Greg Knapp Accident Driver Won't Face Charges ... Lack Of Evidence

The driver who struck and killed NFL coach Greg Knapp has reportedly been cleared of any wrongdoing ... and will not face criminal charges.

58-year-old Knapp was riding his bicycle in San Ramon, CA on July 17 ... when he was hit by a car and rushed to the hospital with severe injuries.

Knapp -- who had just been hired to be the New York Jets' passing game coordinator -- tragically passed away on July 22 ... a loss that was felt throughout the NFL community.

The incident was investigated by San Ramon PD and sent over to the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office ... which declined to pursue charges.

"The San Ramon Police Department's investigation has concluded and it was submitted for review," the police said in a statement to Danville San Ramon.

"We received official word from the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office that they will not be filing criminal charges on the driver involved in the collision."

The DA's office explained the decision to the New York Post on Friday ... saying, there was "insufficient evidence to satisfy the requisite standard of criminal negligence on the part of the suspect driver."

Officials do not believe drugs or alcohol were a factor ... and the driver was fully cooperative with authorities.

Knapp was beloved amongst players and coaches throughout the league -- he won a Super Bowl ring as an assistant with the Denver Broncos in 2016, and is survived by his mother, wife, brother and 3 daughters.

R.I.P.

NFL's Vinny Curry Spleen Removed ... After Being Diagnosed W/ Rare Blood Disorder

Scary news from Vinny Curry ... the New York Jets defensive end announced he's out for the 2021 season after he had to get his spleen removed due to a rare blood disorder.

The 33-year-old revealed the diagnosis on his social media page Wednesday ... the day after the Jets put him on the reserve/non-football injury list.

"In July, the Jets doctors diagnosed me with a rare blood disorder," said Curry, who signed a 1-year, $1.3 million contract with NY in the offseason.

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"The diagnoses required the removal of my spleen and projected me to return to the field in the middle of September."

But, Curry says his comeback date changed ... after he developed blood clots during his recovery.

Vinny says he's now currently on blood thinners which will prevent him from having "physical contact for the next three to six months."

"While I am incredibly disappointed that I will not be able to play with my teammates this year, I am thankful that the doctors identified my condition in time," Curry said.

Curry added that doctors expect him to make a full recovery.

"I can promise them all that I will be back stronger and more determined than ever!" Curry said.

Curry -- whos' been in the league since 2012 -- played for both the Buccaneers and Eagles before signing with the Jets, winning the Super Bowl with Philly in 2018.

Gregg Knapp Jets Honoring Coach With Helmet Stickers 'You'll Always Be With Us'

The New York Jets will honor Gregg Knapp with helmet decals this season ... after the former assistant coach tragically died following a bike crash earlier this month.

The Jets made the announcement Wednesday -- revealing every one of their players' helmets will feature "GK" stickers on the back.

"You'll always be with us, Coach Knapp," the Jets said in the announcement.

As we previously reported, Knapp -- who was just hired to be the Jets' passing game coordinator this offseason -- was struck by a car while riding his bicycle in San Ramon, CA. on July 17 and was rushed to the hospital with severe injuries.

The 58-year-old later died on July 22 ... with his family saying, "Today at 11:32 am PST, Greg Knapp (aka Knapper) was called back home to Heaven, where he will be reunited with his Dad."

His death rocked coaches and players across the league, including Jets' rookie quarterback Zach Wilson, who said after the tragedy, "Man this is hard. Huge impact on my life in only a few months."

"Love you Coach Knapper."

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan -- who was coached by Knapp from 2018 to 2020 -- was also heartbroken ... saying, "He was one of the most positive, consistent and caring coaches I have ever been around"

"I’m so thankful for the time we were able to spend together."

Knapp had coached in the NFL since 1995 ... and won a Super Bowl ring as an assistant with the Denver Broncos in 2016.

RIP

NFL Coach Greg Knapp Fighting For His Life After Bike Crash ... Jets Asking For Prayers

UPDATE

12:39 PM PT -- Cops say a car collided with Knapp on a road in San Ramon, Calif. on Saturday at around 2:49 PM PT.

UPDATE

Authorities did not reveal a cause of the wreck ... but they did say a preliminary investigation revealed the driver of the car was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

UPDATE

Cops confirmed Knapp suffered "major injuries" in the accident ... and is still currently in critical condition at a local hospital.

