Tiffany Haddish Don't Get Turnt Up Before Work ... Miami Made Me Do It!!!

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MY BRAIN NEEDS A BREAK!

Tiffany Haddish has found several silver linings to bombing her NYE show in Miami -- most importantly ... she needs more sleep, and less South Beach.

Tiff was out Wednesday in L.A. when a photog asked her what went wrong. In a nutshell ... she's been burning it at both ends. She said, "I've slept in my bed a grand total of 28 days" for all of 2018. She added she now knows exactly what happens when your brain is fried.

That being said ... she admits going hard on the party scene didn't help either. As Tiff put it, "Miami is a really dope city, and I probably shouldn't turn up before work."

She also found out who her real friends are, and ran down the all-star list of comedians who reached to show love and support.

As for the haters -- Tiffany has a message for them too.

Shareef O'Neal Shows Off Gnarly Heart Surgery Scar ... '#Zipperboy'

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Shareef O'Neal just revealed his heart surgery scar for the first time Wednesday ... and he's already given himself a new nickname, "Zipperboy."

TMZ Sports broke the story ... Shareef needed a heart procedure done after UCLA doctors detected an abnormality during a routine check-up.

O'Neal went under the knife on Dec. 13 ... but came out of it just fine -- and when he finally got a look at the scar this week, he was able to joke about it.

"My first time seeing my scar ..... #zipperboy."

The operation doesn't seem like it was a laughing matter though ... the scar runs from the top of his chest to halfway down to his belly button!!!

The good news ... Shaq told us just several days ago his son's doing okay -- and could be back on the basketball court in just a few months.

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EVERYONE'S GOT AN OPINION

Shannon Sharpe Ethers Big Ben 'Finger Pointing, Terrible Leader'

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Shannon Sharpe just went scorched earth on Ben Roethlisberger ... saying the QB is a "terrible leader" who's the problem in Pittsburgh 'cause he's "a finger pointing, divisive, selfish player."

Of course, seems Big Ben would disagree ... 'cause the Steelers superstar said on a radio appearance this week that Le'Veon Bell deserves blame for Pitt's demise this season.

"It hurts you when you don’t have one of the better players in the game,” Roethlisberger said ... “but I think the biggest thing that hurts us was that it was a distraction."

Sharpe couldn't believe the QB went after the team's star running back ... so Sharpe blasted HIM for being the real problem in Pittsburgh.

"Big Ben is terrible leader. He’s a finger pointing, divisive, selfish player. Who constantly looks for someone to blame or throw under the bus for his shortcomings," Sharpe said on Twitter.

"Le’veon situation was the prob now. Le’veon wasn’t the reason 7-2-1, but the problem for missing playoffs. FOH"

Ben does own two Super Bowl rings and is destined for the Hall of Fame -- but Sharpe ain't alone in criticizing the QB's leadership.

Ben has taken heat from many recently -- especially after he seems to be one of the key reasons Antonio Brown is beefing with the team.

But -- doesn't seem Mike Tomlin's buying all that chatter ... 'cause the coach didn't mention Ben when he talked about how "disappointed" he was in A.B. at his press conference Tuesday.

Antonio Brown Calls Ryan Clark An 'Uncle Tom' ...Over Steelers Comments

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The Antonio Brown drama keeps raging on ... 'cause the Steelers WR just called his ex-teammate, Ryan Clark, an "Uncle Tom" after Clark ripped him on TV.

Clark -- an ex-Steelers DB who's now an ESPN NFL analyst -- tore into A.B. after reports surfaced that Brown was benched for blowing up on teammates during practice last week.

"This is where Mike Tomlin has to put his foot down and shop Antonio Brown," Clark said ... "You have to take that stand. You have to. Time for him to go."

Brown -- who played 4 seasons with Clark in Pittsburgh -- didn't take long to fire back, calling Clark an "Uncle Tom" in a comment on an ESPN NFL Instagram post about Clark's criticism.

It's the latest chapter in a drama that's already featured Brown getting benched, requesting trade AND not returning Ben Roethlisberger's phone calls and messages.

For his part ... Brown says a "big interview" with James Harrison is on the way -- so seems we'll get Antonio's side of the story shortly.

Stay tuned ...

