Baker Mayfield The Next Great Pats Quarterback!! ... Says Mark Wahlberg

Published | Updated
060918-mark-wahlberg-kal-v2 6/9/18
DOWN TO BAKE

The future of the Patriots is currently a Cleveland Brown ... so says Mark Wahlberg, who tells TMZ Sports Baker Mayfield is Tom Brady's successor!!

Marky Mark was leaving Catch in WeHo on Friday when he gave us his State of the Patriots address ... from Brady and Rob Gronkowski's absense from OTAs and Julian Edelman's failed PED test.

Wahlberg goes down the list of rumors and reassures he's confident the team is doing just fine ... saying Edelman's an innocent man ... and there's no way TB12 is hanging it up anytime soon.

But, when he DOES retire ... Wahlberg says the Browns' no.1 overall pick is destined for Foxborough one way or another.

Drew Brees Admitted He's 'Cash Poor' ... Jeweler Claims

Published | Updated

The jeweler being sued by Drew Brees claims the QB is trying to shake him down because he's "cash poor" and needs the money ... this according to new court docs obtained by TMZ Sports.

We broke the story ... Brees is suing Vahid Moradi claiming the jeweler ripped him off several times over the years on several high priced pieces, finessing Brees out of millions.

The jeweler says Brees has no one to blame but himself because the QB tried to offload the items before they had time to appreciate, including a 4.09 carat blue diamond he bought for $8 mil, which he later claimed was only worth less than $4 mil.

Now, the jeweler has filed new court docs saying Brees threatened to ruin his reputation unless he paid Drew $1 MILLION a year for 7 straight years.

He also claims Brees -- who's made more than $194 MILLION in his NFL career -- admitted he was "cash poor" and was "in need of immediate cash."

The jeweler believes Drew was acting "irrationally" when he made the threats out of fear he wouldn't be able to recoup the cash from the jewelry he had originally purchased from Moradi.

Olivia Culpo & Danny Amendola Back Together ... Months After Split

Published | Updated

Olivia Culpo and Danny Amendola just can't quit each other, it seems -- they were spotted back together over the weekend, showing off major PDA ... TMZ has learned.

The recently broken up couple were very much not so at a friend's wedding Saturday in Houston, where we're told Danny was in the wedding party. Sources tell us Olivia came as Danny's date, and that they were doing lots of kissing, hugging, and hand-holding.

Keep in mind ... they split up less than 3 months ago. Olivia told Access Hollywood in March that the two had in fact gone their separate ways, and that it was fresh and hard for her to talk about. Danny was on a similar tip a few days later, offering no comment.

It appears Olivia tried the whole single thing out for a minute -- she's been spotted out on the town with her girlfriends on a number of occasions since the break up. And we're guessing Danny did the same on his end as well.

Why give up a good thing, right?

Dean Cain Make Your Lists, NFL Stars ... Take Trump Up on Pardon Offer!

Published | Updated
Dean Cain
DOOR'S OPEN

Dean Cain says President Trump's offer to listen to protesting NFL players on who they'd like to see pardoned is a great opportunity ... and one not to be missed.

The 'Superman' star made an interesting point Sunday at LAX -- telling us that players who are kneeling against an unjust criminal justice system on the field should get up, and walk into the White House ... considering DT's apparently leaving the door wide open for talks.

Donald Trump to NFL Players, Tell Me Who I Should Pardon!
THE POWER OF INFLUENCE

As we reported ... the Prez said he'd be willing to take pardon recommendations from NFL players -- even the kneeling ones -- suggesting that would address the issues they're protesting.

Dean's also got a hot take on the National Anthem protests in general nearly 2 years after Colin Kaepernick got it started, saying the focus has shifted dramatically since then.

Terry Bradshaw Sides with Eagles In Donald Trump Spat

Published | Updated
060818_terry_bradshaw_kal
GTFO

Terry Bradshaw is sticking up for the Philadelphia Eagles ... telling TMZ Sports he supports their decision to not go to the White House -- saying, "1st Amendment rights, I totally believe in it."

The "FOX NFL Sunday" star didn't mince his words when we asked about the issue -- telling us, "I agree with the Eagles. Totally. 100 percent."

When asked about Donald Trump specifically, Bradshaw said ... "Trump just needs to ... he just needs to go somewhere and enjoy the money he's got."

Bradshaw continued ... "You know what's so bad about that whole event? Was how they were portrayed as protesting, kneeling, during the national anthem when they were praying. That is just wrong."

For the record, FOX News issued a statement after that incident -- saying, "We apologize for the error."

Wiz Khalifa Le'Veon Bell's My Studio Buddy ... Collab in the Works??

Published | Updated

Wiz Khalifa says he's been spending a lot of time in the recording studio with Le'Veon Bell ... and that can only mean one thing, right?!

TMZ Sports spoke with Wiz about the Pittsburgh Steelers superstar ... and the "Captain" spitter says Bell's been hangin' around the ID Labs studio a lot lately

FYI -- Bell's serious about his music. He's even collabed with Snoop Dogg in the past.

