Lionel Messi Match Delayed After Huge Brawl In Stands ... Fans Beaten, Bloodied

A wild fight broke out just before Lionel Messi's game on Tuesday night ... and the brawl became so large and so bloody -- the soccer star's match was actually delayed so police could get everything under control.

The skirmish inside of Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro initially started as the national anthems for Brazil and Argentina were playing just before their World Cup qualifier match kicked off.

Video from the scene shows fans from both teams who were seated near each other inside of the venue began whaling on each other ... and, quickly, it turned into a massive fracas.

Grown men were seen covered in blood ... while children sitting nearby were in tears. At one point during the action, authorities had to use batons on spectators to try to control the outburst.

Messi and other players on the pitch, meanwhile, eventually made their way over to the area of the combatants -- and pleaded with everyone to calm down.

Ultimately, the soccer icon led his team off the field and back into the locker room ... before returning roughly half an hour later to play after the fighting had tailed off.

Messi's Argentinian squad ended up besting Brazil, 1-0 ... but the 36-year-old had to leave the contest early due to a groin injury.

Afterward, he told reporters he was grateful the situation in the stands didn't escalate even further than it did.

"There could have been a disaster," Messi said.

Following the win, Argentina now sits atop World Cup qualifying ... while Brazil is currently in sixth place.

TAYLOR SWIFT El alcalde de MINNEAPOLIS espera que esté en el próximo partido

Taylor Swift tiene la oportunidad de hacer tres viajes consecutivos para ver los partidos de Travis Kelce, y el alcalde de Minneapolis está liderando la campaña para que eso se haga realidad este próximo fin de semana, según ha indagado TMZ.

El alcalde Jacob Frey nos dice que él y la ciudad están listos para recibir a TayTay con los brazos abiertos este domingo, que es cuando los Kansas City Chiefs enfrentan a los Minnesota Vikings en un partido por la tarde. Él incluso tiene un mensaje para animarla.

Frey dice: "Todos sabemos muy bien el positivo impacto que tiene Taylor Swift en las ciudades que visita. Minneapolis no es una excepción".

El alcalde tiene buenos recuerdos de su presentación en Minneapolis a principios de este año y añade: "Sus dos conciertos agotaron entradas en el U.S. Bank Stadium en junio y nos llevaron a tener un récord de turistas ese fin de semana, con hoteles y restaurantes del centro repletos, impulsando nuestra economía más allá de lo que imaginábamos".

Por ese motivo, Frey tiene los dedos cruzados: "Si Taylor decide volver a Minneapolis (a veces conocido como Swiftieapolis) este fin de semana, estaremos listos para recibirla. Es posible que tenga que consolar a Travis Kelce después de que los Vikings le ganen a los Chiefs, pero hay un montón de sitios para salir en la ciudad y subirle el ánimo".

Que conste que lo de Swiftieapolis es real. La ciudad literalmente cambió de nombre, aunque solo haya sido por un corto tiempo, así que sí... con su claro conocimiento de la discografía de Taylor es justo decir que el alcalde es un verdadero Swiftie.

La verdad es que cada ciudad de la NFL se sentiría de la misma manera. Taylor ha demostrado que puede atraer audiencias masivas, en términos de atención de los medios y el gasto de los consumidores a través de múltiples industrias, lo que por lo general se traduce en más tráfico y, a menudo, más dinero también.

Los dos partidos de la NFL en los que ha asistido han sido un éxito de audiencia para Fox y NBC, las cadenas que los han televisado. La próxima semana es el turno de la CBS y parece que el alcalde Frey quiere entrar en acción también.

¡El fútbol está en el campo de Taylor Swift!

Podcasteros famosos ... ¡Hollywood es todo oídos!

En honor al Día Internacional del Podcast, estos podcasters famosos que se han conectado a las plataformas y se han sumado a la moda de hablar por micrófono, merecen un aplauso. Estos presentadores de Hollywood no solo acumulan audiencia y seguidores, ¡sino que además se ríen hasta la saciedad!

