NHL's Jori Lehtera Questioned Over Cocaine Ring ... In Finland
Philadelphia Flyers forward Jori Lehtera is DENYING any involvement with a suspected Finnish coke ring -- after authorities raided a cottage he owns in his home country.
Details are sketchy at this point, but Finnish news outlets say 7 people have already been locked up in connection to the suspected drug ring.
Local news outlets are saying cops are focusing on 2 kilos of cocaine (worth about $25k each). Unclear if they found the load during the raids or if that's what they suspect is being distributed.
Officials have reportedly seized more than $700,000 in jewelry and other valuables and have more than 23 persons of interest in the case.
30-year-old Jori was not at the cottage when it was raided over the summer. No charges have been filed against him and he's reportedly denied all wrongdoing.
Jori is a decent NHL player. He's in the middle of a 3-year, $14.1 million contract.
Flyers GM and former NHL goalie Ron Hextall released a statement Wednesday morning, saying “We have spoken with Jori Lehtera and the league office regarding the reports out of Finland, and will reserve any further comment on the matter at this time.”
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Boxer Victor Ortiz Arrested for Rape ... Charged w/ 3 Felonies
Ex-boxing champ Victor Ortiz -- who appeared on "Dancing With the Stars" -- has been charged with 3 counts of felony sexual assault, including rape ... officials say.
The 31-year-old -- who also had roles in 'Expendables 3' and "Southpaw" -- surrendered to authorities in Oxnard, CA on Tuesday.
According to court records, the alleged incident took place inside of a home in Oxnard on March 19. The female accuser contacted police that same day and filed a report accusing Ortiz of sexual assault.
The Ventura County District Attorney's Office has charged the boxer with 3 felony counts -- forcible rape, forcible oral copulation and forcible digital penetration.
He was booked, posed for a mug shot, and bail was set at $100,000.
Ortiz is slated to fight Sunday night in Ontario -- but we're guessing that will likely be called off very soon.
It's not the first time Ortiz has been in trouble with the law -- he was arrested for DUI back in 2016. And in 2015, he was arrested after allegedly attacking a man at a Kenny Chesney concert at the Rose Bowl.
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Childish Gambino Postpones Concert ... In Wake Of Foot Injury
Childish Gambino's foot injury must be severe ... 'cause he's postponed his upcoming concert.
Wednesday's show at The Forum in Inglewood, CA has been rescheduled ... and a new date has not been announced.
As we reported ... Childish Gambino injured his foot and cut short his Sunday concert in Dallas ... and he's been spotted in a wheelchair and leg brace during his This is America tour.
Wednesday's postponement is bad news for the singer's fans ... 'cause he's been saying this is his last concert tour ever.
Childish Gambino -- aka Donald Glover -- has 8 shows left on this tour after Wednesday's postponement ... but it's unclear if he will be able to perform Thursday in Oakland.
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Bill Cosby Takes Sad Mug Shot After Receiving 3 to 10 Year Sentence
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1:27 PM PT -- Cosby's first order of business as a prisoner was posing for his mug shot.
12:08 PM PT -- Andrew Wyatt, a spokesperson for Cosby just made a statement outside the courthouse calling the trial the most racist and sexist trial in the history of the United States. Wyatt continued by saying, "They persecuted Jesus and look what happened. Not saying Mr. Cosby is Jesus, but we know what this country has done to black men for centuries."
11:55 AM PT -- Gloria Allred and several of Cosby's victims appeared outside the courthouse and spoke briefly with reporters. Gloria said, “This has been a long journey to justice for all of the accusers. We’re glad the judgment day has finally come for Mr. Cosby”
11:47 AM PT -- Cosby has been remanded and will be locked up immediately. According to witnesses in the courthouse, Cosby emptied his pockets and removed his tie before being taken into custody.
10:55 AM PT -- Bill Cosby will serve 3 to 10 years in a Pennsylvania state prison. The judge just announced the length of sentence. The judge has denied Cosby bail.
