'The Mountain' Thor Bjornsson Shows Off Insane Transformation ... Ahead Of Boxing Match

"The Mountain" is looking more like a sculpted rock ... 'cause he's lost a TON of weight over the past two years -- and check out his new bod, he's SHREDDED!!!

Hafthor Bjornsson -- who starred as the big beast on "Game Of Thrones" -- has transformed his body since retiring from strongman competition in 2019 ... moving to the boxing world, and the results are impressive as hell.

Just two days out from his big celeb tilt with arm-wrestling legend Devon Larratt, Bjornsson -- a 3x Arnold Classic and 2018 World's Strongest Man winner -- showed off all the progress he's made with his physique, revealing chiseled abs, pecs and arms.

6'9" Bjornsson told Muscle And Health earlier this month he's down to about 328 pounds -- roughly 120 pounds under the 450-or-so pounds that he used to tip the scales at when he was lifting competitively.

It's all been an effort to dominate in the ring ... with Bjornsson initially setting out to fight fellow strong man Eddie Hall -- his heated rival -- this weekend.

Hall, though, tore his bicep while training in July ... so Bjornsson is now scheduled to fight Larratt -- a dude he once lost to in an arm-wrestling competition.

The scrap is slated for Saturday in Dubai ... and if body composition even remotely translates into fighting skills, someone tell Larratt he might be in a bit of trouble!

Chiefs' Eric Bieniemy Not Worried About USC Rumors ... Focusing On KC!!

STAYING FOCUSED
Kansas City Chiefs

Urban Meyer ain't the only one shutting down USC rumors -- so is Kansas City Chiefs' OC Eric Bieniemy ... telling reporters Thursday, "I am focused on the task at hand."

The first question at Bieniemy's press conference wasn't about his teams week 2 game against the Ravens ... but the rumors about him being a candidate for USC's head football coaching vacancy.

EB immediately laughed at the reporters inquiry ... saying, "You know me."

"You guys know me. I am where my feet are. So, when it’s all said and done with, I am focused on the task at hand."

Bieniemy added, "I’m not worried about anything like where my name is being mentioned. My job right now is to make sure that we’re preparing for this weekend’s opponent.”

Another reporter followed up, asking *hypothetically* what Eric would do if USC hit him up, and again, Bieniemy shut down the question.

"If USC reached out to me right now, my answer would be, ‘I am preparing for this team to play against the Baltimore Ravens.’ That’s how I roll. You guys know that."

"My job is to make sure we’re ready to play a complete, sound, 60-minute football game where we can come out and win the game."

Honestly, it'd be hard to blame EB if he had interest in one of the premiere college football jobs ... after he was passed up for several head coaching gigs in the off-season.

But, it certainly appears Bieniemy is committed to sticking with KC this season.

So, you can breathe, Chiefs fans (for now, at least).

Tee Higgins Ditching #85 After Season ... I'm Not Chad Ochocinco 2.0!!!

Tee Higgins' days in the #85 jersey are officially numbered ... the Bengals star just told media members he's switching to #5 next season -- and it's all 'cause of Chad Johnson.

The second-year NFL wideout said he's tired of being compared to Chad and being called "Ochocinco 2.0" -- so he's moving on from the digits as soon as the 2021 season ends.

TIME FOR CHANGE
Cincinnati Bengals

"I just want to make a name for myself," the 22-year-old said. "I keep seeing on Twitter that, 'Ochocinco 2.0.' I don't want to be a 2.0."

"No disrespect to Chad," Higgins continued. "He's a great receiver, this and that. I just don't want to be a 2.0 for myself, man."

Higgins has done a great job reminding Bengals fans of their past superstar ... in just 15 starts for the team, he has 71 catches for 966 yards and 7 TDs.

But, Higgins clearly ain't down for the comparison game anymore -- even if it's to a legend like Johnson -- saying Thursday, "I want to be Tee Higgins, 1.0. #5."

