Football

Jaguars legend Maurice Jones-Drew says he was straight-up "shocked" to see the team cut Leonard Fournette ... telling TMZ Sports he has no idea how the move improves Jacksonville's roster.

"Leonard Fournette is one of their best players on their team," MJD says. "How are you better without him?!"

"How does that happen?!" the former NFL running back added. "How do you get rid of this guy?!"

Maurice says even if Fournette had a locker room personality that team officials didn't love ... he still thinks the best move would have been to keep the star RB in a Jags uniform.

"To me, in this league, it's all about you have to have a talented team to win," says Jones-Drew, who's currently KILLING it as an NFL Network analyst. "You can't win in this league without talent."

Jones-Drew says if he were running the Jags ... he would've certainly kept Fournette on the roster despite his past ups and downs with the team.

In fact, Maurice says he would have found a way to keep guys like Jalen Ramsey, Dante Fowler and Yannick Ngakoue on the roster as well.

But, MJD insists he ain't mad at his former team for the moves ... and tells us he's still holding out hope his ex-squad can wrap up a perfect 16-0 season this year.

Nick Saban put on his walking shoes and got to marching Monday -- leading the Alabama football team in a social justice demonstration on campus.

Saban, decked out in white polo, grey pants and a COVID mask, charged through Tuscaloosa from the athletic facility toward Foster Auditorium -- where some members of the team gave speeches.

Among the players at the march, star running back Najee Harris, according to reporter Simone Eli.

Some of the players wore shirts with messages like, "Black Lives Matter, "Equality" and "Defend Black Lives."

Some of the players carried a black lives matter banner.

During the march, Saban reportedly told the media he felt "like a proud parent."

"I'm proud of our team, I'm proud of our messengers and I'm proud of our message," he added.

Alabama is one of the major college football programs that WILL play in 2020.

The Crimson Tide -- ranked #3 in the country in some preseason polls -- is slated to take on Missouri on Sept. 26th.

LSU wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase -- one of the top WRs in college football -- is officially opting out of the 2020 college season to train for the NFL.

Chase is a BEAST -- in 2019, he led all FBS (AKA Division 1) WRs in receiving yards (1,780) and TDs (20) en route winning the Biletnikoff Award for the top WR in the country.

Now, with COVID wreaking havoc on the college football landscape, Chase has decided to skip the upcoming season to prepare himself for the 2021 NFL Draft, where he's expected to be a top pick.

"After careful consideration and many emotional conversations with my family, I have come to a difficult decision and will opt out of the 2020 season," Chase said in a statement.

"The competitor in me badly wants to play the season and go to war with my brothers, but during this time with so much going on, this is what’s best for my family."

In other words, he knows he's got life-changing money coming his way and doesn't want to jeopardize that. And really, can you blame him?!

"I’ve been fighting the thoughts and concerns that have crept into my mind but cannot ignore what I feel in my heart and this ultimately is the best decision for me," he added.

"I’ll look forward to returning to the field in 2021."

Chase is the 3rd player at LSU to opt out of the 2020 season -- following defensive end Neil Farrell and cornerback Kary Vincent.

Oh, the star QB from their national championship team is also gone.

Big ups to Manti Te'o ... the NFL player found VERY REAL love after the world's worst catfish incident -- and he's officially a married man!

The 29-year-old ex-Notre Dame superstar swapped "I Do's" with longtime girlfriend Jovi Nicole Engbino on the beach in La Jolla, CA.

The couple kept the ceremony super small due to the COVID pandemic -- but plan to have a bigger celebration with family and friends once it's safe.

"I couldn't give you the world but I think I did better," Te'o said on social media ... "I gave you my last name and it looks good on you Mrs. Te'o."

Of course, Te'o began dating Jovi -- a fitness pro -- back in 2015 ... just a few years after he was famously tricked into falling in love with the fictitious "Lennay Kekua" during his time as a Golden Domer.

The nearly 10-year-old story is still wild to look back on ... Te'o family acquaintance Ronaiah Tuiasosopo duped the linebacker into getting into a virtual relationship with a fake woman.

Tuiasosopo admitted to altering his voice when speaking with Te'o on the phone as part of the rouse.

Te'o was told "Lennay" died after a cancer battle in 2012 -- and he told the emotional story on national television interviews.

Once Te'o learned he had been duped -- he said the situation was "painful and humiliating."

To his credit, Te'o never got too down over it all ... and in 2015, he began dating Jovi in what now appears to be a hugely successful relationship.

"Yesterday I got to marry my best friend and the love of my life in an intimate beach ceremony," Jovi said Sunday of the wedding. "Although this was not how we envisioned our ceremony, it was perfect."

