Gronk and Camille Kostek Booty Shakin' to Stay Busy ... on NFL Sunday

Published

While Tom Brady was throwin' bombs to his new teammate, Antonio Brown ... Rob Gronkowski was busy ass-shakin' to some Backstreet Boys in an epic dance-off with his GF!!

The retired Patriots superstar is staying active on his NFL Sundays ... teaming up with his bikini model lady, Camille Kostek, for a public workout at the Boston Seaport with his family's Gronk Fitness business.

The workouts are great and all ... but we're 100% here for the hot couple getting down and GETTING IT to BSB's "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)" ... while the whole crowd cheers them on.

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The Patriots didn't need Gronk in their 43-0 domination over the Miami Dolphins ... and Gronk sure as hell didn't need the Pats to have a good time, either.

Of course ... maybe the 30-year-old is using BSB to send us a message -- if Backstreet's back, does that mean Gronk could be coming back too??

As entertaining as it was to watch Rob on the field, this tames our Gronk appetite on Sundays. For now.

Felicity Huffman Judge Who Sentenced Her to 14 Days ... Says College Admissions System Was Already Broken

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3:18 PM PT -- The judge in the case said some revealing things that could determine what happens to Lori Loughlin and others. The judge gave credit to Felicity for 2 reasons -- she had "near immediate acceptance of responsibility" for her crime, and she paid one of the smallest bribes.  

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The judge also questioned prosecutors, who made it clear they wanted to scare the crap out of other parents who might be thinking about doing the same thing. The judge said, "I have trouble with the notion of general deterrence. It doesn't make sense to me."

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And, this is fascinating. The judge said she was not swayed by prosecutors claiming the bribery scheme undermined the entire college admissions process, adding, it "has cracks in it with or without what these defendants have done."

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1:20 PM PT -- In case it's not apparent, this is a spectacular loss for prosecutors, who at first were clearly gunning for years in prison for anyone involved in the scheme. Ultimately, the people who count -- the Probation Dept. and the judge -- have essentially said the case amounted to a bunch of nothing. 14 days is a huge embarrassment for prosecutors. It would be shocking if prosecutors don't try to cut a deal with Lori Loughlin ... a deal that would mimic Felicity's sentence.

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1:10 PM PT -- Felicity just left court. She beelined it to a waiting SUV, without saying anything to the waiting crowd.

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12:53 PM PT -- Felicity will have to turn herself in to begin her 2 weeks behind bars on Oct. 25.

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12:37 PM PT -- The judge just sentenced Felicity to 14 days behind bars, a $30k fine, one year of supervised release and 250 hours of community service. She'll start her prison time at a later date.

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12:19 PM PT -- Felicity now has the floor ... saying, "I am deeply sorry to the students, parents, colleges and universities impacted by my actions." She continued, "I have inflicted more damage (on her daughter) than I could've ever imagined."

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Huffman also said, "I was frightened, I was stupid and I was so wrong. I am deeply ashamed of what I have done."

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12:05 PM PT -- Prosecutors are not pulling any punches, demanding Felicity get a month behind bars. They've also looped Huffman's daughters into their argument, saying Felicity showed little confidence in her children's academic ability and that they should be angry at their mom.

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As for the $20,000 fine and community service punishment Felicity's legal team suggested? Prosecutors say it amounts to nothing considering Huffman is worth tens of millions and enjoys doing community service.

Felicity Huffman's time to face the music has arrived ... she just showed up to court to go before the judge and learn her fate after pleading guilty in the college admissions bribery scandal.

Felicity marched into court with her husband, William H. Macy. She looked stoic, but all signs point to an extremely light sentence ... and she could get no jail time at all.

Prosecutors want the "Desperate Housewives" star to spend a month behind bars for paying $15k to rig her daughter's SAT test. The Probation Dept. has suggested no time behind bars is appropriate, because no one suffered a loss as a result of Felicity's actions.

Our bet ... 30 days house arrest.

It's interesting ... prosecutors have retreated in a big way ... they initially wanted a minimum of 4 months, but reduced it to 1 in the face of the probation report. Prosecutors explained the change by saying the amount of time doesn't matter, as long as there's a message that similar wrongdoers will get some time. Even prosecutors don't believe that -- not the way it works.

