NFL

Antonio Brown is TRYING to make things right with the New England Patriots -- starting with an apology to owner Robert Kraft.

"Mr.Kraft I apologize sincerely to you and your organization," Brown wrote.

"All I wanted to be was an asset to the organization; sorry for the bad media and the drama ! Thank you sincerely AB."

Remember, the Patriots cut Brown after just 1 game when the team learned the superstar WR sent menacing text messages to a woman who had accused him of sexual misconduct.

After the Patriots fired Brown, the WR attacked the team on social media -- and made reference to Kraft's prostitution case.

"Kraft got caught in the parlor AB speculations fired different strokes different folks clearly," Brown tweeted.

Brown later deleted the post -- but the damage had already been done.

So, why the apology? That's obvious ... Brown is desperate to get back in the NFL but no team is willing to take a chance on him right now for several reasons.

First, the NFL is currently investigating him over sexual assault allegations included in a lawsuit filed against him earlier this year.

Second, AB not only had a bad breakup with the Pats, but he burned the bridge with the Raiders all the way down too ... essentially forcing the team to cut him back in August when he illegally recorded a phone call with coach Jon Gruden and posted it on YouTube.

He also got into an altercation with Raiders GM Mike Mayock.

The Seattle Seahawks reportedly looked into signing Brown a few weeks ago but ultimately decided to go a different direction.

Will the apology pay off for Brown now? Maybe ... but don't hold your breath.

One more thing ... Tom Brady and AB have still been friendly on social media even after he was cut. And, with Brady recently criticizing the Patriots offense, it's possible the QB is lobbying to bring AB back.

Here's a shocker ... Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones thinks the Colin Kaepernick workout was a disaster and he's not even REMOTELY considering hiring the QB.

"That situation from the get-go probably had a lot more that wasn’t about football involved in it and consequently we got the results of that dynamic," Jones said on 105.3 The Fan.

Of course, Jones has been an outspoken critic of Kaepernick's kneeling protest for years -- so everyone expected Jerry to react this way to the workout.

During the interview, Jerry was asked specifically if he felt Colin's workout turned into a "circus."

"I think so," Jerry said ... adding, "We of course, aren't in the quarterback business."

"We're in the business of anytime, anywhere looking for talent -- whether we need it now or whether we need it in the future."

"So, the way these things work, you had that evaluation for you whether you're there or you're not. You have that evaluation. And, I think it's unfortunate that you can't just zero in on the business at hand, and that is evaluating a player that might or might not help you win a football game or move the chains within a football game."

When asked if he thought Cowboys backup Cooper Rush was better than Colin, Jerry essentially stood behind his roster and shot down the possibility of dropping Rush for Kap.

Jones has previously criticized Kap's protest as "disrespectful to the flag" -- though he led his team in a kneeling demonstration BEFORE the national anthem played during a "Monday Night Football" game in 2017.

A powerful U.S. congressman is furious with the way the NFL is treating Colin Kaepernick -- and tells TMZ Sports the government may finally have to act against the league.

Rep. Hank Johnson (Democrat from Georgia's DeKalb County) says he believes Kaepernick is the "victim" ... because the NFL orchestrated a league-wide ban on the QB because he "exercised his 1st Amendment right."

So, what can Congress do about it?

"It's possible that Congress can do something," Johnson says ... "Congress oversees the anti-trust exemption that we gave the NFL. The NFL is doing quite well with that anti-trust exemption, maybe it's time for us to take a fresh look at it."

The anti-trust exemption is the law President Kennedy signed back in the day which allows the individual teams to work together as a monopoly to negotiate more lucrative broadcasting deals.

In other words, the NFL is in a much stronger negotiating position with the teams united -- instead of having to negotiate 32 individual broadcasting deals.

If the exemption was revoked, experts say it would cost the league billions of dollars.

"Maybe [the NFL feels] a little heat about their anti-trust exemption and the fact that the Judiciary Committee stands ready under the leadership of the chair of the anti-trust subcommittee David Cicilline to perhaps look at that anti-trust exemption."

FYI, Rep. Johnson serves on the House Judiciary Committee, one of the most powerful committees in Congress.

Rep. Johnson is essentially telling us if the league is abusing the anti-trust exemption to collude to keep players like Colin out of the league, Congress should investigate to decide if the exemption should be revoked.

It's a pretty aggressive threat that's sure to get the NFL's attention.

