Antonio Brown Albany Empire Partners ... Consulted Lawyer, Demand Buyout!

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Antonio Brown's ownership "partners" with the Albany Empire say they've been frozen out by the former NFL star, and they have a message for AB ... buy us out, or we're prepared to go to court!

TMZ Sports talked to Charlotte von Schiller and her husband Steve ... who purchased a 5% stake in the organization last year before Brown came on board. Antonio now owns 95% of the franchise.

Unfortunately for the von Schillers, they say things have been absolutely awful since Antonio took over ... and he has even failed to acknowledge they own even the smallest piece of the Empire.

"If he wants to actually own 100% then he needs to buy us out. Otherwise, he only owns 95%, and that's just the facts," Charlotte told us.

The von Schillers tell us they've repeatedly attempted to have civilized conversations with AB about a buyout of their portion of the franchise, but instead, he's essentially told them to get lost, and at times has allegedly berated them on the phone.

"The disregard and disrespect from AB and his group has been incredulous."

In fact, it's gotten so bad, the von Schillers have consulted with an attorney ... and tell us they're ready to go to court if necessary.

But, they hope it doesn't turn into a legal battle ... and would instead like to reach an agreement amicably.

Brown's tenure in Albany, depending on who you ask, has been an unmitigated disaster, with players and coaches quitting midseason over AB's alleged erratic behavior.

Several former players and a coach previously told us Antonio ordered them locked out of their team hotel rooms after complaining about missing paychecks.

Now, AB is reportedly preparing to suit up in the Empire's next game ... which will be his first time playing since removing his uniform and walking off the field at Met Life stadium in January 2022.

Ja Morant Nike Releases New Shoes Despite Gun Video Backlash ... Sell Out In Minutes

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Nike might not be distancing itself from Ja Morant over his recent gun-flashing incident after all -- the shoe giant just released his latest signature sneaker on Thursday ... and it sold out in minutes.

The scheduled Ja 1 "Hunger" colorway drop was seemingly up in the air after Nike erased all his shoes off its site last week ... which led to speculation about whether the brand was potentially going to suspend the sale -- or even its relationship with the All-Star guard altogether -- due to his off-court issues.

Luckily for sneakerheads, the kicks still dropped on Nike's SNKRS app ... and quick-acting fans were able to purchase them for $110 before they sold out, as reports claim there was an incredibly small supply.

Despite all the controversy, the shoes were clearly a hot commodity ... with a ton of people going to Twitter to express their frustrations over missing out on the drop.

In fact, one fan tweeted a photo claiming their size was sold out within three seconds of launching on the app.

Of course, hopeful buyers can always go to reseller sites like GOAT and StockX ... but they'll end up paying a bit more than the retail price. Right now, the shoes are selling for around $200.

Nike has been radio silent following Ja's second video ... which is a stark contrast from the Swoosh's statement in support of its athlete following his initial incident in March.

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CAUGHT RED-HANDED

Ja signed a multi-year deal with Nike in 2019 ... and was introduced as its first Gen Z signature athlete.

The drop doesn't necessarily mean the brand is going to completely ignore the most recent incident ... but a breakup à la Kyrie Irving seems much less likely.

Patrick Mahomes Addresses Jackson Arrest ... 'It's Kind Of A Personal Thing'

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PRIVATE MATTER

Patrick Mahomes is breaking his silence on his little brother's arrest ... saying Wednesday, "It's kind of a personal thing that I'm going to keep to myself."

The Kansas City Chiefs star met with media members for the first time since Jackson Mahomes was hit with three aggravated sexual battery charges stemming from an alleged February encounter with a woman ... and it wasn't hard to see the quarterback did not feel comfortable speaking about it all publicly.

He told a reporter twice that he wanted to keep his feelings on the matter private ... saying he's going to do his best going forward to separate his family matters from his football career.

"At the end of the day," the QB told the media member, "I come here to play football and try to take care of my family, at the same time."

"So," he continued, "just kind of keep it to myself and just go out there and play football when I'm in the building."

The 27-year-old was then asked a broader question about how he'd balance it all going forward.

"It's your family," he said, "but you have to come in here and do a job. And that's what I try to do every day."

As we reported, Jackson was arrested on May 3 ... after a restaurant owner alleged he grabbed her and forcibly kissed her multiple times at her Kansas establishment three months ago. The younger Mahomes was also accused of shoving a male member of her wait staff earlier in the evening.

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THE ALLEGED INCIDENT

Jackson appeared in court for a hearing on the matter on May 16 ... but he's yet to issue a plea on the charges.

The social media star's attorney, though, did say at the time of the initial allegations back in February that Jackson had done nothing wrong.

