Kids

Wanna see the best high school dunker you've never heard of??

Good ... 'cause cameras captured Eric Gaines in a regional championship game this weekend -- and the dude can FLY!!!!

He's just 6'1", 140 pounds ... but 18-year-old Gaines took over for his Lithonia H.S. squad in a game in Georgia this weekend -- dunking on EVERYBODY.

Gaines threw down a few monster slams that woulda made Zion Williamson jealous ... even, at one point, cocking back a tomahawk that he slammed on some poor kid's head.

Bad news for Eric ... Lithonia still lost the regional championship game he was playing in, 61-59, in overtime.

Good news for Eric ... we're pretty sure you're gonna see him on a DI court sometime soon.

Gaines -- who's still a junior -- says he's got an offer from Georgia State ... but has been hearing from other schools like Georgia and Florida State as well.

Criss Angel's mind was blown when he heard Make-A-Wish wanted to grant his son his ultimate fantasy after wrapping up cancer treatment.

Criss tells us ... the Foundation granted his 4-year-old son, Johnny Crisstopher, a big wish after battling leukemia over the last 3 years.

Criss says Johnny's now in remission. Awesome news!!!

You see ... the famous illusionist has been granting Make-A-Wish requests for years -- 50 requests and counting, not to mention the boatload of money he's raised for the Foundation. He received the Magical Wish Maker of the Year Award back in 2010.

Fast forward to now ... Make-A-Wish helped arrange for little Johnny to meet Ryan from Ryan ToysReview -- the 7-year-old boy who has amassed 27 BILLION views on YouTube reviewing toys.

The Foundation flew Ryan and his family out to Vegas where the magician was throwing a huge party to celebrate his kid ending cancer treatment. Looks like the kids had a blast in the superhero-themed bash where Johnny looked pretty star-struck meeting Ryan.

Criss -- who has a new show "MINDFREAK" at Planet Hollywood in Vegas -- says he's now planning an event with help from Gary Oldman, Imagine Dragons and other celebs to raise $5M from one of his shows ... with proceeds benefiting the fight against pediatric cancer.

Blac Chyna's response to her mother accusing her of being an unfit parent can be summed up in just 4 words: new number, who dis?

Sources close to Chyna tell TMZ ... BC and her mom, Tokyo, haven't seen each other in at least 2 years so it's impossible for her to have a clue about how she parents Dream ... much less who should have custody.

TMZ broke the story ... Tokyo told us Rob Kardashian deserved to get custody of Dream until BC gets her s*** together. She thinks Chyna's series of bad choices -- as in this, this and this -- show she's not mommy material right now. So much for blood being thicker than water.

Ironically, our sources say Chyna thinks it's Tokyo's bad life decisions that drove a wedge between them years ago -- although they wouldn't say exactly what Tokyo did wrong ... in her daughter's eyes.

We're told Chyna's not the least bit worried about her mother's opinions, because she provides for her 2 kids, protects them and hires round-the-clock nannies to help care for them.

Sometimes it's GOOD to defy your parents -- just ask Patrick Mahomes Sr. who says he REALLY tried to get his son to give up football back in the day to pursue other sports.

THANK GOD HE DIDN'T LISTEN!!!

Pat Mahomes Sr. made the shocking revelation to us ... saying he was convinced Pat had a better shot at going pro in baseball and basketball -- especially since the Univ. of Texas was recruiting him to play DEFENSE!!

"They were recruiting him as a safety. And, I was telling him, 'Why don't we quit this and let's just concentrate on the other two?'"

"I said, 'We're just wasting time with this football thing.'"

Pat's suggestion wasn't exactly misguided ... the elder Mahomes was an MLB pitcher for more than a decade -- and says his son showed clear talent to be a future pro in BOTH baseball and hoops.

But, the QB didn't listen to Sr. ... and said, "Dad, I want to be out there with my teammates. I want to be out there with the guys I've been playing with forever."

Turned out to be a pretty good decision ... Mahomes starred at Texas Tech -- and is the best young quarterback in the NFL right now.

