TMZ Sports - Page 50

Lamar Jackson is revealing why he decided to take truss and throw some Z's on it -- claiming someone threatened to SUE him over the Ravens' catchphrase!!

TMZ Sports broke the story ... LJ recently filed an application to trademark the term, Truzz, right around the time he got the word tatted across his chest.

Weird move, considering Lamar's Baltimore Ravens teammate, Mark Ingram, had been using the phrase "Big Truss" to reference LJ throughout the 2019 NFL season. Woo Woo!

But, just as we thought, the switch to "Z's" was all about business -- as Lamar explained Tuesday during a video Q&A with fans.

"Someone tried to sue me for Truss," Jackson said ... "So, I changed my S's to Z's."

Lamar claims the person who holds the Truss trademark tried to "make a big deal" out of the situation ... and it was just easier to make the switch to ZZ instead.

Smart!

There's more -- Lamar also shared some major news ... he's officially been selected as the cover athlete for the Madden NFL 21 video game!!!

Bruce Smith is down to don Redskins garb once again ... this time, he tells TMZ Sports he'll throw on the D.C. gear to become Chase Young's personal mentor!!

Of course, the Ohio St. superstar ain't officially a member of the Redskins yet -- but it's nearly unanimous among NFL pundits that Washington will select him with the No. 2 overall pick Thursday.

And, once that happens, Bruce says he's open to calling team owner Dan Snyder to offer up his services as Young's personal pass-rush coach.

"I've given that some thought," Smith says, "in giving Dan Snyder a call and telling Dan that I can probably help this young man out to becoming that impact player that they would like for him to become a lot sooner rather than three or four years down the line."

If Dan were smart ... he'd make the hire ASAP -- Bruce is the greatest pass-rusher EVER, recording an NFL record 200 career sacks, and he's a proven commodity as a coach, having already mentored some of the league's current best.

"I think the knowledge that I have been able to gain over the course of my career and even after my career is over has been very helpful to some of the players that are in the league now," Smith says.

"I spent some time with Von Miller, I spent some time with a number of other players. But, it's the details -- the details -- that will set you apart from being average to good to great."

As for Smith's opinion of Chase's game right now ... Bruce LOVES the guy, saying, "Well, arguably, he is the best player in the draft."

By the way, Smith also sent a personal shout-out to all the people battling on the frontlines against the coronavirus ... and his message is touching.

Running from live, angry bulls is usually okay in Spain.

Running from live, angry bulls during COVID-19 ... well, that's just too dangerous!!

Officials have formally canceled the world-famous San Fermin festival in Pamplona (known as the Running of the Bulls) to try and protect people from coronavirus.

“No matter how expected it was, it does not stop us all from feeling sad," the acting mayor told reporters.

So, to be clear ... they don't care if a bull GORES YOU TO DEATH IN THE STREETS -- but, COVID is where they draw the line!

The 9-day event was set to begin in July -- and draw thousands of people from all over the world. Remember, NFL star Josh Norman JUMPED a bull during the 2019 event.

But, in all seriousness, COVID-19 is hitting Spain pretty hard -- more than 21,000 people have reportedly died in the country since the pandemic began.

The bulls are usually slaughtered following their run through the streets -- but it's unclear if they will get a reprieve this year.

Jon Gruden dropped in and surprised an online Univ. of Tennessee stats class this week ... and it was hilarious -- mostly because the guy absolutely sucks at using Zoom!!

The Raiders head coach -- who has an affinity for the Vols (remember #Grumors?) -- surprised a group of students Thursday that included star RB Ty Chandler ... but he didn't exactly pull off the drop-in without a hitch.

As soon as JG busted in the class ... his camera wasn't working and students couldn't see him. Later, the 56-year-old had a hell of a time trying to sign out.

But, hey! In between all of that -- Gruden's visit was cool as hell!!!

Gruden ribbed Chandler (a 2021 NFL Draft prospect), provided messages of encouragement for the young students and even got a "Spider 2 Y Banana" shoutout from the teacher. Good times, right?

