Crime

Frank Shamrock says he didn't mean to hurt the dog he tied to a truck and left at an airport ... telling TMZ Sports, "I know what I did was wrong, but there was no way out of it."

As we previously reported, the UFC legend is under investigation after cops say he abandoned a dog at Dallas Love Field Airport ... leaving it tethered to the bed of a pickup truck for 5 days.

Now, Shamrock is explaining to us why he did it ... saying, "I had no other solution to solve that problem."

The former fighter tells us his mother is ailing, and when he traveled to Texas earlier this month to take care of her ... he realized she was in no condition to own dogs anymore.

Shamrock says he tried his best to find new homes for the animals ... but just could not find a place for Zelda.

"I called everybody in Dallas, I tried everything humanly possible to get care for the dog, to let people know that we could not take the dog."

Shamrock says his search for a new home for Zelda lasted up until just minutes before he had to board a plane back home ... so he decided the best thing to do was to tie her up with food and water and call security to come get her.

The problem? Security never found her, and she was stuck in the pickup bed for 5 days before police officers rescued her.

Now, Frank tells us he's heartbroken over the whole ordeal ... mostly because he can't believe people at the airport let her stay in the truck for that long without getting her.

"The dog stayed there for five days. I can't believe that," Shamrock said through tears ... "That wasn't what I was intending. I thought they would come get it."

Frank is now under investigation by the Dallas Police Department, who tell us they are expecting to file a charge of Cruelty to Non-Livestock Animals -- a Class A Misdemeanor -- against the former fighter.

Shamrock says he'll accept any charges, telling us, "I take responsibility for what has happened."

As for Zelda, a spokesperson for the SPCA of Texas tells us she's doing just fine since the incident -- and has received "a ton of TLC" and care while she's been in the organization's custody.

The spokesperson also tells us they expect to put Zelda up for adoption within the next few days.

A speaking event with Rep. Ilhan Omar is already attracting lots of attention, but the shooting in Christchurch, New Zealand has increased the focus ... for safety and security reasons.

TMZ has learned LAPD officers will be out in full force when the controversial new representative from Minnesota speaks Saturday at the Hilton in Woodland Hills, CA, at a fundraising banquet meant to empower Muslims living in the San Fernando Valley.

Protests are planned due to Omar's recent comments, which many view as anti-Semitic -- so, security was already going to be tight -- but law enforcement sources tell us the New Zealand mosque attack that killed 50 people required some adjustments to the overall protection plan for the event.

We're told LAPD will be adding plainclothes officers, police dogs and video surveillance to accompany uniformed cops on the scene. Every attendee will be required to go through a metal detector.

Our sources say the California Highway Patrol and L.A. Fire Dept. will also be lending support, and federal law enforcement will work with LAPD to monitor intelligence.

The Hilton also decided to beef up its security staff in the wake of the mosque shooting ... according to sources close to the Council on American-Islamic Relations event.

Think Zion and Duke will coast all the way to the title game without a hitch??? Here's Shaq to make you second-guess your bracket picks ... 'cause he says LSU CAN beat the Blue Devils -- despite the Will Wade scandal.

The Tigers head coach was suspended indefinitely before the Big Dance ... after Yahoo Sports recently reported that wiretapped conversations revealed Wade discussed making a "strong-ass" offer to a recruit.

Shaq clearly ain't sweating the investigation possibly making an impact on LSU's run at a title ... simply saying, "Not a distraction."

The Big Aristotle is probably right ... 'cause the Tigers looked pretty good against Yale on Thursday ... and all they have to do is win 1 more game to match up with the Devils (assuming Duke handles their opponents, of course).

But, with guys like Williamson, RJ Barrett and Cam Reddish -- 3 projected lottery picks in the NBA Draft in June -- LSU's going to have their hands full ... scandal or no scandal.

4:00 PM PT -- R. Kelly's rep, Darrell Johnson, says the meeting was only canceled because Joycelyn insisted on it going down in Chicago, while her family was demanding it happen someplace between Chicago and Atlanta.

