Football

Baker Mayfield threw it all the way back to 2015 at a wedding last week... busting a move in a dance circle just like when he was a young QB hittin' the Whip at Oklahoma!!!

TMZ Sports has learned ... Baker attended his cousin's wedding in Simpsonville, S.C. on May 25 -- and he couldn't help but cut a rug when the spotlight was on the dance floor.

Check out video we obtained from the evening ... Mayfield KILLED it -- dancing along to YeahThatDJ's set at the lively function.

There was some gyrating, some fancy footwork and even a little floss. Good times!

If this all looks familiar ... it's 'cause it is -- remember, back in 2015, the nation was first enthralled by Mayfield's moves in a viral video of him in a Sooner dance circle.

L.A. Chargers LB Kyzir White is accused of driving like a maniac earlier this year ... and now, he's officially facing a charge of reckless driving over the incident, TMZ Sports has learned.

According to court docs, 24-year-old White was stopped in Orange County, Calif. back on March 14. Specific details of what went down during the stop are still unclear -- we're working on it.

But, in the docs, prosecutors claim White was going 100 MPH ... and also made an unsafe turning movement while on the road.

White was officially charged shortly after the incident with one misdemeanor count of reckless driving -- which carries a maximum of 90 days in jail and a fine if convicted.

Court records show White was also hit with speeding and "unsafe turn or lane change" infractions.

We've reached out to White's camp for comment ... but so far, no word back, yet.

White was a fourth-round pick by the Chargers in the 2018 NFL Draft ... and he's started 10 games for the team since.

Here's J.J. Watt explaining why he could never be a UFC fighter -- he's got delicate legs.

"You ever take a razor scooter to the ankle? That puts me out for 3 days! So, I'm not looking to take anybody's shin to my shin."

But, he's a huge UFC fan -- and sat ringside at the last Jon Jones fight in February -- which led to an interesting conversation.

More athletic brothers -- The Watts or the Joneses?!?

Think about it ...

J.J. Watt, T.J. Watt and Derek Watt -- 3 NFL players including 2 Pro Bowlers and one of the most dominant defensive players EVER!

Jon Jones, Chandler Jones, Arthur Jones -- 2 NFL players including a Super Bowl champ (Arthur), a possible future Hall of Famer (Chandler) and the G.O.A.T of MMA (Jon).

We asked J.J. for his take -- and got a pretty solid response.

"That's a great question," Watt said ... "I can tell you that I don't know if any of my brothers and I are taking a shin kick to the ribs."

"I don't know if we're volunteering for that anytime soon, so they can have that title if they want."

But, Watt explained why he's got a bond with the Jones family -- something that started at UFC 247.

"I sat with Chandler so we have a comradery a little bit between the families. To me, obviously being a part of one, it's such a cool thing when brothers get to share that experience -- us in the same league, Chandler and Jon in different leagues."

"It's a special thing."

Colin Kaepernick is offering to cover legal bills for the "freedom fighters" on the ground in Minnesota ... claiming he's already put together a team of "top" defense attorneys.

"In fighting for liberation there’s always retaliation," Kaepernick said Friday morning ... "We must protect our Freedom Fighters."

"We started a legal defense initiative to give legal representation to Freedom Fighters in Minneapolis paid for by [Know Your Rights Camp]."

Kaepernick has donated a ton of his own money to the org. over the years -- but says they're also accepting donations from outside supporters.

The Know Your Rights Camp expanded on the initiative ... saying they have already "identified and teamed up with top defense lawyers in the Minneapolis, Minnesota area to provide legal resources for those in need."

"When there is an injustice within our community, it is our legal right to address it, by any means necessary."

"If you, or a loved one is in need of legal assistance, or has been arrested while fighting injustice in the Minneapolis area, please complete the form below with as much detail as possible."

On Thursday, Kaepernick tweeted out his support for a revolution after the killing of George Floyd ... saying, "When civility leads to death, revolting is the only logical reaction."

He added,  "The cries for peace will rain down, and when they do, they will land on deaf ears, because your violence has brought this resistance."

"We have the right to fight back!"

So far, protestors have set fire to multiple buildings in Minnesota including a police precinct.

Joe Burrow -- the #1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft -- is speaking out about the civil unrest following the killing of George Floyd ... saying, "The black community needs our help."

