A$AP Rocky I'm Free Again ... First Pics of Jail Exit After LAX Arrest

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Here's A$AP Rocky leaving LAPD headquarters -- surrounded by several officers -- after his arrest for a 2021 shooting.

The rapper posted $550k bail before he was able to walk out of police HQ Wednesday afternoon in DTLA, and directly into a waiting SUV in the rear parking lot. This was several hours after he was busted at LAX.

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HEADIN' HOME

As we reported, Rocky was arrested after flying back from Barbados with Rihanna on a private jet, with cops meeting him at the terminal and taking him away in handcuffs.

We're told A$AP was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon with a gun ... and our law enforcement sources say the arrest is for a November 6 incident where an alleged victim claims Rocky shot at him multiple times, and at least one bullet grazed his left hand.

Police also served a search warrant at A$AP's home Wednesday in L.A., busting out a battering ram to get through his front gate.

When cops wrapped up their search, they left Rocky's house with a box of potential evidence.

Remember, Rocky had been in Barbados living it up with his pregnant gf RiRi ... jet skiing and hanging with her family and friends.

Major reversal of fortune, though, the second he got back stateside.

Jay Wright Leaves Villanova ... After 21 Years

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UPDATE

6:09 AM PT -- 04/21 -- Wright confirmed the news Wednesday night ... thanking Villanova for the opportunity to coach over the past 21 years and promising to continue to work with the program.

UPDATE

Wow.

Hall of Famer and Villanova Wildcats head coach Jay Wright is expected to step down from his position after 21 years with the team ... this according to multiple reports.

Wright -- who's 60 years old -- is "seriously contemplating retiring" before the 2023 season ... and will make his decision after talking things over with his family, Shams Charania says.

Wright has a 642–282 overall record as a head coach ... including 4 Final Four appearances and national championships in 2016 and 2018.

Jay is known for his incredible fashion sense over the years -- as we previously reported, the guy spent thousands on his custom suits ... and won several awards for his looks.

Wright was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.

He was the head coach of Hofstra University from 1994-2001 before joining 'Nova ... and was previously an assistant for Rochester, Drexel, Villanova and UNLV.

The move is pretty shocking ... and now Laker fans are going to start speculating about whether he will be their next coach.

Story developing ...

Originally Published -- 4/20 4:29 PM PT

Cuba Gooding Jr. Cops Plea in Sexual Misconduct Case

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Cuba Gooding Jr. copped a plea deal in his sexual misconduct case ... and it means he's going to avoid jail time, as long as he keeps his nose clean.

The actor, who was facing 6 misdemeanor charges for 3 separate alleged incidents, pled guilty Wednesday to one count of forcible touching. That charge is for the 2019 case where a woman claimed Gooding kissed her without consent at New York City's LAVO nightclub.

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THE VIDEO EVIDENCE AT TAO

Remember, a grand jury indicted Gooding in that case ... after he'd been arrested for another allegation. A different accuser said he had touched her breast without consent while they were at a rooftop bar in the Big Apple.

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THE ALLEGED GROPING AT MAGIC HOUR

The case also included allegations from a server at TAO Downtown who said Cuba pinched her buttocks in 2018 after making a sexually suggestive remark to her.

As we reported, Cuba wanted the whole indictment tossed out of court and initially pled not guilty to all 6 counts, but he ended up taking a plea deal.

Prosecutors say Cuba's plea deal calls for him to continue the alcohol and behavior modification treatment he began in 2019 for 6 more months, and he can't have any new arrests.

If Cuba follows the terms, we're told he can change the plea to harassment in the second degree, and get a sentence of time served -- but if he doesn't comply, he faces up to one year in jail.

Brooklyn Subway Shooting Suspect Taken Into Custody ... Facing Life in Prison

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UPDATE

11:50 AM PT -- James has been charged in Brooklyn Federal Court with one count of violating 18 U.S.C. 1992 (a)(7) ... "which prohibits terrorist and other violent attacks against mass transportation systems." He faces up to life in prison if convicted.

UPDATE
UPDATE

According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, James was dressed as a construction worker when he ignited smoking devices inside a subway car and began to shoot at passengers. The docs state James left two bags behind at the scene whose contents included a gun, gasoline, a torch, fireworks and multiple bank cards. The gun appears to have been purchased legally by James.

Frank James, the suspect in the Brooklyn subway shooting, has been taken into custody ... according to law enforcement sources.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... James was arrested in the East Village Wednesday. Clips from the arrest show squads of cop cars surrounding the area as they load him into the back of their vehicle.

