Football

Antonio Brown just announced his playing days are over -- again -- with the free-agent wide receiver saying, "at this point the risk is greater than the reward."

Remember, AB threatened to retire back in September ... after he was released by the New England Patriots amid a myriad of off-field issues, including a sexual assault investigation.

Now ... the 7-time Pro Bowler is singing a similar tune, saying he's putting the game behind him for good.

"Is it time to walk away i done ✅ everything in the game ?!!" AB tweeted on Monday.

"thank you everyone who been part of this journey i sincerely thank you for everything! life goes on 84!"

"I came i saw i conquered mission complete Call God 🤙🏾"

Of course, AB was traded to the Oakland Raiders after a drama-filled 9 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers ... but was released before the 2019 season started.

Brown was picked up by the Pats for one game ... scoring 1 touchdown.

AB had been working like a maniac to get back to the league -- training with guys like Russell Wilson and Lamar Jackson this summer -- and we were even told by one of his workout QBs last week that he had been "ramping up workouts" in anticipation of signing soon.

It's official ... no high school football during 2020 in California -- the season will now begin in January and could pose some serious issues for multi-sport athletes.

The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) issued a statement Monday, saying most teams can begin to practice in December with a January kickoff date for regular-season games.

Football season in CA usually begins in either late August or early September -- but COVID has obviously thrown a wrench in the usual plans.

Now, the season will run through April -- which could force some top multi-sport athletes across the state to make some tough choices.

Both baseball, basketball and track are now scheduled to begin around March -- and it could be very difficult or even impossible for players to meaningfully contribute in those sports at the same time.

Of course, a TON of major athletes played 2 or 3 sports in high school ... just look at Patrick Mahomes and Kyler Murray who were both big football and baseball guys growing up.

Other Fall sports that have been pushed back include volleyball, water polo, cross country, field hockey, gymnastics and more.

Donald Hammond -- starting QB for Air Force -- is no longer considered to be in "good standing" with the academy and could be OUT for the 2020 season, the team announced.

We know what you're thinking ... what happened? Officials are keeping the details close to the vest.

"Donald Hammond is no longer a cadet in good standing and cannot represent the academy in outside activities," Air Force said in a statement.

Unclear if the situation is based on academics or behavior -- but either way, it's a big blow for Air Force. Hammond is a pretty solid player.

He started 11 games for Air Force in 2019 -- leading the team to an 11-2 record. The team finished the season ranked #23 in the country in the coaches poll.

In fact, the 6'2", 220 pound quarterback made the 2020 Davey O'Brien National QB Award Watch list ... which spotlights the nation's top 30 returning QBs.

In 2019, he racked up 1,316 passing yards, 553 rushing yards and 26 total TDs.

According to his Air Force profile, Hammond is an aeronautical engineering major -- with dreams of being a developmental engineer or fly remote piloted aircraft in the Air Force.

Half a BILLION dollars might not have been enough for Patrick Mahomes ... so says the QB's star WR, Tyreek Hill, who tells TMZ Sports he would've gone higher!!!

"I mean, hell," Hill says, "I thought he was worth even more!!"

Of course, Hill tells us the deal is still massive and more than fair for his Chiefs BFF ... adding, "I'm proud of my boy, Pat, man! I'm really happy for him."

Mahomes inked a record-breaking 10-year, $503 MILLION contract extension earlier this month ... and Hill believes that could be the catalyst for a lengthy dynasty in K.C.

In fact, the 2-time All-Pro wideout tells us with Mahomes locked in and star defensive tackle Chris Jones inking a new deal ... he sees multiple rings on the horizon for the Chiefs.

"I'm proud of just the Chiefs in general for getting all these deals done, man," Hill says. "'Cause they understand right now is our time, like this is our window to be great, for us to build that dynasty and I'm just happy to be along with them."

As for who's buying meals going forward now that he, Jones and Pat have signed huge contracts ... Hill says that honor will go to Mahomes from here on out.

Sorry, kid.

By the way, Tyreek is doing some really cool things this offseason while preparing to go back to back with K.C. ... he tells us he's creating a clothing brand that he hopes can help raise money and awareness in the fight for social justice.

The man who squatted on several potential new names for the NFL's Washington franchise says he's reached out to the league to offer up the trademarks for free ... and he's got the emails to prove it.

Martin McCaulay -- aka the "trademark hog" (that's what he calls himself) -- came under fire from Washington fans when it came out that he obtained the trademarks for a bunch of possible replacement names ... including the Washington Monuments, Americans, Veterans, Red-Tailed Hawks, Federals and more.

Most people assumed he would try to shake down the franchise for a big payday but McCauley says that's B.S.

In fact, McCauley tells us he reached out to the NFL via email on July 4 offering his 10 trademarked names for no charge!

