Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh is strongly advocating for the college football season to go on as planned -- saying the players "want to play" ... and noting "they've been training their whole lives for this."
Harbaugh talked about the situation during a zoom press conference with reporters on Wednesday... saying he wants everyone to be safe ... but also REALLY wants to get back to work.
"COVID is part of our society. Wasn't caused by football or caused by sports. And there's no expert view right now that I'm aware of that sports is going to make that worse. It's part of our society, we're going to have to deal with it."
Harbaugh continued, "These kids are going to have to do the same thing. They've got to go to school. They've trained their whole lives for the opportunity to play their sport. That is my view with the knowledge that we have and time to learn more about it."
"It would be my responsibility, our responsibility, and the players' responsibility also, to keep themselves safe and get the schooling and training that they need."
Harbaugh says he's been speaking with his players and says they would rather play with no fans in the stands than to not play at all.
Obviously, the questions surrounding college football are a huge topic for major universities -- college football is a huge moneymaker. But, with the COVID pandemic seemingly getting worse, many people believe there is a realistic chance the NCAA could call off the 2020 season.
Blue Jays player Reese McGuire is breathing easier heading into the MLB's rebooted season ... the catcher just cut a plea deal with prosecutors in his public masturbation case, and received nothing more than a slap on the wrist.
A spokesperson for the State Attorney's Office in Pinellas County, FL tells TMZ Sports McGuire pled nolo contendere to a reduced 2nd-degree misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct on July 1.
In exchange, his punishment was nothing more than fines and court costs ... the spokesperson said.
It's a big deal for McGuire ... the 25-year-old was accused of exposing his penis and masturbating inside his car in a public parking lot in Dunedin, FL back in February.
In the police report, obtained by TMZ Sports, cops say they saw McGuire with his shirt "barely covering his genitals" and his sweatpants around his ankles when they arrived on the scene.
Cops say during questioning, McGuire told them, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, this is really embarrassing." Cops also say McGuire added, "I really shouldn't have been doing that."
McGuire was arrested and initially hit with 1st-degree misdemeanor "exposure of sexual organs" ... and was facing up to 1 year behind bars if convicted.
At the time, the Blue Jays said in a statement, "[McGuire] has been in communication with the club and we are working to gather more information."
"Out of respect for the legal process, neither he nor the club will comment any further at this time."
The team told us they have no further comment when we reached out again Wednesday.
McGuire is expected to be a solid player for the Jays in the team's return to the diamond later this month ... the former MLB 1st-round pick has a career .297 batting average.
A University of Toleda football player was shot and killed outside of a pizza restaurant in Ohio Tuesday ... and cops are still on the hunt for the killer.
The victim is 22-year-old Jahneil Douglas -- a defensive lineman for the Rockets who was expected to have a big role on the team this upcoming season.
Officials say there was a fight outside of Gino's Pizza in Central Toledo around 11:30 PM -- and during the altercation, gunshots were fired and Douglas was hit.
The football player was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died, according to WTOL.
So far, no arrests have been made -- cops are currently investigating and hoping to track down the shooter ASAP.
Douglas was a standout player at Start HS in Toledo ... earning 1st-team All-Ohio honors during the 2016 season.
Rockets head coach Jason Candle released a statement on Douglas' death ... saying, "The Toledo Football family is heartbroken by the loss of Jahneil."
"He was a hard-working young man who was loved by all his teammates and coaches. Our sincerest condolences go out to Jahneil’s family and friends during these difficult times."
"Jahneil will forever be a part of the Rocket Football family."
Tennis superstar Novak Djokovicbelieves he was unfairly trashed in the media for the COVID outbreak at his recent tennis tournament ... comparing criticism to a "witch hunt."
Of course, Djokovic took heavy fire for throwing tennis events in Croatia and Serbia with little to no social distancing or any significant protocols to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
In fact, there were photos and videos of Novak playing basketball with other athletes without masks during the tournament -- and partying at a tightly packed nightclub without any PPE.
Novak -- along with his wife and several other tournament participants -- later tested positive for COVID. Shocker, right?
Now, the 33-year-old is speaking out about the media coverage of his doomed event ... and he's really upset!
"I can only see criticism lately and much of it is malicious," Djokovic told the Serbian newspaper, Sportski Zurnal.
"It’s obviously more than just criticism -- it’s like an agenda and a witch-hunt are on. Someone has to take the fall, a big name."
Yeah, BECAUSE IT WAS YOUR TOURNAMENT!! YOU MADE THE DECISIONS! WHAT DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND ABOUT THIS?!