Bob Einstein 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' Star Dead at 76

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4:15 PM -- HBO tells us they had scheduled Bob to part of season 10 of 'Curb,' but his health prevented it.

Larry David says, “Never have I seen an actor enjoy a role the way Bob did playing 'Marty Funkhouser' on 'Curb.' It was an amazing, unforgettable experience knowing and working with him. There was no one like him, as he told us again and again. We’re all in a state of shock.”

Bob Einstein, the Emmy-winning actor from "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and creator of Super Dave Osborne, died Wednesday from cancer.

Bob had recently been diagnosed, and he died at his home in Indian Wells, CA.

He famously played Larry David's pal, Marty Funkhouser, on 'Curb,' but he was a very successful comedy writer before that -- winning Emmy awards for being a writer on "The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour" back in the '70s and for producing Dick Van Dyke's "Van Dyke and Company."

Bob's character, Super Dave, pulled crazy stunts decades before "Jackass" even existed -- but he would always hilariously fail. Super Dave had his own show on Showtime in the late '80s and early '90s.

Bob didn't start out in showbiz -- standing 6'4", he played college hoops at Chapman University and then got into advertising. He was "discovered" in the comedy world by Tom Smothers who saw Bob on a local cable show.

His younger brother is actor and director Albert Brooks. Deadline first reported Bob's passing.

He was 76.

WWE's 'Mean' Gene Okerlund Dead at 76 Tributes Pour In

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10:45 AM PT -- We're told Okerlund passed away early Wednesday morning. Cause of death is still unclear. Working on it.

8:59 AM PT -- We just spoke with Diamond Dallas Page who praised Okerlund as one of the greatest people in the industry.

Page got emotional as he reflected on Okerlund's life and says he will be missed by all.

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BIG TIME LOSS FOR WWE

"Mean" Gene Okerlund -- the most famous announcer in the history of pro wrestling -- has died, WWE has confirmed. He was 76.

Vince McMahon's company issued a statement saying, "WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Gene Okerlund, the most recognizable interviewer in sports-entertainment history, has passed away at age 76."

Hulk Hogan also commented ... saying, "Mean Gene I love you my brother."

Unclear how he died, but Okerlund had health problems dating back years. He had 2 kidney transplants -- the first one in 1995 and the second in 2004.

Okerlund started as a radio DJ back in Nebraska before taking a job with the American Wrestling Association in 1970.

He moved to WWF in the early '80s and WRESTLED -- famously pinning Mr. Fuji in a tag team match with Hulk Hogan in 1984.

Okerlund was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006 by Hulk Hogan.

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LAST TIME WE SAW HIM ...

Among his many highlights, Okerlund sang the national anthem at Wrestlemania I back in 1985.

His interviews were legendary -- standing face to face with guys like Andre the Giant, Ultimate Warrior, Ricky Steamboat and others ... and getting the best out of these guys.

He was beloved in wrestling circles for decades. In fact, he served as the best man at The Iron Sheik's wedding!

As for his nickname, Jesse "The Body" Ventura is credited with the name "Mean" Gene.

The tributes from WWE stars are already pouring in ...

Ric Flair -- One Of My Closest Friends Since 1972 Until This Very Sad Day In 2019. Not Only The Greatest Voice And Personality In The History Of Announcing, But A Man Who Touched Everyone’s Life Who Were Fortunate Enough To Know Him. Rest In Peace Knowing No One Will Ever Replace You.

Seth Rollins -- Super bummed about Mean Gene. Literally JUST sat down last week to do an interview about his legacy. He was the most iconic backstage interviewer in wrestling history in my opinion. #RIPMeanGene

Charlotte Flair -- Goodbye, old friend. Thank you for the memories

Stephanie McMahon -- Gene Okerlund was an incredibly rare talent. He made everything and everyone better. #ThankYouMeanGene for all the incredible memories. Our condolences to his family and loved ones.

Ted DiBiase -- WWE universe has lost one of its greatest announcers and truly one of the nicest guys you’d ever know. “Mean” Gene Okerlund, RIP my friend

Stone Cold Steve Austin -- "Just heard Mean Gene Okerlund has passed away. As an interviewer, pitch man, announcer, or host, he was untouchable. Simply the best. Total professional with quick wit, sarcasm, humor, and that golden voice."

