Grizzlies' Ja Morant Enters Counseling Program In Florida ... No Timetable For Return

Ja Morant won't be back on the court anytime soon -- the Memphis Grizzlies superstar just entered a counseling program and won't rejoin the team until further notice.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Tim MacMahon reported the news on Monday ... saying Morant is seeking help in Florida and there's no set date for his return to the Grizzlies.

You'll recall ... Morant was suspended after he brandished a gun during his Instagram Live video while at a strip club in Colorado last weekend.

Memphis head coach Taylor Jenkins was asked Monday if Morant would be eligible to return for Friday's game against the Spurs ... and he said there are things that have to happen before Morant suits up for the Grizzlies again.

3/4/23
MORANT ON LIVE

"There are a lot of internal dialogues going on and obviously there’s still things going on at the league level that we’re in communication with," Jenkins said. "Ja’s fully engaged in this process and ready for whatever comes next after these 2 games."

As Morant continues to work his way back, the 23-year-old did get some good news last week ... when the Glendale Police Department in Colorado announced that he won't face any charges over the gun incident.

Ja had the Grizzlies as one of the top teams in the Western Conference before his suspension ... leading the way for Memphis, averaging 27.1 points per game -- but now, the team will look to stay afloat without their best player.

Shawn Kemp Attorney Parking Lot Shooting ... 'Reasonable And Legally Justified'

Shawn Kemp's attorney just released a statement on the ex-NBA star's arrest ... saying his actions were "reasonable and legally justified" when he fired a gun in a shopping mall parking lot -- alleging thieves opened fire on him first.

W. Scott Boatman addressed the situation in a lengthy note on Thursday -- shortly after Kemp was released from jail -- saying the incident started after his client's property, including an iPhone, was stolen from his car Tuesday night.

BEFORE THE ARREST
TMZSports.com

Boatman says Kemp tracked his phone to an occupied car that was parked near a Tacoma, WA shopping center on Wednesday ... and when he approached the vehicle, the individuals inside shot at him.

The attorney says Kemp returned fire, but only out of self-defense ... and he remained at the scene and spoke with cops "in an attempt to assist in the matter."

No one was injured during the incident.

POLICE AUDIO

Kemp was arrested and booked for a drive-by shooting Wednesday night ... and spent the night behind bars before being released less than 24 hours later.

Kemp's attorney is also disputing that there was a "drive-by shooting" ... but according to Washington state legislature, a drive-by shooting is described as when someone "recklessly discharges a firearm as defined in RCW 9.41.010 in a manner which creates a substantial risk of death or serious physical injury to another person and the discharge is either from a motor vehicle or from the immediate area of a motor vehicle that was used to transport the shooter or the firearm, or both, to the scene of the discharge."

As we previously reported, part of the incident was captured on video ... showing Kemp fire his gun, drive around the parking lot and drop an item in a bush before speaking with police.

Cops later retrieved a revolver from that same location.

Kemp is out of jail, but could still be charged. Tacoma PD is still investigating.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell Tripped At D.C. Hotel, Rushed To Hospital ... Suffered Concussion

UPDATE

11:04 AM PT -- Mitch McConnell's spokesperson David Popp told CNBC he is being treated for a concussion and will remain in the hospital for a few more days of observation.

Mitch McConnell was hospitalized Wednesday night, this after he took a spill at a Washington D.C. hotel.

The Senate Minority leader was having a private dinner at the Waldorf Astoria when he tripped. According to his rep, David Popp, McConnell fell ... and apparently fell hard.

Popp said the 81-year-old Republican "has been admitted to the hospital where he is receiving treatment.”

McConnell's condition was not disclosed, nor were specifics about the fall, but he was not admitted to the hospital for observation ... he was admitted for some sort of treatment.

The Kentucky lawmaker had a similar accident in 2019 when he tumbled to the ground at his Louisville home and fractured his shoulder.

McConnell is the nation's longest-serving Senate Republican leader. He was first elected to the Senate in 1984 and served as majority leader from 2015 to 2021.

