TMZ Sports - Page 39

Ex-NFL player Shareece Wright is one of 12 former high school football players accusing their trainer of sexual assault ... claiming he was groomed into having an inappropriate relationship when he was a minor.

Wright opened up on the allegations in an interview with ESPN ... stating Colton High School trainer Tiffany Strauss-Gordon, the daughter of then-head coach Harold Strauss, performed numerous sexual acts on him at the team facility when he was a member of the football team.

The former cornerback said he first met Strauss-Gordon in 2002 -- when he was 15 and she was 21 -- and as time went on, she became increasingly flirty.

Over the next three years, Wright told the outlet Strauss-Gordon would touch him inappropriately and perform oral sex on him while receiving treatment ... and eventually, they had sex during team dinners at his coach's home.

Wright claimed the interactions were no secret among the team ... with his teammates referring to receiving oral sex from Strauss-Gordon as the "Tiffany treatment."

The outlet stated the school was made aware of the allegations back in 2011, which led to a temporary leave and internal investigation ... but she was allowed to return to her job after meeting with officials.

Strauss-Gordon has denied the allegations ... but was placed on administrative leave after the players filed lawsuits against her and the school district in 2022.

She has not faced charges from the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office due to insufficient evidence.

Kendall Jenner and Devin Booker are rekindling their relationship, but they're taking things slow -- and they're not even exclusive just yet ... TMZ has learned.

Sources familiar with the situation tell us the former lovebirds have been spending more time together lately -- something that became evident during the Super Bowl ... when DB popped up in the Kardashian suite super randomly, albeit separated from Kendall.

Still, it was curious ... and obviously sparked new dating rumors about them -- this after spending just about all of 2023 apart.

Remember, she was dating Bad Bunny at the time ... and they were quite serious.

Anyway, our lying eyes weren't deceiving us -- as it turns out ... we're being told they are, in fact, seeing each other again -- but our sources emphasize they're not rushing into things.

Eyewitnesses tell us they've even seen Kendall pop up in Dallas this week while Devin was in town for the Mavs/Suns game Thursday -- so yeah, she's even traveling to be with him lately.

It's interesting that they're circling getting back together ... they first broke up at the end of 2022, and according to reports -- it was apparently all over how busy they were and not having time in their schedules to keep it going as a couple.

Considering they're both just as famous (if not more so) since then, that rationale sounds like BS -- Devin is still a pro basketball player, and she's still a super successful model.

Sounds like wedding bells will soon be replacing the ref's whistle for Christian McCaffrey ... 'cause the NFL star's fiancee Olivia Culpo just made it clear she's ready to tie the knot!

The former Miss Universe, wearing a white dress, shared photos Friday on social media, along with a caption reading ... "Thanking God for a healthy season and for putting my best friend on this earth. Now let’s get married!"

You can see Culpo, 31, with the 49ers running back and their dog, Oliver Sprinkles, on a waterside balcony ... with both of 'em rocking white attire.

Of course, it's unclear when the couple -- who got engaged last April -- are going to say their "I dos" ... but it certainly feels like it'll be soon.

In fact, McCaffrey, during the lead-up to Super Bowl LVIII, opened up about the "hell of a job" Culpo has been doing planning the event.

"It's been going really well," the 27-year-old said, "and I'm sure you guys will see plenty coming soon."

Floyd Mayweather once again proved no one celebrates a birthday better ... the legendary fighter threw a super exclusive party for his 47th trip around the sun, and was gifted an insane $150K watch!

The shindig went down Thursday night at Swan -- David Grutman's spot in Miami -- where Mayweather, who turns 47 on Saturday, hosted 150 of his closest friends, including Nicky Jam ... many of whom TBE flew into town, and put up at a fancy hotel.

On the menu ... everything from pizzas to wagyu steak and truffle fries. Guests also sang karaoke, as Floyd danced.

But, the highlight of the night was when Mayweather was presented with a $150k watch from Avi Hiaeve of Avi & Co. -- jeweler to a ton of celebs -- made with 18 karat gold, and over 29.3 carats of diamonds!

