Donald Trump Honors NASCAR's Joey Logano ... at White House

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WHITE HOUSE HOSPITALITY

Another day, another athlete honored at the White House ... this time, President Donald Trump held a special ceremony for NASCAR champ Joey Logano.

"It's my pleasure to welcome to 2018 NASCAR Cup Series champion Joey Logano and Team Penske to the White House," Trump said on Tuesday.

"Over the course of the 2018 season, the #22 team earned 26 top 10 finishes, led 934 laps, won 3 races and competed against 3 former champions in the playoffs and came out ahead," Trump said.

Trump also shouted out Joey's wife and their son, Hudson -- noting Joey celebrated the championship by placing Hudson in the trophy.

"That was quite a scene," Trump explained.

Logano was stoked to be at the White House -- saying, "It's an honor to be speaking here."

He gifted Trump a track-worn racing helmet from the championship season -- which Trump says he'll put on display in the Oval Office.

Trump says he considers himself a NASCAR fan and says he's been good friends with team owner Roger Penske for years.

Trump referred to the 82-year-old as "one of the truly great people of our world."

At the end of the ceremony, Trump invited the entire NASCAR team to view the Lincoln Bedroom -- and promised to personally give the tour.

No word if he served up fast food when it was all over.

Surf Legend Sunny Garcia Hospitalized ... After Suicide Attempt

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12:28 PM PT -- The World Surf League has confirmed Garcia was hospitalized after a suicide attempt.

In the past, Garcia has talked publicly about his struggles with depression and even asked fans for advice on treatment.

Surf legend Sunny Garcia -- a 6-time winner of the Triple Crown of Surfing -- is fighting for his life in a Portland hospital, the World Surf League has confirmed.

The 49-year-old was admitted to the hospital in Oregon on Monday. Details about his condition were not made public.

WSL says Garcia is currently in intensive care.

Garcia is one of the most beloved people in pro surfing. He grew up in Hawaii -- and became close friends with fellow surf stars like Kelly Slater and Jamie O'Brien.

He's an absolute STUD in the water -- winning the World Surf League's world championship in 2000. He was inducted into the Hawaii Sports Hall of Fame in 2015.

Garcia also became the 2nd pro surfer in history to win more than $1 million in prize money -- which is a HUGE accomplishment.

Outside of the water, Sunny had some issues over the years -- he served time in prison in 2007 in a tax evasion case.

Years later, Garcia said the takeaway from that experience was "never trust your CPA ... don't trust anybody for that matter."

Garcia has talked about how much he loved his family and how one of his biggest fears would be to lose them.

He's also a religious guy who attends church "every once in a while."

Garcia has also pushed hard for people to come and surf in Hawaii over the years -- but he's big on people having respect for the Hawaiian culture.

"Come, enjoy and be respectful, yeah -- if you can be that then we welcome you with open arms. But, if you're gonna come and piss in my backyard, you might get a slap in the head."

Originally Published -- 7:43 AM PT

Gino Marchetti NFL Hall of Famer Dead at 92

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NFL Hall of Famer Gino Marchetti -- a 2-time NFL champ -- has died at the age of 92, his family confirms.

Marchetti wasn't just a legend on the field -- he was a U.S. Army soldier who bravely fought in the Battle of the Bulge as a machine gunner in World War II.

After he returned home from the war, Marchetti was selected in the 2nd round of the 1952 NFL Draft by the New York Yanks, which later became the Baltimore Colts.

During his NFL career, Marchetti -- mainly a defensive end -- was selected to 11 Pro Bowls and was a 9-time 1st Team All-Pro!!!!!

Marchetti was such a stud, he was named to the NFL's 75th Anniversary All-Time Team, joining guys like Deacon Jones and Reggie White.

His number 89 jersey was retired by the Indianapolis Colts -- and he's a member of the Baltimore Ravens Ring of Honor.

