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Junior Seau's death has been ruled a suicide -- this according to the San Diego County medical examiner's office.

According to the medical examiner, Seau -- who was found unconscious at his Oceanside, CA home yesterday -- died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest.

The medical examiner's office says Seau's family has yet to decide whether to turn the NFL legend's brain over to outside researchers for study.

There are reports a Boston University research center has already requested to examine Junior's brain -- to see if there's a link between his suicide and concussion-related injuries he sustained during his NFL career.

As we reported, former NFL player Dave Duerson shot himself in the chest last year, requesting his brain be donated to research. Months after Duerson's death, researchers at BU confirmed he suffered from a neurodegenerative disease linked to concussions.

** WARNING -- VIDEO CONTAINS EXPLICIT LANGUAGE **

Cops rushed in to break up a heated late night exchange between several members of the Indiana Pacers and a pack of angry clubgoers in Orlando early this morning ... and the whole thing was caught on tape.

TMZ obtained footage ... showing 7'1" Kyrylo Fesenko confronting a group of people outside of Club 23 around 2:45 AM.

Sources at the scene tell us ... the whole thing began when one of the clubgoers angrily accused Kyrylo of "bumping into him" ... and then unleashed a flurry of verbal attacks at the NBA star.

As Kyrylo tried to walk away from the situation ... the mob grew in numbers and the taunts became louder.

That's when Kyrylo's teammate Danny Granger charged towards the clubgoers ... only to be restrained by some of his friends.

Multiple bike cops peddled to the scene and diffused the situation ... with Granger and Kyrylo calmly walking away without further incident.

FYI -- the Pacers were in town for a playoff game against the Orlando Magic ... and after the incident, a cop jokingly says to the camera guy if he would have known that Pacers were involved in the dust up he would have arrested the guys. Clearly, a Magic fan.

Junior Seau's apparent suicide has former teammate Marcellus Wiley seriously concerned about the long term effects of his days as a hard hitting NFL defensive end.

Today at LAX, Marcellus told us he's spoken to several players since Junior's death yesterday -- and admits "there is a concern about the concussions we had."

As we reported, Junior's sudden death by a gunshot to the chest ... is the latest in a string of ex-NFL player suicides that might be linked to brain-related injuries during their football careers.

Marcellus told us, "I'm 5 years removed from retirement and who knows what effects it had on me psychologically, emotionally, biologically." Watch the clip ... he also reveals concerns about certain drugs he says players took just to stay on the field.

There's no better way to celebrate a no-hitter ... than by hitting up the local dive bar and raging with the locals ... at least that's what Angels pitcher Jered Weaver did last night.

Hours after he no-no'd the Minnesota Twins, 29-year-old Weaver and fellow Angels pitcher Dan Haren cruised over to the Goat Hill Tavern in nearby Costa Mesa ... and partied their faces off with a bunch of Halos fans.

TMZ has obtained the mug shot for Los Angeles Lakers star Jordan Hill ... taken moments after the basketball player turned himself into authorities in Houston, Texas yesterday.

TMZ broke the story ... Hill is accused of choking his girlfriend during a nuclear argument back in February. Hill insists the allegations will not affect the Lakers' playoff run.

After Hill was taken into custody, he immediately posted the $5,000 bond and was released. The judge set no travel restrictions on his bond -- so the case shouldn't affect his playoff run.

Junior Seau's family does NOT believe the NFL legend shot himself in the chest to spare his brain ... TMZ has learned.

Seau family sources tell us ... Junior never complained about concussion-related medical problems and didn't appear to be suffering from depression.

We're told Seau never really spoke about the ongoing legal battle between the NFL and retired players who claim the league concealed critical information about the long-term effects of concussions.

One family source was adamant ... if Junior was passionate about preserving his brain, he would've mentioned something to his family. The family is still unsure why Junior would want to end his own life.

L.A. Lakers star Jordan Hill turned himself in to authorities earlier today -- after allegedly choking out his girlfriend during a nuclear argument in Texas back in February.

Hill showed up to court today in Houston to face the felony domestic violence charge -- and the judge set bond at $5,000. Hill was briefly taken into custody before immediately bonding out.

The judge set no travel restrictions on his bond -- so the case shouldn't affect his playoff run.

But the judge did impose a protective order -- barring Hill from contacting or going anywhere near his ex.

