You Might Want to Rethink

Ever wanted to stuff your face with a burger filled with cotton candy and Cracker Jacks!?!?

Us neither ... but a South Carolina minor league baseball team is giving you the opportunity to do it anyway -- and it looks as gross as it sounds!!!

(COUNTERPOINT: The person editing this post -- a proud junk food-aholic -- disagrees and thinks the burger looks BOMB AS HELL!! Put it in my faaaaaaace!!!!!).

Here's the deal ... the Charleston RiverDogs have been doing some awesome things during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering food for their community while also providing meals for the needy.

This week, in an effort to spice up their takeout menu at the ballpark ... they concocted a hamburger nobody was asking for -- and they seem proud as hell of it.

The burger features a bun, special sauce, an Angus beef patty, a rich slathering of cotton candy ... and it's all topped off with some flavored Cracker Jacks.

Yeah, ew.

(COUNTERPOINT: Inject this straight into my veins!!!!!)

If that somehow intrigues you ... the team says it'll only cost ya $12.99 -- and hey, it even comes with truffle fries!!!

We'll pass on that one ... but if you don't -- get the dentist appointment ready STAT!!!

George Floyd's name could be worth a lot of money in the entertainment business ... and now one man is looking to lock up the rights to his name for movies and TV shows.

According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, a man named Munemo Mushonga filed a trademark application to use the name George Floyd in the "production and distribution of television shows and movies."

It seems Mushonga is looking to capitalize on the Black Lives Matter movement that sprouted up in the wake of Floyd's killing, because he has no known connection to George's family and wouldn't tell us his grand plans.

Mushonga was mum when we asked him what he hoped to gain from the trademark, if approved, and refused to divulge why he filed the application or the inspiration behind it.

The guy could be facing an uphill battle in his quest to lock up the rights to George Floyd's name ... the United States Patent and Trademark Office generally doesn't allow trademarks for people's names unless certain conditions are met, such as getting the consent of the person, the name being very unique, or the name being part of a unique and widely recognized brand.

NASCAR truck series driver Ray Ciccarelli -- who has 0 career wins in the series -- is QUITTING over the organization's new Confederate flag ban ... saying it's all a bunch of "political BS."

The 50-year-old -- who joined NASCAR's Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series in 2017 -- teed off on the ban on his Facebook page Wednesday night ... announcing his plan to leave over the matter.

"Well its been a fun ride and dream come true but if this is the direction NASCAR is headed we will not participate after 2020 season is over," Ciccarelli's post read.

"I don't believe in kneeling during Anthem nor taken ppl right to fly what ever flag they love."

Ciccarelli insists he "could care less" about the Confederate flag, but claims he's standing up for the people who take pride in it. Ciccarelli believes love of the flag alone doesn't make someone racist.

"All you are doing is f***ing one group to cater to another and i ain't spend the money we are to participate in any political BS!!"

"So everything is for SALE!!"

Of course, NASCAR banned the confederate flag Wednesday -- after Bubba Wallace spoke out about the issue.

Wallace -- the only black driver at NASCAR's highest level -- pointed out the Confederate flag is offensive to black people and shouldn't be welcomed at NASCAR.

Confederacy President Jefferson Davis just suffered his second biggest defeat ... a statue honoring him in the former Confederate capital is no longer standing.

A crowd cheered as the Davis statue was toppled late Wednesday night, and left it in the middle of an intersection -- continuing a trend that started last weekend of protesters taking matters into their own hands when it comes to problematic historical figures.

The Davis statue -- which stood in the former Confederate capital since 1907 -- was eventually picked up by a flatbed tow truck as protesters chanted "F**k that statue!"

Even that was a classier send off than Christopher Columbus got. As we reported, 2 of his monuments were beheaded this week -- one of which got dumped in a lake -- and in the UK, slave trader Edward Colton's statue was tossed into a river. All of this is the result of worldwide protests of the killing of George Floyd.

Ol' Prez Davis could be the first domino to fall in Richmond which also has statues honoring Generals Robert E. Lee and "Stonewall" Jackson.

Fun Fact: tennis great Arthur Ashe also has a statue on Richmond's Monument Avenue. Pretty sure that one will be alright.

Tony Hawk is proudly showing off the wild x-rays from his most recent skateboarding accident ... saying docs had to cut his wedding ring off in order to put his fingers back in place.

Of course, the GOAT revealed he dislocated his fingers in a nasty accident over the weekend ... when he was skating with his son and some friends at an empty backyard pool.

"The session was fun until I did a backside smith stall as a set up for a backside blunt, and suddenly found myself on the flat bottom with my fingers bending in new directions," Hawk said at the time.

Hawk was rushed to the hospital to get his fingers locked back into place ... and luckily, he's gonna make a full recovery.

