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New Orleans icon Master P says he was disappointed to hear Drew Brees denounce kneeling for the national anthem ... but now that he's apologized, the rap legend wants the QB to step up hit the streets to lead protests.

Of course, the Saints superstar twice admitted he was wrong after initially saying he'd NEVER accept kneeling for the anthem ... a comment that truly puzzled P.

"When I heard the whole Drew Brees thing, I'm just like, 'man, what is he doing? Why is he even entertaining this?'" P tells TMZ Sports. "It's too much going on in the world."

Despite the comments striking a nerve, Master P says he accepts Brees' apology because it's the right thing to do ... but admits the Super Bowl champ may never be viewed the same in NOLA again.

"Everybody makes mistakes. But, I don't think it's gonna be the same. I don't think it's ever gonna be the same, how people just loved him genuinely."

P is calling for Brees to be someone the citizens of New Orleans can lean on ... and it starts with taking action.

"Be there for the people in the community, in the culture. Don't just talk it, do it. Stand up. Show up. You should be leading these protests because a lot of injustice going on."

There's more -- P says he's extremely passionate about the movement against police brutality because he was once beaten by a black officer, who was stopped by a white cop.

"I could have been George Floyd a long time ago if that white cop didn't say, 'Man, what are you doing to this guy?'

"I wouldn't be here for my kids, I'd probably be dead."

Terrell Owens was at the front of a Black Lives Matter march in West Hollywood on Saturday leading the crowd in chants ... and TMZ Sports has the footage.

"What do we want? JUSTICE! When? NOW!!"

"Say her name. BREONNA TAYLOR!"

"Say his name. GEORGE FLOYD!"

Those were just some of the chants T.O. led as the group marched through WeHo. Some protesters held up black power fists, others carried signs.

The march started at Pan Pacific Park and went through Beverly Blvd. all the way to La Cienega Blvd.

There is a heavy police presence but so far, everything is peaceful, sources at the protests tell TMZ Sports.

No looting, no violence ... just passionate people making their voices heard with the help of an NFL Hall of Famer.

Owens has been very outspoken on social media -- encouraging NFL stars to speak out in support of Colin Kaepernick and others who took a knee.

Of course, earlier this week several NFL players demanded the league admit they bungled the handling of the kneeling protests -- and Friday afternoon Roger Goodell did just that saying, "We were wrong."

Drew Brees WILL come back from the firestorm he's currently in ... so says Nate Boyer, who tells TMZ Sports, "There's people that have done way, way worse things."

"And, it's not even like he really did anything bad," Boyer says. "He just misspoke, I think."

You'll recall ... Boyer, a retired Green Beret and former NFL player, was the one who helped convince Colin Kaepernick to kneel -- rather than sit -- for protests during national anthems.

He tells us he's disappointed Brees still doesn't understand the message of the kneeling protests ... but he's confident the QB will eventually figure it out and right his wrong.

"He'll probably do some great stuff because of it and he'll probably do even more than he would have done," Boyer said. "That's how I choose to look at it."

"I think that it will eventually bring us more together just like this very difficult time will eventually bring us more together as a country."

So far, Boyer seems to be right ... two of Brees' best teammates -- Michael Thomas and Demario Davis -- have already forgiven him, with Thomas saying Thursday, "One of my brothers made a public statement yesterday that I disagreed with."

Amanda Nunes wants Nina Ansaroff to sit out an entire year before returning to the Octagon after giving birth ... but Nina says she's coming back a lot sooner!!

Nina and Amanda are expecting a baby in September ... and Ansaroff -- the 5th ranked strawweight -- is adamant she will return to the Octagon.

But, how soon? We asked.

"In 3 months, [our baby girl's] gonna be here and I plan on fighting 6 months after that. Amanda says a year, but I'm giving 6 months," Ansaroff tells us.

Amanda?

"It's too soon, ya know?"

Nina's badass mindset should come as no surprise ... she says she's still training super hard.

"Unfortunately, the gym closed down because of the virus and all of that. I put the pads at home on the wall, I run every single day, I lift."

There's more ... we talk epidurals (yes -- and Nina ain't getting one), and Nunes' main event fight against Felicia Spencer at UFC 250 Saturday night.

"I'm ready to do this. I've been waiting for this moment for so long in my career. To defend the 2 belts, and hold both of them. Nobody ever did it before. And, I'm gonna be the first one to make history," Nunes says.

