TMZ Sports - Page 50

Artest had just left a club -- and was walking down Hollywood Blvd. when a woman and a man began to throw punches at each other RIGHT NEXT to the NBA superstar.

After some bobbing and weaving, 6'7", 260 pound Artest stepped in and quickly separated the two combatants. Once both fighters were restrained, Artest got into a waiting vehicle and went home.

TMZ spoke with Artest who told us, "Unfortunately there was a situation at the club and some people had too much to drink, and got unruly and aggressive. I tried to diffuse the situation. Some people just don't think clearly when they've had too much to drink -- it's an unfortunate reality. "

We're told both Shaq and Hoopz were in great spirits when they came to the Gatlinburg shop ... located just miles from where Shaq has a home.

Sources tell us Shaq wanted some privacy and asked to keep the store's door shut while they were inside.

One caller -- who claims she was driving behind David for several miles-- reported that David was "driving recklessly" and "speeding really bad" before slamming into the stalled car on May 6.

Another caller claims David was "definitely speeding" -- pulling in and out of the carpool lane ... "breaking a couple traffic laws."

As we previously reported, Beckham rear-ended another car with his Black Escalade ... on one of the busiest highways in L.A. -- and the other driver had to be taken to the hospital.

Beckham -- whose son Brooklyn was in the car with him at the time -- has not been arrested or cited.

Tressel released a statement this morning, reading, "After meeting with university officials, we agreed that it is in the best interest of Ohio State that I resign as head football coach."

Our Sin City spies spotted Adrian in line at the Bistro Buffet at the Palms Casino and Resort Friday night, where a couple noticed him and asked if he was, in fact, Adrian Peterson. We're told AP answered with his catch phrase (and nickname), "All day."

Peterson asked the couple -- and about a dozen other people in line for the buffet -- if they wanted to join him for dinner ... and then picked up the tab for everyone.

Total cost -- about $400.

Wheldon -- sporting William Rast on his chest and his #98 car -- took the checkers at Indy for the 2nd time in his career. He crossed the finish line seconds after rookie JR Hildebrand wrecked in front of him.

Timberlake hit his Twitter to celebrate right after the race ...

According to documents filed with the city of Malibu ... Jamie asked for city approval to begin construction at her sprawling beachfront mansion.

McCourt wants to expand an existing pool -- and needed permission to excavate 105 cubic yards of earth material. McCourt also wants to expand her wood deck, replace pool equipment and convert a guest room into a pool cabana.

The city approved Jamie's request -- under the condition she doesn't install any lighting systems that will be visible from the beach.

Jamie is VERY serious about her time in the pool -- as TMZ previously reported, she went to war with her estranged husband Frank McCourt over "exclusive rights to the family swimming pool" at her other home in the Hollywood Hills.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... Smith, who has played the last five seasons with the Denver Nuggets, was not taken to jail for the offense. We're told Smith signed a notice to appear -- he'll get his court date later.

South Beach beware -- Smith was released on his own recognizance.

According to local reports, Avril's mic didn't work at the start of her show ... and she responded to the cavalcade of boos by yelling obscenities at crowd.

Rays rep Rick Vaughn tells TMZ, "The Rays demand profanity-free performances from all of our concert performers and we are extremely disappointed by the language used in last night's show. It is not consistent with the family-friendly atmosphere that Tropicana Field is known for."

Calls to Lavigne's rep were not returned.

The Dallas Cowboys QB and Chase Crawford's lil sis are set to exchange vows today at the historic Arlington Hall Mansion at Lee Park in Dallas. Word is they've booked the entire compound -- and we can believe it, based on the size of that tent.

36-year-old Dunn says cops told him they pulled him over because his tinted windows were "too dark" ... but Dunn insinuates he was racially profiled.

During the stop, Dunn -- who is black -- says 4 white officers targeted him with "a lot of personal questions" and told him "I had the characteristics of people transporting drugs & guns."

Dunn says the cops searched his car and gave him a warning for the tint.

After the incident, the 3-time Pro Bowler went to his Facebook page and said, "Felt violated and I've had my car since '08, nvr been pulled ovr for tint. Taken back bc I think the reasoning was bad. Ruined my day but not my spirit."

UPDATE: Dunn's rep tells us Warrick was frustrated after the incident -- and after cops explained that he was traveling through a high-crime area ... he understood the officers were just trying to do their job.

Warrick, through his rep, tells TMZ ... "As the son of a hard working police officer, I understand the stress that police officers are under."

TMZ spoke with X-Pac -- real name Sean Waltman -- who tells us, "It saddens me ... but she obviously hasn't progressed very far in life."

As we first reported, Chyna recently struck a deal with Vivid Entertainment to release a brand new porno flick featuring the former Playboy model in some compromising positions with multiple endowed male professionals.

Sean adds, "[Chyna] used to say how low she felt after the first [sex tape] was released ... what does that say about where she's at in life now?"