"Our investigation has revealed substantial evidence refuting the claims of Jackson's accuser including the statements of several witnesses," Brandan Davies said. "We have reached out to law enforcement to provide the fruit of our investigation so that they may have a complete picture of the matter."

Jackson is due back in court in August.

Ron DeSantis Twitter Campaign Announcement A Mess ... Disaster Unfolds as Servers Overload

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Governor Ron DeSantis just announced his run for President on Twitter ... but not without massive technical failure as Elon Musk says the company's servers are to blame.

DeSantis made the big announcement Wednesday on the bird app ... dropping a campaign video that takes jabs at President Biden, blaming him for crime-filled streets and conflict at the border. He goes on to say he's the guy to lead the "great American comeback."

Of course, DeSantis was slated to drop the big news in a Twitter Spaces chat with Elon ... but apparent technical issues forced hundreds of thousands of listeners to listen as moderator David Sacks' audio kept cutting in and out.

Elon can be heard saying Twitter's servers are struggling to keep up -- and folks on the very same app are dragging him and the whole thing for the big mess ... with one calling it a "car crash," while another calling DeSantis' failed attempt "a perfect metaphor."

Even Biden took a jab at the whole thing -- with a tweet to his donation page that reads, "This link works."

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TUCKER RETURNS

You'll recall, TMZ confirmed Elon was set to join DeSantis for the declaration -- something that appears to be a push to make the app feel more like regular TV. Elon also called on ex-CNN anchor Don Lemon to start a show on his platform after Tucker Carlson said he'd be doing the same. Obviously, this mess might make Elon reconsider.

As for DeSantis, he's been seen as one of the only candidates that stands a chance at knocking down former President Donald Trump -- who announced his bid for the 2024 seat back in November.

DeSantis picking Twitter for his announcement spot doesn't just set him apart from the rest of his competition, but it appears to be a big "F-U" to Trump ... who infamously was taken off the platform after the Jan. 6 insurrection.

Trump's since gotten his account reinstated, but has devoted all his online talk to Truth Social instead -- it'll be interesting to see if Desantis' use of Twitter will reawaken his dead account.

Taylor Swift Dropping Collab with Ice Spice ... After BF Matty Healy Insults

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Taylor Swift is teaming up with Ice Spice for an all-new collab ... but the new project just so happens to come on the heels of her boyfriend, Matty Healy's insults aimed at the rapper.

T-Swift made the announcement via Twitter, Wednesday ... saying, "Um. SO much to tell you. I’m a massive fan of this brilliant artist and after getting to know her I can confirm: she is THE ONE to watch."

"So delighted to say that 'Karma' Featuring the incredible @icespicee_ will be out TOMORROW night at MIDNIGHT ET as a part of the new Midnights (Til Dawn Edition) deluxe album that you can pre-order now" ... she also told fans about a few other projects she has up her sleeves.

However, the Ice Spice project couldn't be more awkwardly -- or, perhaps purposely -- timed ... considering her boo Matty recently came under fire for dissing the "Munch" rapper.

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MIXED FEELINGS
Elle/The Adam Friedland Show

ICYMI, in Feb, The 1975 frontman went on the "The Adam Friedland Show," where Nick Mullen, Friedland and Matty made derogatory comments about the rapper while also mocking Chinese and Hawaiian accents. That clip recently resurfaced online ... along with a clip of Ice expressing her love for The 1975 band, in a separate interview.

Matty wound up apologizing, last month, for offending her but some fans felt the apology was lackluster. The episode was also scrubbed on several platforms.

As you know, Taylor and Matty have been inseparable ... after news got out she broke up with her longtime boyfriend Joe Alwyn.

We know Tay and Ice had at least one special moment together... with IS introducing her "Song of the Year" win for "Anti-Hero" at the iHeart Awards back in March and the two posing for photos together.

Clearly, there's no Bad Blood between the 2 women and they're ready to bring their talents together ... Ready For It?

Poet Amanda Gorman Biden Inauguration Poem Banned From FL Elementary School ... Parent Claims Filled With Hate, Written By Oprah

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A school in Florida has put the kibosh on its younger students reading Amanda Gorman's powerful poem -- the one she read at President Joe Biden's inauguration -- after one parent claimed it was riddled with hate ... also claiming it was penned by Oprah.

The Bob Graham Education Center in Miami Lakes imposed the prohibition on Gorman's "The Hill We Climb," making it available only to middle schoolers at the K-8 school.

Daily Salinas, the complaining parent, filed a complaint in March, claiming the poem could cause "confusion and indoctrinate students" with "hate messages" ... adding a specious claim Oprah was the writer and not Gorman.