BUT ... it does make ya wonder -- what IF Mahomes had decided to step off the gridiron and focus solely on the other two sports??

Something tells us we'd be seein' a whole lot of this in the NBA right now ...

Chris Cornell won a Grammy Sunday nearly two years after his death ... and his children accepted it on his behalf with a heartfelt message about their father.

Cornell's two kids -- his son, Christopher, and his daughter, Toni -- took to the stage at Staples Center after their dad had been awarded the Grammy for Best Rock Performance for his song, "When Bad Does Good" ... his third Grammy win ever.

Christopher spoke first, reading from a statement that read in part ... "I never thought we'd be standing here without my dad. I'm sure he would be proud and honored. He was known for many things. He was a rock icon, the godfather of grunge and the creator of a movement."

Christopher added ... "While he touched the hearts of millions, most importantly he is known for to us is for being the greatest father in our ear."

His sister finished up the speech, saying ... "His voice was his vision and his music was his peace," adding ... "This is for you daddy and we love you so much." Chris' family walked the red carpet together before the show, and put on a united front for the cameras.

TMZ broke the story ... Chris was found dead in Detroit in 2017. A coroner ruled his death as a suicide by hanging.

He was 52.

Kristoff St. John will be laid to rest next to his late son ... sources close to the family tell TMZ.

"The Young and the Restless" star will be buried at Valley Oaks Memorial Park in Westlake Village, California ... in a plot right beside the grave of Julian St. John, who tragically died by suicide in 2014.

We're told Kristoff's autopsy has been performed and his body's been released to the family, but it's unclear when his funeral will be held. His cause of death is still unknown.

We broke the story ... one of the actor's friends found his body at his San Fernando Valley home Sunday. Paramedics pronounced St. John dead at the scene but said there was no foul play ... though one source tells us alcohol may have been a factor.

We were also told Kristoff had checked himself into UCLA Medical Center in January for depression issues ... and had just been released a few days before his death.

His depression was linked in part to his son's suicide. Kristoff was hospitalized and placed under psychiatric evaluation after allegedly threatening to kill himself with a gun in 2017, right around the 2-year anniversary of Julian's death.

Kristoff was 52.

The wife of the retired soccer player who has been locked in a bitter divorce just got a restraining order against her estranged husband, after claiming he's been stalking and harassing her.

Sarah Jones claims in legal docs Jermaine Jones has been following her around town, despite an agreement they struck last December to stay away from each other.

Sarah filed for divorce last month ... this after he accused her of having a sexual relationship with David Charvet. David denies they had such a relationship, saying they were just friends.

Sarah claims in the docs, Jermaine has followed her to a market where she was shopping and then followed her car after she left, showed up at the Soho House where she was having lunch and sent her numerous "inappropriate, antagonistic and degrading messages."

Sarah says in the docs, "I believe Jermaine has acted this way to harass me, control me, intimidate me and disturb my peace of mind. I am scared of Jermaine's stalking behavior, Jermaine's monitoring my movements, Jermaine's harassing messages and Jermaine showing up at locations right when I am there."

Wyatt Oleff isn't old enough to drive, but he can already afford any car he wants ... because we've learned the kid actor is raking in six figures for his next movie role.

Wyatt, who is playing young Stanley Uris in "It: Chapter Two," could make up to $500,000 for his work ... this according to Wyatt's minors contract, obtained by TMZ. That's a fat paycheck for anyone, but especially for a 15-year-old!

According to the docs, Wyatt is pocketing $150,000 in base pay, and has a chance to earn another $350k depending on how well the sequel does at the box office.

Of course, Wyatt will also get an on-screen credit during the movie's opening titles. Translation: the kid's a star, baby!

He's reprising the Stanley Uris role he played in the 2017 "It" reboot ... which, by the way, was a massive hit. It earned $327 million at the domestic box office, and $700 mil internationally.

Those numbers add up to the kid having a real good shot at his $350k worth of bonuses for the sequel.

