Tony Hawk Severe Broken Leg ... In Skate Accident

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Awful news from Tony Hawk -- the skate legend says he suffered a broken leg on Monday ... and it's so severe, he may never get back to 100% again.

The 53-year-old opened up about the setback in a lengthy Instagram post on Tuesday ... saying he's going to do whatever it takes to get back on the board again -- but it's not going to be easy.

"Yesterday sucked," Hawk said. "I broke my elbow 20 years ago and managed to make a full comeback; this recovery for a broken femur will be much harder because of its severity (and my age). But I’m up for the challenge."

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ROAD TO RECOVERY

We're told the injury happened while Tony was skating ... but unclear what exactly went down.

Tony says there's a bit of irony surrounding the accident, as it happened right before the release of HBO's "Until The Wheels Fall Off" ... a doc that details how and why he's continued to skate into his 50s.

Hawk has previously vowed to keep skating until he literally cannot anymore ... and says this injury will be the biggest threat to his ability to continue the sport he loves.

Despite the serious injury, Hawk's already planning his comeback ... and posted incredibly impressive visual proof of that with a pic and video showing him putting weight on the broken leg just one day later!!

Get well soon, Hawk.

UPDATE
UPDATE

Dr. David Abbasi, Orthopedic Surgeon, broke down Hawk's injury (based on the images Tony posted on social media) ... explaining the likely injuries, as well as the recovery time.

Bizarre Crimes How to Get a Head Thieves Steal Human Heads in Denver

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What's in the box?!? Well, it depends who's asking ... because someone stole a box of disembodied human heads -- intended for medical research -- from a company truck in Denver.

And no, we're not kidding!!! Denver Police are investigating after they received a report on March 3 about a theft from a 'Freight Company' truck. Let's put it this way ... the thieves are in for the shock of their lives.

Police say, an unknown suspect or suspects stole a blue and white box of human heads from the parked truck. It happened about a week ago, but cops are now talking about it.

It's unclear if the thief knew the box had human heads inside, but cops say it had a label that said "Exempt Human Specimen."

The case is bizarre ... and has rightly spooked nearby residents.

So far, no arrests have been made ... and, police aren't sure what the suspect(s) might use the heads for or where the heads are headed.

That said, if anyone finds a box containing human heads, they are encouraged to call the Denver Police Department at 720-913-2000 ... after, of course, they come to.

Looks like "off with their heads" may have a whole new meaning ... 😳

Ukraine Dogs and Cats Rescued From Bombed Cities

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The mass exodus from Ukraine has created a crisis with the pets residents had to leave behind, but in the middle of Putin's brutal war, some Ukrainians have stepped up to save the animals.

Katya Kurletz is on the ground in Ukraine, leading the efforts to track down dogs in destroyed cities and transport them to safety in Poland and Romania ... and she joined us on "TMZ Live" Tuesday to tell us about her dangerous mission.

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IF WE DON'T, WHO WILL?

In the face of constant fear of encountering advancing Russian forces, Katya says she and others are doing everything they can to save Ukrainian pets from the rubble.

Katya tells us there are hundreds of dogs being evacuated ... and her group, Transform a Street Dog, still needs help transporting dogs and cats and finding them new homes.

It's pretty scary .... Katya tells us she saw a Russian missile destroy an entire block, but she couldn't let it derail her mission, because the blast left more pets in need of her help.

We've seen upwards of 1 1/2 million people flee war-torn Ukraine, including the elderly, and it's sad to think about the pets ... but there are some good folks out there looking out for the animals.

If you want to check out her effort, go to transformastreetdog.org.

Ukraine War No Mo' Joe for Russia!!! Starbucks Closing, McDonald's & Coke Too

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UPDATE

2:20 PM PT -- Russians aren't taking the McDonald's shutdown well ... in addition to long lines to get a last bite before the closings, other citizens have reportedly started hawking their Mickey D's food online!!!

UPDATE
UPDATE

Black market fast food -- what could possibly go wrong??? BTW, Pepsi's now joined the movement, ceasing all sales in Russia.

Here's a sanction Russian citizens will feel immediately ... all Starbucks and McDonald's restaurants are shutting down there in protest of Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine.

