Ryan Adams I'm 9 Months Sober And Really, Really Sore!!!

Published

Ryan Adams is ready to get back to performing for his fans -- after some of the most difficult years of his life -- telling us his prep has him 9 months sober and super sore!

We got the singer-songwriter out on a run at The Hollywood Reservoir Wednesday, a place that's become familiar to Ryan as of late. He tells us he's been working through his mental health struggles with 5-6 miles of running per day, and it's also helped him stay clean.

He's also mounting a comeback after a 2019 New York Times report accusing him of sending sexual messages to an underage fan as well as being "manipulative, obsessive and controlling" with 7 other women -- including his ex-wife Mandy Moore and singer Phoebe Bridgers.

Eventually, the FBI cleared Adams in the underage messages case -- but he hadn't really gotten on stage since then.

Now, he's just announced an 8-gig string of shows -- including Chicago and Milwaukee -- to start in October ... this after he quietly took the stage for 5 comeback shows in May. Sources close tell us ticket sales have already been strong ... proving fans still wanna see him in action.

While Ryan wouldn't exactly tell us his thoughts on cancel culture -- avoiding the topic by reminding us just how sore he was -- you gotta imagine he's excited about the chance of a legit comeback.

Oh ya, and watch the clip to find out what junk food the rocker claims was no bueno in helping him stay fit.

Saints Star Marcus Davenport Top Of Pinky Amputated ... After Finger Infection

Published

Saints star Marcus Davenport will now only have about 9.5 fingers available to take down opposing ball carriers this year ... he just revealed he had to have the tip of his pinky amputated this offseason.

The New Orleans pass rusher told a throng of reporters on Wednesday following a Saints workout that he had to lose part of the digit after his finger developed an infection from a surgery he had back in 2021.

Davenport had to have a plate placed into the finger that year after injuring it previously ... but the 25-year-old said when the plate broke this offseason, it caused an infection that he got rid of by simply amputating the top of his left pinky.

Davenport said he expects the amputation to have no impact on his ability to play football going forward.

The bad news for Davenport about it all? Losing the body part wasn't even the worst part of his offseason -- the former first-round pick said he also had to have shoulder surgery from an unrelated injury too.

To his credit, the guy somehow still hit the practice field for the Saints on Wednesday ... proving yet again he's one tough dude!

Dr. Fauci Tests Positive for COVID-19

Published

Dr. Anthony Fauci has contracted COVID-19 -- but like many people who have gotten their shots -- he's expected to come out the other side just fine.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, for which Fauci serves as top dog, made the announcement Wednesday, saying Doc had tested positive during a rapid antigen test ... and as a result, was sent home to recover. He'll be back to work when he's negative.

The NIH agency notes he's experiencing mild symptoms, and attributes that to the fact he's fully vaccinated and has also received two booster shots.

Also of note ... Fauci has not been in close contact with President Biden of late, so says NIAID, or any other top government official for that matter. So it seems JB and co. are in the clear on his end -- good news, especially since they've already had close calls.

Several people in Biden's cabinet have caught the virus in recent months -- including former Press Secretary Jen Psaki, and even Vice President Kamala Harris ... ditto for her hubby. Of course, there've been some high-profile Congress members who've gotten sick too.

Thus far, POTUS has been able to avoid coming down with 'rona ... unlike his predecessor.

Tiger Attack Zookeeper Mauled During Feeding Time ... Later Dies of Heart Attack

Published | Updated

A zookeeper in Mexico was attacked by one of the tigers he was caring for ... dying of a heart attack shortly after the incident.

The whole thing went down Monday in West Mexico, when a 23-year-old zoo keeper, by the name of José de Jesús, summoned a Bengal tiger through a fence to pet the animal before a feeding.

De Jesus touches the animal without incident, but it suddenly changes its attitude, clamping down on his outstretched right hand and causing the zookeeper to yell out in agony.

José was reportedly taken to the hospital, but didn't want medics to amputate his hand. His health quickly deteriorated after the attack, until he died of a heart attack.

