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Papa John's is hoping Shaquille O'Neal can do the same thing he did for the Lakers ... return them to prominence ... by adding the Big Man on as a member of their Board Of Directors.

Shaq announced the move moments ago on his Instagram with a statement talking about his future with the company, and his enthusiasm for their pies.

"I am so excited to be joining the Papa John’s family as a member of the Board of Directors, a soon-to-be investor in nine Papa John’s franchises in Atlanta and an ambassador for the brand."

This is HUGE news for Papa John's ... the company has been embroiled in controversy ever since founder John Schnatter stepped down after he admitted to using the n-word during a conference call with executives last May.

Since then, the company has been hit with boycotts by some members of the Black community, leading to declining sales 5 quarters in a row according to CNN business.

Shaq is a beloved figure in the community, and you have to believe PJ's is hoping adding him will get them back on the good side of those who think the company is racist.

"I know that behind every large company, there are thousands of people that put their heart and soul into the business. Papa John’s is no different, and it struck a chord with me that the company is putting in the work to do better within its walls and in the communities it serves across the country."

BTW -- this deal also comes with 9 franchises for Shaq in the Atlanta area ... and that means free pizza ... pace yourself, big guy.

What does Ron Burgundy love more than scotch?? HOCKEY!! ... and it turns out Will Ferrell's classic 'Anchorman' character is a damn good color commentator for the L.A. Kings!!

The legendary news anchor made a special appearance at the Kings vs. San Jose Sharks game on Thursday ... and, of course, we're in a glass case of emotion over it.

The highlights range from shading the Sharks for never winning the Stanley Cup to chugging Molson beers before the game. It's all hilarious.

Here are the highlights ...

"I once saw Jeff Carter with his shirt off in the locker room ... he's got the goods."

"Cleared by the Kings! Take that, San Jose!! Zero Stanley Cups. ZERO Stanley Cups for the San Jose Sharks!!"

"Shot on goal, he scores!! Put that baby to bed without a diaper."

Bonus -- Burgundy and a burrito had a steamin' hot makeout sesh on the kiss cam. Seriously, just watch the vid and laugh your ass off.

Burgundy ended up being a good luck charm for the Kings ... they beat the Sharks 4-2.

Cam Newton says giving up sex will make him a better QB ... so the Carolina Panthers superstar is done with it!!!

For real!!!

Newton went on "The Late Late Show With James Corden" and -- in the process of explaining why he's going vegan -- he dropped a bomb saying he's done banging!!

"I hope this is an adult crowd, it looks like it is," Newton says ... "No climax."

So, why?!?!

Cam says it's all part of a master plan to have a bounce-back season after a disappointing 2018.

The QB tells Corden he's taking on a different challenge every month -- it started with no gambling in January, no meat in February and now no sex OR WiFi in March -- in order to be mentally tougher.

"It makes my mind stronger," Cam explains ... "I feel like if I go back and I say I did those things, I'm mentally stronger."

The good news for Newton (and his GF)? He says the no-sex rule plan -- for now -- is only in place for one more week.

Cesar Sayoc -- the domestic terrorist who pledged allegiance to President Trump and mailed pipe bombs to former President Obama, CNN and others -- is pleading guilty to a whopping 65 felonies.

The U.S. Attorney's Office announced Sayoc's plea Thursday in a Manhattan federal court. The felonies include mailing 16 counts of using a weapon of mass destruction for mailing the improvised explosive devices in the October domestic terrorist attack.

Sayoc also pled guilty to multiple counts of interstate transportation of an explosive, illegal mailing of explosives with intent to kill or injure another and carrying an explosive during the commission of a felony.

Punishment for the WMD charges can be up to life in prison. He'll be sentenced in September.

As we reported ... Sayoc was arrested in Plantation, FL after law enforcement swarmed a van covered in pro-Trump stickers. Sayoc set off panic across the nation after a rash of explosive packages arrived at the homes of prominent Democrats ... first at the home of liberal philanthropist George Soros.

Cops also intercepted packages intended for Bill and Hillary Clinton and then the Obamas.

9:21 AM PT -- The International Skating Union says it has investigated the allegations ... and found "no evidence" Mariah Bell intentionally attacked Lim Eun-soo.

"The incident was verbally reported to the ISU by the Korean Team Leader however no formal complaint has been received," The ISU said in a statement.

