Deion Sanders Gifted Fake Toes For Birthday ... 'Y'all Got Jokes'

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Deion Sanders is feeling "complete" on his 55th birthday ... 'cause the NFL legend hilariously got hooked up with some new fake toes to replace the appendages he had amputated this year!!

The Jackson State football HC got the gag gift from his pal, Sam, on Monday ... and shared the whole gift-giving on his Instagram story.

The Hall of Famer was chilling in the JSU facility when Sam handed over some massive rubber feet ... which featured veins to make 'em look real.

Sanders -- who had two toes cut off earlier this year -- didn't get pissed about the personal jab ... instead, he laughed it off and said, "I like that!!

"Y'all got jokes!! Thank you. I really feel complete now."

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GNARLY REACTION

But, Sam better watch his back ... Sanders clapped back, "I'mma kick some butt today, starting off with you Sam."

As for the color of the feet -- Sam says Deion had previously joked he wanted two white prosthetic toes ... so he figured he'd do his part.

As we previously reported, Sanders had to get surgery on his left foot due to a longtime injury he suffered during his 14-year NFL career.

He got the procedure done last fall, but suffered complications and had to go under the knife eight more times ... including removing two toes in March.

Sanders has been in good spirits since -- from dancing to working out and celebrating his 55th birthday on Aug. 9.

Happy (belated) bday, Primetime!

Ryan Garcia Defends AB Calling Off Figueroa Fight ... 'You Got My Support'

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Ryan Garcia is coming to the defense of Adrien Broner -- who pulled out of his scheduled bout with Omar Figueroa Jr. citing mental health issues -- applauding the former champ for the decision, despite how fans may react.

"Love you AB, i know it’s not easy to step back and take time from the ring, but no doubt taking this time you will come back healthier and stronger," Garcia wrote on Twitter.

"Focusing on your mental health is not weakness it’s strength. You got my support #MentalHealthAwareness" he added.

Of course, Garcia has publicly dealt with mental health issues himself. In February, Garcia revealed he was battling depression, even admitting things got so bad, "I wanted to kill myself at one point."

Like Broner this week, Ryan withdrew from his fight with Javier Fortuna in April (they eventually fought in July -- Ryan won via KO in 6th Rd.).

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DEEP IN IT

As we reported yesterday, 33-year-old Broner called off his bout against Figueroa on Aug. 20 in Hollywood, FL. ... saying he's not in the right frame of mind to compete.

"Man, I'm going thru a lot at this moment in my life but I ain't go give up I set some more goals and UI ain't stopping until I finish what I started but sorry to say this but I'm not fighting #August20th," Broner wrote.

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Broner also said, "I need to make some changes for the better instead of worrying about other people feelings and pleasing them when In all reality I have nothing to prove to nobody" ... adding he needed to overcome this obstacle before he risked his life inside the squared circle.

32-year-old Figueroa, however, wasn't buying AB's reasoning for withdrawing at the last minute ... and ripped the 34-4-1 fighter, challenging him to prove he's seeking help, and not pulling out for other reasons (OF accuses AB of not being in shape).

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"Not saying you DON'T suffer from mental health issues as WE CAN ALL tell you do, just don't use it as an excuse now after you've been undisciplined and not taking this fight/training camp seriously," Figueroa wrote on social media.

"If it really IS mental health, PLEASE SHOW US THE PROOF THAT YOU WENT AND SOUGHT PROFESSIONAL HELP," Omar added.

Sadly ... this isn't the first time Broner and Figueroa were set to clash. In 2018, it was Figueroa who pulled out of their scheduled fight ... due to an injury.

Omar will be fighting Sergey Lipinets (16-2-1) in place of Broner.

Royals' Amir Garrett Sends Jerseys To Fan He Threw Drink On At Game ... 'No Hard Feelings'

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Kansas City Royals pitcher Amir Garrett is extending an olive branch -- and some free merch -- to the guy he threw a drink at during a game ... saying he reached out and hooked the fan and his son up with jerseys to apologize for the incident.

