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The referee who was kicked and punched in the face repeatedly following a Georgia youth basketball game needed 30 stitches to stop the bleeding ... a tournament official tells TMZ Sports.

But, Kenneth Tarver -- the founder of KB Sports who helped put on the youth tourney in Lithonia over the weekend -- says, somehow, the guy is doing better now.

The terrifying incident was all captured on video on Sunday at the Love Of The Game event at the Stronghold Christian Church -- when several young players and other bystanders appeared to beat the hell out of a ref after a game had concluded.

Tarver tells us the game actually featured teams full of eighth graders ... but, he said he has no idea what caused the postgame scuffle.

Tarver said he has spoken to the referee since the incident -- and while he needed to be stitched up after the attack, Tarver said he's going to make a full recovery.

Tarver added that he's banned the team involved in the scuffle going forward ... and he vowed to beef up security at future events as well.

"I'm gonna make it safer for the officials," Tarver tells us.

Before this girl decked out in pink and flowers turned into a child actress and singer, she was just a southern gal brightening up the world with her two older siblings.

This little flower girl skyrocketed to fame when she landed a starring role on a Nickelodeon show centered around Pacific Coast Academy. After taking a hiatus from the entertainment industry, she recently jumped back into the swing of things, as she released a book, a country music album and even stepped back into acting.

Still not too sure who this young, blonde lady could be? You can catch her in Netflix's "Sweet Magnolias."

It's a wrap for "The Walking Dead" ... and as the blood and guts get mopped up from their set, one of the series' head honchos is promising fans ... they'll be dying over the ending.

We got Greg Nicotero -- an EP on 'TWD' and the lead special effects supervisor on the show -- at LAX Wednesday ... and considering they just finished filming for the last time as a crew just hours earlier, there was a lot to get to as far as final thoughts from the OG here.

For starters ... we asked if Norman Reedus was all good after recently suffering a concussion on set -- and, indeed, Greg tells us he's well healed ... while shedding a little more light on what happened. Sounds like he -- and everyone else -- was burnt out from a grueling schedule.

Greg also told us about future plans -- both 'Walking Dead'-related and otherwise -- and it sounds like he's got quite the slate of work ahead of him.

Now, of course ... we also had to ask what, if anything, he might've taken home as a souvenir -- and lo and behold, he doesn't disappoint. Greg says he certainly has a few mementos from his decade-plus of shooting ... pretty much all the big props you can imagine (shout-out Negan lovers).

Coachella organizers are hard at work figuring out who will take Kanye's headlining Sunday spot at the festival -- and we've learned of 2 acts at the top of the list to take over.

First, who's out. We're told the organizers were hot for Silk Sonic, the dynamic duo of Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak. The pair make a lot of sense, coming off a clean sweep at The Grammys, including Record of the Year for "Leave the Door Open."

We're told Bruno Mars shut it down, saying there wasn't enough time for them to get a proper show together in time for Coachella.

As for who's still in play -- there's The Weeknd, who is coming off an insane year on the charts -- a new album and an upcoming stadium tour. We're told there's been talks between both sides, which stalled at one point ... but there's still a chance he takes the stage in some capacity.

Our sources say organizers were testing the waters to see if The Weeknd would perform a few songs along with Swedish House Mafia. They were also interested in The Weeknd as a stand-alone act. Our sources say no decision has been made.

Finally, our sources say The Red Hot Chili Peppers are a name that's being seriously considered. The group is set to hit the road this summer -- and recently played a low-key show in L.A. -- so they're ready to go. What's more, our sources say RHCP makes a lot of sense, because currently there's no major rock 'n roll act on the lineup.

One thing our sources have stressed -- there are others who are being considered, but the ones we just mentioned are at the top of the list.

Music legend Bobby Rydell, one of the first teen idols back in the 1960s, is dead.

Bobby, whose famous songs include "Volare" and "Wild One," died Tuesday. A person close to Bobby tells us he had some health issues over the last few months and was recently diagnosed with pneumonia ... which is believed to be the cause of death. We're told it was not COVID-related.

Bobby was a central part of the Philadelphia dynasty in music ... so big, streets were named after him. Paul McCartney famously said Bobby's hit, "Swinging School," served as the inspiration behind The Beatles' early mega-hit, "She Loves You."

Bobby toured as part of The Golden Boys stage production with Frankie Avalon and Fabian, and he was easily the most talented singer among the trio of teen idols.

While Bobby's mostly known for his music, he was also a talented actor ... starring on TV, stage and film, most notably a role in the movie version of "Bye Bye Birdie" with Ann-Margret and Dick Van Dyke.

