NFL

Joe Burrow está como nuevo después de que los Bengals fueran sacudidos por los Browns, dejando atrás su viejo peinado para zanjar el hedor de la pérdida 24-3 del domingo.

El quarterback superestrella estrenó el nuevo look durante su comparecencia ante los medios el miércoles, y cuando se le preguntó acerca de su decisión, medio bromeó diciendo que estuvo inspirado en el enfrentamiento contra Cleveland la Semana 1.

"Cuando tienes un partido como ese el domingo", dijo Burrow con una sonrisa.

Un reportero intentó seguir averiguando si el ex seleccionado general en el Draft de la NFL 2020 estaba hablando en serio o solo jugando, y admitió que era "un poco de ambos".

Los Bengals, de los cuales se espera que sean uno de los mejores equipos de la AFC esta temporada, salieron a tropiezos en Cleveland, con Burrow y compañía luchando por hacer funcionar las cosas en el ataque.

Joe Burrow is starting fresh after his Bengals got rocked by the Browns ... chopping off his locks to ditch the stench of Sunday's 24-3 loss.

The superstar quarterback -- who became the highest-paid player in the NFL after inking a 5-year, $275 million extension -- debuted the new look during his media availability on Wednesday ... and when asked about his decision to ditch his solid flow, he half-joked it was inspired by the Week 1 matchup against Cleveland.

"When you have a game like that on Sunday," Burrow said with a smile.

A reporter followed up on whether the former #1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft was being serious or just playing around ... and he admitted it was "a little of both."

The Bengals -- who are expected to be one of the top teams in the AFC this season -- stumbled out the gates in Cleveland ... with Burrow and Co. struggling to get things going on offense.

TMZ Sports obtuvo imágenes del incidente que condujo a la detención de Adam "Pacman" Jones en un aeropuerto. Estas muestran cómo la ex estrella de la NFL se calienta con los asistentes de vuelo y los pasajeros antes de ser expulsado del avión, pero el ex Bengala cree que el video demuestra que no hizo nada malo.

Jones, de 39 años, se dirigía a Nueva Jersey desde la zona de Cincinnati para asistir al partido entre los New York Jets y los Buffalo Bills el lunes por la mañana, cuando pidió que lo cambiaran de asiento debido a un enchufe eléctrico defectuoso.

En los videos se escucha a Pacman discutir con los auxiliares de vuelo sobre los problemas técnicos, hasta que en un momento dado, estos le explican que el avión volverá de regreso a la puerta de embarque debido a su comportamiento.

A lo largo de la discusión con el asistente, Pacman se defiende diciendo que simplemente estaba tratando de cambiarse a un asiento que funcionara. Las fuentes nos dicen que Pacman esperaba cargar su iPad para poder repasar sus notas del partido del Monday Night Football, el que tenía programado cubrir más tarde esa misma noche.

Mientras el avión se devolvía a la puerta de embarque, Pacman se enfadó por todo el incidente, insultando y discutiendo con los pasajeros que estaban enfadados por el retraso.

De hecho, se oye a Jones referirse a varios de ellos como "chiflados", alardeando de su riqueza y preguntándose por qué nadie lo respaldaba.

Cuando el avión volvió a la puerta de embarque, Jones fue recibido por agentes de la policía del Aeropuerto Internacional de Northern Kentucky, quienes lo detuvieron.

Jones fue fichado por alteración del orden público, intoxicación etílica y amenazas terroristas. Pero él nos dice que los cargos son falsos.

"No amenacé a nadie", dice Pacman a TMZ Sports. "No estaba borracho. Y como muestra claramente el video, fui yo quien fui maltratado".

TMZ Sports has obtained footage of the incident that led to Adam "Pacman" Jones' arrest ... showing the ex-NFL star getting heated with flight attendants and passengers before being booted from his flight -- but the former Bengal believes the video proves he did nothing wrong.

39-year-old Jones was heading to New Jersey from the Cincinnati area for the New York Jets vs. Buffalo Bills game early Monday morning ... when he asked to change seats due to a faulty electric outlet.

In the clips, Pacman is heard going back and forth with flight attendants about the technical issues ... and at one point, they explain the aircraft will be taken back to the gate due to his behavior.

