NFL

Antonio Brown wouldn't answer when asked about an NFL probe into allegations he raped a woman ... telling Patriots media, "I appreciate that question. I'm just here to focus on ball."

The new New England superstar finally met with reporters for the first time since signing with the team earlier this month ... and took a whopping 4 questions from the media.

Altogether, the locker-room presser lasted about a minute ... and Brown sounded more like Bill Belichick when it came to the hard-hitting Qs.

"I'm super grateful to be here, to play for Bill Belichick and Tom Brady," Brown said to the first question about the looming NFL investigation.

"I've got a lot of the offense to learn and catch up. But, I'm excited and grateful to be here and be a part of these guys."

The league is currently trying to figure out what to do with Brown after Britney Taylor alleged he raped her in the Miami area back in 2018.

In her civil lawsuit against the receiver, Taylor also alleges he sexually assaulted her on two separate occasions in the Pittsburgh area in 2017.

BT reportedly met with NFL investigators for 10 HOURS earlier this week ... but so far, no word on what the league is planning to do with Brown after that meeting.

"I don't think that he's done. I can see him in Jacksonville."

Plaxico Burress says he's envisioning a Tom Coughlin-Eli Manning reunion down in Florida ... telling TMZ Sports he's predicting Eli could end up on the Jags at some point this season.

"I don't believe that No. 10 is done," Eli's former favorite receiver says ... "I could see him down in Jacksonville reuniting with the great Tom Coughlin."

Of course, all the stars are aligning to make the move happen. The Jags' starter, Nick Foles, is injured ... and Manning's just been benched in NY for first-round pick Daniel Jones.

Plaxico tells us it just makes sense for Eli to leave New York now, saying, "I would be really happy for him to see that happen."

"I know that the fire still burns for him to go out and compete and to play this game," Burress added.

"I think that his time over in New York may be over, but as far as going somewhere else and playing football, I believe that he can still do that."

We also took a trip down memory lane with Burress ... and he walked us through what it was like going on that final drive with Eli to win Super Bowl XLII over the 18-0 Patriots.

Nike has cut ties with Antonio Brown following claims he raped his personal trainer ... with a rep for the company confirming to TMZ Sports that the NE Patriots superstar is "not a Nike athlete."

While the Swoosh will not elaborate on the decision behind the move ... it comes after Britney Taylor filed a federal lawsuit, alleging Brown forcibly raped her in 2018 ... among other accusations (all of which AB denies).

AB had a signature shoe deal with Nike ... the Nike Tech Trainer Antonio Brown was released in February and sold for $100. The kicks have since been scrubbed from the site.

Brown also lost his deal with helmet manufacturer Xenith last week.

AB signed a 1-year, $15 million deal with the Pats after getting cut by the Raiders on September 7 ... and played his first game with New England during week 2.

We should note, AB was rocking white Nike cleats last Sunday against the Dolphins.

The NY Giants benched Eli Manning, but the teams dreadful 0-2 start ain't his fault ... that blame falls squarely on the team's terrible defense -- so says NYG legend Antrel Rolle.

The D's given up 63 points in their 2 losses (only the Fins have been scored on more) ... and they've allowed 9 TD drives of over 70 yards. They're at or near the bottom of every defensive statistic. They can't stop anyone ... and that's the real issue according to AR.

"Defensively, that's just not it. I'm a guy that's always brutally honest. I give it to them raw. Not saying those guys don't possess talent, but right now I'm seeing one, a lack of leadership, I'm seeing two, lack of identity, and three, a lack of toughness" ... Rolle tells us.

"I don't see any toughness. I don't see them knocking guys over, I don't see them getting in anyone's face. I don't see any nastiness. As a defensive player, you gotta be nasty."

Rolle knows the Giants and he knows defense. He's a former 8th overall pick who made 3 Pro Bowls and was a defensive leader on the Giants squad that beat Tom Brady at Super Bowl 46 in 2012.

