Baltimore Ravens

Ray Rice will be honored by the Baltimore Ravens this weekend in front of fans -- this almost 10 years after he infamously knocked out his significant other in an elevator.

The ex-star running back has been tapped to be the focus of Sunday's "Legend of the Game" ceremony at M&T Bank Stadium ... where they'll formally recognize his achievements both on and off the field during and after his time with the team, which ended in 2014.

His professional accolades are unquestioned -- 3-time Pro Bowler and a SB champ, among other impressive stats -- but the obvious question ... is he worthy of a spotlight after his horrific domestic violence incident? The Ravens seem to think he's earned a 2nd chance.

The team's own article on this major news is quoted as saying ... "Rice is being recognized for the player he was, and for the redemption he has worked towards. Out of the public eye, Rice has been working on himself, his relationship, and within the community."

On that front, it's true ... Rice has become an incredibly philanthropic person in and around Baltimore since 2014 -- having contributed to a number of charitable orgs, speaking on behalf of important causes (preventing DV) and contributing mightily to local youths' lives.

Rice has also acknowledged how wrong he was for punching his then-girlfriend/now-wife, Janay Palmer, which left her completely unconscious. He now says, "I truly understand why I was let go and why so many hearts changed. But hopefully people can see where I'm at now. They say people can change, right? I am not the same person I was 10-12 years ago. That's just not who I am." He says he's trying to be the best version of himself in 2023.

Ravens Prez Sashi Brown adds ... "He was also consistently in the community, giving back. Importantly, after Ray's incident he owned it. On his own accord, Ray undertook critical work within himself and to bring awareness to and educate others on domestic violence. Nothing will change his past or make it right, but Ray's work has allowed him to atone for his actions and rebuild relationships personally and professionally, including with the Ravens."

Ray has returned to Baltimore before for a 'LOTF' ceremony -- notably in 2018, when he attended on behalf of others being honored and received a warm welcome from fans.

Don't be surprised if Lamar Jackson's lifting the Lombardi Trophy at the end of this year ... 'cause former Baltimore star Peter Boulware says he's confident the Ravens have what it takes to win the Super Bowl this season.

The ex-pass rusher made it clear to TMZ Sports he loves what the Baltimore QB is doing ... as well as everyone else that's surrounding the talented signal-caller this year.

"They've got the pieces in place and they've got the coaches in place to really, really get it done," Boulware said. "So, they're in a really, really good position."

Of course, Boulware is biased ... he played for the Ravens for the entirety of his career from 1997 to 2005, and won one Super Bowl for the org. But, Baltimore does truly appear to be that good this season.

They're currently 9-3 and tied for the No. 1 seed in the AFC ... and with quarterback injuries all over the conference, they -- alongside the Chiefs -- certainly seem like the favorites for now to make it to the Big Game in February.

A group of Baltimore Ravens fans had no problem adding insult to injury after Thursday Night Football, literally ... after the Bengals superstar quarterback left the game with an injured wrist, they chanted "F*** Joe Burrow" on live TV!

The Bengals QB was forced out of the game during the first half of TNF with a mysterious wrist injury ... and was eventually ruled out.

Of course, Burrow's absence was felt on the field, and the Ravens won the game, 34-20.

The Ravens fans weren't content with the win ... after the game, they made it clear they're no fan of JB.

"F*** Joe Burrow! F*** Joe Burrow!" fans yelled during Prime's post-game broadcast.

The chants were captured loud and clear on the stream ... and many football fans weren't happy with their actions.

"This is actually embarrassing," a fellow B-more fan said on X. "As a Baltimore Ravens fan since '96, I am ashamed of my fellow fans. Wishing Joe Burrow a speedy recovery."

But, the Bengals may have other issues besides Ravens fans ... the NFL has launched an investigation into the team after they posted a video on social media ahead of the game that appeared to show JB wearing a brace on his hand prior to the game. The Bengals eventually removed the post.

Kim Kardashian had a busy trip to NYC, also stopping in at Odell Beckham Jr.'s 31st birthday bash ...  after TMZ confirmed they had started "hanging out" thanks to mutual friends.

