Eric Church & Jazmine Sullivan We're Singing Super Bowl Nat'l Anthem ... Country And R&B Stars Teaming Up For Song
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Country rocker Eric Church and R&B star Jazmine Sullivan will team up to sing the national anthem at Super Bowl LV next month ... the NFL announced Tuesday.
No details yet on how the two will perform the song in Tampa Bay on Feb. 7 -- it's unclear whether it will be a harmony or a verse-trading rendition.
But, what is clear is Church and Sullivan have some of the best vocals on the planet ... and their version of the anthem could be one of the most memorable ones in recent history.
43-year-old Church is a 10-time Grammy nominee. Sullivan, meanwhile, earned 7 Grammy nominations alone for her 2008-debut album, "Fearless."
Previously, stars like Mariah Carey, Demi Lovato and Lady Gaga have all sung the pregame anthem.
The league also announced Tuesday that 23-year-old R&B star H.E.R. will sing "America the Beautiful" in the lead-up to the big game as well.
As we previously reported, The Weeknd was tapped to be the game's halftime show performer several weeks ago.
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Conor McGregor Denies Wrongdoing ... After 2 Women File Lawsuits Against UFC Star
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Two women in Ireland are suing Conor McGregor stemming from alleged incidents in 2018 ... but the UFC superstar is ADAMANT he did nothing wrong.
The suits were filed Monday in Dublin, according to Independent.ie, with one woman lodging a "multi-million euro personal injury lawsuit."
The other suit, the report notes, was filed by the woman's mother ... and also appears to be for alleged personal injuries.
Specific allegations against McGregor in the suits are not yet public ... according to the report, details cannot be revealed yet for legal reasons.
But, 32-year-old Conor is calling B.S. on it all nonetheless, with a rep for the fighter telling TMZ Sports the matter has already been investigated and thrown out by law enforcement officials.
"After an exhaustive investigation conducted by the Garda which, in addition to interviews of the plaintiff, included: interviewing numerous sources, obtaining witnesses' statements, examining closed-circuit footage and the cooperation of Conor McGregor, these allegations were categorically rejected," Karen J. Kessler said in a statement.
"The plaintiff knows the facts contradict the assertions in this lawsuit. Mr. McGregor will dispute any claims and is confident that justice will prevail."
"Fight Island is mine!"
— UFC (@ufc) January 19, 2021 @ufc
🇮🇪 @TheNotoriousMMA has arrived #InAbuDhabi.
[ #UFC257 | LIVE on PPV: https://t.co/cibwi9VLF2 ] pic.twitter.com/ZM8U3WAifR
Conor is set to fight Dustin Poirier this weekend on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi at UFC 257. It's scheduled to be his first tilt since he TKO'ed Donald Cerrone on Jan. 18, 2020.
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Delonte West Lands Job With Rehab Facility ... In Florida
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Awesome step in the right direction for Delonte West -- the ex-NBAer is now employed by the same rehab facility he received treatment from late last year!!
As we previously reported ... Mark Cuban personally tracked down the 37-year-old at a Dallas gas station in September 2020 and helped the hooper reconnect with his mother.
SEPTEMBER 2020
Together, West's mom and Cuban convinced the former Dallas Maverick to seek treatment at the Rebound therapy center in Florida ... as an attempt to bounce back from hard times.
The progress was clearly visible -- with West smiling from ear-to-ear during activities like horseback riding, frisbee golf and kayaking as he took steps towards recovery.
Now, The Athletic's Shams Charania reports West will continue to surround himself within the Rebound family ... this time, as an employee.
The report also states West has maintained contact with Cuban and his family as he continues to work on his health.
Of course, West was the 24th overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft ... playing for the SuperSonics, Mavs, Cavs and Celtics.
The guard fell on hard times in the years following his hoops career ... and members of the NBA community -- including Cuban, Doc Rivers and Jameer Nelson -- have been focused on trying to get West back on his feet.
