Kobe Bryant Autographed Floor from Final Game ... Hauls in More Than $600K!!!

UPDATE

10:45 AM PT -- 10/04 -- The Kobe-autographed hardwood sold for way more than its pre-auction estimate of half a million ... going to a final bidder Saturday night for $631,200!!!

UPDATE

We're told the consignor will donate 10 percent of the proceeds from the sale to the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation.

Calling all (rich) Kobe Bryant fans, an incredibly unique collectible from the Mamba's historic 60-point farewell game is up for grabs ... but it'll cost a fortune!!

A large section of the Staples Center hardwood court -- where Kobe played his final NBA game -- is set to hit the auction block ... and the piece is truly 1-of-a-kind.

The floorboard features KB's original jersey number, 8 -- painted in white, outlined in Lakers purple -- signed by the L.A. legend before he walked off the court he dominated on for nearly 2 decades.

Remember, Kobe -- who was 38 years old at the time -- had one of the greatest final games in sports history ... dropping 60 points on the Utah Jazz during the April 13, 2016 contest.

Bryant started off slow, but was UNSTOPPABLE in the 2nd half ... leading his Lakers squad to a come-from-behind victory.

It was truly a jaw-dropping performance by the Hall of Famer ... and that's why the court section is expected to sell for a whopping $500,000!!

We're told the seller will donate 10 percent of the proceeds to the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation -- a foundation named after Kobe and Gigi Bryant -- which promotes youth sports.

Online bidding starts September 4 at Heritage Auctions ... and a live auction will be held September 26.

Mamba would have turned 42-years-old on Sunday, and Monday (8/24) was dubbed Kobe Bryant day ... with everyone from James Harden, Anthony Davis and LeBron James celebrating the basketball legend's life.

Originally published --  8/26 12:50 AM PT

Whitney Houston Estate Says Hologram's in Violation ... Judge Already Blocked It

ENJOY THE SHOW
FilmOn

The Whitney Houston hologram that recently surfaced will have to be placed back under wraps ... TMZ has learned it was already banned by a judge before the leak.

As we first told you ... a Whitney hologram originally intended for "The Voice" years ago leaked last week, and was supposedly a new and improved version. Quality aside, Whitney's estate was pissed because it didn't approve the release.

MAKIN' IT ICONIC
FilmOn

Alki David, the man whose company designed the hologram, believed he was allowed to use it on Scott Storch's variety show, and he did. David thought he was in the clear because he had previously worked on a Whitney hologram way back in 2016. That one was scrapped because her estate didn't like the look.

As it turns out, the estate says David was wrong

According to legal docs -- obtained by TMZ -- a judgment signed in July 2018 terminated the license agreement and contract Whitney's estate had signed with David back in 2015.

So, Whitney's team insists David had no legal standing to re-build or re-brand the Whitney hologram.

We're told David could be staring down the barrel of a major lawsuit if Team Whitney decides to go after him for violating that order. Sources with knowledge tell us the estate's attorneys are still weighing their legal options.

Ricky Schroder Donates To Cops In Compton Shooting

Ricky Schroder is looking out for the L.A. County Sheriff's deputies who were ambushed by a gunman in Compton ... sending them a donation with special meaning.

Sources close to the 'NYPD Blue' star tell TMZ ... Ricky donated $11,111 to the two deputies who were shot last month at point-blank range. We're told the actor was one of the first people to donate, and he wanted to send the funds directly to the deputies.

Our sources also say Ricky chipped in another $25,000 to boost the reward for the shooting suspect.

9/12/20
DEPUTIES AMBUSHED
@LASDHQ/Twitter

As we reported ... LASD identified the man who allegedly opened fire on 2 deputies sitting in a cop car, and now he's charged with attempted murder.

Ricky's got a special appreciation for law enforcement ... he feels society would crumble without the folks who enforce the law.

As for the $11,111 donation, we're told a Gold Star Mom once told Ricky it's a "divine number" representing new beginnings. Gold Star families are those who've had loved ones die while fighting in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Ricky, we're told, has been getting super close with the Gold Star community recently ... he's researching and writing a screenplay called "Mile 0" based on a true story of Navy SEAL Chris Ring, who swam 2,400 miles down the Mississippi River to honor the 2,400 soldiers killed in Afghanistan.

Rep. Max Rose Fires Back at James Dolan You Think You Can Scare Me, Bro?!

NONPARTISAN ISSUE
TMZSports.com

"Just sell the damn team and shut up!"

That's U.S. Congressman Max Rose clapping back at NY Knicks owner James Dolan after the billionaire donated money to his political opponent ... after Rose called for Dolan to sell the team!!

