PGA Tour Honoring George Floyd ... 8:46 AM Moments Of Silence
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The PGA Tour will NOT have 8:46 AM tee times this week ... the golf org just announced it'll hold moments of silence instead -- and it's all to honor George Floyd.
The Tour said in a statement Tuesday the tributes will go down in its return to the national spotlight this weekend at the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas, Thursday through Sunday.
"As the PGA Tour commits to amplifying the voices and efforts underway to end systemic issues of racial and social injustices impacting our country," Tour officials said, "we have reserved the 8:46 a.m. tee time at the Charles Schwab Challenge to pay our respects to the memory of George Floyd."
"We will pause at 8:46 a.m. during each round for a moment of silence, prayer and reflection."
It's a big honor ... this weekend's tournament -- the first official one since the coronavirus pandemic suspended play back in March -- is expected to draw potentially millions of eyeballs.
Stars like Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka are all listed as participants ... and according to the Tour, they'll all pause at 8:46 AM for the moment silence following three horn blasts from Tour officials.
As we previously reported ... Floyd died on May 25 after police officers knelt on his back and neck for 8:46 seconds.
He was laid to rest at a funeral in Texas on Tuesday.
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Houston Astros Light Up Scoreboard For George Floyd ... Touching Tribute
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The Houston Astros paid their respects to George Floyd in a touching way Monday night ... lighting up their stadium's scoreboard with his picture and the words, "Rest In Power."
The scene was striking ... the 'Stros opened up their stadium so the photo was visible for miles -- and at the bottom of the pic, they typed out "Black Lives Matter."
The team also laid down flowers, a photograph and a candle for Floyd on the Minute Maid Park grass as well.
The Houston Texans also honored the 46-year-old the night before he was set to be laid to rest in his Texas hometown ... lighting up their stadium in his former high school's color scheme.
NRG Park turned crimson and gold tonight to pay tribute to #GeorgeFloyd. (Crimson & gold colors to represent Floyd's HS @JackYatesHigh)
— Adam Wexler (@AdamJWexler) June 9, 2020 @AdamJWexler
NRG Park: "We send our support to his family and our solidarity for meaningful change." #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/ttc383P8BA
As we previously reported, Floyd tragically died late last month after a Minnesota cop knelt on his back and neck for over eight minutes during an arrest attempt.
The aftermath of his death sparked national outrage ... with protestors calling for real change in America.
A memorial service was held for Floyd on Monday in Houston ... where family members and victims of other police brutality incidents gave emotional and powerful speeches.
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Reche Caldwell Funeral Date Set Family Asking for College Fund Donations
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Reche Caldwell will be laid to rest on June 20 in Tampa, Florida ... the ex-NFL wide receiver's mother tells TMZ Sports.
The service will take place at First Baptist Church of West Tampa -- with the viewing taking place the day before.
We spoke with Deborah Caldwell who tells us the family has been flooded with calls from family and friends offering love and support in the wake of Reche's death.
They're also well aware -- and very appreciative -- of the notes on social media from Reche's ex-teammates like Tom Brady, Wes Welker, Bill Belichick and others.
When asked what fans could do to help out ... Deborah told us Reche has a 13-year-old son who plans to go to college one day. She's hoping to set up a college fund so people can donate if they wish. We'll update this post once that has been done.
As we previously reported, Reche -- a 2nd-round pick in the 2002 NFL Draft -- was shot and killed outside of his home in Tampa on Saturday night.
Cops are investigating -- and have said the shooting does not appear to be a random act of violence.
Reche was only 41.
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George Floyd Hometown Memorial Wraps ... Other Victims' Families Speak
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3:56 PM PT -- George Floyd's public memorial in Houston has officially wrapped, and it ended on a powerful note with final words from family members of other notable black victims who've died at the hands of police brutality.
George's family came to the microphone first, saying they believe if he had known he needed to sacrifice his life to bring the world together ... he would have done it. Then, Eric Garner's mother, Gwen Carr, spoke, urging people -- especially the Floyd family -- to keep fighting for justice once the cameras stop rolling, going on to say that the struggle doesn't end there.