If Cosby serves the full term, he'll be 91 when he's released.
In imposing the sentence, the judge said, "I'm not permitted to treat him any differently based on who he is or who he was." The judge added, "As she [Constand] said, Mr. Cosby, you took her beautiful, healthy young spirit and crushed it." He told Constand, "I heard the very clear impact on your life."
10:50 AM PT -- Bill Cosby will go to state prison ... so said the judge in his sexual assault case. The judge just said prison will be Cosby's fate. He has not yet announced the length of the sentence.
Bill Cosby was all smiles as he entered court Tuesday morning but ahead of his sentencing, the judge ruled he will be classified a "sexually violent predator."
The decision came down Tuesday morning, and means the 81-year-old disgraced comedian's name will appear on a sex-offender registry, which is sent to neighbors and schools. He also has to undergo lifetime counseling and must report quarterly to authorities.
Danny Amendola & Olivia Culpo Bikini Football Workout ... Before Pats Game!
How's Miami Dolphins WR Danny Amendola preparing to face off against his old Patriots squad this weekend?
BEACH FOOTBALL WITH HIS SMOKIN' HOT MODEL GIRLFRIEND!!!
Amendola and Olivia Culpo -- Miss Universe 2012 -- hit the sand in South Beach on Tuesday armed with a pigskin and some very small bathing suits.
The two played some catch -- Olivia showed off her rocket arm -- and then they took things to the water ... where Danny gave his GF a piggyback ride around the ocean.
Danny played for the Patriots from 2013 to 2017 -- and won two Super Bowls during his run with Tom Brady and pals.
Amendola signed a 2-year, $12 million contract with the Dolphins during the off-season -- and now, the Fish are 3-0 and have a chance to really make a statement with a victory over New England.
The bad news for Danny ... the Dolphins are 7.5-point underdogs going into Sunday's game.
The good for Danny ... LOOK AT THESE PHOTOS!!!!!!
#Winning.
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Astros' Roberto Osuna Assault Charge Dropped In Domestic Violence Case
Astros closer Roberto Osuna just caught a huge break ... with prosecutors dropping the assault charge in his domestic violence case Tuesday.
As TMZ Sports previously reported ... Osuna was suspended 75 games without pay by the MLB after he was arrested for assault in Toronto after allegedly roughing up his GF.
But, when the 2017 All-Star showed up in court Tuesday, he was let off easy -- getting his charge dropped and entering into a peace bond -- a restraining order-type agreement where he's not allowed to have contact with the alleged victim for the next year.
“I am pleased and relieved by today’s court decision," said the 23-year-old Osuna, who was traded from the Blue Jays to the Astros shortly before being reinstated by the MLB this summer.
"Now I can begin to put these allegations behind me and focus on baseball. I want to thank my family, teammates and fans for believing in me."
The Astros added in a statement, "The Houston Astros look forward to Roberto continuing his commitment to be a productive and caring part of our community."
"The Astros remain committed to increase our support regarding the issues of domestic violence and abuse of any kind."
"We have engaged with a number of local, state and national organizations - and we look forward to working with them in the short term and over the long term.”
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NFL's Everson Griffen Escaped from Ambulance Before Mental Health Evaluation
Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen jumped out of an ambulance fearing someone was going to shoot him -- while he was being transported for a mental health evaluation.
It's all in the police report filed by the Minnetrista PD -- which paints a sad picture of an NFL star in a serious mental health crisis.
The situation began early Saturday morning when a Vikings staffer called cops to report the 3-time Pro Bowler was acting bizarrely and the team feared he could either hurt himself or others.
Cops eventually made contact with Everson's wife, Tiffany, who said he had been fighting "demons" in his head -- and acting erratically.
Tiffany told police Everson was not on medication "but should be."
A short time later, Tiffany told police she got a call from the fiancee of Everson's teammate, Trae Waynes, who said Everson "broke into their home and jumped through some bushes" while not wearing a shirt.
