NFL Biggest Stars Freaked Over COVID Say No Clear Guidance Yet

The NFL's biggest stars are speaking out days before they're set to report to training camp for another season -- and they're all saying the same thing ... THIS ISN'T SAFE YET!!!

On Sunday, studs like Russell Wilson, Patrick Mahomes, J.J. Watt, Odell Beckham Jr. and several others expressed similar sentiments over having to boot back up again in the middle of a pandemic -- namely, that the league hasn't laid out a clear action plan.

It's pretty simple ... these guys say they're just a couple months or so from having to get back onto the gridiron, but claim there's been no guidance or direction from NFL's top honchos on how to keep the players safe, and what the protocol will be. It's alarming.

Russ, for example, made it clear that his family's safety is potentially at risk if the league doesn't get its act together, saying ... "I am concerned. My wife is pregnant. @NFL Training camp is about to start. And there’s still No Clear Plan on Player Health & Family Safety. 🤷🏾 We want to play football but we also want to protect our loved ones."

He, along with all the other high-profile players who chimed in, ended with the hashtag ... #WeWantToPlay. J.J., for his part, laid out crystal clear demands on what he and his teammates were looking for with a bullet point list. Sounds like the NFL's way behind schedule on these very basic precautions and procedures to handle positive tests.

J.J.'s list -- which called for more clarity on whether players would be tested/how often, standards on how to handle a player if they got sick, etc. -- made it clear that the league has the power here. He says the way their agreement is set up, the NFL can make them go to training camp and play games ... even if players want to opt out for safety concerns.

Of course, if the players hold out and refuse to play unless their demands are met ... that could mean an either truncated season -- like in the MLB and NBA right now -- or perhaps no season at all. Ball's in the NFL's hands at this point 😬

Nick Cannon Hints at Suicidal Thoughts ... After Friend Takes His Own Life

Nick Cannon seemed to have contemplated suicide ... calling 2020 the most "f***ed up year I've ever witnessed," talking about his friend who he says took his own life, adding, he was in "dark contemplation of continuing my physical existence on this planet," and admiring his friend who "had the balls to do it."

It's an alarming message, but not totally surprising. Nick's been called out from all sides, it seems, this week, after his anti-Semitic comments he made on a podcast, for which he apologized. Although Nick says he's trying to educate himself as he meets with rabbis and others, he's now being attacked for apologizing. On top of that, Viacom fired him from 'Wild 'n Out.'

Nick recounted the story of his friend, Ryan Bowers -- an up-and-coming rapper who Nick signed to his label -- who was shot in his own home last year by a San Diego cop.  Nick says Ryan was in a coma for months and Nick was by his side. Cannon says his friend fought hard, re-learning basic functions like walking.

Nick says on the surface, Ryan seemed to rebound ... returning to perform to sold-out crowds. But, behind the veneer, Ryan was hurting, whispering to Nick, "Everything still hurts."

Nick says, "I can't help but think if I wasn't so engulfed in my own bulls*** I could've been there for you when you finally took your life after several attempts ...F*** this place!! #CantWin #ForLosing🙏".

We have checked and the Medical Examiner tells us a Ryan Bowers died Saturday.

Nick said on Thursday, "I hurt an entire community and it pained me to my core, I thought it couldn't get any worse. Then I watched my own community turn on me and call me a sell-out for apologizing," adding, "Goodnight. Enjoy Earth."

Orlando Bloom Destroyed Over Lost Dog

Orlando Bloom is inconsolable over his dog that went missing several days ago, saying he's a broken man.

Orlando's poodle, Mighty, disappeared earlier in the week in the Santa Barbara area and he sent out a plea for its return, to no avail.

The despair is palpable, with Orlando saying, "I don't recall a time in my life where I've been so broken or wide open. The rawness I have felt over these past few days and sleepless nights at the idea of my little man being lost and scared, with me unable to do anything to protect him, is a waking nightmare."

He went on ... "The bond between Mighty and I shows devotion in ways I have not truly understood until now. I am a devoted father & partner, still, there is a reason why they call them 'man's best friend.' I miss him."

