ATL Falcons' Desmond Trufan

HIGH HOPES

Atlanta Falcons superstar cornerback Desmond Trufant is hinting that he could return to the field THIS SEASON should the team make a deep run in the playoffs ... but it's a MAJOR long shot.

Trufant landed in L.A. early Tuesday -- after the team placed him on injured reserve due to a bad pectoral injury. He's expected to undergo surgery either today or Wednesday.

Here's the thing ... when we asked him if there was a shot he could come back this season, he didn't say no ... instead telling us, "We'll see."

We looked into it and technically there's a chance. Our NFL sources tell us he'd be eligible to return for the Super Bowl if the team makes it that far ... AND if the Falcons don't pull any other player off the IR before then.

However, our Falcons sources tell us it's HIGHLY UNLIKELY ... because the surgery typically sidelines players for several months and the odds of Trufant being healthy enough to play by Feb. 5 are slim.

Still, we're told the guy has a crazy work ethic and at the very least should be back killin' it for the Falcons next season.

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Roddy White Cop Profiled Me Because I'm Black ... I Want An Apology

EXCLUSIVE
11/17/2016 12:36 PM PT

HE PROFILED ME

Roddy White says race was DEFINITELY a factor when a white cop put his hand on his gun in an aggressive manner during a routine traffic stop in Georgia Wednesday -- and now he wants an apology.

The ex-ATL Falcons star spoke with TMZ Sports about the incident -- claiming his heart was racing when the officer "unbuttoned the strap on his gun and he put his hand on his gun" and began walking toward his car.

Roddy said he questioned the cop about his actions -- at first, the cops cited police procedure ... but then said, "It's my procedure. I do what I want."

Roddy says he's already spoken with police and was told 2 cops had been ambushed during traffic stops this week ... and that could explain why the cop was gun-ready.

But White says he's not buying it for this particualr situation -- and says he wants to speak with the officer to get a personal explanation. He also wants an apology.

As for the cops, the DeKalb County PD tells TMZ Sports the officer involved was "floored" when he heard about White's allegations and denies doing anything wrong.

The cops say they still invite White to file a formal complaint.

T.I. Punks TMZ Camera Guy You Wanna Bet ME on the Falcons?

EXCLUSIVE
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11/13/2016 12:35 AM PT

PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS

There's one rule to talking sports with T.I. ... put your money where your mouth is ... and the rap star just proved that by straight PUNKING a TMZ photog who tried to make an NFL bet on the street.

T.I. was out in L.A. when one of our photogs dared to ask him about the state of Falcons football, and more specifically how Julio Jones would do against the Eagles this week.

That's when a rich guy (T.I.) told a not so rich guy (our camera guy) to put up (money) or shut up (your mouth).

Best part? Tip's reaction when our guy tells him how much he wants to bet ... priceless.

Falcons RB Tevin Coleman 'Not Worried' Over Sickle Cell In Denver ... Father Says

EXCLUSIVE
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10/5/2016 11:35 AM PT

The father of ATL Falcons running back Tevin Coleman says his son "intends to play" in Denver this weekend ... despite concerns over his sickle cell condition.

Coleman had said he was considering NOT playing against the Broncos this weekend since his condition can be exacerbated in low oxygen, high altitude areas like Mile High Stadium.

In fact, ex-Steelers safety Ryan Clark -- who also has the sickle cell trait -- became extremely sick after playing in Denver in 2007 and needed his spleen and gall bladder removed.

But Coleman's father, Wister, tells TMZ Sports ... he's been in contact with his son this week and says the current plan is to suit up and play.

"I don’t think there’s going to be any problems with him playing. He’s never really had a problem and we’re not concerned."

We asked if Tevin's condition has ever been an issue -- and he told us, "He has gotten exhausted in hot weather, but he always played at a high intensity in little leagues and high school."

"He played both sides of the ball and he still had the energy to keep playing."

However, Wister notes his son and the team will keep a close eye on the situation and will take appropriate measures if need be.

Ric Flair Breaks Huddle at ATL Falcons Practice ... WOOOOO!!!

