Football

Drew Brees WILL come back from the firestorm he's currently in ... so says Nate Boyer, who tells TMZ Sports, "There's people that have done way, way worse things."

"And, it's not even like he really did anything bad," Boyer says. "He just misspoke, I think."

You'll recall ... Boyer, a retired Green Beret and former NFL player, was the one who helped convince Colin Kaepernick to kneel -- rather than sit -- for protests during national anthems.

He tells us he's disappointed Brees still doesn't understand the message of the kneeling protests ... but he's confident the QB will eventually figure it out and right his wrong.

"He'll probably do some great stuff because of it and he'll probably do even more than he would have done," Boyer said. "That's how I choose to look at it."

"I think that it will eventually bring us more together just like this very difficult time will eventually bring us more together as a country."

So far, Boyer seems to be right ... two of Brees' best teammates -- Michael Thomas and Demario Davis -- have already forgiven him, with Thomas saying Thursday, "One of my brothers made a public statement yesterday that I disagreed with."

Will Drew Brees join the movement he recently denounced and take a knee during the National Anthem??

The right answer to that question can result in some serious cash ... as the New Orleans Saints QB has become the center of a new prop bet.

Of course, Brees started a crap storm when he said he'd NEVER accept kneeling for the anthem ... and later apologized after teammates and the industry's biggest athletes spoke out against his comments.

TMZ Sports has learned ... MyBookie -- one of the biggest sportsbooks on the internet -- has released the odds on Brees' stance when Week 1 comes around.

So ... will he kneel?? Here's the breakdown.

Yes +300

No -700

Translation -- Brees standing for the anthem is the HEAVY favorite. BUT, if he were to kneel, it could have a MAJOR payout.

"We, the National Football League, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest."

Those words just came out of Roger Goodell's mouth -- and it seems obvious he's finally acknowledging the horrible way the NFL handled Colin Kaepernick's kneeling protest.

The NFL commish just released a video statement after several top NFL stars -- including Saquon Barkley, OBJ, and Patrick Mahomes -- demanded the league admit they were wrong in silencing peaceful protesters like Kap.

And, it seems the players got what they asked for.

Goodell never mentions Kaepernick by name -- but there's no doubt what he meant.

"It has been a difficult time for our country, in particular black people in our country," Goodell said.

He offered condolences to the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and "all the families who have endured police brutality."

"We, the National Football League, condemn racism and the systematic oppression of Black People," Goodell continued.

"We, the National Football League, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest."

Then this ...

"We, the National Football League, believe Black Lives Matter."

"I personally protest with you and want to be a part of the much needed change in this country."

"Without black players there would be no National Football League. And the protests around the country are emblematic of the centuries of silence, inequality, and oppression of black players, coaches, fans, and staff."

"We are listening and I will be reaching out to players who have raised their voices, and others on how we can move forward together for a better and more united NFL family."

Kaepernick began his kneeling demonstration during the national anthem in 2016 to put a spotlight on police brutality and racial injustice in America.

He parted ways with the SF 49ers after that season -- but hasn't had a legit opportunity with another NFL team since then.

Kap believes there was a concentrated effort to blackball him from the NFL because of his demonstration -- and has said for YEARS that he wants to get back in the league and play.

BTW, he's still only 32 years old.

Goodell's announcement signals an epic sea change for the league -- but the NFL started working toward this day more than year ago when it launched its Inspire Change initiative.

The program's poured considerable resources into improving community-police relations, criminal justice reform and advancing education for youth since January 2019.

During this year's Super Bowl, the league aired a social justice themed PSA about ex-WR star Anquan Boldin's murdered cousin ... which was part of the Inspire Change program.

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."

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.

The biggest names in the NFL -- from Patrick Mahomes to Odell Beckham to Saquon Barkley and more -- just dropped a powerful message demanding the league admit it wrongly silenced protesters like Colin Kaepernick.

More than 15 players -- including Zeke Elliott, Jarvis Landry, Tyrann Mathieu and DeAndre Hopkins -- all joined together to make an impactful video showing their support for the protests going on all over the country.

