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Dan Snyder claims a fired ex-employee is taking bribes to feed information to a foreign-based website that's out to get him, and now he's naming names in court.

The Washington Football Team owner is calling out Mary Ellen Blair, whom he describes as a former executive assistant in the team's offices. In docs filed Monday morning, Snyder claims Blair -- who was first demoted and then fired in 2017 -- contacted a current team employee in late May or early June to say a Washington Post story was coming out that would "not [be] good for Dan." Snyder insinuates she used stolen information, such as team contacts, to fish for negative information for that story.

BTW, The WaPo story that came out on July 5 claimed "minority owners" of the Washington Football Team are pissed at Snyder and wanted to sell their stakes.

According to the docs, obtained by TMZ Sports, Blair contacted team employees again in early July, and said another big story was coming out claiming Snyder did "dirty and illegal" things.

He claims Blair told one employee, you'd "probably make a lot of money" for info on Snyder. Sources connected to Snyder tell us he also has recordings of Blair and multiple affidavits indicating she actually offered bribes to contacts.

Snyder, who's hired high-powered attorney Joe Tacopina, says the employee didn't take the bait, and points out the WaPo story that was published July 16 alleged sexual harassment in Team offices ... but he was not accused.

However, around that time meaww.com did post stories alleging Snyder was involved in sex trafficking and tied to Jeffrey Epstein. As TMZ Sports first reported, he's filed a $10 million defamation lawsuit against the site, and now wants a judge to allow him to dig into Blair's recent contacts, her finances ... and especially her housing.

Snyder claims she's lived in a swanky apartment for years -- despite being in "dire financial straits" -- and says within the last 60 days she upgraded to an even higher-end home.

Houston Cougars lineman Sedrick Williams says he's experienced "complications with my heart" after battling COVID back in July ... and now he's opting out of the 2020 season.

The 6'3", 302-pound defensive lineman -- a junior transfer from Kilgore College -- tested positive for COVID in early July and spent 14 days in quarantine.

But, Williams says he didn't make a full recovery.

"As a result of the virus I’ve had complications with my heart and I really don’t know the outcome or what’s in store for me in the future," Williams said on Facebook.

"I just know that my life is more precious to me than football could ever be."

As a result, Williams says he's opting out of the 2020 season -- but vows to return once he's 100% recovered.

"I won’t take this year for granted, IM COMING BACK BIGGER, FASTER, & STRONGER than EVER."

Williams says the recent death of former Florida State basketball player Michael Ojo made him realize heart issues are no joke.

As we previously reported, Ojo passed away last week after suffering a heart attack during a training session. He was only 27.

Williams had been a standout at Kilgore College the past two seasons and was expected to compete for starter's minutes with the Cougars.

Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence is adamant he WANTS to play college football this season -- even spelling out reasons why it's imperative for so many players -- but it ain't lookin' good.

The QB -- the projected #1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft -- essentially argued athletes are safer from COVID in the college environment than back in their own homes.

"People are at just as much, if not more risk, if we don’t play," Lawrence said Sunday on Twitter.

"Players will all be sent home to their own communities where social distancing is highly unlikely and medical care and expenses will be placed on the families if they were to contract covid19."

"Not to mention the players coming from situations that are not good for them/their future and having to go back to that."

Lawrence says football "is a safe haven for so many people."

"We are more likely to get the virus in everyday life than playing football."

"Having a season also incentivizes players being safe and taking all of the right precautions to try to avoid contracting covid because the season/ teammates safety is on the line."

"Without the season, as we’ve seen already, people will not social distance or wear masks and take the proper precautions."

Fair points, but while Lawrence was making his case ... the leaders of college football's Power 5 conferences (ACC, Big 12, Pac-12 and SEC) were holding an emergency meeting to talk about the likelihood of no college football season in the fall.

No official decisions were made, but ESPN reports the leaders were discussing how they can work together if fall sports are canceled or postponed.

The takeaway from ESPN's report is it seems a postponement is the likely path at this point.

Meanwhile, Lawrence joined several other major college football stars in posting a message saying #WeWantToPlay ... which outlines the conditions that need to be met in order for the players to be on board with a 2020 college football season.

The group says it wants several things ...

--  "Universal mandated health and safety procedures to protect college athletes against covid-19 among all conferences throughout the NCAA."

-- "Give players the opportunity to opt out and respect their decision."

-- "Guarantee eligibility whether a player chooses to play the season or not."

-- "Use our voices to establish open communication and trust between players and officials; ultimately create a College Football Players Association [with] representatives of the players of all Power 5 conferences."

