Smokey Robinson Spreading Hope for Holiday Season ... With Cover of a Classic Song

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EXACTLY WHAT WE NEED

Smokey Robinson's going to bat for the American Red Cross ... with a moving new rendition of a classic he calls one of the best songs ever written.

The Motown icon joined "TMZ Live" Thursday and, in true Smokey fashion, beautifully and meticulously explained why he and other stars joined forces to drive donations to the American Red Cross.

Smokey -- along with Leona Lewis, Tori Kelly and Sam Fischer -- got together to cover Burt Bacharach’s 1965 classic, “What the World Needs Now” ... in an effort to spread a message of hope during one of the most unimaginable years in recorded history.

The org, you should know, is in dire need as it combats a myriad of catastrophes around the globe ... from the COVID-19 pandemic to natural disasters like hurricanes and wildfires.

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The song -- which features a touching music video showing Red Cross volunteers tending to this year's disasters around the world -- is available for purchase and streaming on multiple platforms, and all proceeds will go to the Red Cross. There are other ways to donate too ... including here.

Smokey's message is straightforward but poignant -- in a worldwide crisis, everybody has to pitch in however they can.

Odell Beckham Shows Off ACL Surgery Scar ... Crushing Rehab!!!

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Odell Beckham is back in the gym and busting his ass just over a month after his devastating ACL injury ... and he's showing off his battle scars.

The Cleveland Browns superstar has been sidelined for the rest of the season after going down in the 1st quarter of the Oct. 25 game against the Cincinnati Bengals ... calling the situation "really f'n tough."

But, OBJ has vowed to bounce back better than ever -- and he's putting his money where his mouth is ... posting footage Thursday from a recent workout.

28-year-old Odell can be seen going through squats and catching drills ... and it's pretty impressive considering the dude had surgery just 3 weeks ago.

"Lord I swear I think I'm healed," Odell said on Wednesday ... as he walked comfortably out of the training facility.

It's been a tough time for Beckham -- who has had his fair share of injuries throughout his career.

The star receiver spoke out about his struggles in an Instagram post this week ... saying, "Ima be honest.... I been thru hell these last couple years n I just keep it pushin... this shxt ain’t for errbody!"

Keep it up, O!

Florida Cop Hailed Hero After Saving Woman ... From Jumping Off Overpass

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JUST IN TIME

A quick-thinking cop found herself in the right place at the right time ... saving a woman from jumping off an overpass, and the tense interaction was captured by the officer's body cam.

Pensacola PD officer Lana Checkak responded to a report of a woman sitting on the rail of the overpass. The body cam footage starts with Lana identifying herself as PPD and the woman, visibly shaken and crying, walking on the sidewalk.

You can hear Lana ask the woman if she's alright. The woman mutters something and then, out of nowhere, she tries to climb the railing but the cop reacted swiftly ... pulling her down and asking her to get down and roll over.

Cops say the woman was taken into protective custody and evaluated in a mental facility. She was not arrested or charged with anything. Neither the woman nor the cop suffered any injuries.

According to cops ... this incident went down 2 weeks ago but the body cam footage was only now made public. Mike Wood with the PPD credits Lana for rescuing the woman in the nick of time.

McKenzie Milton QB Transferring From UCF Gunning for Starting Job 2 Years After Horrific Injury

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McKenzie Milton -- the QB who almost lost his leg in a horrific '18 injury -- announced he's leaving UCF in hopes of competing for a starting QB job somewhere else.

23-year-old Milton only has 1 year of eligibility left -- and in the 2 years he's spent recovering, his backup Dillon Gabriel has been BALLING OUT for the Knights.

Milton -- who worked his way back to the UCF scout team (incredible considering most people thought his career was over) -- says Gabriel has clearly earned the starting job and he's leaving to avoid any sort of QB controversy.

It's huge news ... Milton was once regarded as one of the top QBs in the country -- leading the Knights to a perfect 12-0 record in 2017. He finished 8th in the Heisman Trophy voting that year.