Al Sharpton thinks people need to BACK OFF Colin Kaepernick and direct their anger at the NFL -- claiming it's the LEAGUE that bungled Saturday's workout ... not the QB.

"I think Kaepernick handled it right," Sharpton tells TMZ Sports ... "To have to be told that you're gonna have to sign some waivers and limit the media is absolutely insulting."

"I think that Kaepernick did the right thing by going to the high school, by opening it to the media, opening it to the public."

"He is being penalized for standing up for the rights of people, standing up for criminal justice and to try and reduce him to some kind of photo op for the NFL is something that is antithetical for what he stood for and is insulting to the fans and is insulting to the intelligence of the American people."

Sharpton says he salutes Kap for exposing the NFL's "hypocrisy."

Of course, there are several high profile people who feel the complete OPPOSITE way ... from Stephen A. Smith to James Brown to Jay Z.

Quavo is sick of watching his favorite Atlanta Falcons squad underperform on Sundays ... so he's giving some advice to Dan Quinn -- bench Matt Ryan for Colin Kaepernick!!!

"We need to get Matt Ryan out of there!" the Migos rapper tells TMZ Sports.

Of course, Colin ain't on the Falcons' roster ... and it's unclear if Atlanta even sent a rep to watch his workout near the team's facility Saturday.

But, Quavo tells us he doesn't care ... and says the Falcons need to add Kap and subtract Ryan ASAP!!!

"I love Colin," Quavo says. "Colin should be on a team!"

Doesn't seem likely the Falcons take Quavo's advice ... Matty Ice is locked into a 5-year, $150 MILLION contract -- and he actually hasn't been horrible this season.

But, hey ... Kap might be better than Ryan's backup, Matt Schaub, who is 38 years old now.

You're looking at the two scumbags who allegedly jacked a Super Bowl XLVI ring from a retired NY Giants linebacker's L.A. home ... and now the player is begging for its return.

The footage belongs to Spencer Paysinger, who was a rookie back in 2011 when the Giants miraculously beat the New England Patriots in one of the best title games ever.

Paysinger says he left a window open to air out his home on March 17 -- when two guys broke into the house and started rummaging through his stuff.

The 31-year-old -- who retired in 2017 -- says the crooks took all sorts of valuables including purses, computers and one REALLY important piece of jewelry ... the Super Bowl ring.

"I took it out recently for an elementary school Career Day and was lazy on returning to its secure location," Paysinger says.

The good news ... Paysinger had a Nest security camera in the home that captured the alleged thieves. You can see them going through the home with a flashlight while wearing gloves to hide fingerprints.

The bad news ... Paysinger says he had accidentally stopped paying to insure the ring just one month before the burglary because he changed credit cards and didn't update his autopay.

Now, Paysinger says he's desperate to get back his ring -- and promises if anyone comes forward with the item, he won't go to police.

"My Super Bowl ring should serve as a cherished family heirloom not an unfortunate event."

"If you’re reading this or if anyone knows the two young men in the video, please be assured there are no consequences tied to this post. This isn’t bait, there are no cops involved and nothing will happen to you by giving back my ring; keep the other s**t."

Officials are on the hunt for multiple suspects who entered a backyard NFL watch party in Fresno, CA and opened fire -- killing 4 people and injuring 6 more.

Around 35 people were at a home Sunday evening to watch the L.A. Rams vs. Chicago Bears game -- it's being described as a "friends and family gathering."

But, around 6 PM PT, "unknown suspects" snuck into the party and opened fire -- striking multiple people.

Cops say 3 people died at the scene and a 4th died at the hospital. 5 people are still hospitalized in critical condition but expected to survive and a 6th person suffered minor injuries.

Fresno Police Lt. Bill Dooley told the media ... "Everyone was watching football this evening when unknown suspects approached the residence, snuck into the backyard and opened fire."

Cops say it does not appear the victims knew the shooters -- and officials do NOT believe it was gang-related at this point, but they have not ruled it out.

No one has been arrested and cops have not identified a suspect.

Brad Paisley is a MASSIVE Cleveland Browns fan -- and you can tell he's genuinely sad about the incident with Myles Garrett ... explaining why the helmet-swing was heartbreaking to watch.

"Wish he hadn't done what he did," the country music superstar tells TMZ Sports ... "It's crazy. He shouldn't have done that."