Marchetti passed away at a Pennsylvania hospital with his wife, Joan, by his side.

Joan told the Baltimore Sun, "I kissed him and he knew me and smiled ... That was Gino’s way of saying goodbye."

RIP

NFL's Jamaal Charles Officially Retires ... Future Hall of Famer?!?

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Let the Hall of Fame debates officially begin ... Jamaal Charles is calling it an NFL career -- reportedly set to sign a 1-day deal with the Chiefs to retire this week.

The legendary RB told TMZ Sports earlier this month his football future was "up in the air" ... but 610 Sports Radio reported Tuesday he'll ink a ceremonial deal and officially hang up his cleats shortly.

It's not too surprising ... Charles hadn't started a single game since the 2015 season -- and told us earlier this month it was "a possibility" this day could come.

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MADE A CASE FOR CANTON

But, now that it's here ... the Hall of Fame process can officially begin.

Remember, Charles just told us he believes he IS worthy of having a bust in Canton ... saying, "I mean, some of my numbers look way better than some people already in Canton."

It caused a ton of debates ... 'cause Charles' numbers -- 7,563 rushing yards and 44 total TDs -- aren't quite the slam dunk totals necessary to get in.

But, is he deserving now that his playing days are over and people can really reflect on his 11-year career??

Enjoy the next 5 years of debating!!

Ezekiel Elliott Rushes to Kid Hit By Puck ... At NHL Playoff Game

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Ezekiel Elliott saw a kid get hit by a hockey puck at the Dallas Stars playoff game on Monday ... so he jumped into action and raced over to make sure the little boy was okay.

Don't worry, the kid appears to be fine -- and now he's got selfies with Zeke!

Unclear exactly when the kid was hit by the puck -- or how serious the impact was -- but Elliott (who's been a regular at the Stars games) made his way over to the boy in the 3rd period to check in on him.

The Dallas Cowboys superstar thought snappin' a pic with the youngster would help sooth the oncoming bruise ... and guess what?? IT DID!!

You can see in the video ... the boy cracks a smile as Zeke daps him up and busts out the phone for a few pics. His family seemed happy with the gesture too.

Elliott also made sure another fan who was hit by the puck ricochet got some love as well.

It's not like Zeke works for the Stars and was sent over by management to diffuse the situation -- just a famous guy who was trying to help out. Seems like it worked.

The bad news ... the Stars lost the game 4-3 ... and are now down in the series 2-1.

Jimmy Butler To 76ers Coach ... 'My Name Is Not James!'

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Jimmy Butler wanted to make one thing clear to his coach after the 76ers' big victory over the Raptors on Monday ... "MY NAME IS NOT JAMES!"

Here's the deal ... Butler was a 1-man wrecking crew against Toronto -- putting up 30 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists in a 94-89 playoff victory.

After the game, 76ers head coach Brett Brown was RAVING about Butler to the media -- and in an attempt to compliment his star, he referred to him as "James."

"This was James Butler," Brown told the media ... "That was the adult in the gym."

"He was just a tremendous sort of rock. He willed us to a lot of different situations."

Good stuff.

A few minutes later, Butler faced the media and was asked how he felt about the "James" thing -- his response was hilarious.

"My name isn't James! It literally is Jimmy!"

The media cracked up laughing.

So, the question now ... does the name "Jimmy" stick?

DeAndre Hopkins' Mom Subject of New Movie About Surviving Horrific Attack

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The mother of NFL star DeAndre Hopkins was blinded in a violent attack in 2002 -- but the way she heroically fought to stay alive and continue to raise her family is now the subject of a major Hollywood movie.

Sabrina Greenlee has talked about the incident before ... she was ambushed by a woman who was the girlfriend of a guy Sabrina had only been dating for 3 months. Sabrina had no idea the man was in another relationship.

The attacker threw a dangerous mixture of Red Devil Lye (drain cleaner) and Clorox bleach at Sabrina's face, blinding her immediately ... and almost causing her to suffocate.

