NCAA

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??

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.

DeAndre Hopkins FOR THE WIN!!

The University of Clemson's Board of Trustees voted Friday to remove John C. Calhoun's name from the Honors College immediately, citing his racist pro-slavery beliefs.

Hopkins was a big part of the campaign to get Clemson to change the name -- with the NFL superstar claiming it made him uncomfortable during his time as a Clemson student considering Calhoun's well-documented racist history.

FYI, Calhoun was the Vice President of the United States from 1825 to 1832 and the University sits on land he once owned -- but he was also super racist and was a staunch proponent of slavery.

Well, the Board met and not only voted unanimously to remove Calhoun's name effective immediately ... they're changing names on other University buildings as well.

For example, Tillman Hall -- the school's most famous building -- will also undergo a name change.

Tillman Hall was named after Benjamin Tillman -- a racist former Governor of South Carolina who openly mocked black people and defended lynching.

Tillman Hall will be officially changed to Main Building -- but will likely go by its former nickname, Old Main.

Shout out to DeAndre, Deshaun Watson and all of the students who brought this issue into the light and got real change!!!

Reggie Bush's dissociation with USC is dissolving ... the school is expected to formally end his ban from the program this month after 10 YEARS of exile.

Bush was famously banished from having an affiliation with his alma mater way back in 2010 ... after an NCAA investigation determined the former RB received improper benefits during his time at the school.

As we previously reported, there was a major NCAA rule change recently which basically reduced any major disassociation to a 10-year disassociation.

USC interim athletic director Dave Roberts pointed out that June 2020 would mark the 10-year mark ... and hinted the school would like to bring Bush back.

And now, according to ESPN, that's exactly what's happening -- with the two sides "in the process of finalizing an agreement that would allow [Bush] to be reinstated."

As we previously reported ... after Bush was busted, USC was hit with mega sanctions, including the loss of scholarships and being stripped of its 2004 national championship.

Reggie was also ordered to give back his 2005 Heisman Trophy.

Bush has been very vocal about the ban over the years, lamenting that USC had to pay so harshly for it all.

"It was a horrible feeling, one of the worst feelings in the world," Bush just told The Athletic last month. "It felt like I died when I had to hear that there weren’t gonna be scholarships for kids because of me or because of something connected to me."

"I'm still not over that. It’s just something you learn to live with."

It's unclear how and exactly when SC will re-welcome back Bush ... but former Trojans like LenDale White -- who's been campaigning to get Reggie back for YEARS -- will no doubt be thrilled nonetheless.

A bunch of Tigers will be flooding the booths in Baton Rouge this November ... 'cause LSU head coach Ed Orgeron says ALL of his players decided to team up and register to vote.

The leader of the reigning national champs revealed the team's decision on the "Off The Bench" show on ESPN Radio Tuesday morning ... saying he's working alongside his players to come up with ways to fight the issues they face every day.

"We had a great team meeting with our football team and I talked to them about specific stuff that was going on in the world today," Coach O said.

Orgeron added the team's leadership committee -- consisting of 12 players and several coaches -- came up with the idea to make their voices heard by hitting the voting booths.

"One of the solutions that they came up with as a group and to represent the team, that we're gonna register to vote. The guys wanted to take action."

Orgeron spoke out after the killing of George Floyd in an interview with Sports Illustrated last week ... saying, "My players and former players are hurting, and they let me know they’re hurting."

Mike Norvell says he did NOT, in fact, speak individually with every player on his team in the wake of George Floyd's death ... and the head coach apologized Thursday to Wilson for saying he did.

"I'm proud of Marvin for utilizing his platform to express his reaction to my comments in an earlier interview," Norvell said. "Last Saturday evening, I sent a text to each player individually to present an opportunity for open communication with me."

"Many members of our team chose to respond and have more in-depth conversations about issues and feelings."

Norvell continued, "Marvin is right. It was a mistake to use the word 'every.' Particularly at this time, words are important, and I'm sorry."

