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Richie Incognito says Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Zimmer is straight-up lying about the NFL lineman's claim that he was talking with the team about a job this offseason ... and it's getting nasty.

It all started when Richie appeared on "TMZ Sports" last week and he told us he'd been speaking with multiple teams about a possible contract ... including Minnesota.

"I'm still in great shape, just waiting on that call. I've had calls from Minnesota, Seattle ... I really just don't want to go to training camp, so we'll see."

Zimmer was asked about Incognito's comments during a press conference on Tuesday -- and straight-up said Incognito was wrong.

"No interest and totally false," Zimmer said ... "Tweet that."

Incognito -- needless to say -- was furious over Zimmer's comments and tweeted, "Mike Zimmer is a F**KING LIAR!!"

Incognito claims he had been talking with Vikings line coach Tony Sparano all summer long and posted screen shots of text conversations. Sparano passed away a few weeks ago.

The screenshots show Incognito was interested in a job -- but they don't show Tony ever made a direct offer. Incognito claims they "spoke weekly this off-season" and believes Tony was seriously interested.

Matthew Perry underwent surgery to deal with a serious health scare stemming from his digestive tract.

Perry's reps confirmed to TMZ that the former "Friends" star recently had surgery in an L.A. hospital to repair a gastrointestinal perforation, which is essentially a hole that forms anywhere between the throat and the rectum -- but typically in the stomach, large bowel or small intestine.

It can be triggered by anything from appendicitis or diverticulitis to a knife or gunshot wound. Medical sites say it needs to be immediately treated or it can be life-threatening.

Stan Mikita -- a Chicago Blackhawks legend and one of hockey's all-time greats -- passed away Tuesday, his family confirmed.

"With great sorrow, the Mikita family announces that Stan passed away," Stan's loved ones said in a statement.

"He was surrounded by his loving family whom he fiercely loved."

The NHL Hall of Famer -- who was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia in 2015 -- is considered one of the 100 best hockey players that's ever lived ... playing his entire 22-year career with the Blackhawks.

Mikita also had a big pop culture moment back in the '90s -- "Stan Mikita's Donuts" was the main coffee shop in "Wayne's World" where Wayne and Garth hung out.

Despite retiring after the 1979-80 season, Mikita is still Chicago's all-time leader in points (1,467) and games played (1,396). He's also a huge reason the team hoisted the Stanley Cup in 1961.

"There are no words to describe our sadness over Stan's passing," Blackhawks Chairman Rocky Wirtz said.

"He meant so much to the Chicago Blackhawks, to the game of hockey, and to all of Chicago."

Forget Von Miller and Case Keenum ... the hottest autographed Denver Broncos jersey is TAYLOR SWIFT!

The singer signed a #13 jersey for the NFL team's big Kickoff Luncheon charity auction -- and it's already getting more heat than some of the biggest players on the team.

At time of post, bidding is already at $450 -- more than twice the price for an autographed helmet from Terrell Davis ... who's a HALL OF FAMER!!!

Some of the other items up for auction -- a Peyton Manning signed football (less than Swift), Tiger Woods signed hat (way less than Swift) and a Ryan Tannehill signed helmet (not even close).

As for the Swift jersey, the Broncos say she signed the uni during her May concert at Mile High Stadium and she got #13 because it's her lucky number. Also, she was born on Dec. 13.

The money from the auction will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club -- so get in there and SPEND SOME MONEY.

Here's Joakim Noah proving he's got nothing to hide when it comes to getting naked -- stripping off his pants in the middle of the street in Santa Monica ... and yeah, dude's in great shape.

The New York Knicks player was leaving a vintage French boutique in Santa Monica on Monday -- when he decided it was time for a wardrobe change.

Off came the shorts ... out came his bare ass -- and Noah couldn't help but smile as people walked by him in the middle of the day.

Joakim Noah's 6'11", 230 pounds and was standing in front of his expensive Porsche ... so, we're sure no one even noticed -- right?

On the field, Steve Smith Sr. appeared to be the most confident NFL player on the planet -- but privately, the WR was struggling with depression and admits he felt "trapped, inferior and alone."

The ex-Ravens and Panthers star went public with his mental health issues on NFL.com -- revealing he REALLY began to "take ownership" of the situation when he retired following the 2016 season.

