NFL

Odell Beckham was just plain WRONG for thinking he was the main draw for the New York Giants last year -- so says Tiki Barber who says, in 2018, it was all about Saquon Barkley!

Of course, Tiki was a stud for the Giants from 1997 to 2006 -- he knows a little something about the franchise.

So, with Odell telling GQ he felt like he was the "main reason at keeping [the Giants] brand alive" -- we had to ask the former NYG running back to weigh in.

"Odell was hurt a lot last year. Saquon was Rookie of the Year. He's a spectacular player. If you were watching the Giants last year, you wanted to see what Saquon was going to do."

For the record, Odell was having a pretty solid season up until Week 12 -- when an injury sidelined him for the rest of the year. But at that point, he already had more than 1,000 receiving yards.

Still, Barber thinks Odell needs to stop thinking about the Giants and focus on his new team, the Cleveland Browns.

"He needs to move on," Barber said ... "The Giants have moved on. He will as well."

NFL D-lineman Malik McDowell -- the guy who fought police in a gas station convenience store -- has been ordered to wear a brand new piece of jewelry ... an alcohol monitoring bracelet.

The 23-year-old defensive tackle recently missed a routine alcohol test in connection to his DUI case ... and the judge was so upset about it during Wednesday's hearing, he ordered McDowell to be fitted with a SCRAM device.

The SCRAM -- which stands for Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring -- is usually strapped to the ankle and continuously tests the skin for traces of alcohol in the body.

A bunch of stars with alcohol-related issues have been fitted with SCRAM devices in the past ... from Lindsay Lohan to Tracy Morgan.

We're trying to find out if McDowell is banned from consuming ANY alcohol -- or if there are exceptions.

As we previously reported, the 6'6", 300 pound lineman was arrested back in February after he got violent with a police officer during a routine traffic stop.

In surveillance footage obtained by TMZ Sports, you can see McDowell get physical with the cop ... even after the officer deploys his taser on the NFL player.

Cops say McDowell "had a strong odor of intoxicants emanating from his persons" -- and later said his BAC was .189, more than twice the legal limit.

McDowell was eventually charged with 2 counts of felony assaulting and resisting, 1 misdemeanor count of operating while intoxicated and misdemeanor driving on a suspended license.

His court date to begin trial -- if the case makes it that far -- is set for late October.

McDowell was a 2nd-round pick for the Seattle Seahawks in the 2017 NFL Draft -- but he was released in 2018 ... and hasn't signed anywhere else.

How's Eli Manning feel about Odell Beckham saying he was the ONLY reason the NY Giants were popular the past few years??

"I won a few games before he was here," the QB said ...

SHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADEEEEEEEE!!!

Manning spoke with the NFL Network after NY's practice Thursday ... and when they asked about Odell's recent controversial comments in a GQ article, Eli didn't hold much back.

"I don't think they bothered me," Manning said of the quotes ... "You just kind of shake your head and laugh.

Then Eli dropped the bombshell -- "I won a few games before he was here."

Of course, Odell made the claim that New York was only in the limelight "because people want to see the show. You want to see me play. That's just real rap."

But, Eli clearly feels differently ... and dude seems to have a point. Eli won nearly 100 regular season games before Odell was drafted -- and he also racked up 2 Super Bowl wins.

Good news, bad news for Le'Veon Bell in his infamous jewelry heist case ...

The bad? The NY Jets running back says he never got his stuff back.

The good? He says it doesn't matter -- 'cause it was all insured!!!

As we previously reported, Bell claims he had at least $500,000 worth of jewelry and other items jacked from his Hollywood, Florida home on May 25.

In 911 audio obtained by TMZ Sports ... Bell explained the situation, saying he believed 2 of his girlfriends (that he had left naked in bed earlier in the day) were the thieves.

Bell's been working with cops ever since to get his stuff back ... but the NFL superstar told media members Thursday law enforcement was never able to find his gear.

