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Former Univ. of Florida quarterback recruit Marcus Stokes, who lost his Gators scholarship after rapping the n-word on video, has now landed a new scholarship offer -- this time from an HBCU.

Stokes revealed on Tuesday that Albany State Univ. -- a Historically Black College and University in Georgia -- sent the offer his way this week ... just over two months after he was embroiled in controversy.

You'll recall, the four-star recruit lost his future as a Gator in November after he posted a quick video of him singing the n-word on camera on his social media page. He apologized for it afterward, calling it "hurtful and offensive to many people" -- but his recruitment skidded to a halt.

Stokes said Tuesday he was "blessed" to receive the new college interest from Albany State -- adding in an additional tweet that he was going to "find my home" as National Signing Day kicks off next week.

According to 247Sports, Stokes is also receiving interest from Division II school West Florida -- and is planning a visit there this week.

Tragic news in the boxing world ... Donovan Garcia -- a decorated teenage boxer out of Colorado -- has died after suffering significant injuries in a car crash, his family revealed this week.

He was just 15 years old.

According to a GoFundMe page set up by the promising young pugilist's family, he was involved in a "major car accident" on Jan. 11.

The fighter was rushed to the hospital where he battled to recover ... but, sadly, his family said he passed away days later.

"Donovan fought his biggest battle and went 7 rounds, but he was tired," the family said. "His family wants everyone to know that he is at peace and they are at peace with God's will."

Garcia earned several major awards throughout his young career -- according to his social media page, he garnered Silver Gloves State Champion honors as well Junior Olympics State Champion accolades ... and more.

His family wrote in an obituary that he "was loved by the boxing community and many more."

"Boxing was his passion & he won many championships including 2019 golden gloves," the family said. "Donovan has a heart of gold and put everyone before himself."

The GoFundMe page has already raised over $5,000. Its goal is $15K.

Boxing reporter Elie Seckbach first reported the news.

Gilbert Burns wasn't touched during his first round submission win on Saturday ... and the UFC star already knows who and where he wants next -- Colby Covington on "The Ultimate Fighter"!

TMZ Sports talked to the 35-year-old fighter after he choked out Neil Magny at UFC 283 about where he goes from here.

"If I could pick, because I couldn't pick for a while, I want Colby. That's a go-to title shot. If I beat Colby, especially right now. I would love to make a coach [on TUF] and compete against Colby," Burns told us.

FYI, 34-year-old Covington, who last fought at UFC 272 against rival Jorge Masvidal (Colby won by unanimous decision), is ranked second in the division ... behind longtime champ, Kamaru Usman.

Of course, "The Ultimate Fighter" was launched by Dana White and the UFC in 2005 ... putting a group of fighters in a house. Think a UFC and 'Real World' mash-up.

The first season featured coaches Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar. The men famously fought at the end of the season ... in one of the greatest matches in the promotion's history.

Since the show's inception, stars like Conor McGregor, Chuck Liddell, Tito Ortiz and many others have appeared on the TV show.

Gilbert says Dana told him they'd meet this week and go over options for the future.

"I talked to Dana and Hunter right after the fight. They said they would have a meeting [Monday] or Tuesday and they will let me know. I already put a lot of options. That's my number one pick."

Burns talks about his relationship with Covington (believe it or not, GB doesn't hate CC) ... but if the fight doesn't happen, Gilbert says he's down to rematch Khamzat Chimaev.

The men fought in a barn-burner of a contest last year ... and Gilbert pushed the previously untouched and untested (in the UFC, at least) undefeated fighter.

Burns lost by decision ... but is confident he can beat Chimaev.

"100 percent I'd fight him again," Gilbert said.

Polo G is looking to set the trend of "smart jewelry" -- the Chicago rap star's cashing out for a diamond-encrusted bulldog that's plenty flashy, but also functional ... as an iPhone case!!!

Skylar Langfeldt of Icebox Diamonds & Watches tells TMZ Hip Hop the pendant took a couple of months of engineering to perfect all the features. For instance, Polo's phone can actually be charged without being removed from the sparkling accessory.

We're told the pendant includes more than 500 grams of 14kt white gold with 90+ carats of diamonds -- and there's another 55 carats of bling on the accompanying chain!