Higgins added he believes it's only a matter of time before the Bengals retire the #85 for Johnson anyway.

"I just got a good feeling that his number is gonna get lifted one day," he said.

Enjoy the digits while you can, Cincy!

Bart Scott I Promise I'll Shave Off My Eyebrow ... If Eagles Beat 49ers

An Eagles victory this weekend could be VERY costly for ex-NFL star Bart Scott ... 'cause the former linebacker guaranteed he'd shave off one of his eyebrows if Philly beats the 49ers!!

The 41-year-old made the promise during ESPN's "Get Up" show on Thursday ... saying he's that confident San Francisco will come away with a win over the Eagles on Sunday.

"Can we have a one-shot on me and [former NFL player Damien Woody]?" Scott asked during a fiery segment breaking down the Eagles vs. 49ers matchup.

"Listen, I bet you that if the 49ers lose to the Philadelphia Eagles, I'll shave my eyebrow off. What say you?!"

The bet is not exactly an insane one ... the Niners are favored to win by 3 despite being on the road in Philadelphia.

But, still, the Eagles looked really good in their win over the Falcons last Sunday ... with star quarterback Jalen Hurts performing like a potential MVP.

Kickoff is set for 10 AM PT ... who knew a Week 2 matchup could have so much riding on it?!

Tom Brady I Can Play Until I'm 50 Years Old ... 6-7 More Seasons!!!

When will Tom Brady retire?! No time soon ... 'cause the 44-year-old Bucs quarterback says he can play until he's 50 years old.

It's one of the NFL's most asked questions ... and in an episode of "Tommy & Gronky," the 7x Super Bowl champ addressed his future, specifically, if he can QB until 50.

"Seems to be a really hot question lately. Can Tom Brady play until 50? Like 50 years old?" Brady told Rob Gronkowski.

"I don't find it so difficult. And plus, Florida is sorta a retire-y state, so I feel like I can play and then just guide into retirement. I think I can. It's a yes."

Tom's latest answer represents a slight change in position ... in fact, it was only June when TB12 refused to commit to playing until his Golden birthday.

At the time, the G.O.A.T. said ... "50? That’s a long time. Even for me, that’s a long time."

He continued ... "I’ve always said 45 was the age that I wanted to reach and that was my goal. This year I’ll be 44, so next year I’ll be 45. I got a two-year contract."

But, just a few months later, and after his awesome Week 1 performance against the Cowboys (379 yards, 4 TD's), Brady has obviously changed his tune.

FYI, Tom just celebrated his 44th birthday on August 3 ... meaning there's 6 more seasons (including this year) until he'll turn 50.

If he balled as a 50-year-old ... that'd mean 7 more seasons of TB12.

For some context, the oldest quarterback ever was George Blanda, who retired as a 48-year-old in 1976. Future Hall of Famer Drew Brees retired this off-season ... at the age of 42.

What a bummer, Blaine Gabbert ...

Soccer Star Reece James My Home Was Burglarized ... And I Caught The Cowards On Video!!!

THE ALLEGED BURGLARY

Reece James -- a Chelsea soccer star and member of England's national team -- claims his home was burglarized Tuesday ... and he says it was all captured by security cameras.

James says the incident went down while he was away from his house playing in a game for Chelsea ... claiming the footage shows clear as day how thieves stole a giant safe from his home.

In the video, you can see what appears to be four men pushing their way through a gate on James' property to get access to his house.

The men then appear to look into James' windows ... before breaking in using a giant sledgehammer.

James says you can see in the video the guys stole a safe from his place ... and then hauled it all the way outside and into a getaway car.

"They managed to collectively lift a heavy safe containing some personal items of mine into their car," James said.

The 21-year-old footballer says some of his priceless soccer awards were in the safe ... adding that law enforcement has been notified and is investigating.

