TMZ Sports - Page 50

Big E might be the most positive person on the planet -- the WWE Superstar was in amazing spirits while walking around and wearing a brace on Thursday ... just days after breaking his neck in a match.

E -- whose real name is Ettore Ewen -- shared how well his recovery is going in a video posted to social media ... saying, "I'm just here to provide a brief life update. I got breath in my lungs. It's a beautiful day. That's what's going on in my life."

The former champ said half-jokingly, although his neck may be broken, his heart is still intact ... or at least he hopes.

Of course, Big E is working his way back after Ridge Holland delivered a belly-to-belly suplex and dropped E incorrectly ... causing him to break his neck.

The spot in the match obviously wasn't planned, and Ridge clearly knew he completely botched the move ... expressing concern for Big E, who appeared to be seriously hurt.

Big E was ultimately taken out of the arena on a stretcher and rushed to the nearest hospital, where he posted a video thanking his fans for the concern and support they expressed for him.

The injury comes at a bad time for one of WWE's most athletic and charismatic superstars ... as the Super Bowl of wrestling -- WrestleMania 38 -- is fast approaching.

But you wouldn't be able to tell by Big E's enthusiasm in the vid ... so his return to the ring could come sooner than later!!

Some of Hollywood's biggest names are in the spirit -- rockin' green to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Warning: Images may contain green beer and Guinness.

Olympic athlete Simone Biles shared green bikini shots while on vacation in Turks and Caicos -- while Danny Trejo, made special holiday donuts at his L.A. restaurant ... rainbows and Lucky Charms included!!!

Of course, we can't forget "Too Hot To Handle" star Francesca Farago, who did an entire shamrock photo shoot for the occasion.

Other celebs went out all for the holiday ... John C. Reilly was the international guest of honor at the St Patrick's Day parade in Dublin, Ireland.

Pretty special moment for John and all of Ireland, really. This year marks the first time in 2 years they've had the celebration there ... due to COVID.

Other notable mentions include Jeff Ross ... sharing a throwback photo with his late pal Donny Davis dressed as a leprechaun.

Move over, Tom Brady ... TMZ Sports has learned Russell Wilson's Broncos jersey has now supplanted the GOAT's Buccaneers uni as the NFL's top-seller this week.

A rep for Fanatics tells us after Wilson was introduced as the new QB in Denver on Wednesday -- sales for his new jersey skyrocketed, and ultimately leap-frogged over Brady for the #1 spot across their network of sites.

We're told that's quite the feat, considering that Brady's jersey had previously had a stranglehold on the pole position after he announced on Sunday he was unretiring.

No word on how much money was spent on the digital sports platform for the new orange and blue #3 to get it to the top spot ... but it's safe to say it was a lot of coin.

Russ, meanwhile, said this week he's fired up to be playing in Denver in the new uni ... telling reporters Wednesday, "It's an honor, it's a gift."

His head coach, Nathaniel Hackett, clearly felt the same ... nearly dropping an S-bomb with excitement at the Wilson press conference.

Baker Mayfield wants out -- the 2018 first-round pick just asked the Cleveland Browns to trade him ... after reports the team was in pursuit of Deshaun Watson.

The 26-year-old quarterback just released a statement regarding his wish ... saying, "It’s in the mutual interest of both sides for us to move on," according to ESPN.

"The relationship is too far fine to mend. It’s in the best interests of both sides to move on."

The news comes on the heels of Mayfield's statement to Cleveland fans on Tuesday ... which most took as a goodbye note to the city.

The Browns, however, reportedly will NOT grant his request.

The request comes right after reports the Browns were no longer in contention for Watson. The New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons are reportedly the final two potential landing spots for the Houston Texans QB.

If it's the end of Baker's time in The Land, he'll finish with 14,125 yards, 92 touchdowns and 56 interceptions ... going 29-30 through 4 seasons.

Mayfield is undoubtedly the most successful quarterback since the Browns returned in 1999 -- leading Cleveland to a playoff win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021.

Mayfield could join fellow stars Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham, who also left the Browns over the past few months.

UFC rising star Paddy Pimblett is roasting Ilia Topuria -- AKA "Mr. Hand Sanitizer" -- after the rival fighters came to blows in a hotel ... after engaging in a social media tiff a few months back.

TMZ Sports talked to 27-year-old Paddy "The Baddy" one day after he got into it with 25-year-old Topuria ... and it's safe to say the scuffle didn't do anything to squash the beef.

