TMZ Sports

More backlash against Drew Brees -- this time it's former NFL star Antonio Cromartie calling the QB a "coward" and "stupid MF" over Drew's position against NFL kneeling protests.

"[Drew Brees] you a coward!!! You are the damn problem,"
Cromartie said.

FYI -- Cromartie was one of the players who took a knee during his stint with the Indianapolis Colts -- and believes he was cut and subsequently blackballed from the league as a result.

So, as you can imagine he didn't take too kindly Wednesday when Brees said, "I will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America."

Here's Cro ...

"You are in the locker with nothing but Black men. For you to sit here and think [the kneeling protest] was about a f**king flag. A Flag don’t give a sh*t about the black community."

Cromartie listed several black people who died as the result of police brutality -- including Tamir Rice, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Philando Castile.

"The list goes on you stupid MF," Cro added.

"That’s why we took a knee. Some of us lost our jobs because we wanted to take a stand 4 those that couldn’t."

"And you on here talkin abt a damn flag."

Drew Brees still does not believe NFL players should take a knee during the national anthem -- saying it's disrespectful to the flag.

The New Orleans Saints QB appeared on Yahoo's On The Move where he was asked about Colin Kaepernick's kneeling demonstration most likely making a return when the NFL season begins.

"I will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America," Brees said.

The 41-year-old explained why the anthem is so important to him - he has 2 grandfathers who served in the military -- and says he gets emotional thinking about the sacrifices they made to serve our country.

Brees also says he thinks about "the civil rights movements of the '60s and everyone and all that has been endured by so many people up until this point."

That's when Brees acknowledges the civil unrest in the U.S. following the killing of George Floyd ... but still doubled down on his stance.

"Is everything right with our country right now? No, it's not. We still have a long away to go. But, I think what you do by standing there and showing respect for the flag with your hand over your heart, is it shows unity."

"It shows that we are all in this together. We can all do better and that we are all part of the solution."

Clearly, not everyone in the NFL feels the same way.

Kaepernick has said he took a knee to put a spotlight on police brutality and racial injustice ... not to disrespect the military.

Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio says there's no racism at all in the NFL ... but a Seattle Seahawks star clearly disagrees -- with Chris Carson calling the guy a "joke" for the comments.

Fangio was on a conference call with reporters Tuesday, going in-depth on his feelings on social injustices in America -- when he said society needs to be more like teams in the NFL.

"We're a league of meritocracy, you earn what you get, you get what you earn," Fangio said. "I don't see racism at all in the NFL, I don't see discrimination in the NFL."

The comment quickly caught the attention of Seattle's star running back ... with Carson immediately responding to Fangio's words by saying, "This man a joke ..."

Chris -- who rushed for 1,230 yards and 7 TDs last season -- didn't elaborate ... but his 'Hawks teammate, Quandre Diggs, did ... adding, "Is he blind??"

Fangio -- who's coached in the NFL in some capacity for more than three decades -- went on to tell reporters, "We all live together, joined as one, for one common goal, and we all intermingle and mix tremendously."

"If society reflected an NFL team, we'd all be great."

Of course, non-NFL players on social media also criticized the opinion ... claiming the NFL blackballed Colin Kaepernick after he attempted to bring awareness to police brutality and social injustices in America by kneeling during national anthems.

For his part, Fangio did condemn the police officers involved in the death of George Floyd ... and he also encouraged his players to protest racial inequality in the country.

Ex-NFL star Thomas Jones says he absolutely sees racism in the NFL -- and the proof is black players contract negotiations.

"You have certain black quarterbacks that automatically just don't get the contract that they've earned, they have to wait another couple years," Thomas said on "TMZ Live."

"Where you see certain white quarterbacks get contracts and, you know, they haven't really done as much."

In a subsequent conversation with Thomas, the former NFL star told us Ryan Tannehill got a huge deal ... while a legit dominant back like Derrick Henry gets franchised tagged -- when he deserves a long term deal.

Jones adds that Russell Wilson also had to wait to get a fat contract ... longer than comparable white quarterbacks.

Bottom line ... Jones couldn't disagree more with Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio -- who claimed earlier this week there is NO racism in the NFL.

"There is racism in the NFL," said Jones, who played in the league from 2000 to 2011 ... "What [Fangio] said sounds good, but it's just not accurate."

Thomas also says the head coaching hiring process is far from favorable to minority assistants ... and tells us he was appalled when the NFL kicked around the idea of draft pick compensation for hiring black coaches.

"That's a slap in the face to black people and to black coaches and to black professionalism," Jones said. "It's very tone-deaf to us."

