NCAA

LeRoy Butler says Florida State needs to pack its bags and get the hell out of the ACC ... telling TMZ Sports he believes the perceived weakness of the conference is a big reason the College Football Playoff committee gave the Seminoles the boot on Sunday.

"We're going to have to leave," said Butler, who starred at FSU from 1987 through 1989. "We've got to get out of the ACC. If we want to win a national championship, we've got to go."

FSU -- which just completed a 13-0 season on Saturday -- was believed by many to be one of the four best teams in the country ... but when it came time to pick the four squads who will play for this year's national championship, the CFP committee gave the nod to a one-loss Alabama team over the Seminoles.

When we spoke with Butler about the snub some 24 hours after it went down ... he was furious -- saying he believes the committee "robbed" his former team.

Then, he told us FSU's conference affiliation will need to change in order to prevent these kinds of situations going forward.

"Let's be honest, they don't think the ACC is a good conference," Butler said ... before adding, "I bet you I've gotten 50 calls from people -- 'Man, ya'll have got to get out of the ACC.'"

"This is not basketball. Football brings in the money."

While Butler didn't say where he'd like his alma mater to end up -- it seems pretty clear it's the SEC.

"The SEC is in everybody's brain -- that a one-loss team is better than a 13-0 team."

Seminoles legend Charlie Ward is asking for full access to College Football Playoff committee meetings going forward ... after he believes Florida State got screwed over during Sunday's selection process.

The former Heisman Trophy winner told TMZ Sports he believes full transparency following the committee's controversial pick of 12-1 Alabama over 13-0 FSU would help assuage a lot of the salty opinions that were created by the org.'s decision.

Ward -- who ended up having a successful career in the NBA after college football -- says when he was on the Florida High School Athletic Association, open-door meetings helped squelch outrage ... and now he's asking for similar from the CFP.

"A lot of our meetings are online to where people can weigh in and see what the conversations are," Ward said.

"I would like to see us open up that process so that we can hear these conversations and weigh in on the process."

Ward is not the only one who wants something done ... Florida Senator Rick Scott wrote the committee a letter, demanding the CFP provide answers following its "unprecedented exclusion" of FSU from this year's national championship race.

Deion Sanders and Tracey Edmonds have called off their engagement ... the couple made the shocking announcement on Sunday, saying although they won't be tying the knot, they'll continue to be friends.

"We have mutually decided that it is best for us to move forward in life AS FRIENDS," Sanders and Edmonds said on Instagram, "and have made this decision with love in our hearts, respect for each other, and appreciation for the time we've shared together."

"Please keep us in your prayers as we go through this transition. Thank you for being there for us ALL THESE YEARS! We love you and appreciate you SO MUCH! 🙏🏽❤️"

The Colorado Buffaloes coach and T.V. personality/producer met at a movie premiere in 2012 ... and after linking up for a meeting shortly after, the two became an item.

After years of dating in a long-distance relationship, Sanders proposed to Edmonds on Valentine's Day in 2019.

"To all the couples out there... stay REAL with each other, LISTEN to each other, and MOST of all.. keep LOVE and GOD in your heart," Edmonds said on IG when Sanders proposed. "When you do, you can make it through ANY storm! Spread LOVE and JOY on this day! ❤️."

Theo Von has entered the college football chat — and he confused the hell out of some OGs on the air … which was absolutely hilarious to watch.

ESPN tapped into the TikTok zeitgeist and hired Theo Von as their celebrity guest panelist for “College GameDay” Saturday … where he, Pat McAfee and the rest of the professional analysts sat around making picks ahead of a packed schedule.

The only difference this time around was Theo’s very unpredictable nature and rants — which certainly shone through during the telecast, especially when he was talking about the matchup between Louisville and Florida State.

Apparently, TV thought it was 2013 again … ‘cause he invoked Jameis Winston’s name to talk about the Seminoles’ chances. Only problem … Winston has long left the university, something Pat reminded Theo of … forcing him to pivot and come up with a new rationale.

It was pretty typical Theo, but Lee Corso couldn’t believe (or comprehend) what he was hearing … making for a funny-ass exchange live on TV.

Un novillo sin vida fue encontrado afuera de una fraternidad cerca del campus de la Universidad Estatal de Oklahoma (OSU). El hecho ocurrió el viernes, alrededor de 24 horas antes de que los Cowboys y los Texas Longhorns se enfrenten por el campeonato de fútbol Big 12 ... Y ahora, la policía está investigando.