But then, the injury happened ... Milton took a vicious hit while playing USF in 2018 and suffered catastrophic injuries in his right leg that required emergency surgery to restore blood flow.

Milton was diagnosed with a dislocated right knee as well as ligament, nerve and artery damage -- and his injuries were so bad, doctors considered amputating the lower part of the leg.

After multiple operations and countless hours in rehab and the gym, Milton was cleared to return to the field ... and now, he believes he's healthy and strong enough to play against high-level competition in college and then the NFL.

In an emotional video released by the school, Milton praises UCF for the support they've given him over the years.

"They saved my leg too, man. I wouldn't be able to play football again if it wasn't for UFC ... so, just thank you for everything."

Milton says he approached his head coach Josh Heupel a few weeks ago to explain his decision to leave -- saying, "Coach, I have one shot to go chase a dream ... a lifelong dream to go play in the NFL."

Milton knows he needs to prove to NFL scouts he's back to 100% and the only way to do that is by SHOWING them on game film, which he hopes to accomplish at another university.

UCF has been super supportive of Milton -- with Coach Heupel telling the QB, no matter where he goes next ... "this will always be your home."

Good luck!

COVID Vaccines Mafia Aiming to Snatch Meds ... Cops Bracing Worldwide

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Get ready to see COVID-19 vaccines on the black market, probably even before you can get it legally, because organized crime's already gunning for the precious medication ... according to Interpol.

The international agency issued the red alert (they call it an "Orange Notice") Wednesday to law enforcement around the world ... warning that as vaccines are getting approved, bad guys are "planning to infiltrate or disrupt supply chains."

Translation: Interpol has some intel about crime figures attempting to intercept shipments of the vaccines -- which are set for distribution to the public in the UK as soon as next week, and later this month in the United States.

International 5-0 is also warning the public not to fall for the inevitable flood of phony knockoff vaccines and treatments on the Internet ... not to mention bogus testing kits.

It should go without saying, but cops are simply reminding you -- don't fall for the "it fell off a truck" line when it comes to protecting yourself from the coronavirus.

Newsom, Lightfoot, Cuomo NYU Professor Says ... Blame Hypocrite Leaders for COVID Failures

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Way too many politicians are setting a terrible example of how to act during the coronavirus pandemic, which is why the U.S. is failing so badly at containing it ... according to NYU's Director of the Division of Medical Ethics.

Dr. Arthur Caplan is laying much of the blame for surging COVID-19 cases and deaths at the feet of elected officials who have been caught flouting their own health orders, restrictions and guidelines.

Donald Trump has been spewing misinformation about the pandemic for months, and the most effective people to push back are the governors and mayors who were promoting mask wearing, social distancing, etc. Around 40% of the country won't take the vaccine, and these governors and mayors are critical in changing minds. But, a number of those elected officials have crossed their own lines, and Dr. Caplan says it does lots of damage.

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CUOMO'S THANKSGIVING PLANS

NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo's been the national counterpoint to Trump's misinformation campaign and a strong proponent of wearing masks, social distancing and avoiding indoor gatherings, but recently planned on having his mother visit for Thanksgiving after traveling.

Cuomo canceled that plan after being called out for it, but he's far from the only politician to go counter to the advice they give the public ... and Caplan says that's a major factor in regular U.S. citizens rejecting proper COVID precautions.

Dr. Caplan tells us we can't just allow politicians to get away with a "Do as I say, not as I do" approach to governing ... because it creates a dangerous double standard.

Instead, he says we desperately need our leaders to be role models during the pandemic ... especially with the crisis escalating and the all-important vaccine on the horizon.

Obviously, that means politicians like California Gov. Gavin Newsom should stop ignoring his own COVID guidelines by attending a restaurant birthday party with a bunch of people. The same goes for San Francisco Mayor London Breed, who attended a different party a day later at the same restaurant.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot's been criticized for both getting a haircut during early lockdown days and joining a street party when Joe Biden won the election.

Sheila Kuehl, a member of L.A. County's powerful Board of Supervisors, voted to temporarily stop restaurant dining, but hours later she was chowing down at her favorite restaurant .. in fairness, before the restriction took effect, but still, it sends a bad message.

