NFLPA Leader Lloyd Howell Demands Teams Switch To Grass Surfaces ... After Rodgers Injury
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.
Here's the close up of Aaron Rodgers' Achilles injury... You can see the pop. https://t.co/VlrzR6RIKI pic.twitter.com/5h6trTbakf
— Video from: @TSV__1 (@TSV__1) September 12, 2023 @TSV__1
"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??!"
Congrats @nfl. How many more players have to get hurt on ARTIFICIAL TURF??! You care more about soccer players than us. You plan to remove all artificial turf for the World Cup coming up. So clearly it’s feasible.
— David Bakhtiari (@DavidBakhtiari) September 12, 2023 @DavidBakhtiari
I’m sick of this..Do better!
"I’m sick of this," he added. "Do better!"
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Steven Tyler Vocal Cords are 'Mangled' ... Won't Slow Him Down!!!
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Steven Tyler's vocal cord injury was even worse than first thought -- he can barely speak -- but we're told recovery is certain and he will come back as strong as ever.
Sources close to Tyler tell TMZ ... after blowing out his vocal cords last weekend at his Long Island concert, to the point they bled, Steven flew to Boston to see his ENT doctor, and the X-rays showed the vocal cords were "mangled."
We're told the injury occurred early on during Aerosmith's concert, but he powered through his entire set, including "Dream On," where Steven hit his famous, glass-shattering note in the song's climax. The audience had no idea he was severely impaired.
Our sources say Steven can't even speak now ... he "squeaks" when he tries to talk.
Steven can't sing for 30 days because of the damage, putting the band's tour on pause.
Nevertheless, we're told Steven's not going to let his injury stop him from doing future shows ... and he's still planning on hitting those risky high notes and he will go 100% once his voice returns. As one source put it ... "Steven's an animal. There's no stopping him."
In the meantime, Aerosmith postponed shows in Detroit, Chicago, Cleveland, Raleigh, Washington, D.C. and Toronto ... pushing them back to January and February 2024.
The good news ... this isn't the end for Steven and Aerosmith.
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Warren Moon I Bet Aaron Rodgers Comes Back ... 'Not The Way He Wants To End His Career'
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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.
Aaron Rodgers Out For Season With Torn Achilles
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.
That being said, Moon did advise the team to go get someone with experience to sit behind the 24-year-old.
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Aaron Rodgers Out For Season ... With Torn Achilles
1:31 PM PT -- Jets coach Robert Saleh addressed Aaron Rodgers' injury with reporters on Tuesday ... and while he said he feels for the quarterback, he makes it clear his team is not going to give up on the season.
"I don't look at it like a 'woe is me' here for the organization," Saleh said. "I think guys are excited about being able to step up and continue the things that we've been building. But a lot of hurt for Aaron."
Saleh added Zach Wilson will lead the team moving forward ... and he has a lot of confidence in the young QB.
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.
Originally Published -- 8:13 AM PT
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Aaron Rodgers Fuera por el resto de la temporada
Actualización
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.
Rodgers ha sufrido numerosas lesiones a lo largo de su carrera, pero esta es por lejos la más grave, y muchos se preguntan si será capaz de recuperarse y volver al estado que lo ha llevado a dominar el campo hasta ahora.
Aaron Rodgers Sale del campo lesionado... En primer juego de los Jets
Actualización
8:48 PM PT -- El entrenador de los Jets, Robert Saleh, acaba de reunirse con los miembros de los medios después de la improbable victoria de su equipo sobre los Bills, y dijo que Aaron Rodgers sufrió una lesión en el tendón de Aquiles y "no se ve bien".
6:15 PM PT -- Los New York Jets acaban de anunciar que Aaron Rodgers ha sido descartado para el resto del partido, ¿pero la buena noticia? Los rayos X dieron negativo.
Bueno ... esto no se ve nada bien.
La superestrella de la NFL, Aaron Rodgers, cayó con una aparente lesión durante el primer partido de su carrera contra los New York Jets en el Monday Night Football, convirtiendo su gran debut a una frenada brusca.
Rodgers estaba siendo exigido en numerosas ocasiones cuando los Jets iniciaron su primera ofensiva del partido contra los Buffalo Bills, con varios jugadores defensivos abriéndose camino hacia el backfield y derribándolo.
