TMZ Sports - Page 50

"I thought about not playing no more. Like, this is not really it for me."

Odell Beckham says he bottomed out so hard after breaking his ankle with the NY Giants in 2017 ... he damn-near retired, saying the game just wasn't fun for him anymore.

"I said this in college, I said, 'I fear the day that they make this game a business and not what I love,'" Beckham said in an enlightening round-table interview with Victor Cruz, Cam Newton and Todd Gurley this week.

"And when I seen that for the first time ... after breaking my ankle, like, I thought about not playing no more ... they've ruined the game of football for me a little bit."

Fortunately for NFL fans, Beckham didn't call it quits after he snapped his lower leg against the Chargers in Oct. 2017 ... and he says he backed out of retirement because of his supporters.

"When I be on the sideline, and that little kid is, 'Do the whip! Dance!'" Beckham said, "like, that sh*t is what fueled me. That's what fueled me."

Beckham told Newton, Cruz and Gurley even after that recovery ... he still struggled to keep everyone happy when it came to his boisterous personality and his on-field action.

Odell said his critics bothered him deeply ... and he even told Newton, Gurley and Cruz in the talk, "I ran into bigger problems with the f**king world than myself."

"And, then I struggled to deal with that. Depression, mental health issues, being in New York, not really liking it."

But, Beckham says he feels he's got it figured out heading into his second season with the Cleveland Browns this year ... and he's hopeful he gets the opportunity to show he's still one of the game's elite.

"I understand the game now," Beckham says. "That's why you see the [bleached-blonde haircut] is back. There's nothing you could tell me."

Powerful moment on the field at the Chicago Fire vs. Seattle Sounders FC game in Orlando where ALL of the players took a knee in a powerful moment of silence right before kickoff.

Even the ref got down on a knee.

Some players raised a clenched fist -- including Chicago Fire striker C.J. Sapong.

As the camera panned around the field, we didn't see one person -- players, coaches, linesmen, etc -- who didn't participate in the tribute.

After roughly 30 seconds, the ref blew the whistle, people stood and clapped -- and play began.

Obviously, the kneeling is to put a spotlight on police brutality and racial injustice ... clearly inspired by Colin Kaepernick.

Interesting to note, the national anthem was NOT playing during the kneeling demonstration.

The game is part of the MLS is Back tournament -- currently taking place inside of a bubble environment in Orlando, Florida.

The President of the largest Native American government in the country says they've been trying to get the NFL's Washington team to change its name for DECADES ... but the team wouldn't budge -- until now.

We spoke with Fawn Sharp -- leader of the National Congress of American Indians, which represents 5 MILLION people across 574 tribal nations.

Sharp says the NCAI is super happy Washington is finally dropping the "Redskins" nickname -- a name considered extremely offensive ... but questions why it took SO long.

"We've passed resolutions at the National Congress that go back to 1968. Before I was even born there was a resolution calling for the mascot issue ... and every generation of tribal leader since," Sharp says.

As you may know ... Washington had long argued that they had data showing most Native Americans were not offended by the name.

Sharp tells us the overwhelming majority of her constituents ARE (and have been) offended by the name and have made their position clear for years.

The good news ... Sharp is excited for change.

We also asked Sharp about the Atlanta Braves considering ending its "Tomahawk Chop" tradition ... she told us why the gesture is also so offensive and hurtful.

"Yes we have discussed it and this is another issue where we really pay attention to our young people," Sharp said.

"We have a generation that's being born into a society that's learning our languages. For centuries we were punished for speaking our language. they're learning our song, our dance, our ceremonies."

NFL Hall of Famer Bruce Smith -- who played 4 seasons in Washington -- says a name change is "long overdue" ... and feels the team is finally on the right side of history.

OH, AND WE ALSO ASKED BRUCE ABOUT THAT "PENIS" INCIDENT ON "FAMILY FEUD"!

But first, the serious topic ... Smith wrapped up his legendary NFL career in Washington and understands the issues surrounding the team name ... but clearly felt the time is right for change.

"It's the right thing to do for many reasons," Smith tells TMZ Sports ... acknowledging the pressure from business partners like FedEx and Nike obviously played a key role.

"Money motivates all of us to be quite honest with you, but socially and being on the right side of history is another motivating factor. I think both of those are present in this decision today."

NOW THE "FAMILY FEUD" QUESTION!

