NFL

Sorry, Patriots fans ... Rob Gronkowski is NEVER coming back -- so says Camille Kostek, who tells TMZ Sports straight-up, "He's done."

A Gronk return has been rumored almost since the day he announced his retirement this past spring ... and even after the NFL deadline passed for him to come back this year, people still think he might make a return next season.

But, when we got his smokin' hot GF out in NYC on Monday, she told us she doesn't understand why people think the ex-tight end is going to come back again.

"He's said like a hundred times that he's not coming back but everybody still asks. So, I don't know what to tell you any more!"

She added, "He's done."

As for his place in NFL history now that his career is officially over ... Camille tells us she has no doubts he's the G.O.A.T. when it comes to TEs!!!

Despite the Giants taking an L on Monday Night Football, Sterling Shepard tells TMZ Sports the game was extra special ... because he got to catch a pass from Eli Manning again!!

The 2-time Super Bowl champ was under center against the Eagles after his replacement, Daniel Jones, went down with an ankle injury last week ... throwing for 203 yards and 2 TDs.

4 of Eli's completions went to Shepard ... and the 26-year-old receiver tells us he didn't know if he'd share the field with his longtime teammate again.

"It was awesome," Sterling says. "I didn't really think I was gonna be able to get another pass from him. He played really good last night. I wish we could've come up with a win for him."

As for whether Eli should finish out the season when Danny Dimes gets back to 100%, Shepard tells us that's up in the air.

BTW -- Shepard was out in NYC buying Christmas gifts for the Harlem Children's Zone, so props to him for that!!

Jaelen Strong feels Odell Beckham's pain -- with the ex-Browns WR claiming the Cleveland training staff mishandled his own knee injury before he was cut in August.

25-year-old Strong missed the 2018 NFL season after suffering a torn ACL during his stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars ... but healed up and signed with the Browns in Feb. 2019.

Cleveland was expecting big things from the former Houston Texans 3rd round draft pick -- which is why many were surprised to see him get his walking papers during the preseason.

Now, Strong is sounding off about his time in Cleveland ... essentially accusing the team of ignoring his constant knee pain -- and working him so hard, his body nearly broke.

Strong is specifically pointing to the Browns preseason training regimen -- claiming the team ran an "unheard of" 30 straight padded practices ... which took a serious toll on the players.

"We played a full season in camp. The real season is here and they are already behind the 8 ball. Hamstring issues at DB? That’s just saying they’re being overworked!!!!"

As for Strong's case ... the WR claims team doctors knew his body was suffering from the intense camp -- "my knee swelled up day after day" -- but he was never offered a recovery day off.

"We get to week 3 of preseason and I can barely walk," Strong says ... "I was dead ... body legs etc."

The Browns ultimately cut Strong on August 27 after he performed poorly in a preseason game -- but notes, "the Browns knew why I looked and felt the way I felt after making play after play in camp for 30 straight padded practices."

The claims come days after Browns QB Baker Mayfield called out the Browns training staff for mishandling Odell Beckham's sports hernia injury, which he also suffered during the preseason.

Too sick to work ... but not too sick to bowl?!

That's the situation with Jets star running back Le'Veon Bell who was ruled out of Sunday's game with the flu ... but was healthy enough to go BOWLING the night before.

Obviously, some people feel if Bell was good enough to hit the lanes Saturday night -- the guy who just signed a 4-year, $52 million contract should tough it out and strap on the pads.

NY Jets head coach Adam Gase was asked how he felt about the Bell situation during a press conference Tuesday ... and it's pretty obvious he's annoyed as hell.

Gase told reporters it's bad optics for Bell -- but he won't punish the guy because the team can't exactly quarantine him.

"What am I going to discipline him for?" Gase said. "I can't tell him you have to stay in your house."

"I'd rather him not be [bowling]," Gase said ... "I'd rather him be at home just getting better."

Gase also explained he didn't want Bell coming to the team hotel either -- "The locker room was still contagious."