Orlando ends with this ... "Send out a prayer for my little strong and Mighty boy to find his way back to his family."

WE'VE LEARNED MIGHTY HAS MEDICAL ISSUES. IF YOU FIND HIM ORLANDO WANTS YOU TO TAKE HIM TO A VET. AGAIN, THE DOG IS IN THE SANTA BARBARA AREA.

Praying for Mighty's return.

Roger Stone Calls Black Radio Host Racial Slur ... During Heated Argument

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"The Mo'Kelly Show" KFI AM 640

Roger Stone called a Black radio host a "negro" during a contentious interview.

It went down Saturday on Mo Kelly's show on KFI radio, after Stone claimed the conviction and sentence -- which Trump undid -- was unfair, because, as he put it, "It was a jury of my political opponents."

Mo shot back that it was actually the reverse ... that Stone benefited because he's tight with Trump. Mo then doubled down, saying, "There are thousands of people treated unfairly daily. Hell, your number just happened to come up in the lottery," adding, "I'm guessing it was more than just luck, Roger, right?"

Then there's a pause, and you hear Stone mumble, "I don't really feel like arguing with this negro." It's hard to know, but it seems Stone is saying it to someone he's with.

Mo is clearly indignant, repeatedly asking Stone what it was that he called him.

Stone goes radio silent for a long while, before speaking again and denying he called Mo a "negro."

Mo tweeted afterward, "I'm nobody's NEGRO."

Stone was found guilty of lying to Congress on 7 felony counts. Trump granted him clemency.

Donald Trump Loses to Linkin Park ... Twitter Removes 'In The End' from Campaign Ad

Donald Trump is not only losing to Joe Biden ... he's losing to Linkin Park.

Twitter has removed a video Trump retweeted, with the group's song, "In The End." The original tweet was from the account of Dan Scavino, the White House Media Director.

The video vanished Saturday, replaced with this message -- "This media has been disabled in response to a report by the copyright owner."

Trump has drawn the ire of Linkin Park before, and they underscored their contempt for the President Saturday, saying, "Linkin Park did not and does not endorse Trump, nor authorize his organization to use any of our music. A cease and desist has been issued."

Apparently, Twitter heard them.

Chester Bennington, who fronted Linkin Park until his death in 2017, vehemently opposed Trump, declaring, “Trump is a greater threat to the USA than terrorism!! We have to take back our voices and stand for what we believe in.”

The choice of the song, "In The End," is curious, with lyrics that include this ... “I tried so hard / And got so far / But in the end / It doesn’t even matter.”

Score one for Linkin Park.

Pop Smoke Murder Case How LAPD Found Alleged Killers ... The Old-Fashioned Way!!!

Pop Smoke's alleged murderers were tracked down by LAPD detectives the old-fashioned way ... there were no shortcuts or easy breaks.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... the big break in the case leading to the arrests of 4 men allegedly connected to the rapper's death didn't come from a tipster, but instead from LAPD detectives pounding the pavement and knocking on doors.

We broke the story ... Pop Smoke was gunned down back in February by at least 4 masked gunmen after what appeared to be a home invasion robbery at his rental property in the Hollywood Hills.

Detectives went back to the basics because, as we reported, they hit a roadblock back in February when potential witnesses wouldn't cooperate, and combing social media turned out to be a bust.

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Our sources say detectives used video from citizens and businesses in the area to help track and ID the suspects, who were slapped with murder charges last week and could face the death penalty.

Sources also tell us cops believe Los Angeles street gang members were involved in Pop's murder, but they say the case doesn't appear to be a gang hit or an East Coast-West Coast beef -- Pop was from NYC.

Instead, police believe the tragedy was a robbery gone wrong after the alleged killers saw Pop's posts on social media in the hours before the fatal shooting. Pop shared his address, and flexed with huge wads of cash.

We're told, even though the arrests have been made, the case remains under active investigation as detectives search for more evidence.

Master P on Nick Cannon He Didn't Need to Apologize ... If He Owned Show, Viacom Couldn't Fire Him

Master P has a simple, but controversial, solution to Nick Cannon's problems ... and firmly believes he should not have apologized for his anti-Semitism.
BE YOUR OWN BOSS
TMZ.com

Master P has a simple, but controversial, solution to Nick Cannon's problems ... and firmly believes he should not have apologized for his anti-Semitism.

