NHL Ref Stretchered Off Ice ... After Scary Collision With Player

Terrifying scene on the NHL ice Tuesday ... a referee needed to be taken away on a stretcher after he was hit in the head in an accidental collision with a player.

The scary moment all went down just before the Kings vs. Coyotes preseason game in L.A. ... when Arizona center Liam O'Brien ran into linesman Ryan Gibbons.

Video of the play showed O'Brien's shoulder went right into Gibbons' jaw ... causing the ref to immediately crumple to the ice in pain.

Gibbons stayed down motionless for several moments ... before trainers and medical personnel were able to get him on a stretcher and off to a nearby hospital.

According to The Athletic, Gibbons suffered a concussion ... but was, thankfully, discharged from the medical facility later in the evening.

It's unclear how long Gibbons -- who's been reffing games in the NHL since 2015 -- will be sidelined with the injury.

As for the game, it went on as scheduled despite the pregame scene ... with the Coyotes winning, 4-1.

Golf Star Paige Spiranac Sinks Hole In One At Pro-Am ... Gary Player Goes Crazy!!!

10/5/21
RIGHT ON THE MONEY

What's better than hitting a hole-in-one? Apparently, hitting one in front of Gary Player ... 'cause golf star Paige Spiranac did just that this week -- and the reaction she got from the legend was priceless!!

Spiranac was teeing off with Player at the Berenberg Invitational in Bedford Hills, NY on Monday ... when she put a sweet swing on an iron on the Par 3 14th hole at GlenArbor Golf Club.

Immediately, Player knew the stroke was a good one ... as soon as the ball left her clubface, Player shouted, "Good shot!"

Turns out, it was an amazing one -- because it eventually trickled into the hole!!!

Spiranac -- who has more followers on Instagram than Tiger Woods -- couldn't believe it ... and neither could Player, who went crazy with her in celebration!!

The two hugged ... and then Player let out a huge laugh!

"Made a hole in one in front of legend Gary Player yesterday," Spiranac said of the shot on Tuesday. "Coolest moment of my life!"

Paige is no stranger to good golf shots -- she's one of the best in the world after all -- but something tells us this might be #1 on the list going forward.

#Amazing

L.A. Galaxy Vs. LAFC Fans Get In Massive, Wild Brawl ... After Rivalry Game

UPDATE

2:54 PM PT -- The LAFC and LA Galaxy have released a joint statement in the wake of the violent brawl ... saying they're disappointed in their fans' actions -- and are investigating it all.

UPDATE

"LA Galaxy and LAFC are reviewing fan incidents that took place during last night's match with local authorities," the teams said, adding a probe into a separate incident earlier this year is ongoing as well.

UPDATE

"These incidents violate the LA Galaxy, LAFC and Major League Soccer's Fan Code of Conduct and will not be tolerated. Fans in violation of this code will face disciplinary action including ejections and bans."

UPDATE

The teams continued, "We ask all fans of both Clubs to respect each other and find common ground as Angelinos and passionate fans of the sport. Let's build together."

UPDATE

2:15 PM PT -- Law enforcement sources tell TMZ Sports ... one person was arrested for battery for their alleged role in the melee.

UPDATE

The rest of the incident, sources say, is still under investigation.

Dozens of L.A. Galaxy and LAFC supporters were involved in a wild melee following the two teams' rivalry game Sunday ... and the entire, violent incident was caught on video.

A bystander captured the chaos at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles following the Galaxy's 1-1 draw with LAFC ... and you can see in the footage, multiple people threw and landed huge punches and kicks.

It's unclear what set off the altercation ... but even with security guards and what appears to be police officers present -- fans still tried to beat the hell out of each other.

In the two-minute clip, you can see several people were punched in the face, while others were kicked hard on the ground.

According to witnesses, multiple people suffered injuries in the fracas. Meanwhile, it's unclear if any arrests were made -- we've reached out to law enforcement, but so far, no word back yet.

We've also reached out to Galaxy for a comment, but no word back there yet either.

