Conor McGregor Off the Hook In Sexual Assault Probe ... Corsica Officials Confirm

UPDATE

11:23 AM PT -- Conor's rep, Karen Kessler, tells TMZ Sports, "They [French authorities] did a criminal investigation. They collected DNA and the DNA evidence confirmed McGregor's account."

Conor McGregor will NOT be charged with a crime stemming from an alleged attempted sexual assault in Corsica -- officials confirm the case has been dropped due to lack of evidence.

As we previously reported, McGregor was detained by police on the French island of Corsica back in Sept. 2020 -- after a woman claimed the UFC superstar committed acts described as "attempted sexual assault and sexual exhibition."

Conor had denied wrongdoing from the start -- and he was released from custody without being formally arrested or charged with a crime.

Now, TMZ Sports has learned prosecutors in the City of Bastia have sent McGregor a letter explaining that after an investigation, they didn't find enough evidence to move forward with a case against him.

The document was sent in French -- but the translation reads this way:

"The examination of the present proceedings does not justify any criminal prosecution since:

-- The facts or the circumstances of the facts of the proceedings could not have been clearly established by the investigations.

-- The pieces of evidence are therefore not sufficient for the offense to be constituted and for criminal prosecution to be engaged."

McGregor had railed on his accuser in a social media post in the days after the allegation was levied against him -- calling her claims "bulls**t" and vowing to never pay a dime to "anyone coming at me with vicious lies."

Originally Published -- 10:30 AM PT

Arnold Schwarzenegger Bros Down with Mike Tyson, Henry Cejudo ... Check Out My 'Conan' Sword!

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HANGIN' WITH ARNOLD

Arnold Schwarzenegger opened up his L.A. mansion to some combat sports legends -- Mike Tyson and Henry Cejudo -- and even let 'em swing around his legendary "Conan" sword!

Mike and Henry flew in on Tuesday to shoot an episode of Mike's "Hotboxin" podcast -- and Arnold couldn't have been a better host!

He played some chess with Mike. He let Cejudo flex with his famous bodybuilding statue.

And, after they left Arnold's home -- Mike and Henry decided to play a little golf at another location while Mike puffed away on a big ol' joint.

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LATER THAT DAY

What a fun day!

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Afterward, Cejudo -- one of the greatest UFC fighters ever -- thanked Arnold for welcoming him into his home.

"It’s an [honor] to be invited to the man’s house who’s cut from the same cloth as me," Cejudo posted.

"[Arnold], you are The American Dream."

There are pics of Mike Tyson and Arnold hanging out together from way back in the '80s -- but it's unclear if they were friends or just friendly ... considering they were both mega-stars back then and probably ran into each other at events.

Guessing we'll hear all about their relationship and what it was like ruling the '80s when the podcast comes out.

L.A. Rams' Aaron Donald NFL Superstar Accused of Assault Alleged Victim Hospitalized for Broken Bones, Bad Cuts

UPDATE

8:54 AM PT -- We just spoke with attorney Todd Hollis who spelled out the allegations against Donald -- saying it all started when Spriggs accidentally bumped into Donald inside of a nightclub.

UPDATE

Hollis says both parties were asked to leave the club -- and Donald got aggressive with Spriggs outside ... ultimately attacking the guy.

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Hollis says he has submitted a "formalized statement" to cops -- and told us his client is seeking a criminal investigation into Donald.

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As for the injuries from the alleged incident, Hollis says Spriggs suffered various lacerations that required 16 stitches -- as well as a broken eye socket, broken nose and a serious injury to his arm. He also suffered a concussion and "severe trauma," Hollis says.

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UPDATE

Hollis also says Spriggs was taken to the hospital "immediately after the attack."

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8:47 AM PT -- The L.A. Rams are "aware of the reports regarding Aaron Donald," according to a statement from a team rep.

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"We are collecting more information and will have no further comment at this time."

Huge news out of Pittsburgh ... where a man claims he was assaulted over the weekend by NFL superstar Aaron Donald.

The accuser is DeVincent Spriggs, who claims the L.A. Rams defensive tackle struck him in the face in the early morning hours of April 11, according to Spriggs' attorney, Todd Hollis.

Hollis released a photo of Spriggs' alleged injuries -- which shows a badly damaged right eye. We're told the attorney is currently en route to a police station to file a report against Donald.

Hollis told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette the incident took place at an after-hours club -- and claims Spriggs suffered a concussion in addition to other injuries

We're reaching out to Donald's camp -- as well as the L.A. Rams -- and we'll let you know as soon as we hear back.

