NFL Taps 1st All-Black Officiating Crew ... to Work 'Monday Night Football'

History will be made on Monday night when the NFL’s first all-Black officiating crew takes the field for the Rams vs. Bucs game in Tampa Bay.

The league specifically put the crew together to honor the contributions of Black officials, as the NFL celebrates its 100th year anniversary.

Jerome Boger, who is in his 17th year as a league official, will lead the 7-man crew. He'll be joined by umpire Barry Anderson, down judge Julian Mapp, line judge Carl Johnson, field judge Dale Shaw, side judge Anthony Jeffries and back judge Greg Steed.

"This historic Week 11 crew is a testament to the countless and immeasurable contributions of Black officials to the game, their exemplary performance, and to the power of inclusion that is the hallmark of this great game,” said Troy Vincent, NFL executive vice president of football operations.

It's interesting, the Rams and Bucs will be playing in this historic game since the Rams were the first NFL team to reintegrate in 1946 after a 12-year span where NFL owners had banned black players from the league (read about it here) -- and the Bucs are the first team in NFL history with 3 Black coordinators.

The Monday night showdown features two of the best teams in the NFL, as the Rams and Bucs sit atop their respective divisions.

Giants Kicker Graham Gano Tests Positive For COVID-19 Days After Huge Extension

Bad news for the New York Giants -- kicker Graham Gano has just tested positive for COVID-19 ... hours after signing a big extension with the team.

The G-Men announced the test results on Tuesday ... and while they did not name Gano directly, multiple reports confirm it is the 33-year-old leg.

"Last night, we were notified that a player tested positive for COVID-19," the team said. "The player was immediately self-isolated, and the contact tracing process was initiated."

The Giants say 2 staff members were sent home after being identified as close contacts ... and the team facility will remain open for the time being.

It's a huge bummer for Gano -- the guy has been damn-near perfect this season -- making 21-22 of his field goals ... and all 16 of his extra-point attempts.

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The Pro Bowl kicker was rewarded for his success on Sunday ... signing a 3-year, $14 million extension to stay in NY through 2023.

The 3-7 Giants -- fresh off back-to-back wins -- are currently on a bye week ... so hopefully, Gano will recover during the break.

Barack Obama Quit Coaching Sasha's Hoops Team ... Over Parents' Complaints

Even the President of the United States can't escape complaining sports parents!!

... just ask Barack Obama who says he quit coaching his daughter's 4th-grade hoops team after too many parents whined that he gave Sasha's squad an unfair advantage!

Obama spells out the whole thing in his new memoir, "A Promised Land" -- saying around 2010, he realized Sasha's team needed some help and volunteered to take over as head coach along with his personal aide, Reggie Love.

FYI, Love played college basketball at Duke!!

"After observing an adorable but chaotic first couple of games, Reggie and I took it upon ourselves to draw up some plays and volunteered to conduct a few informal Sunday afternoon practice sessions with the team,” Obama says in the book.

Obama says ... during the workout sessions, he and Love drew up plays and worked on "dribbling, passing, making sure your shoelaces were tied" -- you know, the basics.

The good news ... Obama ended up coaching Sasha's squad (which included Joe Biden's granddaughter, Maisy) all the way to the championship game, which they won in an 18-to-16 "nail biter!"

"[We] celebrated like it was the NCAA finals," Obama says.

The bad news ... Obama says other parents from opposing teams complained, claiming their kids were at a distinct disadvantage because they didn't have the leader of the free world on their squad!!

At one point, Obama says Love joked about the opposing parents saying, "They must think being coached by you is something they can put on their Harvard application."

Obama eventually says the bitching became too much -- so he stepped away from the coaching gig and returned to running the country full-time.

Sports parents ... they ruin everything!

UFC's Khaos Williams To Meek Mill & Jay-Z ... 'Your Music Got Me Through Dark Times'

FEELIN' INSPIRED
TMZSports.com

Khaos Williams is BLOWING UP right now after that 30-second-knockout of Abdul Razak Alhassan over the weekend -- and he's giving some of the credit to his hip-hop idols.