According to Caplan, these are the types of actions that make people think ... if government officials don't have to follow the rules, I don't either.

The good news -- the NYU professor believes politicians all across the country can garner public trust by supporting the COVID vaccine and showing they support it by getting vaccinated themselves ... and we'll all start doing the right thing.

'RHOBH' Kyle, Kathy & Dorit All Have COVID

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The COVID concerns pausing production on "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" run way deeper than an infected crew member ... we've learned several cast members also have the virus.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Kyle Richards, Kathy Hilton and Dorit Kemsley have also tested positive for COVID-19. We're told they are all recovering at home and none of the women had serious symptoms.

The series started filming its new season toward the end of October, and our sources say there were safety protocols in place including testing and temperature checks ... but that couldn't stop a COVID outbreak from impacting production.

As you know ... 'RHOBH' shut down production last week after a crew member tested positive for the virus. Turns out even if the crew member was COVID-free, production would have shut down because nearly half the stars contracted the virus.

Our sources say Kyle, Kathy and Dorit did not contract COVID on set, but Kathy and Kyle were hanging out together -- after all, they're sisters -- and Dorit was along for the ride.

We're told all 3 ladies are in the end stages of the virus, and should be ok.

Phoenix PD Apparently Suicidal Man Shot by Cops ... Body Cam Released

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THE HORRIFIC MOMENT

Newly released body cam footage shows cops in Arizona chasing an armed man -- who appeared to be suicidal -- and then gunning him down.

The intense video shows cops running after the man who was allegedly assaulting a woman when Phoenix PD showed up. During the Nov. 13 incident, the 2 officers noticed he had a handgun and repeatedly yelled for him to stop and drop the weapon.

The man continued running away from cops, and pointed his gun at his own head as he fled. Things finally came to a critical point as he walked quickly toward a busy street while still brandishing the gun. The officers fired 3 shots and he instantly hit the deck before being taken into custody.

He reportedly suffered gunshot wounds to his back and leg and his father claims cops shot him twice when he was already down. You can judge for yourself by watching the video.

Cops say they gave the man medical aid right after shooting him and transported him to a hospital, where he remains hospitalized and will be booked on multiple felony charges when he's released from care.

Police say they've opened an internal investigation.

Danuel House Sorry For 'Mishap' That Led To NBA Bubble Exile ... 'Sincere Apologies'

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Danuel House says he's "sincerely" sorry for his actions that got him booted from the NBA bubble in Sept. ... with the Rockets player telling reporters Wednesday the whole thing was a "mishap."

As we previously reported ... House got punted from Walt Disney World in Orlando after league officials said he violated rules by having an unauthorized guest in his hotel room.

House reportedly allowed a female COVID tester into his room ... which was a big no-no, with the NBA having a strict guest policy to try to limit a potential coronavirus spread.

House's exile was pretty big for the Rockets -- he was a key contributor who had been averaging 11 points and 6 rebounds per game in the playoffs -- and immediately after his departure, Houston got bounced by the Lakers.

Now, Danuel is breaking his silence on the incident ... issuing a mea culpa at the very beginning of his meeting with the media at Wednesday's Rockets training camp workout.

"I'd like to start off by apologizing to my team and the organization and the owner for the mishap that happened in the bubble," the 27-year-old said.

"I'm focused. It's behind me. It's in the past. New year, new season. Looking forward to growing and expanding."

House also said he was sorry to Houston's fans ... adding, "Sincere apologies from me, Danuel House Jr. to everyone."

Coronavirus Restrictions Cops Raid NYC Bar ... Patrons Vow Seattle-esque Protests!!!

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A Staten Island bar's ripping a page from Seattle protesters' playbook by declaring an "autonomous zone" that's defying New York's COVID-19 restrictions ... and its patrons seem willing to go down fighting.

Sheriff's deputies raided Mac's Public House and shut it down Tuesday night for defying coronavirus health orders ... it was continuing to serve customers indoors. One of the owners, Danny Presti, was arrested for not cooperating during the raid -- and his loyal customers are pissed.

