NFL

The woman who was violently beaten by Zac Stacy is set to testify in court against the ex-NFL player on Wednesday ... hoping a judge makes it harder for Stacy to be released from custody.

Kristin Evans will be in the Orange County, Fla. courtroom in just minutes ... arguing that Stacy's bond should be heavily increased.

A judge initially set the bond at $10,150 for Stacy -- who was charged with two felonies over the Nov. 16 attack on Evans -- but Evans argued on social media afterward that was nowhere near enough.

Evans said she feared Stacy would try to hurt her again if he was released from custody -- and now wants a judge to up his bond amount at the hearing.

Stacy, meanwhile, has been ordered to be in the courtroom in person -- and it's all slated to begin at 7 AM PT.

As we previously reported, Stacy was hit with one count of aggravated battery and one count of criminal mischief after video showed him punching Evans and then throwing her into a television in Oakland, Fla. earlier this month.

Stacy wasn't initially apprehended at the scene, but he was ultimately arrested in the Orlando area on Nov. 18.

Jason Garrett is jobless once again ... the New York Giants just fired him -- only two years after the Dallas Cowboys let him go.

The team announced the move Tuesday, saying they've canned their offensive coordinator after a disheartening 30-10 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Of course, the move is far from surprising ... NY's offense under Garrett has been underwhelming since head coach Joe Judge brought him in before the 2020 season.

Garrett's offense finished 31st in points scored out of 32 teams last year ... and ranked just 25th in that category this year.

Perhaps most alarming was the play of franchise quarterback Daniel Jones, who has appeared to regress this season.

Jones has thrown seven INTs this season to just nine touchdowns -- and he's also fumbled seven times as well.

It's unclear where Garrett -- who was famously the Dallas Cowboys' head coach from 2010 to 2019 -- will end up next.

An Illinois high school has just apologized to Matt Nagy ... after its football team's fans aimed a "Fire Nagy" chant at the Bears coach during its game on Saturday.

The Chicago headman was watching his son play for Lake Forest in its game against Cary Grove ... when in the second quarter, a "Fire Nagy" chant broke out from Cary-Grove's section.

Video from the scene shows the synchronized shouts were loud -- and frequent -- and Nagy no doubt heard them all.

On Monday, Cary-Grove principal Dr. Neil Lesinski said he was sorry for it all ... calling the chants unacceptable and inappropriate.

"As the school principal," Lesinski said, "I want to apologize to the Lake Forest student-athlete and his family for the disrespectful chant."

"We hope to learn from this situation," Lesinski added, "and we have taken steps to ensure this does not happen again."

Of course, Nagy -- whose Bears are just 3-7 this season -- is no doubt used to the chant by now. After all, he's heard it at nearly every game at Soldier Field this season ... and, in fact, a "Fire Nagy" chant even broke out during the Bulls game on Monday night.

Ex-NFL safety and current ESPN analyst Ryan Clark was on the receiving end of disgustingly racist and homophobic slurs on Instagram this week ... and instead of firing back, he killed with kindness.

42-year-old Clark -- who played for the Giants, Washington Football Team and Steelers from 2002-2014 -- shared the awful Instagram DM on Tuesday ... showing an avatar-less troll spewing some of the worst words in the book.

The person also mentioned Clark's 2011 Super Bowl loss against the Green Bay Packers in the most NSFW way possible.

But, instead of stooping to the person's level, Clark responded with the nicest comeback possible -- "God bless you and yours. I hope you live forever."

The Super Bowl champ also spoke about the DM on Twitter minutes ago ... saying, "Y’all at least go to put a picture up Green Bay fans!! This isn’t even fun. Sheesh!!"

"Man good thing racism doesn’t exist huh?"

It's not the first time Clark has spoken out against racism -- back in 2020, he broke down in tears addressing an incident when his son and 2 other Arizona State football players were called the n-word by a customer at a local Whataburger ... and instead of de-escalating, the restaurant manager threatened to call the police on the players.

Michael Irvin's bromance with Amari Cooper is on pause for now ... 'cause the Dallas legend tells TMZ Sports he's FURIOUS with the Cowboys star for not getting the COVID vaccine.

"I'm absolutely hot about it," The Playmaker said. "Are you joking?!"

Because of Cooper's unvaccinated status, after he tested positive for COVID last week, he was automatically ruled out of the Cowboys' games against the Chiefs and the Raiders.

Of course, Dallas got kicked in the teeth by Kansas City with the star receiver out on Sunday -- and its chances of beating the Raiders without Cooper on Thanksgiving aren't looking great either.

When we asked Irvin -- who's been a huge fan of Cooper's since the player was traded to Dallas in 2019 -- about it all in NYC on Monday, he didn't hold anything back, saying, "I'm so hot at Amari Cooper for not being on that field."

