Earl Thomas Will Regret Flipping Off Seahawks ... Says Ex-Teammate

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IT'S HUMAN NATURE
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He may not regret it now, but Earl Thomas will end up wishin' he didn't throw the ol' single barrel salute to his team last Sunday ... his ex-Seahawks teammate Walter Thurmond tells TMZ Sports.

Earl had been SUPER pissed about not getting a new long-term deal from Seattle this offseason, but decided to play anyway ... and promptly broke his leg against the Cards.

That's when Thomas -- bitter about the whole situation -- threw up the one-finger salute to Pete Carroll and Co. ... something Thurmond says the All-Pro safety will regret.

"That's one of those things where it's, 'I shouldn't have done that. I let my emotions get the best of me,'" says Walter, who played with Earl in Seattle for four seasons.

"But again, it just shows that we're just human. And this whole situation, it's a human aspect."

Don't get it twisted ... Walter DEFINITELY feels for his boy -- and says he wishes NFL teams would treat its employees more fairly.

BTW ... that Legion of Boom defense Thurmond and Thomas were a part of from 2010 to 2014?? Walter tells us it'll go down in history with the Purple People Eaters, the 2000 Ravens AND the Steel Curtain as one of the greatest EVER.

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NOBODY LIKE US
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Seahawks' Earl Thomas Yo Seattle, F*** You Flips Off His Own Sideline

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Earl Thomas just flipped off the Seattle Seahawks -- his OWN team -- after suffering serious injury ... and with no new contract to show for it.

The All-Pro safety jacked up his leg Sunday during a defensive play against the Arizona Cardinals, and ended up getting carted off the field with a cast on his left leg. During his ride, he looked over at the Seattle sideline and flipped the whole staff the bird.

The Seahawks' head coach Pete Carroll said Earl had fractured his lower leg. The injury might be season-ending -- much like Tyler Eifert's own ankle injury Sunday almost certainly will be -- and Thomas made no bones about how he really felt about his raw deal with his squad. As we reported ... he was holding out earlier this year for a better contract that would pay him more money, and he even wrote a 1,500-word letter in explaining himself.

Clearly, Thomas ended up joining his teammates on the football field after initially refusing to report to training camp last month ... unlike Le'Veon Bell, who's still battling with the Steelers for his money. Lots of people have thoughts on that sitch ... including Snoop and Pittsburgh's own mayor.

Looks like Earl and Le'Veon might've had a point in trying to get theirs.

Trevone Boykin Charged With Aggravated Assault ... Faces 20 Years in Prison

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Troubled NFL QB Trevone Boykin has been charged with felony aggravated assault for allegedly punching his GF and cracking her jaw back in March ... and now he's facing 20 YEARS in prison.

TMZ Sports has learned ... Boykin was indicted for 2nd degree felony aggravated assault-serious bodily injury by a grand jury in Tarrant County, TX on Friday.

At the time of the incident, Boykin's longtime GF, Shabrika Bailey, claims he choked her and broke her jaw during a physical fight before finally taking her to the hospital for treatment.

As for Boykin, he's vehemently denied any physical altercation took place.

Boykin was a stud at TCU but had issues off the field -- including a fist fight with cops days before the Alamo Bowl.

He was undrafted -- but later signed a contract with the Seattle Seahawks and seemed to be doing well until the domestic violence arrest.

The Seahawks cut him back in March -- the same day he was arrested.

Brandon Marshall Shades NFL's Other Brandon Marshall ... I'm Gunnin' For You!

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ONLY ROOM FOR ONE MARSHALL
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Brandon Marshall vs. Brandon Marshall -- who wins???

According to Brandon Marshall, it's gonna be Brandon Marshall.

Here's the deal ... the two NFL studs with the same name will actually be going up against each other on Sunday when the Broncos take on the Seahawks -- so, we got Brandon Marshall to weigh in.

The Broncos linebacker, that is.

"I'm hoping that they throw the ball to him and I can run down the field and get him one time," Brandon tells us.