Wilson just released a powerful video statement on the matter -- and while he didn't say if he's ending his boycott or even if Norvell acknowledged his accusations -- he said Florida State players will now take a big step toward helping the black community in America.

Wilson says after a meeting with Norvell and the team Thursday, all players on the Seminoles roster will now be registered to vote going forward.

Wilson says FSU players will also be heavily involved in fundraising efforts to not only help underprivileged people across the country, but locally in Tallahassee as well.

"Took a stand we got what we wanted & we are moving forward 🗣!!!" Wilson wrote along with his video statement. "I appreciate @coachnorvell for encouraging me to use my platform and speak for what me and teammates believe in."

Wilson added, "Be the change that you need when you was growing up and help build black communities up and take back what is ours."

FSU star Marvin Wilson -- a projected 1st-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft -- says he's boycotting team workouts after he claims his coach lied about individually speaking with players in the wake of George Floyd's death.

"Me and my teammates as a whole are outraged and we will not be working out until further notice," the defensive lineman said Wednesday night.

Here's the backstory ... FSU head coach Mike Norvell was asked by The Athletic's Tashan Reed about how he's handling the unrest in America over Floyd's tragic death with his Seminoles team.

In his answer, Norvell was quoted as saying, "We've had a lot of open communication with our team, our players and our coaches. I went back and forth individually with every player this weekend."

"And that was something that was important to me because this is a heartbreaking time in our country."

But, shortly after the coach's comments were posted on social media ... Wilson called BS.

"Man this [crap] did not happen mane," 21-year-old Wilson wrote. "We got a generated text that was sent to everybody. There was no one on one talk between us and coach."

Several current FSU players -- many of whom returned to campus this week after COVID-19 closures -- backed Wilson's response with retweets and emoji quote tweets.

In another part of the statement attributed to 38-year-old Norvell, he added, "I told these guys just how grateful I am to be a part of this journey with them because they are the future."

The coach has not yet publicly commented on his star player's allegations.

As for Wilson, a boycott of FSU is serious business ... the team leader has a chance to be a top-10 pick in next April's NFL draft -- and is expected to be one of the best college football players in the country in 2020.

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.

A group of 850 former Kentucky Wildcats cheerleaders are rallying behind the coaches fired over wild hazing allegations ... demanding they get their jobs back!

As we previously reported, UK axed the cheer team's advisor, head coach and 3 assistants after investigation into a crazy team lake retreat back in February.

The school claims the retreat was debaucherous -- with allegations of team members being forced to booze and perform topless and bottomless cheerleading stunts.

Several active members of the team have disputed the allegations -- but the school fired the staff anyway ... citing results of a 3-month investigation.

Now, the UK Cheerleading Alumni Association is going to bat for the staff in a strongly worded letter to school honchos.

"To say the UK cheerleading advisor and coaches lack integrity is insulting," the alumni statement says.

"To suggest that the advisor and coaches didn’t provide proper oversight is absurd. To so harshly penalize a program -- especially one that has led such an exemplary existence for four-plus decades -- is unfair!"

"Although what is alleged to have happened with the current squads is regrettable, we support them too, because we believe no person should be defined by their mistakes."

The group added this message for the fired coaches -- "You were always there for us. We're proud to return the favor."

Auburn legend Pat Dye -- one of the greatest college football coaches ever -- is hospitalized in Georgia after testing positive for coronavirus.

80-year-old Dye is a College Football Hall of Famer who's credited with making Auburn a powerhouse in the '80s ... winning 4 SEC titles and racking up a 99-39-4 record from '81 to '92.

Dye famously coached Bo Jackson during his Heisman Trophy season in 1985.

But now, he's battling serious health issues -- including kidney problems -- according to an email sent to members of his sister's church.

"Please join us in praying for and lifting up Jayne Snell's brother, Pat Dye," the email said.

"Jayne says he is very weak, and is experiencing loss of appetite and some confusion."

"Please help us lift Pat up in prayer so that God may help him. Pat is loved by many people far and wide and there is no better reminder of this love than constant prayer for him and his family."

