Tim Tebow and Olivia Culpo: Sex Never an Issue ... 'Cause We NEVER Dated

It's true ... Tim Tebow did NOT have sex with ex Miss Universe Olivia Culpo, but that didn't break them up -- because they weren't actually dating ... TMZ Sports has learned.

According to multiple reports Tebow and Culpo split up recently due to Tim's commitment to abstinence. The story goes ... she wanted it, but he wasn't giving it up.

Well, sources close to the situation tell us Tebow and Culpo's romantic relationship never went beyond the rumor stage. We're told the chatter started after Olivia and Tim met in church a few months ago -- and even though their reps denied it, a lot of people ran with it.

Our sources say Tim did show interest in Olivia, and they hung out a few times WITH mutual friends ... but never had a one-on-one date.