NCAA

Legendary college football coach Gary Patterson is apologizing for using the n-word ... saying Tuesday his use of the slur was "unacceptable."

TCU's head coach didn't elaborate on when and why he muttered the word ... only adding, "I have always encouraged our players to do better and be better and I must live by the same standards."

Gary was accused on Monday of saying the word during a dispute with a Horned Frogs linebacker at a team workout this past Sunday.

In the accusation, redshirt freshman Dylan Jordan claims he was quarreling with Patterson during practice, when the coach told him, "You're a f**king brat I'll send you back to pitt," referring to DJ's hometown of Pittsburgh, Kansas.

"I said, 'for what I ain't did nothin'," Jordan said. "He followed with 'you've been saying n***as in the meeting room.'"

Jordan said he and other TCU players refused to show up to practice on Monday over the coach's use of the word ... adding, "[Patterson] came to the locker room & said 'I wasn't calling him a n*****."

Jordan continued, "This behavior is not okay now or ever and there needs to be repercussions to these actions."

Another TCU player, senior tight end Artayvious Lynn, said Patterson did, in fact, say the slur ... but added Patterson never directed it at Jordan or anyone else.

"'You n***** or n***a' was never stated to anyone or never said," Lynn said. "Coach P was trying to get Dylan to stop saying the word period."

Patterson said in his statement Tuesday, "I met with our Seniors and Leadership Council last night about how we move forward as team, together."

Another standout college football player has decided to forgo the 2020 season ... this time, it's Minnesota wide receiver Rashod Bateman.

As we previously reported, Virginia Tech star Caleb Farley -- one of the best cornerbacks in college ball -- became the highest NFL prospect to "opt out" of the season to focus on training for the next level.

Bateman -- the 2019 Big Ten Receiver of the Year -- announced his decision to move on from his college career on Tuesday ... calling it the "hardest decision" of his life.

"Unfortunately, in light of the uncertainty around health and safety in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have to set my wishes aside for the wellness of my family, community, and beyond," Bateman said on Twitter.

"Because of this, I have decided to opt-out of the 2020 college football season. I will be taking the next steps in my journey by declaring for the 2021 NFL Draft."

BTW -- Bateman played a huge role in the Golden Gophers' offense for 2 seasons ... racking up 1,923 yards and 17 touchdowns and making him a potential first-round pick next year.

Head coach P.J. Fleck released a statement on Bateman's decision ... praising the player for his time with the team.

"Our program will always support a teammate who makes a decision that he feels is best for him and his family. I love Rashod and will always be there for him."

Bateman added ... "Minnesota will forever be a place I am lucky enough to call home. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you all. Bateman out."

Harvey Updyke -- the Alabama fan who gained national fame for poisoning the famous oak trees at Auburn in 2010 -- has died ... his son said Thursday.

He was 71 years old.

Bear Updyke added to AL.com his father passed away of natural causes.

Harvey became a part of college football history back in the 2010 season ... when he called into The Paul Finebaum Show and admitted to putting poison on Auburn's beloved Toomer's Corner trees.

"Let me tell you what I did,” Updyke said. "The weekend after the Iron Bowl, I went to Auburn, Alabama, because I live 30 miles away, and I poisoned the two Toomer’s trees."

"I put Spike 80DF in 'em ... they’re not dead yet, but they definitely will die."

Harvey was eventually tracked down and charged for the act ... and later, in 2013, he pled guilty to felony criminal damage.

Harvey spent time in jail over the crime ... and was ordered to pay nearly $1 million in restitution.

The tree poisoning wove him into the fabric of the Tigers vs. Tide history ... he was prominently featured in ESPN's famous 30 for 30 about the schools' rivalry.

The NCAA has voted to allow athletes to put social justice statements on their jerseys this upcoming season ... giving all students the opportunity to express their views.

The vote came down last week ... and follows the lead of the MLB, NFL, NBA, WNBA and more leagues in using jerseys to promote equality as they return to competition.

The org.'s playing rules oversight panel determined each student-athlete will be able to sport patches on the front and messages on the back of their uniforms "to express support and voice their opinions."

Of course, the NBA is allowing players to wear messages like "Black Lives Matter" and "Equality" when the season restarts Thursday ... and WNBA players are wearing Breonna Taylor's name on their jerseys.

The NFL also announced it will feature the names of police brutality victims on helmets for the 2020 season.

"We need to play. This state needs it. This country needs it."

LSU head coach Ed Orgeron is making it crystal clear he wants the football season to happen despite the global pandemic ... telling Vice President Mike Pence he's ready to kick things off in the fall.

Coach O spoke out on his stance in a round table conversation with the VP at Tiger Stadium on Tuesday ... saying he believes they can "handle" the coronavirus while going through with the season.

"I don't think we can take this away from our players, take this away from our state and our country," Coach O added.

"We need football. Football is the lifeblood of our country."

Of course, the 2020 season is up in the air due to the pandemic ... and SEC commish Greg Sankey has expressed concern with the status of the season.

While a decision won't be made until later this month ... O made it clear ... his Tigers will be prepared to defend the title.

