Demetrious Johnson Mercy for Jarvis Lifetime Fortnite Ban Is Too Harsh!!!

CHEATERS NEVER PROSPER
TMZSports.com

Another huge gamer is AGAINST the lifetime Fortnite ban on FaZe Jarvis -- this time it's MMA star Demetrious Johnson who says the punishment simply doesn't fit the crime.

As we previously reported, Epic Games permanently 86'd the 17-year-old gamer from all Fortnite-related activities after he admitted to using illegal software to gain an advantage.

Jarvis said he used the Aimbots -- which makes it easier to kill opponents -- for entertainment purposes while goofing around on YouTube and NOT in actual competition.

Enter DJ ... who's not only one of the best MMA fighters EVER, but he's also huge in the gaming world -- and he told us why the lifetime ban feels way too harsh.

The good news for Jarvis, Demetrious -- who's big into PUBG -- says the gamer is more than welcome to switch over and compete in his world as long as he doesn't cheat again!!

Jarvis might wanna take DJ up on the offer since there's a massive $3 MILLION prize up for grabs at the PUBG Global Championship later this month.

FaZe Banks I Took Care of the Vegas Room Thing ... 'It's All Love'

WE WORKED IT OUT
TMZ.com

FaZe Banks is a guy who knows how to clean up after his own mess, even if it takes a bit of time -- at least that's what we gathered when we asked him about his Vegas debacle.

We talked to the gaming guru -- who founded the FaZe Esports collective -- at the Logan Paul/KSI fight this weekend and he cleared the air with us on what exactly happened last month at the Encore at Wynn Hotel in Sin City, where his room was torn to shreds.

Banks comes clean with us here, saying he f***ed  the room -- which caused over $30k in damage, BTW -- and even apologizes for it too. A weekend in Vegas, as he puts it.

CALL THE BANK
TMZSports.com

You'll recall ... the hotel was pissed about the mess, and got cops involved ... who were investigating for felony malicious destruction of property -- a charge the carries a max sentence of 5 years in prison. Luckily, it didn't get there for FB -- he handled it.

The dude says he and the hotel are all good now, and that it's all love -- the implication being that he paid for the damage and is back in their good graces. Quite a guy, huh?!

We get around to talking about his fellow member FaZe Jarvis' lifetime ban from 'Fortnite' after being caught cheating ... and he gives us his thoughts on that too.

#FreeJarvis seems to be his takeaway.

TMZ Challenge Win a Trip to Hollywood ... Appear on 'TMZ On TV'!!!

WHAT A DAWG

We have great confidence in TMZ users and viewers because we think there's someone out there who could give our photogs a run for their money.

So, here's the contest ... shoot a video on your cell phone where you have a TMZ-style convo with a friend, a child, a pet, a rando, etc. WE'RE NOT LOOKING FOR YOU TO SHOOT A CELEBRITY. Just find someone you know and have a fun, interesting, engaging conversation. You can talk about anything you want ... something funny, serious, snarky or anything in between.

BIG SHRIMPIN'

Something under 2 minutes would be ideal, but there's no magic time -- it's more about quality. Translation: size doesn't matter.

Submit your entry to Twitter, Instagram or TikTok with the hashtags #TMZchallenge and #contest -- check out the full rules here. We'll watch all the videos back in our offices and pick a winner, who will get 2 plane tickets to Hollywood. They'll also be on "TMZ on TV" and take the TMZ Celebrity Tour.

'Fortnite' Jarvis' Lifetime Ban Is Way Too Harsh!!! ... Says KSI

TOO HARSH ON THE KID
TMZSports.com

One of the biggest stars in gaming is calling for the company behind "Fortnite" to reconsider its LIFETIME ban on FaZe Jarvis ... telling TMZ Sports it's just unfair.

As we previously reported, 17-year-old Jarvis -- one of the top players in the world -- admitted to using aimbots (illegal software) to cheat at the game.

Epic Games immediately issued a lifetime ban against Jarvis -- and told TMZ Sports they have a "no tolerance" policy when it comes to cheaters.

So, when we saw KSI leaving the Belasco Theater in L.A. on Monday night, we asked if he thought Jarvis was getting a raw deal.

"He shouldn't have cheated, but yeah it's pretty harsh," KSI said ... "Hopefully it's not a lifetime ban."

"I'd love to see him come back."

KSI isn't the only gamer who feels that way -- there's been a backlash over the punishment from people who think a 1-strike rule for aimbots is just too severe ... especially since Jarvis isn't even a legal adult yet.

As for Jarvis, he made a video fessing up to cheating -- and begged for Epic Games to reconsider ... but the gaming company isn't budging.

