Former Pro Surfer Blake Johnston Smashes World's Longest Surfing Session Record Surfs 40 Hours!!!

Published

Former pro surfer Blake Johnston surfed 40 hours, smashing the previous record for the world's longest surf session on Friday ... and it was all for a great cause!

The Australian surfing coach entered the water during the early morning hours Thursday (around 1 AM) and surfed over 600 waves, before leaving the H20 around 5 PM, easily passing the prior record of 30 hours and 11 minutes.

Johnston didn't just shred for nearly 2 days straight for fun, he raised money to support the mental health of the youth in Australia. It's a cause near and dear to the surfer's heart ... he lost his father to suicide 10 years ago. In an effort to bring in as much as possible, Blake teamed up with the Chumpy Pullin Foundation.

Blake was able to continue surfing when the sun set thanks to the help of some spotlights. Medics, who monitored Blake's health, were also on standby in the event he needed medical assistance.

Hundreds of spectators showed up to witness the historic moment, and Johnston admitted he was "pretty cooked" after breaking the record.

"Thanks, everyone, you’re the best," Blake said after leaving the ocean. "Everyone deserves to feel awesome, deserves to take care of yourselves. Good on you."

BJ Flores Jake Paul's Trainer ... Shot In Robbery Attempt In Colombia

Published | Updated

BJ Flores -- Jake Paul's boxing trainer -- was terrifyingly shot in a robbery attempt in Colombia on Friday ... but, thankfully, it appears he's going to be OK.

The former fighter, who began working with Paul in 2021, said the incident happened when he was at a stop light while vacationing in Medellín.

Flores said two armed motorcycle drivers pulled up to him while he was in the passenger seat of a car at a red light, and pointed a gun at his forehead.

They "tried to steal my wallet and my watch," the 44-year-old said in a social media post. "They shot me one time in the leg and I defended myself the best way I could."

Flores, fortunately, got away ... and immediately raced to the emergency room. He said docs told him a bullet was still lodged in his thigh.

According to his social media page, Flores is currently undergoing surgery to remove it.

Prior to going under, Flores captured his injuries on camera ... showing a knot on his head, a cut on his hand, and a bloody wound on his leg. He added that he believes the shooting was a targeted attack.

"Thank you for the well wishes," Flores wrote on his IG. "I will learn from this….. Be safe out there please. Life is precious. 🙏🏻🙏🏻 I love you all."

Flores fought professionally from 2003 to 2018 -- piling up a record 34-4-1. He met Paul in retirement, sparring with the YouTuber before eventually taking over full-time training duties for the aspiring boxer.

Paul has yet to comment on the shooting.

Lonzo Ball Undergoing Cartilage Transplant Surgery ... NBA Career Reportedly In Jeopardy

Published | Updated
UPDATE

3:23 PM PT -- The Chicago Bulls revealed late Thursday afternoon Lonzo Ball will be undergoing a cartilage transplant procedure ... and is now out indefinitely.

UPDATE

"The organization is behind him, and he has our full support," the team said in a statement. "Our training and medical staff continue their commitment to Lonzo's rehabilitation and to working with him throughout this next phase to ensure his healthy return to basketball."

UPDATE

Added Ball, "This has been a frustrating process, but I’m confident these next steps are the best path forward. The support of my family, friends, fans and medical staff throughout my recovery is what keeps me moving forward. I can’t wait to get back to what I love doing most – playing basketball."

Lonzo Ball's NBA career is reportedly hanging by a thread -- the Chicago Bulls star is having a third surgery performed on his knee in a 14-month span ... but there's hope the procedure will pave the way for his eventual return to the court.

The news just went public minutes ago ... with ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski saying there is concern Ball -- who hasn't played since January 2022 due to his injury -- may not fully recover from the ailment ... which would impact his ability to play at the highest level.

The report states the surgery could keep 25-year-old Ball out for at least another year ... but after weighing his options for several days, the guard elected to go under the knife again to try and fix the issue once and for all.

Lonzo was the second overall pick to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017 ... and has since played for the New Orleans Pelicans and Bulls.

Chicago has struggled without Ball this season ... going 31-37 through 68 games.

Here's hoping the surgery goes well and Ball can get back out there.