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ARRIVING TO COURT

Regardless of the sentence, it doesn't change the fact Felicity pled guilty to conspiracy charges for paying $15k to give her daughter a leg up on her college entrance exam. That means she's now a felon, which means at the very least she can't own a firearm.

Lori Loughlin, on the other hand, chose to fight the charges instead of copping a plea deal. Given Felicity's soft sentence and the Probation Dept. justifying it by saying there was "no actual or intended loss" ... Loughlin may now have the edge.

Originally published -- 10:41 AM PT

Tim Tebow Rails Against Paying College Athletes ... Rips 'Selfish Culture'

Published

Someone check Tim Tebow's blood pressure ... the ex-Florida star just went NUCLEAR trashing the new California law allowing college athletes to get paid -- saying it'll ruin NCAA sports forever!!!

"I feel like I have a little credibility and knowledge about this because when I was at the University of Florida, I think my jersey was one of the top-selling jerseys around the world.," Tim said.

"It was like Kobe, LeBron and then I was right behind them. I didn't make a dollar from it and nor did I want to because I knew going into college what it was all about."

There's more ... Tebow is FIRED UP -- but first, a quick review of the new CA law.

It's being called the "Fair Pay to Play Act" and it was passed by the CA State Senate this week, allowing college athletes to be paid for the use of their name, likeness and image without being punished.

California Governor Gavin Newsom now has 30 days to decide whether it will be signed into law -- but the NCAA is fighting like hell to get him to shut it down.

Enter Tebow ... who's taking the side of the NCAA -- going on ESPN's "First Take" to declare war on the 'FPPA.'

Tebow says college should be more about following your dreams and contributing to an institution than trying to make a buck.

"I knew going to Florida, my dream school, where I wanted to go, the passion for it and if I could support my team, support my college, support my University, that's what it's all about."

"But now, we're changing it from 'Us' from 'We' from 'My University' from being an alumni where I care, which makes college football and college sports special, to then 'Okay it's not about us. It's not about we, it's just about me.'"

"And, yes, I know we live in a selfish culture where it's all about us but we're just adding and piling it onto that. Where it changes, what's special about college football. We turn it into the NFL, where who has the most money, that's where you go."

Tebow added ... "That's why people are more passionate about college sports than they are about the NFL."

"That's why the stadiums are bigger in college than they are in the NFL, because it's about your team, it's about your university, it's about where my family wanted to go, it's about where my grandfather had a dream of seeing Florida win an SEC championship and you're taking that away."

"And, you're taking that away so that young kids can earn a dollar and that's just not where I feel college football needs to go."

The issue with Tebow's point ... obviously ... is that to a lot of players, earning a dollar is more important than contributing to the legacy of an already rich University.

Tebow -- who came from an already financially stable family -- went on to earn millions of dollars in the NFL and other endeavors.

A huge amount of NCAA athletes don't have that financial stability or promises of fortunes waiting for them after college.

Appreciate the passion, though.

Andy Ruiz Visits Mexican Prison Inmates ... to Celebrate 30th Bday

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Andy Ruiz turned 30 years old on Wednesday -- and he celebrated by hanging out with inmates at one of the most infamous prisons in Mexico.

Just days before the heavyweight boxing champ kicks off training camp for the Anthony Joshua rematch, he visited Topo Chico prison in Monterrey, Mexico ... where he was cheered by the hundreds of prisoners like a conquering hero!!!

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PRISON VISIT

It just so happened, the prison was hosting the prison championship boxing tournament that day -- so Ruiz got to see some of the inmates flex some real athletic ability.

During the visit, Ruiz spoke with the inmates and encouraged them to follow their dreams and get their lives in order ... noting that he was on a bad path himself before turning his life around and becoming a boxing superstar.

Andy's rep tells us, "For his birthday he decided to spend the day with these guys and talk to them and motivate."

Ruiz will get a second crack at Joshua on Dec. 7th in Saudi Arabia.

By the way, Topo Chico prison is notorious for a 2016 prison riot in which 49 people were killed. Two rival factions of the infamous Zetas cartel went to war inside the facility ... setting the cell blocks on fire.

