Football

Russell Wilson says there's a chance he won't be allowed in the hospital room when Ciara gives birth to the couple's child later this summer ... saying COVID-19 might force him to sit out.

"That's what we don't know," the NFL superstar told fill-in host Joel McHale on Jimmy Kimmel Live this week. "That's kind of the crazy part of it."

Ciara is due to give birth to her and Russ' second child together in just a few weeks ... but Wilson says he still hasn't been given the OK to be in the room with her for the birth.

Unclear where Ciara will deliver the baby ... but the two have property in Southern California -- where coronavirus cases have continued to surge over the past few weeks.

If Wilson ain't allowed in, he says that's kind of an issue for the two ... because he says when Ciara gave birth to their first child together in 2017 -- she used him well in the room to get through it.

"I think she needs me in the hospital room," Wilson told McHale. "Last time she grabbed my hand, she almost broke my hand!"

Wilson added he's "hopeful" to get the green light to be in the room with the "Level Up" singer ... but he seems to understand the pandemic might not make that possible.

Poor Kirk Cousins!!

The Minnesota Vikings QB is the target of a new TikTok challenge ... with people clowning his throwing accuracy in hilarious videos -- and the clips are SAVAGE!!

The trend all began with the Vikings posting footage of Kirk rollin' out of the pocket and challenging social media users to "duet" the clip with them "catching" the pass.

The issue? Fans used the footage to troll the QB by pretending he overthrew them ... and the vids are laugh out loud funny!!!

Check out some of the most viral ones ... watch the dude in the blue tank top getting overthrown -- it's just impossible to not crack up!!

Other users also made fun of the throws in comical fashion ... and it's all seriously great.

Don't worry, we're sure Kirk's going to let this all roll off his back ... dude does have legit talent -- he just made the Pro Bowl last season.

And, if it really does affect him ... he's got a nearly $100 MILLION contract to fall back on with the Vikings.

NFL star Michael Bennett is retiring after 11 seasons in the NFL -- and admits the COVID pandemic played a key role in his decision.

Don't get it twisted, Bennett's not retiring because of the virus -- but admits the lockdown forced him to think more about his life and his priorities.

And in the end, 34-year-old Bennett -- a Super Bowl champ and 3-time Pro Bowler -- told the New Yorker he wants to focus on his family, social justice and charity work.

"Retiring feels a little like death of self," Bennet said on IG ... "but I’m looking forward to the rebirth -- the opportunity to reimagine my purpose."

The defensive lineman wasn't just a beast on the field -- where he racked up 69.5 career sacks -- but he's been VERY active off of it.

He's already authored the book "Things That Make White People Uncomfortable" (which he's developing into a TV series) -- and co-hosts a podcast with his wife, Pele.

Bennett also works with various charity organizations including Athletes for Impact -- a network for pro athletes looking to give back to the community.

During his NFL career, Bennett made roughly $60 MILLION in contract money playing for the Seahawks Bucs, Patriots, Eagles and Cowboys -- not bad for an undrafted free agent out of Texas A&M.

"I would like to thank my wife and children, who have sacrificed so much for me to succeed," Bennett said.

"I’m looking forward to supporting them the same way they have me these past 11 years. I have never been more at peace in my life."

The Washington NFL team is expected to hire sports anchor Julie Donaldson to lead its radio broadcast booth this upcoming season ... in what is believed to be a first for the league.

Donaldson -- a former reporter for NBC Sports Washington -- will replace longtime radio host Larry Michael, who abruptly stepped down from his gig when he was accused of inappropriate conduct toward employees.

The team will make Donaldson the senior VP of media ... putting her in charge of finding a replacement for Michael's play-by-play duties.

NBC Sports reports Donaldson will be in the booth during games ... but it's unclear what her role will be on game day.

Donaldson -- who also won Miss Florida USA in 2001 -- has been covering Washington sports since June 2010 ... and led pre-and-postgame shows for NBC Sports Washington.

The NFL is "likely" to allow players to wear special helmet decals in 2020 honoring victims of police brutality, racism or cops killed in the line of duty.

It's not a done deal yet, according to Front Office Sports ... but the league is working with the NFL Players Association to iron out the final details.

The decals will feature the initials of the person the player wants to honor -- for example "G.F." for George Floyd.

