Boxer Ryan Garcia Prayed for Fonseca Before KO'ing Him ... Please God, Wake Him Up!!!

THE BEST IS YET TO COME
TMZSports.com

Ryan Garcia says he knew he was going to knock out his opponent on Friday night -- which he did, BTW -- so he sent a little prayer up to the man upstairs on behalf of the guy.

We talked to the lightweight boxing sensation Friday at an after-party following his vicious one-punch, first-round knock out of Francisco Fonseca -- and Ryan tells us point blank ... he knew it would happen, and actually asked God to wake the dude up sooner than later.

ICYMI, it was a spectacular hit, and now Ryan's the talk of the town in boxing. People are calling him a phenom, and also the new poster boy of the sport. You can see why.

Word around the ring is ... Floyd Mayweather's protege, Gervonta 'Tank' Davis, took about 8 rounds or so put down Fonseca not too long ago -- and Ryan did it in a matter of seconds.

Obviously, the chatter about a potential matchup here is in full swing -- but Ryan doesn't wanna rush things, and actually wants to prove himself first with other opponents. Check it out ... he gives a list of names of guys he'd like to see first before Tank.

Spoiler ... sounds like he's confident he can take all of them down, and has a message for Floyd too.

WINNER'S MENTALITY
TMZSports.com

BTW, Ryan had a subtle tribute to the late Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, on his trunks during the Valentine's Day bout -- and he broke it down for us here too.

Turns out, the dude's a big fan of Mamba ... and wanted to make sure he represented his winning mentality as early and often as he possibly could. He certainly did that!

Vegas Police Bartender Wouldn't Serve Our Officers ... We're 'Disgusted'!!!

Two cops walk into a bar, but they're refused service ... this ain't a setup for a joke, it allegedly happened in Vegas ... and now police are PISSED!!!

Here's the deal ... two Las Vegas Metro Police Department graveyard patrol officers say they were refused service from the bartender at The Lodge Cactus in Enterprise, NV when they stopped by Thursday for a bite on duty.

The officers say the bartender started shaking his head "no" as soon as they approached the counter, and motioned his fingers across his neck as if to say, "stop." The officers say they asked to take a seat and order some food, but claim the bartender told them, "We don't serve you guys here any more."

At first, the cops say they thought the bartender was joking ... but when they realized it was for real, they left the establishment without further incident.

Las Vegas Police Protective Association President Steve Grammas tells TMZ ... they are "disgusted" this happened, but believe restaurant management supports law enforcement and they're actively talking with ownership to resolve the issue.

The Lodge tells us folks from the corporate office came to the restaurant Friday, grabbed surveillance video and interviewed the bartender.

LVMPD also tells us ... it's a private restaurant and they can refuse service to who they want.

We're told the police department's been in touch with the restaurant, and they regret the incident, telling the cops the actions of one employee doesn't define the establishment and the bartender has been placed on indefinite suspension, which could become permanent.

Harriet Tubman Bank Prez Stands by Debit Card Design 'We Are Unapologetically Black'

UPDATE

1:45 PM PT -- OneUnited Bank prez and chief operating officer Teri Williams is doubling down and standing firm behind the Harriet Tubman debit card. She tells TMZ the bank is "unapologetically black." What's more ... Williams says the debit card design had been in the works since 2016.

UPDATE
ALL ABOUT LOVE
TMZ.com

Harriet Tubman's image on a debit card would stir plenty of debate -- but Harriet Tubman doing the "Wakanda Forever" pose on that card is really pissing off a lot of people.

OneUnited Bank -- which says it's America's largest black-owned bank -- announced the limited edition card Thursday ... in honor of Black History Month. The image on the card shows Harriet making fists, with her arms crossed over her chest.

It's the pose that was popularized in the movie, "Black Panther" a couple years ago. Y'know ... the gesture of solidarity for all citizens of the fictional African nation of Wakanda.

Despite the fact OneUnited is black-owned, the bank got dragged online, almost immediately after announcing the card. Most of the hate ripped the bank for making a buck off Tubman's image and pandering to black customers.

