Carolina Panthers

The Matt Rhule era in Carolina is over -- the Panthers just announced they're parting ways with their head coach after a 1-4 start.

It's no secret -- the Panthers have been a mess so far this season ... and have really struggled during Rhule's tenure, going 5-11 and 5-12 in his first two years on the sidelines.

The decision comes just weeks after Panthers owner David Tepper said the organization would be "patient" with Rhule.

The Panthers lost 37-15 to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday ... and after the game, he was questioned about his job security.

"I've got nothing to say about that now, just here to talk about the game today," Rhule said. "Would never want to make this about me."

Rhule had four years left on his $62 million deal ... but it was clear the organization felt it was time to make a change ASAP.

Prior to the Panthers, Rhule was the head coach Baylor University, where he turned the program around. In his first year the team went 1-11. In 2018, his second year, they went 7-6. Then, in 2019, the team, ranked as high as 7th in the nation, went 11-3, and played in the Big 12 Championship.

He won the Chuck Neinas Coach of the Year Award in 2019, which is voted on by fellow coaches.

Before Baylor, Rhule coached at Temple ... going 28-23 and bringing success back to the program.

Steve Wilks will serve as interim head coach.

Baker Mayfield is clearing the air on allegedly saying he'd "f*** up" the Cleveland Browns in Week 1 ... claiming he didn't even come close to hurling the bulletin board material.

Earlier this week, NFL Media's Cynthia Frelund stated she spoke with the new Carolina Panthers QB after their preseason game against the Buffalo Bills ... and claimed he told her he was going to get revenge on his former team with an NSFW statement.

It's a comment that almost certainly lit a fire under his old teammates' asses ... with Myles Garrett saying the Browns were going to "take it and use it."

But Baker spoke with the media at practice on Wednesday ... and he says the conversation didn't go as Frelund claimed.

"Well, first, I didn't say it," Baker told reporters.

"That is not how I phrased it. That's not even what I said."

Bake claims he "didn't even say anything" other than wanting to get a win in Week 1 ... which isn't nearly as eye-opening as the initial statement.

If Mayfield is telling the truth, it was a pretty believable quote nonetheless -- after all, this is the guy who went #1 overall in the 2018 draft but still played with a chip on his shoulder.

As for Frelund, she later admitted she should have kept the conversation private ... but stood by her intent -- which was to show support for the QB.

Bills punter Matt Araiza will NOT be participating in Buffalo's final preseason game ... after a woman made serious rape allegations against him in a lawsuit earlier this week.

22-year-old Araiza -- AKA the "Punt God" -- was originally slated to suit up and play in the Bills' matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Friday night ... but before kickoff, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the team reversed course and will sit him down.

The decision comes following a civil lawsuit in which a woman accused the former San Diego State star of raping her with his SDSU football teammates during a Halloween party in October 2021.

In the suit, the woman -- who's 18 now but said she was 17 at the time of the incident -- claimed she was sexually assaulted by the punter (who was 21 at the time) and two other Aztecs football players for over an hour at his SD home.

The Bills released a statement on Thursday ... saying the team was aware of the allegations and was investigating the situation.

Araiza's attorney denied the allegations in a statement to the Los Angeles Times, saying, "It's a shakedown because he's now with the Buffalo Bills."

"There is no doubt in my mind that Matt Araiza ever raped that girl," the attorney added.

Emily Mayfield is sad to leave Cleveland behind after Baker's trade to the Carolina Panthers ... admitting it's been an emotional process with "a lot of tears."

The former #1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft spent his first four pro seasons with the Browns ... but was shipped to Charlotte as a result of Cleveland's controversial trade for Deshaun Watson.

As the 2022-23 season approaches, Emily is reflecting on all the memories she made with her husband ... saying she had no idea she'd be saying goodbye already.

"It's obviously been an emotional couple of days," Emily said on Instagram. "Baker and I left last season, truly expecting to come back for another season (like the previous 4 years).

"No part of me thought it'd be the last time we'd leave that house together or the last time we'd shut it down to head out on our off-season adventures."

Emily reminisced about all the experiences they shared at their first house as a couple -- from barbeques and bonfires to holiday gatherings.

"I am leaving Cleveland with such fond memories," she added. "I'm leaving this house with a full heart. This week brought A LOT of tears. It brought tons of nostalgia. But I'm so happy I felt those feelings... it means it was a good ride."

