NFL

Washington Football Team owner Dan Snyder is trying to smoke out the person behind a rash of Internet posts falsely accusing him of being a sex trafficker with ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

Snyder took his battle to federal court Friday morning seeking info on a company called New Content Media, which operates the website, meaww.com. He's also filed a $10 million lawsuit in India against the parent company of the website that published the heinous stories last month.

According to docs, obtained by TMZ Sports, Snyder says meaww.com posted an article hinting that a forthcoming Washington Post story was going to expose Snyder's alleged involvement in sex trafficking. Snyder points out the meaww.com post sourced anonymous Reddit posts, including one that said "[Snyder] is getting [arrested] for sex trafficking. He was on [Jeffrey] Epstein's list too."

As you know, the July 16 WaPo article said no such thing -- it detailed sexual harassment allegations against several team executives ... but not Snyder.

In the suit, he says the site also posted this outlandish theory -- "Will Dan Snyder rename Washington Redskins the 'Epsteins?'"

Snyder, whose team just unveiled its brand new helmets for the upcoming season, calls the stories "utterly untrue" with no "legitimate journalistic basis whatsoever."

That being said, he is painfully aware the articles spread like wildfire across the Internet. As Snyder says in the suit, the articles "have been referenced in at least 22 stories which have generated over 160 million impressions."

Although meaww.com took down the articles under threat of legal action ... he says the damage has been done to his character and his family name.

What's clearly important to him now is not just the $10 million he's seeking for defamation -- but also finding out who engineered the whole smear campaign. In the docs, he says he wants the "identity of the third parties involved in hiring [meaww.com] to publish these false and defamatory articles."

Buffalo Bills superstar Tre'Davious White is considering NOT playing in 2020 over COVID-19 concerns ... and he's going scorched earth on ANYONE who has a problem with that.

"Crazy that me choosing my family’s wellbeing over a game comes with so called fans attacking and questioning me and saying I’m selfish," the All-Pro corner said Thursday.

"No you guys are selfish for thinking that football is bigger than life."

The 25-year-old added, "Oh by the way my girl’s grandfather passed from COVID. U understand now?"

Tre would be BY FAR the biggest name to not participate in the '20 season over coronavirus fears ... and from the sounds of things, he's leaning toward doing exactly that.

The NFL's opt-out deadline is Thursday ... so we'll know Tre's decision in just a matter of hours -- but the defensive back, who has kids, told reporters Wednesday he was really wrestling with the move.

"I'm still kind of undecided," White said. "Honestly."

The decision is a big one ... White is the Bills' best player is only a season or two away from cashing in on a HUGE new contract in Buffalo.

The NFL says players have until 4 PM ET to make the opt out call. Stay tuned.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is fed up with the NFL's lack of diversity on the sidelines ... calling out the league and saying "it's a joke" more minority coaches aren't getting gigs.

"We just have to be better," Tomlin said Thursday on "Good Morning Football."

"Why sugar coat it? There's less than half the minority coaches in the NFL today than there was in 2007 when I got my job."

FYI -- there are currently only 4 minority coaches in the league in 2020, while there were as many as 8 in 2011 and 2017.

"From that perspective, it is a joke. It needs to be addressed," he added.

Of course, the NFL has made attempts to provide more opportunities for minority coaches in the past ... most notably the "Rooney Rule," which was implemented in 2007.

The league has also tossed around the idea of giving teams an incentive via draft picks if they hire minority coaches or execs ... which was widely criticized.

Tomlin acknowledges the league's efforts ... but trying isn't enough -- he wants results.

"I know that we're working diligently to address it, but the bottom line is it has to be reflected in the hiring."

Ex-NFLer Justin Bannan has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity in his attempted murder case ... after the defensive lineman allegedly shot a woman back in 2019.

41-year-old Bannan -- who played 11 seasons in the NFL -- was arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder, assault and burglary back in October 2019 ... after he shot a woman in the shoulder in Boulder, Colorado.

The woman survived -- and she's suing Bannan over the shooting -- but he's also being prosecuted criminally and faces serious prison time if convicted.

Officials say at the time of his arrest, Bannan told a bizarre story about how he was on the run from the Russian mafia and had ditched his cell phone over fears he was being tracked.

Bannan also claimed he did not intend to fire his weapon, claiming the shooting was an accident and he never intentionally targeted the female victim.

Officials say the woman had worked in the same building as Bannan ... but they really didn't know each other.

Cops also say when the 6'3", 310-lb. Bannan was arrested, he was carrying a rolled-up $20 dollar bill, which later tested positive for cocaine.