Smith says, despite his carefree demeanor, he never really enjoyed any of his football accomplishments and often felt "mentally, physically and emotionally broken."

Smith says he first tried counseling in 2013 -- but didn't really take it seriously.

But, since he hung up his cleats, Smith says he's been able to focus on his mental health and has learned a lot about himself.

"I find myself, as an extreme introvert defined by my counselor, looking for excuses on how to avoid large crowds and retreating during public appearances, big events and even family gatherings," Smith says.

"Being in public is a constant struggle, not because I don't want to attract attention or think I'm 'important,' but because of my inner battle."

"This is all proof that I still face my demons often, but I'm gradually learning how to cope with them."

Smith says he has a message to other people suffering from mental health issues -- ask for help.

EA Sports has fixed the Colin Kaepernick "mistake" -- removing the edit that scrubbed the QB's name from a song that's on the soundtrack for the Madden NFL 19 video game.

As we previously reported, Colin's name is a part of the original lyrics for YG's track, "Big Bank" -- which is featured in the game. But, on the version released on Madden, Kaep's name was mysteriously absent.

EA Sports claimed they made "an unfortunate mistake" when "members of our team misunderstood the fact that while we don’t have rights to include Colin Kaepernick in the game, this doesn’t affect soundtracks."

EA added, "We messed up, and the edit should never have happened. We will make it right, with an update to Madden NFL 19 on August 6 that will include the reference again."

Turns out, EA kept their word on that -- and now, Colin's name can be heard on the song in the game.

Ronda Rousey destroyed TWO chicks at the same time Monday night -- punishing WWE Raw champ Alexa Bliss and then making Alicia Fox tap out!!

It all went down in Jacksonville, Florida -- where Ronda wrestled her first ever match on Monday Night Raw. She came out to her theme song, "Bad Reputation," by Joan Jett and the crowd went nuts.

Bliss and Fox were inside the ring -- talking A LOT of trash after Fox slammed Rousey into a wall last week -- and Ronda was hell-bent on revenge ... and she got it.

Rousey is a beast in the ring -- bigger, stronger and more athletic than both Bliss and Fox combined and it's pretty awesome to watch her dominate.

Serena Williams says she was in a "funk" during her historic loss at the Silicon Valley Classic last week -- all because postpartum emotions made her feel like a bad mom.

Williams suffered the worst loss of her pro career to 43rd ranked Johanna Konta -- going down in straight sets ... 6-1, 6-0.

Now, Serena -- who gave birth to her daughter back in August 2017 -- says postpartum emotions definitely played a role.

"Last week was not easy for me. Not only was I accepting some tough personal stuff, but I just was in a funk. Mostly, I felt like I was not a good mom," Williams wrote on Instagram.

"I read several articles that said postpartum emotions can last up to 3 years if not dealt with. I like communication best. Talking things through with my mom, my sisters, my friends let me know that my feelings are totally normal. It’s totally normal to feel like I’m not doing enough for my baby."

She added ... "Although I have been with her every day of her life, I’m not around as much as I would like to be. Most of you moms deal with the same thing. Whether stay-at-home or working, finding that balance with kids is a true art. You are the true heroes."

Destroying Donald Trump's Hollywood Walk of Fame star with a pickax just got real for Austin Clay ... because he's now facing the possibility of several years in jail.

The L.A. County D.A. slapped him with one count of felony vandalism for obliterating -- on video, obtained by TMZ -- the President's star. If he's found guilty, Clay could get a max sentence of 3 years in county jail.

As we reported, Clay put pickax to concrete almost 2 weeks ago. He eventually turned himself in to cops. Trump's star has since become a battle ground for pro- and anti-Trump groups ... with several brawls breaking out there.

Although it's already been repaired, Clay told us he'd like to the see the city remove Trump's star permanently ... to avoid further violence.

Brian France -- CEO and chairman of NASCAR -- says he will be taking an indefinite leave of absence after his DUI and oxycodone arrest.

TMZ Sports broke the story ... France was busted in the Hamptons on Sunday evening. Cops say he was drunk and illegally in possession of prescription oxycodone pills.

France -- widely considered one of the most powerful people in pro sports -- has issued a statement apologizing.

"I apologize to our fans, our industry and my family for the impact of my actions [Sunday] night. Effective immediately, I will be taking an indefinite leave of absence from my position to focus on my personal affairs."