Meek Mill. Jay-Z. Drake.

"Those guys inspired me," 26-year-old Khaos tells TMZ Sports ... "Every morning I wake up before my fights, I start my day off listening to Jay-Z."

"Y'all just inspired me. Y'all music, it got me through some dark times, it gave me some inspiration when I didn't have the inspiration."

Khaos, who's based in Michigan, is making quite a name for himself right now -- his last 2 fights were insanely violent and lasted a TOTAL of 57 seconds!

He's currently 11-1 and hasn't lost since 2018.

In fact, Dana White described Khaos' knockout of Abdul Razak Alhassan as "one of the most vicious KOs I’ve ever seen in my f**king life."

Khaos says he hasn't met any of his musical idols yet -- but feels like if he keeps winning, there's a chance it can happen.

Yeah, he's probably right!

Drew Brees Guarantees Speedy Recovery From Gnarly Injuries ... My Fam's Helping!!!

Broken ribs and a collapsed lung ain't going to hold Drew Brees down for long ... the QB is guaranteeing a quick recovery from his gnarly injuries -- saying his fam is helping!!

The New Orleans Saints star posted photographic proof late Monday night ... showing he's already working on breathing exercises while 3 of his kids tended to his wounds.

"Who Dat Nation," Brees captioned the pic, "I've got the best medical team in the world...will be back in no time!"

The 41-year-old is dealing with some serious ailments ... Brees reportedly suffered 3 broken ribs against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Nov. 8 -- and then he did even more damage to his innards against the 49ers on Sunday.

According to multiple reports, after S.F. D-lineman Kentavius Street landed on Brees during a violent tackle in the 2nd quarter of the Saints' win, the signal-caller broke 2 more ribs and collapsed his lung.

Drew ended up having to leave the game ... and while no timetable for recovery has been given -- most believe the injuries could sideline him for over a month.

Brees had been having a super-efficient season ... completing 73.5 percent of his passes while throwing for 18 touchdowns to just 3 interceptions.

Backup Jameis Winston is expected to fill in for the future Hall of Famer while he recovers.

Nick Foles Initial X-Rays Show No Broken Hip ... After Violent Hit on 'MNF'

Some good news for Nick Foles -- initial tests show he did not suffer a broken hip on Monday night, despite being carted off the field.

The Chicago Bears QB took a serious shot from Minnesota Vikings defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo during the final minutes of the 4th quarter while trying to put together a game-winning drive.

31-year-old Foles landed hard on his right hip and was obviously in serious pain. He was eventually carted off the field and there was real concern he suffered a season-ending injury.

But, good news by way of NFL Network's Mike Garafolo who says initial tests on Nick's hip are "extremely positive."

"There was no sign of a break in the hip," Garafolo said Tuesday morning on "Good Morning Football."

"The immediate fear was that there was a fracture in the hip, but tests taken at the stadium did not reveal a fracture. So, that is really good news for Nick Foles, at least initially."

Garafolo said Foles will continue to undergo tests, but right now there's hope he can return to face the Packers on Nov. 29 -- following the team's bye week.

As for the other Bears QB, Mitch Trubisky -- he's still recovering from a shoulder injury he suffered in Week 8.

Bears coach Matt Nagy says he's unsure if Mitch will be ready to go by Week 12 against Green Bay.

"I don't know yet about Mitch. I think there's a possibility, but I don't know that for sure," Nagy said Monday night.

"I think it's going to be day-by-day. I don't know if he knows that. So, we'll just keep an eye on that. Obviously, with Nick's status, we'll have to see where that's at as we go."

Chicago is currently 5-5 -- having lost 4 straight.

Stanley Cup Beach Party Stokes COVID Concerns ... Multiple People Chuggin'

CHUGGIN'
TMZSports.com

Any other year, these images wouldn't be a big deal -- people taking turns swiggin' from the Stanley Cup on a Florida beach.

