Diego Maradona Soccer Legend Dead at 60 Pope Francis Offers Prayers for Soccer Legend

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1:44 PM PT -- The Pope is paying tribute to Diego Maradona in the best way he can -- praying for the guy.

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As you may know, Pope Francis is from Argentina -- same as Maradona.

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A Vatican spokesperson says when Pope Francis learned of the soccer star's death, he reflected "fondly to the times they met in these years and remembers him in prayer."

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The spokesperson also noted Pope Francis had been praying for Maradona recently after learning of his medical issues.

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Additionally, the President of Argentina has reportedly declared 3 days of mourning for Maradona.

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9:33 AM PT -- TMZ Sports talked to U.S. soccer legend Alexi Lalas ... about the passing of Diego Maradona.

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ALWAYS REMEMBERED
TMZSports.com
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The sports world is reacting to the news ... with soccer legend Pele paying tribute to his friend.

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"What sad news," Pele said Wednesday. "I lost a great friend and the world lost a legend. There is still much to be said, but for now, may God give strength to family members. One day, I hope we can play ball together in the sky."

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Olympics superstar Usain Bolt also shared his condolences ... posting a pic with Diego on his Twitter.

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Cristiano Ronaldo posted a heartfelt farewell ... calling Maradona a friend, genius, magician and "one of the best ever."

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"Today I say goodbye to a friend and the world says goodbye to an eternal genius."

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"He leaves too soon, but leaves a legacy without limits and a void that will never be filled. Rest in peace, ace. You will never be forgotten."

Diego Maradona -- widely considered one of the greatest soccer players of all time -- has died at his home in Argentina, according to his reps.

He was 60.

Maradona, who was still recovering after emergency brain surgery earlier this month, reportedly suffered a heart attack at his home Wednesday morning and was not able to pull through ... according to Argentinian news outlet Clarin.

His death was confirmed by Maradona's longtime lawyer and agent Matias Morla.

Back in the day, Maradona was considered one of the best soccer players in the world -- leading Argentina to a World Cup in 1986.

In fact, his "Hand of God" goal against England during the '86 World Cup is one of the most famous moments in soccer history.

Maradona was tracking down a ball and slyly used his hand to punch it over the goalkeeper into the net -- while pretending his hand never actually touched it. His acting job worked and the goal counted!

After his playing career, he struggled with drug addiction, alcohol abuse and health issues -- and had been hospitalized multiple times.

But, he was still widely loved in his home country -- and the fans came out in force to show love just a few weeks ago when he was being transported to the hospital for brain surgery.

As we previously reported, doctors discovered a blood clot on Maradona's brain that required emergency treatment ... and he went under the knife on Nov. 3.

In the days that followed, Maradona's doctor said the outlook was good and he expected the star to make a successful recovery.

But, something went terribly wrong on Wednesday ... and now the world is mourning Maradona's death.

RIP.

Alex Trebek Overlooked by Grammys ... Simon & Schuster Appealing

Alex Trebek was mysteriously dissed by the Grammys, because they declined to give him a nomination for his memoir, despite the publisher submitting his name for consideration.

Alex's book -- "The Answer is ... Reflections on My Life" -- was actually nominated in the category of Best Spoken Word Album. The publisher, Simon & Schuster, submitted Alex and Ken Jennings for the award -- they each voiced the book, but Alex was overlooked. Only Ken got a nom.

Ken Jennings even said, "This should 100% be Alex's Grammy nomination. He wrote the book and reads much of the audio book! Who do I speak to about this?"

Sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ, Simon & Schuster do not understand why Alex was not nominated and they are contacting the Grammys for answers.

TMZ broke the story ... Alex died November 8 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

White House Gift Shop Out With the Old, In With the New ... Whether Trump Concedes or Not!!!

President Trump still hasn't conceded, but The White House Gift Shop can certainly read the writing on the wall ... it's slashing prices to unload some Trump merch.

The gift shop website is now offering several Trump-centric products at a discount -- some up to 50 percent. Most of the items can be found in the "Our Featured Products" section.

Here's a list of what's on sale ...

The President Trump American Flag Pin, regular price $24.95, is now $15.95. The pin has "45th President of The United States, Donald J. Trump" engraved on the backside.