Aaron Donald is widely regarded as one of the top -- if not THE top defensive player in the NFL.

He was named the league's Defensive Player of the Year in 2017, 2018 and 2020 -- and has been selected to the Pro Bowl all 7 years he's been in the NFL.

In 2018, Donald signed a 6-year contract extension with the Rams worth up to $135 MILLION with $87 million guaranteed.

Donald was a 1st-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft -- following a stellar career at the University of Pittsburgh, where he won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy for being the best defensive player in the country.

29-year-old Donald was born and raised in Pittsburgh -- though it's unclear if he knew the accuser before the alleged attack.

Originally published -- 8:34 AM PT

Boston's Kevan Miller Obliterates Tage Thompson ... In Violent Hockey Fight

Kevan Miller was feeling VIOLENT on Tuesday -- the Boston Bruins player unleashed the fury all over multiple Buffalo Sabres players ... culminating with a KO in a mid-game fight!

The brutality began in the 2nd period when Miller came flying across the ice to smash Sabres' forward Rasmus Asplund into the boards at breakneck speed. Asplund went crumpling to the ground.

Asplund's teammates took issue with the shot because it looked like an illegal blindside hit -- even though it wasn't called for a penalty.

That's when Sabres' player Tage Thompson squared up with Miller looking to avenge Asplund ... but he quickly learned Miller was all about the smoke.

The gloves came off ... and Miller immediately opened up a can of whoop-ass all over Tage's face -- beating him down onto the ice in a one-sided mauling.

Eventually, the refs stepped in and put a stop to the fight when it became clear Thompson had no chance.

FYI, Miller is a very experienced fighter -- with 20 scraps under his belt since 2013.

Thompson, on the other hand, has only fought once in the NHL since joining the league a few years ago.

It's almost like Thompson didn't realize what he was getting himself into ...

As for the game, the Bruins ended up securing the "W" in an overtime shootout.

Bad night for Thompson and the Sabres. Ice that jaw, bro.

Aaron Rodgers Clowns 'Jeopardy! Contestants ... For Missing Packers Answer

We'll take "Questions you don't want to get wrong when Aaron Rodgers is hosting for $400, Aaron!"

Three contestants on "Jeopardy!" were straight-up clowned by Aaron Rodgers after NONE of them correctly answered a clue about the Green Bay Packers ... and it was all hilarious!

Just minutes into the show -- which Rodgers is still celeb hosting this week -- one contestant picked a $400 clue that said this ... "In the 1960s these midwesterners earned 5 NFL Championship trophies."

The answer is obvious, it's the organization that pays Rodgers -- the Packers! But, none of the 3 contestants knew it -- and none even tried to buzz in with a guess!

That left Rodgers dumbfounded ... with the QB throwing his hands up in the air and saying, "Green Bay Packers????"

Rodgers playfully added, "Dennis, go again. I guess."

The next question was about the Boston Celtics ... and after contestant Erick got that one right, Aaron quipped, "Oh! You know that one, huh? OK."

The whole thing was super funny ... and it's starting to beg the question, could Rodgers seriously take over full-time for the late, great Alex Trebek?

Dude's got a pretty good day job in the NFL ... but there's no denying he's killin' it as a host!!

Cops: Ex-NFL Star Al Toon Daughter Shot And Killed In Apparent Murder-Suicide

The daughter of former NY Jets superstar Al Toon was shot and killed in an apparent murder-suicide over the weekend ... this according to cops.

The Scottsdale PD in Arizona says at around 5 PM on Sunday, officers responded to a call of a shooting at a residence in east Scottsdale.

Cops say when they arrived, they saw 28-year-old Molly Elizabeth Lillard -- Toon's daughter -- suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Officials say officers immediately got her help and rushed her to the hospital, but she tragically died due to the injuries.

The Scottsdale PD says it quickly learned Lillard's husband, 36-year-old Royce Dale Lillard III, was the apparent gunman ... and claim he went back into the residence after shooting Molly.

Officials say officers attempted to make contact with Royce for several hours at the home ... but could not get him to answer.

At around 10:45 PM, roughly 5 hours after responding to the scene, cops say SWAT stormed to the residence and found Royce dead with "what is believed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound."

Cops did not release a potential motive for it all ... but say a preliminary investigation revealed, "all indications are that this was a murder-suicide."