"Especially after I played 12 years in the NFL, dedicated a lot of my life to it," Jones added. "I know the X's and O's just as well as any other white coach or any other coach of any other nationality. And, for you to use that as a bargaining chip, it clearly says where they are."

Jones tells us he's hopeful country-wide protests and national discussions of racism will lead to change in the league.

Great news for skate phenom Sky Brown ... the 11-year-old was able to walk out of the hospital just days after a horrific crash on Monday ... and to make things even better, she got to hang with TONY HAWK!!

The internet sensation suffered skull fractures, a broken wrist, broken hand and a black eye after a devastating fall off a vert ramp on Thursday ... but remained in positive spirits about the whole accident.

The skate GOAT spoke out about the serious accident ... saying, "From my perspective and in many ways, it was the worst fall one could take from a vert ramp," Hawk said Monday.

"The situation was dire and we were all worried sick, but nothing compared to the heartache her family endured that day."

Hawk says he stayed in contact with Brown's family every day since the accident ... and was present to lift her spirits when she got the green light to go home.

"Her accelerated healing is nothing short of a miracle."

Hawk says he joined Brown for a celebratory ice cream sesh to cap off the big achievement ... and shared a positive message to the rising star during her recovery.

"Stay strong, Sky. Thank you for inspiring us with your unbroken spirit. And please take your time getting back to full capacities… we’ll gladly wait for you."

Legendary college football coach Johnny Majors -- who led Pittsburgh to a national title in 1976 -- has died at 85, the school announced Wednesday.

Majors was a head coach at the college level from 1968-1996 ... with programs including Pitt, Iowa State and -- most notably -- Tennessee, where he led the Volunteers for 16 seasons.

John's wife, Mary Lynn, released a statement to WNML ... saying, "It's with a sad heart that we make this announcement," she said.

"John passed away this morning. He spent his last hours doing something he dearly loved: looking out over his cherished Tennessee River."

Pitt also addressed Majors' passing, saying, "He led us to our greatest glory and changed Pitt forever. Thank you, Coach. Rest in peace."

Majors was also an incredible single-wing back for the Vols from 1953-56 ... receiving All-American honors and finishing 2nd in Heisman voting in 1956.

He rushed for 549 yards and 7 TDs and passed for 552 yards and 5 TDs that season, leading the Vols to a 10-1 record and winning an SEC title.

#RIP

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott just pledged $1 MILLION "to improve our police training and address systematic racism through education and advocacy."

The 26-year-old -- who's expected to sign a monster new contract soon -- explained why the current climate has motivated him to take action.

"As a black multiracial American, I am disgusted and unsettled," Prescott said.

"As our communities take action, protesting and fighting for the justice of George Floyd and every black life, I am with you!"

"I have viewed these protests and riots in our streets as a form of strength and an attempt to show we as black people have rights that aren’t being perceived as equally as our counterparts."

Prescott says he does not believe in looting or "that violence is the answer" ... but clearly believes things can change with proper education and training.

Prescott does not specify exactly where his donation will go -- but says he won't just be writing a check ... he'll be personally involved.

"I will take action and help! I will act alongside of all of you!"

"We will clean our streets in our communities not only of the looting and violence, but most importantly the racism, racial profiling, and hate!"

How does Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez feel about the NFL's Washington team participating in #BlackoutTuesday?

SHE THINKS IT'S RIDICULOUS!!!

As you probably saw, millions of people posted black squares on social media Tuesday to show solidarity with the protesters.

The Washington Redskins also took part -- and AOC called 'em out quick.

"Want to really stand for racial justice? Change your name."

Of course, there's a been a movement for YEARS to get Washington to change the name, but they've steadily resisted -- pointing to data they claim shows most Native Americans do NOT find the name offensive.

However, a recent poll conducted by UC Berkeley showed more than half of 1,000 Native Americas surveyed found the name offensive.

But, will the new protests finally convince the franchise to drop the moniker?

Amen Ogbongbemiga -- a superstar on Oklahoma State's football team -- says he tested positive for coronavirus ... this after he attended a protest in Tulsa, Okla.

The linebacker -- who was voted the Cowboys' defensive MVP in 2019 -- revealed the diagnosis Tuesday, shortly after several OSU players were tested this week.

Ogbongbemiga says he was careful while around others during the protest, claiming he was "well protective of myself" ... but he implored others to take precautions while out demonstrating in large groups.

"Please," the football player said, "if you are going to protest, take care of yourself and stay safe."