Pimblett -- 17-3 as a pro -- says he was just minding his own business, "warming me eggs up" in the hotel kitchen when Ilia -- "that little bitch ass" as Paddy refers to him -- approached him in an aggressive manner.

Paddy says Topuria made the first move, "So, I bounced hand sanitizer off his head so from now he'll forever be known as Mr. Hand Sanitizer."

"He tried to throw a right hook at me which is about four years away from me because he's like 5'7". It's hard to make it look good on his part when he looks like an absolute idiot. I can't believe he posted that video. He's made himself look so stupid saying 'I warned you.'"

"Well you're the one with hand sanitizer bounced off your head lad. Nothing happened to me. You didn't land a single punch. There was six of you and ya done nothing," Paddy said.

The drama started last April when Paddy Tweeted ... "Lad how stupid are these Georgians man ... no wonder the Russians terrorize their lives." Pimblett erased the message and apologized, but it's clear Ilia didn't forget.

The guys clearly still have issues ... so we asked Paddy if he was interested in fighting Topuria in the future.

"He's beneath me. As I say it, I don't even know his name, lad. He's Mr. Sanitizer to me. That's all he is. I don't know his name, lad. He's gonna get knocked out Saturday by my man Jai [Herbert], and then he'll crawl back to the featherweight division."

FYI, both men are fighting this weekend at UFC Fight Night ... but they're not fighting each other. Pimblett's taking on Rodrigo Vargas (we also talked to PP about his fight).

Olivia Culpo made sure to pack plenty of bikinis for her Jackson Hole getaway with NFL superstar Christian McCaffrey ... throwing on a tiny two-piece for a dip in the hot tub -- and the pics are outrageous.

The model and Carolina Panthers running back have been heating up Wyoming this week ... and they've been documenting their romantic trip all over Instagram.

29-year-old OC proved she's able to withstand the freezing temps on Thursday ... by doing an impromptu photo shoot out in the cold while soaking in the jacuzzi.

The couple of nearly 3 years has been enjoying themselves in the Cowboy State ... playing billiards and backgammon, checking out the local fashion and posing for mushy pics together.

The lovely trip comes amid rumors C-Mac could be shipped out of Charlotte this off-season ... but he appears to be in great spirits throughout his R&R with Culpo.

No word on whether 25-year-old Christian was the guy behind the camera for the smokin' hot hot tub pics ... but if so, we salute.

As the wrestling world continues to mourn the loss of WWE legend Scott Hall, Hall of Famer Diamond Dallas Page -- aka "DDP" -- had dinner with his family just days after his death.

DDP posted pictures of him and Cody Hall, Scott's son, on Thursday ... showing the men doing the iconic nWo hand signal ... which Scott made popular during his wrestling career.

"Had an awesome steak dinner last night with @realscotthall family
@cassastrudel @realcodyhall @manowarfan1 we sat around and told stories of the Bad Guy💥 DDP💎," Page captioned in an Instagram post.

Hall and Page's relationship extends well outside of the squared circle. When Hall was in and out of rehab at one point in his life, it was Page who suggested he try "DDP Yoga" -- which combines yoga, dynamic resistance, and calisthenics to improve overall health and well-being.

Hall, also known as "Razor Ramon," attributed DDP's methods with getting him back on track ... and said at the time the connection he shared with DDP as legendary wrestlers allowed him to trust Dallas.

As we reported, Hall was put on life support after suffering complications from a recent hip surgery. Once his condition deteriorated to the point where it wasn't possible for Hall to recover, one of his best friends, Kevin Nash, announced he'd be taken off life support.

Cool moment between a Hall of Famer and a future one at the Milwaukee Bucks game Wednesday -- Brett Favre got to meet Giannis Antetokounmpo, and then The Greek Freak gave his jersey to the ex-QB's grandson!!

Favre was taking in his first-ever, in-person NBA action at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento -- when after the game ended, he headed to the locker room to thank the Bucks for the experience.

"First time I ever saw a pro game in person, believe it or not," Favre told the Milwaukee players, adding, "I enjoyed it."

The night, though, became even more special for Favre ... after his grandson went around and shook hands with some of the players.

At one point, the young Favre stopped at Antetokounmpo, who offered him his game-worn gear.

"Want this jersey?" Antetokounmpo said while taking the #34 off. "It's kinda sweaty. It's yours!"