Starbucks has about 130 locations in Russia and Ukraine and employs about 2,000 people. CEO Kevin Johnson says Starbucks will provide support for the workers, but all shipments of products will cease ... and all the branches are temporarily closing.

The McDonald's hit will be even bigger ... there are nearly 850 restaurants closing down, and they employ 62,000 Russians.

The golden arches have been in Russia for just over 30 years -- there were huge lines when the first Moscow restaurants opened in 1990, in the wake of the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Eastern Bloc.

Despite Mickey D's immense popularity there, CEO Chris Kempczinski says, "Our values mean we cannot ignore the needless human suffering unfolding in Ukraine."

Both companies had taken some heat for remaining open before today's announcements ... and other corporations are feeling the pressure now. Case in point, within an hour of Starbucks' pullout, Coca-Cola said it too will suspend all business in Russia.

As you know, the U.S. had announced economic sanctions that have crushed the value of Russia's currency. In addition, the U.S., and several other countries, are seizing the assets of Russia's oligarchs.

Originally Published -- 1:04 PM PT

Travis Scott Launches Project HEAL ... Donating $5 Mil for Community Initiatives

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Travis Scott is giving back -- chipping in millions for community-based initiatives that'll help out students, aspiring creatives and even future concert-goers.

The rapper is launching what he calls Project HEAL -- which is a multi-tier effort that's going to pour a ton of cash toward causes Travis sees as important. As far as the amount here ... we're talking $5 million, and he's dispersing that money on multiple fronts.

For starters, $1 mil is being earmarked for HBCU scholarships -- and it sounds like he'll be using his previously-established Waymon Webster Scholarship Fund to allocate, manage and disperse these awards for underserved but high-achieving Black scholars.

Scott and co. aim to assist at least 100 students with this dough, aiding them in getting over the finish line in their senior year. The academic criteria ... averaging a 3.5 GPA or higher.

There's more ... the rest of the $5 million is being divvied up for a few different enterprises, including establishing/providing free mental health programs for vulnerable kids ... as well as expanding his creative design program -- offered through his Cactus Jack Foundation.

He's also allocating funds to make sure music fans are safe at shows going forward ... something that touches him personally. That money will go to the U.S. Conference of Mayor's Task Force on Event Safety ... with a tech-driven approach toward that end.

Of course, Astroworld comes to mind -- where 10 people died as a result of injuries sustained during Travis' set -- the causes of which are still under investigation. As we've reported, several victims and victims' families have filed lawsuits against Travis, Live Nation and others.

This is one of the first public philanthropic initiatives Travis has launched since the tragic concert last November.

Aaron Rodgers Spotted Again W/ Shailene Woodley Touch Down In Palm Beach

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If there was any doubt Aaron Rodgers and Shailene Woodley were back together, this should erase it -- the couple was seen Monday after landing in south Florida, walking side-by-side away from a private jet.

38-year-old Rodgers and 30-year-old Woodley were photographed getting off the PJ in Palm Beach ... where we're told they only stayed for about 5 hours, before departing on the jet.

It's unclear why they were in town.

Aaron and Shailene aren't exactly packing on the PDA -- there's no hand-holding, kissing or even smiling -- but let's be real, they've been inseparable in the weeks following reports of their breakup.

AR and SW attended David Bakhtiari's wedding together (Aaron officiated the ceremony). They were also recently seen at a food market in Los Angeles.

Throw in Aaron's mushy Instagram post a few weeks back ... and it's clear the couple has rekindled their romance.

Arron and Shailene began dating in mid-2020 ... shortly after Rodgers broke up with Danica Patrick.

The back-to-back NFL MVP shocked many people when he announced they were engaged during the NFL's award show in 2021.

It's unclear if the engagement is back on (Shailene isn't wearing a ring -- but she often didn't when they were known to be engaged) ... but it's probably safe to say they're at least boyfriend and girlfriend.

Russell Wilson Traded To Denver Broncos

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UPDATE

11:25 AM PT -- The Broncos are reportedly sending 3 players -- Lock, tight end Noah Fant, and defensive lineman Shelby Harris -- plus 2 first-round picks, 2 second-round picks and a fifth-round pick to Seattle in exchange for Wilson and a fourth-round pick.