But, we're in a FREAKIN' PANDEMIC -- with numbers surging in FL -- which is why a victory celebration over the weekend is now a major cause for concern.

The party took place at the famous Don CeSar hotel at St. Pete Beach (22 miles from Tampa International Airport) -- where a Tampa Bay Lightning asst. coach got to spend his 1 day with the trophy after the team won the 2020 championship.

The Tampa Bay Lightning tell us the coach who had the trophy that day is Jeff Halpern -- a former NHL player who spent 14 seasons in the league before joining the Lightning as an assistant.

You'd think Halpern would've learned after the backlash from a previous Stanley Cup celebration back in September -- when players passed the trophy around to random fans so everyone could take a drink.

This time ... we're told 44-year-old Halpern hosted a private celebration on the beach with family members and friends. Witnesses say there were about 50 people at the bash and at least 3 different people sipped from Lord Stanley's Cup.

Again, it happens ALL THE TIME in non-pandemic years -- but with COVID numbers on the rise, passersby tell us they were shocked at what they were watching ... because it did not appear anyone was making an effort to clean out and disinfect the Cup between drinks.

FYI, The Florida Dept. of Health reported more than 10,000 new coronavirus cases on Sunday -- the largest increase in months -- along with 29 resident deaths.

So far, the FDH says there have been more than 885k total COVID-19 cases in Florida since the pandemic began -- with more than 17k deaths.

We reached out to the team -- but so far, no official comment from the Lightning or the NHL.

Vikings Star Adam Thielen Honoring Trebek With Custom Cleats For 'Monday Night Football'

This wide receiver is rockin' custom cleats to honor Alex Trebek on "Monday Night Football" ...

If that were a clue on "Jeopardy!", the answer would be "Who is Adam Thielen?" ... 'cause the Minnesota Vikings star decided to pay homage to the late game show host by wearing the amazing footwear for his game against the Chicago Bears on Monday.

The cleat artist, Dan "Mache" Gamache, posted pics of Thielen's new spikes for the evening ... and they're pretty incredible.

On one of the cleats, there's an image of Trebek with a halo and the dates 1940-2020.

On the other, there's a painted-on, "Jeopardy!"-style answer that reads, "We Will Miss You, Alex" with a price of $19,000 -- a nod to Thielen's #19 jersey number.

"For #MNF pregame tonight my guy @athielen19 will be honoring the legend Alex Trebek who passed last week," Mache said of the cleats on social media.

"I feel like no matter where you were from I feel like Jeopardy was a part of all of our lives in some way."

As we previously reported, Trebek tragically died at 80 years old earlier this month after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer.

Tributes from all over the world have rolled in since his death ... with officials in his hometown of Greater Sudbury, Ontario already kicking around the idea of building him a statue.

Thielen appears to be the first NFLer to pay homage with his spikes ... maybe they'll lead to a Daily Double's load of touchdowns?

Ravens Center Matt Skura Gets Threats After Bad Game Against Pats ... 'Family Is Off Limits'

Baltimore Ravens center Matt Skura says he's received "hateful and threatening messages" after Sunday night's loss to the Patriots ... and he's begging fans to back off.

The Ravens' comeback against New England was derailed after two crucial bad snaps from Skura late in the game ... which the 27-year-old apologized for in a message to Ravens fans on Monday

"I want to take ownership and apologize for my mistakes in last nights game," Skura said. "I always strive and work to be the best I can be in any and all situations. I appreciate those who have sent encouraging messages to me since the game."

But, Skura says some fans have taken things WAY too far -- insinuating some of the trash talk has crossed a line because it involves his family.

"Please know my family is off limits when it comes to hateful and threatening messages," Skura posted on social media ... "They do not deserve to be scrutinized for something they did not do."

He added, "I want to move on from this and grow so that I'm able to be at my best for the rest of the season."

FYI -- the weather was not on Skura's side Sunday night. There was a heavy rain downpour throughout the game ... making the ball a slippery mess.

