Ice Cube and LL Cool J just got major reinforcements in the pursuit of sports TV supremacy -- we're told they just secured several BILLION dollar commitments in their push to buy a group of regional sports channels.
As we previously reported, the rap legends are part of a powerful group -- including the BIG3 and billionaire Alex and Ani jewelry founder Carolyn Rafaelian-- looking to bid on a block of 22 regional sports channels, including the YES Network.
The channels are currently owned by Disney but the Justice Dept. is forcing the company to sell them off to break up their monopoly in sports TV (since they already own ESPN).
Now, we're told Cube's group has backing from private equity partners -- and he met with the group earlier this week to hammer out their purchasing strategy.
In other words, they're figuring out how much they want to bid for the stations.
If Cube and LL win the bidding, we're told there's already a plan in place to run a full slate of content that caters to a younger audience because they believe there's a hole in that market.
12:16 PM PT --President Trump has weighed in on Kraft ... telling reporters in the Oval Office that he was "surprised" to learn about Kraft's prostitution charges ... but stressed the Patriots owner has denied doing anything illegal.
11:29 AM PT -- Investigators say they have videos of the men who paid for sex at the Asian massage parlor that Robert Kraft allegedly used ... and the footage is graphic.
According to police documents obtained by TMZ Sports, officials were able to get a covert surveillance camera inside the Orchids of Asia Day Spa in Jupiter, Florida to record illicit activity.
Cops list a variety of sex acts performed on 26 men who entered the business -- one of whom cops say is Robert Kraft. Kraft is not identified by name in the police documents.
The police documents describe the surveillance video in graphic detail -- noting a pattern of behavior from the alleged Johns.
The men would enter the spa and pay up front (some used cash, others used credit cards) before being escorted back into a private massage room.
In almost every case, an Asian woman would tend to the client -- sometimes two women -- and perform sex acts using their hands and mouths.
It does not appear any of the suspects engaged in vaginal intercourse.
Cops say the surveillance videos capture every single detail of the encounters -- including ejaculation and subsequent cleanup.
11:10 AM PT -- The NFL has addressed the allegations ... saying "The NFL is aware of the ongoing law enforcement matter and will continue to monitor developments.”
9:17 AM PT -- A spokesperson for Kraft tells TMZ Sports the NFL owner denies the allegations.
"We categorically deny that Mr. Kraft engaged in any illegal activity. Because it is a judicial matter, we will not be commenting further."New England Patriots ownerRobert Kraft is a wanted man -- cops say they've issued a warrant for his arrest as part of a recent prostitution, human trafficking sting operation in Jupiter, Florida.
Cops say 77-year-old Kraft will be charged with 2 counts of "soliciting another to commit prostitution," according to Jupiter Police Chief Daniel Kerr.
Chief Kerr says he was "stunned as everybody else" when he saw Kraft's name as a suspect.
Officials say Kraft is accused of soliciting a prostitute on at least 2 separate occasions at a massage parlor in Florida roughly "a month ago."
Cops say the name of the establishment that Kraft visited is Orchids of Asia Day Spa in Jupiter.
Cops say they have obtained evidence from body cam video and surveillance that has been conducted over the last several months.
Officials say Kraft was driven to the spa by a chauffeur ... and say they have video of the Pats owner "that shows the act that took place" with him inside of the spa.
The average cost per visit for services was $59 for half an hour and $79 per hour, according to police.
As for the next steps, officials say the State's Attorney has the warrant and it will be sent to Kraft's home in Massachusetts.
Kraft has been charged with a misdemeanor and will have to appear in court.
So far, no official comment from either Kraft or the New England Patriots. We've also reached out to the NFL, as he will likely face discipline from the league.
Multiple law enforcement agencies were involved in the operation -- including Homeland Security, the IRS, the Jupiter P.D., Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office and more.
Officials say the women accused of running the sex trafficking ring operated out of local spas which touted themselves as massage parlors.
The investigation took roughly 8 months and officials say they've identified more than 100 men suspected of being "Johns."
Robert Kraft bought the Patriots in January 1994 -- and has led the team to 6 Super Bowl championships and 10 AFC championships.
Kraft is also the owner of Major League Soccer's New England Revolution -- which has been to the MLS Cup Finals in 5 different seasons.
