Target Pauses Sales Of Sports Cards ... After Demand For Boxes Leads To Violence

Target says it's now OUT of the sports card business -- for the foreseeable future, at least -- this just days after the extreme demand for boxes led to violence at a store near Milwaukee.

The company says it will no longer sell popular baseball, football, basketball, hockey and Pokemon cards in its establishments ... claiming it's all "out of an abundance of caution" for its employees and customers.

It all appears to be a drastic response to a fight that broke out outside of a Target store in Brookfield, WI on May 7.

Cops say several people were involved in a scuffle in the parking lot after an argument over cards ... with things escalating so quickly, FOUR people were eventually arrested over it.

Similar events have happened at Targets all over the country ... as the demand for cardboard pieces has SOARED during the pandemic.

So, Target says it's now pulling out of the game to protect everyone involved ... issuing a statement this week explaining the sales of cards will stop in-store, though they'll continue to go forward online.

Target had already implemented several rules and regulations -- including limiting the number of boxes per customer -- to try to slow down drama ... but clearly, it feels this is the next necessary step.

Of course, the trading card company has lost its mind during COVID-19 lockdowns ... rare items that were previously selling for 5 or 6 figures are now selling easily for MILLIONS.

Even just unopened small boxes of cards that Target supplied were being flipped for hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.

Collectors will now have to turn elsewhere to score pieces ... and it begs one simple question -- why can't we all just behave and get along???

Shaq Massages Barkley's Hammy During On-Air Cramp ... Hilarious Video!!!

"Dr. O'Neal?! Paging, Dr. O'Neal!"

Hilarious moment during "NBA on TNT" on Thursday night when Charles Barkley cramped up during the show ... and it was SHAQ TO THE RESCUE!

58-year-old Barkley says his hamstrings were going haywire -- so he got out of his chair to stretch 'em out on the set.

Shaq took notice and decided he wasn't gonna sit and watch -- he wanted to help!

So, he bent down and put his massive hands right under Chuck's booty, helping to massage out the cramps while the rest of the crew looked on!!

Ernie Johnson was CRACKING UP -- as Shaq went to work on Chuck's hammies ... getting real up close and personal with his longtime pal.

"Take me to dinner before you go under there," Chuck remarked ... "I need a cigarette!"

After the sesh, Shaq explained, "I'm just trying to help my teammate!"

With friends like these!!!

Tyron Woodley Calls Out 'Culture Vulture' Jake Paul I'll Fight You Right Now!!!

COME AND GET IT
TMZSports.com

Jake Paul is just a clout chaser going after easy fights to look cool ... so says ex-UFC champ Tyron Woodley, who tells TMZ Sports he's more than happy to put the YouTube superstar in his place with a violent beatdown!!!

Of course, The Chosen One is super tight with Paul's most recent victim, Ben Askren ... and even acted as his cornerman at Triller Fight Club last month.

Now that Paul's working on getting his next opponent, Woodley tells us he believes the guy's too scared to fight anyone he could actually lose to ... calling the 24-year-old a "culture vulture" for his wild antics.

"Jake Paul is -- well we kinda recognize he came from Disney, we expect him to be like this little f***ing macho macho man that he's playing, but he keeps calling out everybody but me," Woodley says.

"I'm the one with the real smoke with you."

The former welterweight champ added Jake will do anything to make headlines ... and says his "gotcha hat" moment with Floyd Mayweather stole the shine from his bigger bro, Logan.

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ABSOLUTE MAYHEM!!!

"They just culture vultures. Like he'll vulch the juice from his own damn flesh and blood ... My dogs don't move like that."

Woodley says it's clear Paul picks low-hanging fruit to save his image as a boxing badass ... but if he wants to go up against a REAL fighter, Tyron's his guy

"Come and get this smoke for real. I'm in and I can actually find him. People that keep talking about fighting him, they're not even in position to fight him. I can actually fight him. I can fight him tomorrow if I want to."

But, it's not all talk -- Woodley tells us he's dead serious about fighting Paul ... and wants it to happen ASAP.

"If Jake dropped his ball sack out his stomach and sign the deal, then I think Floyd would be happy that I'd be the one to knock his f***ing head off."

Padres Fan KO's Rockies Supporter With Violent Punch ... Caught On Video

VICIOUS PUNCH
Storyful
UPDATE

6:03 PM PT -- A new video of the punch has surfaced ... and it shows just how devastating the shot truly was.

UPDATE

You can see in the different angle, the fan's glasses flew off of his face after taking the punch ... and he was clearly out cold before he even hit the seats.