Gase said he'll speak with Bell about the situation later ... but now he's got bigger problems -- the Jets are playing the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday and we're guessing all Jets fans will feel sick to their stomachs after that game.

Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Antwaun Woods was repeatedly told he had WAY TOO MUCH weed in his car during his arrest last week ... and it's all in new police video.

Woods was stopped in Frisco, Texas on Dec. 3 after cops say he was doing 77 MPH in a 60 zone ... and when officers say they smelled a strong odor of weed coming from his car, the NFL player was in big trouble.

Cops found 2 glass mason jars and a small gold cylinder container full of weed in his 2016 Cadillac Escalade ... and also discovered several pieces of drug paraphernalia.

The officers also say they noticed the 26-year-old had stuffed a small marijuana cigarette into a half-full water bottle during the stop.

In the video of the bust ... you can see an officer tells Woods straight-up, "So, listen, you've got too much marijuana, okay?"

That's when Woods tries to talk the officer out of putting him in cuffs ... saying, "Come on, bro, are you serious?"

Jay Glazer says the Browns need a major "culture change" -- and quickly -- telling TMZ Sports straight-up "things gotta change" if they ever want to be real contenders.

Earlier this week, the FOX Sports star said Odell Beckham wasn't happy in Cleveland -- and had been telling other teams to "come get me."

Glazer also predicted Odell will leave Cleveland after the season ends -- saying, "I don't see that relationship ending well for them after this year."

So, when we saw Glazer at Craig's in L.A., we asked if the problem is Odell or the Browns.

"Odell's still great," Glazer said ... "Just gotta find the right fit."

"I think they need a culture change. That's gotta change."

When asked if that culture change involved a coaching change -- Glazer wouldn't say. But, it almost feels like Glazer is implying the organization needs an even bigger shakeup.

The NFL has launched an investigation into the New England Patriots over allegations a team staffer illegally recorded the Cincinnati Bengals sidelines during Sunday's game.

Of course, the Patriots were at home playing the Chiefs on Sunday -- but the team claims they sent a video crew to FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland to shoot a behind-the-scenes segment on a team scout during the Browns vs. the Bengals game.

FYI, the Patriots are playing the Bengals next week ... which is why the scout was there in the first place.

But, a Bengals team official believes there may have something fishy going on -- and reported a possible incident to the NFL, which is now investigating.

ESPN's Adam Schefter says the Patriots were credentialed by the Browns (the home team) to shoot that day for a segment called "Do Your Job" which spotlights key Patriots staffers behind the scenes.

Schefter says a team official for the Bengals saw the videographer -- who was wearing a Pats shirt -- and reported it to the league.

The NFL confiscated the video, according to Schefter and they're currently reviewing the footage to see if there was an attempt to spy.

Earlier today, a reporter asked Bengals head coach Zac Taylor about the incident -- and while he didn't say much, Taylor confirmed a league probe into the matter.

"I'm aware that there was an incident but the league is investigating it, so I've got no comment," Taylor explained.

The Patriots, for their part, tell Schefter there was nothing scandalous about the incident -- suggesting it was just a misunderstanding.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport says the Patriots got pre-game permission from the Browns to shoot but they didn't inform the NFL until after the segment was in the can. That could be why the Bengals weren't in the loop and may have suspected other intentions.

Of course, the Patriots have gotten in HUGE trouble in the past for videotaping another NFL team -- remember SpyGate?

That took place in 2007 when the Patriots illegally recorded NY Jets defensive coaches during a Sept. 2007 game.

Bill Belichick was fined $500k, the Pats were fined $250k and the team was docked a 1st round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.

"This place is horrible."

That's Patrick Mahomes' girlfriend ... who says Patriots fans treated her like such crap at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, security had to physically move her to a "safe place."

Brittany Matthews and Patrick's younger brother, Jackson Mahomes, are regulars at Chiefs games -- but Brit claims their experience in New England was one of her worst ever.

