Antonio Brown Dropped By Nike Amid Rape Allegations

Published | Updated

Nike has cut ties with Antonio Brown following claims he raped his personal trainer ... with a rep for the company confirming to TMZ Sports that the NE Patriots superstar is "not a Nike athlete."

While the Swoosh will not elaborate on the decision behind the move ... it comes after Britney Taylor filed a federal lawsuit, alleging Brown forcibly raped her in 2018 ... among other accusations (all of which AB denies).

AB had a signature shoe deal with Nike ... the Nike Tech Trainer Antonio Brown was released in February and sold for $100. The kicks have since been scrubbed from the site.

Brown also lost his deal with helmet manufacturer Xenith last week.

AB signed a 1-year, $15 million deal with the Pats after getting cut by the Raiders on September 7 ... and played his first game with New England during week 2.

We should note, AB was rocking white Nike cleats last Sunday against the Dolphins.

All eyes will be on AB's feet come Sunday.

Antonio Brown Doctor Bragged About Fart Incident ... I've Got the Texts!!!

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082718_antonio_brown_kal 8/27/18
THE FART INCIDENT

Antonio Brown claims the doctor who trashed him for farting during a 2018 appointment secretly LOVED IT ... and AB says he has the texts to prove it.

Dr. Victor Prisk told Sports Illustrated ... Brown was essentially the client from hell when he began working with the NFL star in late 2018 ... he would show up late and didn't pay.

But, Prisk told SI the worst part was when Brown ripped ass in his face during a body fat test -- a fart that was captured on video and featured on TMZ Sports.

"I'm a doctor and this man is farting in my face," Prisk told SI ... "It just seemed childish to me."

Well, now AB is firing back ... with receipts -- claiming Prisk actually TEXTED him about the media coverage of the fart incident and even bragged about TMZ Sports crediting him for having a "nose of Steel."

In AB's text messages, Prisk says the incident was "funny as s**t" -- noting, "I was pretty stoic."

Brown thinks the fact Prisk is now COMPLAINING about the incident is ridiculous -- saying, "Do anything for clout."

As for Prisk, he told SI ... he's currently suing the New England Patriots star for $11,500 in unpaid fees because getting stiffed outta cash ... well, it stinks.

Tekashi 6ix9ine Snitching Topics o' the Day ...Armed Robbery, Barclays Shooting

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UPDATE

2:22 PM PT -- Tekashi just spilled the beans on the Times Square shooting involving Chief Keef. 6ix9ine admitted to arranging the hit, promising $20k to the triggerman. However, that amount was reduced to just $10k after Tekashi learned the hit man only fired one shot and missed his mark.

UPDATE

He also detailed the incident from July 2018 when he was jumped and kidnapped while sitting in a vehicle -- attorneys played the dash cam video from the event -- and disclosed his former bodyguard, Harv, was a part of the plan to rob him.

UPDATE

12:34 PM PT -- Tekashi just detailed a couple shootings ... including one that took place at Barclays Center. The rapper says in April 2018 he was harassed by two men at a restaurant in NYC ... Shotti stepped in, pistol-whipped the men when they got into their vehicle and then fired shots -- missing -- at the vehicle after the men left.

UPDATE

As for the Barclays Center shooting ... Tekashi says he and his crew arrived to walk boxer Adrien Broner into the ring. While in a tunnel under the arena, they came face-to-face with members of rapper Casanova's crew. A brawl ensued and Tekashi claims Shotti then instructed a Nine Trey gang member to open fire at the rival crew ... he did, but no one was hit.

UPDATE
042418_6ix9ine_kal 4/21/2018
MOMENTS BEFORE THE SHOOTING
UPDATE

About a month later Fuguan Lovick was arrested and booked on first-degree reckless endangerment.