"Based on the evidence at hand at this point in time, which includes a video, there is no evidence that Ms. Bell intended any harm to Ms. Lim."

"The ISU met with delegates from both USA and Korea and urged both parties to find an amicable solution. The ISU maintains that this remains the appropriate approach."

A 16-year-old female Korean figure skater is calling for an investigation -- claiming her 22-year-old American rival intentionally SLASHED her with her skate during warm-ups at a major event.

Reps for Lim Eun-soo claim the 16-year-old was at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships in Japan on Wednesday ... when Mariah Bell came crashing into her from behind, leading with her skate.

Eun-soo's agent described the incident this way to Agence France-Presse:

"Lim was slowly skating on the edge of the rink after completing her turn. Mariah Bell, who was scheduled to rehearse after Lim, suddenly kicked and stabbed Lim’s calf with her skate blades."

"Mariah Bell didn’t apologize to Lim Eun-soo after the incident and instead continued to rehearse for her routine."

Eun-soo reportedly suffered a gash on her calf which required medical attention. She was able to treat the wound and still compete ... ultimately finishing in 5th place, one spot AHEAD of Bell.

Lim Eun-soo's agent told the French media they have already gone to the Korea Skating Union and asked for a formal investigation.

Eun-soo's agent also says the two skaters have been training in Los Angeles together -- and they claim Bell has been "bullying" their client for months.

So far, no comment from Bell.

Well, this ain't what you wanna see if you're a Patriots fan ... Tom Brady bombing his way down a mountain on skis!!!

The 41-year-old QB is out in Montana with his family for their annual ski trip -- and decided to take a run down a pretty large mountain.

"A little downhill this morning," Brady posted along with the video ... "now we just need to find the jump."

It appears Brady is the skier in the blue jacket based on his size -- either way, everyone on the hill is going pretty damn fast.

So, how are Pats fans reacting? Just as you'd expect ... CONCERN!!!

"Hey. Stop," one fan wrote on Instagram. Here are some other comments ...

-- "Please slow down. Stay inside" -- @hbennett3223

-- "Wtf are you doing man?!?! Be safe man" -- @cpeters1993

-- "I'm sweating watching this" -- @j_delano

-- "Killin it Tom just dont break anything especially those fingers gonna needem for another ring" -- @jasont1287

-- "Tom, my heart is beating faster then ever before. Be safe" -- @tomfckinbrady12

Carolina Panthers lineman Taylor Hearn is breaking his silence on his Georgia street fight captured on video -- saying he takes "full responsibility" and will use the incident as a learning experience.

"‘Dear Panther Nation: I would like to offer my deepest apologies to the Panthers organization, my teammates and coaches, the fans and the league," Hearn said in a statement.

"I take full responsibility for my actions. There is no excuse for my behavior, and I will learn from my mistakes.''

TMZ Sports broke the story ... Hearn got into an altercation with several men on March 14 outside of a bar in Augusta, Georgia -- and was ultimately knocked out by a much smaller man.

Hearn -- a 6'4", 315-pound guard -- had been shoving people in the street and acting like a jerk after being kicked out of the bar earlier that evening.

Earlier this week, Panthers quarterback Cam Newton told us the situation was "unfortunate" -- but he hadn't spoken with Hearn at that point.

23-year-old Hearn signed with the Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 2018 after playing his college ball at Clemson.

During his college career, Hearn won a national championship while protecting Deshaun Watson.

Who likes watching mediocre college basketball?? Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan!!!!

Judge Kagan was front and center at McDonough Arena at Georgetown University on Wednesday to watch her alma mater Harvard take on the Hoyas in the NIT basketball tournament.

Kagan's Crimson were the underdogs going into the game with a #6 seed -- facing a #3 seed in Georgetown, which also happens to feature college basketball star Mac McClung.

Oh, and the head coach at Georgetown is NBA legend Patrick Ewing. G.U. was a 6.5 point favorite going into the game.

So, why would Kagan choose a game where her team was facing almost certain destruction?

Because Harvard WON -- shocking the world to overcome the Hoyas in a 71-68 victory!! Maybe it was Kagan's Crimson blazer that inspired the team!

Harvard now moves on to face North Carolina State in the next round of the NIT tournament on Sunday in Raleigh.

The problem for Harvard now ... NC State is really good and JUST missed out on making the NCAA tournament, which people actually care about.