The No Limit mogul was in Bev Hills when we asked him about the fallout from Nick espousing the anti-Semitic remarks made by Professor Griff and Minister Farrakhan. Master P repeatedly took a pass on addressing the "hurtful and divisive" words Nick admits he used -- but did say, "I hate that Nick Cannon apologized. He shouldn't have did that."

His explanation for that is, basically -- Nick wouldn't have to say he's sorry if he didn't have to worry about losing jobs. Watch the clip. That's what he says.

Of course, that dangerous theory suggests anyone who owns their own business or TV show, should be able to say anything they want ... without consequence.

Remember, Nick said Griff was "speaking truth" when he said, back in 1989, Jews were responsible for spreading most of the world's wickedness -- and even Cannon now acknowledges that stance was horribly anti-Semitic

As you know ... the backlash against Cannon began when he made anti-Semitic remarks on his podcast, got called out, and then dropped by ViacomCBS. About 24 hours later, he changed his tune after speaking with Rabbi Abraham Cooper and issued a seemingly sincere apology to the Jewish community.

Interestingly, the 'Masked Singer' host says that move resulted in Black people turning on him ... calling him a sellout for taking back his comments and deleted that episode of his podcast.

Master P says if Nick's a good person who has good intentions, there's no need to apologize.

Again, that's not how Nick feels, but this vid is a clear illustration of what he said about his own community giving him flak.

Washington's NFL Team Trademark Squatter Denies Shakedown ... You Can Have Them For Free!

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I GOT WHAT YOU NEED
TMZSports.com

The man who squatted on several potential new names for the NFL's Washington franchise says he's reached out to the league to offer up the trademarks for free ... and he's got the emails to prove it.

Martin McCaulay -- aka the "trademark hog" (that's what he calls himself) -- came under fire from Washington fans when it came out that he obtained the trademarks for a bunch of possible replacement names ... including the Washington Monuments, Americans, Veterans, Red-Tailed Hawks, Federals and more.

Most people assumed he would try to shake down the franchise for a big payday but McCauley says that's B.S.

In fact, McCauley tells us he reached out to the NFL via email on July 4 offering his 10 trademarked names for no charge!

"My email was dated July 4th, 2020 to the NFL trademark attorney and said 'free trademarks,' a list out of all my trademarks saying, 'you can have these for free' and they didn't respond."

"I didn't know how to reach anybody. I'm on Twitter, at the NFL, at the NFL commish. Take my trademarks, please! What do I have to do to get you to take these trademarks?"

As you know, Washington is on the hunt for a new name after FINALLY dropping "Redskins" ... following a scathing letter written by the National Congress of American Indians, an organization that reps over 5 million Native Americans.

So, Martin -- who believes the name change is long overdue -- even hired a lawyer to help pass along his registered trademarks.

"They won't take my offer of free trademarks so I hired an attorney to facilitate the transaction. His name is Darren Heitner," McCaulay says.

"He wrote a letter to Mr. Snyder with my offer, making it clear that I was trying to facilitate the name change. I do not want to be an obstacle. Please. If you want one of Mr. McCaulay's trademarks, or me, 'trademark hog,' as I like to go by, then just let us know what does he need to do to get out of your way? What is it?"

Unclear why Washington hasn't responded -- but in their defense, they've been a little busy the past few weeks.

Mark Wahlberg Check Out My New Quarantine Whip ... Custom 3-Wheeler!!!

Mark Wahlberg dropped a fat stack on a new set of quarantine wheels ... a custom 3-wheeler that's eco-friendly AND street legal!!!

Marky Mark's newest ride is an Arcimoto FUV -- Fun Utility Vehicle -- which retails for just under $20,000 ... and it's super cool.

Sources connected to the deal tell TMZ ... Mark was one of the first people to test drive the FUV last year, when Arcimoto had a small junket in Los Angeles showing off the new electric whip. We're told Mark liked it from the jump and he finally pulled the trigger while in quarantine.