"My email was dated July 4th, 2020 to the NFL trademark attorney and said 'free trademarks,' a list out of all my trademarks saying, 'you can have these for free' and they didn't respond."

"I didn't know how to reach anybody. I'm on Twitter, at the NFL, at the NFL commish. Take my trademarks, please! What do I have to do to get you to take these trademarks?"

As you know, Washington is on the hunt for a new name after FINALLY dropping "Redskins" ... following a scathing letter written by the National Congress of American Indians, an organization that reps over 5 million Native Americans.

So, Martin -- who believes the name change is long overdue -- even hired a lawyer to help pass along his registered trademarks.

"They won't take my offer of free trademarks so I hired an attorney to facilitate the transaction. His name is Darren Heitner," McCaulay says.

"He wrote a letter to Mr. Snyder with my offer, making it clear that I was trying to facilitate the name change. I do not want to be an obstacle. Please. If you want one of Mr. McCaulay's trademarks, or me, 'trademark hog,' as I like to go by, then just let us know what does he need to do to get out of your way? What is it?"

Antonio Brown ain't on an NFL roster yet ... but his personal QB tells TMZ Sports the former All-Pro is "ramping up" his workouts in anticipation of signing soon.

Peter Zamora -- the 17-year-old high school quarterback who's been Brown's throwing partner this summer -- says he's noticed a HUGE uptick in AB's training demeanor recently.

Zamora says Brown has requested more throwing sessions in the last few days and weeks ... this as NFL camps are set to kick off at the end of this month.

In clips from the duo's workout Wednesday ... you can see Brown in full pads getting after it -- running intense routes with purpose.

Zamora says the throwing session went on for about an hour -- focusing solely on short-range throws -- but Brown didn't stop there.

Zamora tells us AB brought the QB out AGAIN on Thursday for more work ... this time for another hour in blazing Florida heat.

"He's in excellent shape," Zamora said.

As we previously reported ... Brown's been angling HARD for months to get back on an NFL roster this season after he was let go by the Patriots amid controversy last September.

Brown has worked out with Redskins' Dwayne Haskins, Ravens' Lamar Jackson and Seahawks' Russell Wilson the past few months ... leading to speculation he could be a possible addition to all three teams at some point when camps begin in two weeks.

Of course, Brown is still under NFL investigation over a myriad of off-field issues ... including allegations he raped his former trainer, Britney Taylor.

A suspension, per multiple reports, seems likely.

There's a ring in Clemson superstar Trevor Lawrence's future even if the season is canceled ... 'cause the QB proposed to his longtime GF -- and she said YES!!!

Lawrence -- a Heisman hopeful in 2020 -- has been dating Marissa Mowry since early 2016 ... and decided to pop the question at Memorial Stadium in Clemson on Friday.

Pictures capturing the moment show a fully suited Lawrence get on one knee in the middle of the field and present the ring to a shocked Mowry.

"FOREVER," the 2018 national champ said on Instagram. "You’re everything I’ve dreamed of. I love you and can’t wait to marry you."

Of course, Trevor and Marissa have been together for several years ... dating back to way before he was one of the best players in college football.

In fact, Mowry famously predicted Lawrence would become a champ all the way back in 2017 ... when the dude was still in HS!!

"Easiest YES of my life!!!" Marissa said of the proposal. "I love you always Trevor"

The man accused of sucker punching Dallas Goedert in the face at a bar last month is officially fighting back in his assault case -- pleading NOT GUILTY to the charges Friday, a court official tells TMZ Sports.

30-year-old Kyle Hadala allegedly clocked the Philadelphia Eagles tight end during a bar brawl on June 19 in South Dakota ... and the video of the incident did NOT look good for Hadala.

In the clip ... you can see Hadala uncorks a right hand to Goedert's temple, knocking him to the ground. Prosecutors eventually hit Hadala with two counts of simple assault over the incident.

But, a court official tells us Hadala's attorney appeared in court for his client on Friday ... issued not guilty pleas to both charges, and requested a trial date.

As we previously reported ... Hadala claims he only got violent with the 25-year-old NFL player because he thought Goedert and his crew were threatening his friends and co-workers.

"They picked out my smaller colleague from the group, got in his face, and made very threatening remarks toward his personal well-being," Hadala said.

"Then one of his crew told my other colleague, and I quote, 'You’re just a fat f**king pussy. I'll beat the s*** out of you.'"

Hadala says after those comments, Goedert put his hands on one of his friends ... and that's when Hadala says he jumped in with the right hand.

Hadala claims he was attacked by Dallas' crew shortly after throwing the punch ... and suffered multiple cuts and lacerations as a result.