Making her way to the party following the 2023 CFDA Awards, busy bee Kim stole the spotlight in her black, figure-hugging lace-up gown.

Kim was in good company, with other attendees such as Lil Baby, Saquon Barkley, Saweetie, Stefon Diggs, James Harden, Ashley Graham, Justine Skye and more.

We were previously told Kim and Odell have run in the same circle for years ... but it's only recently that the SKIMS queen fueled romance speculation with the NFL athlete.

It's not clear who KK and OBJ's mutual friends are ... but this isn't the first time she has shown up for Odell's personal extravaganzas. Last November, she rocked up to his milestone 30th at Mother Wolf in L.A., and both attended Michael Rubin's July 4th White Party earlier this year.

Kim has been single since she split from former 'SNL' star Pete Davidson in August 2022 following a whirlwind 9-month romance. Meanwhile, OBJ and his longtime GF, Lauren Wood, split early this year.

Kim Kardashian tuvo un ajetreado viaje a Nueva York. Además de sus otros compromisos, Kim se detuvo en el cumpleaños número 31 de Odell Beckham Jr., después de que TMZ confirmara que ambos comenzaron a "salir" gracias a algunos amigos en común.

Kim fue a su fiesta después de participar en los Premios CFDA 2023, donde la estrella de la televisión se robó las miradas con su ajustado vestido negro de encaje.

En el cumpleaños de Odell estuvo en compañía de algunos famosos de la lista A, como Lil Baby, Saquon Barkley, Saweetie, Stefon Diggs, James Harden, Ashley Graham, Justine Skye y más.

Nos habían dicho que Kim y Odell habían estado compartiendo en el mismo círculo por años, pero solo recientemente comenzaron las especulaciones de que la reina de SKIMS está teniendo un romance con el atleta de la NFL.

No está claro quiénes son esos amigos en común de Kim y Odell, pero esta no es la primera vez que aparece en las extravagancias personales de Odell. El pasado mes de noviembre (2022), estuvo en su cumpleaños 30 en el Mother Wolf en Los Ángeles y ambos asistieron a la fiesta de Michael Rubin por el 4 de julio a principios de este año.

Kim ha estado soltera desde que se separó de la ex estrella de 'SNL' Pete Davidson en agosto de 2022, después de un romance relámpago de 9 meses. Mientras que Odell y su novia desde hace mucho tiempo, Lauren Wood, se separaron a principios de este año.

The Detroit Lions just released Marvin Jones Jr. ... shortly after the receiver announced he was stepping away from the team to focus on "personal family matters."

The 33-year-old posted a statement on Instagram Tuesday afternoon ... days after Jones Jr. failed to travel with the Lions to the Ravens game in Baltimore.

"To be brief, I am stepping away from the team to take care of personal family matters," Jones Jr. said. "Although this was no easy decision, I cannot be the person/player that I need to be for this team as well as tend to my family from afar."

"This organization has been amazing showing love and support for myself and my family over the years and this time is no different."

Shortly after, the Lions released their own statement announcing the roster move online, stating Jones Jr. was released.

Despite being thoroughly dominated by the Ravens on Sunday, the 5-2 Lions are currently leading the NFC North ... and although Jones Jr. will no longer be on the field, he's vowed to continue supporting his squad.

4 quarters weren't enough ... Odell Beckham Jr. and Jeffery Simmons went to overtime on Sunday, literally coming to blows after the Ravens-Titans game in London, according to OBJ's teammate Marlon Humphrey.

The beef started during the game ... 26-year-old Simmons tackled Ravens WR Zay Flowers low, and 30-year-old Odell objected, seemingly kneeing Jeffery. That didn't go over well with the DE, who shoved OBJ to the ground, drawing a 15-yard penalty.

After the game, which the Ravens won 24-16, Simmons clearly wasn't over what happened with Odell.

On his show, the Punch Line Podcast with Marlon Humphrey, the 3x Pro Bowler says he was hanging out on the field at Tottenham stadium when he saw the huge, 6'4", 305 lb. defender waiting, helmet on.

A bit strange, but Marlon says he assumed Simmons was waiting for a family member.

Alas, that wasn't the case ... moments later Humphrey heard someone yelling for Ravens' security.

