NFL Tight End Accused of Assaulting Woman
Washington Redskins tight end Fred Davis has been accused of assaulting a woman in a D.C. area nightclub early this morning ... TMZ has learned.
According to law enforcement sources, Davis -- a 2nd round draft pick in 2008 -- was identified as a suspect in a police report filed early this morning ... after an alleged altercation between the NFL player and a female clubgoer.
The woman told police she was hanging out at Josephine nightclub -- when Davis approached her in an "aggressive" manner and grabbed her ... so she threw a drink on him.
A short time later, she claims, Davis retaliated by throwing a drink back on her -- and then striking her in the lip with an object. Sources at the club tell us the woman claimed she was hit with a champagne bottle.
Power Balance Bracelets are Total BS ... Says Lawsuit
If you still don't understand how those super-trendy "Power Balance" bracelets make you into a better athlete ... it's because they don't -- this according to a new lawsuit obtained by TMZ.
The class action lawsuit, filed this week in federal court in L.A., alleges consumers were duped into believing the hologram-embedded band was scientifically proven to enhance balance, flexibility and strength. There was just one small problem -- there's no hard proof to back those claims.
In fact, the suit claims Power Balance honchos admitted they had "no credible scientific evidence that supported the representations" -- but continued to "mislead" the public anyway ... selling 3 million units in just three years.
The lawsuit claims Power Balance needs to shell out more than $5,000,000 to make things right with consumers.
So far, no word if famous band-supporters like Kobe Bryant, Shaq or Paul Pierce will join the class.
Big Ben's Fiancée -- A Real Baller
Ben Roethlisberger has got himself quite a catch -- 'cause the woman who has reportedly agreed to marry the Steelers QB enjoys ball handling and roasting marshmallows.
The lucky lady, Ashley Harlan, is a 2009 graduate from St. Francis University in Pennsylvania -- TMZ obtained these pics of Ashley hangin' with college friends. She earned a bachelor's degree and a master's in physician assistant science.
Ashley was also a high school studette in volleyball, softball, and basketball.
Her hometown paper -- the New Castle News -- is confirming the engagement ... but Big Ben has been mum on the subject. Not like he's got anything else going on ... (cough cough) playoffs.
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Favre Accusers: Jets Shut Us Out Before Lawsuit
Before two masseuses sued Brett Favre for sexual harassment they made a last ditch appeal to the NY Jets to get their jobs back, but were denied ... according to an attorney for the women.
Christina Scavo and Shannon O'Toole's lawyer David Jaroslawicz tells TMZ he sent a letter in November ... asking the Jets to rehire them.
In the lawsuit -- filed yesterday -- the women claim the Jets stopped hiring them after Scavo's husband confronted Favre about text messages he allegedly sent proposing a rendezvous with her.
Jaroslawicz says he and the Jets went back and forth ... but ultimately they refused to put Scavo and O'Toole back on the payroll -- and it was only then that they decided to sue Favre and the team to recoup lost wages.
Scavo and O'Toole were never officially "terminated" by the Jets -- because sources associated with the team say the women were not Jets employees ... but independent contracted workers.
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Tom Brady -- Flirting With Disaster
Tom Brady must be a glutton for punishment -- because with the NFL playoffs looming the Patriots QB thinks it's scooter time?! Someone needs to put New England's golden boy in a bubble ... stat!
Check out TMZ on TV -- click here to see your local listings!
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UFC Suspends Superstar Fighter Chael Sonnen
Ultimate Fighting superstar Chael Sonnen has been suspended by the UFC in the wake of a money laundering scandal ... TMZ has learned.
Just yesterday, Sonnen pled guilty to money laundering in connection with mortgage fraud -- and now UFC president Dana White tells us Sonnen's contract has been temporarily "frozen."
But White isn't turning his back on one of his most famous fighters -- Dana tells us, "Chael Sonnen has gone through a lot in the last few months and we think it's important for him to focus on getting his personal life together before focusing on his career in the UFC."
White adds, "I spoke with Chael earlier today and he agrees that setting priorities in his life is the best thing for him right now. I sincerely hope Chael is able to straighten out his personal life."
Sonnen has reportedly struck a plea deal in his money laundering case -- and is expected to receive two years probation and a $10,000 fine.
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NFL Star Crushes Christian Laettner -- Wins $3.8 Million
Buffalo Bills linebacker Shawne Merriman chalked up a HUGE victory against ex-NBA star Christian Laettner -- after the original USA "Dream Team" member failed to pay back $3 million he borrowed from the NFL star.
Laettner and his former Duke basketball teammate Brian Davis borrowed the cash back in 2007 to fund a series of real estate ventures -- but according to Merriman, they refused to pay him back.
But a federal judge ruled that Laettner and his partner must not only pay back the original $3 mil -- they also have to fork over $800,000 in interest payments plus they must transfer 10% of the ownership in their real estate holdings to Merriman.
Merriman's lawyers released a statement saying, "Merriman trusted Laettner and Davis to repay the millions they borrowed from him for their businesses. We are pleased that the Federal Court has vindicated Shawne’s rights and is compelling Laettner and Davis to fulfill their obligations.”