Originally Published -- 5:02 AM PT

Jim Boeheim Out As Syracuse Head Coach ... After 47 Seasons

Hall of Famer Jim Boeheim is no longer the head coach of the Syracuse men's basketball team -- the school just announced the legend is being replaced after 47 years with the Orange.

78-year-old Boeheim started his career at 'Cuse as an assistant coach in 1969 before becoming the head coach in 1976. He racked up four Final Four appearances, five Big East tournament championships over the course of nearly 5 decades ... and won a national championship with Carmelo Anthony in 2003.

Boeheim -- a Syracuse alum -- also earned several awards ... as he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2005, and the College Basketball HoF in 2006.

Coach spoke with reporters after 'Cuse's 77-74 loss to Wake Forest in the ACC Tournament on Tuesday ... tiptoeing around straight-up saying he was retiring -- claiming he already made his goodbye speech, but no one noticed.

Syracuse athletic director John Wildhack addressed the move ... saying, "I have spent my entire career surrounded by the biggest and best names in professional and intercollegiate athletics. Few people are on the same playing field as Coach Boeheim."

"Jim Boeheim is synonymous with excellence, grit and determination. Jim is a rare breed of coach, building a program that is among the best in college basketball for nearly five decades. I am incredibly grateful for what he has done for Syracuse Basketball, Syracuse Athletics and Syracuse University as a whole."

Boeheim finishes his career with the second-most wins in NCAA history.

The school says Adrian Autry -- who played for the Orange in the '90s -- will take over as Boeheim's replacement ... and he has massive shoes to fill.

Ja Morant Won't Face Charges Over Gun Incident

UPDATE

2:32 PM PT -- While Ja Morant received good news on the legal front Wednesday ... the Memphis Grizzlies just announced they plan to keep him away from the team for at least the next four games.

Ja Morant is off the hook in his gun video case -- at least criminally -- cops just announced the NBA star will not face charges ... even though he recorded himself brandishing a firearm at a Denver-area club over the weekend.

The Glendale Police Dept. cleared the 23-year-old on Wednesday afternoon ... saying in a statement that despite the "concerning" images on Morant's Instagram Live stream Saturday morning -- "there was not enough available evidence to charge anyone with a crime."

Cops said the incident took place on March 4 just hours after the Grizzlies game against the Nuggets at Shotgun Willie's -- a Gentleman's club located five or so miles from Ball Arena.

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MORANT ON LIVE

"In this case," police said, "it should be noted that on the night in question the GPD did not receive any calls for service at the nightclub regarding a weapon of any type. Subsequently, no disturbances were reported, and no citizens or patrons of the club came forward to make a complaint."

"The investigation also concluded that no one was threatened or menaced with the firearm," they added, "and in fact no firearm was ever located."

While cleared legally ... Morant is still facing potential punishment from the NBA -- the league announced it launched its own investigation into the matter that has not yet concluded.

While the probe continues onward, Morant -- who apologized for the video and vowed to seek out help afterward -- has remained away from the Grizzlies.

A timetable for his return to the hardwood has not been set yet.

Originally Published -- 1:23 PM PT

Joe Mixon Cops Found Juveniles 'Doing Dart Wars' In Neighborhood ... Police Audio Reveals

POLICE AUDIO
UPDATE

3:54 PM PT -- Police officers encountered several juveniles who were "doing dart wars" when they initially arrived at Joe Mixon's neighborhood on Monday night ... new police audio, obtained by TMZ Sports, reveals.

UPDATE

In the clip -- which picked up parts of the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office's response to the reports of gunfire in Mixon's neighborhood -- you can hear what appears to be an officer saying, "It's juveniles. They're doing dart wars. Slow everyone down."

UPDATE

Cops, according to the audio, were first called out to the Cincinnati-area location after someone on the scene had alleged "several males and females" were "running at this location."

UPDATE

"They couldn't get a description," a law enforcement officer can be heard saying in the clip. "One of them pulled out a gun, ran toward the back of a building. Several shots were heard. A male with a gun was seen running, getting into a Jeep. He's currently still on scene. Two other vehicles are involved."

