Controversial S#!T

A top Aussie Rules Football club is following Colin Kaepernick's lead ... with the entire organization taking a knee Thursday in an effort to put a spotlight on racial injustice Down Under.

Players, coaches and staff for the Brisbane Lions -- one of the best teams in the AFL -- took the field following a team meeting and each person took a knee.

The team says they've been inspired by the protests ignited by the killing of George Floyd -- but they also want to highlight the racial injustices in Australia impacting their own Indigenous population.

According to reports, Indigenous people only make up 3% of the country's general population -- yet they make up 30% of the Australian jail population.

There are several Indigenous people on the Lions team along with one player of "African American descent" -- and they all spoke to the team "about the impact current events have had on them."

Montana Black Lives Matter protesters went toe-to-toe with a very angry, very grown guy itching for a fight ... and it didn't end well for him.

It all went down Thursday evening in Whitefish, Montana where a group of nearly 100 people gathered to peacefully protest near the town's city hall ... and then angry dude got in the middle of the action.

He immediately got up in a few grills and shouted, "Black lives matter? F**k you!!!" Then he ripped signs out of the hands of protesters ... who, BTW, did nothing in retaliation, but to loudly chant, "Peaceful!"

For a couple of minutes, it looked like a fight would definitely break out, but a police officer arrived, ushered away the man ... and lo and behold, he's the one who got in trouble. Whitefish PD tells us he was cited for disorderly conduct.

Whitefish PD went on to say, "The City of Whitefish is dedicated to protecting the First Amendment rights of individuals to peacefully protest and ask all who are involved to respect each other’s rights and protest peacefully."

Charles Barkley says the last 24 hours of hate that Drew Brees has received for his anthem comments are straight-up "overkill" ... and now, he's calling for people to back off the NFL star.

"This level of, 'we've got to kill everybody who says something we don't agree with,'" Barkley said on "NBA on TNT" Thursday, "I am never going with the mob."

Don't get it twisted ... Chuck said Brees' comments were "insensitive," and the NBA Hall of Famer wishes the QB hadn't said them -- but he believes the backlash is too much.

"I want to make it clear: I did not like what he said right away, but the vitriol and animosity and hatred he just got for the last 24 hours, I thought it was overkill," Barkley said. "That's just my personal opinion."

Brees was ripped apart by just about EVERY notable athlete in the country after he said on Wednesday he believed kneeling protests during NFL anthems were disrespectful to the flag.

LeBron James slammed him on Twitter, NFL Hall of Famer, Shannon Sharpe said the guy should retire ... and his teammate, Malcolm Jenkins, even told him to "shut the f*ck up."

Drew has since issued TWO apologies ... and while some -- including Saints stars Michael Thomas, Alvin Kamara and Demario Davis -- accepted it, the QB was still getting blasted for the comments all day Thursday.

Chuck says that needs to end now ... adding, "I have never heard a bad word about Drew Brees in my life."

"He made a mistake. But, we've gotten to the point in society where everybody on social media thinks they are God, judge and jury."

Hall of Famer Warren Moon says he truly believes Drew Brees didn't mean any harm with his stance on the national anthem protests ... but now that he's apologized, it's time to step up and put his words to action.

Of course, Brees faced backlash from his teammates and other major sports figures for condemning kneeling during the anthem on Wednesday.

Moon -- who knows the Saints superstar personally -- is giving Brees the benefit of the doubt ... saying the QB was so passionate about his stance, he forgot to take everything into account before speaking.

"I know what type of guy that he is, but I think he just got so wrapped up into his beliefs on the national anthem and the flag that he forgot to open his eyes and listen to what was being said by others that might not have his same belief about what all that means to them," Moon tells TMZ Sports.

Brees apologized in a lengthy statement and video and vowed to be a leader for the black community ... and Moon says the next step in getting forgiveness is proving he's genuine.

"I don't know if the apology is going to be enough, but at least it's a start."

"I think he has to maybe now get out there and try and do some things physically to show that he's putting his money where his mouth is and maybe get on camera to talk about those things so people can look in him in the face, look him in the eye and see if he's sincere or not."

(A short time after we shot our interview with Warren, Brees posted an video apology.)

Moon says Brees isn't the enemy people are making him out to be ... but can use this as an opportunity to hear from others with different experiences.

Drew Brees just posted a new video ... saying he hopes people can look into his eyes and see how sorry he is for the comments he made.