Kraft was married to Myra Kraft from 1963 to her death in 2011. He dated Ricki Noel Lander since 2012. Ricki has a child but she says Kraft is not the biological father.
Kraft is reportedly worth more than $6 BILLION according to Forbes, a fortune that stems from a paper-manufacturing conglomerate, which includes the Rand-Whitney Group.
He was told he was never going to walk or talk ... and now he's going to be a D1 college basketball player.
18-year-old Kalin Bennett is the first autistic hoops player to land a Division 1 scholarship. He's a BEAST on and off the court, and his story is absolutely incredible.
The 6'10", 290-pound center just signed to play at Kent State next season -- and is opening up about how he overcame the odds to get there.
Kalin was non-verbal until he was 7 years old -- and was diagnosed as autistic.
But, he loved basketball and refused to let his condition get in the way of his dreams -- joining his high school basketball team in Arkansas and balling out like a stud. MaxPreps named him the 12th best player in the state.
He eventually enrolled at Link Year Prep junior college in Missouri where he's been playing so well, he caught the attention of Kent State, which formally offered him a basketball scholarship. Amazing!
"I embrace who I am and I will decide my future," Bennett said in an incredible interview with Overtime.
It wasn't always easy for KB -- he suffered from separation anxiety during his time at Link Year, so his mom moved to Missouri to be closer to him. Hey, teamwork makes the dream work, right?!
"A lot of people have told me what I can't do ... when I get back in the house, my mom says 'if ever say 'can't', you won't be able to do it anyway.'"
"No one expected I'd be where I am today."
Check out the whole thing ... it's impossible to not be inspired by this kid.
Jordyn Woods broke her silence on allegedly cheating with Tristan Thompson -- and screwing over her BFF Kylie Jenner's fam -- with an interesting choice of words. Then went right back to biz.
Kylie's ex-bestie showed her face Thursday night at an L.A. launch party for her new line of false eyelashes ... and immediately referenced the scandal by thanking everyone for supporting her "through everything that's going on."
She added, "You know, it's been real ... and Eylure (her co.) has been super real; this has been a project I've been working on for over 9 months right now."
As you know, many Kardashian fans don't want to believe Jordyn could do Khloe like that ... and have even speculated it's all contrived for Kardashian publicity.
Nothing Jordyn said Thursday night even hinted at a denial. As we've reported, she's already moving out of Kylie's guest pad and back into her mom's house.
UFC rising star Mackenzie Dern just revealed she's PREGNANT -- but assures her fans she'll get back in the Octagon to fight again after the baby is born.
The 25-year-old is 7-0 as a pro MMA fighter -- with 2 of those wins in the UFC -- and she's been hailed as "the next Ronda Rousey" because of her dominant ground game.
But, her career will be put on hold for a while because Dern -- who's dating Brazilian pro surfer Wesley Santos -- is now with child.
"God makes everything so perfect! I am so happy to be able to share this news! I’m going to be a Mom," Mackenzie posted.
"I love so much our family and now I have one more HUGE motivation for inside and outside the ring!! Thank you God for this blessing."
As for her fighting future, Dern says ... "I can’t wait to be back in the ring!"
Congrats!
Dern is considered one of the top female jiu-jitsu practitioners in the world. She famously defeated Gabi Garcia at the 2015 World Pro Open.
Dern made her UFC debut in March 2018 -- defeating Ashley Yoder at UFC 222. She fought again in May 2018, beating Amanda Cooper in the 1st round at UFC 224.
During her May fight, Dern weighed in 7 pounds over the strawweight limit of 116 and she was fined 30% of her purse.
Unclear when the baby is due and when Dern expects to return to the Octagon.
You think LeBron James and the Lakers were gonna let Rihanna down on the night of her birthday celebration???! Hell no!!
RiRi took her superrich Saudi boyfriend to Staples Center on Thursday to cheer on her favorite NBA player on the night after her 31st birthday ... and the team delivered one heck of a gift!!!
Check out the pics of Rihanna and Hassan Jameel in a private box -- going berserk as the Lakers came back from 19 down to beat the Houston Rockets ... one of the hottest teams in the NBA.
Of course, Jameel is a bit of a baller himself -- in 2017 his family was reportedly worth $2.2 BILLION -- which made them the 4th richest family in the Arab world.
Jameel started dating Rihanna in 2017 and by the looks of these pics, they're still going strong.
