Warren Moon Gronk Could Save The Bucs ... If He'd Just Come Back!!!

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THE GRONK ADVANTAGE

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could save their season ... if Rob Gronkowski unretired?!

Warren Moon fully believes that -- with the Hall of Famer telling TMZ Sports he thinks the 3-4 Bucs could turn everything around if Gronk came back this year.

Moon tells us he got the opinion based on everything he's seen out of Tom Brady on the field through seven games. He says he's witnessed the GOAT struggling in the pocket ... and missing an old reliable on important downs.

"He's been a security blanket for [Brady] for so long," Moon said of Gronkowski. "Whenever there's a key play that needs to be made, especially down in the redzone or whatever -- and they had a tough time scoring in the redzone last week -- that's the guy he would usually go to, Rob Gronkowski."

Brady's numbers haven't been horrible so far in 2022 -- he's got 8 passing TDs to just 1 interception -- but something does appear to be off. He only has one multi-TD game this year, and just two performances of over 300 passing yards.

Moon clearly believes Gronkowski could change all of that, and even help out the locker room with his "infectious personality" ... but there's just one problem -- he's not sure if the tight end is even considering coming out of retirement.

Gronk has said repeatedly over the last few months he's done, although his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, has claimed it wouldn't surprise him to see a comeback.

Brady and the Bucs play Thursday night against the Ravens ... if they drop another game there -- maybe it's time to get Gronkowski on Line 1 ASAP???

Guess Who This Candy Lover Turned Into!

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Before this cutie patootie entered the fast lane and turned into a sought-after actress, she was hitting the stage as a little pageant girl, looking up to her big bro and growing up in Long Beach, CA.

This cool kiddo basically ran the 9-0-2-1-0 zip code back in the '90s, and you probably saw her walking up and down Rodeo Drive with gal pals Tori Spelling and Jennie Garth. She took a pause from her television series in the mid-'90s to star in the horror/mystery film "Buried Secrets."

If you're still stumped ... it's alright, 'cause you're saved by the bell!

Can you guess who she is?

Antonio Brown Issues Support For Kanye West ... Claims 'Selective Outrage' Over Comments

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Antonio Brown is standing firm in his support for Kanye West ... releasing a lengthy statement explaining his decision to remain as president of Donda Sports -- citing his "dedication to freedom of speech, thought, and opinion."

The NFL receiver -- who joined the Donda staff earlier this year -- addressed the massive controversy surrounding Kanye following several antisemitic statements ... saying, "the world's reactionary and selective outrage at comments in the media made by my brother, Ye, have inflamed and sparked rampant conversation and reflection."

As companies like Adidas and Balenciaga cut ties with West, AB says the timing is not a coincidence.

"The people and brands that have relentlessly profited from Black ideas and Black culture chose to distance themselves at a very specific time: a time that demonstrated their prioritization of certain groups over others."

He added ... "None of us in this world are free of judgment, yet we live in a time where scrutiny and pessimism have driven our dialogues on cultural issues toward diatribes."

"Sensationalism and groupthink have forced people to not speak their minds and act out in fear rather than love. For these reasons, I stand by my dedication to freedom of speech, thought, and opinion."

Brown says he decided to speak out because he is against discrimination of any kind ... but makes it clear he's standing by Kanye's side.

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"I remain true to the mission of Donda and our amazing staff and community," he says ... adding he believes Kanye's comments were taken "out of proportion" by the media.

"I remain committed to bringing new ideas, experiences, and designs to our world I remain in support of the humanity that is Ye."

The statement comes on the heels of sports superstars Aaron Donald and Jaylen Brown voicing their issues with Ye's comments ... which led them to leave Donda Sports.

AB has found himself drowning in controversy as well recently ... and this certainly won't help.

Aaron Donald, Jaylen Brown Leaving Donda Sports ... Amid Kanye Controversy

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Aaron Donald and Jaylen Brown are no longer Donda Sports athletes -- the two superstars just released statements saying they have cut ties with Kanye West over his antisemitic comments.

TMZ Sports broke the story ... Donald signed with Ye's Donda Sports in late May. At the time, he said it was the company's "whole family atmosphere" that convinced him to sign with West.

Brown followed right after ... signing with DS later that month.

Donda Sports started off hot with two huge names in their respective sports. Now, the organization has zero clients on its athletic roster.

Donald released a statement on Tuesday ... saying, "The recent comments and displays of hate and antisemitism are the exact opposite of how we choose to live our lives and raise our children. We find them to be irresponsible and go against everything we believe in as a family."