"I know there's not much that I can say that would make things any better right now," Brees said on Instagram. "But, I just want you to see in my eyes how sorry I am for the comments that I made yesterday."

"I know that it hurt many people, especially friends, teammates, former teammates, loved ones, people that I care and respect deeply. That was never my intention."

"I wish I would have laid out what was on my heart in regards to the George Floyd murder, Ahmaud Arbery, the years and years of social injustice, police brutality and the need for so much reform and change in regards to legislation and so many other things to bring equality to our black communities."

"I am sorry and I will do better and I will be part of the solution and I am your ally."

Drew Brees is begging for forgiveness over his comments about the NFL kneeling protest ... saying, "it breaks my heart to know the pain I have caused."

The New Orleans Saints QB has been under heavy attack from teammates and even LeBron James -- claiming his condemnation Tuesday of NFL kneelers is misguided and wrong.

In fact, people chanted "F**k Drew Brees" in New Orleans -- and some people set Drew's jersey on fire in the streets.

Here's Drew's statement in full.

"I would like to apologize to my friends, teammates, the City of New Orleans, the black community, NFL community and anyone I hurt with my comments yesterday."

"In speaking with some of you, it breaks my heart to know the pain I have caused."

"In an attempt to talk about respect, unity, and solidarity centered around the American flag and the national anthem, I made comments that were insensitive and completely missed the mark on the issues we are facing right now as a country."

"They lacked awareness and any type of compassion or empathy. Instead, those words have become divisive and hurtful and have misled people into believing that somehow I am an enemy. This could not be further from the truth, and is not an accurate reflection of my heart or my character."

"This is where I stand ... "

"I stand with the black community in the fight against systemic racial injustice and police brutality and support the creation of real policy change that will make a difference."

"I condemn the years of oppression that have taken place throughout our black communities and still exists today.

I acknowledge that we as Americans, including myself, have not done enough to fight for that equality or to truly understand the struggles and plight of the black community.

"I recognize that I am part of the solution and can be a leader for the black community in this movement."

"I will never know what it’s like to be a black man or raise black children in America but I will work every day to put myself in those shoes and fight for what is right."

"I have ALWAYS been an ally, never an enemy."

"I am sick about the way my comments were perceived yesterday, but I take full responsibility and accountability."

"I recognize that I should do less talking and more listening...and when the black community is talking about their pain, we all need to listen."

"For that, I am very sorry and I ask your forgiveness."

Of course, Brees had said Tuesday -- "I will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America."

It seemed Brees missed the point of the kneeling protest -- which is to put a spotlight on police brutality and racial injustice.

Pro Football Hall of Famer Ed Reed scolded Brees on Wednesday night for his comments ... repeatedly calling the QB a "straight sucka."

But, the most emotional backlash came from his Saints teammate and friend, Malcolm Jenkins ... who told Drew point-blank to "shut the f*ck up."

Mike Norvell says he did NOT, in fact, speak individually with every player on his team in the wake of George Floyd's death ... and the head coach apologized Thursday to Wilson for saying he did.

"I'm proud of Marvin for utilizing his platform to express his reaction to my comments in an earlier interview," Norvell said. "Last Saturday evening, I sent a text to each player individually to present an opportunity for open communication with me."

"Many members of our team chose to respond and have more in-depth conversations about issues and feelings."

Norvell continued, "Marvin is right. It was a mistake to use the word 'every.' Particularly at this time, words are important, and I'm sorry."

Wilson just released a powerful video statement on the matter -- and while he didn't say if he's ending his boycott or even if Norvell acknowledged his accusations -- he said Florida State players will now take a big step toward helping the black community in America.

Wilson says after a meeting with Norvell and the team Thursday, all players on the Seminoles roster will now be registered to vote going forward.

Wilson says FSU players will also be heavily involved in fundraising efforts to not only help underprivileged people across the country, but locally in Tallahassee as well.

"Took a stand we got what we wanted & we are moving forward 🗣!!!" Wilson wrote along with his video statement. "I appreciate @coachnorvell for encouraging me to use my platform and speak for what me and teammates believe in."

Wilson added, "Be the change that you need when you was growing up and help build black communities up and take back what is ours."

FSU star Marvin Wilson -- a projected 1st-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft -- says he's boycotting team workouts after he claims his coach lied about individually speaking with players in the wake of George Floyd's death.

"Me and my teammates as a whole are outraged and we will not be working out until further notice," the defensive lineman said Wednesday night.