Empezamos con algunos de los legendarios. Joe Rogan lanzó su podcast, "The Joe Rogan Experience", en 2009, "Call Her Daddy" de Alex Cooper ha estado generando mucho movimiento y un top-pod en Spotify desde 2018, y "The Joe Budden Podcast" de Joe Budden se convirtió en un éxito tal, que se retiró del rap.

Los famosos Dax Shepard y Bethenny Frankel se unieron a sus respectivos dispositivos y han encontrado la forma de conectarse con sus espectadores y fans desde la comodidad de un estudio cercano, ¡O incluso desde sus casas!

Oprah y Martha Stewart también se han subido al podcast. ¡Así que el podcasting tiene que estar de moda!

Ya has escuchado a estos famosos hablar a su estilo, pero profundiza también en los temas más candentes de Hollywood y únete a la conversación con nuestros podcasts de TMZ ...

Acompañando al contenido vanguardista y exclusivo de TMZ, "The TMZ Podcast" te informará de todo lo que rodea a las mayores historias de la cultura pop. Únete a Charlie Cotton y compañía para conocer lo último sobre las historias de las que todos hablan.

"TMZ Verified" cubre las historias más comentadas de Internet. Desde las tendencias virales al drama de los influencers, VERIFIED es tu única parada para todo lo que está de moda. Cada semana, Wyld Young y Steph Williams desglosan las noticias más importantes de las redes sociales con algunos de los influencers más populares de Internet.

Explora los últimos momentos de algunos de los mayores iconos del deporte y el entretenimiento con "Last Days", donde los abogados de TMZ desglosan con precisión lo que llevó al fallecimiento de figuras que eran más grandes que la vida misma, pero que de alguna manera se hicieron aún más grande después de la muerte.

Somos todo oídos.

Celebrity Podcasters ... Hollywood is All Ears!

In honor of International Podcast Day these famous podcasters -- who've plugged into platforms and tapped into the talking trend -- deserve a shout-out! Not only are these Hollywood hosts racking in ratings and follows, but they're laughing all the way to the bank!

Kicking things off with some OG's ... Joe Rogan launched his podcast, "The Joe Rogan Experience", back in 2009, Alex Cooper's "Call Her Daddy" has been making big waves as a top-pod on Spotify since 2018, and Joe Budden's "The Joe Budden Podcast" became such a hit, he retired from rapping.

Celebs-turned-podcasters Dax Shepard and Bethenny Frankel joined in with their respective pods and have found the convenience of connecting to viewers and fans from the comfort of a nearby studio ... or even their homes!

Also up on the pod are icons Oprah and Martha Stewart ... so podcasting MUST be where it's at!

You've listened to these celebs spill the tea and drop some mics, but take an even deeper dive into Hollywood's hottest topics and join the conversation with our TMZ podcasts ...

Accompanying TMZ's edgy and exclusive content, "The TMZ Podcast" will inform you on everything surrounding the biggest stories in pop culture. Join Charlie Cotton and company as they deliver the latest on the stories everyone is talking about!

"TMZ Verified" covers the internet's most talked about stories. From viral trends to influencer drama, VERIFIED is your one-stop shop for all things trending. Each week, Wyld Young and Steph Williams breakdown the biggest social media stories, with some of the most popular internet influencers.

Explore the final moments of some of the biggest icons in sports and entertainment with "Last Days"... where the TMZ lawyers break down precisely what led to the passing of figures who were larger than life but somehow even bigger in death.

We're all ears!

Bray Wyatt Died During Nap ... Wasn't Wearing Doctor-Recommended Heart Defibrillator

WWE superstar Bray Wyatt experienced a series of heart complications in the months leading up to his death, and a doctor-recommended heart defibrillator was not with him when they found his body ... TMZ has learned.