Ahmaud Arbery's dad, Marcus Arbery Sr., spoke as well ... holding nothing back and saying his son was lynched by two white men, all because of the color of his skin. He too said the fight needed to continue. Finally, Michael Brown's father, Michael Brown Sr., echoed that, telling the Floyd family to stay in touch when this is all said and done.
We must never forget the name George Floyd or the global movement he has inspired. I’m proud to announce that tomorrow I will proclaim Tuesday, June 9th, George Floyd Day in Harris County.
— Lina Hidalgo (@LinaHidalgoTX) June 8, 2020 @LinaHidalgoTX
Monday's memorial proved even more historic after Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo declared Tuesday, June 9 George Floyd Day throughout their area.
The people of Houston are paying their respects to George Floyd in his hometown -- a public viewing will be followed by his final memorial service ... and TMZ's streaming it live.
The ceremony is being held at the Fountain of Praise Church. The public will have a chance to see George's casket ahead of the memorial service.
This marks the third of four memorials that have been planned and carried out for George -- you'll recall, he was honored in Minneapolis last week (where he was killed) and then again in North Carolina (his birth state) over the weekend. Now, he'll be remembered in H-Town, where he grew up.
The man's death has touched millions of people around the world -- having sparked international protests and demonstrations in his name ... and could lead to the dismantling of Minneapolis' police department ... and possibly other cities as well.
The cops involved in his killing have been criminally charged -- namely, Derek Chauvin ... who's facing second-degree murder for having his knee on George's neck for nearly 9 minutes. The other 3 officers, Thomas Lane, J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao, have also been charged with felonies, aiding and abetting second-degree murder and aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter.
Rest in Peace, George.
Originally Published -- 10:02 AM PT
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Bonnie Pointer Dead at 69
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Bonnie Pointer of The Pointer Sisters has died ... TMZ has learned.
The Grammy-winning Motown artist, who was originally part of the popular quartet group of sisters in the '70s, died this morning. Her sister, Anita, tells TMZ, "It is with great sadness that I have to announce to the fans of The Pointer Sisters that my sister, Bonnie died this morning. Our family is devastated, on behalf of my siblings and I and the entire Pointer family, we ask for your prayers at this time.”
Bonnie was one of the OG Pointer Sisters -- which started out as a duo, with her as one of the leads -- but eventually left the group in the mid-1970s to pursue a successful solo career. She's perhaps best known for her cover of "Heaven Must Have Sent You."
Anita continues, "Bonnie was my best friend and we talked every day, we never had a fight in our life, I already miss her and I will see her again one day."
Bonnie had a prolific recording career under Motown Records -- which signed her after she left TPS -- cranking out 3 full albums and producing a number of singles too. Her disco rendition of 'Heaven' peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard's Hot 100 chart.
While she was with the Pointer Sisters, she earned a Grammy award for Best Vocal by a Duo or Group in the country category, no less, for their crossover hit "Fairytale."
After Bonnie went solo, they continued to rack up accolades and hits with the remaining members.
She got hitched to Motown exec Jeffrey Bowen and remained married for several years until they called it quits in the early 2000s.
Another one of the sisters, June, died in 2006 from cancer.
Bonnie is survived by 2 sisters. She was 69.
RIP
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Joe Biden Meets with George Floyd's Family ... It 'Meant the World' to Them
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Joe Biden is in Houston to pay his respects to George Floyd, and also took time to sit and listen to George's family members express their pain.
According to the Floyd family lawyer, Ben Crump, the presidential hopeful met privately with George's family and listened to them for more than an hour.
Crump says, "Listening to one another is what will begin to heal America" and during the meeting, Biden "listened, heard their pain, and shared in their woe." He adds, "That compassion meant the world to this grieving family."