UPDATE

11:06 AM PT -- Tekashi's now getting into the nitty-gritty of how his relationship with the Nine Treys soured. He says it all started in March 2018 when he'd booked a gig in Austin, TX -- but didn't "check in" with the people at Rap-A-Lot Records.

UPDATE

That started a beef because Houston, and TX in general, is Rap-A-Lot's home turf. Tekashi said, under oath, Rap-A-Lot heavies refused to let him enter his gig and, as a result, he couldn't perform and lost somewhere between $10k to $15k.

UPDATE

He says that lost revenue caused tension between his manager, Shotti, and his bodyguard, "Harv." He says Harv called Shotti a "pussy" because he didn't stand up to Rap-A-Lot. 6ix9ine said he ended up firing Harv shortly after that.

UPDATE

As it turns out, Rap-A-Lot Records honcho J. Prince was in NYC the next month ... and Tekashi testified that he and the Nine Treys decided to get revenge.

UPDATE

He says Shotti and other gang members pulled an armed robbery on the Rap-A-Lot reps in the lobby of a building while Tekashi sat outside in a parked car.

UPDATE
UPDATE

Tekashi shot video of the robbery, which prosecutors played in court ... along with surveillance video of the incident.

UPDATE

6ix9ine said as they fled the scene in a car, Shotti got nervous and kicked him out of the car ... leaving Tekashi to take the subway to Brooklyn while concealing a handgun in his hoodie.

Tekashi69's ratting out his former fellow gang members in the Nine Trey Bloods, testifying they delivered a beatdown on Trippie Redd ... an alleged rival gang member.

The rapper's on the stand, nervously, for his second day of testimony and opened up about his beef with Trippie ... who he says was with another set of Bloods, along with Casanova. Tekashi testified he and Trippie were on the same label and did a track together, but there was a lot of jealousy that led to online disputes ... and then physical violence.

6ix9ine says he told his former manager, Shotti, he wanted something done to Trippie ... Shotti said he'd get the gang on it, and they orchestrated an attack on the rapper at his hotel. Tekashi says he stayed inside the vehicle while the attack went down.

Tekashi testified defendant Anthony "Harv" Ellison punched Trippie in the mouth, and from that point on, he used Harv as his bodyguard.

He also dished more details about the money and leadership structure of Nine Trey -- saying he would make money for shows and appearances, and the gang would give him the front end of it -- at least half -- and take the rest. For example, he says if he would make $250k ... they would give him $185k and take the rest.

6ix9ine ID'd members of the gang again, including Shotti, "Harv" and the other defendant Aljermiah "Nuke" Mack. He also testified "Mel Murda," Billy Ado, and Seqo were Nine Trey members.

There's a lot more, including Tekashi talking about the shooting of another gang member named Snow, and a brawl that went down at a tribute party for A$AP Rocky's manager where he claims Ado stabbed a security guard.

He also describes what led to his infamous fight at LAX -- and under questioning had to, somewhat hysterically, admit he whiffed with every punch he threw. We already knew that, though, from the video we shot.

022118_six_nine_kal_3 2/21/18
BRUTAL BRAWL

Stay tuned for more ...

Originally Published -- 8:45 AM PT

High School Wrestling Ref In Dreadlock Cutting Incident Suspended 2 Seasons

Published

The high school wrestling referee who told a black wrestler to cut his dreadlocks in order to compete has been suspended for TWO SEASONS over the incident, officials announced.

As we previously reported, referee Alan Maloney (who is white) told 16-year-old Andrew Johnson (who is black) to either cut off his dreadlocks or forfeit a Dec. 2018 match.

Johnson -- who was only given 90 seconds to make his decision -- opted for the haircut ... and video of the shameful moment went viral.

Now, the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association has said the incident has been investigated in association with the NJ division on Civil Rights and they agreed on a 2-year suspension.

"Student athletes should be able to compete with each other on a level playing field," Attorney General Gurbir Grewal said in a statement.