UPDATE

The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office said Monday morning an investigation into the matter is still ongoing. Further details surrounding the situation have yet to be released.

UPDATE

7:49 AM PT -- The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office said in a statement to TMZ Sports on Tuesday that Joe Mixon's home is "part of the crime scene."

UPDATE

Further details related to the football player's potential connection to the case were not released, however.

Multiple cops reportedly entered Joe Mixon's Cincinnati-area home on Monday night ... hours after they launched an investigation into an alleged shooting in the NFL star's neighborhood.

The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office said its officers headed out to the 7900 block of Ayers Road -- where Mixon lives in Ohio -- at around 8:25 PM after receiving a call of gunshots being fired.

A juvenile, according to cops, had been injured and transported to the hospital.

On-the-scene reporter Chancelor Winn said deputies cordoned off Mixon's home with caution tape after arriving -- and, at one point, knocked on his door while saying, "Sheriff’s Department. Come out."

Eventually, per Winn, they gained entry into the Bengals running back's home at around 1:30 AM. They left roughly two hours later. No arrests were made.

It's unclear if Mixon had any involvement in the investigation -- but WLWT News 5 reports his sister said the 26-year-old "was not involved in the shooting Monday night that injured a teenager."

Mixon has yet to publicly comment on the matter.

Story developing ...

Originally Published -- 06:17 AM PT

AVRIL LAVIGNE Kisses Tyga In Paris ... Romance Confirmed?!?

There's no hiding it anymore, Avril Lavigne and Tyga certainly look like they're dating ... kissing in front of cameras in the city of love.

Avril and Tyga locked lips Monday at the Mugler X Hunter Schafer Party during Paris Fashion Week ... and the smooching all but confirms a romantic relationship.

They certainly looked like a couple at the party, holding hands as they walked into the swanky bash.

Remember, Avril and Tyga sparked dating rumors earlier this year, and have been hanging out a lot both in Los Angeles and Paris, the same city where her ex, Mod Son, proposed.

TMZ broke the story ... Avril called off the engagement to Mod in February, about a year after he popped the question. Sources told us the former couple had been on and off for several months before she pulled the plug.

We've also seen Avril and Tyga grabbing dinner together at NOBU and hugging in the parking lot.

There were questions about whether Avril and Tyga were hooking up, and now they've given an answer.

Alabama's Brandon Miller Wins SEC Player Of Year Award ... Despite Connection To Murder Case

Brandon Miller just received top honors in his conference -- despite his connection to a murder case -- with the Alabama Crimson Tide star being named Player of the Year.

The Southeastern Conference unveiled the winners of the men's basketball postseason awards on Monday ... which are selected by the 14 head coaches.

The Tide forward -- who leads the SEC this season with 19.6 points per game -- received two of the awards: Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year ... weeks after Miller's name was mentioned in a murder case.

As we previously reported, law enforcement testified that Miller was the one who brought his former teammate, Darius Miles, the gun that killed 23-year-old Jamea Harris. The mother of one was gunned down on Jan. 15 in Tuscaloosa.

Miles' friend, Michael Davis, is the alleged shooter.

Both Miles and Davis are facing capital murder charges ... but Miller isn't in any trouble with the law or his school.

This, of course, has upset some college hoops fans ... who recently chanted "lock him up" at the Bama-South Carolina game last month.

The victim's parents are also furious the university continued to let him play despite the allegations.

"He took a brief pause and it didn’t stop. It’s like, OK, slap on the wrist and go play ball," Harris' mother, DeCarla Cotton, told USA Today.

"They're worried about his career, but what about this 5-year-old boy (Harris’ son, Kaine). He’s the true victim in all this. He won’t have a mother anymore to influence his growing up and who he’s going to be."

Miller is the first player to win both awards in the same season since former Kentucky Wildcats star Anthony Davis, who received the honors in 2012.

Red Sox Star Justin Turner Drilled In Face By Pitch ... Needs 16 Stitches

UPDATE

3:49 PM PT -- Justin Turner's wife said in an Instagram post late Monday afternoon the Boston star needed 16 stitches to close the wounds suffered in the hit by pitch ... but, thankfully, he's doing well now.

