ESPYs

There's no debate -- the football coach who died protecting students in the Parkland, Florida shooting is 2018's Arthur Ashe Courage Award winner ... so says Lil Yachty.

"Honestly, bro, if the 'ESPYs' didn't do it -- that’s a problem," Yachy told TMZ Sports.

Yachty calls himself "the face of the youth" ... so the rap star gave us his thoughts on Aaron Feis -- the coach who gave his life shielding kids from bullets at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School -- when we got him at LAX.

"He was obviously more than just a coach. In my eyes, you do something like that, you a superhero."

FYI, one source connected to the ESPYS told TMZ Feis is a "no-brainer" for the award ... but the show's in July, so the committee won't discuss nominees until April.

Aaron Feis, the assistant football coach who was shot and killed while protecting students in Parkland, FL, is being nominated for an award for courage ... by thousands of people.

There's an online campaign aimed for ESPN to posthumously award Aaron the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at this year's 'ESPYs.' As we reported, the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School coach and security guard shielded students during the rampage.

Sources connected to the ESPYs tell TMZ ... the key award recipients are chosen by an ESPN committee and reps at Maggie Vision -- the production company for the ESPYs.

One source described Aaron as a "no-brainer" for the honor -- however, the award show is not until July, and we're told meetings about nominees won't start until April.

Previous Arthur Ashe recipients include Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Caitlyn Jenner, Robin Roberts and Michael Sam.

Danica Patrick has officially confirmed what TMZ already knew ... she's dating Aaron Rodgers!

After we posted a photo of the two out at dinner in Arizona, Danica spoke with the Associated Press and announced the new supercouple.

"Yes, Aaron and I are dating."

Patrick says the two met at the ESPYs back in 2012 -- and have apparently stayed friendly.

Danica says she's a longtime Chicago Bears fan -- but has always rooted for Aaron individually. She now says, "I am probably going to cheer for the whole team."

The largest police union in the country says it heard LeBron's ESPYs anti-violence speech loud and clear -- and wants to team up with the LJ, CP3, D-Wade and 'Melo to begin working together ASAP.

We spoke with Jim Pasco -- the executive director of the Fraternal Order of Police -- who tells us, "We heard their comments and we welcome them."

"We’d like an opportunity to speak with them about how we can work with them to improve communication and interaction between police and the community.”

"These are 4 of the top athletes in their sport and they are role models in the community."

LeBron James issued a VERY SERIOUS warning to his ESPY after-party guests Wednesday night -- either you dance or "get the f*** up out of here!!!"

FYI, this video is awesome!

Bron took the stage at the Uninterrupted party at Le Jardin -- and made it clear he had no patience for the bougie Hollywood people who are too uptight to turn up.

"If you not dancing, shaking your ass or having a good time ... there's an exit sign right there!"

"So if ya'll not dancing having a good time shaking your ass ... ya'll got to go man."

By the way, the party was INSANE -- with a performance by Kendrick Lamar ... and SO MUCH DELICIOUS FOOD!!!!

Seriously ... check out this clip of DJ K-Love with his to-go plate -- "It's like mini-Thanksgiving dinner in that motherf****r right now!"

Peyton Manning tells TMZ Sports he was very impressed with LeBron, Carmelo, D-Wade and CP3 -- saying their passionate ESPYs speech was not only excellent ... but effective.

Caitlyn Jenner's taken a ton of flak for her appearance, but now she has a bona fide stamp of approval -- from no less an authority than Vogue!

The magazine just put her ESPY outfit on its list of the 10 best dressed women of the week.

Pretty sure D.L. Hughley ain't co-signing on that selection. How about you?

Kendall Jenner is officially attached ... to a nipple ring!

It was semi-apparent when the 19-year-old walked the red carpet before the ESPYs. There was a faint trace of what looked like metal balls in the nipple area.

Our Kardashian sources say it's the real deal. The 2 balls that were evident are the ends to a bar that goes right through her left nipple.

Turns out Kendall is following in her little sister's footsteps. Kylie got her piercing earlier this year.

Peter Berg's in full damage control mode ... saying he has nothing but the "utmost respect for Caitlyn Jenner" ... after posting a meme about her earlier today that many people called "transphobic."

The "Ballers" producer/co-star just went to Instagram and wrote, "I have the utmost respect for Caitlyn Jenner and I am a strong supporter of equality and the rights of trans people everywhere."

It's a much different tone than the one he took earlier -- when he posted an Internet meme that ripped ESPN for giving the Arthur Ashe Courage Award to Jenner instead of a military vet.

The original meme Berg posted included a pic of both a double amputee military vet and Caitlyn Jenner and included the caption, "One man traded 2 legs for the freedom of the other to trade 2 balls for 2 boobs."