Sources in Kelly's camp provided this audio recording of a phone conversation Johnson had 14 days ago with the Savage family's attorney, Gerald Griggs. Take a listen, it's pretty clear both sides were going to have trouble coming to any agreement.

For his part, Griggs tells us the Savages intended to acquiesce and meet Joycelyn in Chi town, but Johnson never got back to them after the phone call. Griggs says they didn't hear back from him until AFTER Johnson was grilled Friday by the Chicago reporter.

1:33 PM -- According to Griggs, R. Kelly's team reached out to the Savages to say they're no longer going to help coordinate a meeting. It's unclear why Kelly's team pulled a 180.

R. Kelly's team is having a hard time arranging a meeting between Joycelyn Savage and her parents ... because both sides can't agree on a location.

R. Kelly's rep, Darrell Johnson, tells TMZ ... Joycelyn is not opposed to meeting with her mom and dad, but she only wants to meet them in Chicago. We're told the Savage family wants to meet Joycelyn at her grandmother's home -- which is outside the Windy City -- because Grandma's battling cancer.

The Savages have made it clear from the beginning ... they want to meet in a neutral location outside of Chicago.

So, both sides remain at a standstill ... even though it's been two weeks since R. Kelly's team agreed to set up a meeting between Joycelyn and her fam.

The Savages' family attorney, Gerald Griggs, tells TMZ ... there's no planned meeting in place, and he can't force one to happen.

Earlier Friday, Kelly's publicist was asked about orchestrating a meeting between Joycelyn and her family ... but he dodged the question.

As we've reported ... whenever the meeting goes down, the Savages plan to bring a psychologist with them to evaluate their daughter.

Joycelyn is alleged to be one of Kelly's "sex slaves" and the Savages have been doing everything they can to set up a face-to-face meeting with her.

Cal football coach Justin Wilcox is throwing his full support behind a school investigation into claims that members of his team "ruthlessly" sexually harassed a student intern.

"We take these allegations extremely seriously," the coach told reporters Friday ... "It's not something that we would tolerate at our university or in our football program and it's something that is really tough to hear."

Paige Cornelius -- a former student at Cal -- claims she was "endlessly" and "ruthlessly" sexually harassed by members of the Golden Bears' squad during her time as a team intern.

She even accuses one coach of sexually assaulting her, saying he forcibly touched and kissed her during an after-hours office visit.

It's all in a lengthy social media post penned by the ex-Cal student ... in which she claims Wilcox and athletic director Jim Knowlton did nothing even after she reached out with the allegations.

"Your mental and physical health do not matter when a revenue sport is involved. Shoutout to Jim Knowlton, Justin Wilcox, the Cal Athletics Administrative office for teaching me this lesson."

In her claims ... Cornelius says coaches and players would constantly make her feel uncomfortable on the field -- and in one incident, a coach told her during practice, "I will get you fired if you do not have sex with me.”

She also says one coach followed her home after a practice and told her at her front door she "would look amazing in a bikini."

Cornelius says as a result of her time with the team, she's now dealing with post-traumatic stress syndrome and anxiety and has medically withdrawn from the school.

It appears Paige is preparing to file a lawsuit against the program ... writing in a separate social media post, "If you have been sexually harassed by any cal athletics coach or player ... dm me."

"My legal team wants to have the best case possible."

1:19 PM PT -- Durst's attorney, Dick DeGuerin, tells TMZ, "All you have to do is file a lawsuit -- but you have to prove it. And that's where they are going to have their problem."

He also stands firm, "Bob Durst did not have anything to do with Kathy Durst's disappearance and he did not kill Susan Berman and he doesn't know who did."

Robert Durst has just been sued for wrongful death in connection with the murder of his wife.

The Estate of Kathleen Durst is suing Robert, who is currently on trial for the murder of his good friend, Susan Berman, claiming he murdered Kathleen January 31, 1982. According to the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, the Estate believes based on Durst's alleged M.O. ... after shooting her in the back of the head, he cut her body into little pieces and disposed of the remains ... which have never been found.