"My daughter works for the team and I sure as hell am not going to allow any of this!"

That's Washington head coach Ron Rivera promising to shut down ANY toxicity in his new org ... this after 15 women came out and said they experienced rampant sexual harassment and verbal abuse during their time with the team.

The women -- per a Washington Post report -- claimed high-ranking execs made inappropriate comments to them, and on at least one occasion, called a woman "f**king stupid."

In fact, some of the ex-female employees say it got so bad ... they would meet up in the bathroom on lunch breaks and cry over their experiences.

58-year-old Rivera -- who just took over the reins as the team's head coach this offseason -- released a statement to ESPN Thursday night ... vowing to change the culture.

"Biggest thing is we have to move forward from this," Rivera said, "and make sure everybody understands we have policies that we will follow and that we have an open door policy with no retribution."

For the team's part ... it has already parted ways with several of the employees accused of wrongdoing in the WaPo report -- and says it's hired an attorney to investigate further.

The NFL, meanwhile, said in a statement early Friday morning it takes the claims very seriously and will work with Washington's investigators to determine the necessary steps going forward.

"These matters as reported are serious, disturbing and contrary to the NFL's values," the league said. "Everyone in the NFL has the right to work in an environment free from any and all forms of harassment. Washington has engaged outside counsel to conduct a thorough investigation into these allegations."

"The club has pledged that it will give its full cooperation to the investigator and we expect the club and all employees to do so."

The statement continued, "We will meet with the attorneys upon the conclusion of their investigation and take any action based on the findings."

Ex-NFL star Torrey Smith is firing back at the people mocking him for wearing a life vest on a recent fishing trip ... saying, "I’m going to do my part to make sure I make it home."

Several fellow NFLers like Warren Sapp and Kamu Grugier-Hill commented on Smith's IG post on Thursday ... questioning why the athlete would bother wearing the vest.

"To the folks that clowned me about my life jacket (I know most were jokes) this is a serious issue," Smith said on Friday. "I’m new to boating and I respect the water so I’m going to be safe."

The Super Bowl champ -- who points out he knows how to swim -- says that ability alone can't prevent drownings ... and he's not willing to take the risk.

Of course, Smith's post comes days after Naya Rivera's tragic death ... when the actress accidentally drowned in Lake Piru after swimming with her son. Officials say she wasn't wearing a life vest.

Smith also shared an article breaking down stats on life vests and why they're so critical ... even if people are confident on a boat.

"Nothing is promised but I’m going to do my part to make sure I make it home."

The Canadian football League's Edmonton Eskimos -- one of the most decorated teams in CFL history -- is now planning on changing its team name after some say it's offensive to Inuit people.

It's a similar situation to the controversy in the NFL with the Washington Redskins -- the team had long pointed to research which showed most Inuit people did not find the name offensive.

But, there has been public outcry in recent months from Inuit groups and leaders who claim the name is racist -- and now sponsors are threatening to walk if the team doesn't change it quick.

The team had pushed back for a while -- even releasing a statement saying the club name should be considered a tribute to the Inuit people because it invokes “toughness, hardiness and the ability to perform in cold weather."

But now, the team has apparently decided to make a change -- with TSN reporting they WILL move on from the name with an official announcement coming soon.

It's a pretty big deal -- considering the team has used the nickname since 1949.

The Edmonton franchise is legendary in the CFL -- with 14 Grey Cup titles since 1954.

Earlier this week, the NFL's Washington franchise also decided to drop their team nickname after major Native American groups spoke out against it.

"If Asante Samuel walked up right now, I wouldn't know his face."

That's Darrell Green's reaction to Asante Samuel's recent criticism of his Hall of Fame resume ... and, yeah. OUCH!!!

Don't get it too twisted though ... DG says it's not exactly meant to be a slight to Samuel -- he tells us it just means he's not taking the former New England Patriots cornerback's comments to heart.

"Truthfully," Green told us, "I don't think I've ever met him. I don't know his face if he walked up."

If you missed it ... in order to boost his own Hall of Fame resume, Asante went after Darrell on Twitter earlier this month, calling out his career stats.

"With all do respect can someone explain to me why Darrell Green is considered a great?" Samuel wrote. "He played 19 years and was mostly a nickel back. 54 INT's in 19 years. Talk to me????"

Asante was blasted by many over the tweet -- with Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy essentially telling the guy to do some research.

"Darrell Green played on the outside, not as a nickel," Dungy said. "He traveled with the best receiver and was a TOP ECHELON CB for almost 2 decades!!"

Green tells us he appreciated Dungy coming to his defense ... but added he believes his career numbers more than speak for themselves.

"There's enough information if he really wanted to know that he could have found," Green said.