Now, the 52-year-old has some new souvenirs in the x-rays following the debacle ... and the way he describes what the docs had to do is CRINGE.

"They had to cut my ring off before returning my bones to their full upright and locked position. My fingers are still sore / stiff / swollen but mostly functional."

But, if you think this is gonna stop Hawk from skating again ... you're DEAD wrong.

A journalist covering the George Floyd protests in Minneapolis is suing the city and its police chief, claiming cops left her permanently blind in one eye ... courtesy of rubber bullets.

In the lawsuit, journalist Linda Tirado claims cops ignored her press credential and targeted her with a ballistic tracking round ... before firing foam bullets at her face.

In docs, obtained by TMZ, Tirado says she was covering the protests on May 29 -- the first night the city implemented a curfew -- and was left with blood dripping down her face as she repeatedly cried "I'm press." She claims officers ignored her and it was protesters who got her to a medic who transported her to the hospital.

Tirado claims by the time she got to the hospital her left eye was permanently destroyed. She says doctors told her "in connection with her injury, she now has a flat aspect and no depth perception.”

The mother of 2 also says the injury will have long-term effects on her children. She says her oldest is 9 years old and is autistic and "will need therapy to work through her trauma associated with her mother’s injury." Tirado also says her youngest, 7, may also need therapy.

Lisa Vanderpump's signature L.A. eatery is boarded up and now covered in spray painting that seems perfectly timed ... now that Bravo's fired 4 "Vanderpump Rules" cast members over racist behavior.

Check out these photos of Lisa's PUMP restaurant in West Hollywood -- where a lot of her fellow cast members work and mingle on her reality show. As you can see, it's been heavily tagged with Black Lives Matter.

It's some of the best-timed graffiti ... considering Stassi Schroeder, Kristen Doute, Max Boyens and Brett Caprioni were just canned by Bravo this week over resurfaced comments and acts that reeked of racism.

It appears the tagging, and boarding up, happened before the news came down Tuesday about the 4 cast members getting fired. BLM graffiti's been popping up all over L.A. during the George Floyd protests.

Of course, LV did NOT fire Max or Brett after learning of their old, bad tweets -- some of which used the n-word multiple times. During last week's reunion show, she basically forgave them, saying everyone's made mistakes ... and that if she fired everyone who'd screwed up, no one would be working.

A few days later, Bravo stepped in and yanked the 4 cast members, anyway.

A top cop in the Tulsa Police Department brazenly says his boys in blue aren't firing on African-Americans as much as they should ... something he says he's basing on crime data.

Major Travis Yates made the shocking statement during a podcast he was on, discussing George Floyd police brutality protests. Leading up to his controversial statement, he was talking about how black people -- at least in his jurisdiction -- appear to commit more crimes, so their run-ins with law enforcement increase.

Yates' interpretation of those numbers is, "All of the research says we’re shooting African-Americans about 24 percent less than we probably ought to be, based on the crimes being committed."

Yes, he knew this was being recorded and aired.

During the Monday podcast, Yates also claimed studies from Harvard economist Roland Fryer and research from the National Academy of Sciences will back him up.

He went on to say that the protests and riots that have followed the death of George Floyd were not achieving the justice they claim to be after, saying ... "Justice at this point has been done. Well, then it turned into systematic racism, systematic police brutality."

Now, obviously the guy is getting tons of criticism for the remarks -- but he defended himself by saying the notion cops should be shooting black people more than they're already doing is outrageous and not at all what he meant. He claims his words are being taken out of context.

A Wisconsin gym is catching major heat over posting a workout titled "I Can't Breathe" ... and now, the fitness center's owner tells TMZ Sports she's "deeply" sorry for the offensive sign.

Here's the deal ... Jen Dunnington, co-owner of Anytime Fitness in Wauwatosa, WI, says one of her trainers attempted to "honor" George Floyd by posting a workout for members this week.

She says the group of exercises was meant to "be a workout so hard that we felt what he felt" ... but when people in the community viewed the whiteboard for the workout, it was immediately hit with backlash.

Hundreds of people commented on the sign -- which featured the words "I Can't Breathe" and "don't you dare lay down" with a drawing of a kneeling person -- calling it inappropriate and appalling.

Dunnington tells us she regrets the sign's verbiage, saying, "I deeply apologize."

"I was not aware of the signage that it was posted in that way," she said. "I didn't read it in that way, but I do definitely apologize that those words were on there."

Dunnington -- who posted a video apology to the gym's social media page but deleted it shortly after -- insists she and the gym did not mean to offend anybody by the workout.

In fact, Dunnington says the "I Can't Breathe" line was meant to be a motivator ... calling the line a rallying cry used by protestors all over the country.

