Football

Magic Johnson's newest purchase is leaving him quite unhappy -- at least, that was the case on Thursday night -- 'cause after the Commanders got dusted by the Bears, he laid into them on his X page.

The Lakers legend -- who helped Josh Harris purchase the Washington Football Team for $6 billion earlier this summer -- sounded off just minutes after his new squad lost 40-20 ... making it clear he's looking for more from his guys going forward.

"Tonight the Commanders played with no intensity or fire," he said bluntly.

The Commanders did look lifeless during the game's first 30 minutes ... allowing Chicago stars Justin Fields and D.J. Moore to run wild all over them in the first half.

And, while they did fight back a bit to make things somewhat interesting in the second half, they still lost by 20 -- something Magic's obviously fuming over.

"We didn't compete in the first half and got down 27-3 heading into halftime," said Magic, who watched the game from a FedExField luxury box Thursday night. "It was too big of a hole to climb out of and that is why we ended up losing 40-20."

The night at least wasn't all sadness for Magic ... he got to enjoy some pregame giggles with Amazon's "Thursday Night Football" crew, signing a bunch of gear for superfan Ryan Fitzpatrick on the pregame show.

Chandler Jones seems to be handling his messy split with the Raiders well ... the former Las Vegas star was spotted at a tattoo parlor this week appearing to be in good spirits while getting his first-ever tat.

TMZ Sports has learned ... the 33-year-old pass rusher was at Valerie DiMaggio's West Coast Tattoo Parlor in Vegas on Wednesday -- just four days after the Raiders cut him.

Jones, accompanied by a woman who seemed to be his love interest, was seen smiling ear-to-ear throughout his visit ... while he worked with artist Bobby Vegas to get some crosses etched on the side of his neck.

We're told Jones was "super friendly" and "super happy" while he made his way around the shop -- a somewhat surprising sight, considering last week he not only broke down in tears while on a live stream, but he was also arrested for allegedly violating a protective order.

But, according to DiMaggio, Jones was "a real nice guy" the entire time.

DiMaggio says Jones got tattooed for around 30 minutes ... and after it was all finished, he was so thrilled with it, he promised to come back to potentially get some matching ink with the woman he was with.

5:44 PM PT -- A moment of silence was held in Butkus' honor prior to Thursday Night Football at FedEx Field ... where his former team is currently playing against the Washington Commanders.

4:14 PM PT -- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell released a statement on Butkus' death.

"Dick Butkus was a fierce and passionate competitor who helped define the linebacker position as one of the NFL's all-time greats. Dick’s intuition, toughness and athleticism made him the model linebacker whose name will forever be linked to the position and the Chicago Bears.

"We also remember Dick as a long-time advocate for former players, and players at all levels of the game. The Dick Butkus Award and his foundation honored achievement on the field and service to the community among high school, college and NFL linebackers. Dick was a champion of clean sports as his “I Play Clean” campaign helped raise awareness about the dangers of steroid use among high school athletes.

"We send our deepest condolences to the Butkus family, the Bears organization and the many fans and people he impacted throughout his life."

3:46 PM PT -- The Butkus family just released a statement ... saying Dick died in his sleep overnight.

"The Butkus family is gathering with Dick's wife Helen. They appreciate your prayers and support."

The Bears added ... "Dick was the ultimate Bear, and one of the greatest players in NFL history. He was Chicago's son. He exuded what our great city is about and, not coincidently, what George Halas looked for in a player: toughness, smarts, instincts, passion and leadership."

The statement continued ... "He refused to accept anything less than the best from himself, or from his teammates.

"Dick had a gruff manner, and maybe that kept some people from approaching him, but he actually had a soft touch. His legacy of philanthropy included a mission of ridding performance enhancing drugs from sports and promoting heart health.

"His contributions to the game he loved will live forever and we are grateful he was able to be at our home opener this year to be celebrated one last time by his many fans."

NFL legend Dick Butkus -- one of the greatest linebackers of all time -- has died, TMZ Sports has learned. He was 80 years old.

We're told someone went to check on Butkus at his home on Thursday ... and he was found unresponsive.

Our sources tell us ... paramedics responded to a call for a patient in cardiac arrest at Butkus' residence in Malibu at 12:51 PM. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Butkus is among the most intimidating players to ever step onto a football field -- coming in at 6'3", 245 pounds, he was a defensive standout at the University of Illinois before joining his hometown Chicago Bears in 1965 ... going No. 3 overall in the NFL Draft.

He played his entire professional career with the Bears from 1965 to 1973 ... racking up every individual award imaginable -- six All-NFL selections, two Defensive Player of the Year honors and eight Pro Bowls.