As Presti was being hauled out of his pub, a dozen or so patrons gathered outside in protest ... chanting "Hands off Mac's Public House."

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As the unrest grew outside the bar, State Sen. Andrew Lanza showed up in an attempt to play peaceful mediator between Presti's lawyer, angry supporters and the authorities ... while also trying to get an explanation why Presti was arrested.

It doesn't seem like it came to a satisfactory conclusion though, especially for one fan of Mac's who's trying to rally a massive demonstration Wednesday night.

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CALL FOR ACTION

The guy posted his call to action as the raid was going down, pointing out what he feels is the hypocrisy of the new lockdown rules, and says he wants a thousand people lined up in front of Mac's to protest. Referring to the government, he shouted, "If they fear you, they won't f**k with you!!!"

Things definitely could get interesting tonight in Staten Island, which by the way ... is a state-designated coronavirus hot spot.

MLB's Tommy Pham I Needed 200 Stitches To Close Stab Wound ... Now Sprinting Again

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NO TIME FOR REST

Here's yet another reason Tommy Pham is SERIOUSLY lucky to be alive after his terrifying stabbing incident in October ... the San Diego Padres star says he needed 200 stitches to close his wound.

The 32-year-old was gashed by a blade during an altercation in the parking lot of a San Diego strip club on Oct. 11 ... and video from the aftermath of the incident showed he was covered in blood after the slashing.

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BLOODY EXCHANGE

Now, Pham is revealing what it took to get him healthy again ... and it's pretty shocking.

In what appears to be his first appearance on video since the stabbing ... Pham said he needed 200 stitches to repair the damage on his back and he has "still a ways to go."

The good news? Pham looks to be in insane shape despite only being 7 weeks removed the incident ... he was sprinting on a treadmill at what he says was a 22 MPH pace.

As we previously reported, Pham has sued the strip club over the stabbing incident ... claiming employees and venue security didn't do enough to help protect him.

In his lawsuit, Pham said the injuries he suffered were "catastrophic" ... and hurt his "earning capacity as an elite professional baseball player."

The Padres, meanwhile, have said they expect Pham to make a full recovery and be ready for the 2021 MLB season.

Disturbing Video Woman Tased by Cops in Spain ... Police Say She Assaulted Medical Staff

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A woman in Spain could only scream and writhe in pain after getting tased by cops ... and it's all on video.

The incident went down in the town of Sabadell -- about 30 minutes north of Barcelona -- where police whipped out their Tasers after they say the woman kicked officers while resisting arrest following an alleged assault on medical workers, a crazy chain of events that begins with her violating COVID rules.

The woman admitted to breaking virus protocols by trying to bring her mother to her doctor's appointment and also copped to kicking the cops, but she says she only kicked because police used excessive force when they tased her in broad daylight before stunned bystanders.

The police, meanwhile, stand by their use of the Taser ... again, claiming she assaulted staff at the doctor's office and gave a cop a kick while resisting arrest.

It's a pretty intense video ... and the woman needed a hospital trip for her injuries and spent the night in jail after being booked for assault.

COVID rules are driving people nuts ... and not just in America.

Colts Punter Rigoberto Sanchez Cancerous Tumor Surgery A Success ... 'Went Well!!!

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UPDATE

3:38 PM PT -- 12/1 -- Great news from Rigo -- the punter says his procedure was a success ... and thanked all his friends, family and fans for their outpour of support.

UPDATE

"Surgery went well," Sanchez said on Twitter minutes ago. "Overwhelmed by all the love and support everyone sent my way #🎱💙"

Indianapolis Colts punter Rigoberto Sanchez says he will undergo surgery Tuesday to remove a cancerous tumor -- but he's grateful doctors caught it before it spread to the rest of his body.

The 26-year-old says the procedure will force him to step away from the Colts -- but he's adamant he'll heal up and return to the team.

Sanchez announced the diagnosis on social media Monday -- praising his medical team and his family.