According to law enforcement records, obtained by TMZ, Wyatt -- real name Windham Rotunda -- told his girlfriend he was going to take a nap Thursday, and she became concerned when she heard his alarm going off about an hour later without stopping.

The report says Windham was discovered in his bed, not breathing, and was turning blue. Windham's girlfriend called 911, as her mother attempted CPR ... but he was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Cops spoke with Windham's immediate family members who said he had COVID in March 2023 and developed heart complications -- causing him to have a "weak lower part of his heart."

In fact, just a week before he died, Windham was hospitalized for a heart issue. He had a follow-up appointment with doctors the morning he died and was advised to continue to wear an external heart defibrillator -- a device designed to treat people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.

Though it's not known if the device would have saved his life, investigators determined Windham was not wearing the defib at the time of his death ... they later located it inside his vehicle parked in the driveway.

He was only 36.

Lionel Messi Scores 2 More Goals ... DJ Khaled, P Diddy Go Crazy!!!

Lionel Messi Mania is in full effect down in South Florida -- the soccer superstar scored two more goals for his new Inter Miami team on Tuesday night ... and a ton of celebs were there to celebrate.

The former Barcelona star suited up for the MLS squad for the second time in less than a week ... and he dazzled once again.

Coming off a game in which he netted the match-winner ... Messi poured two more balls into the net in just 78 minutes -- lifting his team to a 4-0 win over Atlanta United.

As it was last Friday night in his debut, celebs flocked to DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale to get a glimpse of the soccer G.O.A.T.

DJ Khaled, P Diddy and Camila Cabello were all there ... and Inter Miami owner David Beckham and his wife Victoria Beckham rolled out the red carpet for them.

The A-listers sat in front-row seats ... and, at one point, DJ Khaled's son even got in on the action, helping escort Messi onto the field before play officially began.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Khaled was pumped over it all afterward ... thanking Beckham for the experience in an IG post.

Everyone will have to wait a few more weeks to see Messi play again in South Beach -- Inter Miami's next contest won't come 'til mid-August ... but you can bet when the schedule does pick back up again -- it'll be a party fueled by celebs.

Draymond Green Heated Exchange With Poole's Dad ... Over Practice Punch

UPDATE

9:46 AM PT -- Draymond has found himself in a Twitter war with Jordan Poole's dad ... clapping back at the guy for calling him a "bitch," and denying he ducked him all last season.

UPDATE

"That’s so cute," Draymond said just minutes ago. "It's impossible to avoid you [at] an arena for a year champ. I got get my family from that family room every game."

UPDATE

As for the name-calling, Draymond hints at what happened with Jordan ... saying, "And stop using those words, they usually don’t go over well amongst men."

Draymond Green says his mid-practice attack on Jordan Poole was not the result of one single comment ... claiming his former teammate was pushing his buttons way before the altercation.

BOUND TO HAPPEN
The Pat Bev Podcast with Rone

The Golden State Warriors star addressed the October 2022 incident on Barstool Sports' "Pat Bev Podcast" this week ... and he explained he isn't the type of guy to just unleash at the drop of a dime.

"I don't just hit people," Green said. "Dialogue happens and dialogue happens over the course of time. You usually ain't just triggered by something like that fast to that degree. This is a team, ain't nobody on my team triggering me in an instant."

OCTOBER 2022
DECKED BY DRAYMOND

Green didn't disclose what was said prior to the punch, but insinuates Poole crossed the line.

"We know stuff that you don't say amongst men," he added. "We know things that you have to stand on. As I've admitted before, I was wrong in the way I handled it for the situation where we were."

Draymond went on to say he has no hard feelings toward Poole ... and wishes him well at his new home with the Washington Wizards.

Despite the olive branch, Poole's dad didn't seem to care for his comments on the altercation ... going off on Draymond in a fiery tweet late Tuesday night.

"I'm stand on this that's is some bs," Anthony Poole said. "Jp was his guy and he avoid me all last yr."