There's just one problem with all the outrage -- Harriet's NOT shouting out King T'Challa on the card. Not according to OneUnited Bank ... which says the gesture is American Sign Language for love.

They ain't lying ... that is ASL for love, although that fact is probably lost on millions of Marvel movie fans. Of course, that doesn't address the "cashing in" criticism.

MISLEADIN' SIGNS
TMZ.com

We got "Dear White People" actor Obba Babatunde to weigh in on the issue, and his take is interesting. He tells us it very much seems like good intentions, but in this day and age ... it's easy for the message to misconstrued.

Originally Published -- 7:15 AM PT

Wendy's Kitchen Sink Bath Kids Fired ... Took 'Fresh' Slogan Way Too Far!!!

CLEAN UP CREW
TikTok

A Michigan Wendy's employee is out of a job after "power" soaking in a kitchen sink full of suds ... and so are his coworkers who helped post video of the bath on TikTok.

Several workers of the Greenville Wendy's location have been canned  ... after a young male who, at the very least is shirtless, was bathing in the fast-food joint's sink while yukking it up with other employees.

He certainly looks "fresh, never frozen" ... but ya gotta think that's not what Wendy's corporate had in mind with the slogan.

According to the franchise owner of the location ... the restaurant has been cleaned and inspected since the video was posted on social media earlier this week and racked up tens of thousands of views.

The Wendy's store says ... "This egregious behavior is completely unacceptable and counter to our safety, training and operational standards. Upon learning of this situation, all employees in the video were terminated immediately and the restaurant has been completely sanitized. The health department visited the restaurant today and no violations were reported."

No word on how many times Dave Thomas spun in his grave.

Delta CEO If The Passenger Behind You Declines ... Then Don't Recline

ASK FIRST, THEN RECLINE
CNBC

Well, this is pretty shocking ... the head honcho at Delta seems to think the woman on the American Airlines flight who reclined her seat -- only to have the passenger behind her treat her seatback like a punching bag -- was out of line.

Delta CEO Ed Bastian appeared on CNBC's "Squawk Box" Friday, said it's an etiquette issue ... if a passenger knows a tall person is sitting behind them, they should ask permission before they recline. Presumably, that means if the person declines then the passenger can't recline.

That certainly isn't the way our users feel -- by a 2-1 margin they support the woman on an AA jet who put her seat all the way back, only to have the dude behind her attack the seat like a boxer in training.

PUNCHY PASSENGER
CatersNews.com

Of course, the counterargument to what Bastian believes is that the airline configures the plane, so it should design it so people can recline without interfering with the person behind them. If that's not the case, it's on the airline.

President Trump Most Voters Don't Care Buttigieg is Gay ... And That Includes Me!!!

I THINK AMERICA'S READY
Geraldo In Cleveland

President Trump is NOT taking homophobic potshots at Pete Buttigieg -- instead, he's saying the Democratic candidate's sexual preference won't be a factor ... for most Americans, anyway.

The door was opened wide for POTUS to make a wisecrack about Buttigieg when he was a guest Thursday on Geraldo Rivera's iHeart radio show. Geraldo asked, "Would Americans vote for a gay man to be President?"

Trump quickly said, "I think so." He went even further down the high road when he acknowledged it would be an issue for some voters, but added ... "I wouldn't be among that group to be honest with you."

Let's keep it real ... most Democratic supporters have been waiting for, and even expecting, Trump to weaponize Buttigieg's sexuality. Well, no dice. Prime example of the Prez zigging when everyone thought he'd zag.

Of course, the same can't be said for the man he honored with the Medal of Freedom ... Rush Limbaugh. When the Buttigieg subject came up on his show Wednesday, Limbaugh went on a disgustingly homophobic rant about Trump and Buttigieg appearing on a debate stage together.

MR. MAN'S WATCHING
The Rush Limbaugh Show

He said, "Okay, how's this going to look, 37-year-old gay guy kissing his husband on stage next to Mr. Man Donald Trump? What's going to happen there?"

