Football

The SEC wants Mississippi to change its state flag ASAP ... and if it refuses -- the conference's commish is threatening to pull all future titles games out of the state.

SEC honcho Greg Sankey made the announcement Thursday ... saying "it is past time" government officials pull the plug on a flag that features prominent ties to the Confederacy.

"Our students deserve an opportunity to learn and compete in environments that are inclusive and welcoming to all," Sankey said.

"In the event there is no change, there will be consideration of precluding Southeastern Conference championship events from being conducted in the State of Mississippi until the flag is changed."

Of course, Sankey's press on Mississippi lawmakers is just the latest in a long line of efforts from Americans to cut ties with its Confederacy past.

Cities all over the country have ripped down statues of Confederate leaders in the wake of George Floyd's death ... while NASCAR has permanently banned the Confederate flag from its race tracks.

For their part, SEC programs Mississippi State Univ. (NFL star Dak Prescott's alma mater) and Ole Miss are backing their conference's leader in the fight against the flag.

"Since 2015, our Student Association, Robert Holland Faculty Senate and university administration have been firmly on record in support of changing the state flag," Miss. St. President Mark E. Keenum said.

"I have reiterated that view to our state's leaders on multiple occasions, including during face-to-face discussions in recent days and hours."

Josh Gordon's lawyer says the NFL receiver's most recent drug relapse was sparked by his brother's tragic death ... but has gotten the help he needs and is back on the right path.

The troubled 29-year-old was indefinitely suspended from the NFL back in December 2019 after failing another drug test ... adding to the long list of drug penalties since 2013.

But, Gordon is ready to prove he's back to 100% ... reportedly filing for reinstatement on Thursday.

While details surrounding Gordon's suspension weren't made available at the time, his lawyer, Adam Kenner, has revealed the devastating event that triggered the slip-up.

"Josh had a lapse because of his brother's death," Kenner said via Tom Pelissero. "That set him back. But since that time, he has realized how important it is for him to take the right steps, do what's proper, and understand how to manage these issues."

"He's installed the right team around him to make sure he's on the right path. He understands he's been given every chance. He looks forward to making the most of this."

Details on Gordon's brother's death weren't made public ... but Josh addressed his passing in a since-deleted Instagram post shortly after his death in November, saying, "Can’t put it all into words just yet, but today was one of those harder days to face."

"I love you big bro. I’m gonna miss you. This win was for you, thank you for being the best older brother any kid could have."

Meanwhile, Josh had been training like a maniac recently and posting the photos to IG.

One thing's for sure ... he still looks like he's in stellar shape.

NFL QB Ryan Tannehill is joining the movement to take down a controversial statue honoring a former Texas A&M president on campus ... saying the school cannot overlook his history of slavery and racism.

A campaign is underway to remove the monument of Confederate general Lawrence Sullivan Ross -- AKA "Sully" -- from the heart of campus ... citing his history of mistreating black and indigenous people.

A&M star quarterback Kellen Mond released a statement on the matter ... saying Sully's positive impact on the school cannot outweigh his actions against minorities.

"The values of Texas A&M University do not align with RACISM, VIOLENCE, SLAVERY and SEGREGATION, but Jimbo Fisher’s most prominent saying will always stick with me: '"Your ACTIONS speak so loud I can’t hear what you’re saying."'

"The Lawrence Sullivan Ross Statue NEEDS to be removed. Texas A&M University, I NEED to see ACTION," Mond added.

Tannehill -- who starred at A&M from 2008-11 -- is backing his alma mater's QB ... saying, "I’m with @thekellenmond. We can’t continue to ignore the evil perpetrated by Sullivan Ross."

"#SullyGottaGo @TAMU @AggieFootball"

There's a petition to remove the Sully statue from campus ... and it already has nearly 25k signatures.

Other huge names have used their voices to bring change to college campuses -- including DeAndre Hopkins, who helped Clemson remove a slave owner's name from the Honors College.

The Univ. of Florida is pulling the plug on its famous "Gator Bait" chant ... with the school's president saying its racist ties make it no longer acceptable for UF to use.

In a statement released Thursday ... President Kent Fuchs axed the popular cheer -- which has been screamed by thousands of fans weekly during Gators college football games over the years.

