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NASCAR star Kasey Kahne says he's stepping away from being a full-time driver -- explaining the grind is taking too much of a toll on his personal life.

"I've thought about this decision for many months, if not longer," the 38-year-old said ... "It's time for me to step away from racing in NASCAR full time."

Kahne says he's "at ease" with his decision because when it comes down to it -- "The highs didn't outweigh the lows and the grueling schedule takes a toll on your quality of life."

"I need to spend more time doing the things I enjoy and love and that's spending time with [my son] Tanner and my sprint car teams."

"I've had a great career in racing and met so many amazing people and fans along the way, some that I'll remain in touch with for life. We still have some work to do this year in the #95 and I look forward to finishing the season with this team."

J.J. Watt revealed his big-ass broken leg scar while unveiling his new kicks Thursday ... and the remnants from his season-ending surgery last year are NASTY.

Remember ... the Texans star fractured his tibial plateau back in an Oct. 8 game against the Chiefs -- and he's been working like a mad man to get back to the field.

While showing off his new "Reebok JJ II's," Watt also put the scar -- which looks like it's about half a foot long!! -- on display ... and described his grueling comeback process.

"You have to work and grind to rebuild," Watt says.

"It's dirty. It's hard. It's not easy. It's not fun. But, there's beauty in the struggle. It's time for a fresh start."

Judging by J.J.'s most recent trip to the gym ... we're pretty sure that "fresh start" is gonna come with a whole lot of ass-kicking.

The Padres might suck ... but here's something about the team that doesn't -- Craig Stammen's epic Trevor Hoffman socks!!

The team's honoring its newest Hall of Famer this weekend with a statue and a bunch of cool Hoffman giveaways ... but Craig got an early jump on the celebration with some heat on his feet.

The socks feature the Padres' legendary closer mid-windup, surrounded by flames -- which is appropriate, since the dude's walk-up song WAS "Hells Bells."

FYI -- Stance makes the gear -- and a pair goes for about $20 ... but looks like they're only available at Petco Park's team store.

As for Craig ... he threw a perfect, 7-pitch eighth inning ... but, of course, the Pads still lost.

Well, this is interesting ...

Serena Williams -- who owns a minority stake in the Miami Dolphins -- says she's convinced, if a team hired Colin Kaepernick, he would win the Super Bowl.

However, she's also convinced no one will ever hire Colin Kaepernick.

It's all part of her new interview with Time -- where Serena says she supports the rights of NFL players to protest during the national anthem.

When asked specifically about Colin -- whom she's only met twice -- Williams said she doubts an NFL team will hire him, especially after he filed his collusion grievance against the league.

But, as the Time article states, "She’s convinced Kaepernick would win a Super Bowl."

"He’d have so much to prove," Williams said ... "I would. I can’t imagine he would be any different. 'Man, I’m about to show out. Y’all gonna see stuff you’ve never seen before.'"

Interesting, since some think the Dolphins could use a QB right now ...

Williams also says she doesn't believe Kaepernick is a broken man because of the alleged blackballing -- she thinks it's the opposite because he's focusing on raising money for nonprofits.

"Colin is happy with what he’s doing ... Some people are different. He’s just different."

Denver Broncos DE Adam Gotsis has just learned prosecutors will NOT push forward with rape charges stemming from allegations he sexually assaulted a woman in 2013.

Gostis was arrested on March 7 in Fulton County, Georgia after a woman told authorities the football star vaginally raped her while they were both college students at Georgia Tech.

The Fulton County District Attorney's Office launched a full investigation -- but ultimately decided there was not enough evidence to prove Gotsis committed the crime.

"After a careful and thorough investigation, The Fulton County District Attorney’s Office has decided not to proceed with the case against Mr. Adam Gotsis," D.A. Paul Howard Jr. said in a statement.

"My office understands the sensitivity and significance of these investigations, but the evidence presented does not warrant any further action in this case."