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PRESIDENTIAL POETRY

After learning about the ban, the 25-year-old poet took to social media to call out Salinas ... saying, “So they ban my book from young readers… fail to specify what parts of my poetry they object to, refuse to read any reviews, and offer no alternatives." She says she's "gutted" that it takes only 1 complaint to get works of art removed.

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Gorman now says publisher Penguin Random House is teaming up with PEN America -- an org that defends free expression through literature -- to fight back against book bans with a lawsuit.

For the record ... Gorman's poem is about unity in America and the hope that the country can come together in a time of such divisiveness -- you'll recall, Gorman read the highly-praised poem on Capitol Hill just weeks after insurrectionists stormed the exact same location.

Deon Cole Jay & Bey Dropping $200M is Motivation ... Haters Gone Hate!!!

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Jay-Z and Beyoncé can do whatever they please with their money, and anyone who has an issue with their new $200 million pad should try taking notes, instead of shots ... so says, Deon Cole.

We got the comedian out in NYC, where he had a message for all the naysayers calling their massive new Malibu mansion a gross exhibition of wealth.

As we first reported, the power couple dropped $200M in cash for the spectacular home -- and Deon's suggesting their haters quit critiquing, and get out into the world and achieve their own version of success.

He's realistic -- we can't all spend like the Carters, after all -- but the bigger point is, find your own level of success.

TMZ broke the story ... the couple purchased the 30,000-sq-ft estate from renowned art collector William Bell and set the record for the most expensive home ever sold in California. It sits on 8 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Malibu's Paradise Cove neighborhood, aka Billionaires' Row.

As you know, they are still hanging on to their mansion in Bel-Air, which they snagged for $88M in 2017.

Deon's take on Jay and Bey's eye-popping real estate portfolio is ... they've worked hard to earn their coins, and can spend it however they'd like. He also notes, $200M is still a relative drop in the bucket, considering their collective wealth.

Forbes says Jay-Z is worth $2.5 billion, and Beyoncé's was estimated around $500 million. Of course, she also just kicked off her "Renaissance" tour, which is expected to gross over $1 billion.

So, while they can more than afford the new crib, DC does say for $200 mil, it better come with some amazing technology. Automated TP service, anyone?

Perhaps it does!😅

White House Scare U-Haul Driver Carrying Nazi Flag ... Crashes Near Presidential Palace

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UPDATE

6:30 AM PT -- The driver of the truck has been identified as 19-year-old, Sai Varshith Kandula, from Missouri. He was arrested on multiple charges, including threatening to kill or harm a president, vice president or family member.

UPDATE

The White House almost got an unwanted visitor Monday night ... a U-Haul driver carrying a Nazi flag careened into security barriers right across the street from where President Joe Biden sleeps.

Secret Service rep Anthony Guglielmi tweeted ... the truck driver crashed into a barricade in Lafayette Square around 10 PM ... but, according to a witness who spoke to CBS, the suspect was actually aiming for the White House a stone's throw away.

Guglielmi said no one was injured and the cause of the accident was under investigation, but he suggested the driver might have intentionally rammed the barriers.

Police rapidly descended on the scene and arrested the driver, who had the Nazi flag on him. Law enforcement sources told CBS the man is an American citizen who made threats against President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. The suspect -- whose name was not disclosed -- had no guns, knives or explosives.

Police sources also told CBS ... the man was not on any FBI watch lists and did not appear to have a significant rap sheet.

Federal authorities charged the man with assault with a dangerous weapon (the truck), reckless operation of a motor vehicle, a threaten to kill, kidnap or inflict harm on a president, vice president or family member and destruction of federal property and trespassing.

Originally Published -- 5:43 AM PT

A's Broadcaster Glen Kuiper Fired After Saying N-Word On-Air

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Glen Kuiper has been fired from his role as Oakland A's broadcaster ... after he used the n-word while on-air earlier this month.

NBC Sports California said in a statement Monday it came to the decision to part ways with the longtime play-by-play man following a weekslong investigation into the incident.

"We thank Glen for his dedication to Bay Area baseball over the years," the network said in announcing the news.

Kuiper had initially been suspended on May 6 for using the racial slur while talking with Dallas Braden just before the A's vs. Royals game on May 5.

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SAY WHAT?!

During their conversation, Kuiper had been trying to explain to viewers what they did during the leadup to Oakland's contest in Kansas City ... but in an attempt to say they had gone to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, he muttered the n-word instead.

Later in the game, the 60-year-old apologized for it all ... saying he had said something that didn't come out the way he intended.

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TONGUE-TIED

"I could not be more sorry and horrified by what I said," he added in another apology later in the week. "I hope you will accept my sincerest apologies."

