Football

Roger Goodell says he wants Colin Kaepernick to get a chance to play again ... with the NFL commish putting his stamp of approval on bringing the QB back in the league.

Remember, Goodell recently admitted the league was wrong in how it handled the national anthem protests in 2016, but fell short of addressing Kap -- who hasn't played in the NFL since kneeling -- by name.

Goodell revealed his stance on Kap during ESPN's "The Return Of Sports" special Monday night ... saying, "If he wants to resume his career in the NFL, then obviously it's gonna take a team to make that decision."

"But, I welcome that, support a club making that decision, and encourage them to do that."

Goodell even says he'd like to work together with Kap on fixing social justice issues if he doesn't want to return to the field. However, we're told Kap very much wants to play in 2020.

"If his efforts are not on the field but continuing to work in this space, we welcome him to that table and to help us, guide us, help us make better decisions about the kinds of things that need to be done in the communities," Goodell said.

"We have invited him in before, and we want to make sure that everybody's welcome at that table, and trying to help us deal with some very complex, difficult issues, that have been around for a long time."

As we previously reported, Kap has been training nonstop in hopes of getting another shot in the NFL ... and Pete Carroll even said a team is interested.

Story developing ...

Oklahoma State star Chuba Hubbard -- one of the best college RBs in the country -- says he's boycotting the school after his coach was pictured wearing a shirt supporting a pro-Trump cable network.

Cowboys head coach Mike Gundy was spotted on a fishing trip last week wearing a shirt with the far-right, One America News Network (OAN) logo across his chest.

OAN has become a favorite of President Trump -- but they've been heavily criticized for pushing seemingly baseless conspiracy theories ... including the suggestion that a 75-year-old who was injured by police in Buffalo had connections to the ANTIFA. The man, who suffered serious injuries, denied the allegations through an attorney.

Hubbard -- who was projected to be an early-round NFL draft pick in April before deciding to return to school for his red-shirt junior season -- was so furious with his coach's wardrobe choice, he's now threatening to cut ties with the University.

"I will not stand for this," Hubbard tweeted. "This is completely insensitive to everything going on in society, and it’s unacceptable."

"I will not be doing anything with Oklahoma State until things CHANGE."

Hubbard's teammate, Amen Ogbongbemiga, cosigned his tweet ... saying "I stand with him!"

And ex-Cowboys star Justice Hill added, "OSU Athletics and University need major change. 100% support brotha."

Not only did Gundy wear merch in support of OAN, he also praised the network for its "refreshing" coverage of the coronavirus pandemic in April.

"There's no commentary. There's no opinions on this. There's no left. There's no right. They just reported the news," Gundy said.

Coach has yet to comment on the shirt or the boycott.

As for OAN, John Oliver recently dedicated an entire episode of his show to dissecting the network.

Terrell Owens is adamant he experienced "systemic racism" in the NFL during his time with the San Francisco 49ers ... and he seems to be pointing the finger at coach Steve Mariucci.

The 46-year-old Hall of Famer was explaining to TMZ Sports why he believes he was "blackballed" from the league 9 years ago ... when he made the bombshell allegation.

"I could've still continued to play but because I was outspoken, because of who I was, I wasn't allowed the opportunity."

"Because I was outspoken. Because of who I was and because of some of the coaches that said things behind closed doors and got in the ears of these owners, that's why I wasn't able to really continue on with my career."

"To me, that was systemic racism. I experienced it when I was in San Francisco under coach Mariucci. I experienced it. Trust me, I experienced it."

When asked, Owens wouldn't get into specifics -- but says his reputation suffered as a result of what happened during his time in SF.

"There's a lot of media that portray me a certain way to where now even people think I'm this bad person. That I'm a character, I'm selfish, all these things. But, at the end of the day, I knew who I was and I just kept moving forward."

We reached out to Steve Mariucci to see if he would address TO's allegations but so far, no word back.

File under: Things Your Superstar QB Should NEVER Do!

Here's video footage of Lamar Jackson tumbling over a jet ski and into ocean water in a beach football game over the weekend ... and we gotta say, it's terrifying!!!

The NFL MVP was getting in a little run with his bros on the sand ... when he started doing Lamar Jackson things.