The "our" is presumably white people -- considering Burrow is white -- but it's possible the 23-year-old is referring to EVERYONE outside of the black community.

Nonetheless, the Cincinnati Bengals QB expanded on his point.

"They have been unheard for far too long. Open your ears, listen, and speak. This isn’t politics. This is human rights."

Burrow has spoken out about racial issues in the past -- in 2019 he made some strong comments following controversial tweets from President Trump when POTUS told 4 U.S. Congresswomen to "go back" to their home countries.

"Why does racial inequality have to be political? It’s basic human decency," Burrow told Sports Illustrated at the time.

Other NFL players have spoken out about the current situation -- including Philadelphia Eagles QB Carson Wentz.

"Been thinking about the George Floyd situation and thinking of the words to say [and] coming up empty," Wentz said.

Melvin Gordon didn't hold back when he was asked about the possibility of playing in fan-less stadiums in 2020 ... saying it used to happen to him all the time in his Chargers career!!

"Bro, we didn't have fans anyway!" Gordon said with a laugh.

Of course, MG ain't really wrong ... Chargers games over the past few seasons became famous for being overrun by opponents' fan bases -- but hearing Gordon say it so bluntly was still SAVAGE!!

"We didn't have many Chargers fans, I'm going to be honest," Gordon explained in an interview this week with his former Wisconsin teammate, Marcus Cromartie. "We didn't have many Chargers fans at the game."

Don't worry, L.A. faithful ... Gordon still praised the few of you out there, saying, "Much loyalty, love, but we didn't have many!"

Gordon added, "I ain't really missing out on much!"

This isn't the first time the running back has taken a shot at the Chargers' lack of support at their own games ... remember, he was publicly pissed at his former squad for playing the Steelers' rally song during their own HOME game in 2019.

Gordon doesn't have to worry about any of that anymore if the COVID-19 pandemic subsides ... he's in Denver now -- where fans are notorious for being loud as hell at games.

Tyler Judson -- a Tulane Univ. football player -- was arrested Monday ... this after he was accused of punching a woman so hard in the face at a Louisiana Waffle House, she required a trip to the hospital.

The mother of the alleged victim told WWL-TV her daughter was at the popular restaurant in Zachary, LA in the early morning hours of Memorial Day ... when a fight with Judson broke out.

The mom claims her daughter didn't know Judson prior to the incident and didn't start it ... but says she was punched by the Green Wave safety anyway -- causing severe injuries.

The woman says her daughter suffered "multiple facial fractures" and will require surgery to fix the issues. She also says the 18-year-old's eyes were still swollen shut as of Wednesday.

Jail records show Judson was arrested and booked on a charge of felony second-degree battery Monday. Records also show he bonded out shortly after.

Tulane Univ. said in a statement to media outlets it's suspending Judson immediately, saying, "Tulane Athletics is aware of Tyler Judson’s arrest."

"He has been suspended indefinitely from the Tulane football program. Tulane Athletics will have no further comment at this time."

Judson -- a redshirt freshman -- appeared in four games for the Green Wave in 2019, logging three total tackles.

He came to Tulane as a fairly touted national recruit, reportedly picking the school over offers from Baylor, Ole Miss and others.

COVID-19 couldn't stop the KC Chiefs cheerleaders from putting out fire content ... with the team debuting its 2020 squad with some sexy quarantine choreography!!

The team revealed its newest roster on Wednesday ... and given the global pandemic, they had to find a unique way to announce the new additions.

AKA -- we get to see everyone dancing in random ass places!!

For example, Kaitlyn pulled off some moves from her garage, Mariah was shakin' it in an empty street, Stefanie practiced her distancing on an HS football field, and Allison twirled in what looks like an empty warehouse!!

NOTHING WILL STOP THESE DANCERS!!!

Some of the women even pulled out all the stops with shiny outfits.

Could this be the start of a lethal Redskins connection in 2020?!?

Here's video of Antonio Brown working on deep balls with Washington QB Dwayne Haskins ... and we gotta say, the two certainly have chemistry that could carry over to FedExField!!!

The free-agent receiver hooked up with the 'Skins quarterback Wednesday for a workout in Florida ... and the two got in some impressive throw-and-catch work.

Check out the clips Brown posted from the training sesh ... there were some 50-yard dimes that had people going crazy over the completions!!