Wanna see an NFL superstar get dominated by a bunch of kids in dodgeball??

Good ... 'cause Antonio Brown took on a park full of children Thursday -- AND GOT DESTROYED!!!

It all went down at the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Monica ... where the Steelers receiver decided to pop by for some talks, laughs and competition.

AB spoke with the kids in a classroom -- one of his powerpoint slides read, "Shared Goals! Shared Victory!" -- and then he posed for some pics.

But then, they all went out to the blacktop ... and it was game on.

Brown decided to go one vs. everyone -- and seemed like he might hold his own.

But, the kids started firing away ... and yeah, it wasn't long before AB was relegated to the sidelines.

Tisha Campbell-Martin is firing back at her estranged husband, who claims she's an unfit mother -- insisting he doesn't deserve joint custody because he doesn't do any heavy lifting when it comes to childcare.

Tisha filed new docs Thursday, saying she is the primary caregiver to their 2 kids and tends to their basic needs on a day-to-day basis. She also says when the boys are with their dad, Duane Martin, he has either his brother or mother carry out duties like school drop-offs, custody exchanges and medical appointments.

As we reported, Duane claims Tisha's lack of a college education is hurting their boys' schooling ... and says the neutral drop-off location at a police station should be changed.

In Tisha's docs, obtained by TMZ, she says when they were together, Duane mostly laid around watching TV, and didn't spend quality time with their children. She implies ain't a damn thing changed since their split.

Moreover, Tisha points out Duane hasn't denied her domestic abuse allegations. She insists the police station is necessary 'cause Duane makes her uneasy. She's already obtained a temporary restraining order against him.

On Duane's accusations that the kids' schooling isn't a priority for her ... Tisha says the divorce has put a financial strain on her and she hasn't been able to hire a new tutor.

James Gandolfini's son couldn't stop grinning ear to ear at the thought of playing his late father's most iconic role, and his smile says it perfectly -- Michael Gandolfini's up for the challenge.

Michael spoke to Adam Glyn while out in NYC Monday night -- hanging out with "The Deuce" star Chris Bauer -- and talked a little bit about the upcoming 'Sopranos' prequel. Michael's playing young Tony Soprano in "The Many Saints of Newark."

It's easy to see why Michael got the role ... for starters, the resemblance is uncanny. And, he reportedly beat out stiff competition because he mastered his father's iconic character's mannerisms. Can't beat the genes, baby!

Awesome to see Michael carry on James' legacy. As we reported ... James died of a heart attack in 2013 while on a boys' trip with Michael in Italy.

LaVar Ball just went scorched earth on Luke Walton ... saying the Lakers head man gave Lonzo Ball a "losing attitude" and was "the worst coach ever" for his son.

The Big Baller appeared on the "Doug & Wolf" show in Arizona on Tuesday morning ... and ripped Walton to shreds.

"The Lakers gave my boy that losing attitude. If you look at my boys, the one thing they do do is win … my boys don’t lose too much."

"When he got to the Lakers -- Luke Walton was the worst coach ever for Lonzo because he had a losing mentality. They’ve been losing for three years. That’s how you develop losing.”

LaVar's comments came just a day after he told ESPN if Lonzo is indeed traded -- he wants the point guard to be dealt to the Phoenix Suns ... not the New Orleans Pelicans -- as has been rumored.

Of course, Lonzo's been one of the key pieces New Orleans appears to be seeking in a trade for superstar Anthony Davis.

Clearly, LaVar's upset about all the talk ... and he issued yet another warning to Lakers brass when it comes to trading Lonzo.

"Like I told them before, if you trade my son, it’ll be the worst thing you ever did for your franchise, I guarantee it.”

Blac Chyna's ex-boyfriend, rapper Kid Buu, was once charged and convicted of child abuse after cops say he punched his baby mama in front of their kid.

According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, a then-19-year-old Kid Buu (real name Markquez Santiago) was busted in Florida in 2008 after he got into a fight with his girlfriend and baby mama, who was a minor. Their daughter was 2 years old at the time.

