TMZ Sports - Page 6

Everyone's talking about Connor Hellebuyck being the hero of Team USA hockey ... but according to an AI video President Trump posted on Monday, he's declaring himself the real MVP.

America is still riding high after the huge upset over Canada in the gold medal game of the 2026 Winter Olympics ... and that includes Trump, who celebrated the victory with a clip generated by Grok.

In the minute-long highlight reel, Trump is shown in his signature blue suit and red tie checking Canadian players left and right ... even dropping his gloves and throwing hands with an opponent at one point.

It’s been a brutal, two-week nightmare for Lindsey Vonn … and now we know just how close she came to losing her leg.

The Olympic legend revealed Monday in an Instagram video she finally made it out of the hospital after suffering what she called the “most extreme and painful and challenging injury” of her life -- “times a hundred” -- following her crash at the games.

Vonn didn’t hold back on the gruesome details … explaining she shattered her tibia, fractured her fibular head and tibial plateau -- saying “everything was in pieces.” But the real danger came from compartment syndrome, a condition where swelling and trapped blood can crush muscle, nerves and tissue.

The WNBA world is mourning the sudden loss of former star center Kara Braxton, a two-time champion and one of the league’s fiercest paint presences, who died at the age of 43.

The league confirmed the heartbreaking news Sunday, sending condolences to her family, friends and former teammates.

The Cobb County Police Department confirms to TMZ Sports that Braxton was involved in a fatal car crash on Saturday on I-285 -- when her 2023 Ford Mustang Mach E collided with a concrete median wall.

Scary scene in the ring Sunday night ... boxer Joseph George collapsed in between rounds, and was rushed to the hospital.

The incident occurred during the co-main of a Claressa Shields headlined event at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit ... where the 13-2 fighter just got through the first round of the bout.

George, who was fighting Atif Oberlton -- a perfect 15-0 as a pro -- walked to his corner and sat down on his stool ... but just seconds later, dropped to the canvas.

At first, George's corner looked puzzled ... but everyone soon realized something was wrong, and medical personnel rushed to help the boxer.

LeBron James just reminded everyone he keeps receipts ... especially when it comes to family.

After the Los Angeles Lakers got thumped on Sunday by the Boston Celtics, James was asked about his relationship with fellow All-Star Jaylen Brown -- and the King didn't sugarcoat anything.

LBJ said things between them have been “respectful” … except for “the s*** he said about Bronny at Summer League.”

Tyler Shough made a helluva impression on not just Saints fans, but even their star players ... so much so that Cam Jordan tells TMZ Sports he believes the rookie could be their franchise quarterback.

The New Orleans Saints have been searching for a new signal caller since Drew Brees retired .... and despite bringing in signal-callers like Jameis Winston, Andy Dalton, and Derek Carr, they just haven't found their guy.

Until now, potentially.

The Saints drafted Shough in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and the QB threw for 2,384 passing yards and 13 touchdowns in 11 games ... something Jordan, the longtime Saints defensive end, says was a great showcase.

FBI director Kash Patel really let loose with the USA Men's Olympic hockey team Sunday ... he was seen partying with the newly minted gold medalists in the locker room after their big win.

Check out the video ... Patel -- who plays a bit of hockey himself -- is absolutely euphoric, appearing to chug part of a beer and christening the players around him with what was left.

One player even drapes a gold medal around Patel's neck while he's completely beside himself with joy.

For the first time since the Miracle on Ice, the United States Men's Hockey team has won the gold medal at the Winter Olympics ... and the team is partying accordingly as they celebrate their first Olympic gold in 46 years!

It all started after Jack Hughes found the back of the net in overtime to give the Red, White and Blue the win over their rivals from up north -- Canada.

Once they got back to the locker room, the party really kicked into another gear. Footage from Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy showed them jamming out to Toby Keith's "Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American)" as the drinks were flowing.

Rondale Moore died from a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound ... TMZ Sports has confirmed.

Chief Todd Bailey of the New Albany, IN Police Department tells TMZ Sports ... the 25-year-old was "found deceased in the garage of the property of a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound."

Bailey says the investigation remains ongoing and, due to its active status, no additional information will be released at this time.

President of Basketball Ops today … head coach tomorrow? Master P isn’t ruling it out.

The rap mogul-turned-basketball exec swung by the TMZ Sports studio this week and told Babcock he’s already had multiple colleges try to lure him away because of how quickly he's turned around the University of New Orleans, where he serves as assistant coach AND President of Basketball Operations.

“I have so many colleges now looking at me like, ‘Hey, come join our program because of the business side that I have,’” P said. “But I’m thankful for being where I’m at and just working.”