In 2011, police found the body of a prison official -- completely dismembered -- inside of a box in an abandoned car near the penitentiary.

There's more ... but it's similar stuff.

Point is ... it ain't exactly the safest place in the world -- but Ruiz is beloved in Mexico, he was never in any real danger.

Odell Beckham Rips Ex-Browns Coach Gregg Williams ... Told Players to Hurt Me

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Major accusations from Odell Beckham ... who claims former Cleveland Browns coach Gregg Williams ordered his players to "take [Odell] out" of a 2017 preseason game.

And, Odell says he's got proof ... current Browns teammates who straight-up told him about the dirty hit mandate.

First off ... yeah, Gregg Williams is the same guy from the 2012 "Bountygate" scandal, where New Orleans Saints players had cash incentives to injure players on opposing teams.

Williams is now the defensive coordinator for the NY Jets -- and Odell and the Browns are playing them on Monday night. Odell was asked about Williams during a media session Thursday and went off on the guy.

"Just gotta watch out for the cheap shots and the dirty hits and all of the things that he likes to teach," Beckham said.

That's when the allegations came out ... with Odell saying current Browns players told him that Williams made him a target in a 2017 preseason game against OBJ's NY Giants.

"I had players on this team telling me that that's what [Williams] was telling them to do, take me out of the game."

Beckham suffered an ankle injury during that game due to a low hit from Browns cornerback Briean Boddy-Calhoun -- and you can tell Beckham's still PISSED.

"It's something that I will never forget, it changed my life forever."

Beckham says the injury led to other injuries (including a season-ending fractured ankle) -- and it almost tanked his NFL career. He clearly blames Williams and still hates the guy's guts.

"If I were a coach, I would never teach what he teaches," Odell said at practice on Thursday. "But, that's just him and what he does."

So far, no response from Williams -- guessing he's gonna have some words soon though.

Rob Gronkowski I've Probably Had 20 Concussions ... '5 Blackout Ones'

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Scary revelation from Rob Gronkowski ... who says he's probably had 20 concussions in his life from playing football including 5 blackout moments -- but he feels like he's "fixed" now.

The New England Patriots legend was talking football to CBS News when he was asked if he'd ever let his child (if and when he has children) play the sport he loves.

“I would let my son play football, but first off I would educate him on the game," Gronk said ... "Educate him on what I went through."

But, here's the scary part ...

"I truly believe any injury that you receive is fixable though. I went through it. I had 9 surgeries. Probably had like 20 concussions in my life, like, no lie. I remember 5, like, blackout ones."

Of course, with CTE concerns at an all-time high, Gronk's statement is concerning, to say the least.

He also described having a pint of blood drained from his body following the Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles ... an issue he chalks up to internal bleeding.

But, the NFL superstar -- who recently signed a deal with a CBD medical company which focuses on pain management -- says straight-up, "I'm fixed."

As we previously reported, Gronk has said he's open to an NFL comeback if he feels passionate about playing the game again ... and recently joked that he'd join the Pats in Week 14.

We love Gronk ... but man, 20 concussions is A LOT.

Be careful, bro.

Joe Johnson Back In NBA With Pistons!!! After Destroying BIG3

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Look out, NBA ... ISO JOE IS BACK!!!

Ex-NBA All-Star-turned-BIG3 dominator Joe Johnson just signed a new contract with the Detroit Pistons on Thursday ... agreeing to a partially-guaranteed 1-year deal.

Don't be surprised ... 38-year-old Johnson LIT UP the BIG3 this season -- averaging 21.9 points a game and 3.9 assists a game for the Triplets, hitting 6-game winners during the season while leading his squad to a BIG3 championship. He was also named league MVP.

As the season wrapped up, there was a buzz NBA teams were interested -- and Ice Cube told us straight-up Joe was getting serious looks. In fact, NBA owners were attending games just to check out Joe's talents.

Johnson had been flirting with teams since the BIG3 wrapped up a couple weeks ago ... working out for the Bucks, Nets and Pistons and ultimately Detroit pulled the trigger.

