NFL

Washington Redskins safety Montae Nicholson is off the hook in his assault case -- prosecutors have dropped the criminal charges against him ... despite video showing the NFL player KOing a guy.

As we previously reported, Nicholson was arrested in Virginia back in December for assault and battery, and public drunkenness after video showed the 23-year-old beating the hell out of a guy in the middle of the street around 2 AM.

You can see Nicholson throw a solid left which connects -- and the other man goes limp as he collapses to the ground.

But Tuesday, Nicholson appeared in court -- where prosecutors dropped the assault charge, according to court records.

Nicholson's attorney told the Washington Post prosecutors had "insufficient evidence."

Unclear why they would reach that conclusion with the evidence at hand -- it's possible he reached a settlement with the victim, who then refused to cooperate with prosecutors. We just don't know yet.

How is Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder celebrating after drafting his new franchise quarterback?

IT'S YACHT TIME, BABY!!!

The 54-year-old billionaire set sail on his mega-ship, the "Lady S." -- a $180 million yacht with the world's first floating IMAX theater.

(It was originally reported that the yacht is only worth $100 mil, but we're told it's actually valued at $180 mil).

Snyder was spotted aboard the boat in Portofino, Italy ... where he was sipping on beer and checking out his awesome pool and hot tub.

Oh, and he was still repping Washington all the way down to his toes ... check out the Redskins socks.

There's more on the ship ... he's got a helipad, 4 VIP suites and an incredible dining area, where Synder was already entertaining friends.

Snyder is having one heck of an off-season -- most experts think he got a STEAL by drafting Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins with the 15th pick.

After he was selected, Haskins warned the league that he's got a HUGE chip on his shoulder and plans to take it out on all the teams that passed on him.

If he makes good on his promise, maybe he'll make it to the yacht!

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Tyrone Crawford is being prosecuted for that crazy bar fight at the Coyote Ugly Saloon -- but shockingly, he's not being charged with assault.

Remember, we posted footage showing the Cowboys defensive team captain WRECKING several bouncers at the Panama City Beach, FL bar on March 15. We also know Crawford shoved TWO police officers while they were in the process of making an arrest later that night.

But, despite the footage, court records show Crawford was only charged with the single misdemeanor count of unlawful assembly, which a maximum sentence of up to 60 days in jail.

It does not appear as if Crawford was ever formally arrested -- but we know he's already entered a not guilty plea and is currently fighting the charge. He's due back in court next month.

We know the Panama City Beach Police Dept. conducted an investigation -- and spoke with multiple Coyote Ugly staffers.

One staffer told police Crawford's party had been bothering a female bartender at an inside area earlier that evening and they had been told to stay outside for the rest of the night or leave the premises.

25 minutes later, a fight broke out and several bouncers tried like hell to restrain Crawford and his brother -- and judging by the video, it didn't go very well.

The issue for Crawford and the Cowboys ... the NFL can discipline Tyrone for his conduct if they feel he violated the league's personal conduct policy ... even if he ultimately beats the criminal charge.

The Patriots win ... again, and this time it's their owner, Robert Kraft, who gets to spike the football -- the judge says police video of him inside the Orchids of Asia spa can't be used in the case.

According to docs, obtained by TMZ Sports, the judge had big problems with the search warrant that was issued, allowing police to plant cameras and secretly record Kraft and others inside the spa. The judge said police didn't minimize their recordings -- meaning they didn't do enough to protect people who were inside the spa getting perfectly legal massages.

The judge also said the police didn't do enough to minimize the impact of recording female customers inside the spa.

Detectives who testified in recent weeks said their only direction while monitoring the cameras was to "look for illegal activity." The judge said that's not nearly specific enough ... they needed to have written guidelines as to when to turn the cameras on and off.

In his ruling, the judge said, "The fact that some totally innocent women and men had their entire lawful time spent in a massage room fully recorded and viewed intermittently by a detective-monitor is unacceptable."

The bottom line for Kraft is ... the video can't be used as evidence in his prostitution case. Also, the traffic stop police made as Kraft left the spa has also been tossed from the case.

Russell Wilson won Mother's Day ... the dude surprised his mom with her very own house -- and she lost her mind when the Seahawks superstar handed over the keys!!!

The moment is amazing ... Russ passes Tammy Wilson the key ring to the new home's front door -- and when she asks what it's for, the QB tells her, "it's the key to your house."

When Momma Wilson realizes her son ain't playin' around -- she loses it.

She goes from shocked to elated to nearly peeing herself (for real, watch the clip) to bawling. It's incredible.

"All these years you have never asked me for anything... only thing you ever wanted is for me to LOVE," Wilson said of the gift afterward ...

"Well thanks for loving us the way you do. This ones for you. I love you momma. #HappyMothersDay #GodIsGood"

Russ' wife, Ciara, added, "What a beautiful day and moment. Tears of Joy! The perfect Mother’s Day. God you’re a good good father."

Unclear where the new pad is or what the specs are for it ... but you can bet the place is probably pretty awesome.