Breaking News
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8/9/2016 10:33 AM PT

GET FIRED UP!

"WOOOO" on three ... ONE. TWO. THREE ... "WOOOOOOO!"

WWE legend Ric Flair added a little Nature Boy love to the Atlanta Falcons practice Tuesday morning ... leading the team in a pump-up speech before breaking things down in the huddle.

You gotta watch the clip ... Flair does the full "Rolex-wearing, diamond-ring wearing, kiss-stealing" ... thing.

It's awesome.

#Wooo!

Torrey Green Apologizes To Falcons for Rape Case 'Distraction' ...Vows NFL Return

EXCLUSIVE
8/5/2016 2:57 PM PT

NFL linebacker Torrey Green says he is completely innocent in all 4 sexual assault cases -- but wants to apologize to the Atlanta Falcons for the "distraction" his legal issues have caused.

TMZ Sports broke the story ... the former Utah State standout is being investigated for allegedly raping several women in 2015. The Falcons cut him Thursday as soon as they learned about the allegations.

Green has hired a crisis manager -- Zack Teperman of ZTPR -- who says he's 100% confident Green will not only be exonerated, but continue his NFL career.

"Our client Torrey Green would like to apologize to Arthur Blank, Dan Quinn, Jeff Ulbrich and the entire Falcons organization for this distraction and the unfortunate accusations," Teperman says.

"At this time Torrey has complete faith that any further investigation will prove his complete innocence and he will be exonerated."

"It's a shame his name is being dragged out there in the media and that this young man’s bright future in the NFL is taking a major hit."

"Torrey will continue to cooperate with authorities if needed, and looks forward to his next NFL opportunity. We will have no further comment at this time."

ATL Falcons Rookie Suspect In Two Rape Investigations (UPDATE)

EXCLUSIVE
8/4/2016 12:45 AM PT

4:15 PM PT -- A rep for the Cache County District Attorney's office confirmed Green is being investigated for ANOTHER sexual assault incident, making it 4 total.

10:55 AM PT -- Falcons owner Arthur Blank addressed the Green situation Thursday morning at training camp ... saying, "we don't want anybody connected to the organization who has those kind of accusations against them."

7:09 AM PT -- The Atlanta Falcons have cut Torrey Green. Our NFL sources tell us his release is directly related to the ongoing rape and sexual assault investigations.

An Atlanta Falcons rookie linebacker is at the center of TWO separate rape investigations ... after two different women told cops he sexually assaulted them while he was a star player at Utah State.

TMZ Sports has learned ... the Cache County Attorney's Office in Utah is actively investigating Torrey Green -- a 6'2", 220 pounder who signed a free agent contract with the Falcons back in April.

INCIDENT #1 (January 14, 2015) -- The accuser claims Green took her back to his apartment, pushed her onto the bed, removed her pants and began to have sex with her against her will.

The accuser told cops she was VERY clear to Green she did not want to have sex ... telling him, "Please stop, I don't want to do this" ... but he "went for it" anyway.

After the incident, the woman claims Green said to her, "You aren't the kinda girl that would report rape? Because that would ruin my career."

The woman went to the Utah State sexual assault center that same night and nurses administered a rape kit.

Green told cops the woman is lying -- insisting he stopped his sexual advances when she "hesitated" ... and says he would never have sex with anyone against their will.

INCIDENT #2 (Nov. 21, 2015) -- A different woman claims she and Green had been drinking a lot at a party when he took her to a room, locked the door and begged her to have sex.

The woman says she remembers saying "No" and trying to leave the room, but the door was locked. Next thing she knows, Green is on top of her, her pants were off and she was in pain.

The woman got a rape kit and went to police, but cops say she stopped being cooperative. The case has been kicked over to the D.A. anyway.

There was a 3rd incident involving a 3rd woman ... who claims she was also sexually assaulted by Green in November ... when he groped her several times against her will. She also went to police.

We spoke with Jacob Gordon, a prosecutor in the Cache County District Attorney's office, who told us all the cases are being reviewed for possible charges -- so far, a decision has not been made.

We reached out to Green multiple times over several days -- but have not heard back.

NFL's Matt Stafford Couples Beach Vacation ... With Matt Ryan

6/29/2016 9:57 AM PT

They're rivals on the field ... but Matt Stafford and Matt Ryan are on the same team when it comes to vacationing!

The Detroit Lions QB and the ATL Falcons QB just wrapped up a couples vacation with their smokin' hot wives in the Bahamas.

In fact, Matt Ryan's wife, Sarah, posted a pic of the 4-some with the caption, "Boats, hoes and bros."

Stafford's wife, Kelly, wrote, "Another epic trip in the books with our fav people. #doublebirds #imthekingoftheworld."

The couples are pretty tight -- and have even played in the same church basketball league together in Atlanta.

FYI, Matt's Falcons have played Matt's Lions 3 times in their careers -- with Ryan winning 2 of the 3 meetings.

ATL Falcons Owner Arthur Blank I Have Cancer I'm Fighting Like Hell

Breaking News
2/9/2016 12:01 PM PT

Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank has just revealed he's been diagnosed with prostate cancer -- but says he's battling like hell ... and vows to defeat it.

73-year-old Blank says he was diagnosed in December -- and has since visited with several doctors and hospitals to come up with the best battle plan.

Blank -- who co-founded The Home Depot in 1978 -- says he has chosen an "aggressive approach" which will require surgery -- and the overall prognosis is good.

"I’m looking forward to getting this behind me and continuing a very active lifestyle, my upcoming wedding, as well as continued active involvement in our businesses and philanthropic efforts for years to come."

Roddy White 'I'm a Falcon for Ever & Ever, Amen'

EXCLUSIVE
1/20/2016 12:45 AM PT

I'M NOT GOING ANYWHERE

Roddy White just went all Randy Travis when describing his future in the NFL -- telling TMZ Sports, "I'm a Falcon forever and ever, amen."

The ATL wide receiver was at LAX recently when we brought up that his contract with the team ends at the end of the 2017 season ... and where he sees his career going.

White made a pretty strong statement.

BONUS -- we also asked White about the other sport in his life ... ping pong.

Turns out, Roddy takes the sport pretty seriously and says he's already bought a new table to boost his training sessions.

Meantime, enjoy some Randy Travis ...

NFL Linebacker Man Thongin' It on Beach Vacation ... With Famous Wife

1/15/2016 9:01 AM PT

Here's Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kroy Biermann proving bikini bottoms aren't just for women -- rockin' a pair of grape smugglers on a beach vacation with is famous reality star wife.

Unclear where Kroy and former 'Real Housewives of ATL' star Kim Zolciak are vacationing -- but it's clear he doesn't care ... letting it all hang out for everyone who wants a peek.

Brian Banks Exonerated NFL Player ... I'M GETTIN' MARRIED!!!

EXCLUSIVE
5/14/2015 11:03 AM PT

Another milestone for Brian Banks -- the football star who made it to the NFL after proving he was wrongly convicted of rape ... 'cause TMZ Sports has learned he's getting married ... TOMORROW!!!

Brian's story is incredible ... he was a high school football superstar who spent 5 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit. Then, after he proved his accuser made the whole thing up, he battled his way in to the Atlanta Falcons training camp in 2013 and actually played in some pre-season games!

Now, we've learned... the 29-year-old is all set to tie the knot with his fiancee Emmy -- and it's all going down in Vegas. The two have been together for 3 years.

We're told the ceremony will be pretty small -- just close friends and family -- but there will be a few famous faces in the crowd ... including NFL insider Jay Glazer and former UFC fighter Frank Trigg.

And get this ... Banks became close with an officer in the Navy during some of the USO/NFL tours he did recently ... and we're told the officer has a cool gift in store for Brian.

He's going to fly the USA flag over Camp Lemonnier during the moment of Brian's "I Do's" ... and told Brian it's because, "Lives with meaning like yours are worth fighting for. You deserve the best."

Congrats!!!

Jay Glazer NFL Overreacted On Falcons ... Chill, It's Just Crowd Noise

3/31/2015 11:07 AM PT

Jay Glazer says the NFL went WAY TOO HARD on the Atlanta Falcons -- claiming a $350k fine and a docked 2016 draft pick was a crazy overreaction for illegally piping crowd noise into their stadium during games.

The "NFL on FOX" star was leaving Craig's in West Hollywood Monday night when he told us Roger Goodell and his crew could've handled the situation a lot better ... if RG woulda just picked up the phone and called the owner.

"Just call em up ... say, 'Knock it off! Enough! Just don't do it!'"

Instead, Glazer says ... the NFL went way over-the-top and clearly Jay feels it's damaging the league.

"Not everything has to be a freakin' congressional hearing. You don't need a big investigation into everything."

As far as the Falcons go ... team officials said the noise scandal was "embarrassing" and they will not appeal the punishment.

Tony Gonzalez I DON'T WANNA COACH 'Waste Of My Time'

EXCLUSIVE
11/4/2014 6:03 AM PT

Bill Cowher did it. So did Herm Edwards and Jim Harbaugh ... but Tony Gonzalez says there's NO CHANCE he's gonna join that gang as the next NFL player-turned-coach.

The future Hall of Famer -- who still gets calls from NFL teams to come back and play -- arrived at LAX yesterday when we asked if he had gotten any calls to COACH as well.

Tony's response is classic ... and he makes it clear his future's on a set or in the broadcast booth -- not on the sidelines.

Roddy White Bet Fan Gets Season Tickets ... But Not From Roddy

EXCLUSIVE
3/25/2014 10:33 AM PT

The fan who made a twitter bet with Atlanta Falcons star Roddy White AND WON will finally get his prize -- 2014 season tickets to ATL Falcons games -- but it ain't Roddy who's forkin' over the goods.

In case you missed it ... White's been under fire for the bet, in which he told Dylan Hoyt, "If Mercer beat Duke (in the NCAA tourney) I will give you season tickets 50 yard line first row."

Well, Duke lost ... and Roddy tried to weasel his way out of paying up by only giving the guy tix to ONE game. Hoyt told the media he was cool with Roddy's offer and never really expected anything.

But now, TMZ Sports has learned ... sports memorabilia website OnlyJays.com has contacted Dylan and offered to come through -- with season tickets as close to the 50 yard line as they can get.

A rep for OnlyJays.com tells us they decided to give Dylan the tickets because they felt he handled the situation with "class and grace."

Also, let's get serious ... IT'S A GREAT PUBLICITY MOVE!

Hoyt tells us he will accept the offer -- and still doesn't hold a grudge with Roddy.

Roddy White to Baby Mama NY is Bad For Our Kids!

EXCLUSIVE
3/19/2014 7:48 AM PT

Atlanta Falcons superstar Roddy White does NOT want his kids to grow up in New York -- and he's begging a judge to block his baby mama from moving the children to NYC before it's too late, TMZ Sports has learned.

Roddy is going to WAR with Marangelis Marrero -- who gave birth to two of Roddy's kids (one in 2009, one in 2011).

White says Marrero recently told him she plans to move to the Big Apple with the kids -- and he's FURIOUS ... claiming she'd be messing with the custody deal they have in place since they both currently live in Georgia.

In court docs obtained by TMZ Sports, White says, "It is not in the children's best interest that they be allowed to relocate out of state."

In fact, Roddy's so upset ... he wants the judge to empower him with "final decision-making authority regarding the children."

But Roddy's anger might not stem from the crowded streets and rats -- it could be about $$$.

According to court docs, Roddy makes $330k-per-month from the Falcons ... but he's only paying $6,000-per-month in child support in Georgia.

If Marrero moves to NYC, where there's more favorable child support laws, she could squeeze Roddy for A LOT more cash.

But Marrero's attorneys tell us that's not the case -- she simply wants to move BACK to NYC (where she's lived in the past) because she likes it there. She also insists the move won't occur until AFTER the kids complete their current school year.

We're also told Marrero gave White notice about the move "a while ago" in an effort to be as courteous as possible.

As for White's request -- the judge has yet to rule.

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Reinaldo Massengill

Update: 2024-01-20

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