Kenny “The Jet” Smith is giving Chris Paul his flowers -- and already mapping out his next move!

TMZ Sports caught up with the "Inside The NBA" cohost over All-Star Weekend … and Smith didn’t hesitate when talking about CP3’s recent retirement from the NBA -- saying he has a résumé that speaks for itself.

“Chris Paul is one of the greatest point guards to ever play,” Smith tells us. “He deserves his retirement, he deserves his flowers. I've known him since high school, I’ve known him since Wake Forest. I'm excited for his next chapter in his career -- he's going to make a great NBA coach.”

Ex-Univ. of Miami booster Nevin Shapiro says he told the "idiots" at the NCAA to pay players a decade and a half ago ... and while he's pleased the day has finally come, he tells TMZ Sports it was long overdue!

Of course, Shapiro was at the center of a big NCAA scandal involving the Hurricanes football program, where he allegedly provided cash, gifts, and parties to players, and he was widely ridiculed.

Fast forward to today ... with an NIL policy that now allows athletes to be paid for their name, image, and likeness, we asked Shapiro if he'd consider working with college athletes once again.

9:01 PM PT -- The Minnesota Vikings issued a statement addressing Rondale Moore's death.

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rondale Moore. While we are working to understand the facts, we have spoken with Rondale's family to offer our condolences and the full support of the Minnesota Vikings."

"We have also been in communication with our players, coaches, and staff, and will make counseling and emotional support resources available to anyone in need. Our thoughts are with Rondale's family and friends during this devastating time."

Vikes head coach Kevin O'Connell also expressed shock at the loss and sent condolences to Moore's family.

Rondale Moore, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver and former second-round draft pick, died on Saturday, the local coroner confirmed.

He was only 25 years old.

The circumstances surrounding Moore's death are currently unknown.

Moore was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals with the 49th overall pick in 2021 ... and played three seasons in AZ. In 2024, he was traded to Atlanta, but didn't appear in any games for the Falcons after sustaining an injury during training camp.

Prior to last season, Rondale signed a one-year deal with the Vikings, but again sustained a season-ending injury.

Before his time in the NFL, Moore starred at Purdue ... where he was one of the most explosive players in all college football.

As a freshman, he won the Paul Hornung Award, given to the most versatile player in college football and the Paul Warfield Trophy, given to the nation's best receiver.

Moore was also named the Big Ten Receiver of the Year and Freshman of the Year.

RM's coach, Jeff Brohm, released a statement addressing his late star player.

"Rondale Moore was a complete joy to coach. The ultimate competitor that would never back down to any challenge. Rondale has a work ethic that was unmatched by anyone. A great teammate that would come through in any situation. we all loved Rondale and we loved his smile and competitive edge that always wanted to please everyone he came in contact with."

Coach Brohn continued ... "We offer all of our thoughts and prayers to Rondale and his family and we love him very much!!!"

R.I.P.

Tennis star Sloane Stephens says she and her husband, Jozy Altidore, are officially through ... announcing their split in a social media post Saturday.

Stephens -- who won the U.S. Open back in 2017 -- writes she is navigating the split with "mutual respect" ... and, she asks for privacy. She did not provide a reason for the divorce.

We've reviewed divorce documents which Stephens filed earlier this month in Florida ... in which she calls the marriage "irretrievably broken."

Ryan Garcia -- aka "King Ryan" -- was getting his pre-fight energy up backstage before the big weigh-in Friday night … with a little help from the undefeated David Benavidez.

TMZ Sports obtained video of the professional boxer backstage in Las Vegas for his anticipated weigh-in ... practicing some killer moves with Benavidez's young son and showing off some quick jabs, while keeping his focus razor-sharp.

Check the clip ... in true superstar fashion, Garcia and Benavidez are seen posing for a few photos in front of a giant Mexican flag -- showing his pride.

Bill Mazeroski -- Pittsburgh Pirates legend and Baseball Hall of Famer -- has died at the age of 89.

The Pirates issued a statement announcing his death on Saturday morning, saying, "It is with a heavy heart that we relay the news of the passing of legendary Pirates and National Baseball Hall of Famer, Bill Mazeroski."

The team continues to add ... "Maz was a 7-time All-Star who hit the greatest home run in baseball history. He was a beloved member of the Pirates family and he will be deeply missed."

Mazeroski devoted his entire 17-year MLB career to the Pittsburgh Pirates, signing with the team at just 17 in 1954. After spending two years in the minors, he was called up to the big leagues midway through the 1956 season.