TMZ Sports - Page 3

Xavier McClain -- a sophomore high school football player in New Jersey who suffered a traumatic head injury during a recent football game -- has died, the school tells TMZ Sports.

"The Linden Public School district is deeply saddened by the tragic death of a Linden High School sophomore student," the school said in a statement. "The district extends its heartfelt condolences and will continue to offer prayers and support to the family during this difficult time."

The district says they've made counseling available to any students and staff who want to talk to a professional.

McClain was "critically injured" during a varsity football game on September 9 ... when Linden was taking on Woodbridge H.S. in Woodbridge.

According to witnesses who were at the game, Xavier, in the second half, was returning a kickoff when the injury occurred. An ambulance was quickly brought onto the field, and play was temporarily halted.

FYI, kickoffs are one of the most dangerous plays in football. In fact, there's been a push by some to eliminate the play from the sport.

Derek Armstead, the mayor of Linden, asked the community for prayers for Xavier's parents, Lisa and Norman, as they grieve the tragic loss of their son.

"At this time, the best way to help them and Xavier is for every one of you to pray," Armstead wrote in a social media post. "If you can, stop what you are doing for a minute right now and join me in a moment of silence and prayers."

Armstead -- who's known Xavier and his parents for years -- said the news "hurts," adding, "I trust that God knows better."

"HE needed an angel and decided to call Xavier home to be with HIM," Armstead wrote. "I asked that you continue to keep the family in your prayers."

Sylvester Stallone and Jennifer Flavin are moving towards a settlement in their ugly divorce, putting a hold on court proceedings to hammer out a deal in private ... and shockingly, we're told there was no prenup in place.

According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Sly and Jennifer both requested an order of abatement -- which the court granted -- in their divorce down in Florida. This means filings have been put on hold, however, sources connected to the case say the divorce is still happening ... they just don't want the negotiations made public.

The docs state, "The Parties agree that is in the best interests of each of them individually, and more importantly collectively as a family, to resolve all issues attendant to the dissolution of their marriage in a dignified, amicable, and private manner out-of-court."

What's more, we're told the two did NOT have a prenup when they got hitched back in 1997, seemingly leaving hundreds of millions of dollars up for grabs as the earnings of both are community property.

Of course, Jennifer has her popular Serious Skincare cosmetic line, and Stallone's got a string of Hollywood blockbusters including the "Rocky" franchise.

Remember, Jennifer filed for divorce from Sly last month following 25 years of marriage, saying their relationship was "irretrievably broken." She also accused him of moving marital assets, something he's denied.

Khloe Kardashian has given everyone the first peek at her baby, but she dropped some info about Tristan Thompson and the child he had with another woman that is really messed up.

The cameras were rolling at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center July 28 when Khloe and Tristan were able to hold their newborn for the first time. TMZ broke the story that they had the baby boy via surrogate.

Now here's what's messed up. In Season 2 of "The Kardashians," which dropped on Hulu Thursday, Khloe says Tristan knew he was having a baby with another woman when he pressured Khloe to have another child with him.

She says Tristan found out Maralee Nichols was pregnant with his child in July 2021 and afterward put the heat on Khloe to have their second child. She says just before Thanksgiving, an embryo was implanted in the surrogate.

Then, in December, Khloe found out about Maralee's pregnancy.

Khloe made it clear on the show, she never would have gone down this path had she known about the other baby before committing to another child of their own ... "Why would I want to have a baby with someone who is having a baby with someone else? I'm not that much of a sociopath. I'm a lunatic, but not that f***ing deranged."

As you know, Tristan and Khloe are co-parenting 4-year-old True. His involvement going forward was not discussed on the show.

Ben Simmons says things got so nasty between him and the 76ers ... that at the height of their tension, it felt like everyone in the org. was "just trying to f*** with me now."

Simmons finally opened up about his breakup with Philly on JJ Redick's "The Old Man and the Three" podcast ... and he said during the worst part of their relationship back in Oct. 2021, he thought multiple high-ranking people in the franchise, including head coach Doc Rivers, were out to get him.

"I actually spoke to Doc before practice," Simmons said when recalling the infamous fall workout that he was booted from and later suspended over. "I was like, 'Doc, I'm not ready. Mentally, I'm not ready. Please, just understand that.'"

"I tried to let him know prior," Simmons continued. "He was like, 'Well, I'm going to put you in any way.'"

Simmons said early on in the practice, Rivers put him on the floor. Predictably, Simmons didn't handle it well, and Rivers kicked him out. The Sixers later banned him 1 game for it all.

He said it was just one of a few things the Sixers did that month that had rubbed him the wrong way.