Tito Ortiz says he already has some powerful support as he embarks on a political career -- with the Trump family standing firmly behind him.

As we previously reported, the UFC Hall of Famer is running for City Council in Huntington Beach, CA -- but tells TMZ Sports, he ultimately wants to become the mayor.

Earlier this week, we spotted Ortiz as he was submitted paperwork for the Nov. 3rd election ... and man, he is EXCITED.

45-year-old Tito says he was inspired to run for office after working with law enforcement to protect the community during the George Floyd protests back in May.

Ortiz says he ultimately realized becoming an officer was too dangerous at this point in his life -- and political career seemed like a better option.

"My community has given so much to me throughout my career, now its time for me to give back to my community. I'm ready for city council!"

Ortiz -- who's been tight with the Trump family for decades -- says Donald Trump Jr. already reached out to show love.

"Donald Trump Jr. reached out to me and said, 'I heard you're running at Huntington Beach, go get 'em champ!' I'm very thankful for that."

Ortiz also says he would love to get on the phone with POTUS to get some advice, but understands Donald is a little busy these days.

In the meantime, Ortiz says he's been brushing up on civics lessons in hopes of hitting the ground running if he gets elected.

Tito says his campaign will focus on making the city safe again -- noting it was once considered the "Safest City In America."

He also wants to put focus on growing the local economy and protecting the environment.

Ortiz says he won't be bought off by big corporations -- telling TMZ Sports, "I'm not here for the money, I'm here to make a difference for my community."

Sylvester Stallone is rarely EVER down for the count ... but when it comes to his tricked-out Escalade, he's decided it's time to hang up the gloves and sell the whip for a small fortune.

The folks over at Becker Automotive Design did the customization and now are handling the sale of Sly's 2019 Cadillac Escalade. But, it's no ordinary Escalade, not when Rocky's the owner. The pimped-out whip is the stretched version ... 20 inches to be exact, and it's decked out for the VIP of all VIPs.

The beast is loaded with a 43-inch UHD LCD smart TV built into the electric center divider partition, plus rear 12-inch LCD screens for rear-facing passengers. It's also loaded with two SIM cards from different carriers to ensure you always have the most reliable internet connection.

Got back problems? Enjoy the massagers built into the seats with thermoelectric cool and heat functions.

For extra privacy, the windows are outfitted with electric curtains, and for a more comfy ride -- 2 fully electric rear bucket seats and electric leg rests. The car alone cost $89,500 but the interior enhancements -- for a cool $136,330 -- are what really make this a powerhouse on wheels.

So, why's Sly selling this beast? He says, "I ordered my Becker ESV for a specific purpose, however, my requirement for it has recently changed and I no longer have a need for this beautiful vehicle." Whoever lands this luxury room on wheels will enjoy the Stallone touch ... considering he personally designed the luxurious interior. Howard Becker, BTW, also worked with Tom Brady for his 2017 Cadi.

Sylvester says, "The on-board electronics and ride quality are second to none. I hope the new owner gets years of fulfilling use from this sensationally appointed Becker Cadillac ESV."

The first actual brawl in the 2020 MLB season just unfolded before our eyes -- and lo and behold ... it was against the Houston Astros.

The A's were playing Houston Sunday for a day game, and during the 7th inning ... Astros pitcher Humberto Castellanos beaned A's outfielder Ramon Laureano in the back, which ticked him off. He had words for Castellanos, but then directed his anger at the dugout.

It looks like one of the Astros hitting coaches was chirping at Laureano, which then prompted the A's slugger to charge the dugout. Several Astros players stepped in before Laureano could reach his target -- it looks like Dustin Garneau took him down and others piled on.

This led to the benches clearing and other players to tussle and wrestle on the ground, while others tried pulling one another off. Some were wearing masks, others weren't -- and the fact it was the first actual physical brawl of the COVID-era season made it all the more bizarre.

Of course, there's likely going to be some harsh penalties dished out here because of this -- MLB has strongly discouraged physical closeness/confrontations ... especially if they can be avoided. They've said they'll hand down whatever regular fines or suspensions they normally do in these types of situations, but won't cut 'em down at all for the shortened season.

We told you Saturday there would be a big bash in Bev Hills, and it went down as advertised.

The house was packed with partygoers, including former UFC champ Chuck Liddell, Tyga, Logan Paul and Nyjah Huston.

The person who shot the videos says alcohol was flowing and weed was plentiful as people partied until 4 AM.