It's a feud that escalated quickly right here on TMZ Sports -- and it's only getting nastier.

Rose -- a decorated war veteran and lifelong Knicks fan -- told us he's sick and tired of watching the Knicks suck ... and publicly called for Dolan to sell the damn team already!

Dolan -- who's banned fans from Madison Square Garden for urging him to sell -- clearly saw the clip and immediately began a campaign to support Rose's opponent, GOP Congressional candidate Nicole Malliotakis.

According to the NY Post, Dolan sent an email to friends bashing Rose and trying to rally support for Malliotakis.

"Max Rose thinks he can make our team and my ownership his political platform," Dolan said in the email obtained by The Post.

"I need to let him know that we will not stand for this. The best way to do this is to help his opponent. He is in a tight race for the US Congress in Staten Island. ... Please join me in helping Nicole defeat Max Rose for Congress."

So, we called up Rep. Rose ... and yeah, he had some thoughts!

"Well, we all know that Jim Dolan has the Midas Touch ... so I'm not exactly too concerned here. Look, I didn't make it political, he did! My message was simple: for the good of New York City to make the Knicks great again -- sell the damn team!"

"Think about what's been happening in the 21st century. On an aggregate basis, the Knicks have the worst record in the NBA and nonetheless, they have spent the most! What more signs do you need that this guy has been a world failure?"

"They've gone through over 10 coaches, a massive amount of executive staffs, trading players left and right. The only constant has been Jim Dolan. So, let's sell! This has been a tough year but in 2021, New York can turn the corner. Jim Dolan sell, we can say goodbye to Bill De Blasio and we can finally beat this pandemic."

There's more ... Rose also brings up Dolan's beef with NYK great Charles Oakley and warns Dolan, "I will not be silenced."

In other words, if Dolan hated the other video ... this is REALLY gonna piss him off.

Deborah Cox Blown Away By 1998 Classic Challenge ... Especially By 11-Year-Old Girl!!!

stunning delivery
TMZ.com

Deborah Cox finds herself front and center of a new social media challenge that's been all the rage ... and so far, she's impressed by what she's seeing.

The Grammy-nominated singer tells TMZ ... it's been extremely challenging figuring out who has totally nailed the "Deborah Cox Challenge" ... but if pressed, the award so far goes to 11-year-old aspiring singer Liamani Segura, whom Deborah says blew her away.

A little backstory ... the so-called challenge started on September 21 when an Instagram account dedicated to showcasing singers asked fans, regardless of talent, to try and sing Deborah's 1998 classic hit, "Nobody's Supposed to Be Here." Tons of celebs have done just that ... from Lizzo to Keke Palmer.

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Deborah drops some great pointers on how to hit the right notes for a song she describes as a vocal journey. It's all about finding the right inspiration. Deborah also went into detail about why the 11-year-old girl really impressed her.

Deborah also dropped this ... she feels shows like "American Idol" and "America's Got Talent" would benefit from showcasing her track because it truly does test a singer's vocal ability.

YOU GOTTA FEEL IT
TMZ.com

The legendary singer from Canada dropped some notes for us to show how "finding the feeling" is what's gonna help someone hit the right notes. Deborah proves once again that after all these years ... she's still got incredible range and precision.

'Love Island' Noah Purvis Porn Past Bites Him in the ... Confirms Why He's Off the Show

THE PAST IS THE PAST
TMZ.com

"Love Island" cast member Noah Purvis was suddenly no longer a resident, and it's because of some of his old racy videos and photos ... he confirms with TMZ.

The rumors began to swirl when viewers noticed Noah was absent from the villa a couple weeks back, and CBS later addressed it, claiming he "provided false information on his application ... which violates his contestant agreement."

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Noah explains the situation in more detail though, telling us the producers informed him they learned about an alias he used in the past while shooting adult videos and photos ... and at that point, he knew he was screwed.

Noah says he'd forgotten about the porn and even told producers he was promised it would never surface, but it did ... and "Love Island" didn't love it and gave him the ax.

As for why he chose to dabble in porn ... Noah says it was mostly for the money, but he also hoped it would gain him some exposure with producers.

Ironically it did ... but not in the way he hoped.

Antonio Brown Buys 97 Carat Diamond Jewelry ... Ft. Record Label Logo

BUSINESS BLING
@leofrost / Instagram

Antonio Brown's letting everyone know he's still got a "Whole Lotta Money" ... 'cause he just copped an INSANE iced out pendant and chain to celebrate his record label.

