DeAndre Hopkins Admits Flipping Off Trump Train ... They Were Messing With Me

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7:57 AM PT -- DeAndre Hopkins admits throwing the double bird at a caravan of Donald Trump supporters on Sunday ... but he says it's only because they were screwing with him in traffic.

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The NFL star says he was just trying to get State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. to play the Seahawks ... when he came upon the Trump train on the highway.

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"I guess I got in between a train or a bunch of cars that I wasn't supposed to be in between," Hopkins said on the "All Things Covered Podcast" with Patrick Peterson and Bryant McFadden.

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"They were honking the horn at me to tell me to get out of their way -- and I didn't -- and the guy in front of me stepped on his brakes and tried to stop dead in traffic."

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In other words, Hopkins says the Trump supporters were messing with traffic and he didn't appreciate it.

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"I was going to do the peace sign to him but this finger here [index finger] was kind of hurting so it didn't make it up in time," Hopkins said.

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Hopkins is adamant he did not throw anything at the Trump supporters and was NOT speeding or driving dangerously.

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He even dropped this quote ... "If I was in a Ferrari speeding, I don't think you would be able to take a still picture of me."

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He's got a point.

NFL superstar DeAndre Hopkins is accused of swerving in and out of a Trump caravan in his Ferrari before his game in Arizona on Sunday ... all while shooting POTUS supporters 2 middle fingers.

People who claim to be a part of the Trump rally say the scene all went down at around 1:30 PM in the Phoenix area ... just a couple hours before Hopkins' Cardinals took on the Seahawks.

One Twitter user, Richard Williams, claimed the 28-year-old receiver was driving recklessly in his pricey convertible ride amid the Trump caravan ... and accused the NFL player of straight-up putting lives "at risk."

"My 8 yr old son was in one of the cars you were swerving in and out of as you were disrupting the PHX Trump Train drive and trying to cause an accident," Williams wrote in a scathing message to the Cards player.

"You're a piece of trash. Make your political statements, but you out people at risk today."

Several other people who claimed to witness Hopkins at the rally say they too believe Hopkins put people in danger with his actions.

"It's scary when they are coming up fast and swerving into you," April Garcia told azcentral.com.

The Cardinals have yet to comment on the allegations. Hopkins, meanwhile, has not addressed the alleged incident either.

We've reached out to DeAndre's reps for comment, but so far, no word back yet.

Hopkins -- who's advocated heavily for social justice throughout the Black Lives Matter movement this summer -- played a huge role in getting Arizona a win over Seattle, catching 10 passes for 103 yards and a TD.

Originally published -- 6:52 AM PT

Jerry Jones 'Shut Up & Let Me Answer' Snaps At Radio Host After Cowboys Question

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Jerry Jones clearly ain't handling the demise of the Dallas Cowboys' season well ... he just snapped at a radio host after a leadership question -- straight-up telling the guy to "shut up."

The team's owner was speaking with 105.3 "The Fan" Tuesday morning ... when one of the hosts asked him if he believes his 2-5 Cowboys have a "leadership void."

The 78-year-old rambled in his answer ... and when the host tried to clarify the question -- Jones got big mad.

"Well, just shut up and let me answer it," Jerry said. "No."

Jerry later circled back at the end of the interview to apologize for getting snippy ... telling the hosts, "If I were a little abrupt there, then I really don't want to have our day start that way."

"You're too good of men for that," he said. "This certainly isn't my most tactful time, you might say, with this thing as we discuss these matters."

Jones added he's SUPER disappointed by how the Cowboys' season has played out so far ... explaining, "We haven't spent the time, the years, the money, the effort and everything for the Dallas Cowboys to be where we are right now."

If you haven't been paying attention ... the Cowboys are vying for the title of "Worst in the NFL" in 2020.

The team's defense hemorrhages points ... and with the offense losing Dak Prescott and several key offensive linemen to injury, it just can't score enough to keep up.