“It’s rare to find such a human being like Champ. Giving him a gift is the least I can do to show my appreciation for having him in my life,” Avi told us about giving such an expensive gift.

And get this ... last night's party was just one of multiple bashes the former champ is having this week. In fact, the partying started Wednesday night when the 50-0 fighter was chillin' with Rick Ross!

Floyd, thanks to his buddies Jona Rechnitz and P Reala, has a bunch of fun things planned in the MIA area through Monday!

Move over, Harry Styles, there's a new fashion icon in town -- ex-NBA star Kenny "The Jet" Smith ... whose wardrobe got major props from one of the biggest movie stars on the planet, Timothée Chalamet!!

The 'Dune' actor revealed his style inspiration in an interview with Elle this week ... where he raved about the "Inside the NBA" analyst's drip.

Timmy C explained his random choice for who he considers his "style icon" ... saying Smith has varying style, but is always bold -- especially when he rocks sneakers with his suits.

Chalamet also praised Smith's confidence ... adding that's what throws all his looks together.

It's pretty surprising -- not because Smith is a bad dresser by any means, but some probably assumed Chalamet would pick someone more prominent in the fashion scene like a David Beckham, A$AP Rocky or Brad Pitt.

Austin Butler -- who also took part in the interview -- said his "style icon" is Chalamet ... but we're assuming he wasn't just saying that because the dude was in the room -- he's quite the sharp-dressed man.

Travis Kelce was front and center for his girlfriend, Taylor Swift, as she took the stage down under anew ... and she showed her appreciation for him afterward with a little sugar.

The Kansas City Chiefs tight end was among thousands of people in attendance Friday at Accor Stadium in Sydney -- where T-Swift kicked off a fresh round of performances heading into the weekend. Just like at other shows of hers he's been to ... the fans went wild.

Lots of videos are floating around on X that show TK making his way to his spot in the stadium -- and as he passed a bunch of Swifties ... they were losing their s*** screaming.

Travis soaked up all the attention ... clapping and waving at all the young'ns as he passed them -- with security flanking him on all sides, of course. He had a buddy with him too -- Ross Travis -- who's a former Chiefs player ... and who's randomly accompanying Travis on this Aussie trip. Taylor's dad, Scott, was also in the mix as Trav went to his VIP tent.

BTW ... there were other famous people at this show -- namely, Katy Perry and Rita Ora ... and Travis snapped a photo with the latter. Indeed, he's got his friendship bracelet on! After the concert, he was there to greet Taylor -- and lingering fans saw her plant one on him.

As Travis and co. looked on ... Taylor was onstage doing her thing, and put on a helluva show like she normally does. Lots of highlights from that -- all captured in photos, no less.

When it comes to Travis -- the dude is obviously committed to the relationship -- he's already traveled internationally for Taylor before this ... and he did it again here in Australia. He hasn't missed a beat either with Taylor since arriving -- going from plane to zoo date ASAP.

It's no small feat. As we reported ... Travis' long trip to see Taylor again began Tuesday night when he jumped on a private plane from L.A. after having dinner at Nobu Malibu.

He first jetted off to Hawaii for a short stay and then flew to Sydney, where he was pictured walking off the aircraft and climbing inside an SUV. A long trip, no doubt -- and yet ... he powered through and went right to the Sydney Zoo with his gal, playing a good sport.

This marks the 2nd time Trav has traveled around the world for Taylor ... but don't worry, she's done the same for him. Remember, she flew from Tokyo to catch the Super Bowl in Vegas -- and was there on the sidelines cheering for him as he and the Chiefs won it all.

Some wondered if they'd be able to keep the momentum going post-football season -- and so far, it appears they have ... you don't just jet off to Australia if you're half in on a relationship.

We know Trav will be there through the weekend ... but the question is, will he be her roadie through the rest of the tour? She's got shows in Singapore next as the "Eras" tour rolls on.

4:16 PM PT -- Colorado State Police tell TMZ Sports that "excessive speed" is being investigated for the fatal crash of the three UW swim team members.

"The vehicle was southbound on Highway 287 and swerved to miss a vehicle in front of them stopped to make a left turn on to Larimer CR 37," CSP said.

"No alcohol or drugs suspected as casual factors."

