Jeff Hardy Suspended By AEW ... Following DUI Arrest
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Jeff Hardy has been suspended by the AEW without pay following his DUI arrest on Monday, the org. announced Tuesday.
"We were able to resume contact with Jeff Hardy this afternoon," AEW President & CEO Tony Khan said in a statement. "AEW does not condone Jeff’s alleged behavior."
Khan said Hardy's ban will last until he successfully completes a treatment program and maintains his sobriety.
Khan added the AEW will "assist him in getting treatment for substance abuse issues, which he has indicated that he's open to receiving."
The 44-year-old wrestler signed with the org. this year after a lengthy run in the WWE -- and is considered one of the company's biggest stars. He was slated to wrestle in an AEW match on Wednesday.
As we reported, Hardy was arrested at around 10 AM on Monday morning in Florida, after cops say he drunkenly drove his car through Volusia County highways. He's since been hit with three charges, including felony DUI.
It's the third time since 2018 that Hardy has been accused of driving while impaired -- he was arrested for the alleged offense in North Carolina in '18 and then again in 2019.
"It was disheartening to hear the news about my brother yesterday," his brother, Matt Hardy -- who also wrestles in the AEW -- said in a statement Tuesday morning.
"Recovery isn’t a linear process & I’ll continue doing whatever I can to help my brother be healthy. Being healthy & well is the most important thing for Jeff, his wife, his children & our family at this time."
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Viral Gym Owner Racist Remarks Caught on Video ... 'This is Not a Mexican Hangout!!!'
A gym owner was caught on video saying racist remarks about a vendor in his business, but he claims the whole thing was taken out of context.
Akop “Jack” Torosian, owner of No Limit Super Gym in Los Angeles and Miami, had a grand re-opening over the weekend at his Hollywood location after some remodeling ... things started to get heated when he allegedly found out someone was selling juice in the gym without his permission.
He's heard complaining about a "Mexican" selling their product at his place, telling someone to "get him the f*** out of here," adding "this is not a Mexican hangout."
Jack, who refers to his gym as a "sanctuary" online -- and posts videos of himself smoking, while lifting, while getting a haircut -- has since apologized, saying the video was out of context ... though it's hard to explain the racist phrasing used.
He's claiming his own staff had been taking advantage of him ... while being away in Miami, he says his employees opened up a juice bar and brought outside vendors to help -- something he claims wasn't approved.
The company's Yelp page has been flooded with 1-star reviews ever since the clip went viral ... with many calling Jack a racist -- one review says "Trash of a gym owner; Trash of a gym."
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Deshaun Watson Breaks Silence Amid Allegations ... 'It's Been Tough'
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6/14/22
Deshaun Watson faced the Cleveland media for the first time since his intro presser with the Browns ... saying it's been "tough" to fight the sexual misconduct allegations made against him, but doubling down and adamantly denying he did anything wrong.
The Browns' $230-million man spoke with reporters after practice on Tuesday ... and gave detail on how he's doing as a mountain of lawsuits from two dozen massage therapists stands before him.
"Honestly, it's been tough," Watson said. "Just trying to make sure that I stay balanced with my mental and just my social life. But, I have a great family. I have a great legal team. and I have a great support cast here in this organization."
Watson says his focus has been on making the Cleveland Browns a better team ... and the support from his teammates and fans has made it easier on him as he tries to defend his name.
26-year-old Watson also spoke about his time with NFL investigators ... saying, "I spent hours with the people that they brought down and that's all I can do, is be honest and tell them exactly what happened."
"I know they have a job and I have to respect that and that's what we want to do, is cooperate, and they have to make a decision best for the league."
Watson -- who's accused of meeting with over 60 different masseuses over a 17-month span -- says the recent New York Times report doesn't sound right to him ... and he'll continue to fight to defend his name.
Deshaun previously spoke with the media about the allegations in March ... saying he "never assaulted any woman."
Two more lawsuits were filed after that statement.
The NFL is expected to make its decision on Watson's punishment before the 2022 season.
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Jeff Hardy DUI Arrest Video Three Officers Pulled Guns On Wrestler During Stop
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Three officers were apparently so concerned about the state of Jeff Hardy after they pulled him over on Monday morning, they each drew their guns and pointed them at the AEW star.
The frightening scene was all captured on police video, obtained by TMZ Sports, just before the 44-year-old wrestler was arrested in Volusia County for DUI by the Florida Highway Patrol.