An up-and-down road in Jacksonville has finally come to an end for Leonard Fournette ... the Jaguars star running back was just released Monday, the team announced.

The former LSU superstar -- the 4th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft -- was able to post solid numbers when he was in the Jags' lineup ... but injuries and off-field drama constantly plagued him.

The 25-year-old was only able to start 36 of a possible 48 games in 3 seasons ... and he consistently found himself butting heads with the team and former exec Tom Coughlin.

Remember, Fournette was ejected for fighting with Bills players during a game in 2018 ... and was later suspended by the league over it -- hurting the hell out of the Jags' chances to make back-to-back playoff runs.

Later that season, Fournette was made inactive for the team's final game of the season ... and was ripped by Coughlin for his "disrespectful" and "selfish" body language on the sidelines.

Fournette was also reportedly repeatedly fined and admonished for being late to or skipping team events ... and even famously threatened to beat a heckler's ass during a Jags-Titans game in 2018 as well.

Fournette was also arrested in 2019 over an unpaid speeding ticket ... and wasn't shy about voicing his concerns over Jaguars personnel decisions over the past year too.

Jags head coach Doug Marrone spoke about the move Monday morning -- say the team tried like hell to trade Fournette, but "there wasn't anything there."

He added cutting Fournette was "what's best for our team."

After his cut Monday, Leonard can now be claimed off waivers by any team ... but if he clears there, he's free to choose to sign with any of the 31 other teams in the league as a free agent.

In his career, Fournette has rushed for 2,631 yards and 17 TDs on 666 carries.

Terrell Owens says Odell Beckham doubters are in for a rude awakening ... telling TMZ Sports the superstar receiver is destined for a huge year ... as long as his quarterback doesn't stink up the place.

Of course, the narrative is that OBJ had a pretty disappointing season in 2019 -- he battled a sports hernia injury as the Cleveland Browns posted an underwhelming 6-10 record.

FYI -- Odell still managed to rack up more than 1,000 yards and caught 4 touchdowns a year ago.

T.O. says the media wrongfully pushed a storyline that Odell was declining ... and believes it was "unfair."

"Obviously, Odell is a great talent," T.O. tells us. "It's very misleading for somebody to say that he had a down year."

"He had some great catches, there were some flashes of that. But again, playing with an injured hip ... I can't imagine what that feels like, trying to play through that but it's not all of his fault."

Owens puts part of the blame on Baker Mayfield ... saying OBJ would have made more plays if #6 was hitting his targets.

"You break down the game tape, like yeah, the guy was open and the ball was thrown high, thrown behind him, thrown low," Owens says. "This guy's catch rating is equivalent to Julio Jones."

"Heir season is gonna ride on [Odell] and [Jarvis] Landry. So, hopefully, they're working through those things and they're healthy, Baker is better than he was last year."

"That offense and that team is not gonna go anywhere if Baker is not being the leader there."

What does a dude nicknamed "Big Ticket" get for a chain??

How about A BIG ASS TICKET!!

TMZ Sports has learned ... New York Jets rookie Mekhi Becton is the proud new owner of a piece that is as big as his 6'7", 360-lb. frame ... copping a huge pendant in honor of his awesome moniker.

We're told Becton hit up famous jeweler Jason of Beverly Hills for the fancy jewelry ... which is made with more than a kilo of gold and 120 carats of flawless white diamonds.

So what's a piece like this worth?? We're told it's valued at a whopping $400k. Now that's an expensive ticket!!

Of course, the rookies are packin' on the ice before the season -- as we previously reported, Cincinnati Bengals first overall pick Joe Burrow just got his diamond #9 chain.

Think Bills Mafia will let COVID-19 stop 'em from smashing through fiery tables before kickoff?!!

NOPE!!!

The tailgates will happen -- the Zubaz will be worn, chaos will reign, TMZ Sports has learned.

Here's the deal ... with fans blocked from attending NFL games in person at stadiums around the country, people are still looking to gather in groups to tailgate safely.

Bills fans -- known for being insane maniacs -- are among those (since the team has said no fans will be allowed at the first 2 home games) ... but the good news for them, they'll get their chance to tailgate, with COVID protocols in effect.

We're told one option is a tailgating "bubble" sponsored by MyBookie, which claims it will create a completely sanitized, clean zone for Bills fans in the Buffalo area where they can rage before games, while adhering to COVID safety measures.

Fans must register to get inside the tailgating area (they're trying to limit the number of people) -- but once inside, fans will enjoy food, booze and all the sanitizer they can squirt.

There are also plans to bring in a van for Mafia members to climb as a launching pad for table jumps.

The exact location is still being worked out. Masks and social distancing will hopefully be enforced.