A Padres fan looked more like Canelo Alvarez in the stands at Coors Field on Wednesday night ... dropping a Rockies supporter with a VICIOUS haymaker -- and the whole incident was caught on video.

The violent act all went down in the 6th inning of Colorado's second game of a doubleheader against San Diego ... when for some reason, a man in a Padres jersey attacked another fan.

You can see in the footage -- captured during what appears to be the Rockies' broadcast of the game -- the guy walked up to the other man and launched a huge, right hand.

The clip shows the punch landed flush ... and the guy appeared to be out cold on his feet -- flopping over and falling to the ground.

Other fans in the area rushed to the puncher to restrain him ... and cops eventually arrived on the scene.

A spokesperson for the Denver Police Dept., though, tells TMZ Sports no arrests were made ... explaining, "The person who threw the first punch, was contacted by police. However, the person struck did not want to press charges."

The game went on despite the action in the stands ... with the Rockies winning in walk-off fashion, 3-2, in extra innings.

Originally Published -- 11:54 AM PT

Logan Paul Beat the Daylights Out of 4 Gronkowski Bros ... Epic Video!!!

Logan Paul DISMANTLED the entire Gronkowski family -- in front of their dad -- and the violence was all captured on video!

As we previously reported, Logan invited Rob and his 4 bros to a training session as he gears up for his big June 6 match against Floyd Mayweather.

The bros -- Glenn, Dan, Chris and Gordie -- all agreed to take go 1 round each with Logan ... full speed, fun strength with Rob serving as referee.

First up was Glenn ... a 6'3", 234-pound former NFL player who spent time with the Patriots.

Look, Glenn put up a good fight but it was clear he was just outmatched by Logan who dominated until they stopped the fight.

Round 2 was Chris Gronkowski's turn ... the former NFL fullback got rocked right away and the fight was quickly stopped.

Round 3 featured Dan Gronkowski -- a former NFL tight end who played for the Lions, Broncos, Pats and Browns.

Dan did not do well -- getting rocked hard and dropped. They stopped that pretty quickly, too.

Finally, it was Gordie's turn ... and Logan smothered him with a barrage of power shots until Rob stepped in and pulled them apart.

After the session, Rob praised Logan for being a beast -- and gave respect to his bros for having the balls to take on a guy who's been training like a maniac for the past several years.

Bottom line ... Logan Paul's no joke but Floyd Mayweather is on a whole other level!

Tim Tebow Incredible Speech to Fight Human Trafficking .. at TN State Capitol

WE'RE IN THIS FIGHT TOGETHER

Forget the NFL controversy ... ya gotta watch this video of Tim Tebow giving an impassioned speech about fighting human trafficking.

Tebow has partnered up with the State of Tennessee to fight human trafficking within its borders while supporting victims who have been rescued.

Gov. Bill Lee announced the state would provide $5 million in funding to various anti-human trafficking organizations ... which includes a $1.2 million pledge to Her Song, which is a ministry of the Tim Tebow Foundation.

During Thursday's news conference, Tim credited country music superstar Luke Bryan for connecting Tebow with the governor so they could work together on fighting the issue.

But, the most compelling part of Tim's speech was when he explained why he became so passionate about fighting human trafficking, stemming from a real-life incident when he was a teenager.

"My dad was in a remote country, preaching at an underground pastor's conference," Tebow explained ... "And, where he was, there were 4 girls, not too far away, that were being sold. He took out all the money in his wallet which was $1,200 and he purchased them to rescue them because he knew whoever else was gonna buy them was not gonna do something good."

"He wasn't prepared for everything that was next but he couldn't not do something about it because this demands a response by him, by me, by you, by everything that they're doing. It demands a response. We have to respond. He responded, I'm grateful."

Tim says he's inspired by his father -- who hid the girls in a church until he could get them to safety.

Now, he feels compelled to fight for others who need help.

"Right now, there are only enough safe beds to serve 10% of trafficking victims here in the U.S. -- we can no longer let this be the case," Tebow explained ... "Not on our watch."

"My foundation and I are committed to increasing holistic survivor care across the country and around the world through our ministry, Her Song, and look forward to serving alongside the great State of Tennessee to continue pushing back this darkness."

Good on you, Tim.

Tom Brady Dad Unloads Smack Talk On Patriots ... Buccaneers Will Win 'Rather Handily'

The New England Patriots just got some serious bulletin board material for their matchup against the Buccaneers ... and it's coming from none other than Tom Brady!!!

... 's dad.

Brady Sr. -- ID'd as "Tom in California" -- was candid about his son's big return to Foxborough when appearing on a local radio show Thursday ... saying he's already drooling at the thought of his son playing against the Pats in Week 4.