Cops went to check it out -- but he was already gone.
Turns out, he went to a nearby gas station where he saw a man he recognized -- but did not know well.
Everson got into the man's passenger seat and ordered him to drive around. The driver freaked out and called Everson's wife. Cops found the car and ultimately called paramedics to treat Everson.
Cops say Everson agreed to be transported to a hospital for a mental health exam -- but during the drive, he got spooked when a few deer ran across the road ... and jumped out of the vehicle.
He told officials "he was in fear that someone was going to shoot him."
Everson was eventually transported to the hospital where he is still being treated.
Vikings GM Rick Spielman said the team was "currently focused on Everson's well-being and providing the appropriate support for him and his family" ... and head coach Mike Zimmer added "it's about him getting better."
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'Southern Charm' Star Arrested for Assault & Battery ... After Forcible Rape Accusation
12:50 PM PT -- We've obtained more docs detailing the alleged incident. The report states Ravenel allegedly grabbed the victim's hand and placed it on his penis. While Thomas allegedly tried to remove her clothing, the victim's shirt got wrapped around her neck, causing her to struggle to breathe.
The docs state Ravenel pulled the victim's pants down and said, "Show me your pu**y," while he allegedly began to grab her genitals. The woman was able to escape and she immediately told her sister and then ex-husband of the assault. Photos were taken of her injuries.
Ravenel has been released on a $20k personal recognizance bond, but had to surrender his passport, cannot leave the state, and a no contact order is in place for the alleged victim.
10:34 AM PT -- According to a police report -- obtained by TMZ -- the arrest comes on the heels of an accusation made by a woman in May who told cops Ravenel forcibly raped her at his home in 2015.
An article published by People in May stated the woman worked as a nanny for Ravenel. She says Thomas was out with friends and when he returned home he cornered her in a bedroom, undressed himself and proceeded to remove her clothing. The report did not detail much more than that.
"Southern Charm" star Thomas Ravenel has been arrested for assault and battery in South Carolina.
Ravenel was booked Tuesday morning in Charleston County and is currently being held without bond. The 56-year-old's listed charge is for assault and battery in the 2nd degree.
Ravenel -- who was South Carolina's state treasurer in 2007 -- resigned from the position after he was indicted on federal cocaine distribution charges.
He left the Bravo show earlier this year after multiple women came forward and accused Ravenel of sexual assault. In leaving the show, he said, "I'm not doing the show anymore. In the contract they have the right to fictionalize your story. They took advantage of me. I decided I've got too much to lose and informed them I'm not coming back."
It's currently unclear what led to Tuesday's arrest.
Originally Published -- 9/25/2018 8:52 AM PDT
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President Trump UN Ambassadors LOL in His Face ... 'I Didn't Expect That'
President Trump is now literally a laughing stock -- he addressed the United Nations and drew audible laughs when he pulled his signature move ... bragging about his presidency.
The embarrassing moment went down Tuesday morning at the UN where Trump was addressing the General Assembly. During his speech, Trump quipped, "In less than 2 years, my administration has accomplished more than almost any administration in the history of our country."
You just gotta watch it. The gathered ambassadors couldn't contain their laughter. The roomful of LOLs prompted a head tilt and awkward smile from 45. He was almost forced to say, "Didn't expect that reaction, but that's okay" ... which drew even more laughs.
Sad.
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Holly Madison Husband Files For Divorce
Holly Madison is about to be on the market ... her husband, Pasquale Rotella, has filed for divorce from the former Playboy model.
Holly and Pasquale got hitched in 2013, and they have 2 kids together, daughter Rainbow Aurora and son Forest. The couple decided to end their union after their romance was said to have fizzled out.
According to the divorce docs -- obtained by TMZ -- Pasquale filed on August 31 in Vegas.
Rotella posted a statement Tuesday, saying, "It is with love in our hearts and a deep respect for one another that Holly and I have amicably made the decision to separate. First and foremost, we are forever partners and parents to two beautiful children, and are fully committed to raising them in an environment filled with love and positivity."