So, there are 2 possible explanations for this -- either Bell's getting 1-on-1 sessions with one of the biggest names in the game, or they're working on a project together.

Either way, we're for it.

Muhammad Ali Ex-Wife to Trump: 'Pardon Someone Who's Alive!'

Published | Updated

Muhammad Ali's ex-wife says Donald Trump is wasting his time if he's considering pardoning the legendary boxer ... telling TMZ Sports he should focus his energy on the LIVING!

We spoke with Khalilah Ali -- who was married to Muhammad from '67 to '76 -- and she was shocked when she watched Trump tell the media he was considering pardoning Ali ... presumably for his conviction for resisting the draft in 1971.

That conviction was overturned by the Supreme Court ... so, as Khalilah pointed out, "There's no necessary need for a pardon."

"I think [Trump] probably was a fan of Ali and he thought he would say something positive about him. That might be it ... but it's a little too late."

Khalilah says if Trump really respects what Ali stood for ... he would "pardon" the NFL players who knelt during the national anthem -- and by that, she means Trump should stop trashing them for standing up for what they believe in.

"If you're willing to say its okay for Muhammad Ali to be pardoned for his freedom and standing up his rights and standing up for not going to the army ... then you're telling me that you're ready to pardon everybody that has done that in the same manner as Muhammad Ali has."

Kellen Winslow Jr. 'Emphatically Denies' Burglarizing Mobile Home Park

Published | Updated

5:40 PM PT -- And get this ... Kellen is telling friends he believes the incident was racially motivated. Kellen is claiming he was only at the mobile home park to check out a place for his mother-in-law to live when a neighbor freaked out when she saw a big black man who doesn't live in the community.

Kellen is telling friends he knows the owners of the home which he is accused of burglarizing -- they're friends of his from church. He's adamant ... he didn't take anything or do anything wrong.

Kellen Winslow Jr. is breaking his silence about his felony burglary arrest ... insisting he absolutely did NOT commit any crime.

The ex-NFL star issued a statement through his attorney, Harvey A. Steinberg, saying, "Mr. Winslow emphatically denies committing any burglary."

"He would have no need to burglarize or steal anything from anyone at a trailer park. He looks forward to being vindicated once this matter is fully adjudicated through the court system."

34-year-old Winslow was arrested Thursday afternoon in the San Diego area after cops say he broke into a mobile home community and stole something out of one of the units.

Winslow made more than $40 MILLION during his NFL career -- and his attorney is essentially suggesting that he has no financial need to steal anything ... ever.

Julian Edelman Apologizes for PED Test 'I Don't Know What Happened'

Published | Updated

New England Patriots WR Julian Edelman is breaking his silence about his positive PED test ... saying, "I am very sorry."

"I don't know what happened," Edelman said in a statement.

"I've taken many, many tests obviously over the course of my career, and nothing like this has ever happened."

"I apologize to the Kraft family, my coaches, teammate and fans. As this matter is being appealed, I can’t say anymore but no matter what, I will be ready to play and pursue another championship with our team and for Patriots fans around the world."

Edelman is facing a 4-game suspension for violating the league's performance-enhancing drugs policy. No word on what Edelman allegedly tested positive for.

Diddy Rips NFL Over Anthem Rule I Don't Want to Be An Owner Anymore

Published | Updated

Diddy says he's GLAD he didn't win the bidding to buy the Carolina Panthers -- because he's pissed at the league for the new national anthem rule ... claiming it nothing short of "oppression."

Diddy appeared on BigBoyTV and said he was one of the last 2 bids for the Panthers -- and at the time he really wanted to be a part of a positive change.

But after the new anthem rule, requiring players on the field to stand -- "I don't even wanna own an NFL team no more."

"I don't want to be associated with oppressing black men. I don't want to be associated with telling grown ass men what they can do and not do."

Diddy then calls for black athletes to stick together and fight back against the league ... and says he has their backs.

"This is a defining time."

Diddy also says he's mad at the league for making him feel like the NFL is against him -- and he hopes the league can fix the problem, so he can love pro football the way he used to.

Kellen Winslow Jr. Arrested for Burglary at Mobile Home Park

Published | Updated

Ex-NFL star Kellen Winslow Jr. was arrested for residential burglary Thursday after cops say he broke into a home at a mobile home park near San Diego.

Officials say cops got a call about an incident around 2:39 PM PT -- someone reported a black male adult walked into a neighbor's home.

The person who called police confronted 34-year-old Winslow -- who then got into a waiting SUV and left, according to police.

Cops say they found Winslow in a matching SUV a short distance away and arrested him for felony burglary.

FYI, Winslow made more than $40 MILLION during his 10-year NFL career as a tight end for the Tampa Bay Bucs, Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots and NY Jets.

Winslow was held on $50,000 bail -- which he posted. He has since been released. He faces up to 6 years in prison.

It's not Winslow's first run-in with the law ... he was arrested for allegedly masturbating in a Target parking lot back in 2014. Cops say they found vaseline in the car and synthetic marijuana.