As you know, upwards of 30 people were treated for injuries Tuesday after the bloody aftermath in Brooklyn. There were also reports of smoke inhalation ... as the shooter appears to have used a flashbang of some kind to obscure people's vision.

A man named Zack Tahhan, who was working in the area where James was caught, says he recognized the suspect from news reports and called the cops ... who made the arrest.

James' YouTube page has been unearthed over the past 24 hours, and the clips are alarming ... including James going on rants left and right and one video labeled "STOP ONE COMPLETE," where it looks like James says "you oughta die."

He seems quite agitated by the state of affairs in 2022 ... and he invokes violent language to talk about much of it.

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CHAOS IN NEW YORK

Fortunately, no fatalities yet, and none are expected. NYC Mayor Adams called for a national response to gun violence as a result of the shooting. He also said there'd be changes on the city level -- including more officers in the subway.

Originally Published -- 11:30 AM PT

Mass Shooting Multiple Victims Shot at Brooklyn Subway Station ... Cops ID Person of Interest

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UPDATE

4:47 PM PT -- The NYPD has just identified a person of interest in the deadly shooting ... and police want to question him.

UPDATE

Cops say a 62-year-old man named Frank James is under the microscope because he allegedly rented a U-Haul van that has been linked to the attack.

UPDATE

Police say it's unclear if James is the suspected shooter, but they want to question him nonetheless.

UPDATE

9:25 AM PT -- During a press conference, officials described the suspect in detail. They said there are 16 people hospitalized, including 10 with gunshot wounds. 5 of those people are in critical but stable condition.

UPDATE
UPDATE

Governor Kathy Hochul said this is an active shooter situation and New Yorkers need to be on alert for the suspect.

UPDATE

7:05 AM PT -- According to AP, 13 people were injured, including 5 people shot. NYPD confirmed there were "no active explosives devices at this time."

Another mass shooting in America ... this time a man opened fire in a Brooklyn subway station during rush hour and left a trail of carnage behind.

There were multiple people shot after a man wearing a gas mask, orange construction-type vest and a gray hooded sweatshirt allegedly shot people waiting for the train. There are reports of a possible explosion as well.

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CHAOS IN NEW YORK

Some of the injured were covered in blood ... the scene is ghastly. The platform floors were caked in blood as the injured lay nearby.

It occurred around 8:30 AM ET, at the 36th Street station for the D, N, R lines in Sunset Park at the height of morning rush.

The suspect is still on the loose ... cops swarmed the subway station and are on the hunt for him.

A spokesman for the Fire Dept. of New York confirmed several undetonated devices were found, giving credence to the report there was at least one explosion.

Originally Published -- 6:42 AM PT

Gilbert Gottfried Dead at 67

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Comedy legend Gilbert Gottfried has died.

In a statement from his family released Tuesday, they announced, "We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved Gilbert Gottfried after a long illness. In addition to being the most iconic voice in comedy, Gilbert was a wonderful husband, brother, friend and father to his two young children. Although today is a sad day for all of us, please keep laughing as loud as possible in Gilbert's honor."

Gilbert's rep, Glenn Schwartz, tells us he died from a heart abnormality called Ventricular Tachycardia due to Myotonic Dystrophy type II.

Gilbert's career spans back to the '70s where he was a cast member on "Saturday Night Live." He then became a hit on "The Cosby Show" in the 80s. Gilbert was a standout in "Beverly Hills Cop II" where he played business manager Sidney Bernstein.

Of course, Gilbert did plenty of voicework too, voicing Iago on "Aladdin" and the Aflac Duck in the early 2000s.

Gilbert posted a now heart-wrenching photo of himself with Bob Saget and Louie Anderson shortly after Louie died with the caption, "This photo is very sad now. RIP Bob Saget and RIP Louie Anderson. Both good friends that will be missed."

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LAST TIME WE SAW HIM

Last time our cameras talked to Gilbert was in NYC in 2017.

Gilbert leaves behind his wife, Dara, who he married in 2007 and his two kids, Lily and Max.

He was 67.

RIP

Judge Ketanji Jackson Confirmed as Supreme Court Justice ... First African-American Woman to Join

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Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is officially confirmed to the U.S. Supreme Court ... making history as the first Black woman ever to hold the position.

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REACHING MAJORITY

Ketanji's confirmation means she will officially replace retiring Justice Stephen Breyer on the highest court. Senate Republicans Mitt Romney, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski all joined Democrats in voting to confirm.

Voting was at 53-47 in favor -- Senator Rand Paul was the last to cast his vote.

