Lou Williams Admits Going To Strip Club While Away From Bubble

UPDATE

4:55 PM PT -- 7/25 -- Williams admitted to NBA security he visited Magic City strip club in Atlanta on Thursday night ... while he was excused from the NBA bubble to attend a family member's memorial service.

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Williams claims he was at the gentleman's club for a "short time" to pick up dinner after the family member's viewing ... which is when Harlow snapped a pic with the vet.

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In other words ... Harlow slipped up and tried to cover for his friend.

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Williams -- who has rejoined the team in Orlando -- is now under investigation by the league to determine how long he will have to quarantine.

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11:56 AM PT -- Williams just posted a tribute to a family member who passed away last week ... which perhaps explains his reason for leaving the NBA bubble.

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Rapper Jack Harlow says he was NOT hanging out with Lou Williams on Thursday ... claiming he has nothing to do with the Clippers star leaving the NBA bubble.

The 33-year-old L.A. hooper reportedly left the Disney campus this week due to "excused personal reasons" ... but is expected to rejoin the team at a later date.

The whole thing seemed pretty normal -- considering several players have left the bubble for a number of reasons in the past few weeks -- until the "What's Poppin'" rapper posted an IG Story with Williams.

"A location U would never guess," Harlow captioned the pic ... tagging Williams.

Harlow quickly deleted the pic ... which led people to speculate if he accidentally got the Sixth Man of the Year in trouble.

But, Harlow tried to clear the air on Friday ... saying the pic was old and he was just missing his buddy.

"That was an old pic of me and Lou. I was just reminiscing cuz I miss him," Harlow said.

What makes things even more bizarre -- Harlow deleted that tweet minutes later.

So ... what the hell is going on?? Is Harlow trying to cover his tracks, or is it all a misunderstanding??

Either way, the Clippers have lost several guys -- including key players like Montrezl Harrell and Patrick Beverley -- with the season restart quickly approaching on July 30 ... so it'll be interesting to see how it all plays out.

Story developing ...

Originally Published -- 7/24 11:18 AM PT

Alex Trebek This TV Legend is 80 Years Old ... Happy Birthday!!!

UPDATE

12:11 PM PT -- Alex is clarifying the quote from his book about stopping cancer treatment if it does not continue to work. He says it was written before his current regimen, when he was "going through some bad times," and if his treatment stops being successful now ... he would return to his previous chemo treatment -- not stop all treatment.

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He adds ... "I apologize for any confusion, and want everyone to know that I am optimistic about my current plan, and thank them for their concerns."

Alex Trebek -- the beloved host of "Jeopardy!" for 36 years and counting -- has reached a new major milestone ... celebrating his 80th birthday.

Alex has turned 80 on the heels of the release of his new memoir, "The Answer Is...: Reflections On My Life," and during a constant battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer after being diagnosed last year.

Through it all ... Trebek has been legendary, continuing to host the game show while receiving treatment and providing inspiration to millions of others battling cancer.

Alex opened up this week, saying he is undergoing experimental cancer treatment and this will be his last ... he's already undergone other treatments that have been difficult, and he says he's discussed it with his family and it all came down to a quality of life decision.

And, even after 36 years and 8,132 episodes, Alex says he plans to continue his "Jeopardy!" gig as long as he's around. When he eventually must be replaced, he recently joked with 'GMA' that the perfect person for the job is ... his longtime friend, Betty White.

JULY 2018
THE FUTURE
OBJECTIFIED

All kidding aside, Trebek revealed back in 2018 who he really has in mind to replace him -- a fellow Alex ... L.A. Kings play-by-play announcer, Alex Faust, and CNN contributor and attorney Laura Coates. BTW ... don't discount Anderson Cooper.

Happy birthday, Alex!!!

Originally published -- 7:03 AM PT

NFL's Devin White Louisiana 'Trail Ride' Event Video ... Shows Hundreds Partying & Dancing

This is NOT good ...

Hundreds of people ignored social distancing guidelines and partied their asses off at Devin White's "Trail Ride" charity event over the weekend ... and video of the scene is alarming.

The Tampa Bay Bucs linebacker -- despite surging COVID-19 cases in Louisiana -- decided to press forward with his 2nd annual "Trail Ride" event in Cotton Valley on Saturday.

