Kanye West & President Trump Doing White House Lunch

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President Trump and Kanye West are officially teaming up to ... make America great again, and their plan will kick off with lunch at the White House.

Kanye and 45 are set to meet on Thursday, and their agenda will include discussing boosting American manufacturing and preventing gang violence, especially in Ye's hometown of Chicago ... according to the White House.

They'll also continue the convo on prison reform ... which Trump started with Kanye's wife, Kim Kardashian West, during a September meeting.

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I CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN

When he was here at TMZ last week, Ye said he'd been trying to encourage Colin Kaepernick to sit down with POTUS ... now he gets to work the other side.

This will be their first face-to-face meeting since late 2016 when the rapper, shoe and fashion mogul met with then President-elect in NYC.

The question now for Kanye ... what to wear? MAGA hat or no?

George Taliaferro Dead At 91 1st Black Player Drafted By NFL Team

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George Taliaferro -- known as the "Jackie Robinson of Football" after becoming the 1st black player drafted by an NFL team -- died Monday ... his alma mater, Indiana University, confirmed.

He was 91 years old.

Taliaferro was a superstar at IU back in the late 1940s ... playing running back, quarterback and punter -- and garnering All-American honors three times.

When he left the school in 1949, the Chicago Bears picked him in the 13th round ... becoming the first-ever black man to be drafted into the league.

Taliaferro made three Pro Bowls in 1951, 1952 and 1953 ... and finished his career with 1,300 receiving yards, more than 2,000 rushing yards and 1,633 passing yards.

"All of us at Indiana University are deeply saddened by the passing of George Taliaferro," IU said in a statement.

"The 'Jackie Robinson of football,' he went on to become the first African-American player to be drafted by the National Football League, where he excelled at a remarkable seven positions and earned Pro Bowl honors in three of his six seasons."

"A man of enormous talent, courage and determination that helped him shatter racial barriers and earn a special place in the annals of our state and its flagship public university."

RIP.

Ronda Rousey Double-Crossed By Bella Twins ... Beatdown On 'Raw'

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Ronda Rousey knows how John Cena feels -- because she got straight-up blindsided by Nikki Bella on Monday night ... and got her ass kicked in the process.

Rousey and the Bella Twins were part of a 6-way tag team match against the Riott Squad on "WWE Raw" in Chicago ... and things were going great, until Rousey got double-crossed.

After the ref had raised their hands in victory, Nikki hit Ronda with a clothesline from behind ... knocking her to the ground.

Brie Bella then rushed over and continued the beatdown -- stomping her out and throwing her into the steel ring stairs.

Yeah, we know ... fake (blah, blah, blah) -- but watch the video, Ronda's body took some real damage here.

So, what happens next?

Revenge. Sweet, sweet revenge.

Ronda faces Nikki Bella with her title on the line at "WWE Evolution" later this month.

Alvin Kamara Rocks Kaepernick Jersey After 'MNF' 'Make Africa Home Again'

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Alvin Kamara is using his wardrobe to show he's standing with Colin Kaepernick ... rocking the QB's old jersey and a hat parodying Trump's MAGA slogan after a huge "Monday Night Football" win.

The Saints star running back wore the ex-49ers star's jersey in the Saints locker room after beating up on the Washington Redskins in a 43-19 victory ... and a hat that reads "Make Africa Home Again"

Josh Katzenstein of the Times-Picayune snapped a pic of the 'fit ... which A.K. was happy to show off.

Unclear if Kamara specifically commented on his decision to wear the jersey Monday night ... but it's obvious he's supporting Kap and other players Trump has referred to as "sons of bitches" for kneeling during the National Anthem.

By the way, Panthers safety Eric Reid took a knee during the National Anthem in his first game back in the league on Sunday ... and the Earth is still spinning.

USC Football Player Gets 28-Month Ban Over Underage Boozing Incident

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The starting safety for the USC football team claims he got hit with a 28-MONTH suspension for an underage boozing incident back in February ... and he's so upset, he's leaving the school.

19-year-old Bubba Bolden was a HIGHLY recruited safety out of Bishop Gorman High School -- and was touted as a future star for the Trojans.

But, Monday Bolden announced he's leaving SC and it appears it's all because he feels he was unfairly punished over an incident involving alcohol and trash talk.

Bolden acknowledged he was at the party -- and "participated in mutual trash talking with fellow partygoers" -- but claims he left without incident and has witnesses that can back him up.