Snoop Collects $20k from UFC Boss in Laker Bet
UFC honcho Dana White is a man of his word -- but his word cost him $20,000 because of a bet he lost to Snoop Dogg.
Dana and Snoop made the bet last June during the NBA Finals. Dana took the Celtics, Snoop took the Lakers and ... well, you know the rest.
The UFC prez finally shelled out the money in Vegas on Thursday during Ryan Sheckler's birthday party at Moon in the Palms.
UFC 125 went down this weekend ... so Dana probably made back the money in seconds.
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Security Video Shows Alleged Mayweather Aftermath
TMZ has obtained surveillance video taken the night Floyd Mayweather Jr. allegedly roughed up his baby mama, Josie Harris -- showing Harris being wheeled off on a stretcher after seeking refuge in a security guard station.
As TMZ first reported, Mayweather allegedly blew up at Harris after he learned Harris was seeing an NBA player -- CJ Watson of the Chicago Bulls. The police report from that night details how Mayweather's kids escaped the house and ran to a nearby guard station -- and in the video, you can see all three kids entering the station.
Police cars can be seen pulling up and, about 15 minutes later, Harris can be seen being taken out on a stretcher as she clutches her head.
Mayweather was hit with eight charges from the incident and ordered to stay away from Harris and the kids. He is due back in court January 24.
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Brett Favre Inactive for Season (Career?) Finale
Brett Favre is on the inactive list for today's game -- meaning we might have seen the last of #4.
Favre has been out since suffering a concussion on December 20.
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Plaxico Burress -- Flavorless in 2011
Former New York Giant and current inmate Plaxico Burress rang in the New Year at the Oneida Correctional Facility in Rome, NY with the most bland slate of culinary options as possible.
TMZ has obtained the menu from Plax's current home ... and man, it makes airplane food sound good. The New Year's Day meals were highlighted with things like "unbreaded fish fillet," "roll/margarine," "white bread/mustard," and everyone's favorite "sliced chicken salami."
might be the best deterrent to crime we've ever seen.
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New Vikings QB -- Most Wanted Man In Minnesota
Ever since new Minnesota Vikings QB Joe Webb laid a beat down on the Philadelphia Eagles this week, fans have been scrambling for official Webb gear -- there's just one problem ... there is none.
We spoke to multiple Vikings' merchandise shops in Minnesota who tell us they've been bombarded this week by fans who want Webb jerseys -- but because he was a 3rd string QB up until a few days ago ... no Webb gear was ever mass produced for retail.
We're told the only way to get your hands on a Joe Webb jersey this season is to order a "personalized" one ... and even then, it may not arrive until after the season ends.
On the other side of the spectrum -- we're told sales of Favre merchandise have gone colder than the field he was concussed on.
The times they are a-changin'.
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Former NFL QB Arrested for DUI
Shaun King -- who played six seasons in the NFL from 1990-2004 -- was arrested this morning in Florida on a charge of driving under the influence.
King was busted by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at around 2:12 AM ET and refused to take a blood alcohol test. He was released at 10:17 AM after posting $500 bail.
King played the bulk of his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, starting all 16 games in 2000.
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Justin Tuck -- Don't Worry Giants Fans, He'll Play
The New York Giants season is on the line tomorrow ... and TMZ has learned they will have their defensive star Justin Tuck when they take on the Washington Redskins.
As TMZ first reported, Tuck was in a minor accident last night in Teaneck, NJ. Tuck's SUV was smacked up a little bit, but he was fine.
Today, a rep for the Giants told us Tuck is back at practice and "Yes, he'll play."
That sound you just heard was the greater metropolitan New York area sighing in relief.
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NY Giants Star Involved in SUV Accident
New York Giants football star Justin Tuck was involved in a minor SUV accident in Teaneck, NJ Friday night ... TMZ has learned.
We're told the accident occurred around 8:30 PM ET on Route 4. Sources tell TMZ Tuck was driving a brand new Cadillac Escalade (the tags were still on it) and the other driver was in a Nissan Maxima.
According to a witness on scene, the other driver was walking around afterward, muttering something to the extent of, "I can't believe I hit Justin Tuck."
Bergen County PD described the accident as minor (see Tuck's SUV below) and said there were no injuries -- except for a damaged street sign.
TMZ spoke with Tuck and his wife after they returned home. Justin's wife told us, "We're fine."
Just this week, Tuck was selected to the Pro Bowl -- and the Giants have a big game Sunday at Washington.
Rose Bowl Prediction -- Look to the Wiener!
Gamblers will be using all sorts of complex calculations to decide where to place their money on today's Rose Bowl between the Wisconsin Badgers and the TCU Horned Frogs -- but TMZ has the secret formula for victory ... and it involves hot dogs.
Seems one tradition leading up to the big game is for each team to eat hot dogs served by Pink's -- the most famous hot dog spot in Los Angeles. According to them, more often than not the team that eats the most hot dogs is the team that loses. Makes sense ...
This year, Wisconsin walloped TCU 485-270 ... which means TCU should kick butt later today.
You're welcome.
UPDATE: We told you so. TCU, 21-19.