The party was indoors and out by the pool. There were even VIP rooms set up.

And, yes ... the masks were few and far between, and forget social distancing.

As we reported, there are efforts underway to skirt L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti's threat to shut off water and power in homes that host these parties. This party was blocks from the L.A. border, but since it was in Bev Hills it was outside the Mayor's domain.

Now entering the game for the (insert NBA team name here) ... J. Cole?!?

NBA player Larry Sanders says HELL YEAH ... telling TMZ Sports he truly believes the rapper has a real chance at making his pro ball dreams come true.

Of course, the idea took off when 35-year-old Cole -- who grew up loving and playing basketball -- starred in a Puma commercial hinting at trying to get a shot at the Association.

Master P told us Cole is dead serious about making it happen ... and even the Detroit Pistons told the "Lion King On Ice" MC to hit 'em up for a tryout.

We spoke with Sanders -- who's played in 6 NBA seasons -- and asked if Cole's got a realistic chance ... and his answer may surprise you.

"I do, for real. I've seen him hoop before in some games and I knew he took the game seriously when he was younger."

"He always raps about it, so that's dope. I'm excited to see that."

Sanders knows exactly what the process will be like, but in reverse -- the 31-year-old has made waves in the music industry off the court ... and even produced a song for PARTYNEXTDOOR.

"It's gonna be just like the music game. Me doing music, everybody laughed at me, everybody went at my head and challenged me ... and I had to go prove myself."

Sanders -- who recently told us he's working on making it back to the league as well -- says he loves the idea of joining forces with Cole on a team next year ... which could end up in some music collabs!!

Bad news for Jake Paul ... one of the best young boxers in the game is giving his biggest secrets to NBA star Nate Robinson -- undefeated two-time WBC super middleweight champion David Benavidez!!

Of course, Robinson is prepping to take on the YouTube superstar-turned-fighter in an undercard match for the Mike Tyson and Roy Jones, Jr. fight on September 12.

Some experts believe Paul may come away with the easy dub because he's 2-0 and has more experience ... but Benavidez makes it clear Robinson has been putting in that work.

"I was in there giving him some pointers," the 23-year-old tells us. "I was trying to teach him a little bit about the boxing game. So, I definitely gave him a few gems, so I feel like he's gonna be more than ready for his upcoming fight."

FYI -- Jake and Nate have been going AT IT ever since the fight was announced ... and recently got into a heated trash-talkin' sesh in an interview with TMZ Sports.

Benavidez -- who has a big fight against Alexis Angulo August 15 on Showtime -- says he knows Robinson picked up the sport a few years ago, so any talk of him being too fresh to boxing is simply not true.

First he beat up his opponent ... then Derrick Lewis needed to beat up the toilet!

The Black Beast dropped another gem during his post-fight interview Saturday night ... saying, "I gotta take a sh*t" -- ON LIVE TV!

35-year-old Lewis had just obliterated #10 ranked heavyweight Aleksei Oleinik in the 2nd round of his main event fight ... when the post fight interview with Paul Felder began.

Lewis apparently didn't realize he was LIVE -- because he turned to someone off-camera and revealed he had some junk in his trunk.

The moment was HILARIOUS -- but Felder rolled with it like a pro and made sure to hurry up the interview so Lewis could empty his bowels.

Lewis is known for his post-fight antics -- remember when he took off his pants in the octagon because he said his balls were hot!?!

Aside from the comedy, Lewis is also a serious run -- winning his last 3 fights in very entertaining fashion.

Lewis is currently the #4 ranked heavyweight in the UFC -- with a 24-7-1 record.

Congrats are in order for Conor McGregor and Dee Devlin -- the UFC superstar popped the question to his longtime GF ... and she said YES!!!

The couple -- who have been together for more than a decade -- made the news official on Saturday ... showing off a MASSIVE engagement ring.

The fighter posted about dropping to one knee before Devlin's 33rd birthday, which is August 9 ... but hints it may have happened around his birthday last month.

"What a birthday, my future wife !" Conor captioned his post on Instagram.

McGregor and Devlin have 2 children together -- 3-year-old Conor Jr. and almost 2-year-old Croia.

It's been an eventful 2020 for Conor ... he kicked it off by beating Cowboy Cerrone at UFC 246 ... and retired from MMA (for the third time) in June.

Conor and Dee have spent their time traveling all over the globe ever since ... including a lavish getaway in France.

Dana White says he's still talking with Floyd Mayweather about working together on another combat sports event -- telling TMZ Sports, "We're interested on both sides."

