Lance Briggs -- I Really Hope Michael Jackson Didn't Abuse Bubbles

Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs is a huge animal lover -- and tells TMZ Sports he'd be EXTREMELY PISSED if he found out the abuse allegations about Michael Jackson's chimp Bubbles were true.

As we previously reported, famed monkey specialist Jane Goodall claims Bubbles suffered serious physical abuse on MJ's watch -- though several other people who spent lots of time with the primate say it's total crap.

"If that's true, it's despicable," Briggs said ... "I don't ever want any harm done to animals."

But Lance says he isn't ready to condemn MJ yet -- "Just because [Jane] said he was beaten, doesn't mean it was. If she had proof, it'd be different."

He continues, "I'm a fan of Michael's talent so it doesn't take away from that -- but my outlook of him as a person would change."