TMZ Sports - Page 50

Al Davis, the legendary owner of the Oakland Raiders, died today at the age of 82.

The team announced his death on their website, with no further details. They did released a statement saying, "Al Davis was unique, a maverick, a giant among giants, a true legend among legends, the brightest star among stars, a hero, a mentor, a friend."

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said Davis "defined the Raiders and contributed to pro football at every level. The respect he commanded was evident in the way that people listened carefully every time he spoke. He is a true legend of the game whose impact and legacy will forever be part of the NFL."

Davis has been involved with the NFL for 60 years, starting off as an assistant coach with the San Diego Chargers. He was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1992.

Davis was famous for coining the phrases "commitment to excellence" and "Just win, baby."

The Raiders won Super Bowls XI, XV and XVIII ... but have struggled mightily the last several years.

Just a month ago, we asked broadcaster Al Michaels if the Raiders would ever win with Al Davis running things. His answer was very clear.

Snoop Dogg, a famously huge football fan, tweeted his thoughts today on the passing of Al Davis.

Isaiah Rider's wife believes the former NBA star is the victim of a "she-devil, man-hating" probation officer ... who has been out to get her husband simply because he's famous.

TMZ spoke with Vanessa Rider, who tells us ... Isaiah's P.O. has been "abusing her power" -- and has been blocking his efforts to complete his probation, and that's why he was arrested this week.

Rider says Isaiah got permission from the court to apply to travel to L.A. to explore job opportunities as a basketball coach, but the P.O. has refused to sign off on it ... insisting he work at a local McDonald's, or a similar local establishment during his probation.

Vanessa says, "He's not going to work at McDonald's ... he's a retired athlete."

As for the 90 uncompleted hours of community service, Vanessa says Isaiah wanted to volunteer at his church, but the P.O. would only let him pick up trash on the side of the road.

Vanessa also says Rider still wishes to complete his domestic violence course ... but wants to do so in California, so he can work at the same time.

NBA superstar Blake Griffin officially has the most bizarre backup plan for the stupid lockout -- playing hoops in an LA rec league ... with a TMZ camera guy!

Our guy actually had the nerve to ask the Clippers star -- and Rookie of the Year -- to join his recreational league team.

Not sure what's more shocking: the fact our guy wants Blake to play Pau to his Kobe -- or the fact Blake told him, "Maybe."

Former NBA Slam Dunk champion Isaiah "J.R." Rider is a total flake who blew off his required domestic violence classes and failed to complete 90 hours of community service ... this according to court docs obtained by TMZ.

Rider -- who was arrested for allegedly assaulting his wife last year -- was busted in Arizona for violating his probation Tuesday ... but in court, he had no idea what he did wrong.

According to the docs, Rider completely ignored his probation requirements -- which included 100 hours of community service, (he only did 10), completion of domestic violence classes, submitting to a urinalysis test and paying fines.

Rider's probation officer TRASHED the former NBA star in court papers, saying Rider's "failure to participate in treatment after so many opportunities appears to reinforce his lack of intent to successfully complete probation."

Former NBA star Isaiah Rider had NO IDEA what he did to get himself arrested in Arizona this week -- and during his court appearance on Tuesday, he was trying to get some answers.

Are you ready for some controversy???

Hank Williams Jr. claims his departure from "Monday Night Football" was by his OWN doing ... insisting he was NOT fired by ESPN.

Williams released a statement ... saying, "After reading hundreds of e-mails, I have made MY decision."

The Monday Night party is over for Hank Williams ... ESPN has just fired the singer, days after he compared President Obama to Hitler.

ESPN had already pulled the song from Monday's game while they mulled Williams' fate -- but now, it's permanent.

ESPN released a statement, saying, "We appreciate his contributions over the past years. The success of Monday Night Football has always been about the games and that will continue."

As we previously reported, Williams went on Fox News earlier this week, and referred to Obama and Joe Biden as "the enemy."

He later called his comments "dumb" -- but never really apologized for saying them.

Former NBA 1st round draft pick Isaiah "J.R." Rider was arrested in Arizona this week for violating his probation ... TMZ has learned.

Rider -- who played in the NBA from 1993 to 2001 -- is currently behind bars in Maricopa County on a no-bail hold. It's unclear why police believe Rider violated his probation.