Paisley has spent a lot of time around the Browns (remember his "Hard Knocks" cameo at training camp?) ... and says he's heard Garrett is a good dude, which makes it harder to understand why he went so crazy against the Pittsburgh Steelers last week.

"I'd love to know what he's thinking. I'm sure he's remorseful."

Even if Garrett can bounce back from the scandal, Paisley says he'll NEVER win back Steelers fans ... saying, "Pittsburgh will never forgive him, I'm sure."

As for the punishment, Paisley says he'll support whatever suspension the NFL eventually dishes out -- "He needs to serve that time, whatever they decide that is."

The league has already suspended Garrett for the rest of the year, but he's appealing this week and the punishment COULD change (maybe).

So, why is Paisley -- who's from West Virginia -- a Browns fan? It all stems back to Brian Sipe ... (betcha didn't think you'd see that name today!)

Here's a video to help explain ...

Richard Sherman just came through BIG TIME for a youth football team from his hometown ... donating a big chunk of change to send them to the championship tournament!!

The Hub City (6U) Pop Warner team from Compton earned a trip to the National Youth Championship in Florida after going undefeated this season.

Not only was their play on the field impressive -- each kid had to maintain at least a 3.1 GPA in order to play.

But, there was one problem -- the team had to raise at least $15k in less than a month to cover travel and hotel expenses ... and needed help from the community to reach their goal.

Luckily for the team, the 49ers superstar -- who went to Dominguez High School in Compton -- got wind of their campaign after seeing the story on FOX 11 in L.A. and dropped $5,000 to help them get past the $15k mark!

"I respect good football but I respect the 3.1 min gpa more," Sherman said. "Establishing good habits young. I would like to help."

The 31-year-old quickly sprang into action -- sending over the donation to the team's GoFundMe page just minutes after finding out about the team ... and now they should be on their way to get that trophy!

Sherman isn't the only one helping out ... we're told Oakland Raiders cornerback Keisean Nixon -- who's from Compton -- donated $2k.

The NFL and Colin Kaepernick had two entirely different approaches to the legal issues going into Saturday's doomed workout ... and it's obvious when you read the waivers.

As we previously reported, Colin refused to sign the waiver the NFL initially presented to his camp -- and countered with a much shorter version of his own, which the NFL ultimately rejected.

We've seen both waivers, and the first big difference is length ... the NFL waiver is more than 1,200 words. Colin's is 268.

We're told Colin was more than willing to sign a waiver that specifically released the NFL from any legal liability if Colin got injured during the workout. But, he felt the NFL's waiver could be construed as much broader than that -- and may have prevented him from bringing any future action against the NFL based on violations of employment laws or the collective bargaining agreement.

One particular paragraph that was troubling for Colin reads, "In consideration for the opportunity to participate in the workout, Player [releases the NFL from all liability] ... arising out of, occurring during, or related directly or indirectly to the workout."

Colin felt that when the language is read to the extreme, it could bar him from ever suing the NFL for any reason in the future.

So, he countered with his own waiver -- a shorter version which stuck to ONLY physical injury-related issues.

As for the NFL, the league has insisted the waiver they offered was standard and they weren't willing to budge.

Dear Adam Archuleta ...

A "Dirty Sanchez" mustache isn't what you think it is -- it's WAYYYY WORSE -- and you probably shouldn't be referencing it during an NFL game ON LIVE TV!!

For those unaware, a "Dirty Sanchez" is most commonly described on Urban Dictionary as a temporary mustache wiped on to one's face ... and it's comprised of fecal matter.

In other words, it's a poop 'stache!

Good times, huh?!

Anyway, Archuleta -- former NFL star-turned-broadcaster -- was working the Bills vs. Dolphins game for CBS this weekend with Spero Dedes, when Spero asked if Adam could grow a mustache by next week.

"I could probably squeeze out maybe a Dirty Sanchez, not really a full stache," Archuleta said.

Ewwwwwwwwww!!!!!!

Innocent mistake? Yeah, probably.

Will this haunt him for a while? Yeah, probably.

Colin Kaepernick's team has sent the full video of his Saturday workout to all 32 NFL clubs, TMZ Sports has learned ... and now the waiting game begins.

Sources connected to Kap tell us turning the video around quickly was a priority and they had it out within 24 hours of the Atlanta workout.

We're told Colin also sent a note to each team saying he's ready, willing and able to visit with any team for an interview and/or workout (as teams usually do) if there's real interest.

