Football

Who said Brian Kelly wasn't a culture fit in Baton Rouge?!?

LSU's newest head coach -- who was born and raised in Massachusetts -- suddenly has the whole southern thing figured out ... showing off a shocking new accent while speaking with Tiger fans at a basketball game on Wednesday.

"It's a great day to be a Tiger," Kelly said ... sounding more like a guy raised on gumbo than New England clam chowder.

"I'm here with my family and we are so excited to be in the great state of Louisiana. But more importantly, to be with you great fans and to be part of what is going to be an incredible ride here at Louisiana State University."

Listen specifically to the words like "day" and "family" -- the speech had the internet on fire ... with some even digging for clips of Kelly earlier this week to compare.

The whole thing sounds like Frank Caliendo on a bad day ... but you can tell Kelly put a huge emphasis on not coming off like a guy who just spent the past 30-plus years in the Midwest -- even working on his cadence to really try to bring it home.

Tiger fans either haven't heard Kelly talk before or were simply too excited to have Coach in BR to care about the accent ... after all, the guy said he can't wait to start winning natty's.

"That's the standard, that's the expectation," he told the crowd. "We knew that coming in. We don't apologize for it. We know it's hard work. We know there's great teams in the SEC, we respect them. But, this is LSU. Geaux Tigers."

The Lincoln Riley hire is already paying off for USC ... 'cause the Trojans just landed a commitment from the best H.S. running back in the country -- only four days after Riley accepted the head coaching job in L.A.

Raleek Brown -- a five-star recruit and the No. 1-ranked H.S. tailback in the nation, according to Rivals.com -- was originally committed to Oklahoma ... but after Riley left the Sooners for the Trojans, Brown announced Thursday he was following suit.

"Lincoln Riley, that's my guy," Brown told 247 Sports Thursday. "I was shocked he was leaving [Oklahoma] but then excited he was coming to USC."

"I've been up to USC a ton of times," Brown continued, "since before I even got to high school and I'm super familiar with it there. I have a strong comfort level at the school and a lot of family nearby so it's honestly a great situation for me.”

The commitment is a huge one for Riley ... 'cause Brown is a bonafide superstar who some have called the "next Reggie Bush."

In 10 games for Mater Dei H.S. in California this year, Brown's rushed for 1,062 yards and 12 touchdowns while averaging eight yards a carry.

Raleek's numbers would almost certainly be even more impressive had he not been forced to sit out the second half of a large number of games due to blowouts this season.

Brown is expected to officially sign his letter of intent later this month ... before joining the Trojans next season.

The NFL says Antonio Brown did, in fact, submit a bogus vaccine card to the league ... and officials just announced he's now been suspended three games over it all.

Brown's chef, Steven Ruiz, claimed last month that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers star had sought and then obtained the fraudulent paper back in July -- but Brown was adamant Ruiz was lying.

In a statement, Brown's attorney, Sean Burstyn, said the 33-year-old was vaccinated and did have proper paperwork ... adding, "Be like Antonio brown and get the vaccine."

But, the NFL said in a statement of its own on Thursday that after investigating the claims ... it found Brown did "misrepresent" his vaccine status, explaining their review "supported" the allegations made against AB.

The league said Brown has now been banned from playing for the next three games -- adding that Brown has "accepted the discipline" and will not appeal.

The NFL also revealed two other players -- Buccaneers safety Mike Edwards and former Tampa Bay receiver and current free agent John Franklin III -- also misrepresented their vaccine statuses and were also suspended three games.

Brown has been out of the Bucs' lineup since October while battling an ankle injury, but prior to that, he had been shining with Tom Brady -- scoring four receiving TDs in five games.

It sure sounds like Donald Trump is gearing up for another run at the White House ... 'cause he pretty much announced it while campaigning for his longtime friend Herschel Walker on Wednesday.

#45 was front and center at the former football star and Senate hopeful's event at Mar-a-Lago ... and after Walker introduced him as the "greatest president to ever, ever hold office," Trump gave a room full of supporters music to their ears.

"I say I ran twice," Trump said. "We won the first time, we won the second time by much more, we did much better the second time. And, I think you'll be very happy with what we're gonna say about the third time."

The crowd ate it up ... with some even yelling, "We miss you, Donald" and "You gotta run again."