He struck a plea deal and the drug charge was later dropped. Winslow claimed he was not pleasuring himself during that incident.

Donald Trump To NFL Players ... Tell Me Who I Should Pardon!

Published | Updated
Donald Trump to NFL Players, Tell Me Who I Should Pardon!
THE POWER OF INFLUENCE

Donald Trump is making an offer to NFL players -- telling them he wants their recommendations for people who deserve a presidential pardon ... and promises to take their requests seriously.

Trump was speaking with reporters in front of the White House when he talked about his new plan to help determine who should be pardoned.

"What I'm thinking to do, you have a lot of people in the NFL in particular ... they're not proud enough to stand for our national anthem ..."

"I'm gonna ask all of those people to recommend to me ... people that they think were unfairly treated by the justice system and I'm gonna ask them to recommend to me, people that were unfairly treated, friends of theirs or people that they know about and im gonna take a look at those applications."

"And if I find and my committee finds that they were unfairly treated, then we will pardon them or at least let them out."

Terrell Owens To Hall Of Fame: I'm Not Coming to My Induction!

Published | Updated

Shocking statement from Terrell Owens ... who says he has officially TURNED DOWN his invitation to attend his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Owens says he will NOT go to Canton, Ohio for the ceremony in August -- instead, he will "celebrate what will be one of the most memorable days of my life, elsewhere."

T.O. did not explain the reason behind his decision -- he did, however, praise the NFL and the H.O.F.

"While I am incredibly appreciative of this opportunity, I have made the decision to publicly decline my invitation to attend the induction ceremony in Canton."

"I have already shared this information with the Hall. After visiting Canton earlier this year, I came to the realization that I wish to celebrate what will be one of the most memorable days of my life, elsewhere. At a later date, I will announce where and when I will celebrate my induction."

"I would also like to thank the San Francisco 49ers, the Philadelphia Eagles, the Dallas Cowboys, the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals for the time I was granted with each organization. I am thankful for the relationships forged and the lessons learned while part of each team."

"I wish to congratulate all past, current and future inductees. It is quite an honor to be part of such elite company. This honor is something that I will cherish forever."

Story developing ...

Branden Albert Arrest Video Shows NFL Star Hit With Taser Twice

Published | Updated
060618_branden_albert_kal
THE CRAZY FOOTAGE

TMZ Sports has obtained police body cam footage from Branden Albert's arrest -- when he was hit with a taser TWICE as he barreled his way out of a jewelry store back in February.

We broke the story ... the Pro Bowl offensive tackle was arrested for assault in Georgia when he allegedly flipped out at Icebox Jewelry, punching a hole in the wall and threatening the owner.

When cops arrived, Albert -- 6'5", 315 pounds -- allegedly tried to push his way out of the store and leave ... and that's when an officer drew his taser and fired.

You can see the prongs hit Albert and you can hear taser fire -- Albert drops to the ground.

But cops say he PULLED OUT THE PRONGS and got back up. According to the police report, an officer then tackled Albert to the ground.

Eventually, Albert is taken into custody -- but he's out of breath and disoriented.

Albert is due back in court later this month to face two felony charges -- 2nd degree criminal damages and willful obstruction of a law officer.

Malcolm Jenkins To Donald Trump: 'You Aren't Listening'

Published | Updated

Malcolm Jenkins wants people like Donald Trump to know what the national anthem demonstrations were really about ... so he spelled it out in the Eagles' locker room today -- using signs.

He didn't speak a word to reporters -- instead, Jenkins flipped through a series of handwritted signs he made ... clearly trying to get his point across to critics like POTUS.

Here are a few examples ...

"You aren't listening"

"More than 60% of people in prison are people of color"

"Nearly 200,000 juveniles enter the adult criminal system each year, most for non-violent crimes"

"Chris Long gave his entire year's salary to educational initiatives"

"Colin Kaepernick gave $1 million to charity"

"Devin McCourty, Duron Harmon, Matt Slater and Johnson Bademosi lobbied to raise the age from 7 to 12 entering the criminal justice system"

While Jenkins elected to stay silent, Eagles head coach Doug Pederson spoke with reporters Wednesday morning ... saying he was "looking forward to" the visit.

49ers LB Reuben Foster Gets Probation In Weapons Case

Published | Updated

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster just caught another break ... he won't do any jail time in his illegal weapons case after cutting plea deal with prosecutors.

Foster was initially hit with a misdemeanor possession of an assault weapon charge after cops say they found a SIG Sauer 516 with a high-capacity magazine at the NFL player's home.

He was facing serious prison time if convicted.

But, Foster's legal team got the charge reduced to a misdemeanor and he ultimately cut a deal in which he pled no contest and in exchange got 2 years probation, 232 hours of community service and $235 in fines.

Officials tell TMZ Sports ... as part of his probation, Foster may not possess guns of any kind.

Just last month, a judge dropped the felony domestic violence case against Foster after the alleged victim testified that she lied about the NFL player attacking her.