"It seems like everyone's just trying to f*** with me now," Simmons said, recalling the events. "Like, I'm getting fined for not lifting weights, but, physically, I'm like one of the strongest guys on the f***ing team."

"So they're fining me for little things. It was just a buildup."

Simmons did admit "obviously I didn't handle things the right way, but also the team didn't either and the people who had that power."

The 26-year-old was ultimately traded to the Nets for James Harden in February.

"For me, I was trying to -- for myself, personally -- get to a good place," Simmons said of all the drama. "To get back on the floor. Getting on the floor was my priority and trying to get myself to a place where I was mentally good to do that."

"And I was in such a bad place where I was like, 'F***. Like, I'm trying to get here and you guys are, like, throwing all these other things at me to where you're not helping.' That's all I wanted was help."

Adam Levine isn't putting down the mic while he's in hot water over a DM mess -- he's still stepping into the spotlight on stage ... TMZ has learned.

Sources with direct knowledge tell us ... the singer is still scheduled to perform early next month with his band, Maroon 5, at The Shaquille O'Neal Foundation's annual fundraising gala, "The Event" in Vegas.

The gig is set to go down Oct. 1 at the MGM Grand, and we're told the show will go on -- even now, with Adam's relationship status in the headlines amid a DM scandal. Our sources tell us there will be no red carpet at the event, similar to last year, so Adam won't be grilled by reporters.

Not just that, but our sources tell us Adam is also going to forge ahead with other professional commitments he's already made -- and that would seem to include his M5 world tour, with stops all over Asia through the end of the year, as well as one final NYE show in Palm Springs.

It's interesting, considering the drama has now ballooned even beyond what was originally alleged. It all started with one woman claiming she had an affair with Adam, which he denied. She offered up DMs suggesting he wanted to name his unborn kid after her.

Although Adam denied being physically involved, he did cop to sending flirtatious messages and also expressed regret, while noting he's working it out with his wife, Behati Prinsloo.

More women have come forward with claims he was DM'ing them as well -- including some famous ladies alleging he attempted to DM them.

Adam and Behati were photographed together this week, but it's unclear where things stand between them.

At any rate, AL's plowing ahead with his frontman duties.

A man is suing skateboarding star Nyjah Huston -- after he says the 27-year-old X Games athlete beat him up during an altercation in Los Angeles earlier this summer.

Alexander Pou filed the lawsuit Wednesday -- alleging the incident happened back on June 6 after Huston and a friend went to Pou's house to retrieve an item they had left the night before.

In the suit, obtained by TMZ Sports, Pou alleges he tried to help Huston find the item ... but when their search was unsuccessful, the skateboarder "became verbally abusive."

Pou claims Huston then "suddenly and without warning" began attacking him, causing injuries.

To make matters worse, Pou says as Huston got in his friend's car to leave the scene -- the friend tried to run him over ... all while Huston "continued to verbally assault" Pou.

Pou is suing for unspecified damages.

This is not the first time Huston has faced a lawsuit alleging he got violent with somebody ... back in 2017, a man claimed the skater broke his nose in a fight at a house party.

Kyler Murray appears to be doing a 180 when it comes to the altercation he had with a fan in Vegas on Sunday ... because he's now saying he has "no hard feelings" toward his alleged attacker.

The Cardinals star clearly felt differently just three days ago -- when a man appeared to take a swipe at the quarterback's face while he was celebrating Arizona's thrilling overtime win against the Raiders.

Murray was apparently so upset with situation, Las Vegas police ended up launching an investigation into the incident ... telling TMZ Sports they received "a battery call alleging a spectator at the stadium struck a professional football player."

But in addressing the incident with reporters on Wednesday, Murray seemed now to be ready to let the whole thing go.

"I know every person that I've hit in the face, I did it for a reason," the 25-year-old said. "I don't know if he didn't know where he was. I don't know -- it was a pretty live game, Vegas is Vegas, I'm sure he was having fun. But, again, I don't know."

"I don't think any player should be getting touched in that manner, but, no hard feelings toward the guy," he continued. "I mean, if I see him, I'd shake his hand. It is what it is."

It's unclear if Vegas police are now considering dropping the probe.

As for celebrations with fans going forward, Murray said those will continue if the situation calls for it ... saying he would "do it all over again if I could."

"Hopefully me and Conor McGregor can link up in 2023 in a real fight."

That's Floyd Mayweather -- TBE, 50-0 -- returning to "The Mayweather Zone" AKA TMZ Sports for a conversation about his boxing future.

We asked the legendary boxer about his interest in a rematch with Conor ... and Floyd made it clear, he is -- and there have already been conversations about money and location.

Of course, the men fought in 2017 ... in one of the most watched and talked about combat sporting events ever. Mayweather won by TKO in the 10th round.

