Tyler Skaggs Death Ex-Angels Employee Charged ... Allegedly Distributed Fentanyl To Pitcher

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Ex-L.A. Angels employee Eric Kay has been charged with distributing fentanyl in connection with pitcher Tyler Skaggs' death ... and prosecutors say they have text messages to prove it.

According to court docs, obtained by TMZ Sports on Friday, federal authorities just hit Kay with the charge.

In the docs, prosecutors claim to have a text conversation between Kay and Skaggs from the night of the pitcher's overdose.

In the exchange, Kay asks "Hoe [sic] many?" ... to which Skaggs responded, "Just a few like 5."

Law enforcement officials say in the docs they believe Kay and Skaggs are discussing drugs ... clearly implying the exchange proves Kay is the one who supplied the pitcher with the lethal dose of the pills.

In the docs, law enforcement claims Kay provided "30 milligram oxycodone pills" to Skaggs on multiple occasions.

There's more, and it could spell out more problems for the Angels organization.

Investigators say they learned during the course of the investigation that "several individuals" who were associated with Kay and Skaggs "knew" that Kay was providing pills to the pitcher.

Investigators also say Kay would distribute pills to others "in their place of employment and while they were working."

Investigators do not say if these "others" worked for the Angels organization ... but it seems to be what they're pointing to.

As we previously reported, Skaggs was found dead in his hotel room in Southlake, TX in July 2019 ... hours before the Angels were set to play the Texas Rangers.

In the toxicology report released by the ME, the cause of death was a mix of "alcohol, fentanyl and oxycodone intoxication with terminal aspiration of gastric contents."

The Angels released a statement Friday, saying, "It has been more than a year since the tragic passing of Tyler Skaggs, and all of us affected by this loss continue to grieve. The circumstances surrounding his death are a tragedy that has impacted countless individuals and families."

"The Angels Organization had fully cooperated with Law Enforcement and Major League Baseball. Additionally, in order to comprehensively understand the circumstances that led to his death, we hired a former federal prosecutor to conduct an independent investigation."

The statement continued ... "We learned that there was unacceptable behavior inconsistent with our code of conduct, and we took steps to address it. Our investigation also confirmed that no one in management was aware, or informed, of any employee providing opioids to any player, nor that Tyler was using opioids."

"As we try to heal from the loss of Tyler, we continue to work with authorities as they complete their investigation."

NFL's Quinton Dunbar Off the Hook in Robbery Case ... DeAndre Baker Faces Life

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Good news for Seattle Seahawks corner Quinton Dunbar -- prosecutors are DROPPING all criminal charges against him stemming from an alleged armed robbery incident.

Bad news for New York Giants corner DeAndre Baker -- some of his charges are moving forward and he now faces up to life in prison.

As we previously reported, Baker -- along with Dunbar -- was arrested for allegedly robbing several people at gunpoint during a May 13 cookout in Miramar, FL.

Cops initially said ... witnesses told them Baker pulled out a semi-automatic firearm and directed Dunbar to start taking expensive watches and other valuables from people at the cookout.

At one point, cops say Baker directed a 3rd man -- who was wearing a red mask -- to shoot someone who had just walked into the party ... but fortunately, no one was actually shot.

Baker was charged with 4 counts of armed robbery and 4 counts of aggravated assault with a firearm -- though he has adamantly denied the allegations.

Dunbar was facing 4 counts of armed robbery.

But now, Broward State Attorney Mike Satz says Quinton Dunbar's charges are being dropped due to insufficient evidence.

As for Baker, he's been formally charged with 4 counts of robbery with a firearm.

Prosecutors say he's accused of stealing cash and watches from four men.

If convicted, 22-year-old Baker faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in state prison.

Officials add ... "Baker surrendered to jail on May 16 and was released on bond while the investigation has been pending."

Baker's attorney, Bradford Cohen, meanwhile, tells TMZ Sports ... "The state attorney's office is basing their case on the words of admitted liars who were paid off to change their stories."

"What the state attorney's office is doing here is just filing these charges without any corroborating evidence and saying let the justice system work it out. This type of thinking needs to be eliminated."

Baker -- a former Georgia Bulldog superstar -- was picked with the 30th overall selection in the 2019 NFL Draft and was expected to compete for a starting job on the Giants this season.

Dunbar, meanwhile, was traded from Washington to the Seahawks in March after starting 25 games for the Redskins from 2015-2019.

Blue Jays' Reese McGuire Trolled By Braves Organist Over Masturbation Bust ... 'Beat It'

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THIS IS SAVAGE!!!