The problem? Hundreds -- if not thousands -- of people attended ... and even though White said he'd urge hand-washing, mask-wearing and social distancing, it's clear those precautions weren't followed seriously throughout the evening.

Check out footage from the event ... partygoers can be seen mask-less, dancing amid a sea of people. At one point, you can even see 22-year-old White partying without a mask.

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We reached out to Louisiana State Police, as well as the Webster Parish Sheriff's Office, for comment on the event ... but so far no word back yet.

But, reps for both departments had told us last week officers would be at or near the scene of the party to assist in traffic control ... although neither said definitively if they'd help enforce social distancing guidelines.

Meanwhile, the mayor of Cotton Valley, C.C. Cox, told TMZ Sports he was allowing the party to happen because, "That's what he wants to do, he can do it, you know?"

We've reached out to White's team for comment ... but so far, no word back yet.

Patrick Mahomes Hits Casino After $500 Mil Contract ... Feelin' Lucky?!

THE FUN DOESN'T STOP
TMZSports.com

Gotta love a dude who's betting on himself ... after signing the largest contract in NFL history!

Check out Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and their significant others hitting the casino in Lake Tahoe on Thursday night ... keeping the party going after a day on the water.

JULY 2020
IT'S GOOD TO BE ME

Unclear if Patrick actually did any wagering -- but it's gotta be a GREAT feeling knowing your bank account will soon be bigger than all of the progressive jackpots in the building COMBINED!

Of course, even the most wealthy pro athletes love to gamble -- just ask Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, Allen Iverson and more.

Earlier in the week, Mahomes and his crew flew in on a private jet -- BECAUSE THAT'S HOW THEY ROLL NOW!!!

Once they touched down, they hopped in a custom Coors Lite RV before having their own private boat party on the lake ... complete with diving, dancing and celebrating.

Live it up ... just remember to stay healthy -- and check out the financial advice "Shark Tank" star Barbara Corcoran dished out this week. She'll help you STAY rich!

NFL's Devin White Throwing Massive Charity Event Despite COVID ... '2,000 People'

UPDATE

4:03 PM PT -- A rep for White tells us the NFL player WILL be encouraging COVID safety during the event.

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We're told event organizers will be encouraging social distancing and for people to wear masks and wash their hands.

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We're told the event -- which includes a 6 mile trail ride -- will raise money for local charities.

NFL star Devin White is throwing a massive charity event for around 2,000 people in a small Louisiana town this weekend ... and the mayor there says he expects NO COVID-19 precautions to be taken.

White -- the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 2019 1st-round pick -- is set to hold his 2nd annual "Trail Ride" at his "Get Live Stables" in Cotton Valley, La. on Saturday.

The turnout is expected to be HUGE ... the mayor of Cotton Valley, C.C. Cox, tells TMZ Sports he believes roughly 2,000 people -- and maybe even more -- will show up to the 20-acre property for the get-together.

But, Cox says he's not anticipating it to be a coronavirus-concerned crowd ... saying, to his knowledge, mask-wearing and social distancing will NOT be enforced at the event.

"He was raised here," Cox said of the 22-year-old former LSU linebacker. "He wants to come into town and he wants to throw a big party."

Despite COVID-19 cases surging in Louisiana, Cox tells us he never tried to stop White from hosting the event ... and added, "That's what he wants to do, he can do it, you know?"

Cox says there WILL be Louisiana State Troopers assisting on the highways near the party as well as officers from the Webster Parish Sheriff's Office ... although he says they will NOT be there to enforce social distancing guidelines.

"You just got to accept it," Cox said. "I'm ready for it."

White held the first annual "Trail Ride" at his Cotton Valley property back in July 2019 ... and you can see in video of that event -- it's a pretty massive bash.

We're told nearby residents are concerned a similar situation could go down this weekend ... and are very worried about a possible spread of coronavirus.

We reached out to the Louisiana State Police ... and a spokesperson confirmed they will be at the event concentrating "on traffic issues/enforcement." Although when asked about the enforcement of social distancing guidelines, the spokesperson said, "LSP will assist with whatever needs arise."

