NFL

Keyshawn Johnson is saying sayonara to his Calabasas mansion -- but the ex-NFL star is adamant the move has NOTHING to do with his beef with his pain in the ass neighbor Justin Bieber.

TMZ spoke with a rep for the ESPN star who tells us, "Keyshawn is not moving to get away from Bieber. He's moving to be closer to the high school where he'll be coaching and where his son will be playing football."

Keyshawn recently took a job as a wide receivers coach at Mission Viejo High School in Orange County, CA ... where his son will go to school in the fall.

FYI -- MSVH is a high school football powerhouse and Key's rep tells us Johnson took the job with the varsity team to "have fun" while his kid pays his dues on the JV squad.

Of course, Key probably won't miss Bieber when he parts ways with his Calabasas palace -- 'cause as everyone knows, Justin has been the neighbor from hell ... partying on the time and speeding up and down the quiet streets in their private gated community.

Key's 11,746 square foot home is currently on the market for $8.5 mil. We're told Johnson plans to move to another mansion near the high school ... but he's very interested in coming back to the Calabasas area in a few years ... 'cause he likes it out there.

Girl, I must waaarn you ... NFL Hall-of-Famer Jonathan Ogden ripped out a version of Bell Biv Devoe's "Poison" at his HOF induction party last week ... and ... it's ... well, it's pretty damn entertaining.

The Baltimore Ravens legend grabbed the mic and rocked out like it was 1990 all over again at his post-induction party on Canton, Ohio last weekend.

FYI -- the guy's 6'9", 345-pounds and routinely OWNED some of the baddest men on the planet ... so, are YOU gonna tell him he can't sing for a damn??

Neither are we.

Are you an ex-NFL player? Do you also like to murder people (allegedly)? Then you'd make the PERFECT guest star on "The League" ... so says Paul Scheer, who plays Andre on the show.

It's sorta become a badge of honor for NFL stars (past and present) to score a cameo on the FX series ... just ask Terrell Suggs, Adrian Peterson, Chad Johnson, Deion Sanders, Maurice Jones-Drew and J.J. Watt.

Scheer says the next guy he wants to bring on board is Aaron Hernandez -- but not to act -- he's got a job in mind that requires AH's unique alleged skill set.

More trouble for the New York Jets -- ANOTHER running back was arrested. This time, the perp is Joe McKnight who was busted in Jersey on outstanding warrants during a routine traffic stop.

McKnight -- who was drafted out of USC in 2010 -- was initially pulled over in Hanover Township on July 30 around 11am after cops noticed his 2010 Mercedes speeding and changing lanes without signaling.

But during the stop, the officer ran Joe's plates -- and noticed outstanding warrants for his arrest for (1) failing to pay a $200 fine because he didn't have proof of insurance during a previous incident and (2) failing to pay a $120 fine for a prior routine traffic violation.

According to the New York Post, 25-year-old McKnight was cuffed and hauled to a nearby station where he was booked and released after posting the $320 bail.

Warren Sapp isn't just a QB Killa ... he's a DANCE FLOOR KILLA ... and he proved it this weekend when he went all H.A.M at his NFL Hall of Fame induction party.

Sapp -- sporting his newly acquired HOF jacket -- was the guest of honor at the special Warren Sapp party tent in Canton, Ohio ... where stars like Dan Marino, Lawrence Taylor, Marshall Faulk and Deion Sanders came by to party with the big man.

But during the party, Sapp -- clearly feeling the adrenaline -- grabbed the mic and told the crowd, "One time like my dog Ray Lewis used to do."

Then he straight BROKE. IT. DOWN.

Aaron Hernandez is jonesin' for the Internet ... according to a new letter he wrote to a fan.

TMZ has obtained a second letter Hernandez recently wrote behind bars, thanking a fan for a Facebook support page she started ... a page he can't read because jail is an Internet-free zone.

He wrote, "Thanks for the site and sry [sic] I can't check site [sic] there is no internet in jail lol."

Correct ... Hernandez wrote out the word "lol" in pen.

Also, FYI, Hernandez is now aware that his jail letters are making headlines. We spoke to the sheriff at the jail who tells us, Hernandez has been warned to be careful with his letters because TMZ keeps publishing them.

Being Kelly Ripa's #2 sure does pay ... just ask Michael Strahan, who's throwing down serious cash to rent a $20 MILLION mega mansion in Beverly Hills ... adjacent.