"He is a soft as bitch and I'm standing on this and he didn’t apologize to me and my wife. So he lame and me and him can meet anytime he want."

Draymond has yet to respond to Poole's dad ... but if you thought this saga was over after the trade, think again.

Michael Jordan Puffs Cigar On Boat In Italy Carefree After 'Traumatizing' Larsa Pippen

Michael Jordan clearly ain't sweating the damage he caused by commenting on his son's relationship with Larsa Pippen ... 'cause he was seen looking as carefree as ever on Tuesday, puffing a cigar while on a boat in Italy.

His Airness was out in Capri just hours after Larsa said he "traumatized" her by stating publicly that he didn't approve of her relationship with Marcus Jordan ... and check out his demeanor, he certainly didn't seem too remorseful about it all.

MJ lit up a stogie while cruising through Italian waters with his wife, Yvette Prieto, before he took to land to get some shopping in.

The NBA legend not once seemed down while in the sun ... in fact, the guy appeared to be nothing but chill.

Of course, back on July 2, Michael seriously rocked the boat when it came to his son's romance with Larsa ... saying emphatically that he didn't approve of it all -- presumably due to Larsa's former relationship with Scottie Pippen, Michael's former Bulls teammate-turned-enemy.

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DISAPPOINTED DAD
BACKGRID

On her and Marcus' "Separation Anxiety" podcast Tuesday, Larsa said the statement really hurt her ... telling Marcus, "I didn't think it was funny."

"There's nothing funny about it," she continued ... before adding, "I was kind of embarrassed."

BAD TIMING
Separation Anxiety with Larsa Pippen and Marcus Jordan

Marcus, though, said Michael reached out to the two after making the remarks -- and told them he said it all in jest ... and he actually had no problem with the relationship.

Larsa told Marcus she's now putting it behind her ... saying, "I feel good right now. I feel like we talked it through."

Larsa Pippen 'Embarrassed' & 'Traumatized' ... Over MJ's Comments On Marcus Relationship

BAD TIMING
Separation Anxiety with Larsa Pippen and Marcus Jordan

Larsa Pippen says she was not a fan of Michael Jordan's recent comments on her relationship with His Airness' son ... saying they were flat-out embarrassing and traumatizing.

Scottie Pippen's ex got real about the situation on the newest episode of her and Marcus Jordan's "Separation Anxiety" podcast ... saying that when MJ claimed last week that he didn't approve of her romance with his son -- it really, really bothered her.

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DISAPPOINTED DAD
BACKGRID

While Marcus said he believed it was all blurted out in jest -- in fact, he suggested his dad may have been a little tipsy off tequila when he fired off the remarks -- she said she wasn't laughing at all.

"I didn't think it was funny," she said. "There's nothing funny about it."

"I was kind of embarrassed," she added.

Larsa explained that most of her issues with the comments stemmed from previous conversations she's had with Marcus and his family.

She said she had been ensured over and over again that there were no problems amongst the Jordans about their relationship -- and it had all led to her ultimately telling media members that Michael was OK with everything.

"I was like traumatized," she said. "I'm like, 'Oh, my God. What are we going to do?' People think I lied."

Marcus, though, said Michael reached out multiple times after he made the remarks and insisted he was OK with the couple. Marcus added that he believed MJ didn't outright say that last week because he didn't want it to fuel any speculation that the two were only dating in order to stick it to Scottie -- his former Bulls teammate who he's since had big beef with.

But Larsa said on the pod it's all water under the bridge at this point ... telling their audience she and Marcus have talked it out -- and they're moving forward united.

"I feel good right now," she said. "I feel like we talked it through."

Dak Prescott Baby Gender Reveal For Fan ... It's A Boy!!!

IT'S A.....
@ProCamps

It's the offseason in Dallas but Dak Prescott is still thrilling at least one Cowboys fan ... helping her out with a sweet baby gender reveal on Saturday!!!