Meantime, KSI is gearing up for his big boxing match with Logan Paul on Saturday -- and briefly explained to TMZ Sports why there's NO respect for his opponent.

'Fortnite' Superstar Jarvis Lifetime Ban for Cheating ... Epic Games Doubles Down

UPDATE

10:11 AM PT -- We just heard back from Epic Games, the company behind "Fortnite," and it's clear Jarvis will NOT be cut any slack when it comes to his punishment.

UPDATE

"We have a zero tolerance policy for the usage of cheat software," an Epic Games spokesperson tells TMZ Sports.

UPDATE

"When people use aimbots or other cheat technologies to gain an unfair advantage, they ruin games for people who are playing fairly."

A 17-year-old "Fortnite" superstar gamer has been BANNED for life for cheating -- but the gaming community is PISSED OFF at the punishment and demanding mercy.

The gamer at the center of the controversy is FaZe Jarvis -- younger brother of gaming star FaZe Kay -- who's built up a MASSIVE following, including 2 million subscribers on YouTube.

But, the British teenager got himself in hot water using Aimbots during a recreational game that he streamed on his YouTube channel.

FYI, Aimbots is an illegal hack that essentially auto-focuses your weapons on opponents, making it MUCH easier to hit your target and get kills. It's the gaming version of steroids.

Jarvis admitted to using the bots in an emotional video -- in which he chokes back tears to reveal the punishment he received from Epic Games, the company behind "Fortnite."

"I've been permanently banned from 'Fortnite' for life," Jarvis said ... "This was a huge mistake was completely wrong on my end."

Jarvis says he didn't know the consequences for his actions would be met with such a severe punishment -- since he didn't cheat during competitive play -- and had he known, he wouldn't have done it.

Jarvis says he's completely emotionally crushed -- since he's not only banned from playing, but he's blocked from attending "Fortnite" events or creating any type of content around the game.

Well, his fans -- and even competitors -- are pissed, claiming the punishment does NOT fit the crime.

Many people are voicing their anger on social media and demanding Epic Games scale back the punishment.

One point people are upset about ... a duo that had been caught cheating earlier this year was only suspended for 14 days (and allowed to compete in the $30 million World Cup tourney). They were NOT banned for life.

So, what will happen with Jarvis? We're reaching out to Epic Games for comment. Stay tuned.

By the way, Jarvis has options ... he's also a stud in other games including "Call of Duty" and "CS:GO."

Originally published -- 7:55 AM PT

FaZe Banks Trashed Vegas Hotel Room Video ... Utter Destruction

CALL THE BANK
TMZSports.com

Wanna see what $30,000 worth of damage in a fancy Vegas hotel looks like? Feast your eyes on this disaster!!!

Here's the room Esports megastar FaZe Banks allegedly destroyed during a wild Oct. 13 bender at the Encore at Wynn Las Vegas -- and it looks like a scene out of "The Hangover."

Smashed tables. Smashed windows. Smashed TVs. Smashed everything. You get the point.

In footage obtained by TMZ Sports, you can see people still in the room the next morning ... still in awe of the damage. Banks is laying casually in a mostly intact couch.

The problem for Banks -- real name Richard Bengtson -- is that hotel officials weren't amused when they saw the wreckage and went to police.

Cops are now investigating Banks for felony malicious destruction of property, a serious charge that carries a maximum of 5 years in prison.

The good news for Banks ... the 28-year-old mogul is rich as hell (he co-founded the wildly popular FaZe Clan gaming organization) and can easily afford to cover the damage.

Our Vegas law enforcement sources tell us stuff likes this happens in Vegas hotels all the time and the hotel usually drops the case if the damages are paid.

A rep for Banks tells us they're working with the hotel to resolve the situation ... which essentially means break out that checkbook!!!

Esports Star FaZe Banks Allegedly Wrecks Vegas Hotel Room ... Cops Investigating

FaZe Banks -- one of the biggest names in Esports -- is under investigation for allegedly destroying his hotel room and causing more than $30k in damage, TMZ Sports has learned.

FYI, 27-year-old Banks is the co-founder of the wildly successful FaZe Clan -- perennial contenders in games like "Call of Duty," "Fortnite," "Overwatch" and more. FaZe Clan is so huge, stars like Offset, Lil Yachty and Post Malone have joined the squad.

But, during a Vegas bender on October 14, we're told cops were called to FB's room at the Encore at Wynn Las Vegas on a destruction of property call.

We're told the room was an absolute DISASTER zone -- with smashed furniture, holes in the walls, a smashed window, broken lamp stand, pictures ripped off the wall, stains on the carpet and more.

Our sources say even the plants in the room were wrecked -- with soil all over the ground.

Oh, and it appeared the main flat-screen TV got it too -- it looked like it had been smashed multiple times with heavy objects.

