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The former University of Virginia running back accused of killing three current Cavaliers football players had "no overlap" with the victims during his time on the team ... the school's athletic director revealed on Tuesday.

According to Carla Williams, Christopher Jones Jr. -- the man who allegedly murdered D'Sean Perry, Lavel Davis and Devin Chandler on Sunday night -- only spent one semester on the Cavs' football roster as a walk-on in 2018, before he left the team.

Williams said during that time, neither Perry, Davis nor Chandler, who were all juniors this year, crossed paths with him on the field or in the locker room.

"There was no overlap," Williams said as part of an emotional press conference with football head coach Tony Elliott. "I don't know if there was any interaction outside of the class."

Jones Jr. allegedly opened fire on the three football players -- and others -- on a bus on campus after they had all returned from a class field trip. Police have yet to reveal a potential motive.

Jones Jr.'s father, Christopher Jones Sr., told NBC12 on Monday his son had complained about people "picking on him" at school about a month ago ... but said, otherwise, Jones Jr. "was doing real well."

At Tuesday's news conference, both Elliott and Williams spoke fondly of the victims -- remembering them as great men and teammates.

Elliott confirmed a fourth member of the Virginia football team -- running back Mike Hollins -- was also shot in the incident ... and is currently in the hospital receiving treatment for his injuries. Elliott declined to give further details on the football player's condition.

Christopher Jones Jr. -- the ex-University of Virginia football player who's been accused of murdering three current members of the Cavaliers team -- had complained of bullying before the shooting, this according to Jones Jr.'s father.

Christopher Jones Sr. spoke with NBC12 just one day after his son allegedly shot and killed three UVA football players while on a bus on campus ... and he explained, for the most part, his son appeared normal during their last encounter about a month ago "and he was doing real well."

But, he did note that while Jones Jr. had stopped by his house to do laundry, the 22-year-old admitted he was having some issues while at school.

"He had some problems," Jones Sr. said of Jones Jr., a former UVA running back. "The last time I talked to him, he said some people was picking on him or whatever. He didn't know how to handle it. I just told him, 'Go to school. Don't pay them no mind. Do what you got to do.'"

Jones Sr. added, "He wouldn't tell me everything."

Jones Jr. allegedly opened fire on a bus full of students after it had returned from a class field trip at around 10:30 PM on Sunday night. According to authorities, the gunfire killed D'Sean Perry, Lavel Davis and Devin Chandler, and wounded two others.

Cops say Jones Jr. then fled the scene ... remaining on the run for about 12 hours -- before he was eventually arrested in Henrico County. He's now facing six charges, including three counts of second-degree murder.

Jones Sr. said he had no clue what could have caused Jones Jr. to pull the trigger.

"What happened?" Jones Sr. said. "Why did it have to get this far? He could have called me."

Jones Sr. then issued an apology on his son's behalf.

On campus, meanwhile, students participated in a candlelight vigil to honor the three who died in the tragedy.

Police are on the hunt for a former University of Virginia football player ... after they say he's suspected of shooting and killing three people, while injuring two others, in a horrifying on-campus incident Sunday night.

The shooting occurred at Culbreth Parking Garage at around 10:30 PM -- and, according to the university police department, Christopher Darnell Jones Jr., a current student, is suspected of pulling the trigger.

As of Monday morning, Jones had not been taken into custody. Police said they've launched a manhunt for the ex-Cavaliers running back -- and are urging anyone to call 911 with information about his whereabouts. They say he was last seen wearing a burgundy jacket, blue jeans and red shoes, and is considered armed and dangerous.

Jones, according to the school's website, played tailback for UVA in 2018, but did not appear in any games.

The victims of the shooting have not yet been identified. A potential motive also remains unclear.

School president Jim Ryan announced Monday morning classes had been canceled as the search for Jones continues.

"This is a message any leader hopes never to have to send," Ryan said in a statement to the school, "and I am devastated that this violence has visited the University of Virginia."

The tragic deaths of three University of Virginia football players have rocked the sports world ... and many of the nation's top athletes -- including LeBron James and Patrick Mahomes -- are now reaching out to the campus to send their thoughts and prayers.