Holly famously dated Hugh Hefner and was one of the stars of the TV show, "The Girls Next Door."
Holly and Pasquale got married at Disneyland ... but their marriage won't have a storybook ending.
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Cardinals' Josh Rosen Thanks Sam Bradford ... It's Not Awkward!
How's Arizona Cardinals quarterback Sam Bradford handling being demoted in place of rookie QB Josh Rosen?
Really well ... at least, according to Josh.
Bradford got the hook Sunday after falling behind to the Bears ... in another lackluster start for the former #1 overall pick.
Rosen was thrown into the game with just minutes remaining -- and while he couldn't pull off a Baker Mayfield and lead his squad to a come-from-behind victory, he's officially been named the starter moving forward.
But there's no bitterness or hostility -- so says Rosen -- who thanked 30-year-old Bradford for being supportive at practice on Monday.
"Since day 1, Sam has had my back and helped me become the best quarterback I could be. I cannot thank him enough for showing me how to be a professional in every sense of the word."
"He is a leader, mentor, and great person. He and Mike Glennon couldn’t have been more supportive at a time that I thought might be a bit tense or awkward today."
"I couldn’t be more thrilled to be in a QB room with two of the most selfless people I’ve ever been around as I start my career as a quarterback in the NFL. For that I say thank you."
"With that being said, let’s get the valley rockin’ AZ!!!!"
Next up ... Seattle.
Good luck!
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DeMarcus Ware Jumps Over Partner ... In 'DWTS' Debut
DeMarcus Ware jumped over a grown ass human on "Dancing with the Stars" -- and it was awesome!!!!
The ex-Denver Broncos superstar -- who won a Super Bowl with the team back in 2016 -- hit the ballroom Monday night in a sweet bedazzled #94 blazer and crushed it with his partner, Lindsay Arnold.
But, let's get back to the jump ... Ware is a 6'4", 260-pound man. He's also 36 years old and retired 2 years ago.
So, RESPECT THE HOPS!!!
The big question ... how did Ware and Arnold do??
The judges liked the cha cha routine to Flo Rida's "Sweet Sensation" -- and scored the pair a solid "23" ... tying with heavy favorite Tinashe and Brandon Armstrong with the best score of the night.
The competition is stiff this season -- Ware's up against stars like Olympic legend Mary Lou Retton, model Alexis Ren and former 'Harry Potter' actress Evanna Lynch (she played Luna Lovegood).
FYI -- Ware's teammate Von Miller was also on the show in 2016 (he was eliminated in week 7).
There's only one explanation to D-Ware's dance moves -- he had to have learned from Tony Romo.
NOVEMBER 2017
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Brett Kavanaugh I Was a Virgin for a Looong Time ... No Way I Sexually Assaulted Anyone
Brett Kavanaugh just played his virgin card to defend himself against multiple accusations of sexual assault ... saying he never had sex -- or anything close to it -- through his high school years and many years after.
In a clip from Kavanaugh's Fox News interview with Martha MacCallum, Kavanaugh, which is set to air later Monday night, he says, "I've never sexually assaulted anyone. I did not have sexual intercourse or anything close to sexual intercourse in high school."
MacCallum pressed the contentious Supreme Court nominee more, asking if he was a virgin through all the years in question -- when the assaults allegedly happened? Brett responded, "Yes."
The problem with his virgin defense is none of Kavanaugh's accusers are claiming he forced intercourse.
Christine Blasey Ford -- the first of multiple women to bring accusations against Kavanaugh -- will testify Thursday before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
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Gordon Hayward Yeah, I Wanted A Baby Boy ... I'm Desperate!!
Gordon Hayward just confirmed what you already knew ... he WAS kinda disappointed when pink balloons popped outta his baby gender reveal box earlier this summer.
You'll remember ... the Celtics star -- a father already to 2 girls -- went instantly viral in July when he couldn't hide his ... excitement ... over adding baby girl No. 3 to the fam.