Early in the Chiefs-Pats matchup, Matthews said, "As soon as we sit down, drunk dude 'hey everyone this is patrick mahomes girl and brother, let’s give them sh*t' This shall be fun."

Later, she said things got even more aggressive ... with fans yelling at her for standing and cheering on her MVP quarterback boyfriend.

"This place is horrible, people already yelling every time I stand up, am I not aloud to stand up for football game?"

Eventually, Matthews claims things got so bad with New England fans around her ... security had to move her and Mahomes' brother to another part of the stadium.

"Gillette security came and got us and moved us to a safe place," Matthews said ... "That’s how you know it was bad."

Good news for all? Matthews didn't seem too fazed by the alleged incidents ... she was seen smiling and kissing Patrick after the big 23-16 win.

"Everyone was sleeping on us, so we woke em up," Brittany said.

She later added some shade toward Patriots fans on Monday, writing on her Twitter, "All patriots fans 'we still have 6 Super Bowls' Lololol"

First they boo'd the team ... then Pats fans FOUGHT EACH OTHER after Tom Brady's squad lost to the Chiefs -- and it's all on video.

It was peak embarrassment at Gillette Stadium where even the TV announcers calling the game clowned Pats fans for having the audacity to BOO while the team was down at halftime.

But, it got even worse AFTER the game, when a couple of Pats fans in the disappointed crowd turned on each other and began throwing punches right in the stands.

At one point, one of the combatants took TWO left-handed bombs to the face ... and you can hear in the audio, people were pretty disgusted by the scrap.

Unclear how the issues were resolved ... we're still waiting to hear back from the Foxborough Police Dept.

As for the Pats on the field ... it's understandable why some fans are going crazy after their games these days -- Brady and the guys look NOTHING like future Super Bowl champs.

Still, 10 Super Bowl appearances in 20 years with 6 NFL titles ... oh, and they're 10-3 this season, heading to the playoffs AGAIN! Calm down, Beantown!!!!!

Meanwhile, Tom's already claimed the team is focusing on next week's game against Cincinnati ... so, sorry, Andy Dalton.

Nice moment for Myles Garrett ... who flew to Dallas this weekend to surprise his great-great-grandmother at her 100th birthday party -- and the pics are adorable!

Obviously, the 23-year-old Cleveland Browns superstar is still serving his suspension from the helmet incident ... but the good news is it freed him up to participate in a special family moment.

So, while the rest of the Browns were in Cleveland to play the Bengals, Garrett was partying with Miss Minnie Bell Sanders ... who had no idea he was coming!

Family sources tell us ... Sanders was SOOOO excited to see Garrett at the party -- which was the talk of her senior facility!

We're told Myles stopped and took pics and signed autographs for everyone at the facility who recognized him (staffers and people visiting other residents) -- good times were had by all!

As for the party, Sanders got a special sash, crown and balloons -- and family members served her favorite foods ... catfish, mashed potatoes, cake and cupcakes!

His 2019 season's a bust ... but Antonio Brown will "probably" wind up in the Hall of Fame anyway, so says Andre Reed who tells TMZ Sports he's pulling for the embattled WR.

"I'm sure what's been going on the last year and a half ... it's gonna be a little bit of a damper. But, you can't take away whats he's done in the league, the impact he's had on the league and what he's done."

AB's on-the-field resume is insane ... 841 catches, 11,263 receiving yards, 75 TDs, 7x Pro Bowler, 4x All-Pro.

Off the field ... well, 2019 has been a problem. He's been accused of sexual assault, harassing a sexual misconduct accuser, illegally recording a conversation with Raiders coach Jon Gruden and more.

Brown has denied the sexual assault allegations and says the sexual misconduct claims are BS. The NFL is currently investigating.

But, Reed -- who's already in the Hall of Fame -- says when it comes to football, Brown's greatness can't be denied.

"AB is a great receiver. Whatever is going on with him right now, it's up to him to figure it out, to get himself back on track to get back into the league."

"I'm not going to speculate on all things he has been doing but obviously he's a great talent. Will be a Hall of Famer someday? Probably."