"No [I didn't get it back]," Le'Veon said Thursday morning ... "But, it was insured. Everything was good. So, I'm fine."

It's a bummer for Bell ... one of the pieces he had stolen was a SICK diamond Black Panther pendant that he had JUST gotten from one of his jewelers in the spring.

But, Bell says he's over the whole situation, and insists the drama won't have any impact on his on-the-field game this season.

"It was just frustrating when it happened, but I'm OKAY."

By the way, we've reached out to the Hollywood Police Department about the case ... but so far, no word back yet.

Russell Okung -- a 2-time Pro Bowl left tackle -- says he's lucky to be alive today ... saying a pulmonary embolism he suffered last month nearly killed him.

Okung has been out of L.A. Chargers workouts the last few weeks while dealing with "a serious medical issue" ... and on Thursday, he finally revealed the scary situation.

The 31-year-old says he had "unusual chest pain" during a Chargers practice on June 1 ... and decided to head to urgent care out of precaution.

Turns out, that trip saved his life ... because he says doctors discovered he had suffered a pulmonary embolism caused by blood clots that could have killed him if he waited longer to get it treated.

He's right ... pulmonary embolisms were to blame in the deaths of stars like Heavy D and ex-NBA player Jerome Kersey.

But, good news for Okung ... the 6'5", 310-pound lineman says he's doing well now and hopes to be on the field blocking for Philip Rivers again soon.

"While near death type experiences are certainly a wake-up call, I'm feeling great physically," Okung said.

"I knew the bull wouldn't hit him. He avoids contact."

That's Washington Redskins coach Jay Gruden savagely roasting his star cornerback, Josh Norman, for his bull-jumping incident in Spain ... and yeah, BUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUURN!!!

Of course, Norman famously leaped over a bull after the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona on July 11 ... and the video was intense.

Norman's since gloated about it all, saying he's now considered a hero in Spain ... claiming locals call him "El Saltador" because he's "The Jumper!"

Well, Gruden was asked about the whole ordeal at his press conference Wednesday ... and he said he wasn't worried one bit about his CB -- blasting the guy's tackling ability!!!

The room erupted with groans and laughs ... so Jay followed up the joke with, "Just kidding, Josh, just kidding!"

HILARIOUS!!!

Jay went on to say, "Obviously, we wouldn't recommend that for our players, and we want them to keep out of harm's way, but Josh is a unique man and a unique person ... I applaud Josh and his way he lives his life."

For the record, Norman has piled up over 60 tackles in each of his 3 years in Washington.

Titans star O-lineman Taylor Lewan straight-up cried on camera Wednesday ... and it's all because he says he accidentally ingested a banned substance that could lead to an NFL suspension.

Lewan -- Tennesee's 3-time Pro Bowl left tackle -- is facing a 4-game ban after the NFL says he tested positive for ostarine -- a substance that essentially works like anabolic steroids.

Lewan made a video to explain the situation ... and adamantly says that while he did NOT knowingly take the substance -- he is responsible for it getting into his body.

"I want everybody to know that I've never taken this supplement knowingly and I've never cheated the game and I never will."

Lewan says he even took a polygraph test -- which he says he passed (and promised to share later on social media) -- to prove he didn't purposely take the drug.

Taylor then began apologizing to his team, and that's when he got emotional ... breaking down in tears.

"It's just hard," Lewan says ... "I'm sorry to the Tennessee Titans and the fans that I won't be there for 4 games."

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports there's still a chance Lewan could avoid suspension pending the results of further tests ... but Taylor was still apologetic, nonetheless.

The Cleveland Browns are once again standing by Kareem Hunt -- saying they investigated an incident at a Cleveland nightclub involving police ... and feel confident the RB did nothing wrong.

TMZ Sports posted video of Kareem speaking with police officers outside of the Barley House party spot on June 29 ... after witnesses say Hunt was involved in a "small argument" with a friend.