The University of Texas says it's making major changes across its campus to "promote diversity, inclusion and equity" -- including renaming its football field after two of its greatest athletes, who are black.

Joe Jamail Field -- at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium -- will be renamed Earl Campbell-Ricky Williams Field, after the two Heisman Trophy winners.

According to the school, the name change came at the request of the Jamail family.

Nothing controversial about Jamail that we're aware of -- he was a wealthy UT alum who donated a ton of money to the University and they honored him by naming the field after him in 1997. He passed away in 2015 at age 90.

Ricky issued a statement on the honor ... saying, "Earl and myself are honored to be part of the momentum of change sweeping our alma mater, the University of Texas, the nation, and the world."

He added, "We recognize the naming of Campbell/Williams Field is a historic moment and we urge our nation's univiersities to continue to reflect and review the history, symbolism, and dentities that we place on monuments, public institutions, and sports organizations."

Campbell also spoke out -- saying, "The symbolism of this honor transcends the recognition of the Heisman Trophies we received."

"It extends to all students, but specifically black athletes, who continue to work to define our collective motto 'Winning with Integrity.' Ricky and I are humbled by this honor."

Of course, Ricky Williams was a MONSTER during his time at Texas -- winning the Heisman in 1998 after one of the greatest seasons ever -- rushing for more than 2,300 yards and 29 TDs.

Campbell was also a beast -- winning the Heisman in 1977 when he sued for 1,744 and 18 TDs.

There's more ... UT says it will also be erecting a statue at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium of Julius Whittier, the Longhorns’ first Black football letterman.

The school also announced several changes to "promote diversity, inclusion and equity" at the university ... which are things Longhorns football players have been asking for for months.

Remember, linebacker DeMarvion Overshown began a boycott of football workouts just a few days ago because he believed the school was dragging its feet on implementing changes.

Stanford University just announced it's eliminating a whopping 11 varsity sports after the 2020-21 school year ... and it's all thanks to COVID-19.

The school went public with its decision in an open letter Wednesday ... officially canceling the following programs: men's and women's fencing, field hockey, lightweight rowing, men's rowing, co-ed and women's sailing, squash, synchronized swimming, men's volleyball and wrestling.

FYI -- Stanford currently has the second-most varsity sports in the nation with 36 ... 4 sports shy of Harvard.

"This is heartbreaking news to share," Stanford officials said in the letter. "These 11 programs consist of more than 240 incredible student-athletes and 22 dedicated coaches."

"They were built by more than 4,000 alumni whose contributions led to 20 national championships, 27 Olympic medals, and an untold number of academic and professional achievements."

The school says it was already anticipating a $12 million deficit in 2021 ... and the pandemic increased its expectation to a $25 million loss ... forcing the cuts.

Stanford says it will honor all scholarships and contracts for the remaining students and coaches if they decide to stay at the school ... and will help those who decide to leave.

So, why these 11 sports?? The school says it took a number of factors into account ... with fan interest and Title IX requirements being part of the decision.

A University of Toleda football player was shot and killed outside of a pizza restaurant in Ohio Tuesday ... and cops are still on the hunt for the killer.

The victim is 22-year-old Jahneil Douglas -- a defensive lineman for the Rockets who was expected to have a big role on the team this upcoming season.

Officials say there was a fight outside of Gino's Pizza in Central Toledo around 11:30 PM -- and during the altercation, gunshots were fired and Douglas was hit.

The football player was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died, according to WTOL.

So far, no arrests have been made -- cops are currently investigating and hoping to track down the shooter ASAP.

Douglas was a standout player at Start HS in Toledo ... earning 1st-team All-Ohio honors during the 2016 season.

Rockets head coach Jason Candle released a statement on Douglas' death ... saying, "The Toledo Football family is heartbroken by the loss of Jahneil."

"He was a hard-working young man who was loved by all his teammates and coaches. Our sincerest condolences go out to Jahneil’s family and friends during these difficult times."

Alabama football offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian is recovering from a heart procedure this week after a routine physical uncovered a concerning "anomaly" ... but he's expected to be okay.

The University of Alabama explained the situation this way ...

"The Alabama football coaching staff participates in an annual executive physical. During Coach Sarkisian's physical last week, it was determined that he needed a procedure to correct a congenital cardiovascular anomaly before it became an issue."

"Coach Sarkisian underwent a successful procedure this past Thursday in Birmingham. He is back home in Tuscaloosa and is expected to make a full recovery."

Univ. of Texas linebacker DeMarvion Overshown says he's DONE with Longhorns football ... until officials at the school start meeting some of his team's social justice demands.

Overshown was one of many UT players involved in a statement last month that urged school officials to make changes to help right perceived racial inequalities at the university.

In their statement, the players asked for, among other things, donations to the Black Lives Matter movement, the renaming of several parts of campus, and the removal of the school song, "The Eyes of Texas."

At the time, university officials said they would look into all the demands ... but as of Thursday, no changes had been made -- and Overshown says he's pissed about that.

The junior says he's now boycotting all team activities until the school starts taking some real steps toward change.