Ogbongbemiga will now have to quarantine in special on-campus housing at Oklahoma State -- according to reports -- and he'll be retested for the virus later this week.

Of course, Cowboys players are taking coronavirus tests in preparation for team workouts later this month ... as Big 12 officials are allowing teams to return starting June 15.

Two ex-Clemson players claimed a white assistant coach used the n-word during a 2017 Tigers practice ... and now, the guy has fessed up to using the racial slur -- and has issued an apology.

"Three years ago on the practice field, I made a grave mistake involving D.J. Greenlee," said Danny Pearman, a 55-year-old, white assistant head coach on Dabo Swinney's staff.

"I repeated a racial slur I overheard when trying to stop the word from being used on the practice field. What I overheard, I had no right to repeat."

Here's the backstory .. former Clemson player Kanyon Tuttle on Tuesday claimed Swinney "allowed a coach to call a player the N-word during practice with no repercussions."

Tuttle's allegations were somewhat backed by former Tigers tight end D.J. Greenlee, who explained the whole situation in an in-depth interview with The State.

Greenlee says he had missed a blocking assignment on a play ... and had a conversation with Pearman about it. Greenlee says when he broke it all down to his fellow teammate Milan Richard, he used the n-word himself.

“[Milan] was asking me what happened? ‘What’s coach getting on to you about?’” Greenlee said. “I was just like, ‘Man I got the [n-word] that came in my gap.’ I was talking to my teammate."

"That was all that was said. Then the next thing you know coach Pearman starts coming over there. He was repeating what I just said. He’s like, ‘[n-word] this, [n-word] that. The [n-word] wasn’t there.’”

Greenlee emphasized Pearman did NOT call him the n-word, but rather just repeated what he had said.

D.J. said he believes Swinney had a talk with the coach about the incident ... and he claims Pearman also later apologized for it.

For his part, Pearman added in his statement Tuesday, "I apologized to D.J. at the conclusion of practice, who then appropriately raised his concern to Coach Swinney."

"Coach and I met to discuss the incident, and he reiterated that my language was unacceptable. I later apologized again as well as expressed my sincere regret to our position group the following day."

Pearman continued, "I love the young men who choose to come to our university, and I would never do anything to intentionally hurt them. I sincerely apologize to D.J., his family, our team and our staff."

Logan Paul says his brother Jake Paul did NOT steal anything during a looting incident at a mall in Arizona -- but he's slamming his lil bro for being there in the first place.

"Jake didn't loot," Logan said while carrying a Black Lives Matter sign in L.A. on Tuesday with his girlfriend, Josie Canseco.

"Should he have been there? Absolutely f**cking not. But, my brother didn't steal anything."

The incident in question went down Saturday night at Fashion Square in Scottsdale, Arizona -- where looters went after tennis shoes and pretty much everything that wasn't nailed down.

Paul captured video of the craziness and says he was tear-gassed by cops who also pointed guns at him.

"I ain't doing sh*t bro," Paul said ... "Look at 'em. Pointing guns at me right now. Swear to God, no cap, that's tear gas, bro!"

"Rest In Peace George Floyd."

Henry Cejudo is DEAD SERIOUS about boxing Ryan Garcia ... and says there's already been talk about money and a location for the scrap.

TMZ Sports talked to 33-year-old Cejudo -- fresh off his UFC retirement -- and Triple C made it clear his ongoing beef with 21-year-old Garcia ain't just for the Gram ... he legit wants to box the undefeated pugilist.

"I really don't think [Ryan Garcia's] that good. I really don't, and I think with a proper team, the right game plan, I believe I can make him bend the knee in front of Oscar De La Hoya," Cejudo tells us.

"I feel like I have the tools, the power, the strength, the experience and we wanna make this happen."

But, this ain't just a pipe dream ... Cejudo says his team has already been in talks with promoters, and the cash and location are there to make this super fight a reality.

Henry says the fight could go down in Saudi Arabia ... adding, "We got the money guy that's willing to pay both of us. It's just up to little Ryan candy Garcia to sign that contract."

FYI -- Saudi Arabia is becoming a big player in the boxing world ... and even hosted 2019's blockbuster rematch, Anthony Joshua vs. Andy Ruiz II.

The trash talk didn't stop there ... Henry also sent a message to King Ry.

"Ryan Garcia, you absolutely make me sick man. I would make you bend the knee so quick, you have no idea. You can throw about 100 punches, but it only takes one of mine to make you bend the knee, so sign the contract baby!"

Remember, Garcia recently told us he too is serious about boxing Cejudo ... and is even interested in an MMA bout with the future Hall of Famer.