Cops say the squabble started over the girlfriend wanting to cash a check, which he snatched out of her hands while leaving their apartment. The GF told cops he later returned and found her in their bedroom, at which point she threatened to call 911.

Police say, at this point, he punched her in the face with a closed fist ... all while their then-2-year-old was present. According to legal docs, he then pulled out a gun and told her he'd "kill the cops" if they came.

She fled the home and called the police using a security guard's phone, and Kid Buu was eventually arrested after refusing to cooperate. He denied the allegations, and no gun was ever recovered.

Per court records, he pled guilty to charges of child abuse (without causing great bodily harm), intimidation, robbery by sudden snatching, and criminal mischief. He said he pled guilty "for my own convenience and to move on with life."

Kid Buu was sentenced to two years probation, which he completed in 2010.

This could have been problematic until recently, because Kid Buu was dating Blac Chyna. If Rob Kardashian knew about Kid Buu's conviction he might have pitched a fit because we're guessing he wouldn't want him around Dream.

Conor McGregor is BACK in America -- this time, no violence ... just cuteness!!

The UFC superstar and his 1-year-old son, Conor Jr., just arrived at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, in matching purple suits ... and they're both STYLIN'!!!

Conor is a huge Dallas Cowboys fan -- he became with friends with Jerry Jones in 2018 -- but since they're not in the big game, unclear who Conor will be rooting for.

One thing's for sure ... Conor ain't missing an opportunity to flash his mug at the biggest sporting ever of the year!!

By the way, look at Conor McGregor Jr.'s designer kicks -- sweeeeeeet!!!!

The A-list stars are starting to arrive at the stadium -- Jon Bon Jovi, Kevin Hart and Ludacris are already there.

So is Rams superfan YG -- he's been a good luck charm for the Rams this season, this is good news for L.A.

9:00 AM PT -- Kylie was apparently screwing with people, because she just commented back to someone who asked if she was pregnant, "no lol."

Kylie Jenner may be telling a joke about being pregnant, but maybe she isn't.

Kylie posted this pic of her and Travis Scott embracing with the caption, "Baby #2?"

It could be a joke, but the timing of the post is curious. Kylie announced she had given birth to Stormi on February 4 last year, during the Super Bowl game.

The new post is 2 days shy of the exact one-year mark of the birth announcement.

What's more, Stormi just had her first birthday last Friday.

And, there's this ... Travis is about to take the stage in ATL during the halftime Super Bowl show ... and an announcement would then go out to the world.

Then again ... she could just be screwing with everyone.

JWoww's estranged husband says she has painted him as a monster and a woman beater -- which he strongly denies -- but he's willing to call a truce and give her a hug ... for the good of their children.

Roger Mathews shared a lengthy letter online Saturday morning titled, "A Message to Jenni," in which he rehashed their recent turmoil and responded to her allegations this week that he's been abusive to her on multiple occasions.

Mathews says he's extremely saddened the 2 have not been able to find a better way to handle their differences but also slams JWoww for deliberately trying to using her platform to destroy his life. He also blames her getting a restraining order on him for hurting his relationship with their son.

As for the abuse allegations ... Roger admits to pushing her and says he takes responsibility for it but claims Jenni was the aggressor and edited out her violent behavior. As we reported, she shared a video of what looks like Mathews throwing her to the ground.

Despite Mathews recently vowing to take legal action against JWoww, he ends his letter by pleading with her to "stop the madness" and work things out for their kids.

He says ... "We are both assholes. Let’s raise our kids better. I want to help you. Please try and help me. We need each other. Not in the way we once did but this madness has to stop. Own your truths as I have owned mine. Work with me and I will work with you. A part of me will always love you. I had to clear my name. I can help you clear yours too. I know all the good things you’ve done in your life as well as knowing the bad. Let's make the necessary changes for our children. I will if you will. I want you to be happy and I deserve to be happy as well. Happy parents make for happy kids. We owe them this. I be willing to give you a hug at the end of the day today as a truce offering."