Hunt was neither arrested nor detained that night and left without incident -- but it was a concerning video for Browns fans considering Hunt is on very thin ice following a string of violent incidents in 2018, including a physical altercation with a woman.

With Browns training camp opening up on Wednesday, GM John Dorsey and head coach Freddie Kitchens were asked about the most recent incident ... and they both expressed support for the 23-year-old star.

"Freddie and I both had a chance to sit down with him," Dorsey said. "He understands there's no guarantees in life. He is going about exactly what he has been going about. He is working his fanny off on the field as well as off the field as well.

Kitchens echoed Dorsey's backing ... and even seemed sympathetic towards Hunt.

"You know, it's never been harder to be a player in the National Football League. Everything they do is under a microscope."

"With the advancements of social media and all that kind of stuff, every little thing -- it doesn't matter how little or how small -- it's always gonna be made into a bigger deal."

"Kareem's always gonna have our support, we're going to continue to support him just like we do every player that we have."

Dorsey believes the league has considered the matter to be resolved ... essentially saying he doesn't expect any punishment to come from the incident.

Kareem was released by the Kansas City Chiefs back in November after we published video showing Hunt getting violent with a woman at a Cleveland hotel.

Jacksonville Jaguars superstar cornerback Jalen Ramsey is out for a big contract this season ... and to drive that point home, he reported to training camp Wednesday in a BRINKS TRUCK!

"Ya'll know what time it is," the driver of the truck said on a bullhorn while announcing Jalen's arrival to the crowd.

"This man's coverage is so good, he's gonna have his own cell phone service! The man's so good, they're gonna give him his own jail called Jalen County because these receivers are on 24-hour lockdown."

"If you check his pockets, he's got 8 Master Locks in his pocket, they are on lockdown all season."

Finally, it was time to announce "the man, the myth, Jalen Ramsey" ... with the hype man telling the crowd, "It's time to get this money, money!"

Subtle.

Jalen has made the Pro Bowl the past 2 seasons and is widely considered to be one of the best cornerbacks in the league.

He's entering the 4th year of his rookie contract which will pay him a $3.6 million base salary in 2019. He's expected to make $13.7 mil in 2020.

But, Ramsey has previously stated he's gonna be a monster when it comes to renegotiating his deal ... saying, "I'mma ask for so much money, they have to put me on layaway."

Terry Bradshaw sure sounds like a guy who thinks Odell Beckham should just be quiet when it comes to his Giants departure ... 'cause he tells TMZ Sports OBJ's recent comments were "crazy!"

"He ought to be happy he's in Cleveland making a nice dollar and they want him there," the Steelers legend says.

Odell made serious headlines Monday after he went scorched earth on the G-Men in a new GQ article ... ripping his old squad for trading him to Cleveland this offseason.

"I felt disrespected, because I felt like I was a main reason at keeping that brand alive," Odell said. "They were getting prime-time games, still, as a 5-and-11 team. Why? Because people want to see the show. You want to see me play. That's just real rap."

When we got Terry leaving Craig's on Monday night ... we had to ask the Hall of Fame QB about Beckham's comments -- and Bradshaw seemed to think they're BS.

"Really?" Bradshaw said shaking his head ... "Totally disagree. Yeah, that's crazy!"

That's when TB turned to our camera guy and issued a strong message to Odell -- telling him to just be quiet and enjoy the Browns!!

Of course, Odell's old team won't play his new team this year (we know, bummer) ... but the Giants and Browns ARE set to meet in 2020.

The champ is here ... and Andy Ruiz is picking Manny Pacquiao to BEAT Floyd Mayweather if they can work out a deal for a rematch.

After 40-year-old Manny's impressive victory over Keith Thurman this weekend, there's more talk than ever about a Pacquiao vs. Mayweather II.

And, since Andy was AT the Pacquiao vs. Thurman fight, we asked the heavyweight champ for his professional opinion ... who wins?!

"I think Manny because hes been more active," Ruiz told us on his way out of Trejo's Tacos in Los Angeles.