"I am appealing to all my Chelsea and England fans to help identify and turn in these low life individuals who will never be able to rest easy as the evidence is mounting against them," James said.

"The police, my advisers and Chelsea FC (and many others) are all behind me as we have firm leads on who the perpetrators are. We are closing in on them."

James said, thankfully, nobody was home or injured during the incident.

"I want to let all of you know I am safe and well," James said. "I really do appreciate having the platform to tell you all about my misfortune and I hope together we can catch these individuals and deliver justice where it is due."

Dodgers Vs. Diamondbacks Security Manhandles Protestors ... Who Ran On Field

A couple of protestors didn't get too far with their signs when they ran onto the field during the Dodgers game Wednesday -- 'cause stadium security ragdolled both of them to the ground in seconds.

The wild scene all went down in L.A. -- when the Dodgers were playing the Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium.

You can see in footage captured by a fan in the stands ... one man invaded the outfield while carrying a big sign.

Quickly, however, he was tackled to the grass -- and then jumped on by 5 other guards.

Meanwhile, while they were trying to reel in the first protestor, a second one jumped onto the field as well. Immediately, though, that fan was dropped to the ground too by a security guard.

Eventually, all of the protestors were taken off the field without further incident.

The signs they were holding reportedly read Bishop, La Loma and Palo Verde ... and represented three low income neighborhoods of Chavez Ravine that were removed in the 1950s in order to build Dodger Stadium.

Of course, this is far from the first time stadium officials have had to take down field invaders ... you'll recall, a ball girl stopped a fan in his tracks in epic fashion back in August.

Bottom line ... if ya got plans to storm the field, probably best to avoid doing it at Dodger Stadium.

Rosario Dawson Attacks Malakai Black!!! ... At 'AEW Dynamite'

Here's a tip for anyone looking to call out Rosario Dawson -- ya better think twice, 'cause she will come for you ... and WHOOP YOUR ASS!!!

That's how it all played out on "AEW Dynamite" on Wednesday ... when the superstar actress showed up ringside to defend her fellow "Go-Big Show" judge, Cody Rhodes, from Malakai Black!!

Of course MB has been on a tear recently ... taking down Rhodes and a bunch of his crew (including his bro, Dustin) over the past few weeks.

RD clearly had enough of Black's run ... so she took matters into her own hands and confronted him outside the ring!!

But, Rhodes -- who wasn't expected to be at the event on Wednesday -- popped up out of NOWHERE and stormed down the crowd to help out ... and when Black turned his back, Rosario jumped on his back and started trying to choke him out!!

The scuffle lasted a few moments before Black was able to wiggle her off ... but the action didn't stop there -- he got in an all-out brawl with Rhodes in the stands!!

The whole incident sets up an insanely hyped rematch between Black and Rhodes, which will go down at Arthur Ashe Stadium next week.

Badass stuff as usual from Dawson ... and we definitely need to see more of this in the future!!

Patrick Mahomes Getting Coached on Changing Diapers ... By Andy Reid!!!

Andy Reid will be there for Patrick Mahomes when s*** hits the fan -- or in this case, the diaper -- 'cause the superstar QB says his coach is teaching him how to change his baby!!

Mahomes admitted that he's not an MVP when it comes to changing his 6-month-old daughter Sterling's diaper ... but Coach Reid, who's a father of 5, is helpin' him out.

"I’ve gotten alright at changing diapers. I’m not the best. I’m not going to lie to everybody," the Kansas Chiefs QB said on "Good Morning Football."

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"But, I think if you gave me the dummy baby and I could do it on paper, but as far as applying it to a moving baby that’s screaming a little bit, crying a little bit ... I crack a little bit under pressure."

This is coming from a Super Bowl champ who's always dodging pressure and ends up making insane plays that even has the defense impressed ... so it's SHOCKING to hear about the dude's vulnerability.

And, like football, changing diapers is not just a physical thing but a mental as well ... something Coach Reid taught the 25-year-old dad.