UPDATE

"He's resting," she said, before adding, "(okay - maybe listening to the replay of the game). 16 stitches and a lot of swelling but we are thanking God for no fractures & clear scans!"

UPDATE

12:18 PM PT -- The Red Sox announced Justin Turner has been taken to the hospital and is being evaluated for a concussion.

UPDATE

"Justin is stable, alert, and in good spirits given the circumstances," the team said.

Red Sox star Justin Turner just got drilled in the face by a pitch during a spring training game ... and the blow was so violent, it left him oozing blood at home plate.

The scary incident happened during Boston's exhibition tilt with the Tigers ... when Turner came up to bat with two runners on base in the bottom of the second inning.

Detroit right-hander Matt Manning threw a ball up and in ... and Turner couldn't get out of the way -- and it caught him flush in his face.

The former L.A. Dodgers third baseman immediately dropped to the ground in pain ... and video from the game's broadcast showed he was bleeding profusely from his face.

Red Sox trainers raced out to tend to him, covering his mouth with a towel before ushering him into the locker room.

The Sox -- who acquired Turner last December in free agency -- have yet to announce an update on the 38-year-old's status.

Originally Published -- 11:25 AM PT

King Charles Invites H&M to Coronation ... Undecided on Attending

King Charles has officially extended an olive branch to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle -- asking them to be among his guests at the Coronation, but the couple's saying ... eh, maybe.

His Royal Highness fired off the invite Saturday ... this according to the Times of London, which broke the story. It appears Buckingham Palace got word to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex shortly after Harry's televised sitdown with Dr. Gabor Mate earlier in the day.

No word on what exactly the invitation said, but the message was clear ... roll through!

Here's the kicker, though -- Harry and Meghan are holding their cards close to the vest on their plans. Their rep says ... "I can confirm The Duke has recently received email correspondence from His Majesty's office regarding the coronation. An immediate decision on whether The Duke and Duchess will attend will not be disclosed by us at this time."

In other words, it sounds like they have to think about it ... as there's been a lot of updates since their Netflix doc and Harry's book. Of course, they recently got word that they were getting evicted from Frogmore Cottage (although there are reports Charles is offering a full-blown flat on the palace grounds as a replacement). Plus, Harry just spilled more of his guts.

Harry took some roundabout shots at his family in the Mate interview ... saying he didn't receive enough love and affection as a child, and that he now suffers from PTSD. He also said that Meghan had "saved" him from his Royal life ... and suggested his family was out of touch and insensitive. Plus, Harry clearly said Royal life was inherently inauthentic.

PH didn't address the Coronation or where things stand between him and his brother/father ... but it was clear he feels the relationship is strained. Despite this, he also made sure to note that he felt what he was doing (sharing his story/problems) was worth it big picture.

In spite of all that, Charles sent the invite anyway -- right in the mix of more headlines and drama. It's fascinating timing ... and kind of a power move, no? Ball's in their court!

For more royal drama, tune into our podcast "Spilling Royal Tea," dropping every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts.

Ja Morant Apologizes For Gun Video ... Vows To Seek Help

3/4/23
MORANT ON LIVE
UPDATE

1:37 PM PT -- Ja Morant is breaking his silence on the video ... taking full responsibility and apologizing to his family, fans, the Grizzlies and the city of Memphis for his actions in a statement released minutes ago.

UPDATE

Morant -- who was suspended at least two games after the clip made rounds on social media -- says he will "take some time away to get help and work on learning better methods of dealing with stress and my overall well-being."

UPDATE

11:33 AM PT -- The Grizzlies announced that Ja will be away from the team for at least the next two games.

Ja Morant appeared to brandish a gun while filming a selfie video on social media late Friday night ... and now, the NBA says it's investigating it all.

The two-time All-Star went live on his Instagram page following the Memphis Grizzlies' loss to the Denver Nuggets ... showing him while out at what seemed to be a strip club.

Morant, shirtless, was dancing around ... rapping along to NBA YoungBoy's "Bring 'Em Out." Suddenly, he flashed what appeared to be a gun in front of the camera.