The Montreal Alouettes have placed Johnny Manziel in the concussion protocol following a massive hit he took on Saturday -- though the QB says it's Rx medication that's making him feel off.

Manziel took a monster shot at the goal line in Saturday's game against the Ottawa Redblacks -- his body went limp, he fumbled the ball and looked woozy after the play. However, he stayed in the game.

Manziel missed practice on Tuesday and Wednesday and now the team has issued a statement saying the QB has medical concerns.

"On Tuesday morning Johnny Manziel mentioned to our medical staff that he felt symptoms that could be associated with the prescribed medication he uses for a previously diagnosed medical condition."

FYI, Manziel has previously stated that he takes medication for bipolar disorder.

However, it's clear the team believes Manziel's condition may not be solely related to the meds -- suggesting he may have suffered a concussion in Saturday's game.

"In view of the hit he received on Saturday and the potential mitigating side effects of his prescribed medication, the Alouettes medical staff has placed Manziel under the CFL concussion protocol for further observation and precautionary reasons."

"Manziel will be closely observed and assessed over the next few days."

DeAndre Hopkins had to dodge punches like they were Iggy Azalea dating rumors Wednesday ... 'cause 49ers cornerback Jimmie Ward tried to mess up his face during practice!!

It all went down in Houston -- where the Niners are in town for a joint workout with the Texans -- when Hopkins didn't like that Ward ripped off his helmet during a 1-on-1 rep.

The superstar wide receiver shoved the DB ... took a swing -- and then had to FIGHT FOR HIS LIFE as the whole 49ers squad swarmed.

D-Hop was eventually taken to the ground and a pig pile formed ... but when it all unfolded, everyone was alive and practice carried on.

BEAST!!!

Here's Matt Stafford's very pregnant wife, Kelly Stafford, gymin' for 2 in Detroit this week -- rippin' off set after set while 38 weeks preggo!!!

Kelly (who's pregnant with baby #3) hit up Elite Training USA and crushed everything from the battle ropes to the weight sled and even some modified deadlifts!!!

Kelly is calling the routine, "Operation GET BABY OUT."

Meanwhile, Matt's working pretty hard too -- gearing up for the NFL season with the Detroit Lions.

Kelly is technically due in 2 weeks -- but she's at full term now and clearly she's ready to celebrate a birthday.

The 2017 Oakland Raiders coach has some advice for the 2018 Oakland Raiders -- PAY KHALIL MACK ALREADY!!!

Jack Del Rio -- who was fired after the '17 season and replaced by Jon Gruden -- decided to weigh in on the Khalil Mack holdout ... the biggest roster news in Raiders camp right now.

"Gotta pay the man!" Del Rio said ... "[Mack] is the total package. Great player and an even better person!"

Del Rio coached Mack for 3 seasons ('15, '16, '17) and clearly thinks the 2017 NFL Defensive Player of the Year is worth splurging for.

Cardi B's a tough act to follow ... according to Bruno Mars, who just announced he's replacing her spot on his tour with a slew of artists ... including Ciara.

Bruno played the role of hype man -- in a BIG way -- when he finally revealed who's stepping into Cardi's role on the 24K Magic Tour. In addition to Ciara, he's bringing Boyz II Men, Ella Mai ... as well as R&B legend Charlie Wilson (aka Uncle Charlie).

As you know, Cardi pulled out of her opening spot last month on Bruno's upcoming tour, saying it would be too much of a physical and emotional strain so soon after giving birth to Kulture.

The tour kicks off next month in Denver.

And Bruno ... maybe one less cup of coffee??

Sarah Huckabee Sanders can't say for sure there isn't a recording of President Trump saying the n-word.

The White House Press Sec. was bombarded Tuesday with questions about Omarosa's many secret recordings ... during the campaign and after Trump was in Office.

Sanders was asked multiple times if she's ever directly asked Trump if he used the n-word. She deflected each time, and refused to use the g-word ... guarantee. As we reported, Omarosa recorded Trump campaign staffers discussing how to handle a possible recording of him using the racial epithet.