Butkus earned many nicknames due to his style of play .. including The Maestro of Mayhem, The Enforcer, The Animal and The Robot of Destruction.

Butkus was named to the league's All-Decade teams in the '60s and '70s ... as well as the 75th and 100th Anniversary teams.

Butkus -- whose career was shortened due to injuries -- had 1,020 tackles, 22 interceptions and 27 fumble recoveries over the span of nine seasons. He was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979, his first year of eligibility.

In 1985, the Butkus Award was established to honor the top linebackers at the high school, college and professional levels.

The Bears retired his No. 51 jersey in 1994.

Off the field, Butkus was known for starring in commercials for Miller Lite, Prestone, Schick and Visa ... as well as dozens of films and TV shows, including "Any Given Sunday," "Hang Time," and "The Last Boy Scout." He was also an analyst for CBS.

Butkus continued to follow the NFL in retirement -- in fact, he posted his weekly picks on his Instagram just hours ago.

Butkus is survived by his wife, Helen, and three children.

RIP

Pat Fitzgerald is not going down without a fight -- the fired Northwestern football coach just filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against the school ... and he's seeking at least $130 million.

48-year-old Fitzgerald was suspended and later booted from his alma mater amid allegations of hazing within the program back in July ... after an investigation determined the longtime coach did not know of any wrongdoing, but could have made an effort to find out about what was happening.

Fast forward to Thursday ... PF's attorneys are ripping the school's decision to fire their client after 17 seasons.

"If there was ever a coach at Northwestern University who should have not been terminated, it's Coach Fitzgerald," Dan Webb said in a press conference announcing the "major" lawsuit.

Webb said N.U. wrongfully and illegally sacked Fitzgerald "without any legitimate or rational reason whatsoever."

Webb added the lawsuit includes claims of breach of contract on two occasions and defamation.

The attorney added the school should cough up the massive amount of money for the economic damages Fitzgerald suffered ... as well as an additional chunk of change for punitive damages, future loss of income and infliction of emotional distress.

This is amazing -- AT&T is partnering up with Gallaudet University to introduce a game changer for deaf football players ... by designing a 5G-connected helmet that shows play calls on the visor!!

The company broke the news on Thursday ... stating the football team at Gallaudet -- a private university in Washington, D.C. for deaf and hard-of-hearing students -- will wear the gear for the first time ever on Oct. 7.

The helmets will allow coaches to communicate with their team from the sideline by selecting a play from a tablet ... which will then show up on the players' visors.

The athletes were stoked after trying on the new equipment ... with one saying, "It felt like the world just instantly lifted off of my shoulders."

Gallaudet football head coach Chuck Goldstein is also excited for his team ... thanking AT&T for the incredible gift.

"We work out the same way as every other college football program, we practice the same way, we compete the same way," Goldstein said.

"The difference between coaching a hearing team compared to a deaf team is first the communication. The AT&T 5G-connected helmet will change football."

If that wasn't enough, AT&T is also donating a massive $500k to Gallaudet's football program.

"Our expertise in connectivity combined with Gallaudet's legacy of breaking down barriers has created a helmet that not only transforms the way deaf and hard of hearing athletes engage in sports but opened up endless possibilities for innovation," AT&T Senior VP Corey Anthony said.

A day after blasting NY Giants fans, Evan Neal is walking back the harsh comments ... admitting he was out of line when he attacked the loyal fanbase.

“I am wrong for lashing out at the fans who are just as passionate and frustrated as I am,” 23-year-old Neal wrote on X Wednesday night.

“I let my frustrations in my play + desire to win get the best of me. I had no right to make light of anyone's job and I deeply regret the things I said."

"We are working day in and day out to grow as a team and this was an unnecessary distraction. I apologize.”

Of course, Neal had a rough day at the office on Monday. His poor play was one of the reasons QB Daniel Jones was sacked one short of a dozen times against the Seahawks.

Throughout the game, fans booed the last-place team ... and Evan encouraged them to "boo louder."

Neal's tone clearly changed from earlier in the week when he made the inflammatory comments.

“Most critics really don’t understand the game of football to the level that we understand it in this building. So why would a lion concern himself with the opinion of a sheep? I’m just going to focus on Evan — and getting better. I honestly do not care what anybody has to say about Evan Neal, because they’re going to talk anyway," Neal told NJ Advance Media.

Evan didn't stop there, saying, "I genuinely don’t care. Why should I? I’m in the National Football League. The person that’s commenting on my performance, what does he do? Flip hot dogs and hamburgers somewhere?”