But, Bolden says the party hosts reported him to school officials claiming they had felt "threatened" by the football player due to his actions that night and wanted him to be disciplined.

Bolden says, despite the fact he was not charged with a crime and had witnesses that supported him, the school slapped him with a 28-month suspension based on the projected graduation dates of the hosts.

Bolden penned a goodbye letter on Monday -- and kept it classy -- but you can tell he's pissed off and plans to continue his football career somewhere else.

In his note, Bolden did say his behavior on the night in question was "not reflective of my character" -- which acknowledges he wasn't exactly a perfect angel that night.

We reached out to SC -- but a rep for the school declined to comment.

Bolden's listed at 6'3", 200 lbs and was recruited by some of the top schools in the country, including Ohio State, Michigan and Oklahoma.

He logged 8 tackles as a true freshman last year.

Houston Astros Brooms & Booze!! ... Sweep Tribe in ALDS

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The Houston Astros are back in the ALCS for the second year in a row ... but they're celebrating like it's their first time -- drenching their locker room with TONS of beer and champagne!!

The 'stros just finished off their sweep of the Cleveland Indians in the ALDS with an 11-3 win on Monday ... and Jose Altuve & Co. made themselves right at home in the visitor's locker room at Progressive Field.

What's more incredible than their blowout win over the Tribe -- the amount of booze that is flying through the air at one time.

Silver lining for Cleveland -- the Chief Wahoo is officially retired with the Indians' season ending. So, good riddance, racist logo.

LeBron James Pissed Rival Spurs Lost Rising Star ... 'F*#% Man!'

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LeBron James is straight-up PISSED that one of his NBA rivals lost a great player ... dropping an f-bomb when he learned Spurs baller Dejounte Murray was done for the season.

Murray's right knee buckled as he went up for a layup against the Rockets in San Antonio's preseason game Sunday ... and the team announced Monday he suffered a torn ACL.

Bron wasn't the least bit pleased to know one of his Western Conference rivals took that big of a blow, saying, "Man I feared that would be the case when I saw the play! F*#% man!"

In fact, the Lakers superstar made sure the 22-year-old knew he can lean on him if he needs him through the recovery process.

"You know how to reach me and where to find me if needed. Love lil bro!!"

As for Murray ... he was keeping his head up, writing on social media, "I Will Attack This Process Every Single Day And Use This Time To Become Even Sharper In All Aspects."

BTW ... Murray's still dating Jilly Anais ... which has gotta soften the blow at least A LITTLE bit, right??

Yeah, we'd say so.

WWE's Big Show Hits NY Jets Game ... Helps Kids Fight Cancer

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WWE superstar Big Show was stoked to watch the NY Jets beat the Broncos this weekend -- but he was FAR more interested in some VIPs at the game who are battling cancer.

Big Show -- along with fellow WWE superstars Bayley and Curt Hawkins -- hit up MetLife Stadium as part of the "Crucial Catch: Intercept Cancer" campaign.

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ALL FOR THE KIDS

Behind the scenes, the wrestling stars got to hang with the real stars of the game -- the brave kids from Goryeb Children’s Hospital in New Jersey.

Besides the great seats and the cool meet-and-greet with the WWE stars, the kids also served as honorary captains during the coin toss.

The good news ... the Jets emerged victorious -- beating the Broncos 34-16.

We spoke with Big Show about the experience ... and he tells us why spending time with the kids is one of the best parts of being a WWE superstar.

Props to everyone involved.

Dana White Conor Asked For Khabib Rematch

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Conor McGregor wants a rematch with Khabib Nurmagomedov ASAP ... and he's already hitting up Dana White to make it happen.

Just days after suffering a brutal loss at UFC 229, White says Conor called him to set up another fight with the Russian superstar -- but it doesn't sound promising.

"He has to go before the (Nevada State Athletic) Commission, we have to see what's gonna happen with Khabib with this whole mess," White told "First Take" on ESPN. "But, Conor McGregor has already called me wanting a rematch."

It probably won't happen until we find out if Khabib will be punished by the NSAC. But, it sounds like Dana's got his eyes on someone else for Nurmagomedov first.

"Tony Ferguson looked amazing. Those 2 have been lined up to fight 3 different times and it hasn't happened, so we'll see how this thing plays out."