Según J.D. Miles de CBS 11, el cadáver fue descubierto alrededor de las 6:30 de la mañana frente a la FarmHouse Fraternity con el estómago abierto. Las palabras "F*** FH" también fueron escritas en el cuerpo del novillo (también conocido como longhorn).

Las autoridades ya retiraron al animal de la propiedad, y aunque el motivo no ha sido oficialmente esclarecido, la mayoría cree que el acto está vinculado a OSU y al gran juego del sábado contra la Universidad de Texas, cuya mascota es un longhorn.

"La Universidad Estatal de Oklahoma está consternada por la inquietante muestra de crueldad hacia los animales que se produjo durante la noche afuera del campus, cerca de una casa de fraternidad", dijeron funcionarios en un comunicado tras el descubrimiento.

"El Departamento de Policía de Stillwater está investigando el incidente y la Oficina de Apoyo y Conducta Estudiantil de la universidad también ha iniciado una investigación".

"La Universidad Estatal de Oklahoma espera que todos los estudiantes se adhieran a los códigos de conducta de la universidad y se tomarán las medidas apropiadas en función del resultado de la investigación".

La policía está pidiendo a cualquier persona que tenga información que llame al 405-372-4171 o la línea de punta en 405-533-8477.

A dead steer was found at a fraternity house near Oklahoma State University's campus on Friday, around 24 hours before the Cowboys and Texas Longhorns face off in the Big 12 championship football game ... and now, police are investigating.

According to J.D. Miles of CBS 11, the carcass was discovered around 6:30 AM in front of the FarmHouse Fraternity ... with its stomach cut open. The words "F*** FH" were also written on the longhorn's side.

Authorities have since removed the animal from the property ... and while a motive hasn't been officially given, most believe the act is tied to OSU's huge Saturday game against UT -- whose mascot is a longhorn.

"Oklahoma State University is appalled at the disturbing display of animal cruelty that occurred overnight at an off-campus location near a fraternity house," OSU officials said in a statement following the animal's discovery.

"The Stillwater Police Department is investigating the incident, and the university’s Office of Student Support and Conduct also has initiated an investigation."

"Oklahoma State expects all students to adhere to university codes of conduct, and appropriate action will be taken based on the outcome of the investigation."

Police are asking anyone with information to call 405-372-4171 or the tip line at 405-533-8477.

Angel Reese is happy to finally be back with the LSU Tigers, and now she's explaining the 4-game hiatus ... saying the absence was for her mental health, so she could reset and refocus within the team.

The 6-foot-3 forward rejoined the Tigers on Thursday for their home game against Virginia Tech ... and Reese scored 19 points in the 82-64 win.

Fans were thrilled to see their Bayou Barbie back in action ... as she had been away from the team since her benching on the Nov. 14 game. Head coach Kim Mulkey was mum on the reason why.

But, now Reese is providing an explanation, speaking to the media postgame, admitting it was a long two weeks away, but it was something that needed to be done.

"Taking time to yourself is really important," Reese said, "I feel like it's just something important, resetting, refocusing within the team. I'm just happy to be back."

"My mental health is the most important before anything and I'm gonna make sure I'm okay before anything because I don't wanna cause any harm or cancer in the locker room."

Reese added, "I want to people realize that I'm not just an athlete. I'm a human, too. I go through things."

The 21-year-old said she got a lot of support from her true friends ... including Shaq, who reached out every day during her absence.

"We FaceTime every day, he checked on me, called me every single day to make sure I was good.," Reese said.

The 2023 NCAA champ also had a message for everybody who trashed her, speculating her time away had to do with bad grades or a bad attitude.

"Whatever stories that were wrote or written, don't believe everything you read," Reese said. "I'm back and I'm happy. I'm here and I'm moving forward. I'm going to take this team and help take this team as far as I can."

Outside of Reese's return and LSU's win, Mulkey also got her 700th victory, making her the fastest coach to reach the mark in men's and women's basketball.

Mikey Williams was all smiles leaving a San Diego County courtroom on Thursday ... 'cause he formally cut a sweet deal with prosecutors in his shooting case that will allow him to avoid jail time.

The 19-year-old Univ. of Memphis basketball commit had been facing multiple felony charges in the case -- including five counts of assault with a firearm and one count of shooting at an occupied vehicle -- after he was arrested in April for his alleged role in a shooting that went down outside his Jamul, Calif. home back on March 27.

However, following his pact with prosecutors on Thursday ... Williams pled guilty to just one single count of making criminal threats in order to close out the case.