We asked Antrel what he'd say to the Giants defense if he was in front of the players.

"I'd have to work on not losing my sh*t."

So, yeah, it's hard for Rolle to watch. But, despite how bad they look on the field, AR says it ain't all bad.

Wanna own the jersey Jerry Rice was wearing when he caught his last touchdown from Joe Montana ever???

Good news, you can ... IF YOU'VE GOT A BOATLOAD OF CASH!!!

TMZ Sports has learned the threads the G.O.A.T. was wearing for the Niners' 1991 playoff game against the Redskins -- the same game where he caught his last score from Joe Cool ever -- is hitting the auction block.

The jersey is awesome ... it's the old-school, red uni -- photo matched by SCP Auctions -- with a perfect Rice signature in the upper portion of the No. 8.

It's also an incredible piece of history considering that Montana and Rice combined for 67 TDs to each other -- tied for sixth ALL-TIME most.

We're told the jersey is expected to fetch $25,000 ... with bidding set to begin soon.

Antonio Brown claims the doctor who trashed him for farting during a 2018 appointment secretly LOVED IT ... and AB says he has the texts to prove it.

Dr. Victor Prisk told Sports Illustrated ... Brown was essentially the client from hell when he began working with the NFL star in late 2018 ... he would show up late and didn't pay.

But, Prisk told SI the worst part was when Brown ripped ass in his face during a body fat test -- a fart that was captured on video and featured on TMZ Sports.

"I'm a doctor and this man is farting in my face," Prisk told SI ... "It just seemed childish to me."

Well, now AB is firing back ... with receipts -- claiming Prisk actually TEXTED him about the media coverage of the fart incident and even bragged about TMZ Sports crediting him for having a "nose of Steel."

In AB's text messages, Prisk says the incident was "funny as s**t" -- noting, "I was pretty stoic."

Brown thinks the fact Prisk is now COMPLAINING about the incident is ridiculous -- saying, "Do anything for clout."

Prosecutors and police in Pennsylvania have contacted the woman accusing Antonio Brown of rape -- but officials suggest it's unlikely they will move forward with criminal charges against the NFL star.

But, Brown might not be off the hook in Florida, where the accuser claims Brown forcibly raped her in 2018.

Remember, Britney Taylor alleges in a federal lawsuit filed earlier this month that, on TWO separate occasions in the Pittsburgh area in 2017, Brown sexually assaulted her.

Taylor claims AB exposed his penis to her and kissed her without her consent. She also alleges later that month he pleasured himself on her back without her consent.

Now, a spokesperson for the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office says both prosecutors AND the Allegheny County Police Dept. reached out to Taylor's attorneys to investigate the claims.

The issue, according to the D.A. ... "It appears there is a statute of limitations issue in moving forward with any inquiry involving the Allegheny County allegation mentioned in the lawsuit."

In other words, if Taylor wanted Brown prosecuted in Pennsylvania, she may have waited too long to make it happen.

We should note the way the D.A. phrased its statement seems to leave the door open for possible prosecution if they learn anything new.

But, the bigger issue is Florida ... where Taylor alleged the most serious crime was committed.

Sources tell us ... Miami-area prosecutors have NOT reached out to the accuser or her attorneys at this point and the statute of limitations in Florida has definitely NOT run out for a rape prosecution for an incident in May 2018.

As for whether Taylor would cooperate with an investigation in Florida, her attorneys have previously issued a statement saying they would work "with the NFL and any other agencies."

For his part, Brown has adamantly denied wrongdoing and his attorney has said they will consider their own legal options, including a countersuit.

As for the NFL, Taylor reportedly met with league investigators for 10 HOURS this week to tell her side of the story.

So far, no punishment has been handed down to Brown ... and he's expected to play again this weekend when the Patriots take on the Jets.

