Football

The mystery person who snatched up Carson Palmer's insane Del Mar mansion for $18 MIL has been revealed -- and shocker, it's a rich guy!!!!

Earlier this year, the former NFL quarterback sold the incredible 6,580-square-foot mansion he custom-built back in 2015 ... but nobody seemed to know the identity of the buyer, until now.

Enter Bill Maris ... a super successful tech investor who famously founded Google Ventures back in 2009.

Maris now runs his own venture fund in San Diego -- and was clearly looking for a badass place to settle down.

So, when he saw the unreal modern pad that Palmer built ... he pounced (according to Variety) -- and once you look at the pics, it's pretty obvious why he had to have it.

The modern-styled crib is wild -- it's got incredible views of the ocean, outdoor kitchen, infinity pool, spa, rooftop deck ... and even a bocce ball court!!

And, hopefully, Maris likes whips, 'cause the place has a 10-car garage!!

The whole mansion -- listed by Rande Turner of Ranch and Coast Real Estate -- is decked out in the latest tech ... with all the lights, sound and security systems controlled with a hand-held device.

Palmer famously moved to Idaho after he retired from the NFL in 2017 -- turning down TV and coaching opportunities to live the quiet life with his family.

Don't worry about Carson's bank account -- the 40-year-old reportedly made more than $174 million in contract money during his 15-year NFL career.

Well, this could be an issue.

Nearly the entire Las Vegas Raiders' starting defense has been placed on the team's reserve/COVID-19 list ... after DE Clelin Ferrell tested positive for the virus on Wednesday.

At least 7 players -- including Lamarcus Joyner, Johnathan Abram, Maliek Collins, Johnathan Hankins, Isaiah Johnson, Arden Key and Kendal Vickers -- were placed on the list after being determined as close contacts to Ferrell this week.

But, it's not a lost cause for the Raiders just yet -- the players WILL be eligible to suit up Sunday night against the Kansas City Chiefs if they continue to test negative.

However, the batch of players will not likely be cleared to rejoin the team until Saturday at the earliest ... which will be tough as the Silver and Black prepare for Patrick Mahomes and Co.

Of course, the Raiders have had their fair share of fines from the league due to COVID-19 violations ... including head coach Jon Gruden, who has been hit with $100k and $150k penalties this season.

The rise in positive COVID-19 cases across the league forced the NFL to issue a memo to all 32 teams, requiring them to go into intensive protocols for the remainder of the season.

Under the required protocols -- which begin on Saturday -- all team meetings will be held virtually or in large spaces and masks or face shields must be worn at all times at the team facility.

Marc Colombo did NOT beat the hell out of Joe Judge in a fistfight this week ... so say the NY Giants, who tell TMZ Sports an alleged brawl between the coaches NEVER happened.

Colombo -- a former Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman who's been coaching OL in the league for the past few years -- was abruptly fired from the Giants' staff on Wednesday.

And, according to FOX Sports' Jason McIntyre, it's all 'cause the assistant got in a scrap with the head coach.

"I'm told NY Giants coaches Joe Judge and Marc Colombo got into a fistfight this morning," McIntyre reported. "Punches thrown. I'm told Colombo got the better of him, and Judge fired him instantly."

The story is WILD ... considering Colombo is 6-foot-8 and played offensive tackle in the NFL for a decade.

But, when we reached out to the Giants for comment ... a rep told us straight-up, "There is absolutely no truth to that."

Giants reporter Ralph Vacchiano says the firing actually all stemmed from Colombo being unhappy with Judge's decision to bring in former Patriots offensive line guru Dave DeGuglielmo to help Colombo with the unit.

"It was clear that a Colombo-DeGuglielmo pairing wasn't going to work," Vacchiano said, "so Judge decided to fire Colombo instead."

DeAndre Baker has found a new football home after his armed robbery case was dropped ... he's reportedly set to sign with the Kansas City Chiefs in the coming days.

The cornerback -- who was cut from the NY Giants after he was hit with multiple felony charges stemming from his alleged role in a May 13 incident -- will visit K.C. this week and is set to ink a deal to join the team shortly after, according to multiple reports.

Baker is expected to begin his career as a Chief on the team's practice squad.

It's huge news for the 23-year-old former 2019 1st-round pick ... because just a few days ago, he was staring down LIFE IN PRISON.

