TMZ Sports - Page 50

Josh Johnson ain't done yet -- the 34-year-old QB tells TMZ Sports he's eyeing a big return to the NFL after lighting it up in the XFL this past season.

Of course, JJ was one of the best players in Vince McMahon's org. earlier this year ... starting 4 games and posting a league-best 106.3 passer rating for the L.A. Wildcats.

We spoke with Johnson about his future plans ... and he's ready to get the call to make the leap back to the highest level -- as long as COVID-19 doesn't keep the season from happening.

"Hell yeah, if they gone play," Johnson tells us. "I mean, we trying to see what's going on with all that craziness surrounding COVID. But, I'm ready to go, bro."

"I've just been at home working, waiting for the opportunity."

"I enjoyed the hell outta the XFL experience. It also allowed me to get the platform to do what I could do, and the fact that people take notice, it was very good for me."

In the meantime, Johnson tells us he's focused on being the co-founder of the Ultimate Gaming League ... which is hosting a huge Madden tourney that will be streamed on Twitch this weekend ... with pros from Marcus Peters to Marquez Valdes-Scantling to Johnson himself participating ... and it's all for charity.

Johnson -- a journeyman in the NFL -- also tells us about why Madden played such a major role in his career so far ... check it out.

The Philadelphia Eagles have fined WR DeSean Jackson for conduct detrimental to the team over an anti-Semitic post on Instagram, the team announced.

"Today we have penalized DeSean for conduct detrimental to the team. He accepted these consequences and apologized," the Eagles said.

As you probably know ... Jackson posted an anti-Semitic quote attributed to Adolf Hitler (though, it was not a real Hitler quote) which suggested a Jewish conspiracy for world domination. He also posted several images of Louis Farrakhan, who has a long history of making anti-Semitic statements.

"In our many conversations with [DeSean], it has also been made clear that this is only the beginning," the Eagles continued ... "We have discussed a concrete plan for how we and he can heal moving forward."

The team also says they have explained to DeSean he must follow through with action to educate himself about anti-Semitism or he will be fired.

"He understands that in order to remain on the team, he must also commit to supporting his words with actions."

As we previously reported, Jackson has been meeting with Jewish groups, Jewish players and a Holocaust survivor in order to educate himself. We're told he's taking this very seriously.

The team continued, "We have been encouraged by his desire to educate himself, but we all understand that there is still a lot of work to be done."

"We will continue to assist DeSean in this process, and we also know that all of us in our organization need to listen and learn more about things that are unfamiliar or uncomfortable to us."

"We must continue to fight against anti-Semitism and all forms of discrimination, while not losing sight of the important battle against systemic racism."

NFL star Devin White is throwing a massive charity event for around 2,000 people in a small Louisiana town this weekend ... and the mayor there says he expects NO COVID-19 precautions to be taken.

White -- the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 2019 1st-round pick -- is set to hold his 2nd annual "Trail Ride" at his "Get Live Stables" in Cotton Valley, La. on Saturday.

The turnout is expected to be HUGE ... the mayor of Cotton Valley, C.C. Cox, tells TMZ Sports he believes roughly 2,000 people -- and maybe even more -- will show up to the 20-acre property for the get-together.

But, Cox says he's not anticipating it to be a coronavirus-concerned crowd ... saying, to his knowledge, mask-wearing and social distancing will NOT be enforced at the event.

"He was raised here," Cox said of the 22-year-old former LSU linebacker. "He wants to come into town and he wants to throw a big party."

Despite COVID-19 cases surging in Louisiana, Cox tells us he never tried to stop White from hosting the event ... and added, "That's what he wants to do, he can do it, you know?"

Cox says there WILL be Louisiana State Troopers assisting on the highways near the party as well as officers from the Webster Parish Sheriff's Office ... although he says they will NOT be there to enforce social distancing guidelines.

"You just got to accept it," Cox said. "I'm ready for it."

White held the first annual "Trail Ride" at his Cotton Valley property back in July 2019 ... and you can see in video of that event -- it's a pretty massive bash.

We're told nearby residents are concerned a similar situation could go down this weekend ... and are very worried about a possible spread of coronavirus.

We reached out to the Louisiana State Police ... and a spokesperson confirmed they will be at the event concentrating "on traffic issues/enforcement." Although when asked about the enforcement of social distancing guidelines, the spokesperson said, "LSP will assist with whatever needs arise."

