NFL

Hey ... is that Cam Newton in the canned food aisle?! YEP!!!

Turns out, the Carolina Panthers QB doesn't just wear his bizarre outfits to training camp, he also rocks the look at Walmart!!!

Newton was spotted at the store in Charlotte recently -- where the person who shot the pics told us Cam was cruising the aisles for about an hour before checking out.

Shoppers initially weren't sure if the man in the overalls, scarf and funky hat was actually Cam -- but, yeah ... that's definitely him. Who else would it be?!

Cam prides himself on his fashion ... nice to see the entire world is his runway, including supermarkets.

LeSean McCoy was ordered to pay $55,000 to a police officer who was injured in a 2016 bar fight that was captured on video and posted by TMZ Sports.

The fight went down at the Recess Lounge in Philadelphia on Feb. 7, 2016 ... when Roland Butler, who was off-duty at the time, got into an argument with LeSean's friend.

Cops said the fight began over a dispute over a champagne bottle. A witness told TMZ Sports things were tense ... but didn't explode until the champagne bottle was knocked to the ground and shattered.

A full-blown brawl broke out in the middle of the club ... and  you can see in footage obtained by TMZ Sports, McCoy is throwing at least one punch at Butler, who was down on the ground.

Butler suffered serious injuries in the fight ... including a broken nose, cuts to the face, broken ribs, a broken thumb and more. He claims the injuries forced him to miss months of work.

Despite video evidence and multiple witnesses, McCoy was never criminally charged over the incident ... with the person who was the Philadelphia DA at the time explaining:

"There is insufficient evidence to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, who started the fight and under what circumstances."

In fact, McCoy had argued at the time that he only acted out of self-defense.

Butler sued McCoy and McCoy's friend, Tamarcus Porter, a former college football player -- and the case eventually went to arbitration where they were each ordered to pay $55,000 to Butler, according to ESPN.

McCoy has already paid his judgment. Porter has not.

The NFL investigated the incident back in 2016 -- but ultimately did not punish McCoy for his role in the fight.

Dez Bryant is opening up on his struggles with anxiety and depression ... saying he has "no interest in playing football right now" -- but he's NOT ready to retire either.

The WR opened up about his situation after TMZ Sports published a story about Ezekiel Elliott and the Dallas Cowboys being sued over a 2017 car crash.

A fan on Twitter insinuated the timing of the lawsuit is fishy considering Zeke is in the middle of a holdout in hopes of landing a big new contract with the Cowboys ... saying, "I remember something like this back when @DezBryant was tryna get paid."

We think the fan is referring to the 2015 offseason when Dez was trying to get a fat contract of his own ... and multiple off-field incidents involving police from 2011 suddenly came to light in the media.

Dez responded to the fan's tweet ...

"This exactly why I don’t have no interest in playing football right now. I have not reached out to no organization trying to play ... people forget real quick we are still human."

He added, "My anxiety and depression came from this type of stuff ... what I realized nobody care but me."

Bryant eventually landed a 5-year, $70 million deal -- but the Cowboys cut him after the 2017 season, with 2 years left on the contract. He was picked up by the Saints in 2018 but suffered a season-ending injury before ever playing an official down.

Dez has been working out like a maniac ... but it's clear he's not just focusing on getting his body right, he's working on his mind too.

In fact, he posted a follow-up tweet saying, "I’m not retiring bro ... I’m just taking care of myself ... that’s a promise."

Colin Kaepernick is stoked his former teammate is continuing on with the national anthem protests this year ... shouting out Panthers safety Eric Reid as "unwavering" for carrying on the kneeling.

"Unrelenting. Unflinching. Unapologetic," Kaepernick added. "Love you Brother!"

Kaepernick first started kneeling during the 'Star Spangled Banner' back in 2016 when he was the San Francisco 49ers' quarterback. He was later joined in that protest by then-teammate Reid.

After Kap was cut by the Niners ... Reid continued to protest in the NFL -- even after he was signed by Carolina last season.

But, after Reid and Kap both settled their collusion cases against the NFL earlier this year ... many wondered if Eric would keep up the protests.

Turns out, he will -- telling reporters this week at Panthers camp, "If a day comes that I feel like we’ve addressed those issues, and our people aren’t being discriminated against or being killed over traffic violations, then I’ll decide it’s time to stop protesting."

"I haven’t seen that happen."

Colin is clearly loving the message, 'cause he shouted out Reid on his social media page.

Even Kaepernick's girlfriend, Nessa, posted to her social media page praising the defensive star for keeping up the kneeling.