Kuiper had been calling A's games and other sporting events in the Bay Area for two decades.

Artificial Intelligence Causes Panic, Hurts Stock Market ... Fake Pentagon Explosion Pic

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An AI-generated image of a fake explosion outside the Pentagon stoked panic and sent stocks tumbling as the hoax spread on social media.

The fake image behind Monday's chaos shows smoke billowing from the grounds outside the Pentagon ... with the image spreading like wildfire online after being shared by tons of accounts, including a Russian state media outlet.

The AI-generated work was often posted with false accounts of an explosion happening at the Pentagon ... causing a panic and a stock selloff that saw the S&P 500 drop by 30 points.

The Arlington County Fire Department put out the fire by debunking the image as a hoax.

While some were fooled by the fake Pentagon photo, some weren't so easily duped ... with eagle-eyed accounts pointing out obvious flaws with the AI-generated image, mainly focusing on warped sections of the Pentagon fence.

Calls for more guard rails on AI are now getting stronger ... as debate about the future of AI rages on Capitol Hill.

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THE DANGERS OF AI

Remember ... AI expert Gary Marcus joined us on "TMZ Live" last week after testifying before Congress about the dangers of AI, warning the futuristic technology has the power to manipulate users and influence ways of thinking.

Nelly I'm Done W/ Boxing! ... After Haney vs. Lomachenko Controversy

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BOXING TRAVESTY

Nelly is so pissed judges awarded Devin Haney the win over Vasiliy Lomachenko, he says he's done watching the sport -- he's finished with boxing!

And, the 3x Grammy award winner isn't alone ... lots of fans are pissed off at yet another controversial decision.

"I'm just letting y'all know I am done with boxing," the 48-year-old rapper said. "They will never get another motherf***ing dime out of me."

"This is a travesty! I am done with boxing!"

The highly contested fight went down Saturday night in Las Vegas ... and went the full 12-rounds. Two judges scored the fight 115-113 (7 rounds to 5), and the third judge had it 16-112 (8 rounds to 4).

Boxing star Shakur Stevenson is also of the belief that Loma was screwed, saying he scored it 8 rounds to 4 rounds.

"Lomachenko won," Stevenson said after the fight. "I thought it was robbery. Lomachenko won."

Of course, Team Loma also believes they were screwed ... and say they plan to appeal the decision to the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

"Somebody needs to end this injustice," Lomachenko’s manager Egis Klimas said during the post-fight press conference.

"Those judges’ scoring is completely insane, and they do not understand how those fighters are working hard to get into a place and to be robbed like that, it's not acceptable."

It's yet another controversy in the sport of boxing ... and it comes a week after a highly controversial stoppage in Rolly Romero and Ismael Barroso match.

Despite the controversy, Haney's trainer/dad Bill Haney said his son won the fight in convincing fashion, and said there was no need for a rematch.

Bo Schembechler's Son Apologizes For Offensive Twitter Behavior ... 'I Was Wrong'

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The son of legendary Michigan coach Bo Schembechler -- Glenn "Shemy" Schembechler -- has issued an apology ... after he stepped down on Saturday from his new role with the Wolverines following the discovery of offensive behavior on his Twitter page.

In a lengthy mea culpa released late Sunday night, Shemy admitted to being "flippant" on the social media app ... after people had found he had "liked" multiple tweets that were insensitive -- and downright racist.

Some of the tweets that Shemy had put a heart on included ones that suggested Jim Crow laws benefitted Black people.

"By inexplicably and irresponsibly liking things on social media I owe an unabashed and unequivocal apology to my hundreds of friends and fellow coaches in the Black community, all communities, the University of Michigan, my father's legacy and my family," Shemy wrote in his apology statement.

"Any words or philosophies that in any way seek to underplay the immeasurable suffering and long-term economic and social inequities that hundreds of years of slavery and the 'Jim Crow' era caused for Black Americans is wrong."

"I was wrong," he continued. "We must never sanitize morally unsanitary, historical behaviors that have hindered the Black community, or any other community. There are no historical silver linings for the experience of our brothers and sisters."

Shemy had been hired by UM on Wednesday to be its assistant director of football recruiting. But, on Saturday, Jim Harbaugh and athletic director Warde Manuel announced he'd no longer be in that role.

"We are aware of some comments and likes on social media that have caused concern and pain for individuals in our community," the two said in a joint statement. "Michigan Athletics is fully committed to a place where our coaches, staff and student-athletes feel welcome and where we fully support the University’s and Athletic Department’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion."

Shemy's Twitter account is now deactivated.