Officials added the couple's 8-month-old baby was present at the time of the shooting. They say the child was not injured and is now being taken care of by family members.

Toon's daughter was a superstar high school volleyball player who went on to play at the Univ. of Michigan.

57-year-old Toon, meanwhile, earned 3 Pro Bowl selections and 1 All-Pro with the Jets after the team picked him in the 1st round of the 1985 NFL Draft.

Yasiel Puig Fires Back at Sexual Battery Accuser ... We Had 'Consensual Sex' at Lakers Game

MLB superstar Yasiel Puig admits he DID have a sexual encounter with the woman accusing him of sexual battery -- but insists the whole thing was consensual.

We broke the story ... Puig was sued in 2020 by a woman using the pseudonym, Jane Doe -- who claims Yasiel followed her into a bathroom at Staples Center during the Lakers game on Oct. 31, 2018, and sexually assaulted her.

The woman later claimed she did NOT know Puig before the alleged incident.

Now, Puig is firing back ... claiming it was the woman who initiated the sexual encounter.

"Let me be clear and set the record straight once and for all: these allegations are totally false," Puig said in a statement.

"The evidence proves they are false, and I look forward to all the facts and the truth coming out.”

"The fact is that I had consensual sex with a woman I met at a Lakers game after she propositioned me."

"Afterward, we talked about going out together, but she said she did not want her fiancé to find out. We messaged each other afterward and plan to get together again, but we never did. She’s now suing me based on completely made up allegations."

Puig's attorneys, Alan Jackson and Caleb Mason, claim they have Instagram messages and text messages which show "she initiated contact with Mr. Puig earlier that evening."

"[The accuser] had designs on meeting him, and she sent him repeated Instagram messages along with her cell phone number and a heart emoji -- all unsolicited by Mr. Puig."

"After the game [the accuser] sought out Mr. Puig in person at the Chairman's Club [at Staples Center] and asked him to go into a bathroom with her for a consensual sexual encounter."

Puig's attorneys claim the two continued to message each other in the days and weeks after the incident ... with the accuser sending him a "series of affectionate and endearing messages" that aren't consistent with someone who was sexually assaulted.

Puig says he is confident he will prevail in court -- and wants to get back to focusing on baseball.

MMA's Justin Wren Conor McGregor 'Not a Good Guy' For Screwing Over Dustin Poirier's Charity

MMA star Justin Wren says Conor McGregor is just WRONG for trying to paint Dustin Poirier's charity foundation as some shady operation ... and it's more evidence that Conor is simply not a good person.

Wren is widely respected for his charity work all over the world -- in fact, Joe Rogan has praised Wren's "Fight for the Forgotten" foundation for years for all of the work he's done helping impoverished communities in Africa.

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So, when Wren learned McGregor was backing out of his $500,000 pledge to Dustin Poirier's "The Good Fight Foundation" -- Wren wasn't happy.

As we previously reported, Conor not only bailed on the donation he had been promising since October -- but he made Poirier's foundation seem like a clown show, incapable of explaining how the money would be deployed to actually help people in need.

McGregor called Poirier a "fool" with "no plan in place" for such a sizable donation.

Of course, Poirier has called B.S. on Conor -- saying his team reached out to McGregor's camp multiple times to address their concerns, but never got a response.

So, who's lying?

Wren says he's personally worked with Poirier's foundation and can vouch that's it's not only legitimate -- but it's made a REAL impact in communities in need in Dustin's home state of Louisiana.

"Dustin is an honorable man, a good character, who’s a family man, who has literally done everything he ever said he was gonna do and more ... and the other guy hasn’t followed through on a lot of the things that he has said. So, I think that this really calls Conor's character into question even more so than it's already been."

Wren says he's been in touch with Dustin and his wife, Jolie, over the past few days -- and they're upset Conor would take such a "cheap shot" at an organization that was created to help people in need.

"I think that this has really changed Dustin's opinion on who Conor is as a person. He’s not a good guy."

Wren adds, "Conor didn’t rob Dustin of anything. What he did was he cheated or stole from the people he would’ve helped."

Wren wrapped up with a message to McGregor -- saying, "Look deep into your heart brother and see if this is the right thing to do or not."

Serena Williams Inks Huge TV Deal With Amazon Docuseries In The Works

Serena Williams just found something new to dominate ... 'cause the tennis legend just signed a first-look TV deal with Amazon!!

39-year-old Williams announced the big move on Tuesday ... saying she's pumped to put new and inspiring stories onto the screen -- including her own, via a new docuseries following her life on and off the court.