Apparently, the footage of the terrifying attack was released by the animal's owner who is said to have had the tiger at a private zoo. The owner reportedly said he paid for all the zookeeper's medical bills and had all the necessary permits to own the tiger.

Bam Margera Reported Missing After Fleeing Rehab

Published | Updated

Cops are on the lookout for Bam Margera after he bolted from a Florida rehab facility he wasn't allowed to leave ... TMZ has learned.

According to a Delray Beach police report, the rehab facility's manager reported the 'Jackass' star missing on Monday. The manager says Bam told him he was unhappy with the place and their services ... so he was splitting, which he apparently did.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

The report notes Bam told the manager that instead of staying there, he'd be checking himself into a different rehab center in the area ... and then left the premises in a black sedan.

According to the manager, Bam was there under a court order, and the staff was concerned he seemed to be leaving without authorization.

In any case, the staff also said Bam didn't appear to be a danger to himself or others. Cops did go looking for him that day but, so far, they've come up empty-handed.

Sources close to Bam tell TMZ ... he was currently staying at a sober living facility and had recently got into an argument with his wife. We're told he did have issues with the facilities' restrictions and made the impulsive decision to leave.

Last month Bam had broken his wrist and elbow in a skateboarding accident and was blaming the facility for not setting up his physical therapy appointments.

As we've reported, Bam had recently completed a year of treatment for his substance problems, and had been doing well. Right now we are told, friends and family are working on getting him back to the facility, and back on track.

Megan Thee Stallion Tory Should Go to Jail ... For Shooting Me

Published

Megan Thee Stallion is hopeful that Tory Lanez is not only found guilty for allegedly shooting her, but that he's thrown behind bars as well.

Meg -- who's in the middle of a criminal case involving Lanez in which he's alleged to have shot her in the foot in 2020 -- did an interview with Rolling Stone, in which she touched on the legal matter ... and says she wants him to serve time.

She says, "I want him to go to jail," adding ... "I want him to go under the jail." MTS said this after reflecting/questioning why the case is dragging out so long.

As you know, Tory has denied Megan's accusations and pled not guilty to the charges against him. While there've been bumps throughout -- including him being temporarily remanded to custody for violating a protective order -- it seems the case is going to trial in September.

Megan claims her foot was injured during the shooting -- saying she had to undergo surgery, and couldn't walk for days. She says, "Both of my legs wrapped up. I could not walk. I still have bullet fragments in my feet right now. I was very scared that I was not able to be Megan Thee Stallion no more. And, I was f***ed up."

Megan also addressed the other witness in the matter -- her ex-best friend, Kelsey Harris -- saying she feels like she's sided with Tory in the aftermath. An even more triggering result, she says, is the social media backlash she's received from people who don't believe her.

Megan says she limits herself to 15 minutes of social media, but even then -- she sees people's cruelty toward her, which she says tears her up inside, even if she doesn't show it.

Jason McElwain '06 ESPY Winner Hospitalized ... After Serious Bike Accident

Published

Jason McElwain -- the former basketball manager who went viral in 2006 after suiting up and scoring 20 points in a high school game -- broke nine ribs in a serious bicycle accident Monday afternoon ... but luckily, he was wearing a helmet, and is expected to make a full recovery.

According to USA Today, police in Greece, New York responded to a call of "a bicyclist who made contact with a motor vehicle."

The 34-year-old was transported to an area hospital ... where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

A spokeswoman for Strong Memorial Hospital confirmed Jason is listed in guarded condition at the facility ... meaning his status is extremely serious with an uncertain outcome.

Jason's brother, Josh, said he suffered 9 broken ribs, a broken scapula, and a punctured lung ... but he did not sustain injuries to his head or back, fortunately.

Josh said he's thankful Jason was wearing his helmet at the time of the accident ... fearing things could have been much worse for his brother.

Jason, who is autistic and now works as a motivational speaker, had one of the most memorable games ever as a senior at Greece Athena High School in 2006.