Mayfield says she's excited to create new memories in Charlotte, but admits "there's just something about that first place ..... Thank you, CLE. You'll forever hold a special place in my heart."

But, on the bright side, Emily says a flight attendant noticed her puffy eyes on her flight from Cleveland ... and gave her "the most massive pour" of wine.

The Patriots and Panthers' joint practice Wednesday looked more like a WWE match ... 'cause the two teams got into a huge brawl -- and the skirmish was so big, a fan was actually injured in the melee.

The fight initially started after Carolina star running back Christian McCaffrey was pissed over a tackle Patriots defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. put on him during 11-on-11 drills.

The 26-year-old got up after the hit and threw the ball at the Pats D-lineman ... and that's when all hell broke loose.

Video shows a bunch of Panthers players going after Wise and his teammates right near fans who were sitting in the bleachers -- and, at one point, players were thrown into the spectators.

According to Pat's reporter Tom Curran, a woman sitting in the stands was injured after one of the players' helmets hit her foot.

She reportedly refused any medical help, and did get an offer for tickets to a game later this season.

This is the second brawl between the Panthers and Pats this week -- on Tuesday, several players, including Pats' Kendrick Bourne, Kristian Wilkerson, and Panthers' Kenny Robinson, went at it.

Mark Wahlberg is still pulling for his guy, Baker Mayfield ... telling TMZ Sports the new Carolina Panthers quarterback has a "bright future ahead of him" -- even if it's not in Foxborough.

Remember, Wahlberg previously told us TWICE he saw #6 as Tom Brady's successor with the New England Patriots ... saying Mayfield was the "heir to the throne."

Of course, that was before a guy named Mac Jones came along ... and while he's "absolutely" still a fan of Bake, Mark is coming to terms with the fact he won't be seeing him in a Patriots uniform anytime soon.

"It's a very stacked field at the quarterback position," Wahlberg said in New York this week. "It also has to do with the coach and the team, but he's got a big, bright future ahead of him."

Mayfield was recently traded to the Panthers after a bad falling out with Cleveland ... which was sparked by the Browns' pursuit of Deshaun Watson.

Baker says he felt disrespected by the Browns' handling of the situation ... but says he's moved on and is excited for a fresh start in Charlotte.

Rashard Anderson, former Carolina Panthers first-round draft pick and Jackson State football star, has died, university officials confirmed to TMZ Sports.

He was 45.

The cause of death is currently unknown.

Jackson State's athletic director released a statement on the tragic news, saying, "Rashard was one of the best players in the history of our football program and an outstanding person."

"He attended our spring football game in April and was excited about the program returning to championship status. Rashard will always be remembered by Jackson State University, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time."

A product of Forest High School in Mississippi, Anderson was a standout at JSU, where he played cornerback for the Tigers from 1996-99.

Anderson was a member of the Tigers team that won the Southwestern Athletic Conference championship in 1996 ... and the SWAC Eastern Division title in 1999.

Selected No. 23 overall by the Panthers in the first round of the 2000 NFL draft, Anderson played in 27 total games during his two seasons with Carolina.

Anderson's NFL career, however, was short-lived. The DB missed the entire 2003 season after getting suspended for a substance violation.

The league reinstated Rashard following the suspension, but he never caught on with another team.

But, Anderson's dream of continuing to play pro football didn't stop there ... he signed a contract with the Calgary Stampeders in the Canadian Football League, but the former college star was released soon after.

Rashard was inducted into JSU's Hall of Fame ... and to this day remains the last player from the university to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft.

New team. Same number.

Baker Mayfield will be wearing his customary number 6 this upcoming season ... thanks to his new teammate, All-Pro punter Johnny Hekker, who agreed to let the polarizing QB have the number he sported throughout his college and NFL career.

Mayfield was introduced by the Carolina Panthers at a press conference on Tuesday ... when a reporter asked him about the importance of number 6, and whether he'd be rocking a new digit this season.

"I guess it's time to break the news," Baker said. "I made a deal, did my own negotiating with Johnny [Hekker]. Obviously when it comes to a 4-time All-Pro, [I] had to ask permission. [He] was willing to make those sacrifices."

"Six is special to me, not because it was ever my favorite number. It was the number I was given as a walk-on at Texas Tech and when I transferred, the people at Oklahoma thought it was my favorite number, so they just gave it to me again."

"It's just stuck with me," Mayfield added.