In the footage, you can see after cops stopped Hardy's white Dodge Charger on a freeway after they said it had been swerving all over the road and driving erratically ... they walked to his car and appeared to shout orders at him through his closed windows.
Hardy, though, seemingly didn't comply -- which caused each officer on the scene to pull out their firearm.
Fortunately, Hardy eventually opened his car door without issue ... and the officers were able to get him out of his vehicle without incident.
In the footage, you can see Hardy -- wearing a Jacksonville Jaguars T-shirt -- was not steady on his feet ... and mumbled and whispered responses to the officers.
During questioning, Hardy appeared to admit to drinking shots of Fireball before getting behind the wheel.
Eventually, officers took Hardy away from the busy highway into a nearby parking lot to perform field sobriety tests.
Hardy, though, stumbled throughout each test ... and after several minutes, an officer slapped cuffs on the wrestling star and told him he was "under the arrest for the offense of DUI."
In police documents, officers say they tested Hardy's BAC through a breathalyzer back at the station ... and claim he blew a .291 and a .294.
Hardy bonded out of jail late Monday evening ... but was ultimately, according to court records, hit with three charges, including felony DUI as well as two misdemeanors.
He's due in court for a hearing in the case later Tuesday afternoon.
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Brittney Griner Russian Detention Extended
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Brittney Griner will remain in custody in Russia for at least another two and a half weeks ... the WNBA superstar's detention was just extended by a court until July 2.
The ruling was handed down on Tuesday, according to Russian state media outlet TASS, after investigators requested the extension.
The decision comes on the heels of U.S. State Department officials meeting with representatives from Brittney's current WNBA team, the Phoenix Mercury, to discuss ways to safely return the professional hooper to America.
Specific details of the meeting remain tight-lipped -- it's unclear who exactly attended or what was discussed -- but officials confirmed to the Associated Press the forum did indeed happen.
The 31-year-old has been in Russian custody since mid-February ... after officials say she had hash oil in her luggage while going through airport security.
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Chris Rock Let's Play Ball ... With Lake Bell
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6/13/22
Chris Rock is in good company these days, taking in a baseball game with Lake Bell.
The comedian and actress were in a box together Monday night at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, watching a Cardinals game. They were spotted by eagle-eyed fans, who got them on camera together at different points in the evening ... including in this video, obtained by TMZ.
No signs of PDA, but they were definitely sitting together ... and seemed interested in maintaining a relatively low profile. We're told Chris did an on-camera interview at one point, and LB stepped away so she wouldn't be seen in the shot.
Chris has been performing comedy shows there lately, and it seems Lake is along for the ride. They're both single, and relatively fresh off of long-term marriages in recent years.
It's been about 3 months since CR got smacked across the face by Will Smith, and by all accounts ... he's doing just fine. Not only has he continued to work, but he now seems to have a new lady friend (maybe).
Happier times are on the horizon, it seems.
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Reds' Joey Votto Makes TikTok With Fan At Game ... Hits 'The Griddy!!!'
MLB star Joey Votto made a fan's day at the ballpark on Monday -- by fulfilling her request to create a TikTok video!!!
The adorable scene went down just before Votto's Cincinnati Reds played the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field in Phoenix ... when a young fan's sign caught the attention of the 38-year-old first baseman.
Waiting for your permission to load TikTok Post.
"Joey Votto," the girl's sign read, "will you make a TikTok with me?"
Votto, a fan favorite and a budding TikTok star himself, was all-in on the idea ... and immediately went to work with the fan -- a 12-year-old from Phoenix.
The two eventually had the idea to hit "The Griddy" -- a dance move popularized by NFL stars Justin Jefferson and Ja'Marr Chase -- and, check out the footage, it clearly came out awesome.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
Joey did the dance well, but the girl clearly stole the show ... it certainly looked like she had some experience hitting it before!!
No word on how the TikTok is doing on the site -- but it appeared to give Votto's Reds some good juju regardless ... 'cause they went on to beat the D-Backs, 5-4.
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Blue Ivy Lookin' Just Like Beyoncé!!! Out with Jay-Z at NBA Finals
Blue Ivy spent the night out with her pops Jay-Z, and fans had to stop and do a double-take after looking way too much like Beyoncé.
The father-daughter duo was at the NBA Finals Monday night in San Fran, and fans couldn't help but compare her to her mom -- the 10-year-old is rocking a new curly-haired look that's definitely very familiar.