UPDATE

8:40 AM PT -- The New York Jets have confirmed Knapp's situation is dire ... with head coach Robert Saleh asking for prayers for the assistant coach in a statement Tuesday morning.

UPDATE

"Greg is such an amazing individual it is hard to imagine the challenge facing him and his family," Saleh said.

UPDATE

"Greg's fun nature, kind disposition, and wealth of knowledge has allowed him to make genuine connections with all of our coaches, players and staff since he has been here."

UPDATE

Saleh continued, "I ask that you keep him in your prayers as we all pull for him to recover from this horrific accident."

Longtime NFL coach Greg Knapp -- who's currently the NY Jets' passing game coordinator -- is reportedly in the hospital in critical condition after he suffered serious injuries in a bike crash over the weekend.

The 58-year-old was riding when he was struck by a car ... 9News' Mike Kliss reported late Monday evening. Kliss added that Knapp's agent, Jeff Sperbeck, is asking for prayers.

Further details regarding the incident are unclear ... we're working on it.

Knapp has been an assistant coach in the NFL since the late 1990s ... and is known for his ability to get the best out of his quarterbacks.

In his career, Knapp has seen success coaching Steve Young, Carson Palmer, Peyton Manning and Matt Ryan.

Knapp was just hired to be the Jets' passing game coordinator in January ... after NY brought in Robert Saleh from San Francisco to be its new head coach.

He was already being touted as having a significant influence during offseason workouts on New York's new quarterback, Zach Wilson.

Originally Published -- 6:12 AM PT

NY Jets' La'Mical Perine Epic Fail Trying To Shotgun Beer ... 'I Almost Threw Up!!!'

MAKIN' A MESS

NY Jets running back La'Mical Perine SUUUUCKS at shotgunning beers.

Like, he's spectacularly bad ... and he put his non-skills on display Thursday while pre-gaming for the NY Islanders playoff game!

The 23-year-old -- who played college ball at the Univ. of Florida (isn't that supposed to be a party school!?) -- was turning up on a party bus on the way to the game when someone called for a shotgun chugging contest.

First, Perine tries chugging from the hole in the side of the can BEFORE he opens the top -- which is obviously a huge problem.

Then, when he realizes his mistake ... he can't keep the beer in his mouth and spills ALL OVER HIS JORDANS!!!

What a disaster!!!

By the end, a defeated Perine admits, "I almost threw up" ... while the brew continues to drip down his beard.

As for the hockey game, it didn't go much better for the Islanders ... they lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning in a 2-1 defeat.

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Next game is Saturday night ... START PRACTICING NOW, LA'MICAL!!!!

Zach Wilson Radio Host Asks About His 'Hot Mom' ... Dragged Online

MUM'S THE WORD
Carton & Roberts/WFAN

A New York radio host is getting dragged for asking the freshly-minted Jets QB about his "hot mom."

WFAN host Craig Carton scored an interview with Zach Wilson, the #2 draft pick, and asked about his mother -- who got lots of attention during the draft. Zach's mom is undeniably attractive and lots of folks commented, but raising it with her son is a whole other Oprah.

Carton said, “Your mom has become the lead story, and I say that respectfully because people are like, ‘the star of the first round of the draft is Mrs. Wilson because she’s a very attractive woman.’"

He went on ... “And, I’m just wondering how awkward that is for you, that you just got picked second overall in the NFL draft, and the focus is, wow, his mom is really hot."

The 21-year-old QB from Utah responded, “Yeah, it’s not my favorite for sure. I like to keep her out of the spotlight. She’s an awesome lady and I love having her support.”

Carton drew some heavy fire but stood his ground, saying, "Appreciate how sensitive u r but b sure 2 listen 2 what I said versus what u assume I said. I asked him how awkward it was that the Post wrote story about his moms looks, also the #1 trending topic online all day. I didnt ask him bout her looks or 2comment on them Big difference."

In case you're wondering, Zach's mom is Lisa Wilson. She calls herself a "fitness fanatic" and posts lots of pics highlighting healthy cooking and her fam. She's been married for 24 years.

As for Zach ... he graduated from BYU and is on his way to the Jets.

Panthers QB Sam Darnold Celebrates After Being Traded from Jets ... Let's Party!!!