Anyway, we move on ...
Novak was also asked if he'll play in the upcoming U.S. Open.
"I still haven’t decided whether I will play in the US Open -- the upsurge in registered Covid-19 cases in the United States and New York in particular are not playing into the event’s hands."
SO, NOW YOU'RE CONCERNED ABOUT COVID?!!
Again, pressing forward ... Novak says he's "learned his lesson" and now (sort of) understands he made mistakes.
"My intention was pure, I was whole-heartedly committed to organizing a humanitarian event to help players and tennis federations in the [Balkan] region. We complied with all the laws and regulations. But we’ve learned our lessons and some things could have probably been done in a different way."
The NASCAR superstar has been cleared by doctors to get back on the track after testing positive for coronavirus on Friday.
In other words, he beat COVID!
As we previously reported, the 7-time NASCAR champ -- one of the biggest names in racing -- pulled out of the Brickyard 400 race in Indianapolis over the weekend after testing positive on Friday afternoon.
But, since that day ... he was re-tested on two separate occasions -- Monday and Tuesday -- and the tests came up negative for COVID.
JJ's team -- Hendrick Motorsports -- says the driver was cleared by his physician Tuesday evening in accordance with NASCAR guidelines and will compete in his #48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE in this weekend’s Cup Series race at Kentucky Speedway.
Hendrick Motorsports notes 44-year-old Johnson "never experienced symptoms."
Jimmie issued a statement saying, "My family is so grateful for the incredible love and support we’ve received over the last several days."
"I especially want to thank Justin Allgaier for stepping in for me at Indy and being a true pro. I’m excited about getting back to business with my team this weekend."
More good news ... after JJ's initiative positive test, 4 Hendrick Motorsports crew members were tested -- and their tests have all come back negative.
Moving forward, Hendrick Motorsports says it will continue to administer daily COVID-19 screenings at the team facilities; the separation of facility operations and traveling personnel; split work schedules; stringent face covering and social distancing requirements; and an increased level of disinfecting and sanitization of all work areas.
Gross laundry rooms, worms on the floor and maybe even bed bugs.
Those are some of the issues WNBA players are allegedly dealing with at their bubble environment lodging in Florida -- but now the league says its handling the problems.
Players began arriving to Bradenton, Florida this week to resume their shortened 22-game season at the famous IMG Academy ... but almost immediately some disturbing videos of the housing situations began popping up online.
ESPN producer Kayla Johnson posted a video of a busted-looking laundry room with a mousetrap on the wall. WNBA player A'ja Wilson said on Twitter the video is authentic.
Another video showed a gross-lookin' worm on the floor of one of the rooms.
ESPN also says players have complained about a broken bed, faulty plumbing and sub-par food options. There were also complaints about bed bugs but ESPN says exterminators were called in and found no signs of the pests.
Now, the WNBA says it's taking action -- "We have been working closely with IMG and the Players Association to address issues players have expressed about one of the housing locations on campus."
"IMG is accommodating all player requests regarding these issues, including moving players to other accommodations."
The good news ... it seems most players are having a positive experience in the bubble -- with nice housing situations and quality food.
In fact, several players have posted on social media about how nice their situations are ... including the food.
"Stop being a little salty bastard, get over [losing to me], 'cause I'm gonna do it again this weekend."
That's Alex Volkanovski comin' for Max Holloway's neck -- officially putting an end to their buddy-buddy relationship -- only days before their massive UFC 251 scrap on Fight Island.
The champ and former champ were super cool with each other ... but that all officially stopped when TMZ Sports talked to the 31-year-old featherweight titleholder, and asked if it'll be hard to hurt someone he likes.
"To be honest with ya, I don't go out to ever hurt my opponent, but we've got a job to do. I'm gonna punch his face either way, I'm gonna punch his head through the canvas is what I plan on doing."
Now, cue the beef.
"To be honest, he's sorta showing a side of himself that I haven't really seen before. Some of the things he's saying," AV says ... "He sounds like he's a little sour, he sounds a little salty about losing. Some of the things he's saying take me by surprise."
"I didn't take him to be a guy like that, to be a bit of a sore loser, I feel like I'm getting that out of him. But, again if he wants to act like that, so be it, it'll make punching him in the face even easier."
FYI, Volkanovski beat 28-year-old Holloway -- regarded by many as the greatest featherweight ever -- via unanimous decision in December 2019.