According to FOX 31 Denver, Bannan is now set to undergo a mental health evaluation at a state hospital.

Bannan was a standout defensive lineman at the University of Colorado from 1997-2001 ... and was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the 5th round of the 2002 NFL Draft.

Darren Rovell thinks Johnny Manziel is washed up.

Johnny Manziel thinks Darren Rovell is a "bitch."

Yep, things are heating up between the ex-NFL star and the business reporter -- and it's all playing out on social media.

Here's how it started ... Rovell posted a tweet on Wednesday comparing 2 Sports Illustrated cover stories from 7 years ago.  ... featuring the Alex Rodriguez steroid scandal as well as the "Johnny Football" craze.

Rovell says A-Rod was at "Rock Bottom" back then while Manziel was the "envy of the college football world."

He then points out that in 2020, the tables have apparently turned.

"Today, A-Rod is as relevant as ever. Manziel achieves a flash of relevance by flipping off a building into a pool."

Side note -- it was a pretty impressive flip.

Manziel clearly feels Rovell's tweet was an unwarranted cheap shot -- and fired back Wednesday with one of his own.

"Seven years later and you’re still as big of a bitch as ever."

OUCH.

Rovell hasn't responded to Manziel and when we reached out, Rovell issued a "no comment."

Shocker, there's some bad blood between the two men that goes back years -- and it apparently all started in 2013 when Rovell investigated whether Manziel was signing autographs for cash while at Texas A&M.

Turns out, Rovell was on to something -- and Manziel was suspended by the NCAA for one-half of a football game.

He eventually went on to be a 1st round pick in the NFL Draft -- but everyone knows what happened after that ... rehab, CFL, fired from CFL, divorce, mental health issues, etc.

But 27-year-old Manziel has said he's moved on with his life and accepts that his NFL career has ended.

The argument that's broken out on social media ... is Rovell out of line for pointing it Johnny's downfall, knowing what he's been through? Or is it fair game since he's pointing out facts.

As for A-Rod, he's doing great -- he survived the steroid scandal. He made a fortune in business. He's trying to buy the NY Mets. And, he's engaged to J Lo.

Josh Allen vs. Patrick Mahomes -- who's got the stronger arm?!

The Buffalo Bills QB says he's down to settle the debate once and for all ... telling the "Good Morning Football" team Wednesday he's formally accepted Mahomes' throw-off challenge!!

"We're working on it," Allen said ... "I'd love to finally settle this and figure it out."

LET'S GOOOO!!!!

If you missed it ... after Allen was given a higher throw power rating in Madden 21 than Mahomes (99 to 97) -- Pat wasn't too happy.

The K.C. Chiefs superstar said he was down to get on a field and prove the video game creators wrong ... telling ESPN he wanted to line up with Allen and see it for real.

"I've yet to see somebody have a stronger arm than me," Mahomes said.

Allen claimed Wednesday the two had a deal in place to get the throw-off done ... but says COVID-19 restrictions have forced them to postpone it.

Unclear when the new date will be ... but Allen says he's hoping the challenge will lead to some charity money.

As for the favorite in the throw-off ... Mahomes says he can throw a ball in the area of 85 yards -- and seems Allen is confident he can match that.

First, it was Lamar Jackson ... and now it's Hollywood Brown dropping major hints about wanting the Ravens to sign Antonio Brown ... saying his cousin would be a great fit in Baltimore.

Of course, AB had been working out with Jackson and Brown this off-season ... and the reigning MVP said just last week he's still hoping the team pulls the trigger and signs the free agent receiver.

Now, Hollywood is going to bat for his cuz ... saying the addition would make the team better ... and praising AB's work ethic.

"I feel like he could fit in this locker room," Brown told reporters on Wednesday. "He’s gonna go out there and give 100% and seeing guys like that is gonna make other guys do the same."

Hollywood added ... "I been working out with AB since I was in college so I know he’s a guy that’s going to push you and he’s a guy that’s gonna take care of his body."

There's obviously one big factor that could keep the Ravens from picking up the phone and calling Mr. Big Chest -- Brown was just suspended 8 games by the NFL for violating its personal conduct policy.

NFL superstar Travis Kelce has finally confirmed his split with longtime girlfriend Kayla Nicole -- but insists it's NOT because he cheated with a "Becky."

As we previously reported, Kayla unfollowed the KC Chiefs TE on Instagram last week and scrubbed her profile of all traces of Kelce ... typically a sign of a break up.

Kelce just made the news official in a tweet late Tuesday night ... clapping back at a social media post that he was "caught w/ a Becky" -- AKA, a white chick.