One of the most anticipated college football games of 2020 will NOT go down as scheduled ... so says FS1 star Colin Cowherd, who reports USC vs. Alabama in Sept. won't happen.

"Told by two people I trust -- USC v Alabama isn't happening," "The Herd" host said. "Trojans can’t even practice in LA potentially for several months. This is why Bama already talking to other possible opponents."

The game's currently scheduled for Sept. 5 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas ... but with the Pac-12's home schools' states still imposing some of the most strict stay-at-home orders in the nation ... the game is in serious jeopardy.

In fact, with officials in Los Angeles -- home of both UCLA and USC -- announcing Monday their coronavirus lockdown orders could last all the way until AT LEAST August, things are looking super grim for the season as a whole, let alone the schools' opening matchups.

And, Cowherd says he's already hearing the Bama-SC opener cancellation is coming.

"Not official but understood," Colin reported Tuesday night.

There have already been reports the Tide is looking into replacements for USC ... with the school reportedly in talks with TCU for a new season opener.

But, SC athletic director Mike Bohn said in a statement late Tuesday the Trojans still regularly communicate with the Tide and "have every intention of playing our game against Alabama" despite the pessimism.

Tennessee State running back Jordan Bell is recovering after doctors amputated part of his left leg following a motorcycle crash ... and he's already got his sites set on playing football again!

20-year-old Bell was riding his red 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000 in Nashville on April 4 -- when he hit a pothole, lost control and was thrown from the bike into a concrete wall.

Several bystanders rushed to help -- and emergency responders were called to the scene to treat the severe injuries, including broken bones and severed nerves.

Unfortunately, Bell's left leg was so damaged in the crash, doctors decided it was in his best interest to amputate below the knee.

Now, the running back is recovering at home -- which SUCKS even more because of the COVID-19 pandemic -- which is why his teammates organized a social distancing visit to show their support.

Several players and coaches (wearing masks) brought signs and balloons to Bell's home on April 29 -- and you can see in the pics, Bell was clearly moved by the gesture.

Bell is currently undergoing physical therapy and will be fitted for a prosthetic so he can walk again.

But, get this ... according to family members, one of Jordan's goals is to "eventually play football again."

Hey, with his work ethic and attitude, anything's possible!

Meanwhile, Bell's family has started a GoFundMe to raise money for the medical bills -- and the fundraiser was already approved by the NCAA.

Like father, like son!!

NFL legend Jim Brown's son, Aris, is following in his dad's footsteps ... by committing to play lacrosse at the collegiate level.

Of course, the Cleveland Browns Hall of Famer was an All-American LAX player at Syracuse ... and even admitted it may have been his best sport over football.

The dude wasn't joking ... he's in the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame and was one of the first African-American superstars in the sport.

18-year-old Aris, a 4-year starter at Sierra Canyon H.S. -- who plays midfield, just like pops did -- announced the next step in his LAX career this week ... saying he's "very proud" to commit to playing at Hampton University.

"I’d like to thank God, my family, friends, and coaches for helping me through the way," the Sierra Canyon HS star said on IG.

Brown also shared a pic of his unique signing day moment -- wearing a mask while inking his name on his papers.

It's a move that's gotta be dad-approved -- Jim was elated when Hampton became the first HBCU school to have a Division 1 lacrosse team back in 2016.

Teshaun Hightower -- a Tulane men's basketball star who just declared for the 2020 NBA Draft -- was arrested this weekend for felony murder, records show.

Officials believe the 22-year-old is involved in the April 8 shooting death of a man in Stockbridge, GA. Cops say the Green Wave star is one of six people who they believe contributed to the murder.

Law enforcement has not yet released further details surrounding the shooting.

Hightower was arrested Saturday at 9:50 PM, according to jail records, and was booked on 8 charges, including felony murder and felony aggravated assault. No bond was listed for the NCAA star.

Tulane announced in a statement shortly after his arrest, "Upon learning of Teshaun’s arrest this afternoon, he was immediately dismissed from the Tulane basketball program."

Hightower had just declared himself eligible for the NBA draft on April 18 ... this after he posted a monster season in 2019-20.