Blue's look feels similar to queen Bey in the mid-2000s, or as one fan reacted on social media ... "Beyonce really copy and pasted her looks on her." Not everyone sees the Beyonce comparisons, though ... some still see more of her dad than her mama.
Jay Z is embarrassing Blue 😂 pic.twitter.com/NqRJvYUwBA
— The Game Day NBA (@TheGameDayNBA) June 14, 2022 @TheGameDayNBA
Jay-Z even got the chance to embarrass her at the game in true dad fashion ... pulling her in for a hug while on camera, and she tried to break away as she whispered, "Dad, my hair."
BTW, last night's game 5 pulled Golden State ahead 3-2, and Jay and mini-Bey even got to chat it up with Steph Curry after the game.
Quite the night for the Carters.
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Ex-Boxer Julius Francis Knocks Out Man With One Punch While Working Security Gig
Former heavyweight boxer Julius Francis -- who famously fought Mike Tyson in 2000 -- showed he's still got thunder in his hands ... knocking out a man cold while working a security gig on Saturday.
The ferocious punch went down outside of BOXPARK Wembley in the U.K. ... after a man appeared to get into a confrontation with security guards for an unknown reason.
In video of the incident, shot by a bystander, you can see the man in the du-rag was clearly not pleased with Francis and other guards ... screaming at them, and seeming to shove some of them as well.
……. pic.twitter.com/92kmGmtiBx
— Glory Glory (@gloryglorytott) June 13, 2022 @gloryglorytott
As the guards were trying to get the man away from the area, the guy stepped toward Francis -- who clearly didn't like that.
Video shows Francis hit the man square in the jaw with a quick right hook -- sending him straight to the ground. The man appeared to be out cold for several moments.
No word on if the guy suffered any significant injuries.
Local law enforcement, meanwhile, said in a statement they are investigating it all.
"Police are aware of footage circulating on social media showing an incident involving security staff and a member of the public outside Boxpark in Wembley."
"An investigation into the circumstances, including to establish the identity and welfare of those involved, is underway."
They added no arrests have been made at this time.
Francis fought professionally 48 times in the 1990s and early 2000s -- famously losing to Tyson in a January 2000 bout in Manchester.
The 57-year-old former pugilist -- who ended his career with a 23-24-1 record -- also famously fought Vitali Klitschko in 1998, losing by TKO.
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Steph Curry Claps Back At Boston Trolls With T-Shirt ... 'Ayesha Curry Can Cook'
Steph Curry beat the Celtics on the court on Monday night -- and then he got the victory against their fans off of it immediately afterward, rockin' a T-shirt that trolled the hell out of some heckling Boston supporters.
Just minutes after Curry and the Warriors beat the Cs at the Chase Center in Game 5 of the NBA Finals in San Francisco, the Golden State superstar showed up to his news conference with a tee that read, "Ayesha Curry CAN Cook."
It was a simple, grey-and-black article of clothing underneath a zip-up jacket ... but it was the perfect clap back to some trolling that Celtics fans did before Friday's Game 4 in Boston.
If you missed it, outside of a popular bar, fans wrote "Ayesha Curry Can't Cook" on a sign to troll Curry's wife, who's a chef.
You stay classy Boston pic.twitter.com/ZcIyNVcNNS
— Dalton Johnson (@DaltonJ_Johnson) June 10, 2022 @DaltonJ_Johnson
Steph clearly believed otherwise -- and his own trolling message hit perfectly following Golden State's dominating 104-94 win.
The 34-year-old, though, let the shirt do his talking for him, because when a reporter asked him about it -- he said simply, "You've got to ask around the room and ask Twitter. Yeah, yeah. Absolutely."
Game 6 is slated for Thursday night back in Boston -- and while it looks like Curry's got one-up on the haters right now, we're sure there won't be a quiet response in Beantown then.
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Mike Tyson Backs out Of Ric Flair Roast 'Unforeseen Circumstances'
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12:10 PM PT -- Mike Tyson is out of the Ric Flair roast ... after signing on to participate in the event.
"Due to unforeseen circumstances Mike will not be participating in the roast," Iron Mike's reps told us. They did not wish to elaborate.
Before Ric Flair doles out one last ass whoopin', the WWE legend's gonna take a few (verbal) jabs from Mike Tyson -- 'cause TMZ Sports has learned Iron Mike will be one of the celebs roasting Nature Boy this summer!