"This is fake news ... a lie ... and not why Kayla and I broke up," Kelce said in a since-deleted tweet ... "Take all your hatred somewhere else please."

Kelce and Kayla were couples BFFs with Patrick Mahomes and his girlfriend Brittany Matthews ... they recently partied in Lake Tahoe together.

But, Brittany is still commenting on Kayla's IG page which probably means they'll stay friends ... even if things might be awkward for a while with Travis.

Kayla and Travis began dating in 2017 -- and it's still a mystery why they broke up.

Too bad ... they were fun, interesting and super good looking.

Roger Goodell's latest effort to fight for social justice is being challenged by California prosecutors ... who are demanding the NFL stop running a video about the police shooting of Stephon Clark.

The California District Attorneys Association fired off a letter Tuesday to the NFL Commissioner outlining why it believes the Stephon Clark Legacy video, "though well intentioned," also "performs a disservice instead of a public service by omitting the crucial facts which preceded Mr. Clark's tragic death."

Among the complaints made by the association's president, Vern Pierson, is that the video leaves out the fact the Sacramento County D.A. and California Attorney General came to the conclusion the 2 police officers involved in Stephon's 2018 death broke no laws.

As we reported, the Stephon video is the 5th PSA created by Inspire Change -- a joint initiative between the NFL and Jay-Z's Roc Nation which aims to raise awareness about racial injustice and improve police and community relations.

In the video, Stephon's mother, Se’Quette Clark, walks viewers through the horrific night he was killed, and talks about the need for new laws to prevent more tragic police-involved shootings.

You might recall, officers opened fire on Stephon in his grandmother's backyard, believing he was brandishing a weapon.

Stephon, of course, was holding a cell phone. He was shot 8 times ... with 6 of those bullets striking him in the back. But, another complaint from the association is the NFL's video fails to mention Stephon was fleeing police who suspected him of vandalism.

The association wants Goodell to "produce a video that accurately depicts the conduct of all concerned in an officer involved shooting."

The Navy SEALs will no longer support the National Navy SEALs Museum in Florida ... this, after the organization used a man in a Colin Kaepernick jersey as a target for a dog training demonstration.

The videos went viral over the weekend ... showing the man in pads and a Kap 49ers jersey being attacked by 4 trained dogs during a fundraiser for the museum nearly 2 years ago.

A second vid shows the man in the Kap jersey saying, "Oh, man, I will stand," after being bit ... as a joke to the QB's national anthem demonstration.

While the museum is not operated by the military, the Navy quickly launched an investigation into the video ... saying "The inherent message of this video is completely inconsistent with the values and ethos of Naval Special Warfare and the U.S. Navy."

Now, the AP is reporting SEALs commander Rear Admiral Collin Green addressed the topic in an email to his forces ... denouncing the videos and temporarily cutting ties with the org.

“Each and every one of us serves to protect our fellow Americans - ALL Americans," the email said. "Even the perception that our commitment to serving the men and women of this nation is applied unevenly is destructive."

Green added ... "We will revisit our relationship with the Museum when I am convinced that they have made the necessary changes to ensure this type of behavior does not happen again."

"We may not have contributed to the misperception in this case, but we suffer from it and will not allow it to continue."

There were no NFL players involved in the fatal shooting at a raging house party in a swanky Los Angeles mansion, contrary to reports ... at least according to cops.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... they believe the Mulholland Drive mansion party that ended when shots rang out was a gang-related bash for the 8-Tray Gangster Crips, and they say they don't have any evidence to support an NFL player being there.

The fatal shootout went down early Tuesday morning, ending the wild party and sending three people to the hospital, one of whom is now dead. The other two gunshot victims are in critical condition.

While a man who claimed to be the head of security told CBS L.A. the party was in celebration of a player recently getting drafted by an NFL team, our law enforcement sources say cops believe the NFL player scenario was a cover story if any trouble happened. It's maybe not the brightest excuse -- the NFL Draft was held in April and rookies are already in training camps.

Video shows the moment gunshots ring out on the property, which was crawling with hundreds of people, many of whom were dropped off in buses. The driveway was also packed with luxury cars.

Our sources say the party had cake, balloons, decorations and loads of Crips ... but to their knowledge, no NFL players.

The San Francisco 49ers will have a super soldier on their roster this season -- 'cause tight end George Kittle just got a HUGE tat of legendary video game character Master Chief!!

The 26-year-old is an avid gamer when he's not catching TDs ... and one of his all-time favorites is the mega-successful "Halo" video game series.