As for why this happened ... Chuckie's always had a great relationship with UT -- he once was a grad assistant at the school and his wife was actually a former Vols cheerleader.

Shaun Weiss -- famous for playing Goldberg in "The Mighty Ducks" -- seems to be pulling out of his downward spiral, as he's looking much healthier than he has since his most recent meth bust.

Check out this pic of Shaun now ... he's no longer frail and disheveled. Instead, he's in great spirits and has apparently gained a lot of weight. He was having breakfast last month with his close friend, Drew Gallagher, when the picture was taken.

It's a good sign for Shaun who finally went to rehab in March after getting out of jail.

As we first reported ... Shaun's friends said they were desperate to get the troubled child star help before it was too late -- he was living on the streets and dealing with a slew of life-threatening problems before January's burglary and meth arrest.

When he got out of jail he checked into the recovery facility, but we're told he was recently transferred to a different one due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Our sources say Shaun was told he was at a higher risk of catching COVID-19 because he has diabetes and the original facility could no longer keep him with its main population. So, his team found the new rehab center.

This is, hands down, the best we've seen Shaun looking in a long while -- here's hoping he continues getting the help he needs.

"I don't know if I've ever seen any college player better than he played last year."

That's Brett Favre heaping a TON of praise on Joe Burrow ... telling TMZ Sports he thinks the LSU QB's 2019 season was the greatest of all time!!!

Of course, Burrow's stats back up the claim ... the 23-year-old completed 76.3 percent of his passes for 5,671 yards and scored 65 total (rushing and passing) TDs -- but it's still shocking to hear the Packers legend make the claim nonetheless.

Remember, there are some straight-up ICONIC seasons from college football players over the years from dudes like Cam Newton, Barry Sanders, Johnny Manziel, Tim Tebow, Vince Young and Reggie Bush.

But, Favre tells us Burrow's year just tops them all.

"In fact, [Burrow's] team was incredible," Favre says. "Best college team I've ever seen. And, the best play by a college quarterback in history."

So, just how do Burrow's numbers compare with guys like Newton, Tebow, Young and Manziel?

Newton in 2010: 2,854 passing yards, 30 passing TDs, 1,473 rushing yards, 20 rushing TDs

Manziel in 2012: 3,706 passing yards, 26 passing TDs, 1,410 rushing yards, 21 rushing TDs

Tebow in 2007: 3,286 passing yards, 32 passing TDs, 895 rushing yards, 23 rushing TDs

Young in 2005: 3,036 passing yards, 26 passing TDs, 1050 rushing yards, 12 rushing TDs

Yeah, Favre might have a point here!!

As for Burrow's future in the NFL -- ya gotta hear which legendary QB Brett thinks Joe most plays like.

By the way, the Packers legend also reminisced with us about his draft day experience in 1991 ... and he even opened up about that epic draft night photo!!

The lack of baseball has hit the most famous bat manufacturer HARD ... with the makers of the Louisville Slugger shutting down its factory and museum.

Hillerich & Bradsby Co. discussed the decision to furlough 90% of its staff and halt production at its Kentucky facility on Monday ... saying the coronavirus and its impact has forced the changes.

"We’re not doing any advertising. We’ve cut all our expenses we can. We’re just hoping we get back to normal before we run out of cash," CEO John Hillerich told The Courier Journal.

Of course, there is no MLB right now ... as the start of the season has been delayed with no return date in sight.

According to the Journal, Hillerich & Bradsby sends about 50,000 sticks to the MLB each year ... and there's serious concern the logs used to make the bats could "spoil" before they're used.

As for the employees ... those remaining on staff have taken a 25% pay cut ... but everyone -- including the furloughed workers -- are keeping their health benefits.

Hillerich says the company is concerned about the museum's future ... saying, "We’re afraid that even if we open up, people aren’t going to want to be in crowded museums."

