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Scott Zolak is issuing an apology for saying Cam Newton is "distracted" by rap music at Patriots practice ... saying on-air he should have never made the "racially insensitive" remarks.

The ex-New England QB issued the mea culpa on the 98.5 The Sports Hub pregame show just before the Patriots played the Giants in their preseason game ... adding that he had spoken with Newton in person over it all.

"I'm sorry for that comment," said Zolak, who played QB for New England from 1992 through 1998. "I didn't need to make that comment."

Of his conversation with Cam, Zolak said, "I got a chance to talk to him, and Cam's nothing but class. Great guy. He handled it perfectly."

If you missed it, while Zolak was reporting from Patriots practice last Thursday ... he said he believed rap music blaring over the speakers was hurting Cam's game.

Zolak then urged his former team to turn the music off.

"I think it's distracting for Cam here," Zolak said. "Because in between every throw he's dancing."

Zolak continued, "He can't help himself."

Newton played sparingly in the Pats' preseason finale Sunday ... completing just 2 of his 5 passes while throwing an interception. He's expected to be the team's starter when the Pats open up regular season play on Sept. 12 against Miami.

Just before Jake Paul won his boxing match over Tyron Woodley on Sunday ... several fans beat the hell out of each other in the stands at the arena -- and the scrap was VIOLENT.

The melee took place just prior to Paul and Woodley's walkouts ... when a fan in a white T-shirt could be seen screaming at another -- appearing to yell, "f*** you."

Footage from the scene shows the screaming guy was then punched in the face ... and then all hell broke loose.

You can see in the video, two other fans joined the fracas ... with everybody throwing -- and landing -- wild haymakers.

It's unclear what started the fight or how it ended ... but we're guessing security was ultimately called to the scene to break it up.

Not clear if any arrests were made ... we've reached out to cops -- but so far, no word back yet.

As for the fighting in the ring ... Paul was very impressive in his fourth-ever boxing match, beating Woodley via a split decision.

The two fighters seemed to agree to a rematch afterward ... with Paul giving Woodley another shot if the former UFC champ got the "I Love Jake Paul" tattoo done.

Adam "Pacman" Jones says he belongs in the Hall of Fame on either the 1st or 2nd ballot ... telling TMZ Sports he believes he was a better special teamer than Devin Hester.

The former Tennessee Titans superstar made the claim to us before his big Rough N' Rowdy fight last week ... explaining he truly believes he's one of the best return men of all-time.

"If you just go back and look at the history, who would be your top three, four returners from 2005 to 2017-18 season?" Jones said.

"If you look at the average per yard, how many times I've touched the ball, with even with being suspended, I had more yards than Devin Hester if you look at the amount of times we touched the ball."

Jones averaged 1 more yard per kickoff return than Hester in his career ... although Devin had Pacman in just about every other stat.

Still, Hester took nearly double the amount of returns that Jones did in their careers -- something Pacman says Hall of Fame voters should take into account when looking at the numbers.

"We'll see, man," Jones says. "You know I had a lot of baggage that went along with me but I got that out the way ... I truly feel that I was if not number one in returns, I got to be one or two. No less than three."

Of course, returners have yet to get into the Hall solely based on their accomplishments as a special teamer -- though many believe Hester could get in next year.

Jones (who's eligible for the Hall in 2024) seems to be content with his career even if he doesn't get in ... telling us, "I've outlasted my whole draft class beside the quarterbacks and my work is speaking for itself, man."

Tyron Woodley is going to lose to Jake Paul -- IF you listen to the oddsmakers -- who are DEAD WRONG, according to UFC star Michael Chandler, who tells TMZ Sports his college wrestling teammate is going to drag the YouTube star to a place he's never been.

We spoke to 35-year-old Chandler about tonight's Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley fight ... and asked him for his prediction.

"I believe Tyron wins the fight. I believe Tyron takes Jake Paul to a place where he's never been before. Where he's never been in his past amateur-level sports accomplishments. Tyron Woodley is one of the best fighters in the world. Multiple time world champion."

Full disclosure, Michael and Tyron are tight. They wrestled together at the University of Missouri ... where Woodley was like a big brother to the younger Chandler.

For what it's worth, Vegas has 24-year-old Paul (3-0) as a favorite over the 39-year-old future UFC Hall of Famer.

