NFL

Marcellus Wiley says Colin Kaepernick should've never knelt in the first place ... because taking a knee was too divisive and not a good strategy to make change.

Wiley -- one of Kap's loudest critics -- sat down with Van Lathan on "The Red Pill Podcast" and when asked if Colin Kaepernick did the right thing by kneeling Wiley was clear.

"No. If I had to vote whether Kaepernick did right or did wrong I would vote wrong, because I'm into resources. I'm into materializing. I'm into monetizing."

The "Speak For Yourself" host went on to compare Kaepernick's fundraising to J.J. Watt's Hurricane Harvey fundraising, saying that Watt was able to raise more money because he was more inclusive.

"I watch J.J. Watt, different cause, different reason. Instead of being adversarial. In alliance, he raised $41.6 million on record. $2 million on record, $41.6 million on record.'

Lathan points out that Kap's protest and Watt's fundraising are two totally different causes, but Wiley then turned to the fact that Colin's silence is part of the reason he thinks his protest fell flat.

"I'm not going to stand up with that responsibility, and connect with the voiceless and powerless and then go silent on them."

We should say, Colin Kaepernick hasn't gone silent, he's reached out to kids through his Know Your Rights Camps, and has been an active lightning rod for social justice since he first started to protest, but it's obvious Wiley thinks he hasn't done enough.

Link to the full Red Pill Pod cast is below.

Antonio Brown is firing back at the celebrity chef who claims the receiver stiffed him out of $38,000 ... calling the cook a fraud who's only suing AB to try to get famous.

Stefano Tedeschi alleged in a lawsuit earlier this summer that Brown agreed to pay him $38,521.20 at the 2018 Pro Bowl in Florida for three days worth of cooking.

But, Tedeschi says things went haywire after he put a fish head in Brown's fridge, intending to make soup with it the next day.

He claims Brown flipped out when he saw it in the freezer, kicking him out ... and never paying him a dime after that.

In court docs just filed by Brown ... the receiver went scorched-earth on the guy, calling him a liar -- and accusing the chef of using him to pump up his brand.

"[Tedeschi's] complaint is nothing more than a fledgling action to promote the career of a chef who will use any attempt or frivolous claim to seek fame and/or fortune," Brown said in the lawsuit.

"It is plainly obvious that [Tedeschi] ... is simply wishing to force himself into the public eye through the filing of baseless claims against a notable celebrity."

In the docs -- filed in Florida by Brown's attorney, Darren Heitner -- Brown is asking a judge to throw out the case completely.

AB claims the alleged oral agreement is totally unenforceable ... and he doesn't owe the guy a single penny.

Antonio Brown's crazy antics are cool now while he's one of the best players in the NFL ... but that ish won't fly forever ... so says Brandon Marshall, who tells TMZ Sports he's been in AB's shoes.

Brown's off-season has been filled with turmoil ... from helmet issues to feuds with his old teammates (lookin' at you Big Ben).

Marshall says that's not the biggest deal in the world right now ... but it could be a huge problem in a few years when AB's no longer the hottest receiver in the game.

"When you're a star and you play at the level he plays at, you can get away with things like that."

BM continued ...  "When you become a distraction or if you create drama, they'll deal with it when you're balling. But, when you're not, you're the first guy to get shipped out."

Marshall -- who played 13 seasons in the NFL and made 6 Pro Bowls -- understands AB ... 'cause he admittedly had his fair share of drama throughout his career.

"I have an interesting perspective 'cause I've been on both ends, right? I've been a guy that created headlines and distraction at times. And the second half of my career, I was the guy that was trying to be the glue and keep things together."

NFL superstar DeAndre Hopkins says he "felt like a slave again" when he heard late Houston Texans owner Bob McNair infamously refer to NFL players as "inmates" back in 2017 ... but he still believes McNair was a "good man."

McNair made the comments during an NFL owner's meeting in 2017 while discussing the league's reaction to Colin Kaepernick's kneeling protest ... and said he was against "inmates running the prison."

When Hopkins heard about the comments, he was FURIOUS -- and now, he just opened up about the situation to GQ.

"I went home," Hopkins says ... "I ain't going to practice today. Hell no. I was about to not play in the game."

Hopkins also described his feelings when he heard the comments ... "It feels like I'm a slave again. Getting ran over. Listen to the master, go to work."

But, Hopkins says he took into consideration that McNair -- who died last year at age 81 -- was an "older" man and chalked up the comment to simple ignorance ... not aggressive racism.

"RIP, his soul. He was a good man, but some people they don't really ... When you grow up certain places, you talk a certain way."

