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Clinton Portis says there's TWO reasons he would booze on Hennessey before taking the field during his NFL career -- pain management and "turning up."

Yeah, it's confusing ... but that's how the former Washington Redskins running back justified his alcoholic pre-game ritual while appearing on FS1's "Fair Game with Kristine Leahy" on Monday.

"If you're going out to have a good time, you pre-game" Portis explained while comparing playing in the NFL to hitting the clubs with friends.

In other words, Clinton started off by saying the shot helped him get his mind right.

"It was a turn-up ... for me, it wasn't like I was getting drunk. We took one shot."

Then came the pivot -- it's almost like Clinton realized his explanation wasn't going over well, so he played the self-medication card.

"For me, it was kind of like, 'This shot and I'm going out to play.' Like this is going to take the pain away or the fear or whatever it was. Like, now it's time."

Portis says he was never one to take pain-killers or drugs ... so hittin' the bottle before he hit the pads was his way of coping with the injuries he suffered throughout his 9-year career.

"After I took that shot, it was like, okay, now it's time to go do this instead of going to lay down and take a Toradol shot which all the sudden it comes out and it's hazardous to your health."

Tom Brady says the Super Bowl is a great excuse to bring his entire family together -- so, he's flying 'em all to Atlanta for the big game on Sunday ... mom, dad, wife, kids ... everybody!!

It'll be especially cool to see Brady's mom, Galynn, back at the game after battling breast cancer in 2017.

Tom raved about his family to WEEI's Mut and Callahan on Monday, explaining how the Super Bowl has kind of turned into an annual family reunion (it's his 9th SB) ... and he loves it.

"I'll have a big crew," Brady exclaimed ... "If there's one thing that sports has done for my family it's kept us all seeing each other and a part of each other's lives."

Tom and his mother are super close -- and her cancer fight clearly had a major impact on him on and off the field. Before last year's Super Bowl, Brady told reporters how much it meant for his mother to be at the game.

"To have my mom here [in 2017] -- I had my whole family here -- was very, very special," Brady said.

"Even all my kids here for the first time at the game, and we get a chance to do it a second time. I hope it's a happy ending."

It wasn't -- the Patriots lost to the Eagles in a 41-33 shocker.

Brady has 3 kids -- 2 with his wife Gisele and a son, Jack, from ex-girlfriend Bridget Moynahan.

His son with Moynahan lives with Bridget in New York City -- but it seems QB has a pretty solid relationship with the kid, who was featured in Tom's reality show "Tom Vs. Time."

During the WEEI interview on Monday, Tom also explained why he's embracing all the anti-Patriots hate -- and how it fuels them.

The New England Patriots team mascot says he was REALLY hurt when he was unexpectedly tackled by NY Jets safety Jamal Adams at a Pro Bowl practice ... and is now dealing with pain in his neck and back.

It all went down on Wednesday in Orlando -- where Adams told fans he was "finna go knock this mascot out" before launching himself at the mascot, knocking the guy to the ground.

The man inside the costume sought medical attention after the incident -- and now Ian Rapoport says the guy is still "dealing with jaw, neck, and back soreness."

Rapoport says the mascot was also checked for a concussion -- but despite his condition, the man is still planning on going to Atlanta to cheer on the Patriots at the Super Bowl

As for Adams, he had previously issued a statement saying he did NOT regret the tackle -- even though the NFL had been contacting him to talk about the incident.

Here's the obvious concern for Adams ... if the mascot suffered real injuries, he's probably going to sue Adams -- who's currently playing in a 4-year, $22.2 million contract.

Adams didn't seem too bothered by the situation while playing in the Pro Bowl on Sunday -- where he won the defensive MVP award as his AFC squad beat up on the NFC in a 26-7 victory.

International Paralympic Committee says Malaysia will NOT be allowed to host an important Paralympic event ... all because the country is refusing to allow athletes from Israel to compete.

Malaysia was scheduled to host the 2019 World Para Swimming Championships -- a qualifying event for the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo. It's a big deal.

The Paralympics is an international competition for athletes with physical disabilities -- and operates with the International Olympic Committee.