Triple H -- "A voice and sound track to an entire era of our industry. He was the star of some of @WWE’s most memorable segments. “Mean Gene” was beloved by all who got to work with him. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."

Big E -- "Mean Gene was the voice of millions of childhoods. Mine certainly. An honor to meet him. Condolences to his family."

Mustafa Ali -- "The voice of my youth. Condolences to his friends and family."

Ligero -- "Extremely sad news to hear of the unfortunate passing of Mean Gene Okerlund. One of the most iconic interviewers and personalities of my childhood, and one of the very best in the business."

Charles Robinson (famous WWE ref) -- "So sad to hear of the passing of one of the greatest voices in wrestling. Mean Gene you will be missed and we will continue to love you. What a true class act. I am very fortunate to work with you."

Bully Ray -- "RIP “Mean” Gene. Thanks for the memories and being a Gentleman. God Bless."

Kevin Owens -- Mean Gene was universally loved by everyone I’ve met that knew him.

Very few people can say that their work will forever be appreciated and remembered. Very few can legitimately claim to be legends in their field.

Those things can undoubtedly be said about him.

Matt Hardy -- RIP to an absolute legend of our industry, @TheGeneOkerlund. "Mean Gene" was incredible in many roles, as he wore many hats throughout his iconic career in pro wrestling. My thoughts are with his family & friends today.

Kurt Angle -- Very seldom does an interviewer become just as popular, and at times even more popular than the superstars he/she interviews. Gene Okerlund was that person. Im saddened to hear of Gene’s passing. It was an honor to know you Gene!

Michael Jordan Parties On $80 Million Yacht ... with Basketball Court!

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He shoots, he scores ... ON WATER!!!

Michael Jordan's 2019 is off to a GREAT start -- he's hanging out on an $80 MILLION super yacht off the coast of St. Barths ... and the ship has a basketball court onboard!!!

Seriously ... this thing's amazing.

Unclear if MJ is ponying up the $840,000 per week it costs to charter the 230-foot floating mansion -- but he's reportedly worth around $1 BILLION, so it's not like he can't afford it.

Either way, this ship is paradise on water -- with 8 cabins, a bar, dining room, full gym, deck Jacuzzi ... and, oh yeah, the basketball court!!

The yacht also boasts a state-of-the-art audiovisual system, satellite TV and fast WIFI ... so you can still check your Instagram from the middle of the ocean.

So yeah, it's still good to be Michael Jordan.

Floyd Mayweather Flaunts Winnings From Japan Fight ... Stacks Of Yen!!!

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Floyd Mayweather beat the hell outta Tenshin Nasukawa this week ... and he's already flaunting his earnings from the fight -- showing off stacks of Yen in his Rolls-Royce!!!

Floyd annihilated Tenshin in an exhibition boxing match in Japan on Monday -- with the scrap lasting just two minutes ... and Mayweather says he pocketed $9 MILLION from the bout.

So, yeah ... that's around a cool $68,000 per second!!!!!!!!

Didn't take long for TBE to show off the winnings ... 'cause in vids he posted Tuesday -- he bragged about his dope cars and then flashed the Yen he pocketed from the fight.

"Y'all guys tell me, should I take this truck out today? My G-Wagen? My Tonka toy? Or should I take my Rolls-Royce truck out today. Now, y'all gotta decide. Let me know."

The bills were 10,000 banknotes ... and Floyd had AT LEAST 14 stacks laid out on his driver's seat and center console.

Some have called the whole fight a farce ... dude was way bigger than the Rizin superstar -- and many have wondered if it was all fixed from the beginning.

But ... doesn't seem Floyd cares -- 'CAUSE DUDE GOT PAID!!!

Lonzo Ball Rips Ex-GF For 'Deadbeat Dad' Comment ... 'It's Really Not Funny'

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Lonzo Ball was pissed to be called a "deadbeat dad" by his ex-GF ... and when the Lakers star confronted her about the comment -- he told her, "It's really not funny."

Denise Garcia -- Zo's baby mama -- went on social media in October and was asked to "blink if Lonzo is a deadbeat dad" ... and she blinked with both eyes while laughing.

Cameras caught Lonzo confronting Denise over the post on the Ball family's Facebook reality TV show ... when he ripped into her for making the accusation.

"Came to see the deadbeat, huh?" Zo asked ... "That was fun for you? You had fun? You're laughing, but it's really not funny though."