"Racial discrimination in the enforcement of the rules of any sport is inconsistent with the spirit of fair play. The Division on Civil Rights' action today makes it less likely that any student athlete will have to endure discrimination that not only undermines fair competition but also violates our state laws."

Rachel Wainer Apter, a division director for the civil rights division, labelled Maloney's actions as "discrimination" and "a persistent form of anti-Black racism."

"This guidance makes clear that employers, housing providers and places of public accommodation cannot police Black hair. And the [decision] will ensure that high school athletes across the State can focus on being their best, not worrying that their hair will subject them to differential treatment based on race."

For his part, Maloney has always insisted he was simply enforcing state rules pertaining to hair and did nothing wrong.

Back in March, he sent a letter to the NJSIAA saying he was planning on filing a defamation lawsuit against the organization.

Eli Manning On Getting Benched 'I'm Not Dying'

Published

Eli Manning is taking the high road after getting benched for Daniel Jones ... telling reporters he's staying positive through the change and reminding everyone, "I'm not dying."

The NY Giants announced they'll be going with the rookie when they face-off against the Buccaneers this weekend ... and 38-year-old Eli says he's going to continue to be there for his team, regardless of where he is on the depth chart.

"It's not over. The season's not over. We got a lot of football," Eli said on Wednesday. "I'm just gonna do my part, do my job, get Daniel ready to play, be ready to play if called upon, support my teammates and get everybody ready."

Eli says he's disappointed by the change ... but he's gonna continue to do his job.

"I'm not dying and the season's not over. There's a lot to be positive about. A lot to be grateful for, and so, I just gotta accept my new role and make the best of it."

'Jersey Shore' Star Angelina Sues FDNY Lieutenant You Grabbed My Ass!!!

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"Jersey Shore" star Angelina Pivarnick is going after one of her bosses at the FDNY ... claiming in a new lawsuit he sexually harassed her and grabbed her ass.

According to docs obtained by TMZ ... Angelina says she was subjected to a sexually hostile work environment during her time as an EMT with FDNY and claims she was sexually harassed by 2 male supervisors beginning in March 2018. However, she's only suing one of them.

In docs, Angelina claims the supervisor -- an FDNY Lieutenant -- made unwelcome sexual advances, commented on her body appearance and made crude comments. She claims he bombarded her with sexually charged text messages.

In one text, Angelina claims he offered to give her a massage and/or have sex with her while she recovered from a back injury. She also claims he texted her, "Just so you know ... I have not f**ked anyone from EMS yet ... let alone the [sic] station."

Angelina claims the Lt. texted her he only pursued her because he loved her ass. She claims the texts kept coming, including one that said, "Your ass looked amazing and I wish I wasn't working or in uniform because I definitely would've kissed those amazing lips."

In the suit, she claims he also got handsy ... grabbing her ass while in the station parking lot and "also made contact with her vaginal area." She claims he later texted her, "That ass! If only you knew the thoughts in my mind."

Angelina says she lodged a formal complaint and got word on March 25, 2019 -- from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission -- her complaints had "credible and corroborating evidence." However, she says she has no idea if the Lt. was ever disciplined.

The "Jersey Shore" star is also suing the City of New York. As for the other supervisor -- who she's not suing -- Angelina claims he once asked her, "How many guys on Jersey Shore have you f**ked?"

A rep for the City of New York Law Department said they'll "respond to these allegations in court."

Sam Darnold Viral Sign Girl Did Not Give Me Mono Never Met Her, I Swear!!!

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You know that hot chick who says she gave Sam Darnold mono??? The NY Jets QB is setting the record straight -- saying he's never met the woman in his life, let alone swapped spit with her!!!

You've seen the pic by now ... a v attractive Jets fan made light of Darnold having the kissing disease during NY's Monday Night Football match-up with the Browns ... holding up a sign that read "I gave Darnold mono."

Of course, for obvious reasons, the claim didn't seem so far-fetched ... so everyone had fun with it.

