NFL

University of Michigan fans shouldn't point their fingers at Ohio State over the Urban Meyer scandal, 'cause the Maize & Blue don't exactly have clean hands either ... so says an ex-OSU football star.

Buckeye legend Shawn Springs -- the #3 pick in the '97 NFL Draft -- says he's definitely not proud of what went down at Ohio State and knows the school needs to do better. But, trash talk doesn't help anyone.

He also points out that OSU ain't the first big school to mess up -- and he's got this message for everyone throwing stones at the Buckeye athletics program.

"I would ask them what school they went to, and tell me a school that hadn't went through some type of trials and tribulations or problems."

"I can't name one. I know my Michigan buddies, they won't even mention anything. They have no room to talk up there, that school up north."

Springs wasn't specific about which scandal he was referencing -- but UM's had their fair share (remember the basketball scandal with Chris Webber?).

Shawn believes, in the end, the scandal will force the current OSU football players to rally together and it could make them better and stronger than ever before.

Former NFL QB Erik Kramer wants to erase his marriage from the books ... claiming his 2015 failed suicide attempt left him with a lack of mental capacity to legally consent to marriage.

According to new legal docs ... Kramer says his wife, Courtney Baird, stole $50k of his money before they wed, and she's now filed for divorce.

He says before they got married, Baird "exerted undue influence upon me to convince me, given my weakened mental state, that her actions were not wrongful."

Now, Kramer claims his 2017 marriage -- which lasted less than a year and a half -- never should have happened in the first place ... because he suffered a traumatic brain injury when he shot himself in 2015.

Kramer was reportedly suffering from depression, which some believed was triggered by head injuries during his playing days, when he attempted to kill himself.

Kramer maintained he was not diagnosed with any concussions during his NFL career, and did not link his suicide attempt to CTE. Nevertheless, he says he has still not recovered from the brain injury from the suicide attempt so when he said "I do," it was without the necessary mental capacity to seal the deal.

Baird want the divorce judge to divvy up their earnings and also wants him to pay spousal support. She'd get neither if the marriage is annulled.

We broke the story ... Kramer's wife filed for divorce in June on the heels of his arrest for domestic assault. She also got a domestic violence restraining order.

The man who got pummeled by Kourtney Kardashian's ex says he's going to sue Drake and Odell Beckham Jr. ... because he believes they're responsible for the attack.

The victim -- Bennett Sipes -- has lawyered up and they don't just have Kourtney's ex, Younes Bendjima, in their crosshairs. TMZ broke the story ... Younes beat the crap out of Bennett outside Delilah restaurant in WeHo back in March, as Drake, Odell and their posses looked on.

Sipes' lawyer, Colin Jones at the Wilshire Law Firm, tells TMZ ... he learned from speaking to his client and witnesses that his client's girlfriend -- famed Instagram model Sommer Ray -- was hanging in the VIP section of the club during the evening, chatting with Odell. Toward the end of the night, Sipes -- who was an employee of Delilah, but not working that night -- went to the VIP section to get his GF, and Odell was none too pleased.

What happened next is unclear. It seems words were exchanged, but it did not get physical. Cut to around 2:30 AM, when Drake, Odell and their crews left through the back door. That's when Sipes appeared, said something, and Younes unleashed a barrage of punches, and was joined by another man.

Attorney Jones believes the other man who began punching was a member of either Drake's or Odell's security team, which would make them responsible for what the guy did.

Sources connected with the group say Sipes was the aggressor in the VIP area, and incited them as they left. They also say Drake and Odell had nothing to do with the fight.

Jones said he had no idea Younes was the guy who delivered the initial flurry of punches until he saw the video we posted Wednesday, and that was enough to commit to a lawsuit.

Sipes was pretty badly beaten as you can see. Jones says his client is still going through physical therapy, months after the attack.

As we reported, Sipes went to the L.A. County Sheriff's Dept. and filed a police report, but has been uncooperative since ... so the investigation's closed.

Aaron Donald sent a message to the Rams on Thursday -- six of them, in fact -- letting his abs say the words his mouth didn't ... PAY ME!!

The not-so-subtle memo to his L.A. bosses went down on Donald's IG ... where the superstar D-lineman -- who's still holding out -- posed shirtless with every one of his six abs flashing.

The caption might as well have had general manager Les Snead's name on it too ... 'cause it read, "Lookin good for 280."

Translation -- he's a 6"1', 280-pound monster in incredible shape ready to get back on the football field.

Beto O'Rourke has two pretty powerful athlete allies after his speech about the NFL kneeling issue -- LeBron James and Arian Foster.