The clip is pretty crazy ... Jackson's acceleration from zero-to-sprint is INSANE -- but when he finished off the run, John Harbaugh and ALL of Ravens nation couldn't have been happy.

Check out the clip, Jackson tumbled and dove headfirst over a waverunner ... and it's maybe the scariest hit he took in all of this past calendar year.

Fortunately, LJ came up from the fall just fine ... but, man, SHEEESSSSHHHHH!!

Of course, beach football injuries are VERY real ... remember, star NFL running back Robert Edwards completely shredded his knee in an infamous sand game back at the 1999 Pro Bowl.

Browns superstar Myles Garrett just came through big time for a man who was permanently injured during the Black Lives Matter protests in Cleveland ... personally reaching out and helping raise money for his recovery.

24-year-old John Sanders was taking pictures of the protests in Downtown CLE on May 30 ... when he was shot in the eye with a beanbag.

Sanders lost his left eye and suffered other facial injuries as a result ... and a GoFundMe has been set up to help him with hospital bills and other expenses.

Word got to Myles, who called upon his 210k Twitter followers to help out by donating to Sanders' campaign.

Not only did Garrett spread the word ... he personally hit up Sanders to lift his spirits and share some encouragement.

"He was just texting me about how badly he felt about what happened and how he wanted to make a difference in any way he could," Sanders tells TMZ Sports.

Sanders tells us the GoFundMe donations DOUBLED in the days following Garrett's tweet ... with more than $17,300 raised so far.

"It's wild," Sanders tells us. "I mean, the whole thing -- from being such an extreme living example of police brutality and lack of training to actually having someone in the NFL that is not only probably the best player at their position, but also someone I've held in high regards actually reach out to me -- is really overwhelming.

"To help me? Never happens to me. I'm overly thankful."

New Orleans Saints star linebacker Demario Davis is praising the NFL for its $250 million donation to help fight social injustice ... but says black players should have a say in where the money ends up.

"We as players, it's our responsibility to hold the league accountable to make sure that we have real action," 31-year-old Davis tells TMZ Sports.

"The players come from these communities so we know how to help change them."

Davis continues ... "With a contribution as large as $250 million, I think there are systems that can go into place to help -- along with black players -- to change black communities."

"So, working together on that, that's definitely a conversation that I want to be a part of."

For its part, the NFL says it HAS been working with current and former players to "identify and work with programs that address criminal justice reform, police reform and economic and educational advancement for African Americans."

Clearly, Davis wants to be a part of that group moving forward.

As for working directly with Roger Goodell, Davis is open to that, too -- even praising the NFL Commish for the work he's put in behind the scenes.

"One thing I can say about Roger is he has constantly tried to be a liaison in conversations between players and owners. The extent of that conversation we will see going forward. But, I think it's a tremendous opportunity, but that's just words so far, we'll see what kind of actions come from it."

We also asked Demario if Colin Kaepernick should be back in the league -- and you gotta hear what he has to say about that.

There's more ... Demario is currently in Minnesota, where he visited the George Floyd memorial at the site where he was killed.

"To be at that spot, it just did something to me -- to say like I'm here in this moment that change is actually happening. It was just a powerful experience."

Davis is currently on a tour promoting his book "The Unsuccessful Champion" -- explaining, "I think that's about overcoming adversity and understanding that it's not about what happened to you, its all about how you respond to it."

"That's life."

An NFL owner has FINALLY come forward and voiced his support for racial justice ... with Ravens honcho Steve Bisciotti delivering a powerful message alongside his players Friday.

The video -- in which players, staffers and Bisciotti himself talk about the need to end racism -- runs for roughly 10 minutes ... and it's emotional.

Everyone from star QB Lamar Jackson to backup QB Robert Griffin III to kicker Justin Tucker, who's white, delivers messages promoting unity and equality.

But, the most notable is obviously Bisciotti ... who's now become the first owner in the league to step forward and voice his support on video for his players in the fight for racial justice.

"Ask the questions, ask the uncomfortable questions," Bisciotti says. "And you will come to the conclusion -- I hope -- that I have, that you don't feel it enough, and that you don't live it enough if you're not willing to say it: Black Lives Matter."