Derek Jeter is taking an indefinite pay cut as Marlins owner -- a move that could cost him MILLIONS -- this as the MLB community continues to struggle amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jeter, a part-owner of Miami's team since 2017, told his staff Monday he's giving up his paychecks while the league continues to postpone play over coronavirus, ESPN reports.

Derek's salary is reportedly around $5 MILLION per year ... so the move is a pretty big one for the former Yankees captain.

Of course, his actions will help others in need in the Marlins' franchise ... reportedly, the team will now continue to pay its employees until at least May 31 -- right around the time baseball hopes to resume.

Jeter's pay cut comes just a week after MLB commish Rob Manfred also agreed to slash his salary in a move that could cost him around $4 MIL.

The good news ... baseball still appears to be committed toward paying its other employees in the meantime.

The MLB season was set to tip off on March 26 ... but was postponed indefinitely after coronavirus fears in early March.

Ex-UFC fighter Phillipe Nover is now a registered nurse helping patients during the COVID-19 pandemic -- and he just got a video message from Dana White praising him for his efforts!

"Hearing all the incredible things you're doing on the frontlines of New York City," White said ... "You're awesome, kid!"

Some backstory ... 36-year-old Nover first began fighting in the UFC in 2008 and took fights in the Octagon all the way up to 2017. He's 11-8-1 as a pro.

But, he's now a registered nurse working at a hospital in Brooklyn -- where he's part of a rapid response team treating coronavirus patients.

When Dana found out about Nover's story ... he sent a video to us that we could play for him -- and it's pretty great.

"I have so much respect for, not just you, but for everybody who is part of the first responders and the medical staff that are taking care of everybody and putting yourself in harm's way to help others."

"You were a stud on ["The Ultimate Fighter"] and apparently you're still kicking ass, my friend. Congratulations! Thank you so much for all you're doing for everybody."

Nover was blown away by the message -- telling us, "That's awesome! Thanks, Dana!"

Nover also explained why it's so important to him to pitch in during the pandemic -- explaining, "I'm glad I can actually help out."

There's more ... Nover tells us why he got into nursing -- and why he feels his experience as a fighter helps him in his new career.

As for whether he would take another MMA if he gets the chance, Nover says it's highly unlikely.

"At this point, I think my fight is in the hospital."

Think Roger Goodell is going to finally make it through a draft without hearing boos????

THINK AGAIN ... 'cause the commish is actually ENCOURAGING the jeers -- and it's all for COVID-19 charity!!

Here's the deal ... Goodell has been booed at EVERY draft for the last decade or so -- mostly because NFL fans hate the way he runs the league.

But, with the coronavirus pandemic ... it seemed the commish was finally going to get a reprieve from it all as the league's draft Thursday has gone completely virtual.

The NFL, though, partnered with its beer sponsor Monday to make sure the tradition stays alive ... with Bud Light announcing it will donate $1 every time the #BooTheCommish hashtag is used on social media this week!

In fact, the booze company says it'll contribute up to $500,000 total to COVID-19 relief efforts to hear you boo the league's head man.

Tim Hardaway says he's FED up with Bill Laimbeer's disrespect for Michael Jordan ... saying the Pistons legend KNOWS MJ's the G.O.A.T. ... but is too jealous to admit it!!

Of course, Laimbeer spoke his mind on the debate last week ... saying he believed LeBron James deserved the title, and not his archnemesis.

The comments set the NBA community on fire ... so when TMZ Sports spoke with Hardaway recently, we had to ask the guy for his take -- and he didn't hold back.

"Stop being jealous," the 5-time All-Star told us. "He took it to you, Bill. I know you all didn't like it. You probably got dunked on 5, 6, 7, 8 times."

Hardaway even points out Laimbeer's Bad Boy Pistons had to have played a HUGE role in making MJ the killer he is today -- remember the "Jordan Rules" ...?

"That's y'all fault. Don't be mad, don't be upset and don't be jealous."

There's more ... we also spoke with Hardaway about the tough financial times NBA players may face during the coronavirus pandemic ... and he's got solid advice.