Here's the backstory ... FSU head coach Mike Norvell was asked by The Athletic's Tashan Reed about how he's handling the unrest in America over Floyd's tragic death with his Seminoles team.

In his answer, Norvell was quoted as saying, "We've had a lot of open communication with our team, our players and our coaches. I went back and forth individually with every player this weekend."

"And that was something that was important to me because this is a heartbreaking time in our country."

But, shortly after the coach's comments were posted on social media ... Wilson called BS.

"Man this [crap] did not happen mane," 21-year-old Wilson wrote. "We got a generated text that was sent to everybody. There was no one on one talk between us and coach."

Several current FSU players -- many of whom returned to campus this week after COVID-19 closures -- backed Wilson's response with retweets and emoji quote tweets.

In another part of the statement attributed to 38-year-old Norvell, he added, "I told these guys just how grateful I am to be a part of this journey with them because they are the future."

The coach has not yet publicly commented on his star player's allegations.

As for Wilson, a boycott of FSU is serious business ... the team leader has a chance to be a top-10 pick in next April's NFL draft -- and is expected to be one of the best college football players in the country in 2020.

LeBron James is weighing in on that new viral video of Laura Ingraham ... questioning why she didn't tell Drew Brees to "shut up and dribble" the way she told LeBron back in 2018.

The clip shows the way Ingraham went after LeBron for criticizing Donald Trump back in the day ... when she told the NBA star, "Keep the political commentary to yourself, or as someone once said, 'Shut up and dribble.'"

Fast-forward to June 2020 ... when Ingraham defended Brees on her show, saying, "He's allowed to have his view about what kneeling and the flag means to him."

Enter, LeBron ... who says, "If you still haven’t figured out why the protesting is going on. Why we’re acting as we are is because we are simply F-N tired of this treatment right here! Can we break it down for you any simpler than this right here????"

He added, "And to my people don’t worry I won’t stop until I see CHANGE!!! #ShutUpAndDribbleThisPowerfulBlackManComingFullSteam"

Other superstar athletes across the country weighed in on the clip as well ... with L.A. Chargers receiver Keenan Allen saying, "Wow ... so Bron and KD need to shut up and dribble... but DREW BREES (white man) can have opinions ... RACISM!!!"

Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans added, "People like her are f*cking disgusting."

Gabrielle Union is filing a new legal complaint, claiming she was fired from 'AGT' over her refusal to stay silent in the face of a toxic culture of racism, sexism and misogyny.

The actress filed docs Thursday with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, calling out Universal Television, Fremantle Productions, Simon Cowell and his production company. In the docs, she says she was canned because she took issue with "racist jokes, racist performances, sexual orientation discrimination, and excessive focus on female judges’ appearances, including race-related comments."

According to the complaint, obtained by TMZ, Gabrielle says the network is a "snake-pit of racial offenses" where racism and misogyny get a pass.

She's also ripping NBCUniversal for what she claims is a silent and unapologetic response to the Jimmy Fallon 'SNL' blackface controversy ... and says she took major issue with an 'AGT' contestant who performed with "blackface hands" -- gloves that changed the appearance of his hands from white to black -- and claims Simon signed off on it happening.

Gabrielle is also questioning the network's decision to hire Julianne Hough, who had been criticized in the past for wearing blackface on Halloween.

In her complaint, Gabrielle says she raised about 60 issues with higher-ups when she served as a judge on 'AGT' -- including racially insensitive acts, racist and misogynistic remarks and other instances of race and gender discrimination.

Gabrielle claims things got off on the wrong foot from her first day, when she took issue with Simon flouting CA law by smoking cigarettes indoors.

In the docs, Gabrielle says NBC picked at her appearance, claiming producers said her hair was "too wild" and needed to be "toned down" ... Gabrielle calls it part of a "larger animus directed towards women" and claims Simon and Howie Mandel were never asked to change their looks.

Gabrielle also says NBC tried to make her wear a cardigan for a photo shoot, claiming it was for a 1950s period piece ... but she thought the request was blatantly racist.

Jay Leno is also drawing Gabrielle's ire ... she says she had a huge problem with the comedian joking about Simon's dogs looking like the menu at a Korean restaurant.

The complaint matches the very public claims Gabrielle made last year about her time at 'AGT.' The difference here is she's now upped the stakes by filing a formal complaint -- and in the process, challenging NBC's investigation into her firing.