Originally Published -- 1:51 PM PT

NYC KOREAN RESTAURANT Health Department Shuts 'Em Down ... After Rat In Food Accusation

Published | Updated

The Manhattan restaurant where a couple claims they found an entire rodent in their food delivery order has been forced to hit the pause button on serving meals ... the Health Department has closed the joint.

Gammeeok, a Korean restaurant at the center of a recent lawsuit, got shut down Wednesday after an inspection .... according to Fabien Levy, a rep for NYC Mayor Eric Adams.

eunichiban rat
HEALTH HAZARD

TMZ broke the story ... a couple filed a lawsuit this week claiming they ordered food from Gammeeok over the weekend and discovered a dead rodent in their soup, an allegation the restaurant disputes.

Levy tells TMZ ... "No New York City restaurant is authorized to have mice or rats on the menu and we are investigating further. Our top priority is protecting the health of New Yorkers and if a restaurant has conditions that threaten our city's diners, they will be shut down."

The restaurant already has signage up on the door showing they've been closed by the Health Department. The eatery also appears to have put up its own sign claiming they are shuttered because of "maintenance."

Our sources say Health Department inspectors found rat droppings at the restaurant, and food was not being stored at the correct temperature. We're also told the eatery did not have a trained supervisor on site.

The restaurant will have to jump through some hoops to open back up ... we're told Gammeeok will need to correct all the violations they got dinged for, plus pay any fines imposed by the city.

Our sources say Gammeeok was also operating without the proper permits, despite multiple warnings from the Health Department to renew their paperwork.

In the lawsuit, the couple also claimed Gammeeok had gotten a C grade from the Health Department in January, the worst possible letter grade.

Rats are a big problem in the Big Apple ... so much so, Mayor Adams wants to hire a "rat czar" to rid the city of rodents.

It sounds like a "rat czar" could be hired soon ... we're told there's been a "tremendous response" to the job posting.

Mets Star Edwin Díaz Likely Out For Season ... Tore Patellar Tendon Celebrating WBC Win

Published

Terrible news for New York Mets fans -- Edwin Díaz is most likely out for the season ... after the star closer tore his patellar tendon while celebrating a big win at the World Baseball Classic.

Díaz suffered the injury on the field Wednesday ... as he and his Puerto Rico teammates were congratulating each other on their 5-2 victory over the Dominican Republic.

Edwin struck out Teoscar Hernández to end the game ... and once the final out was recorded, players from Puerto Rico surrounded the two-time All-Star and jumped up and down.

During the celebration, Díaz collapsed to the ground and started writhing in pain ... causing his teammates to be overwhelmed with emotion as they feared the worst possible scenario.

The Mets said the 28-year-old will undergo surgery on Thursday ... and will update fans on how the procedure goes shortly after.

Mets GM Billy Eppler added Díaz will likely miss at least 8 months with the injury.

Edwin's injury is a huge blow -- the Mets made the playoffs last year and were entering the 2023 season optimistic they could contend for a World Series title.

In his fourth season with the Mets, Díaz recorded 32 saves and had 118 strikeouts to accompany a stellar 1.31 ERA.

Get well soon, Edwin!!

Kansas HC Bill Self Not Coaching Against Howard ... Following Health Scare

Published

The Kansas Jayhawks will try to get a W Thursday without head coach Bill Self ... 'cause the university just announced he won't be coaching against Howard following his most recent health scare.

Self was hospitalized for five days recently ... after complaining of chest tightness and balance concerns, which kept him off the sidelines for the Big 12 tournament last week.

The 60-year-old reportedly underwent a procedure where he had two stents placed for the treatment of blocked arteries ... and was ultimately discharged from the hospital on Sunday.

Self has been at the helm with the Jayhawks since 2003 -- after previously coaching for Illinois and Tulsa -- and has been considered day-to-day by interim head coach Norm Roberts after his hospital stint.

"He's getting his rest and that stuff," Roberts told reporters Wednesday. "Maybe he thinks I talk too much so he's letting me talk more. But he's back getting rest right now. He's doing good though."

Self is one of the most decorated coaches in college hoops ... he's a two-time NCAA champion and has reached the Final Four on four occasions -- 2008, 2012, 2018, and 2022.

Kansas has seemed to respond well in his absence -- posting a 6-1 record in the seven games Self missed ... including a university-imposed suspension at the beginning of the season and his health problems.