According to the report, the individual players will decide who they want to honor on their helmets -- it will not be mandated by the team.

So, in theory ... teams can have several different players with mismatched decals on their helmets.

"You might have one team with 15 different decals,” NFL Network's Steve Wyche told F.O.S.

Unclear if players will have to clear the name of the people they want to honor with the league before displaying ... but the report says, "tributes could range from African American victims of racism to police officers slain in the line of duty."

Wyche told F.O.S., the league and the P.A. are "still in discussions. But, this sounds like it’s going to happen."

This would be new ground for the NFL -- which has never allowed players to make individual statements on their helmets ... EVER.

"We're going to make sure we bring not 1, not 2, not 3, not 4, but 5-plus rings to Kansas City!"

K.C. Chiefs star Chris Jones did his best LeBron James impression Monday ... channeling the NBA superstar by guaranteeing multiple future championships for his team -- and it was all bold as hell!

The defensive lineman -- who just signed a MASSIVE 4-year, $85 MILLION extension to stay in K.C. -- was asked on 610 Sports Radio what his message would have been if he had been able to speak to fans at the Chiefs' Super Bowl parade in February.

That's when Jones said he would've gone all LeBron on the crowd ... and promised more parades in the future!!

"This is only the beginning," Jones said of what his speech would have entailed. "Be prepared to have another parade, and another parade, and another parade!"

Of course, 5-plus rings is unlikely ... Tom Brady's the only dude in history with that many -- and it took him 20 YEARS to get.

But, if anyone was going to do it in the near future ... it'd be the Chiefs.

They just locked up quarterback Patrick Mahomes for at least the next decade ... and they're returning nearly every other significant player from last season's Super Bowl roster.

In fact, when we spoke with star wideout Tyreek Hill about the squad ... he told us he was FIRED UP over the offense's potential in 2020.

Antonio Brown just announced his playing days are over -- again -- with the free-agent wide receiver saying, "at this point the risk is greater than the reward."

Remember, AB threatened to retire back in September ... after he was released by the New England Patriots amid a myriad of off-field issues, including a sexual assault investigation.

Now ... the 7-time Pro Bowler is singing a similar tune, saying he's putting the game behind him for good.

"Is it time to walk away i done ✅ everything in the game ?!!" AB tweeted on Monday.

"thank you everyone who been part of this journey i sincerely thank you for everything! life goes on 84!"

"I came i saw i conquered mission complete Call God 🤙🏾"

Of course, AB was traded to the Oakland Raiders after a drama-filled 9 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers ... but was released before the 2019 season started.

Brown was picked up by the Pats for one game ... scoring 1 touchdown.

AB had been working like a maniac to get back to the league -- training with guys like Russell Wilson and Lamar Jackson this summer -- and we were even told by one of his workout QBs last week that he had been "ramping up workouts" in anticipation of signing soon.

It's official ... no high school football during 2020 in California -- the season will now begin in January and could pose some serious issues for multi-sport athletes.

The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) issued a statement Monday, saying most teams can begin to practice in December with a January kickoff date for regular-season games.

Football season in CA usually begins in either late August or early September -- but COVID has obviously thrown a wrench in the usual plans.

Now, the season will run through April -- which could force some top multi-sport athletes across the state to make some tough choices.

Both baseball, basketball and track are now scheduled to begin around March -- and it could be very difficult or even impossible for players to meaningfully contribute in those sports at the same time.

Of course, a TON of major athletes played 2 or 3 sports in high school ... just look at Patrick Mahomes and Kyler Murray who were both big football and baseball guys growing up.

Other Fall sports that have been pushed back include volleyball, water polo, cross country, field hockey, gymnastics and more.

Donald Hammond -- starting QB for Air Force -- is no longer considered to be in "good standing" with the academy and could be OUT for the 2020 season, the team announced.

We know what you're thinking ... what happened? Officials are keeping the details close to the vest.

"Donald Hammond is no longer a cadet in good standing and cannot represent the academy in outside activities," Air Force said in a statement.

Unclear if the situation is based on academics or behavior -- but either way, it's a big blow for Air Force. Hammond is a pretty solid player.

He started 11 games for Air Force in 2019 -- leading the team to an 11-2 record. The team finished the season ranked #23 in the country in the coaches poll.