Just last week, NBC said an external legal review found Gabrielle's claims of racism and misogyny had "no bearing" on the decision to let her go. Although she says she was fired, NBC says her contract was simply not renewed.

That external review essentially cleared Simon and the network of wrongdoing, but Gabby's clearly not buying that assessment of what happened.

Her new complaint also accuses the network and producers of discrimination, retaliation, hostile work environment, unequal pay, emotional distress and more.

"Drew showed the ultimate move of a leader. He owned his mistake."

That's Drew Brees' All-Pro teammate, Demario Davis, accepting the QB's apology Thursday ... saying he forgives the future Hall of Famer for his "insensitive" comments on kneeling protests.

"He moved the conversation back to the issue, which he should have spoke on the first time," Davis said on ESPN's "Get Up!", "that's the essence of a leader."

Davis says the country as a whole can learn from Drew's situation ... adding, "When you see Drew Brees come out and say, 'You know what? I missed the point, but now I understand my mistake.'"

"And, 'now I'm going to do everything I can to learn from my black brothers. Learn from the black community and use the resources that I have to help the black community,' I think that's the model of leadership and that's what needs to be modeled and reflected throughout America."

Davis went on to say he doesn't think this issue will linger in New Orleans' locker room ... because he says Brees' actions have always spoken differently than his Wednesday statements.

"I think everybody in the locker room knows the character of Drew Brees," Davis said. "And, Drew is a man of action far beyond words. And, that's what's needed in this moment to bring unity and fix this issue that's plagued our country for so long."

It remains to be seen how the rest of the Saints' roster feels in wake of Brees' apology ... remember, everyone from Michael Thomas to Cam Jordan to Malcolm Jenkins ripped him Wednesday.

In fact, Jenkins straight-up told Brees in an emotional video Wednesday night to "shut the f*ck up."

Trina is tripling down on her assertion rioters and looters are "animals ... acting like they have escaped from a zoo" ... she says they're over-shadowing non-violent protesters.

The iconic emcee responded Wednesday to backlash she's been getting after sharing her opinion on protests against police brutality in Miami, hammering her point home that peaceful protests for George Floyd are good, and the riots and looting in her community are bad, in part, because those causing the damage aren't from there.

Trina says she's being attacked for saying those destroying property are "animals," calling for an earlier curfew in Miami and ripping some protesters as "fake," just because she has a voice and isn't afraid to speak her mind.

She says she was angry when she came into her radio station gig Monday and her initial comments were shaped by emotion ... but she's not backing down.

Trina makes clear she has no issue with non-violent protests, saying she's peacefully protested herself, but still sees big problems with folks kicking in windows and burning buildings in her community.

The way Trina sees it ... the riots and looting are distracting people from getting answers on George's death and takes away from the real issues, like addressing police brutality and racism. As she points out, Floyd's family agrees.

Trina says she's not talking about people looting designer stores ... what really irks her is folks messing with mom and pop shops.

Bottom line from Trina ... stop destroying local communities and start protesting peacefully so change can really happen.

The NYPD is under fire after video surfaced showing several cops beating a bicyclist to a pulp with batons as the man tried crossing the street.

The clip was shot Wednesday night after a full day of peaceful protests in the Big Apple. You can see a man, walking his bike and being violently struck by a police officer's baton before two other officers join in.

As for the "justification" of force? An NYPD source tells us, the man was out after curfew, and officers were trying to "clear the streets." We're told the video was shot after 10 PM and curfew was at 8.

The person who posted the video said the incident went down at the intersection of 50th Street and Third Avenue. The tweet was captioned, "People stuck in traffic are witnessing NYPD beat up folks on their way home.”

The brutal assault caught the attention of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez who said, "Horrifying. You start with the tiny possibility that two officers may be walking over to deescalate the abusive one. Instead, they join in beating a man trying to get out of traffic."

We've reached out to the NYPD for comment, and we're told "we are aware of the video and it is under internal review."

Oregon State freshman tight end Rocco Carley has been kicked off the team after an insanely offensive recording surfaced featuring Rocco using the n-word to describe black people.

We've heard the audio ... it's disgusting. Rocco uses a deep southern accent to go on a violent rant against black people, gay people and Muslims.

Oregon State head coach Jonathan Smith says he heard the audio Wednesday evening and immediately shared it with the athletic director, Scott Barnes.

"We both agreed this language and attitude is entirely unacceptable, regardless of circumstances or environment," Smith said.

"I spoke with Rocco and dismissed him from the team. I will not tolerate racism or hate speech."