"I got a guy who makes $21 million on the bench at home not playing," Irvin added. "It's crazy."

Irvin says he knows even with the vaccine Cooper still might have been forced out of the games regardless, but he said he's mad at Amari for not even attempting to diminish that chance.

"You have to try to mitigate any issue that could cost you a game or a Super Bowl, and COVID is one of them," Irvin said. "You go get vaccinated to try to mitigate it, best you can."

For Dak Prescott's part, Cooper's quarterback chose not to criticize his wideout after the loss to the Chiefs over the vaccine decision ... telling reporters he's pretty sure Cooper would have missed the two games regardless.

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Cam Heyward is apologizing after socking Justin Herbert in the stomach during Sunday Night Football ... saying "there was nothing malicious behind it."

The controversial play went down with just over 9 minutes left in the 4th quarter of the wild matchup ... when 32-year-old Heyward chased Herbert down and tackled him after a 36-yard scramble.

After the play, Heyward remained on top of Herbert for several seconds ... before Chargers WR Joshua Palmer rushed up to push him off. Both guys then got into a shoving match before Heyward unloaded the gut-punch on Herbert.

Heyward was hit with an unnecessary roughness penalty as a result of the play ... and explained his side of things to reporters after the 41-37 loss.

"To be honest, I was running after the ball, and I caught my hand under, so when I was trying to get back up, I couldn't get up, and I fell back on him."

"I know it looks terrible, (but) there was nothing malicious behind it. I don't think I was trying to punch him, but I know it looks worse than it is in slow motion. I'm sorry if I did anything to offend anybody."

"I wish I had said more to Justin after, but there was nothing behind it."

Herbert didn't seem to mind the play -- he even complimented Heyward's toughness and said whatever happened on the field will stay there.

The Green Bay Packers say they're heartbroken over the Christmas parade crash in Wisconsin that left 5 people dead ... calling the tragedy a "terrible, senseless act."

The NFL org. released a statement in support of the victims hours after the mayhem erupted on Sunday ... saying, "Our thoughts are with the community of Waukesha this evening."

As we previously reported, a red Ford Escape sped into a Xmas parade this weekend in Waukesha, WI -- two hours south of Green eBay -- running over several spectators.

Multiple witnesses captured footage of the chaos ... showing the SUV flying down the street before plowing into people who were marching in the parade.

At this time, Waukesha police have confirmed 5 people were killed and over 40 were injured.

"We are grateful for the first responders and others who assisted the injured and comforted those in need," the Packers said in their statement.

"We share our condolences with those who lost loved ones. As a statewide community, we must all come together to support each other in these difficult times."

Arizona Cardinals star J.J. Watt -- who is from the Waukesha area -- said he was also devastated to learn of the tragedy Sunday ... calling it all "horrific."

"Truly hoping everyone is going to be ok and those not involved are now safe," the five-time All-Pro said. "Thankful to everyone who rushed to action and helped the wounded."

The Kansas City Chiefs say they're going to make sure the 5-year-old who was seriously injured in the Britt Reid car crash earlier this year is taken of "for the rest of her life."

The NFL team made the announcement Friday ... explaining after working with Ariel Young's family and medical experts -- they've developed a plan to ensure Young will be supported forever.

According to the Chiefs and Ariel's attorney, Tom Porto, the plan will provide Ariel with "world-class medical care and long-term financial stability."

As we previously reported, Young suffered catastrophic injuries after Reid -- a former K.C. Chiefs assistant coach and Andy Reid's son -- allegedly slammed his pickup truck into the back of a vehicle she was in on Feb. 4 in Kansas City.

Young has slowly and steadily recovered since ... and, as part of Friday's announcement, the Chiefs and Porto say she's continuing to get better daily.

They added that even though her recovery process is still "a long road" -- she did attend her first day of school earlier this fall.

Colin Kaepernick says the Kyle Rittenhouse verdict shows the criminal justice system is broken ... calling the 18-year-old who fatally shot two people a "white supremacist" who benefited from an institution based on white supremacy.

Rittenhouse was found not guilty on all charges in the Kenosha shooting case on Friday ... a verdict that has sparked outrage amongst many people across the country.

Kap gave his two cents on the news shortly after it broke ... saying, "We just witnessed a system built on white supremacy validate the terroristic acts of a white supremacist."

"This only further validates the need to abolish our current system," he added. "White supremacy cannot be reformed."

Kap has spoken his mind on countless social justice issues since kickstarting his national anthem demonstration in 2016 -- recently he called for the police institution to be abolished after no charges were presented in Breonna Taylor's death.

"The white supremacist institution of policing that stole Breonna Taylor’s life from us must be abolished for the safety and well being of our people," Kap tweeted in September 2020.