In fact, the 6'2", 220 pound quarterback made the 2020 Davey O'Brien National QB Award Watch list ... which spotlights the nation's top 30 returning QBs.

In 2019, he racked up 1,316 passing yards, 553 rushing yards and 26 total TDs.

According to his Air Force profile, Hammond is an aeronautical engineering major -- with dreams of being a developmental engineer or fly remote piloted aircraft in the Air Force.

Half a BILLION dollars might not have been enough for Patrick Mahomes ... so says the QB's star WR, Tyreek Hill, who tells TMZ Sports he would've gone higher!!!

"I mean, hell," Hill says, "I thought he was worth even more!!"

Of course, Hill tells us the deal is still massive and more than fair for his Chiefs BFF ... adding, "I'm proud of my boy, Pat, man! I'm really happy for him."

Mahomes inked a record-breaking 10-year, $503 MILLION contract extension earlier this month ... and Hill believes that could be the catalyst for a lengthy dynasty in K.C.

In fact, the 2-time All-Pro wideout tells us with Mahomes locked in and star defensive tackle Chris Jones inking a new deal ... he sees multiple rings on the horizon for the Chiefs.

"I'm proud of just the Chiefs in general for getting all these deals done, man," Hill says. "'Cause they understand right now is our time, like this is our window to be great, for us to build that dynasty and I'm just happy to be along with them."

As for who's buying meals going forward now that he, Jones and Pat have signed huge contracts ... Hill says that honor will go to Mahomes from here on out.

Sorry, kid.

By the way, Tyreek is doing some really cool things this offseason while preparing to go back to back with K.C. ... he tells us he's creating a clothing brand that he hopes can help raise money and awareness in the fight for social justice.

The man who squatted on several potential new names for the NFL's Washington franchise says he's reached out to the league to offer up the trademarks for free ... and he's got the emails to prove it.

Martin McCaulay -- aka the "trademark hog" (that's what he calls himself) -- came under fire from Washington fans when it came out that he obtained the trademarks for a bunch of possible replacement names ... including the Washington Monuments, Americans, Veterans, Red-Tailed Hawks, Federals and more.

Most people assumed he would try to shake down the franchise for a big payday but McCauley says that's B.S.

In fact, McCauley tells us he reached out to the NFL via email on July 4 offering his 10 trademarked names for no charge!

"My email was dated July 4th, 2020 to the NFL trademark attorney and said 'free trademarks,' a list out of all my trademarks saying, 'you can have these for free' and they didn't respond."

"I didn't know how to reach anybody. I'm on Twitter, at the NFL, at the NFL commish. Take my trademarks, please! What do I have to do to get you to take these trademarks?"

As you know, Washington is on the hunt for a new name after FINALLY dropping "Redskins" ... following a scathing letter written by the National Congress of American Indians, an organization that reps over 5 million Native Americans.

So, Martin -- who believes the name change is long overdue -- even hired a lawyer to help pass along his registered trademarks.

"They won't take my offer of free trademarks so I hired an attorney to facilitate the transaction. His name is Darren Heitner," McCaulay says.

"He wrote a letter to Mr. Snyder with my offer, making it clear that I was trying to facilitate the name change. I do not want to be an obstacle. Please. If you want one of Mr. McCaulay's trademarks, or me, 'trademark hog,' as I like to go by, then just let us know what does he need to do to get out of your way? What is it?"

Antonio Brown ain't on an NFL roster yet ... but his personal QB tells TMZ Sports the former All-Pro is "ramping up" his workouts in anticipation of signing soon.

Peter Zamora -- the 17-year-old high school quarterback who's been Brown's throwing partner this summer -- says he's noticed a HUGE uptick in AB's training demeanor recently.

Zamora says Brown has requested more throwing sessions in the last few days and weeks ... this as NFL camps are set to kick off at the end of this month.

In clips from the duo's workout Wednesday ... you can see Brown in full pads getting after it -- running intense routes with purpose.

Zamora says the throwing session went on for about an hour -- focusing solely on short-range throws -- but Brown didn't stop there.

Zamora tells us AB brought the QB out AGAIN on Thursday for more work ... this time for another hour in blazing Florida heat.

"He's in excellent shape," Zamora said.