"I’m very excited to be partnering with Amazon Studios – they are developing some of the most inspiring and important content for a global audience," Williams said.

The deal includes scripted and unscripted content ... which will all be made available via Amazon.

"I have a lot of stories I’m eager to tell, including a continuation of my own, and I look forward to sharing those with the world."

Williams' docuseries -- title TBD -- will be produced by Plum Pictures, Goalhanger Films and Amazon Studios. Williams will also serve as executive producer on the project.

Of course, Williams is one of the best tennis players EVER -- she's won 23 Grand Slams, 73 championships and has won nearly $95 million in prize money throughout her career.

So yeah, Amazon is stoked to have her on board.

As Head of Amazon Studios Jennifer Salke put it ... "Serena has transformed her sport and become one of the most inspiring athletes, entrepreneurs and women of her generation, admired not only for her unmatched prowess on the court but for her dedication to advocacy as well."

"We’re incredibly excited to share her journey in this new series, and to work with her to create new original content for our Prime Video customers worldwide."

Jordan Poyer's Wife Rachel Bush Rips Bills Stadium's Proposed Vaccine Requirement ... 'Bulls***'

Rachel Bush -- the wife of Buffalo Bills star Jordan Poyer -- just eviscerated the idea of a potential vaccine requirement at Buffalo games next season ... callin' the proposed plan straight-up "bulls***."

Erie County politician Mark Poloncarz announced Tuesday he wants to make it a rule at Bills and Sabres contests in 2021 that in order to attend games in person, ya gotta show proof of a COVID vax.

In his announcement, Poloncarz made it clear it's "the only safe way to have a full house" at the stadiums ... adding, "No Vaccine = No Entry."

Bush -- someone who's made it clear she's NOT getting the vaccine -- went ballistic over the idea ... going as far as to call Poloncarz a "moron" for wanting to implement the county rule.

"If Erie county wants to pull this bull s*** watch and see what happens," Bush said.

She added, "[Poloncarz] does know that you can still contract covid once vaccinated and pass it to others still too right? Buffalo you better speak up before you lose a whole lot."

Bush -- a regular at Bills games prior to the pandemic -- wasn't done there ... she fired off several more tweets defending her position, writing, "I would compare covid to the flu rather than a cold but couldn’t pay me to get the vaccine, especially after having it."

"It was bad. But not bad enough to turn myself into a lab rat for an experimental vaccine."

Bush continued, "So now my daughter is missing ANOTHER year of watching her dad play live in a very short lived career. Not even an option available to her since we already know kids can’t get the covid vaccine. How is that fair or acceptable. It’s not. FL and TX would never."

For the Bills' part, the team said in a statement it will follow Poloncarz's orders if still in place for the season ... explaining, "As we did last year, we will continue to cooperate and comply with all New York state and local government regulations regarding our sporting events."

The Bills are expected to open their season in September.

FYI, the CDC fully supports COVID vaccinations -- explaining on its website, "COVID-19 vaccination works by teaching your immune system how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19, and this protects you from getting sick with COVID-19."

"Being protected from getting sick is important because even though many people with COVID-19 have only a mild illness, others may get a severe illness, have long-term health effects, or even die."

"There is no way to know how COVID-19 will affect you, even if you don’t have an increased risk of developing severe complications."

As we previously reported, Russell Wilson and Ciara will be hosting an NBC special this weekend aimed at educating people about COVID vaccinations and debunking unsubstantiated claims.

Several medical experts and influential people will appear on the show including Dr. Fauci, President Biden, President Obama and more.

The Miz Bad Bunny Killed at WrestleMania ... Earned Everyone's Respect

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EARNED MY RESPECT
TMZSports.com

Here's WWE superstar The Miz breaking character to heap some well-deserved praise on Bad Bunny -- admitting the music superstar's performance at WrestleMania was legitimately incredible.

Miz and Bad Bunny have been beefing for months as part of the storyline leading up to WM37 this past weekend -- and when they stepped in the ring to throw down, Bunny was spectacular.

He pulled off everything from a vertical suplex to a Canadian Destroyer (look it up!) ... and even frog splashed off the top rope! It was awesome!

Eventually, Bunny pinned Miz for the win -- but the former WWE champ says he ain't bitter -- it was a true honor just to share the ring with BB.

"Not only did he earn my respect, I think he earned the WWE Universe's respect. I think he earned backstage's respect. I think he earned everybody's respect in what some are calling 'The Best Celebrity Match at WrestleMania in History!'"