Jones, though, is trying to stay positive despite the clear frustration ... adding in his interview, "There will be better days."

Can't get much worse ... right?

LeBron James Producing New Documentary On 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre

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Next up for LeBron James after an NBA championship? The Lakers superstar is partnering with CNN to create a documentary that he hopes will shed new light on the 1921 Tulsa race massacre.

LBJ's SpringHill Company announced this week it's in the process of making "Dreamland: The Rise and Fall of Black Wall Street" -- a project it hopes educates millions on a 100-year-old tragedy.

FYI -- in May and June 1921 ... a race war was kicked off in Tulsa, Okla. after a 19-year-old Black man was accused of assaulting a 17-year-old white woman in an elevator.

When Black men went to defend the man after some in the city wanted him lynched -- an ensuing altercation with white people ignited a massive race war.

Reportedly, mobs of white people launched an attack on Black people in the city ... murdering dozens, causing millions of dollars in property damage, and displacing hundreds from their homes.

Many historians believe the massacre has since been underreported and even covered up ... and Bron and his company's reps are now hoping to change that with their new documentary.

"We cannot move forward until we acknowledge our past and this is about honoring a prosperous, booming Black community, one of many, that was brought to an end because of hate," SpringHill’s chief content officer Jamal Henderson said.

"We are bringing this documentary together with a diverse crew, including local Tulsans, and making it our mission to uplift voices and people while creating impactful content."

Added CNN Worldwide rep Amy Entelis, "CNN Films could not be more proud to partner with The SpringHill Company for this long-overdue recognition of the tragedy of what happened in Greenwood, and to contribute to the reconciliation that comes with the acknowledgment of history."

The documentary is expected to be completed sometime in 2021.

Brooks Koepka Yep, I Waxed My Ass After Losing Bet to Smokin' Hot GF

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Brooks Koepka and Mr. Miyagi have something in common -- they both believe in a little "Wax on, wax off."

The PGA superstar did a little Q&A on IG with his girlfriend Jena Sims on Monday night ... where the golfer was asked about a rumor that he waxes his ass.

Not only did Brooks answer the question, he totally owned up to some cheeky body hair removal ... and even provided an explanation.

"It is very true," the 30-year-old said ... "I lost a bet to Jena!"

That's when Jena chimed in -- adding, "And, we may or may not have had some friends in attendance!"

Hot wax on the ass party?!!

Jena couldn't believe Brooks talked about it on social media -- saying, "That's a deepest, darkest [secret]."

To be fair, the secret was kinda out ... remember the his and hers thong photo from their 2019 trip to the Maldives?!

We shoulda known!!!

Brooks is currently the #12 ranked golfer in the world -- after winning the PGA Championship in both 2018 and 2019.

He was injured for most of the 2020 season but if he can bounce back from a butt waxing, we're confident he can rebound on the links, too.

UFC's Jon Jones Lectures Khabib Fans ... I'm the G.O.A.T. and It's Not Close!!!

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Jon Jones believes he's the GREATEST fighter of all time -- not Khabib Nurmagomedov -- and he's spelling it out in a new video.

"I’m talking to all you Khabib fans out there," Jones said ... "15 world titles to your guy's 4??? And, you guys are really talking about who’s the best fighter ever? You guys are joking, right?"

"15 to 4. Are you guys’ kidding me?"

What Jones is saying is he's 15 title fights for either an undisputed or interim title -- though it's worth noting, his victory over Daniel Cormier at UFC 214 was overturned due to a failed drug test.

Khabib has won 4 title fights in his career -- defeating Al Iaquinta, Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje.

Not a bad resume ... but Jones says his 8 title defenses blow that out of the water.

"The only person that could possibly come back and challenge my record and what I’ve done in the UFC is possibly Georges St-Pierre. He would have to come back and win 2 championship fights to tie me, and I’m not even retired yet! I’m 33 years old. I’ve got a whole 'nother chapter to go through.”