2018 ornaments -- just in time for Christmas -- are half off. One package which is normally $350 is now available at $175, and a smaller package normally $100 is on sale for $50. In both cases, the ornaments are engraved with "New leadership, new era, new generation, new hope" on the front, and "North Korea peace talks in Singapore,” "Dow at highest levels in U.S. history" and other accomplishments on the back.

And, of course -- Trump's red hats. Both the "Keep America Great" and "Make America Great Again" styles are marked down to $34.95 from $37.95.

Meanwhile, the WH shop is also promoting the pre-order of Inauguration Coins featuring the 46th President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

The coin is priced at $100, and it says it will ship on Jan. 1 in advance of the Inauguration on Jan. 20.

So, there you have it -- whether Trump concedes or not, the gift shop has spoken.

Chris Evans Yes, I'm the Piano Man Now!!! Hemsworth Can't Do This

PIANO PRODIGY

Try not to eat your heart out after watching Chris Evans play the piano ... dude has skills that just might push him to the top of the Hollywood Chrises list.

Captain America spent his Tuesday night learning one of his favorite songs by Italian composer and pianist Fabrizio Paterlini. You can tell the joy the graceful mood piece brought Chris as he mastered the song.

And leave it to Chris to keep it patriotic even while getting down on an Italian song ... he was rocking a NASA cap. Repping for science and classical piano at the same time ... pretty badass.

You can almost see what he's thinking -- what ya got, sirs Hemsworth, Pratt and Pine???

Seriously, is there anything Chris can't do?! Dude even turned a penis pic flub into a masterful campaign to get out the vote!!!

Kanye West to Chris Brown Yo, You're Awesome ... Here's a YEEZY truck, go off-roading!!!

YE MADE MY DAY

Chris Brown is the proud new owner of a massive tank-like vehicle that could probably survive an apocalypse -- and it's all thanks to a generous Kanye West.

Sources tell us Ye had a special delivery for CB Tuesday ... sending over his manager, Bu Thiam, and other personnel to drop off a YEEZY Truck at Chris' Tarzana home. The gift made a grand entrance as it rolled through Chris' gates.

We're told there was no other reason for the gift other than Kanye wanting to honor Chris' career and talent while he was still here -- so he penned a hand-written letter to that effect, saying ... "Congratulations to Chris brown, 20 years in the game you have overcome many hurdles and obstacles, you deserve the recognition for all the hard work you have put in." Kanye himself wasn't there for the handoff.

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Chris seemed pretty stoked about the gesture -- he thanked Ye on camera, and then later posed with the YEEZY Truck on his driveway.

Now, for the record ... this beast of a machine you're seeing here is actually a SHERP ATV. Kanye's been using a lot of them at his properties lately and seems to have piggybacked on Teslas' Cybertruck hype with a nickname of his own.

These things are used for extreme travel -- it can maneuver through mud, ice, snow, mountainous terrain ... you name it. A new one can retail anywhere in the ballpark of $120k too -- so they don't come cheap at all.

We know Chris has enjoyed himself some ATV time out around those parts before -- so hopefully he can put this thing to good use.

Meghan Markle Reveals Miscarriage and Heartbreak

Meghan Markle shared her grief Wednesday, going public about suffering a miscarriage back in July ... and it all relates back to a reporter asking her a question long ago, "Are you okay?"

Markle wrote an op-ed piece for the NYT, revealing on a July morning she was tending to baby Archie ... "After changing his diaper, I felt a sharp cramp. I dropped to the floor with him in my arms, humming a lullaby to keep us both calm, the cheerful tune a stark contrast to my sense that something was not right."

Meghan's fears were realized ... "I knew, as I clutched my firstborn child, I was losing my second."

She then describes the heartbreak ... "Hours later, I lay in a hospital bed, holding my husband's hand. I felt the clamminess of his palm and kissed his knuckles, wet from both our tears."

Meghan confessed, "I tried to imagine how we'd heal" ... and then, months later, she remembered that reporter's simple question, "Are you okay?" She recalled how her answer resonated with people ... that she was NOT okay, and it was liberating to honestly explain.

She says she wanted to share her heartbreak ... "Losing a child means carrying an almost unbearable grief, experienced by many but talked about by few. In the pain of our loss, my husband and I discovered that in a room of 100 women, 10 to 20 of them will have suffered from miscarriage. Yet despite the staggering commonality of this pain, the conversation remains taboo, riddled with (unwarranted) shame, and perpetuating a cycle of solitary mourning."