Sansa Stark went FULL TYRION at the Rangers game on Tuesday -- grabbing a glass of wine and SLAMMING IT ... just because she was on the Jumbotron!!

... and it was awesome!!!!

Sophie Turner was sitting in the stands -- watching the Detroit Red Wings dominate New York -- when the house camera threw her up on the big screen for all of Madison Square Garden to see.

She dabbed. She smiled. She chugged.

The crowd went wild ... because, duh ... and Sophie threw a celebratory fist bump.

Unfortunately, the "Game of Thrones" star didn't exactly turn the tides for the Rangers ... they ended up losing the game 3-2.

7:03 AM PT-- The New York State Athletic Commission has suspended Dillashaw for 1 year and fined him $10,000.

UFC star T.J. Dillashaw says he's been informed of an "adverse drug test" following his January fight with Henry Cejudo ... and he will be giving up his UFC bantamweight title so he can "deal with this matter."

Dillashaw isn't specific about what P.E.D. he tested positive for following his Jan. 19 loss at the Barclay's Center in Brooklyn -- but says he's "disappointed" and trying to figure out what happened.

"To all my fans, I wanted to be the first one to let you know that USADA and the NYSAC have informed me of an adverse finding in a test taken for my last fight," Dillashaw says.

"While words can't even begin to express how disappointed I am at this time, please know that I'm working with my team to understand what has occurred and how to resolve this situation as quickly as possible."

"Out of fairness and respect to the rest of my division, I've informed the UFC that I'll be voluntarily relinquishing my title while I deal with this matter. I want to thank all of you in advance for the support."

You may be wondering why Dillashaw still has a belt after losing to Cejudo -- that fight took place in the flyweight division ... so T.J.'s belt wasn't on the line that night.

Story developing ...

"If any f*g, punk ass n**** come run up on me, trying to touch me on all that gay sh*t, I'm letting you know right now -- if I ain't got my gun on me, I'm knocking you the f*ck out."

Adrien Broner is now threatening to attack -- and even shoot -- gay people in a vile new "PSA" video posted to his social media account Tuesday night.

"If I got my gun on me, I'm shooting you in the f*cking face, and that's on God and them. I'm not playing with none of these n****s. I don't like gay sh*t."

It's the latest in a bizarre exchange with social media star Andrew C. Caldwell -- the famous "I'm Delivert" guy.

Caldwell has accused Broner of flirting with him. Broner claims Caldwell is lying ... and claims it's Caldwell who's been shooting his shot in Broner's DMs.

"[Andrew C. Caldwell] if you don't get out my inbox before I punch the testosterone out yo GAY ASS," Broner wrote.

Did you know there was something in the gym James Harrison COULDN'T do!?

It's true ... he hadn't joined the 500-pound bench press club -- but he changed all that with one hulk-like lift Tuesday ... and yeah, it was impressive as hell.

The ex-Steelers superstar loaded up 10 plates and then some on his bar to get up to the half-a-thousand-pound mark ... and then he CRUSHED it!!!

Watch the clip ... Harrison takes the bar all the way to his chest -- and gets it up to full lockout without any help (you watching, Odell???)

You could tell Harrison was super impressed with himself ... 'cause he immediately jumped off the bench looking for dap from fellow gym-goers.

"500!! I told you I’d be back for your bi$&h a$$!" James wrote after the lift.

"You just don’t know how many nightmares you gave me - having to relive the failure of not tossing your heavy a$$ off my chest and having to explain to my kids that daddy lost! Lmao JK #500club"

If you're unfamiliar, James is maybe the most impressive NFL weight lifter ever ... routinely tossin' around iron like he did to offensive tackles.

In fact, remember when he was in the gym at 5 AM after a playoff game in 2017?!?!

Clinton Portis ain't just shutting the door on Landon Collins' wishes to wear Sean Taylor's old No. 21 jersey with the Redskins ... he's BOLTING it down, saying, "f**k no" he can't wear it!!

"F**k no," the ex-Washington running back says ... "I don’t ever want to see nobody else in it."

Of course, Landon just inked a MONSTER 6-year, $84 MILLION contract with the 'Skins ... and since he grew up idolizing Taylor -- some suggested he should wear the late safety's jersey number.

But, that would rub at least one of Sean's old best friends the wrong way ... 'cause Portis says he's FIRMLY against that idea.

