TMZ Sports - Page 16

James Van Der Beek's GoFundMe has raised more than a million bucks less than 24 hours after his death was announced ... and it's still growing.

As of Thursday morning, the crowdfunding page has $1.2 million in donations, from fans and big-name friends alike. "Dancing with the Stars" pro Derek Hough dropped $1,000, Oscar-winner Zoe Saldana -- using her married name of Zoe Saldaña-Perego -- donated $2,500, the Marla Maples Foundation sent in $5,000, and Lyn Lear, the late Norman Lear’s wife, and YouTuber Codie Sanchez even each donated $5,000 on a monthly basis!

Notably, TMZ has not verified the donations -- but it's clear Van Der Beek's death hit people in the heartstrings, as more than 24,000 donations have poured in.

WrestleMania is now only just over 60 days away, and while Cody Rhodes isn't paid to be the matchmaker in WWE ... he tells TMZ Sports there's one he would love to see in Sin City come April -- Logan Paul vs. Bad Bunny!!

We caught up with the former Undisputed WWE Champion in New York City, where we asked him whether he hopes BB finds his way back to the WWE in time for WrestleMania 42.

"I hope we get him back," Rhodes said. "He did a wonderful job, but he's on top of the world right now."

Travis Kelce's mom, Donna Kelce, would do anything for her son ... except sign an NDA ... at least according to a chat we had with the famous matriarch at LAX today.

When our cameraperson asked Donna if Travis and his fiancée, Taylor Swift, had her sign a non-disclosure agreement, Donna scoffed at the idea.

She said, "They know I can keep a secret," with a wry grin.

James Van Der Beek has died ... TMZ has learned.

A rep for the Travis County Medical Examiner's Office in Texas says ... it was reported to them at 6:44 AM. No cause of death was given.

James' wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, posted about his passing shortly after we broke the news ... writing in a shared Instagram post her husband "met his final days with courage, faith, and grace." She asked for privacy for their family at this time.

James Van Der Beek's friend Stacy Keibler gave his fans an insight into the star's final days ... posting a photo of him watching the sunset from his wheelchair.

Keibler -- a former pro wrestler and actress -- shared the photo Wednesday afternoon ... hours after news of James' death broke, and she wrote it was "a true gift" to spend the star's final days with him.

Stacy writes she learned a lot from James in his final days ... including what it looks like to continue to believe in God's plan, even when the plan is heartbreaking.

New details have emerged in the case against former New York Jets first-round pick Darron Lee after authorities say he murdered his girlfriend ... with police detailing the gruesome scene they found at the home and prosecutors indicating they will seek the death penalty.

Lee appeared in a Tennessee courtroom on Wednesday following Friday's arrest for first-degree murder and tampering with evidence in the death of Gabriella Carvalho Perpetuo.

Prosecutors said there was the presence of "blood in every room," including inside a vehicle in the garage. They say Lee was the one who called 911, telling dispatchers Perpetuo was unresponsive and that he believed she fell in the shower.

Russell Wilson might be sleeping on the couch for a few nights ... 'cause Ciara wanted him to reveal which meant more -- his Super Bowl or his wedding ring -- and he chose to eat a scorching-hot wing instead!!

The NFL quarterback sat firmly on the hot seat during an episode of "Hot Ones Versus" this week ... when the power couple hit each other with spicy questions -- and the only way out was to take a bite of some chicken doused in hot sauce.

When CiCi asked RW whether the bling from his Seahawks championship or his marriage had more value in his heart ... Wilson elected to stay silent -- but let his taste buds scream.

Seahawks LB Ernest Jones had zero filter at the Seahawks Super Bowl parade, unleashing several F-bombs during his speech ... including a very pointed "f*** you" to the haters!

The R-rated address went down on Wednesday at the Trophy Celebration at Lumen Field, a pre-parade event where head coach Mike Macdonald and several players took the stage to address thousands of fans.

Jones -- who had 5 interceptions this season -- was called up to the mic after Leonard Williams ... and he was honest was the start, warning everyone that it probably wasn't the greatest idea.

