New England Patriots

Sorry, Patriots fans ... Quinnen Williams says Bill Belichick is NOT the greatest football coach ever -- the Jets star tells TMZ Sports that honor now belongs to Nick Saban!!

The NFL defensive lineman made the bold claim shortly after the Alabama head coach won yet ANOTHER National Championship this week ... saying, "I think, in my head, I think he's the greatest coach of all time."

"Just because, man, like, his resume speaks for itself, man," Williams said.

Of course, Williams is biased -- the dude played for Saban for three years with the Tide from 2016-2018 -- but it's getting harder and harder to disagree.

Saban's victory over Ohio State last Monday gave him his SEVENTH college football championship -- the most in the history of the game.

The 69-year-old also has a staggering college coaching career record of 261-65-1 ... and has routinely put players in the NFL year after year after year.

"He has a list of hundreds of NFL players who are either starters or big-time superstars or big-time players under his belt," Williams says. "To do the things that he does, and to have a consistent dynasty and a consistent winning team that he has, it's unheard of."

Bill Belichick has just rejected Donald Trump ... the Patriots head coach says he will NOT accept POTUS' Presidential Medal of Freedom -- and it's all because of the riots at the U.S. Capitol.

The NFL coaching legend made the announcement Monday evening ... saying he was initially "flattered" to be offered the award -- but decided to ultimately turn it down after pro-Trump protesters ransacked D.C. last week.

"Recently, I was offered the opportunity to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which I was flattered by out of respect for what the honor represents and admiration for prior recipients," Belichick said.

"Subsequently, the tragic events of last week occurred and the decision has been made not to move forward with the award."

Belichick continued, "Above all, I am an American citizen with great reverence for our nation's values, freedom and democracy."

Several notable sports figures and athletes have received the award recently ... with everyone from Tiger Woods to Lou Holtz to Gary Player picking up the medal at Trump's White House.

FYI -- the Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation’s highest civilian honor ... with the White House explaining the award is given to those "who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors."

Belichick and Trump have had an outstanding relationship over the years ... in fact, in 2018, Trump appointed the New England legend to his Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition.

Of course, Belichick also famously wrote Trump a congratulatory letter -- which Donald read onstage at a major event -- right before the 2016 election.

In his statement rejecting the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Monday, Belichick added, "I know I also represent my family and the New England Patriots team. One of the most rewarding things in my professional career took place in 2020 when, through the great leadership within our team, conversations about social justice, equality and human rights moved to the forefront and became actions."

The answer to finding Tom Brady's eventual replacement in New England is NOT Jimmy Garoppolo ... so says ex-Patriots TE Jermaine Wiggins, who tells TMZ Sports that's a bad plan!!

The Pats are rumored to be poking around the idea of possibly re-acquiring Garoppolo from San Francisco this offseason ... after the QB has had an up-and-down 4 seasons in the Bay Area.

And, because of Garoppolo's familiarity with NE (Bill Belichick drafted him in 2014) ... some think it'd be a great move for the Pats!!

But, when we spoke with Wiggins this week ... he told us he'd search elsewhere for a franchise signal-caller -- explaining Garoppolo is just injured too damn much.

"Nah, man, we don't want Garoppolo, man," Wiggins says. "He can't get on the field -- he's always hurt. When you look at him, the problem with him is he can't stay healthy. He's always hurt."

"I don't want a quarterback that's only going to play 6, 7, 8, 9 games for the year. So, nah, Jimmy G can stay on the left coast."

Wiggins does have a point -- Garoppolo has played in 6 or fewer games for the 49ers in three of his four seasons in the red and gold while battling various injuries.

So, who would Jermaine prefer? The tight end says he sure wouldn't mind if the Pats made a run at trading for Deshaun Watson (even if he thinks it's a pipe dream).

If you ever wanted to walk a mile in Bill Belichick's shoes, now's your chance ... that is, if you got a bunch of cash saved up!!