The comments irked many Giants fans -- one of the most loyal fanbases in the league -- who have been living and dying with the organization for decades. Meanwhile, Neal arrived less than 2 years ago.

But, give Evan credit for apologizing. Whether fans accept it remains to be seen.

Tom Brady's jersey from his final NFL game is about to hit the auction block ... and it's about to be in the hands of someone VERY rich -- 'cause it could sell for up to $2.5 MILLION!!!

TMZ Sports has learned ... the iconic piece of Buccaneers gear will be available next month as part of RM Sotheby's and Wynn's Official Auction of the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix.

The white No. 12 threads are from Brady's last game on January 16, 2023 ... when the Bucs faced the Dallas Cowboys in a Wild Card playoff matchup on Monday Night Football.

Brady had 351 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in the contest ... falling to Dallas, 31-14 and ending his stellar career.

Officials say the item could potentially become the most valuable game-worn jersey EVER ... passing Joe Montana’s San Francisco 49ers uni he wore in Super Bowl XIX and Super Bowl XXIII, which came with a $1.2 million price tag earlier this year.

Sotheby’s Head of Streetwear & Modern Collectables Brahm Wachter spoke about the rare piece of memorabilia ... saying, "There are only a few athletes who are universally accepted as the greatest in their sport -- Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Muhammed Ali, Wayne Gretzky, Babe Ruth."

"For the National Football League, it’s Tom Brady. Worn at the very last game of his tenured career, this historic shirt is a tangible reminder of Brady’s unparalleled legacy, and as such, is arguably the most coveted NFL jersey to ever come to auction."

Evan Neal is one of the worst-ranked tackles in the National Football League (per PFF), but the former 7th overall pick apparently thought it was a good idea to blast the Giants faithful as clueless, fair-weather fans just days after the O-line gave up 11 sacks on MNF.

23-year-old Neal -- the G-Men's first-round pick in 2022 -- was asked on Wednesday by reporter Darryl Slater about Giants fans who booed the team following Monday's loss ... a 24-3 defeat to the Seahawks, dropping the NYG to 1-3, and firmly in the NFC East basement.

“They were booing us, so I said, ‘Boo louder,’” Neal told Slater from the Giants locker room earlier today.

Slater followed up, asking the 6'7" tackle why he said that, to which Evan answered ... “because that just further shows that people are fair-weather.”

Probably not a great idea to go to war with the Giants' longtime, loyal fan base ... especially when you're graded as the 68th-ranked tackle (out of 71), and one of the worst performers on a line that gave up double-digit sacks two days ago.

But, Neal was just getting started.

“Most critics really don’t understand the game of football to the level that we understand it in this building. So why would a lion concern himself with the opinion of a sheep? I’m just going to focus on Evan — and getting better. I honestly do not care what anybody has to say about Evan Neal, because they’re going to talk anyway," Neal said.

Don't worry, there's more.

Evan went on to say ... "I genuinely don’t care. Why should I? I’m in the National Football League. The person that’s commenting on my performance, what does he do? Flip hot dogs and hamburgers somewhere?”

The last-placed Giants are on the road the next two weeks ... and despite what Neal said about liking the boos, it's probably a blessing in disguise the Giants won't be back at MetLife until later this month.

6:36 AM PT -- The Morgan State athletics department just announced they're canceling the homecoming game against Stony Brook this Saturday.

The Bears' next game will be on October 19 against North Carolina Central.

Morgan State University is postponing its highly anticipated homecoming football game this weekend after five people were injured in an on-campus shooting.

Officials at the HBCU made the announcement on Wednesday ... less than a day after at least two gunmen opened fire on the Baltimore campus, hitting four men and a woman who were between the ages 18 and 22.

"Regrettably," university president David Wilson said in a statement, "for the very first time in Morgan's history, all activities planned around Homecoming will be either canceled or postponed until the perpetrator(s) of this atrocity have been found and brought to justice."

The home game against Stony Brook had been slated to go down at 10 AM on Saturday.

Other canceled events included the Lady Bears' volleyball match, the school's "Homecoming Concert," the homecoming pep rally, the homecoming parade and a silent headphones party.

The school also announced that classes will be canceled for the rest of the week as security measures increase on campus.

"We strongly believe that this moment calls for reflection, thus allowing our students, faculty, and staff the opportunity to focus on their mental health," MSU said.

"We greatly appreciate the support of our later community who have expressed their concern and support during this most trying time."

Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to call Baltimore police at 410-396-2444 or leave an anonymous tip at 1-866-7LOCKUP.

