TMZ Sports - Page 50

Stephen Curry and his wife, Ayesha, hit the streets of Oakland to show support for the George Floyd protests ... walking with the crowd and kneeling in solidarity.

The Currys were joined by Warriors teammates, Klay Thompson and Kevon Looney, at Juan Toscano-Anderson's march for unity on Wednesday ... and the pictures are powerful.

"Today was a movement in Oakland!" Steph said, "Thank you @juanonjuan10 for the leadership. Everybody play your role and be consistent with it."

"This is a real moment of change. Keep each other accountable."

Ayesha also spoke on the movement ... saying she wished as many people showed up to protest as Dubs fans do to celebrate championships.

"I began to come to the realization that we were walking the same streets, the same path and course that we’ve taken time and time again for the championship parades."

"While I was appreciative and proud of the crowd that showed to march for justice today, I couldn’t help but wonder where all of these people were now, that just a few years before lined and covered the streets to celebrate in these black men’s successes."

"Now when black men, when black people need an assist, defense, a team... where is everyone? Where is everyone?"

Shannon Sharpe has heard enough from Drew Brees -- and he's sick of it -- calling for the QB to retire and walk away already.

The NFL Hall of Famer went off on Drew on FS1's 'Undisputed' -- calling Drew's apology "meaningless" and explaining why he'll never respect Brees again.

"He issued an apology, Skip, but it's meaningless because the guys know he spoke his heart the very first time around."

"I don't know what Drew's going to do, but he probably should just go ahead and retire now. He will never be the same."

Sharpe -- who played 14 seasons in the NFL -- continued, "Take it from a guy that has been a leader in the locker room for a number of years. What he said, they will never look at him the same because he spoke his heart."

"It wasn't what he said, it was how he said it. He was defiant. I will NEVER respect the man."

Of course, Brees came under heavy fire for saying Wednesday that NFL kneeling protests are disrespectful to the flag ... seemingly missing the point behind Colin Kaepernick's demonstration.

Brees has since apologized -- admitting he "missed the mark" and insisting he's not the enemy.

Dennis Rodman is still very pissed off at the looting taking place all over the country ... but he's now channeling his anger into action.

The NBA Hall of Famer says he feels compelled to raise money for the Black Voters Matter fund ... an organization "dedicated to expanding Black voter engagement & increasing progressive power."

And, how's he going to raise the cash?! DINNER AUCTION, BABY!

"Dennis Rodman is so disappointed at all the rioting and looting in light of the tragic death of George Floyd that he's auctioning off himself for dinner for two lucky guests with all the proceeds going to benefit the Black Voters Matter Fund," his rep Darren Prince tells TMZ Sports.

The auction, going down on Charitybuzz.com, says Dennis, the winner and a guest will dine with The Worm -- and notes, "The winning bidder is responsible for the cost of the meal."

The winner will also receive 2 signed jerseys provided by Rodman's memorabilia partners at Fiterman Sports Group.

And, if you know Dennis ... who the hell knows what could happen at dinner? Quick trip to Vegas?!? Carmen Electra cameo?!

Twitter's CEO is making a massive contribution to Colin Kaepernick's cause -- dedicating millions to the QB's fund to pay legal costs for protesters who get arrested while fighting for justice for George Floyd.

Jack Dorsey announced the donation Wednesday on his own platform, saying he's putting up $3 million of his own money into a new fund he calls Start Small, LLC ... aimed at Kaepernick's Know Your Rights Camp.

JD says the dough will "advance the liberation and well-being of Black and Brown communities through education, self-empowerment, mass-mobilization to elevate the next generation of change leaders."

As we reported ... just last week, Kap's Know Your Rights Camp started a "legal defense initiative" to cover mounting legal bills for the "freedom fighters" on the ground in Minnesota, where George was killed, and it's since expanded nationally.

Colin said he's already amassed a top-notch team of defense attorneys to help out, but they've been asking for donations from supporters on the outside.

Well, Jack has answered the call with a HUGE 7-figure donation ... and you know Team Kap is happy.

As we previously reported ... The Weeknd has also donated $200,000 to Kaepernick's initiative.