"You gotta have the right mentality going in. I think that’s the biggest thing he preaches to me," Mahomes said.

"You gotta have the right mindset going in and know that you might face some adversity when you’re there."

Mahomes also gives credit to his fiancée, Brittany Matthews ... saying she's "an amazing mom, who’s done great job at helping me out becoming a new dad."

#FamilyAndFootball ... and #poo.

Report: Cristiano Ronaldo Forced To Move Mansions Due To Sheep ... Baaing Kept Waking Soccer Star Up!!!

Soccer's G.O.A.T. apparently has a problem with sheep ... 'cause Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly had to move mansions this month -- after baaing animals on his property kept waking him up!!!

Shortly after departing Juventus for Manchester United ... Ronaldo and his fam moved into a 7-bedroom pad in the UK -- but packed up and bolted to another palatial estate just days later.

As for why, The Sun says it's because sheep on the first property could not stop making racket!!

The report claims the soccer star was losing sleep over the creatures' sounds ... so "it was decided it was best if he and his family moved."

Don't worry ... Ronaldo's new place is apparently just as badass as the first -- minus the noisy sheep -- with The Sun reporting it's got a cinema room, a pool and a big garage.

Clearly, the moves haven't affected the 37-year-old's play on the pitch -- because he's been stellar in his return to Man U, scoring three goals in his first two games.

Of course, he did have an incident where a wayward warmup shot this week knocked a security guard in the head ... but, hey, with more sleep on the way -- we're expecting far less of that and far more goal-scoring.

Scary thought for Ronaldo's opponents, right?

Joe Johnson Ben Simmons' Jump Shot Isn't Broken ... 'We Know It's There'

NO FIX NEEDED
TMZSports.com

Ben Simmons does NOT have a problem with his jumper -- it's a CONFIDENCE issue -- so says NBA and BIG 3 sharp-shooter Joe Johnson, who tells TMZ Sports the Sixers guard will be just fine.

Simmons has struggled to find his rhythm with jump shots since entering the league in 2016 -- most recently, he was criticized for going 35% from the charity stripe and averaging 9.9 points a game in the Eastern Conference semi-finals against the Atlanta Hawks.

Not ideal for a former #1 overall pick ... but Iso Joe -- who's known for his clutch shooting -- isn't worried at all, saying he knows the 25-year-old will find his way.

"I honestly don't think nothing's wrong with it," Johnson tells us. "You see him playing pickup basketball shooting jumpers, fadeaways, threes ... so we all know it's there."

It's true -- Ben put in work with Rajon Rondo earlier this offseason ... where he was recorded on video drilling threes.

"He just has to take that same confidence that he has in pickup and translate it into an NBA game," Johnson adds. "That's it. You're gonna miss and make shots, you can't care about the misses. He's just got to continue to take them."

Johnson says the talent is clearly not the problem ... but when BS takes the court, he's got to remember that he's that dude.

Joe makes it sound easy ... but all eyes will be on Ben to see if he can find his flow once next season comes.

Tyson Chandler Wife Files For Divorce ... After 16 Years

Ex-NBA star Tyson Chandler and his wife, Kimberly Chandler, are going their separate ways ... TMZ Sports has learned Kimberly filed for divorce this week.

Kimberly, according to court documents, cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split. The two had been married for 16 years and separated in August.

Kimberly often posted pictures of her and the former basketball player on social media during their relationship ... recently showing off a photo of the two from their trip to Coachella in 2016.

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"#ItWasAVibe," Kimberly said in the caption with the photo. "#MyLoverAndMe."

The couple has three children -- a 15-year-old daughter, a 12-year-old son and another 11-year-old daughter -- from their time together.

In the docs, Kimberly stated she was seeking spousal support ... as well as joint custody of the kids.