In other words, WHAT A PARTY, RIGHT!?!?!?

The bad news for Banks -- real name Richard Bengtson -- we're told the estimated damage is over $30,000 which means he can be charged with felony malicious destruction of property. The charge carries a maximum 5 years in prison, but there's no way Banks gets anywhere close to that even if he's convicted.

The good news for Banks -- he's RICH AS HELL and can easily afford to cover the damages if he wants to.

One law enforcement source tells us ... stuff likes this happens in Vegas hotels all the time and the hotel usually drops the case if the damages are paid.

In fact, we just got this statement from Banks' rep -- "FaZe Clan and Encore are working together to resolve this matter."

Translation ... CUT THE CHECK!!!

So far, we're told no charges have been filed -- but the investigation is currently active.

What's interesting about this ... FaZe Clan has a reputation for being the bad boys of Esports ... so, the allegations fit the brand.

Alex Trebek No Plans to Step Down as 'Jeopardy' Host

Alex Trebek is clearly having some difficulties taking the reigns of "Jeopardy!" as he undergoes a second round of chemo for pancreatic cancer, but it is full steam ahead and there are no signs Alex is throwing in the towel.

Trebek's recent interview with Canadian TV fueled speculation his days as the host of the iconic game show may be numbered. He said chemo has caused mouth sores to erupt, making it difficult to speak. Alex has said repeatedly, if his ability to host the show diminishes, he will step down, but we're told that's NOT on the horizon.

"Jeopardy!" production sources tell us the show is taped 2.5 months in advance, and as of now, they have shows well into December. So, if Alex is under the weather and misses a few tapings, it won't send the show into freefall.

Ninja Unmasked On 'The Masked Singer' Had His Horses In The Back

A Ninja lost his mask on last night's episode of "The Masked Singer" ... and it was all after an Ice Cream-headed rendition of the biggest song of all-time.

Of course, the Ninja we're talking about is the ultra-famous professional gamer ... and he tried his hand last night at being the new Lil Nas X, performing "Old Town Road," and we're not professional judges, but the whole thing looked pretty awesome to us.

Good news for Ninja is that judges Jenny McCarthy, Nicole Scherzinger, Robin Thicke and Ken Jeong were rocking out to the over-the-top elaborate performance, and freaked out when he was unmasked (they're fans).

Louis Vuitton Reveals New Epic Custom Trunk!!! For 'League of Legends' World Title Trophy

How's this for a fashion crossover?!?!

Louis Vuitton just dropped the first images of the custom travel trunk they designed for the most coveted trophy in Esports ... the "League of Legends" Summoners Cup!!!

The trophy is awarded to winner of the world championships in Paris in November along with a $1 MILLION cash prize!

Now, LV is getting into the gaming world ... partnering up with Riot Games (the company behind LoL) to create the official case of the Cup.

Here's how LV is describing the case ...

"The bespoke trunk, the first of its kind for an esports championship, will feature both traditional Louis Vuitton savoir-faire along with cutting-edge, high-tech elements inspired by the League of Legends universe."

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

"In addition to the Trophy Case, Louis Vuitton has designed unique champion skins and a capsule collection designed by Nicolas Ghesquière, Louis Vuitton’s Artistic Director of Women’s collections, along with other League of Legend digital assets."

No word on how much the case is worth on the open market -- but a special Louis Vuitton x Supreme trunk recently sold for $70,000!!! So, yeah ... this is a valuable item for sure!

The 2018 "LoL" world title went to Invictus Gaming, a team from China. The runner-up was Fnatic, a team based out of the UK.

Good luck!!

NFL's Marquez Valdes-Scantling I Could Be A Pro Gamer ... I'm That Good!!!

VICTORY DANCE
TMZSports.com

Marquez Valdes-Scantling ain't just a beast on the gridiron ... the Green Bay Packers stud WR is a killer on the sticks too -- telling TMZ Sports he could be a pro gamer!!!

The 24-year-old has become Aaron Rodgers' second-favorite target this season ... and after he scored a 40-yard TD on Sunday, he busted out a famous Fortnite dance in the end zone.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

So, when we spoke with him on Monday ... we had to ask, what was the inspiration for that???

That's when Valdes-Scantling told us he's a huge gamer ... and he's so good -- he thinks he could be up there on stages with Ninja and FaZe Censor!!!

"I definitely think I'm good enough to play professionally," Marquez says.

Of course, Valdes-Scantling has a pretty good career going for himself in Green Bay ... and tells us there's ZERO chance of him leaving football for pro gaming.

As for the Packers, Marquez tells us they're in a good spot at 3-0 to start the season ... and says they're definitely "the team to beat right now!!!"