But, Skura is ready to put the past behind him ... saying, "Now, it's on to the Titans."

Remember, people -- it's just a game.

Antonio Brown Accused of Smashing Security Camera ... Dodges Criminal Charges

UPDATE

2:54 PM PT -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers say they were aware of the alleged incident involving Brown before they signed him.

UPDATE

The team added, "When Antonio joined us, we were clear about what we expected and required of him. Thus far, he has met all the expectations we have in place."

Antonio Brown was named in a police report in Oct. -- after allegedly going berserk at a guard gate stand at his swanky Miami community back in October, smashing a security camera in the process.

It all went down on Oct. 15 at the fancy Hollywood Oaks private community, according to a police report obtained by the Miami Herald.

Brown was reportedly furious that the guard at the security gate wouldn't let a guest inside the community unless AB was physically at the gate to grant access.

So Brown, according to the police report, hopped on his bicycle and sped to the gate where he allegedly went crazy on the guard -- and took out his aggression on a security camera.

According to the police report, Brown cussed out the female security guard -- saying, "Why are you wasting my f***ing time? You need to let my guest through the f***ing gate."

Brown also allegedly threw his bicycle at the arm of the guard gate and then yelled at the property manager -- calling her a "racist bitch."

The Hollywood Police Dept. responded to the scene where an officer says a blue bike was still at the guard shack when they arrived -- jammed between the arm and the motor.

It gets worse for Brown, cops say they reviewed security footage which showed AB smashing the security camera and throwing the bike.

So, why wasn't Brown arrested or charged with a crime?

Cops say in the police report the president of the homeowners association did NOT want to press charges against Brown out of fear the NFL star "may retaliate against her employees."

But, when contacted by the Miami Herald, HOA president Sylvia Berman downplayed the incident and said Antonio has since paid to replace the security camera.

Berman also told The Herald she thinks AB simply had an "emotional reaction" that day -- and then praised him as a "hero" for helping the Tampa Bay Bucs beat the Carolina Panthers this weekend.

As for cops, The Hollywood PD "exceptionally cleared" the case on Nov. 5, according to The Herald ... which means it's unlikely he'll face charges moving forward. Prosecutors say they have not been presented with a case.

Of course, Antonio Brown has been accused of having an explosive temper several times in the past -- it's well documented.

He's thrown furniture off the balcony of an apartment complex, he's berated police and the mother of his children on camera and he was arrested for allegedly physically assaulting a moving truck driver.

In fact, Brown was suspended for the first 8 games of the 2020 NFL season due to his off-the-field behavior.

Brown officially signed with the Tampa Bucs on Oct. 27 and made his debut with the team in Week 9 against the Saints.

Our Bucs sources tell us the team is aware of the alleged incident and is looking into it.

Originally published -- 2:01 PM PT

New York City Cops Raid Huge Illegal Fight Club ... 'Rumble In the Bronx'

UPDATE

1:04 PM PT -- Turns out, it wasn't EXACTLY like "Fight Club" the movie ...

UPDATE

TMZ Sports has learned the combatants allegedly engaged in boxing -- NOT bare-knuckle fist-fighting -- at the event.

UPDATE

As for the scene ... we obtained more pictures from cops -- and the photos appear to show just how big the alleged event actually was.

This was no figment of Ed Norton's imagination ... cops shut down a REAL illegal fight club in New York over the weekend -- allegedly turning up guns, drugs and more.

The New York City Sheriff's Dept. raided a commercial warehouse on Coster Street on Saturday night -- discovering more than 200 people packed inside to watch amateur fights at an unlicensed event dubbed "Rumble in the Bronx!"

Officials say 10 people were arrested -- including a man suspected of organizing the event. That dude faces 8 criminal charges including unlawful assembly and conducting a prohibited combat sport.

Officials say cops also seized 2 handguns and a bunch of weed from the event.

