KSI Joe Fournier Appealing Loss After Controversial KO

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Joe Fournier is officially appealing his loss to KSI ... just two days after the YouTube star scored an (albeit controversial) knockout victory over the English businessman/boxer, the Professional Boxing Association announced Monday.

The PBA confirmed it received a request from Fournier to review/appeal Saturday night's decision at London's Wembley Arena ... a fight he lost by second-round knockout. However, Fournier says he was put down by an illegal strike, an elbow, not a punch ... and therefore he shouldn't have lost the fight.

Now, representatives for Fournier and KSI will have an opportunity to go before the PBA and state their cases as to why the result should or should not be changed after the fact.

Moments before KSI's elbow came into play, he landed a looping right on Fournier's ear, a punch that appeared to wobble JF. Then, just seconds later, 29-year-old KSI sent Joe crashing to the floor.

Question is, was the strike legal? Fournier believes no.

After the fight, KSI tweeted that the outcome was inevitable, but he did acknowledge there was "unintentional contact made with his forearm" during the contest.

Fournier's appeal doesn't come as a surprise. We won't have to wait long for a decision ... the PBA said it expects to rule by Friday.

Kim Kardashian Let's Start Reading Horrific Lines!!! ... 'AHS' Script in Hand

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Kim Kardashian's ready for her close-up, and is one step closer to getting on camera in one of the biggest and most popular shows on TV ... 'cause she's got her lines at the ready.

Check out these photos that were taken Friday, which show KK heading into a meeting in Beverly Hills ... with something of note in her arm. That would be the script for the new 'American Horror Story' season, in which Kim has been cast as a major character.

BTW, it doesn't just look like a generic script or outline ... this appears to be the script for a specific episode in the upcoming 12th entry of the series, which has been dubbed 'Delicate.'

On a zoomed-in shot, you can see it's been watermarked as Kim's copy -- and you can even make out a bit of the title of this episode. To us, it seems to read ... "When the Bough Breaks," and it has the lead writer's name featured (Halley Feiffer), as well as the director.

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As we reported ... Kim was announced as being attached to 'AHS' last month, and she'll be acting opposite Emma Roberts ... among other cast members. Her exact role hasn't been declared just yet -- but there's a hint based on the source material, a forthcoming novel.

The book that this season is said to be based on is called "Delicate Condition," by Danielle Valentine. It's described as a story about an expecting mother who becomes convinced evil forces are trying to torpedo her pregnancy ... almost in the vein of "Rosemary's Baby."

Some have speculated Kim might be playing the pregnant mom, and that Emma could perhaps play another villain-adjacent character. Cara Delevingne was also recently cast.

BTW, if you're wondering how 'AHS' is moving forward amid the writers' strike ... it would appear Ryan Murphy and co. might already have some scripts in the can. When Kim was first tied to the new season, the word at the time was production was scheduled to begin shortly thereafter ... and that a summer premiere was likely, with an exact date upcoming.

In other words, it doesn't look like the strike will affect the schedule -- and it's likely that the entire season is already written, evident in Kim's appearance here. Feiffer, who's writing all episodes for 'Delicate,' doesn't appear to have publicly commented on the WGA standoff.

President Biden Cringe HBCU Comment During Howard Commencement

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i really mean it ...

President Biden's heart might be in the right place, but his mouth is often somewhere else -- which was seen again Saturday ... this while addressing Howard University graduates.

POTUS was tapped as the key commencement speaker during the college's graduation ceremony this weekend, and there's one remark he made during his speech that's getting a little side-eye ... both due to his delivery and perhaps even his not-so-veiled intention.

Joe was talking about white supremacy, which he says is the most dangerous terroristic threat to America ... and encouraged everyone to stand up against it. Nothing wrong there in and of itself; however ... what he said afterward got some double takes, especially online.

You can tell he went off script a bit when he added ... "And I'm not just saying that because I'm at a Black HBCU. I say (it) wherever I go." There were some chuckles in the crowd.

Of course, HBCU stands for Historically Black College and University ... so there's no need for an extra descriptor to emphasize that it's a Black institution -- it's already in the acronym. On its face, this just a typical and innocent Biden gaffe ... not the end of the world, really.