President Biden nominated Judge Brown Jackson back in February, but during her confirmation hearing she was drilled with questions from Lindsey Graham, Ted Cruz and others.

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HIGH PRAISE

Things got emotional for Judge Brown Jackson during the hearing when Senator Cory Booker let her know, as a Black person, how proud he was of her accomplishments and how many obstacles she had to face to get to the position.

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PROPS TO THE FAM

As we told you, Justice Brown Jackson is the first African-American woman to be on the court, and the second African-American to join the current Justices. Justice Clarence Thomas is African-American, and currently going through his own drama outside the bench.

We got footage of Reverend Al Sharpton and Hillary Clinton celebrating the confirmation at an event in New York today.

Jay Willams Coach K Could Return To Duke ... After Key Assistant's Exit

Published

Don't say goodbye to your coach just yet, Duke fans -- former Blue Devils legend Jay Williams says there's a real possibility Mike Krzyzewski could return to Durham next season ... after one of his top assistants left the program this week.

Williams started the speculation on ESPN Radio's "Keyshawn, JWill, & Max" ... after news came out that assistant/former player Nolan Smith was going to become associate head coach at Louisville under Kenny Payne.

Williams started by saying how happy he was to see Smith get the opportunity at Louisville ... but brought his attention back to Duke and the massive hole that needs to be filled from a recruiting standpoint.

"And it leads me to think, which I’ve been thinking a lot about since I heard this news (Monday), does Coach K come back for another season?" Williams asked. One more final season?"

Of course, the North Carolina Tar Heels defeated Duke, 81-77, on Saturday ... in what was billed as Coach K's final game of his coaching career.

Williams believes Coach K might reconsider handing the keys over to Jon Scheyer now that Smith is gone ... and explains his theory.

"Here’s why I give it a legit chance," Williams said. "If you’re Nolan Smith, and you have a great relationship with all these players, you’re in the (same) conference. You’re at Louisville."

"You’re picking up the phone and [recruiting players from Duke]. It weakens the hold of Duke. If you’re Coach K, how do you strengthen that hold? -- You’re coming back."

The NBA analyst stated that he wasn't speaking on information he heard or knew -- instead, he was speculating on what Coach K MIGHT do.

The move makes sense ... but Coach K seemed adamant this was his final season, so who knows??

Kanye West Drops Out of Coachella ... No Travis Scott, Either

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Kanye West will no longer be performing at Coachella this year -- leaving the festival with an open headliner spot ... and fans without an appearance from Travis Scott.

Sources connected to Ye tell us he's decided to pull the plug on his performance at the 2-weekend-long event in Indio, CA -- which starts next weekend. What's more, we're told Travis Scott was supposed to join Kanye onstage ... so that's now out of the question as well.

It's currently unclear exactly why Kanye's backing out -- but he's clearly had a tough few months -- lashing out at Kim Kardashian, Pete Davidson and Trevor Noah, among others on social media.

TMZ broke the story, his racist attack on Trevor got him suspended from Instagram for 24 hours last month ... he hasn't posted anything since.

Kanye's cancelation leaves Coachella with an obvious hole. Billie Eilish, Harry Styles and Swedish House Mafia are still headlining ... but there's clearly a lack of diversity.

Of course, Travis was supposed to headline the festival back in 2020 before it was canceled because of COVID. Travis was then booked for 2022, but Coachella organizers pulled the plug on the idea after the tragedy at Astroworld. Fans demanded he come back with a petition, to no avail.

Travis has not performed in a large capacity since.

We haven't seen Kanye since March 27 when he attended Saint's soccer game with Kim and North.

Eric Church Offers Free Concert For Fans ... After Canceling Show For UNC Vs. Duke Game

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Eric Church is extending an olive branch to thousands of pissed off fans for scrapping a concert to attend the North Carolina vs. Duke game ... by scheduling a completely FREE show later this year for anyone impacted by the cancelation.

The MASSIVE Tar Heels fan came under fire earlier this week for bailing on his upcoming gig ... all so he could watch his beloved team play in the Final Four against their hated rivals and coach Mike Krzyzewski (for the very last time).

Fans were super upset, though, with many storming his Facebook page to blast him for the decision.

The country star released a statement regarding the controversy on Friday ... saying he's grateful for the opportunity to check out the game -- and promises to make up for it.

"Thank you San Antonio for letting me take my family to this game," Church said. "It took a minute to figure out how and when I could properly express my thanks."