Giannis also signed it ... and you can see the kid was all smiles -- and in total shock.

"I'm gonna hang this on the wall!" Favre's grandson said to Antetokounmpo.

BTW, the Bucks ended up beating the Kings, 135-126 -- with Giannis leading the team with 36 points and 10 rebounds.

You've heard Joe Buck's voice countless times ... but have you heard him SING?!?

The legendary announcer was eliminated off Fox's "The Masked Singer" this week ... and as it turns out, the dude can sing pretty well!!

Buck -- who lasted 2 episodes -- put on an impressive rendition of "I Want You to Want Me" by Cheap Trick to start off his experience ... but no one knew it was him at the time.

But, fans finally got to meet the man behind the mask on Wednesday ... and it turned out to be none other than one of the most famous voices of the NFL and MLB.

Buck's stunning reveal came as a shock to many ... except for one judge -- Eric Stonestreet, who said he knew it was Joe all along.

FYI -- Joe works with Eric on the show "Domino Masters" ... so the two are familiar with each other.

52-year-old Buck says he wanted to do the show because he had a paralyzed vocal cord 11 years ago ... so singing on the show was fulfilling a personal goal for him.

Check out the video -- Buck had some pretty creative clues about who he was throughout the show ... and seemed to really be enjoying himself on stage.

But, don't fret baseball and football fans -- the 8-time Emmy award winner and iconic play-by-play guy isn't leaving the booth to be a singer.

Kanye West isn't letting his Instagram ban keep him down -- he appeared to be happy as ever at the Golden State Warriors game on Wednesday ... bringing his son, Saint, along for the fun.

Ye was all smiles courtside at the Chase Center as the Warriors took on the Boston Celtics ... posting up right next to Dubs co-owners Joseph Lacob and Peter Guber.

The "Eazy" artist was spotted chatting with Lacob throughout the game -- perhaps picking the guy's brain as he's openly talked about wanting to buy the Denver Broncos.

What's interesting -- Ye got in some serious quality time with 6-year-old Saint ... just days after he accused Kim of keeping him away from their kids. That's clearly not the case here ... as the dad-son duo wore matching all-black outfits at the event.

As we previously reported, Ye pissed off IG after his social attacks on Pete Davidson, Kim Kardashian, and Trevor Noah (to name a few) ... forcing the social media app to ban his account for 24 hours after violating hate speech, harassment and bullying policies.

It appears -- at least for a 48-minute NBA game -- Ye was able to hit the pause button on all the drama.

Karl-Anthony Towns wanted all the smoke Wednesday night ... savagely trolling Lakers guard Russell Westbrook over a horrible air ball he shot during the Lakers vs. Timberwolves game.

The funny exchange happened late in the fourth quarter of Minnesota's win over L.A. ... when Russ thought he lined up a corner three, but instead, came up with nothing but air.

Broadcast cameras caught Towns -- who was in perfect position to grab the "rebound" -- immediately making fun of the dude over the shot, looking to the sky as if to see what caused Russ to miss everything.

The Timberwolves broadcasters got a kick out of Karl's reaction ... with one saying, "KAT is looking where the wind is," before asking, "Did somebody open up a door?"

Wolves star Patrick Beverly then got in on the ribbing ... clowning the Lakers during Minnesota's blowout win.

Pat Bev appeared to mouth "trash" -- while making a gesture with his nose as if something stunk -- after intercepting a pass from Westbrook and starting a T-Wolves fast break.

A short time later, Pat was seen staring down LeBron James and flexing in his direction ... before going over to give the King a pat on the backside.

The Minnesota fans in the arena ate it up ... and Pat played to the crowd -- but Russ appeared to be furious over it all afterward.

When being interviewed by reporters after the loss, Russ said he won't pay any attention to Minnesota's trash talk because "Nobody over there's done anything in the league."

Beverly eventually responded on Twitter, saying, "Playoffs every year. 2 western conference finals with 2 different Teams individual stats or team stats? I thought it was a team sport??"

Arnold Schwarzenegger is using the power of his celebrity to reach Russian citizens and members of the military ... applauding the Putin dissenters from within and giving others the lowdown on what is REALLY going on in Ukraine.

Arnold posted a 9-minute video in which he praised those who are taking a stand against the Russian President, saying, "The world has seen your bravery. We know that you have suffered the consequences of your courage. You have been arrested. You have been jailed, and you have been beaten. You are my new heroes."