We're told 55-year-old Tyson has signed on to be part of the roast of 73-year-old Flair ... going down July 29 in Nashville, TN ... in front of over 1,000 fans!
Ric and Mike -- two of the absolute greatest in their respective fields -- aren't just buddies, they're also business partners.
In fact, Mike's "Tyson 2.0" cannabis company recently struck a deal with "Ric Flair Drip" ... and the men will be selling different marijuana products (think edibles, etc.)
And, Tyson won't be alone in roasting the 16x world champ ... Starrcast, the company behind the event, tells us they're in the process of locking down other celebs and wrestlers for the roast.
If Ric makes it through the roast, two nights later he's scheduled to wrestle in the final match of his incredible career. His opponent is still being sorted out.
Big summer for The Nature Boy!!
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NBA's Montrezl Harrell Charged W/ Felony Allegedly Had 3 Lbs. Of Weed During Traffic Stop
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NBA forward Montrezl Harrell has been charged with drug trafficking after cops say they found three pounds of weed in his car during a traffic stop in May ... and is now facing time behind bars.
According to the Charlotte Observer, the 28-year-old was pulled over by a Kentucky state trooper around 10 AM on May 12 for driving a 2020 Honda Pilot rental too close to the car in front of him ... and during the stop, cops claim they smelled marijuana.
The report says Harrell admitted to having weed on him and pulled a "small amount" from his sweatpants ... but when cops searched the vehicle, they claim to have found a backpack filled with three pounds of weed in vacuum-sealed bags.
Harrell's arraignment was scheduled for Monday morning.
Harrell -- who played college ball at the University of Louisville -- was charged with trafficking less than five pounds of marijuana ... a Class D felony for first-time offenders that could result in up to five years behind bars and a fine.
Harrell -- an upcoming free agent -- averaged 14 points and nearly 7 rebounds a game for the Charlotte Hornets this past season.
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Russell Westbrrok Receives Key To Oklahoma City ... From Mayor
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Russell Westbrook might be a Laker, but he'll always be welcome in Oklahoma City ... which is why the point guard just received a key to the city!!
The 33-year-old superstar -- who won the MVP award with the Thunder in the 2016-17 season -- was on hand at Capitol Hill High School in Oklahoma City for the honor.
Russell Westbrook was given a key to the city. pic.twitter.com/HdjnJtJrvD
— Joe Mussatto (@joe_mussatto) June 13, 2022 @joe_mussatto
"We are so grateful for all @russwest44 has done for our city through the years," Mayor David Holt said. "And we want him to know he’s welcome here anytime."
"To make sure Russ can always come back home to OKC, I gave him the Key to the City."
The Mayor also cut the ribbon for a new futsal/basketball court, which was funded by Russ and his Why Not? foundation.
"This new court at Capitol Hill HS in South OKC demonstrates Russ’s continued commitment to the kids of @okcps and the people of OKC," David said.
We are so grateful for all @russwest44 has done for our city through the years, and we want him to know he’s welcome here anytime. To make sure Russ can always come back home to OKC, I gave him the Key to the City. pic.twitter.com/zrQK5yxRRf
— Mayor David Holt (@davidfholt) June 13, 2022 @davidfholt
Aside from his on-court accomplishments, Russ is known to have an active role in charitable work through his foundation -- which helps inspire children to achieve their dreams -- including backpack and shoe drives ... as well as handing out meals on Thanksgiving.
Of course, Westbrook spent the majority of his NBA career in OKC ... where he helped the team reach the Finals in 2012, and became the franchise's all-time leading scorer.
Russ, a 9-time All-Star and 2-time NBA scoring champ, departed from the Thunder after 11 seasons with the team ... and then played for the Rockets and Wizards before ending up on the Lakers.
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Brittney Griner State Dept. Meets With Mercury ... Over Superstar's Release
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As Brittney Griner remains in Russian custody, U.S. State Department officials met with the Phoenix Mercury (her current team) on Monday to discuss steps to safely return the WNBA superstar to America.
The meeting reportedly included officials from an office within the State Dept. that advocates for Americans who've been wrongfully detained ... as well as representatives from the Mercury.
The State Dept. confirmed the meeting took place, but did not name who was in attendance or specify what was discussed during the forum, according to the Associated Press.
