TMZ Sports - Page 50

Every team in the Premier League will wear "Black Lives Matter" threads when the season restarts ... with the powerful message replacing names on the back of players' shirts.

Check out one of the kits posted by Sheffield United on Tuesday ... the unis not only feature "BLM" on the nameplates, they also have a "Black Lives Matter" patch on the sleeve.

Players from all 20 teams came up with the idea to show solidarity with the movement earlier this month ... and will wear the special jerseys for the first 12 games once the season returns from COVID-19 suspension.

The players released a statement on the decision, saying, "We, the Players, stand together with the singular objective of eradicating racial prejudice wherever it exists, to bring about a global society of inclusion, respect, and equal opportunities for All, regardless of their colour or creed."

"This symbol is a sign of unity from all Players, all Staff, all Clubs, all Match Officials and the Premier League #blacklivesmatter #playerstogether."

Welcome to the future!!!

A gym in Southern California has installed workout pods made out of shower curtains to safely return from its COVID-19 closure ... and the scene is pretty surreal.

Check out photos of Inspire South Bay Fitness in Redondo Beach ... the new weight room looks a hell of a lot different -- and the gym says it's all in an effort to keep people healthy.

Peet Sapsin -- the facility's owner -- told KTLA the new setup took three days to put together ... but he believes it -- and other safety measures -- will allow customers to feel normal being back in a gym.

Peet says everyone that comes through the door will sanitize their hands, have their temperature taken, sign a waiver and then will be given a pod to lift weights in.

Peet claims the gym will only operate at about half capacity with the new setup ... but he adds, "now that we’ve come up with this solution, it’s a lot more affordable and, now, we can reopen back up a little more safer and healthier for our clients."

As we previously reported ... gyms in California were ordered to close up shop way back in March in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

But, government officials gave the green light to gyms to re-open just a few days ago ... and, slowly, fitness centers across the state are making moves.

So, could pod-workouts be coming to a facility near you in 2020??

Stay tuned ...

Unfortunately for Michael Jordan, size DOES matter when you're in a fishing tournament ... 'cause His Airness finished 2nd to last on the leaderboard after catching a big ass blue marlin last week.

As we previously reported .. MJ's Catch 23 boat caught a 442.3-pound fish in the 62nd Annual Big Rock Tournament in Morehead City, NC.

The haul was good enough for 5th place at the time ... but as it turns out, some of the other boats in the tourney were able to come through in the clutch during the remaining days of the competition ... and MJ's fish fell down the charts.

The winning boat -- the Pelagic Hunter II -- came in first after reeling in a 495.2-pound blue marlin.

There's a silver lining ... despite finishing 9th, MJ's boat beat last place on the leaderboard by 23.3 pounds.

Overall, there were 205 boats in the tournament ... with $3,352,475 going out to the biggest winners.

It's a big improvement for MJ ... who's left fishing tournaments empty-handed in the past.

New York Giants star kicker Aldrick Rosas was arrested Monday after allegedly T-boning a car and fleeing the scene ... and cops believe alcohol was involved, TMZ Sports has learned.

Law enforcement officials say witnesses saw the 25-year-old -- who made the Pro Bowl in 2018 -- going around 100 MPH and driving erratically at around 8:25 a.m. in Chico, Calif., when he allegedly failed to stop at a red light.

Cops say he plowed straight into the side of a pickup at the intersection ... but kept on driving, despite disabling the vehicle he struck.

Cops say Rosas' black Chevrolet SUV broke down shortly after the crash ... but claim witnesses saw the NFL player exit the ride and run.

Law enforcement officials tell us when officers arrived on scene ... they launched an investigation -- and say they eventually found Rosas walking near the crash site.

According to cops, Rosas' hands, legs and bare feet were covered in blood when they stopped him for questioning.

Cops say after Rosas admitted to being the registered owner of the SUV ... they took him to a nearby medical center for evaluation before eventually booking him at the Butte County Jail.

We're told Rosas was booked on a hit-and-run charge, as well as driving on a suspended license.

Cops also say they believe alcohol impairment was a factor in the alleged incident ... and say an investigation is ongoing.

We've reached out to Rosas and the Giants for comment, but so far, no word back yet.