30-year-old Garrett was suspended three games on Monday for chucking a drink at a man who was allegedly heckling him during the Royals' 9-2 loss to the White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago on Aug. 2 ... but is appealing the punishment.

Garrett is able to play while his fate is determined ... and after K.C.'s game against the Minnesota Twins, he shared his remorse over his actions.

"I'm pretty upset with myself, you know I let that get to me," Garrett told reporters. "But I think I've handled it pretty well."

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Twitter / @TrevinMarlins, Instagram / @TrevinMarlins

"I reached out to the fan. We had dialogue and stuff like that. There was no hard feelings there. I sent him a jersey to him and his son. He was very grateful."

Garrett added the interaction "could've went south" ... but cooler heads prevailed and they were cordial to each other.

Garrett has made 41 appearances for the Royals this season ... earning a 2-1 record and allowing 16 hits in 32.1 innings pitched, with a 4.45 ERA.

"This is an opportunity for me to grow from, learn from. I’m a human. I’m going to make mistakes. I wish I had never reacted in that manner, but I did so I never shy away from anything. The news that we got wasn’t ideal, but you’ve got to accept what the consequences are. So I’m okay."

Adrian Peterson Flattens Opponent In Sparring Sesh ... Watch Out, Le'Veon!!!

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BOXING BEATDOWN

Adrian Peterson's transition from the football field to the boxing ring is clearly going just fine -- the former Vikings star showed this week he has a NASTY right hand, flattening a guy with it during a recent sparring sesh.

The 37-year-old posted a video of the impressive KO on Monday ... showing him crushing his opponent with a right that caught the man square in the jaw.

In the clip, you can see the dude hit the canvas almost as soon as the punch landed -- and he was so dazed from the blow, he couldn't immediately take Peterson's offer for help up.

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Peterson seemingly threw up the vid as a message to Le'Veon Bell -- 'cause he captioned it, "September 10," AKA the date he and the former Steelers star will square off in the Social Gloves boxing event at Banc of California Stadium.

Bell got wind of the footage late Monday night -- and posted a tongue-in-cheek response, appearing to joke about how he was scared to fight Peterson now.

Of course, Bell has looked more than ready for the challenge in the last few weeks -- posting impressive sparring footage of his own.

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Just a few more weeks 'til the tailbacks go at it on fight night -- can't wait!

Byron Allen I'm Getting Next Available NFL Team!!! ... After Losing Broncos Bid

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Byron Allen is callin' dibs on the next available NFL team -- telling TMZ Sports that after losing out on the Broncos this year, he's "highly confident" he'll "get the next one."

We got the TV mogul out in Beverly Hills just days after he officially lost his bid to buy Denver's NFL franchise to Rob Walton, and he told us he ain't sad about it at all.

In fact, Allen was in a playful mood about missing out on the $4.65 billion purchase ... saying, "When you lose to the richest family in the world, it's not a bad day in the office."

Allen says he's now already turned his sights onto the next available team -- explaining he's absolutely undeterred by how the Broncos sale ended up.

"Listen," the 61-year-old said. "Buying an NFL football team is a process and we had the pleasure of being a part of that process. We didn't get this one, but I'm highly confident we'll get the next one."

Allen said owning a team is very important to him -- telling us that becoming the first-ever Black controlling owner in the league is a huge goal of his.

Allen credited Robert Kraft and Roger Goodell for giving him the tools necessary to one day accomplish that feat ... and added that he's in no hurry whatsoever to give up on the dream.

"We gon' find something," Allen said. "We're going to get it done. It's just a matter of time."

Ex-NFL Star Aqib Talib Near Gunman During Fatal Youth Football Shooting ... New Video Shows

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Former NFL star Aqib Talib was just feet from the gunman -- allegedly his older brother, Yaqub Talib -- when a fight at a youth football game turned into a fatal shooting over the weekend, new video obtained by TMZ Sports shows.

We've chosen not to publish the actual shooting, but the original clip shows the moment five shots were fired at a man at a kid's football game, with several of the shots coming as the man retreated. The man falls to the ground while running away.

