TMZ Sports - Page 23

Nikki Bella broke her silence on the big bucks she has to shell out to her ex-husband Artem Chigvintsev in wake of their divorce ... and she makes clear that cheering haters need to be educated.

TMZ broke the news ... the WWE wrestler and her pro dancer ex reached an agreement for Nikki to pay $3,500 each month for the care of their young son Matteo. She's also forking over a six-figure lump sum to him -- $100K now, and another $100K before the end of this year.

Nikki addressed the situation on her latest "Nikki & Brie Show" podcast episode ... and she said despite having to turn over her "hard-earned money" to Artem, she essentially got a steal on the deal ... and underscores it's vital Matteo has an equal quality of life at both homes -- which is the point of child support!

Aaron Rodgers has never been one to shy away from tossing around conspiracy theories in a public forum ... and that continued during his sit-down with Joe Rogan this week -- when he hinted the set of Ellen DeGeneres' old talk show looked a bit too much like Epstein Island for his liking.

Rodgers made the remark amid his lengthy appearance on Wednesday's episode of the "Joe Rogan Experience" ... which naturally turned to the subject of Jeffrey Epstein and a building on Little Saint James.

Once producer Jamie pulled up an image on screen, Rodgers quickly said it reminded him of the "set of a famous talk show that's now not on anymore."

Red Sox pitcher Liam Hendriks says he and his wife have received an onslaught of death threats following his brutal outing against the Mets on Wednesday ... and now, he's pleading with fans to stop the hurtful messages ASAP.

Hendriks took to his Instagram page Thursday morning to explain the situation ... revealing that since he gave up three earned runs in just one-third of an inning in Boston's 5-1 loss to New York, people have been bombarding him and his family with hate.

He said in addition to the threats on his and Kristi Hendriks' lives, people have left "comments telling me to commit suicide" as well as ones wishing he "died from cancer."

Tributes have been pouring in following the shocking death of Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay ... with plenty of former players, coaches and loved ones taking time to remember the 65-year-old -- including the team's Super Bowl-winning quarterback, Peyton Manning.

The 49-year-old took to his Instagram to speak on Irsay's passing ... calling him an "incredibly generous and passionate owner, and I will always be indebted to him for giving me my start in the NFL."

"His love for the Colts and the city of Indy was unmatched. His impact on the players who played for him will not be forgotten."

Hayden Hopkins is looking stunning after welcoming a baby with MLB player Joey Gallo late last year ... putting her incredible figure on display in a sexy social media post.

The professional dancer and current free agent became parents to an adorable bundle of joy, Capulet Lilac Gallo, back in October ... with mama calling her "Heaven on earth."

Hopkins -- who documented her pregnancy journey on her Instagram -- decided to share her progress to her 231,000 followers ... rocking the same bikini she wore during her second trimester to show her current state six months later.

The only thing Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson seem to be sweating these days is the spice level of their wings ... despite all the recent negative attention they've received, the two enjoyed what appeared to be a blissful chicken dinner date Wednesday.

Check out some video Hudson shared of the duo's Hump Day supper, the 24-year-old and her 73-year-old UNC football head coach boo could be seen wolfing down some buffalo wings by a body of water ... all while a peaceful sunset surrounded them.

If the serene scene wasn't enough proof they haven't been shaken by the drama they've been entrapped in lately, Hudson's witty caption provided some further evidence.

The Knicks had an extra hand in their thrilling Game 1 matchup with the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals on Wednesday ... but unfortunately for the home team, Jon Hamm's assist couldn't help them to victory.

The "Mad Men" actor had courtside seats for the contest at Madison Square Garden ... but Hamm apparently wasn't satisfied with sitting back and observing -- 'cause in the second quarter, he took matters into his own hands when the rock came flying in his direction.

Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton seemingly felt like he could've saved the ball to keep it in play ... and rushed to Hamm's section in hopes of deflecting it back onto the court.

The "tush push" isn't goin' anywhere anytime soon ... and legendary offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth tells TMZ Sports he has no issue with the controversial play!