We broke the story, Baker was accused of pulling out a semi-automatic firearm at a cookout in Miramar, FL. and ordering partygoers to give him their cash, watches and other valuables.

Baker was arrested and ultimately hit with multiple counts of robbery with a firearm.

But, prosecutors announced Monday they dropped all the charges after they say the alleged victims and witnesses in the case became "uncooperative" and had their credibility "inalterably tarnished."

Prosecutors claim it all stemmed from an attorney, William Dean, who represented 3 victims in the case.

"[Dean] was arrested for extortion related to soliciting a cash payout on behalf of the three men in exchange for altered testimony," prosecutors said.

Baker's attorney, Bradford Cohen, was thrilled with the prosecutors' decision ... telling TMZ Sports on Monday, "The result is the correct result in dismissing Deandre's case. We have been saying he was a victim of an extortion from day one."

Clemson Tigers star Trevor Lawrence says he's doing great after recovering from COVID-19 ... with the QB telling reporters he's feeling "back to normal" and happy to rejoin the team.

The Heisman hopeful found out he contracted the virus on Oct. 29 ... and experienced symptoms like loss of smell, a headache, and, as he described it, feeling "pretty bad."

But, the 21-year-old is doing MUCH better now ... saying he's back to 100% and ready to suit up against Florida State this weekend.

"I feel good," Lawrence said. "I feel just as good as I did when I left a few weeks ago and back to normal."

Lawrence went 2 full weeks away from the team ... but says he's back in the groove with his teammates.

"Feeling good, getting my timing back with all my receivers and everything. Getting back in the swing of things, but I'm feeling really good."

As for playing through the pandemic, Lawrence says his experience has given him a new perspective on his love for the game ... and he's "appreciative to be back."

History will be made on Monday night when the NFL’s first all-Black officiating crew takes the field for the Rams vs. Bucs game in Tampa Bay.

The league specifically put the crew together to honor the contributions of Black officials, as the NFL celebrates its 100th year anniversary.

Jerome Boger, who is in his 17th year as a league official, will lead the 7-man crew. He'll be joined by umpire Barry Anderson, down judge Julian Mapp, line judge Carl Johnson, field judge Dale Shaw, side judge Anthony Jeffries and back judge Greg Steed.

"This historic Week 11 crew is a testament to the countless and immeasurable contributions of Black officials to the game, their exemplary performance, and to the power of inclusion that is the hallmark of this great game,” said Troy Vincent, NFL executive vice president of football operations.

It's interesting, the Rams and Bucs will be playing in this historic game since the Rams were the first NFL team to reintegrate in 1946 after a 12-year span where NFL owners had banned black players from the league (read about it here) -- and the Bucs are the first team in NFL history with 3 Black coordinators.

Bad news for the New York Giants -- kicker Graham Gano has just tested positive for COVID-19 ... hours after signing a big extension with the team.

The G-Men announced the test results on Tuesday ... and while they did not name Gano directly, multiple reports confirm it is the 33-year-old leg.

"Last night, we were notified that a player tested positive for COVID-19," the team said. "The player was immediately self-isolated, and the contact tracing process was initiated."

The Giants say 2 staff members were sent home after being identified as close contacts ... and the team facility will remain open for the time being.

It's a huge bummer for Gano -- the guy has been damn-near perfect this season -- making 21-22 of his field goals ... and all 16 of his extra-point attempts.

The Pro Bowl kicker was rewarded for his success on Sunday ... signing a 3-year, $14 million extension to stay in NY through 2023.

Broken ribs and a collapsed lung ain't going to hold Drew Brees down for long ... the QB is guaranteeing a quick recovery from his gnarly injuries -- saying his fam is helping!!

The New Orleans Saints star posted photographic proof late Monday night ... showing he's already working on breathing exercises while 3 of his kids tended to his wounds.

"Who Dat Nation," Brees captioned the pic, "I've got the best medical team in the world...will be back in no time!"

The 41-year-old is dealing with some serious ailments ... Brees reportedly suffered 3 broken ribs against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Nov. 8 -- and then he did even more damage to his innards against the 49ers on Sunday.

According to multiple reports, after S.F. D-lineman Kentavius Street landed on Brees during a violent tackle in the 2nd quarter of the Saints' win, the signal-caller broke 2 more ribs and collapsed his lung.

Drew ended up having to leave the game ... and while no timetable for recovery has been given -- most believe the injuries could sideline him for over a month.

