NFL

7:21 AM PT -- The Patriots just issued a statement saying, "We support Josh Gordon in his continued efforts to focus on his health."

They added, "His attempt to do so is a private and personal matter, which we intend to respect."

6:43 AM PT -- More sad news regarding Gordon ... NFL.com's Tom Pelissero is reporting Gordon violated the league's substance abuse policy and now faces a suspension.

Unclear of how Gordon failed a test -- or failed to show up to take a test. Either way, it's bad.

And, with Gordon's history of failed drug tests during his NFL career, this won't be a slap on the wrist punishment.

He's already missed the entire 2015 and 2016 NFL seasons for substance abuse issues. Unclear what he's facing this time around.

Josh Gordon is leaving the New England Patriots -- at least, for now -- with the star wide receiver saying he needs to focus on his mental health.

"I take my mental health very seriously at this point to ensure I remain able to perform at the highest level," Gordon said in a statement.

"I have recently felt like I could have a better grasp on things mentally."

"With that said, I will be stepping away from the football field for a bit to focus on my mental health."

"I would like to thank Coach Belichick, Mr. Kraft, as well as countless others within the Patriots organization for their continued support."

"I want to thank my fans for their support as well as I continue down the path getting back to 100%."

This is not the first time Gordon has taken a break from football -- the 27-year-old has battled substance abuse issues and has pressed pause on his career to get treatment.

In fact, before the 2018 season -- when Gordon was still a member of the Cleveland Browns -- he trained privately away from the team so he could focus on his well-being.

When he rejoined the Browns, the reunion didn't last long -- he suffered an injury in September during a promotional video shoot -- and the team quickly traded him to New England.

When healthy, Gordon has proven to be a force in the NFL -- and made some key plays for the Patriots throughout the 2018 season. He's already caught 40 balls and 3 TDs for the Pats in 11 games.

Now, with 2 games left -- and playoff seeding on the line -- the Pats will be without Gordon. And, that's a big deal.

Story developing ...

7:55 AM PT -- Cops tell TMZ Sports ... they were called to a residence around 8:30 PM and when they arrived, Green-Beckham was attempting to flee through a window.

Cops eventually captured him and found 1 pound of weed in his backpack along with several vials of THC oil, officials say.

When cops searched the residence, they found 7 more pounds of marijuana -- but believe that belonged to another man.

Ex-NFL wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham was arrested on a felony drug possession charge in Missouri on Wednesday, TMZ Sports has learned.

Details surrounding the arrest are unclear (we're working on it) but we know the 25-year-old was also hit with a resisting arrest charge.

Green-Beckham was hauled to a police station in Springfield where he was booked and locked up. As of this post, he's still behind bars.

It's just the latest legal issue for a guy who had potential to be a huge NFL star. As we previously reported, Dorial was arrested for DWI last year while picking up a friend who had just been busted for drunk driving.

Green-Beckham was one of the top high school WRs ever -- but never reached his potential in college or the NFL due to off-the-field issues.

He was drafted by the Titans in the 2nd round of the 2015 Draft but didn't last there long. The Eagles picked him up in 2016 and he played 1 season -- racking up 36 catches for 392 yards and 2 TDs.

The Eagles released him before the 2017 season.

Ex-NFL receiver Titus Young has been released from prison after serving nearly 2 years of his sentence in his violent assault case ... TMZ Sports has confirmed.

As we previously reported ... Young -- a former 2nd-round pick of the Detroit Lions -- was arrested back in 2016 after he allegedly beat the hell out of a guy in a street fight.

Young pled no contest to 1 count of felony battery causing serious bodily injury later in 2017 ... and was sentenced to four years in state prison.

But, the ex-Boise State superstar was paroled and released from prison at 2:13 AM Saturday morning.

The 29-year-old has a long, troubled history with the law -- having been arrested several times since being cut from the Lions back in 2012.

He was also put on probation back in 2015 after attacking several people during his stint at a mental health facility.

Marshawn Lynch threw on his best hoodie and sandals and hit up the Oakland City Council meeting on Wednesday ... and made the following statement to city officials:

"We're losing the Warriors. We're losing the Raiders. Best not lose the A's. Appreciate it."

Marshawn is an Oakland guy, born and raised -- and is clearly upset with the mass exodus of the major sports teams in the area.

The Raiders are moving to Las Vegas and the Golden State Warriors -- who play in Oracle Arena in Oakland -- are moving to the Chase Center in San Francisco next season.