"So grateful to be surrounded by doctors that helped me catch the cancerous tumor before it spread all over my body," Sanchez said.

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"I will be getting surgery on Tuesday and I know that it will not be an easy bump on the road, but I know I have my amazing wife supporting me along with family, coaches, and friends reaching out."

Sanchez admits he was not mentally prepared for the diagnosis -- who could be? -- but vows to "come back stronger than ever."

Unclear where the tumor is located and how long Sanchez is expected to be away from the Colts -- but the punter says he'll be following the team closely.

"Makes me sick that I’ll have to miss some time playing beside my brothers, but I know they will hold it down."

Sanchez signed with the Colts in 2017 as an undrafted free agent out of Hawaii. But, he's been so good, the team signed him to a 4-year $11.6 million contract in 2019.

Get well soon, Rigo.

Originally Published -- 11/30 8:47 AM PT

Swingers Convention Super Spreader ... of COVID-19!!! More Than 40 Infected

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A few dozen swingers are battling an outbreak ... of COVID-19 after couples passed around the virus, along with their partners, at a New Orleans convention.

The 5-day Naughty in N'awlins romp last month turned into a super spreader event, with at least 41 swingers testing positive for the coronavirus ... according to one of the organizers.

Naughty Events honcho Bob Hannaford says the swingers convention did everything it could to try and stay COVID safe -- touchless check-ins, temperature checks, extra sanitizing, wristbands denoting who previously tested negative or had antibodies. It wasn't enough to stop the positive tests in the aftermath of all the raunchy fun.

The first positive test came back the day after the swingers convention ended and 40 more followed. Out of the 300 swingers who attended, 41 have tested positive. That's a positivity rate above 13 percent.

While at least one swinger was hospitalized, the majority of the positive cases showed minor symptoms or were asymptomatic. The organizer's having second thoughts about the whole event ... saying he wouldn't swing there again, in hindsight.

Not sure ya need hindsight to know swapping bodily fluids with strangers in a pandemic is dangerous, but whatever. 🤷🏽‍♂️

Tommy Lasorda Out Of ICU But Still Hospitalized

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L.A. Dodgers legend Tommy Lasorda is getting better by the day ... the 93-year-old is now out of the ICU, though he still remains hospitalized in Southern California.

The former MLB manager was admitted with heart issues in early November ... and shortly after, things took a turn for the worse.

Sources told TMZ Sports at the time ... Lasorda needed sedation and to be put on a ventilator -- but noted his condition was NOT coronavirus related.

An L.A. Dodgers spokesperson told the Associated Press last week Lasorda's condition was improving so rapidly -- noting he was able to field calls from friends and former baseball colleagues!

Now, on Tuesday, the Dodgers told the AP that Lasorda is continuing to make substantial progress -- and he's been moved out of the intensive care unit.

Seems Tommy's still got a ways to go before he's back home ... the Dodgers said he's still doing rehab at the hospital in Orange County -- but it's clear Lasorda's well down the road to recovery at this point.

Get well soon!!

Joe Biden Suited and Booted ... Emphasis on Das Boot

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THIS BOOT IS MADE FOR WALKIN'

Joe Biden is giving his broken foot woes the boot ... quite literally.

The President-elect was spotted Tuesday in Wilmington, DE, popping into the Queen Theater to announce new cabinet members, and he was dressed to the nines in his usual navy blue suit ... now accessorized with a walking boot on his right foot.

Doesn't look like the boot was giving JB much trouble ... after exiting his SUV (without assistance) he struck a pose, lifting the boot pretty high, almost like a soldier. When asked how he's feeling, he flashed a thumbs up.

By the looks of it, Biden's probably gonna be just fine ... a vast improvement from how fragile he looked limping out of his doctor's office over the weekend.

Of course, that's not to downplay the seriousness of his injury -- remember, his doctor said he suffered a hairline fracture in his middle foot area when he took a tumble playing with his German shepherd, Major.

Biden will be in a boot for the foreseeable future -- several weeks the doc predicts -- so get used to these images.