We also reached out to the Webster Parish Sheriff's Office ... and they told us they'll be assisting with traffic-related issues during the event as well. But, when it comes to COVID, the sheriff told us, "We encourage our citizens and visitors to adhere to the guidelines set forth in the Governor's most recent proclamation."

White and the Buccaneers, meanwhile, have yet to get back to us when we reached out for comment.

White started 13 games for the Bucs as a rookie last season ... piling up 91 total tackles, an interception, 2.5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles.

PLEASE, STAY SAFE!

Patrick Mahomes & Travis Kelce Boat Party In Tahoe ... GFs Twerk & Chug Beer!!!

JULY 2020
IT'S GOOD TO BE ME

Here's reason #503,000,001 why it's great to be Patrick Mahomes ...

The K.C. Chiefs superstar QB hit a boat party with teammate Travis Kelce, their girlfriends and some other buds in Lake Tahoe on Thursday ... and yeah, you jealous yet or what?!?!

The fiesta on the water looked AWESOME ... the sun was shining, the guys were shirtless and the football players' girlfriends were letting loose with twerking and beer chugging!!

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There was also swimming, laughing and good times had by all ... and it DEFINITELY feels like someone just signed a $503 MILLION contract!!

Of course, Mahomes, Kelce and their loved ones have been partying for a few days now ... after Pat inked his record-breaking Chiefs deal, he and Kelce hit a private jet Wednesday to Tahoe for some golf action.

GETTIN' SOME AIR
TMZSports.com

The two are slated to compete in the famous celeb American Century Championship golf tournament this weekend ... but it's clear there's going to be a side of partying to go along with the birdies and bogeys.

Yup, couldn't think of a more fitting way to celebrate being worth HALF A BILLION dollars ... go crazy, Patty!!!!

Coronavirus London Streets, Pubs Reopen ... Wild, Dicey Scene

HERE'S WHAT'S BREWIN'
Storyful

England has reopened its doors to pubs and restaurants -- on what they're calling "Super Saturday" -- but the government's warnings/threats seem to have fallen on deaf ears.

Check out the scene in the SoHo district of London, where an insane number of people broke loose Saturday from their flats and hit the streets and bars. There's zero social distancing and masks are few and far between.

Here's the thing ... the UK has banned gatherings of more than 6 people and there's a strong recommendation that people stay 2-meters apart. Clearly not the case.

Pubs closed back in March due to the virus and the lockdown. The government has warned if people don't follow the rules the pubs will be the first to get shut down again.

Europe has 280,000 confirmed COVID19 cases and 44,000 deaths.

The government has also allowed hair salons, outdoor gyms, playgrounds, hotels, movie theaters, museums and libraries to reopen.

Looks a lot like America.

4th of July Bev Hills Party Breeding Ground for COVID

PANDEMIC PARTYIN'
TMZ.com

Hundreds of young people in SoCal ran for the hills on the 4th of July ... Beverly Hills that is, where they may get 2 cases of Corona -- and only 1 is the beer.

It's a crazy scene that has been repeated all over the country. Partiers packed in like sardines without face masks. There's a lot of drinking and super-close contact ... ideal for the spread of the virus.

Not that they're listening .... but California is experiencing a huge spike in coronavirus cases.  In the last 2 weeks in L.A. County, 28,130 people tested positive and 391 have died.

It's now as clear as can be ... there are lots of people who just don't care if they get the virus or just believe they are impervious to it. Wrong.

They clearly don't believe in science, so the question -- will they get a vaccine if and when it's available?

Hollywood Bar & Club Scene On Verge of Collapse ... After New Closure Order

California's nightlife is going back into lockdown amid renewed spikes of coronavirus cases -- something the L.A. bar and club scene might not be able to survive ... TMZ has learned.

If you live in the Golden State, you probably heard about Gov. Gavin Newsom once again ordering the closure of bars and clubs in 19 counties -- including Los Angeles County, where those venues had just started to open back up after months of lockdown.

Newsom also said folks couldn't do indoor dine-in service at restaurants -- so even if a bar serves grub, it's a nonstarter. Fact is ... Newsom had no option. The virus is out of control.

Nevertheless ... it's a big problem for lots of bars and clubs -- especially smaller ones that were ramping up to get back into the game ... only to get shut down for a second time.