Floyd is rumored to have made around $300 million -- and Conor $100 million -- for the first bout ... and Money made it clear he'll be getting another ridiculously big check when they fight again.

"They already talked to me about my number that I'm going to receive," Floyd told us, adding, "9 figures."

"You know we gotta start at least 100 million for Floyd Mayweather."

It's also significant that Floyd said "real fight" ... meaning not an exhibition. In a pro bout, which Floyd says he wants, his perfect 50-0 record would be on the line.

Mayweather also revealed the likely location ... the Raiders new football stadium in Las Vegas, Allegiant Stadium. The building fits roughly 65,000 fans ... triple the amount of people held by many boxing venues.

Before Conor, Floyd has a few exhibition bouts that are going down. In fact, on Saturday (in America, Sunday in Japan), Mayweather is boxing Japanese MMA star Mikuru Asakura in Japan.

Then, in November, Mayweather has a bout that'll be of interest to many people ... he's fighting YouTuber-turned-boxer and KSI's brother, Deji.

Deji is 1-3 overall in the ring ... but did manage to win his first pro bout, leaving him with a 1-0 record.

Floyd also showed off some of his insanely rare and valuable timepieces ... including a breathtaking $18 million Jacob & Co. "Billionaire" watch.

It's good to be Floyd Mayweather!

This is awesome.

EA Sports -- starting later this month -- is adding Ted Lasso to FIFA '23 ... AND his team, AFC Richmond, the video game maker announced on Wednesday.

"Believe it. #FIFA23 x @TedLasso He's proven he belongs in the game, now Ted Lasso and @AFCRichmond are playable in FIFA 23 starting September 30," EA tweeted.

In an official news release, EA said Lasso -- famously played by Jason Sudekis -- will be a playable manager in Career Mode on FIFA '23.

In addition to Lasso, FIFA players can manage AFC Richmond -- Lasso's team in the hit show -- in FIFA's Premier League or any other playable Career Mode.

The Emmy award-winning show follows the story of Lasso, an American football coach in London charged with leading a struggling English Premier League football (soccer) team.

According to IMDB, the comedy-drama won 11 Primetime Emmys and received 40 total nominations.

Scott Van Pelt had to take a timeout from a podcast appearance this week -- and it's all 'cause his puppy pooped all over his floor in the background of a shot.

For real.

SVP joined The Ringer's Kevin Clark for a taping of a new episode of "Slow News Day" -- and things appeared to be going smoothly.

The guys chatted for a few seconds -- and at one point, they even noted Van Pelt's new pet was hanging around nearby.

But, as the conversation turned toward Van Pelt's old coworker, Ryen Russillo, the doggo popped a squat and dropped a big #2 on the hardwood.

"Hold on, Redd's taking a s***!" Van Pelt said while pausing Clark mid-sentence. "My dog just took a giant dump right behind us."

Van Pelt eventually called for a 20-second timeout so he could clean it up -- and it was all hilarious.

Of course, ya can't blame the puppy for not knowing Dad's work schedule just yet -- Van Pelt tweeted earlier this week he just got the dog a few days ago ... following the death of his old furry companion, Otis.

Robert Sarver will give up both the Phoenix Suns and the Phoenix Mercury after the NBA found he did use the n-word multiple times during his tenure as an owner in the leagues.

The 60-year-old announced in a lengthy statement on Wednesday morning that he is "beginning the process of seeking buyers for the Suns and the Mercury" following the NBA's findings.

"Words that I deeply regret now overshadow nearly two decades of building organizations that brought people together -- and strengthened the Phoenix area -- through the unifying power of professional men's and women's basketball," Sarver said, before adding, "but in our current unforgiving climate, it has become painfully clear that that is no longer possible -- that whatever good I have done, or could still do, is outweighed by things I have said in the past."

In addition to using the racial epithet on at least five different occasions, the NBA also said Sarver made inappropriate comments towards women, and didn't treat his employees fairly or equally.

Commissioner Adam Silver fined Sarver $10 million and suspended him one year over it all ... and insisted the punishment was strong enough.

But, after fans and multiple star players -- including LeBron James, Chris Paul and Draymond Green -- called for more severe sanctions ... Sarver decided it was best to move on from his roles with the NBA and WNBA teams.

"I do not want to be a distraction to these two teams and the fine people who work so hard to bring the joy and excitement of basketball to fans around the world," Sarver said. "I want what's best for these two organizations, the players, the employees, then fans, the community, my fellow owners, the NBA and the WNBA. This is the best course of action for everyone."

"In the meantime, I will continue to work on becoming a better person, and continuing to support the community in meaningful ways. Thank you for continuing to root for the Suns and the Mercury, embracing the power that sports has to bring us together."