The bigger issue, it would seem, is the fact that he felt the need to specifically mention he wasn't just saying this because he was at an HBCU, with a predominantly Black student body and faculty. Of course, you could argue that's (probably) exactly why he's mentioning it in this setting ... and that this whole thing comes across as pandering and kinda empty.

BTW, this isn't the first time Biden's put his foot in his mouth when it comes to talking to or about Black people -- there've been several instances over the past few years where he's made some eyebrow-raising remarks... which have all gotten backlash to varying degrees.

The one that comes to mind for many is when he said during a 'Breakfast Club' interview that any Black person who had trouble deciding between him or Donald Trump in the 2020 election ... wasn't Black. Charlamagne tha God pushed back on that and said it had nothing to do with Trump, arguing JB wasn't guaranteed a vote just because he wasn't Trump.

Another one bites the dust.

'Aladdin' Star Mena Massoud Scrubs Twitter After 'Little Mermaid' Comment, Backlash

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Ariel the mermaid just pounded real-life Aladdin into submission -- or, more accurately, her fans did ... this after the dude juxtaposed his flick with hers, which pissed a lot of people off.

Mena Massoud -- who played everyone's favorite street rat in the 2019 live-action adaptation -- just scrubbed his Twitter account due to a mountain of backlash he received Saturday for chiming in on the future box office prospects of Halle Bailey's new 'Little Mermaid' movie.

He was responding to an account that was reporting on how much 'TLM' was slated to make in its opening weekend -- about $115M, which it then compared to the $112M 'Aladdin' made in its opening weekend run. Mena had some thoughts on that ... some took it as shade.

MM wrote, "Our film was unique in that audiences went to watch it multiple times. It's the only way we reached the billion dollar mark with our opening." "Aladdin" went on to make $1.054 bil internationally ... and its initial box office numbers were considered a big win.

Then came a remark that got Mena attacked. He followed up and said, "My guess is TLM doesn't cross the billion mark but will undoubtedly get a sequel." Unclear if he followed that up with any clarification on what he meant -- but this alone got Halle fans up in arms.

You can hop into the "Aladdin" trend yourself and see what they're saying ... but basically, the reaction wasn't good. Some felt Mena's comment here was a cheap shot and suggesting 'Little Mermaid' wasn't actually worthy of any future success, including a possible sequel.

Others are also saying that Mena sounds a little salty over the fact that he hasn't been cast in much post-"Aladdin" -- and that he's still hung up on the criticism that movie received ... and there was a lot. Bottom line ... he was getting dragged through the coals over this.

As a result, Mena appears to have deleted his account. The OG Twitter comment is gone, and his page is inaccessible now ... so it seems the discourse may have gotten to him.

Part of the reason for this fierce response to his apparent slight might have to do with the fact that 'TLM' has been in the crosshairs of haters from day one ... ever since they announced Halle, a Black woman, would be cast -- which got a ton of flak in and of itself.

People are coalescing around this movie and hoping it does numbers, because of the larger implications -- namely, more POC getting cast in iconic roles ... and a shift in Hollywood.

What this Mena saga proves ... anyone who's perceived as taking a shot at it just for the hell of it can and will get the digital smoke. 'Mermaid' defenders are out in force right now.

Kanye West I'm Not Done Yet ... YZY 'Sock Shoes' Coming Soon???

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Kanye West has lost his appeal with a lot of people and companies ... but that doesn't mean he's stopped creating, as evidenced in a recent trademark filing.

Ye's Mascotte Holdings Inc. recently filed for "YZY SOCK SHOES." The documents, obtained by TMZ, were submitted May 4 -- and while there's not a whole lot of detail -- there is an identification that reads, "Socks; socks with leather soles."

Of course, Kanye's no stranger to shoe design ... and he was actually spotted wearing what appeared to be a sock shoe-type design back in 2019, so it's possible he's bringing the product to the masses.

As for a retail partner, that's where Ye might have some troubles ... as you know, Adidas cut ties with him after his countless attacks on Jewish people and his praise of Hitler.

He could always sell through his Yeezy brand, but it's currently unknown what sort of infrastructure still remains behind the scenes of the company.