Conor McGregor Cracked In Face In Octagon Brawl ... New Footage

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THE SNEAK ATTACK

Here's the clearest video we've seen so far of Conor McGregor getting socked hard in the face in the post-fight Octagon brawl at UFC 229 ... and the cage invader lands some pretty solid shots.

The dude in the red shirt has reportedly been identified as Zubaira Tukhugov -- a pro-MMA fighter who's a member of Khabib Nurmagomedov's team.

He's scheduled to fight Conor's teammate, Artem Lobov, on October 27.

In the footage, you can see Tukhugov attack Conor from behind -- connecting with a sucker punch to the side of McGregor's head.

He then pivots and cracks Conor from the front -- landing a barefisted blow to Conor's head.

Ultimately, security comes in and breaks the whole thing up.

Before Tukhugov's attack -- another dude from Khabib's camp sucker punched Conor too ... trying to land hammerfists from the top of the cage.

Dana White said 3 men from Khabib's camp were arrested following the melee ... seems likely these guys were part of that group.

Dez Bryant Shades Cowboys After Texans Loss ... You Shoulda Kept Me!!

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Wanna know how the Cowboys coulda avoided another tough road loss Sunday??

Have Dez Bryant on the roster -- at least, that's what the ex-Dallas wideout is saying.

The Cowboys' offense was trash again in a 19-16 loss to the Texans ... and owner Jerry Jones said afterward he sure would've liked a No. 1 WR for Dak Prescott to throw at in games like these.

Enter Dez ... who took to Twitter to say Jerry already HAD a No. 1 wideout -- but cut him last spring.

"Idk what Jerry meant by that #1 WR but I’m damn for sure would have kept them chains moving..." Dez said.

Dez has been begging for a shot to get back in the NFL ... posting workouts and even tweeting last week the Cowboys are still his top option.

But, Jerry brushed Bryant off before the Houston L last week ... basically saying that ship has sailed.

Maybe Dallas needs another Jay-Z and Beyonce concert to rekindle the talks????

Conor McGregor Sips Whiskey, Shows Off Shiner ... After UFC 229 Loss

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Conor McGregor is taking his L with a shot of his Proper 12 whiskey and a black eye from Khabib Nurmagomedov ... saying "we lost the match but won the battle."

It's the first time we've seen McGregor since he got choked out by Khabib in the 4th round at UFC 229 on Saturday night ... and all things considered, Conor looks pretty good.

Of course, Conor and Khabib got into a massive brawl with each other's crews after the fight ended ... with Nurmagomedov jumping out of the Octagon to confront Conor's training partner, Dillon Danis.

Conor didn't do any media after the fight and blew off his club appearances on Saturday ... but he appears to be moving forward.

"The war goes on."

Khabib DESTROYS MCGREGOR ... Attacks Conor's Team

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7:30 AM PT -- Joe Rogan says Khabib was provoked by Conor's jiu-jitsu coach Dillon Danis after Danis was hurling insults at him.

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ESCORTED TO SAFETY

7:30 AM PT -- Conor's pregnant girlfriend and child were whisked out of the arena and they looked scared.

7:10 AM PT -- Dana White said Khabib's paycheck for the fight will be withheld until an investigation by the Nevada Athletic Commission is completed.

7:00 AM PT -- Conor decided not to press charges, so the 3 men were released.

10/6 10:43 PM PT -- Dana White says 3 members of Khabib's team have been arrested for brawling after the fight.

Unclear which members were arrested and what they've been charged with. Dana suggested the charges are serious, and the guys might be deported and barred from coming back to the U.S.

White also says he spoke with Conor -- and he wasn't hurt in the aftermath, but he's bummed out about losing the fight.

Khabib Nurmagomedov just dominated Conor McGregor at UFC 229 -- making the Irishman tap -- and then jumped out of the Octagon to attack Conor's team.

Remember, Conor and his band of thugs attacked Khabib's bus at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn back in April -- after an incident between Khabib and Conor's teammate, Artem Lobov.

Conor famously threw a steel dolly at the bus -- while trying to provoke Khabib to step outside and fight.

Conor was arrested for the attack -- Khabib said if Conor wanted to fight, "send me the location."

The two have been threatening each other in public ever since. Conor recently said he would have killed Khabib if he would have stepped off the bus.

But, Saturday night, Khabib was the better fighter -- dominating Conor in basically every facet of the fight at UFC 229 in Vegas.