"I try to take into consideration that he's done a lot of good for black people, so sh*t, you can't take nothing away from that."

Hopkins says he considered sitting out the Texans next game -- but ultimately decided to play because he didn't want to let his teammates down.

In the GQ article, DeAndre also vents about how upset he was that the Texans didn't give Colin Kaepernick a workout after starting QB Deshaun Watson suffered an injury during the 2017 season.

"Yeah, I was upset. Everybody needed to give Kaep a look. He can help a team win. I've seen a lot of quarterbacks that's not as good as Kaep, but teams don't want the heat behind them."

Terrell Owens has some sage advice for Jerry Jones -- PAY EZEKIEL ELLIOTT!!! Cause da 'Boys need Zeke, not the other way around.

We got the ex-Cowboys wide receiver early Monday morning outside Delilah in WeHo and we straight-up asked him if he had any advice for the Dallas Cowboys owner as he navigates a contentious contract negotiations with his star running back. The two sides reportedly had "fruitful" talks over the weekend but they're still not close to striking a new deal.

Terrell makes zero bones about it ... Jerry's gotta write Zeke a fat check. And while Cowboys brass has been frustrated with Zeke holding out for a new deal ... TO's all about it.

Ezekiel's been holding out since the start of training camp in July. The 2-time Pro Bowler would make $3.85 million this season and $9.1 million in 2020 if he doesn't get a new deal. But, Zeke's put up some massive numbers since entering the league in 2016 ... with 4,048 yards rushing since the Cowboys selected him with the 4th overall pick.

Last year alone ... Zeke rushed for 1,434 yards and 6 touchdowns. Not to mention his 567 yards and 3 touchdowns receiving.

Le'Veon Bell is finally replacing the jewelry his girlfriends jacked this past spring ... TMZ Sports has learned he just went on a shopping spree for bling -- AND SPENT $300,000!!!

Bell famously had at least HALF A MILLION dollars worth of drip stolen out of his Florida home on May 25 ... after his two GFs allegedly robbed him blind after he left them naked in his bed.

But, the Jets superstar finally got around to replacing the ice while on the road for NY's preseason game against the Falcons last weekend ... and we're told his shopping sesh was epic.

27-year-old Bell hit up Icebox in Atlanta and came away with a grip of rings, bracelets, earrings, a new chain and watch ... and it all totaled up to $300k.

The complete list of what the running back left the store with is staggering ...

-Two 14 karat white and yellow gold zig-zag style diamond rings, worth $5,000 each

-One 14 karat yellow gold Icebox diamond bangle worth $20,000

-One 14 karat white gold Icebox spike diamond bangle worth $26,000

-One 14 karat white gold Icebox nail bangle worth $22,000

-One 14 karat white gold diamond pinkie ring worth $10,500

-One 14 karat yellow gold diamond star ring worth $18,000

-One Rolex Datejust 41MM wristwatch with 18.82cts of VS diamonds worth $35,000

-One pair of 14 karat white gold diamond stud earrings with one VS diamond in each earring worth  $18,000

-One 14 karat white gold Marina style diamond ring worth $4,500

-One 14 karat white gold Marina style diamond chain with over 50.33 cts of VS diamonds worth $75,000

-One 14 karat white gold Marina style diamond bracelet with over 26.76 cts of VS diamonds worth $31,500

We're also told Bell put down $50,000 toward a new custom piece that the pros at Icebox are specifically designing for him.

As for the big bill ... don't worry, Bell can afford it -- dude signed a 4-year, $52.5 MILLION contract with the Jets this off-season.

Ryan Russell says he's been getting nothing but support from NFL circles since announcing he's bisexual ... and the pass rusher is hungry for his next opportunity on the gridiron.

We got Ryan and his boyfriend Friday afternoon in Los Angeles, holding hands and heading for a bite at Urth Caffe ... the day after he made his sexual preferences public.

The former Cowboys draft pick tells us he's been hearing from his former coaches and teammates in Dallas and Tampa Bay ... and the feedback on his sexual identity is all positive.

Acceptance and tolerance are good news for Ryan ... sounds like the NFL free agent would be welcomed into a locker room with open arms, no matter which of the 32 franchises takes a shot on the three-year vet.

As for his next move ... Ryan says the plan is still to play football, even though training camps just broke, and he's working out and staying ready in case his phone rings.

Russell sat out all of last season with a shoulder injury after playing in a combined 23 games with the Cowboys and Buccaneers in his first 3 years in the NFL.

Check out the clip ... Ryan sounds healthy in mind and body as he awaits his next shot.

Good news, bad news for the Dallas Cowboys ...