Miz says what he's most impressed by is Bunny's work ethic -- BB busted his ass for months at the WWE Performance Center to get ready for 'Mania ... and the hard work clearly paid off.

Sadly, Bunny's run with the WWE is probably over ... at least for now (he's got the whole music thing to get back to) -- but Miz isn't ruling out a future appearance.

"Ya never know when he'll come back! I think he had a great experience, I think everyone had a great experience with him."

"This guy has a hundred dates of music concerts that he has coming up. I imagine he wants some time off, too! But, look ... what he did out there at WrestleMania opens the door anytime he wants to come back at WWE. Maybe I'll get a round 2!"

Jake Paul 'Categorically Denies' Sexual Assault After Allegations from TikTok Star Justine Paradise

UPDATE

3:12 PM PT -- Jake just doubled-down on his initial statement to TMZ Sports, saying he doesn't think it's a coincidence Justine waited until the week of his fight to make the allegations.

UPDATE

Jake Paul is not only DENYING he sexually assaulted TikTok star Justine Paradise -- but he's vowing to sue her defamation.

24-year-old Paradise posted a video on YouTube last week alleging Paul forced her to perform oral sex on him after she made it clear she did NOT consent.

In her video, Paradise says she was hanging out with Paul at his L.A.-area home when they began to kiss -- something she DID consent to doing.

But, Paradise claims Paul pushed for sexual intercourse and she shut him down ... so he continued to aggressively push for oral sex.

Paradise claims she again declined -- telling him "no" multiple times -- but he forced himself on her anyway.

In her video, Paradise never mentions the specific date of the alleged incident -- but notes they began to hang out in June 2019, implying the incident took place sometime after that.

Now, Paul is firing back in a statement through his attorney Daniel E. Gardenswartz -- calling BS on the whole story and vowing to take legal action of his own.

"While others have already begun to debunk the claim alleged against him, our client categorically denies the allegation and has every intention of aggressively disproving it and pursuing legal action against those responsible for the defamation of his character," Gardenswartz said.

"Our client believes that any false allegations diminish the credibility of those who have truly been victims of misconduct."

In the meantime, Paul is training for his upcoming boxing match against UFC star Ben Askren -- which is expected to go on as planned despite the looming allegations.

Originally Published -- 1:52 PM PT

Aaron Rodgers & Shailene Woodley Get Mushy During Couple Interview ... 'You're So Cute, Baby'

Aaron Rodgers and Shailene Woodley are officially that couple -- the two got super mushy during an interview together at Disney, gushing over each other uncontrollably!!

The power duo -- which went public with their engagement back in February -- sat down for a couples questionnaire at Disney World earlier this month ... and it didn't take long for the sappiness to flow.

After the interviewer asked, "What is one thing that always makes you smile?" -- the two pointed at each other and swooned.

"This guy," Woodley said. "You," Rodgers added.

Shailene continued, "Oh! You're so cute, baby!" Rodgers followed up, "Yeah. You always make me smile."

The lovefest didn't stop there, though ... when the two were asked how they unwind after a long day -- Shailene said a bath and wine, which made Rodgers chime in with this nugget ...

"I was going to say cuddle time ..."

Shailene then admitted the two sing Disney songs together often ... while Rodgers said the plan for their Disney experience that day was to basically make out all over the park.

Yeah ... you wanna barf from the cuteness yet???

Karl-Anthony Towns Pens Emotional Tribute To Mom One Year After Tragic Death

"A year ago my life was forever changed. To the most beautiful woman I will ever know, I love you more than life itself."

Karl-Anthony Towns is remembering his late mother on the one-year anniversary of her death ... and his tribute is incredibly moving.

Jackie tragically passed away on April 13, 2020 after a lengthy battle with the coronavirus ... which included being placed in a medically induced coma.

KAT reflected on the impact she left on his life Tuesday ... remembering the loving woman who helped raise him to be the man he is today.

"Every day I miss you more and more, but your endless love and unforgettable memories are what keeps me going," Towns said on Instagram.

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"One day, we will walk side by side again but until that beautiful day, I will continue to hold down the amazing family you made."

Towns recently stepped away from the Minnesota Timberwolves to be with his family during the difficult time ... and he will miss the team's Tuesday matchup against the Brooklyn Nets.

The team honored Jackie on Sunday with a reserved courtside seat ... draped in a custom #32 jersey and flowers.