The Estate believes the primary motive was his then-lover, "Dear Prudence" Farrow, gave him an ultimatum ... if he didn't divorce Kathleen she would end their affair. The Estate says Kathleen was threatening a divorce and a cut of their fortune. There was also worry she would expose illegal business practices of the Durst companies.

Durst is currently locked up in downtown L.A. where he is awaiting trial in the Berman case.

Durst arguably confessed to both murders on an open mic during filming of the HBO documentary, "The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst." You hear him muttering, "You're caught ... What the hell did I do? Killed them all, of course."

1:38 PM PT -- TMZ Sports has learned Zelda is doing just fine after the incident, being taken care of by trained professionals at the SPCA of Texas.

A spokesperson for the organization tells us Zelda has received full care -- including "a ton of TLC" -- since she's been in their custody ... and is expected to be put up for adoption within the next few days.

Ex-UFC star Frank Shamrock is reportedly being investigated by cops after he tied a dog to a truck and abandoned it for 5 DAYS at a Dallas airport earlier this month.

Shamrock had to move his ailing mother out of her Texas home -- and in the process, was forced to take control of her two dogs.

Frank tells WFAA in Dallas he was able to find a shelter for one of the dogs ... but when he couldn't find a home for Zelda, the other dog -- he tied her to a truck and left her at Love Field Airport.

Shamrock admits the act was "terrible" ... and says he ran away from the dog in tears.

But, Frank also says his actions helped keep the dog alive, saying, "Here is what I guarantee, that dog is alive and safe right now and I couldn't guarantee that before I tied that dog to the truck and left."

Police seem to disagree ... and are reportedly investigating Shamrock -- and considering levying animal cruelty charges against the fighter.

For his part, Shamrock says he'll accept responsibility for it all, saying, "They can charge me with whatever. I will show up. It is what it is. I'm not hiding in any way."

"It's an unfortunate and terrible thing. I'm an animal lover and I ran away crying."

Zelda is reportedly safe and in custody of Dallas animal control.

Jussie Smollett's fighting to stay outta prison, but one of the brothers who allegedly helped him stage the infamous "attack" is fighting his ass off in the boxing ring -- and just rung up another W.

Abel Osundairo competed again Thursday night in the semifinals of the prestigious Chicago Golden Gloves Tournament at Cicero Stadium. He didn't score a first-round knockout like he did in the quarterfinals, but Abel still secured a unanimous decision -- and he's moving on to the finals, slated to go down next month.

After the match ... Abel was met by a horde of reporters. Abel didn't say much with his mouth but he did let his eyes do a lot of talking. Just ask this reporter who got a bit of a death stare.

Nevertheless ... Abel -- who wore a white robe with the American flag emblazoned on the back -- has proven he's got potential as a powerful southpaw. His vicious jabs set up a brutal knockdown in the first round. As we first said after his win last weekend ... pretty clear that Abel held back a LOT during the "attack."

As for Jussie's fight -- he's pled not guilty on the 16-count indictment, and is awaiting trial.

BTW ... the Chicago Golden Gloves Tournament is arguably the most elite amateur tournament in the country. It's been around since 1923 and some of its past champions include Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis and Sonny Liston.

Adam "Pacman" Jones has agreed to a plea deal in his casino cheating case that will put him behind bars -- and also ban him from drinking booze for a YEAR AND A HALF ... TMZ Sports has learned.

The 35-year-old was arrested in an Indiana casino last month after authorities say he cheated while playing a table game ... and then went ballistic on officials after he was confronted.

The former NFL star was hit with a bevy of charges ... including felony intimidation, felony battery against an officer and several misdemeanors.

But now, Jones has agreed to a plea deal that will send him to jail.

According to court docs, Jones will enter a guilty plea to one count of felony cheating at gambling and one count of misdemeanor resisting law enforcement.

In exchange, prosecutors have agreed to drop all remaining charges against the defensive back.