Oh, there's more -- Jones continued ...

"And, all you guys who are going with this, 'He’s more dominant' argument, [Khabib] just recently started fighting elite-level competition. Could you imagine me against the #10 ranked guy?”

Jones has a solid point there ... look at his resume -- Ryan Bader, Shogun Rua, Rampage Jackson, Lyoto Machida, Alexander Gustafsson (twice!), Daniel Cormier (twice!) and many, many more.

And, Jones beat these guys in their primes.

Yes, Jones technically has a loss on his record -- a 2009 defeat against Matt Hamill -- but he was disqualified for an illegal elbow in a fight Jones was dominating. Most people don't really count it against him.

So, is Jones truly the G.O.A.T. over Khabib?? Jon thinks so. Do you?

Arizona Cardinals Comeback Cost 3 'Fox Bet Super 6' Users ... $1 Mil Grand Prize!!!

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10:32 AM PT -- We just had Kim on "TMZ Live" -- and she took us through the rollercoaster of emotions she went through on Sunday as she got thiiiis close to a $333k pay day!!

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IT WAS A HEARTBREAKER
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Heartbreaking ... but we gotta say, great attitude!!! Better luck next time!

Not everyone was thrilled with the ending of that wild Cardinals vs. Seahawks game ... because the final seconds of regulation cost 3 "Fox Bet Super 6" users the chance to split $1 MILLION!!

Three women -- Gloria, Kim and Sherry -- had gone 5-for-5 in the Fox Bet "Super 6" pick'em challenge (you may have seen promos for "Win Terry Bradshaw's Money" campaign).

Users have a chance to win the grand prize if they can correctly pick the winners of 6 NFL games, as well as the margin of victory for each game. This week, there were 1.1 MILLION entries!

"Fox Bet Super 6" had upped the grand prize to $1 MILLION for Week 7 -- and going into Sunday Night Football, the 3 remaining players all picked the Seattle Seahawks to win by 1 to 3 points.

Gloria -- a retired grandmother who lives in the Atlanta area.

Kim -- a nurse from Ohio.

And, Sherry -- also a retired grandma who lives in Nevada!

All 3 women were first-time players!

The Seahawks were leading for the entirety of the game -- and late in the 4th quarter, they were up 34 to 31 ... and just had to close out the end of the game for the bettors to win.

But, with time expiring, the Cards kicked a field goal to tie the game -- sending it into overtime ... where Arizona eventually won the game!

Sucks for the women ... but the folks at "Fox Bet Super 6" say they were so impressed and heartbroken for the women, they offered up a $10,000 consolation prize for each player for making it as far as they did!

After the game, Kim said she would have LOVED to take Terry Bradshaw's money because "He’s a Pittsburgh Steelers legend but I’m a Cleveland Browns fan."

Rivalries never die!

Originally Published -- 12:50 AM PT

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr L.A. Home Burglarized Thieves Jack $750k In Valuables

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Boxing star Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. claims burglars ransacked his L.A. home -- taking roughly $750k in jewelry and other valuables, TMZ Sports has learned.

34-year-old Chavez -- son of boxing legend Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. -- believes the burglary took place last week while the family was out of town. We're told it appears the intruders got into the home through a bathroom window.

Our law enforcement sources tell us ... Chavez and his wife, Frida, believe the crooks snatched up several items, including a small safe that contained roughly $600,000 in jewelry and designer purses.

They also got around $150k in other belongings from around the home ... totaling $750k.

We're told cops are investigating but so far, no arrests have been made and no suspects have been named.

Chavez Jr. -- the former WBC middleweight champ -- is married to Frida Chavez, who recently gave birth to their 2nd child.

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Frida was previously married to Edgar Guzman Lopez -- the son of Sinaloa Cartel boss Joaquin Guzman, AKA El Chapo.

Edgar was killed in 2008 when he was ambushed in a supermarket parking lot by a gang of rival cartel members.

