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The group of bikers who triggered massive panic in Times Square will NOT face criminal charges ... because cops decided there was no crime.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... authorities reviewed surveillance footage from last week's chaotic scene. They determined the group of bikers obeyed all traffic laws and didn't intentionally try to make it sound like there was an active shooter ... so, no reckless endangerment charges for causing the mass panic.

We're told surveillance video showed the bikers riding on 42nd Street when the group stopped at a red light. When the light turned green, they throttled up, and that's when a couple bikes backfired.

We're told footage shows only a handful of people initially ran for cover, before full-on panic set in. Understandable, given the uneasiness following the recent mass shootings.

Rapper Roddy Ricch allegedly grabbed his girlfriend during a heated argument at his home, and now he's facing possible felony domestic violence charges.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... the Compton MC got into a verbal spat with his girlfriend early Sunday morning at his Los Angeles pad. We're told the dispute eventually turned physical, and sources say Roddy put his hands on the woman during their argument.

Roddy was arrested and booked for felony domestic violence. We're told the alleged victim did not need medical attention.

The 20-year-old rapper was released on $50,000 bond.

Roddy Ricch has made a name for himself in the West Coast rap scene ... his music videos are getting millions of views on YouTube, and he was featured on Nipsey Hussle's hit track, "Racks In The Middle." Roddy's also working on a collab with Drake.

Scary moment for NY Yankees GM Brian Cashman ... Connecticut cops had their guns pointed straight at him during a traffic stop last week -- and the terrifying incident was caught on video.

52-year-old Cashman was stopped in Darien, Connecticut last Friday after cops mistakenly thought he had stolen the Jeep he was driving.

The police footage from the incident is intense ... officers pointed firearms at the Yanks exec and screamed at him to get out of the car and slowly move toward them.

Eventually, cops realized Cashman did NOT, in fact, steal his own car ... and the situation was diffused.

But, before officers let Cashman go, they had a funny interaction with the guy -- recognizing him as the Yankees' personnel man!!

"You look very familiar to me," the cop says ...

“I’m the GM of the New York Yankees,” Cashman responds.

“Yeah, I know,” the cop replies ... “I used to see you at Brook Street Bagels when I was an Eastchester cop. I apologize for the embarrassment."

Cashman was free to go after that.

The backstory behind the stop is wild ... Cashman had his Jeep stolen in Connecticut a few weeks ago, and after it was found in the Bronx and returned to Cashman -- he drove it back to Connecticut to have it processed for evidence.

But, Cashman says cops forgot to take the car off the stolen list when they returned it ... and when Darien cops ran his license plate, it still came up as a stolen vehicle.

To make matters worse, Cashman says Darien police were already looking for a white Jeep after a man driving that car had allegedly brandished a gun in a local doctor's office.

Everything has since calmed down for the GM ... and he says he has no hard feelings for police after the wild scene.

Jon Jones has never lost (that DQ doesn't count) and he's DOMINATED almost everyone he's fought -- but he ain't the G.O.A.T. ... so says Daniel Cormier.

DC -- who's fighting Stipe Miocic at UFC 241 this Saturday -- joined the guys on the "TMZ Sports" TV Show (airs weeknights on FS1) ... and was asked who he considers the greatest mixed martial artist ever.

The UFC heavyweight champ said himself -- along with Mighty Mouse and GSP -- were best ... but it was who DC said wasn't in the conversation that was more shocking.

"I really do believe when you break down the greatest fighters of all time, anyone with any accusation against their name should be omitted."

No Jon Jones. No Anderson Silva.

"I like Anderson. He's a great guy, great champion. Jones, a great fighter. But, any time you have anything attached to your name, I think you should be out. You're not supposed to do it that way," Cormier says.

"But, Georges St. Pierre, Demetrious Johnson, I think those guys along with myself should be considered the greatest fighters of all time."

Remember, Jones was flagged by the USADA in 2016 and 2017 ... leading to multiple suspensions. He also had his UFC 214 win over Cormier stripped.

FYI -- Jon has never wavered, insisting he has never cheated.

As for Silva ... he was popped for a banned substance in 2017, and was subsequently suspended.