FYI, O'Rourke is running for senator in Texas against Ted Cruz -- and started to become famous this week thanks to a video from a Texas town hall showing Beto explaining why kneeling during the anthem is NOT disrespectful.

"And so non-violently, peacefully, while the eyes of this country are watching these games, [some NFL players] take a knee to bring our attention and our focus to this problem to ensure that we fix it," O’Rourke said.

"That is why they are doing it, and I can think of nothing more American than to peacefully stand up, or take a knee, for your rights, anytime, anywhere, any place."

‏LeBron tweeted about the video on Thursday -- calling it a "must watch."

Foster -- a former star NFL running back for the Houston Texans -- took it a step further ... spending the day campaigning with O'Rourke in Houston.

Beto put out a statement thanking Arian for his support -- "Grateful that [Arian Foster] would spend the day with us in Spring and Houston. Grabbing smoothies, driving the truck, joining the discussion about how this community and this state leads the way on so many important issues. Hope you have a fun birthday tomorrow!"

TMZ Sports has obtained the Richie Incognito 911 call made by a funeral home staffer Monday who was clearly in fear for her life -- when the NFL star allegedly threatened to shoot the funeral director at a mortuary in Arizona.

The staffer made the call in secret because she didn't want to "escalate the situation" -- and while she's cool, calm and collected on the phone, it's obvious everyone inside the building was scared.

"We have somebody that we're very afraid of right now," the staffer told the 911 operator.

"He made a gesture at one of our funeral directors and told him he was gonna kill him."

The staffer also noted that Richie claimed to have guns in his truck.

The 911 operator said a squad of officers were racing to the scene and explained, "We're very familiar with [Richie]. We've been dealing with him for the last couple of days."

When cops arrived, Richie was arrested at gunpoint -- and officers DID find a cache of weapons and a silencer in his Ford Raptor.

Richie was at the funeral home to view his father, who had passed away suddenly.

Incognito's attorney has previously told TMZ Sports the death has been "traumatic" for Richie and the entire family.

Baltimore Ravens safety Eric Weddle says it's RIDICULOUS the NFL just hit Jimmy Smith with a 4-game suspension for "arguing" with his ex-girlfriend ... considering the incident never turned physical.

"It’s hard to fathom arguing with your [significant other], never touching her and that gets you a suspension like this," Weddle told the Baltimore Sun.

Smith was punished by the league after an investigation showed he used "threatening and emotionally abusive behavior" directed at his ex-girlfriend. Smith claims he never touched her.

Weddle and Smith are friends -- and Weddle says he knows there was "never a physical confrontation."

"I know details of it that I can’t get into, so I just feel bad for him. And it’s hard for a guy put into that spot, where he can’t really stand up for himself and tell the truth. Because if he does, it’ll be a lot worse in the grand scheme of things.”

Weddle claims the league is overreacting because they're afraid of another Ray Rice situation -- where a TMZ Sports video later shows the incident was MUCH worse than what was initially reported.

"Everybody goes back to Ray Rice and the video coming out, and they don’t want that to happen," Weddle said ... "I know for sure that was obviously on their mind."

Weddle says the most frustrating part to this is that other guys in the league are "getting DUIs or physically abusing other people, and they never get near this [penalty]."

LaDainian Tomlinson says it's not even a debate in his mind -- if he's Todd Bowles, Teddy Bridgewater is the starting QB on opening day for the NY Jets.

Darnold -- the #3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft -- has been solid in the pre-season ... showing real potential, despite his inexperience.

On the other hand, Teddy Bridgewater has been a STUD after coming back from one of the worst knee injuries in the history of the league.

The race for the starting job has been neck and neck -- and the team hasn't made an official announcement as to who will start Week 1.

But, LT says it's an easy decision for him ... ya gotta go with Teddy B. But, he's not throwing shade at Darnold.

Richie Incognito's father's death was unexpected -- and the Pro Bowl lineman took it extremely hard in the time leading up to his arrest at an Arizona funeral home ... TMZ Sports has learned.

As we previously reported, Incognito was taken into custody Monday after officials say he went off the rails at a mortuary following the death of his father. He was released from jail 24 hours later.

Now, Richie's Las Vegas attorney, Joseph Ganley, has issued a statement on Richie's behalf.

"Richie Incognito would like to thank everyone who has reached out to express their condolences and concern over the last several days. Richie had a tremendous relationship with his father; he admired him, he emulated him, and he loved him."

"His father, Richard D. Incognito, Sr., served this country bravely and honorably during the Vietnam War in the United States Army, which made his sons extremely proud. Mr. Incognito’s unexpected death this past weekend was traumatic for the entire Incognito family."