The terms of the deal would require Jones to spend 10 days behind bars ... while also serving a probation period that will bar him from drinking booze for a year and a half.

Jones also cannot possess a firearm or dangerous weapons without permission from his probation officer during that time frame ... and he's also been banned from the Rising Star Casino.

The agreement is not set in stone ... all parties still have to appear in court and a judge has to sign off on it -- but that's usually just a formality.

Jones is currently scheduled to be back in court next month.

3:59 PM PT -- Victim Giovanni Arnold's attorney, Daniel Szalkiewicz, tells us, "Our office was deeply upset to learn that the NYPD has decided not to prosecute Cardi B, Offset, or any of their body guards following their actions last year after the Met Gala."

He continues, "Both my office and my client cooperated with the NYPD at every opportunity but had not heard from them since the weeks immediately following the incident ... We hoped that those responsible for Mr. Arnold’s injuries would be charged accordingly. It appears that was wishful thinking."

"What the NYPD did today was endorse violence. They have given Cardi B, Offset, and all celebrities a license to assault people who say things they don’t like; and that is a dangerous precedent to set."

The security team for Cardi B and Migos is off the hook in an alleged assault on an autograph seeker at last year's Met Gala.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... the rappers' security guards won't face any charges, and the assault case has been closed. We're told the alleged victim refused to be interviewed by NYPD detectives. That's despite the fact he was clearly seen on video catching a beatdown.

TMZ broke the story ... Cardi, Offset and Quavo were all leaving a Met Gala party when the melee began. The rappers were accused of ordering their security team to put hands on an overzealous fan.

None of the security guards was ever arrested, and it was only CB and the Migos rappers who were facing potential criminal charges -- but now, everybody's walking away scot-free.

There's still a civil lawsuit, though. The fan's lawyer, Daniel Szalkiewicz, filed last May claiming he suffered injuries to his face, neck, back and body.

Cesar Sayoc -- the domestic terrorist who pledged allegiance to President Trump and mailed pipe bombs to former President Obama, CNN and others -- is pleading guilty to a whopping 65 felonies.

The U.S. Attorney's Office announced Sayoc's plea Thursday in a Manhattan federal court. The felonies include mailing 16 counts of using a weapon of mass destruction for mailing the improvised explosive devices in the October domestic terrorist attack.

Sayoc also pled guilty to multiple counts of interstate transportation of an explosive, illegal mailing of explosives with intent to kill or injure another and carrying an explosive during the commission of a felony.

Punishment for the WMD charges can be up to life in prison. He'll be sentenced in September.

As we reported ... Sayoc was arrested in Plantation, FL after law enforcement swarmed a van covered in pro-Trump stickers. Sayoc set off panic across the nation after a rash of explosive packages arrived at the homes of prominent Democrats ... first at the home of liberal philanthropist George Soros.

Cops also intercepted packages intended for Bill and Hillary Clinton and then the Obamas.

Rich the Kid still subscribes to the mantra "if ya got it, flaunt it" ... armed robberies be dammed.

The rapper scored this incredible spinning chain after dropping a whopping $425,000!!! Celeb jeweler Eliantte was commissioned to do the one-of-a-kind mastery. The entire piece features 250 carats of all VS diamonds. There's also the glitzy Cuban link chain.

So, why'd RTK drop as much money as your average Joe drops on a modest home? It's to celebrate the release of his new album, "The World is Yours 2," which, BTW, is what's inscribed in the center of the pendant. Rich's sophomore album -- slated to drop at midnight -- features Big Sean, Offset and Lil Pump among others.

Rich's no stranger to showing off his worth. But, as we've also reported ... Rich's also no stranger to getting jacked. This robbery landed him in the hospital and this robbery resulted in a member of his entourage getting pistol whipped.

He's said in the past he doesn't need security ... but Rich might wanna rethink that strategy with this new bling.

Just saying.

5:29 PM PT -- Tommie just apologized for showing up to court drunk ... she says she needs help and is seeking treatment.