The former No.1 overall pick said the No.6 "symbolizes my story" and that it's "something special to him now," adding, that he's incredibly thankful Hekker -- a 10-year NFL veteran and stud punter -- was willing to accommodate his request.

It's unclear what the number cost Baker ... 'cause it almost certainly wasn't free. Over the years we've seen everything from cash, vacations and fancy gifts exchanged for numbers.

Baker also touched on the transition from Cleveland to North Carolina ... and talked about what the possibility of playing his old team -- the Browns -- Week 1 would mean to him.

"I'm extremely excited for this new start in Charlotte," the 27-year-old said. "It's just an exciting time for myself and my family and this new chapter."

Baker Mayfield's time in Cleveland is officially over -- the former first overall pick is heading to the Carolina Panthers, according to reports.

27-year-old Mayfield is being shipped to Charlotte in exchange for a 2024 conditional 5th-round pick, per Ian Rapoport.

The trade -- which is pending a physical -- comes after months of speculation ... with Mayfield penning a heartfelt goodbye to Browns fans amid Cleveland's pursuit of quarterback Deshaun Watson.

The Browns will pay $10.5 million of Mayfield's salary this season ... with the Panthers shelling out $5 million.

Mayfield joins a familiar face in the QB room -- fellow 2018 top pick Sam Darnold -- as well as rookie Matt Corral and P.J. Walker.

Mayfield played in 60 games over 4 years for the Browns ... leading the franchise to a playoff win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021.

His most recent season was riddled with injuries ... going 6-8 with 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

Despite being undoubtedly the best Browns QB since the franchise's return in 1999, Mayfield previously said he felt disrespected by the organization as they traded for Watson, whose NFL future remains uncertain amid claims of sexual misconduct by multiple massage therapists.

The best part about the trade -- Baker's Panthers will face off against the Browns in Week 1 of the 2022 NFL season.

NFL linebacker Damien Wilson -- who was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2015 -- was arrested last week ... after he reportedly threatened to kill his girlfriend with a tire iron.

Police confirmed to TMZ Sports the arrest happened in Frisco, Texas. Cops added in a statement to the Dallas Morning News that Wilson was booked on a charge of assault with bodily injury of a family member.

No further details surrounding the arrest have been released by law enforcement.

Wilson's girlfriend, Ryan Sokolosky, however, told the Dallas Morning News the arrest happened after the 28-year-old football player flew off the handle at her home after she had broken up with him.

Sokolosky reportedly said Wilson "emerged from bushes holding a tire iron" at her place and threatened to end her life.

Wilson's attorney, Toby Shook, said in a statement that Wilson "did not commit any type of assault." He added, "We look forward to all the facts coming out so his name can be cleared."

Wilson started 22 games in four seasons for Dallas from 2015 to 2018. He then played for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Jacksonville Jaguars, before signing with the Carolina Panthers in March.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Shi Smith was arrested Friday for allegedly carrying an unlawful handgun and drug possession ... after cops initially pulled him over for speeding.

The Union County Sheriff's Office in South Carolina says the 23-year-old was going 16 to 24 over the 55 MPH speed limit in his black Mercedes-Benz on the highway.

A deputy on routine patrol pulled Smith over at 11:22 AM ... and when he approached the vehicle, he claims he smelled marijuana.

Smith's vehicle was eventually searched, and he was arrested for unlawful carrying of a handgun, possession of narcotics and speeding.

According to jail records, his bond was set at just over $6K.

The Union County Detention Center tells us Smith posted bond and was released. His first court appearance is June 14.

The Panthers released a statement after Smith's arrest ... saying, "This is a pending legal matter and there will be no further comment at this time."

Smith -- a 6th round pick in the 2021 draft -- appeared in six games this season and has six catches for 104 yards.

Former NFL DB Captain Munnerlyn -- who started 85 games in his 10-year career -- was arrested last month ... after he was accused of getting violent with a woman.

According to court documents, obtained by TMZ Sports, Munnerlyn allegedly roughed up a woman in North Carolina back on Jan. 3.

In the docs, officials say Munnerlyn struck a female in the face with his foot. They also say the ex-Carolina Panthers cornerback strangled her, resulting in bruises and scratches.

Further details surrounding the alleged incident were not made immediately available ... but the docs show Munnerlyn was arrested and bonded out of jail just days after the allegations were made.

The documents show Munnerlyn was hit with two charges, assault on a female and assault by strangulation. He's due in court for a hearing on the matter on March 1, the docs show.