Kansas finished the regular season with a 27-7 record ... and is expected to go far in the tourney, but they'll have to get past Howard on Thursday without their Hall of Fame head coach.

Def Leppard Drummer Rick Allen Allegedly Assaulted At Florida Hotel ... Suffers Head Injury

Published | Updated

Def Leppard's one-armed drummer Rick Allen suffered a head injury after cops say he was violently assaulted by a teenager in an apparent sneak attack at a South Florida hotel.

According to an arrest report, obtained by TMZ, Allen was puffing on a cigarette as the suspect was lying in wait behind a pole outside the Four Seasons Hotel in Fort Lauderdale Beach.

Police say the teen suspect, Max Hartley, then ran toward Allen at full speed, striking him and knocking him backward and slamming his head on the ground.

The report says a woman came out of the hotel to try to help Allen, but Hartley also knocked her to the ground.

The woman got up and tried to run back into the hotel, but cops say Hartley grabbed her by the hair and dragged her back outside.

Hartley fled to another hotel nearby, but was ultimately arrested after he allegedly damaged numerous cars in a parking garage. The 19-year-old was booked for elder abuse, battery and criminal mischief. He was later released after posting bail.

Def Leppard and their 59-year-old drummer were in South FL to co-headline a Sunday concert with Mötley Crüe at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

You might recall ... Allen's left arm was severed in a 1984 car accident. Doctors initially reattached his limb, but then had to amputate it because of an infection. Using his right arm and both feet, Allen has continued on as the band's drummer.

We reached out to Def Leppard's reps for an update on Rick's condition ... so far no word back.

Ja Morant That Gun Wasn't Mine!!! ... Video 'Not Who I Am'

Published | Updated

Ja Morant is making one thing clear -- the gun he flashed in a Colorado strip club was NOT his -- but as far as whose weapon it was, the NBA star is remaining tight-lipped.

The Grizzlies guard sat down for a one-on-one interview with ESPN's Jalen Rose on Wednesday -- shortly after his 8-game suspension was announced -- and he was asked straight-up who owned the gun he showed off on Instagram Live on March 4.

"The gun wasn't mine," Morant said. "It's not who I am. I don't condone any type of violence, but I take full responsibility for my actions."

"I made a bad mistake and I can see the image I painted over myself with my recent mistakes," he added. "But, in the future, I will show everybody who Ja really is, what I'm about and change this narrative."

Morant -- who hasn't played for the Grizzlies since March 3 -- said he's been in a good mental place following the incident ... and he spent his time away from the game speaking with therapists, getting reiki treatment and working on anxiety breathing to help deal with stress.

Morant added he realized he needed help when he made the video ... and his daughter inspired him to open up about his issues with professionals.

The All-Star also discussed his meeting with Adam Silver ... and he said it was a productive conversation, as the commish voiced support for him.

Morant says he still takes pride in being a role model ... saying, "I realize I have a lot of kids who look up to me. Even probably some adults, a lot of fans."

"I realize my past mistakes isn't being a good role model. So, just gotta be better in that area and be more responsible, be smarter and make better decisions."

NYC Restaurant Couple Claims They Found Rat In Food Suing Over Delivery Order

Published | Updated
UPDATE

8:35 AM PT -- Gammeeok has addressed the lawsuit, releasing surveillance video they believe proves there's no way the rat could've made it in the soup, saying, "When we transferred the soup, we served it four times with a ladle while the staff watched it with their eyes. If there was a mouse that big, there's no way I wouldn't have missed it. There is also a video recording of the recording process. We checked the whole process of making the soup, but we couldn't find any problems."

UPDATE

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Ratatouille might have gone a little overboard, after a couple in New York City claims a food delivery order from a Korean restaurant included a dead rodent in their soup ... and now they're suing.

Jason Lee and Eunice Lucero Lee are suing Gammeeok, a restaurant in Manhattan's Koreatown, over what they say was a disgusting delivery.

According to the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, the Lees claimed they ordered food from Gammeeok on Saturday afternoon and when they got the meal at their home, they started eating and discovered a rodent in what appears to be a bowl of soup.

eunichiban rat
HEALTH HAZARD

The Lees claim they became disgusted and violently sick after finding the rodent in their food ... they say they started vomiting and sought medical attention.