The Patriots coach is auctioning off his game-worn My Cause, My Cleats sneaks from New England's lopsided 45-0 victory over the L.A. Chargers on Dec. 6 ... with proceeds going toward his foundation’s scholarship and grant programs.

Of course, the custom kicks were part of the NFL's Week 13 campaign which allows players and coaches to rock custom sneakers to raise awareness for a special cause.

BB decided to rep his Bill Belichick Foundation, which provides coaching, mentorship and financial support to football and lacrosse organizations throughout the country.

The legendary coach is also expected to wear the sneaks for the Pats' "Thursday Night Football" showdown with the L.A. Rams.

The auction is part of a huge donation by the BBF during the holiday season -- the org. is also distributing $440k in grants and scholarships to athletes and programs throughout the country.

On top of that, the BBF is hosting a "virtual" toy drive to benefit the Boston Marine Toys for Tots.

Here's a side of Bill Belichick you rarely see ... the 6x SB winning head coach just made a public appeal to the U.S. -- pleading with the government to "take action against Turkey and Azerbaijan," and stop the Armenian genocide.

The 68-year-old coach was meeting with the media on Wednesday ... when he was asked about new Defense Secretary Christopher Miller using Belichick's famous "Do Your Job" quote in a memo to the Defense Department.

Belichick said he was honored by the inclusion ... before making the impassioned plea.

"I’ll just say, while we’re on the subject, I read his point about combating traditional threats. And, I couldn’t help but think and hope that we’ve seen from other countries around the world, and I hope that our country will take action against Turkey and Azerbaijan for their unprovoked and deadly attacks on Armenians," Belichick said.

"We’ve seen that when a humanitarian crisis and things like that, like ethnic cleaning, go unpunished, that they just continue to happen. I hope that we can put a stop to that."

Of course, the situation between the countries is extremely tense ... and despite attempted cease-fires, many people have been injured or killed.

This isn't the first time BB has expressed support for Armenia. Back in 2015, Belichick wore an Armenian flag while meeting with President Obama.

One of the reasons the subject hits close to home for the coach ... one of his closest advisors, Patriots staff member, Berj Najarian, is Armenian.

Ya wanna know what Bill Belichick hates more than losing?? Coffee and everything about it -- the smell, the taste and even java-flavored treats.

Like ... the dude freakin' LOATHES the stuff with a burning passion.

Here's how we know -- the New England Patriots coach came clean on his disgust for joe in an interview with WEEI's "Ordway, Merloni, and Fauria Show" on Tuesday ... and it basically turned into a roasting session on all things coffee.

"Look, I mean I understand I am probably missing it, but I just don’t like coffee," Belichick said.

"I can’t stand the smell of coffee. I don’t like coffee ice cream and I like every sweet that has ever been made. But, that’s not one of them."

"I don’t like coffee-flavored anything."

He didn't stop there.

"I just don’t have the taste for it. I've tried, but it just doesn’t work for me. My grandmother put a glass of milk and poured like probably a thimble of coffee and I couldn’t even drink that."

"It’s just one of those things I didn’t develop a taste for. I didn’t develop a taste for scotch either. I tried that. I just couldn’t develop a taste for it," he added.

"Nothing against coffee. Nothing against Dunkin' Donuts. Nothing against anything, it’s just not for me."

Bill Belichick believes the 2020 NFL season is a "joke" because of the toll the COVID pandemic has taken on the league ... at least, that's what ex-Pats lineman Matt Light thinks.

The retired Super Bowl champ says he's convinced Belichick doesn't give a DAMN about New England's horrible 2-5 record ... arguing that with all of the canceled practices, missed training camp, mandatory quarantines and rescheduled games, no one is taking the 2020 season seriously anyway.

"This is not the game of football we all know," Light said Tuesday on WEEI's "The Greg Hill Show."

"It’s something other than that. Bill recognized it early on. I firmly believe that."

The Patriots look pretty terrible right now -- and would be last in the AFC East if not for the NY Jets being a complete dumpster fire.