Brittney, a 7-time All-Star and WNBA champion, has been in Russian custody since February when authorities claimed the hooper tried to smuggle hashish oil into the country.
In May, the State Dept. demanded Russia allows American officials to see Griner -- who could be facing up to 10 years in prison if ultimately convicted -- as she awaits her drug trial.
On Saturday, Penny Taylor -- a 13-year WNBA veteran -- used her Hall of Fame induction speech as an opportunity to put pressure on the Biden administration ... with hopes they'll expedite the release of Griner.
"BG is our family," Taylor said. "She's yours too. The entire global sport community needs to come together to insist that she be a priority."
Trevor Reed, a former Marine who spent nearly 3 years detained in Russia, recently attended a rally for Griner in Houston. While there, he talked about the horrid conditions he was exposed to as a prisoner, and stressed how urgent it is to bring Brittney back home.
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AEW Star Jeff Hardy Arrested For DUI ... Cops Say He Had .294 BAC
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1:53 PM PT -- According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Hardy had a BAC of .294 following his arrest early Monday morning.
In police documents, obtained by TMZ Sports, officers say they pulled over Hardy after claiming he was driving a white Dodge Charger erratically on Volusia County highways.
In the documents, police say they received four separate calls regarding the Charger's "poor driving pattern." Cops say when they finally caught up to the vehicle, it was "traveling significantly under the speed limit, weaving across travel lanes, and running off the shoulder of the roadway."
Cops say during the stop, the 44-year-old wrestler "appeared to be in a stupor and confused."
Officers say when they finally got Hardy out of his vehicle, he reeked of booze, and, during field sobriety tests, displayed multiple signs of being impaired.
They arrested him on the scene, and say when they took him back to the station, two of his breath samples yielded BAC readings of .294 and .291. The legal limit in Florida is .08.
Cops also noted in the docs Hardy's license was suspended following his two previous convictions for driving under the influence. They also noted he "had a driving restriction which required him to have an interlock device in his vehicle," which they said his Charger did not have.
AEW star Jeff Hardy has been arrested again, TMZ Sports has confirmed.
Jail records show he was booked in Volusia County, Fla. on Monday morning ... and took a mug shot.
Details surrounding the specific allegations against Hardy are unclear ... but court records show he's been charged with felony DUI, misdemeanor violating restrictions placed on driver's license, as well as misdemeanor driving while license canceled, suspended or revoked.
The records show he's due in court Tuesday for a hearing on the matter.
It's the third time since 2018 that Hardy has been accused of driving while under the influence. In March 2018, he was charged with DWI in North Carolina after getting into a car wreck. He was arrested again for DWI in North Carolina in Oct. 2019.
APRIL 2020
In the months following the 2019 arrest, Hardy admitted he had problems with substance abuse on the "After The Bell" podcast with Corey Graves ... saying on the show that he was receiving professional help.
Hardy was slated to wrestle with his brother, Matt Hardy, on AEW Dynamite later this week. It's unclear if that match will still go on.
Story developing ...
Originally Published -- 12:16 PM PT
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Brittany Mahomes Slams Troll Over Offensive Comment ... 'Let's Be Better!'
Patrick Mahomes' wife, Brittany, is at war with social media trolls once again ... this time, she's calling one of 'em out after a very offensive and triggering comment made on Instagram.
The remark was left under a photo of Brittany, her superstar husband, and their daughter, Sterling ... announcing they're expecting another baby.
The troll unleashed the disgusting comment in a reply to another user -- saying, "if I was stuck w this woman for life I'd kill myself."
The 26-year-old rightfully took offense ... and put the hater on blast in a response via her IG story.
"Making comments like this are very very concerning but also highly inappropriate," Matthews said. "'Killing yourself' is not a term to just be throwing around like this."
"It's actually a very serious matter. People deal with these thoughts often. And it can be VERY TRIGGERING to some people."
Brittany continued, saying in today's world, cyberbullying can be "extremely hurtful" and because we don't know anyone's mindset, we need to be more cautious.
"Please be aware when you say stuff like this and know it can affect a lot of people if they even read or see these words. Let's be better."
FYI, suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the U.S. according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
1/23/22
Brittany has come forward about being on the receiving end of hurtful messages on social media in the past -- she even made "Team Brittany" shirts to help raise money for an anti-bullying organization after getting hate for her champagne celebration during a Chiefs playoff win this past season.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.