Blue Jays catcher Reese McGuire was epically trolled by the Atlanta Braves team organist mid-game Thursday ... and the scene was laugh out loud funny!!

McGuire -- playing in his first game since TMZ Sports posted video of his SUPER awkward masturbation bust -- was walking up to the plate in the 3rd inning when he was greeted by "Beat It" over the Atlanta loudspeakers.

The Michael Jackson tune played for several seconds ... and if you get the reference -- try not to smile!!

Of course, McGuire was stopped by cops in a parking lot last February after witnesses say they saw him inside of his car pleasuring himself.

In police footage of the incident ... McGuire apologized profusely for his actions, saying, "I've realized that I made a mistake having my pants down and doing what I was doing."

He added, "I really am apologetic. And, I know I shouldn't have been doing this."

McGuire eventually was forced to pay fines and fees over it all after cutting a deal with prosecutors ... but clearly, MLB teams ain't going to let him off that easy.

To make matters worse for McGuire ... he finished the night 0-for-3 with two strikeouts after the troll job -- AND the Jays lost in heartbreaking walk-off fashion.

Talk about a tough day at the plate.

H.S. Cheerleading Student Demands School Action ... After Teammates Pose W/ Confederate Flag

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A Black cheerleader in Alabama is so LIVID over seeing her white H.S. teammates posing with a confederate flag ... she quit the squad and is now demanding school action ASAP.

Reagan Coleman says back in early July ... one of her cheerleading teammates at Daphne High School posted a picture on Instagram that deeply disturbed her.

In the photo, six girls -- all of whom are white -- held up a T-shirt that read, "I Heart Redneck Boys" ... with a confederate flag placed inside of the heart's image.

Coleman told WKRG-TV in Alabama when she first viewed the picture, she immediately saw "hate." Reagan's mother, Latitiah, said she had a similar reaction.

"There’s no two sides to that flag," Reagan's mom said. "That means hatred, That’s what it stands for for us."

Reagan and her mom say even though the photo was eventually taken down after backlash ... they still wanted to see action from school officials over it all.

But, Latitiah says when she went to complain ... she claims she got the runaround at every level.

"I went from the coach to the principal, from the principal to the superintendent. And I kept getting vague answers. It was almost like everybody was reading a script," Latitiah said.

Reagan, who's one of just two Black members of the cheer team, says when she showed up to practice about two weeks after the picture was posted ... nothing was done, so she quit.

Now, she's created a change.org petition to implore school officials to punish the girls for the photo.

"They have faced remotely no consequences and are still on Daphne’s Cheer Team," Reagan said. "As 1/2 black girls on the cheer team, I knew I needed to speak up about this matter and Daphne’s negligence."

Baldwin County Public Schools released a statement on the matter saying, "We are aware of the situation and it has been handled at the local school level. As with any student issue, federal law prohibits us from discussing disciplinary actions, if any, involving our students."

"Our system has implemented sensitivity programs and Superintendent Tyler has stressed that we have a zero-tolerance for racism and bullying in our system."

Reagan, though, insists little-to-nothing has been done.

"I am not trying to ignite hate on these girls, I just simply want everyone to see what Daphne High School allows," she said in the petition. "Daphne’s Administration team has failed to release any statements or contact anyone back concerning this matter. Daphne is known for keeping things like this hidden and swept under the rug."

"I don’t want this to be another one of Daphne’s well-kept secrets. Something has to be done, and these girls need to face consequences for their actions."

Dan Snyder Sues for False Sex Trafficking Stories ... I Wanna Know Who's Behind It!!!

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Washington Football Team owner Dan Snyder is trying to smoke out the person behind a rash of Internet posts falsely accusing him of being a sex trafficker with ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

Snyder took his battle to federal court Friday morning seeking info on a company called New Content Media, which operates the website, meaww.com. He's also filed a $10 million lawsuit in India against the parent company of the website that published the heinous stories last month.

According to docs, obtained by TMZ Sports, Snyder says meaww.com posted an article hinting that a forthcoming Washington Post story was going to expose Snyder's alleged involvement in sex trafficking. Snyder points out the meaww.com post sourced anonymous Reddit posts, including one that said "[Snyder] is getting [arrested] for sex trafficking. He was on [Jeffrey] Epstein's list too."

As you know, the July 16 WaPo article said no such thing -- it detailed sexual harassment allegations against several team executives ... but not Snyder.

In the suit, he says the site also posted this outlandish theory -- "Will Dan Snyder rename Washington Redskins the 'Epsteins?'"