According to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, in exchange for the plea, Williams must attend Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, gun safety, and anger management classes ... as well as complete 80 hours of community service. If he does all of the above by his sentencing date on Aug. 12, 2024 -- and keeps his nose clean -- the charge will be reduced to a misdemeanor, and, perhaps more importantly, he'll stay out of a cell.

Video of Williams following Thursday's court proceedings showed the hooper was happy with the resolution in the case ... walking away from the courthouse with a grin on his face.

"I feel good," Williams said on camera. "All glory to God."

Deputy District Attorney George Modlin told reporters, meanwhile, he, too, was happy with the results of Thursday's plea deal.

"Cases are individually looked at," Modlin said. "There is no rubber stamp for any type of case, but when we looked into the details of Mr. Williams' age, lack of criminal record, everything that took place that night, both sides got together and worked really hard and came up with a resolution that we both believed creates justice for Mr. Williams and the community, keeps the community safe and creates the proper safeguards."

Bronny James has been given the green light to resume his athletic career -- medical officials have cleared the USC freshman to play basketball again ... just four months after suffering cardiac arrest during a workout.

A rep for LeBron James' family shared the great news on Thursday ... saying the 19-year-old hooper will have a final evaluation with USC staffers in the coming days before joining his teammates at practice next week.

The statement added once Bronny gets some practices under his belt, he will suit up for the Trojans "soon after."

"The James family would like to express their gratitude to the incredible medical team, the entire USC community, and especially the countless friends, family, and fans for their love and support," the statement said. "Fight On!"

Bronny was sidelined for USC's first seven games of the 2023-24 season ... with the team going 5-2 in his absence.

The Trojans play Gonzaga on Saturday, which means they'll have at least one more game without #6. Based on the statement, it sounds like Bronny could make his debut either December 10 against Long Beach State ... or a week later against Auburn.

TMZ Sports broke the story -- Bronny collapsed on the court during a workout on campus on July 24. It was later determined he had "an anatomically and functionally significant Congenital Heart Defect," which caused the cardiac arrest.

The University of Minnesota Duluth community is devastated over the sudden death of football player Reed Ryan ... and TMZ Sports has learned the athletic department will honor the 22-year-old this weekend with ribbons, decals, and a moment of silence.

As we previously reported, Ryan -- a defensive end for the Bulldogs -- passed away Tuesday after collapsing during a workout earlier this month.

To honor his memory, we're told all Bulldogs sports teams will pay tribute this weekend ... starting with a moment of silence for Reed before their home games.

The volleyball team will wear ribbons with his jersey number, 99, when they play Wayne State College in the NCAA II Central Regional tournament game on Thursday.

We're also told that the hockey team may wear #99 decals.

"It’s on the minds of every staff member and student-athlete right now," a UMD Athletics spokesperson told us, "and the tributes will be on going through their seasons."

The redshirt senior joined the Bulldogs this season and had eight total tackles and one sack. Before UMD, he played four seasons at the North Dakota State University ... who gave him a full scholarship out of Waunakee High School.

Reed was a double major in professional sales and marketing.

University of Minnesota Duluth football player Reed Ryan tragically died on Tuesday ... after collapsing during a workout earlier this month, his family announced.

He was just 22 years old.

According to an obituary written by family members, the 6-foot-3, 241-pound defensive end was training in a weight room on Nov. 21 "doing what he loved" ... when he suddenly went into cardiac arrest.

The family says school officials began life-saving measures ... and after they regained the football player's pulse, he was rushed to the ICU. Sadly, he passed away seven days later.

Ryan's family explained in their obituary the medical emergency was all due to "an undetected genetic heart condition and a large, loving heart."

"Reed had a contagious smile and lived life to the fullest in his short years," Reed's family wrote. "Reed loved people, he could talk to anyone and prided himself on being surrounded by friends, family, mentors, and being part of a team."

Reed starred at Waunakee High School in Wisconsin before he accepted a full-ride to North Dakota State University. He played four seasons for the Bison before he transferred to the University of Minnesota Duluth. In his one year for the Bulldogs, Ryan logged eight total tackles and one sack.

"Our staff and players are devastated about Reed's passing," UMD head football coach Curt Wiese said in a statement. "Reed aspired to be better every day at whatever task was at hand. He helped bring out the best in others with his positive attitude, infectious smile, and genuine care for the people around him."

NDSU football added in a statement on X on Wednesday that Ryan was "the ultimate teammate, a constant source of joy, a genuine selfless spirit, and a beloved friend."

"We'll miss you, Reed," the Bison wrote. "Your legacy will live on."