The recent updates have been positive -- West was even spotted working on his jumper back in November ... and it's clear he has a strong support system behind him.
Keep it up, Delonte!
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Jared Porter NY Mets GM Fired ... After Sending Penis Picture To Female Reporter
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New York Mets GM Jared Porter -- who had just helped the team land Francisco Lindor in a blockbuster trade -- has been fired ... after he admitted to sending a penis picture to a female reporter.
The journalist -- described in a bombshell ESPN report as "a foreign correspondent who had moved to the United States to cover Major League Baseball" --- told ESPN through an interpreter under the condition of anonymity that she had met Porter while he was working in the Chicago Cubs' front office in 2016.
The woman says the two had seen each other in an elevator at Yankee Stadium and exchanged business cards. Soon after, she claims he began texting her.
Copies of the texts were obtained by ESPN ... and they showed Porter and the woman initially had casual conversations. But, the baseball exec began complimenting her, messages show, calling her "pretty," "beautiful," and "gorgeous."
The texts Jared Porter sent pic.twitter.com/5fCr97agcH
— Henry ✌🏻 (@PeaceOfHenry) January 19, 2021 @PeaceOfHenry
At one point, she says Porter asked if she had a boyfriend.
The messages show Porter invited the woman repeatedly to meet up with him in different cities across the U.S. ... and, eventually, the messages show Porter sent her a picture of a man with a bulge in the groin area on a bed in front of a TV.
The woman says she stopped responding after that photo ... but says Porter kept on messaging.
The woman claims Porter sent over 60 texts to her ... with one featuring a naked, erect penis. She says after he sent her that photo, she demanded he stop.
"This is extremely inappropriate, very offensive, and getting out of line. Could you please stop sending offensive photos or msg," the woman wrote.
The woman says Porter later apologized.
When reached by ESPN for comment, Porter admitted to texting with the woman ... adding, "the more explicit ones are not of me. Those are like, kinda like joke-stock images."
The Mets said Monday they would look into it all ... and early Tuesday morning, team owner Steve Cohen announced he was firing Porter.
"We have terminated Jared Porter this morning," Cohen said. "In my initial press conference I spoke about the importance of integrity and I meant it. There should be zero tolerance for this type of behavior."
Team president Sandy Alderson added in a statement, "Jared's actions, as reflected by events disclosed last night, failed to meet the Mets' standards for professionalism and personal conduct."
After working with the Cubs and winning the 2016 World Series, Porter was hired to be an assistant general manager with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He later joined the Mets in the GM role on Dec. 13, 2020.
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Brett Favre Warns Patrick Mahomes ... Be Smart In Dealing With Concussion!!!
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Brett Favre is issuing a stern warning to Patrick Mahomes ... telling TMZ Sports the quarterback NEEDS to listen to the doctors when it comes to handling his concussion.
The NFL's most legendary ironman explained ... "I played 321 straight games, it kind of goes against everything I stood for when I played. But, you got to be smart. You've got to be smart."
Favre says he's legitimately worried about the Chiefs star's long-term health ... telling us if Mahomes rushes back to the field after suffering that head injury against the Browns on Sunday, it could have dire consequences.
Some potentially good news from Jay Glazer on Patrick Mahomes. Indicated Mahomes’ issues were more related to symptoms similar to getting “choked out” than a concussion, but still has to clear the concussion protocol. #Chiefs pic.twitter.com/ZZgoxAkKLW
— Brandon Kiley (@BKSportsTalk) January 18, 2021 @BKSportsTalk
"When you're in the moment, and you're young, you're bulletproof, man," Favre says. "But, I'm 51 years old and I'm wondering what tomorrow will bring because of concussions more than anything."
Mahomes and the Chiefs play the Bills on Sunday ... and many in Kansas City and around the league are hoping the QB can clear concussion protocol and play in the huge matchup.
But, Favre is stressing the need for Patrick to be honest with doctors and coaches about his symptoms ... and to take it all very seriously.