Rider's probation stems from a 2010 incident -- where he fled from police after they tried to pull him over for driving erratically. He pled guilty to unlawful flight from a law enforcement vehicle.

Rider has had a long history of run-ins with police -- over the years, he's been arrested for fraud, battery, domestic violence, false reporting, kidnapping and possession of narcotic drugs.

Rider was an NBA journeyman -- who played for the Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Portland Trail Blazers and the Denver Nuggets.

Ex Los Angeles Dodger Milton Bradley and his wife have each filed divorce papers in the wake of Milton's arrest for allegedly swinging a baseball bat at her.

Bradley's wife called 911 on September 27, claiming he was swinging a bat at her, cage style. Milton was arrested and booked for assault with a deadly weapon.

Milton and wife Monique each cite irreconcilable differences. They were married in 2005 and have 2 kids.

It's been a bumpy road ... Monique filed for a restraining order in January. He's been arrested twice.

She filed for divorce last February but dropped the case.

NBA star Marcus Camby is off the hook in his pot arrest ... TMZ has learned, he won't be prosecuted.

As we previously reported, policed pulled Camby over in Pearland, TX last month for an equipment violation -- and noticed the car reeked of marijuana.

Cops claim they found pot -- less than 2 ounces -- so Camby and his passenger were arrested.

But now, Camby's lawyer Randall Novak tells TMZ ... prosecutors have assured him Marcus won't be prosecuted for drug possession ... because the evidence only implicated the passenger.

Times are finally changing for Tiger Woods … not on the links, he still sucks – but the golfer just locked down a MAJOR endorsement deal with Rolex watches … this according to his agent.

The details about the deal have not yet been released – but Tiger’s agent promises more information will follow shortly.

It’s a big deal for Woods – who was DROPPED by the TAG Heuer watch company in 2009 during the height of his “I can't keep my driver in my pants” scandal.

He may have been reckless ... but wrestling champ Kurt Angle will not be prosecuted for drunk driving stemming from a September arrest in Warren County, Virgina.

TMZ has learned ... prosecutors have reviewed the case, and have agreed to reduce the charge to misdemeanor reckless driving.

We're guessing they finally caught a glimpse of the police report, which showed Angle's blood alcohol level measured in at .06 on the night he was arrested ... which is under the legal limit in VA, .08.

If convicted, Angle still faces up to 12 months behind bars and up to $2,500 in fines.

Metta World Peace is taking his aspiring comedy career VERY seriously -- and TMZ has learned he's even enrolled in a stand-up "boot camp" to hone his skills during the NBA lockout.

MWP made his comedy debut a few months ago ... and has another big show scheduled at the Planet Hollywood in Vegas later this month.

But sources close to the basketball star tell us he is dedicated to making improvements -- and has joined the "Laff Mobb " comedy group in L.A. ... which claims its worked with HUGE comics in the past, like Bernie Mac, Chris Tucker and even Dave Chappelle.

"Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee" ... "I am the greatest" ... "Joe Frazier is a gorilla" -- Chubby Checker says he's the inspiration behind Muhammad Ali's historic trash talk ... and without him, Ali would be a nobody.

Chubby was celebrating his 70th birthday at his good friend Zsa Zsa Gabor's house in L.A. on Monday -- telling us, back when Muhammad Ali was Cassius Clay, the young boxer asked Chubby how to get people to notice him.

At that moment, Chubby says he gave Clay what would become the secret to the boxer's fame -- a big mouth.

According to Chubby, he instructed Clay to get as loud and cocky as possible whenever he could -- both inside and outside the ring -- and before long, Clay became known for his trademark hubris.

With the NBA lockout threatening the 2011-12 season ... one Chicago Bulls star has found a way to keep his shooting skills sharp ... while boozing and tanning at the same time.

TMZ has obtained photos of Joakim Noah ... fully engaged in a competitive game of aquatic beer pong Saturday at an apartment complex near the University of Florida ... his alma mater.

Sources at the apt. tell us ... Joakim's pong skills were STRONG ... and he played for roughly 2 hours.

We're told Joakim -- who's frickin' JACKED by the way -- was "pretty cool" with the people at the complex ... and was a gracious winner after walking away with a victory on the water.

Beats workin'.