FYI -- Green played 20 years for Washington and won 2 Super Bowls and made 7 Pro Bowls before he was inducted into Canton in 2008.

Still, Darrell tried his best to take the high road with Samuel ... adding, "I hope he gets in the Hall of Fame."

Fifteen former female Washington NFL team staffers claim they were sexually harassed and verbally abused during their time with the org. ... and they say it was relentless and repeated.

It's all in a new bombshell Washington Post report ... which claims the culture with Washington's NFL team was toxic and demeaning toward women in the workplace.

In the report, one of the women, 31-year-old Emily Applegate -- a former marketing coordinator who spent one year with the club before leaving in 2015 -- claims, "It was the most miserable experience of my life."

"And we all tolerated it," she added, "because we knew if we complained -- and they reminded us of this -- there were 1,000 people out there who would take our job in a heartbeat."

Applegate says she was told by a high-ranking exec to wear revealing clothes "so the men in the room have something to look at."

She also says the same superior constantly verbally abused her, and once called her "f**king stupid."

Applegate says she would meet with a female co-worker in the bathroom on her lunch breaks ... and they would cry together over the alleged harassment.

The report also says 14 other women echoed Applegate's claims ... sharing similar stories, but choosing to remain anonymous over fears of litigation.

In one of the most salacious allegations ... some of the women claim men in the facility -- including team trainers -- would stand at the bottom of a staircase near the entrance to team headquarters and would stare up female employees' skirts.

In fact, the women say this was such a well-known problem among the females in the office ... employees warned others to avoid the staircase at all costs.

In another allegation ... a female employee said at the team's training camp in Richmond, Va., she was "propositioned basically every day" by team officials for late-night visits.

Several of the team employees accused of harassment in the report have been fired by Washington in the last few days.

Bombshell allegations from Evelyn Lozada -- who says Chad Ochocinco abused her MULTIPLE times during their relationship, despite his claims to the contrary.

Lozada -- who was married to the ex-NFL star for less than a month in 2012 -- released an emotional video Thursday claiming Chad is straight-up LYING about physical abuse in their relationship.

As we previously reported, Ochocinco was arrested for domestic battery on August 11, 2012, when he headbutted Lozada during an argument, causing a massive bloody gash.

Johnson was later cut from the Miami Dolphins as a result -- and his NFL career never really got back on track.

On Wednesday, Ocho mentioned the incident on Twitter -- saying, "I lost my temper for once in life for 3 seconds & it cost me a lifetimes worth of work."

He added, "I got it all back plus some after getting a 2nd chance & NOTHING will ever get me out of that happy space again."

The problem ... Evelyn says Chad isn't telling the truth and it's causing her tremendous pain.

"For this man to sit up there and say that he lost his temper for 3 seconds is infuriating to me," Lozada said ... "It's messages like this, tweets or whatever the hell it was, that are triggers for me."

"People read this on social media and are coming at me talking about 'oh you made this man lose his job' it's like if you're gonna speak the truth, I want you to speak the truth as to what the situation was."

"It wasn't the first time, it wasn't the first time!"

"And, one of the things I'm always gonna do is I'm always gonna live in my truth, whether it's good, whether it's bad, whether it's ugly, I'm not going to let anybody take away my f**king truth and put this perception out there for a pity party as if you made one mistake."

Evelyn continued, "And, I'm trying to move on from this. But, as a victim, how am I supposed to move on?!"

"What happened to me that day and other days, I didn't deserve. I didn't deserve that."

Danica Patrick has unfollowed Aaron Rodgers on Instagram ... and we all know what that means -- BREAK UP?!!?!?!

NOOOOOOO!!!!

Seems the couple has called it quits after two years of dating -- shocking considering they were publicly trading "I love yous" ... and had even shacked up together at a recently purchased $28 MILLION mansion in Malibu.

In fact, it was just back in December when Danica posted a super mushy birthday message for Aaron on IG -- saying, "Happy birthday to my best friend and favorite person in the world. You are the one I want to tell my best and worst days to first."

She also dropped an "L-Bomb."

"This journey we are on.... it’s a really really good one. I love you. Happiest of birthdays yet!!!!!!"

Before that, Jenny McCarthy asked Danica on her SiriusXM show back in November about a possible wedding at some point -- and while DP admitted she WANTED to get engaged, she wasn't trying to rush it.

The Green Bay Packers superstar and ex-NASCAR driver started dating back in 2018 ... after initially meeting at the 2012 ESPYs.

We've reached out to reps from both camps -- but so far, radio silence. Seems no one's ready to talk yet.

Patrick previously dated race car driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. -- but they broke up in 2017. Danica had said she was ready to get engaged -- but Stenhouse refused to pull the trigger and that was that.

Rodgers previously dated Olivia Munn but they split in 2017.