Of course, the most important thing for Team Kap is making sure decision-makers get a chance to see Colin's skills for themselves so they can quickly evaluate him and hopefully make an offer.

The immediate reaction to the workout from the scouts who attended was reportedly good -- with one NFL exec telling ESPN's Adam Schefter his arm talent is "elite."

Directly after the workout, Kaepernick had a message for NFL owners, GMs, coaches and even Commissioner Roger Goodell.

"We’re waiting for the 32 owners, the 32 teams, Roger Goodell, all of them to stop running. Stop running from the truth, stop running from the people. We’re out here, we’re ready to play, we’re ready to go anywhere."

Not everyone was stoked about the workout -- several high profile media members including Stephen A. Smith felt Kap's decision to bail on the official NFL workout and hold his own open workout instead cut heavily against him.

Jay-Z felt the same way -- telling people he was disappointed with the way things went down because Colin "turned a legitimate workout into a publicity stunt."

Jay-Z is unhappy with the way Colin Kaepernick handled his workout on Saturday -- our sources tell us Jay felt Colin "turned a legitimate workout into a publicity stunt."

As we previously reported, Colin bailed on the NFL's workout Saturday and held his own workout instead. Colin claims he wanted transparency -- insisting the NFL would not allow him to have media at the workout.

Sources close to Jay-Z tell us ... Jay is unhappy with the way things went down because he feels the league was genuine in trying to give Colin an opportunity.

Colin went through with his workout at a high school nearby and reviews are mixed. Some scouts are reportedly impressed with Kap's arms strength and talent. And, others are reportedly saying he looked average at best.

Now, the waiting game begins ... and we'll see if an NFL team will pull the trigger and sign the 32-year-old QB.

More drama!

Colin Kaepernick will NOT have his NFL workout at the Atlanta Falcons facility at 12 PM PT as planned ... but it will go down at a separate location.

According to Colin's reps, the NFL refused to allow media to observe the workout, which didn't jive with Kap.

Also, Kap's team claims the NFL wanted him to sign an "unusual liability waiver" which "rejected the standard liability waiver from physical injury proposed by Mr. Kaepernick's representatives."

"Based on prior conduct by the NFL league office, Mr. Kaepernick simply asks for a transparent and open process."

As a result, Kaepernick is moving the workout to a nearby high school and it will be open to the media.

"Mr. Kaepernick looks forward to seeing the representatives from the clubs today."

We're told Kap has a team of WRs to work with and plans on going through with the workout at 1 PM PT.

A bunch of protesters and supporters alike had gathered outside the Falcons facility to both cheer and speak out against Kap. Guessing they'll be moving to the new location as well.

Stay tuned ...

Cris Collinsworth is publicly lobbying for his old team to sign Colin Kaepernick -- telling TMZ Sports the 32-year-old can help the Cincinnati Bengals turn things around.

Of course, Cris was a star WR for the Bengals in the '80s and now he's one of the most powerful broadcasters in sports ... so what he says matters.

And, on his way into Craig's in L.A., we asked if he thinks a team will sign Kaepernick after his workout in Atlanta on Saturday.

"I hope so. He's a good player. That would be great."

And, where would Kap be the best fit?

"The Bengals hopefully. He'll fix 'em!"

It's BAD in Cinci right now -- the Bengals have the worst record in pro football, 0-9. Winless. Sad. Pathetic.

The team benched starter Andy Dalton earlier this season in place of rookie Ryan Finley, but it hasn't gone much better.

The mother of the woman who died following an incident at Montae Nicholson's home is breaking her silence ... saying the Redskins DB "could have done more" to save the girl's life.

According to Nicholson's attorney, the NFL player found a 21-year-old woman unresponsive at a bathroom in his Ashburn, Virginia home late Wednesday night.

Nicholson and a friend took the woman to a nearby hospital ... but officials say she later died there, suspecting a drug overdose.

The deceased woman has since been identified as Julia Crabbe ... and when FOX 5 in DC spoke with her mother, Michelle, on Friday, she said Nicholson could have done more to save her daughter.

"I'm perfectly happy to sit down and talk with him," Michelle said, adding, "[Julia's] life was so much more than what happened Wednesday. So much more."

Nicholson has yet to comment on the matter ... but the Redskins said in a statement the 23-year-old defensive back and the team are cooperating with authorities.