Rocco has since issued a statement insisting the rant was made 3 years ago -- and intended to be a "satire" of what a racist southern man would sound like.

"This does not condone anything of what I have said, but I promise to you all that this video does not represent me," Rocco said.

"I was doing an accent of a southern man and giving a very satire example of what we all thought it would be funny. This is no way shape or form makes what I said right."

"To all of my brothers, teammates and everyone of color that I have associated with, I hope that you know me well enough to know I am in no way shape or form a racist."

Seems many of Rocco's ex-OSU teammates are NOT accepting his apology.

Keishon Dawkins -- "Where was all this talk when you was sittin right next to me Everyday In the locker room?! Smh man."

Anthony Gould -- "Dude been in the locker room acting cool but whole time he lowkey hate us. SMFH You all the way outta line."

George Floyd's death gave Meghan Markle a central theme for her commencement address to her high school alma mater ... as she spoke to grads about fighting racism and being charitable.

Meghan delivered her speech, virtually, to the graduating class of 2020 at Immaculate Heart High School in Los Angeles, and said she was nervous about how she would address the tragic killing of Floyd. But, ultimately, “I realized, the only wrong thing to say is to say nothing. Because George Floyd’s life mattered, and Breonna Taylor’s life mattered, and Philando Castile’s life mattered."

She mentioned several other victims of police brutality. Meghan then reminded the grads about what she calls the most important lesson she learned at Immaculate Heart -- "Always remember to put others' needs above your own fears."

Meghan's message seemed to reference the nationwide protests in the wake of Floyd's killing ... and she encouraged the grads to be advocates and activists.

During her speech, she also talked about her experience growing up in L.A. during the 1992 Rodney King riots.

Clearly referring to racism, she told the graduating class, "I'm sorry you still have to grow up in a world where this is still present."

A peaceful protest in Newport Beach over George Floyd's killing was interrupted by a reckless driver in a Mini Cooper rushing through the crowd.

Local news captured the crazy moment as the car sped through the SoCal beach town Wednesday and appeared to come close to plowing into several protesters. The driver did strike a bicyclist, according to reports.

Fortunately, nobody was injured in the incident, and Newport Beach PD caught up with the driver -- a resident of Newport -- and took him into custody. He was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon. He's reportedly cooperating with the investigation, and a police rep says they don't believe this was a deliberate action.

Doesn't make it less scary, though ... and vehicles plowing through crowds during the period of unrest over Floyd's death has become an all-too-common sight.

Shannon Sharpe has heard enough from Drew Brees -- and he's sick of it -- calling for the QB to retire and walk away already.

The NFL Hall of Famer went off on Drew on FS1's 'Undisputed' -- calling Drew's apology "meaningless" and explaining why he'll never respect Brees again.

"He issued an apology, Skip, but it's meaningless because the guys know he spoke his heart the very first time around."

"I don't know what Drew's going to do, but he probably should just go ahead and retire now. He will never be the same."

Sharpe -- who played 14 seasons in the NFL -- continued, "Take it from a guy that has been a leader in the locker room for a number of years. What he said, they will never look at him the same because he spoke his heart."

"It wasn't what he said, it was how he said it. He was defiant. I will NEVER respect the man."

Of course, Brees came under heavy fire for saying Wednesday that NFL kneeling protests are disrespectful to the flag ... seemingly missing the point behind Colin Kaepernick's demonstration.

Brees has since apologized -- admitting he "missed the mark" and insisting he's not the enemy.

George Floyd's funeral will feature a guest who knows all too well the pain of losing a son to racial violence -- because Ahmaud Arbery's mom, Wanda Cooper, will be in attendance.

Wanda's attorney, Lee Merritt, tells TMZ ... she will be among those there in person next week for George's funeral procession in his hometown of Houston. She'll be attending with Lee, although it doesn't sound like she's set to speak at this point in time.

We're told the program is still being worked out, so it's possible she may share a few words -- but for now ... she's simply attending and paying her respects. Merritt tells us Wanda got connected to George's fam through their own family attorney, Ben Crump.

Of course, Wanda herself is in her own battle for justice over the killing of her 25-year-old son, Ahmaud, who was chased and gunned down by Travis McMichael, with the help of his father, Gregory. Both have been arrested and charged with murder/aggravated assault.

We already knew Wanda had recently sought to connect with Trayvon Martin's family -- now, it looks like she's connected with a family who's dealing with an even more recent tragedy.