As we previously reported, Smith gave the best wrong answer EVER on 'FF' this week ... when he was asked the following question:

"If Captain Hook was moonlighting as a handyman, he might replace his hook with what tool?"

Smith said, "PENIS" and Steve Harvey lost his damn mind! The clip went viral almost immediately.

So, how does Bruce feel about his moment of social media fame?!

"You can't take life so seriously! You have to have some type of humor and you have to be able to laugh at yourself sometimes!"

"We need to laugh more than EVER right now. Laughter is good for the soul and I'm happy to of been able to entertain so many people."

And, get this ... Bruce says his phone has been blowing up since the incident -- with famous friends like Jim Kelly and MICHAEL JORDAN calling to roast him a little bit over his unbelievable answer!

HE DID WHAT?!?!

A high schooler made one of the most insane catches over NFL superstar Tyreek Hill at a football camp this past weekend ... and the video of the play is ABSURD!!!

Here's the deal ... Hill was holding a youth football workout on Saturday in Round Rock, Texas -- when he decided to have a little fun with the youngsters.

He played receiver and caught some passes ... but when he flipped around to defensive back -- he got put on a poster that would have made Randy Moss proud!!

Tyreeq-Styles Obichere -- a Texas high school football player who's going into the 10th grade -- routed up Tyreek, and when the ball arrived -- he snatched it from the Chiefs star with one hand. ONE HAND!!

Ya gotta watch the clip ... the catch is Odell Beckham-esque!!!

Hill gave the kid props on Twitter on Monday ... writing, "Now I see what it feels like to get snagged on, serious note though amazing grab keep that same energy future phenom cause next time I’m bring breeland to hold you."

Moss -- the king of highlight catches -- even chimed in on the play, writing on his social media, "Ohhh no he didnt....ohhh yes he did!MOSSED em!could this be week 1 edition? MOSSED"

Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez didn't just walk away after their first attempt to buy the NY Mets fell flat -- they came back with a squad of rich NFL and NBA players ... and now they're back in the game!

The power couple recruited a dream team of current and former NFL ballers to join their investment group to make a 2nd run at the MLB franchise ... with names like Travis Kelce, Brian Urlacher, Joe Thomas, and DeMarco Murray.

There are two NBA stars in the group as well -- Washington Wizards beast Bradley Beal and Denver Nuggets center Mason Plumlee.

Remember, J Lo and A-Rod had previously tried to buy the Mets for around $1.5 billion -- but it didn't exactly work out since the Wilpon family (which owns the team) was hoping to get around $2.5 billion.

Now, J-Rod's group is back with a larger bid -- $1.7 billion, according to ESPN ... and they're reportedly in the mix.

Hedge fund billionaire Steve Cohen is the front-runner to buy the team -- he's loaded and has already made a $2 billion bid, according to the NY Post.

But, there's still time for J-Rod's group to come back with a larger bid -- and ESPN says the Wilpons would prefer to sell to Lopez and Rodriguez if they can come closer to the top bid.

NFL Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher is stoked about the possibility of becoming an owner -- telling ESPN, "It's pretty cool."

"It's especially cool to be involved with Alex. Alex is the man. You've got Kelce, Joe Thomas, DeMarco Murray. It's great to be in a group with them."

Kelce -- K.C. Chiefs superstar tight end -- also weighed in ... saying it's a "crazy opportunity."

"I had a chance to meet Alex Rodriguez a couple years ago and just told him how much of a fan I was as a kid of him. I'm very thankful for the success that I've had in the NFL, to have an opportunity like this come across the table. I couldn't think of a more unique set of people to be in charge of this."

As we previously reported Alex and Jennifer see tremendous potential for the Mets -- with sources telling us he feels the organization has been "so mismanaged" over the years, there is nothing but upside if he can right the ship.

The big question ... can the dream team of investors ultimately compete with a single motivated billionaire?

The University of Texas says it's making major changes across its campus to "promote diversity, inclusion and equity" -- including renaming its football field after two of its greatest athletes, who are black.

Joe Jamail Field -- at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium -- will be renamed Earl Campbell-Ricky Williams Field, after the two Heisman Trophy winners.

According to the school, the name change came at the request of the Jamail family.

Nothing controversial about Jamail that we're aware of -- he was a wealthy UT alum who donated a ton of money to the University and they honored him by naming the field after him in 1997. He passed away in 2015 at age 90.

Ricky issued a statement on the honor ... saying, "Earl and myself are honored to be part of the momentum of change sweeping our alma mater, the University of Texas, the nation, and the world."