Of course, caring for head injuries is a cause very near to Brett's heart ... he's expressed concern he might have CTE due to all the hits he's suffered.
Now, Brett tells us he's in the process of helping develop a drug he hopes could prevent the injuries in the sport going forward.
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Jerry Rice I'm Taking Montana Over Tom Brady ... W/ Game On The Line
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Tom Brady has more Super Bowl wins, MVPs and TDs than Joe Montana ... but Jerry Rice says he's still taking his former 49ers teammate with the game on the line -- "any day."
It's the age-old debate -- 4th quarter, the team needs a TD, who ya taking? These days, most people say Brady over Montana ... but Rice doesn't see it that way.
“It’s a whole different era, and I would go with Montana any day because he was Joe Cool, and he was in an era where he was not as protected,” Rice said in an interview with 95.7 The Game.
FYI, Montana played from 1979 to 1994 ... a time when football was much more physical -- and passing games weren't nearly as explosive.
"I'm going to go with Joe Montana because, like I said, it was a different era," Rice said.
"Not taking anything away from what's happening today, but you look at the game today, the way it's played, you look at how receivers are protected. I never thought I would see an era where the running back doesn't have to be on the ground for them to stop the play because this, to me, is supposed to be tackle football."
Now, Jerry's probably a little biased ... Montana and Rice are the greatest QB to WR combo in the history of the NFL.
As far as the numbers and awards go ... Brady has the edge.
Tom is a 6x Super Bowl champ, 4x Super Bowl MVP, 3x NFL MVP, 14x Pro Bowler, and has thrown 581 TDs.
Joe's accomplishments aren't too shabby either ... he's a 4x Super Bowl champ, 3x Super Bowl MVP, 2x NFL MVP, 8x Pro Bowler, and threw 273 TDs.
Both guys were pretty good, huh?
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Lamar Jackson Thanks Bills Mafia After $360k In Donations ... To QB's Charity
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Lamar Jackson is giving a huge shoutout to the Bills Mafia ... thanking the fanbase for flooding his charity with more than $360k in donations after suffering a concussion against Buffalo on Saturday.
Aside from smashing tables and other tailgate debauchery, the Bills Mafia is well-known for coming together to financially support causes tied to their players and opponents over the past few years.
After Lamar went down in the 3rd quarter of the Bills' 17-3 win over the Ravens in the divisional round of the playoffs, fans decided to show support by making donations to the QB's "Blessings in a Backpack" movement, which helps fight childhood hunger.
Lamar Jackson has gone back to the locker room after this hitpic.twitter.com/VjtNDVq8Rk
— Ravens Nation (@RavensNationCP) January 17, 2021 @RavensNationCP
The former MVP took notice of the move on Monday ... heaping praise on the fans for their awesome gesture.
"Appreciate that #BillsMafia," Jackson said on Twitter. "Means A lot not to only me but those kids as well."
Appreciate that #BillsMafia Means A lot not to only me but those kids as well💜💜 https://t.co/fDNjJMpni9
— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) January 18, 2021 @Lj_era8
Remember, Bills fans shelled out more than $415k to Andy Dalton's foundation when he led Cincinnati to a Week 17 win over the Ravens in 2017 ... which helped Buffalo secure a playoff spot for the first time in forever.
The Bills Mafia also came together for their own QB when Josh Allen's grandma, Patricia, passed away the day before a game earlier this season ... donating more than $1 MILLION to the John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital in Buffalo in her name.
Props to Bills Mafia for the gesture ... and get well soon, Lamar!
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Robert Griffin III Waived By Ravens ... After Three Years In Baltimore
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Robert Griffin III is no longer a backup to Lamar Jackson ... the Baltimore Ravens waived the former Heisman Trophy winner following their loss to the Bills this weekend.
The team made the announcement Monday ... cutting ties with RGIII after he had been on the roster for the past three seasons.
Griffin III never quite had a huge impact in Baltimore, he only played in 14 games, and threw for just 288 yards in those contests.