It's unclear exactly what Max -- who is seeking to avenge the L -- said to get Alex so fired up ... but the champ's adamant Saturday night will be less about revenge, and more about Holloway getting his head punched in.
"I can see myself hurting him, getting him to the ground, and if he's still going, just punching the head through the canvas."
Uh, yeaaaaaa, safe to say these guys ain't buds anymore.
Huge day for the national champs ... the LSU Tigers just debuted their 3 title rings from the 2019 season ... and they're HUGE!!!
The Tigers got 3 rings total -- one for their SEC Championship, one from the College Football Playoff championship (provided by the CFP), and one commemorating their national championship (provided by the school).
The program handed out the hardware in gold-plated cases on Tuesday ... and the players were naturally thrilled to show off their bling.
LSU says team staffers worked with 4 players -- Joe Burrow, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Lloyd Cushenberry III, and Rashard Lawrence -- to come up with the designs ... and their creations turned out AWESOME.
The best ring of all?? LSU's national title ring ... which has white-gold LSU stones on top of a yellow-gold design of the trophy with purple stones behind it.
The ring also features Tiger Stadium and the state of Louisiana on the sides ... and the words "LSU standard of performance" etched on the inside.
Get this -- Derek Ponamsky, the special assistant to Ed Orgeron, said the head coach had just one demand when the team designed the rings ... saying, "I want a badass ring."
4:00 PM PT -- Another apology from DeSean Jackson ... this time, he's apologizing to the Jewish community -- and his Jewish bosses -- vowing to educate himself on why his IG post was so offensive and hurtful.
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"I want to apologize to the Jewish community, Jeffrey Lurie, Howie Rosemnan, Doug Peterson, the Eagles organization and out fans for the insensitive and ill-informed posts that I shared on my social media."
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Jackson continued, "This apology is more than just words -- it is a promise to do better. I will fully educate myself and work with local and national organizations to be more informed and make a difference in our community."
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"I will consider my words and actions moving forward. I will seek out voices from other communities and listen to their words, thoughts and beliefs. In a time of division, I am committed to doing my part in making this world a better place for our children."
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Sources connected to Jackson tell TMZ Sports he's spent the day talking with several Jewish people to try to understand why the post was so hurtful and dangerous.
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8:57 AM PT -- DeSean has posted a new video -- saying his anti-Semitic posts were a "mistake" ... adding, "I truly apologize for posting it and sorry for any hurt I have caused."
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8:52 AM PT -- The Eagles have condemned Jackson's post as "offensive, harmful, and absolutely appalling" -- and are vowing to take "appropriate action."
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The team does NOT say if they're considering cutting or suspending the WR.
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Here's the team statement in full ...
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"We have spoken with DeSean Jackson about his social media posts. Regardless of his intentions, the messages he shared were offensive, harmful, and absolutely appalling. They have no place in our society, and are not condoned or supported in any way by the organization. We are disappointed and we reiterated to DeSean the importance of not only apologizing, but also using his platform to take action to promote unity, equality, and respect."
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"We are continuing to evaluate the circumstances and will take appropriate action. We take these matters very seriously and are committed to continuing to have productive and meaningful conversations with DeSean, as well as all of our players and staff, in order to educate, learn and grow."
This is bad.
NFL star DeSean Jackson claims he's NOT a Jew-hater -- despite posting quotes suggesting a Jewish plot for world domination.
The Philadelphia Eagles WR first posted a screenshot of a book that features a quote attributed to Adolf Hitler -- saying Jews will "extort" and "blackmail" America as part of a greater "plan for world domination."
According to the multiple research websites, including Snopes, the quote is NOT originally from Hitler -- but STILL A HORRIBLE THING TO POST!
There was obvious backlash to the post from people including former Philadelphia Eagles president Joe Banner, who is Jewish.
If a white player said anything about AA’s as outrageous as what Desean Jackson said about Jews tonight there would at least be a serious conversation about cutting him and a need for a team meeting to discuss. Which would be totally appropriate. Absolutely indefensible.
"If a white player said anything about AA’s as outrageous as what Desean Jackson said about Jews tonight there would at least be a serious conversation about cutting him and a need for a team meeting to discuss. Which would be totally appropriate," Banner said.
"Absolutely indefensible."
Jackson later responded on another IG post -- saying, "Anyone who feels I have hate towards the Jewish community took my post the wrong way."
He added, "I have no hatred in my heart towards no one!"
On his IG page, Jackson also features several tributes to Louis Farrakhan -- a man the Anti-Defamation League has dubbed anti-Semitic over his long history of trashing the Jewish people.