And there's this -- Hill played against Denver last night in L.A. (scoring six points) which means he must have booked it on an airplane soon after the game.

Junior Seau's former teammate broke down in tears, live on the radio, moments after hearing about his death -- and wished he could have done something to save his friend.

Marcellus Wiley played with Seau as a San Diego Charger in 2001 and 2002 -- and now co-hosts the Max and Marcellus show on 710 ESPN in LA.

Marcellus was on the air today when TMZ broke the news about Seau's death -- and immediately got emotional sharing memories of his teammate.

4:09 PM PDT -- Law enforcement tells us ... investigators discovered a revolver at the scene. It's unclear who the gun belongs to.

1:52 PM PDT -- The Oceanside PD tells us ... Seau's girlfriend was at the home this morning and saw Seau alive ... before she left to the gym at 7:45 AM.

We're told when she returned ... she claims she discovered Seau bleeding from his chest and immediately called 911.

NFL legend Junior Seau was found dead at his Oceanside, CA home this morning from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest -- law enforcement sources tell TMZ.

Oceanside Police Chief Frank McCoy just spoke outside Seau's San Diego house, claiming Seau's body was initially discovered by Seau's girlfriend.

A 911 call was placed around 10AM this morning -- authorities responded to the scene, and found Seau's unconscious body inside a bedroom with a gunshot wound to the chest.

Paramedics attempted to revive Seau, but life-saving efforts were unsuccessful. He was pronounced dead on the scene. His body has just been removed from the house and is currently being transported to the Medical Examiner's office in a white van.

McCoy says investigators recovered a handgun in the bedroom -- and the case is currently being investigated as a suicide.

A law enforcement official tells TMZ ... no suicide note has been discovered at the scene.

Seau's mother also spoke briefly -- and she was hysterical, crying to God, "Take me. Leave my son alone!"

Seau was 43-years-old. He is survived by 4 children and an ex-wife.

We're told Seau sent text messages to his ex-wife and kids yesterday saying, "Love you." They all responded, but didn't suspect anything was wrong. We're told he last saw his kids 3 weeks ago.

Sources close to Seau tell us family members didn't notice any signs of depression in recent weeks.

The fact Seau chose to shoot himself in the chest seems like a premeditated decision -- considering several NFL players have recently killed themselves in a similar fashion in order to preserve their brains for research purposes ... in the wake of new studies which appear to connect football-related concussions to suicidal behavior.

Seau was a beast in the NFL -- skyrocketing to fame thanks to his explosive play with the San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots. The USC standout was selected in the first round of the NFL draft in 1990 and played in the league for 20 years.

Seau was involved in a car accident back in 2010 when he drove his SUV off a cliff in Carlsbad, CA hours after he was arrested for allegedly attacking his girlfriend. Seau later said he was not trying to kill himself ... insisting he had fallen asleep at the wheel.

The San Diego Chargers released a statement, claiming, "Everyone at the Chargers is in complete shock and disbelief right now...We ask everyone to stop what they're doing and send their prayers to Junior and his family."

The New England Patriots also released a statement, claiming, "This is a sad day for the entire Patriots organization, our coaches and his many Patriots teammates. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to his family and his many friends who will mourn this loss.”

Seau is the 8th member of the 1994 San Diego Chargers team to die before the age of 45 ... joining linebacker David Griggs, running back Rodney Culver, linebacker Doug Miller, center Curtis Whitley, defensive end Chris Mims, defensive tackle Shawn Lee and linebacker Lew Bush.

Junior Seau is the latest of several former NFL players to commit suicide -- and all the deaths might be linked ... through brain-related injuries sustained during the players' football careers.

Most recently, 62-year-old former Atlanta Falcons player Ray Easterling (center) shot himself last month in his Virginia home. His wife claims the former safety developed symptoms of dementia after his football career.

Easterling filed a federal lawsuit in Philly against the NFL in 2011 over its handling of concussion-related football injuries -- claiming the league intentionally concealed links between the injuries and the game.

Dozens and dozens of similar concussion-related lawsuits have also been filed against the NFL -- but the league insists the allegations are without merit.

50-year-old former Chicago Bears player Dave Duerson (right) was found dead in his Florida home last year from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest.