"I saw the schedule come out last night and I started salivating when I saw that we play the Patriots in the 4th game of the season," Brady Sr. said on "Zolak & Bertrand" on 98.5 The Sports Hub.

"We’re coming up here to make our record 4-0 after the 4th game. So, pretty fun time!"

It wasn't all smack talk, however -- Brady Sr. softened up and spoke about how it'll be special to return to Gillette Stadium and enjoy being back at their "second home" to watch their "second favorite team."

"It's a game where we get to root against nobody, we get to root for the Patriots, but our most favorite team are the Buccaneers."

And, that's when Brady Sr. dropped one more jab for good measure.

"We expect to beat the Patriots handily, frankly."

DAYUMMMM, DAD!!! How do you REALLY feel?!?!

It's worth noting -- Brady, Sr. has made it clear he has nothing but love for the Pats and Bill Belichick in the past ... saying it wasn't a "divorce" and more of a "separation."

MARCH 2020
CHANGE HAPPENS
Raising Fame Podcast

Of course, the game is already generating a ton of buzz ... with the cheapest tickets selling for more than $1,000!!!

TB12 has also commented on the game ... saying, "It’s like when your high school friends meet your college friends."

But, after Brady Sr.'s comments, it may not be such a friendly matchup after all.

Timberwolves & Lynx A-Rod's Ownership Group Closing Deal to Buy Teams ... $1.5 BILLION!

Alex Rodriguez is finally getting into the owner's box ... he's in the final steps of closing a deal to buy the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx for $1.5 BILLION!!

A-Rod had partnered up with former Walmart exec Marc Lore to make a run at the NBA and WNBA teams, both owned by billionaire Glen Taylor.

And, according to multiple outlets including The Athletic and Front Office Sports, the group has a deal in place to close for $1.5 billion.

There are still a few hurdles ... but nothing major.

Before it can formally close, A-Rod and M-Lore need to get approval from the other NBA owners ... but that shouldn't be a problem.

Per the terms of the deal, Lore will continue to operate the team through the 2023 season, according to F.O.S. ... and after that, it's A-Rod time!

The ex-MLB superstar made a serious run to buy the NY Mets with his then-fiancee Jennifer Lopez, but they were ultimately outbid by billionaire Steven Cohen.

By the way, Glen Taylor reportedly bought the T-Wolves in 1994 for $94 million -- and added the Lynx in 1999. Talk about turning a profit!!

Johnny Damon Cuts Deal In Wild DUI Case ... Agrees to Community Service

Officials have agreed to drop the DUI case against Johnny Damon stemming from a wild arrest back in February ... despite cops claiming the MLB star's blood alcohol content was nearly 4 TIMES the legal limit.

You remember the incident ... Damon and his wife, Michelle, were pulled over in Windermere, Florida around 1:23 AM on Feb. 19 and appeared to be super-duper hammered.

Police video shows Damon admitting to drinking before getting behind the wheel -- and cops say both Damon and his wife got physical with officers during the stop.

THE WILD ARREST
Windermere Police Department

The police report, obtained by TMZ Sports, notes Damon's B.A.C. was .30 -- which is WAYYY above the .08 legal limit.

During the stop, Johnny -- who bombed field sobriety tests -- brought up his support for Donald Trump ... saying, "I know people are trying to target me because I'm a Trump supporter."

47-year-old Johnny was ultimately charged with misdemeanor DUI -- and was facing up to 9 months in jail if convicted.

But, despite what appeared to be overwhelming evidence, prosecutors are not trying to throw the book at Damon ... instead, offering him a pretty sweet deal that involves cutting a check and doing some community service.

We spoke with Damon's attorney, Stuart Hyman, who tells us Johnny agreed to enter into a pre-trial diversion program -- which involves making a donation to charity and completing a certain amount of hours of community service. He did not mention the number of hours Damon agreed to.

If Damon successfully completes the terms of the deal, Hyman says prosecutors have agreed to drop the case.

As for Damon's wife, Michelle Mangan-Damon -- her case is much more complicated.

She was charged with 2 felonies for allegedly battering officers on the scene -- and could face years in prison if convicted.

Michelle has pled not guilty to the charges -- but that case is still playing out in the court system.

Janet Jackson's Brothers Thank Timberlake for Super Bowl Apology

APPRECIATE THE APOLOGY
Radio Andy/SiriusXM

Janet Jackson's brothers are thanking Justin Timberlake for stepping up and taking responsibility for his role in the infamous Super Bowl Halftime wardrobe malfunction, and hanging their sister out to dry.