Mike Evans' one-game suspension for his role in Sunday's fracas with the Saints has been upheld by the NFL, the league announced on Wednesday.

In a tweet, the NFL confirmed James Thrash, the hearing officer in the Buccaneers star's appeal, affirmed the ban.

Evans was initially informed of the punishment in a letter from NFL executive Jon Runyan on Monday, after the league said he violated unnecessary roughness and unsportsmanlike conduct rules when he trucked Marshon Lattimore during a skirmish in the Tampa Bay vs. New Orleans game.

"You knocked your opponent to the ground, and a melee ensued involving players from both teams," Runyan wrote in the ruling. "Your aggressive conduct could have caused serious injury to your opponent."

According to Adam Schefter, Evans will only lose $62,000 instead of $715,000 while out, thanks to an offseason contract restructure.

Evans' QB, Tom Brady, called the suspension earlier this week "ridiculous."

New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson proposed to his longtime girlfriend like a true basketball player -- getting down on one knee and poppin' the question on a hoops court -- and it worked, 'cause she said yes!!

The NBA point guard and Ali Marks shared the news on social media on Tuesday -- revealing the proposal went down at their old high school's court in Illinois.

"you are a lifetime," said Marks, who shared pics of the couple's romantic evening on the Stevenson H.S. court.

"forever," Brunson added.

While unorthodox, the proposal's venue was absolutely fitting ... considering Brunson and Marks -- who's a physical therapist -- began dating at the high school years ago.

The two were initially there on Tuesday to see Brunson be inducted into the school's Hall of Fame.

Several NBA players congratulated Brunson following his reveal of the news -- and Mavericks owner Mark Cuban even claimed to have known it was going to happen.

"See how I predicted that," Cuban said. "Congrats 🎉🎉🎉"

There are a lot of new beginnings for Brunson recently ... the 26-year-old -- who had been a Dallas Maverick since 2018 -- just signed a four-year, $104 million deal with the Knicks in July.

TMZ Sports has obtained new video of Kyler Murray's postgame incident with a fan at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday -- and it appears to show a man winding up before taking a swipe at the Cardinals star's face.

The footage was shot just seconds after Arizona scored a game-winning touchdown in overtime against the Raiders in Las Vegas.

You can see in the clip, Murray was trying to celebrate the win with someone who appeared to be his friend and others -- before a man in a grey T-shirt reached over fans and bopped Murray's head.

It's unclear from the video if the act was intentional or not. Seems the man could have just been attempting to slap Murray's shoulder pad in celebration -- but missed badly.

Murray turned around and seemed upset -- pointing at people in the crowd. His teammates eventually jumped in to separate everyone, and the 25-year-old signal-caller ultimately ran off without further issue.

As we reported, Las Vegas police are investigating the incident ... saying in a statement that a battery complaint was made at the venue at 6:26 PM.

"We do not provide victim names however the event you are requesting is a battery call alleging a spectator at the stadium struck a professional football player," the spokesperson told TMZ Sports. "A crime report was taken, and the suspect has not been identified. This is an ongoing investigation."

Khloe Kardashian clearly had a tough time dealing with the revelation Tristan Thompson had a baby with another woman at the same time she and Tristan were expecting a child of their own.

Khloe broke down in tears as she described the pain in a promotional video for the show. Kris Jenner followed suit with her own tears.

It's gotta be painful for sure, but it's also content for season 2 of their show, so clearly anything goes.

TMZ broke the story back in July ... Khloe and Tristan were expecting a boy via surrogate ... as stories surfaced Tristan just had a baby with personal trainer Maralee Nichols last December.

Ex-UCLA basketball player Jalen Hill has tragically died at 22 years old, the school confirmed on Tuesday night.

In a tweet, the Bruins men's basketball team said it was "deeply saddened" by the passing. Head coach Mick Cronin added in a statement that the death was "heartbreaking."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time," said Cronin, who coached Hill for two seasons in Westwood. "Jalen was a warm-hearted young man with a great smile who has left us far too soon."

According to a statement from Hill's family on social media, the 6-foot-10 power forward "went missing while in Costa Rica and we have recently learned of his passing."

No further details surrounding his death were revealed.

Hill -- ranked as a top-100 recruit coming out of Centennial H.S. in Corona, Calif. -- signed with the Bruins back in 2017, but didn't play in his true freshman season after he and two other UCLA players, including LiAngelo Ball, were arrested for shoplifting while in China for a game in Nov. 2017. He was suspended indefinitely over the incident, but later rejoined the team, playing for the Bruins from 2018 to 2021.

In his UCLA career, Hill saw time in 77 games, averaging 6.5 points per game and 6.4 rebounds. He retired from basketball in 2021, saying he was battling anxiety and depression.