But Darnold just *had* to play the role of party pooper on Tuesday ... addressing the viral girl's claim on the 'Michael Kay Show' on ESPN.

"I know there was a sign also at the game that some girl claims she gave it to me ... I've never seen that girl in my life. So, I'd just like to set the record straight on that."

BOOOOOOOOO. That's no fun, Sam.

FWIW -- TMZ Sports spoke with the woman (who agreed to speak on the condition of anonymity) ... and she says it was all a joke, too ... so case closed.

We're just gonna pretend neither side ever said anything. It's much more fun that way.

MLB Pitcher Felipe Vazquez Arrested For Solicitation of a Child ... Cops ID'd Him By Tattoos

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UPDATE

1:31 PM PT -- Records now show Vazquez is facing ADDITIONAL charges in the case ... including felony statutory sexual assault, felony unlawful contact with a minor, felony corruption of a minor and misdemeanor indecent assault of a person less than 16 years old.

UPDATE

1:06 PM PT -- Vazquez just appeared before a Pennsylvania judge ... and was denied bail.

UPDATE

The judge says more charges are expected to come down.

UPDATE

1:04 PM PT -- According to an incident report from the Lee County Sheriff's Office, obtained by CBS in Pittsburgh, Vazquez met the alleged victim at PNC Park and took pictures with her outside of the bullpen.

UPDATE

According to the report, the alleged victim contacted Vazquez on social media and that's how the two began talking.

UPDATE

The report also states Vazquez drove to the alleged victim's house in Pennsylvania on at least one occasion ... where she claims Vazquez pulled down her pants while they were in his car and attempted to have sex with her.

UPDATE

11:27 AM PT -- TMZ Sports has obtained the arrest warrant affidavit which spells out how investigators were able to identify and catch Vazquez ... and it came down to his distinct tattoos.

UPDATE

According to the documents, Vazquez sent 2 photos and 1 video to the girl -- none of which showed the MLB star's face.

UPDATE

However, officials say the images depicted numerous "unique and distinguishable" tattoos on his body ... which they were able to match to Vazquez through public images on the Internet.

UPDATE
UPDATE

Officials also say the alleged victim's mother was the one who essentially busted Vasquez -- after she discovered the concerning images and video on her daughter's phone.

UPDATE

The mother texted Vazquez to inform him that her daughter is a minor -- and that's when the case made its way over to law enforcement.

UPDATE

11:26 AM PT -- Now, Vazquez is facing two 3rd-degree felony charges (and possibly more) -- and each count carries a possible 5-year maximum prison sentence.

UPDATE

11:12 AM PT -- Pittsburgh Pirates president Frank Coonelly says Tuesday the team was "made aware of an active law enforcement investigation involving Felipe Vazquez and his subsequent arrest."

UPDATE

"We take this matter, and these charges in particular, extremely seriously."

UPDATE

"We have informed the Commissioner's Office of the investigation and arrest. The CO will immedatetely place Felipe Vazquez on Administrative Leave (and, as a result, Restricted List) pursuant to the Joint MLB/MLBPA Policy."

UPDATE

"We need to be respectful to all involved and the ongoing legal proceeding. As a result, the organization, our staff and players cannot comment any further at this time."

Pittsburgh Pirates all-star pitcher Felipe Vazquez was arrested this morning in Pennsylvania on some truly disturbing charges including solicitation of a 13-year-old girl.

The 28-year-old closer -- considered one of the best pitchers in baseball -- was taken into custody in Pittsburgh stemming from an arrest warrant out of Florida.

Officials say they were investigating allegations Vasquez had a sexual relationship with a 13-year-old girl in Lee County, Florida.

According to officials, the girl, now 15 years old, WAS continuing to have a relationship with Vasquez and had received a video in July from the MLB star performing a "sex act."

Officials say Vasquez also sent the girl text messages suggesting they would meet for sex after the MLB season ended.