Eli Manning is taking the high road after getting benched for Daniel Jones ... telling reporters he's staying positive through the change and reminding everyone, "I'm not dying."

The NY Giants announced they'll be going with the rookie when they face-off against the Buccaneers this weekend ... and 38-year-old Eli says he's going to continue to be there for his team, regardless of where he is on the depth chart.

"It's not over. The season's not over. We got a lot of football," Eli said on Wednesday. "I'm just gonna do my part, do my job, get Daniel ready to play, be ready to play if called upon, support my teammates and get everybody ready."

Eli says he's disappointed by the change ... but he's gonna continue to do his job.

Deshaun Watson's 24th year is off to an ICY start ... 'cause the NFL superstar got a one-of-a-kind $25k chain for his birthday!!

The Pro Bowl QB had a birthday bash at Bisou restaurant in Houston on Monday ... celebrating with his Texans buddies, DeAndre Hopkins, Andre Johnson, Will Fuller, Carlos Watkins and Nick Martin.

Celeb jeweler Iceman Nick was also present for the party ... and he didn't come empty-handed -- gifting Watson with a custom DW4 chain!!

We're told the piece is worth $25k and made with 14k gold and 12 carats of VS1 diamonds ... and Nick was able to whip it together in just 2 days!!

The whole party was lit ... it even included live snake dancing and a bunch of tequila.

Oh, and there was an actual ICE SCULPTURE to go with the ICE NECKLACE!

Others in attendance include influencers Jilly Anais and J Mulan ... as well as NFLer Bruce Ellington.

Melvin Gordon fantasy owners ... DON'T CUT HIM YET -- the running back says he's playing "somewhere" this season!!!

The Chargers superstar has been sitting out for the last couple months wanting a new contract in L.A. ... but as his backup, Austin Ekeler, tears it up on the field -- it doesn't seem the big bucks are coming MG's way anytime soon.

So, when the tailback went on Instagram Live on Tuesday from some park in San Diego ... he guaranteed you'd see him on the field this year -- just maybe not in Chargers colors.

"Going to play somewhere," Gordon said ... "It would be a waste of talent [if I didn't]."

Melvin's vid has since been deleted ... but we got the message loud and clear -- start trading for the guy in your fantasy leagues ASAP!!!

By the way, Melvin also spoke about the Chargers' lack of fans in the vid -- and you can tell he didn't love the support his team got in Los Angeles.

Comedian Tony Rock says anyone hoping Jay-Z puts in a good word with his new NFL buddies for his old pal, Colin Kaepernick, is wasting their time, because Jay-Z doesn't care if Kap ever plays again.

NFL QB's are dropping like $100 million flies, with new job openings popping up in Jacksonville, Pittsburgh, New York and New Orleans all in the last couple of weeks.

People are waiting for Kap to get a call, more so since Jay-Z signed his deal with the league earlier this year.

We got Rock out in L.A. and he said that ain't gonna happen, telling our camera guy, Hov's NFL deal was all about Jay-Z and NO ONE ELSE.

"Jay-Z making his money. He doesn't care about Kaepernick playing no more. He did a deal that's about himself, it ain't about Kaepernick."

Ummm ... ouch?

There's been some criticism of Jay-Z for the deal, with a lot of people believing he sold Kap out. The backlash has died down since the NFL season started, but it's clear Tony has thoughts.

Victor Cruz tells TMZ Sports he still feels the itch to make an NFL comeback "to this day" ... and says he's confident he's still got the skills to be a successful wideout in the league!!

"I still wake up thinking about it," Cruz said of a possible return to the NFL. "I'm still in good shape. I can still run, jump and do all those things. Absolutely."

Of course, 32-year-old Cruz hasn't played a down in the league since 2016 ... and he knows a comeback ain't exactly probable.

But, Victor was one of the best receivers in the game for a few seasons ... piling up 303 catches, 4,549 receiving yards and 25 TDs from 2011 to 2016.