The Ravens have officially waived RG3
— Offseason Ramey (@HoodieRamey) January 18, 2021 @HoodieRamey
Thank you @RGIII 🐐 pic.twitter.com/zSGcC0FxdU
But, the fact that Griffin III was able to secure a spot on the team for so long says a lot about the 30-year-old ... remember, he was out of football for the entire 2017 season and some wondered if he'd ever get another shot after that.
RGIII was set to be a free agent this offseason before the Ravens' announcement Monday ... but the move could allow him to now find a new home sooner.
The quarterback reflected on the season before roster move was made official Monday ... writing on his social media page, "As year 8 comes to a close, I just want to say thank you to my teammates, the fans, & @Ravens organization."
"This season was a trying one with a lot of adversity & there were no better people for the job. Honored to be a part of the brotherhood with yal. The best is yet to come."
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Kyrie Irving Buys Home For George Floyd's Family ... Says Stephen Jackson
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Kyrie Irving came through with an incredible gesture for George Floyd's family ... with Stephen Jackson revealing the NBA superstar recently bought them a new home.
Jackson -- who personally knew Floyd and referred to him as his "twin" -- vowed to be a father figure for George's 7-year-old daughter, Gianna, after George's death in May 2020.
But, the ex-NBAer says he's not alone in supporting Floyd's family ... joining Etan Thomas' "The Rematch" podcast to praise other huge names who have stepped up in support.
"I'm just continuing to do what I said I was going to do," Jackson said on the podcast. "I said I was going to be my brother's keeper and take care of his daughter and make sure that her next days are her best days."
On @etanthomas36's podcast, Stephen Jackson revealed that Kyrie Irving (@KyrieIrving) bought a home for George Floyd's family. @DaTrillStak5 also thanked @lilbaby4PF (who paid for Gianna Floyd's birthday party), @BarbraStreisand and more.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) January 18, 2021 @AlexKennedyNBA
FULL EPISODE: https://t.co/b7PS3C4Y6h pic.twitter.com/tHHe2T9Kyy
"A lot of my friends ... Kyrie Irving bought them a house. Lil Wayne's manager bought them a Mercedes-Benz. Barbra Streisand gave them stock in Disney."
As we previously reported, Lil Baby also stepped up to throw a lavish party for Gianna's 7th birthday ... and Jackson says the kind gestures have helped her deal with the tragic loss of her father.
"I think God has definitely blessed her," Stack continued. "Right now, she's doing the best she's ever done. She's happy."
We've reached out to Kyrie's reps for more details ... so far, no word back.
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Report: Kevin Porter, Jr. Food-Throwing Locker Room Outburst Team To Trade/Release Player
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Kevin Porter, Jr.'s time as a Cleveland Cavalier is all but over ... with the NBA player reportedly getting "combative" in a food-throwing incident in the team locker room.
KPJ hasn't played a minute of basketball this season due to "personal reasons" ... but returned late last week after his extended time away from the team.
According to The Athletic, 20-year-old Porter became super pissed when he arrived to the locker room on Friday and noticed recently-acquired Taurean Prince had taken over his locker ... and KPJ's new spot was among the "end of the bench" players.
The report says Porter started to yell ... and even threw food at one point.
Cavs GM Koby Altman and J.B. Bickerstaff tried to defuse the situation to no avail ... with the head coach being described as "shocked and disgusted" by Porter's comments.
Now, the team is washing their hands of the troubled rising star -- with the report saying the relationship will end either via trade or release.
Of course, it's been a rocky start to Porter's NBA career -- the 2019 30th overall pick was arrested in Ohio back in November following a one-car accident.
He faced multiple charges including improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle and weed possession ... but eventually, all charges were dismissed.
Porter -- who was also briefly suspended for "conduct issues" during his freshman season at USC -- showed serious upside during his rookie season ... averaging 10 points in 23 minutes per game.
Story developing ...