We reached out to Munnerlyn for comment, but so far, no word back yet.

33-year-old Munnerlyn had an excellent career in the NFL after being picked in the 7th round of the 2009 draft. He played in 154 career games for the Panthers and Minnesota Vikings, logging 12 total interceptions, before he left the league following the 2018 season.

Olivia Culpo had to throw on her BF Christian McCaffrey's hoodie before her flight to Cabo ... and it wasn't due to cold weather -- it's because the airline told the 2012 Miss Universe she was showing too much skin.

OC's sister, Aurora, documented the whole debacle on Thursday ... showing Olivia in an all-black outfit with biker shorts, a crop top and a long cardigan.

Aurora says OC was called up to the front desk at their gate before boarding ... and one of the American Airlines workers told her she needed a blouse in order to get on the flight.

What's interesting -- the Culpo sisters point out another passenger who was also wearing a crop top, yet that lady wasn't told to cover up.

Luckily for Olivia, she didn't have to run to a nearby souvenir shop to fix the situation -- her NFL superstar boo offered up his comfy hoodie ... which led to a pretty cold and uncomfortable ride for him up in the air.

To make the whole situation even more inconvenient, the group's flight was delayed a bit ... but eventually, they made it up in the sky.

Move over, Santa ... Robby Anderson is now the king of Christmas -- at least this year -- 'cause the Carolina Panthers star surprised his fiancée with a custom, 2021 G-Wagon for the holiday!

The NFL player had the awesome Dreamworks Motorsports ride delivered over the weekend -- and it arrived in style, coming inside of a glass box.

And, check out video of the surprise, Anderson's fiancée, Sade, was so blown away by the present ... she fell to the ground!!!

"Oh my God!" she screamed over and over again.

Anderson eventually got her up and took her to the Mercedes -- which came with a bow and completely tricked out.

TMZ Sports has learned ... Anderson had the vehicle covered in custom satin black with custom pink accents.

"THANK YOU HUSBAAAAND OMFG 😭😭😭," Sade said on her social media page after getting the car. "………….THIS CAN’T BE REAL, THIS IS MY ULTIMATE DREAAAAM CAR YALL!! 🥺 wow I love you!!!!!"

No word on how much the car cost -- but don't worry, Anderson can afford it ... he just signed a two-year, $29.5 million contract with Carolina this offseason.

As for his relationship with Sade, it's unclear how long they've been dating ... but Anderson just proposed to her a few days before gifting the car.

With Cam Newton back in Carolina, Olivia Culpo's feeling a Super Bowl coming ... telling TMZ Sports the QB and her BF, Christian McCaffrey, can now easily win a ring this season!

We got the model -- who's been dating McCaffrey for about two years now -- out in L.A. ... and we had to ask for her thoughts on the Panthers now that Cam's made his return.

Olivia kept things short and sweet ... telling us yes, she absolutely believes her man and his team could make a run at the Lombardi Trophy with Newton under center again.

Of course, Newton's first game back as the starting signal-caller didn't go so well ... the Panthers lost to the Washington Football Team, 27-21.

But, Cam did play well -- rushing for 46 yards and a TD while also throwing for 189 yards and 2 TDs -- and there does seem to be optimism in Carolina that the Panthers could get into the playoffs and make some noise there.

Cam Newton could be going home -- the former MVP is reportedly set to meet with the Carolina Panthers on Thursday ... as the injury-laden team looks for serious quarterback help.

The 32-year-old has been out of the job since getting cut by the New England Patriots in September ... but recently had chats with the Seattle Seahawks after being let go.

Newton -- who led the Panthers to the Super Bowl in 2016 -- could be returning to his old stomping grounds as the team searches to replace Sam Darnold, who just went down with a shoulder injury.

Newton played 9 seasons for the Panthers ... throwing for more than 29,000 yards, 182 touchdowns ... adding 4,800 yards on the ground with 58 TDs.

But, his lone season with the Pats wasn't nearly as successful ... starting 15 games and going 7-8 under Bill Belichick.

A Newton reunion could bring some energy to a 4-5 Panthers squad ... and given he's now vaccinated, the team wouldn't have to worry nearly as much about health and safety protocols.

Cam's old coach, Ron Rivera, is now with the Washington Football Team ... but if he hits it off with Matt Rhule, Panthers fans might need to dust off those #1 jerseys!!