"While I know of no evidence of racism associated with our 'Gator Bait' cheer at UF sporting events," Fuchs said, "there is horrific historic racist imagery associated with the phrase."

"Accordingly University Athletics and the Gator Band will discontinue the use of the cheer."

If you're unfamiliar ... America's past use of "gator bait" truly is disturbing -- reportedly, white men would use African-American babies to lure gators out of swamps so they could hunt them more easily for their skin.

At UF sporting events ... the band would play some tunes and pause so the entire crowd could chant in unison, "Gator Bait!"

Fuchs said in addition to stopping all that ... the school will take even more steps to ensure racial justice -- vowing to remove any UF-controlled "monuments or namings" that have ties to the Confederacy.

The school president also said the Univ. of Florida will no longer receive labor from inmates ... adding, "the symbolism of inmate labor is incompatible with our university."

It was love at first sight for Rob Gronkowski and his new Tampa Bay Buccaneers unis ... with the superstar giving his threads a big ol' kiss after getting his hands on 'em for the first time.

It's been a rough week for New England fans -- first, the Bucs showed off their new quarterback, Tom Brady, in a non-Patriots jersey for the first time in 20 YEARS.

It was Gronk's turn on Thursday ... with the tight end donning his new uniform, which continues to pile on the pain for Pats Nation.

The Bucs shared video of the moment Gronk saw his threads in person for the first time ... and the dude fell head-over-heels.

"That is beautiful," Gronk says ... "Wow, that's real nice."

Of course, Gronk retired after the 2018 season ... but is making a comeback with his boy, TB12, in Tampa.

But, Gronk won't get back to business without one final party -- he's hosting a VIRTUAL bash with his buddy Shaquille O'Neal to raise money for the NAACP and the Boys And Girls Club.

Gronk and Shaq are planning to face off in a bunch of challenges -- including a dance-off -- with special guests DaBaby, Diplo, Carnage and more ... so yeah, it's a party.

Dr. Fauci just uttered the words every NFL and NCAA fan was dreading hearing ... "Football may not happen this year."

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

The coronavirus expert told CNN unless football players are able to lock down in some sort of bubble-like environment similar to the NBA's proposed comeback ... he's skeptical 2020 seasons will go down.

"It would be very hard to see how football is able to be played this fall," Fauci said. "If there is a second wave, which is certainly a possibility and which would be complicated by the predictable flu season, football may not happen this year."

Of course, the NFL has said it has no plans to derail its season at the moment ... still expecting to open training camps next month and the regular season in Sept.

The NCAA, meanwhile, has had athletes from various schools already return to campuses in preparation for the '20 season.

But, clearly, Fauci believes a second wave of positive COVID-19 tests is on the horizon ... and if that's the case, he ain't so sure it'll be possible to play without a myriad of extreme safety measures.

How's that for awful news to start your Thursday??

Back before his kneeling comments set the world on fire, Drew Brees donated $5 MIL to help with COVID relief efforts ... and now he's opening a new food bank with that cash.

The New Orleans Saints QB and his wife, Brittany, are opening a new Second Harvest Food Bank in Lafayette ... which is expected to make a huge impact in the area.

"With many of our donations through the COVID crisis we have been able to establish facilities and programs that will last far beyond the existing need," Brees said.

"We are excited to announce a new Second Harvest Food Bank kitchen in partnership with Catholic Charities of Acadiana in Lafayette, LA that will allow us to produce 15,800 meals per week for children, families, and seniors in need, as well as the homeless throughout southwest Louisiana!"

Drew and Brittany made their $5 million pledge to the State of Louisiana back in March.

At the time, Brees promised to work with organizations like Second Harvest Food Bank, Ochsner Health Systems, Walk-Ons, Jimmy Johns, Smalls Sliders and Waitr "to prepare and deliver over 10,000 meals per day throughout Louisiana for as long as it takes to children on meal programs, seniors, and families in need."

Colin Kaepernick has a new job -- not the in the NFL (yet) -- he just joined the Board of Directors on a major online publishing platform.

Kap -- along with Kaepernick Publishing (which he created 2019) -- has teamed up with Medium, which hosts "social journalism" articles on everything from politics to health from a number of authors. Medium claims to have 120 million readers.

Now, Medium's founder Evan Williams has announced Colin Kaepernick is on board, starting Thursday.