Cops issued a statement saying inside the warehouse, they found patrons "drinking alcohol, smoking, hookah, and not wearing face coverings while failing to social distance."

So, bad enough they were at an illegal event -- worse, they were allegedly blowing off all COVID safety measures.

First rule of Fight Club, YOU CAN'T HAVE A FIGHT CLUB DURING A PANDEMIC!!

Originally Published -- 6:01 AM PT

Drew Brees QB Has Collapsed Lung & Broken Ribs ... After Violent Hit

Drew Brees is hurting like hell today ... medical tests on the New Orleans Saints QB reportedly revealed he's dealing with multiple rib fractures and a collapsed lung.

The 41-year-old was forced to leave Sunday's win over the 49ers after he took a huge hit in the 2nd quarter ... and ESPN's Ed Werder says X-rays Monday showed the dude's ribs are jacked up.

Brees suffered 2 fractured ribs and a collapsed lung thanks to the hard tackle by Kentavius Street, Werder reports.

Werder added doctors also discovered Brees had 3 other fractured ribs from a hit he took against Tampa Bay on Nov. 8.

Unclear how long Brees will need to fully heal ... but it's apparent the quarterback won't be under center any time in the near future.

Which means ... is it Jameis Winston time now in New Orleans?

Winston filled in for Brees after the future Hall of Famer left Sunday's game ... and he played OK, completing six of his 10 passes for 63 yards.

The Saints could also turn to gadget QB/TE/RB Taysom Hill to be their signal-caller in Brees' stead.

Adjust your fantasy lineups accordingly ... and get better soon, Drew!

Usain Bolt Ronaldo Would Beat Me In Foot Race ... He's a Super Athlete, I'm Retired!

Usain Bolt says Cristiano Ronaldo would "for sure" beat him in a foot race if the two decided to hit the track ... and yeah, he's dead serious.

The 8-time gold medalist was doing an interview with Spanish news outlet Marca over the weekend ... when he was asked straight-up -- who wins in a race RIGHT NOW??

"For sure Cristiano Ronaldo," the 34-year-old Jamaican legend says. "For me, he works out every day. He's a super athlete, you know what I mean?"

"He's always on top of his game. He works hard, he's focused. So right now, I definitely think he's faster than me."

With all due respect, Mr. Bolt -- WHAT ARE YOU SMOKIN'!?!?!

Sure, Bolt hasn't raced professionally since retiring in 2017 ... he's the fastest human being of all time. He crushed opponents easily for the majority of his career.

Also, back in 2009 Bolt was clocked at 27.8 mph -- the fastest recorded time in human history!!

Don't get us wrong, Ronaldo is a beast, too -- but he's just not in Usain's league when it comes to running in a straight line.

35-year-old Ronaldo was reportedly clocked at 21 mph during the 2018 World Cup, which is still fast ... but that's still 6 mph slower than UB's top speed.

Even if Bolt has gorged on donuts and milkshakes since his retirement (which he hasn't), we'd still bet on Bolt just from the muscle memory alone.

Also, Ronaldo just had COVID, which certainly doesn't help his chances.

Bottom line ... it's Bolt all day -- unless Ronaldo got a 35-yard head start AND Usain had to run backward.

But, there's really only one true way to settle this -- RACE!!!!!!!!

Logan Paul On Mayweather ... I'd Whoop His Ass in a Street Fight!

ANYTIME, ANYWHERE
BACKGRID

"If I caught Floyd with one punch -- one punch -- I would snap this f**ker in half."

That's Logan Paul GOING OFF about how he would wreck Floyd Mayweather if they ever got into a "real" fight ... while insisting he's still down to fight the G.O.A.T. in a boxing ring, too!

Paul was out at Boa Steakhouse in L.A. over the weekend when he was asked if there's been any progress in a possible Logan vs. Floyd boxing match in the near future.

As we previously reported, 43-year-old Mayweather was recently approached with the idea of having an exhibition bout with 25-year-old Paul ... but no deal has been signed.