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SHOTS FIRED

In the moments immediately following the shooting, 36-year-old Aqib appears to make a beeline for the shooter -- allegedly his 39-year-old brother -- before both men seemingly turn to leave the field.

The video then ends as everyone scatters.

Although Aqib was in the middle of the incident, he is never seen participating in the violence.

On Monday, Yaqub, turned himself in to authorities in Lancaster, Texas, where he was booked for murder.

Aqib's attorney tells us ... "Aqib was present when this unfortunate incident occurred and is very distraught and devastated over this terrible loss of life."

"He would like to convey his condolences to the family of the victim and to everyone who witnessed this unfortunate tragedy."

Aqib has not been charged with any crimes.

Fernando Tatis Jr. Fungus From Haircut Led To Positive PED Test ... Dad Says

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Fernando Tatís Jr.'s father says his son's positive PED test all happened because of a haircut that went very, very wrong for the MLB superstar.

Fernando Tatís Sr. explained the situation to MLB insider Héctor Gómez on Monday -- saying after the Padres outfielder got a chop recently ... he developed a fungus on his skin.

Tatís Sr. said his 23-year-old son turned to a medication to fix the issue -- but one of the ingredients in the remedy just so happened to trigger a positive test. Those results eventually led to the MLB hitting the slugger with an 80-game suspension last week.

Tatís Sr. wants it to be known that his son is definitely not a cheater -- and simply didn't look closely enough at the ingredient list in medicine for a skin condition.

"All of this has happened because of something that is not worth this issue," Tatís Sr. said. "This is something for the skin, that’s something that’s not performance enhancing and has no testosterone. It has nothing to help you improve in the game."

Tatís Sr. slammed baseball's decision to hand down the ban -- and said it's ultimately going to hurt the game more than the MLB realizes.

"It was a mistake that could have been handled differently," Tatís Sr. said. "Destroy the image of a player for such a small thing, for a situation like this is a catastrophe not just for Tatís Jr., but for all baseball."

"There’s millions of fans that will stop watching baseball."

For his part, Tatís Jr. took responsibility for it all -- explaining he had "no excuse for my error." He did also blame the test results on a skin condition (ringworm) and the medicine he took for it.

"I should have used the resources available to me in order to ensure that no banned substances were in what I took," he said. "I failed to do so."

Due to the length of the suspension, Tatís Jr.'s ban will continue through the end of this season and into the Padres' 2023 slate of games.

Kevin Durant I'm Not Retiring Anytime Soon ... Denies Rumor

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Kevin Durant says he's not hanging up the sneakers yet -- even if he's stuck on the Brooklyn Nets this season -- saying the rumor surrounding his trade request is simply untrue.

There was an eye-opening report about KD's future in BK this week ... which stated the superstar would consider retiring if his trade demands were not met before the season.

While there have been a lot of reports citing unnamed sources about the impending breakup, Durant couldn't let this one fly.

"I know most people will believe unnamed sources over me but if it’s anyone out there that’ll listen, I don’t plan on retiring anytime soon," KD said on Monday. "S*** is comical at this point."

The initial report claimed the info came from "one of the most well-connected team executives I speak to regularly" ... but KD is calling cap.

It's interesting -- there was a report last week that claimed KD will make the Nets choose between him and Steve Nash/GM Sean Marks ... but the champ didn't come out and say anything about that.

So ... must be true??

Kobe Bryant Photo Trial Ex-LA Co. FD Cpt. Claims He Was Forced To Take Pics ... Of Crash Site

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A former LACFD member claims he was ordered to take photographs of the Kobe Bryant crash scene ... this according to new testimony in the trial.

Brian Jordan -- an ex-captain with the Los Angeles County Fire Department -- testified that while he doesn't recall being at the actual site of the crash due to memory issues, he clearly remembers being told to take pictures by high-ranking officials.

"I followed many instructions that day but was told 'take pictures, take pictures, take pictures,'" Jordan said. However, a Chief from LA Co. FD vehemently denies instructing Jordan to capture images from the scene.