NASCAR says Brian's uncle, Jim France, has "assumed the role of interim chairman and chief executive officer."

Story developing ...

Odell Beckham's best NFL buddy, Jarvis Landry, says the two have ALREADY HAD TALKS about OBJ possibly joining the Browns ... telling reporters, Odell's "definitely" open to it.

Remember ... Odell is currently in a contract feud with the NY Giants -- wanting to be the "highest paid player, period" in the league.

New York's nowhere near that number ... reportedly offering less than $16 million a year.

Enter Landry ... who said Monday he's got the perfect solution -- a trade to Cleveland -- that apparently OBJ would be fine with.

"We've had talks," the current Browns star (who played with Odell at LSU) told Cleveland.com.

"At the end of the day I just want him happy. I want him to get what he deserves."

There's room on the roster ... the Browns just traded away Corey Coleman -- adding even more fuel to Jarvis' comments.

Buffalo Bills WR Zay Jones says he ain't just grateful to be back out on the football field after his bloody, naked arrest in March ... he's happy to be alive, telling reporters at Bills camp, "I could have lost my life."

TMZ Sports broke the story ... the Buffalo WR was involved in a bizarre naked struggle with his brother in a downtown L.A. apartment building -- where he allegedly tried to jump from a 30th floor window.

Zay was asked about the incident on Sunday -- and, while he explained he didn't want to relive the "very traumatic" moment, he did say the whole ordeal almost killed him.

"I'm grateful. I could have lost my life," Jones said.

"I'm grateful to just be here. And to be on this field and to be with my teammates. To see my family. I don't think there's any other words to describe it but just thankful and grateful."

Jones was arrested for felony vandalism after the incident ... but he won't face criminal charges after his family agreed to cover the cost for repairs.

Charlotte Rae -- the actress who played the beloved Mrs. Garrett in "Diff'rent Strokes" and "The Facts of Life" -- has reportedly died.

According to EW, reps for the Emmy-nominated star confirmed she'd passed away Sunday in her L.A.-area home. While a cause of death wasn't made immediately clear, Rae announced last year she had been diagnosed with bone cancer that spring.

Rae starred as the Drummond family's kooky housekeeper, Edna Garrett, on 'DS' ... who proved to be so popular with viewers that she eventually got her own spinoff with 'Facts,' where she played the same character heading up at an all-girls boarding school.

Both shows were wildly successful between the late '70s and mid-'80s -- but they were just a small slice of her long career. Rae also had starring and supporting roles in "The Love Boat," "101 Dalmatians: The Series," "Sesame Street," "Car 54, Where Are You?" "The Phil Silvers Show," "ER," and "Girl Meets World," among others. She has 93 acting credits to her name.

Charlotte was 92. RIP

Demi Lovato has broken her silence on her near-fatal overdose almost two weeks ago, saying she hasn't beaten her addiction ... and wants to focus on sobriety and almost certainly rehab.

The "Sorry Not Sorry" singer posted an open letter on social media Sunday saying ... "I have always been transparent about my journey with addiction. What I've learned is that this illness is not something that disappears or fades with time. It is something I must continue to overcome and have not done yet."

She goes on to thank God for keeping her alive through the ordeal, her fans for their love and support, and the staff at Cedars-Sinai for working diligently to nurse her back to relative health.

She finishes by saying ... "I now need time to heal and focus on my sobriety and road to recovery. The love you have all shown me will never be forgotten and I look forward to the day where I can say I came out on the other side. I will keep fighting."

As we reported, Demi agreed to enter a rehab facility immediately after her release from the hospital. And her message is clear ... she's going to follow through.

Jack Osbourne went to his estranged wife's house without incident Saturday ... this after a run-in days earlier in which Jack punched her boyfriend in the head.

Jack looked stoic as he walked up the driveway. TMZ broke the story ... Jack went to the family home last Monday at around 1 AM and ended up going after actor/model/boyfriend Michael Gabel, who apparently showed up after things got heated between Jack and Lisa Osbourne.

Cops showed up, but Gabel decided he didn't want to press charges, so the case was dropped.

Jack and Stelly are going through a divorce and at the time they announced their marriage was over they said they were trying to take a page out of the Gwyneth Paltrow/Chris Martin playbook, especially since they have 3 kids.