They picked a great game to attend -- the Lakers were getting destroyed for the first 3 quarters before LeBron activated "playoff mode" and went nuclear on everyone ... exploding for 29 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists.
The Lakers ended up winning the game 111 to 106 -- boosting the Lakers' record back to .500.
Meanwhile, the Rockets' James Harden extended his 30-point game streak to 32 games, the 2nd longest 30-point streak in NBA history.
By the way, Lakers officials gifted Rihanna her very own customized "Bad Girl RiRi" Lakers jersey, but she didn't wear it ... instead, opting to rock her #23 LeBron James threads.
One last thing ... every year LeBron has won an NBA title, Rihanna has dropped a new album -- and there are rumors she's working on a new album right now.
Charles Barkley WENT OFF on Jussie Smollett on "Inside the NBA" on Thursday -- saying if the actor really wanted to be a hate crime victim, he shoulda just gone to Liam Neeson's neighborhood.
It's just one of SEVERAL shots Barkley took at the "Empire" actor during the show -- but it was definitely the strongest.
Remember,Liam Neeson recently revealed that he once grabbed a weapon and went hunting for a "black bastard" in Northern Ireland after a friend of his claimed she was raped by a black man.
People RIPPED Neeson for the comments -- because it's racist as hell -- but now he's become the punchline for Barkley's Jussie Smollett jokes.
"Jussie ... you wasted all that damn time and money! You know what you shoulda did? Just went out into Liam Neeson's neighborhood! Coulda solved all your damn problems."
The guys also aired a fake $3,500 check -- like the one Jussie supposedly gave to two brothers to beat him up. Barkley laughed wildly while that one aired.
There's more ... Charles addressed the viewers:
"America, let me just tell you something. Do not commit crimes with checks! If you're gonna break the law, do not write a check! Get cash man!!
That's when Shaq finally stepped in and told Barkley to shut it down.
Judging by Peyton Manning's beach bod, no football and a ton of Nationwide commercials does a body good!!!
Check out the retired 42-year-old on the beach in Miami this week -- tossin' around a football with his kids ... and showing off his shirtless, hairless physique.
Look, he's no Cam Newton ... but he's in pretty damn good shape for a guy who's been retired for nearly 3 years!!!
Check the vid ... dude's flashing bulky traps, decent biceps, faint abs -- and yeah, the cannon arm is still there too!!!
Of course, Peyton quit the NFL after winning the Super Bowl in 2016 (following the 2015 season) -- ending one of the most impressive careers in the history of the league.
It all begs the question ... is his bod better than Tom Brady's right now???
A shirtless TB12 was spotted on vacation with Gisele in Costa Rica just last week ... you be the judge.
Peyton is a surefire 1st ballot Hall of Famer when he becomes eligible in 2021.
Besides winning 2 Super Bowls (1 with the Indianapolis Colts, 1 with the Denver Broncos) ... he was a 14-time Pro Bowler, 7-time 1st team All-Pro and was the NFL MVP 5 times!!!
Plus, he led the NFL in passing yards 3 different seasons ... and was No. 1 in passing TDs in 2000, 2004, 2006 and 2013.
Peyton's little bro, Eli Manning, is still in the league -- but at 38 years old and following a less-than-stellar 2018 campaign ... the Giants QB might be joining his brother on the beach in the near future.
Kylie stepped out Thursday for the first time since TMZ broke the story Khloe was kicking Tristan to the curbfor allegedly cheating (again) ... this time with her sister's BFF, Jordyn.
KJ was all bundled up and trying to cover her face next to her pal, Heather Sanders.
We might've buried the headline here, but it's snowing in parts of L.A. right now! So, Kylie and Heather were definitely dressed for it out in Calabasas -- and they even recorded a video to commemorate the oddly chilly occasion.
As for Jordyn ... we're told she's moving out of Kylie's pad and back into her mom's house for now.
It's unclear where exactly things stand between Kylie and her-- but it's safe to assume it ain't great.
Kendra Wilkinsonis officially back on the market ... 'cause the former playmate just finalized her divorce with ex-NFL star Hank Baskett.
Kendra and Hank filed docs in January signifying their marriage is dunzo ... and this time they got it right. According to the docs ... they will share joint custody of their 2 kids -- 9-year-old Hank IV and 4-year-old Alijah. They're also splitting most of their property right down the middle.