Malaysia has deemed Israel a "criminal nation" -- claiming the country is mistreating Palestinians.

IPC president Andrew Parsons says the Israel ban is unacceptable -- and has moved to relocate the July 29-Aug. 4 event to another country.

"When a host country excludes athletes from a particular nation, for political reasons, then we have absolutely no alternative but to look for a new championships host," Parsons said.

"All World Championships must be open to all eligible athletes and nations to compete safely and free from discrimination."

Despite the move, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad is doubling down on his country's anti-Israel policy.

“We stand by our principle, which is that Israel is a criminal nation," Mohamad told the Associated Press.

"It has been breaking international law without anybody saying anything. We have a right to voice our feelings and to have our own policies.”

Add another credit to Chris Pratt's resume -- MMA cornerman -- because the movie star was a part of fighter Adel "Kyokushin" Altamimi's fight team this weekend ... and THE GUY WON!!!

Pratt went INSANE when his buddy tapped out Brandon McMahan at Bellator 214 at The Forum in L.A. on Saturday night ... but the question everyone was asking -- why was Pratt there?!

Turns out, the "Guardians of the Galaxy" star became friends with Altamimi while training at Jay Glazer's Unbreakable Gym in L.A. ... and they've become so close, Adel invited him to walk him to the cage.

Adel's backstory is incredible ... the 29-year-old was born and raised in Iraq and was contracted as a convoy driver for the U.S. Marine Corps.

It was a dangerous job ... Altamimi was captured by Al Qaeda and was threatened with death -- until he was saved by a group of U.S. Marines.

After the rescue, Altamimi moved to the U.S. and began his MMA training -- meeting people like Jay Glazer and Chris Pratt along the way.

A.A. and Pratt built a strong friendship over time ... and Pratt congratulated him in November when he landed a multi-fight contract with Bellator, saying, "Can’t wait for the rest of the world to watch him fight and share his unbelievable story."

Fast forward to Saturday night -- Pratt helped Altamimi warm up in the locker room, walked him to the cage, coached him from the corner and then celebrated when Adel won his fight in 76 seconds!!!

After the fight, Adel praised the movie star -- and later said he wasn't nervous about the fight because he'd been in more serious, violent situations during his time in Iraq.

Drew Brees admits he's frustrated and disappointed after the Saints got screwed in the NFC Championship game -- but has a message for New Orleans, "I refuse to let this hold us down."

The future Hall of Fame QB just issued a giant statement to Who Dat Nation saying he's spent the last week "navigating the heartache and disappointment from the game."

Brees notes -- "Some things within our control and some outside our control that caused us to fall short."

"The longer I play I realize that we truly are one heartbeat with our fans. Our success is your success. Our disappointment is your disappointment. We are inspired by one another to accomplish things far greater than what we could ever do on our own."

Brees never mentions a specific play from the game but offers this advice to Saints fans on dealing with the "frustration we feel now."

"Pour that passion and emotion into your families and communities. Inspire others with your focus & determination and positive outlook. This will make us stronger, this will bond us tighter, this will be a source for our success in the future."

"There is no place like New Orleans. There is no community like ours. No fans like the Who Dat Nation. I refuse to let this hold us down. I refuse to let this create any negativity or resentment. I embrace the challenge."

Lolo Jones and Tamar Braxton came thiiis close to throwing hands in the "Celebrity Big Brother" house ... after the Olympian called Tamar a "bitch" during a heated confrontation.

Tensions had been building between the two houseguests for days -- but things finally "popped off" Saturday morning when an argument exploded into real smack talk ... and threats of physical violence.

Tamar -- wearing a weird "Back to the Future" mask -- did NOT back down from Lolo ... telling her, "I am from Baltimore. You do not want that problem."

When Tamar got into Lolo's face, Jones flexed on Tamar and said, "I'm right here."

In a moment captured on the 'Big Brother' live feed -- you can see Tamar saying, "The next time somebody calls me a bitch, I'm just gonna' start yankin'."

Lolo hears the threat and responds, "Then do it."

Tamar replied, "Then say it."

The good news -- the women didn't ever come to blows ... but they're both still in the "Big Brother" house.