Cokie Roberts ABC News Journalist Dead at 75

Published
UPDATE

8:58 AM PT -- Former President Barack Obama said he and Michelle are sad to hear about Cokie's passing. The 44th President said, "She was a trailblazing figure; a role model to young women at a time when the profession was still dominated by men; a constant over forty years of a shifting media landscape and changing world, informing voters about the issues of our time and mentoring young journalists every step of the way."

UPDATE

Obama added, "She will be missed -- and we send our condolences to her family."

Cokie Roberts -- the revered journalist and political commentator who was a pioneer for women during her storied career -- has died.

The network where she spent more than 3 decades, ABC News, announced Cokie's passing Tuesday morning. She died from complications of breast cancer, according to a family statement.

Cokie -- born Mary Martha Corinne Morrison Claiborne Boggs -- earned her name from her older brother, who couldn't pronounce Corinne. The name Cokie stuck for the rest of her life. She made a name for herself as a young Capitol Hill reporter for NPR before joining ABC News in 1988.

She became a contributor on "This Week" before co-anchoring the popular news show with Sam Donaldson. They co-anchored the show from 1996 until 2002.

Cokie was also a best-selling author with several New York Times Best Sellers titles to her name.

She was inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame and named one of the 50 greatest women in the history of broadcasting by the American Women in Radio and Television.

She was so respected ... Cokie was literally named a "Living Legend" by the Library of Congress in 2008. She famously came from a long line of family members embedded in politics -- her father was Congressman and Democratic House majority leader Thomas Boggs, who was also a member of the Warren Commission ... which investigated the JFK assassination.

Cokie's survived by her husband of 53 years, Steven Roberts, and her 2 kids, Lee and Rebecca.

She was 75.

Originally Published -- 8:02 AM PT

Donald Trump Stupid Math Error While Honoring Mariano Rivera

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President Trump just presented Mariano Rivera with the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Monday ... and unfortunately, he left his calculator behind.

POTUS -- a HUGE Yankees fan -- honored the Sandman at 1600 Penn on Monday ... praising "maybe the greatest pitcher of all time" for his accomplishments on and off the mound.

FYI -- the Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest award a civilian can achieve in the United States -- and is given to people who make an especially great contribution to American society.

But, the funny part is when Trump tried to do some impromptu math ... and hilariously failed when talking about MR's minor league ERA in 1990.

"That year, he had an average ERA of 0.17 ... so that doesn't mean ONE. That means, like, 1/17th of one."

Uhh ... no, it doesn't, Mr. President. Like, not even close. But, hey, we get it. Math is hard.

For the record, .17 is closer to 1/6th of 1 ... not 1/17th.

Of course, the love between Trump and Mariano is mutual -- Rivera serves as the co-chair of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition ... and became a U.S. citizen in 2015.

Sandman becomes the most recent superstar athlete to receive the honor -- Jerry West and Tiger Woods both got the honor earlier this year.

LaVar Ball Calls Lonzo 'Damaged Goods' in Argument Over BBB

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The Big Baller Brand is in a state of emergency ... with LaVar and Lonzo Ball getting in a heated argument over the future of the family business ... and LaVar calling his son "damaged goods."

It all went down when the cameras were rolling for their Facebook TV show, "Ball in the Family," ... when Zo asked LaVar if he'd consider changing the company name in wake of the allegations that ex-partner Alan Foster stole MILLIONS from the family.

"Hell no, I wouldn't change the name," LaVar says.

"I'm just saying, from a marketing standpoint ... I'm just asking a question," Zo responded.

"I’m just saying, BBB is always going to be the name on the fact that it also stands for the three Ball brothers. I’m not changing that s**t at all,” LaVar fired back.

Lonzo tries to get the opinion of business partner Chris Rivers, who's also present during the argument ... and that's when LaVar went off.