And, why? Wilson just inked a 4-year, $140-MILLION deal with the Seahawks -- the richest contract in NFL history!!!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Aaron Rodgers was DEFINITELY in Sunday night's episode of "Game of Thrones" ... but the question -- did he die or what?!

The Green Bay Packers QB not only posted a photo showing himself in full #GoT costume, but he also participated in a promotional package for the episode.

Here's the problem ... Aaron's cameo (or cameos?) was so brief, there's a debate over whether he survived Daenerys Targaryen's dragon-led assault on King's Landing.

Rodgers was first spotted as an archer in the Lannister army -- but that doesn't match the costume from his IG photo.

There's also video of him helping (?) a woman during the assault on the city. And then, more footage shows a person who looks like Aaron getting consumed by a wall of flames while trying to escape.

So, was he an archer AND a King's Landing-er? Did he survive the fire attack?

Of course, Aaron ain't the only celebrity to make a cameo on the show -- Rob McElhenney from "It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia" got an arrow through the face earlier this season.

Ditto for Martin Starr.

Rob Gronkowski will NOT be successful transitioning from the NFL to Hollywood if he doesn't take it seriously ... so says ex-NFL star Thomas Jones -- who says the move is hard as hell!!!

Of course, TJ knows first-hand what it takes to go from on-the-field stud to on-the-screen star ... he spent 12 years in the league before becoming a respected actor.

And, he tells us the only way Gronk is going to have similar success is if he truly devotes himself.

"Just commit yourself to the industry, man," Jones says of his advice to the future Hall of Fame tight end ... "You can't really halfway do this. You have to really, really buy into it."

The reason? Jones says football players have to train themselves to be "inhumane" to be a beast on the field ... but acting requires more vulnerability.

In fact, Jones says he took acting classes for 4 YEARS to get that all down ... saying, "I took the craft seriously."

The good news for Gronk? Jones says the ex-Patriot will be a natural once he decides to put all his energy into it.

Danny Amendola has a new chick filling in the empty chair once occupied by Olivia Culpo -- but he can't seem to shake his ex completely, especially on her birthday.

The star wide receiver was down in his natural habitat of Miami Saturday, laying oceanfront with a smokin' hot lady friend who was tanning right next to him in a two-piece. Beach day with bae(?) -- a classic Amendola move, as we've come to learn.

It was pretty hot down there too -- and we're not just talkin' weather. Danny's pal got a little handsy with his abs after he seemed to spill some water on himself.

It sure looks like he's moving on from Olivia after going on an online tirade about her and her new flame, Zedd -- airing out A LOT of their personal biz in the process.

Speaking of Olivia and Zedd, the new pair also happened to be in Miami the same weekend. Olivia was in town celebrating her 27th birthday with her girlfriends, hitting up the elegant Swan restaurant ... where she was treated to a cake that was almost as big as her.

Zedd was there too, BTW ... tucked away in the background, but appearing to be having a grand ole time nevertheless. What's not to smile about when you got a former Miss Universe by your side??? Nothin' ... that's what.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are OFFICIALLY done with Antonio Brown ... they just gave away his #84 jersey to an undrafted free agent tight end -- just a few weeks after AB's departure!!

Of course, Brown's exit from the black and yellow wasn't pretty ... dude had drama with just about everyone on the team.

But, the guy was a legend for the Steelers -- 11,207 receiving yards and 74 receiving TDs in 9 seasons -- and some thought MAYBE Pittsburgh might want to retire his number eventually.

But, the Steelers shot down ANY plans of that this week -- because they not only gave away his number ... they handed it to a UDFA TE!!!

Now, Milan Richard ain't a scrub -- dude did win 2 national championships at Clemson -- but he ain't exactly Antonio Brown either.

For their part, the Steelers also had no problems giving away Le'Veon Bell's old #26 jersey ... newly acquired safety Mark Barron has already called dibs on those digits.

In case you were wondering, the Steelers have only officially retired 2 players' numbers in franchise history -- Joe Greene (#75) and Ernie Stautner (#70) -- but they've historically taken some digits, like Terry Bradshaw's #12 and Franco Harris' #32, off the table nonetheless.

He may be retired, but Rob Gronkowski's still training like a pro ... even while partying at the club!

The ex-NFL superstar was celebrating his girlfriend, Camille Kostek, being selected as a cover model for the new Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition at the Wall Lounge in Miami.

The party was crazy -- a bunch of the S.I. models turned up to turn up ... and when they displayed Camille's cover on the big wall, Rob and CK started dancing their faces off.

At one point, Gronk put CK on his back and began doing deep squats -- BECAUSE HE'S A BEAST AND HE'S ALWAYS LIFTING, BRO!!!

Before the club, a bunch of the models hit up Irma's at W South Beach for a kickoff party. Some of the stars in attendance include UFC's Paige VanZant, Tyra Banks, model Veronica Pome’e and Hailey Clauson.

Congrats!