Spider has also adamantly denied intentionally taking anything ... instead saying he ingested a tainted supplement.

Bottom line, with Daniel and Jon, it's obvious there's no love between 'em ...  which brings up the trilogy fight.

We asked DC if it'll ever happen ... or if his Miocic superfight will be the last in his HoF career.

Before this tropical tot became the lead singer for one of the world's best-selling female groups, and launched a very successful solo career, she was born in Honolulu and raised in Kentucky. She attended Wright State University before pursuing her musical career.

In addition to rocking the mic, she's also been featured on "Dancing with the Stars" and has been a celebrity judge for "The X Factor" and "The Masked Singer."

She's been romantically linked to some huge celebs ... getting engaged to the lead singer of 311, and now dating Formula 1 champion, Lewis Hamilton.

HERE'S THE RUNDOWN

President Trump does NOT cheat on the golf course ... so says golf legend John Daly, who golfed with POTUS this week.

Trump's honesty on the golf course has been called into question many, many times in the past ... with former golf partners like Samuel L. Jackson and Oscar De La Hoya flat out saying they witnessed Trump cheat.

Rick Reilly even wrote a book -- a freakin' book -- about Trump's alleged cheating.

But, John Daly -- who's been friends with the Prez for years and golfed with him at Trump National in NJ on Monday -- tells TMZ Sports, it just ain't true.

"It's funny how these people say, 'does he cheat?' Well, when he goes out and plays, if he hits a bad shot, he might hit a Mulligan, but he doesn't count it when we're playing the match."

For those not down with the golf lingo ... a mulligan is essentially a redo after a bad shot.

The 2-time Majors winner doubled down, and called out someone else who was in the Oval Office.

"It's just amazing that people call him a cheat in golf. You wanna call a cheat in golf? I'll tell ya, Bill Clinton, he took a Mulligan on putts, chips, when I played with him."

"I don't think Bill Clinton could've broken 100. At least the President, Mr. Trump, he can shoot 80. 78 to 84, probably."

There's more ... Daly gives us his U.S. Presidents golfer power rankings -- and tells us what him and Trump discussed on the links.

Kylie Jenner's birthday is the gift that keeps on giving for the whole damn fam -- including Scott Disick and Sofia Richie, who are turning this vacay into a hot and wet date.

Scott and Sofia were seen tearing through the water Tuesday off the coast of Portofino aboard one of the jet skis that appears to come with Kylie's $250 million yacht rental. You can see the machine's labeled with 'Tranquility' ... same name as the vessel.

For round one, Scott handled the driver's seat while Sofia held on tight from behind. Speaking of behind, hers was on full display. Yes, Lord Disick is a lucky guy.

After they rode around for a bit, Sofia took the wheel herself, cruising solo for a bit ... and then giving a ride to one of her and Kylie's gal pals. Whether it's driver or passenger, Sofia clearly knows how to handle herself on the high seas.

Kylie was busy on the deck with Stormi doing a photo shoot for her IG. Travis was definitely down for some fun, though, ripping down a water slide into the Mediterranean. He had himself a reverse belly flop on the water, and it looked painful. Ouch!!!

Tyler Cameron will keep this brief ... he's not sweating whether or not he's the next 'Bachelor' because he's busy doing what real models do -- modeling underwear.

Tyler C's rocking boxer briefs for Mack Weldon and his campaign just launched. The pics are sizzling hot, with Tyler showing off his toned bod and rock-hard abs in a pair of black briefs!!!

Our sources tell us the pics were shot just BEFORE he started shooting this past season of "The Bachelorette" ... and that timeline is super interesting.

As we first reported ... Tyler C is the third choice to become the next 'Bachelor' -- despite becoming a fan favorite as a finalist with Hannah B. We've been told part of the reason he's not a front-runner is his preference for modeling and other interests.

Clearly, Tyler had modeling on the brain before 'Bach' nation fell hard for him ... so it makes sense for him to be a distant third behind top contenders, Mike Johnson and Peter Weber. One well-placed source told us sincerity is very important in choosing the show's leading man.