It's not a true "bubble" like the NBA environment in Orlando -- where people are tested and quarantined before being allowed to enter. But, hey ... it's better than nothing!

The Bills' first home game is scheduled for Sept. 13 against the NY Jets.

Terrell Owens says the Hall of Fame, the TD's and the millions of dollars he's earned means nothing ... 'cause he's a Black man in America -- and he's afraid for his life.

TMZ Sports talked to the 46-year-old NFL legend ... and as you might expect, T.O. was visibly shaken by the latest police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, WI.

"As Black men bro, we're getting killed at an alarming rate now," Owens bluntly told us.

"This is why we as Black men, Black people, we're scared. Honestly, I really didn't think about it until like just driving around today, like honestly, it's scary to be a Black man in America, especially if you come in any type of encounter with law enforcement."

Of course, T.O.'s one of the greatest -- and most recognizable -- athletes in the United States ... but he says these days, that provides him no comfort or protection at all.

"There been times where, obviously, I knew my status or what have you can get me out of a situation," Terrell says.

"But, I'm sure if I get pulled over, I'm sure my heart will probably be beating 90 miles an hour. Especially considering everything that has transpired since the George Floyd murder."

Owens ended the conversation by explaining that, straight up, cops have to be better going forward.

Saquon Barkley loves his personal Nike logo so much, he decided to get the thing decked out in a brand new baller chain ... and man, does this thing shine!!!

TMZ Sports has learned ... the New York Giants superstar running back wanted to treat himself before the start of the new season ... so he hit up his go-to guy, celeb jeweler Leo Frost, to whip up a diamond copy of his signature bolt emblem.

We're told the piece is made up of 18-karat white gold and VVS diamonds ... which means it's super high quality.

Of course, you've seen Frost's work in the past -- dude's done awesome chains for Joe Burrow, Henry Ruggs, Justin Jefferson, Errol Spence, Jr. and more.

Tom Brady says he'll look to his teammates to help him address social issues ... saying he'll "listen and learn" from their experiences to face them head-on.

TB12 was asked about the protests, boycotts and other actions taking place around the league and throughout the world of professional sports ... and Brady did his best to give the safest answer he possibly could.

Brady didn't offer his opinion on the Jacob Blake shooting -- nor did he reveal his personal feelings about superstars like LeBron James refusing to take the court for NBA playoff games this week.

Players around the league look to Brady as a leader and we know there are people looking to take their cues from him as the most high-profile athlete in football.

But so far, he's not really saying much.

Meanwhile, Drew Brees wore Jacob Blake's name on his helmet during practice this week in a show of support with his New Orleans Saints teammates.

Hell, even Cincinnati Bengals rookie QB Joe Burrow offered a strong opinion this week, saying, "How can you hear the pain Black people are going through and dismiss it as nothing?"

The Chicago Bears want to make it clear ... they do NOT endorse Brian Urlacher's IG post, criticizing NBA players for being outraged over the shooting of Jacob Blake.

Urlacher -- a Hall of Famer who spent his entire 13-year NFL career with the Bears -- set social media on fire Thursday ... by taking a shot at the NBA boycott.

"Brett Favre played the MNF game the day his dad died, threw 4 TDs in the first half, and was a legend for playing in the face of adversity,” Urlacher's post said.

"NBA players boycott the playoffs because a dude reaching for a knife, wanted on a felony sexual assault warrant, was shot by police."

Urlacher also appeared to "like" a social media post that said, "Free Kyle Rittenhouse,” the 17-year-old who allegedly shot and killed two people who were protesting the shooting of Jacob Blake.

The backlash was fast and furious ... with several high-profile outlets trashing Urlacher.

Isaiah Thomas wrote, "That’s sad smh. He’s a real life sucka for that."

Quentin Richardson added, "And To think I used to cheer for this dude as he played for my Bears!! F*ck outta here Urlacher!! U trippin!"

Ex-Bears running back Matt Forte -- who played with Urlacher -- said, "The comment [Urlacher] posted is void of empathy, compassion, wisdom and coherence. But full of pride and ignorance!"

"I pray for those who have been blinded by their wealth, privilege and earthly fame that breeds arrogance in their hearts."

"And those who refuse to Acknowledge racism and injustice but instead choose to place their energy into justifying it by quickly judging the victims life as if they themselves are more valuable because their sins are different or weren’t caught by man ... but God sees all."

Enter the Bears organization ... which quickly issued a statement on the matter.

"The social media posts in no way reflect the values or opinions of the Chicago Bears organization."

8 Nebraska football players have filed a lawsuit against the Big Ten Conference ... in hopes to reverse the decision to postpone the 2020 season.

