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News broke of the highly-anticipated fight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao early Thursday (January 7) being called off, and it’s got fans in an uproar.

However, boxing fans are divided over who is to blame for the match not coming to fruition. Some feel Mayweather is trying to dodge the Filipino fighter in fear of tarnishing his perfect record, while others think Pac-Man is worried about what might show up in his drug test.

Mayweather released a statement late Thursday, addressing the recent news, claiming he did everything he could to meet Pacquiao halfway, but its been nearly impossible.

“Throughout this whole process I have remained patient, but at this point, I am thoroughly disgusted that Pacquiao and his representatives are trying to blame me for the fight not happening when clearly the blame is on them,” the boxer said.

Regardless of how it looks to fans, Mayweather says he WANTS to fight, and says his offer — which includes the drug testing stipulations — still stands.

“First and foremost, not only do I want to fight Manny Pacquiao, I want to whip his punk ass,” he said. “Before the mediation, my team proposed a 14-day, no blood testing window leading up to the fight, but it was rejected. I am still proposing the 14-day window but he is still unwilling to agree to it, even though this is obviously a fair compromise on my part, as I wanted the testing to be up until the fight and he wanted a 30-day cut-off. The truth is he just doesn’t want to take the tests.”

According to Mayweather, it’s Pacquiao who is taking the mega-fight away from fans, not him.

“In my opinion it is Manny Pacquiao and his team who are denying the people a chance to see the biggest fight ever,” Mayweather concluded. “I know the people will see through their smokescreens and lies. I am ready to fight and sign the contract. Manny needs to stop making his excuses, step up and fight.” (BallersStatus.com)

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The NBA has suspended Washington Wizards star Gilbert Arenas indefinitely.

In a statement, NBA commissioner David Stern said:

“Although it is clear that the actions of Mr. Arenas will ultimately result in a substantial suspension, and perhaps worse, his ongoing conduct has led me to conclude that he is not currently fit to take the court in an NBA game … Accordingly, I am suspending Mr. Arenas indefinitely, without pay, effective immediately pending the completion of the investigation by the NBA.”

Arenas is under investigation for bringing guns to the Verizon Center (where the Wizards play) and allegedly getting into a standoff with teammate Javaris Crittenton.

BTW — Today is Gilbert’s 28th birthday. Happy birthday!
(TMZ)

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Jayson Williams was driving the SUV that crashed early this AM, and there’s video to prove it … this according to law enforcement sources.

We’re told in addition to video, there are independent witnesses who can place Williams behind the wheel.

We’re told Williams insists he was not the driver.

Our law enforcement sources say Williams was the only one in the SUV and no one was seen fleeing the scene.

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Although a particularly nasty injury bug ravaged the UFC 108 fight card, at least one notable name survived for a major payday.

Former champ and main-event winner Rashad Evans earned $375,000 ($175,000 of which came as a win bonus) to lead UFC 108′s official fighter payroll of $843,000.

MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) today requested and received the list of disclosed salaries from the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

UFC 108 took place Jan. 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and aired on Spike TV and then pay-per-view.

In addition to Evans, who edged fellow light-heavyweight contender Thiago Silva via unanimous decision, other top earners from the card included main-card winner Junior Dos Santos ($60,000), Silva ($55,000), and Martin Kampmann ($46,000).

The full payouts included:

Rashad Evans: $375,000 ($175,000 win bonus)
def. Thiago Silva: $55,000

Paul Daley: $34,200* ($18,000 win bonus)
def. Dustin Hazelett: $19,800*

Sam Stout: $24,000 ($12,000 win bonus)
def. Joe Lauzon: $12,000

Jim Miller: $30,000 ($15,000 win bonus)
def. Duane “Bang” Ludwig: $12,000

Junior Dos Santos: $60,000 ($30,000 win bonus)
def. Gilbert Yvel: $30,000

Martin Kampmann: $46,000 ($23,000 win bonus)
def. Jacob Volkmann: $6,000

Cole Miller: $24,000 ($12,000 win bonus)
def. Dan Lauzon: $15,000

Mark Munoz: $32,000 (16,000 win bonus)
def. Ryan Jensen: $6,000

Jake Ellenberger: $20,000 ($10,000 win bonus)
def. Mike Pyle: $17,000

Rafaello Oliveira: $20,000 ($10,000 win bonus)
def. John Gunderson: $5,000

* – Daley fined 10 percent of his “show” money for missing weight; the $1,800 was awarded to opponent Hazelett

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NBA star Gilbert Arenas didn’t have a license to possess the guns he stored in his locker in D.C…. law enforcement sources tell TMZ.

We’re told there were four guns in Arenas’ locker that were turned over to police, including a gold-plated Desert Eagle — a gigantic handgun.

Arenas could be charged for “CPWL”– carrying a pistol without a license.

As we previously reported, Arenas could also face assault charges stemming from the alleged gun-toting standoff with a teammate on Xmas Eve.

D.C. cops plan to bring in Washington Wizards coach Flip Saunders today for questioning. GM Ernie Grunfeld will be brought in later this week.
(TMZ)

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