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If ya can't get the recipe for Popeyes' stupidly popular chicken sandwich, here's the next best thing -- a tasty loophole to get around the national shortage, and all ya need is some buns, hun!!!

The chicken joint tells us it's really simple to recreate the taste of their sando, which became a cultural phenomena when it debuted last month. We're told if you stop by a Popeyes with a bun of your own, order a 3-piece tender. Put 'em in between the bread and ... voila!!!

Think BYOB ... for buns.

"#911 ... Neither here nor there, but just think: If you were born on that terrible day, tonight is your last night of being jailbait anywhere in this country"

Yep, those words were tweeted out from Lenny Dykstra's verified Twitter account the day before the 18th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

Yeah, that's bad ... yet somehow, it was made even worse because the tweet included a map of the U.S. showing the age of consent in each of the 50 states.

Bad.

But, the ex-MLB slugger INSISTS his fingers were not responsible for typing those words -- instead, blaming the whole thing on his "college-student intern."

Of course, there was blowback from some rightfully offended people ... so Dykstra went back to Twitter to try and explain his way out of this.

"The college-student intern responsible for the tweet about age of consent and 18 years since 9/11 is going to be taking a break to focus on schoolwork," Dykstra said.

"I had indeed mentioned to her how quickly time had flown by. She meant no harm and will learn from the experience."

Right ...

Chrissy Teigen tried so damn hard not to use foul language while talkin' Trump -- and she almost made it ... almost.

We got the supermodel/TV personality mom out Tuesday in L.A. with her kids, Luna and Miles, making a Shake Shack food run and hitting up a kids clothing store, when our camera guy asked some solid questions about her expletive-laced weekend feud with the Prez.

You'll recall ... Trump called out Chrissy -- not by name -- as John Legend's "filthy mouthed wife" ... to which she fired back, calling him a "p***y ass bitch."

So, the question ... will she double down on the "filth?" Chrissy was determined not to use profanities in front of her kids, and you could feel her struggling for restraint as she jawboned with our photog. She made it all the way to her car, when she just couldn't hold back anymore.

Another good question ... if we dare say. How are Chrissy and John super close to Kim and Kanye, when both of whom interact with Trump and may even have an influence over him on prison reform. So, what pray tell does Chrissy think about that?

President Trump got into some name-calling online with John Legend and Chrissy Teigen -- and the latter cranked things up to 10 by calling DT a "p***y ass bitch" in response.

The vulgar insult was fired off Sunday after 45 tweet complained about no one in the Democratic Party giving him props for doing some major work in criminal justice reform -- taking aim at John and Chrissy in the process, but avoiding using Chrissy's name.

The Prez wrote in reference to the First Step Act he signed into law last year ... "But now that it is passed, people that had virtually nothing to do with it are taking the praise. Guys like boring musician @johnlegend, and his filthy mouthed wife, are talking now about how great it is - but I didn’t see them around when we needed help getting it passed."

Well, Chrissy absolutely took notice of the omission -- she's pretty good at this whole Twitter thing, in case you didn't know -- and clapped back at POTUS with a vicious reply.

She wrote back to him, saying ... "lol what a p***y ass bitch. tagged everyone but me. an honor, mister president." Chrissy said she did NOT want #PresidentP***yAssBitch to trend ... sarcastically, of course -- but #filthymouthedwife ended becoming a top-used term, instead. #TeamChrissy is trending now too.

Worth noting, Trump blocked Chrissy on Twitter back in 2017. The federal appeals court has since ruled Trump can't block people from his official Twitter account -- but it's unclear if he has UNblocked Chrissy.

John got in on the mud-slinging as well, begging Melania to basically come get her man ... and give him the attention and praise he's so desperately craving.

Guess who's not gonna be Chrissy's #MCM?

Dramatic twist of events in Chris Jericho's famous stolen belt case ... cops say they found the wrestling legend's hardware -- but then quickly backtracked, and said they didn't!!!

As we previously reported, after winning the AEW championship on Saturday ... Jericho filed a police report with the Tallahassee PD in Florida on Sunday, claiming his belt was jacked.

The story is confusing ... but according to police docs, Jericho says there was some kind of mix-up involving his limo driver at the airport that led to his belt's disappearance.