38-year-old Tyson was drafted #2 overall by the Clippers in 2001 ... and made one NBA All-Star team. He hasn't played in the Association since wrapping up his 2019-20 season with the Rockets.

USWNT Players Union Identical Deal Proposal ... Sounds Like a 'PR Stunt' To Us!!!

The player union representing the U.S. Women's national soccer team is speaking out AGAINST the U.S. Soccer Federation's "identical deals" proposal ... saying the whole thing is nothing but a publicity stunt.

The USSF recently announced its plans to unite the men's and women's squads under the same collective bargaining agreement by offering identical contracts.

"U.S. Soccer firmly believes that the best path forward for all involved, and for the future of the sport in the United States, is a single pay structure for both senior national teams,' the USSF said Tuesday.

"This proposal will ensure that USWNT and USMNT players remain among the highest-paid senior national team players in the world, while providing a revenue sharing structure that would allow all parties to begin anew and share collectively in the opportunity that combined investment in the future of U.S. Soccer will deliver over the course of a new CBA."

The women's team is now breaking its silence on the matter ... calling BS on the deal, claiming it's anything but fair.

One of the issues ... World Cup prize money. The women -- who won the WC in 2019 -- receive about $40 million for winning the world's biggest soccer tourney.

Meanwhile, the men make around 10 times more ... raking in over $400 million.

So, you see why the women are calling the fairness offer nothing more than a publicity stunt.

Now, it's important to note that it's not the U.S. Soccer Federation entity that sets the World Cup prize money.

FYI, the women's team filed a $66 million lawsuit against the governing body in 2019 for gender discrimination ... but the suit was dismissed. The women are currently appealing the decision.

3/24/21
THE TIME IS NOW

Star player, Megan Rapinoe, also spoke out demanding for equal pay at the White House back in March.

The USWNT's collective bargaining agreement ends at the end of this year.

Simone Biles Gets Emotional Testifying About Larry Nassar ... On Capitol Hill

EMOTIONAL TESTIMONY
C-SPAN
UPDATE

2:26 PM PT -- Former ballerina Grace French, who was molested by Nassar at a young age, says she fully understands the emotion Biles went through while bringing up old, painful memories during her testimony Wednesday.

UPDATE

"It brings up a lot each time that this happens," Grace told Harvey and Charles on "TMZ Live." "Even if you aren't there or you aren't testifying yourself."

UPDATE
ACTION FOR ACCOUNTABILITY
TMZSports.com
UPDATE

Grace explained she's hoping Biles -- and the other women -- who spoke in D.C. can finally help bring about some accountability when it comes to sexual abuse cases.

UPDATE

"It's ridiculous that the only person in jail right now is Larry Nassar when there are so many systems that were holding him up and allowing him to continue that abuse for decades," Grace said.

UPDATE

"It's not just one bad apple. It's a system and processes and procedures that are not in place in order to protect our athletes and in order to protect our kids."

Simone Biles broke down while testifying about Larry Nassar in front of a group of senators on Capitol Hill ... choking back tears while explaining how U.S. Gymnastics and other agencies failed her and other abuse victims.

Biles, along with fellow former USA gymnasts McKayla Maroney, Maggie Nichols and Aly Raisman, told their stories in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee in Washington D.C. on Thursday ... and understandably, it's still an incredibly difficult topic to discuss.

"I am also a survivor of sexual abuse," Simone opened her statement, continuing, "and I believe without a doubt that the circumstances that led to my abuse and allowed it to continue are directly the result that organizations created by Congress to oversee and protect me as an athlete, USA Gymnastics and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee failed to do their jobs."

Biles then quoted Nelson Mandela, before getting emotional while saying she never wanted another child to endure abuse.

Of course, Nassar was convicted of sexually abusing hundreds of women and girls ... and effectively received life in prison -- getting sentenced to 175 years behind bars.