Story developing ...

Originally Published -- 10:00 AM PT

TX Plane Crash Wild Video Shows Plane Go Down ... After Clipping Streetlight

MAYDAY
Chambers County Sheriff's Office

A Texas pilot is lucky to be alive after his plane crashed into a massive store sign on the side of the road ... sending the vessel to the ground.

The incredible video -- taken Saturday in Winnie, TX -- shows the plane take off from Highway 124, clip a streetlight and then crash into a large sign before going down.

Local reports say the plane had been used in a parade as a float, and the pilot decided he would take off from the street to get back home. Luckily, the pilot was not injured in the crash, but the crash caused the street to be closed for several hours.

The cause of the crash is still being investigated, but reports say windy conditions may have contributed to the pilot losing control of the plane.

Mother Nature Giant Alligator Eats Smaller One ... Head Alone 6 Feet?!?

GATOR BITE
Storyful

Here's exhibit no. 1 for proof that dinosaurs still roam the earth -- an alligator that must be the size of a pickup truck is eating its smaller counterpart ... which itself is kinda big.

Check out this absolutely INSANE video that was posted by a dude from Horry County, SC ... who says his pops filmed this from their backyard in the swampy Low Country. It's Mother Nature at its finest -- but with a kinda sick twist ... alligator cannibalism, as it were.

The clip picks up with the smaller gator already well inside the larger one's mouth ... looking quite dead, and getting munched on in slow, eerie fashion. The massive beast takes a couple chomps, and before ya know it ... his meal is making its way down his gullet, and quickly disappears.

Here's the craziest part ... that little gator is supposedly 6 feet long, according to the Twitter poster. That means this bigger one has got to be at least double that size, probably way more.

GIANT GATOR
Sage Stryczny

We've seen some immense alligators over the years on the internet -- including an infamous one a little while back that looked absolutely enormous as it made its way across a golf course, to the shock and awe of onlookers. It had to have been a good 15 feet, minimum.

Considering this "baby" gator appears to fit snugly into the bigger one's mouth -- ya might say it's about the length of its head ... so we don't wanna know how large it actually is.

And, you thought "Lake Placid" was just a movie -- think again!!!

O.T. Genasis Gets Smoked in Street Race!!! Blames Pulled Muscle

'QUIT' THE GROUND RUNNING
TMZ.com

Put O.T. Genasis on the bench ... he got dusted by a couple of homies he challenged to a race, and the loss added insult to injury.

Ya gotta see the video of O.T. trying to haul ass down a street wearing only his socks. We'll say this ... the rapper was strong out of the gate, separating from the pack, but then let out a yelp.

Dude reached for his left hamstring and had to pull up lame, while his pals kept racing to the finish line. You can imagine the post-race trash talk!

O.T. says he would have prevailed if not for the muscle pull, which sounds like it's a recurring injury.

We're told the race went down outside Wyman Records studio in Burbank, CA ... and drinking was involved. You know how it goes with the boys, we're told there was some jawing that prompted the race to settle the debate, once and for all.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

O.T.'s known for spending a lot of time in the gym ... now it looks like he's going to spend a lot of time on a massage table.

One more thing -- can someone please get the man his slides?!?

Champion Jockey Thrown Off Horse In Scary Video ... Goes Face First Into Railing

Jockey Oisin Murphy -- a 2-time British flat racing champion -- had a terrifying moment before a race on Thursday ... when his horse went out of control and threw him head-first into a railing.

The scary incident went down at the Salisbury racecourse in the UK ... when Murphy was getting a 2-year-old horse, Oasis Gift, ready for his debut in a seven-furlong event.

In the footage, it appears Oasis gets spooked and starts to lose control -- bucking and dashing across the parade ring with Murphy saddled on.

The 26-year-old Irish jockey was holding on for dear life ... but was thrown off his colt and plunged headfirst into the rail. The horse then burst right through the fence and kept running.

Murphy was sent to the NHS London hospital after the crash and somehow, only ended up with a few cuts to the face.