Of course, the OTHER Brandon Marshall ain't too shabby -- a 6-time Pro Bowl wide receiver who signed with Seattle during the offseason.

By the way, the two finally met in person for the first time earlier this year ... and they appeared to hit it off!!

Clearly, that doesn't mean Brandon ain't still trying to prove a point Sunday.

So, who's the better Brandon Marshall?

Brandon's got some thoughts on that too.

NFL's Brett Hundley Pumped For Fresh Start With 'Hawks ... Says Dad

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Brett Hundley wasn't sad at all about being traded from Green Bay ... in fact, dude was jacked up about the move to the Seahawks -- his dad tells TMZ Sports.

"He was just at a point where he was ready to start anew somewhere else," Brett Hundley Sr. says.

"I mean he was very, very excited."

Don't get it twisted ... Brett -- who was traded Wednesday -- says the QB loved his time with the Packers and learned a lot from Aaron Rodgers -- but he tells us playing behind Russell Wilson will be awesome.

"I'm sure Russell's going to welcome him with open arms," Brett Sr. says.

"And Brett's going in with the mindset that, 'Hey, I'm just going to be here, compete and do everything that I can to help this organization and franchise.'"

By the way ... Brett Sr. says the family predicted a trade from Green Bay was coming -- but they thought it'd be a Bay Area team that got the QB -- until Seattle made the bigger push.

Earl Thomas To Seahawks ... Pay Me Or Trade Me!

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Earl Thomas ain't playing around with the Seahawks anymore ... issuing an epic ultimatum, saying, "Offer me an extension. Or trade me to a team that wants me to be part of their future."

The All-Pro safety wrote a 1,500-word letter to his fans and Seattle's front office titled, "Here's What's Actually Going On" ... and in it, he explains all his reasons for holding out of 'Hawks camp.

"I’m standing strong on this -- because I’ve got to," Thomas says. "I’m standing strong when it comes to getting what I deserve."

"I’ve been one of the best defensive players in this league for the better part of a decade, and the numbers show that this team plays much better with me than without me."

Earl has made it no secret in the past that he wants to be a part of the Dallas Cowboys if Seattle won't pay him ... though he didn't make reference to that in his letter Thursday.

Instead -- the defensive back was adamant he's too good to let the Seahawks play him like they did with stars Lofa Tatupu and Richard Sherman before him.

"I’ll catch y’all this season, on one side of the field or the other."

NFL's Brandon Browner Handcuffs & Jumpsuit At Attempted Murder Hearing

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IN COURT
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Ex-Seattle Seahawks star Brandon Browner hit an L.A. courtroom on Monday in a different uniform than he's used to wearing -- an orange jumpsuit and handcuffs ... and TMZ Sports has the video.

Browner was in court to be arraigned on an attempted murder charge stemming from a July 8 incident in which he allegedly dragged and smothered his ex-GF in front of her 2 children.

The 6'4", 220 pound Super Bowl champ was walked into the courtroom in handcuffs -- and didn't say much during the hearing. He did plead not guilty to the attempted murder charge.

If convicted, the 33-year-old cornerback faces up to life in prison.

He's due back in court later this week for a bail review hearing. Bail in his case had previously been set at $10 million and he'll undoubtedly argue for that number to be lowered.

Ex-NFL Star Brandon Browner Charged With Attempted Murder ... Faces Life In Prison

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Ex-Seattle Seahawks star Brandon Browner has been charged with attempted murder for trying to kill his ex-girlfriend ... officials say.

Browner has been hit with 1 count each of attempted murder, first-degree residential robbery, first-degree burglary, person present, and false imprisonment. He also faces two misdemeanor counts of cruelty to a child.

Officials say Browner broke into his former GF's apartment in La Verne, CA on July 8 and allegedly chased the victim, dragged her and then smothered her in a carpet.

Her two children were present when the alleged abuse occurred.

Browner is accused of stealing the victim's Rolex watch. He fled the residence but was later arrested.

Bail has been set at $10 million. If convicted as charged, Browner faces a possible maximum life sentence in state prison.