While Tyler probably won't be the next 'Bachelor' ... he won't starve. Something tells us the underwear world will be lining up for his services.

Art really does imitate life -- the "Empire" crew is firing up its cameras pretty much exactly where their former star, Jussie Smollett, insists he fell victim to a racist and homophobic attack.

FOX had a bunch of crew members from the show setting up a shot Tuesday in Chicago ... literally within a stone's throw from where Jussie says the Osundairo brothers gave him a clobbering, poured bleach on him and left a rope around his neck.

The set is literally in the shadow of Jussie's apartment building ... it's the high-rise with the reflective windows.

There are only stand-ins in these pics, but it's clear "Empire" is getting ready to shoot something. No word whether they're incorporating elements of Smollett's real-life drama into the show -- but this can't be a coincidence ... they've gotta know the significance of the location.

You'll recall ... Jussie said he got jumped around 2 AM on his way home from grabbing a sandwich, just near his apartment building on the 300 block of East North Water Street.

That's where the "Empire" team had set up camp. To give you a visualization ... here's a side-by-side of the block where the attack allegedly happened, and where production trucks are now parked.

Of course, Jussie was eventually accused of lying and making the whole thing up, and got indicted by a grand jury too. He was cleared of all criminal charges though in a tit for tat with Cook County State Attorney's Office -- but he's not out of the woods yet.

The City of Chicago is suing him for the cost of the investigation and then some, and Jussie's currently in the middle of trying to fight it.

Todd and Julie Chrisley are now under federal indictment for tax evasion and fraud, but the reality stars say they knew the charges were coming and insist they did nothing wrong.

A federal grand jury in Atlanta indicted Todd and Julie Tuesday on multiple counts of conspiracy, bank fraud, wire fraud and tax evasion. The couple's accountant, Peter Tarantino, was also indicted on tax-related offenses.

The U.S. Attorney's Office claims Todd and Julie defrauded banks by fraudulently obtaining millions of dollars in loans, and also claims the couple cheated taxpayers by actively evading federal taxes on the money they earned.

According to prosecutors, Todd and Julie ran the scheme from 2007 through 2012, allegedly fabricating documents and providing false information to banks when applying for and receiving millions of dollars in loans ... which they allegedly used to fund their lavish lifestyle.

According to the indictment, Todd allegedly worked with a partner to make it look like one of his bank accounts had $4 million, when they actually didn't even have an account at that bank at the time. The feds claim Todd emailed his partner, "You are a f***ing genious [sic]!!!! Just make it show 4 mil+."

As for Julie's role ... the feds claim she fabricated multiple financial documents by physically cutting and gluing or taping them together. According to the indictment, Todd allegedly told someone he was working with to "find a crooked accountant."

A school Bill and Melinda Gates have supported by donating millions of dollars is being sued over a horrific bullying incident, which allegedly left a 12-year-old boy with permanent brain damage.

TMZ has obtained video of the incident, which is extremely difficult to watch. It was shot at the Animo Westside Charter Middle School in L.A., near LAX.

The boy's mother is suing the school and Green Dot, the org that oversees the school. The Gates are not being sued.

You see the boy right outside the school, when a bully from the school punches him and then puts him in a chokehold, which seems to last around 20 seconds. Notice in the video ... a staffer walks by but seems unconcerned by what is happened right next to her. She never helps ... just walks away.

The boy goes limp, apparently losing consciousness, and the bully becomes alarmed ... realizing what he had done.

The bully then helps the injured student by bringing him inside one of the buildings so he can drink some water. The boy then goes limp again and then loses consciousness. A staffer brings him into an office and lays him out on the floor. The blinds close and the paramedics arrive.

The lawsuit -- filed by attorney Ben Meiselas of Geragos & Geragos -- claims the boy suffered a seizure shortly after the incident and he now has permanent brain damage. According to the lawsuit, he suffered a hypoxic-ischemic brain injury -- a lack of oxygen to the brain. He now has significant learning disabilities and will likely need treatment for the remainder of his life.

The boy's mother told LAPD she did not want to press criminal charges against the bully because he was "a mere child." All she wanted was him expelled from the school, but according to the lawsuit he was not removed from the school and the lawsuit claims, he "continues to pose a threat to the safety and lives of other students."