The 32-year-old superstar wide receiver started his music career -- and CAB label -- after the New England Patriots cut him last September due to multiple off-the-field incidents.

AB has released songs, mixtapes and music videos ... but wanted to take it a step further, so he hit up celeb jeweler Leo Frost and commissioned the bling.

We're told the CAB Records pendant is decked out in 18k gold and is filled with 32 carats of VVS diamonds.

The Cuban link handset chain is also 18k yellow gold ... and has 65 carats of VS1 diamonds.

Overall, the piece has a whopping 97 carats of diamonds.

It's unclear how much AB dropped on the chain and pendant ... but Frost's work ain't cheap -- and neither is that many diamonds.

The jeweler has hooked up some of the NFL's biggest stars in the past ... with ballers like Saquon Barkley and Joe Burrow going to see Frost.

Despite the music, AB -- who is currently in the middle of an 8-game suspension -- is still training for an NFL comeback.

'Saturday Night Live' Scrambling After Trump's COVID News ... But Not Scrapping

The "Saturday Night Live" cast and host, Chris Rock, are trying like hell to keep up with the constantly changing news about President Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis ahead of the season premiere.

Leading up to Saturday's Season 46 kickoff, the first Presidential debate was the big story we all expected to see lampooned, but that all changed early Friday morning with the President and First Lady testing positive.

Sources close to the situation tell TMZ ... writers and producers are now trying to figure out how to address the topic, and what adjustments, if any, have to be made the cold open or Rock's opening monologue.

We're told it's a very fluid situation, but 'SNL' wants to be sensitive ... and our sources say meetings and discussions were going on late into Friday night.

The good news -- for 'SNL' cast and crew anyway -- is we're told production and the writing staff isn't making drastic changes to what they had planned. Of course, you can expect to see the President's health addressed during the "Weekend Update" segment.

Our sources say the episode still won't shy away from the debate or campaign battles. Aside from Rock hosting, the premiere's heavily anticipated because Jim Carrey is taking on the role of Joe Biden, while Maya Rudolph returns as Kamala Harris.

If that wasn't enough for ya ... Megan Thee Stallion is the musical guest.

Lots of big attractions, and the news is just making it way more interesting ... for viewers AND the cast and crew too.

'Tiger King' Zookeepers Make Commercial Debut Todd Bridges Goes Exotic!!!

NEW KING IN TOWN
Insurance King / Facebook

Here's a couple of Joe Exotic's former zookeepers making their first dive into commercials ... a hilarious 'Tiger King' spoof with Todd Bridges as their old boss!!!

Saff Saffery and John Reinke -- who were featured in 'Tiger King' and used to care for the big cats at Joe's GW Zoo -- star in the ad for Insurance King, opposite the "Diff'rent Strokes" star doing his best Exotic impression.

THE INSURANCE KING
Insurance King/ Facebook

The 'Tiger King' references are everywhere ... from the tiger roars, to Todd dropping infamous Joe quotes and rocking his signature mullet. Oh, and eagle-eyed viewers will notice the Insurance Company logo, which usually features a lion, swapped out for a tiger wearing a crown.

JUST LIKE OLD TIMES
Insurance King / Facebook

As we first told you ... Saff and John reunited for the first time in 3 years this week in Rockford, IL, celebrating Carole Baskin's 'DWTS' exit and meeting Todd ahead of the commercial shoot.

Saff, John and Todd put in some serious work ... all told, they shot 5 different commercials for Insurance King, and they even took shots at Carole!

Boxer Sergey Kovalev Gets Probation Over Alleged Attack On Woman, Dog

Sergey Kovalev pled guilty Friday in a criminal case stemming from an alleged violent incident with a woman and dog in 2018 ... and the boxing star will now have to spend the next 3 years on probation, TMZ Sports has learned.

Kovalev was accused of punching a woman in Big Bear, Calif. back in June '18 ... after the alleged victim claimed she turned down his sexual advances.

The woman, Jamie Frontz, said the two had met at a boxing gym-opening party ... and began kissing at her rental cabin shortly after.

But, she says when she pulled away from the fighter after feeling like he was too aggressive ... he became violent.

Frontz says Kovalev kicked her dog ... and then later socked her in the face.

In an interview with TMZ Sports about the incident, Frontz claimed the punch caused a broken nose, a concussion and facial lacerations.

ON THE NIGHT OF THE ATTACK
TMZSports.com

Kovalev was eventually arrested and hit with a felony assault charge ... and faced YEARS behind bars.

But, according to court docs, Kovalev cut a deal with prosecutors Friday ... and got the felony charge dropped.