The cute moment all went down at the NFL star's ProCamps football event at the Ford Center in Texas ... when a mom of a participant asked the 29-year-old if he'd help her reveal the sex of her soon-to-be newborn child.

Prescott obliged ... and without wasting too much time, the Dallas quarterback pulled out a card from an envelope and told the woman she'd be having a boy!!

"Congrats!" he exclaimed after making the announcement.

Dak and the fan -- who just so happened to be wearing his No. 4 Cowboys jersey -- then shared a huge embrace ... while everyone nearby went crazy.

"That is awesome," he whispered to her, before giving her a high five.

THE PRESCOTT SHUFFLE
@ProCamps

The rest of the camp was also a joy for Prescott -- he got to teach a bunch of tykes some football moves ... and even got to show them how to do his signature hip-thrusting warmup routine as well.

Awesome stuff, Dak!

Alex Volkanovski Hits Vegas Club W/ Shaq, Jamal Murray ... Parties Hard After UFC 290 Win!!!

Alex Volkanovski partied HARD after his dominant win at UFC 290 ... hitting a Vegas hotspot with none other than Shaquille O'Neal and NBA star Jamal Murray!!

The guys all met up at Encore Beach Club late Saturday night at Wynn Las Vegas -- just a couple hours after Volk's ultra-impressive third-round TKO of Yair Rodriguez -- and the trio got after it.

As O'Neal was DJing for a huge crowd that had gathered at the nightclub ... Volkanovski and Murray (the NBA star rolled up to 290 w/ Volk) hit the booth with the Lakers legend to rile up clubgoers as well.

The guys fist-pumped the night away ... and, at one point during the festivities, the 34-year-old fighter actually climbed onto the booth with his championship belt and danced his face off!!

PARTY LIKE A ROCKSTAR

A bunch of other celebs hit the scene to celebrate the big win too ... fellow UFC star Israel Adesanya took some time out to enjoy the moment with Volkanovski -- as did NBA players Trae Young, Myles Turner and Aaron Gordon.

Of course, Volkanovski deserved every bit of the reception ... his victory over Rodriguez absolutely cemented his status as one of the best to ever do it in the UFC.

Up next for Volkanovski (after he has arm surgery) could be a rematch with Lightweight champ Islam Makhachev or a matchup with contender Ilia Topuria ... but for now, it's clear he's super content enjoying the spoils of his victory.

Congrats!!

Eagles' Devon Allen Fastest Guy In NFL?? 'I Definitely Am!'

ALL ABOUT DISCIPLINE
TMZSports.com

The NFL's full of blazing-fast guys, but there's one who's a little bit quicker than the rest ... and no, it's not Tyreek Hill.

That distinction belongs to 28-year-old Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Devon Allen ... who happens to be an elite-level hurdler. The 3x track national champ and NCAA football champ recently competed in a USATF event in NYC, where he clocked a 13.04, the fourth-fastest time in the world in 2023.

Days after the race (where Devon finished 2nd), TMZ Sports talked to the former Oregon track star and 2x Olympian ... and asked him if he was the fastest player in the league.

"I definitely am [the fastest]," Allen said matter of factly.

Of course, Hill (60m) and DK Metcalf (100m), two bonafide stars considered among the fastest in the league, also recently tried their hand on the track ... something Devon says he respects.

"I'm not gonna roast those guys because what they did was impressive. I raced Tyreek Hill when I was in high school. We raced and he smoked me when we were in high school and DK Metcalf ran a 10.3 a couple years ago is super impressive for a guy that's 6'4", 6'3", 225, but I think especially at the top level, top 5, top 10 in the world, there's a big gap in terms of just performance."

HILL FOR THE WIN
runnerspace.com

We also talked to Devon, who once ran a 12.84 in the 110m hurdles (the world record is 12.80), about his return to football ... after a 6-year layoff following college, when he focused solely on track.