"I turn around, [Beckham Jr. and Simmons] are genuinely like fighting. I am pretty sure Odell is grabbing his facemask," Marlon described.

"They had to be separated and everything. I don't know how this has not [been reported]. I mean, [Simmons] is crazy. He wanted that fade from Odell."

Order was eventually restored ... and the two stars went their separate ways. Probably best for Odell ... who is just 5'11", and weighs under 200 lbs.

Of course, it's not the first time Odell's mixed it up on the football field. Recall the infamous Giants vs. Panthers game back in 2015.

Kim Kardashian y Odell Beckham Jr. han estado mucho más cercanos últimamente, pero en realidad ambos han sido parte de los mismos círculos durante años.

Como informamos, Kim y OBJ tienen algunos amigos en común que los han llevado a acercarse, pero nuestras fuentes dicen que no hay nada romántico entre la pareja.

La verdad es que Kim y Odell han estado en algunas de las mismas fiestas en el último año, incluyendo el cumpleaños del mismísimo Odell, lo que demuestra que tienen mucho en común cuando se trata de su vida social.

Además de eso, tanto Kim como OBJ asistieron a la Fiesta Blanca del 4 de Julio de Michael Rubin a principios de este año. Si bien no posaron en ninguna foto juntos, ambos estaban en buena compañía, con celebridades de la talla de Tom Brady, Jennifer López, Ben Affleck, Jay-Z, Justin Bieber, Travis Scott, Kelly Rowland y un montón más.

Kim también asistió a la fiesta de cumpleaños por los 30 de Odell en Mother Wolf en Los Ángeles en noviembre. Una vez más, no fueron fotografiados juntos... pero Kim estaba definitivamente allí, y se fue de la fiesta en solitario más tarde en la noche.

Nuestras fuentes nos dicen que Kim está muy entusiasmanda en encontrar el amor de nuevo, si es que llegase a encontrar a la persona adecuada. Pero de todos modos está muy ocupada con sus labores de madre y sus exitosos negocios.

Kim Kardashian and Odell Beckham Jr. have recently linked up on a more personal level, but the two have actually run in the same circles for years.

As we reported, Kim and OBJ have some mutual friends who have helped to bring them together, but our sources say there's nothing romantic between the pair.

Truth is, Kim and Odell have been at some of the same parties -- including his own birthday -- within the last year ... further proving they've got a lot in common when it comes to their social lives.

Both Kim and OBJ attended Michael Rubin's July 4th White Party to celebrate America's Independence earlier this year. While they didn't appear to pose in any pics together, the two were certainly in good company ... with the likes of Tom Brady, Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck, Jay-Z, Justin Bieber, Travis Scott, Kelly Rowland and a whole lot more.

Kim was also in attendance for Odell's 30th birthday party at Mother Wolf in Los Angeles back in November. Once again, they weren't photographed together ... but Kim was definitely there, leaving the bash solo later in the night.

Our sources say Kim's totally down to find love again if she finds the right match ... but she's having a ton of fun being a mom and continuing to grow her businesses.

Ex-NFL star Ricky Williams says the league is moving in the right direction by loosening its stance on cannabis in recent years ... but tells TMZ Sports he's hoping Roger Goodell's organization goes one step further by allowing teams to treat players with marijuana after games.

Ricky -- who was suspended five times and missed a chunk of his career for violating the league's substance abuse policy -- believes society is going through a big transformation when it comes to accepting the benefits of cannabis and psychedelics ... and he's hoping the NFL follows suit.

FYI -- the NFL changed its marijuana policy in 2021 ... electing to only test players once a year and handing down less punishment if someone is popped for the drug.

Ricky is thrilled with the league's changed stance on cannabis but feels it would have great benefits for players if they were encouraged to use marijuana instead of pills during recovery.

"I think the next step, though, is at the end of a game, if we're on the plane ride home, the trainer is walking down the aisle and has two capsule cases -- one of Ambien, and the other one of Vicodin," Williams said. "And he's walking down the aisle and saying, 'Do you need any of this, do you need any of this?'"