"How many times do we need to ask you to listen to your players? What will it take? For one of us to be murdered by police brutality?" the stars say in the vid.

"We will not be silenced. We assert our right to peacefully protest. It shouldn't take this long to admit."

We're told the whole thing was put together by New Orleans Saints superstar Michael Thomas ... who organized the video after teammate Drew Brees condemned kneeling for the anthem.

In the video, the players mention several African-Americans who were killed as the result of police brutality or racism -- including George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery.

The video ends with this demand -- "So, on behalf of the National Football League, this is what we, the players, would like to hear you state:

"We, the National Football League, condemn racism and the systematic oppression of black people. We, the National Football League, admit wrong in silencing our players from peacefully protesting. We, the National Football League, believe Black Lives Matter."

Unclear what will happen if the NFL does not comply with the players' demands ... we're reaching out to reps to see if there's a plan to hold out or take other action.

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.

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."

"I considered you a friend. I looked up to you. You're somebody I had a great deal of respect for. But sometimes, you should shut the f**k up."

Malcolm Jenkins just went HARD after Drew Brees in a now-deleted video ... calling his Saints teammate everything from "self-centered" to "unaware" -- and it's pretty emotional.

Jenkins -- who took down the vid and posted a second version of it to his Instagram on Wednesday -- fired at Brees for calling kneeling protests during NFL national anthems "disrespectful."

"To assume that you have a perspective about the flag and what it means to you or the national anthem, and that everybody else should have the same mentality," Jenkins said, "it is just completely unaware that my grandfather's experience is way different from yours."

The NFL star continued, "To stay silent when your peers are screaming from the mountain top that, 'We need help, our communities are under siege and we need help,' and what you're telling us is, 'Don't ask for help that way. Ask for it a different way. I can't listen to it when you ask that way.'"

"We're done asking, Drew. And, people who share your sentiments, who express those and push them throughout the world and airways, are the problem."

In his second video, Jenkins echoed the same sentiment as his first ... even saying in the clip, "if you don't understand that other people experience something totally different than you, then when you talk about the brotherhood and all this other bullsh*t, it's just lip service."

In the written caption of the second clip, Malcolm said Drew had reached out to him to give his side of the story prior to posting the vids ... but the DB explained why he felt the need to go forward with the emotional messages anyway.

"As I was trying to muster up the energy and find the words to address Drew Brees’s comments I recorded this video," Jenkins said. "Before I could post it, Drew reached out to me to discuss his point of view."

Malcolm continued, "All in all, I’m still posting this video because it’s important for anyone who wants to consider themself an ally to know how these words and actions affect those who you want to help. Drew’s words during his interview were extremely painful to hear and I hope he rectifies them with real action."

More backlash against Drew Brees -- this time it's former NFL star Antonio Cromartie calling the QB a "coward" and "stupid MF" over Drew's position against NFL kneeling protests.

"[Drew Brees] you a coward!!! You are the damn problem,"
Cromartie said.

FYI -- Cromartie was one of the players who took a knee during his stint with the Indianapolis Colts -- and believes he was cut and subsequently blackballed from the league as a result.

So, as you can imagine he didn't take too kindly Wednesday when Brees said, "I will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America."

Here's Cro ...

"You are in the locker with nothing but Black men. For you to sit here and think [the kneeling protest] was about a f**king flag. A Flag don’t give a sh*t about the black community."

Cromartie listed several black people who died as the result of police brutality -- including Tamir Rice, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Philando Castile.

"The list goes on you stupid MF," Cro added.

"That’s why we took a knee. Some of us lost our jobs because we wanted to take a stand 4 those that couldn’t."

"And you on here talkin abt a damn flag."

LeBron James is going IN on Drew Brees over the QB's comments -- explaining why Drew is just dead wrong.

"WOW MAN!! 🤦🏾‍♂️. Is it still surprising at this point. Sure isn’t! You literally still don’t understand why Kap was kneeling on one knee??"

"Has absolute nothing to do with the disrespect of Flag of United States and our soldiers(men and women) who keep our land free."

LBJ continued ... "My father-in-law was one of those men who fought as well for this country. I asked him question about it and thank him all the time for his commitement."