Light -- who played under BB from 2001 to 2011 -- says he's convinced Belichick is focusing on building a better team for the future when "we can play for a real championship, with real players getting after it, fully prepared, getting ready to go."

"5 years from now, when we look back on this season, are we going to be talking about it?" Light asked.

Huge news for Rob Kardashian -- his ultra-rare Tom Brady football card has been formally graded as "Gem-Mint Condition" ... meaning he'll get top dollar if he chooses to sell!

... and, with some experts saying it could be worth anywhere from $100,000 to $250,000, this is a big deal!

As we previously reported, Rob -- a lowkey trading card enthusiast -- bought a case this week of 2020 Panini Mosaic Choice (hobby) cards ... which usually runs for about $10,000.

Fortunately for him, he pulled the Holy Grail -- a Tom Brady MVP Nebula parallel that's a rare 1-of-1 card that collectors are going crazy over.

The condition of the card is a big deal in the high-level collector community -- in other words, a card that's graded anything less than a perfect 10 could mean the difference of 10s of thousands of dollars on the open market.

Rob, with the help of his pals at The Bullpen card shop in L.A., immediately sent the card over to PSA -- one of the top authentication and grading companies in the industry.

The card was inspected and on Friday, Rob got the good news -- it's a perfect 10, gem-mint condition!

Our sources tell us Rob hasn't decided whether he'll sell the card or keep it in his private collection ... either way, he's a winner.

We've spoken to multiple memorabilia experts -- who all agree it's tough to predict the exact value of the card, but most agree Rob could likely get 6-figures.

Mitch Guttenberg, who owns The Bullpen, put it to us this way:

"It is a first-year Panini NFL Mosaic of the GOAT, Tom Brady in his Pats uniform and it is a 1/1 Nebula which in itself is huge. This significance of having a PSA 10 increases the value at least 5x."

"People can argue all day long what the value is but we won’t know unless Rob decides to sell it. Then we can end the speculation. The amount of attention Rob is bringing to the hobby is fantastic. He is a great dude and his collection just got a lot better."

By the way, Rob pulled some other insane cards out of his box ... landing some cool Tua Tagovailoa autographs and a super rare Justin Herbert card -- which also got a perfect grade Friday!

Bill Belichick opened his Friday press conference by paying tribute to a local hero ... praising ex-hockey player Travis Roy just days after his tragic death.

Roy was paralyzed back in 1995 -- just 11 seconds into his Boston University playing career -- when he slid head-first into the boards during a game. He later used his platform to become a motivational speaker and philanthropist for those battling similar injuries.

45-year-old Roy passed away Thursday after complications suffered from a recent procedure ... and on Friday morning, Belichick recognized his contributions during his Patriots press conference.

"First of all ... just on behalf of the team, pass along our condolences to Travis Roy’s family," Belichick said. "He’s been such a great inspirational story to all of us ... Nationally, but certainly in this area."

FYI -- Roy's foundation helped raise millions of dollars to help pay for research and equipment for those dealing with spinal cord injuries.

Belichick added ... "His positive outlook and the way he handled his difficult situation was just incredible. Glad I had an opportunity to interact a little bit with him and his foundation."

"Just a sad day for a kid that went through so much and handled it in an incredibly positive way," Belichick added.

BB says his family has ties to Roy's foundation ... and he was fortunate enough to work with Travis in the past.

"So, we’ve been supportive, as everybody has in this area, and again, just a lot of admiration and respect for Travis and what he did and his approach to life."

Wow! Jeff Garcia really hates Cam Newton's style these days -- saying the QB should only dress swaggy when he's winning!!!

The ex-49ers quarterback unloaded on Cam during an appearance on "NBC Sports Bay Area" following the 49ers shellacking of Cam's New England Patriots.

Cam played so poorly in the 33-6 loss (3 INTs, 0 TDs), he was yanked in the 3rd quarter for Jarrett Stidham. It's the Pats 3rd loss in a row. They're 2-6 in the season.