Tito, Marlon and Jackie Jackson appeared on Andy Cohen's SiriusXM radio show Wednesday and opened up for the first time about JT's apology, saying they appreciated him finally saying something ... albeit, 17 years after the fact.

Marlon said, "First of all, I just want to thank Justin Timberlake. It takes a man to step up and do that, so we do thank him." That being said ... Marlon added they'd like to move on from the negativity that surrounded the Super Bowl XXXVIII incident.

In case you were in diapers back in 2004 ... Justin and Janet were embroiled in controversy when a "wardrobe malfunction" exposed Janet's breast to MILLIONS of viewers tuning in to the highly-anticipated Halftime Show.

It seemed everyone BUT Justin suffered for an incident dubbed "Nipplegate" -- Janet's career took a big hit, and the FCC slapped CBS with a $550k indecency fine.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Two years later, during an interview with Oprah, Janet said she felt Justin left her hanging with all of the emphasis put on her "as opposed to us."

Nearly 20 years later ... Justin apologized specifically to Janet for situations "where I spoke out of turn or did not speak up for what was right."

Blake Griffin Rocks Superbad Kicks In Game ... I Am McGriffin!!!

Blake Griffin's newest kicks will have you saying "Chicka, chicka, yeah, fake ID" ... 'cause the Brooklyn Nets star just rocked some awesome "Superbad" shoes -- complete with his own McLovin ID!!

The 32-year-old hooper debuted the dope Jordan "McLovin" 35s against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday ... drawing inspiration from one of the most iconic moments of the 2007 teen comedy -- Fogell's hilariously awful fake ID.

Griffin -- a huge comedy junkie -- decided to pay tribute on the tongue of his Js ... by including his own edition of McLovin's Hawaii driver's license.

The "McGriffin" ID is impressively detailed and features Blake's REAL height, weight and birthday ... unlike Fogell's fake ID.

In fact, it even includes Blake's real picture!!

The baby blue and white kicks also feature a rainbow stripe at the top of the tongue ... perfectly matching the Hawaii ID.

"Superbad" writer and star Seth Rogen showed Griffin some (mc)love for the tribute ... giving him a special shoutout on Twitter.

As for the game, Griffin scored 13 points and grabbed 3 rebounds as the Nets handled the Spurs, 128-116.

Boxing Star Ryan Garcia 'Making Steps Forward' In Mental Health Battle ... Back in the Gym

FIGHTING THROUGH IT

Great news from Ryan Garcia ... the undefeated boxing superstar says he's making serious progress in his struggle with mental health issues ... and seems focused on returning to the ring!

The 22-year-old had called off his big July 9 fight against Javier Fortuna a few weeks ago -- after realizing he was suffering from a serious bout with anxiety and depression.

"I have decided to take some time off to focus on becoming a stronger version of myself," Garcia said back in April.

The fighter spent some time in Hawaii with his girlfriend Drea Celina Garcia and their newborn baby girl ... and now seems to be in a much better place.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

"With the help of my support team and my family, I’m making steps forward," Garcia posted Wednesday on social media along with a video of himself in the boxing gym.

"Why anxiety and depression hit me like a truck and why I’m still recovering I’ll never know. But I’m trying to cope with the issues I’m having!"

Garcia then referenced the boxing video and said, "This bag is my anxiety and I’m swinging with my full intent to destroy it!!"

Garcia is getting plenty of support from his famous friends including Canelo Alvarez, who recently told TMZ Sports he's pulling for Ryan to get healthy and return to the sport he loves.

Oscar De La Hoya also weighed in ... saying, "Coming back stronger champ, let’s go!!!!"

Tom Brady Week 4 Return To NE ... Tix For Big Game Going For Absurd Prices!!!

UPDATE

8:48 AM PT -- Even Brady himself is fired up for the matchup ... the G.O.A.T. just tweeted about the big game, writing, "It’s like when your high school friends meet your college friends."

A ticket to see Tom Brady play against Bill Belichick could cost ya a small fortune ... with even nosebleed seats for TB12's return to New England already running for $1,000-plus!!!

The Tampa Bay Bucs and New England Patriots released their schedules Wednesday evening ... revealing the future Hall of Fame QB will come back to Foxboro in Week 4 on Oct. 3.

The matchup is a HUGE one -- it's already slated for the league's Sunday Night Football tilt that week -- and according to ticket experts, a seat at the game could rival Super Bowl prices.

"It could be close to $1,000 just to get into the nosebleeds upstairs," John Higgins, who owns Higs Tickets, told WBZ this week.