"I don't give a s**t about his opinion ... listen to me, son. When I come out with a name and then somebody tells me to change it, that’s like me telling me to change your name."

"That’s like people saying ‘Oh, hey, change Lonzo’s name to Alfonzo on the fact that he been damaged goods for the last two years.'"

Yikes ...

Of course ... LaVar is referring to the fact that Lonzo's short NBA career has been plagued with injuries (the Pelicans guard still hasn't played 100 total games yet).

Lonzo says the brand is "demolished" and clearly looks defeated from the argument ... but LaVar doesn't want to give up.

"You're the one that gotta make it grow. I made you guys superstars for a reason. But, if I don't do the things that I'm doing, Zo ... you're just another regular old player."

It's been a rocky few months for BBB ... with Zo's manager telling consumers to throw their ZO2 shoes in the trash ... and Ball admitting his first round of his signature shoes were defective.

Now, with Lonzo and LaVar seemingly at odds -- ya gotta wonder how much longer Zo will put up with LaVar's antics given that he's a grown-ass man who doesn't really need his dad's help with his career.

Gronk and Camille Kostek Booty Shakin' to Stay Busy ... on NFL Sunday

Published

While Tom Brady was throwin' bombs to his new teammate, Antonio Brown ... Rob Gronkowski was busy ass-shakin' to some Backstreet Boys in an epic dance-off with his GF!!

The retired Patriots superstar is staying active on his NFL Sundays ... teaming up with his bikini model lady, Camille Kostek, for a public workout at the Boston Seaport with his family's Gronk Fitness business.

The workouts are great and all ... but we're 100% here for the hot couple getting down and GETTING IT to BSB's "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)" ... while the whole crowd cheers them on.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

The Patriots didn't need Gronk in their 43-0 domination over the Miami Dolphins ... and Gronk sure as hell didn't need the Pats to have a good time, either.

Of course ... maybe the 30-year-old is using BSB to send us a message -- if Backstreet's back, does that mean Gronk could be coming back too??

As entertaining as it was to watch Rob on the field, this tames our Gronk appetite on Sundays. For now.

Felicity Huffman Judge Who Sentenced Her to 14 Days ... Says College Admissions System Was Already Broken

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Felicity Huffman Exit
LEAVING THE SENTENCING
UPDATE

3:18 PM PT -- The judge in the case said some revealing things that could determine what happens to Lori Loughlin and others. The judge gave credit to Felicity for 2 reasons -- she had "near immediate acceptance of responsibility" for her crime, and she paid one of the smallest bribes.  

UPDATE

The judge also questioned prosecutors, who made it clear they wanted to scare the crap out of other parents who might be thinking about doing the same thing. The judge said, "I have trouble with the notion of general deterrence. It doesn't make sense to me."

UPDATE

And, this is fascinating. The judge said she was not swayed by prosecutors claiming the bribery scheme undermined the entire college admissions process, adding, it "has cracks in it with or without what these defendants have done."

UPDATE

1:20 PM PT -- In case it's not apparent, this is a spectacular loss for prosecutors, who at first were clearly gunning for years in prison for anyone involved in the scheme. Ultimately, the people who count -- the Probation Dept. and the judge -- have essentially said the case amounted to a bunch of nothing. 14 days is a huge embarrassment for prosecutors. It would be shocking if prosecutors don't try to cut a deal with Lori Loughlin ... a deal that would mimic Felicity's sentence.

UPDATE

1:10 PM PT -- Felicity just left court. She beelined it to a waiting SUV, without saying anything to the waiting crowd.

UPDATE

12:53 PM PT -- Felicity will have to turn herself in to begin her 2 weeks behind bars on Oct. 25.

UPDATE

12:37 PM PT -- The judge just sentenced Felicity to 14 days behind bars, a $30k fine, one year of supervised release and 250 hours of community service. She'll start her prison time at a later date.