"The first whirlwind for me was training camp, getting thrown into the fire, and realizing this isn't college anymore. I played at the University of Oregon, which is high-level ball, but the NFL takes it the another level," Allen told us.

But, Allen's recommitted himself to football ... and hopes on use some of that speed to help the Birds make another run at a Super Bowl the season.

Isiah Thomas Wemby Could Handle Bad Boy Pistons ... He's That Good!!!

HE'LL HOLD HIS OWN
TMZSports.com

Victor Wembanyama has talent that would dominate in any era ... so says Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas, who tells TMZ Sports the French superstar would be able to hold his own against the iconic "Bad Boy" Detroit Pistons!!

The San Antonio Spurs' top pick in the 2023 NBA Draft is widely considered the best prospect since LeBron James ... with a skill set that's never been seen from a guy officially listed at 7 feet, three and a half inches tall.

While the 19-year-old can defend, shoot, dribble and pass like a seasoned vet ... Wemby's not the most muscular dude in the world, and some critics are worried about how he'll hold up against the bigger-framed guys in the Association.

All that concern can be put to rest, 'cause when we spoke with Zeke out in NYC this week, we asked how he thought Wemby would fare against the grittiest lineup of all-time -- the 2-time champion Bad Boy Pistons -- and he said, "He would actually be able to stand up [to us]."

It's pretty shocking, considering players like Zeke, Bill Laimbeer, Dennis Rodman and Rick Mahorn made life a living hell for the biggest stars of the late 1980s and early '90s -- just ask Michael Jordan.

Safe to say Isiah thinks the giant hooper has a bright future in the league ... adding, "He's gonna be fine, very excited to have him in the NBA. He's going to be great."

There's more -- Thomas has also been in the headlines recently ... after Chris Paul claimed he played a role in the trade that sent him from the Phoenix Suns to the Washington Wizards.

Thomas says he plans to talk to CP3 about the whole thing eventually ... but doesn't intend to return to a front-office role anytime soon.

Dominick Cruz Offers To Train Elon Musk ... 'I'd Love To Be In His Corner'

SIZE ... DOESN'T MATTER
TMZSports.com

Mark Zuckerberg may have Jon Jones in his corner, but Elon Musk's potential coach isn't too shabby himself ... the legendary Dominick Cruz, the G.O.A.T. bantamweight, tells us he's down to get the Twitter owner ready to fight!

38-year-old Cruz joined Babcock on the "TMZ Sports" TV show (airs weekdays on FS1) ... where Dom offered his services.

"I would coach and train Elon Musk in a heartbeat. I would start with him immediately. I'm a fan of that guy and the things that he's doing for the world and the things that he stands for," Dom told us.

"He's a special guy in the world right now and so I would love to be in his corner to watch him execute martial arts which brings us all together."

Musk could do a lot worse than 24-4 Cruz ... who has beaten the likes of greats such as Urijah Faber, T.J. Dillashaw and Demetrious Johnson.

Remember, Jones offered his services to Zuck, writing ... "You already know I am Team Zuck ... Let me know if you need a training partner!"

As for the naysayers who say Musk vs. Zuckerberg is a bad idea and disrespectful to martial arts, Cruz (and many others) believes the opposite.

"If you're gonna say this is gonna be the highest level of sport and we're gonna call it that, that might be disrespectful, but nobody's saying that. This is just fun. This is just making fun, and letting people get their aggressions out and their differences in a healthy way."

6/22/23
THE BIGGEST FIGHT IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD
TMZSports.com

Of course, we broke the story on Thursday ... UFC president Dana White spoke to both billionaires, who he told us are "absolutely dead serious" about fighting each other in an Octagon.

The UFC honcho said he believes it'd be the biggest fight, by far, in combat sports history.

We reported on Friday ... the biggest holdup at this point is the roughly 50 lbs. size advantage that Musk enjoys.

