoms.

Even singer Pink was pissed about the controversy and offered to pay the players' fines.

No one will have to empty their wallets anymore ... 'cause the federation reversed the dress code and is now allowing women to wear shorts.

In the updated International Handball Federation rulebook -- women "must wear short tight pants with a close fit that are in accordance with the graphics."

The previous rule was to wear bikini bottoms "with a close fit and cut on an upward angle toward the top of the leg" ... and if you didn't, you would be fined or disqualified.

The new ruling will go into effect in January 2022.

Norwegian Handball Federation President Kåre Geir Lio told NBC News on Monday that this reversal is a big step toward gender equality in handball.

"I think it’s good for the game," Lio said, "but first of all, it’s good for the women, and it’s good for how we treat each other in sports."

Bill Belichick is just like everyone else in New England, mourning the death of Boston Red Sox legend, Jerry Remy ... who passed away after a year 13-year battle with cancer over the weekend.

The Patriots coach ended his weekly interview on WEEI ... memorializing the 68-year-old former player (infielder) and broadcaster of over 3 decades.

“Before we sign off, I just wanted to say to all of our fans out there, who are mostly Red Sox fans, how much we all are saddened by Jerry’s passing and how much he meant to all of us, the connection that he was to the Red Sox, his voice in the game and (how great) it was for the fans,” Belichick told the guys.

The 6x Super Bowl-winning head coach continues ... “He meant so much to Boston sports as a player and as an announcer, and his commentary of the game and insight into the game."

"We’ll all miss him. I know our fans are Jerry Remy and Red Sox fans, too, so our sympathy goes out to the Remy family. I just want to express my and all of our appreciation for all that he did to make Boston sports enjoyable and exciting for all of us. We’ll certainly miss him.”

The Red Sox also released a statement on Remy's death, with team owner John Henry saying ... "We are saddened by the loss of a beloved player, broadcaster, and 13-year cancer warrior."

Remy -- who played 7 seasons for the Sox as a 2nd baseman -- was inducted into the team's Hall of Fame in 2006.

Jerry -- who was born in Massachusetts -- was last seen at Fenway on October 5 for the Wild Card game against the New York Yankees. He threw out the first pitch to former teammate and broadcast partner, Dennis Eckersley.

Kal Penn says he's sharing his life story -- including the fact he's gay -- to let others know that you can do anything while being true to yourself, like say ... being a gay NASCAR fan.

We got the actor, politico and now author leaving 30 Rock Monday morning in NYC, and asked how his coming out over the weekend is being received in Hollywood and beyond.

Check out this chat we had ... Kal says so far so good, and when our guy asks why he waited 11 years to share his truth -- he cracks a hilarious joke, but then opens up.

Kal explains his manager suggested he pen his adventures on and off camera -- y'know, seeing how he went from a successful actor, getting tons of work ... to a White House staffer working in the Obama administration. Obviously, he had good material.

On a philosophical level ... KP tells us he's coming out with all this now -- including his relationship with fiance, Josh -- in hopes of inspiring others to dream big, dare to do the impossible and push themselves.

Kal even dishes on some deets from the book, including the tale of how he came to meet his partner ... which entails an interesting tidbit about the "real revelation" here -- the fact that he's apparently super into NASCAR.

More trouble for NASCAR -- Kyle Busch is apologizing for using the r-word in a post-race interview on Sunday ... saying he should have never used the derogatory term.

Busch was furious with Brad Keselowski after making contact with the driver at the NASCAR Cup playoff race at Martinsville ... sounding off to reporters following his 2nd-place finish.

"He drills my ass coming out of (turn) 4 for no reason," Busch said after the race.

"I mean, where was he going? What was he gonna do? Spin me out? He was trying to do a (Kevin) Harvick is what he was trying to do. For what? For second place? To do what, he wasn't gonna transfer through with that."

"It’s frickin’ (r-word), man. So stupid." Busch added. "I don't understand these guys. I should beat the s*** out of him right now, is what I should do. But, that doesn't do me any good, either."

Busch took to Twitter to share his regret over using the term ... saying, "In one of my post-race interviews I used a word I should never use and I want to apologize for it."