He added, "We recognize the naming of Campbell/Williams Field is a historic moment and we urge our nation's univiersities to continue to reflect and review the history, symbolism, and dentities that we place on monuments, public institutions, and sports organizations."

Campbell also spoke out -- saying, "The symbolism of this honor transcends the recognition of the Heisman Trophies we received."

"It extends to all students, but specifically black athletes, who continue to work to define our collective motto 'Winning with Integrity.' Ricky and I are humbled by this honor."

Of course, Ricky Williams was a MONSTER during his time at Texas -- winning the Heisman in 1998 after one of the greatest seasons ever -- rushing for more than 2,300 yards and 29 TDs.

Campbell was also a beast -- winning the Heisman in 1977 when he sued for 1,744 and 18 TDs.

There's more ... UT says it will also be erecting a statue at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium of Julius Whittier, the Longhorns’ first Black football letterman.

The school also announced several changes to "promote diversity, inclusion and equity" at the university ... which are things Longhorns football players have been asking for for months.

Remember, linebacker DeMarvion Overshown began a boycott of football workouts just a few days ago because he believed the school was dragging its feet on implementing changes.

It's official ... The Washington "Redskins" are no more.

The NFL franchise announced Monday morning it's FINALLY changing the team nickname they've had since 1933 ... effective immediately.

"Today we are announcing we will be retiring the Redskins name and logo," the team said.

The team says owner Dan Snyder and head coach Ron Rivera are "working closely to develop a new name and design approach that will enhance the standing of our proud tradition, rich franchise and inspire our sponsors, fans and community for the next 100 years."

After the announcement, Washington QB Dwayne Haskins weighed in ... saying "As a kid who grew up in the dmv it’ll always be #HTTR but looking forward to the future."

The team had initially announced a "thorough review of the team's name" back on July 3 after Native American groups and sponsors had decided enough was enough and put pressure on the team to make a change.

Nike had stopped selling "Redskins" merchandise on its official website -- and FedEx -- which has spent MILLIONS over the years for the naming rights to FedExField in Maryland -- threatened to jump ship if the team didn't make a change.

And, Fawn Sharp -- president of the National Congress of American Indians (which represents more than 500 tribal nations) also issued a scathing statement to the team -- calling for players to boycott until the name was changed.

What's important about Fawn ... is Washington had long argued that Native American groups were largely supportive of the nickname. Fawn and the NCAI called BS and they couldn't hide behind that claim anymore.

The team has not locked in new team name yet -- they're reportedly working on the business side of that ... but the season is set to begin soon, so the clock's ticking.

So far, the Redtails and the Warriors have been thrown around as possible replacement names -- you like?

NY Giants cornerback Deandre Baker is denying paying off 4 victims in his armed robbery case ... despite new allegations to the contrary.

The new claims are spelled out in a warrant obtained by the NY Daily News ... in which law enforcement officials say they have video evidence and Instagram messages which show the NFL player paid out $55,000 between 4 victims to recant their stories.

As we previously reported, Baker -- along with Seattle Seahawks cornerback Quinton Dunbar -- have been charged with multiple counts of armed robbery with a firearm stemming from a May 13 incident at a cookout in Florida.

Officials say Baker essentially worked with a witness who happened to be a longtime friend -- known as "Coach" -- to orchestrate the payouts at the office of Dunbar's attorney.

Cops say they have IG direct messages from Baker to "Coach" saying, "Yo I’m in the city now getting cash how much to bring ?? I’m tryna get there too u ASAP."

Cops say they have records which show "several phone calls between Baker and [Coach]" discussing the alleged payoff.

And, there's this ... cops also say they have surveillance video showing an unknown person arriving to the lawyer's office with a "black bag" containing a bunch of cash.

Cops say, at one point the person "opens it and removes the money and the shows the bag to "Coach."

"[Coach] then takes the bag."

On the same day as the alleged payoff, Dunbar's attorney allegedly contacted police to inform them 4 witnesses "have recanted their sworn/recorded statements against Dunbar."

Coincidence? The cops think not.

But, Baker's attorney Bradford Cohen tells us Baker did NOT pay anyone off ... period -- denying all of the new allegations.

Cohen says, "Deandre has been saying since day 1 that this was an extortion scene. Nothing from that day has changed."

"Any texts from [Baker] to these extortionists were made to keep them on the hook, as we informed authorities of this extortion the minute money was demanded."