There's even a nod to Bobby in the Broadway and film version of "Grease" ... the high school, "Rydell High," was named after him.

Bobby sold over 25 million records ... and his other hits include "Kissin' Time, "Sway," "I've Got Bonnie," "The Cha-Cha-Cha" and "Forget Him."

He was 79.

YK Osiris is in talks with the family of the 14-year-old who fell to his death from an amusement park ride, saying he wants to do his part by covering funeral expenses.

We talked to YK Tuesday at LAX, where he told us he's already talking through the process with Tyre Sampson's family. The rapper says he'd also like to be in attendance for the funeral, if they'll have him.

YK says he decided to get involved when ICON Park in Orlando, FL wasn't acting fast enough, in his opinion, so he wanted to make something happen for the family.

As we reported, 14-year-old Tyre was visiting ICON Park a few weeks ago when he fell to his death from the "Orlando Free-Fall" ride. The attraction, which just opened in December, reportedly plummets at 75 mph.

Tory Lanez was handcuffed in court and had his bail increased after a judge ruled he violated the protective order in his case with Meg Thee Stallion for talking about her on social media.

The Canadian rapper had a hearing Tuesday in L.A. where he was remanded into custody of the Sheriff's Department, and the judge set his bail at $350K. Prosecutors had requested he be held without bail, or at least set it at $5 million.

We're told he's in the process of posting the $350K.

The judge said Tory's tweet, where he directly addressed Meg as "U" was a violation of a protective order -- he's not supposed to contact or mention her at all. Tory fired off that tweet back in February when he said, "Good d*** had me f***ing 2 best friends ... and I got caught ... that's what I apologized for ... it's sick how u Spun it tho ..."

Prosecutors also voiced concern about a tweet from DJ Akademiks from February which read, "BREAKING: It was revealed in court few moments ago that Tory Lanez DNA WAS NOT found on the weapon in the Meg Thee Stallion case."

The prosecution believes that info was given to Ak from Tory's team. However, Tory's attorney, Shawn Holley, said that wasn't possible, because DJ Akademiks's initial tweet was wrong ... Tory's DNA wasn't on the magazine, and a sample from the gun was inconclusive.

About 15 minutes after posting his initial tweet, Ak posted a new one which reflected the inconclusive finding.

Joe Rogan says transgender swimmer Lia Thomas competing in college athletics against cisgender women amounts to an "assault on women's sports," and believes it could be "the woke straw that broke society's camel's back."

If you're not familiar with Thomas, she began transitioning in 2019. Thomas, who is in her early 20s, underwent therapy to suppress testosterone. The NCAA declared Lia eligible to compete in women's athletics at the University of Pennsylvania, where she then became the first-ever transgender athlete to win an NCAA title.

Rogan, during a 'JRE' pod with guest, comedian Yannis Pappas, took aim at Thomas, and her effect on women's sports.

"What it is now is not good. What it is now is an assault on women's sports. And the idea that anyone would think it’s fair that someone who was number 4-6-2 as a man, 462 in the nation, is number 1 as a woman a year later. And that’s fair,” Rogan asked on the show."

FYI, Thomas had some success competing against men before transitioning. LT finished in 2nd place in the 500-yard freestyle, 1,000-yard, and 1,650-yard freestyle during the 2019 Ivy League Championships.

But, it's not just Joe. Many believe Thomas has a huge advantage because her body developed as a male, prior to her transition.

"Women are so frustrated, or parents. If your daughter is competing and they're competing against a trans woman, it's just not fair. It's just not fair. No matter what anybody says. There's this nonsense idea, of like well there's outliers, there are outliers, and then there are biological males. That's beyond outliers," Rogan argued.

Joe says he believes the trans community is generally accepted ... but we must draw a line when it comes to sports.

"It's interesting because in all other aspects of society it's pretty much a given that a person can become trans and change their name, and we're all pretty accepting of it," Rogan told Yannis.

"Where people have the most push back is sports. Athletic competition. That's where the real push back is. Where people are like, 'Hey what the f**k? This is not fair. This is clearly not fair.' There is a reason we have a distinction between men and women's sports."

Lia's situation has become so polarizing ... and Joe says he believes it could serve as a turning point for the country.

"That might be the woke straw that breaks society’s camel’s back."

Last month, Florida governor Ron DeSantis refused to acknowledge Thomas after she won the women's Division I national championship in the 500-yard freestyle.