Just a few weeks ago, we spoke with Johnson about a potential NBA career and he told us he willing to play his ass off for whoever signed 'em ... telling us he still has a blast playing basketball.

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ALL ABOUT IT

The 7-time All-Star last played for the Rockets in 2018 before joining Cube's league this past season.

It's not just a big move for Joe, but it also proves the BIG3 is a real option for players looking to prove they can still compete in the NBA.

And, if you think the BIG3 is bitter they're losing their best player, you're wrong. This was always the point of the league -- to flex real talent.

... so, Melo next?!

Khabib Nurmagomedov Meets with Vladimir Putin ... 'Great Victory'

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Khabib Nurmagomedov sat down with Vladimir Putin on Thursday -- and the President of Russia showered him with praise for another impressive UFC victory.

It all went down in Khabib's homeland of Dagestan (which is part of Russia) -- and the leader of Dagestan, Vladimir Vasilyev, was on hand to honor the 30-year-old for his UFC 242 victory over Dustin Poirier.

Putin is known for being a massive combat sports fan -- and he's been a huge supporter of Khabib for years.

In fact, when Khabib smashed Conor McGregor back in 2018, Putin summoned the Eagle for a little celebratory snack in a dinky room with a dinky food spread in the city of Ulyanovsk.

But, this time, the gang upgraded to a nicer meeting spot with big leather chairs and a fancy table -- where Putin praised Khabib's father, Abdulmanap, for raising a champion.

"I'll start with you: I want to congratulate you on the victory of your son. A well deserved victory and a challenging opponent ... He's a strong fighter."

Putin continued with Khabib ... "I congratulate you, a very good match, beautiful, honest. I looked, a good asphyxiation."

Putin called Khabib an "excellent athlete" and said the victory over Poirier was "convincing."

Joe Thomas Ex-NFL Fat Guy ... Looks Like a Chiseled Greek God

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If future Hall of Famer Joe Thomas wanted to make an NFL comeback, the dude wouldn't be returning to the O-Line ... 'cause the guy looks less like a hog and more like a GOD!!!

Remember ... the 34-year-old -- who holds the record for most consecutive snaps played -- usually weighed around 312 pounds during his 11-year career with the Cleveland Browns. But, the days of XXXL t-shirts are HISTORY -- Thomas says he's lost nearly 60 pounds since retiring in 2017!!!

So ... how did he do it??? Thomas says he's been swimming like a maniac ... and the results are incredible. Seriously, look at this physique. Abs. Arms. Shoulders. Is it getting hot in here???

The Browns legend (10-time Pro Bowler and future Hall of Famer) says he got back into the sport because he's had 5 knee surgeries and needed low-impact workouts to prevent more injuries.

To say the swimming is working would be an understatement ... and Thomas says he's hoping to swim for the rest of his life.

Get this man a Speedo contract!!!

Pete Alonso Buys Mets Custom 9/11 Cleats After MLB Denies NYPD Hats

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The MLB barred the Mets from wearing NYPD hats during their game Wednesday ... so Pete Alonso took matters into his own hands, and bought his whole team custom 9/11 cleats instead.

The rookie MLB superstar wanted his squad to do something special to remember the tragedy Wednesday ... and thought wearing unique NYPD and FDNY hats would be awesome.

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But, after the MLB told him no (they've denied teams from wearing the caps during actual game play every year) ... Alonso skirted the rules by getting his squad amazing spikes.

"It's really important and it's just a little gift from me to my teammates," Alonso said. "I'm really happy that everyone wore the shoes. We could've gotten fined for it, but everyone was willing to back up the cause."

The cleats were awesome ... some of them featured American flags, some had World Trade Center pictures on them, and some said, "We Will NEVER Forget."

"No one really knows how deep those emotional scars can be," Alonso said of the spikes.

"Living here, just kind of interacting with everybody, I've tried to immerse myself in the New York living. I see traces of it every single day. Little bits and pieces of it ... I just want to show recognition to all the people who are heroes."

Props to Pete for the awesome move ... and here's to hoping next year the MLB allows the hats.

NFL's DeMarcus Lawrence Defends Roasting Little Giants Fan 'Get The Right Jersey, Son!!!'