Three members of the University of Wyoming swim team were tragically killed on Thursday after a horrific, single-car crash in northern Colorado.

According to the Colorado State Police, five passengers were traveling in a Toyota RAV4 around 2:44 PM when the vehicle swerved off the road, and rolled over, ejecting two people, and leaving the SUV mangled.

Sadly, three victims, ages ranging from 18 to 21, were pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Denver Post ... and they were members of the UW swim and diving team.

The two surviving victims are also members of the swim team.

"My thoughts and prayers are with our swimming and diving student-athletes, coaches, families and friends," UW Director of Athletics Tom Burman said in a statement.

"It is difficult to lose members of our University of Wyoming family, and we mourn the loss of these student-athletes."

The crash is under investigation ... and it is not yet known if speed, or any other factors played a role in the crash.

This isn't the first time UW Athletics has seen such devastation ... in 2001, eight runners from the track team were killed when a drunk driver crashed into their Jeep on the same highway.

R.I.P.

Katy Perry's old feud with Taylor Swift is dunzo -- something we already knew, but which was double confirmed by the fact KP crashed her Aussie show ... and sang a certain song.

The pop star was one of a handful of famous people on hand Friday for T-Swift's first Sydney concert -- where she was hanging in the VIP tent with Rita Ora and, of course, Travis Kelce ... who flew on down to be with his girlfriend.

Katy's presence was interesting though ... on account that she and Tay Tay used to beef.

That's why her singing "Bad Blood" -- which has always been rumored to be about Katy -- was fascinating to see ... as Taylor belted out the tune onstage, she was being recorded singing along down in the crowd. It's the ultimate irony ... and proof they're all good now.

Katy even posted a picture with Taylor after the show ... and they look very chummy.

If you're unfamiliar ... the whole saga dates back to 2014 or so, when Taylor was first releasing "Bad Blood" -- during which she alluded to a rift in a friendship ... and most everyone assumed she was referring to Katy, explaining it was a personnel issue.

Taylor talked about it at the time without naming KP ... "She did something so horrible. I was like, ‘Oh, we’re just straight-up enemies.’ And it wasn’t even about a guy! It had to do with business. She basically tried to sabotage an entire arena tour."

TS added ... "She tried to hire a bunch of people out from under me. And I’m surprisingly non-confrontational – you would not believe how much I hate conflict. So now I have to avoid her. It’s awkward, and I don’t like it."

Katy ended up responding with her own diss track, of sorts, and went on to say that their feud was all about backup dancers -- namely, Katy hiring some of Taylor's own staffers.

In the end ... they ended up making up by the time Taylor dropped her song/video for 'You Need to Calm Down' -- in which Katy made a cameo ... and was clearly cool with her again.

Now, they're buddies, it seems, and all that bad blood has turned into water under a bridge.

Speaking of water ... there was a lot of it at Taylor's Sydney show -- albeit, well before curtain call. Some fans got caught in a brief downpour as they were filing into the stadium

Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant had a pregame exchange with two fans ahead of Thursday night's game ... confronting the Mavericks supporters after being called a "bitch."

The whole exchange was captured on video ... showing KD running out of the tunnel for warmups -- but coming to a screeching halt after hearing the word hurled his way.

Durant quickly approached the two fans -- who appeared to have great seats for the game -- and they went back and forth for a good 30 seconds before the two-time NBA champ waved his hand in disgust and rejoined his teammates.

Of course, the NBA has a history of kicking heckling fans out of games at a player's request ... and it appeared the pair of Dallas backers were about to be escorted out of American Airlines Center before Durant returned to the scene and intervened.

It's unclear what was said between Durant and the fans ... but according to reporter Jonah Javad, the hooper saved them from getting the boot.

As for the game, Durant finished with 23 points and six rebounds ... but the Suns fell to the Mavs, 123-113.

MLB fans freaking out over their teams' new jerseys can take a chill pill ... 'cause Eric Hosmer tells TMZ Sports that even though they don't look so hot right now, he's sure the league will get it fixed by Opening Day.

The uniforms have been widely criticized by seamheads and even players all over the country after they were debuted earlier this month out at spring training.