Ninja Video Games Will Be an Olympic Sport ... 'It's a Matter of Time'

GOIN' FOR GOLD
TMZSports.com

There's a ton of money in Esports ... and there could be GOLD in video games soon too ... 'cause Fortnite superstar Ninja says gaming WILL be in the Olympics -- it's just a matter of time.

Of course, Esports is bigger than ever -- the prize pool for the Fortnite World Cup was $30 MILLION in July (shout-out to 16-year-old gamer Bugha, who took home $3 milli for winning).

Ninja doesn't think the sport's done growing ... 'cause he says gamers will be representing their country on the sticks VERY soon.

"For me, I just think it's going to be time," Ninja tells TMZ Sports. "I think that obviously, the younger generation enjoys Esports and enjoys watching video games. Eventually, that's what they're gonna want and that's what the TV people are gonna want to show and represent."

"Just give a little bit of time and Esports will be there."

As for how soon it can happen, we ask if it can happen in time for the 2028 Games in L.A. ... and Ninja says he "wouldn't put it out of the question."

The greatest Fortnite player alive also weighs in on what countries would dominate in video games at the Olympics ... and it ain't the U.S. of A.

Offset Fired up About Joining FaZe Clan ... 'FaZe Up Bitch!!!'

FEELIN' FAZED
TMZSports.com

"F**king FaZe up, bitch!!!"

Think Offset is stoked to be part of the FaZe Clan, one of the biggest teams in gaming?!?

HELL YEAH!!!

The Migos rapper, who's a huge gamer, recently became an investor in FaZe Clan -- and when we spotted him out in NYC, he couldn't contain his excitement!!!

"I'm with FaZe Clan -- FaZe Up, bitch!!!"

Offset says gaming is becoming the "biggest s**t in the world" ... and he's right -- predicting it'll be a $30 BILLION industry by 2022.

"Big money," Offset says ... "but the thing is I do it for the kids, for the culture. It's a way to get your mind away from things."

Offset says he believes gaming "is a good thing for mental health" because it can help alleviate stress.

In fact, Offset says he wants to launch a project to help spread his message but warns our TMZ photog ... "Don't steal my idea motherf**ker!"

And, if Offset wasn't cool enough already ... watch him light up some random guy's cigarette as he walks into his building -- smooooooooth.

T.I. Rocked Out with Huge Stars ... At BIG3 Event In Dallas

The BIG3 was ON FIRE over the weekend -- with a ton of huge stars hitting the American Airlines Center in Dallas for the BIG3 Ballout ... capped off with a live performance from T.I.

The place was rockin' ... with Ice Cube, LL Cool J, Gary Payton and more showing support for the league's intense 6-game showcase just 1 week before the playoffs begin. The championship game is on Sept. 1 at Staples Center.

The basketball action was solid -- with stars like Tri-State's Amar'e Stoudemire and Aliens' Greg Oden battling it out on the court ... where things got pretty chippy between the 2 big men.

And, with so many players in the league looking to make the jump back to the NBA, it's a pretty big deal to have Dallas Mavericks honcho Mark Cuban sitting in the front row.

By the way, Lisa Leslie's Triplets squad is currently in 1st place -- with stars like Jannero Pargo and Joe Johnson, who just set a BIG3 record for points scored in a season (175).

The Triplets are 7-1 through 8 weeks  -- with Stephen Jackson's Killer 3s squad in 2nd place with a 5-3 record.

LET'S GOO!!!

Fortnite Champ Bugha Swatted During Twitch Stream 'They Came In With Guns'

Gaming superstar Bugha -- who just won $3 MILLION in the Fortnite World Cup -- was swatted during a Twitch stream on Saturday ... after someone pretending to be Bugha called police and claimed he killed his father.

The 16-year-old -- real name Kyle Giersdorf -- was playing the same game that made him an instant millionaire when armed cops surrounded his home.

"I've been swatted," Bugha said on the live stream ... which, BTW, is a dumb trend when someone makes a fake claim on a 911 call to get law enforcement to crash an unsuspecting victim's home.

Cops called Bugha's home while waiting outside and spoke with his dad ... and eventually figured out it was a hoax when one of the officers recognized the gamer.

"They came in with guns, bro. They literally pulled up," Bughha said once he returned to the stream.

"That's scary. What if I had just got popped? Jesus Christ, the internet's f**king crazy."

Swatting is becoming a big problem in gaming, and holds serious criminal consequences -- 26-year-old Tyler Barriss was sentenced to 20 years after calling in a fake emergency on a Call of Duty opponent back in March, which led to the death of a 28-year-old man in Wichita.

After things calmed down ... Bugha returned to his friends and finished the game.

FWIW -- Bugha's friends won the game while the swatting was going down.

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