Of course, Walker has been tight with Trump since the United States Football League days -- he even landed a spot on the President's Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition during Donald's first term, a role he still holds under the Biden administration.

Now that Walker is running to become the Republican nomination in the 2022 Senate race, it was time for Trump to back his guy.

"He's a man of tremendous integrity," Trump said ... mentioning Walker knows what it's like to be on a "winning team."

Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle (with the Secret Service nearby) were also in attendance for the event ... as well as ex-NFLers Mike and Maurkice Pouncey.

Trump even pulled out some of his go-to jabs during his speech ... calling out President Joe Biden and his handling of COVID-19.

Chad Johnson did his best Santa Claus impression last weekend ... gifting a $1,000 tip to a single mother waitress -- and the gesture was awesome.

TMZ Sports has learned the ex-NFL star was dining at Bar Louie in Tampa, Fla. back on Nov. 26 -- and after piling up a $102 bill, he decided to get super generous.

The former Cincinnati Bengals wideout added a $1,000 tip to his total ... and when his waitress, Kayla Ashby, went back to him to make sure it wasn't a mistake, we're told he revealed to her it was no joke.

Ashby, we're told, thanked Chad ... and said afterward that she and her son, Zaith, are going to have a wonderful Christmas thanks in part to Johnson's generosity.

Of course, Chad's done this many times in the past ... the 43-year-old is known for leaving big tips every now and then.

As for the message he left to Ashby, Johnson wrote alongside the big tip, "Merry X-mas early. You can catch the Black Friday sales."

Johnson added, "'I love you.'"

Gracie Hunt -- daughter of K.C. Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt -- competed in the Miss USA Pageant Monday night ... and she finished in the top 16!!

The 22-year-old, who won the title of Miss Kansas back in April, competed in the event ... following in her mother's footsteps.

FYI, Tavia Hunt was crowned Miss Kansas USA in 1993 ... and played an instrumental role in influencing and grooming her daughter as the heiress to the throne, literally.

“I can’t express how much I love you. Thank you for your wisdom, sacrifices, and all of effort you’ve poured into walking this journey alongside me. Thank you for being my role model and best friend. I wouldn’t be here today without you. @Taviahunt,” Hunt wrote.

And, even though she didn't walk away with the crown ... Gracie certainly represented herself well at the pageant, one of the most competitive in the world.

Gracie posted a video from the show ... showing off several different looks she rocked during the competition.

In addition to her success in pageants, Gracie was also a promising soccer player back in the day but had her athletic career derailed by injuries.

With the pageant officially behind her, Hunt made sure to show appreciation for her fans saying ... "Thank you to everyone who lifted me and supported me on my pageant journey. I’m grateful to God for the opportunity and experience."

Mac Jones is following in Tom Brady's footsteps in more ways than one ... 'cause the New England Patriots quarterback just filed to trademark his own version of "TB12's" nickname -- "MJ10."

Records show Jones' "Mac 10 Enterprises" officially filed for the phrase on November 26 ... with the intent to use it for all things clothes -- from beanies to hats to pants to athletic jackets/shorts/shirts/sweaters and more, as reported by Darren Rovell.

We get it -- Brady didn't have the most original nickname to begin with, but the similarity is hard to ignore when the guy who held Mac's job for 20 years built a whole brand around his initials and number.

Now, if Jones ends up making avocado ice cream recipes and raving about "pliability," then we'd call the guy a copycat ... but for now, it's most likely a coincidence.

The filing is probably bad news for Cam Newton's nickname for Jones -- "Mac and Cheese" -- but let's be honest, that moniker didn't really have legs, anyway.

Lincoln Riley is opening up on his shocking exit from Oklahoma ... saying leaving the Sooners was a "tough" and "emotional" decision, and admitting he initially thought he'd decline USC's offer.

Riley joined Colin Cowherd on 'The Herd' Tuesday morning ... and Southern Cal's newest coach revealed just how quick the process actually was.

"It was very sudden. I was totally committed to our team as we made a championship and playoff run," Riley said. "And I made that clear to anybody that was interested."

Lincoln says that USC showed serious interest in bringing him on board ... and that by the time he met with them in person, he could sense the Trojans were the perfect fit for him.

"You could feel their energy," he added. "You could feel their leadership from the very top is willing to do the things that maybe haven't been done here as of recent to get USC to where it needs to be," Riley said.