Shemy had previously worked as an NFL scout before joining UM last week -- most recently helping in the Las Vegas Raiders' org. His father coached UM from 1969 through 1989, and won 13 national championships. Harbaugh actually played for the elder Schembechler from 1983 to 1986.

Transgender Girl Misses High School Graduation ... After School Allegedly Told Her To Dress Like A Boy

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A transgender girl ended up missing her own high school graduation after the school told her to wear a suit like the guys getting their diplomas, and a judge refused to stop the school from forcing her to do so.

According to the ACLU of Mississippi, 17-year-old "L.B." was ordered by Harrison Central High School earlier this month to follow the boys' dress code for Saturday's graduation ceremony -- which included wearing "pants, socks, and shoes, like a boy.”

L.B. had already purchased a dress and heels to wear under her cap and gown ... and the ACLU ended up filing a lawsuit against the district on behalf of L.B. and her family.

However, a U.S. district judge reportedly denied the emergency plea, upholding the school's stance. Multiple reports say she ended up missing the ceremony as a result.

For those unaware, Mississippi was the first state to ban transgender athletes from competing in women's sports in 2021 ... Governor Tate Reeves signed another bill in February that stopped the use of hormone therapy, puberty blockers, and transitioning surgery for minors -- referring to trans youth as "a dangerous movement spreading across America."

Adidas Selling Off Yeezys Yeah, We Were Slow Cutting Ties With Ye ... But We're Giving $$$ to Anti-Defamation League

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Looks like Adidas is trying to make good after getting skewered for failing to part ways with Kanye West during his antisemitic tirade ... because the company's donating a chunk of its upcoming Yeezy profits to the Anti-Defamation League and other charities.

Adidas says it's going to sell off some of its remaining inventory at the end of this month, adding a "significant amount will be donated to selected organizations working to combat discrimination and hate, including racism and antisemitism."

In addition to the Anti-Defamation League, the Philonise & Keeta Floyd Institute for Social Change -- started by George Floyd's brother, Philonise -- will also benefit.

It's unclear how much will go to the charities, but as we reported, there's about $1.3 billion in Yeezy products left over after the company pulled the plug on Kanye back in October.

You'll recall, Adidas seemed slow on the draw when it came to Ye -- dropping him well into his antisemitic tirades, including his unforgettable post -- "death con 3 on JEWISH PEOPLE."

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CHAUVIN DIDN'T KILL FLOYD

Ye also had some extremely controversial takes regarding Floyd's tragic death back in 2020.

Adidas eventually kicked Kanye to the curb and tried repurposing its remaining stock, selling the shoes without the Yeezy name ... which, by the way, fell flat.

Regardless, it seems Adidas is trying to bring those profits back up and make things right with the communities.

Jonathan Majors Flying High with New GF Meagan Good

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AIRPORT ROMANCE

Jonathan Majors is pretty clearly in a new relationship because he and Meagan Good were jetting off together ... looking affectionate.

Jonathan and Meagan were at LAX Saturday, arriving in the City of Angels after leaving NYC. They were holding hands and leaning in close as they walked to a white sedan on the tarmac.

The romance comes in the swirl of controversy surrounding Majors, who is accused of physical abuse by his ex ... something he strongly denies.

Majors was arrested on assault and aggravated harassment charges. His lawyers have called the arrest a "witch hunt" ... pointing to a video they released showing the alleged victim partying in a club and seemingly unbothered ... just after the alleged incident.

At least in the romance department, Jonathan has clearly moved on.

KSI Win Over Fournier Overturned ... Fight Ruled 'No Contest'

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KSI's win over Joe Fournier is no more -- 'cause just days after the businessman/boxer filed an appeal claiming he was illegally elbowed, not punched, the boxing commission overturned the victory.

KSI vs. Fournier is now officially a "no contest."

Of course, the two met in the ring at the Misfits Boxing event at the OVO Arena Wembley ... where each fighter traded punches for two rounds before KSI landed the final blow to Fournier's jaw.

At first, it looked like KSI landed a clean punch ... but upon further review, it was clear the ref missed the illegal hit -- an elbow.

Many were furious with the result ... as KSI would certainly not have been declared the winner if the official noticed what went down.

The fight was Saturday night, and by Monday, Joe had already appealed to the Professional Boxing Association. After reviewing video from the fight, the PBA ultimately decided a no contest was appropriate.

The PBA noted the elbow was not thrown on purpose ... and was "accidental."

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READY FOR THE REMATCH

Fournier, as you'd expect, was thrilled with the decision ... and made a video reacting to the news online.

As for KSI, he sarcastically congratulated Fournier ... and posted a few memes for good measure.