Many have noted the new Nike designs have some serious flaws -- namely, the lettering on the back is too small and the positioning of some of the logos just doesn't feel right.

Plus, diehards have hated the way the pants have appeared to be see-through.

When we spoke with Hosmer about the hot-button topic this week ... he said he understood fans' concerns, admitting the jerseys do look "a little bit" like knockoffs. But, he added that he's almost positive changes will occur before Week 1.

"There's no doubt in my mind that they'll get it right before Opening Day," he said. "And those guys will be looking like Big Leaguers come April 1 -- whenever the first game is."

The former World Series champ also spoke with us about Shohei Ohtani's new, massive Dodgers contract -- and he gave us his prediction for who he thinks will be the toughest team to beat in 2024.

As for what he's up to now after officially retiring earlier this week ... he's started his own sports media company with his former teammate, Anthony Seratelli, called "MoonBall Media."

We're finally at the finish line in the week at TMZ -- but our TV topics are only ramping up.

BANNER

Starting on 'TMZ Live,' Harvey and Michael talked about a tough subject in the tragic diagnosis of Wendy Williams -- namely, the fact she now has aphasia and dementia.

Amid a lot of rumors and speculation -- not to mention a new documentary from Lifetime chronicling Wendy's recent struggles -- her team came out this week with the heavy news ... and safe to say, Wendy fans everywhere are expressing their well-wishes at this time.

On 'TMZ on TV,' the gang talked about Taylor Swift's latest trip to the Sydney Zoo -- only this time she had Travis Kelce with her ... this after a long flight all the way across the world.

She'd scoped the place out just the day prior ... so yeah, she was playing tour guide here.

Finally on 'TMZ Sports,' Babcock and Mojo talked Adrian Peterson's claims about his trophies.

Check your local listings for when TMZ is on in your area or catch up on past episodes!

Jalen Brunson's dad, a Knicks coach, doesn't let up -- not even on All-Star weekend -- 'cause the Knicks star revealed his own flesh and blood called him an "f'ing bum" while he was competing in the 3-point challenge!

ICYMI, the Knicks star participated in this year's 3-point shooting contest, going up against sharpshooters like Damian Lillard, Donovan Mitchell, and Trae Young.

While Jalen was throwin' up shots, Brunson told Josh Hart and Matt Hillman on the Roommates Show podcast, that he heard a dude behind the bench trash talkin'.

"Some bald guy behind the bench ... I heard 'ayo you f'n bum!'" Brunson said. "I said, 'who just said that? My dad."

Brunson's dad, Rick -- who became a Knicks assistant in 2022 -- didn't stop there ... he also trolled him for missing shots.

"He was like, 'Yeah with that bonus, we could have finished my basement,'" Brunson said.

Hart -- one of Brunson's best friends and now a teammate again after being traded to NY last season -- thought it was HILARIOUS ... and had to side with his assistant coach.

"Valid point," Hart joked. "That's a very valid point."

Of course, it's all good-natured fun with Brunson's dad (a former NBA player himself, though not a star like his son) ... 'cause dad is actually super proud.

"There were times when you wanted to be like me.  And now, I wish I could be like you when I was your age," Rick said.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's Sydney Zoo date was cute and all ... but PETA says they should've been mindful of how the animals are treated/handled in this type of environment.

Debbie Metzler --  PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Welfare -- uses Taylor's own song against her to make her point ... telling TMZ, "While we understand all too well the appeal of seeing Australia's wildlife, PETA hopes that next time Taylor and Travis want to see wild animals, they'll spend their time and money at a true sanctuary."

They add that a sanctuary is a better choice 'cause visitors aren't allowed to feed/touch the animals there ... in fact, they're required to keep a respectful distance from them altogether. The zoo there, on the other hand, apparently lets you get hands-on with the wildlife.

Of course, Traylor was doing one of the things PETA advised not to do ... namely, feeding a kangaroo at Sydney Zoo while also checking out a bunch of other animal exhibitions.

The lovebirds were like two kids in a candy store ... enjoying their time at the attraction during their first Sydney reunion date. However, Taylor seems to have known they'd have a blast there -- as she'd already scoped out the place earlier the previous day.