We're told police are aware of the family ties -- but it's unclear if the El Chapo connection has anything to do with the burglary.

Dallas Cowboys' Mike Nolan Pauses News Conference ... Hang On, I Got Tabasco In My Eye!!!

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Surreal moment for Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Nolan ... the dude had to pause his news conference Monday 'cause he said he rubbed hot sauce in his eye.

... for real.

The much-maligned coach was fielding questions on a call with reporters ... when suddenly, he abruptly announced he had to take a few minutes off.

And, the reason why? He said he had Tabasco on his finger and accidentally touched his eyeball with it!!!

Nolan left the call for several minutes to handle the issue ... but, thankfully, the 61-year-old was able to get everything cleared up and jump back on the phoner.

"My eye feels a lot better," Nolan said of the drama afterward. "But it was burning.”

Of course, Nolan is commanding a historically awful defense in Dallas this season ... so there's plenty of fire/heat/burning/stinging jokes to be made here.

But, we'll keep it classy ... glad the eye's okay, coach!

Michael Chandler To UFC ... Let Me Fight Justin Gaethje!!!

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If Justin Gaethje is serious about fighting again in 6 weeks, Michael Chandler tells TMZ Sports he's all the way down to make that happen!!

Chandler -- who just signed with UFC after dominating Bellator for the past decade -- was the official "alternate" for the Gaethje vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov fight on Fight Island this past weekend ... and says he's already in shape for a 5-round main event.

So, when Justin took the mic after his loss to Khabib on Saturday and said he's ready to go again in the next 2 months ... Chandler says his ears perked up.

"That's a fight that I'd love for myself and for the fans," Chandler told us from the airport shortly after touching back down in the US.

"It's a fight that scares me, it's a fight that gets me excited. It's a fight that -- it gets your juices flowing. If you're a mixed martial arts fan, a UFC fan, you wanna see us step into the cage together.

Chandler believes his role as the alternate for the lightweight championship fight at UFC 254 should make him the number 1 contender to fight for the vacant lightweight belt ... now that Khabib has retired.

Chandler even delivers a message to UFC boss Dana White ... saying, "So, you need a new champion, why not me?"

The Rock Tastes Own Blood After Gym Injury ... Gets Stitches to Close Gash

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Here's reason #1,000,001 why The Rock is tougher than you ...

Dwayne Johnson suffered a pretty gnarly gym injury Monday requiring stitches to close a wound on his face.

But, instead of cryin' about it -- he tasted his own blood and went right back to work!!!

The former WWE superstar said he suffered the wound throwing around some heavy weights -- and in a video, he revealed his eye was swollen and bloody.

But, in true tough guy fashion ... The Rock licked the blood off his face and said, "That's good. That's real good. Back to work."

!!!!!!

Johnson later explained he got nicked up tossing 50-pound chains ... and said the wound was so bad, he needed stitches.

Though the 48-year-old said he didn't go under the needle and thread until AFTER the workout was done ... 'cause, duh.

"We ain't playing tiddlywinks and we ain't reciting nursery rhymes," Dwayne said ... before later writing, "Taste your own blood, keep working out and stitch up later - rules of the house."

Who's ready for leg day now?!

Hayden Hurst Falcons iPad Stolen From Car After Loss ... Cops Say

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Cops in Atlanta say NFL star Hayden Hurst had his Falcons iPad jacked out of his car just a couple hours after ATL lost to Detroit on Sunday.

According to police docs, obtained by TMZ Sports, Hurst called officers at around 6 PM ET -- shortly after the Falcons took a heartbreaking 23-22 L to the Lions -- to report a theft.

In the docs, the 27-year-old tight end said he went out to his car and noticed his front passenger side window had been busted out and his black Nike book bag had been taken.

Hurst told cops the bag had some seriously valuable stuff in it ... including a Falcons iPad (listed as a "new model"), red BEATS headphones and a notebook.

Hurst -- who had parked his 2020 Chevrolet SUV at his sister's house -- said they had security cam footage of the incident ... and cops say the video captured everything.