Fast-forward to Wednesday morning ... when cops heroically announced on social media they found the belt, with a picture of what appears to be a TPD officer holding the hardware!!!

But, when TMZ Sports called to confirm the news ... they would not say if the belt had been indeed found, saying only, "It's still an open and active investigation."

Then, the department deleted the social media post AND the picture of the found belt ... which has us all wondering, WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?!?!

Either way, doesn't seem Jericho's all that concerned about it ... dude just posted a vid of him sipping champagne in a hot tub!!!

Cops say they'll make an announcement about the belt later Wednesday ... so stay tuned.

Popeyes says they're going to run out of chicken sandwiches in stores across the country this week ... even though they thought they had enough to keep selling them through September.

The chicken joint shared the gut-wrenching news Tuesday afternoon ... telling us they tried to forecast demand through the end of next month, but people's hunger proved too much.

It's pretty crazy ... Popeyes just started selling the sandos earlier this month, igniting an all-out chicken war with Chick-Fil-A, and they promise they're busting their ass to make sure the item is back in stores ASAP.

Lines at Popeyes have been crazy ... and some people even put the sandwiches on Ebay ... and in the craze, Popeye's apparently managed to run out of fried chicken, pickles, sauce and bread.

Doug Gottlieb says his Twitter shot at Andrew Luck's retirement was supposed to be a joke ... and wants to make it clear he's actually a big supporter of the ex-NFL QB.

The Fox Sports Radio personality got a TON of flak for his shot at Luck on Saturday ... when he said, "Retiring cause rehabbing is 'too hard' is the most millennial thing ever #AndrewLuck"

Gottlieb addressed the backlash on Monday ... saying the tweet was supposed to be funny, but people took it WAY too seriously.

"I'm a smart ass. I always have been. I always will be," Gottlieb said on his show. "And, if I can't find something funny with the things in life, well then you know what, strike me down because I like to make fun of things in life."

The tweet caught the eyes of names like Torrey Smith, who quickly brought up Gottlieb's past troubles with the law that famously got the former basketball player expelled from Notre Dame.

"If you wanna go to me stealing credit cards 23 years ago, you're gonna have to deal with the fact that those questions have been asked, that has been answered," Gottlieb said. "We've all moved on."

Gottlieb defends his take by saying Luck's reasoning for hanging it up falls under the "millennial" mentality ... and goes on to make a comparison to Luck's predecessor, Peyton Manning.

"And, the new generation, maybe they're smarter, maybe they don't care as much about the ultimate success, maybe they just get that it's a short-term profession -- get a lot of money and get out."

Trae Young is going to bat for his NBA buddy, Devin Booker ... saying the dude had every right to throw a tantrum in a pickup game Monday -- adding it's insane people were double-teaming him!!!

"DBook speaking facts," Trae said of the Phoenix Suns superstar Wednesday ... "There should be NO Double Teaming in pick up."

Of course, Booker went off on some guys in an open-run sesh earlier this week when he was doubled on the baseline while trying to attack the basket.

"Hey, bro, we not doubling in open gym, bro!" Booker yelled.

Devin caught a ton of heat for the blowup, with people claiming he was being a baby ... but Trae came to his defense on Twitter, saying Booker SHOULDA been pissed.

"When you trying to work on your game, and work on the moves and things you do individually in pick up... it’s annoying getting double teamed in that type of setting."

Trae added, "Just Sayin.. #OnlyAFewUnderstand"

For his part, Booker clearly appreciated the backing ... writing, "Only a few."

Jimmy Garoppolo sucked on the field Monday night ... but Jerry Rice is giving the NFL star his unwavering support ... going to Twitter to defend the QB with a hilarious fail as bad as Jimmy's performance.

The 49ers signal-caller went 1 for 6 with 0 yards and an INT in his first game back since suffering a season-ending ACL injury in Week 3 last season ... resulting in an incredibly bad 0.0 QB rating.

But, don't freak out, fans ... the G.O.A.T. is here to make everything better!!!

"Relax everyone jimmy G . will be fine this year!!! Go miners" the G.O.A.T. tweeted.

Yes. Miners.