"And the truth is, for football players, we do need something because it hurts, and you're all revved up and it's hard to calm down go to sleep. And I'd love to see cannabis as being one of those things that the trainer is walking down the aisle and offering to those players."

Ricky -- who legally changed his name to Errick Miron recently -- has been an advocate for the cause for decades ... and is outspoken on the positive effects cannabis had on his mental health throughout his career.

Now, Ricky's own lifestyle brand, "Highsman," is going strong ... and he said the whole experience has been nothing but positive.

Call Zay Flowers Kodak Purple and Black ... 'cause the young Ravens receiver had the whole team going wild during Baltimore's rookie talent show this week -- crushing his performance of Kodak Black's biggest song!!

Superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson documented the whole act ... with footage showing the former Boston College standout getting in front of his teammates and doing a rendition of the Florida M.C.'s "No Flockin'."

Flowers certainly pandered to the audience -- Kodak has a ton of fans in the Ravens locker room ... and he's even hit up games and hung out with Jackson in the past, as the two are close friends.

While Jackson initially clowned Flowers -- who also hails from the Sunshine State -- for having to pull up the lyrics on his phone, it's safe to say the signal-caller gave his stamp of approval ... as he cheered on his teammate throughout the song.

The receiver also got a ton of help from the room ... with all the guys joining in on rapping along to the 2015 track.

The rookie initiations this season have been pretty impressive -- as we previously reported, Jets rookie Jerome Kapp also showed off his mic skills as he recited Eminem's famous diss from "8 Mile."

The woman involved in the car crash that killed Alex Collins on Sunday night was "hysterical" after the wreck ... telling cops she did not realize the force of the collision had sent the former NFL star into her vehicle.

"I can't find him!" she can be heard saying in the 911 audio, obtained by TMZ Sports.

The call was placed just a few minutes after Collins' motorcycle had collided with the woman's SUV at around 10:20 PM in Lauderdale Lakes, Fla.

The woman told dispatch that Collins had "hit me from behind" ... though she was frantic -- because she had no idea where his body had gone after the crash had occurred.

"I'm trying to look to see where he is," she said.

Minutes later, bystanders can be heard in the background of the call telling her Collins was in her car -- screaming at her to open the vehicle's door ASAP.

As we reported, authorities eventually pronounced Collins dead at the scene. He was just 28 years old.

The NFL community mourned his passing on Monday ... with his former teammates Russell Wilson, Geno Smith and Robert Griffin III all honoring him with tribute posts on their social media pages.

Others around the league -- including Tyler Lockett, Jimmy Graham and Marlon Humphrey -- sent their condolences as well.

"Always quick to greet everyone with a smile, he was a genuinely kind person who carried a special joy and passion wherever he went," said Collins' former team, the Baltimore Ravens. "May Alex always be remembered for the light and love he brought to so many people in his life."

Sean Tuohy is firing back at Michael Oher ... calling BS on all of the former NFL star's "insulting" allegations -- while insisting he and his family made little money off of the success of "The Blind Side."

The 63-year-old -- who was played by Tim McGraw in the 2009 hit movie -- said he was "devastated" to learn that Oher had accused him and his wife, Leigh Anne, of exploiting him for fame and money in a court filing in Tennessee on Monday morning.

Tuohy told the Daily Memphian he never tricked Oher into getting into a conservatorship ... and he certainly didn't make millions off of it either.

Instead, Tuohy said the whole ordeal went down because the NCAA told him if Oher wanted to attend Ole Miss -- he'd have to be considered part of the family due to Touhy's status as a "booster" at the school.

"I sat Michael down and told him, 'If you're planning to go to Ole Miss -- or even considering Ole Miss -- we think you have to be part of the family,'" Tuohy said. "'This would do that, legally.'"

He continued, "We contacted lawyers who had told us that we couldn't adopt over the age of 18; the only thing we could do was to have a conservatorship. We were so concerned it was on the up-and-up that we made sure the biological mother came to court."

Tuohy then said he'd "of course" end the conservatorship if that's what Oher wanted.

As for the allegations that Tuohy used the conservatorship to negotiate a big movie deal with Fox that netted massive profits for him and his family ... Tuohy said that just simply never happened.