Limbaugh even added, "Can you see Trump have fun with that?" Clearly, he expected the President to follow in his homophobic footsteps.

Hmmm, Rush Limbaugh wrong??? Go figure.

Michael Lohan's Estranged Wife Kate Major Busted for DWI ... Allegedly Led to His Arrest

Michael Lohan's estranged wife, Kate Major, was arrested for DWI a day before Mike got busted for allegedly hurting her -- and one incident allegedly caused the other.

TMZ has learned Kate was arrested and booked for driving while intoxicated on Sunday out in the Hamptons. According to law enforcement, troopers got a complaint of reckless driving, and when they stopped Kate and interviewed her ... they suspected she'd been boozing.

We're told the officers detected an odor of alcohol on Kate's breath, and they claim she ended up blowing a 0.24 BAC. That's really high.

Our sources say Kate was taken in, booked for DWI and given a court date later this month.

Now, the timing here is interesting ... because about 24 hours later, Michael was also arrested. He was booked for allegedly choking Kate. The actual charges were criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation and harassment. Kate told police Michael had attacked her.

He denied it and elaborated ... telling TMZ, Kate actually called cops and made up this lie to get back at him for snitching on her to cops. Michael claims, as he first told DailyMail, he actually called the police Sunday because he suspected Kate was drinking and driving.

Cut to Monday ... Michael says he showed up to his lawyer's office Monday -- to discuss Kate's arrest -- but instead, cops showed up and placed him under arrest.

Apparently, the plan was for Kate to check in with their lawyer after being released and get herself into rehab. Obviously, things took a left turn --  and now, Mike's got his own case to deal with. He says he's gonna present evidence to the DA and judge to clear his name.

BTW, if you were wondering ... yes, Michael and Kate are still technically married. Despite many, many bumps in the road along the way. Do we have to list them?

Jessica Simpson Protests Demand Extra Security On Her 'Open Book' Tour

Jessica Simpson will have extra venue security going forward on her book tour ... thanks to a bevy of anti-fur protesters who seem to be following her every move.

The "Open Book" author's already had events in NYC and L.A. interrupted by angry animal rights activists storming in and yelling. So, the upcoming venues on her tour are on notice ... and we're told they are being proactive about it.

ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER PROTEST
TMZ.com

At least 2 people who run venues Simpson will visit this week tell TMZ ... security will be beefed up in various ways in an attempt to keep protesters from striking again.

At one of the locations ... all guests entering will be subject to a search, in which security will be checking for all the normal red flags like weapons ... but will also be on the lookout for protest materials like signage or noisemakers.

We're told, as an added safety measure, all guests will have to have purchased a ticket and a copy of Jessica's book to be allowed entry.

We broke the story ... Simpson was being interviewed by Katherine Schwarzenegger at the Aratani Theatre in L.A. Monday night when anti-fur peeps popped in and made a scene, but Jessica laughed it off as they were escorted out.

STOP WEARING FUR
TheImageDirect.com

Of course, just days earlier in New York ... Simpson's book signing at a Barnes & Noble was disrupted by protesters, and she got accosted by a couple more hours later as she was leaving a restaurant.

Jessica's worn fur in the past, but it's unclear if she still does or why the activists are so hellbent on making her the focus of their scorn and ridicule. One thing's for sure though ... she's not alone.

Blac Chyna I'm Pregnant ... Wait, Just Kidding!!!

Blac Chyna was quick to post and delete a pregnancy announcement with a photo of an ultrasound that appears to have been stolen from another expecting mama.

Here's the deal ... Blac Chyna seemingly shared some happy news with fans Tuesday on social media, posting an image of an ultrasound with the caption, "Blessed 2020."

Folks started going nuts ... wondering if she really was pregnant and who the father of the new kiddo is because the news came out of the blue. Chyna deleted the announcement just minutes after posting.

However, we did some digging, and a well-known Russian makeup artist posted the exact same photo 3 hours prior to Chyna's post announcing her OWN pregnancy.