Instead, DeSantis declared the runner-up, Florida native Emma Weyant, the "rightful winner."

Former President Barack Obama is back in the White House with President Biden ... at least for now, delivering remarks with his former running mate.

Biden and VP Harris welcomed back the former Prez, Tuesday, to talk about healthcare ... but they also had a few laughs, happy to be back under the same roof but in a different capacity.

44 was greeted with a standing O from those in attendance as he approached the podium.

During his speech, Obama joked around, calling the current Prez "Vice President Biden" ... a clear reference to his own administration. He later said, Biden was a friend and partner who "stuck by his side for 8 years".

President Biden added, "it feels like the good ol' days" and being with Barack brings back so many good memories.

Justin Bieber is offering free online therapy to his millions of fans and the hundreds of folks working on his world tour ... and he's dropping millions to pull off the grand gesture.

The Biebs just announced his partnership with online therapy platform BetterHelp, with Justin saying ... "The one thing I've learned over the years is that we all go through our ups and downs, and we all need help sometimes."

Justin says his fans can get one free month of online therapy for themselves, or share it with a friend or family member in need ... and he's also offering 18 months of free therapy for his 250+ person touring crew.

BetterHelp, the world's largest therapy service, says the mental health services being offered are worth up to $3 million ... and folks can visit betterhelp.com/justinbieber for the opportunity to receive a free month of therapy.

Justin's performing nightly on his Justice World Tour, and he's been sharing messages that it's okay to not be okay sometimes ... telling crowds even the world's biggest celebs have their own personal struggles.

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker took full advantage of being in Sin City for the Grammys ... having a wedding ceremony in the middle of the night at a wedding chapel ... i.e., they're married!!!

Kourtney and Travis walked into One Love Wedding Chapel around 1:30 AM Monday ... only hours after he performed live at the Grammys. We're told the two didn't allow the venue to take any photos, bringing their own photographer and security instead.

Sources connected to the couple tell TMZ ... they had a marriage license and presented it to the chapel's owner, who was also a witness.

We're told it was important to them that an Elvis impersonator officiate the wedding ... so Elvis pronounced them man and wife.

Our sources say this will not be the only ceremony to mark the couple's commitment. We're told there will be "several' other celebrations, with lots of fanfare.

TMZ broke the story ... Travis popped the question back in October at a beachside hotel in Montecito, CA ... but the lovebirds had been mum on a wedding date. So, this could have been a spur-of-the-moment thing, or they were always planning to get married this weekend in Vegas.

Kourtney and Travis haven't been shy about their whirlwind romance ... with tons of PDA all over the globe ... including make-out sessions on the beach, at Disneyland, in front of the Eiffel Tower, on the Venice canals and in New York City ... just to name a few.

It's the first marriage for Kourtney, who never said "I do" to ex Scott Disick despite having 3 children together.

For Travis, this is his third marriage. He was with his first wife, Melissa Kennedy, for only 9 months before he filed for divorce back in 2002. Travis married Shanna Moakler a few years later in 2004, but he filed for divorce after nearly 2 years in 2006 and in 2008 their divorce was finalized.

Sounds like Travis finally found his special someone in Kourtney ... remember, he said "forever wasn't long enough" with her.

Mazel tov!!!

Several youth basketball players beat the hell out of a referee following a game in Georgia over the weekend -- and the violent punching and kicking was all captured on video.

The alarming scene went down Sunday at Stronghold Christian Church in Lithonia, GA ... when, following a contest on the floor, multiple players from one of the teams went after one of the game's refs.

You can see in video from the scene -- a couple of young men chased after the guy in the striped shirt, who for a few seconds, appeared to be defending himself well.

But, eventually, there became too many people involved in the attack -- and the guy appeared to be brutally beaten on the floor.

Footage shows the man was kicked and punched in the face repeatedly ... before his attackers finally let up.

No word on if the man sustained serious injuries ... but a spokesperson for the Dekalb County Police Dept. tells TMZ Sports cops did respond to the scene in reference to an assault.

The spokesperson added an investigation into the incident is underway.

A rep for the church, meanwhile, said in a statement following the game, "It is truly unfortunate about the turn of events that took place during the basketball game held at our facility this weekend."

"We open our doors to serve our community and our goal is to provide an atmosphere conducive for enjoyment, enrichment, etc."

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker were determined to get married, even if the financial aspect of their relationship wasn't quite ironed out.

Sources connected to the two tell us ... prior to Sunday night's Vegas wedding, the two had started working on a prenup, but nothing had been signed. We're told the plan now will be for a postnup -- and should be handled without issue.