But, she fought like hell to recover -- always thinking about her 4 children, including DeAndre, who was only 12 years old at the time of the attack.

After the incident, Sabrina fell into a deep depression and began to abuse alcohol.

But, somehow she managed to battle through it all and became an active and important mother to her kids and a leader in the community.

Now, Hollywood has taken notice -- BRON Studios has partnered up with Good Fear and Kituufu Films to make "Sabrina."

Sam Bailey of HBO's "Brown Girls" is set to direct the flick ... and "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" writer Kristen Buckley is working on the screenplay.

No word on who will play Sabrina on the big screen ... but ya gotta think huge stars would love this kind of inspiring role.

DeAndre is obviously proud of his mom -- and issued a statement saying, "My mom has always put everyone before herself and sacrificed things unimaginable."

"Now it’s time for people to see her true value and learn that giving up is not an option."

Greenlee -- who also survived multiple abuse relationships before the attack -- now helps fellow survivors through her non-profit, S.M.O.O.O.T.H., Inc. which stands for Speaking Mentally, Outwardly Opening Opportunities Toward Healing.

Baylor Women's Hoops Fast Food at White House ... Coach Unimpressed?!

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It's becoming a tradition unlike any other -- win a national title, get a fast food smorgasbord from President Trump ... and Baylor head coach Kim Mulkey's face says it all.

The Lady Bears celebrated their title at the White House after beating Notre Dame in the NCAA Tournament earlier this month ... and of course, there was all the Wendy's, McDonald's and Burger King they could eat.

It looks like the players were cool with the menu -- but how did Coach Mulkey feel? Just look at the pic ...

The fast-food feast all started back when Clemson visited the White House during the government shutdown in January ... and at the time, Trump explained the menu by saying, "I would think that's their favorite food."

But, it's become POTUS' "thing" to keep the burger buffet goin' ... and the kids seem to love it, just ask Clemson superstar QB Trevor Lawrence!!

We should note -- Trump hasn't busted out the burger love for EVERY championship team that's come to visit ... the Washington Capitals didn't get ANY food when they rolled through last month.

So, maybe it's just a college athlete thing??

'GoT' Creator George R.R. Martin Rips NY Giants ... The Team Sucks!!

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"Game of Thrones" creator George R.R. Martin is UNLOADING on the New York Giants ... blasting the team for taking relatively unknown Duke QB Daniel Jones.

Martin -- the brain behind 'GoT' -- happens to be a HUGE fan of the New York football teams ... and like so many other G-Men fans, he's distraught over this weekend's draft.

"Daniel Jones from Duke at number six?" Martin wrote on his website ... "Yes, they need a young quarterback to groom as Eli’s successor. But Dwayne Haskins was right there. Why not him?"

Why not Haskins -- OSU's star QB -- is the question a lot of fans are asking.

"By every measurable Haskins is way better than Jones. Jones threw 52 TDs in three years at Duke, Haskins threw 50 in one year at Ohio State. Within fewer interceptions. Against much tougher opposition."

Martin didn't seem to like NY's 2nd 1st-round selection much more ... the pick the Giants got in return -- along with Jabrill Peppers -- for Odell Beckham Jr.

The team picked massive 342-pound DT Dexter Lawrence ... and Martin -- who doesn't hate the player -- added some context.

"All it cost us was a Hall of Fame receiver."

So, what's George's outlook for the upcoming season? Well, it ain't good.

"Right now, the team looks a lot weaker than the one that entered the 2018 season, and that squad finished 5-11."

Josh Rosen Standing Ovation From Cards Fans After Trade to Miami

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Josh Rosen got major love from Cardinals fans one last time before heading off to Miami ... getting a standing ovation at Larry Fitzgerald's celeb softball game just hours after getting traded.

