Does this look like a guy who's ready to let Joe Burrow take his job without a fight??
Cincinnati Bengals QB (for now) Andy Dalton is still working on his fundamentals during quarantine ... and he's enlisted his 2 adorable sons to help out!!
Seems pretty obvious that Dalton's run as the Cinci starting QB will come to an end next week when the Bengals take Burrow with the #1 overall pick ... but the 32-year-old clearly ain't ready to retire yet!
And, since the pandemic has Andy stuck in the house, Dalton called his sons, Nash and Noah, to the backyard to run him through some QB drills!
SUPER CUTE!!
There were rumblings Bill Belichick and the Patriots could be interested in signing Andy ... but as of right now, seems Jarrett Stidham is the guy in New England.
Still, gotta stay ready ... who knows what next week could bring!
2:39 PM PT -- Dak Prescott is speaking out about the event at his home on Friday -- claiming it was NOT a party, but rather a small "home dinner" ... though he insists it won't happen again.
UPDATE
The Dallas Cowboys QB has been under fire ever since we posted footage from inside Dak's home showing a large food spread and multiple people feasting ... including Ezekiel Elliott.
UPDATE
We were told there were as many as 30 people in the house at one point -- but Dak is saying the true number was fewer than 10.
UPDATE
"I understand and accept that there are additional responsibilities and media scrutiny that come with being an NFL quarterback, but it is very frustrating and disappointing when people provide completely inaccurate information from anonymous sources, especially now,” Prescott told ProFootballTalk.
UPDATE
"To set the record straight, I know that we all need to do our best to socially distance and like everyone else, I am continuing to adjust to what that requires, but the truth is that I was with fewer than 10 people for a home dinner -- not a party -- on Friday night. I am very sensitive to the challenges we are all facing and making sure to support the first responders and medical personnel and everyone else putting in long hours."
UPDATE
"We are all at a time when we need to keep educating ourselves about the importance of health and isolation during this pandemic and I will continue to make sure to do my part by following the guidelines until we are approved to start returning to normal activities."
UPDATE
There's more ... a photo of a set dinner table that we were initially told was inside the house was NOT in fact taken at Prescott's home.
UPDATE
Instead, the photo was taken at the restaurant that catered the feast as a way to show love to one of Dak's guests, who was celebrating a birthday.
Jerry Jones'son (who's also the Cowboys executive V.P.) called into 105.3 The Fan in Dallasand said the team spoke with both superstars after TMZ Sports posted photos from the party at Dak's Texas home on Friday ... and explained to them why the shindig was a TERRIBLE idea!
"I think they're certainly aware now of how sensitive these situations are," Jones said on Tuesday ... "I don't think you'll be seeing that anymore."
We were told there were as many as 30 people at Dak's home at one point -- though sources close to Dak insist the number was closer to 10.
Either way, bad idea -- since officials have warned against unnecessary gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"They're certainly guys that we have the utmost respect for, and I certainly know they understand the sensitivity of the situation we're in today," Stephen said.
"It's certainly very serious, and something that we know and certainly know they understand."
Tons of people have ripped the Cowboys stars over the party ... with former Dallas 1st-round pick Marcus Spears calling it, "one of the most disrespectful things I've seen in a long time."
For his part, Prescott has still yet to publicly comment on the issue.
Sweet gesture from NFL star Quinnen Williams ... the NY Jets D-lineman donated $25,000 worth of food to medical personnel in N.J. -- and it was all handmade by a celeb chef!!
The former first-round pick hit up Brianna's Nutrition Kitchen this month to take care of staffers at Morristown Medical Center in Morristown, N.J. -- and the meals didn't disappoint.
TMZ Sports has learned Quinnen and the private chef hooked up the heroes with superhealthy products ... including seasoned protein, veggies and potatoes.
One of the coolest parts of the gift? Quinnen labeled each meal with a smiling photo and the message, "Thank you for your service! Love, Quinnen Williams."