Jordan -- who retired from LA Co. FD in 2021 in part due to the mental anguish he suffered as a result of this ordeal -- needed to leave the courtroom multiple times at different points as he was probed with hard-hitting questions surrounding the specifics of the trial.

When asked if any of the pictures he captured contained images of body parts, Jordan said, "Thank you, now I see intestines in my head." Brian was so distraught over the proceedings that, at one point, he turned and said to the judge, "I don't want to hear this drama."

Raul Versales, a deputy with the LA Sheriff's Department, testified that he never made it to the crash site ... adding that he received approximately 30 photos from Deputy Doug Johnson. As we previously reported, Johnson said during the trial he had no regrets about taking photos of the remains, claiming higher-ups with LACFD ordered him to do so.

Versales told the courtroom that none of the photos were close-up body parts ... but did say there's a possibility arm could be visible in the distance. An investigation by the Sheriff's Dept. determined that there were violations of the use of communication protocols in Versales' cell phone.

Still, he did not receive discipline, nor was he suspended for his actions.

Rafael Mejia -- another member of the LA Sheriff's Department -- testified that he was sent the sensitive photographs and sent them to Versales. Mejia sent approx. 15-20 photos to Versales, according to his testimony.

As previously reported, Vanessa Bryant is currently embroiled in a contentious lawsuit with the L.A. County Sheriff's Dept. among others .. after she learned 8 deputies took photos of the remains of Kobe and her late daughter, Gianna, and shared them with family, friends, co-workers, and even strangers.

Mejia is the man who sent the photos to Joey Cruz. Cruz is accused of showing the photos at a bar.

Adrien Broner I'm Going Through Mental Health Issues ... Figueroa Calls B.S.

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UPDATE

3:38 PM PT -- Omar's new opponent has been announced -- it's Sergey Lipinets, who is 16-2-1.

UPDATE

11:32 AM PT -- Broner's opponent is responding to his reason for pulling out of the fight ... and he's not buying it.

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"What really passes (sic) me off is that now this mf wants to use #MentalHealth as a fkn excuse," Figueroa -- who has been diagnosed with depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and PTSD -- said minutes ago in a tweet. "That I have 'a problem' w because that's BS! You don't get to cry #MentalHealth now, mf!"

UPDATE

Omar says he believes Broner's real excuse is he didn't prepare for the fight ... and calls for the boxer to provide proof he's seeking professional help for his mental health.

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"You don't get to undermine mine and countless other's (sic) journey and struggles w #MentalHealth because of your undisciplined/childish dumb ass!"

Adrien Broner hasn't fought in a year-and-a-half -- a streak that was supposed to come to an end this Saturday -- but the 4-weight class world champ just announced he's struggling with his mental health, and is pulling out of the fight.

33-year-old Broner was scheduled to box 32-year-old Omar Figueroa Jr. on August 20 at the Hard Rock in Hollywood, FL. ... but early Monday morning, AB let the world know the fight's off.

"Man, I'm going thru a lot at this moment in my life but I ain't go give up I set some more goals and UI ain't stopping until I finish what I started but sorry to say this but I'm not fighting #August20th," Broner wrote.

Just hours before AB made the announcement, he was still promoting his Showtime fight on Instagram. But, early Monday morning, he decided to announce he was pulling out because he wasn't feeling full-strength ... and the boxing ring isn't a place for play.

"Sorry to all my fans but #MentalHealth is real and I’m not about to play inside the ring I’ve watched a lot of people die playing with they boxing career and that is something I won’t do just pray for me I love the sport of boxing to much to not give my all and I feel Like I came up short before because my mind wasn’t 100%," Adrien wrote.

Broner says he needs to change some stuff in his life before he takes another boxing match.

"I need to make some changes for the better instead of worrying about other people feelings and pleasing them when In all reality I have nothing to prove to nobody," AB wrote, adding, "I have to step back and overcome this obstacle before I go put my life on the line inside the square circle again I know I’m far from being finished with the sport SEE YALL SOON #Respectfully❤️ 🆎"

Unfortunately, this is the 2nd time AB and Figueroa -- a former lightweight champ with only 2 losses -- were supposed to fight ... before the bout was canceled. In 2018, Omar was forced to pull out with an injury.