As for the "lay down" line ... Dunnington added, "I apologize that it said that, the line on there should not have been on there."

For corporate Anytime Fitness' part, it released a statement prior to Dunnington's gym's workout ... saying, in part, "We are committed to listening and learning, so that we can take action that helps our communities heal and grow in real and meaningful ways."

The woman who slapped the crap outta Phoenix "Karen" was scared she'd get the short end of the stick if cops got involved, which made her reluctant to speak out ... until the video went viral.

Karina Rodriguez tells TMZ ... she considered contacting police after her weekend altercation with "Karen" at the gas station, but decided not to because she feared cops might racially profile her, and blame her for the run-in.

She says she didn't want it to be her story of what happened against the word of a white woman, so she decided to let it go.

Karina tells us she was also hesitant to go public after getting word that "Karen" -- real name Tamara Harrian -- has a lawyer husband. However, he's already said he's actually on Karina's side.

Fortunately for Rodriguez, video of the incident -- shot by Greg Conn, another customer -- has gone everywhere, and makes it clear who was in the wrong.

Greg tells us he and Karina spoke after the incident, and she messaged him on Facebook to thank him for posting the video. He says she told him the outpouring of support made her feel comfortable to speak out.

As for why Tamara didn't call the cops -- Greg says the attendant Tamara originally yelled at before arguing with Karina, followed her outside and calmed her down. Then, she just left.

Joe Exotic says the prison he's in is shutting him off from the outside world, but officials there say it was nothing personal -- the whole facility was on pause for a bit.

A rep for the Bureau of Prisons -- the federal agency overseeing Joe's new home in Fort Worth, TX -- tells TMZ ... all of their prison institutions went on a national lockdown last week in response to protests and riots breaking out.

While they were on lockdown, BOP says inmates temporarily had limited access to phones and email -- but as of Monday, lockdown's been lifted and everything's pretty much the same as it was before.

In regards to letters Joe claims he hasn't received -- implying prison guards are keeping them from him, including potential mail from his hubby, Dillon -- BOP flat-out denies that. We're told even during lockdown, snail mail was being delivered to inmates like usual.

As we reported ... Joe said Dillon had gone ice cold on him in terms of communication, but Dillon says he'd been sending letters, and is dismayed to hear Joe's not getting them.

Now, BOP refused to comment on Joe's specific living or medical conditions -- which he described as hellish -- for safety and privacy reasons.

The white man who disgustingly imitated George Floyd's homicide in front of Black Lives Matter protesters is a FedEx employee, and the stunt could cost him his job.

Our sources tell us James DeMarco is one of the men seen in video mocking Floyd's death Monday as protesters marched past him in Franklin Township, NJ ... and he's been suspended from work pending a company investigation.

Honchos at FedEx tell TMZ ... "The behavior depicted in the video, which involved a FedEx employee, is appalling and offensive. The employee in question was immediately removed from all FedEx work duties while our investigation is concluded and all internal procedures are followed."

The shipping giant adds ... "A diverse and inclusive workforce is at the heart of our business, and we stand with those who support justice and equality."

As you can see, the peaceful protesters were flanked by police as they marched past a group of men mocking Floyd's death in front of Trump flags, American flags, a "Thin Blue Line" flag and an "All Lives Matter" sign. The group, which included one man kneeling on another's neck, shouted at protesters.

The footage drew tons of heat on social media and a rebuke from the town's mayor and police chief, who said they were "appalled and saddened by the revolting actions of certain individuals."

One of DeMarco's pals, also in the video, was identified as a South Jersey corrections officer, and the NJ Department of Corrections says he's been benched pending an investigation.

Crossfit CEO Greg Glassman reportedly told his staff "we're not mourning George Floyd" in the wake of the 46-year-old's tragic death ... this according to Buzzfeed, which says it has the audio proof.

Glassman -- the man credited for creating the super-popular CrossFit fitness routine -- made the comments while on a Zoom call Saturday with employees and affiliate gym owners, according to BuzzFeed

Glassman was reportedly asked about CrossFit's radio silence on the issues raised by Floyd's death -- and his response is shocking.

"Can you tell me why I should mourn for him?" Glassman allegedly said on the call. "Other than that it’s the white thing to do -- other than that, give me another reason."

The call reportedly lasted for over an hour ... with Glassman allegedly repeatedly bashing "Black Lives Matter" protesters, spewing wild conspiracy theories and slamming COVID-19 lockdowns.

"We're not mourning for George Floyd," Glassman reportedly said. "I don't think me or any of my staff are."

In fact, one of the participants allegedly on the call told Buzzfeed, "it turned into a sh*t show, really, where the guy is just -- conspiracy theory after conspiracy theory."