Fans might confuse Polo for a Boston Red Sox fan after seeing the chain and pendant's red letter "B" enamel accents -- but we're told it's actually a tribute to BMoney 1300 ... Polo's friend who was murdered in August 2021.

Josh Allen is taking aim at all the conspiracy theorists and tinfoil hat-wearers who have insisted there was a Damar Hamlin body double at the Bills' playoff game on Sunday ... saying straight up, "That's stupid."

Allen addressed the outlandish internet rumors while appearing on "Kyle Brandt's Basement" podcast ... urging people to "stop that s***."

"Yeah, that's stupid," Allen said ... before adding, "There's absolutely zero chance. That's the Damar Hamlin. That's our guy. That's our brother."

The theories swirled up after Hamlin wore a mask, hoodie and sunglasses to Buffalo's postseason contest against the Bengals on Sunday ... with trolls suggesting it was all in an effort to hide something.

But the Bills' star QB says that's all B.S.

"One, that's Damar's swag -- he likes wearing that," Allen said. "Two, he was in the locker room with us pregame. So, yes. That was Damar."

Shaquille O'Neal is making good on his promise ... putting the final wheels in motion to rebuild his Krispy Kreme shop in Atlanta after its historic original burned down nearly two years ago.

The NBA legend shared photos of plans for the new-and-improved doughnut place on his social media page Tuesday ... saying the famed Ponce de Leon location will be back in business once again starting this summer.

"I told u me and @krispykreme would bounce back better than ever in Atlanta!" Shaq said in his post. "Can't wait to turn on the Hot Light at our brand-new Ponce shop this summer."

Shaq, who bought the place in 2016, had initially promised to repair it in Feb. 2021 -- after officials say an arsonist set it ablaze, ruining it.

At the time, the Diesel said, "we will bounce back better than ever."

The proclamation was well received by the community -- as the doughnut shop is considered one of the most famous in the country following its donation of boxes of treats to mourners who flocked to Atlanta to grieve the death of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968.

"The community has shown us so much support and patience as we designed the new shop," Krispy Kreme exec Dave Skena said.

Babyface will be belting out "America the Beautiful" at Super Bowl LVII next month … and the R&B legend tells us he never expected in a million years he'd be tapped for the honor.

TMZ Hip Hop chopped it up with Babyface shortly after the NFL and Roc Nation's Tuesday morning announcement, and he was already predicting he'll be a frazzled mess leading up to game day -- but he still plans on giving the millions of viewers an honest performance that showcases his talents!!!

Face knows he's got big shoes to fill ... the late Ray Charles’ rendition of 'ATB' -- performed at the World Series in 2001 -- is immortalized in the Grammy Hall of Fame, and is a radio staple every 4th of July.

He says the song speaks to his soul melodically, so he plans on putting together one of his classic Babyface arrangements -- and adds he'll even have some divine inspiration.

What's making the once in a lifetime performance even more special, is the fact he's teaming up with the clothing company Shine the Light On -- a special collaboration to pay tribute to his mother, who passed away in 2012.

Fair to say Babyface will have some angels on his shoulder on Super Bowl Sunday because he's also thinking about late brother ... After 7 singer, Melvin Edmonds, who died in 2019, and was an avid football fan.

He isn't the only performer who's admitted to pregame jitters -- when we spoke to Rihanna last year, she copped to being a little nervous for her halftime show performance. Yes, even superstars get butterflies!!!

But, Babyface has zero doubts RiRi will kill it, and he floated his wishes to record with her down the line.

BTW, Roc Nation also tapped Sheryl Lee Ralph to sing "Lift Every Voice" and Chris Stapleton for the national anthem.

The McDonald's All-American game rosters have been released ... and none other than LeBron's son, Bronny, is one of the 24 players who will participate in the marquee event.

The East and West squads were announced just minutes ago ... with huge names like Bronny, Kentucky recruits Justin Edwards, D.J. Wagner (son of ex-NBAer Dajuan Wagner), Aaron Bradshaw and Reed Sheppard, USC commit Isaiah Collier and future Texas Longhorn Ron Holland getting the nod.

Of course, the game is one of the biggest events for high school hoops ... with a ton of future NBA superstars suiting up for the matchup each year.

In fact, LeBron destroyed the competition when he played in the game in 2003 ... scoring 27 points, grabbing 7 rebounds and handing out 7 assists. He was named the MVP of the contest.