Meghan goes on to talk about 2020 and its horrors -- coronavirus, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, a country ripped apart by strife, and on and on.

Her revelation comes on the heels of Chrissy Teigen and John Legend going public with their heartbreak ... they talked openly about their loss so others in a similar situation wouldn't feel alone.

Barack Obama Sure, Drake Could Play Me on Film ... My Daughters Approve!!!

Barack Obama has finally given Drake his blessing to portray him in a biopic -- something the kid has openly tried wishing into existence.

The former President was asked about Drake's comments from 2010 ... when he said it was actually a professional goal of his to play BO in a movie, noting he was sure he could do it.

At the time, Drake said he watched all of Obama's national addresses and studied his speaking inflection ... gloating about his impression game.

Welp, Drizzy might wanna start practicing that Obama voice again -- 'cause Barack officially gave his stamp of approval during a sit down with Complex News. He told Speedy Morman that Drake seemed capable of doing anything, and that if he's ready ... why not?!?

He also says his household would approve. Apparently, Sasha and Malia love them some Champagne Papi. Good card to play for Drake's future elevator pitch. BTW, Barack says he's seen clips of flicks that have taken a stab at telling the Obama story ... adding some have done it better than others.

As for Drake, you might recall ... Dude's got a background in acting. He actually started his entertainment career with a role on 'Degrassi.' Sure, the leap from that to playing Obama seems like a giant one, but who's to say it can't be done? Certainly not Obama himself.

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Drake's certainly telegraphed his desire to do so over the years ... sometimes not so discreetly either. Looks like the planets are lining up for it to happen. As Obama put it, "That is a talented brother."

The Weeknd Grammys Says Nothing's Corrupt ... Super Bowl Had No Effect on Noms

The Weeknd's Grammys snub had nothing to do with him playing the Super Bowl ... at least according to the Recording Academy Chief.

Harvey Mason Jr. -- interim President and CEO of the Academy -- says, "We understand that The Weeknd is disappointed at not being nominated. I was surprised and can empathize with what he’s feeling. His music this year was excellent."

He adds, the Grammys had no issue with him performing at the Super Bowl and would have loved to have him also perform for the awards show. TMZ broke the story ... negotiations for The Weeknd's Grammy performance got nasty, and our sources say he was issued an ultimatum -- play for us or the Super Bowl.

As for Weeknd receiving zero nominations -- Mason claims there was nothing nefarious to it. He says, "To be clear, voting in all categories ended well before The Weeknd’s performance at the Super Bowl was announced, so in no way could it have affected the nomination process."

As we reported ... it was revealed The Weeknd would be doing the SB Halftime Show on Nov. 12. The Grammys point out its voting deadline for noms was in October. Mason is adamant nobody was upset about the prospect of the singer performing at both events ... because the Grammys happens first.

Mason also says he's "saddened" over The Weeknd and his team saying "The Grammys remain corrupt." He says ... "I try to empathize with where that came from, but it was difficult to hear."

Despite the apparent damage control, it appears this controversy's not going away anytime soon. The Weeknd's manager, Sal Slaiby, also slammed "corrupt leaders" at the Grammys and demanded transparency.

Scooter Braun piled on, tweeting that Sal and The Weeknd deserved to be nominated and deserved better.

Coronavirus Travel Bookings Back On the Rise ... It's a Vaccine Boost!!!

The COVID-19 vaccines are already injecting renewed confidence into the decimated travel industry -- travelers are taking the news as a green light to pack their bags.

Although most of us won't have access to one of 3 potential vaccines until next spring, Cruise Brothers -- one of the largest family-owned cruise travel agencies in the country -- tells TMZ, it saw a 60 percent spike in new itineraries compared to election week ... when bookings were few and far between.

The big change between then and now, of course, is Pfizer, Moderna and Oxford-AstraZeneca all announced highly-effective vaccines are going to the FDA for approval.

That's enough to get folks thinking summer vacations -- but they're still steering clear of current COVID hotspots. We're told Alaska is the most popular destination getting booked now, while the least popular is Europe.

Antarctica, the only continent untouched by COVID-19, is attracting luxury travelers ... Cruise Brothers says trips there are up 100 percent compared to what was on the books before the pandemic.