FYI -- Amanda is gunning to become the 1st 2-division UFC champion to successfully defend both titles.

Will Drew Brees join the movement he recently denounced and take a knee during the National Anthem??

The right answer to that question can result in some serious cash ... as the New Orleans Saints QB has become the center of a new prop bet.

Of course, Brees started a crap storm when he said he'd NEVER accept kneeling for the anthem ... and later apologized after teammates and the industry's biggest athletes spoke out against his comments.

TMZ Sports has learned ... MyBookie -- one of the biggest sportsbooks on the internet -- has released the odds on Brees' stance when Week 1 comes around.

So ... will he kneel?? Here's the breakdown.

Yes +300

No -700

Translation -- Brees standing for the anthem is the HEAVY favorite. BUT, if he were to kneel, it could have a MAJOR payout.

Donald Trump says Drew Brees made a mistake by apologizing for his anti-kneeling comments -- saying, "He should not have taken back his original stance on honoring our magnificent American Flag."

"OLD GLORY is to be revered, cherished, and flown high..." POTUS said Friday. "We should be standing up straight and tall, ideally with a salute, or a hand on heart."

Of course, Brees said Wednesday he believed when players took knees for the national anthem during NFL games ... they were disrespecting the flag and the military.

Colin Kaepernick and other NFL kneelers have said the demonstration was NOT about disrespecting the military -- and instead, was to shine a spotlight on police brutality and racial injustice in America.

Brees issued not one -- but TWO -- apologies ... after his comments were met with strong criticism from just about every athlete in the country, including his teammates and even LeBron James.

But, Trump says Drew had nothing to be sorry about ... writing, "There are other things you can protest, but not our Great American Flag - NO KNEELING!"

In his written apology ... Drew claimed his comments were "insensitive" and "missed the mark" -- and the New Orleans Saints QB vowed to support the Black Lives Matter movement going forward.

"I recognize that I should do less talking and more listening..." Brees said, "and when the black community is talking about their pain, we all need to listen. For that, I am very sorry and I ask your forgiveness."

"We, the National Football League, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest."

Those words just came out of Roger Goodell's mouth -- and it seems obvious he's finally acknowledging the horrible way the NFL handled Colin Kaepernick's kneeling protest.

The NFL commish just released a video statement after several top NFL stars -- including Saquon Barkley, OBJ, and Patrick Mahomes -- demanded the league admit they were wrong in silencing peaceful protesters like Kap.

And, it seems the players got what they asked for.

Goodell never mentions Kaepernick by name -- but there's no doubt what he meant.

"It has been a difficult time for our country, in particular black people in our country," Goodell said.

He offered condolences to the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and "all the families who have endured police brutality."

"We, the National Football League, condemn racism and the systematic oppression of Black People," Goodell continued.

"We, the National Football League, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest."

Then this ...

"We, the National Football League, believe Black Lives Matter."

"I personally protest with you and want to be a part of the much needed change in this country."

"Without black players there would be no National Football League. And the protests around the country are emblematic of the centuries of silence, inequality, and oppression of black players, coaches, fans, and staff."

"We are listening and I will be reaching out to players who have raised their voices, and others on how we can move forward together for a better and more united NFL family."

Kaepernick began his kneeling demonstration during the national anthem in 2016 to put a spotlight on police brutality and racial injustice in America.

He parted ways with the SF 49ers after that season -- but hasn't had a legit opportunity with another NFL team since then.

Kap believes there was a concentrated effort to blackball him from the NFL because of his demonstration -- and has said for YEARS that he wants to get back in the league and play.

BTW, he's still only 32 years old.

Goodell's announcement signals an epic sea change for the league -- but the NFL started working toward this day more than year ago when it launched its Inspire Change initiative.

The program's poured considerable resources into improving community-police relations, criminal justice reform and advancing education for youth since January 2019.

During this year's Super Bowl, the league aired a social justice themed PSA about ex-WR star Anquan Boldin's murdered cousin ... which was part of the Inspire Change program.

Adrian Peterson says he's "without a doubt" taking a knee during NFL national anthems this season ... and he claims the entire league is considering doing it with him.

"We're all getting ready to take a knee together," the future Hall of Famer said.

Peterson told a pack of reporters out at a charity event in Texas on Friday he isn't worried about a possible punishment for the protest from league owners or the NFL commish either.

"Are they going to try to punish us all?" the Redskins star running back said. "If not playing football is going to help us save lives and change things, then that's just what it has to be."