"We are constantly preached urgency throughout the program and I feel that the university should be held to the same standard," Overshown said.

"I watched WNBA All-Star Maya Moore sit out a whole year because of something that meant so much to her. With that being said, until real action is taken and changes are made I will be sitting out of all team activities."

Overshown continued, "I will support my team in whatever they do but this is something I'm very passionate about and I can not continue to perform for a program that doesn't show me the same love and support I do for them."

Could the 2005 Heisman Trophy officially belong to Reggie Bush once again!?!

The USC legend stopped short of saying that this week ... but the former superstar running back did acknowledge he's hearing rumors it might actually go down!!!

"I don't want to put nothing out there," Bush said on Tuesday's "The Pat McAfee Show" ... "You know, I've heard conversations and things."

Of course, Bush was just reinstated to USC after he was banished for 10 years for accepting improper benefits during his time as a Trojan -- and many have wondered if his relinquished Heisman Trophy could follow suit.

For now, the people who are in charge of the award say nothing has changed ... but Bush's reaction when McAfee asked about a possible return of the honor sure makes it seem like something's in the works.

"I don't want to, uh --" Bush said sheepishly, before adding ... "if it's not here, it's not here!"

Bush also revealed a cool story about his trophy ... saying after he was busted and forced to give up the award, Heisman officials asked Vince Young to take it.

But, Bush claims Vince turned it down ... and he praised the hell out of him for doing so.

"That’s why I appreciate Vince because even in that moment and even in that time, he wasn’t a sucker," Bush said. "Period. He didn’t go for whatever they were trying to bring his way, and I appreciate him for that because that’s real. That’s real love."

A Cornell University freshman football recruit has reportedly been dropped from the team after using the n-word in a Snapchat video over the weekend.

Nate Panza -- a running back from Morristown, New Jersey -- was shown in a video with high school classmates ... when he is heard offscreen saying, "f**k that n***a."

Panza immediately told the man capturing the convo to not make the video public ... saying, "Oh wait, you can’t put that one up. You can’t post that."

The friend behind the camera then references George Floyd, who was killed at the hands of cops in May ... and Panza criticizes him for the comment.

"Now that’s f**ked up. Okay, you can't say that."

The video spread like wildfire on social media ... and several black student organizations at Cornell called for the school to take action.

Panza -- who signed his national letter of intent in February -- is no longer a part of the Big Red's football program as a result of the video, the Cornell Daily Sun reports.

"I am heartbroken I have hurt people; those I know and those I do not. I take full responsibility for my actions," Panza told the Sun.

"I do not believe that my language that night aligns with who I have tried to be as a person, the values I live by or the manner in which I have conducted myself as an athlete."

Panza continued ... "I plan to better educate myself on the issues of racism and injustice in America, as I want to be part of the solution and not the problem."

"The label 'racist' is not something I can live with and I will work to prove that every day for the rest of my life. It is my humble hope that I will come out of this incident as a better ally, better friend and better person."

Panza says he hopes to get a second chance with Cornell ... but the school has yet to publicly address the video.

We've reached out to Cornell for comment -- so far, no word back.

Michigan State legend Tom Izzo is admitting he was WRONG to be mad about Colin Kaepernick's national anthem protest ... saying George Floyd's death helped him understand what the movement was all about.

"Listen, I learn lessons too. And, I’m still learning at this age," 65-year-old Izzo said on 97.1 The Ticket on Tuesday.

"I talked to all those people to try to get a good feel. And, what I realized is, I wasn’t real happy with the Colin Kaepernick thing when it happened."

Izzo says he initially thought kneeling for the anthem was disrespectful to the flag ... but years later, he now knows what Kap was doing.

"And, yet, as I look back on it, how ignorant am I? Because that was a peaceful protest."

Izzo added he was "sickened" by Floyd's death last month ... saying, "It was real and it was disappointing, but it was disgusting."

"None of us know all the things that happen, but a human life is a human life and we’re treating it like it’s nothing."

Mississippi State star Kylin Hill -- one of the best football players in the country -- is demanding the state makes changes to its flag ... or "I won’t be representing this State anymore."

21-year-old Hill -- who was born and raised in the Magnolia State -- made his comments via Twitter on Monday ... in response to a tweet from Governor Tate Reeves discussing the topic of removing the Confederate symbol from the flag.

"Either change the flag or I won’t be representing this State anymore," Hill said. "& I meant that .. I’m tired."

He added ... "Unlike rest I was born in this state Hundred points symbol and I [know] what the flag mean."

TMZ Sports reached out to Hill via Instagram DM asking whether his tweet meant he would NOT play for the Bulldogs if the change wasn't made ... and he "liked" the message.

Ex-MSU star K.J. Wright expressed his support for Hill's stance ... saying, "You have my full support brotha! That flag represents hate, racism, oppression!"

"It’s BEEN TIME for a change. There’s strength in numbers! We all have to be on board"

Hill's demand comes on the heels of Oklahoma State star Chuba Hubbard threatening to boycott the school after coach Mike Gundy was spotted supporting pro-Trump media outlet, One America News.

Gundy later apologized and vowed to help change the culture at OSU.

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.