The couple claims the alleged incident caused them severe, serious and permanent personal injuries ... plus emotional distress.

In the suit, the Lees claim Gammeeok had gotten a C grade from the NYC Health Department in January, the worst possible letter grade ... but they didn't know about it when they placed their order.

The couple is going after the restaurant for money.

We reached out to folks at Gammeeok ... so far no word back.

Young M.A Recently Hospitalized for 'Several Conditions' ... Promises to Bounce Back

Published | Updated

Young M.A is addressing the viral video that sparked concerns over the condition of her health, telling TMZ Hip Hop she's bouncing back after a string of medical scares.

M.A tells us, "As many of my supporters know I’ve been dealing with various personal health issues the last few years. I recently was hospitalized and was successfully treated for several conditions. I’m doing better now, will take some time but I’m on the road to recovery and look forward to the future!!!"

She continues, "Rest assured I’m in good spirits and everything will be explained in the MUSIC ... plus a documentary. Love y’all MAB! Don’t worry I’m good!"

Young M.A, however, wouldn't disclose specifics on exactly what she's been battling.

ICYMI, a video of the rapper at a barbershop blew up online where M.A appeared to be slurring her speech and her eyes looked yellow in color. Regardless, she says better things are on the way.

It's been nearly 2 years since the Brooklyn MC's last full-length project dropped, so there's plenty of anticipation on what she'll release next ... once she's got her health issues totally under control and headed in the right direction.

Ken Jeong Praises Damar On 'Masked Singer' ... 'The Whole World Loves You!!!'

Published | Updated

Damar Hamlin's appearance on "The Masked Singer" was a powerful moment for those in attendance ... with judge Ken Jeong freaking out at the sight of the Bills safety!!

TMZ Sports broke the story -- Damar and his little brother, Damir, were guests at "The Masked Singer" last month ... the NFLer's first public outing after he suffered cardiac arrest on the field during Monday Night Football on Jan. 2.

The full clip of Hamlin's cameo during the show's "Sesame Street Night" episode has now been released via People ... showing Damir -- a big fan of Big Bird and Co. -- talking with Elmo before introducing Damar, who walked onstage and waved to the crowd.

The video shows just how incredible the segment was for everyone involved -- especially Jeong, who could not contain his excitement.

"I'm just so glad you're here, but more importantly, I'm just so glad you're healthy," Jeong said in the video. "The whole world loves you."

Damar explained to host Nick Cannon why he decided to attend the taping ... saying, "Mainly because my brother. That's my world. I put family first and he loves Sesame Street more than most things. So we had to make it tonight."

The entire episode drops Wednesday night on Fox -- and Bills Mafia ain't gonna want to miss it!!

LeBron James Signs Young Fan's 'I Promise' Book ... During Lakers Game

Published | Updated
MAKING TIME FOR FANS

LeBron James is still sidelined with an injury, but that didn't stop him from making a highlight play on Tuesday  -- the L.A. superstar had an adorable moment with a young fan when he penned a special message in a copy of his "I Promise" book for her!!

James was on the bench as his Lakers defeated the Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans ... but when he wasn't cheering on his teammates, he was busy connecting with a little girl in the stands named Parker, who was wearing a purple and gold #6 James jersey.

"Dear Parker, Nice meeting you!" LeBron said of the interaction on Instagram. "You’re a beautiful Young Black Queen! Don’t let nothing stop u from being whatever your mind and heart desires! Just from our short encounter yesterday I know you’re destined for greatness and i will always love you!!!"

"God bless you and best wishes to you ♾️🤎! Sincerely Mr. LeBron James aka Bugs Bunny friend!"

Of course, the "I Promise" book, published in 2020, shares the same name as the "I Promise" school that James helped start in Akron, Ohio ... and it reminds kids that success starts with them.

After James finished writing in the book ... he shared a warm embrace with the little girl, and it appears she mouths, "Thank you," to the 4-time MVP before walking away.

As we previously reported, James was working out and getting up some free throws at the team's shootaround earlier Tuesday ... the first time since he went down with the tendon injury.

James -- initially ruled out for three weeks -- has ditched the walking boot that had Lakers Nation holding their collective breath, and his most recent Instagram post indicates his return is imminent.

Young M.A To All Fans Worried About My Health ... 'We Blessed!!!'