"21, that’s sacred. Why even play with people? Why even spark people’s memories? Retire that jersey," Portis told The Athletic.

"For an organization that don’t retire jerseys or don’t officially retire jerseys, you put that motherf**ker in the rafters, you retire it, and you make sure everybody knows, this is irreplaceable."

Portis and Taylor used to be best friends ... playing together both in college at Miami and in Washington.

In fact, when Sean tragically died in 2007 ... Portis says the Redskins asked him to wear the No. 21 jersey to honor the DB -- but he didn't even feel comfortable doing that back then.

"There was no way in hell I would put that pressure on myself or play with fans to believe that we have a chance of seeing 21 in this jersey again."

Good news for Collins? Sean also wore No. 36 with the 'Skins early in his career ... and seems Portis would be fine with LC honoring Sean by going that route.

But, 21? Portis says that's sacred.

It's time for Robert Kraft to play "Let's Make a Deal" ... Asian Spa prostitute edition!

The Patriots owner has been offered a plea deal in his rub-and-tug case ... TMZ Sports has confirmed. We're told prosecutors are willing to drop the criminal charges -- if Kraft agrees to a battery of embarrassing punishments.

Kraft's proposed penance includes ... completing a course about prostitution and 100 hours of community service. He would also have to submit to an STD test. Yeesh.

There's more ... Kraft would also have to state that if the case were to go to trial, he would be found guilty.

We're told the deal is not specific to Kraft -- other men busted in the prostitution sting have received the same offer.

The issue for Kraft ... he's already pled not guilty, and there doesn't seem to be any upside in the offer from prosecutors -- so it would be shocking if he accepted this deal, or anything close to it.

News of the proposed plea deal was first reported by the Wall Street Journal.

Unclear if Kraft will accept the terms of the deal. His case is due back in court on March 28.

As we previously reported, 77-year-old Kraft is accused of going to the Orchids of Asia Day Spa on two separate occasions in January and paying for sex acts.

11:48 AM PT -- According to the autopsy report -- obtained by TMZ -- St. John was discharged from a mental health facility just 2 days before his death. The report says he was admitted after threatening to hurt himself.

Kristoff St. John died from heart disease and alcohol abuse ... according to a report from the L.A. coroner's office.

The 'Young and the Restless' star's official cause of death is listed as hypertrophic heart disease and is categorized as accidental, according to the report obtained by TMZ. The disease makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood and often goes undiagnosed.

As for the "accidental" label -- that's because Kristoff was apparently on an alcohol binge at the time of his death.

We broke the story ... 52-year-old Kristoff was found dead last month at his home in the San Fernando Valley. Law enforcement sources say one of the actor's friends went to check on him and found his body. Police and paramedics responded, and we're told Kristoff was pronounced dead on the scene.

As we reported ... a source close to Kristoff tells us the actor checked himself into UCLA Medical Center in January for depression issues, and he had just been released a few days before his death. We're told Kristoff's depression was partially linked to his son, Julian's suicide in 2014. It also seems to be the likely trigger for Kristoff's heavy drinking at the time of his death.

As you know, around the 3-year anniversary of Julian's suicide in 2017, Kristoff allegedly threatened to take his own life with a gun ... and cops placed him under a 72-hour hold for psychiatric evaluation.

Kristoff had played Neil Winters on 'Y&R' since 1991 -- earning 9 Daytime Emmy Award nominations for the role. He also won 10 NAACP Image Awards.

It finally happened ... Ronda Rousey's MMA star husband is beating people up in WWE now too!

Ex-UFC heavyweight Travis Browne was sitting ringside at 'Raw' on Monday night where Ronda was battling Dana Brooke, who's dating NBA star Enes Kanter.

There have been rumblings for a while that Browne would get involved with WWE in some capacity -- and Monday night, it finally happened ... when he got out of his seat and threw a haymaker at a security guard who was trying to restrain Rousey.

Browne pulled Rousey into the crowd and personally escorted her into the tunnel -- it's the first time he's been featured as a relevant player in a WWE match.

Could this mean a bigger role for Browne in the future? Maybe an in-ring debut?

It's possible. In fact, Browne has previously told TMZ Sports he's all the way down to become a pro wrestler ... saying he'd "love to go out there and work with my wife."

Browne is 6'7" and 255 pounds -- he's a BEAST -- and Vince McMahon knows a golden opportunity when he sees one.