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Deshaun Watson Begs Fans To Cancel March For QB ... 'COVID Is Spreading'
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Deshaun Watson is urging fans to NOT march in his honor ... begging Texans supporters on Monday to cancel a rally they had planned to try to keep the QB in Houston.
You'll recall ... Watson is currently in a messy spat with Texans brass -- believing he should have more input in the team's hiring process of its general manager and head coach.
In fact, things have reportedly gotten so contentious ... there's talk Watson could be traded from the team sooner rather than later.
Texans fans have obviously been furious about that ... and they had planned a march near NRG Stadium on Monday to send a message to Houston's ownership and to try to keep Watson on the roster.
Tomorrow at 11 am we are going to meet @eatleftys to start the rally (not protest) than we will walk down Kirby to the bull at NRG
— Just Some Dude (@HoustonFBpodguy) January 18, 2021 @HoustonFBpodguy
This is a peaceful rally, please wear masks! Thank you everybody who has supported this!
See you at 11 am! #IStandWith4 (updated flyer) pic.twitter.com/cQbRHwGnf3
But, when Deshaun caught word of the possible rally in his honor ... he pleaded with leaders to not go through with it because of the ongoing pandemic.
"I'm hearing there is a march planned on my behalf in Houston today," Watson said. "Although I am humbled I ask that whoever is organizing the march cancel for the sake of public safety."
"Covid is spreading at a high rate & I don’t want any fans to unnecessarily expose themselves to infection."
According to Houston Chronicle reporter Aaron Wilson, more than 100 fans had already gathered at the stadium to begin the rally ... though it seems some, if not all, are dispersing after Watson's plea.
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Yankees' Aaron Hicks Rips 303-Yard Hole-In-One With Tiger Woods' Niece
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New York Yankees slugger Aaron Hicks just pulled off what some golfers only dream of -- ripping a 303-yard hole-in-one on a Par 4 on Sunday ... and Tiger Woods' niece was present for the feat!!!
The 31-year-old has been showing off his serious golf skills recently ... launching a 330-yard drive during a recent trip to Top Golf earlier this month.
Now, the center fielder has proven his talents translate to the links ... by hitting an insane hole-in-one shot at Silverleaf Club in Scottsdale, AZ with his 3 wood.
There's no footage of the accomplishment, but we gotta take Aaron and Cheyenne's word for it ... as the golf legend's niece shared vid of a rightfully stoked Hicks jogging up to the hole, pulling out his ball and giving a fist pump that would make Tiger proud.
It's been nothing but success for non-golf pro athletes on the links recently -- as we previously reported, Wayne Gretzky nailed a hole-in-one on New Year's Eve.
Sure looks like Hicks could hold his own if he decides to hang up the bat in exchange for a golf career!!
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Floyd Mayweather Remembers 'Angel' Josie Harris 'Gone But Never Forgotten'
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Floyd Mayweather penned an emotional and heartfelt message to his ex-GF and mother of his 3 kids, Josie Harris ... on her 1st birthday following her tragic death.
Mayweather posted a photo of Harris on social media ... and wrote "Happy Birthday to my Angel in Heaven🕊 Gone but never forgotten. RIP."
Floyd also visited Harris' final resting place, posting a photo from a mausoleum with a caption that said ... "I had to come see you for your birthday Josie. R I P my angel."
Harris died in the driveway of her Valencia, CA home in March 2020 ... from what the medical examiner determined was an accidental overdose of prescription medication.
Of course, Mayweather and Harris -- an aspiring actress -- famously had an up-and-down relationship but dated for 15 years ... and had 3 children together.
At the time, Floyd was so broken up about Harris' death (and his uncle and trainer, Roger Mayweather's passing -- only days apart) ... he delayed a possible return to the ring last year.
Josie would've turned 41 years old on Sunday.
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Justin Fields OSU Star Declares For NFL Draft ... Jets Next?!?
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Ohio State superstar Justin Fields is moving on from the Buckeyes -- the QB just announced he'll enter the NFL Draft ... and it begs the question, is New York his next destination?!