Our source says Mark's environmentally sustainable ride comes with a custom paint job promoting his health company, F45, and MW feels the FUV is perfect for zipping through his compound and getting around on set.

The FUV sounds pretty fun to whip around ... it tops out at 75 MPH and comes with heated seats and steering grips, Bluetooth speakers, removable doors and a panoramic roof.

UFC's Kamaru Usman Conor McGregor Chickened Out ... I Was Down to Fight

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TMZSports.com

"I've offered him a shot! I said, 'Hey if you want it, it's yours, you got it' and he was silent."

That's UFC champ, Kamaru Usman, telling TMZ Sports he TRIED to make a fight with Conor McGregor happen earlier this year ... but the Irishman was all talk.

"If Conor wants to put my name in his mouth, then come get some."

Kamaru is on a TEAR right now -- running through some of the top fighters in the welterweight division including Tyron Woodley AND Jorge Masvidal.

Conor -- who's won UFC titles at 145 lbs and 155 lbs -- has flirted with the idea of fighting for that 170 lb welterweight belt, but Kamaru says when push came to shove, Conor didn't want the smoke.

"[A Conor fight is] just a lost cause," Usman says ... "because we both know Conor -- the only time Conor gets up to the welterweight division is if he's able to pick and choose lightweights with double-digit losses that he can pick off and not have to cut weight to get down to lightweight."

"If Conor wants a piece at welterweight, he knows who the king of the division is. I'm not going anywhere! I'm right here!"

There was also talk about a possible Conor McGregor vs. Masvidal matchup down the line ... so we asked Usman who would win that fight.

"Honestly, I don't know and truthfully I don't really care. At this point in my career, I'm just worried about me."

Usman says his focus is on getting back into the Octagon and fighting the best in the world -- noting he's still hoping he can lure Georges St-Pierre out of retirement!

"Yeah, I would love to test myself against a guy like that. But, as far as Conor, if he wants a piece, he can come talk to the king. Those aspirations to becoming a welterweight champion, severely turn into nightmares when you step inside that Octagon with me."

Uche's Hot Bikini Pics Heatin' Up Canada, Eh?

This week's Summer Hot Shots is coming from north of the border where Instagram babe Uche explored the great outdoors for some warm weather in the middle of a Winnipeg heatwave (yes there's heatwaves in Canada) and brought some serious scorching selfies of her own!

While the 26-year-old Nigerian model and actress has made a serious name for herself on her social media by teaming up with big brands as an influencer with her lit looks ... this absolute smoke show is bringing way more than Canadian cliches for your viewing pleasure.

This year’s Summer Hot Shots are coming to you a little differently … we have teamed up with smoke shows from around the world to create some eye-popping photo galleries with a DIY flare (social distancing, duh!) for you to enjoy.

Be sure to check back each Sunday to see who’s heating up that weekend!

'L&HH: NY' Star Mariahlynn Claims Ex Brutally Attacked Her ... Bat & Blade Used, Per Cops

'Love & Hip Hop' star Mariahlynn claims her ex and his new GF beat the crap out of her and a pal with a bat and blade, leaving them bloodied and battered ... this according to cops.

Law enforcement sources tell us the reality star filed a police report this past week alleging she and a good friend of hers were ambushed by Mariahlynn's former boyfriend, whom she says had invited her over to his place in the Bronx to hash things and make peace.

We're told Mariahlynn described an incredibly horrific sequence of events to police ... she said as soon as she and the woman she was with arrived at the ex-boyfriend's apartment, they were immediately jumped by both him and his new girlfriend, who allegedly pulled out a blade and even used a bat to beat the two women before they escaped.

Sources with direct knowledge tell us ... Mariahlynn was punched in the face, kicked in the back of her leg, dragged by the hair and held down so the other woman could pile on. We're told Mariahlynn's friend was beaten with the bat and brutally attacked too.

We’re told Mariahlynn has multiple contusions, a fractured leg, a cut face and a black eye. TMZ obtained photos of injuries Mariahlynn claims resulted from the alleged beatdown -- as you can see, they're gnarly.