Sacramento Kings play-by-play announcer Grant Napear has stepped down from his TV role with the team ... after facing major backlash for tweeting "All Lives Matter."

Napear -- who has worked with the Kings since 1988 -- was initially placed on leave after a Twitter interaction with ex-Kings star DeMarcus Cousins, who asked his thoughts on the Black Lives Matter movement.

"All Lives Matter… Every Single One!" Napear answered ... to which Cousins replied, "Lol as expected."

Napear's comment caught the attention of fellow former King Matt Barnes, who added "Would expect nothing less from a closet racists [sic]."

Napear later apologized for his tweet, telling the Sacramento Bee, "I’m not as educated on BLM as I thought I was. I had no idea that when I said 'All Lives Matter' that it was counter to what BLM was trying to get across."

"I’m in pain," Napear continued. "I’m 60 years old and I still have a lot to learn."

But, Chris Webber -- who played for the Kings from 1998-2005 -- wasn't buying Napear's explanation, tweeting in support of the players' claims.

"Demarcus we know and have known who grant is. The team knows as well. I’ve told them many times. They’ve seen it. They know who he is."

Ex-NBA star Stephen Jackson is now putting pressure on his fellow pro athletes in the NFL, NBA and MLB to call out the people in the front offices ... claiming straight up, "They're not fighting for us!"

"It's time to hold our owners, GMs, Vice Presidents, everybody at the top accountable," Jackson said on social media.

"They want you to dance They want you to smile, promote, shoot, workout, represent the organization the right way, right? But they're not fighting for us! I don't hear none of them."

Jackson has been speaking out publicly -- and passionately -- ever since the killing of his longtime friend George Floyd ... demanding justice and action.

While he doesn't call anyone out by name -- it's clear Jackson feels the people at the top of the organizations are not doing enough to support the movement against police brutality, racism and social injustice.

"It's time to hold them accountable, bro. Hold ya'll [Team President]  accountable. Hold ya'll owner accountable because 9 out of 10 times, if they ain't speaking with us, then they against us."

"They love you bringing all that money in, but why they ain't speaking up when our kids get murdered or when our black men or black women getting murdered?"

"The time is now, bro. Can't play both sides."

The Dallas Cowboys will NOT be California dreamin' this year -- at least for training camp -- the NFL has ruled the team's gotta stay home in Texas for preseason workouts due to COVID-19.

Yes, COVID is still very much a thing!!!!

The league is expected to make the formal announcement Tuesday, according to reports ... with NFL officials clearly believing it's safer for teams to practice at their home facilities for training camps rather than travel.

It's a big bummer for the 'Boys ... they've jetted out to Oxnard, Calif. every year for at least part of their training camp practices for the last 8 seasons.

In fact, the team's spent time in Cali at some point for its training camp practices nearly every year since it's been in existence -- and had planned to come back this summer despite coronavirus concerns.

Of course, the 2020 rule won't just impact the Cowboys ... several teams in the league that have used off-campus facilities for their training camps in the past won't be allowed to this year as well.

The Bills, for example, will not be able to work out at St. John Fisher College in Rocester, N.Y. ... while the Steelers will not make their annual trip to Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Penn.

Too bad for Jerry Jones ... one of his favorite restaurants is Mr. Chow in Beverly Hills.

IT'S NOT SHOW FRIENDS, IT'S SHOW BUSINESS!!

That's how UFC star Gilbert Burns feels about his teammate Kamaru Usman -- telling TMZ Sports he wants to fight his pal for the title, ASAP.

Of course, 33-year-old Burns just defeated former champ Tyron Woodley on Saturday -- and he's now the #1 ranked welterweight contender.

And, since Usman is the reigning champ -- seems that fight is bound to happen.

The only issue ... Burns and Usman share a manager (Ali Abdelaziz) and train together. They're friends.

So, would you be willing to fight your buddy for a shot at the belt?

Burns says for him ... it's a no-brainer.

"I know his family. I know the guy a lot," Burns says ... "but I want to be the champion too."

"We're professionals. It's not going to be drama, I'm not gonna talk sh*t to the guy ... I just want to be the best and that's it."

Burns is currently on a 5-fight win streak -- with victories over stars like Woodley, Damien Maia and Gunnar Nelson.

Usman hasn't lost since 2013 -- most recently beating up Colby Covington at UFC 245 back in December.

Burns says money's no object -- he's reasonable -- and he's calling on Dana White to put it together.

"I'm available, I'm hungry. And I want to fight for the title next."