The 38-year-old said he was initially reluctant to accept USC's offer saying ... "I honestly didn't think I would do it. I really didn't."

Lincoln also reflected on how leaving Oklahoma -- historically a football powerhouse -- meant way more than simply leaving an elite football program ... adding that the seven years he spent there featured some of the best moments of his life, including the birth of his second daughter.

Riley enjoyed success at Oklahoma -- the university went to four Bowl games under his watch -- and he's optimistic about his fresh start with his new team.

"When you combine that commitment from the people in this university with the history, the tradition, the opportunities here at USC, the future is so bright."

Former UCF football star Otis Anderson Jr. reportedly died on Monday night ... after he was shot during an altercation in Florida.

He was just 23 years old.

According to News4JAX, Anderson Jr. was shot during a domestic dispute that went down at around 9:30 p.m. in Jacksonville -- and he later died at a nearby hospital.

Cops said, according to News4JAX, that a woman was also shot in the altercation, but survived.

Details surrounding the incident are unclear -- but cops did say, according to News4JAX, that it appears all of the people involved were related.

Anderson Jr. -- who's not related to ex-New York Giants star Ottis Anderson -- was an outstanding football player for the Knights from 2017 to 2020.

Playing both wideout and running back, Otis piled up 2,182 rushing yards, 1,025 receiving yards and 26 total touchdowns. He did not get picked in the 2021 NFL Draft, but did sign with the Rams in the offseason.

He remained with L.A. until he was cut in September.

Reports of his death have hit the NFL community hard, with Rams star Jalen Ramsey saying on his Twitter page Tuesday, "Rest in Heaven Otis. We gotta do better on this earth smh. Big prayers up."

Added Dallas Cowboys star rookie Micah Parsons, "S*** sad!! Sending prayers to all."

Sorry, Chase Claypool ... there will be NO dancing at practice anytime soon ... so says teammate Cam Heyward, who's adamant music is the last thing Pittsburgh needs to get back to their winning ways.

CC made the interesting suggestion after the Steelers got blown out by the Cincinnati Bengals, 41-10 ... telling reporters having tunes blaring would help Pittsburgh practice better.

"We have music in the warm-ups and that, so it's fun," Claypool said Monday. "People are dancing, having fun. So, I think maybe music would make practice more fun and a little more up-tempo."

And, what's Heyward think of that idea??

"I hope he was kidding," he told Randy Baumann and the DVE Morning Show on Tuesday, "Because as soon as he said it, I was literally about to rip the speaker out."

"That is not what we need right now. It’s Xs and Os and it’s execution."

Of course, it's bad news for currently injured receiver and TikTok star JuJu Smith-Schuster, who absolutely LOVES to dance.

Heyward says he hopes Claypool was joking ... and when the guys on the show made it clear the guy was serious, the All-Pro defensive end brought the young star back to reality.

Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy can't catch a break ... 'cause even after winning a game on Thanksgiving Day, fans in his own backyard still want him gone.

It all went down Monday night -- Notre Dame was trailing Illinois in the second half of action when "Fire Nagy" chants broke out from the packed fans in attendance.

This has gotta be tough for Nagy, considering he just picked up a win against division-rival Detroit ... right as rumors of his impending firing were making waves.

Of course, this isn't the first time we've seen fans voice their displeasure with the Bears play-caller -- chants of "Fire Nagy" erupted as the Bears lost a last-minute thriller to the Ravens a few weeks ago.

On top of that, an Illinois high school recently apologized to Nagy after "Fire Nagy" chants were directed towards him ... as he was in attendance to watch his son's high school football game.

Imagine finding out you're getting broken up with from social media, getting confirmation of the split via text ... and then having to wake up at 7 AM to get officially dumped with in person.

That's pretty much how it reportedly went down for Notre Dame players Monday night ... when coach Brian Kelly sent a short text to his players saying he's taking the LSU gig.

Kelly is getting a MASSIVE 10-year, $95 million contract to coach in Baton Rouge ... a shocking move, considering the Irish are 11-1 this season.

To rub salt in the wound, Kelly didn't text his team until AFTER the news was out about his new job ... and then he asked them to meet with him at the crack of dawn.