It's the third time a high-profile driver has used a derogatory slur recently -- remember, Kyle Larson was suspended after using the n-word during a stream ... and Hailie Deegan underwent sensitivity training after using the r-word.

A spokesperson for NASCAR says the org. is reviewing Busch's comments ... which means sensitivity training, a fine or a suspension could be on the horizon.

The sack reaper??

That’s what Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett called himself on Halloween … dressing up as the Grim Reaper -- in a costume that featured an impressive list of QB's he's sacked.

Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Tom Brady, Russell Wilson, and Ben Roethlisberger all made the cut ... and had their names painted on the back of the Grim Reaper's back.

The costume was pretty cool ... Garrett was draped from head to toe in black, and rocked an orange mask. He even had a scythe.

We know the Browns defensive lineman takes Halloween very seriously. Remember, Garrett placed headstones of quarterbacks he sacked on his lawn in front of his Cleveland home.

The guys above weren't the only NFL stars to make the Reaper's back ... Cam Newton, Deshaun Watson, Jimmy Garoppolo, Jameis Winston and rookie QB Justin Fields also made the list.

A POTUS, a golf superstar and a model walk into a party ...

That's what went down Sunday night ... 'cause former President Donald Trump schmoozed it up with golfer Dustin Johnson and Paulina Gretzky during a Halloween bash at his Mar-a-Lago Club in Florida.

DJ, his fiancée and friends socialized with #45 during the gathering -- with Trump greeting Paulina with kisses on both cheeks, saying, "You look great."

While Johnson sported a tennis pro outfit and Gretzky went with a Baywatch uniform, Trump appeared to either ditch the costume dress code or go as himself ... and both options are pretty believable.

So, what did the group talk about?? You can bet Trump talked DJ's ear off about all things golf ... and probably even challenged him to hit the links together.

It's been a busy weekend for The Donald -- as we previously reported, he showed up with Melania at Game 4 of the World Series in Atlanta on Saturday ... and was shown smiling from ear-to-ear and giving two thumbs up to the crowd.

Unsurprisingly, Trump's appearance didn't go without controversy -- he was spotted joining fans in the "Tomahawk Chop" ... which has been deemed racist and offensive to Native American culture.

Jameis Winston could potentially be out for the season with an injury, but that didn't stop the QB from dancing his ass off with his crutches to celebrate a huge Saints win over Tom Brady and the Buccaneers!!

Jameis went down with a possible ACL and MCL injury in the second quarter of New Orleans' matchup with Tampa Bay on Sunday ... after getting hit by TB linebacker Devin White.

While an emotional Sean Payton said Winston's injury could be "significant" -- and reports claiming it could be season-ending -- ya wouldn't be able to tell by Jameis' spirits in the locker room after the game ... 'cause the dude was dancing up a storm!!

C.J. Gardner-Johnson's Instagram Live session caught the whole celebration after the 36-27 victory ... with all the players dancing as Nardo Wick's "Who Want Smoke??" blares in the background.

The injury is a huge bummer for Winston and the Saints -- he had been playing well with 14 touchdowns, just 3 interceptions and a quarterback rating of 102.8 -- but the dude's focus was clearly on the team's effort after the game.

Trevor Siemian was able to come in and secure the win for NOLA ... and hey, if you can beat the defending champs, the season might not be lost.

Master P has a message for the haters who think Dwyane Wade got his son, Zaire, a spot in the G League ... telling TMZ Sports, "Life ain't fair."

As we previously reported, the former Sierra Canyon standout joined the Salt Lake City Stars earlier this month ... which just so happens to be the affiliate for the Utah Jazz, of which D-Wade is part owner.

We spoke with MP about Zaire's opportunity while at LAX this week ... and he brings the truth.

"When you look at it, it's a blessing," P said. "His dad knows the business. He played in the game."

P says Zaire is working with some top-notch trainers and busting his ass every day ... and thinks Wade can really "change the game" if he continues to put in serious effort.

MP -- who suited up for two NBA teams back in the day -- knows a thing or two about raising an athlete ... his son, Hercy, is a hoops star at an HBCU and he thinks his team can make the tournament if his son keeps it up.

"You know what, he's working hard," Master said. "He just played last night. He had a great game. They won."

"That's what life is about. Just getting better and better."

