L.A. Rams Super Bowl Loss Won't Crush My Spirit ... Says YG

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WE AIN'T WORRIED
TMZSports.com

YG was clearly sad after his Rams got killed in Super Bowl 53 -- but despite only posting 3 measly points, the rap star is staying positive about the team's future.

The SoCal rapper was leaving Mercedes-Benz Stadium with fellow Rams backer Tyga after the game -- and the mood wasn't as lit as they hoped it would be.

The good news ... YG insists Rams Nation is still strong -- telling us he's confident Jared Goff and company will return to the big dance in 2020.

"We good, bro," YG said while sippin' on his drink in the parking lot ... "We made it to the Super Bowl, we're okay."

"Next year, bro."

We also asked YG what he thought about the halftime show and whether he'd ever be down to headline the performance ... and you'll want to hear what he says.

L.A. Rams NFL Warns Players to Beef Up Security At Their Homes While Away

Before Rams players headed for Atlanta to prepare for their Super Bowl 53 matchup against the Patriots, they got some advice from the NFL -- protect your homes in L.A.

Our NFL sources tell us ... officials spoke with several players and coaches on the Rams who live in the Los Angeles area and suggested they take steps to ensure their homes are safe from potential burglars while they are out of town.

We're told they offered tips like having someone house-sit, parking an extra car in the driveway, adding alarms and surveillance, or even hiring security guards for the days they'll be away.

Other sources tell us many players heeded the NFL's advice by upgrading their home security systems and some indeed hired staff at their residences ... including private armed security and retired cops.

As you may know ... L.A. and the San Fernando Valley have seen a string of burglaries over the past couple of years, especially at the houses of celebs and famous athletes. In fact, Rams WR Robert Woods is on that list.

10 gang members were charged in connection with burglaries at more than 24 homes in late November, and cops say the break-in at Woods' pad -- while he was playing "Thursday Night Football" -- was a key to cracking the case.

This burglary crew allegedly also targeted stars like Rihanna, LeBron James, Yasiel Puig and Viola Davis.

Deion Branch S.B. Betting Advice ... 'Take The Over!'

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BETTING MAN
TMZSports.com

A former Super Bowl MVP is offering up FREE advice for all you degenerates out there ... 'cause Deion Branch says take the OVER on Sunday!!!

The ex-Patriots star tells TMZ Sports his former team will beat the Rams in Super Bowl XLIII ... and the score will be around 31-27.

Translation ... that 56.5 over/under that Vegas set is EASY MONEY!!!

"It'll go over," the ex-NFL receiver guarantees ... "All the people who are betting, take the over."

If you're into prop bets ... Deion's got some advice for you there too -- saying Tom Brady WILL be the MVP of the game.

And, if you want to live life dangerously and bet on an underdog to win the award over TB12 ... Branch even has the guy for you there too!!!

BTW ... Deion is confident the Pats are gonna win 'cause he knows Brady just won't let New England lose.

In fact -- he told us a hilarious story where Tom couldn't even handle losing to him in a game of ping pong!!!

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BALLS OF FURY
TMZSports.com

Rams vs. Patriots Super Bowl WAGs!!!

We've been waiting all season for this moment ... the WAGs of Super Bowl LIII!!!

There's a new meaning to Hotlanta this weekend ... with the wives and girlfriends of the New England Patriots and the L.A. Rams invading Georgia for the big game.

You've heard of the Giseles and Camille Kosteks of the bunch ... but, don't let those Pats WAGs superstars distract you from the heat over on the Rams' end, like Ndamukong Suh's girl Katya Leick and Brandin Cooks' wife, Briannon.

Be sure to check out all the pics ... and watch the game, or whatever.

Sean McVay's GF Custom Jacket For Super Bowl ... 4,000 Crystals!!!

Forget diamond Super Bowl rings ... Sean McVay's smokin' hot GF is opting for crystals for Sunday's big game -- 'cause she just got a custom jacket made with 4,000 of 'em in it!!!