He added ... "As parents and members of society, we felt a responsibility to send a clear message that hateful words and actions have consequences and that we must do better as human beings. We do not feel our beliefs, voices and actions belong anywhere near a space that misrepresents and oppresses people of any background, ethnicity or race."

Brown -- who denounced Kanye's statements on Monday, but said he would remain with Donda -- also addressed his change of heart ... saying, "In the past 24 hours, I've been able to reflect and better understand how my previous statements lack clarity in expressing my stance against recent insensitive public remarks and actions. For that, I apologize."

"And in this, I seek to be as clear as possible. I have always, and will always, continue to stand strongly against antisemitism, hate speech, misrepresentation, and oppressive rhetoric of any kind."

He continued ... "In light of that, after sharing in conversations, I now recognize that there are times when my voice and my position can't coexist in spaces that don't correspond with my stance or my values. And for that, I am terminating my association with Donda Sports."

Sylvester Stallone I Need Some Hair Product ... Jennifer's Got My Back!!!

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Sylvester Stallone and Jennifer Flavin are doing a 180 after their recent divorce flap ... because now they look like a happy, funny reality TV family ... based on their most recent shopping trip.

Sly and Jennifer were back to doing couple things Tuesday, hitting up a Rite Aid in Beverly Hills and leaving the drugstore with a Just For Men hair coloring kit.

Sly's wife was openly carrying the $10.99 men's hair product in her hands as they strolled out into the parking lot ... it's definitely not what most would expect from a couple worth nine figures.

Sylvester's looking a little gray these days ... and it seems he's a DIY guy. Who needs Bev Hills docs when Rite Aid is around?!?

This drugstore run looks like it belongs in a Stallone reality show ... that's right, they did shoot one. Watch out Kardashians, someone's coming for the throne!!!

Jacob Elordi I'm The King Too ... Better Elvis Than Butler???

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Here's the first look at Jacob Elordi playing Elvis Presley on the set of a new movie about Priscilla ... sparking debate about who is the better Elvis, Jacob or Austin Butler.

Jacob was in full hair and makeup Monday as the King of Rock & Roll on a movie set in Toronto for Sofia Coppola's upcoming biopic about Priscilla Presley's life ... which comes on the heels of Austin playing EP in the 2022 film, "Elvis."

As you can see, Jacob was in a couple different outfits for filming ... wearing a suit and then changing into a button-down shirt with shorts.

Lots of folks thought Austin was a dead ringer for Elvis when he played the King alongside Tom Hanks ... so it will be interesting to see how Elvis fans react to Jacob's version.

The Priscilla biopic has a working title of "Domino" ... and it's based on Priscilla's memoir, "Elvis and Me." Priscilla wasn't a focal point of the "Elvis" biopic, but now she's getting her due.

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JOB WELL DONE

Remember, the real Priscilla herself told us Austin did a fantastic job depicting her late ex-husband ... so Jacob's got some pretty big shoes to fill.

We gotta ask ... who looks more like Elvis?

Blac Chyna Sex Trafficking Claims Are BS ... TikToker Sticks By Story

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5:48 PM PT -- Ava Louise is sticking by her side of the story ... she says she believes she would have been the victim of a sex crime or been set up to engage in sex acts for money if she didn't find a way off Blac Chyna's property.

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Ava’s lawyers, Eric Mintz and Jason S. Ziven just fired back at BC, with her attorneys claiming Ava contacted the FBI sex trafficking hotline within hours of the alleged incident, resulting in Ava filing an official report with the feds.

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In her legal team's response, obtained by TMZ, Ava claims Blac Chyna invited Ava to BC's L.A. home under the guise of discussing a music collaboration.

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But during the alleged encounter, Ava says it became clear to her BC had no intention on discussing a professional collab, but rather Ava was being set up for involvement in some type of nonconsensual sex encounter or sex-for-money scheme.

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Ava claims BC repeatedly asked Ava if she was transgender and if she had ever worked as an escort ... and Ava says when she told BC she was not an escort someone on FaceTime with BC laughed and said, "You are now!"

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What's more, Ava says she felt intimidated and scared, claiming when her Uber arrived BC pulled her into the bathroom and shut the door and manipulated her into staying. Ava says two men were posted outside the bathroom door, and she was only able to leave once Blac Chyna "became overly intoxicated."

Blac Chyna is denying allegations of kidnapping and sex trafficking Ava Louise ... she says the claims are just a desperate attempt to boost the TikTok star's following.