Browner is a former Pro Bowl cornerback who was part of the original Legion of Boom defense. He won one Super Bowl with the Seahawks and one with the Patriots.

NFL's Brandon Browner Jailed for Domestic Battery

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Ex-Seattle Seahawks star Brandon Browner was arrested and convicted in a domestic battery case stemming from a May incident ... TMZ Sports has learned.

According to court docs, Browner was arrested in L.A. County on May 6, 2018 for battery and child endangerment. Details surrounding the incident are unclear.

But records show Browner pled no contest to the charges and was sentenced to probation.

Here's where things go from bad to worse ... sometime after the conviction, the court found Browner had violated his probation from a previous case -- and ordered him to serve 60 days in jail.

He was released after just 2 days due to overcrowding.

A rep for the L.A. Sheriff's Dept. tells us, "Anyone sentenced to 180 days or less for a non serious offense is immediately released due to continuing overcrowding."

It's just the latest in a string of legal issues for the former Pro Bowl cornerback who's been arrested several times ever since his career ended back in 2015.

We reached out to Browner for comment, but haven't heard back.

Russell Wilson and Ciara What's Hattenin'?

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Russell Wilson and Ciara are in the UK for the Royal Ascot horse races ... and, man, do they look dishy!!

In case you don't know your onions ... Royal Ascot is a historic horse racing event in England that's been going on since the 1700s ... with everybody from the Royal Family to huge celebs in attendance.

Seriously, the Queen and Princess Beatrice are both there -- so you know it's a big deal.

Of course, there's a strict dress code that requires everyone to style out their noggins with massive head wear ... which explains why the Seahawks superstar looks like the Monopoly guy.

There's big money involved on the track -- with roughly $10 MILLION in prize money. No word if the Queen ever places any bets -- but it'd be weird considering she'd be using money with her face on it.

But, the biggest shocker of the day ... one of the dudes in the royal procession FELL OFF HIS HORSE -- but, don't worry, everyone makes mistakes ... right, Russell? (#HandItToMarshawn).

Joel McHale Richard Sherman Deserves a Statue ... in Seattle!!

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HE'S ALWAYS WELCOME
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Joel McHale says Richard Sherman will always be loved in Seattle despite signing with their hated rivals ... telling TMZ Sports the dude deserves a STATUE for bringing a Super Bowl to the Seahawks!!

We spoke with the 'Hawks superfan about R.S. joining San Francisco after getting released this offseason ... and McHale makes it clear Sherman will NEVER be Public Enemy No. 1 in Seattle, even though he signed with the Niners.

FYI -- Sherman was considered the best defensive player on the Seahawks when they whooped the Denver Broncos 43-8 in S.B. XLVIII ... spending 7 seasons in total with the squad.

McHale says the 12s won't boo Sherman when he makes his return to Seattle on Dec. 2 ... and says his homecoming will be like a musical.

NFL Players Association Targeting Bengals For Rejecting Reid Over Kneeling

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The NFL Players Association believes the Cincinnati Bengals violated league policy by trying to get Eric Reid to agree to stop kneeling in exchange for a possible contract.

It's all part of a new grievance the NFLPA filed on behalf of Reid -- who believes he's being blackballed for taking a knee during the national anthem in the 2017 season.

Reid met with the Bengals on April 9 and was reportedly asked if he would kneel during the 2018 season. According to reports, Reid refused to answer the question. He ultimately did NOT get a contract offer.

Enter the NFL Players Association which is saying Reid is getting screwed because the NFL has NO league rule prohibiting players from demonstrating during the national anthem and teams that try to stop them are in violation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

In fact, the NFLPA obviously references the Bengals in a news release ... though it doesn't call them out by name.

"According to our information, a club appears to have based its decision not to sign a player based on the player’s statement that he would challenge the implementation of a club’s policy prohibiting demonstration, which is contrary to the League policy."

The situation sounds VERY similar to what Colin Kaepernick went through with the Seattle Seahawks -- which shut down a workout with the QB because he would not agree to stop kneeling.