Rosen was traded to the Dolphins on Friday after the Cardinals took Kyler Murray with the top pick in the draft ... but that didn't stop him from supporting his now ex-teammate at his charity home run derby the next night.

Not only did Rosen get a positive send-off from Cards fans, he gave them a show too -- winning the home run derby AND the MVP award from the softball game.

“I just want to say thank you to everybody,” Rosen said at the event. “We didn’t win as many games as I would have hoped, but I had a great time and an unbelievable year."

"I’ll always be a Cardinal and root for you guys for as long as I’m on my feet.”

Woodstock 50 Festival On Life Support ... Investors Pull Funding, Promoter Looking For New Partners

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5:57 PM PT -- It sounds like Woodstock is not dead yet ... because promoter Michael Lang's team just issued the following statement doubling down on their plans to make the festival happen and seek new investors.

"We are committed to ensuring that the 50th Anniversary of Woodstock is marked with a festival deserving of its iconic name and place in American history and culture. Although our financial partner is withdrawing, we will of course be continuing with the planning of the festival and intend to bring on new partners."

"We would like to acknowledge the State of New York and Schuyler County for all of their hard work and support. The bottom line is, there is going to be a Woodstock 50th Anniversary Festival, as there must be, and it's going to be a blast.”

Woodstock 50 is officially scrapped ... at least according to the people putting up the money to produce the iconic music festival's anniversary.

Honchos at Dentsu Aegis Network -- the festival's main investor -- dropped the hammer Monday, saying, it doesn't "believe the production of the festival can be executed as an event worthy of the Woodstock Brand name while also ensuring the health and safety of the artists, partners and attendees."

Sounds like they were afraid Woodstock 50 would become Fyre Fest 2019.

Tickets for Woodstock 50 were supposed to go on sale last week, but never did. Organizers said they were trying to iron out logistics while waiting to hear back from the New York State Department of Health after applying for a mass gathering permit.

As we reported ... the massive music and arts event was supposed to feature huge names like Jay-Z, Chance the Rapper, Imagine Dragons, Carlos Santana, Dead & Company and Halsey. We know at least some of the artists have NOT been informed the show's off.

Worth noting ... the promoter, Michael Lang, does not agree Woodstock 50 is sunk. He tells us Dentsu's announcement was a "complete surprise," but adds ... they're not giving up on the festival yet.

Originally Published -- 9:43 AM PT

Tony Hawk Opens Restaurant With Skate Tricks!!

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OPEN FOR BUSINESS

How's this for a ribbon-cutting ceremony?!?!

Tony Hawk opened his brand-new restaurant in the most Tony Hawk way possible -- with some sick skate tricks on the half-pipe!!

The skateboarding legend just opened the GuacAmigos Mexican food joint in Newport, CA over the weekend ... kicking things off with a skate demo right in front of the restaurant.

The footage is really cool -- Hawk and his skate bros pull off a triple stack right in front of a huge crowd right in front of the restaurant.

Not only did the new business owner put on a show, he raised a bunch of money for his Tony Hawk Foundation with a silent auction too!!

BTW -- the food at this place looks delicious.

Arian Foster Security Cam Catches Amazing 'GoT' Reaction!!

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WARNING -- "GAME OF THRONES" SPOILERS AHEAD!!!!

Okay. This is pretty amazing ... Arian Foster's home security cams were rolling while he was watching "Game of Thrones" on Sunday ... and his reaction to the ending is AMAZING!!!!

Second warning ... here comes a spoiler!!!

The ex-NFL star was watching the Battle of Winterfell on his couch with some friends -- when he jumped up for Bran's final showdown with the Night King.

Third and final warning ... big spoiler coming your way!!!!

So, when Arya came out of nowhere LIKE A BOSS to stab that bitch-ass, ice-faced demon, Foster went crazy!!!!

You gotta watch the video ... Foster lets a scream you can hear -- even though the video has no sound!!!