"We didn’t make any money off the movie," Tuohy said. "Well, Michael Lewis ['The Blind Side' book author] gave us half of his share. Everybody in the family got an equal share, including Michael. It was about $14,000, each."

Tuohy says he was in no need of cash after he had sold his fast-food franchises for over $200 million.

"I will say it’s upsetting that people would think I would want to make money off any of my children," he said.

Tuohy also told the outlet his family and Oher had remained very close in the years after the release of "The Blind Side" ... though he began to notice a schism forming about a year and a half ago.

Ray Rice returned to his old stomping grounds on Thursday ... but he wasn't the only former star running back hanging out on the Baltimore Ravens sidelines -- he was spotted chopping it up with Marshawn Lynch.

The Super Bowl champion -- who has made several appearances at Ravens events after getting kicked off the team in 2014 -- was a popular guest at training camp hours ago ... with kids flocking to him after he arrived.

RR appeared to be in great spirits throughout the visit ... and video shows him laughing with Beast Mode as they checked out the squad.

Of course, Rice transitioned to a public speaking and mentorship role after he was suspended indefinitely following his Atlantic City casino elevator incident ... teaching young players how to prevent similar mistakes.

Rice never played another down of professional football following the controversy ... but he's been no stranger to the sport nonetheless.

The shocking death of Ms Jacky Oh! is not only affecting "Wild 'N Out" fans, but it's also impacting NFL players like Odell Beckham and Keenan Allen ... who are mourning her passing.

As we reported, Ms Jacky Oh! (real name Jacklyn Smith) died on Wednesday in Miami, but the details surrounding her death are not yet clear. A since-deleted social media post claimed she was having "mommy makeover" surgery.

Beckham -- who recently signed with the Ravens -- paid tribute to the former "Wild 'N Out" star on his Instagram story by sharing her family's statement and a photo of her and her kids.

"Rest Easy Angel," OBJ wrote in the post on Thursday.

He also said on Twitter, "Don’t take this life for granted, we’re here for the blink of an eye. Y’all plz love on your loved ones while they’re still here."

OBJ knows Smith through Lauren Wood, mother of his 1-year-old son Zydn, who was a former "Wild 'N Out" star.

In fact, Smith and Wood recently took a girl's trip to Belize to celebrate Lauren's birthday.

"We are in Belize!!! It's my best friend's birthday -- Lauren," Smith said on a YouTube vlog while on vacay.

Smith also attended Beckham and Wood's baby shower.

"This hurts so bad," Wood said in an IG post on Friday. "When I lost you I also lost the version of me when we were together. Our banter. Our humor. Our dynamic. So unique to us."

"I can't imagine this life without you. It just got a lot more darker and lonelier. I'm having a really hard time saying goodbye and accepting this grave reality."

Wood added, "I look forward to the moment we get to experience each other again. You will forever be in my heart. Connect to my soul, sister."

Los Angeles Chargers receiver Keenan Allen was also heartbroken over her sudden death ...  revealing Smith is the reason he met his wife.

"Damn man! Truly an angel," Allen said on his IG.

"Jacky introduced me to the wife I have today. Praying for your babies and DC! It’s all perfect timing even though we don’t understand. God is in."

Smith is survived by her three children.

Odell Beckham Jr. is off the hook in his assault case ... prosecutors said this week they will NOT hit him with criminal charges after concluding their investigation into the allegations against the NFL star.

The probe initially kicked off back in April -- after a woman alleged Beckham put his hand around her neck during an encounter at Delilah, a popular restaurant in Los Angeles.

The woman, according to law enforcement, claimed the 30-year-old Super Bowl champion went up to her and grabbed her throat with light pressure.

But, prosecutors said on Tuesday surveillance video from the lounge "contradicts the complaining witness' account of events."

"The video does not capture any battery," prosecutors added.

Officials also said there were no other witnesses who could corroborate the alleged victim's story ... explaining that even a friend of the complainant -- who they said was standing next to Beckham and the woman during the alleged incident -- did not see an assault take place.

According to prosecutors, there was simply "insufficient evidence to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt."

As we reported, Beckham was adamant all along that he had done nothing wrong. The restaurant's owner, John Terzian, called the claims bogus as well.