Bradley Chubb ... your head just got JACKED UP!!!

It's the best rookie hazing tradition in football -- the Denver Broncos line up the rookies, break out the clippers and go to work ... churning out the UGLIEST hairdos they can think of.

No one is spared -- including Chubb (the 5th overall pick in the draft) ... with every rookie looking like they just got buzzed up by Stevie Wonder.

Linebacker Brandon Marshall documented the damage -- some players got a checkerboard do ... others got a Coolio look. One dude got the ol' Friar Tuck (just like the one Tim Tebow got back in the day).

Don't worry ... it'll grow back.

Still no birthday sex for Tim Tebow ... but the former Heisman Trophy winner got the next best thing for his 31st -- best wishes from the hottest chick in the galaxy!!

Of course ... Tim's been dating Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters -- aka Miss Universe 2017 -- for a while ... and FINALLY, Demi made it Insta official, with DLNP wishing Tim a happy birthday Tuesday.

"Happy Birthday Timmy ❤️," she wrote.

"You are such a bright light in so many people’s lives. Have the best day ever!"

Tim's been smitten with the 23-year-old South African for quite a bit ... telling ESPN back in July, "She is a really special girl and I am very lucky and blessed for her coming into my life."

Seems like an engagement COULD be coming ... which means for Timmy's next birthday, maybe he'll finally get to cross home plate!

Former boxing star Jermain Taylor just scored a W in his domestic violence case -- prosecutors dropped the charges against him after the accuser suddenly stopped cooperating with authorities.

Taylor -- the former undisputed middleweight champ -- was arrested back in July 2017 for allegedly biting and threatening to kill his ex-girlfriend, Ashley White, during an argument.

White told police she pepper sprayed Taylor when he took her cell phone -- and he broke it when she tried to call for help. She also claimed Taylor chased her out of the house and down the street.

Taylor was initially charged with felony terroristic threats, misdemeanor domestic battery and interference with emergency communication.

But, White went off the grid about a year ago, according to prosecutors who told the court they had been trying like hell to speak with her in order to prosecute Taylor.

Prosecutors said they went to her home, left messages and spoke with family members -- but nothing panned out.

On Monday ... prosecutors decided without White they couldn't get a conviction -- so, they moved to drop all charges against him.

Redskins star D.J. Swearinger just snatched Terrelle Pryor's soul -- throwing a fake punch at the NY Jets wide receiver ... who FLINCHED like a biiiiiiiiiiiiitch in front of everyone!!!!

It all went down at 'Skins camp in Richmond, Virginia -- where Washington had a joint practice with the Jets. Remember, Pryor was a complete bust last season in D.C. after signing a 1-year, $6-MILLION deal.

The 'Skins obviously haven't forgotten that ... 'cause after the wideout lost a rep to defensive back Montae Nicholson ... they talked all kinds of trash -- and then D.J. Swearinger stepped in.

The Washington safety gave T.P. his thoughts ... and then hit Pryor with the ultimate fake punch -- that left Pryor (who was wearing a helmet) covering up in fear while both teams watched.

Pryor's been having a rough camp in NY ... and we're guessing this ain't going to make things any easier.

Great news for Leonys Martin ... the Cleveland Indians outfielder is expected to make a full recovery just days after being hospitalized with a life-threatening bacterial infection.

Martin was placed on the 10-day disabled list last week after falling ill. He complained that he wasn't feeling well, but clearly didn't know the seriousness of the situation at the time. Doctors later discovered Martin had a bacterial infection that had entered his bloodstream and was causing his organs to shut down.

The Tribe released an update on Martin's health on Tuesday ... saying he's "made considerable progress and is currently in stable condition."

"The medical team is optimistic that he will make a full recovery, but progress is expected to be slow," the team says.

"The collective focus is to help Leonys return to full health, and there have been no considerations regarding a timeline for his return to baseball activities."