Despite the issues on the field, Cam still dresses ... like Cam! With wild looks, crazy hats -- you know the style!

But, Garcia ain't cool with it -- essentially saying Cam's fashion choices prove he only cares about himself.

"You go into this game with 2 touchdowns, 4 interceptions, you threw what, 3 more interceptions? You get yanked in the 2nd half, there’s nothing good going your way. Why are you dressing like that to bring more attention to yourself?"

Garcia continued ... "I’d be trying to ask the equipment managers 'Put me in your jock sock cart and sneak me in the back door and I’ll show up on the field and do the best that I can.'"

When asked if he was speaking from experience, Garcia expanded ...

"This just goes back to a couple years of just watching this guy and seeing him at the podium, but yet what he’s doing on the field does not translate to being that guy."

One of the panelists brought up Joe Namath -- who would rock fur coats and other swaggy items. Garcia responded to that too.

"When you predict you’re going to win a Super Bowl and you go out and do it, wear whatever the hell you want."

Garcia has been taking some heat on social media for the comments -- our favorite clap back is this one ...

Cam Newton is BAAAAACK!!!!

The New England Patriots have officially activated the QB from the reserve/COVID-19 list ... 12 days after he tested positive for the virus.

Newton was the first Pats player to test positive during the regular season when he popped on Oct. 2.

Newton immediately self-isolated and posted a message on IG saying he would use the time off to get healthy and self-reflect.

Newton missed the Oct. 5 matchup against the KC Chiefs -- a game the Patriots ultimately lost 26 to 10. Brian Hoyer got the start that game for the Pats but was later replaced by Jarrett Stidham.

Several Patriots players later tested positive for COVID after Cam, including practice squad player Bill Murray and star defensive back Stephon Gilmore.

In fact, things got so concerning the NFL postponed the Patriots vs. Broncos game, which was originally supposed to take place this past weekend ... but has since been moved to Oct. 18.

The Patriots are now scheduled to practice again Thursday and Cam is expected to retake his QB1 spot.

The timing couldn't be better for the Patriots -- they're 2-2 and looking to get back in the win column ASAP.

This is bad. Really bad.

Another New England Patriots start has tested positive for COVID-19 -- Stephon Gilmore ... and now there are serious concerns about a major NFL outbreak.

Gilmore is one of the top players on the Pats -- a 3-time Pro Bowl cornerback who was a part of the Patriots 2018 Super Bowl team.

He's also the 3rd Patriots player to test positive over the past week -- following QB Cam Newton and practice squad defensive end Bill Murray. Newton had tested positive on Saturday, which led to the NFL moving the Pats vs. Chiefs game from Sunday to Monday.

The big concern, obviously, is that Gilmore played during Monday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs and was seen shaking hands with Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes after the game.

Did Gilmore have COVID at the time even though he tested negative? It's possible. And, now everyone is concerned.

The Patriots have canceled their Wednesday practice while they try to figure things out. They're supposed to play the Denver Broncos on Sunday but now that game is clearly in jeopardy.

More bad news ... another Tennessee Titans player ALSO tested positive for COVID -- which means the team can't open their practice facility on Wednesday, as they were hoping to do.

It also puts their scheduled Sunday matchup with the Buffalo Bills in jeopardy.

EVEN MORE BAD NEWS ... a player on the Las Vegas Raiders has also tested positive. The Raiders are supposed to play the Chiefs on Sunday.

Remember, the NFL is NOT in a bubble environment -- though players and staffers are tested daily.

But, right now, there is serious concern about how the league can move forward if so many players continue to test positive.

Positive news from Patriots running back James White ... the New England star says his mom's condition is slowly improving after she was involved in a tragic accident last month.

"That eases my pain a little bit," White said Monday.

Both of White's parents were traveling in a car in Cooper City, Fla., on Sept. 20 when their vehicle was involved in a terrifying wreck at around 1 PM.