PANTHER PARTY
@jordanpalmer/Instagram

How did Sam Darnold handle the news that he was being traded from the NY Jets to the Carolina Panthers?!

Break out the black and blue balloons ... it's party time!!!

Check out the celebration Darnold's friends and family threw for the QB in the hours after the trade went down -- the smile on Sam's face speaks for itself!

Sam's personal QB coach Jordan Palmer captured the small gathering on video -- saying, "Pumped for the next leg of this journey."

Sam waves his arms in the air, cracks a huge smile and puts on a Panthers ball cap. He's ready!!

... and why wouldn't he be? The Jets have been trash since they selected Darnold with the 3rd overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.

The 23-year-old QB has flashed serious potential -- but many blame the incompetence of recently fired Jets coach Adam Gase for stunting his development.

Now, Darnold will get a new life with the Panthers -- and he's clearly fired up about the opportunity.

Sam Darnold Traded To Panthers ... Jets Move On From QB

Sam Darnold has a new home ... the Jets just officially gave up on their 2018 1st-round pick, sending him off to Carolina in a huge, pre-NFL draft trade.

The Panthers announced the move Monday afternoon ... explaining they traded 3 picks -- including a 6th-rounder this year and 2nd and 4th-rounders in 2022 -- for the QB.

Carolina's team site described the deal this way ... "The Panthers landed a first-round quarterback, without waiting to see if one fell to them with the eighth overall pick in this year's draft."

Darnold was originally taken by NY with the #3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft ... but he was largely a disappointment in his 3 seasons with Gang Green, recording a 13-25 record.

The 23-year-old struggled with injuries -- missing at least 3 games in all 3 of his 3 three seasons in the league -- as well interceptions, throwing 39 in just 38 games.

Darnold, though, did flash talent from time to time ... and as a guy who could have easily been the #1 overall pick in '18 -- it seems Carolina is more than willing to take the gamble.

As for what it means for the two teams going forward ... the Jets will almost certainly take BYU star QB, Zach Wilson, with the #2 overall pick later this month.

The Panthers, meanwhile, appear poised to either move on from Teddy Bridgewater or move the veteran down the depth chart just one year after they signed him to a 3-year, $63 MILLION contract.

Brandon Marshall NY Jets Are 'Perfect' For Deshaun Watson ... Urges QB To Force Trade

NEW YORK IS THE WAY
TMZSports.com

Brandon Marshall has the solution to all of Deshaun Watson's woes with the Texans -- telling TMZ Sports EVERYTHING can be resolved by forcing a trade to New York!!!

"The New York Jets are the perfect landing spot for Deshaun Watson," the ex-NFL star receiver says.

As for why ... Marshall -- who played two years of his NFL career with NYJ -- says it's simple, the team can offer him anything he wants.

"The salary cap, we got around $68, $69 million available," Marshall says. "Who do you want?!"

The 36-year-old -- STAR on HBO's "Inside the NFL" show and founder of House of Athlete -- says the Jets would be willing to buy any free agent, including former Bears star Allen Robinson, to make it all work out.

In fact, Marshall says NY brass would even give him some say on who the team should draft!!

"He's going to turn this thing around," Marshall says. "And, we've been waiting for someone like him to lead the way."

Of course, the Texans would have to be amenable to jettisoning Watson first ... but all indications are pointing toward Watson holding out if he isn't traded.

So, DW to NY?!

By the way, Marshall has some really cool stuff going on this offseason besides recruiting for the Jets.

HE'S OUT OF HIS MIND
TMZSports.com

With the cancellation of the NFL's annual combine (thanks, COVID), Brandon says he's holding his own showcase down in Florida to help athletes and teams alike prepare for the NFL draft.

Marshall says he's got a bunch of big-name guys slated to be there ... and he says the plan is to broadcast the whole thing live!

Justin Fields OSU Star Declares For NFL Draft ... Jets Next?!?

Ohio State superstar Justin Fields is moving on from the Buckeyes -- the QB just announced he'll enter the NFL Draft ... and it begs the question, is New York his next destination?!

The Jets are slated to pick #2 overall in April's draft ... and some believe they could take Fields and move on from Sam Darnold.

Of course, Jets star Quinnen Williams told TMZ Sports this month that he would NOT go that route -- preferring Alabama's Devonta Smith instead.