According to the docs, cops say the footage showed a man walking up and down the street before approaching Hurst's vehicle and smashing out the window and taking the bag.

Cops added they retrieved fingerprints from the car ... and have launched an investigation.

Hurst, meanwhile, tweeted about the whole incident Sunday night ... showing a photo of his damaged car and writing, "Welcome to Atlanta! Sick thanks!!!"

Hayden -- who was traded to Atlanta from Baltimore this offseason -- has been a bright spot for the Falcons this year ... recording 25 catches for 295 yards and 3 TDs through 7 games.

Barstool's Dave Portnoy Pats Sucking Doesn't Matter ... People Are Dying!!!

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The New England Patriots look like crap and Dave Portnoy couldn't care less ... with the Barstool Sports founder telling TMZ Sports there are much bigger issues to worry about -- like COVID-19.

It's been a different experience for Pats Nation in 2020 -- the team is 2-4 for the first time since 2000(!!!) and players like Cam Newton and Stephon Gilmore have dealt with coronavirus.

We spoke with El Presidente out in NYC fresh off the Pats' 33-6 loss to the 49ers ... and he says it's pointless to care about the season when there's a pandemic going on.

"Cam Newton had COVID, he probably still has COVID, a lot of people have died from COVID, so we should be focusing probably on bigger things," Pres told us Monday.

Of course, Portnoy was singing a different tune after Week 1 ... saying it was "business as usual" after Cam's Pats beat the Miami Dolphins in the season opener.

Now, he's questioning everything.

"Does this season even count? Those are the bigger questions that I feel like, right now, we as a people should be discussing. Not wins and losses in a season that'll go down as not counting."

He added, "We're in a major pandemic here. Lives are being lost. That's the bigger issue. That's what I'm focusing on."

As for that "antique" Tom Brady?? Portnoy gives his former QB his flowers ... but doubles down that whichever team wins the Super Bowl this season will have an asterisk by its name.

Cam Newton Responds to Jeff Garcia 'You're Right' But I'm Not Changing My Style

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8:49 AM PT -- Newton heard Garcia's criticism loud and clear ... and instead of firing back, he's saying the dude's RIGHT for going at him ... but will never change the way he dresses.

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"You know what’s crazy, I agree with him," Cam told WEEI's "The Greg Hill Show." ... "And, the fact that he’s a former player, he has every right to say that."

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"And, until that happens, so be it. But, that’s another opinionated theory, and it’s fair to say."

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He added ... "I know I come off to so many different people so many different ways, and that’s fine. You know what, he’s exactly right. But, I’m not changing the way I dress. I’m sorry."

Wow! Jeff Garcia really hates Cam Newton's style these days -- saying the QB should only dress swaggy when he's winning!!!

The ex-49ers quarterback unloaded on Cam during an appearance on "NBC Sports Bay Area" following the 49ers shellacking of Cam's New England Patriots.

Cam played so poorly in the 33-6 loss (3 INTs, 0 TDs), he was yanked in the 3rd quarter for Jarrett Stidham. It's the Pats 3rd loss in a row. They're 2-6 in the season.

Despite the issues on the field, Cam still dresses ... like Cam! With wild looks, crazy hats -- you know the style!

But, Garcia ain't cool with it -- essentially saying Cam's fashion choices prove he only cares about himself.

"You go into this game with 2 touchdowns, 4 interceptions, you threw what, 3 more interceptions? You get yanked in the 2nd half, there’s nothing good going your way. Why are you dressing like that to bring more attention to yourself?"

Garcia continued ... "I’d be trying to ask the equipment managers 'Put me in your jock sock cart and sneak me in the back door and I’ll show up on the field and do the best that I can.'"

When asked if he was speaking from experience, Garcia expanded ...

"This just goes back to a couple years of just watching this guy and seeing him at the podium, but yet what he’s doing on the field does not translate to being that guy."