In exchange, 37-year-old Sergey pled guilty to misdemeanor fighting/noise/offensive words ... and was sentenced to 3 years probation.

Kovalev was also ordered to serve a 2-day jail sentence ... but he received credit for time served and won't spend any more time behind bars.

Court docs also show Kovalev must attend/complete an anger management program, as well as pay $220 in court fees.

We've reached out to the boxer's attorney for comment ... but, so far, no word back yet.

Frontz's civil case against Kovalev, meanwhile, appears to be ongoing. She sued the former champ seeking the $650,000 she claims he agreed to pay her in the wake of the incident.

Incubus Drummer Jose Pasillas Pardon Me, Your Bike Wrecked My Wrist!!! Sues Bike Co. Over Crash

Incubus co-founder and drummer Jose Pasillas took a nasty spill on his bike thanks to a defective handlebar, and it's wreaked havoc on his wrist and his career ... so he claims in a new lawsuit.

According to the legal docs obtained by TMZ ... Pasillas bought a brand new Specialized S-Works Tarmac bicycle from a high-end California bike company, Specialized Bicycle Components, near the end of 2015.

About 3 years later on Jan. 24, 2019 ... he says he was out for a ride on the bike on Mulholland Highway in Calabasas, when out of nowhere the right handlebar broke.

According to the docs ... the handlebar "disintegrated" and caused the front wheel and the bars to turn sharply, which threw the drummer over the top with his shoes still clipped into the bike pedals.

Pasillas claims he was traveling approximately 25 MPH when he got thrown and landed on the road mostly on his hands -- which he says took the brunt of the fall -- but also on his left shoulder and knees.

The Incubus drummer claims he sought immediate medical care and learned he had a broken wrist, which he says required surgery to repair.

Pasillas claims he suffered severe injuries and has needed continuous medical treatment since the crash. What's worse -- Jose says his ability to drum for Incubus has been impacted and he's lost money because of it.

He's suing for negligence over the allegedly defective handlebar and wants reimbursement for his medical costs and other damages, including lost earnings.

We reached out to the bike company ... no word back yet.

Ex-NBA Star Stephen Jackson On Justice, George Floyd 'I Wish I Could Get My Twin Back'

FOLLOWING MY HEART
TMZSports.com

Ex-NBA star Stephen Jackson says his fight for social justice is just getting started ... telling TMZ Sports it's become his mission to be there for those who need help following the death of his friend, George Floyd.

Jackson made his presence known shortly after Floyd's death in May ... speaking out in hopes of bringing awareness to the cause.

We spoke with Stack about his new calling on Thursday ... and he says he's been called to make an impact on society.

"What I do know is, is that I'm leading with my heart and I'm doing what God wants me to do," Jackson tells us.

"I didn't ask to be in this position, I wish I could get my twin back. It is what it is."

Jackson says his new journey has made him realize there are more people who need his help ... and he's up for the task.

"So, it's become my passion and I've been embracing it. I know I'm doing God's work. So, wherever it takes me, I'll find out how I'm doing sometime soon."

Jackson -- who was close friends with Floyd -- was one of many to speak out and demand justice by calling for the arresting officers to be prosecuted ... but he says it's not the only incident he will speak out on.

"But, it's more important to me to do something bigger than myself ... I'm the person that stands on loving everybody and I have every race following me. and I'mma continue to make noise and do what's right."

NFL's Bud Dupree Gifts Himself Iced Out Watch ... Worth $80k!!

ICE ON MY WRIST
@moediamonds

Pittsburgh Steelers star Bud Dupree just copped a ridiculously ICED OUT watch encrusted with 30 carats of diamonds ... and it's worth 80 grand!!

TMZ Sports has learned the Steelers linebacker treated himself with some new bling to celebrate the 2020 NFL season .. hitting up jeweler Moe Diamond in Pittsburgh.

Moe -- whose hooked up NFL beasts like Aaron Donald in the past -- delivered the Audemars Piguet watch ... loaded with approximately 30 carats of VS-VVS diamonds, to Dupree.

You can (literally) see the sparkle in BD's eyes.

The AP -- which we're told was appraised at $80,000 -- also has a custom gold bezel.

It's a crazy expensive watch -- unless you're making $16 million this season -- like Bud ... who's one of the highest-paid defensive players in the league this year.

And, he's definitely earning his money ... 'cause he's already racked up 2.5 sacks for the 3-0 Pittsburgh Steelers.

Moral of the story ... it's good to be Bud Dupree.