Of course, Floyd made a handshake deal with Dana back in 2019 to set up a fight involving the UFC.

But, all of Floyd's fight plans came to a screeching halt in 2020 following a series of personal tragedies and the COVID-19 pandemic.

We're told Floyd was left reeling after both his ex, Josie Harris, and his uncle, Roger Mayweather, died in the span of a week ... and fighting was the last thing on his mind.

Now, however, Dana says he's talking with Floyd ... and a possible collaboration is far from dead.

"Floyd and I still have dialogue and go back and forth. We're still interested on both sides."

White added an event is still "very possible."

So, who's the opponent? A boxing rematch with Conor McGregor perhaps?

"No no no. I know he would rematch Conor McGregor but I don't know if you heard about this but Conor McGregor's retired," White says.

McGregor announced his retirement from MMA back in June claiming he's lost his passion for the sport -- but no one really believes him ... except maybe Dana?!

"When I'm doing things right now and running business, I don't even think about Conor. Conor is retired. As of right here now today, Conor is retired until Conor tells me differently, I'm not trying to make any fights for Conor."

When challenged about Conor's true career plans, White explained it this way ...

"He is retired right now. He's not fighting. So, per my contract with fighters, I owe them three fights a year. If I do not deliver three fights a year, I have to pay them their money. Conor McGregor is retired."

Ex-MLB player Cody Decker says that Nazi salute at the Oakland A's game is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to anti-Semitism in pro baseball ... insisting the problem is MUCH worse than it seems.

Decker -- who is Jewish -- was drafted by the San Diego Padres in 2009 and made his MLB debut in 2015. He retired from pro baseball in 2019.

In other words, Cody's been around the game a LONG time and has personally dealt with anti-Semitism ... a lot.

"I mean the amount of Nazis jokes I've dealt with throughout my entire career is pretty staggering," Decker says.

When it comes to Oakland A's bench coach Ryan Christenson -- who threw up a Hitler salute during Thursday's game -- Decker says things would have gone down much differently after the game if he was on that team.

"If I was in that locker room, what I’d have to go into that office and have to do with that coach?! We would have to have a very harsh conversation or we would have to shut the door and maybe throw punches because that's unacceptable. Plain and simple."

During our conversation, Decker describes several times he dealt with blunt anti-Semitism from other players, coaches and fans ... and it's downright ridiculous.

"If you think ant-Semitism is not rampant throughout baseball!? ... It's a very, very, very Christian sport and not all of the players that are very, very Christian are the brightest of Christians. That's not knocking Christianity by any stretch of the imagination, I'm just telling you what I've death with throughout my career by being called multiple Jewish slurs by fans, by teammates."

So, what should happen with Christenson?

"I think a fair thing would be a suspension," Decker says ... while suggesting an educational component to educate Christenson on the dangers of anti-Semitism.

Washington Football Team star Derrius Guice has been arrested in Virginia on suspicion of domestic violence, TMZ Sports has learned.

The 23-year-old running back was taken into custody on Friday on multiple charges, including one count of felony strangulation, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office.

He's also facing 3 counts of assault and battery and 1 count of destruction of property.

Guice surrendered to the Loudoun Adult Detention Center around 5 PM, according to the Washington Post.

Records show Guice has since been released on bond.

Guice was a 2nd round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft -- but missed his entire rookie season due to an ACL tear in the preseason.

His 2019 was also plagued with knee injuries -- he was limited to just 5 games and only rushed for 245 yards.

But, the former LSU star has reportedly been working out like a maniac and many projected him to have a breakout year in 2020.

Story developing ...

Cam Newton says he won't use his drama with the Carolina Panthers as motivational fuel to succeed in New England ... insisting he's the kind of self-motivator who "wakes up mad."

Newton -- sporting one of his best flashy outfits -- met with reporters Friday for the first time as a Patriot ... and was asked if the way things ended in Charlotte lit a fire under his ass to dominate in 2020.

"Look, I wake up mad. I don’t need … the fact I'm not able to see my kids on a regular basis, that's what makes me mad."

He continued, "I'm not gonna dwell on the past. I think I'm a person that's a self-motivator."

"Even though the past is the past, I'm not going to keep looking back. For me, it's just turn the page and move forward."

In fact, Cam seems to extend an olive branch to his former team ... saying, "I wish those guys nothing but the best. I hope the feeling is mutual and I'm moving on."

What's interesting is Cam is the same dude who recently said he felt "sh*tted on" and "left to die" after the Panthers released him.

He also recently called himself a "killa" who's "tired of being humble."