We have reached out to Chyna's reps to try and get to the bottom of her post and figure out if she's actually pregnant ... but they're radio silent.

As you know ... BC was at the Oscars over the weekend, but it didn't look like she had a baby bump.

Of course, Chyna's Oscars appearance was not without controversy ... as we reported, folks were questioning why she was there in the first place, and BC said the hate was a clear example of racism.

Blac Chyna's already got one daughter with Rob Kardashian, 3-year-old Dream, and one son with Tyga, 7-year-old King Cairo.

Kim Kardashian says she doesn't want any more kids because she can't give them enough attention ... but seems Blac Chyna just wants some attention for herself.

Jamie Lynn Spears' Baby Daddy Busted in Mississippi ... Tried Making Off w/ Rifles, Cops Say

UPDATE

9:24 AM PT -- TMZ has obtained the criminal affidavit for Jamie Lynn Spears' baby daddy, Casey Aldridge, and according to the police ... the guy broke into a campsite belonging to a private citizen with the intent of illegally taking rifles. Yes, those types of rifles ... as in guns.

UPDATE

The cops say Casey tried stealing two rifles total -- no word on what type of rifles specifically though. He's being charged with felony burglary-breaking and entering of a commercial building. If convicted, he faces up to 7 years behind bars.

Jamie Lynn Spears' baby daddy got arrested for burglary after police say he was linked to a rash of thefts.

Cops in Mississippi busted Casey Aldridge back on Dec. 30, and he's now been charged with 5 counts of burglary of a storage house and one count of burglary of a dwelling.

Police say Casey was arrested after he was linked to the burglaries of several campsites in the areas surrounding Gloster, MS.

As you know ... Casey and Britney Spears' younger sister have one daughter together, 11-year-old Maddie.

Jamie Lynn was only 16 when she got pregnant way back in 2007. Casey was 18 at the time, and they were briefly engaged before breaking things off.

TMZ broke the story ... Casey was also arrested for drug possession last February when cops say they found him passed out behind the wheel of a vehicle.

While Casey's been on a tough streak, Jamie's the exact opposite. She's now married to Jamie Watson, and in 2018 they had a little girl, Ivey Joan, together.

Originally Published -- 2/10 12:50 PM PT

Jessica Simpson Laughs Off Animal Rights Protesters ... Her New Normal

ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER PROTEST
TMZ.com

Jessica Simpson was confronted by animal rights protesters who crashed her book signing Monday night -- and she came off as pretty patronizing.

The singer was on stage with Katherine Schwarzenegger at the Aratani Theatre in L.A., where she was talking about her new memoir, "Open Book," when a swarm of PETA peeps jumped up from out in the crowd with signs and chants against wearing fur.

It looks like they were escorted out by security, but check out the way JS responded to all the noise ... she says it's beautiful they stand up for what they believe in, but does so in a sarcastic tone. It comes off as pretty condescending.

STOP WEARING FUR
TheImageDirect.com

Jessica actually tells Katherine she's used to this by now, and she's absolutely right. We know of at least two other anti-fur confrontations she's had as of late ... on the same day.

FUR IS DEAD
TheImageDirect.com

There was a large protest at a Barnes & Noble in NYC where Jessica was doing a book signing, and later as she was leaving a restaurant -- confronted yet again. She never engaged with them about a week ago when this all went down -- but now, she is.

Jessica's known for having worn fur in the past -- it's unclear if she still does, or what the anti-fur folks seek to gain at this point. If it's awareness, they're winning there.

Aerosmith Joey Kramer Gets a 2nd Shot!!! ... Plays w/ Band in Vegas

UPDATE

6:27 AM PT -- 2/11 -- Joey played with the boys Monday night, and he sounded really good. No word on whether he's back for good.

UPDATE

Aerosmith is ready to bring their original drummer back into the fold -- Joey Kramer's set to take the stage with his bandmates, and even crazier ... NO AUDITION NECESSARY!