As for Wade, P also went on to rave about how bright the future is for him in the G League ... but is Zaire "finessing" the system?!? He disagrees.

"He taking advantage of an opportunity. He knows he wants to be a pro player."

Halloween is upon us -- but a lot of Hollywood's A-listers got started a night early, including some of the biggest sports superstars out there ... who looked scary good in costume.

There were tons of parties Saturday night in L.A. ... and they were attended by the likes of our most famous athletes, who did not disappoint in the slightest with their 'stumes.

We saw LeBron James as Freddy Krueger, Russell Westbrook and Nina Westbrook as Chucky and his bride, Jake Paul and his girlfriend as Dana White with his "hookers and cocaine," Paul Pogba as a skeleton, Neymar Day of the Dead sugar skull and Jordyn Woods and Karl Anthony-Towns as Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf.

Anthony Davis as Candyman was most definitely a standout, as was Aaron Rodgers as John Wick -- a costume he says was a year in the making ... which is ... strange. Just throw on a suit and get going, right???

Big Hollywood Halloween bashes Saturday night ... and most of the celebs stuck to tried-and-true costumes.

Darren Dzienciol's CARN*EVIL party was hosted by Alessandra Ambrosio in Bel Air. Lots of folks showed, including Meagan Good, Doja Cat, Tyga, Josie Canseco, Ryan Phillippe, Victoria Justice and Jeff Ross.

Another Halloween bash attracted the likes of Demi Lovato, Joe Jonas, Sophie Turner and Emma Roberts.

LeBron James killed it as Freddy Krugger, right?

There were various other parties as well, but all of the costumes were PG Halloween. Not so much over at the TMZ office Friday ... where several of us may have crossed the line!

Paris Hilton dressed up as Cinderella, Justin Bieber was a teddy bear, Dove Cameron played The Joker, and Jamie Foxx was a Gremlin. And, then there's Joe and Sophie who came as Paolo and Isabella from "The Lizzie McGuire Movie," and Emma Roberts who came as clown Hannah Stocking.

Luis Robert's $1 million Lambo now officially matches his flashy game -- 'cause the MLB player just got the ride covered in a Naruto wrap ... and it's awesome!!

TMZ Sports has learned ... the Chicago White Sox star is a huge anime fan, so he sought out Alex Vega from The Auto Firm in South Florida to get the ride tricked out.

And, it didn't take long for Vega to deliver a masterpiece ... 'cause he wrapped the thing head-to-toe with images from the cartoon -- and it all actually glows in the dark!

You can see in photos of the whip, the hood has Naruto and Sasuke on it -- and near the headlight is where the ride's wrap lights up at night.

We're told the custom job cost around $10,000 to do ... but don't worry, Robert's wallet can take the hit.

The rising MLB superstar signed a staggering 6-year, $50 MILLION contract with the Sox back in 2020 -- before he had ever even taken an at bat in the Major Leagues.

Klay Thompson has every right to complain about his NBA Top 75 team snub ... so says his former teammate Festus Ezeli, who tells TMZ Sports he can't believe the Warriors star didn't make the cut.

"Klay's one of the best of all-time," the ex-Golden State center said ... "He's one of the greatest of all-time. Of course [he deserved to be on the list]. He's the best shooter!"

If you missed it ... in honor of the league's 75th anniversary, former players, coaches and other hoop experts created a list of what they believed were the best 75 players ever.

The list featured the obvious names -- LeBron James, Michael Jordan, etc. -- but it was notably missing Klay's.

Thompson eventually flipped out over it after not seeing his name -- calling it a "stupid ass list" and saying it was all disrespectful.

Ezeli, though, said it could actually end up being a blessing in disguise for the Warriors guard ... saying he'll no doubt use it as fuel when he returns from his Achilles injury.

Indianapolis Colts' Isaiah Rodgers went with one of the G.O.A.T.s of all music videos for his Halloween cleats -- Michael Jackson's "Thriller!"

TMZ Sports has learned the Colts DB wanted to celebrate the scary holiday with some custom cleats and hit up his main man, artist Rodney Jackson.

Jackson tells us they went over several options ... from the mummy to Charlie Brown's Halloween and then boom -- Jackson's 1983 music video "Thriller" was it!