FINGERS CROSSED
TMZSports.com

If the Jets do pass, Fields doesn't figure to fall too far -- he's considered either the 2nd- or 3rd-best QB in the entire draft.

As for leaving OSU, Fields was emotional in making the announcement Monday ... thanking his coach, his teammates and Buckeye nation for embracing him after he transferred to the school from Georgia.

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"To my teammates, I will miss you more than you know," Fields said in his lengthy goodbye note. "I hope I have made the same impact on you that you have made on me. The bonds formed these last two years will last a lifetime; in you, I will always have brothers."

Fields continued, "Growing up, my dream was to one day play the game that I love at the highest level. Now thanks to God's grace and mercy, along with the help of you all, I am in a position to turn that dream into reality."

Quinnen Williams Jets Should Pass On QB In Draft ... Take Devonta Smith!!!

FINGERS CROSSED
TMZSports.com

Forget Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields ... Jets star Quinnen Williams tells TMZ Sports his squad should PASS on a QB in April's NFL draft -- and take Devonta Smith instead!!!

"I'm wishin'!" Williams says. "I'm saying it right now, I'm wishin'!"

Of course, NY will likely have the option to take the star 'Bama wideout at #2 overall in just a few months ... though most pundits believe the team should take a QB and move on from Sam Darnold with the pick.

But, when we spoke with Williams after his former Alabama team won the National Championship last week, he told us he'd prefer to keep Sam and select this year's Heisman Trophy winner instead.

"Devonta Smith got that 'Bama in him," Williams says. "We need someone with that. Man, he's amazing."

The selection would be fairly historic ... wideouts almost NEVER go in the top two picks -- in fact, only two have been selected in the top two since 2000 (Calvin Johnson in 2007 and Charles Rogers in 2002).

According to Williams, though, this is the perfect time to make it happen again.

"Any team that gets him -- not even the Jets -- any team that gets him they'll be getting a dominant player," Williams says. "And, you can see that now."

We're pretty sure Williams ain't wrong here -- Smith was incredible for Alabama this season, catching 117 passes for 1,856 receiving yards and 23 receiving touchdowns.

"If we get him," Williams says, "he's going to be a dynamic attribute for Sam."

Ya listening, Joe Douglas???

Quinnen Williams Nick Saban Is Greatest Football Coach Ever ... Period.

THE GREATEST!
TMZSports.com

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."

As for the Saban vs. Belichick G.O.A.T. debate ... Williams says he respects the hell of The Hoodie -- but he just believes Saban should get the nod for the honor now.

NY Jets Hire Robert Saleh ... NFL's 1st-Ever Muslim Head Coach

The NY Jets made history with their head coaching hire Thursday night ... they inked a deal with Robert Saleh, reportedly making him the NFL's 1st-ever Muslim head coach.

According to Muslim civil rights advocacy group CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations) ... no other Muslim had been given the role in the league's history prior to Saleh's hiring.

"We welcome this development as another sign of the increasing inclusion and recognition of American Muslims in our diverse society," CAIR spokesperson Ibrahim Hooper said.

41-year-old Saleh -- who was born in Michigan but has family roots in Lebanon -- has been a straight-up hell of a coach since he was promoted to defensive coordinator in San Francisco.

In fact, many NFL pundits have already praised the Jets for the hire ... saying what Saleh did with the 49ers the past four seasons makes him a safe bet to succeed in New York.

Saleh's 49ers' defensive groups have been consistently some of the best in the NFL ... and stars like Richard Sherman praised him after the Jets made the hiring official this week.

"The @nyjets got a great one!" Sherman said on Twitter. "Congrats to them!"

Saleh is expected to bring over some of the 49ers' offensive assistants as well ... which many believe could help save Sam Darnold's fledgling career.

NY Jets Fire Head Coach Adam Gase After 2 Embarrassing Seasons

It's finally over.

The NY Jets have officially fired head coach Adam Gase after one of the worst seasons in team history.

The Jets only won 2 games in 2020 -- after starting off the season 0-13 -- finishing up with a pathetic 2-14 record.

The Gase-era -- which started with a bizarre press conference in 2019 -- ended with a sad 9-23 record. Not great.

"This evening, I informed Adam Gase he will no longer serve as the Head Coach of the Jets," NY Jets CEO Christopher Johnson said in a statement Sunday night.