"Richie’s lawyers are investigating the complete circumstances surrounding his misdemeanor arrest on Monday by the Scottsdale Police Department, and may have more to report when that investigation is concluded."

Donald Trump is taking his beef with ESPN to the masses -- he's launched a petition to try and get the "spineless" network to play the national anthem during the "Monday Night Football" broadcast.

ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro had said last week that "We generally have not broadcasted the anthem and I don't think that will change this year."

Trump was PISSED and sent an email to his supporters announcing that he's started a petition to get "The Star-Spangled Banner" on TV.

"Just after we heard a sitting governor trash America, ESPN has now decided it will no longer play the National Anthem before Monday Night Football," the email from Trump said. The governor referred to is NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo ... who made headlines last week for saying America "was never that great."

Trump's email continues ... "If 'America' is too offensive for anyone in our country, then what are they doing in America?"

"I’m calling on you to join me in denouncing this SPINELESS surrender to the politically correct liberal mob. I was the first person to sign this petition. Now I need you to follow my lead and be the second."

Trump began railing against ESPN at Tuesday's rally in West Virginia -- where he told the crowd, "It was just announced by ESPN that rather than defending our anthem, our beautiful, beautiful national anthem and defending our flag, they just won't broadcast when they play the national anthem."

"We don't like that," Trump added.

"So, while the players are kneeling, some of them not all of them at all, you're all proudly standing for our national anthem."

Forget every NFL player ever that's rocked No. 26 in their careers ... 'cause Clinton Portis says HE put that digit on the map -- and he's downright HAPPY Adrian Peterson chose it in D.C.!!

Portis dominated the Redskins' backfield from 2004 to 2010 -- and he did it the whole time in the two-six ... a number Washington just gave to A.P. after signing him Monday.

Portis tweeted after hearing the uniform news, "put some R E S P “I” C T on my #! I love AP but damn it’s plenty jerseys to pick from! DOUG,BRUCE ,DAN 👀 thanks lower management."

But, Portis tells us that was all just a joke ... and he's actually HONORED the future Hall of Famer is rockin' the number he says he helped make cool for guys like A.P., Le'Veon Bell and Saquon Barkley to wear today.

In fact ... Portis tells us he's so fired up about Peterson's jersey choice ... he's got a message for the tailback heading into his first Redskins game this week.

Jim Brown says he's throwing his support behind President Donald Trump -- even though he knows he'll be vilified in the black community.

The NFL Hall of Famer appeared on "The JT The Brick Show" on Fox Sports Radio and since he's met with so many Presidents in the past, he was asked how he felt about Trump.

"I should be criticizing Trump on every level because he does certain things that call for criticism but when I look at television I see all these announcers become experts and they're pointing the fingers and they're not doing a doggone thing but pointing their fingers, I find myself really pulling for the president."

"Now, that would make me very unpopular in the black community, very unpopular with a lot of Americans ... but I think that there are certain good things that are coming out of this Presidency because we've never seen anything like it."

He added, "I mean there's confusion. A lot of people are retiring. A lot of people are giving their opinions and we have to really dig deep down inside to come with the right kind of an answer."

Brown -- who also doubled down on his stance against NFL kneelers -- also had this to say to people who believe he's not a good American.

"I believe that I have to work on myself first to be as good a person as I could be to back up my country as best as I know how."

"And the second situation I should be helpful to those people who need help that don't have life as good as I have it and if I do those two things, I think I'm making my contribution."

Brown famously went to Trump Tower right after Trump won the election to talk about how he can make a positive impact in the black community.

Floyd Mayweather also famously met with Trump during the transition but he has since distanced himself from the president. Brown clearly feels differently.

Baltimore Ravens CB Jimmy Smith has been suspended 4 games for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy ... after an investigation determined he verbally threatened and emotionally abused his baby mama.

The Ravens released a statement Tuesday ... saying the investigation found "threatening and emotionally abusive behaviors by Jimmy toward his former girlfriend that showed a pattern of improper conduct."

The woman involved in the incident has a child with Smith. The two had been in a custody dispute that begin in 2015.

Details on any specific incident are unclear ... but NFL insider Mike Garafolo reports the punishment stems from court docs filed by Smith's ex, claiming "physical violence."

While the league found no evidence of Smith putting his hands on his baby mama, the Ravens believe there was enough evidence to punish Smith for the first 4 weeks of the season.

The Ravens say they spoke with relationship and domestic violence experts and a group of "women and men executives, not directly involved with our football operations" to review the situation as well.

"We also engaged in conversations with Jimmy about his past behavior and his intention to change."