In order to win $100, you'd have to risk roughly $195. If you bet on Tyron, you put up $100 to win around $150 -- depending on the sportsbook.

Of course, the lead-up to the boxing match has been a mix of fun with some trash talk. That is until a media event this week when someone in Jake's crew apparently said something sideways to Tyron's mom, Deborah.

Since then ... no more playing games for the fighters.

But, the long wait is almost over ... and the men get to finally put hands on each other on Sunday.

And, if somehow, someway Woodley doesn't win the fight ... Chandler -- who is also close with Ben Askren (who was KO'd by JP) -- is ready to step up and rep for Missouri.

Khloe Kardashian and Tristan Thompson were both under the same roof Saturday night, but we're told it was only mutual friends that got the former couple there ... they didn't show up together.

Khloe and Tristan hit up the birthday party of LeBron James' wife, Savannah ... who turned 35 Friday. We're told the two arrived -- Tristan in a black Rolls, and Khloe in a black Escalade -- and left separately, and have some of the same friends ... so it makes sense both were in attendance.

The party went down at The Classic Cat restaurant in WeHo.

Video from the party shows Khloe and Tristan standing in the back of the room during a performance by Giveon. Screenshots from The Shade Room also show the two of them together at the event.

Adele and Rich Paul were among those celebrating, along with a slew of NBA stars, including Chris Paul, Chris Bosh, Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony.

Khloe was hardly secretive, posting a shot of her outfit (above).

Evander Kane is accusing his estranged wife of being a husband beater ... claiming the woman has punched him in the face multiple times in past -- and now, the NHL star has obtained a domestic violence temporary restraining order over it all.

It's all spelled out in court documents, obtained by TMZ Sports, which show Kane was granted a TRO earlier this month after he alleged Anna Kane had been violent with him in the past.

Evander says in the docs that the physical altercations first began in 2019 -- about a year after they were married -- saying Anna got so upset with him during an argument that she hit him "7-8 times in the face with her fist."

In Oct. 2020, Evander says Anna again struck him in the face after they had an argument while Anna's mother was visiting.

Less than a year later, in April 2021, Evander says his wife exploded on him again ... after she had gone through his phone.

In the docs, the 30-year-old San Jose Sharks player says Anna "started uncontrollably throwing things at me" ... before she punched and slapped him repeatedly in the head and face.

Evander says in July, there was yet another incident of violence ... claiming when he was trying to get away from Anna after an argument in San Jose, she pushed him and also violently tugged on a bag he had thrown over his shoulder.

During that same incident, Evander also says Anna dangerously swung around their baby daughter.

Evander was ultimately granted a temporary restraining order against Anna ... and is now seeking a permanent one against her. A hearing on that matter is scheduled for next month.

As we previously reported, Anna filed for divorce from Evander back on July 16 ... and accused him of being a deadbeat dad who had bet on his own NHL games.

Offset is clearly ready to see the Matt Ryan era come to an end in Atlanta ... telling TMZ Sports he wants to see his beloved Falcons move on to a new quarterback.

The "Bad and Boujee" rapper -- who's from the ATL area -- was talking football with us out in NYC earlier this week ... when he explained he's done with Ryan.

"We need a new quarterback," Offset said. "I love Matt Ryan, though. But, we just need somebody young. You know what I'm saying?"

The 29-year-old continued ... "He's had success every year, but we've got to get a championship. It don't matter 'til we get a ring."

Of course, Offset's Migos-mate, Quavo, has felt the same way for a while ... telling us repeatedly over the years he's not a fan of Ryan's game.

In fact, back in 2019, Quavo said the Falcons should bench Ryan for Colin Kaepernick.

This week's Summer Hot Shots comes from high up in the Hollywood hills where Ella Rose added some color to the landscape in a floral bikini while laying out at an incredible home in Los Angeles.

When this model mom isn't creating fire warnings with her hot hilltop photos, Ella Rose loves to get lost in a good book, share life's treasures with her adorable daughter, Lily and experiment in the kitchen while creating her own recipes.

Delish!

We are continuing to whip up our Summer Hot Shots for 2021 from a distance and have collaborated with some mind-melting hotties from around the world for your viewing pleasure!