Throughout his argument with one attendant, Pacman defends himself ... saying he was simply trying to relocate to a seat that worked. Sources tell us Pacman was hoping to charge his iPad so he could go over his notes for the Monday Night Football matchup he was slated to cover later that night.

As the plane was heading back to the gate, Pacman sounded off over the debacle ... cussing and bickering with pissed-off passengers who were upset about the delay.

In fact, Jones is heard referring to several travelers as "crackers" ... bragging about his wealth and asking why no one backed him up.

Once the plane got back to the gate, Jones was met by Northern Kentucky International Airport police officers, who took him into custody.

Jones was booked for disorderly conduct, alcohol intoxication and terroristic threats ... but he tells us the charges are bogus.

"I did not threaten anyone," Pacman tells TMZ Sports. "I was not drunk. And, as the video clearly shows, I was the one who was mistreated."

Robert Saleh clearly believes he'll have Aaron Rodgers under center next season ... 'cause the Jets head coach said Wednesday he'd be stunned to see the quarterback retire after his Achilles injury.

"I mean," the NY boss said, "I'd be shocked if this is the way he's going to go out."

Rodgers retirement rumors have swirled ever since an MRI on Tuesday revealed he blew out the Achilles tendon in his left leg on Monday Night Football.

After all, the dude's going to be 40 years old in December ... and he had already been pondering hanging up his cleats even prior to suffering the injury.

But, Saleh seems to believe his QB will come back in 2024 nonetheless ... though he explained to reporters he's yet to talk to the signal-caller about it all.

"I haven't gone down that road with him," Saleh said.

The Jets head coach ain't the only one who thinks Rodgers won't be finished despite the serious leg ailment ... Pro Football Hall of Famer Warren Moon told TMZ Sports this week he, too, thinks Rodgers will return.

"I don't think he wants to go out like this," the ex-NFL star said.

For now, however, Saleh said Rodgers is weighing his options for potential surgery. Then, at some point later down the road, the guys will chat about '24.

It's going to be a long road to recovery for Aaron Rodgers, according to physician and YouTube star, Dr. Mike ... who detailed the superstar quarterback's path back to the gridiron after the devastating injury he sustained Monday night.

Achilles tears are always serious, but they get even harder to rehab as an athlete gets older, according to Mike ... and Rodgers will soon celebrate his 40th birthday (December).

"To have it at the age of 39 is really rough because it makes the road to recovery that much more difficult," Dr. Mike told TMZ Sports' Mojo Muhtadi.

Mike says the average recovery time is 10-12 months ... but there are instances where recovery has been much quicker (up to 6 months -- this is very uncommon), as well as longer.

It's not a rare injury ... in fact, Mike says around 1 in 4 athletes sustain an injury to their Achilles, and it's not something that only affects football players.

"We even saw this injury with a late Kobe Bryant when he had this injury and also in his mid-30s. And he came back from it, but he was never quite the same. He didn't have that explosiveness," Mike explained.

Assuming Rodgers wants to continue playing, there's some question about how effective he could be as a player.

"I think it's safe to say his mobility will be limited even if he does come back. But the explosiveness is what suffers because it's hard to regain that strength. Although this day and age, we have some pretty cool technologies to help athletes heal faster and better than we did even 10 years ago."

And, Mike is pumped to see what the most modern medical tech can do for Rodgers.

"I'm excited to see the protocol that Aaron Rodgers goes through on this because I think it's going to be not only exciting as a sports fan but also as a doctor to see how the technology helps someone of his stature come back."

Bottom line -- Rodgers is one of the most talented and determined athletes to ever put on a helmet, and if he's intent on returning, Dr. Mike isn't going to count him out.

The new leader of the NFL Players Association, Lloyd Howell, is demanding teams rip up their turf surfaces and replace them with grass ... believing the switch could prevent injuries similar to the one Aaron Rodgers suffered on Monday night.

Howell -- who took over the executive director position from DeMaurice Smith this offseason -- insisted on the swap out in a stern statement Wednesday morning.