The 11-year-old youth football player accused of shooting two of his teammates earlier this week has been ordered by a judge to stay in custody for at least the next 21 days.

The boy, who cops say opened fire on two 13-year-olds following a dispute at a practice at the Northwest Recreation Complex football field in Apopka, Fla. on Monday, had hoped for home detainment ... but he will now be forced to stay in juvenile detention for at least the next 3 weeks.

Reporters at the hearing in Orange County on Wednesday morning said the child began crying when the ruling was announced.

He's now expected to be on suicide watch at the detention center ... according to WFTV 9.

At the hearing, an aunt for one of the alleged shooting victims took the stand and said the teen's family had hoped the 11-year-old would remain in detention.

A police report, obtained by TMZ Sports, stated a witness to the shooting said the initial dispute happened due to a quarrel "over a bag of chips."

Greg Brooks Jr. has a rare form of brain cancer, according to LSU ... who provided an update on the Tigers CB, just weeks after he had surgery to remove a tumor.

As we previously reported, Brooks underwent (successful) surgery on September 20 ... and doctors removed a large tumor from his brain. Despite the procedure, the diagnosis wasn't clear until this week ... when doctors announced Brooks has medulloblastoma.

“For the last three weeks, Greg has been recovering from an extensive surgery to remove a brain tumor that was located between his cerebellum and brainstem,” Dr. Catherine O’Neal, Chief Medical Officer at Our Lady of the Lake Health, told reporters.

“Greg’s speech and ability to communicate has been impacted, and although he is responsive and working daily with physical therapy, he will face months of intensive rehabilitation."

The good news is there's no evidence that the cancer has spread ... and Dr. O'Neal says he'll get a treatment plan from "nationally recognized specialists in this specific form of brain cancer."

The university has also launched a fundraiser for the former 4-star recruit to help raise money to cover the medical expenses including travel, treatment, and therapy.

"He has a long journey ahead," Dr. O'Neal said, "and will need the full support of our community behind him as he faces this battle."

Takeo Spikes says he was legitimately hurt by how the Buffalo Bills treated him at a game earlier this season ... claiming his visit with his former team had him feeling "worthless."

The ex-NFL linebacker went viral after sharing a pic of his setup for the Bills' matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sep. 17 -- a suite seat that was completely obstructed by the upper deck of the stadium.

As it turns out, the view wasn't the only issue -- Spikes said the organization didn't fulfill his request for a first-class seat for his flight to upstate New York ... and overall, the staffers did a bad job at communicating leading up to the game.

Spikes -- who was the Bills' "Legend of the Game" for the day -- admitted he considered not making the trip due to the accommodations ... but decided to go through with it anyway.

While Spikes said the pregame celebration was "great," things quickly went south -- 'cause once he got to his section for the game, he was shocked to find out it was not up to his standard.

"If I'm going to take time out of my day to come up, at least just show me the respect that I deserve," Spikes said on his "Behind the Mask" podcast. "Sometimes you have to remind people of how they need to be treated, and this was a case right here which hurt me. I felt hurt."

"For a second, it made you feel like you was worthless."

Spikes feels like the team should have offered him a spot in the owner's suite with Terry Pegula ... but that was never suggested as a possibility.

Ultimately, Spikes left the game unhappy ... but revealed Bills GM Brandon Beane texted him and offered to make up for the blunder.

If it wasn't already clear, here's more proof Kim Zolciak and Kroy Biermann absolutely hate each other ... after he allegedly locked her out of their main bedroom, and she called the cops.

We've obtained the body cam footage as well as the 911 call from an incident in late August when Kim claimed she was unable to get into her bedroom to retrieve her personal belongings and her medication.

The police response shows just how nasty things are between Kim and Kroy -- as he refuses to show his face -- only talking to the officers through a closed door.

Throughout the police visit, Kim bashes Kroy, telling officers Kroy is jobless, and she's the reason they even still have the house. She echoed some of the same sentiments on her 911 call as well ... even stating Kroy's threatened her and gotten physical before.

You gotta give credit to the officers here for handling such a childish situation, working to keep both Kim and Kroy calm to prevent things from getting more nasty.

Eventually, the officers convince Kroy to hand over Kim's comforter, phone charger, medications and -- according to Kim -- a $1000 beauty cream.

Travis Kelce thinks the NFL should pump the brakes with its Taylor Swift coverage ... saying the league is "overdoing it a little bit" when it comes to the pop singer's attendance at his games.

Kelce addressed the league's obsession with his new relationship on the "New Heights" podcast with his brother, Jason, on Wednesday ... saying he gets why the cameras continue to show Swift on TV, but it's gotten excessive at this point.