Andy cautions people not to count out Floyd because "Mayweather is Mayweather. He's always good. He stays in shape, takes care of himself ... but it would be an awesome fight."

But, when push comes to shove, Andy says he'd put his money on Manny.

Of course, the first time Floyd fought Manny back in 2015, Floyd won by unanimous decision ... though it was later revealed Pacquiao had a shoulder injury going into the fight.

Even though Floyd hasn't taken a real pro fight in years, it's obvious why he would be open to a rematch -- Floyd reportedly made around $300 mil for the first fight, Manny is said to have raked in around $100 mil.

As for Andy, he's working on a rematch with Anthony Joshua ... the undefeated fighter he BEAT earlier this year to win the title.

NFL superstar Odell Beckham is opening up on his nasty breakup with the NY Giants ... saying he felt disrespected after getting shipped to Cleveland "after everything I've done for them."

OBJ was traded to the Browns back in March ... and he says the move was like a slap in the face, claiming he kept the team relevant despite losing all the time.

"This is me being honest: This team has not been good for the last six years. Period. Even the year we went to the playoffs and everyone was talking about this and that," Odell said to GQ.

"I felt disrespected, because I felt like I was a main reason at keeping that brand alive. They were getting prime-time games, still, as a 5-and-11 team. Why? Because people want to see the show. You want to see me play. That's just real rap."

He continued ... "I'm not sitting here like, 'It's because of me.' But let's just be real. That's why we're still getting prime-time games. I felt disrespected they weren't even man enough to even sit me down to my face and tell me what's going on."

WHOA!!!!!!

Odell says he had been praying to get traded all of last season ... and while he still has love for Giants president John Mara, he was upset he didn't get a chance to have a  face-to-face meeting with coach Pat Shurmur before the trade.

"But then to be called like that and then be texted by your coach and be like, 'Oh, yeah, I heard the news.' Yeah, you heard the news? It happened because of you. The reason I'm gone is because of you."

Odell said a trade was inevitable ... because he "wasn't in a good place" ... and wasn't happy with the team anymore.

OBJ also talked about the insane orange Rolls-Royce he's been driving around L.A. ... and he says he got it BEFORE the trade to the Browns.

How fed up is Le'Veon Bell over hearing he cares more about his rap career than his football one?

"Real sh*t, bro, I'm tired of social media sh*t. I'm tired of everybody telling me, 'Le'Veon, you not focused. He only want to make music. He want to play basketball. He do everything besides play football.'"

Yeah, that fed up.

It's all part of an epic airport rant the NY Jets star went on this weekend when he finally hit his breaking point over fans commenting on his social media postings.

Bell blasted everyone telling him he should do more work on the football field ... and his examples for why included the local Target worker, LeBron James and Beyonce.

"Somebody work at Target, do you think when they work from 9-5, they go home and all they doing is worrying about putting fucking shit on the shelves?! They trying to worry about what serial numbers coming up?! No!"

Bell added, "You think Bron is waking up, oh, he ain't having no Taco Tuesdays? Bron don't have Taco Tuesdays -- you think he's hooping all day?"

"You think Beyonce waking up singing all day? She don't go to work, she don't act. She doesn't do nothing with her kids, she's just waking up singing?!"

Of course, 27-year-old Bell has taken major heat from fans after sitting out all of last year's football season while simultaneously working on his rap career.

Clearly, the dude has had enough of the criticism ... 'cause he decided to start RUNNING down the stairs at the airport to prove his point!

"I'm going to give you all this one time. Run down these damn steps."

Kendrick Norton has officially been waived by the Miami Dolphins after losing his arm in a July 4 car crash -- but the team will still pay Norton his full salary for the 2019 season.

The 22-year-old defensive tackle's left arm was amputated in the crash -- when his F-250 truck smashed into a concrete barrier on a Miami highway around 1 AM and flipped on its roof.

Norton acknowledged the injury would end his NFL career -- and over the weekend, the Dolphins placed him on the reserve/non-football injury list ... a move that ensures he'll get his full salary.