In the footage, you can see the 23-year-old brought the object near his face for a brief moment, before pulling it away.

It's not clear if the gun was real or not. An NBA spokesperson said in a statement Saturday morning, "We are aware of a social media post involving Ja Morant and are investigating."

Morant was recently accused of flashing a gun at a teenager following an altercation the two had at his home in Tennessee over the summer.

Cops investigated the claims, and officials ultimately declined prosecution in the case, citing a lack of evidence.

Morant was also recently seen doing a finger gun celebration during a game against the Rockets.

The former Murray State Racer has become an NBA star since he was drafted in 2019 ... leading the Grizzlies to two playoff appearances while averaging 22.5 points per game.

Originally Published -- 9:53 AM PT

Alex Murdaugh Found Guilty Of Son, Wife's Murders

3/2/23
MURDAUGH FOUND GUILTY
UPDATE

4:41 PM PT -- Alex Murdaugh's legal team tells TMZ ... “We are disappointed in the jury’s verdict but we will not have any further comment until after sentencing.”

Alex Murdaugh has been found guilty in the double murder trial of his son and wife.

The jury took less than 3 hours to reach a verdict Thursday, announcing it in a South Carolina courthouse.

As we reported, Murdaugh's wife Maggie and 22-year-old son Paul were found dead in 2021 at their hunting property, and investigators say they were shot with 2 different guns.

Murdaugh was originally a person of interest for more than a year but claimed he had an alibi. Still, a grand jury heard enough evidence last July to indict him for the murders of Maggie and Paul.

During the trial, which started back in January, Murdaugh's supposed alibi was blown up when prosecutors introduced a bombshell piece of evidence -- video from Paul's phone recorded at 8:44 PM in the family's dog kennel ... minutes before the murders.

ALEX & FAMILY MOMENTS BEFORE ...

In the video, Paul's father is heard in the background, meaning he actually was nearby when Paul and Maggie were murdered.

2/23/23
"I COULD SEE HIS BRAINS ..."

When Murdaugh took the stand last month he broke down as he recalled finding his wife and son dead -- however, due to Paul's video -- he was forced to admit lying to authorities about not being on the property when they were murdered.

Under cross-examination, prosecutors grilled Murdaugh over stealing millions from his law clients, and his decades-long addiction to prescription pills.

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EGGSPELLED
Youtube / NewsNation

The trial hit one procedural snafu on Thursday -- Judge Clifton Newman said one of the jurors discussed her opinion about evidence with 3 people outside court ... so, she was replaced by an alternate juror.

The juror requested her belongings before leaving the courtroom -- which included her purse, a bottle, and oddly enough a dozen eggs ... go figure.

Ex-UGA Star Jalen Carter Turns Himself In ... Poses For Mug Shot

Top NFL prospect Jalen Carter -- the potential No. 1 overall pick in next month's draft -- turned himself in to police on Wednesday night ... posing for a mug shot -- before quickly being released.

The former Univ. of Georgia star defensive lineman was booked at 11:33 PM, according to jail records -- just hours after the Athens-Clarke County Police Department issued warrants for his arrest for his alleged role in a January car crash that killed two people.

The records show Carter was released just 16 minutes after he was initially booked. He's facing misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing.

In his mug shot, Carter -- wearing a white tank top -- appeared to be emotionless and stoic.

As we reported, cops have accused Carter of racing UGA staffer Chandler LeCroy in a 2021 Jeep Trackhawk ... before LeCroy's 2021 Ford Expedition veered off the road and crashed into power poles and trees.

Police said in a statement Wednesday morning, an investigation into the crash showed both Carter and LeCroy "switched between lanes, drove in the center turn lane, drove in opposite lanes of travel" -- adding that LeCroy reached speeds of 104 MPH before the accident.

Carter, who was at the NFL's combine in Indianapolis when the arrest warrant was made public, immediately left the league's scouting event to head back to Georgia. He later said in a statement, "There is no question in my mind that when all of the facts are known that I will be fully exonerated of any criminal wrongdoing."