"Today, we announce that civil rights activist and athlete Colin Kaepernick will be joining our Board of Directors," Williams said,.

"In addition to the board seat, Medium will partner with Colin and Kaepernick Publishing to create and feature stories focused on race and civil rights in America, and to elevate emerging voices from communities of color."

Williams continued, "I know he will bring valuable insights and leadership to Medium, especially in this moment when the world is finally catching up to his vision on racial justice."

According to Medium, Colin "will be sharing his thoughts on anti-Black racism in our society, and Medium and Kaepernick Publishing will co-publish thought-provoking feature stories from diverse writers of color."

Kaepernick has also commented -- saying, "I am excited for Kaepernick Publishing to partner with Medium to continue to elevate Black voices in the news and publishing industry."

Another big break for Miami Dolphins star cornerback Xavien Howard ... the NFL will NOT suspend him over his domestic violence case -- TMZ Sports has learned.

26-year-old Howard was accused of roughing up his fiancee during an argument at a Davie, Fla. residence back on Dec. 29.

According to the police report ... Howard allegedly grabbed the woman and pushed her against a wall. Officers in the report stated they noticed scratches, redness and an abrasion on the alleged victim after they responded to the scene -- and arrested Howard shortly after.

In the 911 call from the incident ... Howard's fiancee seemed to insinuate the alleged attack was NOT an isolated incident.

But, prosecutors dropped the criminal case against Xavien back in February, saying, "The victim said she did not want to proceed with prosecution."

They added, "She also stated that it was a 'situation that got out of hand' and she has no fear of the defendant and no fear for her safety."

We're now told the NFL has concluded its independent investigation into the matter ... and has decided it will NOT force Howard to miss any games over the arrest.

President Donald Trump -- who previously said to fire any "son of a bitch" who knelt for the national anthem -- says Colin Kaepernick should get another shot at an NFL career ... if he deserves it.

POTUS has been adamantly against the national anthem protests since 2016 ... and most recently said he'd stop watching soccer and football if the demonstrations continued.

Trump seems to be softening his stance on Kap -- at least as a quarterback -- saying he should have a second chance in the league if he's talented enough to compete.

"If he deserves it, he should," Trump told ABC7's Scott Thuman. "If he has the playing ability. He started off great and then he didn't end up very great in terms as a player."

"He was terrific in his rookie year, I think he was very good in his second year and then something happened."

Trump continued ... "So, his playing wasn't up to snuff. The answer is absolutely I would, as far as kneeling, I would love to see him get another shot. But obviously, he has to be able to play well. If he can't play well, I think it would be very unfair."

What's unclear is if Trump means Kap should stand if he gets "another shot"... but we know for sure he believes a team shouldn't hesitate to sign him if he's good enough.

The comments come on the heels of Ben Carson -- the Housing and Urban Development Secretary -- saying he was going to "work with" POTUS to help him understand the meaning behind kneeling ... so it's a possibility it helped.

NFL commish Roger Goodell also recently said he'd encourage any team to sign the QB.

Could Colin Kaepernick's return to the NFL start in Los Angeles?

Chargers coach Anthony Lynn told reporters Wednesday it's certainly a possibility ... saying, "Colin definitely fits the style of quarterback for the system that we’re going to be running,"

Of course, Lynn -- who has yet to speak with Colin about a potential tryout -- says the Bolts have a pretty full QB room already ... so a signing seems unlikely at the moment.

But, Lynn insinuated if something should happen to one of their top quarterbacks ... Colin would be one of the first guys they call for a workout.

"It would be crazy to not have him on your workout list," Lynn said ... before adding, "I’m very confident and happy with the three quarterbacks that I have but you can never have too many people waiting on the runway."

Colin -- who's been out of the league since 2016 -- has yet to have any truly serious offers since he last played ... even despite a workout in front of several NFL scouts in 2019.

Kap's made it clear he feels he's been blackballed because of his kneeling protests ... but in an interview with ESPN this week, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said he's now encouraging teams to sign the QB.

Ever seen a dude squat 585 pounds and get clowned over it?!?!

Welcome to the NFL ... where Washington Redskins star Jonathan Allen just threw around an inhuman amount of poundage -- only to get ripped by a former teammate hilariously.

Here's the deal ... Allen -- a former first-round pick -- loaded up his bar with nearly 600 pounds during a workout Tuesday and squatted it five times.