Russell Wilson's days in Seattle are over ... the Seahawks have just agreed to trade the star quarterback to the Denver Broncos.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero just broke the news ... saying the 'Hawks received a "massive haul" of draft picks and players to make the move.

The Broncos celebrated the impending deal with a hilarious Tom Hanks "Wilson!" GIF just minutes after the report dropped.

Unclear on how many first-rounders the Seahawks will receive in the deal or which players will be sent over for the quarterback ... but Pelissero reported QB Drew Lock will be at least one of the players headed to the Pacific Northwest in the trade.

Wilson was initially picked by the Seahawks in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft ... and he went on to become arguably the franchise's best QB ever.

The 33-year-old won one Super Bowl with the team and made nine Pro Bowls ... and he also piled up a 104-53-1 record in 10 seasons.

Wilson had said just days ago that he was happy in Seattle -- explaining during an interview with "Today" that he thought the city was "great." Wilson, though, had reportedly been looking into a trade for a while, reportedly at one point targeting the Bears, Cowboys, Raiders and Saints as possible next destinations.

No word yet on how his wife, Ciara, feels about the move ... but somebody needs to check on huge Seahawks/Russ fan Joel McHale ASAP!!

Originally Published -- 10:49 AM PT

Ukrainian Soldiers Emotions Pour Out in Funeral Service ... As Death Toll Rises

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A heart-wrenching, and far too common scene, in Ukraine ... 2 soldiers killed while trying to fend off the Russians were laid to rest, and their friends and family could not hold back their emotions.

The funeral service for the soldiers -- only identified as 44-year-old Victor and 25-year-old Ivan -- commenced Tuesday. The servicemen were buried at the Lychakiv Cemetery, where loved ones gathered to say their final farewells and their grief is evident in these images.

Several mourners were down on their knees next to the gravesites ... sobbing and wiping away tears as they laid flowers atop the caskets.

An estimated 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed in less than 2 weeks of war against the Russian invaders -- and nearly 500 civilians are confirmed dead.

As Vladimir Putin has vowed to continue the assault until Russia captures all of Ukraine ... the nation's soldiers -- and their families -- are sadly gathering more and more to salute fallen heroes.

Brittney Griner Alleged Mug Shot Released ... By Russian State Media

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Brittney Griner's alleged mug shot was shared by Russian State media, marking the first time the WNBA star has been seen "publicly" since her detainment in February.

The 31-year-old center for the Phoenix Mercury was taken into custody last month at an airport near Moscow ... after Russian customs officials claim a drug dog alerted to her carry-on luggage, which allegedly contained hashish oil (for a vape).

Russian officials say they've launched a drug trafficking investigation ... and if convicted, Griner could face a decade behind bars in Russia.

Russia's state-owned news channel, Russia 24, aired a photo of Griner's mug shot. State media reported the booking photo was taken at a Russian police station, according to CNN.

The mug shot is significant because Griner has not been seen or heard from publicly in weeks.

The arrest couldn't come at a worse time for the WNBA superstar. Russia is in the midst of a full-out assault on Ukraine, and the United States and many other countries have sanctioned the Russian government, seriously ratcheting up tensions.

Now, the Russian government has a high-profile American prisoner ... and could become a pawn or bargaining chip for Putin.

As for the efforts to bring Brittney home -- we recently spoke with longtime U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham who told us the State Dept. is doing everything in its power to return the star hooper to her family and friends in the States.

Deion Sanders Two Toes Amputated ... After Foot Surgery Complications

Published

Deion Sanders ended up losing two toes in his battle to recover from foot surgery, the NFL legend announced in an emotional Instagram post on Tuesday.

Previewing the next episode of his "Coach Prime" documentary with Barstool Sports and SMAC Productions on his social media page ... Sanders revealed the big toe and the second toe on his left foot had to be surgically removed several weeks ago.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Sanders showed the mangled foot in the doc's video teaser ... writing in the caption, "I endured a lot while I was in the hospital during our historic season but I am so thankful for GOD being there to help pull me through."

As we reported ... Sanders initially had surgery to fix a longtime foot injury back in the fall, but his recovery process never quite got on track.