"Is daddy happy?!" His wife, Robyn, asked as the pink balloons flew up.
"Daddy's always happy," Gordon says, booting one of the balloons.
Well ... Gordon hit the barbershop for a vid with YouTuber BluMaan and explained he is and always has been, in fact, trying like hell to add a baby boy to the family.
"Desperately trying to get a boy in there," Hayward says.
Just one problem now ... Hayward tells BluMaan he's gotta decide whether gambling for a FOURTH time is worth it.
"Three girls is a lot to deal with," he says.
Seems like Gordon's willing to take the chance ... 'cause, as they say in the NBA -- SHOOTERS SHOOT!!!!
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Bill Cosby Leaves Court ... Sentencing Delayed to Tuesday
12:35 PM PT -- Cosby's sentencing WILL be pushed back to Tuesday. Before the judge announced the delay, prosecutors requested Cosby get 5 to 10 years in prison -- while the defense asked for house arrest.
Prosecutors are strongly opposed to 81-year-old Cosby being placed under house arrest. They pointed out the fact Cosby's wife threw a birthday party for him back in July, complete with a live 5-piece jazz band that started jamming at 7 AM ... according to neighbors.
Point being ... where's the punishment in that?
A defense witness is expected to testify on Tuesday ahead of the judge's decision on his sentencing.
9:50 AM PT -- There's a big debate in court over Cosby being deemed a "violent sexual predator." His attorneys are challenging that label and want a doctor to testify on his behalf, but that might mean delaying sentencing until tomorrow.
The judge isn't happy about it, reportedly, but has yet to rule.
Bill Cosby has just arrived at the Norristown courthouse where he will be sentenced in his sexual assault case ... and he was greeted by angry screams.
Cosby got out of his car as a protester yelled, "We believe the women!" and "Me too!" Still, Cosby was smiling as he walked into the courthouse, and even gave a small wave while one person shouted encouragement to the disgraced comedian. His wife of over 50 years, Camille, was noticeably absent.
Cosby was released on $1 million bail and ordered to remain in his home until sentencing. The 81-year-old is facing a maximum of 10 years in prison for each charge, but could receive nothing more than probation.
As we reported ... Bill was found guilty on all 3 counts of aggravated indecent assault. The jury -- of 7 men and 5 women -- deliberated for a full day before convicting Cosby of drugging and molesting Andrea Constand in 2004 at his home.
The trial lasted 13 days and it included arguments and testimony from Constand and 5 other women who claim they were also drugged and sexually assaulted by Cosby, whose June 2017 trial ended in a mistrial because the jury at the time had 2 not guilty holdouts.
TMZ broke the story ... Cosby, who is blind, could get special treatment in prison because of his special needs. He could also get aid from one or more of the Dept. of Corrections' 500 trained peer support specialists, who serve as guides during the tough acclimation to prison life.
But, not everyone wants to see him easily acclimate in prison.
Originally published -- 6:17 AM PT
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LeBron James I Didn't Join Lakers To Be Closer to Hollywood
LeBron James says his move to join the Lakers was strictly a basketball decision -- and had NOTHING to do with his budding Hollywood career.
... so, you believe him?
King James just spoke with reporters at Lakers Media Day where he was decked out in his full #23 Purple and Gold uniform.
During the Q&A session with reporters, he was asked if he ultimately picked the Lakers over other (better) teams so he could be closer to Warner Bros Studio ... where he has a major development deal.
Remember, LeBron has movies coming out -- "Space Jam 2" and a new "House Party" flick -- and is working on other TV shows and a "Shut Up and Dribble" documentary narrated by Jemele Hill.
But, Bron says he's a ballplayer first -- and joined the Lakers because he felt it was the right fit for him on the court ... even though they sucked last season.
Bron was also asked if he'll be able to juggle all of his off-the-court projects and still be successful with the Lakers ... and the answer was 100% confidence.