Biden was photographed after the meeting with George's uncle, Roger Floyd, along with Crump, Rev. Al Sharpton and Rep. Cedric Richmond.
The former VP will also tape a video message for Floyd's funeral service Tuesday in Houston, but will not be attending because he doesn't want to cause disruptions with Secret Service protection. The first part of Floyd's hometown memorial, a public viewing session, is currently underway.
Biden's been vocal and supportive of the nationwide protests in George's honor. President Trump has also said he supports peaceful protesting and even suggested on Friday, George is smiling down on America.
On the other hand, Trump also retweeted a gross attack on Floyd's character.
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'Leave it to Beaver' Star Ken Osmond Died of Heart, Lung Failure ... Death Certificate Released
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Ken Osmond -- famous for playing Eddie Haskell on the iconic '50s family TV series, "Leave It To Beaver" -- died after suffering a cardiopulmonary arrest ... according to his death certificate.
According to the document, obtained by TMZ, the actor's immediate cause of death is a cardiopulmonary arrest. The underlying causes are listed as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, anemia, atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, depression, hypertension and pneumonia.
You'll recall ... Ken died May 18, surrounded by loved ones and family. The doc says he died at his Los Angeles home at 12:35 AM.
The death certificate also notes Ken was a veteran of the United States Armed Forces with 60 years in the entertainment biz. It also says he was cremated.
As we reported, at the time of his death, Ken's son, Eric, said ... "He was an incredibly kind and wonderful father. He had his family gathered around him when he passed. He was loved and will be very missed."
Ken started acting when he was just 9 years old, and his big break came in 1957 when he landed the role of Eddie Haskell on "Leave it to Beaver" opposite Jerry Mathers, who played Beaver.
He was 76.
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Ex-NFL WR Reche Caldwell Shot and Killed In Tampa
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9:53 AM PT -- Cops now say it appears Caldwell was targeted -- it was not a random act.
"Upon arrival, officers located an adult male victim of a gunshot wound in the front yard of a residence. Officers immediately began providing life-saving measures," cops say.
"Tampa Fire Rescue arrived and transported the victim to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced deceased."
"This does not appear to be a random act. However, it is very early in the investigation and detectives are working to develop leads in the case. Updates will be provided as they become available."
Investigators are gathering information and asking the public for help -- saying anyone with info should contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS.
Reche Caldwell -- a former NFL wide receiver who played with Tom Brady -- was shot and killed in Tampa on Saturday, his mother confirms to TMZ Sports.
He was only 41.
Caldwell's mother tells us ... Reche -- real name Donald Caldwell -- was getting ready to take his girlfriend out on a date when he went back inside his home to grab a jacket.
Reche's GF says the former player was "ambushed" by a "couple of people" who jumped out of bushes trying to rob him.
We're told Reche was shot in the leg and chest -- and someone called 911.
Unfortunately, the injuries were so severe, Caldwell's mother tells us Reche died in the ambulance on the way to the hospital.
"He was a good person who smiled all of the time," Deborah Caldwell tells us.
"He tried to help everyone he could. He was the type of guy who would take his shirt off his back and give it to you."
Caldwell was a 2nd round pick in the 2002 NFL Draft after a stellar career at the University of Florida.
He played 6 years in the NFL for the Chargers, Patriots and Redskins -- and was a part of the New England team that lost to the Colts in the 2006 AFC Championship.
We've reached out to authorities to find out of any arrests have been made. So far, no word back.
The New England Patriots have issued a statement saying, "We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of former Patriot Reche Caldwell."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."
Originally published -- 7:07 AM PT
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George Floyd 2nd Memorial Held Near Birthplace ... Family, Friends Gather in NC
George Floyd's family members honored him Saturday during his second memorial service -- this one in his birth state of North Carolina.
The service was being held in Raeford, NC, and the family has said it will be a much more subdued ceremony than the one held Thursday in Minneapolis.
Still, George's kin delivered rousing speeches -- in tribute to him, and about the movement his tragic death has launched.