They do expect people to start booking more traditional European getaways though ... once the current COVID surge there dies down.

TripAdvisor says 65 percent of consumers are already thinking about traveling. So, once vaccines are widely available, it's looking like the travel industry will be inundated with bookings.

Hallelujah!

Tommy Lasorda Condition Improving ... But Still In Hospital

Tommy Lasorda's recovery is moving in the right direction -- he's now taking phone calls in his hospital room from friends and former players!

The 93-year-old is still being treated at a hospital in Orange County, CA -- where he was admitted roughly 2 weeks ago.

We broke the story, Lasorda was initially admitted due to heart issues ... but things took a turn for the worse while he was there, and he needed to be put on a ventilator. We're told the issues were NOT coronavirus related.

At the time, sources close to the situation told us Lasorda's long-term prognosis was not clear ... given his age and medical issues.

But now, a great update courtesy of Dodgers spokesperson Steve Brener who told the AP things are looking up!

Brener says Tommy is taking "online calls" from former players and coaches -- which is great because Lasorda is widely known as a social butterfly who loves choppin' it up with people!

Hopefully, he'll continue to make progress and get home soon!

Lasorda is widely known as one of the greatest MLB managers EVER -- the dude won 1,599 games in 21 years as the Dodgers' honcho ... and earned Manager Of The Year honors twice.

Lasorda -- a 2-time World Series champ -- was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997.

'Kissing Booth' Star Joey King Sued Over Car Wreck ... You Busted My Car and My Shoulder!!!

Actress Joey King crashed into another car and is taking ZERO responsibility ... so claims a man now suing her.

Parviz Mohammady is suing the 'Kissing Booth' star, claiming he was driving in the L.A. area back on February 13 when Joey merged into his lane and collided with his car. According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Parviz sustained damage to the right side of his car and suffered injuries from the crash.

Parviz's attorney, Kamelia Jalilvand, tells TMZ ... Parviz was driving northbound when Joey -- who also earned critical acclaim for her role in the Hulu crime series "The Act" -- pulled out of a metered parking spot and plowed into Parviz's car. You can see the damages Joey's car suffered on the driver's side.

Kamelia tells us her client suffered a tear in his shoulder ... and says a preexisting condition made the shoulder injury even worse, requiring surgery. We're told after the collision, Parviz and Joey exchanged insurance info. No cops were called but Kamelia claims he still hasn't gotten compensated for the damage ... so now he's going after Joey in court.

Kamelia says, "Due to the collision, Mr. Mohammady sustained significant injuries, which necessitated surgical intervention. We hope that through the lawsuit, Ms. King will accept responsibility and compensate our client for his damages."

Parviz is suing for unspecified damages. We've reached out to Joey, so far no word back.

'I LOVE NEW YORK' STAR Chance Was Too Busy For Reunion ... Happy For Her Engagement

Kamal "Chance" Givens is taking a page from Michael Corleone in explaining why he was MIA from a reunion show with Tiffany "New York" Pollard ... it's not personal, it's strictly business.

Here's the deal ... Tiffany ripped Chance for blowing off "I Love New York Reunited" this week, saying it felt like he "s*** on the whole reunion show." Some of her former suitors questioned Chance's manhood and called him a coward.

But, Chance's camp says he was simply too busy to make time for the reunion because he's got his hands full with his own dating show, "One Mo' Chance," and a new movie role.

CHANCE THE COWARD
VH1

Fact is ... Chance doesn't really need Tiffany to be famous anymore, unlike some of the guys taking shots at him for not showing up.

Chance isn't sinking to their level either ... his reps say he's wishing Tiffany the best on her recent engagement. He's happy Tiffany finally found her match, and they will stay friends for life.

We're told Tiffany and Chance haven't spoken since the reunion and Chance understands why she's pissed. Chance also appeared on the OG show with his brother, who died 5 years ago, and we're told he did not want to go down that emotional rollercoaster reliving that time and loss of his brother.

Yeah, Tiffany might want to give Chance a pass on this one.

Lavar Ball 1-On-1 With Jordan Ain't Happening ... We Over 50!!!

IT'S GONNA COST!!!
TMZSports.com

Terrible news for hoops fans hoping to see Michael Jordan and LaVar Ball face off on the court ... the Big Baller is calling off a 1-on-1 game, saying they're just too old!!