The shooting guard/point guard started 29 games for the Green Wave, averaged 34.3 minutes per game and posted a team-high 15.9 points per game.

Hightower also logged 4.6 rebounds per game ... and had intended to come back to the school if his NBA draft prospects weren't favorable.

There can only be one Tiger King and it sure as hell ain't Netflix star Joe Exotic ... so says LSU coach Ed Orgeron, who's deemed Joe Burrow the REAL owner of that title.

Of course, Joe is one of the greatest LSU Tigers in school history despite only 2 years with the program ... and he broke a bunch of school records during his run in Baton Rouge.

Coach O agrees ... 'cause when he was randomly asked about Netflix's mega-hit docuseries prior to Thursday's draft ... he made sure to mention his former superstar QB is the only guy worthy of the title.

"None of that 'Tiger King' business," Orgeron told ESPN. "There's only one Tiger King and he's fixin' to get drafted first tonight!!!"

Well, as it turns out Coach O's TRUE Tiger King is about to remain a tiger ... 'cause the Cincinnati Bengals are CERTAINLY drafting the Ohio kid with the #1 overall pick in a little bit. It's a matter of WHEN not IF.

"I don't know if I've ever seen any college player better than he played last year."

That's Brett Favre heaping a TON of praise on Joe Burrow ... telling TMZ Sports he thinks the LSU QB's 2019 season was the greatest of all time!!!

Of course, Burrow's stats back up the claim ... the 23-year-old completed 76.3 percent of his passes for 5,671 yards and scored 65 total (rushing and passing) TDs -- but it's still shocking to hear the Packers legend make the claim nonetheless.

Remember, there are some straight-up ICONIC seasons from college football players over the years from dudes like Cam Newton, Barry Sanders, Johnny Manziel, Tim Tebow, Vince Young and Reggie Bush.

But, Favre tells us Burrow's year just tops them all.

"In fact, [Burrow's] team was incredible," Favre says. "Best college team I've ever seen. And, the best play by a college quarterback in history."

So, just how do Burrow's numbers compare with guys like Newton, Tebow, Young and Manziel?

Newton in 2010: 2,854 passing yards, 30 passing TDs, 1,473 rushing yards, 20 rushing TDs

Manziel in 2012: 3,706 passing yards, 26 passing TDs, 1,410 rushing yards, 21 rushing TDs

Tebow in 2007: 3,286 passing yards, 32 passing TDs, 895 rushing yards, 23 rushing TDs

Young in 2005: 3,036 passing yards, 26 passing TDs, 1050 rushing yards, 12 rushing TDs

Yeah, Favre might have a point here!!

As for Burrow's future in the NFL -- ya gotta hear which legendary QB Brett thinks Joe most plays like.

By the way, the Packers legend also reminisced with us about his draft day experience in 1991 ... and he even opened up about that epic draft night photo!!

Gianna Bryant and her Mamba Academy teammates will be memorialized in a big way Friday night ... the WNBA is set to make them honorary picks in the org's annual draft, according to Vanessa Bryant.

GiGi, Alyssa Altobelli and Payton Chester -- who all passed away in a helicopter crash with Kobe Bryant -- will get the honor at some point during the televised selection process.

Of course, it's a huge deal for the trio ... they all had WNBA aspirations before their tragic deaths in January -- and Vanessa praised the tribute on social media Friday.

The league's show -- which is slated to be entirely virtual this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic -- is set to kick off at 4 PM PT on ESPN.

The WNBA becomes the latest in a long line of organizations, celebs and athletes that have paid tribute to the victims following the devastating helicopter wreck.

Remember, the Lakers held an emotional remembrance ceremony before their game against the Trailblazers on Jan. 31 ... while players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis got tribute tattoos.

Meanwhile, UConn -- Gianna's dream school to hoop at -- also paid tribute to Kobe's daughter by laying out a No. 2 jersey before its game in late January.

Others, like NBA stud Lou Williams, had murals of Kobe and GiGi painted to pay respects following the tragedy.