Paul was tight-lipped about the plans when we saw him back in September, but now he's calling out Floyd publicly ... and talkin' a TON of trash in the process.

KEEPIN' IT HUSH
TMZSports.com

"Let me tell you this, if I caught Floyd in a real fight, street fight, whoop his ass! No question," Paul said ... "MMA? Octagon? Whoop his ass!"

"The only place I think Floyd is safe obviously is the boxing ring, but to be honest, I don't give a f*ck! I don't give a f*ck! I would fight Floyd anytime, anywhere, any place. Doesn't f*ckin' matter to me."

Paul continued, "I'm 8 inches taller, I'm 40 pounds heavier, I'm half his age, I'm 2 times as hungry and 10 times as smart. I'm used to beating up people weaker and shorter than he is. I grew up with Jake!"

When asked why Mayweather won't sign the contract, Logan offered up this explanation.

"Bro, think about it. He's got everything to lose, I've got nothing to lose. Mr. Money wants a money fight!? Let's f*ckin go."

Floyd hasn't fought professionally since beating up Conor McGregor back in 2017 ... though he has taken at least 1 exhibition fight since then, destroying Japanese fighter Tenshin Nasukawa in 2018.

Ex-MLB Great Jim Edmonds Rips 'RHOC' Ex for Partying, Getting COVID ... You Put My Family at Risk!!!

Retired MLB star Jim Edmonds is pissed at his estranged wife for being reckless with COVID -- he claims her partying and jet-setting ways put his family in danger.

Jim's estranged wife, "Real Housewives of Orange County" alum Meghan King, says she's isolating after testing positive for COVID-19. Jim's rep, Steve Honig, tells TMZ ... Jim thinks Meghan has a lot of explaining to do because she attended a major Halloween event in St. Louis before jetting down to Miami, where she continued to party.

So, he says Jim's hardly surprised she announced she tested positive ... but he is pissed.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Videos and pictures from the Halloween bash show Meghan rubbing elbows with tons of people, the vast majority of whom are not wearing masks.

And, photos from Meghan's trip to Miami again show her with lots of maskless folks. She says she loves feeding her "wanderlust spirit" ... even in a pandemic.

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A source close to the situation claims Meghan came over to Jim's house after her Miami trip to pick up their kids ... after allegedly being exposed to the virus. The source claims Meghan was hugging and kissing the kids, putting not only their children at risk, but also Jim's girlfriend.

Our source claims Meghan's lying about the timing of everything to make it seem like her reckless partying has nothing to do with her positive COVID diagnosis.

We're told after Meghan went public with her diagnosis Sunday, Jim reached out to her directly and expressed disappointment with her lack of responsibility.

Bottom line ... Jim's rep says he thinks Meghan's not acting like a responsible parent.

Chiefs' Laurent Duvernay-Tardif COVID PPE Enshrined In HOF ... After Heroic Opt-Out

Incredible honor for Laurent Duvernay-Tardif ... the NFL player who opted out of the 2020 season to help on the frontlines in the battle against COVID just had his PPE enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The HOF made the announcement this weekend ... saying the offensive lineman's mask, face shield, scrubs and lab coat will now be on display for all to see at the museum in Canton, Ohio.

As we previously reported, Duvernay-Tardif -- who earned his doctorate in 2018 -- chose to leave football this season in order to use his medical training to help those affected by coronavirus.

In a statement explaining his decision ... the 29-year-old said, "I cannot allow myself to potentially transmit the virus in our communities simply to play the sport that I love. If I am to take risks, I will do it caring for patients."

It was a big deal for Duvernay-Tardif ... he was projected to be a key player on the Chiefs this season after he started for K.C. in their Super Bowl win over the 49ers last February.

Duvernay-Tardif has reportedly been working on the frontlines in his hometown of Quebec since announcing his opt-out in July.

The lineman -- who inked a 5-year, $42 MILLION contract with the Chiefs in 2017 -- has said he's hoping to return to the team in 2021.

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