Church says he'll return to Texas in September for a "one of a kind" free gig for anyone who bought tix ... in hopes of getting back in good graces with the Church Choir.

Will it work?? We'll see ... but at least EC can now enjoy the game without feeling too guilty.

Enjoy the show in 5 months!!

Terrell Owens Making Comeback At 48 Years Old ... W/ Fan Controlled FB

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It's been 12 years since Terrell Owens played in the NFL, but the Hall of Famer is ready to hit the gridiron once again -- this time, with Fan Controlled Football!!

TMZ Sports has confirmed with sources -- 48-year-old T.O. will suit up for the league this season ... joining former Heisman Johnny Manziel, who is returning for his second season.

As we previously reported, Owens has remained confident he could continue to play in the NFL ... telling us in 2021 he was actively pursuing a comeback.

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NEVER SAY NEVER

Now, our sources say the legendary receiver will, in fact, be playing this year.

We broke the story -- comedian and social media superstar Druski told us earlier this month he was hoping to get T.O. and fellow ex-NFL superstar Mike Vick to join the league ... and so far, he's 1-for-2.

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LET'S RUN IT BACK

It'll be interesting to see what happens with T.O.'s participation ... and whether NFL teams will be watching to see if he's still got it.

Games start later this spring ... so, as T.O. would say, getcha popcorn ready.

We reached out to FCF for a comment, but they're not talking.

Welcome back, Owens!!

Chris Rock Arrives for Big Boston Comedy Show ... 800-lb Gorilla Has to Be Addressed!!!

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Chris Rock is locked and loaded for the kickoff of his comedy tour, arriving at the venue in Boston and looking like he's ready for funny business.

We got photos of Chris arriving at the Wilbur Theater in Beantown, looking pretty stoic and clearly knowing ... millions and millions of folks are waiting for him to take the mic and say SOMETHING about that slap.

Chris' "Ego Death Tour" is all the rage ... all 5 nights at the Wilbur are not only sold out ... tickets are being scalped at a king's ransom -- some going for over $1,000.

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READY TO ROCK

Chris has not said anything publicly about the incident and has not publicly accepted Will Smith's apology. We know as of Tuesday night the 2 had not spoken, so it doesn't appear Will picked up the phone to privately apologize.

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TAKIN' NO DISRESPECT

As for whether Chris accepts Will's Instagram mea culpa ... don't count on it. His brother, Tony Rock, has scoffed at Will's apology, and based on everything we know the 2 brothers are in lockstep.

As we reported, there's a lot of smoke that Will's tirade goes way beyond a hair joke. Back in 2016, when the Smith's called for a boycott of the Oscars because of a lack of inclusiveness, they asked Chris to join the boycott, but he declined ... and ever since there's been beef between them. Chris' jokes about Will and Jada at that ceremony further cemented their divide.

We're inside the club Tuesday night, so check back and we'll let you know what Chris says.

Bruce Willis Puts Acting Career on Pause ... Diagnosed with Aphasia

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Bruce Willis won't be acting for the foreseeable future -- and it's all due to a medical condition he's developed that makes it difficult, if not impossible, for him to communicate.

Bruce's daughter, Rumer Willis, shared the sad news Wednesday ... posting a photo of her dad with a pretty revealing caption about his health: "To Bruce’s amazing supporters, as a family we wanted to share that our beloved Bruce has been experiencing some health issues and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, which is impacting his cognitive abilities."

Rumer adds, "As a result of this and with much consideration Bruce is stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him."

She goes on to explain how this is a really challenging time for the Willis family and that they appreciate the compassion and messages of support. She also says she wanted to be up front about this because they all know how much their dad means to his fans and the public alike.

Rumer finishes with this ... "As Bruce always says, 'Live it up' and together we plan to do just that. Love, Emma, Demi, Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel, & Evelyn."

Aphasia impacts the ability to comprehend words and/or speak. It can be caused by strokes, tumors or other brain damage -- but Rumer isn't saying what led to Bruce's diagnosis.

While Bruce hasn't been in many mainstream productions lately, he's still been busy ... acting in more than a dozen movies in the last 2 years.

Yippee ki-yay, Bruce ... hope to see you back on camera soon.

Ketanji Brown Jackson She's a Lock for SCOTUS ... First Republican Jumps on Board

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Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson should start cleaning out her drawers at the Court of Appeals, because she's headed to higher ground -- the U.S. Supreme Court.

Republican Senator Susan Collins just revealed she'll support the nom, which all but assures her confirmation. With a 50-50 split, Collins will provide the cushion so the Veep doesn't have to cast a tiebreaker. What's more, Collins could open the door for more Republican support, although don't count on it.