Earlier this week, Adidas announced it planned to sell off the remaining $1 billion+ in Yeezy shoes it still has in stock -- Kanye will get 15% of sales -- and some of the money will also go to charities.

Dwayne Johnson Makes His 'Fast & Furious' Comeback ... After Dragging Vin Diesel, Shutting Down Return

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Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson is a part of "Fast & Furious" franchise once again ... despite previously claiming he's permanently put the brakes on when it comes to Vin Diesel's flicks.

Spoiler alert, folks -- but according to TheWrap, Dwayne makes an appearance in a post-credit scene for the latest installment, "Fast X," which hits theaters next week. It's unclear exactly what goes down, or who he appears with, but it's safe to say good ol' Luke Hobbs isn't done drivin' fast cars.

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It's a shocking cameo, though ... because as we reported, Dwanye wanted nothing to do with the franchise back in 2021 after Vin publicly begged him to come back to the 'Fast' family -- asking Dwayne to "not leave the franchise idle you have a very important role to play."

Dwayne called him out soon after, telling CNN the Instagram plea was just a bunch of "manipulation" -- adding he spoke to Vin privately about his decision and there was absolutely "no chance I would return."

Of course, there was some bad blood between the 2 over the years on set ... with Dwayne saying some of his male costars on those movies  -- with all signs pointing to Vin -- didn't act like "true professionals."

Can you smell what the Rock is cookin'? Cuz it smells like some embarrassing backtracking.

Kenyon Martin Slams Julius Randle ... Don't Kiss Your Wife After Games!!!

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WHAT WERE YOU THINKING??

Kenyon Martin has a bone to pick with Julius Randle ... and it's a weird one -- the former NBA star says it irks him when the Knicks forward kisses his wife after playoff games.

Martin unleashed the bizarre tirade against Randle on the "Gil's Arena" live stream on Thursday ... hours after the NY star was seen smooching Kendra Randle following the Knicks' Game 5 win over the Heat.

"I saw something last night at the end of the game and it bothered me," Martin said on the show. "We just got done playing a hard-fought game in a playoff series, and the first thing you do is you go kiss your wife."

"Like," he added, "that's the first thing you do?! Where's your mind at?!"

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Martin said Julius should have been more focused on celebrating the victory at Madison Square Garden with his teammates ... instead of loving on his significant other.

"I'm sitting there watching the game with my wife, and I'm like, 'I love you to death,'" the 15-year NBA veteran said, "'but ain't no way in that instance I'm going to walk over. I'm going to be with my guys -- we just got done winning. I'm not even thinking about you.'"

For what it's worth, there weren't many others on the show that seemed to agree with Martin's take ... they pointed out to the 45-year-old that Kendra is Julius' most ride-or-die supporter, and deserves the postgame love.

Either way, doesn't seem Julius will ever stop the kisses despite Martin's opinion of it all ... he's been finishing games this way for years -- and, given that the Knicks are only two more wins away from the Eastern Conference Finals, seems it's working just fine for him.

LSU Star Flau'jae Johnson Removes 9/11 Lyrics From Rap Song

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UPDATE

11:56 AM PT -- Flau'jae Johnson has just re-released the "Put It On Da Floor" remix -- but it now no longer contains a reference to 9/11.

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UPDATE

Instead, the new version features the line, "Know I put something on it, watch my movements like I'm bowels."

LSU women's basketball star Flau'jae Johnson is breaking her silence on her 9/11 rap lyric controversy ... apologizing for her song -- and vowing to do better moving forward.

Johnson was initially hit with backlash earlier this month ... when she made a reference to the Twin Towers in her remix to Latto's hit, "Put It On Da Floor."

In the tune, Johnson sang, "In this 911 blowing smoke just like them towers." The bar was a double entendre -- it was a play on riding in a Porsche ... and the 2001 terrorist attack that killed more than 2,000 people.

Many on social media called her out over it all -- saying it was insensitive ... and in an Instagram story video late Thursday night, Johnson finally addressed the issue.

"I just want to come on here and let ya'll know by no means would I ever intentionally try to disrespect or offend anyone," said the 19-year-old, who has a legitimate budding rap career off the basketball court.

"My whole goal in music is to push positivity and spread love. So, in no way shape or form would I ever intentionally try to disrespect or offend anyone."