The Dallas Cowboys conspired with police to cover up info from a 2017 car crash that would have sidelined Ezekiel Elliott from a crucial NFL playoff game ... so says a new lawsuit obtained by TMZ Sports.

The suit stems from a January 11, 2017 car crash -- 4 days before the Cowboys played the Packers in an NFC Divisional Round game -- when Zeke slammed a GMC Yukon into a BMW 750 driven by Ronnie Hill on his way to the Cowboys practice facility.

Hill claims Zeke was obviously at fault because the running back was running late to practice and had "barreled through a red light" -- causing more than $33,000 in damage to Hill's vehicle. Hill claims he suffered "serious and permanent" injuries in the wreck.

Hill says the impact of the collision was so intense, the two vehicles were "wedged together" and they needed a tow truck to pull them apart.

At the time, the Frisco Police Dept. put out a statement describing the incident as a "minor vehicle crash" ... but Hill says that's a crock of BS.

In fact, Hill claims the Dallas Cowboys "conspired with the Frisco Police Dept. to cover up the severity of the accident to assure that Elliott's health would not be placed in question before their playoff game."

According to Hill's suit, "If anyone had actually reported the impact of the accident and had Elliott been examined he would have most likely been placed in concussion protocol and out for the Dallas Cowboys upcoming playoff game."

In his suit, filed by attorney Larry Friedman, Hill claims Dallas Cowboys running backs coach Gary Brown had raced to the scene of the accident and told Hill, "We will take care of everything."

Hill claims the Cowboys did NOT take care of anything -- and he's suing both Zeke and the Cowboys for $20 MILLION in damages.

By the way, the Cowboys ended up LOSING the playoff game 34 to 31 ... but Zeke played great, rushing for 125 yards on 22 carries.

We reached out to the Frisco PD and the Dallas Cowboys for comment -- so far, no word from either side. A rep for Elliott had no comment.

We spoke to Hill's attorney, Larry Friedman, who tells us, "Ezekiel Elliott believes he's above the law. He doesn't follow any rules. As a citizen and a member of our community he has a duty to obey the law and act responsibly, especially while driving a motor vehicle."

Friedman adds, "There are no exemptions for running backs or members of the Dallas Cowboys."

"He has admitted liability in this case but refuses to take responsibility as he has refused to take responsibility on so many other occasions when he has disobeyed the law."

"My client is suing for compensation for his injuries and wants his day in court."

O.J. Simpson is issuing a stern warning to Jerry Jones ... saying straight-up the Cowboys owner better open the checkbook for Ezekiel Elliott -- OR ELSE!!!!!

... or else it won't result in a Super Bowl. Definitely not anything more serious than that.

Of course, Zeke is in contract dispute with Jerry and the 'Boys, wanting a significant raise despite only being in Year 4 of his 5-year rookie contract.

Things between the two sides haven't exactly gone swimmingly ... Zeke is actually in Mexico right now instead of training with his teammates in Oxnard, California.

O.J. says that better change soon, or Jerry won't be winning a Super Bowl this year ... saying, "Without him, you may not even make the playoffs!"

Simpson also says the same thing goes for the Chargers' brass out in L.A. ... telling Dean Spanos he better pay Melvin Gordon too!!

O.J. says both Gordon and Elliott should holdout for as long as possible ... 'cause he says the only thing they have look forward to after their playing days is knee pain.

For real, O.J. even shows off his nasty knee surgery scar -- and it's gross!!

Le'Veon Bell is sending a message to his haters ... the only thing about him that's fat is his pockets.

During the offseason, Bell took a lot of heat from critics who say he looked overweight since missing the 2018 NFL season. He was often spotted on jet skis and at nightclubs ... not so much on the field or in the gym.

But, he looks pretty damn good now ... flexing his toned, ripped abs in a new music video.

The song features the NY Jets star running back bragging about his money -- and telling the haters to get off his ass.

The lyrics mostly talk about how people are jealous of his money and talent and fame ... and that's why they spend so much time obsessing over him.

This is a big year for Bell who just signed a 4-year, $52.5 million contract after a rocky breakup with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Earlier this week, Bell apologized to all of the fantasy football owners who drafted him in 2018 ... and promised he would deliver BIG numbers in 2019.

Eli Manning says the death of his former New York Giants teammate, Jared Lorenzen, hit him pretty hard ... saying, "I went to the funeral and I saw his parents, to see his kids, it’s just sad."

Lorenzen was Manning's backup during the 2006 NFL season, when the Giants beat the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. Before that, they had been friends for years.