"If everybody was good at it, everybody would be doing it," Andrew said at LAX ... just moments after a measure to ban the play fell short by just a couple votes at league meetings.

AW doesn't believe the play provides an unfair advantage ... pointing out that the Eagles are just damn good at it -- and others need to get on their level.

Jim Irsay, the long-time owner of the Indianapolis Colts, has died, the team announced on Wednesday.

Irsay passed away "peacefully in his sleep this afternoon," the team said in a lengthy message posted on social media, which highlighted his love of the game, team, town and fans.

The billionaire inherited the Colts from his father, who bought the team when they were still based in Baltimore and moved them to Indy ... and the organization went on to win a Super Bowl in 2007 with the iconic Peyton Manning as quarterback.

Aaron Rodgers is making it clear, he doesn't believe transgender women should be allowed to compete in sports against biological females ... insisting this week anyone who disagrees with him "is actually anti-woman."

Rodgers broached the controversial subject while on Wednesday's episode of the "Joe Rogan Experience" ... and the NFL quarterback explained he thinks anyone who was born a male has too much of an inherent advantage when competing against those who weren't.

"You're not seeing trans men dominating anything," the future Pro Football Hall of Famer said. "It's because there's a biological difference."

President Donald Trump was dishing compliments left and right during the Florida Gators' national championship celebration ... making note of their good looks, hair and how some guys are taller than his son, Barron!!

No. 47 opened the doors of the White House to celebrate the top dogs in NCAA men's basketball on Thursday ... and he issued a few jokes as he recognized their journey to the school's third title in the program's history.

At one point in the meeting, Trump shifted from their skills to their appearance ... admitting they're all "good looking guys."

The biggest names in racing got an early look at the new "F1" movie starring Brad Pitt ... and they brought along their stunning partners for the fun!!

The official Formula One account shared a short vid of guys like Charles Leclerc, George Russell and Esteban Ocon arriving at the private screening -- and they were all hand-in-hand with their lovely ladies.

The Monégasque driver rolled through with Alexandra Saint Mleux, Russel had Carmen Montero Mundt right by his side and Ocon was accompanied by Flavy Barla.

Get hyped, Bills Mafia ... the NFL just announced who will be at the center of the training camp edition of "Hard Knocks" -- and the HBO cameras are heading to Buffalo!!

Roger Goodell made the announcement during the league's spring meetings in Minnesota ... saying the reigning AFC East champions will be documented as they prepare for the 2025-26 season.

While the majority of the show will focus on the team's practices ... there's a chance we get a cameo from Hailee Steinfeld -- who, of course, is engaged to the team's star quarterback, Josh Allen.

WNBA player Sophie Cunningham is adamantly denying she ever hooked up with Phoenix Suns and Mercury CEO Josh Bartelstein ... calling the claims made in a recent lawsuit "untrue and extremely hurtful."

The current Indiana Fever guard was named in bombshell court documents filed by former Suns and Mercury employee Gene Traylor earlier this month ... and among the numerous allegations laid out, he stated he heard of an affair between the hooper and exec when she was still on the team.

In the lawsuit, Traylor said he was notified of the inappropriate relationship by coworker Cornelius Craig, the organization's VP of security and risk management.

Donald Trump ain't screaming "fore" to give Bruce Springsteen a heads-up about his drive ... sharing an edited clip on social media where it appears he's hitting the singer with a golf ball.

The President of the United States shared a clip to Truth Social and X Wednesday ... kicking off with him taking a hack at a golf ball.

The prez -- clad in a white shirt and red MAGA hat in the archive footage -- gets the ball flying ... and, the clip cuts to Springsteen walking up the steps at a concert when an edited golf ball comes into frame and smacks him in the back.

The Dodgers' walk-off win over the Diamondbacks wasn't the only thriller at the ballpark on Tuesday -- there was also some action-packed wrasslin'!!!

The World Series Champions hosted Mexican Heritage Night at Dodger Stadium ... featuring live music, food and a jersey giveaway.

But the fun started before first pitch ... 'cause the team set up a ring right in center field and held a lucha libre match!!