The public was allowed into the hall Saturday morning for a viewing of George's casket ... and hundreds of people waited in line to pay their respects.
However, the service itself will be more intimate with just family and close friends allowed inside. It's set to begin at noon PT.
George was born in Fayetteville, NC ... about 30 miles from where the service is being held.
He still has family members living in the area, including his sister, Bridgett Floyd. George's third and final memorial will take place Monday in Houston, where he lived for most of his life.
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'Grown-ish' Helping 'Twilight' Actor's Daughter ... Paying For Her College
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The "Grown-ish" family is looking after one of their own ... setting up a college fund for the daughter of late "Twilight" actor Gregory Tyree Boyce.
The sitcom has launched a GoFundMe for Gregory's 10-year-old daughter, Alaya, and the proceeds will be saved for her future college tuition.
Gregory's father, Deon Boyce, is an assistant director on the show, and Greg -- who often worked behind the scenes -- was super close with 'Grown-ish' star Trevor Jackson.
As we reported ... Gregory and his girlfriend, Natalie Adepoju, died last month in Las Vegas. The Clark County coroner says the former couple died from fentanyl and cocaine intoxication, and ruled the deaths accidental.
The "Grown-ish" family says the fundraiser honors Deon, their "beloved friend, co-worker, and all-around amazing human being ... who lost his son and best friend, Greg, a few weeks ago."
The cast says they figured the college fund would be the best way to show Deon how deeply they care about him and his granddaughter.
So far, the GoFundMe has raised over $16,000 and counting.
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Ben Affleck, Matt Damon Pay Respects to Breonna Taylor ... On Her 27th Birthday
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are remembering Breonna Taylor on what would have been her birthday ... had she not been fatally shot by cops in Kentucky.
The famous pals got together Friday afternoon and headed into downtown L.A. to honor Breonna, who should be celebrating her 27th today. They left rose bouquets in front of the Hall of Justice ... then walked over to join a protest.
Ben brought his kids Violet, Seraphina and Samuel -- and some of their friends, apparently. The whole gang wore face coverings.
As you know ... Breonna was shot dead by police in Louisville back on March 13th, when cops stormed her home as part of a drug investigation.
Breonna's death, along with George Floyd's and Ahmaud Arbery's ... have sparked protests across the country with demonstrators marching against police brutality and racism.
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Jeff Bezos Schools All Lives Matter Customer ... Here's What #BLM Means
Jeff Bezos just schooled an All Lives Matter supporter with a crash course on Black Lives Matter ... because lots of people apparently still don't get the point.
The Amazon honcho says he got an email from a customer complaining about his company's support for #BLM ... and his response breaks down the movement pretty well for the misinformed yet to come around.
As you can see ... the upset customer, Macy, was triggered when she went to Amazon's website and found a banner message explaining the company's commitment to #BLM and what it's doing to stand in solidarity with the black community.
Macy hit Jeff with the usual All Lives Matter talking points ... saying she's all for people voicing their opinions and standing for what they believe in, but then added she feels disrespected by Amazon's BLM support.
Jeff eloquently explained to Macy why he disagreed ... saying BLM doesn't mean other lives don't matter, and it's really about the "racism and disproportionate risk that Black people face in our law enforcement and justice system."
Bezos goes on to say he doesn't worry about his own son being choked to death in police custody ... something he points out black parents can't say.
Jeff also tells Macy BLM is not "intended to dismiss or minimize the very real worries you or anyone else might have in their own life" ... and says her email won't change his views.
Fun fact ... Amazon sells lots of merch that says "No Lives Matter." Just sayin'.
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Stephen Jackson Warns Trump Keep George Floyd's Name Out Your Mouth!
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Stephen Jackson is FURIOUS at Donald Trump for mentioning George Floyd's name at the White House on Friday ... and he's now warning POTUS not to let it happen again!
"Hey, this message is for Donald Trump," Jackson said in a heated video statement ... "Do not speak on my brother's name."