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DeMarcus Lawrence is clapping back at everyone attacking him for snubbing a little kid's autograph request ... saying he has zero regrets about telling the boy, "Get the right jersey, son!"

Lawrence and the Dallas Cowboys beat the hell out of the Giants on Sunday ... and after the game, a little kid in a Saquon Barkley jersey tried to get the superstar's autograph.

But, Lawrence just kept on walking, and eventually told the kid straight-up, "Get the right jersey, son!"

Video of the incident went viral, with people blasting Lawrence for not signing ... but he defended his actions Tuesday, saying, "suck it up."

"It’s crazy how you fans want to attack me for not signing for a kid," Lawrence said. "It’s more than one kid that come to the game with Cowboys jerseys and never get to meet any player."

"So if I’m honest with my own kids I will never treat your kid better than mine so suck it up. #SorryNotSorry."

Lawrence has been one the best players in the NFL over the last couple seasons -- he just signed a 5-year, $105 MILLION contract with the 'Boys earlier this year.

Clearly, he's down to give lessons to your kids too!

David Ortiz Visits Fenway For 1st Time Since Shooting ... Throwing Out First Pitch!!!

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4:13 PM PT -- Naturally, Fenway Park went absolutely bonkers when Ortiz threw the first pitch to his old teammate, Jason Varitek.

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Ortiz also briefly addressed the crowd before the game ... thanking everyone for his support during his recovery.

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BIG PAPI'S BACK!!!!!!

David Ortiz is making his first appearance at Fenway Park since he was nearly killed in the Dominican Republic last June ... and Sox officials say he's going to throw out the first pitch!!!

Ortiz almost lost his life after a gunman fired a bullet into his lower back outside of a DR club on June 9 ... but after several surgeries -- Ortiz says he's been feeling MUCH better.

So much so, the guy decided to hit up the Red Sox game Monday night to give his former squad a little bit of a boost heading into a rivalry game with the Yankees -- and fans are fired up!!!

Unclear if Papi will take the mound for the first pitch or just throw the heat from the infield grass ... but either way, it'll be a welcome sight for EVERYBODY in the baseball world!!!

By the way, the Yankees have paid their own tribute to the Sox legend recently ... superstars Edwin Encarnacion and Gary Sanchez went to visit him before they started the series last week.

Props for the cool move!!!

Originally Published -- 4:00 PM PT

Lynn Swann OUT AT USC Resigns as Athletic Director

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Lynn Swann is OUT at USC ... the ex-NFL superstar just resigned his post, according to school officials.

67-year-old Swann took the job back in April 2016 -- replacing longtime AD Pat Haden.

No word as to why Swann is resigning.

USC President Carol Folt sent an email saying, "Lynn has been a leader on and off the field at USC for nearly five decades, and he will forever be a valued member of the Trojan family."

"Lynn has led our Athletics Department to five national championships in five different women’s and men’s sports during his tenure," Folt added. "Our student-athletes’ cumulative GPA for the past two years and our graduation rate of 86% last year were all-time highs for USC Athletics."

"We appreciate Lynn’s leadership of the department over these past three years and will continue to be grateful for his historic contributions to USC."

Swann has been under fire in his role as AD basically since he took the job. Most notably, he was heavily criticized for the infamous admissions scandal at USC where students were deceitfully using the Athletic Dept. to get into the school.

Remember, it was Lori Loughlin's daughter, Olivia Jade, who falsely claimed to be a rower to gain admission to the school as a member of the USC crew team.

Swann was never formally accused of wrongdoing -- but the whole thing was a bad look for his athletic dept.

USC says Dave Roberts, currently serving as special adviser to the President, will take over as interim AD. He's also the Vice-Chair for the NCAA's Committee on Infractions. He's reportedly been at USC since 2010.

Swann was a star WR at USC back in the '70s. He's a College Football Hall of Famer and won a championship with USC back in 1972.

He went on to be a superstar in the NFL, winning 4 Super Bowls with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Story developing ...

DeSean Jackson Auctioning Nipsey Hussle Cleats After Lighting Up Redskins!!!