The Oakland A's currently play at the Oakland Coliseum but are hoping to build a new 34,000 seat waterfront stadium in the area where they could play in 2023.

Enter Marshawn who didn't have much to say -- but made his point crystal clear.

Oakland A's president Dave Kaval was grateful for Beast Mode's support -- tweeting out, "Thank you Marshawn! Let's do this!!"

Kaval has previously commented on the stadium situation -- saying, "We've been there 50 years ... We have a great sense of the importance of that development on the future of East Oakland."

Nick Foles is clearly FEEEELIINNN' himself after lifting the Eagles from the dead right back into the playoff picture -- 'cause dude wore a pair of webbed-toe shoes to work Wednesday!!!

The Vibram EL-X's ain't exactly known as Jordans in the football world ... but Nick still rocked 'em with pride at Philly's presser Wednesday -- showin' he doesn't need anyone's approval to swag out.

"I was wearing them around the house and figured I'd wear them to the facility and try it out. My wife thought I was a little crazy, but I said I'm not really worried about how I look. They're comfy."

SWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGG!!!!!

Foles has done things unconventionally throughout his career ... but it's paid off for the dude -- he's got a Super Bowl MVP and has Philly right back in the mix again this season.

2:10 PM PT -- The Redskins announced they placed Montae on the Reserve/NFI list.

10:48 AM PT -- Redskins coach Jay Gruden says Nicholson will NOT play this weekend in their critical game against the Tennessee Titans.

Gruden says he's aware of the TMZ Sports video and says he'll take a look at it.

When asked if Nicholson would be benched for the rest of the season, Gruden said he hasn't made up his mind yet.

He still has to speak with Montae personally.

TMZ Sports has obtained footage of Washington Redskins safety Montae Nicholson pummeling a man in the middle of a Virginia street around 2 AM Tuesday morning ... and it's violent.

Nicholson -- wearing a red hoodie -- is going after another man in a jean jacket while other people in the melee desperately try to restrain him.

But, Nicholson is too strong and too angry -- and refused to back out ... instead, he throws several punches at his target ... including a knockout blow.

You can see in the video, the man in the jean jacket appears to go limp as Nicholson hits him clean in the face.

One witness tells us the other man in the red sweatshirt was trying to break up the fight -- but Montae was in such a rage, he slammed that guy to the ground and continued the beating.

Loudoun County Sheriffs eventually responded to the scene and arrested both Montae and a female companion. Montae was booked for assault and battery, and drunk in public. He was hauled to a nearby jail and released on a $2,500 bond a short time later.

23-year-old Montae -- 6'2", 215 lbs -- is a solid player for the Redskins who's played in every game this season.

There are reports the fight began after a road rage incident where the victims pulled up in a vehicle and honked at Montae.

But, a witness tells us ... the beef started BEFORE the car incident.

Both victims were taken to a nearby hospital where they were treated for serious injuries.

We've reached out to Montae's camp for comment. So far, no word back.

A rep for the Redskins tells us they are aware of the arrest and still gathering information.

Amy Schumer says her call for performers to boycott the Super Bowl LIII halftime show over the mistreatment of players like Colin Kaepernick is working ... saying, "No one is stepping up to perform."

Back in October, Amy declared she wouldn't do any Super Bowl commercials this year and strongly suggested it was all because she feels black players like Colin are being punished for trying to stand up against inequality.

Amy had called for Maroon 5 to back out of the halftime show -- and while that hasn't happened, she clearly believes reports that the band is having a hard time finding a special guest to join them during the show because of the controversy surrounding the NFL.

Schumer took to social media Wednesday to speak out against sports reporters who have thrown shade her way over the calls for a boycott ... and also to pat herself on the back.

"The snooty lil digs about me in stories about the Super Bowl halftime talent is such a yawn," Schumer said.

"All out of touch white guys annoyed by me standing up for what I believe is right."

"I have done 2 Super Bowl commercials in the last couple years and I'm so stupid thinking my opinion would matter right? Well guess what? I may have made a difference. No one is stepping up to perform."

"Maybe they wouldn't have anyway. But at least I tried to help out and do what other people are too greedy or afraid to. Would you do that to stand up for people of color?"

"I may have made an impact. You can write about sports and even be the best at it but what have you done to help the marginalized or under represented?"

"I will continue to do everything I can. Even with all the snide little white sports writer making cutting remarks."