TMZ INVESTIGATES
TMZ.com

Assuming the kinks can be ironed out, some of the most dangerous men in the world are ready, willing, and able to whip the rich guys into shape.

Ja Morant Suspended 25 Games ... After 2nd Gun Incident

UPDATE

8:27 AM PT -- Ja Morant just addressed the suspension ... saying, "I've had time to reflect and I realize how much hurt I've caused. I want to apologize to the NBA, the Grizzlies, my teammates and the city of Memphis."

UPDATE

Morant also directly apologized to Silver, Grizzlies owner Robert Pera and GM Zach Kleiman for "the harm I've done" ... and shared his regret to his young fans.

UPDATE

"To the kids who look up to me, I'm sorry for failing you as a role model. I promise I'm going to be better."

UPDATE

Morant said he will spend his time away to focus on his mental health and decision making ... and will continue to train to be ready to go when his suspension is over.

UPDATE

"I hope you'll give me the chance to prove to you over time I'm a better man than what I've been showing you."

Ja Morant will miss more than a quarter of the 2023-24 NBA season as a result of his second gun-flashing incident -- the league just slapped the Memphis Grizzlies star with a 25-game suspension.

Adam Silver announced the punishment just minutes ago ... saying, "Ja Morant’s decision to once again wield a firearm on social media is alarming and disconcerting given his similar conduct in March for which he was already suspended eight games."

5/14/23
CAUGHT RED-HANDED
Instagram / @_dtap2

"The potential for other young people to emulate Ja's conduct is particularly concerning. Under these circumstances, we believe a suspension of 25 games is appropriate and makes clear that engaging in reckless and irresponsible behavior with guns will not be tolerated."

Morant was initially suspended without pay after showing a gun while at a Colorado strip club in March ... which he later apologized for and vowed to seek help.

Just two months later, the All-Star was spotted holding a weapon during an Instagram Live session with his friend.

The suspension begins immediately ... and Ja is forbidden from attending any team events, including preseason games prior to the start of the 2023-24 campaign in October.

The punishment will also hurt Morant's pockets -- he will lose approximately $12 million in salary during his time away from the court.

"For Ja, basketball needs to take a back seat at this time," Silver added. "Prior to his return to play, he will be required to formulate and fulfill a program with the league that directly addresses the circumstances that led him to repeat this destructive behavior."

There were rumors Morant's team was claiming the gun shown in the video was actually fake ... but the Association said Friday it concluded the firearm was real.

As part of the punishment, Morant will be required to meet certain conditions before he will get the green light to return to the court.

If he hits the criteria, Morant will be available to play in December.

Originally Published -- 8:03 AM PT

Denver Mass Shooting Stemmed From Drug Deal Gone Wrong ... Cops Say

The mass shooting after the Nuggets' championship win in Denver on Tuesday morning appeared to be sparked by a drug deal gone wrong ... this according to cops.

Denver chief of police Ron Thomas made the revelation on Tuesday afternoon ... explaining that they discovered cash, firearms and what appeared to be fentanyl at the scene -- all signs that point toward a botched drug deal.

Two people, Thomas said, are in police custody -- though their exact involvement remains unclear.

DEAL GONE WRONG
Denver Police Department

Of the 10 people that sustained gunshot wounds, authorities said they believe five or six were innocent bystanders. All 10, thankfully, are now in "fair condition," according to officials ... though five still remain in the hospital.

The gunshots initially broke out about a mile from Ball Arena at around 12:30 AM ... roughly three and a half hours after Denver beat Miami to win the NBA title in Game 5.

Officials praised the actions of responding officers -- releasing video from the scene that showed cops running toward the gunshots in an effort to keep people safe.

VIDEO FROM THE SCENE
Denver Police Department

An investigation into it all, officials added, remains ongoing.

As for the championship parade that's planned for Thursday -- officials told reporters Tuesday they are confident they'll be able to keep peace and prevent similar incidents from happening at the celebration.

Old news is old news!
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