The Chiefs star QB and the NBA legend both sent out emotional tweets after learning that D'Sean Perry, Lavel Davis and Devin Chandler had been shot and killed in a horrifying incident on the UVA campus on Sunday night.

James called it "Sad Sad Sad" with a crying emoji ... while Mahomes wrote simply, "Prayers for @UVAFootball."

Dozens of other athletes have sent their condolences to the trio's family members and the Cavaliers' community in wake of the deaths ... with Julian Edelman calling it all a "sad sad day in Virginia."

"If we don't do anything, nothing changes," the former New England Patriots star said on his Twitter page. "This has to stop. Now."

Former NFL star and UVA alum Thomas Jones added in a tweet of his own that he was "sending love & light to the families & friends of the victims as well as the entire #VirginiaFootball program."

Arizona Cardinals star DeAndre Hopkins also shared his condolences ... and acknowledged how Davis' last Instagram post was about a play he made during Sunday's game against the Rams.

"My prayers go out to the whole UVA community today. Especially to the families, friends, and fans of Lavel Davis Jr., D’Sean Perry, and Devin Chandler," he said.

"These men were taken too soon and for no reason. The last post on Lavel’s story was a play from my game yesterday and it is a reminder that everyday here on this earth is a blessing and a gift. Make the best of it. Rest In Peace my brothers 🖤."

As we reported, officials say Perry, Davis and Chandler were all killed after they were shot on a bus in a UVA parking structure after they had just returned from a class field trip.

Police say former Cavalier running back Christopher Darnell Jones Jr., who left the team over a year ago but remained a student on campus, was the gunman.

The Orange doesn't fall far from the tree ... Carmelo Anthony's basketball star son Kiyan just received a scholarship from Syracuse University -- the school his dad led to a national championship two decades ago!

The 15-year-old, 4-star shooting guard -- who plays at Christ the King High School in New York -- broke the news on Sunday ... announcing Cuse offered the high schooler a spot on their team after he graduates in 2025.

"Beyond blessed to receive an offer from Syracuse University," Kiyan said on Twitter.

Kiyan has also received offers from Memphis, Manhattan, George Mason, and Bryant, according to 247 Sports.

Needless to say, Syracuse basketball is in Kiyan's blood. Melo is a Syracuse legend after his one-and-done 2002-03 season under longtime coach Jim Boeheim ... when he led the team to a national championship.

Carmelo averaged 22.2 points and 10 rebounds that season ... and was easily the best player in college basketball.

Of course, Melo went 3rd overall in the infamous 2003 NBA Draft -- after LeBron James (a no-brainer) and Darko Milicic. Anthony played with the Nuggets, Knicks, Thunder, Rockets, Blazers, and most recently, the Los Angeles Lakers.

Melo is currently a free agent, and has used his free time to work with his son, teaching Kiyan his signature moves.

"It's the same as it was wrestling for me. I just wrestle against able-bodied people, and I beat able-bodied people. Now I'm fighting able-bodied people, and I'm gonna knock out able-bodied people. It's as simple as that. I'm a fighter."

Zion Clark is once again proving there's absolutely NOTHING he can't do -- despite being born without legs -- the former All-American wrestler tells us his next crazy accomplishment ... is taking an MMA fight!

"I'm trying to run this s**t up! It's not just a rinky-dink fight. This s**t's going on pay-per-view. This shit is a legit sanctioned fight," Zion told Babcock and Mojo on the "TMZ Sports" TV show (airs weekdays on FS1), adding, "It's gonna be big!"

There's a good chance you've seen or heard about the 25-year-old's incredible story.

Clark was born in Ohio in 1997 with a rare birth defect called Cadual Regression Syndrome which caused him to be born without legs. Zion was put up for adoption after he was born. He bounced around the foster care system.

In elementary school Clark was introduced to wrestling ... but he wasn't very good at first. In fact, he didn't win a single match for years. But, after meeting his H.S. wrestling coach, Zion and the man developed a bond, and ZC's wrestling ability improved dramatically.

As a senior, he finished 33-15 ... wrestling against kids who had four limbs. Clark then went to Kent State, where he continued his successful wrestling career.

Zion's now training for the 2024 Olympics ... where he'd like to wrestle. He's also gunning to compete in the Paralympics in wheelchair racing ... where he's one of the most elite racers in the world.