Lindsey Vonn is giving fans an update from her hospital bed, announcing she underwent ANOTHER surgery -- her third since Sunday's brutal accident -- which she says was a success ... though the road to recovery is a long one.

"I had my 3rd surgery today and it was successful," the 41-year-old Olympian wrote to her over 3 million followers on Instagram.

"Success today has a completely different meaning than it did a few days ago. I’m making progress and while it is slow, I know I’ll be ok. Thankful for all of the incredible medical staff, friends, family, who have been by my side and the beautiful outpouring of love and support from people around the world."

Along with the medical update, Vonn also posted three photographs ... including one showing what appears to be an external fixator device on her right leg, which she broke in multiple places during Sunday's gnarly crash on a mountain in Italy.

TMZ Sports is going live from the newsroom to discuss the day's biggest stories ... but we don't just want folks to watch and enjoy the conversation, we want y'all to get involved!!

Hit the comment section as Babcock, Lucas, Luca, and the whole crew break down the most important topics of the day ... and we'll be interacting with viewers throughout the program between 1 and 2:30 PM PT.

YouTube, X, TikTok ... we're everywhere.

So tune in, make fun of us, share your two cents, sound off about your favorite team ... nothing is out of bounds.

If James Pearce Jr.'s case goes to trial, the alleged victim, Rickea Jackson, is down to take the stand, according to her attorney, who notified the court she's "willing to testify."

Jackson's lawyer filed notice on Tuesday, saying Jackson remains cooperative, and if needed, will give her testimony about the alleged incident with her ex-boyfriend, which led to his arrest on Saturday.

Rickea's attorney also indicated she hopes to put the matter behind her, sooner rather than later.

The chaotic brawl that went down during the Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets game has resulted in hefty suspensions for several players ... including Isaiah Stewart, who was handed a seven-game ban.

James Jones, the NBA's Executive Vice President and Head of Basketball Operations, announced the penalty on Wednesday ... days after players threw hands during a fight in the matchup at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Stewart -- the Pistons forward who left the bench area to fight in the on-court brawl -- was hit with the most severe punishment, with Jones noting it was "based in part of his repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts."

Tom Brady isn’t handing out participation trophies -- especially not to Logan Paul.

The NFL legend is doubling down on the competitive tone surrounding the upcoming Fanatics flag football showdown in Saudi Arabia … making it crystal clear he’s expecting absolute dominance -- and he’s putting Logan on notice in the process.

Brady addressed the viral back-and-forth with the WWE star after their trash-talk-filled exchange lit up social media … and while TB12 gave Logan a little credit, he made it obvious effort alone won’t cut it.

Myles Garrett is making it up to Chloe Kim after she had to stomach the Cleveland Browns all NFL season -- the NFL superstar had a front-row view of the snowboarder's epic qualifying run at the Winter Olympics!!

The 30-year-old defensive monster was a proud boyfriend as the gold medalist, 25, made her way down the halfpipe on Wednesday ... to the tune of a 90.25 score to put her at the top of the standings.

The performance was great to see -- especially after Kim revealed she tore her labrum before the Winter Games.

Sam Darnold’s Super Bowl story is Hollywood-worthy -- and the Seahawks QB has a few A-list ideas about who should play him if/when a movie eventually gets made.

Fresh off hoisting the Lombardi Trophy, Darnold joked to TMZ Sports that if his unlikely redemption arc ever hits the big screen, he’s got a surprising casting shortlist ready to go.

"Ron Weasley?" Darnold said ... laughing while trying to remember actor Rupert Grint’s name. "Trying to think of the one person who has red hair in Hollywood."

San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Keion White is breaking his silence after he was shot in the ankle ... but the third-year pro made no comment on the reports that the incident came following an argument with Lil Baby.

White took to his Instagram Tuesday night to thank everyone who reached out to him after the Bay Area incident ... and shared visual evidence that he's in good spirits, despite needing surgery.

"For those who know me, y'all know this won't stope me from spreading peace and joy to the world," White said. "Full steam ahead. I'm in great spirits and ready to make the most of this off-season."