Published | Updated

Young M.A has some of her fans in a frenzy over a video she and her barber shared, but the "OOOUUU" rapper is reassuring anyone worried about her health ... she's blessed and highly favored.

On Tuesday, both M.A and FatsDaBarber lashed out at social media gossipers, in an attempt to extinguish heavy online speculation about the vid ... which shows M.A mumbling incoherently in the barber chair. Several fans also noted her eye color seems very yellow.

Her barber called for a stop to all the chatter, while M.A consoled him against the internet backlash -- some folks were angry he'd posted the video.

M.A added it was actually 4 months since her last hair appointment, not just one, as her barber had posted.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

As for what's fueling the concern ... back in June 2021, Young M.A announced she was going to rehab, but quickly walked back that comment. She's also been absent on the music front since her May 2021 album "Off The Yak" -- a clear nod to guzzling cognac.

We reached out to Young M.A's team for an official health update ... we'll keep you posted!!!

JFK Forklift Accident Worker's Leg Crushed, Seriously Injured ... Video Of Chaotic Aftermath

Published | Updated

A forklift collapsed and seriously injured a worker at JFK Airport in NYC ... and TMZ has obtained footage of the chaotic aftermath.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... the lift toppled over at a Delta building on Tuesday night, landing on the worker.

We’re told cops and Emergency Service crews quickly responded to the scene and extricated the man from under the lift.

Check out our video showing police cars and ESU trucks with lights flashing and the scene cordoned off with yellow tape. You could also see what appears to be the forklift.

Our sources say the victim was conscious, but suffered a serious leg injury and needed a tourniquet to stop the bleeding. He was rushed to a local hospital for treatment ... his condition was not known.

The cause of the accident was unclear. An investigation is ongoing.

'RHOM' Alexia Echevarria Not Speaking to Adriana de Moura Over Car Crash Conflict

Published

"The Real Housewives of Miami" star Alexia Echevarria tells us she still isn't on speaking terms with her costar Adriana de Moura, after comparing her foot injury to Alexia's son's near-fatal car crash ... but she's still holding out hope the relationship can be repaired.

We got Alexia and her hubby Todd Nepola outside Il Pastaio in Bev Hills and she says Adriana hasn't reached out to her after filming their explosive reunion -- she was hoping she'd hear something from her costar.

Fans of the show know Adriana messed up her foot after castmates Guerdy Abraira and Kiki Barth fell on top of it on their Bahamas cast trip this season, and Adriana compared her foot injury to what Alexia's son Frankie faced in 2011.

Frankie was in a friend's car when they got into a serious crash ... resulting in permanent brain damage. Needless to say, the two events are not even close to comparable.

Adriana already attempted to repair the relationship a couple times on the show this season ... but Alexia still hasn't accepted an apology.

Alexia tells us there might be a way of talking through their conflict when filming resumes next month ... which could mean the two might just be saving the drama for the cameras.

Queen of Dancehall Spice I'm Pregnant!!!

Published | Updated
UPDATE

11:59 AM PT -- 3/17 -- Turns out, Spice does NOT have a bun in the oven after all. She posted on IG saying the pregnancy photoshoot represented "rebirth" and was about celebrating life as a brand new person.

Spice is alive and well and she's got some very exciting news -- she's having a baby, which is a huge difference from the rumors she'd disappeared due to a bad plastic surgery.

The Queen of Dancehall made her pregnancy announcement Tuesday ... posting a photo of herself in an all-blue getup with an obviously preggo belly. In the caption, she wrote, "God has been so good to me. 💙💙💙"

Unclear if all the blue is also a gender reveal.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

The baby news comes not long after rumors began swirling about why she went MIA on social media late last year. The rumor mill worked overtime and cranked out theories Spice had disappeared or was in a coma due to a plastic surgery gone wrong.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

ICYMI, she ended up clearing the air, telling her followers she was not in a coma or dead, but had actually suffered a damaged hernia and was rushed to the hospital for immediate surgery.

At the time, she said she was taking time to recover. She also took time to get pregnant, obviously ... and she's smiling from ear to ear about it. While we don't know how far along she is, it's clear from the pic she's well beyond first trimester.

Congrats Spice, on your dancehall heir!!!

Originally Published -- 3/14 12:44 PM PT