Rosas has been a STUD for the G-Men since joining the team in 2017 ... making 62 of his 75 field goal attempts.

Arnold Schwarzenegger is the most accomplished bodybuilder in the history of the sport, his gym -- Gold's in Venice -- is considered the mecca of bodybuilding ... so it's pretty stunning Arnold rolled up to the gym today but refused to go inside.

Arnold bicycled to Gold's Tuesday morning for a workout, now that the gym's back in business. He's there like clockwork when it's open, so Tuesday marked a big day for him.

When he got to the front desk he was informed people needed to wear masks when they entered and when they were in certain common areas, but they do NOT require members to wear masks when working out.

Fact is ... Gold's is complying with the law -- State regulations do not require people wearing masks when they lift, but Arnold's way more concerned about safety -- when people moan, grunt and handle the same weights, it's risky.

The 72-year-old movie star/bodybuilder/politician, we're told, will stay clear of Gold's until people start wearing masks on the floor -- or when there's a vaccine.

The good news for Arnold -- he has a spectacular gym at home.

Tompa Bay is officially HERE!!!

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have released the first pics of Tom Brady in his new threads ... and the dude looks good.

It's going to take some time to get used to seeing TB12 in new colors -- after all, he spent 20 years in New England -- but now that we know what it looks like, we can finally start adjusting.

The Bucs have been hyping up the big reveal on social media ... and Brady finally decided to show the world what he looks like in red and pewter on Tuesday.

TB12 dodged a bullet, though ... with the Bucs deciding to go back to a more traditional look just in time for the legend's arrival.

Remember, #12 used to be occupied by star receiver Chris Godwin ... who willingly handed Brady his beloved digits for FREE!!

Let reality sink in, Pats fans. Your 6-time champ is gone.

Ben Carson believes President Donald Trump could soften his stance on athletes kneeling for the national anthem ... saying he'll "work with" POTUS to understand the message.

Of course, Trump has been one of the most outspoken critics against kneeling ... and recently said he'd stop watching soccer and football if protests continued.

POTUS also famously said to fire any "son of a bitch" who knelt, back in 2017.

Carson -- the Housing and Urban Development Secretary and the only black member of Trump's cabinet -- discussed the issue on the Hugh Hewitt Show ... saying he will try to get POTUS to understand the real reason behind the movement.

"Well, I don't think he has manifested as much animosity in that region lately," Carson said Monday. "And, I think we just continue to work with him. He'll get there."

The national anthem protest has become a major topic of discussion following the death of George Floyd ... with NFL names like Adrian Peterson, Baker Mayfield and Bill O'Brien saying they will kneel this upcoming season.

Bacarri Rambo -- an ex-NFL safety who was an All-American in college -- was arrested this week ... after he was accused of raping a 21-year-old woman in Georgia.

Jail records show 29-year-old Rambo -- a sixth-round pick by the Washington Redskins in 2013 -- was booked into Clarke County Jail in Athens at 10:02 PM on Monday night.

Details surrounding the alleged incident are unclear ... we're working on it -- but cops say they launched a probe into rape allegations on June 13.

Officers say a 21-year-old female Univ. of Georgia student claimed she was raped at a downtown Athens residence. Cops add they obtained a warrant for Rambo's arrest shortly after.

Jail records show Rambo is currently still in custody after being booked on a felony rape charge ... and is being held on no bond.

Rambo was a superstar for the Georgia Bulldogs after arriving on campus in 2009 ... he was named an All-American in 2011 and still holds a share of the school record for most career interceptions with 16.

Luce Douady -- a climbing prodigy who was expected to compete in the Tokyo Olympics -- died Sunday after tragically falling from a cliff in France ... officials confirmed this week.

She was 16 years old.

According to the French Federation of Mountaineering and Climbing (FFME) ... Douady -- one of the most talented teenage climbers on the planet -- was with friends near Grenoble when tragedy struck.

The FFME says she was trying to navigate between two climbing sectors on a cliff ... but lost her footing. Multiple reports indicate she fell nearly 500 feet.

Douady was an absolute star in the sport ... she took 1st in the bouldering event at the IFSC Youth World Championships in 2019 -- and had aspirations of winning a medal in next summer's Olympics.

She was "brilliant in competition," the FFME said.