Lonzo wasn't the only one pissed about the comments ... LaVar Ball was livid as well, saying, "How do you call somebody a deadbeat when you just had the baby?!"

In fact ... the Big Baller was caught on camera talking to his wife about her exercise program when he said, "Are you getting in shape for a reason? So, you can knock the hell outta Denise?!"

For her part ... Denise explained to Lonzo the whole thing was meant as a joke -- and she apologized to the L.A. star.

"I shouldn't have done it at all. I'm sorry. I didn't mean it."

Lonzo added, "Denise wants me to be more present during the weekends with her and Zoey, I see where she's obviously coming from ... I'm trying to make an effort to get there as much as possible."

Kanye West New Trump Rant to Ring in 2019

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1:14 PM PT -- If you were planning on attending any future Kanye concerts, be prepared to see that MAGA hat of his ... 'cause Ye says he'll be performing with it from now on.

Kanye West is making it quite clear to kick off the new year -- he's still on the Trump train heading into 2019.

Ye went on another Twitter rant Tuesday proclaiming his unwavering devotion to President Trump, saying ... "Trump all day." He continued by saying, "Just so in 2019 you know where I stand."

The political line of logic continued with Kanye saying, "They will not program me," and adding, "Blacks are 90% Democrats That sounds like control to me."

He followed up by saying, "Love everyone," and "We will change the world. God is on my side. I am a Christian. I am a tax payer. I am myself. God is with us." It should be noted ... Kanye is currently retweeting love and support being sent to him at an alarmingly rapid pace.

The new tweets follow his latest attack against Drake for following Kim Kardashian on Instagram last year. It also appears to be the first direct mention of politics ever since Kanye announced he'd be putting a pause on political talk and focusing on being creative.

Speaking of Drizzy, Kanye addressed his ongoing feud with the guy, saying "I love Drake 2019 we will all heal."

BTW -- Kanye also seems to be teasing a presidential run for 2024.

New year ... same Ye.

Jamal Adams Jets O-Line Steals Darnold's Wheels ... Your Xmas Gifts Sucked!!

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Sam Darnold learned a brutal rookie lesson Friday -- if you don't take care of your offensive lineman ... YOU GET YOUR WHEELS JACKED!!!!

At least, that's according to Jamal Adams ... who says the Jets QB's Christmas gifts to his O-Linemen were so trash -- the big fellas literally ripped the front wheels straight off his whip!!

"Damn, Sam! Damn, Sam I Am!!! They got your ass, rook!!!!," Adams says.

There was some initial confusion with Adams as to why the Toyota assault took place ... with Jamal thinking Darnold had completely forgotten to get gifts for the guys who protect his life.

Turns out ... Sam DID get them presents -- they just sucked.

"He did get 'em gifts. He did. He did. They just didn't like 'em!!!"

Worst part of the whole situation? It's pouring in NY ... so, Sam's gotta deal with that mess in the rain on a Friday.

Consider that lesson learned.

Model Sophia Thomalla Ditches Gavin Rossdale ... For Hot Kisses With Soccer Star

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Gavin Rossdale's loss is clearly Loris Karius' gain ... 'cause the star goalkeeper had no problems being Sophia Thomalla's rebound in Miami on Friday!!!

The German model -- sporting a tiny green bikini and a pair of Daisy Dukes -- paraded around South Beach with the soccer superstar ... leaning in for kisses and cuddles.

It's interesting ... 'cause Thomalla and Rossdale were just seen out together in Los Angeles a few weeks ago -- but looks like the smokin' hot model is moving on.

As for Karius -- he's been known for dating PLENTY of attractive women -- and doesn't seem to mind one bit that Sophia's so fresh off a breakup.

BTW ... this ain't anything new for Rossdale -- Gwen Stefani got with Blake Shelton shortly after officially breaking everything off with him.

Which begs the question -- is it REALLY better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all???

Iggy Azalea Scary Concert Scene ... Backup Dancer Suffers Seizure

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12/28 6:05 AM PT -- It appears Iggy's been taking tons of heat for continuing to sing in the midst of her backup dancer having a seizure, saying, "It feels like ANY thing I do becomes an opportunity for people to tell me why I'm s***, why my music sucks, my clothes are ugly, why I don't matter or why I'm a horrible person. I'm worn down." She goes on to say, "Everyone is just trying to make it through their day. Could we be a little kinder to each other? Seeing how much people enjoy being awful to one another is depressing."