TMZ Sports has learned Veronika Khomyn hit up Leah Miller at Bella Artistry to have a one-of-a-kind piece made to cheer on her BF during the Rams-Pats game ... and the fit came out GREAT.

We're told, the satin bomber jacket was hand-cut and hand-sewn ... and had 4,000 Swarovski crystals hand-placed into it.

The jacket also features a "Mob Squad" patch and a whole bunch of Rams logos ... and, in total, took about 14 HOURS to complete.

We're told similar jackets run for around $1,000 ... and Khomyn completed the outfit by adding a custom Rams hat that featured 600 crystals hand-set into it!!!

Veronika won't be the only WAG stuntin' at the Super Bowl ... tons of BOTH Rams and Patriots wives hit up Leah to get their own one-of-a-kind gear made for the game.

So, you be the judge ... who's winning the Rams-Pats swag battle in the box suites this weekend???

Tom Brady All Smiles At Patriots' SB Practice

Doesn't seem Tom Brady's got too many nerves heading into his NINTH Super Bowl ... 'cause the G.O.A.T. was nothing but smiles at Patriots practice Wednesday!!!

New England hit the field at Georgia Tech for the first time since landing in Atlanta earlier this week ... and Tom was as cool as ever during the workout.

In fact ... the 41-year-old seemed downright giddy -- laughing and smiling throughout the practice.

Begs the question ... what is he so thrilled about just a few days before yet another pivotal game in his 19-year career??

Perhaps it's that Rob Gronkowski was healthy and on the field practicing ... or maybe he's just that confident about a victory over the Rams????

You've been warned, McVay!!!

Terrell Davis Super Bowl Advice For Gurley & Michel ... Listen Up!!!

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FROM ONE BULLDOG TO ANOTHER
TMZSports.com

Todd Gurley and Sony Michel listen up ... Terrell Davis is giving some Super Bowl running back advice that you better take if you wanna have success in the big game.

"Try not to make this game any different than the ones you played," T.D. tells TMZ Sports.

Sound simple?? Sure ... but the ex-Broncos star says he's seen way too many guys over the years turn the game into too big of a deal -- and then ruin it.

"A lot of times, what happens is players assume, 'It's a Super Bowl, so I gotta do something different. I gotta prepare more, I gotta do something that I'm not used to doing.'"

"And, that's when they get in trouble."

FYI, Davis is an ex-Georgia superstar like Michel and Gurley ... AND the guy's won 2 rings -- so seems the Pats and Rams RBs would be wise to take note.

BTW ... we also asked Terrell about Tom Brady -- and ya gotta hear why the Hall of Famer is SO astonished by what the Pats QB is doing at 41 years old.

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UNQUENCHABLE THIRST
TMZSports.com

Jay Glazer To Louisiana Senator ... 'Talk About Damn Politics'

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STICK TO POLITICS
TMZSports.com

It's crazy Louisiana senator Bill Cassidy took time Friday to blast the NFL on the floor of the Senate ... so says Jay Glazer, who tells TMZ Sports, "Talk about damn politics!"

The blown pass interference call in last weekend's NFC title game has put every Saints fan on the planet into an uproar ... with everyone from players to politicians ripping the league.

In fact ... Cassidy took the debate straight to Capitol Hill this week -- calling for the NFL to launch a full investigation into the incident!!!

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POLI-TICKED OFF

But, Glazer tells us it's ridiculous that happened ... saying politicians need to have their focus on things other than the gridiron.

"Let's try and get the government right first before we start talking about what's going on in the NFL."

As for the Glazer's feelings on the call itself ... he says it was atrocious -- and guarantees BOTH the Rams AND Saints feel bad about it all.

His solution?? It involves every NFL team pitching in to pay a former ref to come back and police ALL the officials next season!!!