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Joey's being brought on to play drums Monday night with Steven Tyler, Joe Perry and the rest of the fellas for a performance at the Park Theater in Vegas, which is where their residency shows are currently being held.

We're told the band didn't wanna jerk Joey around -- they're bringing him back without holding another audition, and it's because they feel he's probably up to snuff and in good health again. Plus, our sources tell us it's an act of good faith between old pals.

THANKS JOEY, NOW TAKE A SEAT

You'll recall ... things were getting pretty ugly between Joey and the guys just a few short weeks ago ahead of their Grammys performance, which Joey was fighting tooth and nail to be a part of -- even taking the issue to court in a last-ditch effort, but was unsuccessful.

NO ENTRY
TMZ.com

Hell, they even turned him away at the door when Joey showed up unannounced for a rehearsal ... so yeah, the tension's been high between these guys.

Part of the reason Aerosmith didn't feel comfortable reuniting ... Joey hadn't played in at least 6 months, and they didn't wanna risk a shaky gig with a guy who was rusty/lacked energy. They put him through the wringer with a live audition but felt he wasn't ready.

Now, it seems they've had a change of heart and are prepared to embrace an OG. Should make for a great show ... stay tuned.

Originally Published -- 2/10 3:58 PM PT

Lori Loughlin Olivia Jade's Fake Rowing Resume ... Good Enough for USC, But Who Wrote It???

Lori Loughlin and Mossimo Giannulli's youngest daughter has quite the list of accomplishments in rowing -- at least her resume made it seem that way to USC.

Federal prosecutors released some of the documents Olivia Jade submitted to USC, allegedly to make it seem like she wanted a coveted spot on its crew team ... and it's packed with a list of events and some impressive finishes. Remember, Olivia never really competitively rowed a day in her life.

However, according to the docs, from 2014 to 2017 ... Olivia earned 2 gold medals, 2 silvers and 2 bronzes as a coxswain for her high school team. She didn't do so well in the prestigious Head of Charles race in Boston, though. In 2016, her team came in 11th, and the next year they came in 14th.

BTW, the resume was clearly drawn up by someone who doesn't have deep crew knowledge. It's missing key stats about Olivia's participation, and while her high school really did compete in these events ... the finishes don't match the real results.

The resume also suggests Olivia could be a very successful coxswain in one of USC's 4 boats. Interestingly, she points out her older sister, Isabella, is already on the school's roster as coxswain for boat #4. The resume ends by boasting Olivia is "highly talented and has been successful in both men's and women's boats."

The feds are obviously including the resume as an exhibit to show how extensively they believe the Giannullis lied and plotted to get their daughters into USC. Prosecutors say USC associate athletic director Donna Heinel submitted Olivia's rowing resume to the athletics sub-committee without referencing any donations her parents made to the university.

The feds claim this shows USC, with the exception of Heinel, was defrauded.

Lori and Mossimo's lawyers have long maintained they only submitted materials that Rick Singer asked them to, and had no knowledge of anyone being bribed at the university. In fact, the feds don't even say who created the phony resume -- and if it were someone on Singer's team, the document would seem to strengthen the Giannullis' case.

The Bounce-Back Stripper Falls Off Two-Story, 15-Ft Pole Gets Up, Keeps Twerking!!!

UPDATE

6:22 PM PT -- Genea just shared an update from her hospital bed, saying her jaw is wired shut after a successful surgery.

UPDATE

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

A stripper in Texas proved she's got nerves of steel and fantastic muscle memory ... hopping right back into a twerking routine after taking a 15-foot fall off a pole.

The gal's name is Genea Sky, and she seriously injured herself this weekend at a gentlemen's club in the Lone Star State -- where she was performing onstage and hiked up a super tall pole that some people say reached the two-story mark ... only to go tumbling down.

THE HORRIFIC FALL

Genea ends up falling on her face from that high up, but what's even crazier ... she almost immediately bounces right back up and starts twerking from all fours. What a pro!!!