"It could be a record for an NFL game that’s not a Super Bowl."

Popular ticket website, TickPick, backs up Higgins' claims ... the cheapest seat available there is currently selling for over $1,400!!

And, demand is only expected to increase as the game draws closer.

Of course, demand for NFL tickets is already through the roof ... after all, most people have been locked out of stadiums since the 2019 season due to the coronavirus pandemic.

But still, Brady coming back to the place where he won SIX Super Bowls is historic ... and will clearly cost an arm and a leg to see in person.

Five months 'til kickoff ... better start saving now!!

Originally published -- 7:52 AM PT

Post Malone Plays Beer Pong W/ Jerry Jones & Makes It Rain ... In Cowboys Schedule Release Vid

Jerry Jones played beer pong with Post Malone, rocked an icy Dallas Cowboys chain, AND made it rain on his team's best players -- and the amazingness was all captured on video!

It was all part of the Cowboys' surprise schedule reveal film on Wednesday evening ... and the cameo Posty made with the Dallas owner for the flick was pretty damn incredible.

The video starts with the singer playing the role of a postman delivering Dallas' 2021 schedule to Jerry ... and then things get wild.

78-year-old Jerry tells Post, "You know, I love this day. Let's go celebrate" ... and then the two hit the BP table!!!

There were shots made, shots blocked, and even some custom "Jerry" Crocs involved!!!

Post then slapped his famous Cowboys drip on the owner ... before the two grabbed some pocket schedules and made them rain all over Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott.

It's hilarious. Seriously.

Of course, it's all fun and games right now ... but the reality is Dallas has to now open its season against Tom Brady and the Super Bowl champion Bucs in less than 4 months.

... at least playtime was fun while it lasted.

WNBA's Asia Durr Will Miss 2nd-Straight Season Over Serious COVID Medical Issues

Horrible news out of the WNBA ... NY Liberty star Asia Durr will miss the entire 2021 season because she's still reeling from the effects of COVID.

The 24-year-old shooting guard -- the #2 overall pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft -- missed the entire 2020 WNBA season due to the effects of COVID. She has previously talked publicly about how the virus wreaked havoc on her body, putting her basketball career in jeopardy.

Now, the NY Liberty has placed Durr on the full-season suspended list, noting it was a "personal decision."

But, Durr's issues are no secret -- she was featured on HBO's "Real Sports" back in January and spelled out how COVID has destroyed her life and career since she tested positive on June 8, 2020.

At the time, Durr said she had lost 32 pounds and experienced massive problems with her lungs.

"I couldn't breathe. I was spitting up blood. It was just lung pain that was just so severe. It felt like somebody took a long knife and was just stabbing you in your lungs each second."

She continued, "I woke up 2 o'clock in the morning, vomiting, going back and forth to the bathroom. I couldn't keep anything down."

Liberty coach Walt Hopkins has said the team fully supports Durr -- but fact is, nobody knows when or if she'll ever rejoin the team.

Deshaun Watson Accusers Will Not Settle with QB ... Attorney Says

The women accusing Deshaun Watson of sexual misconduct will NOT accept a financial settlement to drop their lawsuits against the QB, so says their attorney Tony Buzbee.

22 women are still moving forward with their cases against the Houston Texans superstar -- most of which allege Watson got sexually aggressive during what was supposed to be a routine massage therapy session.

Watson has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, through his attorneys -- though admits he did engage in consensual sexual encounters with some of the accusers.

4/9/2021
EVERYTHING WAS CONSENSUAL

Many feel Watson's admission has all but sunk his case ... and there are rumblings he's aggressively looking to strike a settlement agreement with the remaining accusers, in the hopes they will drop their cases so he can move on with his NFL career.

But Buzbee, who represents ALL of the women who have filed against Watson, told FOX 26's Mark Berman ... they are not considering a settlement, period. Instead, the accusers want the cases to play out in court.

"When asked about a settlement for each case, Buzbee said that is not happening," Berman reports.

4/6/21
SPEAKING OUT
FOX 26 Houston

Buzbee also claims 4 of his clients have met with NFL investigators but expressed concern about the way the league is handling the probe.

"Some of the women did not feel like they were being respected," Buzbee told Berman.

Buzbee says there are more women who want to meet with the NFL to tell their stories -- but he's not sure if he'll allow it because of the concerns of the first 4.

Buzbee also says between 8 to 10 of his clients have met with the Houston Police Dept. -- and praised the cops for the way they are handling the situation.

Now, we wait and see what happens next ... which could be a long legal battle in the court system, which seems like something Watson would probably want to avoid.

Old news is old news!
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