"Men ... Let me first apologize for the late night text and, more importantly, for not being able to share the news with you in person that I will be leaving Notre Dame," Kelly told players, according to Matt Fortuna.

"I am flying back to South Bend tonight to be able to meet with you in the morning but the news broke late today and I am sorry you found out through social media or news reports."

He added ... "I will have more to share when we meet tomorrow at 7 AM but for now, just know that my love for you is limitless and I am so proud of all that you have accomplished."

"Our program is elite because of your hard work and commitment and I know that will continue."

Kelly apologized again for not being the one to share the news of his departure first ... but man, at least the guy coulda let them sleep in a little bit, considering it reportedly lasted a whopping 11 minutes.

Kelly finishes his career at Notre Dame with a 113-40 record ... making the College Football Playoff twice and winning coach of the year numerous times.

Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Trysten Hill has just been suspended 2 games ... and it's all thanks to a punch he threw at Las Vegas Raiders guard John Simpson after Thursday's Thanksgiving game.

The NFL just made the punishment official on Monday ... saying Hill's suspension will start when the Cowboys take on the Saints this Thursday night.

In the video, you can see Hill -- without his helmet -- appear to be exchanging words with Simpson at midfield shortly after the overtime thriller ... then suddenly, things took a turn for the worse.

Trysten threw a punch at Simpson's face, ultimately knocking his helmet off before players and coaches from both teams stepped in to intervene.

The two had to be separated as Simpson pursued Hill following the punch ... but luckily for both parties, no further punches were thrown.

Unfortunately for Hill and the Cowboys, it was too late ... as the NFL already saw enough evidence to hit the tackle with a punishment.

The Cowboys -- who lost to Las Vegas -- fell to 7-4 on the season ... and dropped their second consecutive game.

Ciara didn't let a road trip to Washington prevent her from celebrating her man's birthday ... 'cause the pop star serenaded Russell Wilson for his 33rd -- and she brought cupcakes for the occasion too!

The NFL superstar had to hit the road for his cake day this year as the Seahawks are set to take on the Washington Football Team on Monday night -- but his talented wife made sure his big day got off on a positive note nonetheless.

Ciara sang him "Happy Birthday" in his hotel room ... and she even brought him out a grip of candle-lit sweet treats as well!!

Wilson clearly loved the gestures ... he leaned in for a big kiss from his wife, blew out the candles, and later wrote on his Instagram, "I love when u sing to daddy 😉🤣❤🙌"

It's an amazing gesture from Ciara -- and Seahawks fans are certainly hoping it brings some good juju to Wilson, who's struggled in his return from a finger injury.

Russ is 0-2 since coming back to the lineup -- and if the 'Hawks lose to the WFT on "MNF," their season might be over.

The Cowboys will have to try to snap out of their funk this week without their head coach ... 'cause Mike McCarthy has COVID and has already been ruled out of Thursday's game.

The 58-year-old tested positive for the virus on Monday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported, and will be forced to miss Dallas' Week 13 matchup with the New Orleans Saints because of it.

It's clearly a big deal for the Cowboys -- they've lost 3 of their last 4 games, and trying to stop that losing skid won't be easy without their head coach.

And, the bad news in Dallas might not be stopping anytime soon, either -- because COVID is showing no signs of slowing down its attack on the Cowboys.

In addition to star receiver Amari Cooper, who's missed the last two games due to a positive test, the Cowboys also have several assistant coaches who are out while battling the virus.

Their right tackle, Terence Steele, and backup tight end, Blake Jarwin, have also been moved to the COVID-19 reserve list and are out for Thursday's game too.

Lincoln Riley is already a VIP in his new home -- the next USC Trojans head coach and his family hopped off a private jet and landed in L.A. on Monday ... complete with a red carpet treatment!!

The ex-Oklahoma Sooners play-caller was announced as the 30th coach in program history on Sunday ... a move that has USC fans stoked, and OU backers livid.

LR wasted no time making his way to Southern Cal ... boarding the PJ early Monday morning and heading to Tinseltown -- right as folks in Norman let him know exactly how they feel about his departure.

Two "TRAITOR" signs have been draped over the seed sower statue and entrance to the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium ... which, of course, is a direct shot at the guy who led the Sooners to four Big 12 championships.

Riley was 55-10 as a head coach ... winning Big 12 coach of the year in 2018 and making it to three College Football Playoffs.