Other athletes have voiced their disgust with the Rittenhouse verdict ... including NASCAR racer Bubba Wallace, who said, "Ha, let the boy be black and it would’ve been life ... hell he would’ve had his life taken before the bulls*** trial ... sad."

Robert Griffin III added ... "Kyle Rittenhouse can kill without a sliver of doubt & walk free but Julius Jones is in jail for life without the chance for parole after being on death row for 20 years with all types of doubt in his case. What is Justice? God help us."

Kristin Evans -- the woman who was brutally attacked by Zac Stacy -- is back in the hospital dealing with injuries she suffered in the violent incident, TMZ Sports has learned.

Sources tell us Evans, who initially received medical care in the hours following the attack, returned to the hospital Friday morning after she was still experiencing the lingering effects of Stacy's rage.

We're told Evans has been throwing up the past few days ... and is also suffering from back, rib and torso pain.

As we previously reported, Evans was checked out Saturday after Stacy punched her, threw her into a television, and then body-slammed her.

Initially, she believed she had somehow avoided serious injury ... though there's now obviously concern that's changed.

Stacy, meanwhile, was arrested Thursday night over the incident ... and is still behind bars while facing felony charges of aggravated battery and criminal mischief.

Zac Stacy appeared in a Florida courtroom Friday morning just hours after his arrest ... and a judge told the former NFL player he would not be allowed out of jail until he surrenders his passport.

Stacy -- who went before the judge wearing a COVID mask and a blue shirt -- said that might be an issue ... revealing his passport is currently locked in his car in Tennessee.

When the judge pressed, though, Stacy and his attorney said he could have a friend access it and mail it to him -- although they said that might not happen until Saturday or Sunday ... meaning Stacy could remain locked behind bars through this weekend.

Once the passport is turned over, Stacy -- who's facing two felony charges after he was seen on video brutally attacking his ex, Kristin Evans -- will have to post a $10,150 bond, the judge said.

The judge also ordered Stacy to have no contact with Evans and turn over any firearms or weapons in his possession. He added that Stacy must remain in his residence in Tennessee.

At the hearing, it appeared Evans wanted to address the court via the phone, but technical issues prevented that from happening.

As we previously reported, Stacy was charged with aggravated battery and criminal mischief this week after he punched Evans and then threw her into a TV in a violent altercation at Evans' home.

Ex-NFL player Zac Stacy was arrested in Florida and is currently in jail ... just days after he savagely beat his ex-girlfriend in front of their 5-month-old son, TMZ Sports has learned.

We broke the story ... 30-year-old Stacy repeatedly punched Kristin Evans, the mother of his baby boy in the head multiple times before picking her up and throwing her into a television -- all while she begged him to stop and the baby cried.

When Stacy -- a 5th round draft pick out of Vanderbilt in 2013 -- finally stopped attacking, he fled the scene. Evans called 911 and cops say they arrived in under 2 minutes, but the running back was long gone.

On Thursday, officials announced they were charging Stacy with 2 felonies ... aggravated assault and criminal mischief.

Authorities believed Stacy left Florida ... where the incident occurred Saturday afternoon. Still, they were concerned enough about Evans' safety to move her to an "undisclosed location."

Stacy is currently in Orange County (FL) Jail. Orlando PD is listed as the arresting agency, according to jail records.

If convicted, Stacy could face over 15 years in prison.

Zac Stacy's ex-girlfriend claims the savage beating she endured at the hands of the father of her child was NOT an isolated incident ... 'cause the woman says the ex-NFL RB beat her on numerous occasions.

The woman, Kristin Evans, provided TMZ Sports photos of injuries she says were inflicted by the former NY Jets back on August 15, 2021 ... when she claims he flew into a violent rage over rent money.

"He physically assaulted me several times because he wanted the money back he gave me for our rent," the woman wrote in a restraining order application, filed Monday in Florida.

She continued ... "He punched my legs, slapped me, picked me up by my arms, and threw me into my window, which broke. I had glass in my feet that I removed myself."

Evans says she called the cops ... but downplayed the event, telling them they were involved in a verbal argument.

In reality, she says the beating she received in August was actually worse than Saturday -- which was caught on video.

The photographs from the alleged incident are incredibly disturbing ... and show large bruises and cuts on the woman's body.

And, sadly, there's more. Evans says she was also victimized on September 27 ... when Stacy slapped her in the face. The woman tells us she wanted to press battery charges over the alleged incident.

The reason for going public? Evans says she fears for her safety ... and doesn't want anyone else to endure what she's had to go through.

In the docs, she says "[Zac] has escalated violence since May while I was pregnant. He also assaulted me just weeks before our son was born. He will not stop. He will kill me and he feels justified in his actions."

FYI, cops tell us they've moved Evans to an undisclosed location for her safety.