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CAME FOR THE "HURT"

Sanders struggled to get his foot to heal -- and he needed a wheelchair and a scooter to get around for months.

The former Dallas Cowboys cornerback said he ultimately required 8 surgeries to try to get the foot right ... and it's clear, one of those procedures included cutting off two digits from his left foot.

Sanders promised to reveal more about the surgeries and the complications that he went through in the new "Coach Prime" episode dropping on Barstool's YouTube page at 5 PM PT.

Kanye West 'No One Wanted to Tell Me I was DEAD' Claims in Poem He was Murdered

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Kanye West penned a super ominous poem about his death -- an event he says has already occurred -- and the foundation of his premise is murder.

The poem is pretty incredible, and it appears to be a case of art imitating life. If we can be so bold to interpret ... it seems he's telegraphing that all of his recent struggles -- notably his divorce from Kim Kardashian -- has left him lifeless, but he didn't realize it until now.

The poem -- which begins with "No one wanted to tell me I was DEAD" -- is a sad and lonely account of his demise ... people coming to his grave sprinkling bread on the ground so the birds could be fed.

There seems to be references to the divorce ... "My kids would dance for me in a home I once led" -- seemingly referring to the fact Kim now owns the family house.

He also airs some grievances ... "Everything was wrong in the press that I read."

He then reveals in poetic fashion how he met his demise ... I found out one day at the newsstand in purgatory there was a front page article of my murderer's story." He does not identify the murderer.

As for what Kanye says he meant ... he's mum, saying, "I will not explain this new piece for the explanation destroys the mystery and magic of true love and puts it in a box that can be counted."

Ukraine Russian Tank Blows Up Civilian Car ... Kills Elderly Couple Inside

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A Russian tank absolutely obliterated a civilian vehicle by opening fire -- killing an elderly couple inside who appeared to be trying to flee.

This went down Tuesday in the town of Makariv, just outside of Kyiv. As you know, that area has been under siege for days ... and people are attempting to get out any way they can, but many are still being targeted by Putin.

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DEADLY AFTERMATH

Tragically, that happened here ... the tank unleashing a blast from a good distance on an open road, with nothing but the car in sight. There was no threat posed, and nothing to indicate Ukrainian soldiers were afoot ... and yet, the tank operator fired on the vehicle.

The man and woman inside died -- a slaughtering that appears to have been captured by a nearby surveillance camera. In the aftermath, somebody filmed the destruction up close ... and you can see the couple's bodies leaning on each other.

It's incredibly graphic, but also crucial ... to witness the sheer brutality that's being inflicted on the Ukrainian people. There are multiple videos like this ... and reports that ordinary folks are being indiscriminately fired upon by Russian forces.

We saw something similar this past weekend in Irpin, where Ukrainians were also doing their best to get out of the war-torn area via evacuation points ... with Russians raining mortar shells on that entire section.

Ukraine Troops Play Checkers ... With Molotov Cocktails

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Ukraine is in a chess match with Putin's army -- but some of the brave men on the ground are playing a different game ... and they have some interesting board pieces.

Check out these photos of Ukrainian soldiers locked in on a round of checkers -- but instead of red and black chips like you might normally see ... they got Molotov cocktails out! Unclear how they're distinguishing between bottles -- but if you look closely, it seems some of the caps might be different colors.

Kinda surreal to see, especially knowing that they're putting these weapons to use beyond just a game.

Of course ... we've seen ordinary citizens using these puppies to fight back against Russian forces, with local businesses (like breweries and whatnot) creating these on the fly and getting them out to the public for defense.

Indeed, the government has given folks there the greenlight to chuck the cocktails as they see fit -- and after the way the Russian army has been targeting civilians lately ... you can understand why they'd let 'em fly.

Looks like the Ukrainian soldiers have a fair amount themselves ... and until they're needed for flinging in battle, would appear they're putting them to good use elsewhere.

King me!

Aaron Rodgers Back With The Pack!!! ... Not Retiring After All

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UPDATE

11:50 AM PT -- Aaron Rodgers is breaking his silence on his return to Green Bay ... saying he's "very excited to be back" ... but shutting down several details surround the deal.