"Deandre was with his attorneys, including myself, on the day in question and I was in contact with the authorities at the same time of the extortion demand."

"We have no affidavits from the alleged victims. Our affidavits are from independent witnesses."

Cohen says Baker has also taken a lie detector test from a "nationally recognized examiner" and passed as truthful.

The drama continues ... stay tuned.

If you're wondering why Olivia Culpo, Kate Bock and Jasmine Sanders are all up on each other with no masks on the cover of the new SI Swimsuit Edition ... there's a good reason.

IT WAS SHOT BEFORE THE COVID LOCKDOWNS!

The mag wrapped up its final shoot in on March 5 -- roughly 2 weeks before Los Angeles issued its stay-at-home order due to the pandemic. Things obviously escalated around the country after that.

The three ladies -- who are all repped by The Society Management -- wrapped up their Bali shoot back in November ... well before the pandemic came into play in the U.S.

So, yeah ... no masks and no social distancing on the SI cover -- but also, NO COMPLAINTS!

Of course, the models are no strangers to TMZ Sports ...

Culpo has been dating Carolina Panthers superstar Christian McCaffrey for more than a year and documenting every step of the way -- (see: here).

Bock's longtime BF is Cleveland Cavs' star, Kevin Love ... who together (with their adorable pup, Vestry) have provided incredible content on vacays all over the globe -- (see: here).

As for Sanders, she's been spotted hitting LA with NBA hunk Kelly Oubre, Jr. ... but even when she's alone, she's brought the heat on her social media -- (see: here).

MJ Day, editor in chief of SI Swim spoke on the decision to go with the 3 women ... saying it was their business endeavors outside of modeling that made them a perfect fit.

"These women are limitless, unstoppable and collectively represent the next wave of moguls to come out of the franchise."

The issue -- which hits shelves on July 21 -- will feature 4 different covers ... one with all 3 models ... and 3 other versions featuring each model by herself.

Congrats!!

3 ... 2 ... 1 ....

That's how long it took for Meyers Leonard to chug a full can of Coors Light in his Orlando hotel room this weekend ... AND, GUYS, THE NBA BUBBLE IS LIT!!

Check out video of the Miami Heat's 7-footer taking down the suds like it was a shot of water ... we clocked him at an otherworldly 3 seconds!!

"King of the Bubble," 28-year-old Leonard said of his unreal drinking ability. "Accepting all challengers."

The beer-crushing feat came on the heels of JJ Redick putting up an impressive shotgun performance of his own ... and it now appears this will be a Bubble thing going forward.

Because after Leonard posted his footage ... Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson said he wanted in on the action -- and it looks like we're going to have an all-out chug fest in Florida!!

"JC, you name the time, place, and $$ amount and I’m there brother," Meyers told Clarkson. "Count on it."

It's unclear what Jordan's drinking skills are ... the 28-year-old has yet to show off his can-crushing talents -- but it doesn't seem this is a battle worth fighting, 'cause Leonard says he's got room to improve EVEN MORE!!

"I messed up the beer crack too," Leonard said of the epic chug. "Slowed me down."

Lewis Hamilton's fight for social justice made its way to Formula 1's victory podium Sunday ... the racing star raised his fist after a dominant win and then pledged to spend the rest of his life working to end racism.

The impactful scene all went down in Austria ... where Hamilton destroyed the field at the 2020 Styrian Grand Prix and then used his victory spotlight to push for racial equality.

35-year-old Hamilton raised his fist on the podium multiple times ... channeling Tommie Smith and John Carlos' famous gestures at the 1968 Olympics.

"Racism is going to be here for longer than our time here,” Hamilton said after the win. "People of color who are subject to racism don’t have time. We have to commit to push for equality and continue to raise awareness."

"A lot of work needs to go on in F1, the FIA needs to be part of it, the drivers need to be a part of it. We are going to be fighting and pushing for it all year. For me, this is going to be a lifelong thing."

Hamilton raced with a Black Lives Matter emblem on the front of his helmet ... and he and other drivers also took a knee to show support for the movement prior to the race as well.

Hamilton has been one of the most vocal athletes in the BLM movement ... even repainting his car and redesigning his uniform earlier this month to raise awareness for the cause.

"We stand together," Lewis tweeted after Sunday's race. "The team today took the knee which was just amazing to see that together we can learn and be open minded of what’s going on in the world."

"Thank you to everyone in my team and to you #TeamLH, I appreciate all of your support and your positive messages."