Hey, we all know Rice meant well after the team's $137 million man stunk it up, but the fumble on the vote of confidence is hilariously ironic.

As sure as Jimmy G will get to see another game, Rice got another shot at the tweet (which was deleted) ... and got it right the 2nd time around.

Nicki Minaj has answered Shakespeare's famous question, "What's in a name?" And, the answer is marriage.

Nicki just told her 20 million Twitter followers her account name from here on out is Mrs. Petty. As you know, her man is Kenneth Petty and there's been plenty of smoke she either gotten hitched or the nuptials are imminent.

TMZ broke the story ... Nicki and Kenneth hit up the Bev Hills courthouse earlier this month and got a marriage license. Our Nicki sources at the time told us her real name will change to Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty.

We heard rumblings she may have actually tied the knot days after getting the license, but we couldn't confirm that. We knew a bunch of friends flew out to L.A. that same week, but everyone was mum.

Dave Bautista is PISSED -- claiming he was denied entry into a New Mexico movie theater because he arrived a few minutes late ... a violation of the place's strict no late arrival policy.

The "Guardians of the Galaxy" star hit up the Flix Brewhouse in Albuquerque ... a movie theater and brewery all in one. The place also has a policy DENYING entry to ticket holders if they arrive late to their scheduled movie.

Bautista bought tickets to a 3:15 PM showing of "Once Upon a Time In Hollywood" -- but arrived to the theater at 3:30 and was subsequently turned away. Dave claims the feature hadn't started playing when he arrived, they were still showing trailers for other flicks.

Bautista called the place out on social media ... saying, "Worse experience at a novie theater in my life. Yourr manager Tiffany needs some serious help with her people skills. You’re welcome for taking pictures with all your customers while Tiffany was treating me & @OmariHardwick just like 💩 #badbusiness"

The Flix Brewhouse responded to Dave ... saying, "We do try to protect the movie experience for our guests which is why we don't allow late arrivals. We'd welcome the opportunity to chat with you and try to make it right."

Bautista responded again ... "Policies are policies but how about treating people with some sense of courtesy!"

BUT THERE'S A TWIST -- Dave suggested the reason he was late was because he was taking pictures with fans in the lobby who recognized him.

"Maybe you can protect your guests novie experience by not allowing a photo session in your lobby while being turned away for being a minute late from the theater doors closing. I didn’t mind because I like to treat people with courtesy. But that’s just me."

Seems like a pretty valid excuse ... and guess what -- the movie theater agreed!!!

"You’re right, we could have done better. We’d like to make it right now. Is there a way we can follow up directly to do that?"

LeBron James is taking shots at the NCAA's new agent certification criteria ... claiming the organization is directly attacking his partner, Rich Paul, but "nothing will stop this movement."

The NCAA sent out a memo to NBPA certified agents on Monday ... saying any players looking to test the NBA Draft waters must be repped by an NCAA approved agent -- if they want to keep the door open to return to college.

The criteria to become an approved agent ... a bachelor's degree, certification from the players' association for at least 3 years, and pass an in-person exam at NCAA headquarters.

These guidelines will preclude Paul -- who reps Bron, Anthony Davis, Ben Simmons and other huge names -- from repping this group of college players ... 'cause he doesn't have a bachelors degree.

In a memo sent by the NCAA to agents, obtained by the Athletic, the NCAA's reasoning behind the rules is to "protect collegiate eligibility of their athlete clients."

LeBron -- who dubbed the new criteria the "Rich Paul Rule" -- doesn't see it that way ... tweeting "Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop! They BIG MAD and Scared. Nothing will stop this movement and culture over here. Sorry! Not sorry.."

As for Paul's roster of superstar clients ... the new rule will have no effect on their representation.

Neil deGrasse Tyson wants you to know as sad as it is that we lost upwards of 30 people to mass shootings this weekend ... it's nothing compared to other causes of death.

The astrophysicist tweeted out some bizarre information Sunday after the back-to-back mass shootings in Ohio and Texas -- which have claimed 29 lives thus far, and injured dozens more -- basically saying ... mass shootings are a blip on the death spectrum.