Long story short ... the players claim there was no transparency about what happened behind the scenes leading up to the decision to postpone the season ... and they're demanding answers.

The suit points to Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren who announced there had been a vote of Big Ten presidents and chancellors who had overwhelmingly voted in favor of pushing the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

But, the players say they don't believe there was an actual vote -- claiming reps from multiple Big Ten schools have made public statements that there was no formal vote.

If there was no vote, the players believe the decision to push the season is invalid -- and they're demanding a judge get to the bottom of the issue asap.

The players include linebackers Garrett Snodgrass, Jackson Hannah and Garrett Nelson ... along with defensive tackle Ethan Piper, safety Noa Pola-Gates, wide out Alante Brown and linemen Brant and Brig Banks.

Attorney Mike Flood, who reps the players, issued a statement saying, "This lawsuit isn't about money or damages, it's about real life relief."

"These students athletes have followed all the precautions, underwent regular testing, and lived according to the prescribed guidelines of the world-class experts at UNMC all for the chance to play football in Sept."

UCLA says Under Armour is full of crap for using the COVID pandemic as an excuse to back out of a $280 million sponsorship deal ... and now the school is suing.

Here's the deal ... back in June, UA announced it would be pulling the plug on the 15-year deal it made with UCLA which began in 2017.

The University had touted it as the "largest athletic apparel sponsorship deal in the history of American college sports."

According to the suit, obtained by TMZ Sports, UA messaged to the school that because of the pandemic, the company would not be getting the widespread brand exposure it was promised when it entered the massive contract.

Under Armour allegedly cited the cancelation of college baseball games and the uncertainty of bigger sports like football and basketball as the main reasons for the move.

But, UCLA ain't buyin' the company's excuse -- claiming the REAL reason UA backed out is because the company is in financial trouble and was looking for a way to save some cash.

UCLA says in its suit, "Under Armour decided to try to use the COVID-19 pandemic as a cover to get out of paying on a deal that it no longer wanted to be in."

UCLA claims it seeks to "hold Under Armour to the promises that it made" ... and wants to force them to pay out the rest of the contract.

There's more ... UCLA claims UA also tried to use the excuse that the school didn't take appropriate action in the wake of the FBI's Varsity Blues college admissions scandal, which involved a former UCLA soccer coach.

UCLA claims it took swift action and put the coach on leave the same day as his arrest -- and then accepted his resignation a few days later.

UCLA says Under Armour never suggested they mishandled the situation until using it as an excuse to get out of the deal.

UCLA is suing for more than $200 MILLION in damages for breach of contract.

Washington NFL team staffers secretly produced and distributed a video of the team's cheerleaders in compromising positions, including clips with their bare breasts exposed ... this according to a new bombshell report.

It all went down during a 2008 shoot for a "Beauties on the Beach" calendar -- where a video crew chronicled the making of a sexy bikini calendar.

But, according to the Washington Post, team staffers used outtakes to put together a special, secret cut featuring moments when the women inadvertently exposed their nipples in the course of the shoot.

The Washington Post claims to have obtained a copy of the video -- but obviously, the outlet is not publishing it.

The Post reports the team's lead broadcaster, Larry Michael, played a major role in the making of the lewd video.

Michael's former staffer Brad Baker claims Michael told staffers the video was being made for team owner Daniel Snyder.

For his part, Michael is adamantly denying the allegations in the report -- saying, "Nothing can be further from the truth. I was never asked to nor did I ask someone to compile videos as [the Post] described."

The Washington Football Team has not commented on the allegations in the Post's report ... though the Post claims they were given multiple opportunities before they published the story.

In the article, the Post says it spoke with more than 100 past and current employees about the culture -- and it wasn't great.

"The employees also described an atmosphere in which bullying and demeaning behavior by management created a climate of fear that allowed abusive behavior to continue unchecked," the Post reports.

The article comes in the wake of previous, similar allegations about how the franchise has been run ever since Snyder became the owner.

In the past few weeks, the team has fired several employees and hired attorney Beth Wilkinson to conduct a full investigation into the team's workplace.

Cincinnati Bengals CB Mackensie Alexander has left training camp to help police search for his missing father, this according to reports.

Mackensie's dad, 65-year-old Jean Odney Alexandre went missing Monday after a palmetto berry picking trip in Okeechobee County, FL.

The Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office says Jean went on the trip with another man ... who ended up leaving the prairie without Alexandre.

Jean was reported missing late Monday night ... and law enforcement launched a search mission using K-9's, 4 wheelers and helicopters.

26-year-old Alexander -- a 2nd-round draft pick out of Clemson in 2016 -- bolted training camp in Cincinnati to join the search, according to Tom Pelissero.