"I've had a few stitches to my lip + face. I’ve been discharged already," Murphy said on Twitter.

"Very grateful to their work and all the kind messages."

Oasis -- who was caught and unharmed -- was withdrawn from the race and Murphy will ride Japanese thoroughbred racehorse, Chrono Genesis, in Sunday's Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Florida Man Traps Gator in Garbage Bin ... Trash Talkin', Trash Hissin'

TRASHCAN TAKEDOWN!
@norfphilly_geno / Instagram
UPDATE

12:58 PM PT -- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission tells TMZ ... Malik recently moved to Florida and was unaware of alligator laws in the state, and he was issued a written warning while the alligator was released into a nearby retention pond.

A Florida man took out the trash this week ... and may have saved his neighbors from a pissed off alligator in the process.

The hero -- a Mount Dora man named Abdul Gene Malik -- posted the video of his daring gator capture using a large black garbage bin, saying ... "I got kids to protect."

Malik, an Army vet, demonstrated his bravery as he slowly approached the reptile head-on with the trash can as it chomped, hissed and thrashed.

Then, our hero made the clutch move that did the beast in ... by flipping the trash can lid and hitting the gator on the head, stunning it enough to charge with the bin and force it into the receptacle.

Onlookers screamed and cheered as Malik then flipped the trash can up, capturing the reptile until the authorities could come take care of it. Bravo!!!

ALLIGATOR ATTACK
Storyful

As courageous as Malik was ... the scene in Florida isn't quite as crazy as what went down in Utah last month, when a gator attacked its handler and tried pulling her in for the kill.

There was no garbage bin to save the day, but thankfully, a guest at the zoo named Donnie Wiseman jumped on the gator's back and wrestled it away to save the woman.

Kudos to both fellas.

Originally Published -- 7:33 AM PT

Ukrainian Hockey League Player Only Banned 3 Games For Racist Gesture

The Ukrainian Hockey League player who made a wildly offensive and racist gesture toward his Black opponent during a game last weekend has gotten off easy ... only being hit with a 3-game suspension for the vile act.

The UHL announced Andrei Deniskin's punishment on Wednesday ... saying in addition to the 3-game ban, the HC Kremenchuk player could also face an additional 10-game suspension as well.

The league, though, said Deniskin could pay a fine instead of serving the extra 10 games ... making the whole thing feel like nothing more than a slap on the wrist.

Of course, many believed Deniskin's punishment should've been way more harsh ... considering he crossed every line imaginable during his game against HC Donbass on Sunday.

Cameras caught the hockey player directing a banana peeling and eating gesture with his hands toward Jalen Smereck ... after the two had gotten into an altercation on the ice.

The taunt was appalling ... and, in fact, Smereck was so offended by it, he said he would not play another game in the UHL unless Deniskin was booted from the league.

Officials attempted to explain Deniskin's punishment was not more severe due to an agreement between the country's hockey governing bodies.

"The matter was given to the @IIHFHockey of Ukraine’s Disciplinary Committee by the #UHL in accordance with a long-standing agreement between the Federation and the Ukrainian Hockey League," said Eugene Kolychev, the general manager of the UHL.

"The Ukrainian Hockey League and I stand with Jalen #Smereck and thank all of the fans and media who have offered their support to him. The @uhlua believes that there is no place for racism in the world in which we live, let along in the hockey community."

Smereck has yet to publicly comment on the ban ... but safe to say he'll be pretty pissed -- and rightfully so.

Ukrainian Pro Hockey White Player Vilely Taunts Black Opponent With Racist Banana Gesture

Disgusting scene on the ice in the Ukrainian Hockey League over the weekend ... where a white player blatantly and vilely directed a racist gesture at his Black opponent.

The disturbing incident all went down in a game between HC Kremenchuk and HC Donbass ... when Andrei Deniskin got into a mid-match tiff with Jalen Smereck.

You can see in broadcast footage of the game ... after the two were separated, Deniskin began making a banana peeling and eating motion with his hands and mouth toward Smereck.