He's also known as the "fastest man on two hands" ... Zion was a track champ in high school, too.

Clark also recently set two Guinness World Records ... for highest box jump (record was 24 inches. Zion jumped 33) with the hands and most diamond push-ups (248 in under 3 minutes).

As for Clark's MMA fight ... it's scheduled to go down December 17. Zion says he doesn't even know his opponent's name ... that's how unbothered he is about the fight.

It's not that he isn't taking the fight seriously ... in fact, it's just the opposite. Zion says he's beating his ass in the training room, sparring with MMA stars like Rampage Jackson and AJ McKee.

Check out the clip ... Zion talks about training with those legends, and what we can expect when he steps in the cage for the first time in just a few weeks.

Keyontae Johnson is back playing college basketball for the very first time since collapsing on the court almost two years ago ... and the guy got back to doing his thing -- dropping 13 points!!

Johnson -- who transferred to Kansas State this August -- was in the starting lineup for the Wildcats on Monday against the Texas-Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros ... helping the Wildcats secure a victory.

After the 93-59 win, Johnson talked about how emotional the moment was for him.

"I'm feeling good," Johnson said.

"Just thanking God every day for giving me the opportunity to get here and play again, just staying patient."

"The feeling before the game, I was a little emotional, but I knew the game was going to go so I had to keep going, just play and just lay everything right out for my team."

As we previously reported, the small forward crashed onto the court during the Gators-Florida State Seminoles game on Dec. 12, 2020.

The 23-year-old was transported to the hospital in critical but stable condition ... and was put into a medically induced coma.

Three days later, he was awake but never returned to the hardwood ... until now.

Dick Vitale -- a legendary college hoops announcer -- was hyped for KJ and is happy to see the young man ballin' again.

"Scored 13 points," Vitale said on Twitter, "but it really was the BEST PERFORMANCE OF THE DAY that he is healthy & doing what he LOVES!"

A Vanderbilt University assistant football coach has been temporarily relieved from his duties ... after he wrote out a social media post that appeared to be defending Kanye West in wake of the artist's recent antisemitic remarks.

Dan Jackson, the school's defensive backs coach, initially posted the comment on his Facebook page -- saying in it, "Kanye is two steps ahead of everyone." He added in the post, "He's not crazy."

Jackson later apologized for it all, calling his wording "careless."

"I accept full responsibility for my words and will learn from this experience going forward," Jackson said.

But, the Commodores announced almost immediately after the post was discovered that they were investigating it all ... and on Monday night, athletic director Candice Lee said the coach will be sidelined as the probe pushes forward.

"Coach Jackson and I have agreed that he will step back from his responsibilities with the team," Lee said in a statement ... adding, "To be clear, Vanderbilt rejects antisemitism, racism and discrimination in all its forms."

Jackson is in his first year at Vanderbilt. He previously coached at Northern Illinois and South Dakota State.

Two Arkansas football players were arrested after they were allegedly involved in a physical altercation with police ... just hours after the Razorbacks lost their homecoming game.

According to the Fayetteville Police Dept., Anthony Brown and Myles Slusher were involved in an alleged incident at 2 AM on Sunday ... when officers were on foot patrol near a pub less than a mile from campus.

In court documents, an FPD officer said Brown -- a freshman defensive back from Tennessee -- was standing in the street and was instructed to get on the sidewalk ... and he initially complied.

However, according to the docs, when officers circled back around, Brown was "intentionally" standing in the street again.

"I walked to Brown and grabbed his sleeve of his right arm," the officer said in the docs. "I walked with Brown to the sideway."

That's when things allegedly got physical ... with the cop saying in the documents that Brown pushed him away -- which forced him to take the 19-year-old to the ground and into custody.

"Brown engaged in fighting behavior," the officer wrote, "congregated with two or more other people in a public place refusing to comply with a lawful order to disperse, and obstructed vehicular traffic in a public place."

According to cops, while Brown was getting cuffed, Slusher -- a junior defensive back -- grabbed the arresting officer in order to try to pull him off of Brown, according to the docs.

Slusher was eventually taken into custody as well.