Question is ... who wins if they REALLY do fight?? The world-class Olympic athlete or the battle-tested Baltimore brawler??

Joe Rogan rewatched an old comedy classic recently -- "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective" -- and pointed out something which seems crazy obvious now ... IT'S SUPER TRANSPHOBIC!!!

The UFC announcer was talking about all sorts of issues with New York Times reporter Bari Weiss on the "Joe Rogan Experience" podcast this week when he brought up the 1994 Jim Carrey flick.

"I didn't realize how transphobic that f*cking movie is," Rogan said ... "It's off the charts!"

Rogan says he hadn't seen the movie in years, but when he sat down to watch it with 8 and 10-year-old daughters he quickly realized, "It is so insanely transphobic."

If you remember ... the whole point of the flick is for Ace to track down the former Miami Dolphins player who kidnapped the team mascot -- and (spoiler alert) it ends up being the kicker.

But the kicker, Ray Finkle, was no longer living as a man -- he became Lois Einhorn.

When Ace and Dan Marino crack the case and realize Lois used to be Ray -- they cringe in disgust and everyone who had kissed Lois begins puking and washing out their mouths.

Rogan asks the question ... if places like iTunes should remove the movie from its library due to its offensive nature. Bari argued that it's important to NOT erase movies like "Ace" but notes how far society has come since the movie came out.

"Top Chef" contestant Fatima Ali has died after a battle with bone cancer.

Ali -- who was very public with her diagnosis and fight -- sent a message out to fans a couple weeks ago saying, "I know it’s been ages since I posted and most may have figured out why. I’m sick and unfortunately I’m getting sicker. Right now all I need are prayers; prayers that are simple."

Her friend and former contestant from "Top Chef" announced Friday that she had passed away.

It was back in October when Fatima announced her cancer had returned ... and doctors said she had a year left to live. Fatima appeared on "Ellen" a short time later where the talk show host gave her $50,000 to live out her dream of visiting the world's best restaurants.

Fatima appeared on season 15 of the "Top Chef" reality competition, and was voted a fan favorite.

Ali was 29 years old.

President Trump and the Democrats have reached a deal to end the government shutdown and reopen the government ... for 3 weeks.

The Prez announced the deal Friday during a press conference in front of the White House ... ending the shutdown that had dragged on for an unprecedented 35 days.

The deal does not include funding for Trump's beloved border wall ... and the temporary end to the shutdown comes as thousands of federal workers missed another paycheck during the longest government shutdown in history.

The timing of the deal comes after increased urgency to fund the government following Friday's decision by the Federal Aviation Administration to temporarily halt flights into and out of LaGuardia Airport in NYC because of staffing shortages as a result of the shutdown.

Ronda Rousey is not taking kindly to reports she's planning on leaving WWE to start a family -- saying she's the ONLY person authorized to speak on matters regarding her vagina.

Rousey's personal life was the subject of a bunch of reports Thursday after wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer reported Ronda could step away from WWE after Wrestlemania in April to focus on expanding her family.

Ronda addressed the report with ESPN's Ramona Shelburne and came out swinging.

"I honestly don't know why [anyone] feels [they're] an authority to speak on plans for my uterus," Rousey said.

"It's my vagina, my life, keep the speculations to yourself. Leave me and my reproductive organs alone."

Ronda HAS spoken on the record several times about her plans to reproduce -- telling "Ellen" back in 2016 her plan was to have kids with Travis Browne and in May 2018 she said she would be pregnant "soon."

We had reached out to WWE about the Meltzer report and they told us, "Whether she wants to start a family is a private matter."

Louisiana senator Bill Cassidy is still so pissed off about the blown non-penalty in the NFC Championship game ... he just went on the floor of the Senate to call out the NFL.

"The State of Louisiana is outraged because of what happened in the Superdome last Sunday," Cassidy said during his 5-minute presentation.

"To the folks back home, it is something which continues to disturb them."

Cassidy, of course, is referring to blatant pass interference -- and helmet-to-helmet contact -- that went uncalled in the final 2 minutes of the game ... allowing the L.A. Rams a chance to come back and beat the Saints.

Cassidy described the play as, "The most blatant and consequential blown call in NFL history."