Brees had been having a super-efficient season ... completing 73.5 percent of his passes while throwing for 18 touchdowns to just 3 interceptions.

Drew Brees is hurting like hell today ... medical tests on the New Orleans Saints QB reportedly revealed he's dealing with multiple rib fractures and a collapsed lung.

The 41-year-old was forced to leave Sunday's win over the 49ers after he took a huge hit in the 2nd quarter ... and ESPN's Ed Werder says X-rays Monday showed the dude's ribs are jacked up.

Brees suffered 2 fractured ribs and a collapsed lung thanks to the hard tackle by Kentavius Street, Werder reports.

Werder added doctors also discovered Brees had 3 other fractured ribs from a hit he took against Tampa Bay on Nov. 8.

Unclear how long Brees will need to fully heal ... but it's apparent the quarterback won't be under center any time in the near future.

Which means ... is it Jameis Winston time now in New Orleans?

Winston filled in for Brees after the future Hall of Famer left Sunday's game ... and he played OK, completing six of his 10 passes for 63 yards.

The Saints could also turn to gadget QB/TE/RB Taysom Hill to be their signal-caller in Brees' stead.

Incredible honor for Laurent Duvernay-Tardif ... the NFL player who opted out of the 2020 season to help on the frontlines in the battle against COVID just had his PPE enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The HOF made the announcement this weekend ... saying the offensive lineman's mask, face shield, scrubs and lab coat will now be on display for all to see at the museum in Canton, Ohio.

As we previously reported, Duvernay-Tardif -- who earned his doctorate in 2018 -- chose to leave football this season in order to use his medical training to help those affected by coronavirus.

In a statement explaining his decision ... the 29-year-old said, "I cannot allow myself to potentially transmit the virus in our communities simply to play the sport that I love. If I am to take risks, I will do it caring for patients."

It was a big deal for Duvernay-Tardif ... he was projected to be a key player on the Chiefs this season after he started for K.C. in their Super Bowl win over the 49ers last February.

Duvernay-Tardif has reportedly been working on the frontlines in his hometown of Quebec since announcing his opt-out in July.

"I died, came back to life, sh*t my pants and hyperextended my scrotum all in 30 seconds!!!!"

That's Blake Shelton vividly describing the rollercoaster of emotions he experienced during that wild Hail Mary at the end of the Cardinals vs. Bills game ... and man, hope you're okay, bro!!

The play was insane -- Kyler Murray scrambled and fired off a prayer with 2 seconds left in the game, the Cardinals were down 30-26.

But, somehow, DeAndre Hopkins jumped over 3 Bills players and hauled in the ball ... securing a 32-30 win for the Cardinals.

UNREAL!

Shelton -- a MASSIVE Cardinals fan -- says he lost his mind during the play. And, after the game, the Cardinals reached out to make sure he was okay!

"Hey [Blake Shelton]. Saw your tweet and hope you're doing okay. That's a tough 30 seconds for anyone."

By the way, that play wouldn't have been possible without Shelton -- remember, he takes credit for convincing Cardinals' GM Steve Keim to take Kyler with the #1 overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft!

"I told Steve Keim that we wouldn't be friends anymore if he didn't take [Kyler] No. 1 in the draft," Blake told us last year.

As for DeAndre, watch his description of the catch after the game -- the most calm, humblebrag ever!!!

Amazing news from Demario Davis -- the Saints linebacker says his 1-year-old daughter is cancer free after being diagnosed with a rare eye disease earlier this year.

Carly-Faith Davis was diagnosed back in May with Retinoblastoma -- a disease that caused a tumor to form behind her left eye which required the eye to be surgically removed.

Carly-Faith -- who now has a custom prosthetic eye -- has recovered well and tests show the cancerous threat is gone!

TMZ Sports spoke with the 31-year-old about his daughter's recovery ... and Demario says his family is truly blessed.

"I'm a person that just never try to take anything for granted and to know what she's been through, even to the point of having to lose her eye, but her body is free of cancer," Davis tells us.

Demario says his youngest has maintained her joyful personality despite her challenging journey ... and even danced and cheered the Saints' most recent win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.

"We're able to use her story and bring awareness to a lot of families that probably wouldn't of known about it if it wasn't for us going through it."

Davis says he is grateful for the doctors and resources his family was able to use during treatment ... and hopes their story will help others going through similar challenges.