Brown and Slusher were transported to the Washington County Detention Center and released later Sunday morning. Both are facing disorderly conduct charges. A court date for the duo has been set for December.

The incident happened shortly after the Razorbacks lost to the Liberty Flames. Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman said in a statement Sunday the team was aware of the arrests.

"We are in the process of gathering information from the proper authorities," Pittman said. "Once we have that information, we will determine their status with our team."

Deion Sanders is forbidding his Jackson State football players from leaving their Houston hotel rooms this weekend ... giving the demand in a heartfelt speech following Takeoff's tragic death.

The NFL Hall of Famer addressed the Migos rapper being shot and killed in Houston with his players on Tuesday ... pointing out the incident happened in the same city where they will play the Texas Southern Tigers on Saturday.

"Takeoff was murdered in a dice game in Houston -- where we're going," Sanders said.

"So, that eliminates all y'all leaving that hotel, 'cause it ain't happening until I give you further notice."

The 55-year-old explained to his team they may need to make drastic life changes to prevent similar incidents from happening to them.

"You cannot kick it with the same dudes you kicked it with," Sanders continued. "You cannot associate in the same realms that you associated with. You gon' have to change if you expect change."

"I'm sad because it always seems like it's us, but we wanna say we matter, we wanna say we keep it 100, but it's always us!"

Of course, Sanders and the JSU Tigers went through this type of loss almost a year ago ... when Young Dolph was tragically killed in his own hometown of Memphis.

"I'm just sick and tired of the consistency of people, that are influential to you, are leaving us consistently -- that's our rappers," Sanders said.

All hell broke loose during Ole Miss and LSU's women's soccer match on Sunday ... with players throwing punches before getting ejected.

The madness unfolded during the second overtime of the close match ... when LSU's Maya Gordon and Ole Miss' Ramsey Davis were trying to gain possession of the ball ... and Gordon took issue with Davis grabbing her by the waist in defense.

That's when fists started to fly -- Gordon and Davis threw a series of punches at one another, with some shots appearing to connect with their intended target.

Unfortunately, that wasn't the end -- LSU player Rammie Noel sprinted across the pitch to insert herself into the fracas ... seemingly dragging Davis down to the ground by her hair.

Coaches were able to restore some semblance of order ... but Gordon, Davis, and Noel all received red cards and were ejected from the match for their actions.

Cameras showed a visibly upset Gordon crying as she exited the field ... while being consoled by what appears to be an LSU staffer.

Four Michigan State football players have been suspended for their roles in a disturbing postgame brawl with a Michigan player ... and now, cops say they're investigating it all.

Several Spartans were seen attacking Wolverines defensive back Ja'Den McBurrows inside a tunnel at Michigan Stadium following a 29-7 loss -- pushing, kicking and punching the guy before ultimately letting him head into his team's locker room.

The scene was unnerving, the Michigan player appeared to be defenseless -- as the MSU athletes whaled on him for several seconds.

After reviewing it all, MSU coach Mel Tucker announced Sunday that four of his players who were involved in the ugly moment -- cornerback Khary Crump, linebacker Tank Brown, defensive end Zion Young, and safety Angelo Grose -- have been suspended indefinitely.

He said more punishment could be handed down as well ... particularly after other MSU players were seen in more video appearing to strike a different Michigan player postgame.

The University of Michigan Police Department said in a statement Saturday night it's launched an investigation into it all as well.

"Situations like these," a UMPD spokesperson said, "and the safety of the community, are taken very seriously."

As for the Wolverines, head coach Jim Harbaugh said following the game he believed two of his players had been "assaulted" -- and he urged authorities and officials to investigate it all thoroughly.

Michigan plays next against Rutgers on Saturday. MSU, meanwhile, will take the field against No. 17-ranked Illinois on Saturday as well.

Legendary Georgia Bulldogs football head coach Vince Dooley passed away Friday afternoon, the university announced. He was 90 years old.

The Hall of Fame coach died peacefully at his home, according to UGA, surrounded by his wife and four children.

The Alabama native spent 25 years coaching at Georgia ... and became the winningest coach for the school with a 201-77-10 record. In 1980 he won a National Championship ... and throughout his career, he was able to secure six conference titles.