As if it wasn't obvious before, Adele is officially in LeBron's orbit -- because she was partying alongside him, his NBA buddies and his agent/her BF ... all to celebrate the King's wife's bday.

Savannah James hit the big 3-5 Friday night ... and she and her Lakers superstar hubby hit the town for a bash that became a who's who of the NBA -- and of Hollywood at large, it seems, seeing how Adele dropped in with Rich Paul ... whom she's dating at the moment.

A clip of her rocking out inside The Classic Cat restaurant in WeHo -- where the party was thrown -- has surfaced ... and it looks like Cardi's "WAP" was blasting through the speakers as Adele bobbed back and forth.

She and Rich tried keeping a low profile on the way out -- but paps caught 'em getting into a waiting SUV. Adele attempted to obscure her face, but the cat was outta the bag ... and Rich didn't seem to care either way as he buttoned up his shirt and faced the flashing lights.

If ya thought this would be a quick thing, think again ... because Adele and Rich have been going strong for a while now -- even before they went public earlier this year, apparently.

As for the rest of the shindig ... it was a rager and a half, with Savannah as the glowing star. LeBron filmed his wife getting down on the dance floor, and she got major love from just about everyone in attendance. He even booked singer Giveon to perform!

Usain Bolt isn't mincing words, flat-out telling TMZ Sports that Tyreek Hill can NOT beat him in a race ... and he's fully willing to prove it on the track!!

And, he'll even risk one of his 8 Olympic gold medals.

We spoke to the 35-year-old track legend -- the fastest man EVER -- about his (good-natured) beef with the 27-year-old KC Chiefs superstar ... and straight-up asked Bolt how the race would go.

"For me I still think I would get him in 40 [yard dash]" ... adding, just to be safe, he'd like the race to be a bit longer -- something like 70 yards.

Somewhat surprisingly, Usain -- who retired in 2017 -- says he'd have to ramp up his training before racing Hill.

"I definitely gotta train. He's been working out. I work out too, but I would have to step up my training."

Bolt added ... "Remember, I retired for a while, so I still gotta get my legs going again, know what I mean? I still got speed, but I gotta get it going."

FYI, Hill -- aka Cheetah -- is considered by many to be the fastest player in the NFL.

In fact, Tyreek reportedly ran a 4.29 in the 40-yard dash at his Pro Day ... and has allegedly clocked a super-impressive 10.19 in the 100m.

With that said ... Bolt holds the world record in the 100m -- having run a blazing fast 9.58 seconds in 2009.

As for having some skin in the game ... Usain says he doesn't believe Hill would have the you-know-whats to put his Super Bowl LIV ring on the line.

Still don't know who's gonna win the big Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley fight?? Here's a last-minute prediction from one of the greatest EVER -- Mike Tyson -- who tells TMZ Sports he's going with the Problem Child on Sunday night!!

Tyson -- who's tight with Jake -- has openly been supportive of the YouTuber's skills in the ring leading up to the fight ... and hasn't shied away from telling folks Jake's gonna beat the ex-UFC champ.

But, with the fight rapidly approaching, we had to ask if Tyson's pick has changed at all ... and yeah, nope!!

Tyson says it's all because Paul hasn't lost yet ... and it's obvious Iron Mike doesn't see that changing against Woodley.

Tyson admits "it's gonna be a tough fight," but thinks it's Paul's fists that'll prove too much for The Chosen One.

There's been so much drama between the two fighters as Aug. 29 approaches ... with Tyron's mom even getting in the middle of a verbal altercation with Jake's crew on Thursday.

L.A. Clippers rookie Jason Preston has made his first big purchase after becoming a pro baller ... and it's not a house or a car -- but a new iPhone!!

The 22-year-old former Ohio Bobcats star was the Clips' #33 overall pick in the NBA Draft last month ... which secured him a 3-year, $4.4 million deal.

So, naturally, when we ran into the hooper out at LAX this week, we had to ask if he's treated himself to anything nice after making it big time ... and he dished on his favorite new toy.

"This phone," Preston said while showing off the new gadget. "I had an iPhone 7 before. I got a 12 now."

BTW -- the 6-foot-4 guard shot 43% from midrange and averaged 9 points and 4.8 assists per game during Summer League play ... and said he was able to chop it up with new teammates Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, who were there to support their rookies.

"They've been great!"