Added IFSC officials in a statement Monday, "Luce was a young, brilliant and talented athlete ... The IFSC’s thoughts and prayers are with Luce’s family and friends at this tragic time."

A LeBron James signed rookie card -- the holy grail of modern trading cards -- just hit the auction block ... and is expected to rake in OVER $1 MILLION!!

The LBJ 2003-2004 Upper Deck Exquisite card is 1 of only 23 produced (it's numbered 14 out of 23) ... and is arguably the most desirable and valuable card in the world.

The card is about to hit the block at Goldin Auctions ... and they tell us they expect the piece to sell for OVER a milli.

The condition of the card is rated at 9.5 a.k.a. "gem mint."

Basically, it's as good as new.

FYI -- a few months back, GA sold an ultra-rare Mike Trout signed rookie card for almost $923K ... a record sale price.

But, Trout may soon be knocked off the throne by King James.

“The basketball card market is on fire," Goldin tells us.

"We expect this will surpass the record recently sent by the $922,500 Mike Trout card to become the most valuable basketball and most valuable modern card of all time”

As if the card -- signed by Bron in blue ink -- wasn't already cool enough ... it also contains a piece of an actual patch from James' rookie season Cleveland Cavs jersey.

LeBron averaged 21 points per game, 6 assists, and 5.5 rebounds a game in '03-'04 ... and won the Rookie of the Year.

The world's most expensive piece of 2.5 inch by 3.5 inch cardboard hits the block June 22nd.

Happy bidding!!

It's a good thing Todd McFarlane's rich ... because the Mark McGwire baseball he bought for $3 MIL back in the day has depreciated LIKE CRAZY!!!

Like, not even worth $500k ... according to some of the top sports memorabilia auction houses in the world.

Todd -- one of the most famous comic book artists ever -- famously purchased Mark's 70th HR ball at an auction in '98 ... right after the end of the '98 season.

The final gavel price was around $2.7 -- but after taxes and fees, Todd says he dropped "a hair over $3 million."

In fact, Todd showed off the ball as part of his amazing collection in the opening scene of ESPN's 30 for 30, "Long Gone Summer."

"This is the big boy," Todd said ... "This is the 70. [It's] been scuffed up a little bit 'cause it got hit 400 feet."

Remember, in '98 the home run chase with Sammy Sosa was the biggest sports storyline in America. There was tremendous interest in any memorabilia from the HR race. Demand was high!

But, in the years that followed, Barry Bonds broke McGwire's record and Mac later admitted he was on steroids that season anyway. Demand plummeted.

Not good for long-term value ... so says our experts.

Ken Goldin of Goldin Auctions now estimates the ball's current value at $250k to $300k.

David Kohler, who runs SCP Auctions, is a little more optimistic ... "$250,000 to $400,000, tops."

These guys know the business ... Ken's been dealing with high-end collectibles for decades and recently sold a rare Mike Trout baseball card for more than $900,000.

David specializes in game-used historic baseballs ... selling some of the most famous HR balls ever including Barry Bonds 762 ball, A-Rod's 500 and 600 HR baseballs and more.

In other words, they know the market.

McFarlane has said over the years that he isn't too bothered by the steroid controversy ... insisting the ball will always be a piece of sports history and therefore, valuable.

Todd also happens to own the famous Barry Bonds #73 ball from the 2003 season, which he reportedly bought for $500k.

Roger Goodell says he wants Colin Kaepernick to get a chance to play again ... with the NFL commish putting his stamp of approval on bringing the QB back in the league.

Remember, Goodell recently admitted the league was wrong in how it handled the national anthem protests in 2016, but fell short of addressing Kap -- who hasn't played in the NFL since kneeling -- by name.

Goodell revealed his stance on Kap during ESPN's "The Return Of Sports" special Monday night ... saying, "If he wants to resume his career in the NFL, then obviously it's gonna take a team to make that decision."

"But, I welcome that, support a club making that decision, and encourage them to do that."

Goodell even says he'd like to work together with Kap on fixing social justice issues if he doesn't want to return to the field. However, we're told Kap very much wants to play in 2020.

"If his efforts are not on the field but continuing to work in this space, we welcome him to that table and to help us, guide us, help us make better decisions about the kinds of things that need to be done in the communities," Goodell said.