Kourtney is reportedly worth around $65 million and Travis around $50 million ... so there's a lot of money on the line.

Prenups and postnups at this level typically separate earnings during the marriage ... that's the way Kim and Kanye handled it. What they bring into the marriage stays as separate property.

TMZ broke the story -- Kourtney and Travis beelined it to a Vegas chapel Sunday night after the Grammys for an Elvis-themed wedding ceremony. We're told they didn't allow the venue to take any photos, bringing their own photog instead as well as their security team.

What's more ... we're told the two came prepared with a marriage license -- which they presented to the chapel's owner -- so while it may have seemed impulsive, there was still some planning behind the scenes.

Our sources say Kourtney and Travis are planning on something more elaborate in the future with close friends and family.

Christina Haack is a married woman once again -- and she's making sure things are up to date in her professional life as well, switching out her real estate license ... TMZ has learned.

Sources connected to the couple tell us ... the HGTV star and her now-hubby, Joshua Hall, tied the knot in California sometime over the last 6 months -- although it's not clear exactly when. In any case ... they've kept it low-key, and plan to do the same in celebration.

We're told Christina and Josh will host an intimate ceremony with close friends and family in the near future to mark their nuptials -- but like we said, it's a done deal, legally.

We've also obtained Christina's real estate license which was recently tweaked to unveil her new surname ... now, she goes by Christina Hall.

The license also references some of her old legal names, including Christina Meursinge Haack and Christina Meursinge El Moussa. There's weirdly no mention of Ant Anstead -- her most recent ex-hubby.

Of course, her freshly-minted hubby, Josh, is a big-time real estate agent ... kinda perfect for house-flipping. The couple first went public last summer ... and he popped the question shortly thereafter, as seen in since-deleted photos.

Their relationship has surely moved at a whirlwind pace -- and with that in mind ... it might not be all that surprising that they've already done the deed and become man and wife.

More of Chris Rock's family members are coming to his defense -- including his other little brother who's ripping into Will Smith for the slap ... and calling for the Academy to take back his Oscar.

CR's brother, Kenny, says it hurt to watch the slap during the Oscars broadcast because he felt helpless seeing Chris get attacked. He says the nonstop replays of the violent incident don't help either.

As Kenny told the L.A. Times ... "It eats at me watching it over and over again because you’ve seen a loved one being attacked and there’s nothing you can do about it." He added, "My brother was no threat to him and you just had no respect for him at that moment. You just belittled him in front of millions of people that watch the show."

Here's what Kenny thinks should happen to Will ... he should NOT be invited back to any other Academy Awards ceremonies, and he oughta have his Best Actor Oscar taken back.

Kenny also backs up what TMZ first reported -- Chris didn't know about Jada's alopecia.

As for whether Kenny accepts Will's apology, he said this ... "I might have looked at it differently had he initially apologized when he got on the stage and cried and accepted the award, but he didn’t, so, right there that tells me that it is something else."

Translation: hell no, he doesn't accept it. Kenny also says Will still hasn't reached out to either Chris or anyone else in the Rock family.

One last thing from Kenny ... he says Will shoulda gotten dragged outta there one way or another after the onstage hit. Kenny says, "He should have been escorted out of there,” he said. “I hold them accountable for that. He could have went up there and did anything you wanted to my brother. It could have been much worse than what he did."

Barring a setback between now and Thursday, Tiger Woods says he will play in this week's Masters tournament.

The golf legend just made the announcement at a news conference at Augusta, saying "as of right now" he has plans to tee it up when the tourney begins on Thursday.

Woods added that he wholeheartedly believes he can actually win the event.

"I can hit it just fine," the 46-year-old said. "I don't have any qualms about what I can do physically from a golf standpoint."

Woods said he does have at least a small worry about walking around the course on the surgically repaired leg that he injured in a car accident back in February 2021.

But, as we reported, Woods has played multiple practice rounds at Augusta the last few days in order to make sure he can withstand walking around the course for the duration of the event.

Tiger has only competed once since the car wreck -- when he played in the PNC Championship in December with his son, Charlie Woods.

He had said in the leadup to that event that he'd never return to being a full-time golfer again, though he would "pick and choose a few events a year" going forward.

As for his recent switch from Nike to FootJoy golf shoes, Tiger says he's having problems with mobility following the crash ... and needed to wear something more stable.

He says he's working with the Swoosh on coming up with a product that will fit his needs ... adding the shoe giant has been "fantastic" throughout the process.