LSU previously commented on the song earlier this week, saying Johnson "expressed sincere remorse for any possibility of a misunderstanding." The school added that the song's music video has since been pulled from the internet.

Johnson -- who wasn't born until 2003 -- insisted she'll "learn from this moving forward."

"I just thank ya'll for ya'll continued support," she said.

For more, tune into the TMZ Sports Podcast, available on all podcast platforms!

Originally Published -- 6:11 AM PT

Dan Snyder Out As NFL Owner ... Sells Commanders To Harris, Magic

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It's official -- Dan Snyder is selling the Washington Commanders ... and he's handing over the reins to Philadelphia 76ers owner Josh Harris, NBA legend Magic Johnson and David Blitzer.

Both sides confirmed the move on Friday ... announcing they have entered a purchase and sale agreement.

As previously reported, the final price tag for the franchise was $6.05 billion -- shattering the record for an American franchise sale.

All NFL owners will now have to vote on the transaction ... but it's expected to be approved without issue.

Dan and Tanya Snyder said they are both "very pleased" with the outcome ... especially considering Harris is from the area.

"We look forward to the prompt completion of this transaction and to rooting for Josh and the team in the coming years," the Snyders said in a statement.

Magic -- who also has ownership in the Los Angeles Dodgers, Sparks and LAFC, also addressed the big move ... saying, "I could not be more excited to be a partner in the proposed new ownership group for the Washington Commanders."

"Josh Harris has assembled an amazing group who share a commitment to not only doing great things on the field but to making a real impact in the DMV community. I’m so excited to get to work on executing our vision for the Commanders and our loyal fanbase!"

It's a great day for Commanders fans -- most have been hoping for this day for years as Dan's tenure was riddled with controversy.

NYC Subway Rider Death Marine Arrested For Strangling Jordan Neely ... Charged With Manslaughter

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UPDATE

9:38 AM PT -- Daniel Penny has been released on $100,000 bail.

UPDATE

8:16 AM PT -- Daniel Penny was just seen exiting the police station in handcuffs.

Daniel Penny has just been criminally charged in the death of NYC subway rider Jordan Neely, who died after Penny put him in a chokehold on a train.

The Marine vet surrendered to police at a Manhattan station house Friday morning and was booked on a charge of second-degree manslaughter. After posing for a mug shot and getting fingerprinted, Penny will go before a judge to be arraigned on the felony charge in criminal court.

His attorneys from the law firm Raiser & Kenniff issued a statement Thursday night, saying they were "confident that once all the facts and circumstances surrounding this tragic incident are brought to bear, Mr. Penny will be fully absolved of any wrongdoing."

Penny was a passenger in a subway snaking through the Manhattan underground on May 1 when he and other riders encountered Neely, who was allegedly in the throes of a mental health episode. Penny's lawyers say Neely was aggressive and threatening.

Neely was reportedly screaming that he was hungry and thirsty and didn't care if he went to jail. He also allegedly ripped off his coat and threw it on the ground.

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CLASHING WITH COPS

In what he says was self-defense, Penny placed Neely in a chokehold while a witness started filming. Over the next several minutes, Penny and Neely grappled on the floor until Neely's body went limp and he was pronounced dead.

The medical examiner ruled his death a homicide due to "compression of neck."

Originally Published -- 5:18 AM PT

Pat McAfee Brett Favre's Withdrawing His Lawsuit!!!

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UPDATE

9:55 AM PT -- Brett Favre just confirmed he did, indeed, drop his lawsuit against Pat McAfee ... saying, "I'm happy that Pat McAfee and I have settled this litigation."

UPDATE

"Like Pat said," Favre added in a statement on Twitter, "he was attempting to be funny and not commenting based on any personal knowledge. We'd both much rather talk about football."

Pat McAfee says he's no longer fighting with Brett Favre in the courtroom ... the media personality claims the NFL legend is withdrawing his lawsuit against him.

Favre initially sued the ex-Colts punter back in February ... alleging McAfee defamed him when he spoke on his "The Pat McAfee Show" earlier this year about Favre's alleged role in a welfare funds scandal in Mississippi.

Specifically, Favre took umbrage when he claimed that McAfee said on-air that the former Packers QB was "stealing from poor people."