Bisciotti added in the video, "To say stick to sports is the worst possible thing that you can feel and say."

"If my players, both white and black, don't speak out about this injustice to their communities, then they're considered sellouts or hypocrites. If I don't defend my players, then I'm the worst kind of hypocrite."

Bisciotti's move is a big step for the NFL ... even though Roger Goodell publicly admitted to bungling kneeling protests and vowed to do more to combat racial injustice -- league owners have been widely panned for staying quiet on the issue.

In fact, Richard Sherman just went after Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones for his lack of vocal support on the matter ... saying this week, "his silence speaks volumes."

"It’s not pulling [NFL owners] like it is the rest of the country,” the 49ers cornerback added. "Because if it was, then they’d speak."

Antonio Brown entered a Florida courtroom Friday and pled no contest in his moving truck driver battery case.

Brown was accused of attacking the driver in front of his Hollywood, FL home back in January 2020. The moving truck driver claimed Brown got violent after a dispute over payment.

Brown was initially hit with three criminal charges including burglary with assault, burglary conveyance and criminal mischief.

But, the 31-year-old wide receiver cut a deal with prosecutors this week in which he changed his plea to no contest ... and in exchange, he was sentenced to 2 years probation, a 13-week anger management course and ordered to undergo a psychological evaluation.

Brown must also complete 100 hours of community service. The judge also ordered Brown to stay away from the two victims in the cases.

Brown appeared in court wearing a slick grey suit and a black facemask ... but left the building without speaking to reporters.

This is important ... Brown is allowed to travel throughout the country under the terms of his probation -- which means no travel restrictions if he returns to the NFL.

Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien says he will join his players if they kneel during the national anthem this upcoming season ... saying he's "all for it."

B.O.B. has been one of the more outspoken coaches in sports since George Floyd's death ... and even attended his funeral service earlier this week alongside J.J. Watt.

Not only does O'Brien say he will support his players if they decide to demonstrate against social injustice during the season ... he'll join them by taking a knee.

"Yeah, I’ll take a knee, I’m all for it," O'Brien said, according to the Houston Chronicle.

"The players have a right to protest, a right to be heard and a right to be who they are. They're not taking a knee because they're against our flag. They're taking a knee because they haven't been treated equally in this country for over 400 years."

O'Brien is the first coach to confirm he will take a knee this upcoming season ... but Redskins HC Ron Rivera has also expressed support for protests after Adrian Peterson said he will "without a doubt" kneel.

The mayor of the nation's capital is calling for Washington's NFL team to finally ax the "Redskins" nickname ... saying it's "past time" to come up with something else.

The name controversy has raged for years -- with U.S. Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez most recently calling out the team and demanding a re-brand.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser spoke about the issue to The Team 980 & 95.9 FM .. and she's siding with AOC.

"I think it’s past time for the team to deal with what offends so many people and this is a great franchise with a great history that’s beloved in Washington," Bowser says. "And it deserves a name that reflects the affection that we’ve built for the team."

Bowser was also asked if the team's name is hurting its chances of getting a new stadium in D.C. ... and she believes it's an "obstacle."

"It’s an obstacle for us locally but is also an obstacle for the federal government who leases the land to us."

Pete Carroll feels he could have done more to help get Colin Kaepernick on an NFL roster following a meeting in 2017 ... and "regrets" the way things played out.

The Seattle Seahawks head coach says he spent half a day with the QB back in 2017 -- but the team ultimately passed because they were convinced Colin was starter material and they didn't want to sign him as a backup.

"The fact that it didn't work out for us, I figured he was going to wind up starting somewhere for sure and it just didn't happen. The rest of that story is one that I regret that that didn't happen in some fashion."

Carroll added, "I wish we would have contributed to it cause the guy deserves to play."

Seems Carroll stopped short of saying he regrets not signing Kap -- but rather regrets not doing more to ensure Kap ended up on another roster that year.

But, get this ... Pete went on to say that he DID get a call Thursday from another NFL team that seemed to have interest in Kap.

"Someone is interested," Carroll told reporters without giving away which team was on the other line.

As we previously reported, 32-year-old Colin has been working out and training every day -- preparing himself as if he'll play in the NFL in 2020.