Pero a los seis minutos de juego, el #8 recibió un golpe de Leonard Floyd, ex jugador de primera ronda, que resultaría ser un duro golpe. Aunque inicialmente pudo ponerse de pie, volvió a sentarse en el césped con cara de preocupación.
Aaron Rodgers was injured and helped off the field on the first Jets drive vs. the Bills. pic.twitter.com/vtKHRW566V
— ESPN (@espn) September 12, 2023 @espn
Rodgers fue asistido fuera del campo por el personal médico y más tarde fue llevado en un carro mientras Zach Wilson se hacía cargo del bajo el centro.
El entrenador de los Jets Robert Saleh dijo al equipo de transmisión de ESPN que Rodgers parecía haberse lastimado el tobillo, aunque el alcance de la lesión aún se desconoce.
Será una gran decepción para los Jets si Rodgers se ve obligado a perderse tiempo. Como la nueva adquisición del equipo campeón del Super Bowl, el jugador tenía a toda la liga esperando por él esta temporada.
La historia sigue en desarrollo...
Publicado originalmente 6:02 PM PT
Aaron Rodgers Carried Off Field With Injury ... In First Jets Game
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8:48 PM PT -- Jets head coach Robert Saleh just met with media members following his team's improbable win over the Bills ... and he said Aaron Rodgers suffered an Achilles injury and "it's not good."
6:15 PM PT -- The New York Jets just announced Aaron Rodgers has been ruled out for the rest of the game ... but the good news?? The QB's x-rays came back negative.
Well ... this sucks.
NFL superstar Aaron Rodgers went down with an apparent injury during the first game of his New York Jets career on Monday Night Football ... bringing his big debut to a screeching halt.
Rodgers was getting drilled on numerous occasions as the Jets started their first offensive drive of the matchup against the Buffalo Bills ... with several defensive players making their way to the backfield and knocking him down.
But just 6 minutes into the game, #8 took a hit from former first-round pick Leonard Floyd that would prove to be a major blow ... 'cause even though he was initially able to get back up on his feet, he sat back down on the grass with a concerned look on his face.
Aaron Rodgers was injured and helped off the field on the first Jets drive vs. the Bills. pic.twitter.com/vtKHRW566V
— ESPN (@espn) September 12, 2023 @espn
Rodgers was then assisted off the field alongside medical staffers ... and was later taken away on a cart as Zach Wilson took over under center.
Jets coach Robert Saleh told ESPN's broadcast team Rodgers appeared to have hurt his ankle ... although the extent of the injury is unknown at this time.
It will be a huge bummer for the Jets if Rodgers is forced to miss time ... as the team's acquisition of the Super Bowl champ had the entire league expecting a turnaround this season.
Originally published 6:02 PM PT
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Steven Tyler Heartbroken After Damaging Vocal Cords ... Aerosmith Shows Temporarily on Ice
Steven Tyler is hitting the pause button on his Aerosmith Farewell tour, this after the legendary singer injured his vocal cords, causing them to bleed.
In a statement posted to Instagram, Tyler said he received heartbreaking news from a doctor, who ordered him to stay away from his microphone for the next 30 days after the throat damage occurred at Saturday's performance.
He went on to say the rock group is postponing six upcoming concerts, pushing them to January and February 2024. The rescheduled shows will take place in Detroit, Chicago, Cleveland, Raleigh, Washington, D.C. and Toronto, Canada.
Previously purchased tickets will be honored on the new dates, and fans can ask for a refund if they get tied up and can't go.
The sudden change in plans is a bummer for the band, which launched the "Peace Out: The Farewell Tour" just over a week ago in Philly. The show featured original Aerosmith members Joe Perry (lead guitar), Brad Whitford (rhythm guitar), Tom Hamilton (bass) and, of course, Tyler. John Douglas took over pounding the skins from drummer Joey Kramer, who has been on a temporary leave of absence since March 2022.
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Steven Tyler desconsolado, daños en sus cuerdas vocales lo llevan a posponer shows
Steven Tyler está presionando el botón de pausa en la gira Aerosmith Farewell, esto luego de que el legendario cantante se lesionara las cuerdas vocales, causándole una hemorragia.
En un comunicado publicado en Instagram Tyler dijo que recibió noticias desgarradoras de un médico, quien le ordenó mantenerse alejado del micrófono durante los próximos 30 días luego de que el daño en la garganta ocurriera en la actuación del sábado.