The good: Michael Irvin says Ezekiel Elliott will NOT sit out this season over his contract feud with the team!!

The bad: Irvin says the running back will be SUPER PISSED if he has to play on his current deal.

"I don't think he'll sit out the season, but what he will do if nothing gets done is break -- you break the love that he has with this unit," Irvin says ... "Somehow, some way, it will disturb him, and that stuff will fester."

The Cowboys kick off their season next week ... but Zeke is still down in Cabo, and there's starting to be serious concern the guy won't show up this season a la Le'Veon Bell in 2018.

But, Irvin -- who's been close with Zeke throughout the last 3 years in Dallas -- says the 24-year-old WILL show up ... but he's warning Jerry Jones it'll get messy if he's not paid.

As for what Zeke means to the team this year ... Irvin says there's no way in hell the Cowboys will win the Super Bowl without him.

"Jerry needs to make this happen," Irvin says.

For Jay-Z, the best defense is a good offense -- he's wasting no time putting his controversial NFL partnership to work by launching a new apparel line to fund social change ... and enlisting his pal, Meek Mill.

The NFL and Jay's Roc Nation just announced a new Inspire Change apparel line and a music showcase called Songs of the Season. The music part of that deal will begin with Meek, Meghan Trainor and Rapsody performing at the NFL Kickoff Event in Chicago on Sept. 5.

Meek and Rapsody are Roc Nation clients, but Meghan is not ... which shows that despite facing a wave of criticism, Jay still has plenty of entertainers willing to support his NFL venture. All 3 artists are the first Inspire Change advocates.

The bigger part of the deal, though, is the apparel line -- because it seems to have Jay's fingerprint all over it. After successfully launching his Rocawear and Paper Planes (that Roc Nation logo you see everywhere) ... he knows there's big money in clothing and caps.

Roc Nation and the league say the revenue from Inspire Change apparel will fund Inspire Change programs across the U.S. -- with a focus on  "economic empowerment, police and community relations, and criminal justice reform."

As you know, Jay-Z took a ton of heat after a meeting with Roger Goodell to announce their partnership. Many critics, including athletes and entertainers, felt like Jay was turning his back on Colin Kaepernick and the kneeling protest he started for social justice.

Coming just 2 weeks after that firestorm, the Inspire Change initiative plays like Jay's clap back to the haters.

Kurt Warner is issuing a message to all 32 NFL general managers ... call Carli Lloyd and let her kick for your team!!!!

"Give her shot!" Warner says ... "Why not?!?"

The U.S. Women's National Team star has set the football world on fire ever since she booted a 55-yard field goal at Eagles practice last week ... with a bunch of people wondering if she truly could suit up for a team this year.

37-year-old Lloyd certainly seems to think so ... she told Fox Sports this week she's "seriously considering" it, adding, "it’s a challenge (and) I would probably enjoy it."

Of course, some have shot down the idea ... Chargers star Keenan Allen wrote on Twitter on Tuesday she'd get stampeded if she ever had a kick blocked.

But, Warner doesn't seem to share those same concerns at all, 'cause he's saying sign her up ASAP!!!

"We need more kickers in the game," the Hall of Fame QB says ... "If you can kick the ball through the goalpost, let's do it!!!"

Teams appear to be open to the idea ... Lloyd's longtime trainer, James Galanis, says she actually had an offer to kick for a team in a preseason game this week.

Rob Gronkowski ain't retired from WHOOPIN' THAT ASS ... 'cause the ex-NFL superstar tells TMZ Sports he wants a WWE fight against his "wimp" friend Mojo Rawley!!!

The 30-year-old knows his way around the ring ... he famously helped Rawley win the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 33 in 2017.

So, when the ex-Patriots tight end was out in NYC promoting his partnership with CBDMedic earlier this week, we had to ask if a full-time gig with WWE was in his future.

"My friend's in there and he's a little wimp, so I gotta go in that ring and whoop his ass!!!" Gronk tells us ... referring to his former partner as "Mojo 'Small Piece' Rawley!!!"

It's been a hot topic for YEARS ... given Gronk is a freak of nature and is hella charismatic. So, the fact that he called out his first fight opponent is a big deal.

But, as we previously reported ... Gronk says he's keeping his NFL window open, saying he could return if the desire comes back.

Chiefs WR De'Anthony Thomas cut a deal with prosecutors to close out his weed case this month ... and as part of the agreement, he had to admit he possessed drugs.

The NFL player was busted for speeding in Allen County, Kansas, back on Jan. 26 ... and when officers pulled him over, they said they smelled a "burnt odor of marijuana."