NFC Title Game NFL Called Out on Senate Floor ... 'Travesty, Outrage'

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POLI-TICKED OFF

Louisiana senator Bill Cassidy is still so pissed off about the blown non-penalty in the NFC Championship game ... he just went on the floor of the Senate to call out the NFL.

"The State of Louisiana is outraged because of what happened in the Superdome last Sunday," Cassidy said during his 5-minute presentation.

"To the folks back home, it is something which continues to disturb them."

Cassidy, of course, is referring to blatant pass interference -- and helmet-to-helmet contact -- that went uncalled in the final 2 minutes of the game ... allowing the L.A. Rams a chance to come back and beat the Saints.

Cassidy described the play as, "The most blatant and consequential blown call in NFL history."

In fact, Cassidy says it's not just Saints fans who are pissed -- superstars like LeBron James, JJ Watt and Dez Bryant tweeted about the "travesty."

Cassidy suggested that the refs may have had a secret pro-Rams agenda and he's calling for the NFL to launch a full investigation.

He ended his rant by essentially calling for NFL officials to face the Senate to answer questions about the game and the way the NFL runs its business ... claiming the league has a real impact on American culture.

L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti Screw the Doubters ... L.A. Has Best Sports Teams in U.S.!!!

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MY KINDA SPORTS TOWN
TMZSports.com

L.A. Mayor and likely Presidential candidate Eric Garcetti is promising a party for the ages if the L.A. Rams win the Super Bowl.

We got Garcetti, who was on his way to Washington D.C. where he's the keynote speaker at the United States Conference of Mayors, and he was pumped up about the Rams as any fan in the City of Angels.

Garcetti, who was a key player in the negotiations that ended the L.A. teachers strike, is likely going to throw his hat in the 2020 ring, and soon.

Hizzoner was not shy about his contempt for anyone who says L.A. is not a sports town. Garcetti presents his evidence on why L.A. is the BEST sports town in the U.S. of A.

Michael Thomas Still Pissed Over Saints Loss ... 'Super Bowl LIE'

Saints superstar Michael Thomas is STILL salty over the way his team's season ended ... posting a pic on social media Wednesday calling next week's Big Game, "Super Bowl LIE."

The entire city of New Orleans has been up in arms since the refs blew a potentially game-winning pass interference call at the end of the NFC Championship Game on Sunday.

In fact ... Louisiana congressman Steve Scalise tells TMZ Sports commissioner Roger Goodell should force the Rams to replay the Saints this weekend 'cause of the robbery.

Thomas clearly agrees ... 'cause he took to IG this week to post a meme that transformed the Super Bowl LIII logo into a "Super Bowl LIE" one.

Other Saints have been vocal about the controversial ending too ... tight end Ben Watson posted on his social media saying, "It’s not fair. I’m angry for a number of reasons. And we are all incredibly disappointed. But we will not be shaken!"

For his part ... Thomas also wrote on social media that Drew Brees and the Saints WILL be back in the Super Bowl next season -- writing, "Revenge is the only way to sooth the pain."

Rep. Steve Scalise NFL Should Replay Saints-Rams Game ... This Saturday!!!

Steve Scalise
ONE STEP AWAY
TMZSports.com

Rep. Steve Scalise -- the House Minority Whip -- says the NFL NEEDS to replay the Saints-Rams NFC Championship Game ... telling TMZ Sports they gotta to do it THIS Saturday!!!

We got the Louisiana congressman out in D.C. when he said the NFL blew the ending of the Saints game so badly ... Roger Goodell needs to re-kickoff the matchup this weekend.

"Frankly, they should play a makeup game. If the Saints played the Rams on Saturday, I think it'd be the highest-watched sports event all year."

Of course, Steve's beef with the game stems from the obvious missed pass interference call late in the 4th quarter of Sunday's thriller.

Scalise tells us he expects the NFL to right that issue in time for next season ... saying the league has too much technology for that to happen again.

BTW ... Steve also says the Saints will rebound strong next year regardless -- telling us, "We're going to do some reverse voodoo and get back in the Super Bowl next year!"