One of the panelists brought up Joe Namath -- who would rock fur coats and other swaggy items. Garcia responded to that too.

"When you predict you’re going to win a Super Bowl and you go out and do it, wear whatever the hell you want."

Garcia has been taking some heat on social media for the comments -- our favorite clap back is this one ...

Originally published -- 6:43 AM PT

Conor McGregor Back in Training Mode Gearing Up for Dustin Poirier?

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Conor McGregor has returned the gym ... seemingly preparing to return to the Octagon in January to take on Dustin Poirier.

The 32-year-old UFC superstar was doing some boxing drills (he appears to be at Straight Blast Gym in Ireland) ... trying to get himself ready to fight for the first time since January, when he destroyed Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone.

As we previously reported, both Conor and Dustin have publicly agreed to fight on January 23rd -- but Dana White recently told us the contracts have not been officially signed.

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I EXPECT IT TO HAPPEN

That said, White says he's confident the McGregor vs. Poirier will happen because "In the history of dealing with Conor McGregor, Conor McGregor has never come out publicly and said, 'I accept this fight' and then not fought and turned down a fight. So, I expect the fight to go on."

The only wrinkle ... Justin Gaethje called out Conor after losing to Khabib Nurmagomedov this past weekend -- suggesting the Irishman should bail on the Poirier fight and fight him instead.

So, what will Conor do? For now, just train.

There's been a ton of drama in Conor's life since his last fight -- including criminal allegations in Corsica, where he's accused of attempted sexual assault.

Before that, he announced his retirement from the sport of MMA -- claiming he didn't have the fire anymore ... but no one believed him.

Now, McGregor has seemingly changed his tune -- even posting on IG that he's "still committed" despite being worth "half a billi."

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Genie Bouchard Cheers On New Beau Mason Rudolph ... At Steelers Game

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Genie Bouchard and Mason Rudolph could be getting serious ... the tennis star showed up to the Steelers game Sunday with friends to cheer on her new beau!!!

We broke the story ... Genie and the Steelers backup QB kicked off a romantic fling recently -- and clearly, the fire is still burning hot.

'Cause just weeks after 26-year-old Genie was spotted out and about near Rudolph's Pittsburgh-area home ... she headed to 25-year-old Mason's game against the Titans in Tennessee.

And, while Mason didn't play in the win (he's backing up a healthy Ben Roethlisberger this season) ... didn't seem Genie minded too much -- check out her smile!!!

Yeah, looks smitten to us!!

Neither Genie nor Mason has gone public with the relationship yet ... but posting pics from games means we could be getting close to IG offish any day now.

Congrats on the young love!

Odell Beckham Confirms Torn ACL Browns WR Out for Season

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Cleveland's worst fears are now a reality ... Odell Beckham has confirmed he did, in fact, tear his ACL on Sunday and will miss the rest of the 2020 NFL season.

"Odell Beckham Jr just text me that his ACL is torn and that his season is over," NFL reporter Josina Anderson said Monday morning.

27-year-old Beckham suffered the injury during the 2nd offensive play of the Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals game.

Baker Mayfield had fired a pass Odell's way -- but missed his target and the ball was intercepted. Odell tried to make a play and tackle the ball-carrier but ran into one of his own teammates and apparently messed up his left knee in the process.

It's devastating news for Cleveland -- Odell was having a pretty solid season with 23 catches for 319 yards ands 3 TDs.

The Browns are 5-2 and starting to play like contenders -- losing their #1 receiver is definitely going to hurt their chances.

As for Beckham, he played all 16 games in 2019 while suffering from a groin injury -- and underwent surgery during the offseason.

Now with the ACL tear, that will almost certainly require surgery -- and usually takes about 6 to 9 months to fully recover.

Sucks.

Odell's teammate and close friend Jarvis Landry offered his support -- "Man I Know how f*cking hard you work and how invested you are to be legendary. My heart hurt!!!!! I love you brudda."