Snyder, whose team just unveiled its brand new helmets for the upcoming season, calls the stories "utterly untrue" with no "legitimate journalistic basis whatsoever."

That being said, he is painfully aware the articles spread like wildfire across the Internet. As Snyder says in the suit, the articles "have been referenced in at least 22 stories which have generated over 160 million impressions."

Although meaww.com took down the articles under threat of legal action ... he says the damage has been done to his character and his family name.

What's clearly important to him now is not just the $10 million he's seeking for defamation -- but also finding out who engineered the whole smear campaign. In the docs, he says he wants the "identity of the third parties involved in hiring [meaww.com] to publish these false and defamatory articles."

Translation: Who's gunning for me, and why?

Michael Ojo Ex-FSU Hoops Player Dead At 27 ... After Heart Attack

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UPDATE

9:58 AM PT -- Florida State has released a statement on Ojo's passing ... saying, "We would like to express our deepest sympathy to the family, friends and former teammates of Michael."

UPDATE

"Michael was a team captain, Florida State graduate and a valued member of the Tallahassee community. He always had a smile on his face and never met a stranger.

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"He will forever be remembered for the positive impact he had on the Seminole family."

Ex-Florida State basketball player Michael Ojo -- a fan favorite from 2012-17 -- has died after suffering a heart attack during a workout in Serbia.

He was only 27 years old.

The 7'1", 310-lb center was practicing Friday with Serbian pro basketball team Partizan at the team facility when he collapsed while running, according to Eurohoops.net.

Ojo was reportedly raced to a nearby hospital in Belgrade but it was too late. Doctors were unable to save him.

Ojo was discovered while playing soccer in Nigeria ... and later came to America for high school to learn the sport of basketball.

The friendly giant made national headlines when it was reported Nike dropped $15,000 to build a machine to make Ojo's size 22 shoes.

Ojo played professionally in Serbia after going undrafted in 2017 ... averaging 11.7 points, 5.9 rebs and 1.1 blocks in one season with ABA League team FMP.

He went on to sign a 2-year deal with Crvena Zvezda ... where he won the ABA SuperCup in 2018 and ABA and Serbian League in 2019.

Former FSU player Trent Forrest tweeted about his teammate's passing, saying, "This definitely a tough one man.. One of the best dudes I done came across."

"Was the first to welcome me to fsu and was nothing short of a big brother my freshman year and even after.. it’s crazy to think we was just talking about life last week.. Gone miss ya fasho O!!"

Sam Lunt, former FSU associate director of sports medicine for men’s basketball, spoke with the Tallahassee Democrat about Ojo's passing ... saying, "I am devastated."

"He was one of the best humans I know."

RIP

Originally Published -- 8:13 AM PT

Texas Tech Women's Hoops Coach Fired Over Toxic Culture Claims ... 'Evil & Manipulative'

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UPDATE

7:08 AM PT -- One of Stollings' assistant coaches, Nikita Lowry Dawkins, has also been fired in wake of the former players' allegations ... a Texas Tech spokesperson told USA TODAY on Friday.

Texas Tech's women's basketball head coach, Marlene Stollings, was fired Thursday ... after multiple former players claimed she created a toxic culture and was straight-up "evil and manipulative."

More than 10 ex-Red Raiders made the allegations in a USA TODAY report this week ... with some saying Stollings was so abusive, they described some of her acts as "torture."

Several of the women claim Stollings (who took the head coaching job in 2018) and her staff berated them constantly, calling players things like "trash," "disgusting" and "fat pig."

Other former players say Stollings forced them to play through injuries ... and even developed a heart rate monitoring system for games in which players were punished if they dipped below a certain level for just a few minutes.

Things were allegedly so bad, 12 of 21 players had left the program over the past 2 years -- including 7 recruited under Stollings.

One ex-Red Raider, Emma Merriweather, says during a meeting with Stollings' strength and conditioning coach ... she was forced to step on a scale and then berated over her weight.

"I was just so embarrassed," Merriweather said of the incident. "I think that might have been the most embarrassing moment of my life."

Merriweather claims she went on to have a panic attack later in the day over it all.

"A lot of these girls had never experienced depression or extreme anxiety before they came to Tech and they experienced it with Marlene,” Merriweather said. “Coach Marlene was evil and manipulative and vindictive in a quiet watered-down manner, so you can’t outwardly say, 'This person is evil.'"

"That woman is a millionaire off being evil."