Following Saturday's attack, officials have charged Stacy with two felonies ... aggravated assault and criminal mischief. He's facing more than 15 years in prison if convicted.

Stacy was arrested Thursday night in Florida by Orlando PD ... and is currently in county jail.

Antonio Brown is calling BS on his former chef ... saying he did NOT submit a fake COVID vaccine card to the NFL.

The chef, Steven Ruiz, told the Tampa Bay Times Brown sought and then obtained the fraudulent paper back in July ... but a rep for Brown says it's just flat-out not true.

In a statement to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Brown's attorney, Sean Burstyn, said the Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver is, in fact, vaccinated -- and does, in fact, have valid paperwork.

"Be like Antonio brown and get the vaccine," Rapoport says Burstyn told him.

Ruiz had told the Times that he had a text message exchange from Brown's girlfriend, Cydney Moreau, that helped prove the case against Brown.

In the messages, which Ruiz says were sent on July 2 -- less than a month before the Bucs opened training camp this summer -- Ruiz says Moreau told him Brown was searching for bogus cards.

"Can you get the covid cards," Ruiz claims Moreau said.

"I can try," Ruiz responded.

"JNJ shot," Ruiz said Moreau added. "Ab said he will give you $500."

Ruiz claims Brown was looking for a Johnson & Johnson version because it's just one shot -- and therefore would be less paperwork and much easier to sneak past NFL officials.

Ruiz says he was unable to get AB the card ... but he claims Brown was able to land fake ones for himself and Moreau a few weeks later nonetheless.

Ruiz says Brown actually showed him the fake papers ... and said Brown's trainer, Alex Guerrero, was the one who ultimately submitted AB's paperwork to the team (though Ruiz says he believes Guerrero did not know it was a fake).

It should be noted Ruiz has issues with Brown, with the chef claiming the two had a falling out over $10,000 that Ruiz says Brown never paid him.

Reps for the Bucs have yet to comment on the situation.

Brown, meanwhile, did miss Tampa's Week 3 game earlier this season due to COVID ... but recovered and played in the following three games before an ankle injury on Oct. 14 put him on the shelf.

Former NFL running back Zac Stacy brutally attacked the mother of his child, punching her in the head before slamming her into a television as their 5-month-old son sat feet away ... and the terrifying incident was captured on video.

TMZ Sports has learned ... the disturbing altercation happened at 30-year-old Stacy's ex-girlfriend's home in Florida on Saturday.

We're told Stacy became furious and aggressive with his ex during an argument ... and that's when video shows the former 5th-round pick swinging at her head before yanking her off a couch, tossing her across the room and into the TV.

The TV then falls on top of the woman as she tries to calm Stacy down ... but he throws an object at her and storms into a corner.

Throughout the video, you can hear the woman begging Stacy to stop.

We're told the woman called cops immediately after the altercation, but Stacy fled the scene before law enforcement was able to arrive.

We're also told the woman filed for a restraining order Monday -- for her and her son. In those docs, Stacy's ex claims the football player came over to her house around 2 PM on Saturday ... to see his son.

While there, she claims he flew into a jealous, violent rage.

"He punched me several times in the head! I begged him to stop because the baby was on the couch just a few feet from where he punched me," the woman wrote in the restraining order application.

She continued ... "He then picked me up and threw me into my TV. The TV began to fall and he turned to make sure I wasn't getting up. As I laid on the floor he began to yell at me, telling me I'm destructive. He then picked me up off the floor and off my feet and body slammed me into our son's bouncy seat."

That's when she says Stacy said "I love you" to their baby boy, and bolted. In the restraining order docs, the woman adds, "I fear for my life and my children's lives."

She says she went to the hospital, where she was treated for a possible head wound, as well as bumps and bruises.

Stacy was drafted out of Vanderbilt by St. Louis in 2013 ... and played 2 seasons for the Rams. He joined the New York Jets in 2015 ... and has been out of the league ever since.

Jason Garrett just unloaded the highest compliment possible on Tom Brady ... saying the Bucs quarterback is the best football player "that's ever walked."

The Giants offensive coordinator laid down the praise for the Tampa Bay superstar at his weekly press conference Thursday ... just three days before NY plays TB12 in Florida.

"They're going to make a Mt. Rushmore of football players at some point," the former Dallas Cowboys head coach said. "And, the first face they chisel will be that guy's face."

"He's the best that's ever walked."

Garrett continued, "He's a hell of a football player. What he's done over the last 20 years has been remarkable. And, to think he's 44 years old and probably playing the best ball of his career, it's really amazing."

The admiration is lofty ... but, of course, it's probably deserved.

Tom, after all, has been to 10 Super Bowls -- winning seven of them -- and could potentially win his FOURTH MVP award following this season. He's also been selected to 14 Pro Bowls.

"He's an inspiration to everybody," Garrett said. "In and out of sports."