Towns' girlfriend, Jordyn Woods, also paid tribute to Jackie -- gifting KAT an amazing portrait of his mom.

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KAT continued ... "I can never replace you in this family, but I will try my best every day."

RIP

Black High School Football Player Forced In Locker with Banana Peels ... Cops Investigate

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12:02 PM PT -- The player targeted in the locker room incident has issued a statement, through the Rock Island County State's Attorney's Office ... saying, "I want to make it known that I'm fine."

UPDATE

"Everyone is worried about me and showing concern for me and I really appreciate it."

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"Second, can everyone please stop talking about the incident and video? I understand everyone wants justice for me and they want what they think is right to be done, but I already made my feelings known to the police and my friends about how I feel about everything."

UPDATE

"I love the football team I'm on and they're good guys. I know that personally. I talked to the people involved individually and they apologized. We had a heartfelt talk about it and I told them how I felt. So please don't harass, bully, or threaten them at all."

UPDATE

"Lastly, I want to get my life back together, and my student-athlete life back on track, so if you do ever see me or know who I am, treat me as a human first, not a victim."

A black high school football player in Moline, Illinois was forced to sit in a locker stuffed with banana peels -- while a fellow player threatened to break both of his knees if he refused.

The incident was captured on video and published on social media platforms -- and now, the cops are involved.

The 11-second video was reportedly shot on Thursday night -- but in less than 24 hours, the footage had already made its way to the Moline Police Dept.

And, when the team returned from an away game on Friday evening, the cops were waiting at Moline High School to interview everyone who had a role in the disturbing incident.

"On the evening of April 9, 2021 the Moline Police Department became aware of a shocking viral video circulating on social media," Moline Police Chief Darren Gault said in a statement.

"The video depicted a disturbing racist scene involving a Moline High School football player in a locker room."

Chief Gault says detectives have identified "all athletes who were involved in the incident and the circumstances surrounding the video" -- and confirmed they are "fellow high school football teammates."

Cops note the players involved "are also individuals of both different and similar races to the victim."

"The students directly involved in the video are all friends."

"Regardless of these facts, we all agree that this is a disgusting way to treat a fellow teammate, a fellow human and most certainly a friend."

The MPD says the investigation is complete and the case has been submitted to the State's Attorney for review.

The Moline-Coal Valley School District has also been looped in. District officials slammed the "vile behavior depicted in the video" -- insisting it "does not represent our core values and has no place in our learning community."

The District also vowed to take "decisive action" following an internal investigation.

Originally Published -- 6:44 AM PT

UFC's Julian Marquez In Talks For Pickleball Showdown!!! W/ Kelce, Mahomes & Hill

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MATCHUP OF THE CENTURY
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Wanna see Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill face off against a UFC badass in an ultimate pickleball showdown for the ages??

You're in luck ... 'cause Julian Marquez tells TMZ Sports he's made contact with the K.C. Chiefs superstars after issuing his public challenge -- and they're already planning the big game!!

The 30-year-old Kansas City native called out the trio of Super Bowl LIV champs right after choking out Sam Alvey during UFC Fight Night on Saturday ... saying he's ready to prove once and for all he's the pound-for-pound top dog in his city with a friendly game of pickleball.

The guys responded on Twitter ... with Mahomes, Kelce and Hill ALL agreeing to the challenge.

But, it wasn't all talk -- "The Cuban Missile Crisis" says he's been in touch with the guys since the call-out ... and it's a matter of WHEN, not IF, they face off on the court!!!

"I've actually been talking to Travis Kelce, he's 100% down," Marquez tells us. "The Kansas City Chiefs are 100% down. The local Kansas City fans are 100% down, and that's all we need. We just gotta figure out the right times for us all."

Marquez points out Mahomes is still recovering from foot surgery to fix a turf toe injury ... so he wants to make sure the guy is fully healthy before they compete.

"I don't want him to have an excuse when we go at it on the pickleball court."

As for the biggest threat on the court, Marquez thinks Kelce is the guy to watch.

"There would be a lot of trash-talking, a lot of jokes. Maybe a couple dances. We'll probably TikTok it out, but I'm just saying, I hope he comes with that same energy he brings on the field."

We also got an update on Marquez's budding friendship with Miley Cyrus ... and he tells us the "Prisoner" singer could be popping up at a UFC fight in the future!!

"I think we're gonna get her at a UFC fight sooner or later. It will be one of her first ones. Either in the stands watching or being there with me and all her friends. I'm pumped and excited."