Other players say Stollings' strength and conditioning coach made sexual comments toward them ... and one former Red Raider accused the man of touching her inappropriately under the guise of a recovery exercise.

Earlier this week, Stollings had released a statement defending her team's culture, saying, "Our administration and my staff believe in the way we are building and turning this program around here. Our student athletes are developing a disciplined approach both on and off the court."

Initially, school athletic director Kirby Hocutt defended Stollings' program as well ... but in a statement Thursday night, he said he was firing the 45-year-old coach, and promised to reveal more details in a news conference Friday.

Originally Published -- 6:53 AM PT

Oakland A's Bench Coach Apologizes for Nazi Salute ... 'Made a Mistake'

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Oakland A's bench coach Ryan Christenson says he "made a mistake" by throwing up a Nazi salute TWICE during Thursday's game against the Rangers ... insisting it was unintentional.

"I made a mistake and will not deny it," Christenson said in a statement.

Christenson made the salute while greeting players in the dugout at the end of the game. You can see pitcher Liam Hendriks trying to correct Christenson's salute into an "elbow bump" position.

But, R.C. eventually went back to the Nazi salute one more time.

Christenson says the whole thing was born out of an attempt to be more COVID-conscious.

"Today in the dugout I greeted players with a gesture that was offensive. In the world today of [COVID-19] I adapted our elbow bump, which we do after wins, to create some distance with the players."

"My gesture unintentionally resulted in a racist and horrible salute that I do not believe in. What I did is unacceptable, and I deeply apologize."

The A's acknowledged the move looked like a Nazi salute and apologized as well.

"We do not support or condone this gesture, or the racist sentiment behind it."

The team added, "This is incredibly offensive, especially in these times when we as a [club] and many others are working to expose and address racial inequities in our country."

UFC's Daniel Cormier I'm Living and Training In 'Bubble' ... to Protect Pregnant Wife!!!

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ADAPTING TO CIRCUMSTANCES

GOOD NEWS -- Daniel Cormier just revealed his wife is 7.5 months pregnant!!!

And, to keep her safe, DC says he's been training for his rematch with Stipe Miocic in a "bubble" environment to prevent any possible COVID-19 exposure.

FYI, Cormier will step into the Octagon for his rubber match with Stipe at UFC 252 on August 15 to fight for the heavyweight title.

41-year-old Cormier insists this will be his farewell fight to cap off his Hall of Fame career ... and he's been training like a maniac to get ready.

But, DC's not naive about the pandemic and realizes that his training has required him to interact with a bunch of people from the outside, raising his risk of catching coronavirus.

So, he's been living at a 2nd home that he owns to limit the interactions with his own family ... because he doesn't want to get anyone sick!

"Yeah, I got a pregnant wife who's 7.5 months pregnant. Two kids, a 9-year-old, an 8-year-old, and I'm not even living at home because I'm having to prepare for this fight -- but that also shows the commitment from the family to understand what I'm trying to do here is so special."

In other words, Cormier says everyone is making a sacrifice so he can put on the best performance possible at UFC 252 ... because going out as champion is extremely important to him.

"I think that all the things I've done at heavyweight and at light heavyweight makes me one of the greatest fighters of all time, period! But, if I become a 2-time heavyweight champion there's only a few guys that've done that before in their careers. I think that by being the most dominant heavyweight of all time twice would make me the greatest heavyweight UFCs ever seen."

Cormier adds, "Obviously, Stipe's accomplishments and accolades speak for themselves. You know he's won everything. This is a true legacy fight."

"People don't like to talk about legacy all the time, but this a legacy fight in it's purest form."

He's right ... but more importantly, CONGRATS ON THE BABY!!

Stay safe, everyone!

Dak Prescott Free Death Row Inmate Julius Jones!!! 'Don't Let Another Innocent Black Man Die'

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Dak Prescott is following Kim Kardashian's lead ... telling Oklahoma officials to immediately free death row inmate Julius Jones -- claiming he was wrongly convicted of murder and doesn't deserve to die.

The Dallas Cowboys QB spelled it all out in a powerful letter to Gov. Kevin Stitt and the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board.

"Please don't let another innocent black man die from the systemic mistreatment that has plagued our nation for far too long," Prescott wrote.

Jones was accused of murdering a white man during a carjacking in 1999 when he was just 19-years-old. He was later convicted at a jury trial in 2002 and was sentenced to death.

But, Prescott says there are huge problems with the case -- telling officials, "I firmly believe the wrong person is being punished for this terrible crime."