Dooley also won SEC Coach of the Year five times.

After retiring, Dooley became Georgia's athletic director ... and during his tenure, UGA sports teams won 23 national titles.

Georgia football alum and Kansas City Chiefs receiver Mecole Hardman paid tribute to Dooley following the news of his passing ... posting a throwback pic of the former coach celebrating.

"REST IN PARADISE VINCE DOOLEY," Hardman said on Twitter. "#DamnGoodDawg."

The Georgia football field was renamed Dooley Field in Vince's honor in 2019. Earlier this year, he celebrated his 90th birthday in front of 70,000 fans at the Oregon versus Georgia game in Atlanta.

By the end of his career, Dooley had been inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, and the College Football Hall of Fame.

San Jose State football player Camdan McWright, a freshman running back, was killed on Friday morning ... in a horrifying scooter accident just feet from the SJSU campus.

He was 18 years old.

According to law enforcement, McWright was riding on an electric scooter at around 6:53 AM when he steered into an intersection and was struck by a school bus that was carrying 14 local high school students.

Authorities say McWright suffered significant injuries in the collision ... and died at the scene.

Cops said they do not believe alcohol or drugs factored into the crash. They added that an investigation is ongoing.

SJSU officials said Friday following the accident that they were devastated over it all.

"We lost an amazing young man tragically this morning," football head coach Brent Brennan said. "Camdan had a bright future ahead of him and everyone in this community that had the opportunity to spend time with him knew that."

"We are still trying to deal with the news of this tragedy, and appreciate everyone's support during these difficult times. Our thoughts and prayers are with the McWright family and I want them to know we are all here for them. Camdan will always be in our hearts and he will be profoundly missed."

McWright just joined the SJSU roster this season after starring at St. Genevieve H.S. in Los Angeles. He had played in one game for the Spartans this season, rushing for six yards on three carries against UNLV on Oct. 7.

He would have turned 19 years old in December.

Mississippi State football player Sam Westmoreland was found dead on Wednesday at a church ... cops tell TMZ Sports.

A spokesperson for the Oktibbeha County Sheriff's Office says they discovered the offensive lineman's body after they were called out to Blackjack Missionary Baptist Church in Starkville regarding a death investigation.

The spokesperson said they canvased the scene after arriving ... but cleared it a couple hours later.

The OCSO official did not release a cause of death ... saying a probe into the case is still ongoing.

They added, though, that they had "no reason to suspect foul play" at this point.

Westmoreland had just joined the Bulldogs roster this year ... and was playing offensive tackle while majoring in industrial technology at the school.

"Sam was a beloved son, brother and teammate, and a tremendous young man with a limitless future," MSU head coach Mike Leach said in a statement Wednesday. "He will always be remembered and deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him."

Westmoreland was just two days away from celebrating his 19th birthday.

Basketball star Emoni Bates is asking for forgiveness after a "poor decision" led to his gun arrest ... saying he hopes he can inspire others to learn from his mistake.

18-year-old Bates -- who was rated one of the top high school hoopers in the class of 2021 -- spoke out for the first time on Wednesday about the situation ... completely owning up to his actions and vowing to do better moving forward.

"The crazy thing about living your life on stage is the inability to escape judgment, and experience the growing pains of lie as a normal adolescent -- privately," Bates said in a statement.

"I hold myself accountable for making a poor decision, and hope you can forgive me as I grow because this will not be my last mistake, however; a lasting stigma to remind me of the severity of such a mistake."

Bates was arrested on September 18 around 10:45 PM in Superior Township, Michigan after cops say he blew a stop sign.

Police officers smelled weed during the stop, and eventually took Emoni out of the vehicle. He quickly admitted there was marijuana and a gun in the car, and was cooperative throughout the whole ordeal.

The 6'9", 190 lb. hooper was charged with multiple felonies, including carrying a concealed weapon and "altering ID marks" on the weapon ... but on Wednesday, he officially agreed to a deal and pled guilty to one misdemeanor count of attempted illegal transportation of a weapon.

Bates enrolled at Memphis Univ. after graduating from high school ... where he averaged 10 points and 3 rebounds per game. Emoni transferred to Eastern Michigan, near his family home, after his first season in Tennessee.