In his new Instagram post, Berg tries to clarify his stance -- saying, "I also believe that we don't give enough attention to our courageous returning war veterans, many of whom have sacrificed their bodies and mental health for our country and our principals- principals that include the freedom to live the life you want to live without persecution or abuse."

There was a Caitlyn Jenner blackout on ESPY day ... and the reason is all about hate.

We noticed late Wednesday morning if you hashtagged Caitlyn Jenner "most recent" would not come up. That means there was no way to see photos or texts using the hashtag.

The only photos you could see were from a few top posts ... all very nice and positive.

Here's what we found out. Instagram itself blocked its users ability to view "most recent" photos and texts, because there had been a flurry of really awful comments and uploads, including:

-- 'Until you grow a vagina and bleed, you will never be a woman'

-- 'F***ing Fa***t'

-- 'How is this THING rewarded anything'

There were so many negative comments and complaints about those comments, Instagram took swift action.

After Caitlyn took the stage, Instagram re-activated the hashtag and there was a flood of positive comments.

Nevertheless ... Caitlyn clearly has her work cut out for her.

Peter Berg ain't happy with all the praise being heaped on Caitlyn Jenner -- and is now mocking everyone from ESPN to President Obama for honoring her ... instead of military vets.

The "Friday Night Lights" director -- who also produces and co-stars in "Ballers" -- reposted a crass meme to Instagram following the ESPYs which compares a double amputee military vet to Caitlyn.

Berg co-signed on the meme with a simple comment -- "Yup."

Berg wasn't the only star to express outrage over Jenner getting the award -- Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry tweeted, "What exactly is 'COURAGE' these days?"

He was retweeted by NFL linebacker Sio Moore.

So, how is ESPN handling the criticism? Michelle Beadle summed it up this way:

"This rage over an arbitrary award is silly. Courage and bravery come in many forms and faces. I welcome progress for everyone. #BeYou."

Caitlyn Jenner owned the ESPYs Wednesday night when she gave an emotional, personal, sometimes tearful and rousing plea for acceptance of all transgenders ... not just her.

Caitlyn's kids were there in force as she took the stage and joked about being judged ... not as a transgender, but as a woman who had to choose the right dress, hair and makeup.

It turned serious quickly, as she talked about the difficulties transgenders face ... but also the strides her community has made.

Caitlyn choked up as she thanked her children for their support, and the kids all teared up as they watched.

Her speech followed a 6-minute retro on the life of Bruce and Caitlyn, and the private struggles of someone who has led a very public life.

Ben Affleck may be separated, but in the marriage department he has something Jimmy Fallon doesn't ... a wedding ring still attached to his finger.

Ben gave Derek Jeter his award at the ESPYs and the ring was front and center. He's been wearing it lately, even though the couple announced they were getting divorced.

It was pretty funny ... watching the diehard Red Sox fan handing an award to his nemesis. Actually, pretty awesome.

Jazz Jennings, one of the transgender community’s youngest crusaders, is a massive Caitlyn Jenner fan and she's gunning to meet her idol tonight at the ESPYs.

Our photog caught up with the 14-year-old Tuesday in Bev Hills. She's in town promoting her new reality show “I Am Jazz,” but the highlight of the trip ... she scored a ticket to the show, where Caitlyn will receive the Arthur Ashe Courage Award.

Jennings was born a male but started her transition at age 3. Kid drops some serious knowledge on transgender equality.

Caitlyn Jenner has invited her entire family to be by her side when she receives the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPYs Wednesday night, with the exception of her 3 ex-wives.

Chrystie Crownover, Linda Thompson and Kris Jenner will not be attending the ceremony, and it makes sense. We're told Caitlyn wants her family there, and the exes are not family anymore. As one Caitlyn source put it, "Her ex-wives don't celebrate Father's Day. Fact is, they're just not her family, but the kids are."

And the kids will be there in force ... Kim, Khloe, Kendall and Kylie. Brody, Burt and Cassandra will also be at the ceremony, but Brandon is up in the air because his wife, Leah, is about to give birth. Caitlyn's mom and sister will be in attendance too.

V. Stiviano tells TMZ Sports she wasn't OFFENDED when Drake called her the "Side Piece of the Year" during the ESPYs ... she was FLATTERED.

Stiviano was leaving Villa Blanca in Beverly Hills ... when she told us the "Side Piece" shout out was "a very big compliment."

Funny, 'cause Drake certainly didn't mean it as one as he mocked her right before going into a song called, "Donald Sterling Never Loved Us."

Either way, Stiviano's biggest concern yesterday didn't seem to be the diss ... it was the fact she was getting into a Volvo ... instead of a Bentley, Ferrari or a Rolls.

Priorities.