Sorry, Tennessee ... Peyton Manning will NOT be the state's next senator -- so says one of its current ones, Bob Corker.

FYI, Corker is leaving office next month after 11 years in the Senate -- and fellow Tennessee Senator Lamar Alexander just announced he will not seek reelection in 2020.

Many are speculating the moves leave the door open for a beloved former NFL quarterback (and Univ. of Tennessee alum) to enter the mix.

So, when we spotted Corker out on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, we had to ask if he sees a Manning political run in the near future. Spoiler alert: don't get your hopes up.

"I think Peyton's liking coaching little league football," Corker says ... "I doubt that's going to be a topic of discussion based on last round."

Of course, Peyton's life after football has been a huge discussion ever since he retired from the Broncos after winning Super Bowl 50 in 2016.

Some wanted him to be an offensive coordinator, others wanted to hear him in the broadcast booth ... and then there was a big push to get him to be a senator in Tennessee.

But, Manning has consistently shot all that down, saying back in 2017, "Look, I certainly have an interest in politics and in our country. I just have zero interest in being a politician."

Corker seems to think nothing's changed with Peyton since ... 'cause when our photog asked straight-up, "You don't think it's happening -- no chance?"

Bob left us with a firm "No."

1:39 PM PT -- Nicholson posted bail $2,500 ... and is no longer in jail.

Redskins' safety Montae Nicholson was arrested and charged with assault and battery after officials say he was involved in a drunken street brawl, sending 2 people to the hospital.

Nicholson -- a 4th round draft pick in 2017 out of Michigan State -- was arrested with a female companion after allegedly fighting another man and woman in the street outside Washington D.C.

So, couples fight.

Cops from Loudoun County Sheriff's Dept. responded to a call for a fight involving multiple people ... and after investigating, determined Nicholson and his female friend were at fault -- and they were arrested.

Officers do NOT believe Nicholson hit the female victim.

As for the alleged victims ... cops say their injuries are, "serious but non-life-threatening."

Nicholson -- who's played in all 14 of the Skins games this season and has racked up 41 tackles -- is still behind bars in county jail.

"Why would you wanna watch someone play a video game?!"

Ninja's heard that question a lot recently ... and the eSports legend says his answer to his hating-ass haters is simple -- 'cause he's really freakin' good at it.

In fact ... the Fortnite prodigy says it's actually similar to why people watch NFL, MLB or NHL players!!!

"There's so many people like, 'Well, why do you watch people play video games when you can go play video games yourself?' And, it's like, can you do that? Can you compete at that high of level and be entertaining?"

"You watch the NFL and things like that because you want to watch people do things that you know you can't. It's the same thing with gaming and streaming."

Ninja made the statements Monday night on 'The Tonight Show' to Jimmy Fallon ... and it's pretty clear he's growing tired of people questioning his insane online popularity.

"Dude, it's so funny, man. Why would you want to watch the best of the best play football, soccer, hockey??"

It's a great point ... and Ninja's clearly proving it every day -- the guy has 12.5 MILLION followers on Twitch, AND over 20 MILLION subscribers on YouTube!!!

Nick Cannon says he has no doubt the NFL's random drug testing of Eric Reid before and after games is the league's way of messing with the DB ... saying, "It's f*cked up."

Reid was randomly selected to pee in a cup for the 7th time this season after the Panthers' loss to the Saints on Monday night ... and the dude was pissed about it afterward.

"I've been here 11 weeks, I've been drug tested seven times. That has to be statistically impossible. I'm not a mathematician, but there's no way that's right."

Enter Cannon ... who tells TMZ Sports he "absolutely" thinks the tests are the NFL's way of getting back at Reid for supporting Colin Kaepernick in his kneeling protests.

"I think it's f*cked up," the actor said outside of Ace of Diamonds.

For his part ... Eric says he'll be using the tests as part of his collusion case against the NFL.

The other side of the coin ... the drug testing is conducted by an independent company hired jointly by the NFL and the NFL Player's Association. Point being, the players had some control over which company is administering the tests.

Knee inflammation be damned ... nothing can keep Todd Gurley from a good Ugly Sweater party!

The L.A. Rams running back threw on his best Santa coat and red beanie for a big Christmas event at a mansion in the Hollywood Hills on Monday night.

Gurley seemed to be moving around the party pretty well -- sipping on drinks, posing for pics and even dancing around a little bit.

It's not like he was running wind sprints in the backyard -- but it was a big mansion with stairs and he handled it all just fine.