In his letter, obtained by TIME, Prescott claims, "an evaluation of the process that led to Mr. Jones’ conviction raises serious legal and ethical concerns. I implore you to right this wrong."

Jones has spent the past 18 years in a cell, staunchly proclaiming his innocence -- and fighting like hell to have the conviction overturned.

Jones believes he was framed, and given an unfair trial for a bunch of reasons. He also claims racism played a huge role in the jury's conviction decision.

In fact, his whole story has become famous after it aired in a 2018 ABC docuseries, "The Last Defense."

Prescott is now joining stars like Kim K, Common, Russell Westbrook, Trae Young, Blake Griffin, Baker Mayfield and more who have all also previously expressed support for Julius.

"The treatment of Julius Jones is the kind of miscarriage of justice African American men like myself live in fear of, and that is why I feel compelled to use the influence that God has blessed me with to speak up for what I believe is right and to give a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves," Prescott wrote in his letter.

"Julius Jones’ case is a clear example of what can happen to a person who cannot afford legal representation, and what can happen to a black person at any time in this country – which is exactly why so many are protesting for the changes we so desperately need."

"I ask for you to please do your part to help bring about this change by giving thoughtful and sincere consideration to your review of Julius Jones’ commutation application. My prayer is that he is able to salvage what remains of his life and that, through the righting of a decades-old wrong, he will be restored to his family soon."

UFC's Sean O'Malley Sex, Weed and Violence ... I Love All 3!

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First things first ... O'Malley is very open about the fact he's in an open relationship and has been for a while.
ROOTIN' FOR HIM

Here's the cheat sheet for our clip with "Suga" Sean O'Malley:

1. He's got a big orgy planned for when he wins the UFC title

2. He thinks the fact marijuana is still outlawed in MMA is "ridiculous" and "embarrassing"

3. He REALLY wants to fight Cody Garbrandt once he gets past Marlon Vera at UFC 252 next weekend.

First things first ... O'Malley is very open about the fact he's in an open relationship and has been for a while.

So, we asked the 25-year-old if the couple brings in other people to celebrate after a big UFC victory and he told us he's saving the big group bash for when he becomes the champ.

"Yeah, that's after a title fight win. That will happen."

Next, weed ... O'Malley is a big proponent of marijuana -- both medical and recreational and thinks it's ridiculous that UFC fighters like Luis Pena and Tim Elliott were just hit with suspensions after testing positive for weed.

"It's ridiculous that they get suspended for it. It's embarrassing that's even a rule. We're in 2020."

O'Malley says he knows the rules will eventually change -- "it's got to" -- but until then, he's being smart about his own THC usage.

"For me, I've gotta diet, I gotta not be snacking at night so I gotta quit anyway. I can't fight the munchies, they always win."

When it comes to life inside the octagon, O'Malley is on fire -- with 2 impressive knockouts in a row in 2020.

He's been trading verbal jabs with Cody Garbrandt -- but tells us he's dead serious about fighting "No Love" if the UFC offers it up.

"It's a fight that I'm not gonna turn down. If UFC says 'hey you wanna fight?', it's a yes for me."

O'Malley adds, "I think it's a good fight for me. It's a striking battle and I'm a better striker so obviously I'd like that fight."

But first, O'Malley squares off against Marlon Vera -- a 27-year-old from Ecuador who's won 5 out of his last 6 fights.

Obviously. O'Malley doesn't lack confidence -- telling us he can't wait to get back in the cage to show everyone why he's one of the top fighters the world.

Jake Paul FBI Raid Was Not Over Firearms

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The firearms seized in the FBI raid at Jake Paul's house are now in the hands of the Sheriff ... and we're told the guns aren't the reason the feds stormed the place with a warrant.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... there were multiple guns taken from Jake's crib in Calabasas during Wednesday's FBI raid, and they're now being held by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for safekeeping.

It sure seemed weapons may have been what drove the FBI to get a search warrant and, in a massive show of force, raid Paul's L.A. home, as well as his friend's home in Vegas. We do know the raids were somehow connected to looting at a Scottsdale, AZ, mall ... where Jake and his friend were front and center.

As you know ... aerial footage of the scene from ABC 7 showed law enforcement officials walking down Jake's driveway with rifles and perhaps shotguns.

We're told Sheriff's deputies seized the guns once FBI agents entered the home because the house was not secured and deputies couldn't just leave the guns laying around.

Our sources stress the guns were not taken as evidence of any crime, or FBI agents would have taken them themselves.

We broke the story ... Jake had 2 large guns prominently displayed in his bedroom, which were casually displayed in a recent YouTube prank.