"Moving all stadium fields to high quality natural grass surfaces is the easiest decision the NFL can make," Howell said.

"The players overwhelmingly prefer it and the data is clear that grass is simply safer than artificial turf."

Howell went on to say he knows the cost could be high for teams to change surfaces ... but noted "there is a bigger cost to everyone in our business if we keep losing our best players to unnecessary injuries."

He added that he thinks the move is possible because several stadiums will make the switch when they host World Cup games or big exhibition soccer games in the near future.

"This is worth the investment and it simply needs to change now," he said.

Howell isn't the only one who's made the call for the switch since Rodgers tore up his Achilles on artificial turf against the Buffalo Bills -- the quarterback's former teammate, David Bakhtiari, said Monday night, "How many more players have to get hurt on ARTIFICIAL TURF??!"

Kim Zolciak is coming to a small screen near you in the immediate future -- however, don't expect to see her on Bravo just yet ... you will have to switch to MTV to catch her and other stars -- including Macy Gray, Chet Hanks and Johnny Weir -- all on the same show!!!

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Kim has signed a deal to appear as one of the cast members for the upcoming 8th season of "The Surreal Life."

Of course, Kim won't be alone in the house, we're told in all, the cast includes Gray, Hanks, Ally Brooke, O.T. Genasis, Josie Canseco, and Weir.

Our sources say Kim and the rest of the cast flew to Colombia over the weekend where production begins this month.

If you didn't hear, 'Surreal Life' was resurrected for a new season last year -- this after being off the air since the mid-2000s. The contestants last season included folks like Dennis Rodman, Stormy Daniels, Frankie Muniz, Tamar Braxton and others ... a mixed bag, indeed.

Obviously, this development is coming amid a tumultuous time for Kim -- she's in the middle of a divorce (again) from Kroy Biermann, with whom she's gone back and forth over their marriage in recent months.

As we've reported, the latest there is that Kroy's dead set on ending it, despite Kim's apparent optimism about a rekindling.

Anyway, this 'Surreal Life' gig could certainly be seen as some welcome news for her. With Kim getting on camera again, it means she'll be collecting a hefty check from the network ... which could go a long way toward alleviating some of her financial burdens.

We're sure Kim will have no problem sinking back into reality TV ... she's a vet at this point. On top of 'Real Housewives' -- on which she starred for 5 seasons, she also had her own Bravo show, "Don't Be Tardy" for 8 seasons before it was canceled.

Warren Moon doesn't think Aaron Rodgers' Achilles tear will end the quarterback's career ... telling TMZ Sports he's betting the Jets star will make another run at things in 2024.

"Knowing Aaron Rodgers," the Hall of Famer said, "I don't think he wants to go out like this."

Rodgers blew out the tendon on just the fourth play of his Jets career Monday night ... and many have wondered if his time in the NFL is now over.

After all, he turns 40 in December ... and he spent a significant portion of this offseason already pondering retirement -- well before he was dealing with a serious leg injury.

But Moon thinks Aaron will get back on the gridiron eventually ... saying, "My gut tells me that he's probably going to try it one more time."

"Just because he feels like this isn't the way he wants to end his career," Moon added, "four plays into this season."

Moon anticipates it'll be about an eight-to-nine-month recovery for Rodgers ... which will mean he'll have plenty of time in the offseason to ramp up for one more go at things in the Big Apple.

In the meantime, Moon tells us if he were running the Jets ... he wouldn't tap a veteran like Matt Ryan or Carson Wentz to be the new starter -- saying NY should just run with Zach Wilson as its QB1.

Aaron Rodgers' first season with the Jets is over before it could ever take off -- the superstar quarterback suffered a torn Achilles in his first-ever game for New York, officially ending his 2023 campaign.

The team confirmed the devastating news on Tuesday ... announcing the 39-year-old Super Bowl champion will be sidelined for the rest of the season after an MRI revealed a complete tear in his left Achilles tendon.

Rodgers went down in the Jets' fourth offensive snap of Monday Night Football against Buffalo ... when Bills linebacker Leonard Floyd tackled him to the turf.

Initial x-rays came back negative ... and there was a small possibility Rodgers may have just had a high ankle sprain.