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DeSean Jackson paid tribute to Nipsey Hussle before he LIT UP the Washington Redskins on Sunday ... and now his special cleats could be yours if the price is right.

As we previously reported, the Philadelphia Eagles star WR went to custom cleat designers and asked for NH-themed kicks for EVERY game in the 2019 season.

Jackson sported the first pair during pre-game warmups in Week 1 -- cleats that featured Nipsey's face and birthday with the words, "Rest In Paradise."

Jackson went on to TORCH the Redskins -- hauling in 8 catches for 154 yards and 2 TDs in the Eagles 32-27 comeback victory.

After the game, DeSean posted about the kicks ...

"Every game this year Im auctioning my @nipseyhussle cleats I wear in Pre game. Proceeds will go to his kids Kross & Emani !! Link will be up this week. Rest in paradise bro !!"

Next week, Jackson will rock another Hussle-themed pair during his "Sunday Night Football" match-up against the Atlanta Falcons to pay tribute to the rapper who was shot and killed in front of his L.A. apparel shop back in March.

Lindsey Vonn Like My See Through Shirt?!? ... It's Fashion, Baby!!!

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Eyes up!!!

Lindsey Vonn made one helluva fashion statement at a Vanity Fair party in NYC on Thursday -- rockin' the hell out of a see-through top ... and yeah, she stole the show!!!

The Olympic downhill skiing legend definitely turned heads at Vanity Fair's 2019 Best Dressed List party at L'Avenue Sacks. Her NHL superstar fiance P.K. Subban didn't make the event, but the MASSIVE emerald engagement ring he gave her sure did!!!

The two announced their engagement last month. They've been together since 2018. No word on when the big wedding will go down.

34-year-old Vonn definitely ain't shy when it comes to showing off her body -- remember she posed in PAINT (and only paint!!!) for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition a few years ago.

As for the VF party, it was packed with huge stars ... including Brandon Thomas Lee, G-Eazy, Nicky Hilton, Jasmine Sanders, Nicole Scherzinger, Priyanka Chopra, Anna Wintour, Sailor Lee Brinkley-Cook, and Serge Ibaka.

Tyreek Hill Signs $54 Million Extension After Child Abuse Probe

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"You need to be terrified of me too, bitch."

Yep, the guy who uttered those words to the mother of his child just got PAID by the Kansas City Chiefs.

The NFL team just announced Tyreek Hill has signed a 3-year, $54 MILLION contract extension ... this just weeks after prosecutors ended an investigation into allegations the star WR had physically abused his 3-year-old son.

The 25-year-old -- arguably one of the 5 best WRs in the NFL -- has been mired in controversy all offseason stemming from an incident with his son back in the winter.

Prosecutors in Kansas say they believe somebody hurt Hill's child ... but after they couldn't determine whether it was Tyreek or his ex-fiancee, Crystal Espinal, they decided not to bring charges against either person.

Of course, shortly after prosecutors made that announcement ... secret audio of Hill and Espinal talking about their son's injuries was released -- putting Hill's NFL future in doubt.

Here's a partial transcript of that conversation ...

Crystal Espinal: "He is terrified of you. And, you say that he respects you, but it's not respect."

Tyreek Hill: "He respects me."

Crystal Espinal: "He is terrified of you."

Tyreek Hill: "You need to be terrified of me too, bitch. That's why you can't keep a f**king man."

The NFL also investigated the incident and ultimately decided NOT to discipline him saying, "Based on the evidence presently available, the NFL cannot conclude that Mr. Hill violated the Personal Conduct Policy."

The Chiefs reinstated him after the NFL's decision ... and clearly felt comfortable enough with him over the last few weeks to sign him to a new deal that will pay him $18 MILLION per year.

For his part, Hill -- who's still battling with Espinal in court over custody of their kids -- has adamantly denied the child abuse allegations, calling them "false."

"To the fans, friends, and family that I have made in Kansas City: I love you and thank you for your continued support," Hill said in a July statement.

"To the NFL, Commissioner Goodell and everyone who assisted in this investigation: thank you for your time and for conducting a thorough investigation. I will not let you down."

Hill is set to be the No. 1 receiver for the Chiefs when they play the Jaguars on Sunday.