Schwarzenegger may have unique power to break through the modern version of the Iron Curtain ... he's such a massive, world star, his social media posts may seep through the cracks for his Russian fans.

Arnold has history in Russia ... he was the first Western star to film in Moscow -- in "Red Heat" back in 1988.

Arnold is urging Putin to "Stop this war." Putin won't care, but again, if Russian citizens hear this, they're gonna think twice about Putin's claim it's not a war at all.

Patrick Mahomes wasn't the only Mahomes getting a big, public kiss in this month ... his brother, Jackson Mahomes, just starred in a TikTok video where he smooched a famous social media star.

Jackson shared the footage on his Instagram page Wednesday night -- and it's pretty steamy.

Vibing to Kevin Gates' "Thinkin' with My D***," TikTok star Blaneoh began the video on screen -- before Jackson lightly pushed him out of the way to stand next to Dayna Marie.

If you're not familiar ... 21-year-old Dayna is HUGE on social media, she has nearly 7 million followers on TikTok and over 1 million followers on Instagram.

In the footage, Jackson can be seen laying a big kiss on her -- before everyone eventually left the screen and the camera cut off.

No word if everyone was just having fun -- or if this is the start of a new relationship for Jackson. But, either way, it's been a notable past few days for the younger Mahomes.

He was just Patrick's best man at the Chiefs star's wedding in Hawaii last weekend, and his social media presence has ballooned even further following Patrick's big day.

Kevin Durant wanted no part of exchanging playful banter with a courtside fan on Wednesday -- telling a man bluntly, "Shut the f*** up and sit down."

The interaction happened at some point during the Nets' game against the Mavericks at Barclays Center in Brooklyn ... when a fan urged Durant to score more points during a small break in play.

"Kevin!" the fan shouted while the NBA superstar was hunched over just feet away. "You've got to take this game over!"

Durant took about a millisecond to digest the comment -- before he unleashed a savage response.

"You've got to shut the f*** up and sit down," he said, not even taking his hands off his knees to deliver the chirp. "Sit your ass down."

Durant did ultimately try his best to take over -- scoring 23 points and logging 6 rebounds and 10 assists -- but the Nets ultimately fell to Dallas, 113-111.

After the game, a man shared video of the incident with KD on Twitter -- and Durant actually ended up responding to it -- poking fun at the fact that a fine from the NBA was no doubt heading his way.

Michael Jordan and Tony Romo bro'd down on Wednesday -- getting in a round of golf together at a swanky course in Mexico.

TMZ Sports has learned ... the NBA's GOAT and the former Dallas Cowboys superstar hit up El Camaleón Mayakoba Golf Course in Playa del Carmen -- and looked quite chummy while hitting it around.

In video of one of the holes they played, you can see the guys were chattin' on the green while their partners tried to sink putts.

Jordan smoked a cigar, while Romo had a big smile on his face.

We're told Tony ended up making his 20-footer right after the video ended -- and several fans that had gathered to watch cheered with joy. Jordan, meanwhile, missed his putt on the hole, we're told.

We also got footage of Romo's drive on the ensuing hole -- and it's clear, the dude still has a really pretty golf swing.

No word yet on who got the better of whom out on the course -- we're told the two were actually still getting holes in as of late Wednesday afternoon.

If you were wondering, they both have incredibly impressive golf handicaps -- so it's unclear who's the favorite.

Terrifying news from Paul Pogba -- the Manchester United star says his home was broken into during his game Tuesday night ... and his children were there at the time of the incident.

Pogba says the home invasion happened during the team's 1-0 loss to Atletico Madrid ... while his kids were sleeping in their bedroom.

"This occurred during the final minutes of last night's match when they knew that we would not be home," Pogba said on Wednesday via social media.

"My wife and I rushed home not knowing if our children were safe and unharmed."

It is unclear if the kids had a babysitter or nanny at the time of the incident ... but the 29-year-old says this is a father's worst fear.

"As a father there is no feeling worse in the world than not being there to protect your children and I sincerely hope that no one ever has to feel what I felt last night."

The French midfielder doesn't mention what was stolen ... but says his fam's safety has been violated and is offering a reward for any info on the suspects.

"The burglars were in our home for less than five minutes but in that time they took from us something more valuable than anything we had in our home ... our sense of safety and security."

"It is for this reason that I would like to offer a reward for anyone who has a clue to help us."