UPDATE

"Hey everyone, just wanted to clear some things up," Rodgers tweeted. "YES I will be playing with the @packers next year, however, reports about me signing a contract are inaccurate, as are the supposed terms of the contract I 'signed.'"

UPDATE

Rodgers didn't specify the correct numbers ... but it's only a matter of time until we find out.

Breathe easy, Green Bay ... Aaron Rodgers is coming back.

The star quarterback's BFF Pat McAfee just announced the news ... saying, according to sources, Rodgers is slated to return to the Packers for at least the 2022 season.

McAfee said the 38-year-old seriously considered retirement -- but ultimately chose to return to Wisconsin after all.

McAfee added that reports of a new, mega, 4-year, $200 MILLION contract for the QB were "not accurate" -- though the ex-NFL player did not elaborate on what Rodgers' new deal (if there is one) will be.

As we reported, Rodgers had been feuding with Green Bay brass prior to the 2021 season -- upset over a variety of personnel moves -- and many felt it would ultimately be his final one in the green and yellow.

But, the two sides appeared to build a bridge throughout the 17-game season ... and Rodgers seemed much happier with the org. in recent months.

Rodgers is coming off his second straight MVP award -- and his recommitment to the team is expected to sway star receiver Davante Adams to return as well.

Story developing ...

Disney World Tourists Go Under the Sea ... Caught in Flash Flood!!!

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MOIST MAGIC

There is not a new 'Little Mermaid' ride at Disney World, but guests might feel like it as major flash flooding left parts of the theme park underwater.

Disney's Hollywood Studios -- one of the 4 Disney parks in Orlando -- was inundated Monday night, but the unprepared tourists seemed to take in stride ... albeit, very wet strides.

As "When You Wish Upon a Star" blared some people were pushing strollers through knee-deep (for little kids) water.

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FLASH FLOOD

You can imagine ... the younger park-goers were eating this up, having an absolute blast playing, skipping or just flopping down in the flooding. Not ideal for parents, but hey -- ya came all that way, might as well soak up the Disney magic.

The National Weather Service says an estimated 4 to 5 inches of rain ended up falling in the area. Gotta love Florida, baby!!!

One Disney World cast member says he hasn't seen anything like it in 17 years. As they say,  when it rains, it pours ... especially on Mickey and co.

WNBA Star Brittney Griner Hash Oil Claim 'Highly Skeptical' To Family of Marine Jailed in Russia

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Brittney Griner's detainment in Russia is drawing a strong reaction from the family of a U.S. Marine who's also imprisoned there ... and they're not buying what the Russians are selling.

The family of Trevor Reed, a retired Marine from Texas who's been locked up in Russia since 2019, is "highly skeptical" of the allegations surrounding Brittney, because they've seen the Russians fabricate criminal cases.

That's why Reed's family rep, Jonathan Franks, tells us the family believes the claim Brittney was traveling with hashish oil could be totally bogus ... and they're accusing the Russians of manufacturing criminal charges against other Americans, including Trevor.

As we reported, Russian officials have opened up a drug trafficking investigation after customs officials at an airport near Moscow claimed to have found vape cartridges in Brittney's carry-on.

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DETAINED IN RUSSIA

Franks says he'd bet his car Griner was NOT in possession of cannabis, and the facts surrounding Trevor's case might explain why.

For those who don't know, Trevor was convicted in July 2020 and sentenced to 9 years in a Russian prison for allegedly endangering the life and health of Russian police officers during an altercation in Moscow.

The U.S. ambassador to Russia, John Sullivan, says the alleged crime never happened and has even described Trevor's case as "theater of the absurd."

The Reeds deny the allegations against Trevor, and recognize Brittney's situation as tragic. We're told they hope her circumstances, and Trevor's, will wake up folks to the danger of being an American in Russia.

We're told Trevor's loved ones are reaching out to Brittney's family ... offering to provide any support and insight from their dealings with Russia.

Sen. Lindsey Graham told us the State Dept. is working on securing Brittney's release ... and the Reeds say Trevor could use help too, because he might have been exposed to tuberculosis in prison.

His family's hoping all the international attention will lead to better treatment for Americans detained in Russia.