NFL's Bashaud Breeland Agrees To Plead Guilty To 2 Charges ... After Terrifying Arrest

April 2020
THE SCARY ARREST
TMZSports.com

KC Chiefs cornerback Bashaud Breeland just agreed to plead guilty to 2 charges stemming from his terrifying altercation with a cop back in April ... and TMZ Sports has learned he'll likely receive nothing more than a slap on the wrist as punishment.

Breeland was stopped at around 11 AM on April 28 after an officer said he saw the 28-year-old smoking weed with two other men at a York County, SC gas station.

In police documents, the cop claimed when he tried to detain Breeland ... the NFL player became combative. In video of the incident, obtained by TMZ Sports, you can see what happened next was horrifying.

Breeland argued with the officer repeatedly, and at one point, stared down the cop's gun barrel as the officer tried to get the football player to comply.

Fortunately, Breeland ultimately gave up and was arrested without harm. He was eventually hit with several charges, including resisting arrest.

But, prosecutors said Friday they just cut a deal with Breeland ... in which the defensive back agreed to plead guilty to public disorderly conduct and possession of 28g or less of marijuana first offense.

In exchange, prosecutors said they agreed to drop his driving with an open container of alcohol charge, as well as his resisting arrest and driving without a license charges.

As for the punishment part of the deal ... court documents show Breeland agreed to a 30-day suspended jail sentence and $200 in fines.

"This was a relatively minor situation that could have turned into a serious incident," law enforcement officials said in a statement. "Failing to comply with law enforcement’s instructions too often leads to tragic results."

"I appreciate Mr. Breeland’s recognition of this fact and acceptance of responsibility for his actions. Compliance is the best way to avoid a dangerous escalation of routine encounters with the police."

A rep for Breeland added in a statement, "We are pleased to have come to a fair and swift resolution in this case. Mr. Breeland looks forward to putting this entire ordeal behind him."

"We appreciate the York County prosecutor's cooperation and professionalism throughout this process. This case is a prime example of how a person is best served by allowing these matters to be litigated in a court of law, rather than roadside during an arrest."

Breeland -- who recorded an interception in the Chiefs' Super Bowl win last February -- has been serving a four-game suspension to start this season over a failed drug test that happened before his arrest.

Breeland is expected to make his season debut for the Chiefs in Week 5 when KC plays the Raiders ... though it's unclear if the NFL is mulling further punishment over his April arrest.

Rapper Consequence Listen Up, Black Men ... Lupus Affects Us Too!!!

HERE TO HELP
TMZ.com

Consequence thought Lupus predominantly affected Black women ... but then the disease knocked him on his ass, and now he's letting men know they should be aware too.

The NY rapper tells TMZ ... his knowledge about the autoimmune disease didn't go beyond its impact on women. That all changed when he was diagnosed around 7 months ago.

Consequence says he first felt pain in his neck while giving his 9-year-old son a piggyback ride. A physician prescribed a muscle relaxer, but as time went on it got worse. He thought he'd have time to recover when the pandemic hit -- instead, Consequence says he suffered immobility and weight loss, and couldn't figure out what was wrong.

He told us the hardest part came once he was diagnosed, because his son thought he might have to say goodbye to Dad.

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Consequence also suffered diabetic complications -- he says he went from Type 2 to Type 1, and has been taking insulin for about 2 months. He adds, his weight got down to a debilitating 105 pounds.

Although it's true Lupus predominantly affects Black, Hispanic and Asian women between 15 and 45 ... Consequence is sharing his battle so men know they can't ignore it. As he told us, guys gotta get informed about the symptoms.

Joe Biden Beauty Brand Bearing His Name And It's Booming!!!

Joe Biden's getting some much-needed support down the homestretch of his presidential battle from an unlikely source ... beauty and fashion sales.

BIDEN Beauty launched this week on the heels of the first debate, and though that event was far from pretty ... the Biden-themed products are flying off shelves.

David Yi -- founder of Very Good Light, the group behind BIDEN Beauty -- tells TMZ ... they launched it with the goal of activating the beauty community to get behind the Democratic nominee and encouraging them to vote blue.

The group had remained anonymous until now because Yi says they want the focus to be on Biden and Kamala Harris, but they're stepping out now to let everyone know 100 percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Biden Victory Fund ... to help him defeat President Trump.

Those proceeds have the potential to be yuuuge -- as Trump might say -- because since Wednesday's launch, Yi says they've had an order placed every minute, selling 50 percent of their initial inventory in 35 states ... including all the major swing states.

David says Arizona is leading in that category, and across the U.S., the #1 seller has been the BIDEN Beat Makeup Sponge. The site's also selling totes and hoodies, in addition to cosmetics.

We're told they're launching a line for Kamala next week as well.

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