Tim Tebow -- I'm NOT Gonna Be on 'The Bachelor'

Sorry shameless fame-whorish ladies ... Tim Tebow will not be the next rich stud hunting for love on "The Bachelor."

Tim just set the record straight on Twitter ... saying, "Haha rumors can be crazy! Even though I've watched the show before, I'm definitely not gonna be on the Bachelor. #JessePalmer."

But the most shocking part -- TMZ has learned who's to blame for the rumor ... and it's "Bachelor" host Chris Harrison. Though he swears it wasn't intentional.

Chris just called in to TMZ Live to explain himself ... check it out below.