He ultimately choked Conor out in the 4th round -- and once Conor tapped, Khabib appeared to spit on Conor and then jumped outside of the cage and attacked Conor's team.

You could see Khabib brawling in the crowd with Conor's pal, Dillon Danis -- one of the guys who was with Conor when he attacked the bus.

Someone jumped inside the Octagon and attacked Conor.

Security raced to the scene and tried to restore order.

Khabib was ultimately escorted out of the cage without the ceremonial belt moment with Dana White.

Kanye West Disappears ... From Social Media

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Kanye West has done it before and now he's done it again ... he's deleted his Twitter and Instagram.

Ye went dark around 1:45 PM PT Saturday without warning or any announcement as to why. However, his social media disappearance comes after a controversial week in which he tweeted that the 13th amendment should be abolished ... which he later clarified, saying he meant it should be amended.

He's also received a ton of backlash for voicing his support of Donald Trump and wearing his red #MAGA hat ... after last week's "Saturday Night Live."

Not saying his knack for landing in hot water because of his social media activity is why his accounts are now down ... but it's a possibility.

There's is another possible explanation, though -- Kanye told us he's traveling to Africa soon to record music and complete his latest album. So, maybe he's on his way and just doesn't want any added distractions.

But, who knows.

Kanye deleted his social media in May 2017 and stayed off for almost a full year until April, but since then he's been pretty active ... especially in spurts.

We'll keep an eye out for a return.

Brett Kavanaugh Confirmed

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3:20 PM PT -- Kavanaugh has reportedly been sworn in as the 114th Supreme Court justice in a private ceremony at court.

1:45 PM PT -- Trump congratulated the Senate on "confirming our GREAT NOMINEE" ... and says he will sign Kavanaugh's Commission of Appointment and swear him in later today.

There were no last minute surprises or curveballs -- Brett Kavanaugh got the votes he needed to be confirmed to the Supreme Court of the United States ... but just barely.

President Trump's pick to replace Justice Anthony Kennedy was confirmed by the Senate Saturday with a tally of 50 to 48 ... including crucial "aye" votes from Senators Jeff Flake, Susan Collins and Joe Manchin.

Republican Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski was set to vote 'no' on Kavanaugh, but as a favor to Montana Senator Steve Daines ... she voted 'present' to offset his 'yes' vote so he could attend his daughter's wedding. It really didn't matter anyway.

The confirmation comes after weeks of drama and controversy stemming from allegations made by Dr. Christine Blasey Ford that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her at a party in the early '80s when they were both in high school.

Ford's claims led to a Senate hearing where both she and the judge testified to the Senate Judiciary Committee ... and a brief follow-up FBI investigation authorized by the Prez.

But, when it was all said and done, a majority of the Senate -- all but one Republican plus Manchin -- determined Ford's allegations were not corroborated and Kavanaugh was deserving of a spot on the highest court in the land.

If recent history with Neil Gorsuch is any indication, now that Kavanaugh's been confirmed ... he could be sworn in as early as Monday.

Before the Senate vote, Kavanaugh wrote a letter admitting he was overly emotional and said some things he shouldn't have during his testimony. However, he insists he'll be a "pro-law judge" who won't let partisan politics or public pressure influence his decisions.

Many people -- including Amy Schumer -- aren't buying it ... and have been consistently protesting Kavanaugh's appointment to the Supreme Court in D.C. this week.

Looks like they're going to have to keep it up for a long time.

Audrey Wells 'The Hate U Give' Writer Dies Day Before Film's Release

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Audrey Wells -- the writer of "Under the Tuscan Sun," "A Dog's Purpose" and the just-released film "The Hate U Give" -- has died ... according to her reps.

Wells died Thursday after a long battle with cancer. Her husband, Brian, released a statement saying, "Over the last five and half years, Audrey fought valiantly against her illness and she died surrounded by love. Even during her fight, she never stopped living, working or traveling, and she never lost her joy, wonder and optimism."

She's survived by her husband and her daughter Tatiana.

Audrey's career as a writer in Hollywood began in 1996, when she penned "The Truth About Cats & Dogs." She went on to write the screenplay for "George of the Jungle" the following year, before writing and directing "Guinevere" in 1999.

She was also the director of 'Tuscan Sun.'

Her latest movie, "The Hate You Give," is a drama tackling racial tension and police violence in America. It opened Friday in limited release.

Audrey was 58.

RIP