We also reached out to the Webster Parish Sheriff's Office ... and they told us they'll be assisting with traffic-related issues during the event as well. But, when it comes to COVID, the sheriff told us, "We encourage our citizens and visitors to adhere to the guidelines set forth in the Governor's most recent proclamation."

White and the Buccaneers, meanwhile, have yet to get back to us when we reached out for comment.

White started 13 games for the Bucs as a rookie last season ... piling up 91 total tackles, an interception, 2.5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles.

Tyron Woodley isn’t ready to write off Mike Perry after that crazy fight video at a Texas restaurant -- and he’s asking the UFC fighter tell his side of the story before it’s too late.

Woodley admits the video is a horrible look for Perry -- but asks fans to try and withhold judgment until we hear from Perry himself.

Of course, Tyron and Perry have been friendly for years -- and while Woodley isn't justifying Mike's actions, he's asking to reserve judgment until we hear from Mike.

Tyron explains everything in this week's "Hollywood Beatdown" -- and tells us why he still believes Conor McGregor's violent outburst at a bar in Dublin last year was even worse.

Woodley also tells us what he thinks of UFC's Fight Island -- and even picks a winner in the Kamaru Usman vs. Jorge Masvidal fight.

DeSean Jackson will be meeting with a 94-year-old Holocaust survivor on Friday ... in an effort to educate himself about the Jewish struggle.

Earlier this week, Edward Mosberg expressed his disappointment in Jackson's IG post in which the NFL featured an anti-Semitic quote attributed to Adolph Hitler.

In his letter to Jackson, Mosberg invited the Philadelphia Eagles WR to visit a Nazi concentration camp to better understand why pushing anti-Semitic rhetoric can lead (and has lead) to death and destruction.

"I would invite you to join me at the sites of these German Nazi death camps, to understand what evil truly is, and why sharing quotes of the man behind this evil is so offensive to us all," Mossberg wrote.

Mosberg says he survived several Nazi concentration camps -- including Mauthausen in Austria. He also says his late wife was a survivor of Auschwitz.

Now, we're told Jackson will meet with Mosberg over Zoom on Friday -- in the hopes of starting a positive, constructive dialogue.

As one source close to Jackson puts it -- "He really is educating himself ... and will continue to do so."

We're also told Jackson met with the Creative Community for Peace organization this week ... an organization dedicated to battling anti-Semitism.

Earlier this week, Julian Edelman invited Jackson to have an "uncomfortable conversation" about anti-semitism and racism in America.

And, Friday morning, Edelman says the two got the ball rolling.

"DeSean and I spoke for a while last night. We're making plans to use our experiences to educate one another and grow together. Stay tuned."

Here's O.J. Simpson cutting his way through a packed restaurant in Sin City on his birthday ... and The Juice doesn't seem too concerned with face coverings and social distancing.

The convicted felon wouldn't let the coronavirus pandemic stop him from celebrating his 73rd bday, hitting up Jing Las Vegas in Downtown Summerlin late Thursday night  ... and one blonde woman wouldn't let the fact he killed 2 people in 1994 stop her from getting an O.J. bear hug.

As you can see, there was lots of close contact, flirting and handshaking as O.J. went without a mask indoors. BTW ... wearing a mask in Vegas is mandatory in public and while walking through restaurants, but you can take it off when seated at a table.

O.J.'s definitely rolling the dice with COVID-19 -- his age certainly puts him at higher risk -- but it's Vegas, after all, where rolling the dice is encouraged.

DJ Liz Clark wore a mask in the booth while spinning tunes for O.J.'s birthday bash, which we're told was fueled by flowing champagne.

The Juice enjoyed some cake as part of his birthday presentation ... and naturally, O.J. had multiple beautiful lady friends throughout the evening.

Simpson has been out of prison since Oct. 2017 after spending nearly 9 years behind bars for a 2007 armed robbery ... and this is the typical treatment he gets in public these days.

Fans love lining up for photo ops with The Juice at all sorts of Sin City hot spots ... he got up close and personal with two blondes on a Vegas dance floor last year, but this is the first time we've seen O.J. somewhere other than a golf course since the outbreak.