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CHAOS IN CALABASAS

Jake can still get the firearms back ... we're told if he wants the guns returned, he will have to show he owns them and provide proof of purchase.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic Nosedives Off Superyacht ... On Saint-Tropez Vacay

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LOOK OUT BELOW!!!

International soccer superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic is making a big splash on vacation with his family in Saint-Tropez ... by jumping off an expensive-ass yacht into the water below.

38-year-old Ibra has been getting some quality R&R while on vacay this week ... alongside wife Helena Seger and sons Maximilian and Vincent.

Now, if you know anything about Zlatan, he considers himself to be the greatest soccer player to walk the earth ... but the cocky footballer says he ain't just limited to land!!

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

"Lion on land, shark at sea," Ibrahimovic said on Instagram.

If we're talking form, Ibrahimovic ain't too shabby!! He's probably up there with Conor McGregor's diving abilities ... and much better than Jay-Z for sure, (sorry, Hov).

But, in true Zlatan form, the AC Milan forward wasn't ALL play while getting rays on the yacht -- he's been working out on the deck to prove he's staying in pristine shape.

The exercises appear to be working ... 'cause the dude looks RIPPED!!!

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Enjoy the fun in the sun, Zlatan!

Bills Star Tre'Davious White Won't Opt Out Of NFL Season After Serious Consideration

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UPDATE

1:11 PM PT -- White ultimately decided to NOT sit out this season ... ESPN's Chris Mortenson reported Thursday.

Buffalo Bills superstar Tre'Davious White is considering NOT playing in 2020 over COVID-19 concerns ... and he's going scorched earth on ANYONE who has a problem with that.

"Crazy that me choosing my family’s wellbeing over a game comes with so called fans attacking and questioning me and saying I’m selfish," the All-Pro corner said Thursday.

"No you guys are selfish for thinking that football is bigger than life."

The 25-year-old added, "Oh by the way my girl’s grandfather passed from COVID. U understand now?"

Tre would be BY FAR the biggest name to not participate in the '20 season over coronavirus fears ... and from the sounds of things, he's leaning toward doing exactly that.

The NFL's opt-out deadline is Thursday ... so we'll know Tre's decision in just a matter of hours -- but the defensive back, who has kids, told reporters Wednesday he was really wrestling with the move.

"I'm still kind of undecided," White said. "Honestly."

The decision is a big one ... White is the Bills' best player is only a season or two away from cashing in on a HUGE new contract in Buffalo.

The NFL says players have until 4 PM ET to make the opt out call. Stay tuned.

Originally published -- 6:22 AM PT

Micah Parsons & Greg Rousseau Opt Out Of NCAA Season ... Projected Top NFL Draft Picks

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UPDATE

12:02 PM PT -- Another projected top NFL draft pick has elected to forego the 2020 season ... Univ. of Miami superstar Greg Rousseau has just opted out, his head coach said Thursday.

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Rousseau is arguably the best college pass rusher in the country and is considered a near lock to go in the top 10 of next year's NFL draft.

UPDATE

Rousseau piled up a staggering 15.5 sacks last season for Hurricanes ... and was expected to potentially be a Heisman Trophy candidate this year.

The dominoes continue to fall in college football -- this time, Penn State superstar linebacker Micah Parsons has decided to skip the 2020 season to prepare for the NFL Draft.

It's major news considering Parsons is projected to be a Top 5 pick in the 2021 draft class ... after recording 192 tackles, 6.5 sacks and six forced fumbles in two seasons with the Nittany Lions.

"As I considered all my options for 2020 season, I decided I needed to make a choice, not for myself, but my son and those dearest to me," Parsons said in his announcement Thursday.

The 21-year-old Harrisburg, PA native played a big role in the 2019 Cotton Bowl Classic -- dominating with 14 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and winning the Defensive MVP.

He also earned All-American honors, 2019 Big Ten's Linebacker of the Year award, and was a Butkus Award finalist.

"The potential risk to the health and well-being of my son far outweighed my urge to play football this season," Parson said. "Therefore, I decided to opt out the 2020 season and prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft."

Parsons joins a growing list of NCAA stars opting out -- Virginia Tech star cornerback Caleb Farley and Minnesota stud wide receiver Rashod Bateman also dropped out due to COVID-19 concerns.

As for Heisman hopeful Justin Fields, he's committed to suiting up for the Ohio State Buckeyes ... and has no plans on sitting out.

Originally published -- 11:19 AM PT