Sources tell us ... the 2017 meeting with the Seahawks was the ONLY time Colin got a real interview with an NFL franchise after parting ways with the 49ers in 2016.

Nothing else materialized either before or after.

Terrell Owens is hitting the streets of Los Angeles again ... this time, for Colin Kaepernick.

The Hall of Famer is heading a "march and kneel" rally in Inglewood, CA in the hopes of putting pressure on NFL teams to sign Colin to a roster for the 2020 season.

The march is also being led by Kappa Alpha Psi -- the fraternity that Kaepernick joined while he was a student at University of Nevada, Reno.

The marchers -- who are calling themselves Kappas for Kaepernick -- plan to dempnstrate at 12:07 PM.

Remember, back in 2019 ... when Kaepernick held a workout for NFL teams, there was a group of proud Kappas showing their support right outside of the practice field.

As for TO, he's been very vocal about expressing his opinions on the racial injustice in America -- and led chants at a Black Lives Matter rally in L.A. over the weekend.

As we previously reported, Kaepernick is working out and training daily in the hopes of playing in the NFL in 2020 ... and has gotten support from respected players like Carlos Hyde and Malcolm Jenkins.

Originally Published 12:10 AM PT

Roger Goodell and the NFL have talked the talk ... and now, they're starting to walk the walk -- pledging to donate a quarter of a billion dollars to fight social injustice.

The NFL confirmed through its website it will make the $250 million donation throughout the next 10 years.

The money will go toward charities and organizations designed to "combat systemic racism and support the battle against injustices faced by African Americans."

The NFL report also says the league would be willing to work with Colin Kaepernick on social justice initiatives.

An unnamed NFL source told NFL.com, "We wouldn't be where we are today without the work Colin and other players have led off."

"It would be awesome to engage Colin on some of the work we are doing. He's doing real impactful work. Getting him in some way would be amazing for us. There's a lot of work to do to get to that point. We're certainly open and willing to do that."

A pretty HUGE statement -- though it's unclear why the NFL is keeping the identity of that person a secret.

The NFL.com report also says league owners -- who have been criticized for not speaking out enough in the fight for social justice -- approved the allocation of the league funds.

Of course, the NFL had already been donating cash to the cause in an agreement with its Players Association ... but this new gesture could multiply the org.'s initial charity tenfold.

NFL.com also reports the league has agreed to work with players to help "address criminal justice reform, police reform and economic and educational advancement for African Americans."

As we previously reported ... Goodell said in a strong statement last week the NFL is sorry for the way it handled kneeling protests in the past -- and insists he's now committed fully to helping the cause.

NFL receiver DeSean Jackson is paying tribute to George Floyd with his latest pair of custom cleats ... sporting a design to honor the man with a powerful message.

"I’m making my mark, Regardless of the feedback," the Philadelphia Eagles star says. "I’m taking a stance on justice & using my platform to stand for what’s right !!"

As we previously reported, Jackson has addressed police brutality dating back to 2016 ... and has featured other names like Rodney King and Nipsey Hussle as well.

D-Jax hit up his go-to guy, SolesBySir, for the job this time around ... with a design featuring Floyd's image, 8 minutes and 46 seconds (symbolizing the amount of time officer Derek Chauvin had his knee on Floyd's neck) and the phrase "I Can't Breathe Again."

The inside of the cleats also features the message, "No Justice, No Peace."

Univ. of Texas star defensive back B.J. Foster won't have full use of one of his hands for a bit ... his coach says he broke it punching his car in a fit of anger.

Tom Herman told reporters Thursday the junior came out to his vehicle in a parking lot ... and when he saw it had been hit (plus, the other driver didn't leave a note) -- he exploded.

"He got a little angry and decided he was going to take it out on the car bumper," Herman said.

The result? The coach says Foster broke the fifth metacarpal in his hand punching the ride and will require a cast to heal the injury.

"We had a long conversation on that," Herman said. "Every time, in my 45 years on a planet, when a player gets in a fight with an inanimate object, usually the inanimate object wins."

Good news, though ... Herman says Foster will still be able to work out with the Longhorns despite the cast -- and is expected to make a full recovery in time for the season.