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I RESPECT FAVRE

McAfee strongly denied that he was defaming Favre with any of his comments about the scandal ... and pushed back against the Hall of Famer's suit at nearly every turn in the case.

Finally, on Thursday, McAfee said Favre agreed to drop it all.

"My statements, expressed in comedic style," he said, "were based solely on public information and allegations. As I have previously stated, I respect the hell out of Brett Favre the football player and his Hall of Fame career on the field, and I have no personal knowledge about any case involving Brett in Mississippi."

McAfee insisted there was no settlement money paid to Favre to get to this point.

"I would much rather talk about sports than lawsuits," McAfee said. "So I'm glad we have all of this behind us. We now move on."

In addition to McAfee, Favre also sued Shannon Sharpe for comments he said the former Denver Broncos player made about him on FS1 earlier this year. It's unclear if that suit remains ongoing.

Originally Published -- 9:52 AM PT

Licking Ice Cream Cops Investigating Nasty Couple ... As Lick & Dash Vid Goes Viral

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Important warning for all Internet pranksters -- licking ice cream and putting it back in a grocery store freezer can have serious consequences, as cops are now investigating a recent viral clip showing just that.

A spokesperson for the Portsmouth Police Department in Virginia tells us a ton of pissed-off people recently made them aware of the video of Tequan Hines and his gf, Asia, grabbing a quart of Blue Bunny ice cream and licking it.

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GROSS PRANK

The rep says cops are currently investigating the video to figure out which store the incident might have occurred at, adding, "Thus far no business has come forward as a victim in our jurisdiction."

However, the consensus online is Hines and Asia live in the Portsmouth area ... as indicated in their social media profiles.

As we reported, the video -- first posted and then deleted by Tequan -- blew up on social media, with many calling for the pair to be arrested and charged for the disgusting act.

It's still unclear as to whether or not Tequan and Asia eventually paid for the ice cream, but they clearly felt the heat online ... deleting their original posting.

BTW ... if the couple ends up getting in trouble, they wouldn't be the first.

Back in 2020, D’Adrien L’Quinn Anderson pled guilty to criminal mischief for licking some Blue Bell ice cream and was sentenced to 30 days behind bars.

Do dumb s***, win dumb prizes.

Bob Huggins $1 Mil. Salary Cut, Suspension ... For Using Anti-Gay Slur

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Bob Huggins has been punished for using a homophobic slur twice during a radio interview earlier this week ... getting hit with a three-game suspension and a $1 million annual salary reduction.

The news came out just minutes ago ... with WVU announcing the coaching legend will NOT lose his job over the comments, but will spend a bit of time away from the team.

The punishment also includes sensitivity training ... which will now be a requirement for all current and future coaches at the university, according to the release. On top of that, Huggins' contract has been reconstructed to a year-by-year agreement ... and he's being kept on a short leash.

"We have made it explicitly clear to Coach Huggins that any incidents of similar derogatory and offensive language will result in immediate termination," WVU prez Gordon Gee and athletic director Wren Baker said in a statement.

The $1 million that has been pulled from Huggins' checks will now be used to support the university's LGBTQ+ Center and other organizations that help marginalized communities.

Huggins will also make a donation to Xavier's Center for Faith and Justice ... as well as the Center for Diversity and Inclusion.

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HATEFUL LANGUAGE

Of course, Huggins faced a ton of backlash after referring to Xavier fans as "Catholic f**s" while speaking to Bill Cunningham on 700 WLW in Cincinnati.

Huggins apologized for his comments ... saying there is no excuse for what he said, and he would accept any punishment handed his way.

"I am ashamed and embarrassed and heartbroken for those I have hurt," Huggins said Monday. "I must do better, and I will."

FYI -- Huggins was making $4,150,000 a year before the punishment ... and his contract had options that ran through the 2027 season.

"We will never truly know the damage that has been done by the words said in those 90 seconds," Gee and Baker said in the joint statement. "Words matter and they can leave scars that can never be seen. But words can also heal."

"And by taking this moment to learn more about another's perspective, speak respectfully and lead with understanding, perhaps the words 'do better' will lead to meaningful change for all."