BC had her lawyers fire off a cease and desist letter to Ava after the social media star recently uploaded a series of TikTok posts where she accused Chyna of holding her hostage and trying to pimp her out.

In the legal letter, obtained by TMZ, Chyna says everything Ava's alleging is "false, extreme and outrageous" ... and her lawyers are demanding that she immediately cease and desist ... or face the legal consequences.

Blac Chyna's legal team is also taking aim at Ava's credibility ... they say it's part of a pattern of "menacing and outrageous conduct" to increase Ava's social media platform, saying Ava previously admitted to making up false rumors about Kanye West hooking up with YouTube beauty guru Jeffree Star.

It's worth noting ... Kris Jenner threatened Ava with a lawsuit last year after Ava claimed she received a cease and desist letter from Kris' company threatening legal action if she didn't stop making allegations about Kim and Kanye.

Kris' camp says they never sent Ava such a letter and her story was all made up.

This cease and desist letter, however, is legit.

Originally Published -- 10/24 10:33 AM PT

Russell Wilson Pours Heart Out For Ciara ... Emotional Bday Post

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Russell Wilson turned into William Wordsworth for Ciara's birthday -- gushing over his wife in an emotional post on Tuesday ... and praising her as the perfect mother, businesswoman and partner.

"God blessed the world on this day with you," the Denver Broncos quarterback said on Instagram. "I love you so much. You inspire the world!"

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"Every morning your mission is to make the world a better place and you have a perfect score."

Seriously ... dude poured his heart out for Ciara's 37th birthday, sharing some special moments of them together as well.

He continued ... "But most importantly, you are God's beautiful child and HE is wildly obsessed with you. Keep Shining my Love. Thank you everyday for loving me, encouraging me, and joining forces with me everyday to do what God called us to do! That’s to LOVE & SERVE."

"May this year bless you with all of your heart's desires! Happy Birthday my Queen."

While it was a really touching post, some trolls decided to take to the comments to rip the QB for his rough 2-5 start to the 2022 season ... telling him to focus on throwing touchdowns.

Ciara ignored the hate, though ... thanking her man for the kind words.

Leslie Jordan Complained of Shortness of Breath ... Scheduled Cardiologist Appt

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Leslie Jordan was coping with discomfort in the weeks leading up to his death -- a health issue that was concerning enough for him to make an appointment with a cardiologist ... TMZ has learned.

Sources close to the late actor tell TMZ ... for the last 3 weeks, he was experiencing shortness of breath. We're told Leslie was scheduled to see a cardiologist within the next week to check out his heart, and see if there were any underlying health issues.

Other than that, we're told Leslie was generally healthy ... but did have COVID last year.

We've spoken to law enforcement sources who tell us they believe Leslie suffered a heart attack prior to crashing his BMW Monday into a building in Hollywood.

Tributes have poured in for the 67-year-old since TMZ broke the news of his death, including from Dolly Parton who said, "Leslie and I had a special bond, I think the world felt they had a special bond with him. I know people always say, 'Oh, they will be missed' but in this case that could not be more true."

The medical examiner is investigating, and Leslie's official cause of death has not been released yet.

McDonald's Shooting Teen Shot By Cop Battling Pneumonia in Hospital

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TAKEN BY SURPRISE

The 17-year-old teen shot by a cop in a McDonald's parking lot must now face another health battle, he's fighting pneumonia in the hospital.

Erik Cantu's family spoke out for the first time Tuesday, revealing he's got a ton of staples and tubes in his body. There's also a delicate balancing act between Cantu's medication and a breathing machine to keep him alive.

To make things worse, Cantu's dad, Erik Sr., says the teen is waking up with flashbacks -- raising his hands in the air and moving his foot like he's pushing a car pedal.

Erik's mom, Victoria, says there was a bullet by his heart -- and he was also shot in the stomach, diaphragm, lungs, liver, bicep and forearm.

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MOTHERS WORST NIGHTMARE

As we've reported, Cantu was shot multiple times by police officer James Brennand while he was eating a burger in the parking lot of a McDonald's. Brennand was responding to the restaurant on an unrelated call.

Brennand was fired by the police department and is facing two felony charges of aggravated assault by a public official.

As for Cantu's family, they remain hopeful the teen will pull through.

Kanye West Loses Billionaire Status ... After Adidas Deal Nixed

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Kanye West is no longer a member of the ten-digit club -- he's lost a fortune as a result of Adidas pulling the plug ... not to mention the other partnerships that have dissolved.