"I think it's fun when they show who all is at the game," Travis said. "I think it brings a little bit more to the atmosphere, brings a little bit more to what you're watching."

"But at the same time, I think they're overdoing it a little bit for sure. Especially my situation."

Travis explained he understands why the NFL is leaning into the Tayvis craze ... saying he thinks it's just trying to have fun with the situation -- but it's clear he wants the league to chill.

Of course, Swift brought her A-list besties to MetLife Stadium for the Chiefs' road game against the New York Jets ... with Blake Lively, Sophie Turner, Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman joining her in a suite.

The broadcast showed Swift numerous times throughout the game ... and the league has gone full Swiftie on social media -- using her pics and name on its profiles.

Swift's attendance has done wonders for ratings ... with an average of 27 MILLION viewers tuning in to Sunday Night Football.

But if the league is listening to Kelce's comments, there's a chance the NFL's Swiftie era is coming to an end.

Travis Kelce cree que la NFL debe parar un momento con la cobertura de Taylor Swift, ya que han "exagerado un poco" cuando se trata de su asistencia a los partidos, dice.

Kelce abordó la obsesión de la liga con su nueva relación en el podcast "New Heights" con su hermano Jason el miércoles, diciendo que entiende por qué las cámaras siguen mostrando a Swift en la televisión, pero se ha vuelto excesivo en este punto.

"Creo que es divertido cuando muestran quién está en el juego", dijo Travis. "Creo que aporta un poco más a la atmósfera, aporta un poco más a lo que estás viendo".

"Pero al mismo tiempo, creo que exageran un poco, seguro. Especialmente en mi situación".

Travis dice que entiende por qué la NFL se ha sumado a la Tayvis manía. Cree que solo se están divirtiendo con la situación, pero también está claro que quiere que se calmen.

Por supuesto, Swift trajo a sus mejores amigos a MetLife Stadium para el partido de los Chiefs contra los Jets de Nueva York. Estuvo compartiendo con Blake Lively, Sophie Turner, Ryan Reynolds y Hugh Jackman en una suite.

La transmisión la mostró numerosas veces durante todo el partido y la liga ha utilizado sus fotos y nombre en sus perfiles y en las redes sociales.

La asistencia de Swift ha hecho maravillas para los ratings, con un promedio de 27 millones de espectadores sintonizando el Sunday Night Football.

Taylor Swift tiene la oportunidad de hacer tres viajes consecutivos para ver los partidos de Travis Kelce, y el alcalde de Minneapolis está liderando la campaña para que eso se haga realidad este próximo fin de semana, según ha indagado TMZ.

El alcalde Jacob Frey nos dice que él y la ciudad están listos para recibir a TayTay con los brazos abiertos este domingo, que es cuando los Kansas City Chiefs enfrentan a los Minnesota Vikings en un partido por la tarde. Él incluso tiene un mensaje para animarla.

Frey dice: "Todos sabemos muy bien el positivo impacto que tiene Taylor Swift en las ciudades que visita. Minneapolis no es una excepción".

El alcalde tiene buenos recuerdos de su presentación en Minneapolis a principios de este año y añade: "Sus dos conciertos agotaron entradas en el U.S. Bank Stadium en junio y nos llevaron a tener un récord de turistas ese fin de semana, con hoteles y restaurantes del centro repletos, impulsando nuestra economía más allá de lo que imaginábamos".

Por ese motivo, Frey tiene los dedos cruzados: "Si Taylor decide volver a Minneapolis (a veces conocido como Swiftieapolis) este fin de semana, estaremos listos para recibirla. Es posible que tenga que consolar a Travis Kelce después de que los Vikings le ganen a los Chiefs, pero hay un montón de sitios para salir en la ciudad y subirle el ánimo".

Que conste que lo de Swiftieapolis es real. La ciudad literalmente cambió de nombre, aunque solo haya sido por un corto tiempo, así que sí... con su claro conocimiento de la discografía de Taylor es justo decir que el alcalde es un verdadero Swiftie.

La verdad es que cada ciudad de la NFL se sentiría de la misma manera. Taylor ha demostrado que puede atraer audiencias masivas, en términos de atención de los medios y el gasto de los consumidores a través de múltiples industrias, lo que por lo general se traduce en más tráfico y, a menudo, más dinero también.

Los dos partidos de la NFL en los que ha asistido han sido un éxito de audiencia para Fox y NBC, las cadenas que los han televisado. La próxima semana es el turno de la CBS y parece que el alcalde Frey quiere entrar en acción también.