The "Bayou Barbie" is slated to return this week -- LSU Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey just announced Angel Reese will be back on the court this Thursday ... ending her mysterious 4-game absence.

Mulkey made the revelation during her press conference ahead of the Tigers' key matchup against 9th-ranked Virginia Tech ... telling reporters, "She will play tomorrow."

It's unclear whether Reese will start or come off the bench.

What also remains fuzzy is why exactly Reese wasn't playing in the first place ... as Mulkey has been consistently tight-lipped about the details surrounding her absence.

Reese's time away started when the 6-foot-3 forward was benched in the 2nd half of LSU's win against Kent State on Nov. 14 ... and she missed the next few games, including the Cayman Islands Classic tournament.

Rumors were circulating around social media that it may have been her grades, while Outkick reported she was suspended for an "attitude adjustment." Neither rumor has been confirmed.

"That’s what coaches do. Sometimes y'all know about it and sometimes you don't," Mulkey said of the situation last week. "Sometimes you want to know more than you're entitled to know."

Think your Thanksgiving weekend travels were bad? Odds are they weren't nearly as awful as the ones the Nicholls State football team just had to endure.

According to reps for the school, the entire squad -- plus a bunch of staff members -- were stranded at a tiny airport in Illinois for nearly 24 hours with limited food and water ... all this after it lost its FCS playoff game.

The 6-5 Colonels were in Carbondale, Ill. on Saturday for the first round of the FCS postseason ... and after they got blown out by Southern Illinois, 35-0, they headed to Veterans Airport in Marion to catch a ride home.

The problem, according to Colonels athletic director Jonathan Terrell, is due to various unforeseen circumstances ... everyone had to lay out on the airport floor for around 22 hours as they waited for a pilot and a plane.

Terrell was critical on X of the NCAA, which handled the team's travel plans.

"Student athlete welfare matters, NCAA," Terrell wrote. "Seven hours in an airport, no transportation, no food and out of water!!!!"

Fortunately for the team, Terrell said SIU and Southland Sports Commissioner Chris Grant were able to get them more water and food throughout Sunday.

Former USC Trojans defensive coordinator Alex Grinch is wasting no time getting out of town -- TMZ Sports has learned the coach is parting ways with his $4.45 million Palos Verdes pad just two weeks after getting fired.

Grinch's soon-to-be former home -- located in the Malaga Cove neighborhood -- has four bedrooms and four bathrooms, a gourmet chef's kitchen and a patio with an incredible ocean view.

The place was built in 1961 but was completely remodeled just last year ... with new hardwood floors, Dutch and French doors, a gas fireplace, stainless steel appliances and a custom beverage center.

The backyard is perfect for hosting gatherings ... with a ton of space for outdoor activities.

The pics of the home show some of Grinch's framed jerseys from his former coaching gigs with Washington State and Missouri ... but we take it those ain't coming with the sale.

Worth noting -- the place is just a 5-minute drive from Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley's $17 million mansion ... so that might explain why Grinch is in a rush to move on, considering he's the one who fired him.

La ex estrella de la NFL NaVorro Bowman hizo algunas compras mucho antes de que empiece la temporada navideña de este año. El ex jugador visitó una tienda Prada en el área de DC a principios de este mes y gastó una pequeña fortuna.

TMZ Sports ha indagado que el ex jugador de San Francisco hizo una parada en la tienda de lujo ubicada en Tysons Galleria en McLean, el 12 de noviembre y compró un montón de artículos.

Nos dicen que el jugador de 35 años, que se retiró en 2019, compró un abrigo, camisas, zapatos, así como algunas gafas y otros artículos.

Nuestras fuentes dicen que Bowman gastó mucho más de $10.000 en su visita.

Por supuesto, Bowman se lo puede permitir, el cuatro veces All-Pro supuestamente ganó $44 MILLONES durante su carrera en la NFL.

Ex-NFL star NaVorro Bowman got at least some of his shopping in well before the holiday season kicked off this year ... hitting up a Prada in the D.C. area earlier this month -- and dropping a small fortune!!

TMZ Sports has learned ... the former San Francisco 49ers linebacker pulled up to the luxury store at Tysons Galleria in McLean, Va. back on Nov. 12 -- and copped a bunch of items.

We're told the 35-year-old, who retired in 2019, purchased a coat, shirts, shoes as well as some glasses and other miscellaneous items.

Our sources say Bowman spent well over $10,000 on the trip.

Of course, Bowman can afford it -- the four-time All-Pro reportedly made $44 MILLION during his NFL career.