Cops say White's father, former Miami-Dade Police Captain Tyrone White, was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers added White's mom, Lisa, was transported to the hospital, reportedly in critical condition.

James had sat out the last two Pats games to mourn the tragedy ... and after his first game back against the Chiefs on Monday, the RB delivered some positive info about his mom.

She's "continuing to improve and progress and get better," James said.

As for how he's handling everything ... the 28-year-old said it all still feels "surreal" -- but added, "I'm just trying to push through, because that's what my dad would want me to do."

James -- a 3-time Super Bowl champ -- played well in his first game since the tragedy ... catching 7 passes and recording 59 total yards from scrimmage in the Pats' 26-10 loss to the Chiefs.

The tailback told reporters afterward that football has helped "ease my mind."

Bill Belichick removed BOTH of his masks from his face Monday to scream at officials after a bad call ... and it seems obvious a huge fine is coming his way.

The New England Patriots head coach arrived at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City wearing TWO masks ... seemingly trying to send a message that he's taking the NFL's COVID rules seriously.

But, when the Patriots appeared to force a HUGE turnover late in the 2nd quarter -- only to have the play waved off by officials -- Belichick lost his damn mind.

Long story short ... Pats defensive end Chase Winovich appeared to strip Mahomes of the ball during a big 3rd down play -- with another Pats player catching the ball before it hit the ground.

It seemed like a solid turnover that would give the Pats the ball deep in Chiefs territory ... a potential game-changer!

But, the refs ruled that Mahomes was "in the grasp" and blew the whistle dead BEFORE the turnover -- meaning Chiefs kept possession.

Belichick went NUCLEAR -- ripping down his two masks and unloading at the refs ... breaking COVID protocol.

The NFL has been fining coaches for removing masks to yell -- Raiders coach Jon Gruden was hit with a $100,000 fine for similar antics during Week 2.

Belichick is rich and can afford it -- but the NFL is trying to send a message ... STOP TEARING OFF YOUR MASKS!!!!

The New England Patriots are en route to Kansas City to play the Chiefs on Monday night ... after new rounds of testing showed no new COVID cases.

Remember, it was Friday night that Patriots QB Cam Newton tested positive for COVID-19 ... raising serious concerns about an outbreak within the organization, just like the Tennessee Titans.

As a result of Cam's test, the Pats vs. Chiefs game -- initially scheduled for Sunday in KC -- was postponed to Monday to allow for more testing.

But, according to multiple reports, ZERO players and staffers outside of Cam have tested positive since Friday ... so the team will go ahead and travel Monday morning, in order to play Monday night.

As for the Chiefs, backup QB Jordan Ta'amu had tested positive over the weekend -- but no other Chiefs players or staffers have tested positive either.

Both Newton and Ta'amu are in quarantine and will not attend the game.

After the game, the Patriots will get right back on the team, plane and fly back to New England, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

It's official ... Robert Kraft is now off the hook in his sex spa case, TMZ Sports has confirmed.

Court records show prosecutors dismissed Kraft's 2 misdemeanor charges of soliciting a prostitute ... with officials saying Thursday they didn't have enough evidence to get a conviction.

"Although there was probable cause to make an arrest," state attorney David Aronberg wrote in court docs, "the evidence cannot prove all legally required elements of the crime alleged and is insufficient to support a criminal prosecution."

The news isn't exactly a surprise ... in fact, it was expected after Kraft's team of lawyers successfully argued video of the New England Patriots owner allegedly receiving sex acts inside the Orchids of Asia Day Spa should NOT be admitted in the case.

Judges in the Florida Fourth District Court of Appeal ruled cops screwed up in the way they went about recording inside the Jupiter, Fla. facility by failing to ensure privacy for people getting legitimate massages. So, the footage was not allowed in the case.

With the vid thrown out ... prosecutors clearly lacked a smoking gun -- and were essentially forced to move on.

State officials are expected to break down the decision at a press conference later Thursday.