Carter was a key contributor at UGA for the past three seasons ... and had been seen as a possible target for the Chicago Bears with the No. 1 overall selection in the April 27 NFL Draft.

Michael Irvin Another Big Win In Court ... Marriott Must Turn Over Video

Michael Irvin has scored yet another big W in his civil case with Marriott ... a second judge -- this time a federal one -- has ruled the hotel giant must turn over any video it has that shows the NFL legend with his misconduct accuser on one of its properties last month.

The ruling was just handed down on Wednesday afternoon ... marking the second time in two weeks that a court has ordered Marriott to turn over the footage.

Initially, on Feb. 16, a state judge made the ruling ... but Marriott argued it should be allowed to take its time in handing over the clips, essentially saying Irvin was being disingenuous about the need to rush things. The case was ultimately kicked over to federal court to mete out.

The judge there, though, backed the ruling ... saying Irvin had the right to obtain the video in an expeditious manner -- because of the reputational and economic damage he said he's suffering by not having it.

The judge did rule, however, that Marriott can protect the identity of Irvin's accuser, saying the company's concern for her privacy "is well founded."

Irvin's attorney, Levi McCathern, tells TMZ Sports he's happy with the new order ... saying, once again, he believes the videos will show Irvin did nothing wrong when he interacted with the female hotel worker on Feb. 5 in Arizona.

"Michael and I are pleased with the ruling, and we thank the Court for ruling so quickly and equitably," McCathern said. "We look forward to receiving the information that we believe will prove that Michael was engaged in no wrongdoing."

According to the new order, Marriott has until March 7 to turn over the footage.

Logan Paul I Want To Fight Tommy Fury Next ... To Avenge Jake's Loss

If Jake Paul and Tommy Fury don't run it back, there's one guy who's already lining up to be TNT's next boxing opponent ... and it's none other than Logan Paul.

Logan expressed his wishes in a sit-down interview with the Problem Child on the "BS W/ Jake Paul" podcast (recorded the day after the Fury fight) ... and he admitted the result had him wanting to, as their mom put it, "kill that kid."

Logan initially asked Jake what he was planning to do in the ring following the loss ... and he made it clear he wants a rematch with Tyson's little bro.

But if Paul vs. Fury II doesn't work out ... Logan's ready to step in and avenge the family name.

"If you don't [have a rematch], I'd like to handle that," Logan told Jake. "That was like, my first instinct, obviously."

"He's my little brother. F*** that. Inflatable arm ass, motherf***er. F***."

Jake then joked that they could both avenge each other's losses if he were to go up against the Maverick's former nemesis, KSI ... and they could "start an Avenger movie."

But as of right now, it sounds like Tommy will grant Jake a rematch ... and the two will add another installment to their rivalry.

There's more in the interview -- Jake said he predicts the Tommy fight had more than half a MILLION Pay-Per-View buys ... which would explain his claim he made $30 million for one night of work.

So yeah ... despite the loss, Jake's still winning.

Justin Bieber Cancels Remaining 'Justice' World Tour Concerts

Justin Bieber has fully canceled his world tour ... and it almost certainly aligns with a growing mental health movement to pump the brakes when an artist is struggling.

Justin pulled the plug on his Justice World Tour concerts in the UK, France, Poland, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark and the Czech Republic.

Fans will get refunds, but won't get to see JB, who, by the way, turns 29 today.

As TMZ reported, Justin suspended his tour back in September because of physical and mental health issues, and it's not the first time he's done that.

6/10/22
HIDDEN CONDITION
Instagram / @justinbieber

At the time, he said, "After getting off the stage, the exhaustion overtook me and I realize that I need to make my health the priority right now." He was also dealing with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, which caused temporary, partial paralysis to his face.

The tour has been dogged with problems. It was supposed to kick off in 2020 but the pandemic derailed that plan. Once the tour belatedly kicked off, he was sidelined with COVID.

There's a movement in the music industry -- especially with young professionals including some lawyers -- who feel very young artists are not adequately protected from overwork, which can create or exacerbate physical and mental health issues.

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