UPDATE

12:19 PM PT -- Felicity now has the floor ... saying, "I am deeply sorry to the students, parents, colleges and universities impacted by my actions." She continued, "I have inflicted more damage (on her daughter) than I could've ever imagined."

UPDATE
UPDATE

Huffman also said, "I was frightened, I was stupid and I was so wrong. I am deeply ashamed of what I have done."

UPDATE

12:05 PM PT -- Prosecutors are not pulling any punches, demanding Felicity get a month behind bars. They've also looped Huffman's daughters into their argument, saying Felicity showed little confidence in her children's academic ability and that they should be angry at their mom.

UPDATE

As for the $20,000 fine and community service punishment Felicity's legal team suggested? Prosecutors say it amounts to nothing considering Huffman is worth tens of millions and enjoys doing community service.

Felicity Huffman's time to face the music has arrived ... she just showed up to court to go before the judge and learn her fate after pleading guilty in the college admissions bribery scandal.

Felicity marched into court with her husband, William H. Macy. She looked stoic, but all signs point to an extremely light sentence ... and she could get no jail time at all.

Prosecutors want the "Desperate Housewives" star to spend a month behind bars for paying $15k to rig her daughter's SAT test. The Probation Dept. has suggested no time behind bars is appropriate, because no one suffered a loss as a result of Felicity's actions.

Our bet ... 30 days house arrest.

It's interesting ... prosecutors have retreated in a big way ... they initially wanted a minimum of 4 months, but reduced it to 1 in the face of the probation report. Prosecutors explained the change by saying the amount of time doesn't matter, as long as there's a message that similar wrongdoers will get some time. Even prosecutors don't believe that -- not the way it works.

051319_felicity_court_kal MAY 13, 2019
ARRIVING TO COURT

Regardless of the sentence, it doesn't change the fact Felicity pled guilty to conspiracy charges for paying $15k to give her daughter a leg up on her college entrance exam. That means she's now a felon, which means at the very least she can't own a firearm.

Lori Loughlin, on the other hand, chose to fight the charges instead of copping a plea deal. Given Felicity's soft sentence and the Probation Dept. justifying it by saying there was "no actual or intended loss" ... Loughlin may now have the edge.

Originally published -- 10:41 AM PT

Tim Tebow Rails Against Paying College Athletes ... Rips 'Selfish Culture'

Published

Someone check Tim Tebow's blood pressure ... the ex-Florida star just went NUCLEAR trashing the new California law allowing college athletes to get paid -- saying it'll ruin NCAA sports forever!!!

"I feel like I have a little credibility and knowledge about this because when I was at the University of Florida, I think my jersey was one of the top-selling jerseys around the world.," Tim said.

"It was like Kobe, LeBron and then I was right behind them. I didn't make a dollar from it and nor did I want to because I knew going into college what it was all about."

There's more ... Tebow is FIRED UP -- but first, a quick review of the new CA law.

It's being called the "Fair Pay to Play Act" and it was passed by the CA State Senate this week, allowing college athletes to be paid for the use of their name, likeness and image without being punished.

California Governor Gavin Newsom now has 30 days to decide whether it will be signed into law -- but the NCAA is fighting like hell to get him to shut it down.

Enter Tebow ... who's taking the side of the NCAA -- going on ESPN's "First Take" to declare war on the 'FPPA.'

Tebow says college should be more about following your dreams and contributing to an institution than trying to make a buck.

"I knew going to Florida, my dream school, where I wanted to go, the passion for it and if I could support my team, support my college, support my University, that's what it's all about."

"But now, we're changing it from 'Us' from 'We' from 'My University' from being an alumni where I care, which makes college football and college sports special, to then 'Okay it's not about us. It's not about we, it's just about me.'"

"And, yes, I know we live in a selfish culture where it's all about us but we're just adding and piling it onto that. Where it changes, what's special about college football. We turn it into the NFL, where who has the most money, that's where you go."