"He never found Kap peaceful protest offensive because he and I both know what’s right is right and what’s wrong is wrong! God bless you."

James isn't the only high-profile sports star to weigh in -- Richard Sherman also spoke out against Brees' comments.

"He’s beyond lost. Guarantee you there were black men fighting along side your grandfather but this doesn’t seem to be about that," Sherman tweeted.

"That uncomfortable conversation you are trying to avoid by injecting military into a conversation about brutality and equality is part of the problem"

New England Patriots stars/twins Devin and Jason McCourty's joint Twitter account spoke out against Brees' stance ... saying "This is a disgrace! To speak about your grandfathers as if there weren’t black men fighting next to them."

"Those men later returned to a country that hated them. Don’t avoid the issue and try to make it about a flag or the military. Fight like your grandfathers for whats right!"

Doug Baldwin sent a public message to Brees on Twitter, saying, "the reason my children have to live in a world that won’t empathize with their pain is because people like you are raising your children to perpetuate the cycle. Drew, you are the problem."

Drew Brees still does not believe NFL players should take a knee during the national anthem -- saying it's disrespectful to the flag.

The New Orleans Saints QB appeared on Yahoo's On The Move where he was asked about Colin Kaepernick's kneeling demonstration most likely making a return when the NFL season begins.

"I will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America," Brees said.

The 41-year-old explained why the anthem is so important to him - he has 2 grandfathers who served in the military -- and says he gets emotional thinking about the sacrifices they made to serve our country.

Brees also says he thinks about "the civil rights movements of the '60s and everyone and all that has been endured by so many people up until this point."

That's when Brees acknowledges the civil unrest in the U.S. following the killing of George Floyd ... but still doubled down on his stance.

"Is everything right with our country right now? No, it's not. We still have a long away to go. But, I think what you do by standing there and showing respect for the flag with your hand over your heart, is it shows unity."

"It shows that we are all in this together. We can all do better and that we are all part of the solution."

Clearly, not everyone in the NFL feels the same way.

Kaepernick has said he took a knee to put a spotlight on police brutality and racial injustice ... not to disrespect the military.

Fangio is now backing off his comments ... releasing a statement Wednesday saying he was "wrong" to say there's no racism in the National Football League.

"After reflecting on my comments yesterday and listening to the players this morning," the head coach said, "I realize what I said regarding racism and discrimination in the NFL was wrong."

Fangio added, "While I have never personally experienced those terrible things first-hand during my 33 years in the NFL, I understand that many players, coaches and staff have different perspectives."

"I should have been more clear and I am sorry."

Ex-NFL superstar Terrell Owens is backing Carson's sentiment ... and pointed out this is the same league that's kept Kaepernick out of the league since his National Anthem demonstration.

"HE NEEDS TO BE DRUG TESTED!!! What does he think that was against @Kaepernick7?!!"

Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio says there's no racism at all in the NFL ... but a Seattle Seahawks star clearly disagrees -- with Chris Carson calling the guy a "joke" for the comments.

Fangio was on a conference call with reporters Tuesday, going in-depth on his feelings on social injustices in America -- when he said society needs to be more like teams in the NFL.

"We're a league of meritocracy, you earn what you get, you get what you earn," Fangio said. "I don't see racism at all in the NFL, I don't see discrimination in the NFL."

The comment quickly caught the attention of Seattle's star running back ... with Carson immediately responding to Fangio's words by saying, "This man a joke ..."

Chris -- who rushed for 1,230 yards and 7 TDs last season -- didn't elaborate ... but his 'Hawks teammate, Quandre Diggs, did ... adding, "Is he blind??"

Fangio -- who's coached in the NFL in some capacity for more than three decades -- went on to tell reporters, "We all live together, joined as one, for one common goal, and we all intermingle and mix tremendously."

"If society reflected an NFL team, we'd all be great."

Of course, non-NFL players on social media also criticized the opinion ... claiming the NFL blackballed Colin Kaepernick after he attempted to bring awareness to police brutality and social injustices in America by kneeling during national anthems.

For his part, Fangio did condemn the police officers involved in the death of George Floyd ... and he also encouraged his players to protest racial inequality in the country.