Arian's buddy starts to dance on the couch ... even the dog gets fired up!

But now, everyone's gotta chill ... Jon Snow, Daenerys, Tyrion, Sansa and the rest of the gang have another battle on their hands next week ...

Cersei is waiting!!!!!

RIP Lyanna Mormont.

Meek Mill Can't Travel To 76ers Playoff Game in Toronto ... Judge Ignores Request

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Meek Mill won't be able to watch his beloved 76ers take on the Raptors in Toronto on Saturday ... 'cause his request was NOT approved by his arch-nemesis -- Judge Genece Brinkley.

The Philly rapper has been on probation ever since his 2008 drug and weapons case ... and has to get permission every time he wants to leave the state of Pennsylvania.

So, when the Sixers got matched up with the Raps in the Eastern Conference semi-finals this week, Meek -- a HUGE Sixers fan -- filed a request to make the trip to the 6 to cheer on his guys in person.

We're told Meek's probation officer signed off on the request with no issue ... but when it came to getting Brinkley's signature, she refused to approve the request.

Of course, Meek and Brinkley have history ... and it's no secret they don't get along.

Michael Rubin -- a limited partner with the Sixers -- says Brinkley is deliberately ignoring their attempts to get approval ... teeing off on the judge in an Instagram post.

"Judge Genece Brinkley - I know you have a vendetta against Meek Mill and are obsessed with trying to control every aspect of his life, but did you really NOT approve him to go to rep the Sixers in Toronto for the game?"

"We filed w/your court as soon as the schedule came out since you need to approve travel to Canada! Since you didn’t respond to numerous phone calls we sent lawyers to your courtroom today which you purposely ignored!!"

Now we won't be able to see Meek and Drake sitting courtside for the epic match-up.

Virginia Basketball Won't Celebrate Title W/ Trump ... We're Too Busy!!!

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The college hoops national champions won't be celebrating their title at the White House ... but it ain't a diss on President Donald Trump -- Virginia says it's just too busy to go!!!

Of course, the Cavaliers just won their first-ever men's basketball championship with a thrilling 85-77 overtime win over Texas Tech back in March.

Usually, that's followed by a trip to 1600 Penn .. but Wahoos head coach Tony Bennett says they just can't make it happen.

And, why? Bennett says, "With several players either pursuing pro opportunities or moving on from UVA, it would be difficult, if not impossible to get everyone back together."

He added, "We would have to respectfully decline an invitation.”

Bennett ain't kiddin' ... superstars like Kyle Guy, De'Andre Hunter and Ty Jerome have already moved on to get ready for June's NBA draft. And, without those guys, it ain't much of a party.

White House staff ... time to cancel those fast food orders!!!

Kelly Stafford Returns Home After Complications from Brain Surgery

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Kelly Stafford is back home with her NFL husband and their kids after a complication from her recent brain surgery landed her back in the hospital ... and boy is she glad to be home!

Matt Stafford's wife returned to the hospital Wednesday due to severe pain following a 12-hour procedure to remove a tumor from her brain.

She had initially been released from the hospital before Easter Sunday -- but the pain became too much to handle and she was readmitted to the E.R.

But, good news on Friday ... docs allowed Kelly to return to her home where she immediately snuggled up with her fam.

She's not 100% -- far from it -- admitting the surgery has messed with her ability to balance and when she moves her head a certain way, she feels like a drunk person.

"I can’t turn my head right without feeling college drunk," Stafford said.

"I’m talking end of the night, cant put one foot in front of the other, knowing you’ll be sleeping on the bathroom floor, college drunk."

"I have to rework my brain to know that it can only rely on my left side, which will take time, a good amount of time."

Kelly says she's using their 3 children -- Sawyer, Chandler and Hunter -- as motivation during recovery ... so she can get back to spending more time with them.

"I miss them so much, but I’m so grateful I got that time today and now I have my inspiration to keep on pushing!"