John Arakaki, who owns St. Felix -- a couple of stylish bars that have been functioning in the Hollywood area for the past 11 years -- says he quickly went through 60 percent of his government loans on safety training, staff payroll, cleaning the kitchen and everything in between. When he reopened 3 weeks ago, he was able to break even after factoring in all his revenue and expenses. He was hoping to turn the corner during the 4th weekend, but that's not going to happen. He says if he's down for 3 more weeks, survival looks bleak.

Cat & The Fiddle -- a West Hollywood pub -- reopened its doors Monday ... just to have everything shut down again 2 days later. The owner spent 5 to 10 thousand dollars in the past couple weeks on face masks, safety training for their staff, and beer and food inventory.

Heck, even popular Hollywood hot spots like Bootsy Bellows and Poppy -- two popular WeHo clubs -- are on the ropes -- they were ramping up for a big 4th of July, and that's now money down the drain. They say they can survive, but that's a relative term.

Some of the restaurant and club owners are especially frustrated because they feel the second shutdown order came from out of the blue. The reality ... the COVID numbers were on the rise for many days, and at a point, the shutdown was only a matter of time.

4th of July H2O Blowouts Packed Park, Pool/Lake Parties Mantra -- 'Just Live With It ???'

4th of July is proving many Americans don't care coronavirus cases are spiking again, which is in line with the White House's new messaging ...  just live with it.

A handful of water-based venues -- including a water park and two lakeside blowouts -- brought out droves of people this holiday weekend in Wisconsin, Missouri and Michigan ... all of which are seeing their own surges in confirmed COVID-19 diagnoses.

That didn't matter to these folks though -- they were ready to get wet and wild for Independence Day, and you can tell by how little mind they're paying to safety precautions.

At the Noah's Ark Waterpark in Wisconsin Dells, WI, hardly anybody was 6-feet apart from each other as they packed the wave pool. And, masks were out the window, obviously -- studies say they're ineffective if they get wet, so a lost cause right off the bat here.

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Elsewhere in Missouri ... the same bar adjacent to Lake of the Ozarks -- Backwater Jack's -- forged ahead with their planned Fourth of July blowout, which they dubbed No Ducks Given. Between Friday and Saturday, the place once again resembled a sardine can.

And, in Michigan, another lake shindig was well underway Saturday ... Diamond Lake in Cass County was packed to the gills along its shores with partygoers raging the day away.

We've seen this behavior all throughout the spring and early summer -- ever since America was put on high alert and states went on full-blown lockdowns. While the shelter-in-place orders seemed to flatten the curve, there has been an explosion of new cases in the wake of reopening.

And yet ... the bad and dangerous behavior continues, despite what the CDC and other health officials have to say. The question ... what's next? Welp, President Trump's administration seems to have an answer, according to a new report anyway. It's simple ... live life at your own risk. Thing is ... he's been putting people -- his own supporters -- in harm's way by holding reckless rallies with no social distancing and few masks.

NBC News reports that big wigs in Trump's cabinet are ramping up for the new messaging to the American people ... that the virus is here, and we gotta press forward regardless.

Ironically, it appears a large part of the country is already doing that, consequences be damned. So ... carry on? 😬

Ariana Grande Throws Herself 27th B'Day Bash!!!

MIDSOMMAR BIRTHDAY GIRL

Ariana Grande threw what kinda sounds like an oxymoron but it's not ... an intimate birthday bash for herself.

Ariana hosted the party Friday night for a few of her close family and friends, to celebrate turning 27. Trucks traversed her Hollywood Hills street all day, delivering supplies and decorations for the shindig.

Ariana's guest list included, of course, her boyfriend, Dalton Gomez ... as well as her mother and brother Frankie Grande. Ariana and Dalton are Instagram official ... so it's, official. Ariana and Dalton have pretty much been inseparable during self-quarantine ... if self-quarantine is still a thing.

In all, it appears around a dozen people showed up for the party.

The theme of the party was "Midsommar." She showed off a flower crown, mimicking the May Queen scene in the flick.

Security was heavy during the party. Hired muscle blocked off the street, but the trappings of the party could be seen by all the neighbors.

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