The teen scored 20 points in the team's final home game -- hitting 7 of 13 shots and channeling his inner Ray Allen, hitting 6 threes, earning him an ESPY award that year for best sports moment.

Josh says Jason is "not in pain" and is in good spirits ... but he will remain in Strong's Intensive Care Unit for about a week before kickstarting his lengthy road to recovery.

Hailey Bieber Justin's Getting Better Every Day After Facial Paralysis

Published

Hailey Bieber says Justin is on the path to recovery from Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, and believes the support from fans has played a big role in him getting better.

Hailey updated JB's condition Wednesday on 'GMA' ... where she said her husband's looking to make a full recovery from the condition that paralyzed half of his face. She says he's feeling better with each passing day.

She also thanked fans for being so understanding throughout his ordeal -- Justin had to pause his world tour -- and Hailey added they've been getting lots of advice from people who've dealt with RHS before.

061022-justin-bieber-kal 6/10/22
HIDDEN CONDITION

As we reported, Justin revealed a virus in his ear left the right side of his face paralyzed ... he posted a video Friday showing the effects and telling fans the condition was the reason he'd postponed several shows.

JB's battle with RHS comes on the heels of Hailey's own medical scare back in March when she suffered a mini-stroke ... and needed a medical procedure to close a hole in her heart. She says she's been giving her body the time it needs to recover.

TMZ broke the story ... Hailey was rushed to the hospital after suffering stroke-like symptoms. Doctors found a small blood clot in her brain, and also diagnosed something called PFO, a small opening in the heart.

Been a rough medical year for the Biebers, but Hailey says she's finally starting to feel like herself again.

MLB Ump Nate Tomlinson Struck In Face By Trout's Broken Bat ... Leaves Game Bloodied

Published | Updated

Scary moment on the MLB diamond Tuesday ... an MLB ump was struck near his eye by a shattered bat -- but somehow, it appears the official is going to be OK.

The frightening scene happened in the ninth inning of the Dodgers' game against the Angels in L.A., when Mike Trout was at the dish looking to bring the Halos back from a 2-0 deficit.

On a 3-2 count, Trout smacked a ball so hard, his bat shattered ... and a large piece of the splintered lumber hit home plate ump Nate Tomlinson right in the face.

You can see in video from the game's broadcast, Tomlinson was nearly stabbed in the eyeball by the bat's jagged edge, and he immediately crumpled to the ground.

Trainers raced to Tomlinson's aid, and video shows he was bleeding from several areas of his head.

Tomlinson was forced to leave the game -- but, fortunately, he walked off under his own power. Second base umpire Laz Diaz eventually filled in for Tomlinson for the last few outs of the game.

Trout, who ultimately singled on the play, was left stunned by the scene. His Angels would go on to lose the game, 2-0.

Get well soon, Nate.

The Kid LAROI Goes Up, Slams Down on Spine ... Scary Injury Playing Hoops

Published | Updated
061422-kid-laroi-kal
FALLIN' DOWN UNDER

The Kid LAROI might have to lay off pick-up basketball games while he's touring ... especially after taking a fall so hard, it's painful just to watch.

The Aussie rapper made an appearance at the Culture Kings store in Melbourne, and part of the store was shut down Sunday ... so he and his crew could do some shopping. Things took a turn, though, when he and his entourage decided to play hoops on the store's indoor court.

It was close quarters, for sure, and at one point The Kid jumped pretty damn high for the ball, only to trip over one of his pals ... and come crashing down right on his tailbone! Immediately, you could see he was in pain.

061322_kid_laroi_the_wiggles-kal
THE KID WIGGLES!!!

While a lot of fans thought he'd have to cancel his concert scheduled for that night, TKL stuck to that old adage -- the show MUST go on -- and got onstage that night ... with The Wiggles no less!!!

He certainly didn't look any worse for wear as he went HAM performing his childhood heroes' classics like "Big Red Car" and "Fruit Salad."