Unfortunately for Rodgers and Co., Tuesday's scans confirmed the worst.

Now, the once-Super Bowl hopefuls will turn to backup Zach Wilson ... in hopes of having a successful season without their star QB under center.

Rodgers has experienced numerous injuries throughout his career ... but this is by far the most serious, and many are wondering if he will be able to bounce back and return to his dominant ways.

Now that Aaron's out for the rest of the season with a torn Achilles, do you think it's the end of his football career? Vote below.

1:30 PM PT -- Trotter se refirió a Jerry Jones en su demanda y ahora el propietario de los Cowboys está entregando su versión de los hechos, aludiendo a una conversación que ambos sostuvieron en 2020.

"La representación hecha por Jim Trotter de una conversación que ocurrió hace más de tres años conmigo y con nuestro vicepresidente de personal de jugadores Will McClay simplemente no es exacta", escribió Jones en un comunicado.

1:20 PM PT -- El propietario de los Bills, Terry Pegula, también negó vehementemente las afirmaciones hechas por Trotter en la demanda.

"La declaración que se me atribuye en la demanda del señor Trotter es absolutamente falsa", dijo Pegula en un comunicado. "Me horroriza que alguien me relacione con una acusación de este tipo. El racismo no tiene cabida en nuestra sociedad y personalmente me repugna que mi nombre esté asociado con esta denuncia."

Jim Trotter, un reportero y columnista veterano que trabajó para NFL Network durante cinco años, presentó una demanda contra la NFL, alegando que su contrato no fue renovado después de que presionara a Roger Goodell sobre las prácticas de la liga en lo que se refiere a la contratación de minorías.

"Jim Trotter ... fue despedido de la Liga Nacional de Fútbol porque desafió al comisionado Roger Goodell y a otros sobre el historial de discriminación racial de la NFL y la falta de diversidad", dice la demanda, presentada ante el Tribunal de Distrito de EE.UU. en Nueva York.

En varias ocasiones, Trotter, empleado de NFL Network, propiedad de NFL, interrogó públicamente a Goodell sobre la falta de ejecutivos negros en la liga y en los equipos, incluso durante una entrevista televisada a nivel nacional durante la semana previa al Super Bowl en febrero de 2023.

Aun así, Trotter pensaba que recibiría un nuevo contrato en primavera, cuando expiraba su acuerdo. Sin embargo, este no fue renovado, y a fines de marzo se quedó sin trabajo.

"Muchos medios de comunicación ya han reconocido que la NFL tomó represalias y se vengó del Sr. Trotter por haber denunciado a la NFL por sus prácticas discriminatorias", escribieron los abogados de Trotter, Wigdor LLP.

"El trato dado por la NFL al Sr. Trotter es coherente con un historial documentado de silenciamiento, represalias y rechazo (blackballing) contra los hombres negros que denuncian este tipo de conductas. Este es el modus operandi de la NFL y forma parte del entramado de la liga".

Wigdor es el mismo bufete que representa al ex entrenador de los Dolphins, Brian Flores, en su demanda por discriminación racial.

La demanda también hace referencia a Jerry Jones y a una supuesta conversación que tuvo con Trotter en agosto de 2020, cuando el periodista le preguntó al propietario de los Cowboys (de forma similar a la pregunta que le planteó a Goodell) sobre las prácticas de contratación de la liga cuando se trataba de ejecutivos negros.

"Si los negros se sienten de alguna manera, deberían comprar su propio equipo y contratar a quienes quieran contratar", afirma Trotter que respondió Jones.

Trotter también hace referencia al propietario de los Buffalo Bills, Terry Pegula, de quien afirma que una vez le comentó: "Si a los jugadores negros no les gusta estar aquí, deberían volver a África y ver lo mal que se está".

JT dice que expresó su preocupación por el comentario, pero "no se tomó ninguna medida correctiva".

Según la demanda de Trotter, en la NFL solo hay ocho directores generales y tres entrenadores jefe negros.

Además de la demanda de 53 páginas, Trotter, que ahora trabaja para The Athletic, también publicó un comunicado en el que explicaba con más detalle sus motivos para presentar la demanda.

"La NFL ha afirmado que quiere rendir cuentas en materia de diversidad, equidad e inclusión. Yo intenté hacerlo y me costó el puesto. Presento esta demanda porque no puedo quejarme de las cosas que están mal si no estoy dispuesto a luchar por lo que está bien", escribió JT en redes sociales.

"The statement attributed to me in Mr. Trotter's complaint is absolutely false," Pegula said Tuesday in a statement. "I am horrified that anyone would connect me to an allegation of this kind. Racism has no place in our society and I am personally disgusted that my name is associated with this complaint."

Jim Trotter, a longtime reporter and columnist who worked for NFL Network for 5 years, is suing the NFL ... claiming his contract wasn't renewed after he pressed Roger Goodell on the league's hiring practices when it comes to minorities.

"Jim Trotter ... was let go by the National Football League because he challenged Commissioner Roger Goodell and others regarding the NFL's record of race discrimination and lack of diversity," the complaint, filed in U.S. District Court in New York, reads.

On several occasions, Trotter, an employee of the NFL-owned NFL Network, publicly grilled Goodell on the lack of Black execs within the league and teams, including during a nationally televised interview during the week leading up to the Super Bowl in February 2023.

Still, Trotter says all indications were he'd receive a new contract in the spring, as his deal was expiring ... however, in late March, his deal was not renewed, and he was out of a job.

"It has already been acknowledged by many in the media that the NFL retaliated against and took vengeance on Mr. Trotter for him having taken the NFL to task on its discriminatory practices," Trotter's attorneys from Wigdor LLP wrote.

"The NFL’s treatment of Mr. Trotter is consistent with a documented history of silencing, retaliating against and 'blackballing' Black men who speak out about such conduct. This is the NFL’s modus operandi and part of the fabric of the league."

Wigdor is the same firm that is representing former Dolphins head coach Brian Flores in his racial discrimination suit.

The lawsuit also references Jerry Jones ... and an alleged conversation he had with Trotter in August 2020, when the reporter asked the Cowboys owner (similar to the question he posed Goodell) about the league's hiring practices when it came to Black executives.

“If Blacks feel some kind of way, they should buy their own team and hire who they want to hire,” Trotter claims Jones responded.

Trotter also references Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula ... whom he claims once remarked ... “If the Black players don’t like it here, they should go back to Africa and see how bad it is.”

JT says he raised concerns about the comment, but "no remedial action was taken."

FYI, per Trotter's suit, the NFL only has 8 Black General Managers and 3 Black head coaches.

In addition to the 53-page lawsuit, Trotter, who now works for The Athletic, also released a statement further explaining his reasons for filing the lawsuit.

"The NFL has claimed it wants to be held accountable regarding diversity, equity and inclusion. I tried to do so, and it cost me my job. I'm filing this lawsuit because I can't complain about things that are wrong if I'm unwilling to fight for what is right," JT wrote on social media.

Sólo tenía 36 años.

El agente de Williams, Hadley Engelhard de Enter Sports Management, confirmó la noticia diciendo que el nativo de Nueva York murió el martes por la mañana.

"Se le echará de menos", dijo Engelhard en un comunicado. "Luchó duro toda su vida. Oraciones a su familia".

Como informamos anteriormente, Williams fue colocado en soporte vital en Florida después de que se lesionó haciendo trabajos eléctricos en un sitio de construcción. La semana pasada, Williams luchó por su vida "casi sin responder", según miembros de su familia.

Williams, que destacó en Syracuse, fue elegido en la cuarta ronda del Draft de la NFL de 2010. Tuvo una primera temporada estelar para los Bucs, terminando segundo en la consideración de Novato Ofensivo del Año.

Mike jugó cuatro temporadas con Tampa Bay y tuvo breves temporadas con los Bills y los Chiefs.

Registró 3.089 yardas de recepción y 26 touchdowns a lo largo de su carrera.

Los Bucs emitieron un comunicado sobre el fallecimiento de Williams que decía: "Nos entristece enterarnos de la muerte prematura de Mike Williams, quien ha dejado a nuestra organización, a sus ex compañeros de equipo y a los aficionados con el corazón roto".

"Enviamos nuestras más profundas condolencias a su familia y seres queridos mientras lloran esta tragedia".

Mike Williams -- a former NFL receiver who played for the Buccaneers and Bills -- has passed away following a tragic accident at a construction site.

He was only 36 years old.

Williams' agent, Hadley Engelhard of Enter Sports Management, confirmed the news ... saying the New York native died Tuesday morning.

"He will be missed," Engelhard said in a statement. "He fought hard his whole life. Prayers to his family."

As we previously reported, Williams was placed on life support in Florida after he was injured doing electrical work at a construction site. Williams was "mostly non-responsive" as he fought for his life last week, according to family members.

Williams -- a standout at Syracuse -- was selected in the 4th round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He had a stellar first season for the Bucs, finishing second in Offensive Rookie of the Year consideration.

Mike went on to play four seasons with Tampa Bay, and had short stints with the Bills and Chiefs.

He logged 3,089 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns over the course of his career.

The Bucs released a statement on Williams' passing ... saying, "We are saddened to hear of the untimely death of Mike Williams, which has left our organization, his former teammates and fans with heavy hearts."

"We send our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones as they mourn this tragedy."

Tom Brady's talents aren't limited to the football field, 'cause the retired NFL superstar's got some serious skills on the hardwood, too -- showing off his wet jumper in a recent basketball workout!!

The 7-time Super Bowl champion put his moves on display with an Instagram video on Tuesday ... putting up shots with his eldest son, Jack, at The Summit in New York with famous NBA skills trainer Chris Brickley.

The 46-year-old is pretty impressive as he sinks shots all over the court ... even testing his luck against Jack in a friendly game of one-on-one.

Jack -- the son Brady had with actress Bridget Moynahan in 2007 -- also proved he's got range for days ... draining a couple three-point shots in front of his pops.

"Thanks for having us @cbrickley603," Brady said on IG. "I’m gonna need a few more sessions to be able to keep up with this kid soon."

FYI, this isn't the first time Brady revealed he's more than just a football player ... Tom was caught on camera years ago playing pick-up basketball with the G.O.A.T. of the sport -- Michael Jordan.

Brady has been keepin' himself busy since he retired earlier this year .... outside of family time and shootin' hoops, the future NFL Hall of Famer has become a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders and Aces, an owner of a Major League Pickleball team, and joined E1 boat racing league.

He's also an advisor for Delta Airlines.

1:31 PM PT -- El entrenador de los Jets, Robert Saleh, abordó la lesión de Aaron Rodgers con los periodistas el martes, y aunque dijo que lo siente por el quarterback, deja claro que su equipo no va a renunciar a la temporada.

"No lo veo como un 'ay de mí para la organización", dijo Saleh. "Creo que los chicos están entusiasmados con la posibilidad de dar un paso adelante y continuar con lo que hemos estado trabajando. Pero mucha tristeza por Aaron".

Saleh agregó que Zach Wilson liderará al equipo en el futuro, y tiene mucha confianza en el joven jugador.

La primera temporada de Aaron Rodgers con los Jets ha terminado antes de que pudiera siquiera despegar. La superestrella sufrió un desgarro en su tendón de Aquiles en su primer juego para el equipo neoyorquino, terminando oficialmente su campaña 2023.

El equipo confirmó la devastadora noticia el martes, anunciando que el campeón del Super Bowl de 39 años estará fuera de juego por el resto de la temporada después de que una resonancia magnética revelara un desgarro completo en su tendón de Aquiles izquierdo

Rodgers cayó al suelo en el cuarto ataque ofensivo de los Jets en el Monday Night Football contra Buffalo, cuando el linebacker de los Bills, Leonard Floyd, lo derribó al césped.

Las radiografías iniciales fueron negativas, pero había una pequeña posibilidad de que Rodgers solo tuviera un esguince de tobillo alto.

Por desgracia para Rodgers y compañía, las exploraciones del martes confirmaron lo peor.

Ahora, los otrora aspirantes al Super Bowl recurrirán al suplente Zach Wilson... con la esperanza de tener una temporada exitosa sin su jugador estrella en el centro.