Forbes made it official Tuesday ... saying Ye had lost his billionaire status in the wake of Adidas ending their partnership with the guy. While Adidas on its own might not have technically torpedoed his billions -- they say it's a combination of several deals, including Gap, falling apart of late -- Forbes does note it was a HUGE part of his wealth, and the final nail in the coffin.

Now -- after all this fallout -- Forbes claims KW is worth somewhere in the ballpark of $400 million. This is a huge dip from where he was a couple years ago, when his net worth was valued at around $1.3 billion with a majority of his public assets in consideration.

The majority of Kanye's riches are now coming from a select few sources, Forbes says, including real estate, liquid cash, his music catalog and a less than 5% stake in Kim Kardashian's Skims brand.

Unclear how much of his money was wiped out by just Adidas, but ya gotta imagine it was a pretty penny's worth ... considering the company says they're losing nearly a quarter of a billion dollars in net profits by cutting him/his shoes off, just in this fourth quarter alone.

Forbes also goes on to note that this is the end of a long and acrimonious saga they've endured with Kanye pertaining to his billionaire title ... he's always claimed he was worth more than what they pegged him at, even though the outlet's stood by its findings.

Kourtney & Travis We Bought Conan O'Brien's Home ... Steps From the Beach!!!

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Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker have a new place to call home ... and it just so happens to be the same beach house Conan O'Brien sold earlier this month.

The keys to Conan's former Carpinteria home are now in the hands of Kourtney and Travis ... as we reported, the comedian got an offer for the place a couple of weeks ago -- turns out the rockin' couple was the ones behind the sale.

We're told they bought the pad -- which was listed for $16.5 million -- for $14.5 mil, so yeah ... they got a sweet deal!

For those unaware, Conan was on the hunt for a buyer since July ... the 2,142-square-foot property is just steps from the sand, and he originally bought it back in 2015 for $7.9M.

The home has panoramic ocean, Channel Island and coastline views. There's also a spacious deck to take in those Pacific sunsets.

For the salt lifers ... there's an outdoor shower and storage area for surf and paddle boards ... essentials for life at the beach.

For those of you not in SoCal, Carpinteria is just south of Santa Barbara ... which is, obviously, a sentimental spot for Kourtney and Travis because they got engaged there.

As they say, life's a beach. Congrats!!!

Brittney Griner Appeal In Russia Denied ... 9-Year Sentence Upheld

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Brittney Griner's 9-year prison sentence in Russia has been upheld ... a court just denied the WNBA star's appeal at a lengthy hearing on Tuesday morning.

The 32-year-old did not appear in person for the proceedings -- but was present via a videoconferencing feed from inside of a cell. She looked downtrodden throughout the process as cameras caught her both sitting and standing behind bars.

Griner and her team of attorneys had hoped officials would overturn a previous ruling in the case, or at the very least, reduce the sentence. They argued the punishment did not fit the crime.

Griner's team, however, had anticipated this outcome. On Monday, her attorneys admitted in a statement that they did not "expect any miracles to happen."

It's unclear if Griner now has any further avenues to appeal the decision.

As we reported, the basketball player has been in custody in Russia since February -- after she was accused of bringing hashish oil in her luggage at a Moscow airport.

At her trial, she pleaded guilty to the charges -- but insisted she did not intend to break the law.

She was initially sentenced in August.

The United States has called Griner wrongfully detained ... and multiple U.S. officials have said they've offered Russia a significant deal involving a prisoner swap to get her home.

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STILL BEHIND BARS

President Joe Biden, meanwhile, said in a statement back in August following her sentence that he and his administration would "continue to work tirelessly" to bring her back to U.S. soil.

Drake It's My Birthday ... Let's Party!!! Celebs Hit Miami Bash

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Drake celebrated his 36th birthday in true Drake fashion ... bringin' a bunch of big names to the club to party -- and even raffling off some HUGE prizes to the crowd!

Drizzy's big shindig went down Monday night at Sexy Fish in Miami ... and the rapper was giving partygoers the chance at $5k gift cards, $10k in cash, Chanel bags, and even a Rolex!!!

Of course, some people in attendance weren't really in dire need of freebies -- DJ Khaled, 21 Savage, Lil Baby, and Chaney Jones were just a few of the celebs partying with Champagne Papi. "Love Island" stars Emily Salch and Genevieve Shawcross were hangin' too.