El grupo de rock pospone sus seis próximos conciertos en enero y febrero de 2024. Los conciertos reprogramados tendrán lugar en Detroit, Chicago, Cleveland, Raleigh, Washington D.C. y Toronto (Canadá).
Las entradas adquiridas con anterioridad se mantendrán en las nuevas fechas y los fans podrán solicitar el reembolso si no pueden asistir.
El repentino cambio de planes es un fastidio para la banda, que lanzó la gira "Peace Out: The Farewell Tour" hace poco más de una semana en Filadelfia. En el concierto participaron los miembros originales de Aerosmith, Joe Perry (guitarra solista), Brad Whitford (guitarra rítmica), Tom Hamilton (bajo) y por supuesto, Tyler. John Douglas sustituyó al baterista Joey Kramer quien ha estado de baja temporal desde marzo de 2022.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Here's My Latest Cast!!! After Undergoing Elbow Surgery
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Arnold Schwarzenegger has been temporarily sidelined from working out, after going under the knife.
Sources connected to the 76-year-old bodybuilder/actor/politician tell TMZ ... Arnold had nerve damage in his elbow that required surgery last Thursday. Doctors put a protective cast on his entire right arm, so Gold's Gym is without its leader ... but probably only for a week.
He got in his last workout just hours before the operation, and now he's getting his exercise by strolling in the SoCal sun.
Arnold released a never-before-seen video last week, revealing his 2018 heart surgery was way more serious than anyone knew. It was supposed to be a routine, non-invasive procedure to replace a heart valve, but something went wrong and doctors quickly decided to do full-blown open-heart surgery.
Dude's like a Timex watch ... takes a lickin' but keeps on ticken!
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Amanda Bynes Saying Goodbye to Face Tattoo
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Amanda Bynes appears to be starting a new chapter in life, one that does not include heart-shaped tattoos on her face ... because the one she's had is getting nixed.
Check out the side-by-side -- the thin heart under her eye is a lot more faded than it once was. Of course, you can still see it, but most tattoo removals require more than one session ... and they fade away during the process.
BTW, Amanda and her vanishing ink were out Wednesday in L.A., where she was also rocking some platinum blonde hair.
MARCH 2023
As we reported, Amanda was placed on a couple of 5150 holds this year -- once after roaming the streets naked.
She checked herself into an Orange County mental health treatment center at the beginning of July, just a week after leaving an LA-area facility.
Our sources say she liked the latest center, specifically because she could be around a medical team, therapists and other patients as opposed to being on her own.
We got videos of Amanda out shopping and running errands in Orange County at the end of last month, marking the first time she was seen in public since checking into the facility there.
It's unclear if she's still getting treatment there -- as she was in L.A. this week -- but we were told she was allowed to leave at certain hours, if needed, but still planned to remain at the center.
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CEO Jizzle Okay After Lil Baby Concert Shooting ... Cops Leaning On Fans For Info
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CEO Jizzle, the Memphis-based rapper in Young Dolph's Paper Route Empire camp who was shot during Lil Baby's concert Thursday night, appears to be OK ... and cops are still trying to find the suspect.
Memphis Police sources tell TMZ Hip Hop they're actively investigating how someone was able to get a firearm past security at the FedEx Forum in Memphis. We're told there were no other injuries reported, indicating Jizzle might have been targeted.
For now, cops are gathering video and asking the public to call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-2274 with any additional info that might lead to an arrest.
After arriving on the scene, officers discovered Jizzle with a gunshot wound ... he was taken out of the arena on a stretcher and rushed to a hospital.
Jizzle was listed in critical condition but appeared to be feeling much better Friday when he posted on IG ... lashing out at rumors of his death which were floating online.
Much like the police, Jizzle didn't seem to know who his assailants were but assured his supporters he was made of concrete, and the opps could never take him out.
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Lil Baby Gunfire Erupts During Tennessee Concert ... One person Shot, Critically Injured
9:59 AM PT -- The victim's condition is now non-critical.
Lil Baby's rap concert was thrown into chaos Thursday night in Tennessee ... this after one person was shot and critically injured.
The hip hop star was performing at FedExForum in Memphis late in the evening, when a gunman suddenly opened fire inside the venue.
Baby was whisked off stage after the bullets started flying on the first floor, according to WREG News.
Memphis PD officers and Emergency Service workers responded, finding a man with gunshot wounds.