As you know ... O.J. was found not guilty of murder, in the criminal case, in the deaths of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman ... but Simpson was later sued for wrongful death by Ron's family where a jury found O.J. liable and ordered him to pay $33 mil. He hasn't paid anything.

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden just gave a big surprise to the men and women who put together their new stadium ... thanking the workers and giving a pump-up speech to finish strong.

"I just had to tell you, the stadium looks freaking awesome," Gruden says. "It's the greatest thing I've ever seen."

BTW -- If you haven't seen Allegiant Stadium yet ... it's pretty damn cool and gives off badass Star Wars Death Star vibes.

"I just wanted to congratulate all you workers for an incredible accomplishment during adversity."

Naturally, Gruden went full football guy in his motivational message to finish the job strong.

"It's the 2-minute drill. You've done 99% of the work, maybe 97% of the work. I just challenge you to finish like a champion."

The personal video marked a huge milestone for Allegiant Stadium -- it was the first time the video board and sound system were used at the same time ... so a pretty monumental moment for the workers.

The stadium is set to be ready to go in time for the 2020 NFL season ... if that happens.

Gruden finished the vid by reminding everyone to keep wearing their masks ... after all, we ARE still in a global pandemic.

S.F. Giants superstar Buster Posey will NOT participate in the MLB's rebooted season ... in order to care for his newborn twin babies who are currently being treated in the NICU.

Buster and his wife have adopted identical twin girls -- they were born prematurely last week and are currently in stable condition in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

It appears the outlook is good -- but as you can imagine, it's an incredibly stressful situation for any parent to endure.

Posey says the decision to opt out of the MLB season in order to be with his family is a no-brainer.

"From a baseball standpoint it was a tough decision," Posey told reporters. "From a family standpoint and feeling like I'm making a decision to protect our children, I feel like it was relatively easy."

While Posey is certainly not the first to make the call -- several others including Nationals' Ryan Zimmerman and Braves' Nick Markakis opted out several days ago -- he's definitely the biggest name so far.

Buster was expected to bat in the heart of the Giants' lineup, as usual, this season ... especially with the National League adopting designated hitter roles for the 2020 reboot.

For their part, the Giants backed their star in a statement Friday, saying, "The Giants fully support Buster's decision."

Lou Holtz does NOT want his beloved Notre Dame to drop its "Fighting Irish" nickname ... claiming it stems from a group of students who battled the KKK back in the day.

One tiny little problem -- it's not exactly true, Lou!

Here's the deal ... the former ND football coach was on Fox News this week and was asked about a recent "Fansided" article which questions if the school should move on from the whole "Fighting Irish" thing -- which it calls "a stereotype of the violent Irish."

83-year-old Holtz was OUTRAGED by the mere suggestion -- and told this tale explaining the origin of the Fighting Irish name.

"They were named the fighting Irish because the Ku Klux Klan tried to attack the Catholics," Holtz said.

"They went down and fought the Ku Klux Klan and that is where the name the Fighting Irish came."

That's news to Notre Dame -- which states on the official school website, "No one really knows for sure how Notre Dame became universally linked with the Irish."

"All we have is conjecture. But that’s the Irish way, isn’t it? Never let the truth get in the way of a good story."

There are several theories ... but nothing is really concrete.

The University says the first use of the nickname may have been in 1909 -- stemming from a fiery half-time speech directed at the football team's Irish players.

Notre Dame also noted the media had referred to Knute Rockne's football teams as the "Fighting Irish" in the early '20s.

The school does acknowledge an incident involving a student clash with the KKK in 1924 ... but it seems unlikely to be the origin of the nickname. Here's what ND says ... 

"A little-known event occurring in 1924 may have inadvertently contributed to Fighting Irish lore. In a recent book, alumnus Todd Tucker describes how Notre Dame students violently clashed with the anti-Catholic Ku Klux Klan in that year. A weekend of riots drove the Klan out of South Bend and helped bring an end to its rising power in Indiana at a time when the state’s governor was among its members."

Doesn't matter to Lou though -- who's made his stance clear and warns that he'll REALLY get pissed if the cancel culture reaches his tribute at the school's stadium.

"Next thing you're gonna tell me, they wanna topple my statue at Notre Dame. That's when I will really get mad."