Bronny -- ESPN's 28th-ranked player in the class of 2023 -- is the only player on either roster who has yet to announce their next step after graduating college ... but it's only a matter of time before he picks a school.

The game will take place at the Toyota Center in Houston on March 28.

AEW will honor Jay Briscoe with a tribute match this week ... just days after the wrestling star tragically died in a car crash.

AEW honcho Tony Khan announced the details of the match on Tuesday ... explaining Jay's brother and tag team partner, Mark Briscoe, will fight Jay Lethal on Wednesday night in Lexington, Kentucky to honor Jay Briscoe.

Khan said in a tweet that Mark and Lethal, a longtime friend/rival of JB, wanted to fight one another to celebrate the life and legacy of their brother and contemporary in the industry.

Jay and Mark were Ring of Honor World Tag Team Champions at the time of his tragic death ... and won multiple championships together throughout their storied careers.

As we previously reported, 38-year-old Jay Briscoe -- real name is Jamin Pugh -- died in a car crash on Jan. 17 in Laurel, Delaware, after a 2019 Chevy Silverado collided with his vehicle head-on.

Tributes, donations and remembrances have poured in for the former wrestler and his family since the tragedy ... with the AEW even releasing shirts to help raise funds for the Pughs in wake of the accident.

"The Pugh family lost a husband, a father, a brother, a son," the promotion said after unveiling the shirts, "and in an effort to both honor Jay's memory as well as support those left behind, we are offering this 'Reach For The Sky' t-shirt with 100% of the proceeds going to benefit the Pugh family as they cope with this tragic loss."

A woman claiming to be the mother of Mike Clevinger's 10-month-old daughter says the White Sox pitcher abused her -- strangling her on one occasion -- and now, the MLB is reportedly investigating the allegations.

The woman, Olivia Finestead, made the claims in a series of social media posts on Tuesday  ... alleging Clevinger terrorized her during their relationship.

In one of her posts, Finestead said the 32-year-old "threw an iPad at me pregnant." She also said "he strangled me." The woman also alleged Clevinger "threw chew spit on our baby."

According to The Athletic, Finestead has been in contact with the MLB over the allegations. The outlet also reported that the MLB has launched an investigation into the claims.

Clevinger spent much of his career with Cleveland, but for the last 2.5 seasons he's been with the San Diego Padres. The Chicago White Sox signed him in free agency this off-season.

The Athletic reports the Sox were made aware of Finestead's allegations only after the signing.

Clevinger, who owns a career 3.39 ERA in his six MLB seasons, has yet to publicly comment on the claims. His agent, Seth Levinson, told The Athletic on Tuesday, "We need to fairly and thoroughly protect our client and at the same time be respectful of the White Sox and MLB. We need time before responding."

Eli Apple says he was NOT trying to diss Damar Hamlin on Twitter after the Bengals beat the Bills on Sunday ... claiming he would never make light of the Buffalo safety's medical emergency.

The tweet in question came late Monday night ... when the 6-year NFL cornerback quote tweeted Stefon Diggs' post addressing his emotions after the game.

"Cancun on 3," Apple replied in the tweet ... ending it with a hand heart emoji.

Many believed the emoji was a reference to Hamlin, who has been known to do the heart hands throughout his career ... and most recently, following his in-game collapse on Jan. 2.

In fact, the 24-year-old safety made the gesture during the divisional round matchup while sitting in the Highmark Stadium suite.

Hamlin's teammate, Shaq Lawson, called Apple out on it ... saying the disrespect won't be tolerated and "that s*** get you beat up frfr. Keep it on the field."

But Apple -- who re-signed with the Bengals last March -- denied the shade, saying Tuesday he would never joke about a serious incident like that.

"All love thoughts prayers and concerns to @HamlinIsland as he continues to recover from that tragic incident," Apple said via Twitter.

"Never would I make light of that scary unfortunate scene. This game is truly a dangerous risk to our bodies mind and spirit. Nothing but love to all my football brothers."

The Griddy's monumental run might've come to a screeching halt on Monday -- Justin Jefferson's famous celebration made its way to Bachelor Nation ... and it's every bit as cringe as you'd expect.

It all went down during the first episode of the new season of "The Bachelor" ... when contestant Madison Johnson inexplicably showed up for a second round of one-on-one time with leading man Zach Shallcross -- despite other girls not getting the chance to sit down with him yet.

