New England Patriots

The New England Patriots might've technically satisfied the Rooney Rule requirement, but NOT the spirit ... according to longtime NFL executive/GM Rod Graves who says the Pats made a joke of the policy.

TMZ Sports spoke with Graves, who after decades working in the NFL as a league executive and general manager, now serves as the Executive Director of the Fritz Pollard Alliance, an org. dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion within pro football, about the much-debated rule that says teams must interview a minority candidate before hiring a coach.

Robert Kraft's football team interviewed two Black head coach hopefuls, Pep Hamilton and Byron Leftwich, before ultimately hiring Mike Vrabel ... who was expected to land the job from the moment the Patriots fired Jerod Mayo.

Drake Maye didn't get a ring to cap off his rookie season, but his longtime girlfriend did -- the New England Patriots quarterback just proposed to Ann Hudson -- and she said yes!!

The two announced the happy news on Wednesday on their Instagram pages ... with the couple revealing the 22-year-old signal-caller got on a bent knee while out at a beach.

Maye set up some roses, pillows and champagne for the occasion ... and was clearly thrilled Hudson agreed to be his forever partner by the sea.

Martellus Bennett has gone from catching touchdowns to dropping motivational words ... the ex-Super Bowl champion has just authored a children's book -- and it's super inspiring.

The work is called "Dear Black Boy" ... and Bennett told TMZ Sports this week it's a tale aimed at encouraging young Black boys to follow their dreams in any field -- not simply the sports world.

"When I look at Black boys, I don't see athletes," the former New England Patriots tight end said. "I see a world of possibilities within them. So, I ask them, what are they interested in, not what they play."

Bill Belichick is only 15 wins away from passing Don Shula for the most head coaching wins in NFL history ... but he claims that wasn't on his mind before he took his new gig with North Carolina -- 'cause what he really cares about is championships.

Days after his introductory press conference in Chapel Hill, Bill gave an update on his first few days on the job during his appearance on the "Pat McAfee Show" ... saying he's been busy recruiting high school players and working the transfer portal as he starts to build out his roster.

The 72-year-old was then asked about seemingly giving up on being the winningest coach in NFL history as a result of his move to the NCAA ... but he's making it clear there's something that holds much more weight in his eyes.

One North Carolina super fan sprang into action after the big Bill Belichick news broke this week ... with a proud alum rushing to trademark "Chapel Bill" shortly after the legendary coach announced he was taking his talents to the Tar Heels football program.

TMZ Sports spoke with 2000 grad Anthony Proscia -- who filed papers Wednesday -- and he said his main goal with the move was to ensure the viral phrase didn't fall into the nefarious hands of the school's hated rival fanbases over at Duke or NC State.

Of course, "Chapel Bill" is a play on the town UNC is located in -- Chapel Hill. The phrase has quickly taken off, with the Tar Heels' X account using it in multiple social media posts to announce the hire.

Tom Brady took a break from his NFL game prep to give a special shoutout on Thursday -- wishing his daughter, Vivian, a happy birthday!!

"Happy 12th birthday to my forever baby girl," Brady wrote on Instagram. "Watching you grow and chase after your dreams are the proudest moments of my life."

"Here’s to a great day filled with all the laughter and love that you deserve. I love you infinity x infinity!!! ❤️❤️❤️"

Rob Gronkowski's girlfriend, Camille Kostek, says despite her and her man's close connection with Tom Brady, she wasn't given a heads up on Gisele Bündchen's new pregnancy ... but she says she's thrilled for model's incoming bundle of joy nonetheless.

TMZ Sports caught up with the S.I. Swimsuit star while she attended The Nights of the Jack world's biggest pumpkin event in Los Angeles earlier this week ... and she spoke with us about the shocking news that Bündchen is going to have a baby with Joaquim Valente.

She told us she found out about it just like everyone else in the public -- through the media -- even though Gronk's known GB and her famous ex for years.