Lorenzen -- aka the Hefty Lefty -- passed away on July 3 ... and Manning (along with NY Giants co-owner John Mara) flew to Kentucky to pay his respects to his friend at a small burial service.

"We came in at the same time, competed against him in college, we were friends here for four seasons, won a Super Bowl, had so many good memories," Manning told the New York Post.

Lorenzen's father, Joe, praised Eli for coming out to the funeral -- and for being a good friend to Jared over the years.

John Lynch asked everyone in attendance at the San Francisco 49ers' practice Monday to participate in a 30-second moment of silence to honor victims of the shooting in Gilroy over the weekend.

Three people were killed and 12 others were injured when a man opened fire at the Gilroy Garlic Festival in Northern California late Sunday afternoon.

Lynch -- who's the Niners' general manager -- wanted to honor everyone affected by the tragedy ... so he called for 30 seconds of prayer before SF's training camp workout.

"Our community was affected by a horrific tragedy last night down in Gilroy," Lynch said ... "and our players, our team, our organization thought it would be appropriate to start practice with a moment of silence."

Lynch added, "Let's give it 30 seconds to think about the people affected by Gilroy in this community."

As we previously reported ... people began running from the Gilroy festival -- which is just 40 miles from the Niners' stadium -- after gun shots rang out during one of the concerts.

An eye witness, Tommy Huxley, tells TMZ the whole thing was scary as hell ... saying chaos and firework-like sounds filled the festival grounds for minutes.

Law enforcement says the shooter used an AK-47-style rifle ... while witnesses claim he was wearing fatigues and shooting at random.

The father of the 6-year-old who was shot and killed in the gunfire was wearing seen wearing a Jimmy Garoppolo jersey at the hospital shortly after the tragedy.

Kyler Murray's height won't keep him from reaching NFL greatness ... so says the shortest NBA player EVER -- Muggsy Bogues!!!

The Arizona Cardinals' #1 overall draft pick's height -- listed at 5'10" -- has been the center of criticism since Murray declared for the draft ... with some saying he'll struggle as an NFL QB.

Enter 5'3" Bogues -- who played 14 years in the NBA, despite having his fair share of doubters -- who says those critics will be eating their words ... 'cause Murray is a stud!!

"Kyler Murray is an unbelievable athlete," Bogues says. "Anybody that's undervaluing his size and underestimating his talent, they're in for a rude awakening when the season comes."

Miami Gronk!!!!!

TMZ Sports has learned Rob Gronkowski just picked up a BEAUTIFUL new pad in Downtown Miami for $1.7 million ... and he bought the place from another famous jock!!

As we previously reported, the former (?) New England Patriots tight end recently sold his Boston bachelor pad after announcing he was retiring from the NFL.

And, it seems he's moving into enemy AFC East territory ... scooping up a 3,850 square foot condo in the famous Marquis Miami building on Biscayne Blvd.

The place is SICK!!!!! Amazing beach views, super high ceilings (he's very tall) with 5 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms ... perfect for those wild Gronk parties!

It also comes with 3 parking spaces ... and if you know Downtown Miami, you know those are hard to come by!!

The building is top notch ... valet, pool, fitness center and spa -- and it's close to nightclubs!

And, it's great for Gronk's girlfriend, Camille Kostek, too -- since Miami is the epicenter of the modeling world in the U.S. ... and Camille is the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition cover model!

We're told Gronk, represented by Sebastian Wagner of Douglas Elliman, bought the place from retired Norwegian soccer player John Carew, who was represented by John Sandberg and Ann Nortmann of Douglas Elliman -- so there's an athlete-to-athlete connection!

We reached out to all of the agents involved -- but no comment from anyone.

Tyreek Hill says audio of his then-girlfriend claiming he punches his 3-year-old son in the chest was taken out of context -- clarifying that it only applies when they box.

The Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver addressed audio that surfaced earlier this year in which he's accused by his ex-girlfriend, Crystal Espinal, of hitting their son -- specifically, making him open up his arms and socking him in the chest to toughen the kid up.

Espinal also accused Hill of using belts on the boy. Hill has denied the allegations.

During Sunday's press conference at training camp, the Chiefs star said the audio -- which he claims he wasn't aware of until it leaked -- was taken out of context in relation to how he engages his son. Hill says the punching in the chest claim pertains to boxing lessons.

Hill says, "Punching my son in (his) chest. That would probably refer to me teaching my son how to box. 'Cause we do got boxing gloves at our house." He goes on to say that his son likes imitating Iron Man, and apparently asks his dad to roughhouse.

As we reported ... the NFL decided not to suspend Hill over the claims made in the disturbing audio, and the Chiefs welcomed him back with open arms.

