(TMZ) Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White is stepping up to the plate in his paternity case and admitting he IS the father of a 5-month-old baby boy — but there’s a catch … TMZ has learned.

White filed legal documents in Georgia earlier this month … acknowledging he DID father a child with a Georgia banker named Stacey Hott … and he’s willing to accept responsibility.

But according to the docs, White isn’t ready to fork over child support just yet — despite Hott’s claim that he’s capable of providing a “generous” amount due to his massive NFL salary.

Unless the two can strike a settlement quickly, a judge will get to decide Roddy’s payments.

Calls to Roddy’s people have not been returned. more on this story