"We have invited him in before, and we want to make sure that everybody's welcome at that table, and trying to help us deal with some very complex, difficult issues, that have been around for a long time."

As we previously reported, Kap has been training nonstop in hopes of getting another shot in the NFL ... and Pete Carroll even said a team is interested.

Story developing ...

Baseball fans, look away...

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred is now less sure than ever there will be a 2020 season -- and he says it's all because of the "disastrous" money feud between owners and players.

"I'm not confident," the 61-year-old baseball honcho told ESPN on Monday. "I think there's real risk; and as long as there's no dialogue, that real risk is gonna continue."

Of course, just a few days ago, Manfred claimed he was "100%" positive the league WOULD play games this season, despite the extended COVID-19 layoff and the constant bickering over cash between owners and players.

But, after several more days of nasty negotiations ... Manfred is now walking back those comments, calling the public tussle between owners and players "a disaster for our game."

"Absolutely no question about it," he said. "It shouldn't be happening, and it's important that we find a way to get past it and get the game back on the field for the benefit of our fans."

The issue between the two sides has been constant throughout collective bargaining agreement talks over the past few weeks ... players want a prorated salary for games played, while owners want a more even split of the revenue.

Some of the league's BIGGEST stars -- everyone from Max Scherzer to Jack Flaherty -- has taken aim at the owners for their demands, and the two sides now seem further apart than ever.

Clearly, Manfred's noticed ... and now says there's a very real possibility there will be no Mike Trout homers or Clayton Kershaw strikeouts in 2020.

"The owners are 100% committed to getting baseball back on the field," Manfred said. "Unfortunately, I can't tell you that I'm 100% certain that's gonna happen."

Atlanta Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce took to the streets to fight for justice on Monday ... telling TMZ Sports it's time to confront racism and police brutality head-on.

Hundreds of people -- including the NBA coach -- gathered in ATL for the NAACP's "March on Georgia" after Rayshard Brooks was shot and killed at the hands of 2 police officers on Friday.

Pierce spoke with us about what the city needs to do moving forward ... and he says it starts at the top.

"The issue is not in Atlanta, I think the issue is in our country and not addressing racism and addressing the system of racism that's continued to go on for over 400 years."

"I'm more encouraged more by what we're seeing here today, but I understand that everybody's fighting in different cities all over the world -- not just in our country -- to address that black lives matter and racism exists in our country."

Pierce also addressed the decision to fire one of the cops and place the other on administrative leave ... saying the fight is bigger than singular incidents.

"I think we have a systemic problem. To just point fingers and go back and forth, who did what, that's not why we're fighting. We're not fighting for whats happening right now, we're fighting for something that's been happening for over 450 years."

Oklahoma State star Chuba Hubbard -- one of the best college RBs in the country -- says he's boycotting the school after his coach was pictured wearing a shirt supporting a pro-Trump cable network.

Cowboys head coach Mike Gundy was spotted on a fishing trip last week wearing a shirt with the far-right, One America News Network (OAN) logo across his chest.

OAN has become a favorite of President Trump -- but they've been heavily criticized for pushing seemingly baseless conspiracy theories ... including the suggestion that a 75-year-old who was injured by police in Buffalo had connections to the ANTIFA. The man, who suffered serious injuries, denied the allegations through an attorney.

Hubbard -- who was projected to be an early-round NFL draft pick in April before deciding to return to school for his red-shirt junior season -- was so furious with his coach's wardrobe choice, he's now threatening to cut ties with the University.

"I will not stand for this," Hubbard tweeted. "This is completely insensitive to everything going on in society, and it’s unacceptable."

"I will not be doing anything with Oklahoma State until things CHANGE."

Hubbard's teammate, Amen Ogbongbemiga, cosigned his tweet ... saying "I stand with him!"

And ex-Cowboys star Justice Hill added, "OSU Athletics and University need major change. 100% support brotha."

Not only did Gundy wear merch in support of OAN, he also praised the network for its "refreshing" coverage of the coronavirus pandemic in April.

"There's no commentary. There's no opinions on this. There's no left. There's no right. They just reported the news," Gundy said.

Coach has yet to comment on the shirt or the boycott.

As for OAN, John Oliver recently dedicated an entire episode of his show to dissecting the network.