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PROPS TO THE FAM

Collins said, "After reviewing Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson's extensive record, watching much of her hearing testimony, and meeting with her twice in person, I have concluded that she possesses the experience, qualifications, and integrity to serve as an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court. I will, therefore, vote to confirm her to this position."

Collins met with Brown Tuesday for a second time, and said after the meeting that the Judge had provided clarification on certain issues ... unclear what those issues were.

Brown would become the first female Black justice in the Court's history.

Rapper Chika Updates Fans, I'm Okay ... After Suicide Threats

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UPDATE

11:06 AM PT -- 3/27/22 -- Chika seems to be okay after all, writing ... "alive. wanna go home." She adds, "leaving the hospital. not that i should care about updating anyone besides family. i just wanna be left alone, if that’s okay. i appreciate the prayers and stuff. thanks."

UPDATE

4:28 PM PT -- Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... police responded to Chika's North Hollywood apartment today to conduct a welfare check, only to discover she wasn't home when directed to her unit by an onsite manager.

A one-time up-and-coming rapper who was nominated for a Grammy not too long ago is now making a terrifying revelation -- saying she's likely to end her life at any given moment.

The artist is Chika -- who was named in XXL's 2020 freshman class, and was actually up for a Grammy last year in the Best New Artist category. She posted a lengthy statement on her social media page that implied she was on the verge of suicide ... to the shock of many.

She writes, in part, "i went to the top of the intercontinental, but could not jump. not because i don't want to, but because the metal stairs were scary." Chika adds, "it looks like crying wolf, but it's not. it's just difficult to find the right way. the quickest way. the painless way. i am tired of myself too."

Chika goes on to say how she believes she'll serve as a cautionary tale, in leaving a broken person to their own devices, and how she won't be sorry for those she might leave behind ... saying she refuses to carry the burden of others who refused to share her own.

It's a gut-wrenching note, and she ends it by writing ... "no more typing. i'm going to finish my drink and find a way that works. thanks for the ride, i hated it."

She's also been posting extra photos and text notes on her IG story, saying people can find her body and that she doesn't care. She actually appears to give certain street names, but it's unclear what city she might be in at the moment. She's from Montgomery, Alabama.

Of course, people have fired off with a ton of concern ... sending prayers her way, and openly hoping someone on her team or in her inner circle can reach her before something tragic happens. She hasn't posted any new notes in at least an hour or so.

Originally Published -- 3/26 1:30 PM PT

If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK.

President Biden Putin 'Can't Remain in Power' ... WH Backtracks, Clarifies

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President Biden has been saying a lot during his Euro trip -- but on a few occasions, he's misspoken about our intentions with Russia ... including the idea that Putin has got to go.

POTUS sparked a lot of headlines Saturday following a rousing speech he gave in Poland reaffirming the U.S.'s commitment to helping out Ukraine -- the reason ... he ended his remarks with an eyebrow-raising statement about what should happen to Russia's leader.

Biden says, "For God's sake, this man cannot remain in power" ... this after listing all the atrocities Putin has committed during this war.

Might not sound like a big deal on its face, but for U.S. officials and military strategists -- those words signaled a call for a regime change in Russia ... which is one helluva policy change from what the Biden administration has thus far touted and publicly backed.

While Biden's words were fairly clear, a White House rep has since re-explained what the Commander in Chief was trying to say -- namely, that he was NOT calling for a regime change. They clarified that JB just meant ... Putin can't be allowed to exercise power over his neighbors or the region. That's definitely not was Biden said, but fair enough.

Not just that, but following his speech ... WaPo reports that the Prez went off-script in that moment, calling it another "inarticulate" moment when he shoots from the hip.

There's another incident that sounded alarms -- it was on Friday when 46 was meeting with U.S. Army soldiers stationed in Poland (with whom he broke bread, or pizza dough rather) and he told them they would see "when you're there" the Ukrainian resilience first-hand.

There, too, he appeared to be implying we'd be sending boots on the ground in Ukraine -- which has been viewed as a terrible move by many, as it could elevate tensions with Russian and spark a full-fledged war of colossal proportions -- but that isn't the case, it seems.

When reporters heard this, they went back to the WH yet again for clarity -- and a spokesperson said, "The President has been clear we are not sending U.S. troops to Ukraine and there is no change in that position."

Sounds like Joe didn't mean it in either instance ... which is good, as a change of course like that could have worldwide repercussions. Stick to the pre-approved talking points, sir!!!