As for Saturday's event ... we're told execs are working on finding a new opponent for Figueroa Jr., and with just a few days to work with, there's a good chance it'll be another fighter from the card.

Originally Published -- 7:41 AM PT

Pete Carril Legendary Princeton Coach Dead At 92

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Legendary Princeton basketball head coach Pete Carril passed away on Monday ... his family announced. He was 92 years old.

Carril -- who is widely known for executing the "Princeton offense," which he used throughout the majority of his career -- died "peacefully," the family said.

The Hall of Fame inductee coached the Tigers for 29 years ... racking up 514 wins, 13 conference championships and 11 NCAA Tournament appearances.

Carril served as a public information officer in the U.S. Army before kickstarting his coaching career at the high school level. He became head coach at Lehigh University in 1966, where he remained for one season before taking the Princeton job.

Coach went on to join the Sacramento Kings as an assistant for several seasons.

Legendary commentator Dick Vitale -- who was good friends with Carril -- tweeted about the loss ... saying, "I believe that in defining greatness in coaches u must determine if they get maximum out of their TEAM personnel," he tweeted.

"PETE CARRIL is a prime example of a brilliant coaching mind that got max out of his talent."

RIP.

Bronny James Dunks All Over Opponent ... LeBron Goes Nuts

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Bronny James is looking more and more like his pops every time he takes the court -- because LeBron's oldest just unloaded an insane posterizing dunk on his opponent ... and the NBA superstar lost his mind!!

The moment just happened at the Club Basketball Euro Tour overseas ... where Bronny and his bro, Bryce, are suiting up for the California Basketball Club.

With under 2 minutes in the second quarter, #0 took the ball the whole length of the court ... and legit took flight as he slammed it home.

The highlight has social media going off -- including LeBron Sr, who tweeted, "OH MY GOODNESS BRONNY!!!!! 😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱"

Donovan Mitchell added -- "This crazy bronny!!"

Of course, the James bros are finally suiting up on the same team together ... and hoops fans have been watching their every move.

The dunk is just a sign of more to come from Bronny ... who's entering his senior year of high school hoops.

Bronny and Bryce have been getting in some solid time on the hardwood with their dad -- training together at the Lakers facility earlier this month.

Austin McBroom vs. Gib Fight Set For September 10 ... At Banc of California Stadium

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New date, new place, same fights -- the Austin McBroom vs. AnEsonGib boxing match has officially been rescheduled for September 10 at Banc of California Stadium, TMZ Sports has learned.

As we previously reported, the Social Gloves event -- which was originally set to happen at Crypto.com Arena on July 30 -- was pushed back due to issues with Gib getting medical clearance ... and the whole thing was close to getting scrapped altogether.

Luckily for fans, we are told the original card -- including the Adrian Peterson vs. Le'Veon Bell bout and Nick Young vs. Blueface fight -- is still intact ... so there's a lot to look forward to.

Speaking of Young, Swaggy P has been working out like crazy leading up to the fight ... and by looking at his training footage, it's clear he's taking this thing seriously.

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Le'Veon is certainly giving it all he's got, too -- previously telling us he's fully focused on his boxing career.

The first Social Gloves event came with its own issues ... but it sounds like things have been ironed out for a stress-free experience this time around.

50 Cent I'm Cool With Floyd Mayweather Again ... Beef Squashed

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Many men wish death upon 50 Cent, but Floyd Mayweather isn't one of them ... 'cause the rapper says they have officially squashed their longtime beef.

Remember, the two used to be really tight up until 2012 ... when Fiddy claimed TBE stiffed him out of $2 million used to kickstart his Money Team boxing promotion.

The feud went viral -- with Fif incessantly calling Mayweather out on social media, including a video challenging the boxing legend to read one page of a Harry Potter book on camera to prove he could read.

Despite the bad falling out, 50 says that's all water under the bridge now ... telling "The Breakfast Club" he made amends with Floyd at a comedy show in Vegas earlier this year.

50 says the two realized life is short and they have a ton of respect for each other's success ... and after he apologized, Floyd replied, "What took you so long?"