Tommie says, "I've been working really hard through my problems considering the challenges that's been set before me since I've been home. I've done all that I can do on my own to shake my habits but I do realize that I need help and I am currently seeking treatment."

Tommie Lee needs some serious help, because she's back in jail for being extremely drunk ... during a court appearance!

The former 'Love & Hip Hop' star showed up to court last week in Cobb County, GA for a hearing in her child abuse criminal case. Law enforcement sources tell us she appeared to be intoxicated -- so much so the judge ordered her to undergo drug and alcohol testing immediately.

Spoiler alert -- the new mug shot was also a dead giveaway -- but she failed. We're told Tommie's BAC was 0.16 ... twice the legal limit, and a violation of her bond. Tommie was arrested on the spot, and no bail's been set yet.

You'll recall ... Tommie was trying to get approval to move to Cali for work while she was out on bond, but a judge shot her down ... citing her long rap sheet as the reason. She's currently facing multiple charges of child abuse for her October 2018 arrest.

According to prosecutors, Tommie disrupted her daughter's class, slapped her hands and face, dragged her out by her hair and slammed her into a locker. She was indicted earlier this year, and faces up to 54 years in jail if convicted on all 7 charges.

As it stands, she might be behind bars until her trial starts. We've reached out to Tommie's attorney for comment ... so far, no word back.

Adrien Broner has been ordered to stay away from social media star Andrew C. Caldwell after making a video implying he would shoot Caldwell in the face if he made a pass at him.

Caldwell filed a request for a temporary restraining order against the boxer Thursday morning in St. Louis -- which was granted by a judge. Broner must stay at least 500 feet from Caldwell.

As we previously reported, Broner threatened to "punch the testosterone" out of Caldwell earlier this week -- claiming Andrew had been contacting him online in an attempt to hook up. Caldwell has said Broner was the initiator.

Broner denied that -- and posted a "P.S.A." video online in which he threatened to shoot ANY gay person in the face who tried to make a pass at him ... saying he's aggressively homophobic.

Caldwell took the video as a personal threat -- and in court docs obtained by TMZ Sports, he wrote, "[Broner] says on social media that he coming to St. Louis to kill me."

The judge felt Caldwell had a reasonable fear and granted the temporary order -- which also requires both Broner and Caldwell from posting bad things about each other on social media.

Hilary Duff's home once again attracted an unwanted visitor ... but luckily she and her BF were home to scare his ass away.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... Hilary and her baby daddy -- music producer Matthew Koma -- were home Tuesday night in the kitchen of her Beverly Hills home when, at around 8:30, they noticed a man lurking around their backyard.

It's unclear exactly how but we're told Hilary and Matthew managed to scare away the intruder before calling police. Cops showed up and, while doing a perimeter search, they noticed a window screen had been removed, though the intruder never actually made it inside the house.

Our sources say cops dispatched extra patrols around the area but cops continue to investigate since the man's still on the loose. Unsettling for sure, especially after what happened to Hilary back in 2017.

As we first reported ... someone broke into the same pad and the thief or thieves made off with bling worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Goes without saying ... Hilary and Matthew are more worried about an even more precious treasure in the home ... their 4-month old daughter.

Police and prosecutors believe podcast host Adam Grandmaison's life really was in danger when a guy busted in during his live stream and put a gun to his head ... 'cause the suspect's been charged, and he's still behind bars.

The hip-hop host of the "No Jumper" podcast -- known as Adam22 -- was violently interrupted while recording his show Sunday when the gunman pointed his weapon at Adam and threatened his life.

According to the L.A. County D.A.'s office ... the suspect, 24-year-old David Tran, has now been charged with one count of attempted second-degree robbery. He's still in custody and being held on $100k bail.

After video of the scary moment surfaced, many skeptics wondered if Adam staged it for publicity. Adam spoke to us and made it clear -- it was 100 percent real and serious, and everyone was fortunate there were no deaths ... especially the gunman.

As we reported ... Adam's security at his BMX and clothing store took control of the situation by quickly taking the guy down, and Adam ended his live stream and called the cops.