So, Kittle decided to put his love for the game on permanent display -- getting Halo's lead character yatted on his right forearm ... and the finished product is AWESOME!!

Kittle -- sporting a COVID mask for safety! -- hit up Neon Dragon tattoo studio in Iowa ... and got the work done just in time for the season.

"If you ever doubted my love of 🎮 and @Halo you won't do so now," Kittle said.

"I've got Master Chief with me always."

Another standout college football player has decided to forgo the 2020 season ... this time, it's Minnesota wide receiver Rashod Bateman.

As we previously reported, Virginia Tech star Caleb Farley -- one of the best cornerbacks in college ball -- became the highest NFL prospect to "opt out" of the season to focus on training for the next level.

Bateman -- the 2019 Big Ten Receiver of the Year -- announced his decision to move on from his college career on Tuesday ... calling it the "hardest decision" of his life.

"Unfortunately, in light of the uncertainty around health and safety in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have to set my wishes aside for the wellness of my family, community, and beyond," Bateman said on Twitter.

"Because of this, I have decided to opt-out of the 2020 college football season. I will be taking the next steps in my journey by declaring for the 2021 NFL Draft."

BTW -- Bateman played a huge role in the Golden Gophers' offense for 2 seasons ... racking up 1,923 yards and 17 touchdowns and making him a potential first-round pick next year.

Head coach P.J. Fleck released a statement on Bateman's decision ... praising the player for his time with the team.

"Our program will always support a teammate who makes a decision that he feels is best for him and his family. I love Rashod and will always be there for him."

Bateman added ... "Minnesota will forever be a place I am lucky enough to call home. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you all. Bateman out."

UFC boss Dana White LOVES that his pal, The Rock, just bought the XFL -- but says he needs to get it up and running FAST while there's still a huge appetite for live sports!

"If I was The Rock, I would try to get that rolling as fast as I could. I'd try to get that on television ASAP. I guarantee you there’s a ton of networks that would do it."

White is essentially saying with COVID threatening the NFL, college football and other major sports ... there's a HUGE opportunity for the XFL to thrive in 2020 if The Rock and his partners can move quickly.

"You have all these multi-millionaire athletes that don’t wanna play right now. All these guys that don’t wanna play, They wanna sit out … don’t wanna stay in the bubble, don’t wanna do what it takes. Don’t be surprised if The Rock slides right into that slot with some great programming. 'Cause let me tell you what, people are dying to watch live sports right now."

In fact, Dana -- who's been successfully hosting UFC fights during the pandemic -- says he's offering to serve as Rock's COVID adviser.

"I'm actually gonna call him today and walk him through what I think he needs to do on the COVID side of this thing. And, I have some ideas for him. "

Meanwhile, Dana is getting ready to launch a new season of the Dana White's Contender Series on Tuesday night -- where top contenders face off for a chance at a UFC contract.

Dana says the whole thing is going down in Las Vegas where the UFC has created a "bubble environment" just like Fight Island ... where fighters are quarantined and tested on a daily basis.

"These guys are in a bubble here. We literally have a hotel, our own hotel ... and you get here and you are literally stuck in your room just getting tested all the time."

Odell Beckham is publicly calling for the NFL to cancel the 2020 season ... saying it's just too dangerous to play with COVID still wreaking havoc.

"I just feel like the season shouldn’t happen," the Cleveland Browns star told WSJ. Magazine ... "and I’m prepared for it to not happen and I wouldn’t mind not having it."

It's important to note the WSJ interview took place just before the NFLPA reached an agreement with the league about COVID protocol on July 24 -- and Odell reported to training camp on July 28.

Beckham is reportedly not considering opting out often 2020 season -- and feels more comfortable and confident about things after seeing the COVID protocols at the Browns facility, according to Cleveland.com.

Still, Odell's concerns to the WSJ seem pretty valid ... he explains why the NFL has much bigger challenges than other pro leagues like the NBA.

"Obviously with everything that’s going on, it doesn’t make sense why we’re trying to do this. I can understand basketball was already in the playoffs."

"Five-on-five basketball in an arena is going to be more intense than regular-season games. Hooping is different than playing an eleven-on-eleven contact sport where there's 80 people in a locker room."

"We’re not ready for football season. So why are we trying to push forward?"

Beckham suggested the owners are leading the charge to play ... because they don't want to lose money.

"It’s obviously for their money. And that bothers me because there’s always been this -- and I hate saying it like that -- but the owners’ [attitude is], Oh we own you guys, and just kind of that unfairness going on that they don’t see us as human."