The Kid had already postponed the Melbourne concert the week before, so he knew he had to put on a great show, regardless of how sore his back must have been.

Plus, The Wiggles, bro. You gotta play hurt!

Tennis Star Jelena Dokic I Almost Attempted Suicide In April 'Will Never Forget That Day'

Published | Updated

Former tennis star Jelena Dokic just revealed she nearly took her own life in April ... saying she was about to jump off the balcony of a high-rise balcony -- but thankfully managed to get off and seek help.

"I almost jumped off my 26th-floor balcony and took my own life," Dokic said in an emotional Instagram post on Monday.

"Will never forget the day."

The Australian tennis player -- who won 6 WTA single titles -- says she's been struggling for the past six months so badly that she wanted to take her own life.

"It’s been constant crying everywhere," Dokic said, "From hiding in the bathroom when at work to wipe away my tears so that nobody sees it to the unstoppable crying at home within my four walls has been unbearable."

"Such a vicious cycle in my head. The result: almost jumping off my 26th-floor balcony on April 28th."

But, she managed to seek professional help ... and hopes this message will encourage others who are contemplating suicide to get help as well.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

"Getting professional help saved my life," the 39-year-old said.

"I am writing this because I know I am not the only one struggling. Just know that you are not alone."

Dokic says she's in the process of getting better and "will be back stronger than ever."

FYI, Dokic's highest ranking in tennis was no. 4 in August 2002 -- and she had the biggest upset win in 1999 when she beat No. 1 ranked Martina Hingis when she was only 16.

To this day, it's the only match where the No.1 ranked player lost a qualifier at Wimbledon.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

USFL Receiver Spits Out Pieces Of Tooth ... After Violent Hit On Field

Published

A USFL wide receiver was hit so hard on the field during a game on Sunday, his tooth shattered inside of his mouth -- forcing him to grossly spit it out on the sidelines.

The dentist's worst nightmare went down in the third quarter of the Pittsburgh Maulers' game against the Philadelphia Stars in Alabama ... when Isiah Hennie caught a pass and turned up the sidelines looking for a big play.

After about 10 yards, though, Stars defensive back Cody Brown drilled him in the jaw with his helmet -- sending the Maulers wideout crashing to the ground.

The collision was violent -- and, in fact, it was such a forceful blow, cameras caught Hennie spitting out what appeared to be multiple teeth from his mouth just seconds later.

Hennie, who was mic'ed up for the game, later revealed it was just one tooth that had broken into several pieces from the collision.

"I lost one," he told teammates and staffers. "It was just a wisdom tooth, though ... It's, like, coming out in pieces."

Adding insult to injury, Hennie's Maulers fell 17-15 in the game.

But, Hennie did say he was fine -- and actually went on to catch another pass later in the game.

Tough dude!

Toby Keith Announces He Has Stomach Cancer

Published | Updated

Toby Keith says he has cancer, but the good news is that he's taking steps to mitigate its effects ... including every possible treatment in the book.

The legendary country star made the shocking announcement Sunday through a personal note on Twitter. He writes, "Last fall I was diagnosed with stomach cancer."

He adds, "I’ve spent the last 6 months receiving chemo, radiation, and surgery. So far, so good. I need time to breathe, recover and relax. I am looking forward to spending this time with my family, but I will see the fans sooner than later. I can’t wait."

Toby actually has a history of working for orgs that promote cancer awareness and aid for youths, so the fact he's now come down with the disease himself is incredibly sad.

The reason this comes off as so stunning to many is the fact that TK has been seemingly plugging along just fine in his music career of late, pumping out a new album and even performing live ... with regular social media posts, including ones that show in good spirits.

The guy recently announced he'd be playing a new concert later this year in November -- during Coachella Crossroads here in CA -- but it's unclear if that gig will proceed now.

Tickets have already gone on sale, and the venue hasn't declared any change in schedule or plans. In any case -- get well soon, bud.