J.R. Smith says he was told to end an Instagram Live session Thursday from the Lakers' hotel inside the NBA bubble ... all because he was "exposing too much sh*t."

Smith -- who just signed with the Lakers last week -- had been critical of the team hotel during the IG sesh ... complaining about the food, the blankets and more.

At one point, Smith showed off a high-tech NBA-issued bracelet -- which reportedly will "help with early detection of coronavirus; track temperature, respiratory and heart rate."

Smith described it this way ... "Got my little band and sh*t so they can keep tabs on me. Tracking device. Stay woke."

He also showed a bunch of snack food in the rooms -- from candy bars to cookies -- and complained about that too.

"We're professional athletes and all that," Smith said ... pointing out how some players make "$30, $40, $50 million a year."

"But, then you be over there crying talking about somebody can't stay healthy and their body is breaking down and all this other sh*t?"

"You wanna motherf**king Ferrari to run like a Ferrari cause you paid for it as a Ferrari ... but you keep gassing it up with Chrysler sh*t."

He also griped about the size of the NBA-issued hotel blankets ... claiming they're wayyyyy too small for the tall guys in the league.

There's more ... Smith also went into the hallway and live-streamed some of his Lakers teammates as they were getting food.

Soon after that, Smith suggested he'd been contacted by either Lakers or NBA management and was told to shut down his IG Live.

"Aw man, they mad at me bro," Smith said ... "I'm gone. Just got the text. Exposing too much sh*t. Gotta go. My bad. My bad."

Here's reason #503,000,001 why it's great to be Patrick Mahomes ...

The K.C. Chiefs superstar QB hit a boat party with teammate Travis Kelce, their girlfriends and some other buds in Lake Tahoe on Thursday ... and yeah, you jealous yet or what?!?!

The fiesta on the water looked AWESOME ... the sun was shining, the guys were shirtless and the football players' girlfriends were letting loose with twerking and beer chugging!!

There was also swimming, laughing and good times had by all ... and it DEFINITELY feels like someone just signed a $503 MILLION contract!!

Of course, Mahomes, Kelce and their loved ones have been partying for a few days now ... after Pat inked his record-breaking Chiefs deal, he and Kelce hit a private jet Wednesday to Tahoe for some golf action.

The two are slated to compete in the famous celeb American Century Championship golf tournament this weekend ... but it's clear there's going to be a side of partying to go along with the birdies and bogeys.

Eminem just took a shot at Drew Brees on his new song -- saying "F***" the NFL QB ... presumably over his national anthem comments.

Em and Kid Cudi just dropped the new track at midnight Friday morning called, "The Adventures Of Moon Man & Slim Shady."

Marshall Mathers begins his verse about 1:50 into the track -- and drops this nugget:

"I had hoop dreams, now I shoot 3s.
Got a lil' green, but I don't do weed.
Purp nor lean, that's Tunechi.
That's New Orleans, F*** Drew Brees."

Of course, Brees took a ton of heat for his stance on the national anthem and NFL protesters back in June -- saying, "I will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America."

He later apologized and said he didn't really understand what Colin Kaepernick's protest was about -- shining a spotlight on police brutality and racial injustice.

There was more in Em's new track -- he also took a shot at politicians of the way they've handled the COVID pandemic.

"Bunch of half-wits up in office.
Half of us walkin' around like a zombie apocalypse.
Other half are just pissed off and don't wanna wear a mask.
And, they're just scoffin'.
And, that's how you end catchin' the s**t off 'em.
I just used the same basket as you shoppin'.
Now I'm in a f**kin' casket from you coughing."

FedEx is SERIOUS about its fight to get the Washington NFL team to drop the "Redskins" name ... the shipping company giant has now reportedly threatened to remove its signage from the team's stadium.

Washington has faced tremendous pressure over the last few weeks to move on from the team nickname ... with sponsors all across the board denouncing the racially insensitive moniker.

Now, according to The Washington Post, one of the team's biggest backers is saying it'll pull down all of its signage from the team's stadium after this season if no change is made.

Per the report, FedEx -- which pours in money to Washington to hold the naming rights at "FedExField" in Landover, Md. -- sent a letter to the team with the threat on July 2.

In the letter, FedEx officials reportedly told Dan Snyder's squad that the nickname "poses the risk of harming FedEx’s brand reputation and is inconsistent with its commitment to a more inclusive society."