As we reported, the ex-couple had two previous divorce settlements rejected by the court after making clerical errors in their filings.
Kendra and Hank got hitched back in 2009 at the Playboy Mansion ... with the late Hugh Hefnerand her other 'Girls Next Door' castmates in attendance.
TMZ broke the story ... Kendrafiled for divorce back in April, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split.
Right before the divorce filing, Kendra posted an emotional video of herself crying, confirming a split from Hank ... and saying she was frightened for the next step.
Remember that disgusting bone-snapping injury Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert suffered in 2018???
Dude's doing MUCH better now ... crushing foot drills with a big smile on his face as he preps for his big comeback in 2019!!!
TE suffered a gruesome injury on Sept. 30 against the Falcons, when he got pummeled by linebacker De'Vondre Campbell, who awkwardly fell on Tyler's right ankle and snapped it sideways.
Relive the experience below (or don't. We wouldn't blame you one bit. It's so nasty).
Tyler Eifert ankle injury. Poor guy has the worst luck with injuries.
TMZ Sports has obtained the injury photos cops took of the woman who claimed she was physically attacked by NFL star Antonio Brown ... and they show a very minor scratch on her forearm.
As we previously reported, the woman -- who has a child with Brown -- went to the Hollywood Police Dept. on January 18, 2019, to report an incident where Brown allegedly shoved her while they argued at his home on Jan. 17.
Cops took a report and photographed the alleged injury on her left forearm. According to the police report, the woman said her wrist was in pain and she was scraped from Brown pushing her.
Cops described the injury as "an abrasion with some scabbing."
A short time later, cops say the woman had a change of heart and asked to "cancel" the initial police report -- and stopped cooperating with officials.
Cops explained they could not "cancel" anything -- and had to include her initial statement and the photos in the case file.
For his part, Brown adamantly denies any wrongdoing, and his attorney has said he will pursue legal action to get primary custody of their child because he believes she's an unfit parent.
Brown has not been arrested or charged with a crime.
Denver Nuggets star Isaiah Thomas is now Zion Williamson's unofficial career adviser now -- telling the Duke star to STOP PLAYING COLLEGE BALL ASAP ... and wait for the NBA.
Actually, IT was much more to the point -- "Zion sit yo ass down lol and we will be ready for you in the big boy league."
Thomas has a real issue with NBA rules that forbids top players from entering the NBA Draft right out of high school. The rule has forced players like Zion to go the 1-and-done route at schools like Duke.
Enter Thomas ... who hates the whole system.
"Let these kids go straight out of HS!!! Too much on the line to be messing with college if you got a legit chance to turn pro," Thomas said on Twitter.
"If they not tryna pay these college athletes then the nba should let them come straight outta HS. If college was paying these athletes then it would be a different story but since they not let these kids go get this money if they have the chance too."
There are some people who say stars like Zion should simply sit out the year -- thereby minimizing the risk of injury. But, Thomas doesn't like that option either.
"I don’t like the sitting out part. Even the sitting out part of the combine. I’m just saying let the kids make a decision what they want to do and then you go from there. You know we don’t want any handouts we GO TAKE what’s OURS."
Boogie Cousins is siding with IT ... teeing off on the NCAA at practice on Thursday, saying college basketball is "bullsh*t" and thinks Zion should prep for the next level.
DeMarcus Cousins: “Knowing what I know now, college basketball is bullshit.” Advises Zion Williamson to get ready for the NBA. pic.twitter.com/k3B1JA0E42
Not everyone feels the same way ... ex-NBA star Kenny Smith says top players like Zion SHOULD play one year of college ball because "iron sharpens iron."
Meanwhile, Scottie Pippen agrees with Thomas ... saying Zion has TOO BIG OF A CONTRACT waiting for him in the NBA to be messing around in college games for no paycheck.
Ice Cube and LL Cool J just got major reinforcements in the pursuit of sports TV supremacy -- we're told they just secured several BILLION dollar commitments in their push to buy a group of regional sports channels. 
New England Patriots owner 
Kylie made her own public statement Thursday by stepping out in Calabasas with 
TMZ Sports has obtained the injury photos cops took of the woman who claimed she was physically attacked by NFL star 
Denver Nuggets star