Justin Bieber Reveals Scary Diagnosis ... Has Caused Facial Paralysis

Published | Updated
061022-justin-bieber-kal 6/10/22
HIDDEN CONDITION

Justin Bieber has been battling a serious virus, one that has left the right side of his face paralyzed ... and he'll need to take some time off to work on getting better.

The singer posted a video Friday explaining to fans why he's had to postpone several shows over the last week, explaining he's been diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome. Bieber says it's affected a nerve in his ear, causing the paralysis.

As visible in the video, Justin is unable to blink with one of his eyes, and can only smile with one side of his mouth.

While JB apologizes to fans for having to have missed the recent shows, he says the whole thing is "pretty serious" and that he'll need to take an undetermined amount of time off to work on getting healthy.

He says he's been doing facial exercises, and that with work, everything will get back to normal -- it's just not clear how long that'll take.

030822_justin_bieber_kal 3/7/22
BIEBER ROCKS L.A.

Justin's Justice World Tour kicked off back in February, and hit a slight bump when he and Hailey Bieber both got COVID.

New York Rangers Fan Banned From MSG For Life ... Over Postgame Sucker Punch

Published | Updated
UPDATE

11:43 AM PT -- Madison Square Garden officials say they have banned Anastasio for life over the punch ... calling the man's actions an "abhorrent assault."

UPDATE

"All guests -- no matter what team they support -- should feel safe and respected in The Garden," officials said announcing the decision. "This has and always will be our policy."

A Tampa Bay Lightning fan was sucker-punched in the jaw following an argument at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night ... and the blow was so violent, it knocked the man out cold.

The incident happened at around 10:50 PM, some minutes after the Rangers had lost to the Lightning at the famous venue.

According to the NYPD, a witness says the two men in the video were involved in a verbal dispute ... before the man in the red shirt reared back and threw his fist at the Lightning fan's face.

In the footage, captured by a bystander, you can see the punch landed flush -- and knocked the Tampa Bay supporter out cold.

Cops say a witness told them the puncher then attempted to flee the scene. When a witness tried to stop him, the suspect allegedly punched the witness in the face too.

Eventually, police arrived on the scene and arrested the puncher, who they ID'ed as 29-year-old James Anastasio. Cops say he was booked on multiple charges of assault, disorderly conduct and harassment.

The Lightning fan who was KO'd, meanwhile, reportedly woke up several minutes following the punch ... and is in stable condition.

Originally Published -- 6:44 AM PT

Simiso Buthelezi Opponent Says He's Contemplating Suicide ... After Boxer's Death

Published

Simiso Buthelezi's opponent has terrifyingly admitted he's having suicidal thoughts after the boxer tragically died following their fight last weekend.

Siphesihle Mntungwa made the troubling admission this week to Sowetan Live, a daily newspaper in South Africa, saying he's received threats and horrible messages accusing him of causing the 24-year-old's death during their sanctioned bout on Sunday.

"I came under heavy criticism and insults on social media platforms when Simiso was hospitalised," Mntungwa said, "it has taken another level now that he has passed away."

"I just can't take it anymore. One thing is left for me -- I am going to kill myself."

Mntungwa went on to say that he did not kill Simiso, nor was it his intention to end the fighter's life. Rather, the 27-year-old said he was just competing in a boxing match, focusing on winning the title so he could provide for his family financially.

"I did not kill Simiso," he said. "We may have been involved in a boxing fight but it was not a matter of life and death."

"All I wanted was to win the title, which maybe was going to help change my life and that of my family."

As we reported, Simiso became so disoriented during the 10th round of the contest with Mntungwa in South Africa that he began punching thin air -- forcing the referee to end the match.

Simiso, who collapsed in the ring following the scary scene, was rushed to the hospital ... but unfortunately, later died there.

Mntungwa's trainer, Mmeli Mkhize, said he's seeking professional help for Mntungwa following the fighter's disturbing admission to the outlet.

He added that the threats against Mntungwa have been so bad, they can't even pay their respects to Simiso out of concern for what people might try to do them there.

"We will not even be able to attend the funeral because we are scared," he said.

If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK.