TMZ Sports - Page 4

Ryan Lochte is celebrating his sobriety ... admitting he fell into a "really dark place" a few years ago -- but after checking himself into a rehab facility for substance abuse issues, he's doing better than ever.

The 41-year-old Olympic star opened up on his struggles in an Instagram video ... in which he revealed he's 54 days sober.

Lochte explained his journey ... saying he struggled in the aftermath of a serious car accident when he crashed into a garbage truck on his way to pick up his kids from school in 2023 ... and he experienced "depression, loneliness and feeling like I was giving up in life."

Consider Novak Djokovic the sixth member of the Saja Boys ... 'cause the tennis superstar broke out a famous "KPop Demon Hunters" dance to celebrate his big US Open win on Tuesday!!

The Joker handled Taylor Fritz in four sets to advance to the semifinals ... and used the accomplishment to give a special shoutout to his daughter on her birthday.

To no surprise, the 38-year-old Serbian athlete's kid is one of the millions obsessed with the hit Netflix movie ... and he explained she's taught him all the moves from the flick -- including the choreography to the villain group's banger, "Soda Pop."

If Taylor Swift wants the Super Bowl Halftime Show, Taylor Swift gets the Super Bowl Halftime Show ... so says NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who revealed the pop superstar is "welcome at any time" to perform on the world's biggest stage.

The commish addressed all the speculation surrounding the SB LX show during an appearance on "Today" on Wednesday ... when he was asked straight-up if Swifties will get the ultimate treat when the league announces its plans for the Big Game.

"We would always love to have Taylor play," Goodell said. "She is a special, special talent and obviously, she would be welcome at any time."

Hours after he was sued by Nick Hogan, Bubba The Love Sponge went off on Hulk Hogan's son ... straight up calling the wrestling legend's spawn a "dumbass."

The popular radio host didn't hold back when he addressed Nick's lawsuit for the first time on Wednesday ... devoting a significant portion of his "Bubba The Love Sponge Show" to grilling Nick.

Bubba -- real name Todd Alan Clem -- said he doesn't understand why he's even a defendant in the federal suit ... claiming he doesn't have ownership of the upcoming Hulk documentary that Nick's going after.

If you wanna smell "strong" and "smooth" like Shaquille O'Neal, now's your chance ... the NBA Hall of Famer just dropped a signature cologne!!

TMZ Sports has learned the fragrance launched on Wednesday ... and the legendary center has his fingerprints all over the final product, which is "all about presence."

"It’s strong, smooth, and leaves a mark, just like I aim to do in everything I take on. I wanted something luxurious but still within reach, and this is it," O'Neal said.

Grab your cha-cha shoes -- "DWTS" just unveiled its next cast, and it’s wild ... Hilaria Baldwin, Corey Feldman, and influencer Alix Earle are ready to tango (or trip over their own two feet)!

"Good Morning America" released the line-up Wednesday, and it’s a fun mix ... Dylan Efron, Fifth Harmony’s Lauren Jauregui, "The Parent Trap"'s Elaine Hendrix, and Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles are all ready to sashay.

The goodies keep coming ... "Boy Meets World" star Danielle Fishel, wildlife wiz Robert Irwin, comedian Andy Richter, and Pentatonix singer Scott Hoying are all stepping onto the "DWTS" dance floor.

Travis Kelce is screaming from the rooftops about who his "Lover" is -- and we can't blame him!

"New Heights" is back Wednesday and the Kansas City Chiefs tight end is addressing his and Taylor Swift's engagement news, telling brother Jason Kelce ... "It’s been really fun telling everybody who I’m going to be spending the rest of my life with."

He also teased what wedding planning will be like, noting it’s "gonna go crazy." Swifties are certainly on the edge of their seats.

Master P may not be the only legendary Louisianian in the house when the Univ. of New Orleans tips off its hoops season in two months, 'cause the hip hop mogul tells us he's reached out to Lil Wayne, and he wants Weezy to perform!

Miller -- now Coach P -- stopped by the TMZ offices where he chopped it up with Babcock, opening up on his new gig as U.N.O.'s President of Basketball Operations and assistant coach ... as Percy attempts a complete overhaul of the struggling program.

"I'm bringing some huge talent, but I reached out to Lil Wayne's management team, so we're gonna see how that goes," P said, adding ... "But if it doesn't work out [for the first game on Nov. 8th,] we've got 11 more home games which we can bring him in."

Druski is back with another racial skit ... and this time he's playing a white man who is proud to be an American ... and his hair and makeup are something to behold.

The comedian known for his viral skits dressed up in whiteface for his most recent video ... going undercover at a recent NASCAR race.

Druski looks white in the video, and he's got a bunch of tattoos and even some sunburns. He's got a beard, mullet and a cowboy hat to go with some denim overalls.

Lil Jon made his fitness competition debut at the 2025 Muscle Beach Championship on Labor Day and the King of Crunk saw no reason to turn down ... he earned third place!!!

TMZ Hip Hop obtained photos of Jon flexing his stuff at Venice Beach in L.A., where he participated in the men's physique category.

It was a powerful moment ... Jon was the first artist to compete at the historic competition, giving his personal trainer, Jay Galvin, forever bragging rights!!!

A sculpted body is ultimately made in the kitchen and Jon told us last month that he's on a strict diet ... high protein, low carbs, spring water, no sugar, no processed foods and ensuring he hits the gym at least 3x a week!!!

Hulk Hogan's son, Nick Hogan, is suing Bubba The Love Sponge ... alleging the popular radio host's unreleased documentary about the WWE legend infringes on his dad's copyrights and trademarks.

Nick -- acting as a rep for Hulk's estate -- filed the lawsuit on Tuesday in a federal court in Florida ... after Bubba revealed he's going to drop "Video Killed The Radio Star: The Untold Story Of The Hulk Hogan Sex Tape Scandal" later this month.

Nick states the doc -- which promises to tell the real story of how Hulk's romp with Bubba's then-wife, Heather Clem, got leaked to the media -- includes unauthorized images from the sex tape.

Ricky Pearsall and Brian Robinson Jr. have quite the unique bond -- they are both victims of gun violence ... and the San Francisco wide receiver said the two recently shared their experiences after the running back was recently traded to the 49ers.

Pearsall opened up about the conversation he had with his new teammate in an interview with talkSPORT ... saying they spoke about the topic once the Washington Commanders traded Robinson, their 2022 third-round draft pick, to the Bay Area.

"We actually just told each other our stories, I think that was last week, and being able to go back and reflect with someone that can directly relate to you ... and he mentioned you never know what you're going to do in that situation until you're in it," Pearsall said.

1:24 PM PT -- Jon Jones addressed the news in a statement on Tuesday ... thanking the district attorney's office for "ultimately vindicating me completely."

"I have always believed in the importance of truth and fairness, and I am grateful that the evidence spoke for itself. The simple fact is this: I was never there. I never even left my house that night, and all the evidence proved that."

Jones went on to say there was a "rush to judgment" before all the real evidence was presented ... and once the allegations went public, his retirement announcement moment was "stolen from me by someone who made false accusations to avoid a DWI and any real accountability."

"I sincerely hope that this individual is held responsible by Albuquerque’s law enforcement," Jones continued. "They not only disrupted my retirement but also made our police department appear negligent in the process. It is deeply troubling that, in today’s world, a single false accusation can take so much away from someone before any evidence is even considered."

Jon Jones is officially in the clear in his leaving the scene of an accident case ... prosecutors have dismissed all charges against the UFC superstar.

Court documents TMZ Sports has obtained show New Mexico officials dropped the matter after they found "reason to believe [Jones'] alibi defense is credible."

Jones, as you know, was hit with two charges -- one count of leaving the scene of an accident, and one count of use of telephone to terrify, intimidate, threaten, harass, annoy or offend -- after he allegedly bolted from the scene of a wreck on Feb. 21 in Albuquerque.

2:53 PM PT -- Cardi B is pissed and she's letting the world know it, writing on X that she had to miss her kids first day of school to attend her civil trial.

Cardi B went from glowing to growling after leaving court on Tuesday after someone dared to ask if she was pregnant!!!

TMZ caught the wild exchange earlier today ... someone off camera asked if she would predict any paternity drama with Stefon Diggs -- in light of Offset apparently bragging he banged her up with Baby No. 4!!! 😬

Cardi didn't take kindly to the question coming from a guy outside the Alhambra, CA courthouse, and threw a pen in a fit of rage ... causing her bodyguard to call her back.

Bronny James and Parker Whitfield are celebrating yet another milestone this summer -- it's her 21st birthday ... and the Los Angeles Lakers player gave his girlfriend a sweet shoutout to mark the special day.

Whitfield -- the daughter of actor Dondre Whitfield and actress Salli Richardson -- made her 21st trip around the sun on Tuesday ... and shared several shoutouts from her friends on her Instagram story.

Of course, the most notable post was from Bronny ... who shared a Story of his massive smile as they enjoyed her b-day cake together.

Master P is gearing up for a new season in life as a college basketball coach, and he dropped in on the TMZ Live Stream to talk about it!

The Colonel chopped it up Tuesday with Harvey and Charles, confirming the Ice Cream Man has been reverted to "Coach P" now that he's looking to impact his hometown as the President of Basketball Operations and Assistant Coach of the New Orleans Privateers college men's basketball team.

It's been a helluva music career for P ... 27 years ago to the day, his life changed with the release of his breakout album "Ghetto D," which had the world saying "Uhhhhhh" in real time.