Of course, there were other pros in attendance -- Geno Smith and Stefon Diggs (plus Chad Ochocinco!) namely -- so we're not too sure how much to read into this being an indicator of future NFL plans.

Then again, Brown has been working his ass off to get back into the league ever since the Patriots cut him last September ... and the Redskins could certainly use the help.

AB claims to have walked the straight and narrow since a myriad of legal issues cropped up over the last year ... issuing apologies to the NFL, his family and even local law enforcement.

The NFL, though, is still investigating all of the allegations against Brown ... and a lengthy suspension could be on the horizon.

But, after that, could D.C. be the receiver's landing spot???

J.J. Watt says he's not sure whether the 2020 NFL season will take place as originally planned -- but he's training his ass off anyway because it's better to "stay ready."

"I don't know what's going to happen," Watt tells TMZ Sports ... "I'm just like everybody else. We're all kind of just waiting and seeing."

"The uncertainty is the worst part of it all. We don't know what's going to happen. But, I'm training like it's gonna happen on time. And, I'm looking forward to playing -- fans, no fans -- whatever it is. I'm just looking forward to competing and just doing what we do."

The Houston Texans superstar -- who's also hosting "Ultimate Tag" on FOX -- believes the return of football is super important ... but not at the expense of American lives.

"We love the game. We love the competition ... as long as it's safe for everybody," Watt explained.

"You have to remember we have coaches who are older. We have people helping out on the sidelines and staff members. So, as long it's safe for everybody and as long as everybody is comfortable and confident, I'm all for it because I think it does help return some normalcy and it gives people something to be excited about, to cheer for again."

"And, we're looking forward to that opportunity if it's safe."

Watt says he's been staying in touch with his teammates via Zoom meetings -- but jokes about some players not wanting to show off their homes to the rest of the team!

"One guy just points his [camera] at his ceiling fan for 2 hours straight during the meeting! Give us a little something. I mean geez, what are you hiding!?"

Besides training, we also talked to Watt about "Ultimate Tag" -- airs Wednesday night on FOX -- and says the athletes he's got on the show are FREAKS!

In fact, Watt says he doesn't think half the players in the League could keep up with the crazy athletes on "Ultimate Tag" ... which sounds like a challenge to us!!!

As for the NFL stars who would do the best on the show???

Here's a shocker -- Watt loves Lamar Jackson and Tyreek Hill ... some of the most talented players EVER!

But seriously, JJ -- pull some strings and get 'em on the show!!!

This looks AWESOME!!

The Miami Dolphins have announced they're converting Hard Rock Stadium into a drive-in, outdoor theater ... so you can watch live events, movies, etc. from your CAR!!

And, the mock-up photos look pretty cool!

"[Hard Rock Stadium] will now feature both an open-air and drive-in theater that will showcase select Miami Dolphins matchups from the team’s 54-year history, classic motion picture films, host commencement ceremonies and other events," the team said in a statement.

"The family friendly experiences will provide a unique environment while staying in accordance with social distance policies."

The drive-in event space can hold up to 230 cars -- while the open-air theater "can host small groups for an intimate viewing experience on the complex’s south plaza."

Unclear when the drive-in theater is set to open -- but it seems like it's a priority, since it could be a long time until we get live fans back at NFL games.

Question is ... how much would you pay to drive-in to watch a football game or a movie?

Miami Dolphins owner Stephen M. Ross insists the 2020 NFL season will NOT be canceled due to COVID-19 ... saying the 2020 season will "definitely" happen.

I think there will definitely be a football season this year," the billionaire real estate mogul said Tuesday morning on CNBC's ''Squawk Box.''

"The real question is will there be fans in the stadium?"

"I think right now today we're planing on having fans in the stadium but I think the NFL is looking at, and is very flexible, so that we will be able to start on time and really bring that entertainment that's really so needed to all of us in this country."

"I think that's one thing that we miss is our sports. I don't think a lot of people realize it until they no longer have it. Certainly the NFL I think will be ready to go and I think we're all looking forward to. I know I am."

"We've got a lot of things down in Miami here and we're prepared either way and hopefully there'll be fans in the stadium."

It's the most definitive statement we've heard from an NFL owner about the 2020 season while the coronavirus pandemic rages on.