In all seriousness, though, it was a nasty fall. And, it sounds like the dancer took some lumps as a result -- Genea later took to social media to announce she'd fractured her jaw, cracked some of her teeth, sprained her ankle ... and needed stitches, plus surgery.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Now, a ton of people have made jokes about the video -- which as since gone viral. Even 50 Cent has weighed in, jokingly saying she must've died and that the nerves are what made her shake afterward. That said, Genea notes there's nothing funny about her predicament.

In fact, one of her good friends even went so far as to create a GoFundMe for Genea to help cover her medical expenses. So far, it's already racked up over $13k out of a $20k goal.

No word on where exactly this took place, but one thing you gotta wonder about in this case ... is she eligible for worker's comp? Do strip clubs have medical?? Hmmm ... 🤔

Originally published -- 6:32 AM PT

Joe Biden Calls Voter 'Lying, Dog-Faced' ... Credits John Wayne Movie

Joe Biden called a young female voter a "lying, dog-faced pony soldier" -- a line he's used before and has credited to a John Wayne movie ... which may or may not be accurate.

Biden was campaigning in New Hampshire Sunday, and while at a town hall event where he fielded questions from the crowd, one gal got on the mic and asked something pretty profound ... with his poor performance in Iowa, why should Joe be considered a top dog.

It was a great question from a prospective Biden voter, and right away ... Joe jokingly insulted her by suggesting she was lying. Check out the video, Biden asks the girl if she's ever caucused before. She says yes, but he calls her a liar with the alleged John Wayne line.

We should note ... it doesn't seem Biden was being serious. He said it jokingly and it came off as good-natured. BUT, folks were quick to point out ... it sounded somewhat inappropriate.

What's even crazier is that Joe has used this line before, and explained it in an interview as a line ol' JW used in a movie he saw once. Problem is ... nobody can pinpoint that flick.

It might be because the line Joe thinks was in the unnamed Wayne movie is probably actually from a 1952 Tyrone Power film called "Pony Soldier," which uses that phrase throughout. The whole movie's on YouTube, but we couldn't find this exact pony remark, if you will.

In any case, hopefully voters know -- Uncle Joe meant no harm. We think ...

Snoop Dogg I Wasn't Threatening Gayle ... Over That Kobe Interview

Snoop Dogg says he was NOT threatening CBS anchor Gayle King over her Kobe Bryant interview -- but the record shows he did make a somewhat threatening comment.

The rapper took to IG Saturday to clarify a video he posted a few days ago criticizing Gayle for an interview she did with WNBA player Lisa Leslie. Snoop made what many perceived as threats against her, but now ... he claims he didn't and means her no harm.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Snoop says he's a non-violent person and was raised better than that. He insists he was only speaking on behalf of people who felt disrespected by Gayle's interview and was only going from the heart. Snoop says all he wanted to do was point out she was out of line.

What's interesting is that he claims he never threatened her -- and only told her Kobe's fans were "watching" her -- but his own words seem to contradict him here.

What Snoop said verbatim ... "Funky dog head bitch. How dare you try to tarnish my motherf***in' home boy's reputation, punk motherf***er. Respect the family and back off, bitch. Before we come get you." This came after a tirade against Gayle coming after black men, but not being as enthusiastic to grill people about Harvey Weinstein (in Snoop's eyes).

Maybe he was speaking figuratively, but the fact is ... "come get you" can be seen as a threat, even if it isn't meant seriously. Regardless, the criticism appears to have opened the floodgates for others who've allegedly made death threats against Gayle.

Gayle herself came out and said the clip was taken out of context from a much longer and wide-ranging interview, and that she felt CBS had screwed her by releasing a clip showing just that part where she pressed Lisa about the rape claim against Kobe.

TAKEN OUT OF CONTEXT

While Gayle feels the clip was unfairly represented, it doesn't take away from the fact she did push Lisa about that topic -- and felt it was, in fact, appropriate to do so in the moment.

Either way, it sounds like Snoop wants anyone who might've jumped on his bandwagon to stand down and relax. Hear that, everybody?

Old news is old news!
Be First!

Get TMZ breaking news sent right to your browser!