"I'm making you a promise, you will not be in the White House come November. You will not be reelected, I'm telling you now."
Earlier in the day, Trump spoke with the media from the Rose Garden and said he hoped George is looking down right now -- "This is a great thing that's happening for our country. It's a great day for him. It's a great day for everybody ... in terms of equality."
Enter Jackson ... who knew Floyd for years -- and he's pissed.
"You see how the whole world stood together? Arm to arm, race to race, everybody standing for love? 50 states, 18 countries. That's what me and my brother Floyd did. So we coming to get you out the White House."
Clearly, Jackson feels the next course of action is to mobilize the protesters into voters come November.
And, to quote S-Jack ... "Stay tuned."
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Vanessa Bryant Congratulates Gigi On 8th Grade Graduation ... 'So Proud Of You'
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Vanessa Bryant is paying tribute to her daughter, Gigi, for her academic accomplishments ... sharing a heartfelt message and a photo of her honorary 8th grade graduation diploma.
"Congratulations on your 8th grade graduation Gigi," Vanessa said on Instagram. "I love you forever and always."
Gigi was a student at Harbor Day School in Corona Del Mar, CA ... and was in the middle of her 8th grade year when she died in the tragic helicopter accident alongside Kobe and 7 others on January 26.
The school honored "Gianna Maria-Onoré Bryant" with a diploma -- and Vanessa was clearly moved by the gesture.
"I’m so proud of you. ❤️, Mommy #classof2020."
Gigi was a standout basketball player with dreams of making it to the WNBA ... and her school retired her #2 jersey at a memorial ceremony in February.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
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George Floyd GoFundMe Campaign Sets Record ... Most Donations Ever
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George Floyd's killing is impacting the world in a way we've never seen before ... and it's also inspiring more people than ever to donate to a cause.
Launched just a little more than a week ago, the Official George Floyd Memorial Fund has already received the highest number of individual donations for a GoFundMe page ... a spokesperson for the site tells TMZ.
With nearly 500k donations and counting, the fundraiser's amassed nearly $13 million. We're told the campaign has gone global, getting donations from 125 countries.
George's brother, Philonise, says the money will cover funeral and burial expenses, provide counseling, pay for lodging and travel for all court proceedings, and assist the family going forward as they seek justice for George. A portion of the funds will also go to George's estate to take care of his kids and provide for their education.
As we reported ... the first of 4 memorials for George was held Thursday in Minneapolis. There will be another in North Carolina on Saturday, and 2 in Houston next week.
Interestingly, number 2 on the GoFundMe donations list launched in December 2018 to raise money to build the wall at America's southern border. That has 300k donations, but it's raised more than $25 million.
Third place is a coronavirus campaign raising funds for intensive care beds in pandemic-ravaged Italy. That got more than 206k individual donations in less than 3 months.
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Kobe Bryant Massive Mural Finished In Europe ... Biggest On Continent!!!
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Kobe Bryant fans in Europe paid homage to the Mamba in a HUGE way this week ... finishing up a 39-foot-high mural of Bean that's now the biggest on the continent.
Locals in Gradiška, Bosnia and Herzegovina began painting the tribute at an elementary school about two weeks ago ... with one of the guys saying it all started because Kobe helped them find a love for hoops.
"Kobe Bryant was one of my role models and when we heard that he tragically lost his life, we came up with the idea to pay tribute to him," a mural initiator told The Srpska Times.
"That is how we made a mural on the wall of the school next to which we spent time on the playground."
The piece is roughly 39 feet tall and 19 feet wide ... and as you can see in the pics, it's pretty amazing.
The image is of Kobe at the free-throw line in his Lakers jersey set to sink a basket ... and it's complete with his Mamba logo in the upper right corner.
The artist who painted the work said it was painstaking, but worth every minute ... and added he hopes it brings similar pieces of art to the country.
As we previously reported ... there have been a TON of Kobe murals in Los Angeles as well -- and they're so beloved, each and every one went untouched amid the chaos in the city last week.