Madison decided to use her bonus round with Zach -- a former football player for Cal Poly -- to put their Griddy skills on display ... and the moment might've single-handedly confirmed that the dance has officially gone full cheugy.

Social media was quick to give one collective eye-roll over the scene ... with many considering the act finishing what Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki started by killing the dance once and for all.

To cap off the bizarre moment, Madison pulled Zach in for a kiss ... which, somehow, was even more awkward than the dance sesh. Zach wasn't a big fan of the move ... admitting the vibe was off.

Later in the episode, Madison pulled Zach aside for a third time to ask him if he felt a connection ... leading him to break things off before the rose ceremony.

A man was tragically shot and killed in a bizarre hunting accident -- one where his dog reportedly pulled the trigger while they were driving.

The 32-year-old Wichita, Kansas native was killed Saturday according to the Sumner County Sheriff's office ... which told local outlet KWCH the hunter's dog stepped on the rifle while it was in the back seat, causing it to discharge in the owner's direction.

The office says cops responded to the area -- north of Geuda Springs -- and found the man in the front seat ... they started CPR immediately according to reports, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. It's unclear if the animal was harmed at all in the process.

A woman is accusing Conor McGregor of kicking and punching her while aboard his yacht in Ibiza last year ... but the UFC superstar is adamant the incident never happened.

According to the Majorca Daily Bulletin in Spain, the woman claims the altercation went down after a night of clubbing to celebrate McGregor's birthday in July 2022.

The woman -- who reportedly grew up in the same Dublin neighborhood as Conor -- claims once the party made its way to McGregor's yacht, he started to insult her appearance before kicking her in the midsection and punching her ... even threatening to drown her.

According to the outlet, the woman told Irish police she "feared for her life" ... and was forced to flee the scene by jumping off the boat.

The 34-year-old's spokesperson, Karen Kessler, released a statement on the allegations ... saying, "Mr. McGregor is steadfast in his denial of all the accusations made by a guest on his boat."

The woman reportedly did not identify McGregor when making a statement to Spain's Civil Guard ... but filed a complaint with Irish police days later.

Amazing news for Slava Medvedenko -- the ex-Lakers player was gifted replacement championship rings on Monday ... after selling his original bling to help raise money for those affected by the war in Ukraine.

Lakers owner Jeanie Buss presented the new rings to Medvedenko at an event for L.A. fans ... five months after he decided to help his native country fight against the Russian invasion.

Medvedenko -- who was on the Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant-led squads that won it all in 2001 and 2002 -- sold the rings for $253,534 ... and all of the proceeds went to his "Fly High Foundation," an organization devoted to helping kids affected by the Russia-Ukraine war.

Medvedenko started the org. in 2022 ... and it focuses on repairing sports facilities at schools in areas hit hard by the war.

"In this moment, I just decided, 'Why do I need these rings if they’re just sitting in my safe?'" Medvedenko said of parting ways with the bling at the time. "I just recognize I can die."

"After that, I just say I have to sell them to show people leadership, to help my Ukrainian people to live better, to help kids."

Slava did more than sell his rings, though -- the 6'10" NBA hooper served in Ukraine's territorial defense during the war, despite having no prior military experience.

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Charles Omenihu -- who's recorded two sacks in the team's two playoff games this year -- has been arrested for domestic violence following an alleged incident with his girlfriend ... just days before the NFC Championship Game.

According to the San Jose Police Department, the altercation involving Omenihu happened on Monday at around 4:39 PM.

Cops say when officers arrived on the scene, an adult female claimed her boyfriend -- identified as Omenihu -- pushed her to the ground during an argument.

The SJPD says the woman did not have any visible wounds ... but she did complain about "pain to her arm." Cops say she refused medical attention.

According to the SJPD, officers made contact with Omenihu -- and ultimately arrested him for misdemeanor domestic violence. Cops say an emergency protective restraining order was also issued.

The 25-year-old was booked at Santa Clara County Main Jail ... but has since posted bail.

The Niners said in a statement Tuesday they were aware of the arrest and "are in the process of gathering further information."

Omenihu -- who was traded from the Texans to the 49ers in November 2021 -- has been a key player on S.F.'s defense this year ... tallying 4.5 sacks in the regular season, while adding two more in the postseason.