Norton was scheduled to make $495k this season.

Norton underwent at least 6 surgeries while in the hospital -- all of the procedures will be covered by insurance policies provided by the NFL and the Miami Dolphins.

The former University of Miami star was released from the hospital last week -- and now he's planning to get fitted for a prosthetic arm as he plans for life after the NFL.

Norton previously said he wants to use his platform to help other people -- including organizing a blood drive.

As for the crash itself, Norton was cited by police for making an improper lane change while exiting the highway ... and sideswiped a Maserati while losing control of his own truck.

Prosecutors have finally hit Darren McFadden with charges in his wild Whataburger case ... charging the ex-NFL star with 2 misdemeanors that carry jail time if he's convicted.

McFadden was arrested back on January 21 after cops say the 31-year-old was asleep at the wheel of his 2019 GMC Yukon in the drive-thru at a Whataburger in Texas.

Officials say during the incident, McFadden resisted officers ... and it all ended up with the ex-running back's driver's side and passenger windows being smashed in.

Now, TMZ Sports has learned prosecutors have finally hit Darren with charges for the altercation -- charging him with resisting arrest and DUI with a BAC of greater than or equal to .15.

Both counts are defined as Class A misdemeanors in Texas ... which means McFadden is facing up to 2 YEARS behind bars and $8,000 in fines if he's convicted.

McFadden is due in court in October to face the charges.

Darren was a superstar at Arkansas before the Oakland Raiders drafted him with the 4th overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.

Ex-San Diego Chargers star Shawne Merriman is being sued by the parents of a deceased Playboy employee, who claim he drugged and possibly assaulted their daughter before she overdosed while partying with him ... but Merriman flat-out denies wrongdoing.

The employee was Kimberly Fattorini, who died in 2017. At the time, her death was ruled accidental, with the cause being overdose from a cocktail of substances ... including booze, coke and a commonly used date rape drug known as GHB.

In a lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, Kimberly's parents claim that she and some friends went to a club event 'cause of an invite from a promoter, who the parents allege went on to host the girls at his house, continuing to party into the early morning.

The lawsuit alleges that the promoter texted Shawne at some point the next day, saying ... "Got 3 whores over," with the idea being that Shawne could take a couple off his hands.

Kimberly's parents go on to claim that Shawne did in fact show up, and was allegedly witnessed carrying a bottle with some sort of liquid inside. After that, the parents allege that Kimberly texted the promoter from inside the house saying, "you friend just poor'd half G in my drink," and the parents believe G refers to GHB, which is a powerful depressant.

The lawsuit alleges Kimberly sent a number of texts afterward that made no sense, with the implication being that she was incredibly intoxicated. The suit claims that Kimberly, Shawne and a friend of hers then went to her friend's place after ... and then around 3 PM, a 911 call was placed by Kimberly's friend who found her unresponsive.

Kimberly's parents claim that first responders found her "half-naked with her jeans unzipped and unbottoned." They also allege Shawne was in the room when 911 was called, and that he made clear to the present parties that he didn't want it known he was there.

The suit alleges that a preliminary report from the autopsy didn't indicate any foul play, but they also note that a test for sexual assault wasn't done because officials said it wasn't conducted at the time of the initial autopsy, and couldn't be done properly afterward.

Now for an alleged text Kimberly's parents claim they dug up between a friend of Kimberly's and the promoter who initially invited Shawne ... it allegedly read, "Shawn killed her ass, what a f***ing idiot." Another alleged text from the promoter reads, "That dumbass been drugging girls for years."

The complaint claims negligence, battery and a violation of the drug dealer liability act. The family's asking for damages.

As for Shawne, a representative for him tells TMZ ... "As of right now Shawne, nor his attorney, have any knowledge of him being named in any lawsuit. This alleged lawsuit is baseless. Shawne attended an after party more than two years ago where a young woman unfortunately overdosed."