As we previously reported ... Brown's been angling HARD for months to get back on an NFL roster this season after he was let go by the Patriots amid controversy last September.

Brown has worked out with Redskins' Dwayne Haskins, Ravens' Lamar Jackson and Seahawks' Russell Wilson the past few months ... leading to speculation he could be a possible addition to all three teams at some point when camps begin in two weeks.

Of course, Brown is still under NFL investigation over a myriad of off-field issues ... including allegations he raped his former trainer, Britney Taylor.

A suspension, per multiple reports, seems likely.

There's a ring in Clemson superstar Trevor Lawrence's future even if the season is canceled ... 'cause the QB proposed to his longtime GF -- and she said YES!!!

Lawrence -- a Heisman hopeful in 2020 -- has been dating Marissa Mowry since early 2016 ... and decided to pop the question at Memorial Stadium in Clemson on Friday.

Pictures capturing the moment show a fully suited Lawrence get on one knee in the middle of the field and present the ring to a shocked Mowry.

"FOREVER," the 2018 national champ said on Instagram. "You’re everything I’ve dreamed of. I love you and can’t wait to marry you."

Of course, Trevor and Marissa have been together for several years ... dating back to way before he was one of the best players in college football.

In fact, Mowry famously predicted Lawrence would become a champ all the way back in 2017 ... when the dude was still in HS!!

"Easiest YES of my life!!!" Marissa said of the proposal. "I love you always Trevor"

The man accused of sucker punching Dallas Goedert in the face at a bar last month is officially fighting back in his assault case -- pleading NOT GUILTY to the charges Friday, a court official tells TMZ Sports.

30-year-old Kyle Hadala allegedly clocked the Philadelphia Eagles tight end during a bar brawl on June 19 in South Dakota ... and the video of the incident did NOT look good for Hadala.

In the clip ... you can see Hadala uncorks a right hand to Goedert's temple, knocking him to the ground. Prosecutors eventually hit Hadala with two counts of simple assault over the incident.

But, a court official tells us Hadala's attorney appeared in court for his client on Friday ... issued not guilty pleas to both charges, and requested a trial date.

As we previously reported ... Hadala claims he only got violent with the 25-year-old NFL player because he thought Goedert and his crew were threatening his friends and co-workers.

"They picked out my smaller colleague from the group, got in his face, and made very threatening remarks toward his personal well-being," Hadala said.

"Then one of his crew told my other colleague, and I quote, 'You’re just a fat f**king pussy. I'll beat the s*** out of you.'"

Hadala says after those comments, Goedert put his hands on one of his friends ... and that's when Hadala says he jumped in with the right hand.

Hadala claims he was attacked by Dallas' crew shortly after throwing the punch ... and suffered multiple cuts and lacerations as a result.

"My daughter works for the team and I sure as hell am not going to allow any of this!"

That's Washington head coach Ron Rivera promising to shut down ANY toxicity in his new org ... this after 15 women came out and said they experienced rampant sexual harassment and verbal abuse during their time with the team.

The women -- per a Washington Post report -- claimed high-ranking execs made inappropriate comments to them, and on at least one occasion, called a woman "f**king stupid."

In fact, some of the ex-female employees say it got so bad ... they would meet up in the bathroom on lunch breaks and cry over their experiences.

58-year-old Rivera -- who just took over the reins as the team's head coach this offseason -- released a statement to ESPN Thursday night ... vowing to change the culture.

"Biggest thing is we have to move forward from this," Rivera said, "and make sure everybody understands we have policies that we will follow and that we have an open door policy with no retribution."

For the team's part ... it has already parted ways with several of the employees accused of wrongdoing in the WaPo report -- and says it's hired an attorney to investigate further.

The NFL, meanwhile, said in a statement early Friday morning it takes the claims very seriously and will work with Washington's investigators to determine the necessary steps going forward.

"These matters as reported are serious, disturbing and contrary to the NFL's values," the league said. "Everyone in the NFL has the right to work in an environment free from any and all forms of harassment. Washington has engaged outside counsel to conduct a thorough investigation into these allegations."

"The club has pledged that it will give its full cooperation to the investigator and we expect the club and all employees to do so."

The statement continued, "We will meet with the attorneys upon the conclusion of their investigation and take any action based on the findings."