Seemed the people who are laying their lives on the line to stop the effects of coronavirus were more than happy with the grub -- smiling and posing with the meals on Tuesday!
Of course, New Jersey has been one of the states hit hardest by COVID-19 ... with more than 68,000 confirmed cases in the area.
So, props to Quinnen for doing his part to help out!
Get your mouths ready ... 'cause the fastest food eaters on the planet are teaming up for a quarantine tournament for the ages!!!
Thanks to Major League Eating, sports fans FINALLY have some competition to look forward to -- a livestreamed event on April 17.
The biggest names in the biz -- from Joey Chestnutto Matt Stonie to #1 female eater Miki Sudo -- are slated to compete ... and the food choices are extra quarantine friendly.
Here's the breakdown ...
Qualifying Round: Sliced Bologna -- two pounds
Quarterfinals: Milk and Cookies -- one family pack of Oreos and a half-gallon of milk
Semifinals: Baked Beans -- 1.5 gallons
Finals: Ramen Noodles -- 10 individual ramen cups
MLE chairman George Shea noted this is the first major sports competition to come back since the global pandemic ... and he sees it as a good thing.
"While there has been substantial discussion about which professional sport would be the first to return -- with baseball, basketball, golf and MMA all floating recent potential return plans -- competitive eating is first to come back. It is a powerful statement of American resilience."
To make it an even more sports-centered event, BetOnline is taking bets on who will go home the big winner!!
Speaking of the winner, whoever ends up the champ will take home a $5,000 reward!!
Both BetOnline and MLE are also donating $10k to Feeding America ... so it's for a good cause!!
There's talks Chestnut could break the baked bean eating record during the event ... and we're already praying for that dude's toilet.
Russell Wilson and Ciara got so fired up over the sex of their fetus ... they busted out their dancing shoes and partied their faces off -- and the video is awesome!!!
The Seahawks superstar and the "Level Up" singer announced their pregnancy just a few months ago ... and this week, they decided to reveal the baby's gender.
The couple -- along with the kids, Future Jr. and Sienna Princess -- went out to a field with palm trees, and had confetti and smoke locked and loaded.
But first ... they had to get a poll on what they preferred the sex to be -- and Russ answered straight-up, "You know what I want it to be!"
Shortly after, the two fired off the makeshift cannons ... the blue smoke was revealed -- and everyone lost their minds!!!
Ciara broke it down, Russ ran around and the kids went crazy. Good times!!!
It should be noted ... celebs from all over were jacked up for the couple -- with Janet Jackson even leaving a heart emoji on Ciara's social media page!!
Of course, this is Russ and Ciara's second baby together (Future Jr. is from Ciara's previous relationship with Future) ... Sienna, their first together, was bornin April 2017.
The statement continued, "As we continued to evaluate the situation with all the relevant parties, it became obvious that this was the only appropriate course of action to take."
The 27-year-old dropped an n-bomb during a virtual race on Easter Sunday ... apparently not realizing his audio was streaming out to thousands of people on Twitch.
After crashing during Lap 6, Larson apparently had a difficult time communicating with other drivers and said -- "You can't hear me? Hey, n*****."
Larson apologized on Monday -- but sponsors (including McDonald's and Credit One Bank) dropped him anyway.
Larson -- who is half Japanese -- is a pretty damn good driver. He's been driving in the NASCAR Cup Series for the past 7 years and has won several major races including the 2020 Chili Bowl Nationals.
9:05 AM PT -- The Steinbrenner family released a statement through the Yankees Tuesday morning ... remembering Hank as a "genuine and gentle spirit."
UPDATE
"He was introduced to the Yankees organization at a very young age, and his love for sports and competition continued to burn brightly throughout his life."
UPDATE
The statement continued ... "Hank could be direct and outspoken, but in the very same conversation show great tenderness and light-heartedness. More than anything, he set an example for all of us in how comfortably he lived enjoying his personal passions and pursuits. We are profoundly saddened to have lost him and will carry his memory with us always.”
New York Yankees co-owner Hank Steinbrenner has died, his family confirmed. He was 63.
Hank had been battling an illness for a while -- but according to the NY Post, it was NOT related to COVID-19.
Steinbrenner was reportedly surrounded by family at his home in Clearwater, Florida when he passed. Hank is survived by his brother, Hal, and their two sisters, Jennifer and Jessica. He also has 4 children with his ex-wife.
Hank famously took over much of the ownership duties after his father, George Steinbrenner, passed away in 2010. In recent years, his brother, Hal, has taken over the role of "boss."
But, while Hank was in charge, he was known for being big and brash like his dad -- never afraid to speak his mind in public.
In fact, Hank famously made headlines back in 2008 when he took aim at the rival, Boston Red Sox.
"Red Sox Nation?" What a bunch of bush*t that is," Steinbrenner told The New York Times' Play magazine.
"That was a creation of the Red Sox and ESPN, which is filled with Red Sox fans.
"Go anywhere in America and you won't see Red Sox hats and jackets, you'll see Yankee hats and jackets. This is a Yankee country. We're going to put the Yankees back on top and restore the universe to order."
Funny, we feel like that's the quote Hank would want to end this post -- so we'll leave it at that.
Did Jimmy Garoppolooverthrowing Emmanuel Sanders in the 4th quarter of the Super Bowl save potentially THOUSANDS of lives?!?!
That's what some doctors believe ... saying the lack of a Super Bowl parade in S.F. last month helped slow the spread of COVID-19 in Northern California tremendously.
"It may go down in the annals as being a brutal sports loss," chair of UC San Francisco department of medicine, Dr. Bob Wachter, told the Wall Street Journal this week, "but one that may have saved lives."
The Bay Area reported its first cases of coronavirus in the days -- and hours -- leading up to the 49ers-Chiefs game in early February ... and if SF had beaten KC in The Big Game -- it could have had disastrous results.
Doctors say a Super Bowl party on the streets of San Francisco might have led to a massive spread of the coronavirus ... killing hundreds, if not thousands.
"It is certainly hard to imagine a more high-risk situation," UCSF COVID-19 expert Dr. Niraj Sehgal told the WSJ.
Of course, the Niners weren't able to beat Patrick Mahomes down in Miami -- Garoppolo just missed the game-winning throw -- and the Super Bowl party ended up in Kansas City.
Jimmy Garoppolo had Emmanuel Sanders open behind the defense to give the #49ers the lead with just over a minute to go. Missed the throw, and lost the game. Average QB at best. pic.twitter.com/7jDjntFlqY
Rob Manfred -- the most powerful man in baseball -- is taking a multi-million dollar salary cut as MLB struggles with the massive financial blow dealt by coronavirus.
The MLB honcho -- along with other top league execs -- are reportedly taking a giant 35% haircut on their checks ... 'cause no baseball means no revenue.
Manfred is rumored to make around $11 million a year ... so a 35% cut is almost $4 million a year.
The bright side? Even though the baseball season is suspended, the league is committed to paying all other employees their full salary through the end of May.
By then, MLB's hoping to get back on the field ... playing ball.
League executives have been discussing a plan where all 30 teams would play in Arizona -- beginning in May -- in front of fan-less stadiums.
Opening Day was originally scheduled for March 26 ... but the season was indefinitely suspended after the global pandemic shut down sports around the world.
Marouane Fellaini -- one of the most famous soccer players in the world -- was discharged from a hospital in China after battling COVID-19.
The 32-year-old Belgian star has been playing in China's Super League since 2019 -- and back in March, he tested positive for coronavirus.
Things got so bad, he was hospitalized for the past 3 WEEKS -- but good news, doctors cleared him to finally go home.
"The time has come for me to thank from the bottom of my heart, the medical staff of the hospital, their nursing staff as well as my Club and its medical staff for taking such good care of me with so much kindness and for ensuring my comfort whilst there," Fellaini said.
"The hardest part is behind me! Let's keep fighting, it's important!"
Now, Fellaini has been ordered to quarantine himself for the next 14 days to minimize the chances of spreading the virus to others.
Fellaini has been a staple on the Belgium national team for years -- and also played for both Everton and Manchester United.
He signed a deal to play for Shandong Luneng in China back in January 2019 ... and he's been there ever since.
Hockey fans paid their respects to Colby Cave in an awesome way Monday ... lining up cars for over 9 MILES to welcome the player's family back to his hometown after his tragic death.
As we previously reported ... the 25-year-old Edmonton Oilers center suffered a brain bleed early last week -- and despite emergency surgery, he passed away on Saturday.
On Monday, his family returned to North Battleford in Saskatchewan with a law enforcement escort ... and the love people showed the Cave fam on their way home was pretty amazing.
Fans parked their cars all along the shoulder of Highway 16 -- despite snow and freezing temps -- and displayed their appreciation for the Caves all along the route with signs and cheers.
In fact, former Oilers defenseman Eric Gryba even participated ... taking a selfie in front of the cars and writing, "a heartbreaking and heartwarming time."
Supposedly there is 15km+ of cars lined up outside Battleford right now waiting for the family of Colby Cave.
"Over 15km of parked cars welcoming Colby's parents and sister home to North Battleford," Cave's wife, Emily, said of the scene. "Unfortunately, I had to stay behind with Colby's body in Ontario."
"My heart is broken. My heart is full. North Battleford, thank you for honoring your hometown hockey hero."
Cave grew up playing hockey in North Battlefield before he eventually moved on to the NHL as an undrafted player in 2015.
He went on to play in 67 career NHL games ... scoring 4 goals and logging 5 assists.
The CAROLINA PANTHERS star is currently shacked up with his girlfriend and her sister, Sophia Culpo ... and they all decided to feast in honor of the 23-year-old running back's massive new deal.
Hey, why not ... right?
The two have been dating for a while now -- remember, they took that trip to Mexico last summer?
At the time, Culpo was coming off a long-term relationship with NFL wide receiver Amendola.
As for Christian, he issued a statement about his new deal -- saying, "I’m so excited to continue my career in Carolina. I want to thank Mr. Tepper, Marty Hurney, and Coach Rhule for the opportunity to help lead this great franchise, and to all my teammates for their help along the way. And to Panthers fans, KEEP POUNDING!”
Hockey fans, brace yourselves ... L.A. Kings star Drew Doughtydoesn't see how the NHL will pick back up again this summer -- saying, "It seems like it's pretty tough to resume."
"I don't see how this season is going to return," Doughty told reporters on a conference call Monday. "I really don't."
The NHL, like every other U.S. sport, halted play back in early March ... and shortly after, the league revealed several of its players had been diagnosed with coronavirus.
Since that time, players have returned to their homes and have been ordered to self-isolate... and it's all got Doughty wondering, how the hell are they going to finish this season??
"We have no idea when this virus is going to be over,” Doughty said. “We’re just sitting here waiting, working out, getting ready to hopefully return at any point."
Doughty continued: "I would think the NHL or whoever has to make a decision will make some type of decision on that soon. It seems like it’s going to be pretty tough to return, to resume the season or the playoffs."
Of course, Doughty's Kings have ZERO chance of making any noise in a resumed season ... they were one of the worst teams in the league at 29-35 when play paused.
But, that's clearly allowed Doughty -- who says he doesn't even have his hockey gear with him at his current place -- to be more open about his opinion on a potential comeback.
"I know they so badly want to give out the Stanley Cup this year," Doughty said. "But in all seriousness, it wouldn't even be like winning a real Stanley Cup if the season wasn’t finished, if teams couldn’t get in the playoffs."