FYI ... FedEx inked a $205 MILLION contract with Washington back in 1999 for the stadium naming rights -- and the deal wasn't set to expire until 2026.

As we previously reported, Washington has agreed to have internal discussions about a name change ... and according to multiple NFL reporters, the change is now a matter of when and not if.

Some new names the team has reportedly been considering include the Redtails and the Warriors ... with star QB Dwayne Haskins personally backing the Redtails moniker.

"Even with the 'rona right now, I'll beat the sh*t out of Nate Diaz right now, if I had to."

That's UFC star Gilbert Burns -- who was pulled from UFC 251 for testing positive for coronavirus -- saying he's still down to scrap with Nate Diaz, even while being ravaged by COVID!!!

Yeah, this is some gangster stuff!

Long story short ... Burns was supposed to fight Kamaru Usman in the main event at Fight Island on Saturday -- but COVID killed those plans.

Instead, Jorge Masvidal is taking his place -- and Gilbert says he's super bummed out because he was REALLY looking forward to his title shot.

Still, Burns says he has faith that God has a plan for him -- "My time is gonna come."

In the meantime, Nate Diaz has talked some trash about Burns -- claiming his scrap with Usman wouldn't have been a "real fight."

"This guy is a clown," Burns says ... "I'm as real as it gets."

"If it wasn't for COVID-19, [Usman] would be my 3rd fight in 5 months. And, all tough fights, Demian Maia, Tyron Woodley and Kamaru Usman, the reigning champion."

"And, this guy [Diaz] comes from a loss that he gets beat up from Masvidal."

Burns says simply, "He's just talkin' sh*t ... he don't want no smoke from me."

So, what's next for Gilbert -- he hopes to fight the winner of Usman vs. Masvidal ... but if that doesn't work out, "I would love to beat the sh*t out of Nate Diaz."

As for Gilbert's COVID battle, he's feeling better but he's not out of the woods yet.

Quinton Dunbar wants to be allowed to leave Florida for his Seahawks duties ... the NFL player just filed a motion in court asking a judge for permission to travel despite armed robbery charges.

The Seattle defensive back says in the docs he's got Seahawks camp coming up this month ... and he wants the judge in his felony case to let him go to work.

In the docs, Dunbar says he's contractually obligated to be at the NFL workouts ... adding he's willing to give up his passport if the judge grants him permission to travel.

As part of the proposed agreement, Dunbar also says he'll provide his NFL itinerary and his Washington address to the court, and also promises to make himself available when needed in the case as well.

The judge has yet to grant the order ... but with Deandre Baker gaining permission a few weeks ago to travel for his Giants' workouts despite his armed robbery charges -- it seems Dunbar will get his wish.

As we previously reported, both Baker and Dunbar are facing SERIOUS time behind bars over their alleged roles in an armed robbery at a cookout on May 13 in Miramar, Fla.

Cops say witnesses told them after an altercation at the party, Baker pulled out a firearm and directed Dunbar to start taking expensive watches and cash from people.

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

Dana White tells TMZ Sports he really hopes Jon Jones will fight in the UFC again ... but acknowledges JJ doesn't really need the money.

Of course, there's been some serious issues between Jones and the UFC -- with Jon recently saying he's considering sitting out until he gets a massive increase in pay.

"I don’t want to fight soon," Jones said on Steve-O's "Wild Ride" podcast ... "I have no interest in fighting in the UFC until I get paid what I believe I’m worth."

Jones also floated the idea of "retiring" in a tweet back in May if he doesn't get a better deal.

So, we asked Dana if he thinks Jon will make good on his threat.

"I don't know," White said ... "Jon Jones has enough money to retire. He can retire."

"The whole Jon Jones thing has been a rollercoaster ride for many many years. Nothing surprises me with Jon Jones."

White says he invited Jones into the UFC office to explain the numbers in an effort to show transparency -- but White claims Jones turned down his offer.

"Listen, Jon Jones -- we've offered -- my lawyer offered to have Jon Jones come out and walk Jon Jones through the numbers and Jon Jones was like, 'I don't give a f**k what the numbers are. This is what I want and that's that.'"

So, will the two sides ever make peace and will Jon ever fight in the Octagon again?