Of course, the pair are just trying to pack in as much time together as possible before Tay Tay gets busy with her final 4 Sydney concerts -- but on this animal adventure specifically, PETA clearly disapproves.

For next time, Taylor and Travis might want to take PETA's advice and head to a local animal sanctuary on their next date ... that is, if they actually care what the org thinks about it.

As you're probably well aware -- PETA tends to sound off on any and all celebs who they feel are acting inappropriately as it pertains to animals/animal rights -- and here ... they're saying Taylor and Travis should've considered a better option for sightseeing.

Can't please everyone. 🤷🏽‍♂️

The assault charge Isaiah Stewart had been facing for allegedly socking Drew Eubanks in the face was dismissed on Thursday ... after prosecutors said the Phoenix Suns player didn't want to move forward with the case against the Detroit Pistons center.

According to court documents, obtained by TMZ Sports, officials filed a motion in Arizona to dismiss the case this week ... explaining Eubanks "no longer desires prosecution in this matter."

A judge signed off on the motion a short time later -- putting Stewart in the clear.

The 22-year-old was slated to have a hearing in the case on Friday -- less than two weeks after cops say witnesses told them he had punched Eubanks in the parking tunnel of the Footprint Center following an argument just before they were slated to compete in a game against each other.

But, a court official tells us the hearing has now been scrapped following the dismissal of the case.

Stewart, however, was still punished by the NBA for his involvement in the altercation ... the league said Thursday it was hitting him with a three-game ban without pay.

The Detroit Pistons will be without Isaiah Stewart for three games ... 'cause the NBA just suspended the forward for punching Suns player Drew Eubanks in an arena hallway on Valentine's Day.

The NBA announced the news on Thursday, just over a week after Stewart allegedly hit Eubanks during a heated argument in the bowels of Footprint Arena hours before the Pistons-Suns game in Arizona.

In a statement, the league said ... "Detroit Pistons forward-center Isaiah Stewart has been suspended three games without pay for initiating a physical altercation with Phoenix Suns forward-center Drew Eubanks," adding, "Stewart punched and pushed Eubanks during the altercation."

In fact, the situation was serious enough that Phoenix PD were called to the scene to investigate, and Stewart was ultimately arrested for assault.

Simultaneously, the NBA launched its own inquiry ... and announced its findings today.

Despite being charged with a crime, Stewart -- who's averaging 11.3 points and 8.1 rebounds per game this season -- clearly wasn't concerned about the assault rap ... his attorney Alex Spiro told us he expected the "case to be dismissed."

Sure enough, officials in AZ tell us the case has been dropped.

Matt Araiza -- the former Bills punter who was cut by Buffalo in the 2022 preseason after a woman alleged he sexually assaulted her -- is now signing with the Chiefs ... roughly two months after his accuser dropped her lawsuit against him.

The 23-year-old football player's agents announced the move on social media Thursday afternoon ... praising the kicker for how he's handled everything since the allegations were first brought against him nearly two years ago.

"We are grateful to Brett Veach, coach [Andy] Reid and the @Chiefs organization for giving Matt this opportunity," JL Sports officials wrote on X. "Matt has been to hell and back in the last 18 months. He has handled himself with grace and humility that is truly inspiring."

They added, "Matt can now move forward knowing that this ordeal is behind him. He is thrilled to move forward as a part of the #ChiefsKingdom."

As we previously reported, Araiza's accuser claimed in a suit filed back in August '22 that when she was 17 years old, Araiza and two of his college football teammates raped her while she was attending a 2021 Halloween party at the punter's San Diego-area home.

Araiza was adamant at the time the claims were false ... and in December 2022, some four months after she filed the suit, prosecutors announced they would not be pressing charges against the NFLer.

"There is no path to a potential criminal conviction," they said in revealing their decision.

A year later, in December 2023, Araiza's attorneys announced the woman had dropped her suit after the parties reached an agreement.

"Matt is not paying the plaintiff any money," Araiza's lawyers said in a statement, "and he is reserving his right to pursue the plaintiff’s attorney, Dan Gilleon, and his law office for the harm that they have caused him."