LAPD Shades New Orleans ... You Were Robbed?!?

How's the LAPD celebrating that Rams victory over the Saints? THEY'RE TALKING TRASH!!!

Right after that controversial ending in the NFC championship game, the LAPD reached out to their Nawlins counterparts on social media with some epic smack talk over that non-pass interference call that cost the Saints the game.

"Sounds like our friends at [The New Orleans PD] might be dealing with some robbery complaints after the #LARams⁠ ⁠defeated the @Saints," the LAPD said on Twitter.

"We would help investigate but A) it’s outside our jurisdiction, and B) we just don’t see enough evidence of a crime."

Translation -- SUCKS TO BE YOU!!

That's not all ... some people in New Orleans are so pissed off about the referee situation, that a local optometrist is offering free eye exams to all NFL zebras!

"We will GLADLY provide no cost eye exams to all NFL officials prior to next season to prevent the atrocity that occurred tonight," Louisiana Family Eyecare posted on its Facebook page.

"We would hate for someone else to feel our pain."

Anyway ... GO RAMS!!!

Donald Trump Congratulates Tom Brady ... Olive Branch?

President Donald Trump only congratulated ONE of the teams that made the Super Bowl on Sunday -- the New England Patriots -- with a special shout-out to his old friend, Tom Brady.

... and it begs the question -- friendsies again?

Of course, Tom and Trump had a friendship that went back years -- Tom even put DT's "Make America Great Again" hat in his locker during the campaign.

But, the two had a big falling out back in 2017 -- Tom didn't go to the White House with the team that year and Trump made no mention of TB12 during his congratulatory remarks.

As we previously reported, Trump felt betrayed by Brady for not standing up for him publicly. In fact, Gisele has publicly stated she and Tom do not support him anymore.

Tom has also disagreed with Trump's criticism of Colin Kaepernick -- saying the comments POTUS has made about NFL kneelers is "just divisive."

But, despite the fallout, Trump typed out Tom's name on Twitter Sunday night -- saying, "Congratulations to Bob Kraft, Bill Belichick, Tom Brady and the entire New England Patriots team on a great game and season. Will be a fantastic Super Bowl!"

No word from Tom yet. We guarantee he'll be asked about it in the lead-up to the Super Bowl.

As for the L.A. Rams -- no love from Prez.

At least, not yet.

Drake to the NFL's Final 4 Fine, I'm Cursed And Now, So Are You

Drake has finally realized that if he sides with any one sports team, they'll probably lose -- so he's sending the final 4 NFL squads good vibes by equally cursing all of them.

We're kidding, of course ... and clearly, so is Drizzy. He posted a photo of himself late Saturday night wearing a sweater with patches bearing all four remaining NFL teams --the L.A. Rams, the New England Patriots, the Kansas City Chiefs and the New Orleans Saints.

He captioned his pic ... "For everyone who believes in the Drake curse good luck tmrw."

In case you're unfamiliar ... Drake has a pretty bad streak of supporting teams ... and those teams being doomed with losing records or big losses in general (just ask the University of Alabama's football team, they're his latest victim).

Drake has also supported Kentucky basketball (title-less since 2012), the Toronto Raptors (zero finals appearances), Conor McGregor (who got smashed up by Khabib) and Serena Williams (who lost at Wimbledon last year).

As for this latest pledge of allegiance ... it's probably a good idea to remain neutral. Smart call, D.

Rams vs. Saints Cheerleaders Who'd You Rather?!

The New Orleans Saints take on the L.A. Rams on the field in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday ... but the REAL battle is actually going down on the sidelines ...

Yeah, we're talking cheerleaders, baby!!!

The 2 cheer squads have crushed it all season long ... and now it's up to you to decide which team's women take the pom-pom crown and deserve to move on to the Super Bowl!

Scroll through our gallery of some of the finest members of the cheer teams and vote for who you'd rather in this head-to-head showdown!