Of course, if you haven't heard of Preston's story, it's pretty incredible -- he averaged 2 points a game during his senior year of high school and nearly pursued a career in journalism before enrolling at a prep school, where he blossomed into a baller.

He later joined Ohio, where he had huge games against some notable basketball programs in the country ... impressing the Clippers so much, they took him with their first second-round pick.

Are you a total shubie and wanna channel your inner wave rider?? Now's your chance to live vicariously through these smokin' hot athletes -- the cast of the hit show, "The Ultimate Surfer"!!

If you haven't seen the new ABC series -- produced by Dana White -- it's a competition where surfers group up in teams of one male and one female to face off in difficult challenges at Kelly Slater's Surf Ranch ... with $100k and wildcard spots on the 2022 WSL Championship Tour on the line.

There are some seriously skilled stars in the show -- from Anastasia Ashley to Zeke Lau to Malia Ward, Tia Blanco, Mason Barnes, Luke Davis and more.

The competition is already underway ... and some folks have been sent packing. There's also been a bit of alliance-building and drama going down -- but don't worry, we won't spoil it for ya.

In the meantime, check out all these scorching hot pics of all the season's contestants ... and you guessed it -- a lot of poses include their beloved surfboards.

Wanna win your fantasy football league this year?? NFL Network star Kay Adams has the secret sauce to get you that trophy -- naming five sleepers that'll break out in 2021!!

Adams tells us the list of overlooked players starts with Dallas Cowboys star CeeDee Lamb ... saying she believes the wide receiver is going to go OFF this season.

"CeeDee Lamb is going to be a top-five finish," Adams said, adding that 1,500 receiving yards and eight touchdowns are not out of the question for the second-year wideout.

Next, Adams says Arizona Cardinals rookie receiver Rondale Moore could help dominate in points per reception leagues as well.

"He's just a weapon," Adams said of Moore. "They're using him in the preseason on the ground, handoffs, special trick plays -- crazy mind of Kliff Kingsbury -- so I think Rondale Moore is actually in a PPR league that's going to end up being really, really valuable."

When it comes to tight ends ... Kay says she thinks way too many people are passing on Detroit Lions star T.J. Hockenson.

"There's no way in my head he ends up outside the top three," Adams said.

Marvin Bagley III -- the Sacramento Kings’ #2 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft -- is jumping on a new track with boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. ... with both stars letting the world know they’re more than athletes ... they’re rappers too!!

The new track is called "Y’all Must’ve Forgot II" ... a direct throwback to Roy’s "Y'all Must’ve Forgot" from his 2002 project, "Round One: The Album."

The 22-year-old Bagley -- who raps under the artist name MB3FIVE -- goes hard on the track over a booming southern rap beat ... making references to his NBA career in the process.

"Gone from the game for a year, I came back like ‘Pac, when he got shot they wouldn’t believe it but they had to watch," Bagley raps on the song’s third verse.

He continued ... "I do not listen to the negative energy, they gon’ envy me. I do not care if they not feelin’ me."

MB also gave RJ some major love on the song -- "I just beat 'em with the left like Roy," he raps. “I was built for this game, I just kill and destroy.”

Okay, Marvin!!

Oscar De La Hoya's GF, Holly Sonders, says she ain't gettin' any ... at least not until her man's scrap with MMA legend Vitor Belfort on September 11.

TMZ Sports ran into Sonders -- who's been dating 48-year-old Oscar for a few months -- in Beverly Hills on Friday ... and we hit her with the most critical question?

Sex or nah before the fight?

"We are very disciplined, I will say that," Sonders tells us ... "More than anybody probably ever thought we could be."

And, boot knockin' ain't the only vice the couples cut out ... Holly says they're temporarily sworn off booze, too!

"I decided weeks and weeks ago I wouldn't be drinking, I wouldn't be partying, I'm right there with him."

Of course, myth or not, it's long been said that sex before a fight lowers testosterone ... and therefore negatively affects performance in the ring.

And, Oscar wants to be in peak condition ... 'cause he hasn't fought in over a decade.

In fact, ODLH's last time in the ring as a boxer was a loss against Manny Pacquiao in 2008.

But, Sonders tells us De La Hoya literally looks better than ever.

"Oscar looks as good or better as he did in his prime prime."

Only 15 days until the fight with 44-year-old Belfort.