He wrote, "In the past 48hrs, the USA horrifically lost 34 people to mass shootings. On average, across any 48hrs, we also lose…500 to Medical errors 300 to the Flu 250 to Suicide 200 to Car Accidents 40 to Homicide via Handgun."

Neil followed up by saying, "Often our emotions respond more to spectacle than to data."

In essence, it seems like Neil is downplaying the significance of mass shootings ... suggesting that while it's horrible they happen, they're not nearly as much an epidemic as some of these other categories. Safe to say, dude's getting torn to shreds online for this.

Many people are calling his tweet callous, cruel and out of touch, especially since the Dayton shooting just happened less than 24 hours ago ... not to mention El Paso.

Others also pointed out that while these freak incidents are regular risks in any country, dying at the hands of a gun is becoming more and more uniquely American, and is not considered to fall within the realm of possibility day-to-day under regular circumstances.

That might be changing in today's America, but for now ... Neil seems to think folks are overreacting.

Spoiler alert ... they're not.

Lil Uzi Vert says people who think he shaded Lil Nas X -- including X himself -- are tripping and just don't understand etiquette on Twitter ... where sending a heart is all that's required.

Allow us to explain -- Lil Nas was trending, again, this week when he shared a screenshot of his DM asking Uzi to collab with him on a "Panini" remix ... but getting no reply. Fans accused Vert of leaving X on read ... a clear sign of disrespect, or at least indifference.

But, Lil Uzi tells us he did reply by sending a heart, which suggests he's interested ... and if Lil Nas X wants to collab, Uzi says he's all for it.

Uzi's kinda got a point for not hitting X back with a longer reply ... Uzi says they've never met. Sounds like that's about to change though.

We also had to ask Uzi about the flashy new (but used) $1.7 million Bugatti he debuted at his blowout birthday bash. He's still flaunting it, but not down to talk price. Umm, spoiler alert? Sorry, Uzi.

Karamo Brown's willing to forgive Mario Lopez for making comments he believes are harmful to transgender youth and their parents ... but he's not fully letting him off the hook yet.

The "Queer Eye" star was outside 'GMA' in NYC Thursday when we asked what he thought about Lopez issuing an apology, in which he admitted his remarks were "ignorant and insensitive."

Karamo tells us that's a good first step, but thinks the TV host needs to further his education on the topic ... and Brown's willing to be his teacher. In fact, he's already sent an open invite to Mario to hit him up.

Karamo's costar, Jonathan Van Ness, has been way more critical of Lopez since the comments he made in a June interview with Candace Owens went viral. Mario said it was "dangerous” for parents to trust their children when they challenge the gender they’re presumed to be at birth.

Jonathan tweeted ... "If you’re not raising a child who is part of the LGBTQ+ community you should really be quiet. You don’t need to understand what you do not know." He also accused Mario of "casual transphobia" and being small-minded, and said his "lack of understanding and need to judge" is what leads to violence against the community.

Dez Bryant is opening up on his struggles with anxiety and depression ... saying he has "no interest in playing football right now" -- but he's NOT ready to retire either.

The WR opened up about his situation after TMZ Sports published a story about Ezekiel Elliott and the Dallas Cowboys being sued over a 2017 car crash.

A fan on Twitter insinuated the timing of the lawsuit is fishy considering Zeke is in the middle of a holdout in hopes of landing a big new contract with the Cowboys ... saying, "I remember something like this back when @DezBryant was tryna get paid."

We think the fan is referring to the 2015 offseason when Dez was trying to get a fat contract of his own ... and multiple off-field incidents involving police from 2011 suddenly came to light in the media.

Dez responded to the fan's tweet ...

"This exactly why I don’t have no interest in playing football right now. I have not reached out to no organization trying to play ... people forget real quick we are still human."

He added, "My anxiety and depression came from this type of stuff ... what I realized nobody care but me."

Bryant eventually landed a 5-year, $70 million deal -- but the Cowboys cut him after the 2017 season, with 2 years left on the contract. He was picked up by the Saints in 2018 but suffered a season-ending injury before ever playing an official down.

Dez has been working out like a maniac ... but it's clear he's not just focusing on getting his body right, he's working on his mind too.

In fact, he posted a follow-up tweet saying, "I’m not retiring bro ... I’m just taking care of myself ... that’s a promise."