The move was so obviously racist, Deniskin was ejected from the game ... and he was immediately ripped for the move by viewers and onlookers.

Smereck's team, HC Donbass called the act "outrageous" ... and the UHL has since launched an investigation into it all.

In fact, the general manager of the UHL, Eugene Kolychev, promised to follow the probe "closely" ... and in a statement, he added, "I declare that there is no place for #racism in Ukrainian professional hockey."

For his part, Deniskin reportedly issued an apology in a now-deleted Instagram post ... writing in the caption, "I respect all people regardless of race or nationality."

Smereck, meanwhile, has thanked his followers and fans for their support in wake of the incident on his social media page.

Kansas City Chiefs Fan Knocked Out In Wild Brawl ... At Arrowhead Stadium

A Kansas City Chiefs fan was pummeled so hard during a wild brawl in the stands at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday -- he appeared to be knocked out cold.

The violence all went down at some point during the Chiefs' game against the Chargers ... when K.C. fans got into a heated altercation.

In footage of the incident, filmed by bystanders, you can see the melee was all kicked off after one fan threw a huge haymaker amid a verbal argument.

That's when all hell broke loose -- 'cause several other fans ran into the area, throwing wild punches.

In the clip, you can see things got so bad ... a man appeared to be punched unconscious, with his limp body sprawled out over a row of seats.

Unclear if anybody suffered any serious injuries in the fight, or if any arrests were made. We've reached out to cops, but so far, no word back yet.

SOFI SUCKER PUNCH
TMZSports.com

Of course, the brawl is just the latest in a long line of scraps at NFL stadiums this season ... remember, there were at least two huge altercations at SoFi Stadium earlier this month and one giant fracas at a Cleveland Browns game as well.

Mother Nature Sea Lion Jumps Aboard Lady's Boat As Hungry Orcas Circle!!!

SEA-KING HELP
@nutabull/Tik Tok

A woman got an unexpected (and apparently unwanted) visitor during a boat trip -- it was a sea lion fearing for its life ... who tried hitching a ride as orcas started to close in.

Watch this wild encounter that was captured by a woman who goes by @nutabull on TikTok and lives on Vancouver Island ... where there's plenty of this type of action in the open waters.

Her videos start with the animal already aboard -- which startles her, 'cause she doesn't know where the heck it came from, or how it made its way up. This pinniped's got hops!

beat it, dude!
@nutabull/Tik Tok

Another thing she immediately recognizes in the distance ... that she and/or her vessel are becoming the epicenter of a pod of killer whales that were starting to circle ... seemingly in pursuit of this little guy, who might normally become fish food in the wild.

The orcas get right up against the boat and start to pop out to take a peek at their would-be meal ... who's in no rush to get back into the water, despite this woman demanding he scram.

It's honestly hilarious, but also kinda sad -- because we all know damn well that as soon as it jumps back in, it's almost certainly going to be eaten. There's at least like 3 whales there!

We don't wanna spoil the ending. But, let's just say ... rest easy, sea lion. You lived a long and prosperous life, were sure. Ah damn it -- guess that sums it up. BTW, this woman's rationale for giving it the boot is pretty funny too ... replying to someone in her comments.

Sounds like she chose endangered species ... over one that's in abundance. 😅

Staten Island Mall Anti-Vaxxers Storm Food Court ... Amid Vaccine Mandate

A group of rowdy anti-vaxxers in New York have their own weird twist to Patrick Henry's liberty demand -- they're demanding freedom, alright ... food court freedom.

Check out this surreal scene that unfolded at the Staten Island Mall, where a swarm of people came barging into the Food District area with American flags ... a place they're not technically supposed to enter without proof of vaccination.

A bunch of them were chanting "USA, USA" ... and some even appeared to be wearing QAnon shirts. Eventually, one guy took the lead and told everyone what they oughta do next now that they'd broken through -- apparently past security -- and had their run of the place.