So, could he REALLY make a run at a return?!?!

"Obviously, I know where I'm at in my life right now," Cruz tells us. "I gotta pay the bills a different way."

Martin Luther King III tells TMZ Sports Colin Kaepernick could get back into the NFL "overnight" if fans just straight-up stopped supporting the league until it signs the QB.

"What would change it overnight is if the public decided, 'Okay, we're not going to watch,'" MLK III says.

Of course, King III knows that's unlikely ... but he's saying drastic measures need to be taken in order for the league to stop "blackballing" the 31-year-old once and for all.

"The industry did blackball him, which is not good," MLK III says ... "He certainly is one of the most talented quarterbacks even today, probably."

Good news for MLK III??? There are plenty of teams looking for a quarterback THIS WEEK ...

Pittsburgh just lost Ben Roethlisberger for the year. Saints star Drew Brees is out for the next two months with a thumb injury. The Jets' starter, Sam Darnold, and backup, Trevor Siemian, are both out.

Unclear if any of those three teams have eyes on Kap ... but MLK III is certainly hoping so.

You know that hot chick who says she gave Sam Darnold mono??? The NY Jets QB is setting the record straight -- saying he's never met the woman in his life, let alone swapped spit with her!!!

You've seen the pic by now ... a v attractive Jets fan made light of Darnold having the kissing disease during NY's Monday Night Football match-up with the Browns ... holding up a sign that read "I gave Darnold mono."

Of course, for obvious reasons, the claim didn't seem so far-fetched ... so everyone had fun with it.

But Darnold just *had* to play the role of party pooper on Tuesday ... addressing the viral girl's claim on the 'Michael Kay Show' on ESPN.

"I know there was a sign also at the game that some girl claims she gave it to me ... I've never seen that girl in my life. So, I'd just like to set the record straight on that."

BOOOOOOOOO. That's no fun, Sam.

FWIW -- TMZ Sports spoke with the woman (who agreed to speak on the condition of anonymity) ... and she says it was all a joke, too ... so case closed.

If Eli Manning never plays another down in the NFL, his next stop is Canton ... so says Warren Moon, who tells TMZ Sports the NY Giants QB is 100% a Hall of Famer.

The G-Men just announced Manning will ride the pine as rookie Daniel Jones takes over as the starter in Week 3 ... sparking debate over whether Eli will be considered among the all-time greats when he calls it a career.

Moon -- who was inducted into the Hall in 2006 -- says they better start getting Manning's jacket measurements now ... 'cause there's no way he WON'T get in.

"I think he is based off his numbers and what he's able to do as a team as well," Moon told the fellas on the TMZ Sports TV show, airing Tuesday night on FS1.

"He's definitely put together a career that's Hall of Fame worthy."

FYI -- Manning's 8th in all-time TDs passed (362) and 7th in passing yards (56,537). And, oh yeah ... 2 Super Bowls don't hurt either.

"I've just looked at his body of work ... and he's won the championships, which is something very important to the voters when you go into that room," Moon adds.

"He's got 2 of them and he was the MVP in both of those games. That's gonna bode well for him."

Master P says there's one guy who can save the Saints from failing without Drew Brees ... and that guy is COLIN KAEPERNICK.

New Orleans is in need of some QB help after the 12-time Pro Bowler went down with a thumb injury this past week ... leaving Teddy Bridgewater to take the reigns under center for at least several weeks.

TMZ Sports spoke with the NOLA legend about the state of his team on Tuesday ... and while he insists they'll "be back," he knows a guy who can help out big time.

"Kap, we need you." Percy tells us out in NYC. "I'm going home to let him know that right now. We need Kap!!"

Of course, the controversial QB's name has been thrown around with many starting QBs going down in the first 2 weeks of the season -- from Brees to Ben Roethlisberger to Sam Darnold.

We know Kap's ready ... he's been training like a maniac and has been posting workout vids proving he's still got it.