Xavier President Rips Bob Huggins Over Anti-Gay Slurs ... 'Repulsive'

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CONDEMNING HUGGINS

Xavier president Colleen Hanycz went in on West Virginia men's basketball coach Bob Huggins for his use of homophobic slurs earlier this week ... calling his comments "repulsive" and "offensive."

Hanycz addressed Huggins' controversial radio remarks about Xavier fans during a speech at a school event on Wednesday ... and she didn't hold back.

"The deplorable, mischaracterization, and homophobic slurs directed towards our LGBTQ+ and our Catholic communities were repulsive and offensive," Hanycz said on campus.

"To those in our Xavier family who were directly targeted and harmed by these hateful words, be assured you are invaluable members of our Xavier family, and you belong here. Your presence makes us better."

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HATEFUL LANGUAGE

Huggins found himself in hot water on Monday after he referred to Xavier fans as "Catholic f**s." The 69-year-old ultimately apologized to the Xavier, Cincinnati and West Virginia communities ... saying he was "ashamed" and "embarrassed."

Huggins -- who was reportedly handed a suspension and $1 million salary reduction by WVU as punishment -- said he was "heartbroken" over the hurt he caused by his words, and vowed to do better moving forward.

Meanwhile, Hanycz said Xavier remains "committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming campus where every member in this community is valued and respected."

Licking Ice Cream Couple Dragged For In-Store Shenanigans ... Keep That Trend Dead!!!

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GROSS PRANK

Two ice-cold lovebirds are currently getting dragged through the mud after bringing back an infamous and dangerous social media trend that left a bad taste in people's mouths.

Here's the deal -- content creator Tequan Hines recently uploaded a clip of himself and his boo, Asia, sticking their tongues deep in a carton of ice cream in a grocery store before putting it back and fleeing.

They've since taken the video down, but you know how the Internet works ... it's been recirculating online, including on Reddit, where folks are laying into the couple.

Angry commenters are all singing the same tune, more or less -- "A**holes like this should go to jail," and "Looks like they are also pretty proud of their act. F***ing idiots" ... were just a few expressing outrage.

One even wrote, "I'm so glad these people had the intelligence to film and upload themselves to the internet for the benefit of law enforcement."

If it rings a bell, that's because the same thing was going down in the summer of 2019 -- when people were seeking social media clout by licking ice cream out of containers and putting them back on the shelves.

Those looking for quick fame didn't get a happy ending at the time, BTW -- some got arrested and charged, like D’Adrien L’Quinn Anderson ... who pled guilty in 2020 to criminal mischief for licking some Blue Bell ice cream and was forced to do 30 days behind bars.

He also had to cough up more than $2,500 with more than half going to Blue Bell for restitutions. Needless to say, in the wake of the covid pandemic, this is one trend that should've stayed frozen.

LSU Apologizes For 9/11 Attack Reference ... In Flau'Jae's Rap Song

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LSU is apologizing for Flau'jae Johnson's lyrics referencing the 9/11 terrorist attacks in her new rap song ... saying the hoop star never meant to offend anyone in the now-deleted music video.

The 19-year-old, 5'10" guard dropped the September 11th line in a new remix to Latto's hit, "Put It On Da Floor" ... saying "In this 911 blowing smoke just like them towers."

Of course, when Johnson says 911, it's got double meaning ... the Porsche, and the 2001 attack. The next line refers to the Twin Towers smoking before they collapsed, tragically killing over 2,000 people.

The music video has since been deleted, but not before it was captured and shared across social media platforms.

The university got word of the controversial lyrics ... and said they spoke with the 2023 SEC Freshman of the Year about the remix on Tuesday.

"While she never intended to offend or upset anyone with her lyrics, she expressed sincere remorse for any possibility of a misunderstanding and immediately took the video down," LSU told FOX News in a statement.

"We will learn and grow from this experience together."

Johnson -- who wasn't born until 2003 -- has yet to release a statement herself.

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CHAMPIONSHIP CONCERT

Of course, Johnson -- who's signed with Roc Nation -- takes her rap career seriously. She even performed her song "BIG 4" in front of fans after the Tigers' NCAA championship win last month.

Johnson -- whose father was a rapper -- also linked up with several hip hop stars, including Lil Wayne ... who recently said they'll connect on some music in the future.