When cops searched the car ... they say they found weed and arrested the 26-year-old.

Thomas was hit with charges of marijuana possession and speeding and was facing up to 6 MONTHS in jail if he was convicted on the weed charge.

But, according to court docs obtained by TMZ Sports, Thomas cut a deal with prosecutors earlier this month and entered into a pretrial diversion program to close out the case.

The docs say as part of the program, Thomas had to pay $899 in fines and fees and also comply with the NFL's Drug and Alcohol Treatment Program and successfully complete all of the league's recommendations.

Also, as part of the agreement, Thomas had to admit to both possessing the weed and speeding.

It turned out to be a solid deal for the receiver ... because just a few days after reaching the agreement, Kansas City resigned him to their preseason roster and is giving him a shot to make their final 53-man squad this weekend.

Huge moment at the U.S. Open in New York ... where Colin Kaepernick and Kobe Bryant were spotted together in the stands to watch Naomi Osaka do her thing!

Kobe spotted Colin in the stands at Louis Armstrong Stadium and went over to say hi ... and when CK realized what was happening, he sprung up from his seat with a huge smile on his face!!

The guys did the ol' bro hug and talked for a bit before going back to watching the match.

And, get this ... Naomi's rap star boyfriend, YBN Cordae, was sitting right by the guys when the whole thing went down.

We also noticed Kap and Kobe were surrounded by security -- for obvious reasons.

"My truth is that I'm a talented football player, a damn good writer, a loving son, an overbearing brother, a caring friend, a loyal lover, and a bisexual man."

Former Dallas Cowboys pass rusher Ryan Russell just announced he's bisexual ... and says his motivation for revealing his sexual identity is that he's flat-out tired of hiding it.

The 27-year-old -- who was a Cowboys' fifth-round pick back in 2015 -- is currently an NFL free agent ... and says his last job interview with a team made him realize he needed to make his sexual preferences public.

"Out of love, admiration and respect, I want the next team to sign me valuing me for what I do and knowing who I truly am."

It's all in an ESPN.com article that Russell wrote himself ... where the 6'5", 267-pound defensive end says it's his goal to be an openly LGBTQ player in the NFL.

"I want to live my dream of playing the game I've worked my whole life to play, and being open about the person I've always been."

Russell also went public with his relationship with his boyfriend, who wrote of the NFL player on his Instagram page, "This man is the top headline on @espn this morning for speaking his truth as a player in the NFL and as my boyfriend. I couldn’t be more proud."

Russell -- who sat out the entire 2018 season with a shoulder injury -- had a solid first 3 years in the league ... playing in a combined 23 games with the Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

He logged 3 sacks and 20 combined tackles in those games ... and says he's still confident he can produce at a high level for an NFL team.

J.J. Watt is giving the 2-year update on his massive Hurricane Harvey relief fund ... saying the donations have helped repair and rebuild more than 1,100 homes in the area!!

Of course, the Houston Texans superstar initially started a campaign to raise $200k in the wake of the natural disaster that resulted in more than $127 billion in damage.

The efforts spread all over the country ... and Watt eventually raised more than $37 MILLION to help rebuild the city.

Watt shared an update on where that money is going on Thursday ... saying the donations have helped clean, repair and rebuild over 1,183 homes.

On top of that, there have been over 971 childcare centers and after school programs that have helped more than 108,000 kids.

Watt adds that the relief fund has served 239 MILLION meals to victims of the hurricane ... and has been able to provide physical and mental health services to nearly 9,000 victims.

But, Watt didn't just raise a ton of money for relief efforts ... he was on scene personally helping families move back into their homes, like this video he shared back in January 2018.

"None of this would be possible without your generosity," Watt says. "Thank you for continuing to shine a light on the beauty of the human spirit."

Fantasy nerds, listen up ... LaDainian Tomlinson's shelling out advice on how to win your league this year -- TAKE TODD GURLEY!!!!

"He's going to be just fine!" LT says.

Despite being an absolute fantasy monster last season ... people are gun shy on the Rams superstar this year -- and it's all 'cause of his injured knee.

In fact, the guy is going 2nd round in some leagues!!!

But, Tomlinson -- who just might have some insider information working and living in L.A. -- says there should be no worry about taking TG early.

"He's going to play," the Hall of Fame running back says.

Tomlinson says he's got the No. 6 overall pick in his draft, and right now, he's down to David Johnson and Gurley for the pick ... and it sure sounds like he's leaning toward taking Todd.

There's more ... the Chargers legend disagreed with Keenan Allen's take on Carli Lloyd, saying the USWNT star could "absolutely" play in the NFL.