Drake ripped a page outta Usher's big money playbook for his big night -- Drake bucks, featuring his face on $500 bills -- were circulating around the venue throughout the night.

The place even changed its name to Sexy Gyal for the night, just for Drake.

Happy 36th!!! And, for anyone who left the joint with a fist full o' cash .. remember, Drake bucks are NOT legal tender. Not yet, anyway. 🤑

Kanye West Adidas Ends Partnership

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6:10 AM PT -- Adidas said they did a "thorough review" of their Yeezy partnership and are expecting to lose $246 million in net income this year by ending the deal.

Kanye West's biggest corporate partnership is over -- Adidas says it's cutting off all business with him, due to his recent antisemitic and bigoted actions.

The German shoe company says, "Ye's recent comments and actions have been unacceptable, hateful and dangerous, and they violate the company's values of diversity and inclusion, mutual respect and fairness."

As result, Adidas says it "will terminate the partnership with Ye, end production of Yeezy branded products and stop all payments to Ye and his companies."

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CHAUVIN DIDN'T KILL FLOYD

The announcement comes amid worldwide pressure for Adidas to, at the very least, condemn Kanye for repeating antisemitic tropes every time a microphone's been in his face for the last few weeks. During this erratic and disturbing phase he's also unveiled "White Lives Matter" T-shirts at Paris Fashion Week, and claimed George Floyd didn't die from Derek Chauvin's knee, but from fentanyl.

The hashtag #boycottadidas had been trending on Twitter over the weekend, especially as the company announced the sale of new Yeezy shoes. While other companies, like Balenciaga and Vogue had already cut off their relationships with the billionaire rapper and designer ... Adidas had been silent, except to say their partnership was "under review."

That review actually had nothing to do with Ye's recent rants -- for months, he'd publicly accused the company of ripping off his designs for non-Yeezy branded merchandise, so the relationship was already on ice.

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Jews trying to mute me!!!

Ye knew his incredibly profitable deal with Adidas was hanging in the balance -- he said so on Friday night ... even as he railed that any backlash against him was only proving his initial antisemitic remark that the Jews were controlling Hollywood and the banks.

Adidas was especially under pressure to react -- not only as Ye's biggest partner, but due to its founder supporting the Nazi party.

Adidas and Kanye started their partnership in 2013, and his Yeezy brand is widely credited with reinvigorating Adidas in the shoe game. While the company has some huge athletes as brand ambassadors -- James Harden, Lionel Messi and Damian Lillard to name just a few -- Ye's designs were key to the company's recent success, and Adidas' backing allowed him to expand Yeezy well beyond sneakers.

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PUTTING THEIR FOOT DOWN

Adidas was the distributor and manufacturer of Yeezy shoes and athletic gear ... so, Kanye currently has no outlet for his creations.

Originally Published -- 4:45 AM PT

Steve Lacy Destroys Fan's Phone onstage ... In Fit of Rage

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1:38 PM PT -- Steve Lacy just posted a statement about the incident, saying, "... shoutout to the people not throwing disposable cameras at me and just coming to catch a vibe and connect :) i had a really good time in nola last night. i hate that the beauty of the connection i have with so many people in the crowd-gets lost when something negative happens."

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He continues, "i don’t believe i owe anyone an apology- maybe i couldve reacted better? sure. always. i’m a student of life. but i’m a real person with real feelings and real reactions. i’m not a product or a robot. i am human. i will continue to give my all at these shows. please come with respect for urself and others please thank you love u"

Steve Lacy is a relatively new artist, but he's making one thing clear early ... he won't tolerate things being thrown on his stage -- and made an example out of one fan, and their phone, in particular.

Steve was in New Orleans on Monday night for his Give You The World Tour ... performing "Bad Habit" when a phone tossed from the crowd hits him square in the torso.

Steve was politely profane at first ... stopping the song to instruct the audience not to throw "sh** on his f****** stage" -- even with a please attached.

Then without warning, Steve asks for a fan in the front row's cell phone -- seemingly at random -- only to smash it on the stage, and then storm off.

The crowd was understandably confused and pissed ... as there was still plenty of show left, and some felt they didn't get their money's worth.

A fan in the stands hopped on TikTok following to show ... claiming Steve had grown fed up with the crowd for not really knowing his music, but blamed rowdy NOLA fans in general for typically ruining an artist's experience when they come to town.

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Steve still has several shows remaining on tour ... maybe those future fans will treat him better. 🤷🏽‍♂️