Michael and hot fiancée Nicole Murphy sold their Bel Air home earlier this week for $11 million. Get this ... they bought it for $7.9 mil a year ago. Yeah, we hate 'em too.

Here's the problem -- they're currently homeless ... so for the time being they're renting a 10,575-square-foot casa in Beverly Park.

FYI -- Beverly Park's a celeb magnet -- residents have included Denzel Washington, Mark Wahlberg, Sylvester Stallone, Tim McGraw, Wayne Gretzky, Samuel Jackson ... the list goes on.

We don't have the exact rental price, but estates like this rent in the $100,000 / month range. In the meantime Michael and his realtor Bob Hurwitz are on the hunt for a permanent place.

Until then ... Michael and Nicole have to settle for the Italian style villa, with 8 bedrooms, 10 baths, guest house, perfectly manicured grounds, fountains up the wazoo, and resort style pool.

N-word hurling Philadelphia Eagles player Riley Cooper isn't getting any sympathy from his own grandma -- who tells TMZ, Cooper screwed up big time ... and it's his mess to clean up.

Riley's Grandma Betty didn't make excuses when we spoke to her ... saying, "[Riley] brought it upon himself and he has to deal with the consequences."

As we reported, Cooper has already taken leave from the Eagles to pursue counseling after his n-word threat at a recent Kenny Chesney concert -- when he said he would fight "every n***er" at the show.

Grandma says Riley was raised in a good household that never condoned racism of any kind -- so she's surprised by his behavior, especially because she says he's never gotten into any kind of trouble before.

That said, Grandma Betty is optimistic about Riley's future, telling us it's good he's nipping this problem in the bud now before it gets any worse.

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Riley Cooper needs some serious n-word counseling ... so much so he's taken a leave from the team.

A rep for the Eagles was blunt and to the point: "Riley Cooper will be seeking counseling and we have excused him from all team activities."

The rep says Riley needs to understand how his racist threats -- to fight every n***er at the Kenny Chesney concert -- are hurtful.

The team is hedging over whether Cooper will be welcome back.

For his part, Riley says, "The organization and my teammates have been extremely supportive, but I also realize that there are people who will have a tough time forgiving me for what I’ve done. The best thing for me, and for the team, is to step away for a period of time."

Aaron Hernandez wrote a pen pal a letter from inside his jail cell, declaring his innocence, saying his murder charges are God's plan, and vowing to return to the NFL ... and TMZ has a copy.

We have verified with law enforcement the

is the real deal. You can read it yourself ... among the highlights:

-- "The world just makes things out of false accusations ... and it will all die down, especially when they say NOT GUILTY"

-- "All the people who turned on me will feel like crap."

-- "God put me in this situation for a reason."

-- "Can't wait to sign [autographs] again when I'm playing again an [sic] prove all the haters WRONG."

As for the fan who received the letter, Karl ... he just called in to "TMZ Live" and told us he wrote Hernandez first.

Karl says he sent the letter because he was in the same jail 15 years ago, and wanted to reach out to Hernandez to give him some encouragement.

Karl also says he would like to visit Aaron in jail -- if Aaron will let him.

FYI, Hernandez -- who's been accused of murdering semi-pro football player Odin Lloyd -- has been denied bail and will remain behind bars until his trial.

2:54 PM PT -- The Eagles tell TMZ ... Cooper has been FINED for making the comments and "has accepted responsibility for his words and actions."

The team tells us, "This sort of behavior or attitude from anyone has no role in a civil society."

The Eagles did not specify the amount of the fine.

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Riley Cooper -- who is white -- is begging for forgiveness after a video surfaced showing the 25-year-old threatening to fight "every n**ger" at a country music concert.

The video was shot June 9 during a Kenny Chesney concert in Philadelphia ... where a sleeveless Cooper turned to the camera and says, "I will jump that fence and fight every n**ger here.”

Now, after the video, which first appeared on CrossingBroad.com, began making the rounds on various websites, Cooper has released a statement saying, "I am so ashamed and disgusted with myself. I want to apologize."

"I have been offensive. I have apologized to my coach, to Jeffrey Lurie, to Howie Roseman and to my teammates. I owe an apology to the fans and to this community. I am so ashamed, but there are no excuses. What I did was wrong and I will accept the consequences.”