Refer to Curtis Martin as Dr. Curtis Martin from now on ... 'cause the Hall of Famer just got a doctorate degree!!!

The ex-Jets superstar was just presented with a Doctor of Humane Letters honorary degree from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai in New York on Thursday ... where he took the stage and was participated in the hooding ceremony.

Martin was honored for his on-and-off field accomplishments ... receiving praise for his Curtis Martin Job Foundation, which provided financial support to single parents and people with disabilities, as well as providing medical attention to people in developing countries.

On top of that, the dude was a freakin' beast on the field ... he was a 2-time first team All Pro selection, a 5-time Pro Bowler and oh yeah, he's in the hall of fame.

This right here though has gotta take the cake.

Here's an awesome story to brighten up your Thursday ... Michael Thomas and other Saints stars lent a hand to a disabled man this week -- building a ramp for him outside of his house.

Jerry Hills -- a resident of the New Orleans neighborhood St. Roch -- says he lost his leg after a bacterial infection 3 years ago ... and he's struggled to get up and down his stairs ever since.

When the Saints got word he needed some assistance ... they visited the guy's home with some power tools -- and built him a new ramp for his pad on Wednesday!

According to NOLA.com, Saints stars like Thomas, Cameron Jordan and Marcus Davenport were all there with employees from Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers to lend the hand.

Hill appreciated the amazing gesture, saying, "Having this ramp is a great feeling ... To see so many people that care about you, it’s great. It’s really great."

This ain't the first time the Saints have given back to their community ... Drew Brees famously built an entire "fully inclusive playground" back in 2017 for special needs kids.

In Tennessee and looking for a classy place to booze up while feeling like you're in a country western movie??

Peyton Manning clearly knows the feeling ... and is fixing the issue -- by opening up a "high-end watering hole" in Knoxville in 2020!!!

The QB and Graduate Hotels announced Thursday they're building a "western-inspired" bar and restaurant near University of Tennessee's campus.

The name of the place? Saloon 16 ... a homage to Manning's nickname, "The Sheriff," as well as the No. 16 jersey he wore when he was a star with the Volunteers.

It's supposed to be an awesome spot -- complete with dartboards, jukeboxes, a piano and an outdoor dining area.

Graduate Hotels says the place will open its doors in the spring of 2020.

Jason Pierre-Paul was behind the wheel of $350,000 Ferrari when he crashed into a concrete barrier on May 2 ... this according to the crash report obtained by TMZ Sports.

The Florida Highway Patrol states JPP was driving a red 2019 Ferrari 488 Pista -- a rocket ship on wheels that tops out at 211 mph. The car goes from 0 to 60 in 2.8 seconds.

Officials say the Tampa Bay Bucs superstar lost control of the car around 2:38 AM and collided with a concrete barrier on I-95 in Fort Lauderdale. There were no skid marks or debris found in the roadway.

Despite the curious time of the accident, officials say the responding officers did NOT suspect JPP was under the influence of alcohol or drugs ... and was NOT tested for either.

Instead, cops say they believe "weather conditions" -- specifically wet road surfaces -- caused the NFL star to lose control.

Here's either the friendliest fan in Milwaukee or the bravest ... 'cause this guy bought Danica Patrick a drink Wednesday night -- directly in front of her MVP boyfriend, Aaron Rodgers!!

The mesmerizing scene all went down in the third quarter of the Bucks' playoff game against the Celtics -- when wine was delivered to the court-side area where A-Rodge and Patrick were sitting.

A fan hands off what appears to be a cup of wine to the ex-NASCAR superstar ... but when she tries to throw cash his way for the drink -- he refuses!!!

The scene set social media on fire -- mostly because it raised a BILLION questions ...

1. Was this guy shooting his shot RIGHT in front of the NFL's best QB?!

2. Exactly how much money was Patrick trying to throw the guy's way for the drink?

3. Did Rodgers react appropriately?!?!

Whatever the case was for the situation ... everybody ultimately seemed happy with it in the end.

Dez Bryant STILL has some Pro Bowl seasons left in him -- even after not playing a down of NFL football last year ... so says his trainer, who tells TMZ Sports the receiver's still got it!

"The attitude, the mindset is still there," David Robinson says.

Remember, Dez didn't have a team for most of 2018 after the Dallas Cowboys cut him before the season ... and then he blew out his Achilles when the Saints took a flyer on him late in the year.

But, Bryant finally took the field again for the first time since he suffered the injury in November ... and the guy running his workouts says the receiver still has plenty of gas in the tank.

In fact, Robinson tells us Bryant is so motivated to return to his All-Pro form ... he says the former NFL superstar is as hungry as he's ever seen him.

"He's out to prove a lot of people wrong. He's back in the grind mode of when he was coming out of Lufkin High School!"

Think Robinson's just gassin' up his client? Think again ... 'cause David has helped a few guys -- including Adrian Peterson -- come back from injuries before.

"I definitely can tell, [Dez] is a lot more serious this go around."