Johnson praised Gase and his family but ultimately said moving on is the right thing to do. No kidding!

"While my sincere intentions are to have stability in our organization -- especially in our leadership positions -- it is clear the best decision for the Jets is to move in a different direction."

Johnson added, "To our fans, it is obvious we have not been good enough. We are committed to building a strong organization, on and off the field, and will continue to provide the necessary resources to field a team that you can be proud of."

The 2020 campaign was the 2nd worst season on NY Jets history -- following an infamously terrible 1-15 season back in 1996.

Gase was just bad all the way around -- he was hailed as a QB whisperer who could help out Sam Darnold ... but Darnold looked terrible this season and the Jets finished the year with the 32nd ranked offense in the league.

The Jets couldn't even lose effectively this year -- their 2 wins put them as the 2nd first team in the league, leaving them with the #2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Rex Ryan Rips NY Jets for 'Stupidest Call Ever' ... In Loss to Raiders

UPDATE

8:11 AM PT -- Apparently Adam Gase agrees with Rex ... the NY Jets head coach has fired Williams after the late-game gaffe -- ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Monday morning.

"That's the dumbest call ever. There's no other way of putting it."

Rex Ryan just went OFF on NY Jets defensive coordinator Gregg Williams for his role in the team's epic 31-28 loss to the Raiders on Sunday ... saying the guy's last-play-of-the-game defense was straight-up "stupid."

"Dumbest call I've ever seen," Ryan said on ESPN's 'Get Up' on Monday morning ... "It's just stupid. It's just absolutely stupid."

If you missed it ... the Jets were FINALLY about to get a win this season -- all they had to do was play defense for 13 more seconds in their game against Vegas to seal up victory #1.

But, Williams inexplicably decided to all-out blitz Derek Carr instead of just playing conservatively ... and it all led to a miracle, game-winning 46-yard touchdown.

The defense Williams called was peculiar -- it left no safety help for the team's cornerbacks -- and several notable names in the NFL, including Tony Dungy, wondered why in the world THAT was the defense Williams chose.

"Just protect the sideline and the end zone and the game is over," Dungy said.

In fact, Carr himself was dumbfounded over it all ... telling reporters after the game, "I couldn't believe they all-out blitzed us."

Ryan couldn't either ... and the former NY Jets head coach didn't hold back when breaking down Williams' call.

"Not only was it the stupidest call ever, they don't even know how to run the dang Cover 0 blitz," Ryan said. "And you wonder why they give up 400 yards a game. You wonder why this team hasn't won a game."

"And the thing I feel bad about is for every one of those kids that have been a laughing stock of the league. The Jets have been a laughing stock of this league. And for you to put those kids in that situation, to take the moment away from them -- a win -- after all their hard work, that's just ridiculous."

For their part, the Jets' players weren't exactly pleased with Williams either ... team captain Marcus Maye told media members afterward, "I just felt like we could've been in a better call in that situation."

Hope Trevor Lawrence is really worth all of this ...

Originally Published -- 6:20 AM PT

Jamal Adams 'Fought Depression' While Playing for Jets ... 'They Don't Want to Win'

Playing for the god awful NY Jets took a real toll on Jamal Adams -- who says he battled depression during his sad run with Gang Green.

"Bro, I fought depression in New York," the star safety said on the 'All Things Covered' podcast with Bryant McFadden and Patrick Peterson.

"And I’m man enough to say it. I came home after a tough loss and just sat in my room in the dark -- no phone, no TV. [My dad] hated to see me like that. It killed my pops so much."

Adams spent 3 years with the Jets before forcing the team to trade him to Seattle before the 2020 season. The Jets were 16 and 32 during his time in NY and have only gotten worse.

"[My dad] was calling my agent at the time and saying, 'Hey man, I don’t like seeing my son like this. I need him out of this situation.' It took a toll on my life outside of football."

The Jets are currently 0-9 and have become the laughing stock of the NFL. This year's team could go down as the worst team in NFL history.

Adams described the organization this way -- "They do not want to win."

The good news ... Adams seems to be in a much better place mentally in Seattle, praising the organization on the podcast.

"This is how the NFL is supposed to be. This is the dream I was dreaming."

The Seahawks are currently 6-3 -- tied for 1st place atop the NFC West with the Rams and the Cardinals.

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