Farrakhan has previously referred to Judaism as a "gutter religion" and praised Hitler as a "great man."
2:50 PM PT -- Patrick Mahomes might be worth HALF A BILLION dollars now ... but can he enjoy a little jet ski action with that cash??
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HELL NO ... so says the QB himself, who told 610 Sports Radio on Tuesday he believes the super-fun water sport is now prohibited in his new contract.
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Mahomes also says he's pretty sure he's not allowed to play basketball, baseball or "pretty much every physical activity you could possibly do."
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"I’ll probably be sticking with football and video games for now," Mahomes said.
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Good call, Pat.
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Of course, the contract language ain't exactly a new concept in the NFL ... tons of guys have been banned from dangerous sports by new deals -- Matt Staffordfamously told us the Lions barred him from riding a motorcycle when he got a new contract years ago.
Is a baseball career that ended 17 years ago the reason Patrick Mahomes is now set to be a K.C. Chief for life???
Seems the superstar QB is saying exactly that ... 'cause Mahomes told reporters Tuesday his dad's experience in the MLB helped him ink a monster 10-year, $503-MILLION contract extension.
Mahomes said his dad, Pat Mahomes Sr., and his godfather, former MLB pitcher LaTroy Hawkins, both told him signing a long-term, financially-secure deal is a better route than a short-term one.
"They didn't sign that long-term contract, but they saw players who did," Mahomes said of Hawkins and his dad, who played in the MLB from 1992-2003.
"They saw players who went about it and how they kind of got that long-term security and were able to go out there and play free knowing they had the security they always wanted."
Most NFL players prefer shorter-term deals ... but Mahomes says after conversations with his dad and godfather, he believes the contract that'll keep him in K.C. through 2031 is the best call.
"Definitely was something I was able to talk to them about and get a lot of information from them," Mahomes said.
Of course, Mahomes also said the stability of the Chiefs' organization -- from ownership down to head coach Andy Reid -- also made signing a long deal and easy call.
"No offense," Mahomes told reporters, "but you can't do this with every organization."
As for what Mahomes is gonna do with all that dough?? The dude's planning to help out those in need.
"Obviously, in the time that we're in right now, there's so much opportunity to go out there and try to help the world become the best place that it can possibly be."
"I feel like having this security, this trust, within the organization and obviously the financial help, I'll be able to do that. And not only in the Kansas City community, where I hope to impact as much as I can as quickly as I can, but hopefully around the world."
Look out, NBA ... Zion Williamson officially has the Infinity Gauntlet!!!
The rookie phenom is ringing in his 20th birthday by channeling his favorite comic book supervillain, Thanos ... copping the Marvel-themed pendant -- with a minor twist.
Remember, Zion has gone on record saying his fav character is the bad guy from "Avengers: Endgame" ... and even said he wanted Thanos to BEAT Captain America and the gang at the end of the movie.
Spoiler alert -- Thanos didn't win ... he actually dies when Iron Man gets a hold of the gauntlet and snaps his fingers, thus killing himself in the process (RIP).
But, that didn't stop Williamson from staying loyal to his man ... with celeb jeweler ZoFrostgifting the young baller his own blinged-out gauntlet, which is fittingly holding a basketball.
The piece is incredibly detailed ... and even features all the Infinity Stones!!!
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
Of course, the Association is resuming its season at the end of the month ... and Zion's Pelicans are gearing up to make a last-minute playoff push.
The league better hope the kid doesn't snap his fingers in Orlando!!!
The WNBA is clapping back at a team co-owner who is blasting the league for supporting Black Lives Matter ... in a war that's exploding fast.
The woman at the center of the controversy is Senator Kelly Loeffler (R-Georgia) -- a co-owner of the WNBA's Atlanta Dream franchise.
Sen. Loeffler penned a letter to WNBA commish Cathy Engelbert strongly opposing the league's plans to display the words "Black Lives Matter" when the season resumes later this month.
She's also against the WNBA's plan to honor victims of police violence ... including Breonna Taylor, Sandra Bland and Vanessa Guillen.
"I adamantly oppose the Black Lives Matter political movement, which has advocated for the defunding of police, called for the removal of Jesus from churches and the disruption of the nuclear family structure, harbored anti-Semitic views, and promoted violence and destruction across the country," Sen. Loeffler said in her letter.
"I believe it is totally misaligned with the values and goals of the WNBA and the Atlanta Dream, where we support tolerance and inclusion."