Our law enforcement sources noted visible injuries to Mariahlynn and her friend -- listing the alleged crimes as felonious assaults. We're told neither the ex-boyfriend nor his alleged accomplice has been arrested -- NYPD cops are currently investigating.

We attempted to reach Mariahlynn's ex, but were unable.

Senator Marco Rubio Tribute to John Lewis Err, Sorry ... That's Not John Lewis

Marco Rubio made a flub in his tribute to Rep. John Lewis -- mistaking him for another African-American congressman who passed away last year ... Elijah Cummings.

The Senator from Florida posted a heartfelt message about his iconic colleague on House side of Capitol Hill, in a since-deleted Twitter post, writing ... "It was an honor to know & be blessed to serve in Congress with JohnLewis a genuine & historic American hero."

He added, "May the Lord grant him eternal peace." Marco attached a photo of himself with ... not John Lewis. It was former U.S. Representative Elijah Cummings, who died in 2019.

It would appear he and/or his staff quickly noticed the error -- because they took it down and replaced it with a post featuring a pic of Marco and the real John Lewis.

MR owned up to the mistake, writing ... "Earlier today I tweeted an incorrect photo. John Lewis was a genuine American hero. I was honored to appear together in Miami 3 years ago at an event captured in video below. My God grant him eternal rest."

Funny enough, somebody jabbed at him in his initial tweet ... posting a photo of Ted Cruz and saying they thought it was Marco Rubio.

Kendall Jenner & Devin Booker Oh-So-Similar Mountain Pics ... AZ Chillin' Before Bubble???

Kendall Jenner's hiking cover might've been blown by Devin Booker -- whom she's been dating -- because the dude made it clear ... Arizona was the place to be pre-NBA bubble.

The model posted a photo Saturday of her in a cool looking desert-y, mountainous region with a body of water below. She called it "not earth" from a trip she took a few weeks ago -- but didn't give much more of a hint than that. It could be anywhere on its face.

Now, it appears her recent point guard boo thang might've actually spilled a major clue -- assuming he and Kendall are still hanging out as much as they were earlier this year. Devin put up a few photos himself a few days ago of him hiking at Slide Rock State Park.

It's a place with tons of canyons and with tons of creek beds covering the floor throughout -- and just looking at the photos, we have to say they look kinda similar in scenery.

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Of course, Devin plays for the Phoenix Suns -- and presumably has a place out there too. So, if they are hookin' up -- like Kendall has implied of late -- it's safe to assume she was somewhere in Arizona with her guy before he was sequestered away for work.

Remember, Devin's in Orlando now getting ready for the NBA restart ... and it's tight quarters there, meaning no outsiders are allowed in.

Riley Keough Speaks Out on Ben's Suicide Death ... 'Pain That's New to Me'

Lisa Marie Presley's daughter, Riley Keough, has broken her silence on her brother, Benjamin Keough's death -- and her final words to him are heartbreaking.

The actress posted a touching tribute to her younger sibling on Instagram Saturday -- a week after his body was discovered in Calabasas in what was a suicide by gunshot wound. Riley also attached several photos of the two of them.

She writes, "Mornings are the hardest. I forget you’re gone. I can’t cry because of the fear that I will never stop. A pain that’s new to me. You. There are no words for you."

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Riley continued to describe Ben, saying ... "Angel is the closest I could think of. Pure light. Baby brother. Best friend. Wild man. Intellectual. Witness to my life. Twin soul. Protector. Too sensitive for this harsh world."

And then, her farewell ... "I hope you give me strength to endure the giant hole you’ve left in my heart. I hope you give me the strength to eat. I hope you’re cradled in love. I hope you feel my love. I hope you feel god. You are god. I can’t believe you’ve left me. Not you sweet Ben Ben. Anyone but you. I guess this is true heartbreak. I hope we meet again."

TMZ broke the story ... Benjamin was found dead last weekend with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The L.A. County Medical Examiner determined Benjamin died from a shotgun to his mouth -- his death was officially ruled a suicide.

Riley and Ben were only a few years apart in age, and they were the only children of Lisa and Danny Keough. RIP