It took three days for Jackson to put the insane cleats together --- and they came out amazing!

You can see the King of Pop with the infamous red jacket as the zombie featured on one side and the classic ending of the music video with Ola Ray as his GF on the other.

There's also a QR code painted on the Nike cleats -- Jackson telling us the code leads you to the video of the custom spikes.

Jackson -- who also made Rodgers' Terminator shoes -- says the 23-year-old will wear 'em during pregame warmups before taking on the Tennessee Titans on Halloween.

FYI, "Thriller" has been considered the best music video of all time by several publications and has over 798 million views on YouTube.

This is Thriller!!!

Colin Kaepernick's new Netflix documentary starts out with a bang -- making a literal comparison of playing for the NFL ... to being bought and sold in slavery.

The former quarterback-turned-activist begins the film -- titled 'Colin in Black and White' -- with an explainer of how guys get into the league ... noting the first step is trying out for a team, which begins with a combine. The camera follows him to a reenacted scene where players are going through practice and different drills on the field ... while officials look on.

He says potential players are "paraded out" in front of coaches, scouts and owners -- who measure their physical talents and on-field abilities. CK goes on to say coaches will tell players they want their guys to be warriors, killers, beasts and animals on the gridiron.

What Colin's getting at ... this is coded language, which he thinks lends to a larger power dynamic of slave master and slave -- and he makes a visual juxtaposition to hit it home.

The screen then jumps to a new scene ... in which the mostly Black players that were just running up and down the field are now standing on an auction block, shirtless and in shackles. You see white masters bartering over who to buy, and make an exchange.

Colin says teams "poke, prod and examine you" and search for any "defect" -- without any dignity or respect for said player. His point is that kids getting into this sports biz might not see it this way -- but he firmly insists, they're being groomed into a slave system.

Michigan State football fans went WILD after beating hated rival Michigan in East Lansing on Saturday, setting couches ablaze and flipping at least one car before smashing its windows, after the thrilling victory.

#6 Michigan controlled the game through 3 quarters ... leading 10-0 in the 1st, and 30-14 in the 3rd quarter. But, #8 MSU battled back ... ultimately sealing the game with an interception with a minute left in the 4th, winning 37-33.

Cue the craziness around campus.

Fans lit couches on fire ... sending flames and heavy black smoke billowing into the sky. Someone even caught themselves on fire (yes, really) when they sat on a burning couch.

The fire department received calls for at least 20 fires burning around the city before the clock even hit 6 PM, according to The Detroit News.

A bunch of students also flipped a vehicle ... and smashed its windows.

It's unclear if police made any arrests.

With the win, Michigan State is now 8-0 overall, and 5-0 in their conference. No other Big Ten team is undefeated. They'll play Purdue next week in Indiana.

Social media star Lil Terrio is slimming down after making some big changes in his life ... and his weight loss journey is rooted in his improved diet and ramped-up workouts.

Lil Terrio's manager, Jon Barclan, and personal trainer, Kipp Luster, tell TMZ ... Terrio has lost a shocking amount of weight in the last 2 months. He's 231 lbs. now, down from 360 lbs.!!!

Nearly 130 lbs. lost in about 60 days, means dude's shedding just over 2 lbs. per day -- and Terrio's team says that's thanks to working out 6 times a week, sometimes hitting the gym even twice a day. He's also doing high-intensity interval training to get his heart rate up and burn fat.

We're told Terrio's also reaping the benefits of a custom meal plan curated by his trainer ... a diet high on protein and fiber, and low on carbs. Terrio's mostly eating seafood and chicken, plus a lot of fruits and vegetables, while staying away from beef and pork.

The results are happening pretty fast, we're told Terrio completely changed his diet starting Sept. 1 ... retraining his taste buds after being addicted to carbs and sugars and needing about 3 weeks to settle into his new diet.

We're told Terrio -- who rose to social media fame in part because he was young, funny and overweight -- wanted to make a big life change after getting to the age where he started understanding life and health and decided he wanted to get fit.

With a huge mass of followers, we're told he wanted to be a positive influence on kids and be the face of overcoming childhood obesity, and the changes go beyond the scale. We're told he's mentally and physically stronger, emotionally happier and more comfortable with himself.