You can probably cross Bill Belichick off the list of potential replacements for Robert Saleh -- the legendary head coach pulled no punches when sharing his thoughts on the New York Jets' recent change on the sidelines ... claiming it was yet another rash decision made by the team's owner, Woody Johnson.

The eight-time Super Bowl winner went in on the state of the organization during his second-quarter appearance on the "Manningcast" with Peyton and Eli ... saying point blank, he's no fan of Gang Green -- especially after Saleh got the boot a week ago.

"Coach Saleh did a good job with that program," Belichick said during "Monday Night Football."

Robert Kraft says if the domestic violence allegations surrounding Jabrill Peppers end up being true, the Patriots safety's time in New England is over.

The 83-year-old owner made the declaration during his appearance on "The Breakfast Club" on Friday ... two days after Peppers was put on the Commissioner's Exempt list following his Oct. 5 arrest.

Peppers was booked for four separate charges ... including domestic violence against his girlfriend and cocaine possession. However, Kraft noted Peppers' stance that the claims made against him were untrue ... and he believes in doing due diligence before jumping to a decision.

Tom Brady's office looks like a damn sports museum ... with the legendary quarterback showing off some of his prized possessions in his house -- and it's truly incredible.

TB12 gave a tour of the collection on his latest "Last Week" vlog ... and when he explained it would be impossible to pick his five favorite things in the lineup, we understand why.

Not only did Brady have his Super Bowl MVP trophies, signed team balls and old playbooks ... but he also pointed out several cool items he's received from his famous friends.

Bill Belichick's clearly smitten with his girlfriend -- the legendary coach cracked a rare smile with Jordon Hudson in a recent social media post ... showing he's not just a grumpy guy after all!!

The 23-year-old cheerleader took to Instagram to recap her summer ... with multiple pics featuring the eight-time Super Bowl winner grinning from ear to ear alongside his boo.

In one of the snaps, you see the 72-year-old rocking a piece of Taylor Swift merch alongside Hudson ... with a beautiful sunset and lighthouse serving as the backdrop.

Jabrill Peppers was arrested on Saturday after his girlfriend told cops he roughed her up, according to court documents obtained by TMZ Sports ... but the NFL player is adamant the claims are untrue.

Officials wrote in the docs that Peppers' GF alleged the New England Patriots safety got violent with her at around 4 AM ... after she got a phone call during intercourse with him that he didn't like.

Authorities say she stated he demanded she leave his apartment -- and pushed her out of the bedroom while they were both naked. Moments later, she claimed he "put his hands on her neck and pushed her head against the wall." The whole time, she said he appeared "out of his mind and had a serious expression."

New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers was reportedly arrested in Massachusetts early Saturday morning ... facing charges including assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, strangulation and drug possession.

According to local reports, Braintree Police were dispatched to a home on the morning of October 5 ... after receiving a call regarding a disturbance.

EMS treated an alleged victim at the scene ... and after an investigation, Peppers was arrested.

Former NFL fullback Patrick Pass -- who spent seven seasons as Tom Brady's teammate in New England -- was arrested on Wednesday ... following allegations he shoved an elderly man during a gym dispute last month.

According to NBC 10 WJAR, police said the incident took place at a Planet Fitness in North Providence, R.I. back on Aug. 28.

Cops claim the former football player -- who's now 46 years old -- pushed an 82-year-old man to the ground during a spat over exercise equipment. Authorities allege the man sustained back injuries as a result of the altercation.

Xandra Pohl is adding fuel to the speculation surrounding her relationship status with Danny Amendola -- the Sports Illustrated swimsuit model was among the folks in attendance for his "Dancing With The Stars" debut on Tuesday ... even sitting with the former NFLer's fam for the event.

Pohl -- who's also a professional DJ -- didn't shy away from the fact she was present for the premiere episode ... sharing an Instagram pic of her posing on the dance floor alongside former "Bachelor" contestant Kelsey Anderson.

Despite the Super Bowl champ's absence from the social media post, the night is being dubbed a "hard launch" by some social media users ... as the 'DWTS' cams captured Pohl celebrating with DA's loved ones after his routine.