Of course, the league's biggest stars appear ready to back Peterson in the kneeling in 2020 ... because, in a video released Thursday night, more than 15 of the NFL's top players demanded the NFL allow them to peacefully protest.

Everyone from Patrick Mahomes to Ezekiel Elliott to Michael Thomas took part in the vid ... strongly urging the NFL to genuinely support the Black Lives Matter movement.

But, the reaction to another round of kneeling protests will not be without controversy ... President Donald Trump just reiterated AGAIN on Friday he does not want to see the protests during anthems.

"There are other things you can protest," POTUS said, "but not our Great American Flag - NO KNEELING!"

Stephen Jackson is FURIOUS at Donald Trump for mentioning George Floyd's name at the White House on Friday ... and he's now warning POTUS not to let it happen again!

"Hey, this message is for Donald Trump," Jackson said in a heated video statement ... "Do not speak on my brother's name."

"I'm making you a promise, you will not be in the White House come November. You will not be reelected, I'm telling you now."

Earlier in the day, Trump spoke with the media from the Rose Garden and said he hoped George is looking down right now -- "This is a great thing that's happening for our country. It's a great day for him. It's a great day for everybody ... in terms of equality."

Enter Jackson ... who knew Floyd for years -- and he's pissed.

"You see how the whole world stood together? Arm to arm, race to race, everybody standing for love? 50 states, 18 countries. That's what me and my brother Floyd did. So we coming to get you out the White House."

Clearly, Jackson feels the next course of action is to mobilize the protesters into voters come November.

Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand have pledged to donate an incredible $100 MILLION over the next decade to fight racial inequality ... saying straight-up -- "Black lives matter."

"The Jordan Brand is us, the Black Community," Jordan and his company said in a joint statement. "Jordan Brand is more than one man. It has always been a family."

"We represent a proud family that has overcome obstacles, fought against discrimination in communities worldwide and that works every day to erase the stain of racism and the damage of injustice."

"The will, the work, the excellence the world has come to know is the result of one generation after another, pouring their dreams into the next. "

The statement continues ... "It's 2020, and our family now includes anyone who aspires to our way of life. Yet as much as things have changed, the worst remains the same."

"Black lives matter. This isn't a controversial statement. until the ingrained racism that allows our country's institutions to fail is completely eradicated, we will remain committed to protecting and improving the lives of Black people."

"Today, we are announcing that Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand will be donating $100 million over the next 10 years to organizations dedicated to ensuring racial equality, social justice and greater access to education."

Jordan recently spoke out over George Floyd's death ... saying, "I see and feel everyone’s pain, outrage and frustration."

"I stand with those who are calling out the ingrained racism and violence toward people of color in our country."

"We have had enough."

MLS winger Aleksandar Katai's wife's disgusting comments about protesters just cost him his job with the LA Galaxy ... with the team deciding to part ways with the player due to her "racist and violent" words.

The 29-year-old Serbian met with the team earlier this week after Tea Katai called for people to kill protesters -- which she referred to as "disgusting cattle" -- on Instagram.

The Galaxy released a statement condemning Tea's since-deleted comments on Wednesday ... saying "Earlier today, the LA Galaxy were made aware of a series of racist and violent social media posts by Tea Katai, the wife of LA Galaxy midfielder Aleksandar Katai."

"The LA Galaxy stands firmly against racism of any kind, including that which suggests violence or seeks to demean the efforts of those in pursuit of racial equality."

The team decided the next step was to wash its hands of the Katais on Friday ... calling the move a mutual decision.

Aleksandar -- who joined the squad in December -- released a statement against his wife's comments earlier this week, saying "These views are not ones that I share and are not tolerated in my family."

"I strongly condemn white supremacy, racism and violence towards people of color. Black lives matter. This is a mistake from my family and I take full responsibility."

Vanessa Bryant is paying tribute to her daughter, Gigi, for her academic accomplishments ... sharing a heartfelt message and a photo of her honorary 8th grade graduation diploma.

"Congratulations on your 8th grade graduation Gigi," Vanessa said on Instagram. "I love you forever and always."

Gigi was a student at Harbor Day School in Corona Del Mar, CA ... and was in the middle of her 8th grade year when she died in the tragic helicopter accident alongside Kobe and 7 others on January 26.

The school honored "Gianna Maria-Onoré Bryant" with a diploma -- and Vanessa was clearly moved by the gesture.

"I’m so proud of you. ❤️, Mommy #classof2020."