"The truth is, we need less -- not more politics in sports. In a time when polarizing politics is as divisive as ever, sports has the power to be a unifying antidote," she added.
WNBA commish Cathy Engelbert responded in a statement Tuesday -- clearly trying to distance the league from Loeffler.
"The WNBA is based on the principle of equal and fair treatment of all people and we, along with the teams and players, will continue to use our platforms to vigorously advocate for social justice," Englebert said.
"Sen. Kelly Loeffler has not served as a Governor of the Atlanta Dream since October 2019 and is no longer involved in the day-to-day business of the team."
Translation -- pound sand.
Loeffler is a big-time Trump supporter -- so ya gotta wonder if POTUS will defend her in the form of a strongly-worded tweet.
The coronavirus wave in the MLB has officially touched down in Boston ... manager Ron Roenicke said Tuesday Red Sox ace Eduardo Rodriguez has COVID-19.
Roenicke said the left-hander, who was scheduled to be the Sox's Opening Day starter when the season reboots later this month, is "not feeling 100%."
The Boston head man, though, did say Rodriguez is "feeling better" after contracting the virus.
Rodriguez has not joined the team's Summer Camp at Fenway Park over the pandemic ... and it's unclear if he'll be ready to throw for the team when it opens its season on July 24.
Rodriguez has bloomed into Boston's most reliable starting pitcher now that Chris Sale (elbow) is out for the season ... he went 19-6 last year with a 3.81 ERA and 213 strikeouts.
The pitcher's diagnosis is just the latest in a flood of COVID-19 cases in the MLB ... superstars like Rangers' Joey Gallo, Braves' Freddie Freeman and Rockies' Charlie Blackmon have all come down with the virus in the past few weeks.
In fact, things are getting so dicey with COVID-19 in the league ... several teams have had to shut down facilities/camps over testing issues.
It all begs the question ... can the MLB figure it all out with just under 3 weeks to until the start of the season???
Alabama football offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian is recovering from a heart procedure this week after a routine physical uncovered a concerning "anomaly" ... but he's expected to be okay.
The University of Alabama explained the situation this way ...
"The Alabama football coaching staff participates in an annual executive physical. During Coach Sarkisian's physical last week, it was determined that he needed a procedure to correct a congenital cardiovascular anomaly before it became an issue."
"Coach Sarkisian underwent a successful procedure this past Thursday in Birmingham. He is back home in Tuscaloosa and is expected to make a full recovery."
46-year-old Sarkisian was previously the head coach at USC -- and also spent time on the Atlanta Falcons coaching staff.
Saw this one coming from a mile away ... Lamar Jackson's 3rd annual "Funday with LJ event" -- a 2-day beach party in Florida -- has been canceled thanks to COVID.
The Baltimore Ravens QB had been promoting the July 11 and 12 event this week -- featuring flag football games, go-karts, an obstacle course, a rock climbing walls and more at McNair Park in Pompano Beach. Sounds like fun!!
Jackson had said masks would be mandatory -- and had really hoped the event would happen ... but in the end, it was just too risky.
An event spokesperson told The Baltimore Sun city officials were going to limit the number of attendees due to the pandemic -- despite a large number of people already registering for the event.
According to the City of Pompano Beach website, social gatherings are currently limited to groups of 10.
So, instead of turning people away, LJ decided to just call the whole thing off and will try to have another event next year instead.
Probably a good move.
Florida is getting his HARD by COVID right now -- recently setting a new single-day record of 11,458 cases ... with more than 7,300 cases reported on Tuesday alone.
The MLS' return ain't off to the best of starts ... the league just postponed its first game of its comeback tournament -- and it's all 'cause of positive coronavirus tests.
The soccer league announced Nashville SC vs. Chicago Fire FC -- which was scheduled to take place on Wednesday -- is now being pushed back.
The league says five Nashville players tested positive for COVID-19 after joining the MLS bubble in Orlando last week.
The MLS also says four additional Nashville SC players received inconclusive results on their tests and are awaiting further testing.
Of course, the league has struggled mightily with its comeback efforts so far ... FC Dallas had to withdraw from the competition completely on Monday after 10 players tested positive for coronavirus.
The MLS' reigning MVP, LAFC forward Carlos Vela, meanwhile, opted out of the rebooted season altogether earlier this week, citing the safety of his pregnant wife.
The league is still set on pushing forward nonetheless ... with Orlando City SC vs. Inter Miami CF still scheduled to go down Wednesday night.