In fact, Cassidy says it's not just Saints fans who are pissed -- superstars like LeBron James, JJ Watt and Dez Bryant tweeted about the "travesty."

Cassidy suggested that the refs may have had a secret pro-Rams agenda and he's calling for the NFL to launch a full investigation.

Cool moment at the Pro Bowl -- two NFL stars who battled cancer and WON bonded in Orlando this week ... which makes this pic of Jim Kelly and James Conner inspiring as hell.

Obviously, Conner made the Pro Bowl after balling out with the Pittsburgh Steelers this year -- and Kelly is there as an assistant for the AFC squad.

Conner's story is pretty amazing -- he was diagnosed with stage 2 Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2015 after a stellar junior year at Pitt. He underwent months of chemotherapy and was declared cancer-free in 2016.

58-year-old Kelly was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma in his jaw in 2013 and has undergone several major surgeries since ... including a major reconstructive procedure in 2018.

So, when they spotted each other on the sidelines of the Pro Bowl practice in Orlando on Thursday, they had an instant connection.

"These two know the game of football," Jim's wife, Jill Kelly, wrote ... "And they know cancer. Superstars and survivors...NEVER GIVE UP!"

They boycotted #45 ... but the Golden State Warriors got LOTS of love for #44 -- with the entire team meeting with Barack Obama on Thursday before taking the court against the Wizards.

Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson and the rest of the squad met with President Obama at his Washington D.C. office ... and then posed for a group photo afterward.

Unclear what they all talked about -- but after the game, Durant told the media, "It was amazing."

Draymond described the meeting this way to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne -- "A private team meeting, team event, it was good."

Of course, the Warriors famously boycotted the White House after winning the NBA Championship in 2017 ... after visiting Obama in 2016 and 2015.

Durant previously told TMZ Sports, "We don't f*ck with [Trump]."

They DO, however, like Nancy Pelosi ... the Speaker of the House not only attended the Warriors vs. Wizards game on Thursday -- she also met with players after the game, including Draymond.

By the way, the Warriors won the game 126 to 118.

Weezy F Baby and the F is for future first-rounder ... 'cause Lil Wayne just signed Deandre Baker -- a projected top-10 NFL Draft pick -- to his Young Money APAA Sports Agency!!!

The legendary rapper made the announcement himself on Twitter, writing, "Welkome to the family @DreBaker1_ !! Lets Work!"

Of course ... the signing is a huge one for Weezy -- Baker was a superstar at Georgia and mock draft experts already have him penned into the top half of April's first round.

In fact, Baker was so good with the Bulldogs ... the dude won the Jim Thorpe Award for the best DB in the country!!

"Deandre is a silent Assassin on that field!! I can’t wait until he shows the world why he’s the #1 corner in this draft!,” COO of Young Money Entertainment Cortez Bryant said.

Lil Wayne's killin' it ahead of spring's NFL Draft ... 'cause other top prospects like Alabama's Quinnen Williams and Georgia's Mecole Hardman Jr. have already signed deals with the company.

Bryan Singer will NOT be removed from his directing role on the remake of "Red Sonja" -- despite a bombshell report that details pedophilia allegations against him.

Avi Lerner of Millennium Media -- a producer for the upcoming film -- released a statement Thursday in support of Singer in the wake of the Atlantic article, in which 4 men claimed Singer had either molested or raped them as minors.

Lerner says, "I continue to be in development for Red Sonja and Bryan Singer continues to be attached." He adds, "The over $800 million Bohemian Rhapsody has grossed, making it the highest grossing drama in film history, is testament to his remarkable vision and acumen. I know the difference between agenda driven fake news and reality, and I am very comfortable with this decision. In America people are innocent until proven otherwise."

Singer denied the allegations and called the article a "homophobic smear piece" which rehashed "claims from bogus lawsuits filed by a disreputable cast of individuals willing to lie for money or attention." He hasn't been charged with a crime related to the allegations.

Lots of folks were outraged that Singer was set to direct a movie about a fictionalized victim of sexual assault. Among the upset groups is GLAAD, which reacted to the Atlantic article by removing "Bohemian Rhapsody" from contention for its Media Awards this year.