The Jets are slated to pick #2 overall in April's draft ... and some believe they could take Fields and move on from Sam Darnold.
Of course, Jets star Quinnen Williams told TMZ Sports this month that he would NOT go that route -- preferring Alabama's Devonta Smith instead.
If the Jets do pass, Fields doesn't figure to fall too far -- he's considered either the 2nd- or 3rd-best QB in the entire draft.
As for leaving OSU, Fields was emotional in making the announcement Monday ... thanking his coach, his teammates and Buckeye nation for embracing him after he transferred to the school from Georgia.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
"To my teammates, I will miss you more than you know," Fields said in his lengthy goodbye note. "I hope I have made the same impact on you that you have made on me. The bonds formed these last two years will last a lifetime; in you, I will always have brothers."
Fields continued, "Growing up, my dream was to one day play the game that I love at the highest level. Now thanks to God's grace and mercy, along with the help of you all, I am in a position to turn that dream into reality."
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Tom Brady Throws TD Pass To Drew Brees' Son ... After Bouncing Saints QB From Playoffs
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Tom Brady beat a Brees and then scored with one later ... 'cause after the Buccaneers superstar bounced Drew Brees from the playoffs Sunday -- he threw a TD to the QB's son!
The cool moment all went down an hour or so after the Bucs beat the Saints in the Superdome in an NFC Divisional Round game ... with Brady and Brees having what appeared to be a pretty emotional talk.
Brady gave Brees (who had just finished likely the final game of his historic career) a handshake and a long hug ... and then suddenly Brees' son came up to the two.
As Tom Brady and Drew Brees hug and say goodbye after a long talk on the field, Brady throws a touchdown pass to Brees’ son. One walks off to play in the NFC championship, the other stays to play with his kids. pic.twitter.com/wdWDro9YD4
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) January 18, 2021 @JamesPalmerTV
The young Brees handed a ball to Tom -- and TB12 knew exactly what to do with it!!!
The Tampa Bay signal-caller fired a perfect strike into the corner of the endzone ... and the little Brees came down with a pretty impressive catch!
"That a boy!" Tom told the kid. "We could have used you tonight. Got to get that ball in the endzone!"
Brees' wife then gave Tom a hug ... and Brady provided some strong words of wisdom to Drew's other son -- "Be nice to your sister." Tom then bolted for the locker room.
Of course, the whole moment was super special ... Sunday is almost certainly the final time the two legends will compete on the same field again -- so it was cool to see the two G.O.A.T.s go out like this.
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Patrick Mahomes' Mom Rips Browns' Mack Wilson Over Tackle ... 'Trash Football'
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Cleveland Browns linebacker Mack Wilson shoulda been booted from the game over his hit on Patrick Mahomes ... so says the superstar QB's mother, who called the play "trash football."
Mahomes suffered a concussion and was knocked out in the 3rd quarter of the Chiefs vs. Browns divisional round game on Sunday ... after Wilson brought down the QB on a run play.
Mahomes is being evaluated for a concussion after this hit
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 17, 2021 @BleacherReport
(via @NFLBrasil)pic.twitter.com/XoCvtl5GB9
Mahomes' mom, Randi, was FURIOUS over the play ... calling for Wilson to be ejected from the game.
"#51 Wilson that’s some trash football leading with helmet, pulling his head and pushing helmet," Randi tweeted Sunday. "why are you not thrown out!?? Come on NFL"
FWIW -- Wilson spoke out after the game ... saying he's NEVER been a dirty player, and wished Mahomes a speedy recovery.
All good brother! 💪🏽 https://t.co/ORwLG6eFTV
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) January 17, 2021 @PatrickMahomes
"Never been a dirty player in my life," Wilson tweeted after the game. "I just try my best to play fast and make plays. Don’t try to insult me & keep the threats to yourself."
As for Mahomes ... he'll be evaluated this week as the Chiefs prepare for the Buffalo Bills in the AFC title game ... but we've seen what his backup, Chad Henne, can do.