Of course, the league has been moving forward as if everything will run according to schedule ... the NFL Draft took place in April and free agency began on time.

As we previously reported, Joe Buck recently said multiple networks are kicking around innovative ideas to make NFL broadcasts fun and exciting without fans ... one of the ideas is artificial fan noise. So far, nothing is set in stone.

Awesome gesture from Aldon Smith ... the new Cowboys star says he's going to read to kids to help brighten their days -- telling TMZ Sports, "It's just one way I can be a source of help."

Aldon's storytime is all part of a new charity initiative that was put together by WorkForce Software CEO Mike Morini and Jay Glazer's Merging Vets and Players program.

Morini tells us the charity work is pretty simple ... key execs and athletes from all over the country are signing up to read stories and books remotely to children directly affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Morini says Aldon -- along with a bunch of other athletes like Andrew Whitworth and Robert Griffin III -- jumped at the opportunity when he presented it to them ... saying, "Man, they were all happy to do it."

As for why ... Aldon tells us he understands just how big of an impact the small, charitable act can have on the kids.

"The first thing that went to my head was I was a Tennesee Titans football fan and a Chicago Bulls fan, and you know, I’ve always been a fan of sports and then music, so I loved all kinds of singers and artists," Smith says.

"So, if any of them would have hopped on a phone call or a video call and read a book, it's something I would remember."

Aldon, who was just reinstated by the NFL and will get another shot at pro football for the first time in years, added, "It just goes along with what I’m into and what I’m about."

Ryan Leaf has been arrested for misdemeanor domestic battery in Palm Springs, CA ... TMZ Sports has learned.

The former NFL quarterback was taken into custody around 2 PM PT on Friday, May 22nd.

According to jail records, he was booked for domestic battery -- and bail was set at $5,000.

As of now (the time of this post), Leaf is still in custody.

44-year-old Leaf is listed on his booking sheet as 6'6", 250 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes.

We're working on the details ...

Of course, Leaf was the #2 overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft -- but his career flamed out fast and his life fell apart soon after.

Leaf has been arrested multiple times for things like drug possession and burglary ... but he had sobered up and became a program ambassador for an organization that runs sober houses in multiple cities including L.A. and N.Y.

He's recently been covering college football for ESPN.

Dak Prescott and the Cowboys are firing back at a report claiming the QB turned down a 5-year, $175 MILLION contract extension ... saying that offer simply never hit the table.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport says he spoke with Prescott's agent and reps from the team ... and they confirmed contract discussions between the two sides have only consisted so far of the length of the deal -- not money numbers.

Of course, ex-NFL QB and current league analyst Chris Simms reported this week that he's heard otherwise.

Simms -- speaking on 105.3 The Fan -- claimed he was told by "some people who are in the know" that Dak was poo-pooing a 5-year deal that would pay him roughly $35 mil per year.

"He wants a four-year deal," Simms says. "If they do agree to a five-year deal, they would like a really big number at the end of that fifth year to cover their butts for what the market might be at the position five years from now."

"And, I’ve heard he’s asking for somewhere like north of $45 million in that fifth year."

But, Rapoport reported Thursday, "The two sides have never discussed such scenarios or anything like it. Dak wants a shorter deal, the Cowboys want a longer one. July 15 is the deadline."

Ex-Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis says giving owners a draft incentive to hire minorities is "like having Jim Crow laws" ... ripping the proposal as straight-up "offensive."

Remember, the NFL owners reportedly planned to vote on a proposal that would reward teams with a better 3rd round draft pick if they had hired a minority GM or coach.

While the proposal was tabled during the owners meetings on Tuesday, Lewis went off on the idea of giving teams an incentive to hire minorities in an interview with The Baltimore Sun.

"It was offensive, definitely offensive," Lewis said. "It was like having Jim Crow laws."

As for compensating teams with draft picks? Lewis isn't happy with that, either.

"Draft picks are like gold. That doesn’t make a lot of sense to me. As a head coach, no one wants to be hired or put in that position."

Owners DID vote to expand the Rooney Rule to require teams to interview at least 2 minority candidates when hiring new coaches ... which Lewis says is a good thing.

"This will be a plus requiring more than one minority to be interviewed because it will cause them to take a deeper dive."

FYI -- there are currently 4 minority coaches and 2 minority GMs in the NFL, which is comprised of 32 total teams.