Tebow added ... "That's why people are more passionate about college sports than they are about the NFL."

"That's why the stadiums are bigger in college than they are in the NFL, because it's about your team, it's about your university, it's about where my family wanted to go, it's about where my grandfather had a dream of seeing Florida win an SEC championship and you're taking that away."

"And, you're taking that away so that young kids can earn a dollar and that's just not where I feel college football needs to go."

The issue with Tebow's point ... obviously ... is that to a lot of players, earning a dollar is more important than contributing to the legacy of an already rich University.

Tebow -- who came from an already financially stable family -- went on to earn millions of dollars in the NFL and other endeavors.

A huge amount of NCAA athletes don't have that financial stability or promises of fortunes waiting for them after college.

Appreciate the passion, though.

Andy Ruiz Visits Mexican Prison Inmates ... to Celebrate 30th Bday

Published

Andy Ruiz turned 30 years old on Wednesday -- and he celebrated by hanging out with inmates at one of the most infamous prisons in Mexico.

Just days before the heavyweight boxing champ kicks off training camp for the Anthony Joshua rematch, he visited Topo Chico prison in Monterrey, Mexico ... where he was cheered by the hundreds of prisoners like a conquering hero!!!

091219_andy_ruiz_visiting_monterey_jail_instagram_kalv3
PRISON VISIT

It just so happened, the prison was hosting the prison championship boxing tournament that day -- so Ruiz got to see some of the inmates flex some real athletic ability.

During the visit, Ruiz spoke with the inmates and encouraged them to follow their dreams and get their lives in order ... noting that he was on a bad path himself before turning his life around and becoming a boxing superstar.

Andy's rep tells us, "For his birthday he decided to spend the day with these guys and talk to them and motivate."

Ruiz will get a second crack at Joshua on Dec. 7th in Saudi Arabia.

By the way, Topo Chico prison is notorious for a 2016 prison riot in which 49 people were killed. Two rival factions of the infamous Zetas cartel went to war inside the facility ... setting the cell blocks on fire.

In 2011, police found the body of a prison official -- completely dismembered -- inside of a box in an abandoned car near the penitentiary.

There's more ... but it's similar stuff.

Point is ... it ain't exactly the safest place in the world -- but Ruiz is beloved in Mexico, he was never in any real danger.

Odell Beckham Rips Ex-Browns Coach Gregg Williams ... Told Players to Hurt Me

Published | Updated

Major accusations from Odell Beckham ... who claims former Cleveland Browns coach Gregg Williams ordered his players to "take [Odell] out" of a 2017 preseason game.

And, Odell says he's got proof ... current Browns teammates who straight-up told him about the dirty hit mandate.

First off ... yeah, Gregg Williams is the same guy from the 2012 "Bountygate" scandal, where New Orleans Saints players had cash incentives to injure players on opposing teams.

Williams is now the defensive coordinator for the NY Jets -- and Odell and the Browns are playing them on Monday night. Odell was asked about Williams during a media session Thursday and went off on the guy.

"Just gotta watch out for the cheap shots and the dirty hits and all of the things that he likes to teach," Beckham said.

That's when the allegations came out ... with Odell saying current Browns players told him that Williams made him a target in a 2017 preseason game against OBJ's NY Giants.

"I had players on this team telling me that that's what [Williams] was telling them to do, take me out of the game."

Beckham suffered an ankle injury during that game due to a low hit from Browns cornerback Briean Boddy-Calhoun -- and you can tell Beckham's still PISSED.

"It's something that I will never forget, it changed my life forever."

Beckham says the injury led to other injuries (including a season-ending fractured ankle) -- and it almost tanked his NFL career. He clearly blames Williams and still hates the guy's guts.

"If I were a coach, I would never teach what he teaches," Odell said at practice on Thursday. "But, that's just him and what he does."

So far, no response from Williams -- guessing he's gonna have some words soon though.