Ex-NFL star Thomas Jones says he absolutely sees racism in the NFL -- and the proof is black players contract negotiations.

"You have certain black quarterbacks that automatically just don't get the contract that they've earned, they have to wait another couple years," Thomas said on "TMZ Live."

"Where you see certain white quarterbacks get contracts and, you know, they haven't really done as much."

In a subsequent conversation with Thomas, the former NFL star told us Ryan Tannehill got a huge deal ... while a legit dominant back like Derrick Henry gets franchised tagged -- when he deserves a long term deal.

Jones adds that Russell Wilson also had to wait to get a fat contract ... longer than comparable white quarterbacks.

Bottom line ... Jones couldn't disagree more with Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio -- who claimed earlier this week there is NO racism in the NFL.

"There is racism in the NFL," said Jones, who played in the league from 2000 to 2011 ... "What [Fangio] said sounds good, but it's just not accurate."

Thomas also says the head coaching hiring process is far from favorable to minority assistants ... and tells us he was appalled when the NFL kicked around the idea of draft pick compensation for hiring black coaches.

"That's a slap in the face to black people and to black coaches and to black professionalism," Jones said. "It's very tone-deaf to us."

"Especially after I played 12 years in the NFL, dedicated a lot of my life to it," Jones added. "I know the X's and O's just as well as any other white coach or any other coach of any other nationality. And, for you to use that as a bargaining chip, it clearly says where they are."

Jones tells us he's hopeful country-wide protests and national discussions of racism will lead to change in the league.

Legendary college football coach Johnny Majors -- who led Pittsburgh to a national title in 1976 -- has died at 85, the school announced Wednesday.

Majors was a head coach at the college level from 1968-1996 ... with programs including Pitt, Iowa State and -- most notably -- Tennessee, where he led the Volunteers for 16 seasons.

John's wife, Mary Lynn, released a statement to WNML ... saying, "It's with a sad heart that we make this announcement," she said.

"John passed away this morning. He spent his last hours doing something he dearly loved: looking out over his cherished Tennessee River."

Pitt also addressed Majors' passing, saying, "He led us to our greatest glory and changed Pitt forever. Thank you, Coach. Rest in peace."

Majors was also an incredible single-wing back for the Vols from 1953-56 ... receiving All-American honors and finishing 2nd in Heisman voting in 1956.

He rushed for 549 yards and 7 TDs and passed for 552 yards and 5 TDs that season, leading the Vols to a 10-1 record and winning an SEC title.

#RIP

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott just pledged $1 MILLION "to improve our police training and address systematic racism through education and advocacy."

The 26-year-old -- who's expected to sign a monster new contract soon -- explained why the current climate has motivated him to take action.

"As a black multiracial American, I am disgusted and unsettled," Prescott said.

"As our communities take action, protesting and fighting for the justice of George Floyd and every black life, I am with you!"

"I have viewed these protests and riots in our streets as a form of strength and an attempt to show we as black people have rights that aren’t being perceived as equally as our counterparts."

Prescott says he does not believe in looting or "that violence is the answer" ... but clearly believes things can change with proper education and training.

Prescott does not specify exactly where his donation will go -- but says he won't just be writing a check ... he'll be personally involved.

"I will take action and help! I will act alongside of all of you!"

"We will clean our streets in our communities not only of the looting and violence, but most importantly the racism, racial profiling, and hate!"

How does Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez feel about the NFL's Washington team participating in #BlackoutTuesday?

SHE THINKS IT'S RIDICULOUS!!!

As you probably saw, millions of people posted black squares on social media Tuesday to show solidarity with the protesters.

The Washington Redskins also took part -- and AOC called 'em out quick.

"Want to really stand for racial justice? Change your name."

Of course, there's a been a movement for YEARS to get Washington to change the name, but they've steadily resisted -- pointing to data they claim shows most Native Americans do NOT find the name offensive.

However, a recent poll conducted by UC Berkeley showed more than half of 1,000 Native Americas surveyed found the name offensive.

But, will the new protests finally convince the franchise to drop the moniker?