It was a rare moment of humility from LaVar, who has been hyping up a mano-a-mano matchup with the GOAT for years.

But, at the Ball fam's turkey giveaway in South Central L.A. on Tuesday, LaVar told us straight-up -- it's not happening.

"Realistically, neither one of us is gonna do this," LaVar told TMZ Sports. "We over 50!"

Don't get it twisted -- LaVar joked both guys would be down if it came with a crazy price tag of $200 MILLION and at a crazy location like the Empire State Building ... but in reality, the only one getting the W is father time.

As we previously reported ... LaVar's son, LaMelo was just drafted by MJ's Charlotte Hornets -- which is why people thought the two could actually step on the court together.

NOT HAPPENIN'
Hornets

But, now that LaVar's pulled off the game, we asked if he's chopped it up with his son's new boss and maybe smoked a cigar or 50 together.

By the way ... MJ will def consider this video a victory -- he's an insane competitor and would never say he's too old for anything.

There's more ... we also spoke with LaVar about the Balls unloading a semi-truck-worth of supplies for the Thanksgiving holiday ... and why it's so important for the family to give back to the community.

HERE TO HELP
TMZSports.com

Greg in 'Scary Movie' 'Memba Him?!

Canadian actor Lochlyn Munro was in his thirties when he gained fame after landing the role of the hilarious jock Greg -- whose not-so-nice nude pics embarrass him before he gets slashed at the beauty pageant -- in the super-funny horror spoof "Scary Movie."

Lochlyn Munro shared the screen with an awesome cast of young artists including Regina Hall as the talkative Brenda Meeks, a few Wayans Brothers ... and of course Anna Faris as the hysterical hottie, Cindy Campbell.

Munro is still a hard-working actor and can be spotted on big projects including "Riverdale" and the 2019 war flick "Recon."

Guess what he looks like now in his 50s.

The Weeknd Got Grammy Ultimatum: Us or Super Bowl ... Prior to Nomination Snub

UPDATE

4:38 PM PT -- The Weeknd remains extra testy with the Grammys ... he just ripped the process on social media, calling it "corrupt."

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UPDATE

Abel says Grammys brass owe him, his fans and the music industry "transparency."

The Weeknd was faced with a tough choice -- perform the Grammys or the Super Bowl -- but hammering out a deal to do both could've cost him Grammy nominations.

Sources familiar with the situation tell us The Weeknd's team was in talks for weeks with Grammy brass, who issued the ultimatum -- us or Super Bowl LV. We're told both sides eventually came to an agreement where Abel could do both, but not without negotiations getting very testy.

Our sources say there's growing suspicion Abel's decision to perform at this year's Super Bowl cost him Grammy noms because the bitter back-and-forth talks pissed off Grammy honchos.

It's unclear why the Grammys would play such hardball in trying to exclusively book him for their airwaves. It might be fear of duplicate performances, as CBS is airing the award show AND the game one week apart in February. Still, our sources tell us Abel and co. feel the dispute might have something to do with his exclusion.

Abel wasn't the only one who fans felt got cheated this year, voicing outrage Pop Smoke, Roddy Rich and Lil Baby -- all Black hip-hop artists -- didn't receive more nominations.

If The Weeknd does decide to stick to the deal and perform at both events -- it would be a huge achievement for any artist.

Originally Published -- 3:53 PM PT

Lori Loughlin Pays Off $150k Fine in Bribery Scandal Mossimo Pays Up, Too

Lori Loughlin and her hubby remain behind bars serving out their sentences in the college admissions bribery scandal but at least they've checked one thing off their to-do list ... paying their fines.

According to legal docs obtained by TMZ ... Lori satisfied the $150k fine she was obligated to pay as part of the plea deal she struck back in October. Mossimo also ponied up for the $250k fine levied on him when he pled guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud and 1 count of honest services wire and mail fraud.

As we reported ... Lori was sentenced to 2 months in prison after agreeing to plead guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud. She also was sentenced to 100 hours of community service and 2 years of supervised release. She started serving her sentence last month.

Mossimo got 5 months behind bars, 250 hours of community service and 2 years of supervised release. He started serving his sentence -- with a new look -- last week.

Old news is old news!
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