The make up was made official on social media on Sunday ... with 50 announcing Floyd would be attending his Tycoon Weekend comedy event.

"Yeah Champ said he gonna pull up on me for Tycoon so you know we gonna go crazy," 50 said on Instagram. "💰 Big bags coming out TMT."

Ex-NFL Star Aqib Talib Brother Turns Himself In ... After Youth Football Shooting

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UPDATE

10:09 AM PT -- Authorities tell TMZ Sports ... Yaqub has turned himself in to Dallas County Jail.

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9:13 AM PT -- Aqib's brother, Yaqub Talib -- wanted by law enforcement for murder -- is planning to turn himself in to authorities within the next hour, a source tells us.

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1:38 PM PT -- Lancaster PD just got back to us ... Yaqub is wanted on a murder charge.

Former NFL star Aqib Talib's brother, Yaqub Talib, is a wanted man in Texas -- this after cops say he was involved in a fatal shooting at a youth football game this weekend.

The Lancaster Police Department fired off an announcement Sunday saying that they were looking for Yaqub in connection to the death of an adult male Saturday ... who was shot and killed during an argument at the conclusion of a match that parents were angry about.

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The man is said to be a coach for one of the teams ... there's a name circulating online, but we'll refrain from ID'ing him at this time until the family and/or cops confirm. In any case, he succumbed to his injuries ... which police say was a direct result of a discharged firearm.

There's video of the alleged shooting which eyewitnesses claim shows a man pull out the gun and fire. We're told people in the crowd identified the man wearing all-black and a bucket hat as possibly being one of the Talib brothers -- but it's hard to make out who this person is, or if they have a weapon at all. What is depicted ... a scuffle/apparent shooting.

Lancaster PD says they've identified the suspect in this case as Yaqub, and note there's an active warrant for his arrest. It's unclear what charge, exactly, they wanna bring him in on ... but some say this looks to be outright murder. We've reached out to LPD for clarification.

A former mugshot of Yaqub was attached to the press release, and Lancaster is asking for any and all help in finding him. BTW, Aqib was also there for this tragic killing.

His attorney tells TMZ ... "Aqib was present when this unfortunate incident occurred and is very distraught and devastated over this terrible loss of life. He would like to convey his condolences to the family of the victim and to everyone who witnessed this unfortunate tragedy."

Aqib famously played for the Bucs, the Broncos (with whom he won a Super Bowl ring) and several other teams over the years. He was not named in Lancaster PD's release.

Originally Published -- 8/14 1:11 PM PT

NFL's Bud Dupree Pleads Guilty To Assault Charge ... In Walgreens Fight Case

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UPDATE

11:13 AM PT -- Prosecutors tell TMZ Sports ... Dupree's probation will be supervised. They added Dupree had to go through anger management classes, which they say he has already completed.

Tennessee Titans linebacker Bud Dupree just pled guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge stemming from his role in a fight at a Walgreens earlier this year, TMZ Sports has learned.

The 29-year-old football player -- according to a court official -- appeared in a Nashville, Tenn. courtroom on Monday and made the plea after striking a deal with prosecutors.

Dupree pled guilty to misdemeanor assault offensive or provocative, the court official tells us.

Dupree was sentenced to unsupervised probation for 6 months, according to the official. He also had to pay $418 in court costs.

The Titans had practice Monday morning ... though it's unclear if the pass rusher -- who signed a 5-year, $82.5 million contract with the Titans in 2021 -- made it to the workout.

As we previously reported, Dupree was initially cited back on Jan. 4 after cops say he attacked an employee at a Nashville-area Walgreens on Jan. 2.

Cops say Dupree grabbed the employee during the incident -- and then attempted to take the man's phone, before eventually fleeing the scene prior to police officers' arrival.

Sources close to Dupree allege the employee had heckled the Titans player ... and threatened to spit on the women he was with, inciting the fracas.

We've reached out to the Titans, Dupree's attorney, and prosecutors for comment, but so far, no word back yet.

Originally Published -- 10:00 AM PT