But, the hearing wasn't directly about Nassar's deplorable behavior ... it was held to discuss the FBI's failures with respect to their investigation into the team USA doctor, after a government watchdog group concluded the country's top federal law enforcement agency didn't adequately respond to the allegations.

And, the gymnasts didn't hold back when taking on the bureau.

“We suffered and continue to suffer because no one at FBI, [U.S. Gymnastics] or the [USOC] did what was necessary to protect us,” Biles told the committee.

“We have been failed and we deserve answers. Nassar is where he belongs, but those who enabled him deserve to be held accountable. If they are not, I am convinced that this will continue to happen to others across Olympic sports.”

"This is the largest case of sexual abuse in the history of American sport," Biles told the committee, adding, "It truly feels like the FBI turned a blind eye to us."

Maroney also went in on the FBI, saying ... "They had legal, legitimate evidence of child abuse and did nothing."

The U.S. gymnasts are still testifying on Capitol Hill.

As for Nassar, he's rotting in prison ... where he will remain for the rest of his life.

Originally Published -- 9:18 AM PT

Cristiano Ronaldo Gifts Jersey To Security Guard After Hitting Her W/ Practice Shot

UPDATE

11:55 AM PT -- 9/15 -- There is now video of the incident ... showing Ronaldo firing off a practice kick and accidentally hitting the guard, who was facing away from the goal.

UPDATE
UPDATE

The shot clearly had some power behind it, so it's great to see the woman appeared to be in good spirits after the hit.

UPDATE

7:42 AM PT -- This story has a happy ending ... 'cause the soccer superstar made an incredible gesture by taking his own jersey off his back and giving it to the guard!!

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UPDATE

The staffer was clearly thrilled ... taking pictures with the threads and even putting 'em on!!

UPDATE

Awesome.

Cristiano Ronaldo sprang into action to help a security guard prior to his Manchester United match on Tuesday ... after one of his practice shots hit and seemingly injured the staffer.

The 36-year-old soccer superstar was getting in some practice kicks prior to his first Champions League game with Man U since 2009 ... when the ball soared over the goal and hit the guard.

The staffer fell to the ground and laid on her back as Ronaldo leapt over the fence to check on her. Ronaldo looked visibly concerned as the staffer was tended to.

No word on the security guard's current status -- we'll keep you updated as soon as details are released.

As for the game, Ronaldo was able to find his accuracy and hit the back of the net early in the match against the Young Boys of Switzerland to give Man U a 1-0 lead ... but an equalizer came in the 66th minute.

Of course, Ronaldo just rejoined Man U last month, after being a superstar with the team from 2003-09 ... and so far, it's been nothing but success.

Originally Published -- 9/14 11:42 AM PT

Logan Paul Unloads On Jimmy Kimmel After Diss ... 'You F***ing A**hole'

"You f***ing a**hole, Jimmy Kimmel. Honestly Jimmy, f*** you. bro."

Logan Paul just went scorched-earth on Jimmy Kimmel for dissing him last week ... saying the late-night host is "so f***ing lame" for making him the butt of a joke.

In case you missed it, Kimmel name-dropped the YouTube superstar during one of his opening monologues ... when he made a reference to former President Donald Trump's wildly expensive appearance at Triller Fight Club.

"Between Logan Paul and Donald Trump, boxing is once again the top source of income for the very worst people," Kimmel joked.

But, LP ain't laughing ... in fact, he's calling out the host for bashing him after he was a guest on the same show just 3 years ago.

"F*** you, Jimmy Kimmel. F*** you," Logan said on his "Impaulsive" podcast Tuesday.

Paul has received similar treatment recently -- he was mentioned in Bo Burnham's song, "That Funny Feeling," during his popular Netflix special, "Inside" ... which LP says he was cool with.

Paul also takes aim at Kimmel's staff ... saying, "Your writers are so lacking content and creativity they had to do some lame-ass Paul joke??"

Kimmel has yet to respond ... but we take it this beef ain't going to the boxing ring any time soon.

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