Kaep and Reid are repped by the same attorneys -- Mark Geragos and Ben Meiselas -- who issued this statement:

"Colin and Eric have taken courageous action at the expense of their professional careers and personal lives. They did these selfless acts because they wanted to shine light on inequity and oppression."

"Today they welcome all NFL Players who have joined in the prosecution of the NFL for their conspiracy and illegal acts. We stand shoulder to shoulder with the NFLPA in our fight for justice, equality and inalienable rights of all Americans."

NFL's Jeremy Lane Gets Manual Labor ... In DUI Case

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It's a good thing Jeremy Lane is in shape ... because he's been sentenced to 2 days of manual labor in his DUI case, TMZ Sports has learned.

The former Seattle Seahawks cornerback was arrested for DUI back in January after cops say he was driving while high on marijuana.

He eventually pled guilty to the lesser charge of reckless driving -- and now we've learned he's been sentenced to 2 years probation ... and 2 days on a "work crew."

The "work crew" in King County, Washington is described as "supervised manual labor for various public service agencies."

In addition, Lane must also complete a drug/alcohol evaluation and attend a DUI victim impact panel.

Lane has some free time these days -- he was cut by the Seahawks back in March and is currently a free agent.

Seahawks' Pete Carroll 'Opportunity Still Open' for Kaepernick

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THE DOOR AIN'T SHUT
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Pete Carroll is not slamming the door on the Seattle Seahawks signing Colin Kaepernick -- claiming "the discussion and the opportunity is still open."

Of course, there's definitely a backstory here ... Seattle pulled the plug on a workout with Colin earlier this month because he wouldn't agree to end his kneeling demonstration.

But, Carroll appeared on Sports Radio KJR on Thursday and essentially said Colin was still in the mix.

"We are trying to figure it out," Carroll said ... "The discussion and the opportunity is still open."

"We're just trying to figure out what's best for us."

Carroll said he hadn't spoken with Kaepernick yet and was "not going there" when asked specifically about Colin's protest.

Carroll did make a point to say his organization has been supportive of players who are trying to put a spotlight on social issues.

Seahawks 86'd Kaepernick Workout Over Kneeling Stipulation

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The Seattle Seahawks told Colin Kaepernick not to bother coming to a planned workout unless he promised he would NOT continue his kneeling protest ... sources with knowledge of the situation tell TMZ Sports.

We're told the Seahawks had invited Kaep to a workout roughly 2 weeks ago to potentially take a job as Russell Wilson's backup QB ... but the plans hit a snag on Thursday.

Our sources say the team reached out to Kaepernick with specific questions about his kneeling protest -- and essentially wanted him to stipulate that if signed, he would NOT kneel during the 2018 season.

In other words, the team wanted a guarantee Colin would stand during the anthem.

We're told Kaepernick would not agree to that stipulation -- so the Seahawks called off the workout, despite the fact travel plans had already been arranged.

There are reports the workout has been "postponed" -- but we're being told it's off the table.

Shaquem Griffin Getting Looks from My Seahawks ... Says Twin Bro Shaquill

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READY FOR THE NEXT LEVEL
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Shaquem Griffin -- the 1-handed LB who crushed the Combine -- might already have an NFL suitor ... 'cause Seahawks CB Shaquill Griffin says his squad's eyeing his twin bro!

We caught up with the Griffin bros a few weeks before the NFL Draft ... and had to ask about the possibility of them playing together like they did at the University of Central Florida.

Shaquill told us Pete Carroll saw Shaquem tear it up in Indy ... and hopes team honchos are all-in on forming "The Legion of Griffins."

"Everybody in the Seattle organization loves him. So, we're gonna see how it goes ... do whatever it takes to get him," Shaquill told TMZ Sports.

If not the 'Hawks, Shaquill says Shaquem will "definitely" get a shot somewhere ... and Shaquem says he'll be ready to show out (again).

FYI, the bros are already getting the celeb treatment. When we spoke, they were hangin' with Hulk Hogan's sports agent Darren Prince ... and on their way to meet the wrestling legend!

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HULKING OUT
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