Before his death, he texted his family asking for his brain to be used for research (hence why he shot himself in the chest). Months later, researcher neurologists at Boston University confirmed Duerson had suffered from a neurodegenerative disease linked to concussions.

It's possible Junior Seau shot himself in the chest for the same reason.

Terrell Owens had TWO near-death encounters involving pills -- most recently on October 6th, when his assistant called 911 claiming the NFL star had OD'd. T.O. nearly died back in 2006 too, after downing 36 Vicodins.

TMZ has confirmed ... Junior Seau is dead. Cops suspect suicide.

Cops in Oceanside, CA are investigating a possible shooting involving former NFL star Junior Seau ... law enforcement sources tell TMZ.

We spoke with an investigator in the coroner's office .. who told us they got a call to respond to the scene ... though the details surrounding the situation are still unclear.

Cops are currently at a residence where 43-year-old Junior is believed to be staying.

People in law enforcement are telling us Junior Seau is dead ... but we are unable to confirm that right now.

Attempts to reach Seau and Seau's people have been unsuccessful.

It's been just over a year since Troy Aikman got divorced ... but it seems the NFL legend is back in the game ... with a smokin' hot mystery blonde. Troy and his P.Y.T. hit up Boa on Sunset Blvd. Monday night ... where Troy and his special friend were confronted by the dreaded ROSE LADY!!! Of course, Aikman handled the situation like a pro. So far, no word on how they met, who she is, are they official, etc.TMZ broke the story ... Troy quietly divorced former Dallas Cowboys publicist Rhonda Worthey back in April after more than a decade together.

UFC fighter and "Ultimate Fighter 9" winner Ross Pearson was arrested on suspicion of DUI this weekend in Vegas ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell us, Ross was pulled over around 4AM early Sunday morning when police noticed his car swerving on the road.

When police approached the vehicle, we're told they observed signs Ross had been drinking and asked him to get out of the car -- where they administered a field sobriety test.

According to law enforcement, Ross performed miserably on the test and was placed under arrest on suspicion of DUI.

He has since been released. Calls to Ross were not returned.

L.A. Lakers star Jordan Hill -- who has just been charged with choking out his girlfriend -- insists the allegations won't affect his playoff game ... and he'll do everything he can to win another championship.

TMZ broke the story ... Jordan was charged today with felony assault after allegedly choking and bruising his GF back in February in Texas.

But Jordan's not letting the accusations distract him -- releasing a statement, claiming, "I promise to keep my focus and attention on the playoffs during this time and to helping my team win another championship."

He adds, "I'd like to apologize to the Lakers organization and to all of their fans for the untimeliness of these accusations."

What's black and white and scrubbed of all things Jersey?? The NEW LOGO for the Brooklyn Nets ... designed by part owner of the team Jay-Z. Jigga what?

The team -- which will be relocated from NJ to Brooklyn next season -- just released the new colorless logo ... which is already being hailed as "the new badge for Brooklyn."

Jay-Z, who is being credited with playing an "instrumental" role in the creation of the new logo, said in a statement, "The boldness of the designs demonstrate the confidence we have in our new direction ... The new colors and logos are examples of our commitment to update and refine all aspects of the team."

So, we gotta ask ...

11:40 AM PDT: TMZ has obtained the police report describing the incident, and it reveals that the alleged victim is Hill's girlfriend, Darlene Luna.

According to the report, Luna dated Hill for 2 years. Luna claims Hill assaulted her and left bruises on her legs and then tried to choke her. It's interesting -- Luna's complaint to cops was lodged 1 month after the alleged incident.

The report says Luna was uncertain as to whether she'll press charges.

11:27 AM PDT -- A rep for the Lakers tells TMZ ... "We are aware of the media reports alleging an incident involving Jordan Hill from two months ago when he was a member of the Houston Rockets."

"We do not have any details regarding these reports and therefore, as well as due to the personal and legal aspects, it would not be appropriate for us to comment."

Los Angeles Lakers big man Jordan Hill has just been charged with felony assault for allegedly choking a family member during an altercation in Texas earlier this year ... TMZ has learned.

The charge was filed by the Harris County District Attorney in Houston. It's unclear whom Hill is accused of attacking.

The alleged incident took place on February 29. If convicted, Hill faces up to 10 years in prison.

24-year-old Hill was recently traded to the Lakers from Houston in exchange for Derek Fisher ... and has become a key member of the team.