Gurley aggravated the injury in his left knee during Sunday night's game against the Philadelphia Eagles -- and coach Sean McVay has said he'll be monitoring the knee going into Week 16.

"If he's able to go, we want him to be able to go," McVay told the media ... "But, if it's something that whether you're playing for the playoffs or whether you're not, we're always going to be smart with a player like Todd."

Gurley wasn't the only star at the party -- comedian Michael Blackson was there with an attractive female friend.

Asante Samuel says he doesn't blame Marcus Peters one bit for going off on a heckler Sunday ... 'cause he used to go hard at trash-talking fans too -- by callin' out their moms!!!

Peters has drawn serious criticism for exploding on a guy during the Rams-Eagles game ... but Asante tells TMZ Sports that kind of fan-player interaction has been going on for years.

In fact ... the ex-Eagles corner says he used to go after dudes in the same fashion -- talking trash about everything from fans' kids to even their moms!!!!

"That was me all day. Somebody would get on my nerves and I would say the most harshest thing. I'd talk about your momma. I don't care. If you talk about me, I'm going to come talk about you!"

Samuel says the incidents were frequent too ... and the only reason people think it's happening even more nowadays is because of social media.

His solution to it all?? "Leave the football players alone!!!"

BTW ... we also asked Samuel for his take on the Eagles' QB situation -- and the former Philly DB tells us which quarterback he'd start if he were in Doug Pederson's shoes.

Colin Kaepernick will return to an NFL field tonight ... because his friend and brother in protest, Eric Reid, is honoring Kaep by wearing cleats with the embattled QB's picture on 'em.

The Panthers take on the Saints on "Monday Night Football" and Carolina's DB gave fans a look at the "My Cause, My Cleats" spikes he'll wear, featuring a kneeling Kaep and members of the Black Panthers.

The image of Kaepernick is from a famous photo where Kaep and then-49ers teammate, Reid took a knee together during the 2016 season.

Reid included a caption on the image, explaining where his heart is, and why he felt the need to honor the guys involved.

"It’s a tribute to the history of protest, centered around the quote 'if not us, who? If not now, when?' meaning we all benefit and stand on the shoulders of those giants who decided their moment was best used for the sake of the people."

"And it’s always the right time to do what’s right. No different from you using your moment to take a knee. It also has the 10 point platform of Colin’s Know Your Rights Camp.”

Kaepernick himself has already weighed in on the footwear, saying, "My brother @E_Reid35 coming with the heat tonight!"

Kaep's been out of the league since 2016, and Reid's been one of his fiercest supporters, joining Colin not only in his kneeling protest, but in his collusion lawsuit against the league.

It's clear that support isn't gonna stop, and on one of the biggest platforms in sports he's making a statement.

Jabrill Peppers says he doesn't hate Hue Jackson for jumping from the Browns to the rival Bengals ... but he still wants to kick the dude's ass in their game this weekend anyway!!!

Of course ... Jabrill's teammate, Baker Mayfield, feels differently -- the superstar QB RIPPED his ex-coach for bolting to Cincinnati just a few weeks ago.

But, Jabrill says he had no problems with the move when he spoke with media members Monday.

"He's the ultimate competitor. I knew he wasn't going to stay away from the game long. I know how it looked, but he's the ultimate competitor."

Don't get it twisted ... the Browns DB says he still wants to beat the hell outta Hue and the Bengals this Sunday.

"I have no ill will towards him. I'm thankful for everything he taught me. I'm thankful that he brought me here. But, still looking forward to kicking his ass again!"

Didn't take long for AJ McCarron to get over the Raiders loss Sunday ... 'cause dude had the happiest reunion with his son at the airport -- and the vid is adorable.

AJ's been away from his 2-year-old and his model wife, Katherine Webb, for a few weeks ... but the QB flew back to 'Bama after Oakland's game -- and his reunion with his son couldn't have been cuter.

Tripp is held back until his pops strolls through the door ... and then the baby boy unleashes all his love for AJ with a "DADDY!!!!" yell and a big hug.

"When you’re reunited with your BFF #5weekswithoutdaddy," Katherine posted on social media.

So, why's AJ back in town when the Raiders still have two weeks left in the season??

Webb is SUPER pregnant with the couple's second child ... and says the new baby is actually due TODAY!!!

AJ and the Raiders don't play again until Monday ... so timing is great -- McCarron's got an extra day off this week.

Congrats!!!