He essentially said ... go order something and sit down to eat. And, sure enough, it seems everyone started to do just that. At one point, the group of about 60 protesters or so started a new chant ... "F*** Joe Biden" -- this as bewildered spectators looked on.

Who they should be directing their anger at, however, is Mayor Bill de Blasio ... who enacted a city-wide vaccine mandate, making it impossible for folks who aren't vaxxed to dine indoors, hit gyms, and a ton of other inside activities. He's put his foot down on getting the jab.

We've said it once, and we'll say it again ... this is the new battleground.

Loch Ness Monster Allegedly Caught on Drone Video ... So Claims Outdoorsman

Nessie may very well have been inadvertently captured on camera with modern-day technology that (allegedly) shows him clear as day ... if you believe what this guy's selling.

Richard Mavor -- an outdoorsman from the U.K. -- claims to have possibly filmed the legendary beast on a drone camera while putting together a vlog of himself canoeing in Scotland's great lake ... and, if he's to be believed, Nessie's not nearly as big as they say.

Check out the clip -- the moment he says the would-be dinosaur shows up happens around the 3:50 mark ... when Rick's drone is hovering above him and his buddies along the south shore of Loch Ness. Right below the waterline, you see something start to surface.

The drone zooms in, and whatever the heck that is becomes way more clear -- and yeah, it DOES look a little sea creature-y. You can even make out what seems to be a long neck-like shape. Based on descriptions of Nessie from over the years -- it appears to fit the bill.

That's exactly what Richard and co. thought when they played this back. Doesn't sound like the so-called monster ever popped its head out or anything -- but the crew believes they got something legit here.

Like we said ... it really doesn't look as intimidating or long as some have claimed it to be over time. Word is, the Loch Ness monster is about 20 feet in length -- but this thing doesn't seem to be more than 15 feet, at best. Maybe it's Baby Nessie!

There have been reported sightings dating back centuries -- but the most recent buzz stems from that (in)famous photo above of what somebody said was Nessie back in 1933. That turned out to be a complete hoax upon further investigation.

On this video, though ... it kinda feels like the real McCoy, no? 👀

Jordan Spieth Nearly Tumbles Into Lake Insane Shot At Ryder Cup

This is INCREDIBLE!!

Jordan Spieth almost sent himself into Lake Michigan on the 17th hole at the Ryder Cup on Friday ... but somehow managed to land an insane recovery shot in the process!!

It all went down during the first day of Ryder Cup action at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin ... when Spieth was facing a tough shot in thick grass and couldn't even see the pin.

But, the 28-year-old took his best swing, lost his balance and started tumbling towards the water.

The dude managed to stay on his feet the whole time, but it definitely required some quick thinking as he navigated through the steep terrain.

But, the best part?? Spieth was so busy trying to stay dry that he didn't see his shot land about 10 feet from the hole!!

It was a remarkable effort from the 28-year-old ... but unfortunately, it didn't help Team USA win the hole ... as Justin Thomas ended up missing the putt.

Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia won the hole and the match for Team Europe ... but man, what a helluva moment for Spieth.

Congrats on the shot ... AND for not having to be fished outta the lake.

Bronx Zoo Gorillas Go Downtown!!! In Oral Sex Peep Show!!!

Gorillas Gettin' Down
Viral Hog

When Simon and Garfunkel sang that it's all happening at the zoo ... they weren't kidding, because 2 gorillas got busy in front of a throng of onlookers.

You gotta watch this video ... maybe the most hilarious this year. It -- and the primates -- went down Wednesday at the Bronx Zoo.

It started innocent enough ... one of the gorillas was perched on a rock when he caught the eye of a fellow ape. Seems like they're apes with benefits, because one of them immediately laid on its back, and the other assumed the position and went at it.

As hysterical as the gorillas were ... you gotta see the adults who quickly shielded their kids' faces and began screaming to make a run for it.

The video cuts off, but we're pretty sure it was a happy ending. And, we're not being fallacious.

Old news is old news!
Be First!

Get TMZ breaking news sent right to your browser!