"So, we're just anxious as parents to see if God is gonna take her eye what is He gonna restore her with, what is He gonna give her because we know He's not just gonna take something without giving a double portion back."

"It's exciting! That just seeing that video is just a reminder of so many blessings that we have around us."

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Eric Ebron is representin' his sons in an iced out kinda way ... with 2 brand new diamond chains with their names on it!

The 27-year-old is a proud father of 2 boys -- 3-year-old Oliver and 1-year-old Aiden -- and decided to have some pieces made up in their honor.

So, Ebron hit up Ari the Jeweler in Manhattan to get two personalized Cuban links -- and Ari delivered!

We're told each chain features 40 carats worth of VVS diamonds and 300 grams of gold!

Unsure on how much E plunked down for the duo, but we're told they're valued around $65k each!

Earl Thomas' wife is clearly done trying to make things work with the NFL star after the two were involved in that wild April incident ... TMZ Sports has learned she just filed for divorce.

According to court records, Nina Thomas put in the paperwork on Nov. 3 ... citing adultery as the grounds for ending the marriage.

Nina added in the docs that the couple has such a strained relationship ... there's zero "reasonable expectation of reconciliation."

It's interesting ... because Earl has seemed to put in a ton of effort to make things work since Nina was arrested for allegedly pointing a loaded gun at him back on April 13.

We broke the story, cops say Nina SNAPPED after she allegedly caught the former Baltimore Ravens safety cheating on her at a rented home in Austin, Texas.

Police say Nina busted in the home angrily ... and eventually held Earl at gunpoint.

Nina was ultimately arrested ... but shortly after the incident, Earl announced the two were trying to work through things.

And, it all seemed to be going smoothly ... he posted on social media several times the past few months praising her -- and even celebrated her birthday last month with a photo and a mushy "I love you" note.

But, Nina -- who married Earl in a well-publicized, extravagant wedding in April 2016 -- makes it clear in the docs ... she wants out.

The couple has three kids together ... and in the court filing, Nina is asking for Earl to only have limited access to the children until "he takes a parenting course and can show evidence that he is able to care for the children for an extended period of time."

Golden Tate is finally apologizing to the NY Giants for that "throw me the damn ball" rant during the Bucs game 2 weeks ago ... telling reporters his actions were "unacceptable."

"I just got caught up in the moment," Tate said on Friday ... "I was wrong to draw attention to myself."

"I take full responsibility for that. I handled it the wrong way ... It was something that won’t happen again."

If you missed it ... 32-year-old Tate has been frustrated with the lack of targets this season, and finally exploded after a critical TD grab during the Nov. 2nd matchup on "Monday Night Football."

The wideout yelled into the camera, "Throw me the ball!" He reportedly also screamed toward his sideline earlier in the game, "Throw me the damn ball!"

To make matters worse, Tate's wife, Elise, publicly called out the team on IG -- saying "Ain't no way this BS gonna hurt his stats this yr bc he doesn't get targets. FEED HIM THE BALL."

Giants head coach Joe Judge punished Tate for the public criticism -- demoting him to the scout team and benching him for the Nov. 8 game against the Washington Football Team.

People were wondering how Tate would react to the discipline -- but it appears he's taking the high road now and accepting responsibility.

"My actions were unacceptable," said Tate, who added he was NOT trying to force a trade with his tirade.

"I apologized to the team, the GM, the coaches, the offense. I’m excited to move forward. I want to be here."

The Cleveland Browns are the latest NFL team to run into COVID troubles ... with the team announcing it has shut down its facility after a player tested positive for coronavirus.

The Browns -- who are set to host the Houston Texans on Sunday -- did not disclose which player contracted COVID, but stated he was immediately sent home to self-isolate, according to the team spokesperson.

The team will also conduct contact tracing in hopes of preventing a potential spread throughout the organization.

"The team will continue to hold meetings remotely (part of the NFL-NFLPA intensive protocol) and will consult with the league and medical experts on the appropriate next steps as the health and safety of our players, coaches, staff and the entire community remains our highest priority," the team said in a statement.

The Browns ran into issues when a staff member tested positive last week. Baker Mayfield was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list as a result ... but the QB never personally tested positive.

Cleveland joins a growing list of teams forced to temporarily shut down -- including the 49ers, Titans, Vikings and more.