The lawsuit asks for unspecified damages.

Aaron Carter isn't taking any chances with an ex-girlfriend he says threatened to stab him with a knife ... he was just granted a restraining order against the woman.

Aaron filed for a restraining order Monday in L.A. County Superior Court against Lina Valentina -- his ex who cops recently named as a suspect in a domestic violence report.

According to the docs, Aaron says Lina threatened to stab him several times and carries a knife with her. He claims she physically abused him during their relationship, shoving him and hitting him in the face.

TMZ broke the story ... police took a report for an alleged incident between Aaron and Lina that went down July 31 around 2 AM at the singer's Lancaster pad. Our sources say Aaron told cops she slapped him in the face, leaving a bruise on his cheek.

The alleged incident happened only days before Aaron confirmed his split with Lina.

Jay-Z -- one of Colin Kaepernick's biggest supporters -- is teaming up with the NFL for a music and social justice campaign ... this according to reports.

The partnership is with Hov's Roc Nation company ... in which the rap mogul will be the league's "live music entertainment strategist" ... including working together on the league's Inspire Change activism campaign, according to The New York Times.

Here's where it gets interesting -- just last year, Jay-Z called the NFL out, dissing the league in a song called "APESH*T" ... where he rhymed about turning down the Super Bowl halftime show to show solidarity with Kaepernick.

The role will make Jay a consultant for the show he so publicly rejected.

It's clear the league is trying to make amends for all the backlash it received in the handling of the national anthem demonstrations ... and a man with Jay-Z's reverence and influence will certainly help him do that.

As for the Inspire Change initiative ... it was created earlier this year to "create positive change in communities across the country."

The Showtime drama "Billions" could be on the hook for stacks of cash for its portrayal of a Native American tribe and one of its honchos.

A real-life Cayuga Nation Council member Clint Halftown points out there's a character on the show named Jane Halftown ... who just happens to be a council member. In the suit, Clint calls out a scene where Paul Giamatti's character is discussing a land deal with Jane Halftown that reeks of corruption on the part of the tribe.

According to the suit, the Nation claims "Billions" makes it seem like the Cayuga are all about accepting "unlawful gratuities" and coercing politicians into getting their way.

In the suit, the Nation says "Billions" producers were lazy because they didn't bother to change names -- as in using a fictitious tribe and council member. They claim they DID do that for the main characters. For instance, the show's star, Damian Lewis, plays Bobby Axelrod ... and they claim he's widely considered to be modeled after real-life hedge fund manager Steve Cohen.

Halftown and the Cayuga Nation say Showtime and the show's producers can make things right in two ways: stop referring to the Nation and the Halftown character in future episodes AND compensate the Nation for the damage to its reputation.

Showtime along with producers Brian Koppelman, Andrew Sorkin and David Levien are named as defendants. We've reached out to Showtime, but no word back.

Paris Hilton body art is a thing of the past for her ex-fiance, who replaced a tattoo of her name with something more primal ... or at least, primate.

Chris Zylka -- who was engaged to Paris for about 10 months or so last year -- popped into Chronic Ink Tattoo Shop in Markham, Ontario Sunday for a big project ... covering up his Disney-themed "Paris" tat that was spread across the bulk of his left forearm.

We're told Chris -- who's up north shooting a new Netflix show -- explained to the tattoo artist, Winson Tsai, that he wanted to cover up his "Paris" ink before he finishes his shoot by the end of the week ... while also admitting it was time for him to ditch the tat.

Welp, they definitely got the job done -- and in record time too, it seems. Chris' arm, which also featured a lion tat, now has a full-blown gorilla on it ... with leaves, for added effect.

Our sources say the work took about 6 hours total to complete, and that for this type of detailed tat ... it can run folks upwards of $1,300. It's unclear if Chris paid that though.

As for why he opted for an ape -- we're told it's because Chris felt it's a nice, peaceful animal, and his favorite one as well. RIP to that lion (and Disney "Paris" for that matter ) ... those tats are long gone from his arm now.