The Eagles had high hopes for Cooper going into the 2013 season -- and was expected to be a starter when the season kicks off in September.

There's a GOOD REASON you've never seen a 260-pound "Ninja Warrior," 'cause they suck on trampolines ... so says ex-NFL star Shawne Merriman.

Shawne knows from experience -- the former San Diego Chargers linebacker recently appeared on the show ... and started off strong ... only to crash hard when it came time to negotiate the trampoline obstacle.

"260 don't work on trampolines," Merriman says ... "My weight made the trampoline touch the ground."

Gotta give the guy credit -- he actually put together a pretty solid run before bailing on the jump. But SM says if he's invited back next year, he GUARANTEES he'll finish the course.

Paula Deen has a very powerful ally ... 'cause undefeated boxing champ Laila Ali tells TMZ she's still got Deen's back, even after the n-word controversy.

Right before Deen's kingdom came crumbling down, Laila joined Deen on the Food Network show "Paula's Best Dishes" back in April to cook up some Cloverleaf Rolls, Brussels sprouts, stewed beef and cheese grits.

Since her appearance, Deen has basically been branded a racist due to the fact she admitted using the N-word in private.

So, when Laila and her husband, former NFL star Curtis Conway, rolled into Malibu yesterday, we had to ask how she felt about the disgraced chef.

Just because Chad Johnson's finances are in the toilet doesn't mean his baby mama should have to suffer from a tighter wallet ... at least according to her.

Andrea Pearson filed legal docs in FL court -- firing back a Chad's request to reduce his $5,240 / month child support bill. Chad claims he can't afford it anymore, after getting fired from the NFL and losing his lucrative endorsement deals ... circumstances he says that were out of his control.

But Andrea argues in docs ... she shouldn't be punished for Chad's screw ups, clearly stating that his money problems ARE his fault, explaining, "he sabotaged his own earning ability through his conduct and criminal behavior."

Translation: The head-butting, domestic violence arrest (the catalyst for his $$$ woes) was Chad's doing ... and Andrea doesn't want her support cash to be collateral damage.

Aaron Rodgers -- GB Packers quarterback and chronic bet reneger -- is blaming disgraced MLB player Ryan Braun for letting his mouth write a check his ass couldn't cash.

As you know by now ... back in February, Rodgers aggressively defended his friend Ryan Braun against allegations the Milwaukee Brewers outfielder was using PEDS ... and was so confident, he "bet" his 2013 NFL salary with a random person on Twitter.

Obviously, Rodgers was wrong and lost the bet (he'll never pay up, BTW) -- and now he's throwing Braun under the bus ... telling reporters he was merely "backing up a friend."

Rodgers says he was "shocked" when Braun admitted to cheating -- saying, "[Braun] looked me in the eye ... it didn't feel great being lied to like that."

11:37 AM PT -- Aaron's attorney is objecting to the additional release of information regarding the case to the media, saying it's having a negative impact on Aaron's right to a fair trial. The judge wasn't convinced.

11:30 AM PT -- During the beginning of the hearing, Aaron looked at his family in court and mouthed the words "I love you." The parents of Aaron's alleged victim Odin Lloyd were also present in court. It got emotional.

11:11 AM PT -- Prosecutors have requested a continuance, asking for more time to present evidence to a grand jury. Aaron's lawyer objected, asking for the case to be dismissed because prosecutors were dragging their feet, but the judge sided with the prosecution. Aaron is due back in court for another probable cause hearing on August 22.

11:05 AM PT -- Aaron is in the courtroom, but he's not wearing a jumpsuit this time ... he's in a normal suit. No tie though!

NFL star and murder suspect Aaron Hernandez is due back in court today ... the first step before he faces a grand jury on charges he murdered 27-year-old semi-pro football player Odin Lloyd.

It's called a probable cause hearing, which is where prosecutors are supposed to establish two things: 1) that a crime has been committed, and 2) that Hernandez committed the crime.

The probable cause hearing is meant to give prosecutors a chance to show that there's enough evidence to bring the case before a grand jury for a formal indictment, at which point a pretrial date will be set.

As we reported, Hernandez has been denied bail and will remain behind bars until he's acquitted ... or the case is dismissed.

It's possible prosecutors will file for a continuance today -- meaning they won't have to present all their evidence in court ... and they'll go straight to the grand jury stage. The hearing is scheduled to begin at 11AM PST/2PM EST.