Oh, if you're wondering why Reed is wearing that terrible sweater ... IT'S FOR A REALLY GOOD CAUSE!!"

"My 2ND annual ugly sweater golf tournament in San Diego benefiting the Andre Reed Foundation and Read With Reed literacy program!"

Antonio Brown just issued a massive apology for his off-the-field behavior -- but there's one huge problem with his mea culpa ... it's unclear what he's specifically apologizing for.

"First and foremost, I’d like to apologize to my family, friends and anyone who I offended," Brown said on IG.

"I never once meant to make anyone feel like I wasn’t thankful and appreciative of the opportunity that I was afforded to play the game I love."

Here's where things get even murkier ... AB references "inexcusable" behavior -- but doesn't specify if he's talking about serious allegations like rape or stupid incidents like farting on his trainer.

"While my behavior was inexcusable, sometimes when people are coming at you with false information and allegations, we handle ourselves in ways that we sometimes regret."

Our takeaway from that line is that AB is referencing the menacing text messages he sent to a woman who had accused him of sexual misconduct.

The Patriots cut AB after they learned about AB's texts and the NFL has launched an investigation.

"I do take full responsibility for my actions and I’m working everyday to repair what I broke."

Brown then turns his focus on getting another shot in the NFL ...

"I do know that if I’m ever given the opportunity to play the game that I love, I’m going to work extremely hard to show the world how much I appreciate another chance."

"To the organizations that I offended, I offer my sincere apology to you and my hope is that you forgive me and help me move on from this minor setback."

Those organizations could be anyone from the Patriots to the Oakland Raiders to the Pittsburgh Steelers ... maybe even the Buffalo Bills.

As we previously reported, the Raiders had signed AB to a 3-year, $50 mil contract ... but he had drama with his helmet, his feet and had public spats with the GM and coach Jon Gruden.

The Patriots picked him up ... only to dump him right after the text message incident. Brown later bashed the Pats on social media and referenced owner Robert Kraft's prostitution scandal.

The Steelers couldn't wait to dump AB after he live-streamed a private locker room conversation ... and he went after QB Ben Roethlisberger in the media.

As for the Bills, there was interest in signing AB ... but he reportedly refused to play there and a potential trade never went through.

For his part, AB has been training like a maniac over the past few months -- and you gotta wonder if there's real interest from an NFL team looking to beef up the WR position before the playoffs.

Could you imagine a young Doug Flutie playing in today's NFL? He can ... and the ex-QB says he's convinced he woulda crushed it -- pointing to Lamar Jackson as proof!

"I just wish I could play in the NFL today with these spread offenses, quarterback runs and all that," Flutie says ... "It would be a blast! It would be a little more suited to me."

Flutie was a human highlight reel back in the day ... he won the Heisman Trophy in 1984 and then played pro football until 2005!!!

He could run. He could throw. He even kicked a field goal!!!

So, when Flutie sees another amazing athlete like Lamar Jackson KILLING IT as a QB ... he LOVES EVERY SECOND OF IT!!!

"Lamar Jackson is unbelievable. I was a running QB. He's an elite tailback if he wants to! He's amazing! His shiftiness, his pure speed and then he has the ability to really throw the football too!"

"The other way to stop a QB that runs is loading up the box and leave 'em one-on-one coverage ... and he can make those throws out there, so he's really tough to defend."

Flutie says he's incredibly proud of his fellow Heisman winner and admits, "I love the way he's doing it because it makes me validate some of the stuff I did."

It's a really cool clip.

And get this, Doug is bringing back his famous Flutie Flakes breakfast cereal ... and he's telling TMZ Sports the story about bringing it back after 20 years!

A high percentage of the proceeds will go toward Doug's charity -- the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism -- a cause very dear to his heart.

Johnny Football could become Johnny Spousal Support ... at least, that's what his estranged wife Bre Tiesi is going for.