"Additionally, it is our understanding that following a long-running and difficult custody dispute with his former girlfriend and mother of his son, Jimmy has resolved his custody and support issues."

Smith -- the 27th overall pick in the 2011 Draft -- addressed the suspension, apologizing and owning up to his actions.

Kyle Shanahan is adamant the 49ers are NOT one of the teams allegedly colluding against Eric Reid to keep him out of the NFL ... saying S.F. would LOVE to have him back.

But ... there's a catch -- with Shanahan telling reporters Tuesday the Niners would only take the safety back if he were willing to play on a minimum deal AND as a backup.

Remember ... Reid was one of Colin Kaepernick's first and loudest supporters when it came to kneeling during the national anthem -- and he's part of a lawsuit alleging the NFL is blackballing him from the league because of that.

Shanahan didn't comment on that matter ... but he did say he would have no problems re-signing the former Pro Bowler at the right price.

"I like Eric," Kyle says. "He's a good player. A good person. And, that'd be great if we could have him in that role."

In fact, Shanahan says it's actually Eric that might be holding up the whole process of being signed -- saying he thinks the DB wouldn't "be that interested in" a backup deal.

Richie Incognito was violent, incoherent and emotional before he was arrested at a funeral home in Arizona -- with one witness saying the NFL lineman asked the staff to "cut his dad's head off for research purposes."

It's all in the police report released by Scottsdale PD in which at least one mortuary staffer told cops he "thought Incognito was going to kill him."

Richie arrived to Messinger Mortuary on Monday after his father passed away. One staffer told police the family had advised him that Richie would not be allowed to attend the funeral because he'd been "acting erratically."

When staff confronted Richie, he began "punching caskets and throwing things

One staffer told cops, Richie told him he had a truck full of guns outside and used his hand to make the shape of a gun. The staffer clearly felt threatened and said he ran into a secure room where he knew he'd be safe.

When cops arrived, they arrested Incognito at gunpoint. Cops say Richie "appeared to lack concentration and was unable to maintain a coherent thought, rather, he appeared to ramble about numerous things that did not correlate."

Cops say his mood would swing from respectful and calm to angry.

When cops searched Richie's truck, they found multiple guns -- including 3 rifles, 2 handguns and a silencer for a handgun.

Incognito was booked for disorderly conduct and threatening/intimidating people.

He spent the night in custody and was later bonded out by his family.

The arrest is eerily similar to a May incident in Florida when Incognito was taken into custody at a gym for threatening another gym patron. The cops at the scene noted Incognito's erratic behavior and "altered paranoid state."

1:00 PM PT -- Richie is out of jail. A source close to Richie tells us he was bonded out by family members who love and support him.

Ex-NFL star Richie Incognito was arrested in Arizona on Monday after allegedly going berserk in a funeral home following the death of his father ... TMZ Sports has learned.

We're told ... the 35-year-old offensive lineman was talking with staffers at the funeral home when he suddenly exploded and began yelling at various people.

Sources say Incognito allegedly told people he had guns in his Ford Raptor and would shoot people. We're told he also threatened to damage property at the funeral home.

TMZ Sports obtained the emergency dispatch audio in which you can hear the operator say Richie was "mad at employees and wants to kill someone."

Cops were called to the scene to respond to an "out of control" Incognito. He was ultimately arrested for disorderly conduct and taken to a nearby station where he was booked and posed for a mug shot.

We're told cops got a search warrant on the Ford -- and did find guns inside the vehicle. The vehicle and the weapons were impounded.

We're told he's still in custody at the time of this post.

Incognito had tweeted that his father passed away over the weekend. Richie had been in Arizona to move out of his longtime home.

As we previously reported, Incognito was taken into custody at a gym in Florida back in May after he allegedly attacked another patron while cussing the guy out.

Cops said Incognito appeared to be in an "altered paranoid state" during the incident. He was placed on an involuntary psychiatric hold. He was released a few days later.

Incognito had announced he had retired from pro football after the 2017 season -- but told TMZ Sports he was open to signing with a team in 2018 if the money was right.

We've reached out to Richie and his attorney for comment -- so far, no word back.

Incognito was a helluva player during his 13 seasons in the NFL -- making the Pro Bowl 4 times and reportedly earning more than $25 million dollars in contract money.

Incognito was infamously linked to the Miami Dolphins bullying scandal back in 2013 -- when he was suspended for misconduct for hazing teammate Jonathan Martin.

Years later, Martin threatened Incognito on social media -- and was apprehended by police a short time later. Cops found guns and knives on Martin at the time of his arrest.

Incognito told TMZ Sports he had no hard feelings for Martin and was praying for him.