As we previously reported ... Reebok and several of the nation's biggest CrossFit affiliate gyms vowed to sever ties with the fitness org. over the weekend because of Glassman.

The CrossFit founder posted an insensitive tweet about George Floyd on Saturday evening -- purportedly hours after the Zoom call -- which caused tremendous backlash.

Glassman eventually apologized late Sunday for the tweet, saying, in part, "My heart is deeply saddened by the pain it has caused. It was a mistake, not racist but a mistake."

Bubba Wallace -- the only black driver at NASCAR's highest level -- is calling for an official ban on confederate flags at race tracks ... saying there's just no place for them in the sport anymore.

"No one should feel uncomfortable when they come to a NASCAR race," Wallace said. "So it starts with confederate flags. Get them out of here."

The 26-year-old told CNN on Monday he's going to have conversations with NASCAR officials soon, to lay down a plan to permanently remove the flags from the sport.

As for why ... while the flag represents southern pride and roots for some -- for others, according to the Anti-Defamation League, it's been used as a symbol of slavery and white supremacy.

Still don't get it?? WWE legend Stone Cold Steve Austin recently spelled it out for someone defending the flag on social media.

"That's nice and all but if I recall, it don't matter what it means to you because to African Americans everywhere it's a symbol of oppression hatred and inequality so your little 'heritage not hate' story don't mean sh*t because your stupid little 'heritage' was built on the backs of slaves and identifying with that kinda sorta definitely makes you trash in the Texas Rattlesnake's eyes. So you can continue to spew your bullish*t but just know that none of us care ya dumb sumbitch and that's the bottom line."

Bubba says he never had an issue with the flags until recently ... but now says after he's done his homework -- it's clear to him NASCAR needs to officially rid itself of the flags.

"Diving more into it and educating myself, people feel uncomfortable with that," Wallace said. "People talk about that. That's the first thing they bring up."

"So there's going to be a lot of angry people that carry those flags proudly, but it's time for change. We have to change that. And I encourage NASCAR -- and we will have those conversations -- to remove those flags."

NASCAR has made efforts to crack down on the flags in the past ... recently they've invoked a trade-in program at tracks, agreeing to swap an American flag for a confederate one.

But, the flags are still prevalent at almost all stops on the race circuit ... and Bubba is clearly ready for that to end.

"There should be no individual that is uncomfortable showing up to our events to have a good time with their family that feels some type of way about something that they have seen -- an object that they have seen flying."

The husband of the Phoenix "Karen" -- who went viral for making a racist comment to a woman, and getting a slap in return -- is explaining his wife's behavior and offering a tearful apology.

Bob Harrian appealed directly to Karina Rodriguez -- the woman who slapped his wife, Tamara, in the gas station altercation -- during an interview with FOX10, saying, "I'm just so sorry that this happened. You never walked into that store thinking something like this was going to happen. I understand, and I'm sorry. I'm sorry for what she said."

Bob didn't excuse Tamara's racist rant, but explained ... "I just have to tell you this -- it's her mental illness. A year ago she would never have done, never have even thought of that."

He claims his wife's actions are the result of a break-in at their home last year, and says she's developed paranoia and signs of fabrication. He hopes the slap video will be enough to convince Tamara to finally seek treatment for her issues.

Joe Exotic says he's at the end of his rope, and might not be around much longer if he doesn't get some immediate help from President Trump ... or Cardi B ... or Kim Kardashian.

TMZ's obtained a letter penned by the imprisoned 'Tiger King' star this week to his "Supporters, Fans, Loves Ones." He opens by saying the pandemic's over, so he's asking POTUS to grant him a miracle and free him ... but it's pretty bleak from there.

Joe says, "My soul is dead" and he's struggling to keep hope in what he describes as some pretty miserable conditions behind bars. He also claims he's being tormented by people sending him info about his husband, Dillon Passage, living it up on the outs and partying without him. Joe also says Dillon's gone radio silent on him.

On top of all this, Exotic claims he's not getting treatment and meds for his health conditions, and he makes a dark prediction -- "I'll be dead in 2-3 months."

Joe compares his prison sentence to death row, makes it clear he feels abandoned ... and takes some shots at people he believes took advantage of him and stabbed him in the back.

There are some more questionable parts to the letter too -- including racial comments suggesting he'd get treated better if he were a different color ... and saying George Floyd's message got lost with the rioting. Oh, and there's a Michael Jackson song reference too.

In the end, Exotic maintains his innocence ... and tosses a final Hail Mary to Cardi and Kim in hopes they'll catch it and help him out. The Cardi ship may have already sailed, though.

Of course, Joe still has a legal team working hard to get a pardon from Trump, but if this letter's to be believed ... the clock's ticking.