TMZ Sports has obtained Bre's divorce petition in which she specifically asks the judge to award her spousal support ... despite separating after only a year.

379 days to be exact.

In the docs, Bre says they got married on March 10, 2018, and she lists the date of separation as March 24, 2019 ... which is interesting.

We've learned ... Bre was in Bali on a girls' trip with friends on the date of the split -- and Bre has publicly accused Manziel of "breaking vows."

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what she's implying ... that he cheated on her while she was away. In the docs, she cites "irreconcilable differences."

So, let's get down to the money ...

Obviously, Bre doesn't have a claim to any of the NFL cash Manziel made BEFORE they were married ... but she could be entitled to the money he made during their union.

Remember, Johnny played in the Canadian Football League after he tied the knot -- from May 2018 until he was cut and banned from the league in Feb. 2019.

Unclear how much cash Manziel made in the CFL, but that could factor in to a potential settlement and possibly into a spousal support deal.

Tiesi will likely argue she became accustomed to a lavish lifestyle -- and she believes Manziel should fork over money so she can continue to live that way.

Will a judge agree? Maybe, maybe not ... but this could get very interesting.

Oh, and Bre also wants Johnny to pay her attorney's fees.

Stay tuned ...

Shawn Oakman is officially back on the gridiron ... and he tells TMZ Sports despite being sidelined while fighting for his freedom, he's ready to kick start a Hall of Fame career.

Oakman -- once projected as a top NFL draft pick -- had his football career derailed when a fellow Baylor student claimed the football star raped her in 2016.

The case went to trial ... and Shawn was found NOT GUILTY (the jury only needed 45 minutes to deliberate) earlier this year. Still, the allegation caused him to go undrafted ... costing him time in the NFL and millions of dollars in salary.

Now, Oakman -- who's 27 years old -- is getting a new opportunity to play big-time football with the XFL's Los Angeles Wildcats.

We talked to Oakman ... and it's clear he's not content just collecting a paycheck -- he wants to go down as literally one of the greatest players of all-time.

"It only takes one great year," Oakman says. "A year here, a year there, next thing you know, they're gonna be talking about gold jackets."

"In 5 years I'll be 32? Why not?"

If you're not familiar with the 6'9, 280 lb. Oakman -- aside from destroying dudes on the field -- he also shot to internet superstardom a few years back when a photo of Shawn in his Baylor uni went viral ... sparking endless hilarious memes.

He was a beast then ... and Oakman says he's gonna be even BETTER now.

"I'm definitely ready to show the world that I got a lot more to give to the game than I did before."

As for how it feels to finally put the pads back on ... Oakman says "It's definitely surreal. It's a surreal feeling that you really can't explain. It's like, Cinderella with her glass slipper, you just turn into a beautiful princess. Something like that."

"I'm definitely back in my environment. It feels great."

Oakman and the Wildcats take the field February 8.

Heads up, quarterbacks.

The San Francisco 49ers have suspended broadcaster Tim Ryan for one game ... after the ex-NFLer said Lamar Jackson was successful at faking hand-offs because of "his dark skin."

Ryan -- who played with the Chicago Bears from 1990-93 before starting his commentary career -- went on a KNBR radio show to discuss the Niners' 20-17 loss to the Ravens and why the QB is so good.

“He’s really good at that fake, Lamar Jackson," Ryan said. "But, when you consider his dark skin with a dark football with a dark uniform, you could not see that thing."

“I mean you literally could not see when he was in and out of the mesh point and if you’re a half step slow on him in terms of your vision, forget about it, he’s out of the gate.”

Ryan -- who joined the Niners' radio team in 2014 -- later addressed his comment, saying “I regret my choice of words in trying to describe the conditions of the game. Lamar Jackson is an MVP-caliber player and I respect him greatly. I want to sincerely apologize to him and anyone else I offended,"

The Niners released a statement on Wednesday ... announcing he will not be on the radio waves when S.F. takes on the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.

“We hold Tim to a high standard as a representative of our organization and he must be more thoughtful with his words," the team said.