"I'm assuming they’d have to come up with a different playoff format, so it'd be a little different. I'm not a huge fan of it, as much as I want to play."
Boxing superstar Tyson Fury wanted to help his favorite local pizza joint weather the COVID-19 storm ... so he ordered $700 worth of food -- and tacked on a $125 tip!
Fury and his family -- wife Paris and their 5 children -- are shacked up at their mansion in Lancashire, England ... but they wanted to help stimulate the local economy on Easter Sunday, so they hit up Manjaros Restaurant.
The order was massive ... lamb chops, shrimp, chicken, a bunch of pizzas, pasta ... and 25 cans of Diet Coke!
Total bill came out to £557.35 -- roughly $700 -- and Fury slipped the delivery people a £100 tip ($125). Not bad!
"The food order was just for us and the children," Fury explained to local media ... "We've got 5 children and the food arrived in a lot of boxes."
The delivery driver also told media, "Tyson is a regular customer to Manjaros in Preston, but the restaurant is currently closed and only offering deliveries."
Pro wrestling is "essential" to the State of Florida -- says the state governor which has allowed WWE to remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic.
No joke. This is real.
Jerry Demings -- mayor of Orange County, Florida -- was asked Monday how the WWE Performance Center in Orlando has been allowed to stay in business while non-essential companies have been forced to close their doors.
As we previously reported, WWE has been taping at the Performance Center and plans to shoot "Raw" later today.
So, why exactly?
"I think initially there was a review that was done and they were not initially deemed an essential business,” Demings said.
"With some conversation with the Governor’s office regarding the Governor’s order, they were deemed an essential business. And so, therefore, they were allowed to remain open."
Demings did not go into detail about why the Governor's office changed its stance on WWE.
For their part, WWE tells us the health and safety of talent and staff is their top priority, saying ... “We believe it is now more important than ever to provide people with a diversion from these hard times."
"We are producing content on a closed set with only essential personnel in attendance following appropriate guidelines while taking additional precautions to ensure the health and wellness of our performers and staff. As a brand that has been woven into the fabric of society, WWE and its Superstars bring families together and deliver a sense of hope, determination and perseverance.”
Remember, WWE confirmed a performer hastested positive for COVID-19 -- but they believe that person caught it from medical workers. WWE also says the performer has recovered and they do not believe he or she spread it to other WWE personnel.
Demings addressed that situation on Monday.
“In terms of the specifics associated with the wrestling personality who tested positive, I don’t know any of the details of that obviously because of HIPAA laws," Demings said.
"But, that’s like a little family. A small family of professional athletes that wrestle. And, if one of my family members tested positive in my house, that would be concerning to me."
"We would have to make some provisions in our house to make sure that the rest of us not get infected. So, I would assume that, from a business perspective, the WWE is doing that type of analysis of its own family."
YouTube star Vitaly Zdorovetskiy beat the hell out of a Miami woman out for a jog on Easter Sunday ... according to cops, who arrested him for a felony.
According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Vitaly was arrested Sunday night ... after a woman told cops she was jogging by herself Sunday in Miami Beach when Vitaly suddenly jumped out and tackled her to the ground. She claims he straddled her and repeatedly punched her in the chest and face.
The alleged victim told police she screamed for help during the attack -- which she said was witnessed by several residents and passersby -- so Vitaly ran back inside a nearby home. According to the docs, he was later arrested there.
First responders treated the alleged victim for a cut above her right eye that will require stitches, according to the affidavit, and she also complained of pain and soreness to her chest area.
The alleged victim told cops she had never seen or met Vitaly -- who's infamously pulled pranks such as rushing the field at the World Cup in Brazil as well as a zombie prank in Miami.
Our law enforcement sources tell us Vitaly posted a $7,500 bond Monday and has been released from custody.