Iggy Azalea's concert in Brazil came to a grinding halt after one of her backup dancers collapsed in the middle of a song after suffering a seizure.

The scary scene unfolded Thursday during Iggy's performance at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. You see a backup dancer collapse onstage and her body shaking uncontrollably. Iggy calls for a medic, then starts singing "Black Widow" before the music stops and an eerie silence falls over the stadium.

Medics actually drove an ambulance onstage to take the woman away. Then it was back to business for Iggy.

It sounds like the backup dancer will be okay ... Iggy addressed the incident on social media, saying the lights and heat in the venue triggered the seizure, and the woman's feeling much better now. Iggy says she kept singing because she thought the dancer just fell down or twisted an ankle.

Originally Published -- 4:03 PM PT

Dana White Moving UFC 232 To L.A. Cost $6 Million!

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2:45 PM PT -- Dana White says the decision to move UFC 232 from Las Vegas to Los Angeles cost roughly $6 million.

White says he did NOT want to cancel the fight and worked to find a venue where it could happen when problems arose in Nevada.

White says once they found out The Forum in L.A. was available, they booked it and the rest is history.

Alexander Gustafsson just went off on Jon Jones to his face -- saying the guy is a "terrible" cheater who's spewing "bullsh*t" about his positive PED test.

The two exchanged shots at the UFC 232 press conference -- Gustafsson says he's convinced Jones is a cheater, but didn't want to back out of the Dec. 29 fight because he wants to beat the guy's ass.

"I'm here to fight," Gustafsson said ... "He will eat it Saturday night."

UFC 232 was supposed to go down in Las Vegas -- but was moved to L.A. after Jones tested positive for Turinabol, an anabolic steroid.

Jones has insisted he only had trace amounts of the PED in his system -- remnants of the last time he tested positive. He's adamant the Turinabol in his system is not new.

The UFC -- along with the California State Athletic Commission and other officials -- believe Jones, which is why the fight was greenlit in CA.

During the event, Jones doubled down on his claim that he's not a cheater and will eventually be vindicated by tested organizations.

Jones says it's "hilarious" that people think PEDs are the reason for his success.

Originally Published -- 1:55 PM PT

Stefon Diggs Mom Gets Car, Brothers Get Diamonds ... Best Xmas Ever!!!

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Stefon Diggs won Son of the Year AND Brother of the Year awards in just a couple hours on Christmas ... 'cause the WR got his mom a new car and his bros diamond chains!!!

The Vikings superstar started his Santa impression Tuesday with a Mercedes ... delivering it to his mom on the holiday in a fashion she'll never forget.

"You get 1 mom... here’s something for the lady that put up with all my craziness. Merry Christmas everyone," Diggs wrote.

But, his bag of toys didn't end there ... the dude also had diamond shovels (get it, Diggs??) made by Al the Jeweler for his brothers!!!

It's a huge Christmas haul for the Diggs fam ... but don't worry -- we got a feeling this is a trend that'll continue for years -- Stefon just signed a 5-year, $72-MILLION deal!!

Yeah, Merry Christmas for sure!!!

Antonio Brown Rallies Steelers Fans WE GOTTA ROOT FOR THE BROWNS!

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The Pittsburgh Steelers' season rests on the Cleveland Browns beating the Ravens this weekend ... which is why Antonio Brown just became the new LEADER OF THE DAWG POUND, BABY!!!

Yeah, they're divisional rivals ... but forget all that, AB knows he needs Baker Mayfield and company to shut down Terrell Suggs or they can kiss the playoffs g'bye!

So, Antonio decided to make some slight tweaks to his Steelers jersey to show his commitment -- changing the name on the back from "Brown" to "BROWNS."

The WR posted pics of his gear on social media with the caption, "Who else has their #84 browns jersey ready for this weekend?"

Of course ... even if Cleveland takes care of business in Baltimore -- the Steelers still gotta beat the Bengals to get to the playoff party.

Sounds pretty easy ... but Pitt has lost 4 of its last 5 games -- so anything can go down Sunday.

Getchya popcorn ready!!!