A video posted to social media shows paramedics lifting the man onto a gurney and wheeling him away. Other footage caught all the confusion as fans spilled out of the arena.
The victim was rushed to a local hospital, where he was listed in critical condition.
The suspect fled and is still at large. A motive was not disclosed.
We've reached out to Baby's rep for comment ... so far no word back.
Originally Published -- 5:36 AM PT
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Jimmy Graham No Criminal Charges ... Breaks Silence On Arrest
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3:37 PM PT -- Graham spoke with reporters for the first time since his arrest last month ... and he said he's ready to put the incident behind him.
"I'll be fine in the long run," told the media on Thursday. "Just want to thank the organization and everybody that was with me through those couple of days, my teammates and my close family. Just appreciate everybody and all the concern."
Graham said he will keep his health status to himself ... and would not comment on whether he did, in fact, suffer a seizure.
The tight end also thanked LAPD for its help during the incident.
NFL tight end Jimmy Graham can enter the 2023 season breathing a sigh of relief -- TMZ Sports has learned the New Orleans Saints star will NOT face criminal charges following his training camp arrest.
We're told the Orange County District Attorney's Office decided not to move forward with the case due to insufficient evidence ... meaning Graham will not have any potential legal trouble hanging over his head stemming from the Aug. 18 incident leading up to Week 1.
We broke the story -- 36-year-old Graham was arrested near a Newport Beach resort after cops say they observed him walking in traffic. When they tried to take him into custody, he resisted.
We obtained video of Graham prior to the arrest ... showing staffers chasing him as he ran through the resort grounds.
According to the arrest report, officers believed he was under the influence of a stimulant ... but the team said Graham may have experienced a medical episode, as he was taken to a nearby hospital later that night.
Graham was booked on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance and resisting, delaying and obstructing a police officer -- both misdemeanors -- but as of now, he's in the clear.
Graham -- who is making his return to the field after sitting out the 2022 season -- has since rejoined the team and made the 53-man roster.
Originally Published -- 12:11 PM PT
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'One Chip Challenge' Company Pulls Chip From Stores ... After Teen's Death
Paqui, the company responsible for the viral "One Chip Challenge," is yanking the product off of store shelves ... in response to a teenager who died after eating the product.
The company has a statement at the top of its website, saying the challenge "is intended for adults only, with clear and prominent labeling highlighting the chip is not for children or anyone sensitive to spicy foods."
Paqui says it's seen an uptick in minors jumping in on the challenge, despite the warning label on the packaging -- adding the company's now "working with our retailers to remove the product from shelves."
The company is even offering refunds to folks who have already purchased the challenge. Unclear if it's the end of the product, or if the plan is to ditch the product and come up with a new option ... but Paqui says the product already adheres to food safety standards.
As we reported, 14-year-old Harris Wolobah died in Massachusetts last week -- according to his mother, his passing was a result of complications he suffered from consuming the chip at school.
While Harris' official cause of death is still pending, his mother claims the school contacted her on Friday about a stomach ache he had after eating the Paqui chip, but allegedly was feeling better when he got home. However, she says he collapsed and was rushed to a hospital not long after, where he was pronounced dead.
Harris' mom has been pointing fingers at Harris' school -- mainly for not taking him straight to the hospital when his stomach started hurting, which potentially could've saved his life.
For more viral news, tune in to the TMZ Verified Podcast. Dropping every Thursday on all podcast platforms.
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Bruce Springsteen I'm Suffering From Health Issue ... 'Heartbroken' To Postpone Shows
Bruce Springsteen is postponing the rest of his shows this month, and it's all because the singer is dealing with a medical issue.
The Boss just announced he's pressing pause on his upcoming tour dates ... and he says it's the result of ongoing treatments for symptoms of peptic ulcer disease.
In a social media post, Bruce says his medical advisors urged him to take it easy and postpone the shows.
Bruce and the E Street Band were supposed to perform Thursday in Syracuse, NY ... but that show is on hold, ditto for upcoming gigs this month in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Ohio, New York and Washington D.C.
In a statement, Bruce says ... "Over here on E Street, we're heartbroken to have to postpone these shows. First, apologies to our fabulous Philly fans who we missed a few weeks ago. We’ll be back to pick these shows up and then some. Thank you for your understanding and support."
Bruce adds ... "We've been having a blast at our U.S. shows and we're looking forward to more great times. We’ll be back soon. Love and God bless all."