Gigi was a standout basketball player with dreams of making it to the WNBA ... and her school retired her #2 jersey at a memorial ceremony in February.

Serena Williams' husband, Alexis Ohanian, just announced he's giving up his seat on Reddit's board ... and he says it's all in an effort to help the black community.

The 37-year-old -- who co-founded Reddit 15 years ago -- said in a powerful video statement Friday he's urging the company to now give his spot to a black candidate.

Ohanian also announced he's donating any future gains he obtains on his Reddit stock "to serve the black community" ... beginning with a $1 MILLION donation to Colin Kaepernick's Know Your Rights Camp.

"It is long overdue to do the right thing," Ohanian said. "I'm doing this for me, for my family and for my country. I'm saying this as a father who needs to be able to answer his black daughter when she asks, 'What did you do?'"

Ohanian added, "I believe resignation can actually be an act of leadership for people in power right now, and to everyone fighting to fix our broken nation, do not stop."

Ohanian famously married Serena back in 2017 ... shortly after having their daughter, Alexis Olympia.

Fight Island is all set to open on July 11 -- with top-of-the-line facilities and an octagon on the beach, so says Dana White.

... but Dana says there's one big problem.

"The FANTASY of Fight Island," Dana explained, "I'm very worried it will eclipse the REALITY of Fight Island."

"The fighters are not going to walk out lined up with tiki torches on the side. I will not be sitting in a big thrown overseeing the octagon and watching the fight."

So, what will Fight Island look like? Dana explained on "TMZ Live."

"We actually have an arena. We built a little arena there that's very, very cool ... The fighters will have their own private places to train. And, there will be an octagon on the beach too!"

Meanwhile, back on the mainland ... Dana is gearing up for UFC 250 on Saturday featuring the great Amanda Nunes vs. Felicia Spencer.

But, White is also stoked for "Sugar" Sean O'Malley -- an 11-0 rising star who's been exploding in popularity after smashing José Alberto Quiñónez back in March.

One last thing ... you see the mug Dana was drinking from?

Marcell Ozuna's wife was arrested for misdemeanor battery, TMZ Sports has confirmed -- after allegedly cracking the MLB star in the face with a soap dish.

Here's what we know ... Genesis Ozuna -- who has children with the 29-year-old baseball player -- was booked into a Miami-Dade jail on May 29.

According to Andy Slater, the arrest came on the heels of a two-week police investigation into an alleged attack on the Atlanta Braves outfielder.

Ozuna suffered a "small laceration" on his face after his wife hit him with a soap dish, Slater says. Slater also says Ozuna personally drove to a nearby station to file a police report following the alleged attack.

Court records show Genesis has already pleaded not guilty to the charge. Initially, Genesis was ordered to stay away from Marcell, but records show there's been a motion to modify that order.

Marcell hasn't publicly commented on the alleged incident with his wife ... and, in fact, he posted a picture of a "Marcell and Genesis" jewelry piece to his social media page Friday.

Marcell captioned the pic with "Tu y yo para que la lleves en tu pecho siempre" ... which loosely translates to "You & I -- so you can always carry it in your heart."

Marcell -- who just inked a 1-year, $18 MILLION deal with the Braves -- is one of the better outfielders in the league ... hitting .272 with 148 home runs in his 7-year career.

Buffalo Bills rookie QB Jake Fromm is owning up to text messages about "elite white people" that were made public this week ... apologizing for the comments and vowing to help fight racism.

A text exchange from March 2019 was made public Wednesday night ... with Fromm saying, "guns are good" and adding "Just make them very expensive so only elite white people can get them haha."

While the validity of the texts were in question, Fromm admitted to the comments on Thursday ... apologizing and saying he addressed the situation with his teammates in a meeting.

"I am extremely sorry that I chose to use the words 'elite white people' in a text message conversation," Fromm said on Twitter.

"Although I never meant to imply that I am an 'elite white person,' as stated later in the conversation, there's no excuse for that word choice and sentiment."

"While it was poor, my heart is not. Now, more than ever, is the time for support and togetherness and I stand against racism 100%."

"I promise to commit myself to being a part of the solution in this country. I addressed my teammates and coaches in a team meeting today and I hope they see this incident is not representative of the person I am."

"Again, I'm truly sorry for my words and actions and humbly ask for forgiveness."

Fromm was picked by the Bills in the 5th round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He was a star at Georgia, throwing for 78 TDs in his 3 seasons as a Bulldog.