There's still a case open with law enforcement -- and the NFL says it'll monitor any new developments that might arise out of that -- but for now ... he's good in their book.

As for Hill, he said shortly after the decision ... "The last few months have been very difficult for me, especially as a father. The false allegations originally reported in March were highly publicized and involved the care of my son. I am grateful for so many things and grateful for so many people who have supported me during this challenging time. I fully respect and accept the NFL's decision."

Baker Mayfield shouldn't be judged based off his drunken arrest in 2017 ... so says Stone Cold Steve Austin, who tells TMZ Sports the Browns QB is a "class act" with a great head on his shoulders.

We spoke with the WWE legend -- who got to hang out with Bake for his new show "Straight Up Steve Austin" -- and says he had a great time with the signal-caller ... noting BM isn't the villain some people make him out to be.

"It was awesome. That kid's got such a presence about him. What a head on his shoulders and the way he puts things into perspective," Austin says.

Of course ... Baker was arrested in Arkansas back in February 2017 ... where he was infamously blasted by a cop who caught him immediately after he tried to run from being questioned.

Austin says that one little action is not who Baker is ... praising the 24-year-old's character during their time together.

"(He) had a little slip up in Arkansas a lot of people like to bring up. Man, that one little action ... this kid is a class act. Super savvy. very alpha. Guys rally around him because he's such a gamer."

"As a young man, boy, I'll tell you what -- he has a lot of composure and a lot of 'it' factor, x factor, very charismatic and very confident."

Melvin Gordon should stand strong in his holdout from the Chargers ... so says Rashad Jennings, who tells TMZ Sports the RB should do it until he gets a new, fully guaranteed deal!!!

MG has been playing hardball with Los Angeles for the past few weeks wanting a fresh contract ... and the negotiations appear to have gotten pretty ugly.

In fact, reports say the Chargers could ultimately end up trading the superstar tailback before the season begins.

Jennings -- a former NFL running back himself -- tells us Gordon should keep the fight going, even if it means a trade down the line ... saying, "Set a standard!"

"Matter of fact, get it all guaranteed, too!"

Jennings says it's rare that a player has this kind of leverage over a team ... and he's all for the player using it.

Aaron Hernandez's estate has struck a settlement with the families of the two men he was accused of killing in a 2012 drive-by shooting, lawyers for both sides confirm.

The former New England Patriots tight end had been charged with murdering 29-year-old Daniel de Abreu and 28-year-old Safiro Furtado outside of a Boston lounge ... but Hernandez was found not guilty at trial.

Prosecutors had argued Hernandez flew into a violent rage after someone accidentally bumped into him inside the bar, spilling his drink in the process.

Hernandez was painted as a homicidal maniac who waited outside the bar for hours for the men to leave and then followed their car down the street ... eventually opening fire and killing them.

But, Aaron's attorneys claimed it was actually the NFL star's friend who killed the 2 men over a drug deal gone wrong.

Days after the acquittal in 2017, Hernandez killed himself inside his prison cell where he was serving a life sentence for the murder of Odin Lloyd.

The families of the 2 victims had filed the wrongful death lawsuit against Hernandez while he was still alive -- and the case has been dragging on for years.

While details of the settlement have not been disclosed ... a lawyer for de Abreu’s widow, sent a statement to Boston.com saying it "honors the legacy and memory of Daniel de Abreu, my client’s former husband."

LenDale White just went scorched earth on Philip Rivers over his comments that the Chargers ain't stressing about Melvin Gordon's holdout ... straight-up calling the QB a "p***y."

MG is holding out of L.A. camp this month because he wants a new contract ... and when Rivers was asked about it this week -- he seemed to brush it off.

"We love Melvin," Rivers said, "but we’re going to go with what we’ve got. It’s a pretty dang good group.”

That didn't sit well with White, who attacked Rivers for the comments ... saying, "Exactly why u better do what best for you smh phill a p***y for that !!"

Rivers' words also struck a chord with Chiefs star safety Tyrann Mathieu, who wrote on social media, "DAMN."

Even Gordon himself weighed in ... responding to Mathieu's tweet with, "Wild right !!"

It's not a great look for the Chargers and Gordon ... things have reportedly gotten VERY contentious as the star RB wants a deal similar to the $57 MILLION one Todd Gurley inked last year.

In fact, reports say contract talks have stalled so much ... Gordon could be a trade candidate sometime this summer.

For his part, Gordon has remained quiet on his contract demands ... but players all over the league -- including Jets star Le'Veon Bell -- have supported his holdout.