Jack's pledge continues a string of donations to noble causes ... he previously donated $1 BILLION to COVID-19 relief, and joined forces with Rihanna for a $4.2 million grant for domestic abuse victims in Los Angeles.

"I considered you a friend. I looked up to you. You're somebody I had a great deal of respect for. But sometimes, you should shut the f**k up."

Malcolm Jenkins just went HARD after Drew Brees in a now-deleted video ... calling his Saints teammate everything from "self-centered" to "unaware" -- and it's pretty emotional.

Jenkins -- who took down the vid and posted a second version of it to his Instagram on Wednesday -- fired at Brees for calling kneeling protests during NFL national anthems "disrespectful."

"To assume that you have a perspective about the flag and what it means to you or the national anthem, and that everybody else should have the same mentality," Jenkins said, "it is just completely unaware that my grandfather's experience is way different from yours."

The NFL star continued, "To stay silent when your peers are screaming from the mountain top that, 'We need help, our communities are under siege and we need help,' and what you're telling us is, 'Don't ask for help that way. Ask for it a different way. I can't listen to it when you ask that way.'"

"We're done asking, Drew. And, people who share your sentiments, who express those and push them throughout the world and airways, are the problem."

In his second video, Jenkins echoed the same sentiment as his first ... even saying in the clip, "if you don't understand that other people experience something totally different than you, then when you talk about the brotherhood and all this other bullsh*t, it's just lip service."

In the written caption of the second clip, Malcolm said Drew had reached out to him to give his side of the story prior to posting the vids ... but the DB explained why he felt the need to go forward with the emotional messages anyway.

"As I was trying to muster up the energy and find the words to address Drew Brees’s comments I recorded this video," Jenkins said. "Before I could post it, Drew reached out to me to discuss his point of view."

Malcolm continued, "All in all, I’m still posting this video because it’s important for anyone who wants to consider themself an ally to know how these words and actions affect those who you want to help. Drew’s words during his interview were extremely painful to hear and I hope he rectifies them with real action."

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."

LeBron James is going IN on Drew Brees over the QB's comments -- explaining why Drew is just dead wrong.

"WOW MAN!! 🤦🏾‍♂️. Is it still surprising at this point. Sure isn’t! You literally still don’t understand why Kap was kneeling on one knee??"

"Has absolute nothing to do with the disrespect of Flag of United States and our soldiers(men and women) who keep our land free."

LBJ continued ... "My father-in-law was one of those men who fought as well for this country. I asked him question about it and thank him all the time for his commitement."

"He never found Kap peaceful protest offensive because he and I both know what’s right is right and what’s wrong is wrong! God bless you."

James isn't the only high-profile sports star to weigh in -- Richard Sherman also spoke out against Brees' comments.

"He’s beyond lost. Guarantee you there were black men fighting along side your grandfather but this doesn’t seem to be about that," Sherman tweeted.

"That uncomfortable conversation you are trying to avoid by injecting military into a conversation about brutality and equality is part of the problem"

New England Patriots stars/twins Devin and Jason McCourty's joint Twitter account spoke out against Brees' stance ... saying "This is a disgrace! To speak about your grandfathers as if there weren’t black men fighting next to them."

"Those men later returned to a country that hated them. Don’t avoid the issue and try to make it about a flag or the military. Fight like your grandfathers for whats right!"

Doug Baldwin sent a public message to Brees on Twitter, saying, "the reason my children have to live in a world that won’t empathize with their pain is because people like you are raising your children to perpetuate the cycle. Drew, you are the problem."

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.

Fangio is now backing off his comments ... releasing a statement Wednesday saying he was "wrong" to say there's no racism in the National Football League.

"After reflecting on my comments yesterday and listening to the players this morning," the head coach said, "I realize what I said regarding racism and discrimination in the NFL was wrong."

Fangio added, "While I have never personally experienced those terrible things first-hand during my 33 years in the NFL, I understand that many players, coaches and staff have different perspectives."

"I should have been more clear and I am sorry."

Ex-NFL superstar Terrell Owens is backing Carson's sentiment ... and pointed out this is the same league that's kept Kaepernick out of the league since his National Anthem demonstration.

"HE NEEDS TO BE DRUG TESTED!!! What does he think that was against @Kaepernick7?!!"

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."