The feat was pretty unreal ... but the fact that he didn't break parallel clearly caught ex-Redskins DL Ziggy Hood's eyes -- 'cause the dude comically went off on Allen for the lift!!!

"Jon what are we doing here." Hood asked. "We quarter squat with a spotter holding on like a prom date photo."

Man, tough crowd.

To his credit, Allen took the jokes in stride ... and fired back, "Do you play football with your ass below your knees.... nope."

Hood wasn't done, though, adding, "I bet my 33 yr old ass got a better get off."

We love the banter ... and if we gotta input our two cents -- the squat was probably a little too high if we're scoring at home.

Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy says he's "disgusted" with OAN's coverage of the Black Lives Matter movement ... and is apologizing for promoting the far-right network on his shirt.

Gundy was pictured wearing the pro-Trump outlet's logo on his shirt while on a fishing trip last week ... which sparked outrage with star players like Chuba Hubbard, who threatened to boycott the school.

Gundy says he met with his team on Tuesday to address the issue ... and now understands he screwed up.

"Our players expressed their feelings as individuals and has team members," Gundy said in a video posted on his Twitter. "They helped me see through their eyes how the t-shirt affected their hearts."

"Once I learned how that network felt about Black Lives Matter, I was disgusted and knew it was completely unacceptable to me."

"I want to apologize to all members of our team, former players and their families for the pain and discomfort that has been caused over the last two days."

Gundy added ... "Black lives matter to me. Our players matter to me. These meetings with our team have been eye-opening and will result in positive changes for Oklahoma State football."

"I sincerely hope the Oklahoma State family near and far will accept my humble apology as we move forward."

Gundy also addressed the shirt issue in a video on Monday ... vowing to help change the culture at OSU.

The apology has been well-received with his star players ... with Hubbard tweeting, "A step in the right direction."

In the latest edition of Myles Garrett's unreal gym feats ... here's the Cleveland Browns superstar deadlifting 655 pounds -- allegedly for a set of three reps!!!!

The former No. 1 overall pick crushed it in the weight room yet again Tuesday ... showing off a trap bar deadlift that even strongman Hafthor Bjornsson would be impressed by.

Check out the clip ... there are so many plates on the bar, they barely fit -- but Myles is able to get it up with ease.

It should be noted ... Garrett did have a little help from Prince's sweet voice in the background!!

Of course, this is nothing new for the NFL stud ... we've seen him bench over 400 pounds, box jump 60 inches, and just show off his ripped bod in general.

But a 655-pound deadlift is still impressive nonetheless ... especially when you consider he captioned the footage with "x3" -- implying he hit that weight multiple times!

Tompa Bay is officially HERE!!!

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have released the first pics of Tom Brady in his new threads ... and the dude looks good.

It's going to take some time to get used to seeing TB12 in new colors -- after all, he spent 20 years in New England -- but now that we know what it looks like, we can finally start adjusting.

The Bucs have been hyping up the big reveal on social media ... and Brady finally decided to show the world what he looks like in red and pewter on Tuesday.

TB12 dodged a bullet, though ... with the Bucs deciding to go back to a more traditional look just in time for the legend's arrival.

Remember, #12 used to be occupied by star receiver Chris Godwin ... who willingly handed Brady his beloved digits for FREE!!

Let reality sink in, Pats fans. Your 6-time champ is gone.

Bacarri Rambo -- an ex-NFL safety who was an All-American in college -- was arrested this week ... after he was accused of raping a 21-year-old woman in Georgia.

Jail records show 29-year-old Rambo -- a sixth-round pick by the Washington Redskins in 2013 -- was booked into Clarke County Jail in Athens at 10:02 PM on Monday night.

Details surrounding the alleged incident are unclear ... we're working on it -- but cops say they launched a probe into rape allegations on June 13.

Officers say a 21-year-old female Univ. of Georgia student claimed she was raped at a downtown Athens residence. Cops add they obtained a warrant for Rambo's arrest shortly after.

Jail records show Rambo is currently still in custody after being booked on a felony rape charge ... and is being held on no bond.

Rambo was a superstar for the Georgia Bulldogs after arriving on campus in 2009 ... he was named an All-American in 2011 and still holds a share of the school record for most career interceptions with 16.