Kareem Hunt Signs with Cleveland Browns ... Issues New Apology
The Cleveland Browns have announced they've signed Kareem Hunt -- the former Chiefs star who was cut after TMZ Sports posted a video showing him getting violent with a woman in a Cleveland hotel.
Browns general manager John Dorsey announced the signing today -- a reported 1-year deal -- saying there were two important factors to signing the RB:
"One is that Kareem took full responsibility for his egregious actions and showed true remorse and secondly, just as importantly, he is undergoing and is committed to necessary professional treatment and a plan that has been clearly laid out."
Hunt had previously said he was getting treatment for alcohol and anger management after multiple allegations of off-the-field violence. We broke the story ... Hunt shoved and kicked a woman during a Feb. 10, 2018 altercation.
For his part, Hunt has issued a new statement saying, "First off, I would like to once again apologize for my actions last year. What I did was wrong and inexcusable."
"That is not the man I was raised to be, and I’ve learned a great deal from that experience and certainly should have been more truthful about it after the fact."
"I’m extremely grateful that John Dorsey, Dee and Jimmy Haslam and the Cleveland Browns organization are granting me the opportunity to earn their trust and represent their organization in the best way possible on and off the field."
"I am committed to following the necessary steps to learn and to be a better and healthier person from this situation. I also understand the expectations that the Browns have clearly laid out and that I have to earn my way back to the NFL."
"I’m a work in progress as a person, but I’m committed to taking advantage of the support systems that I have in place to become the best and healthier version of myself."
The Browns are pretty solid in the running back position after a strong rookie year from starter Nick Chubb. It'll be interesting to see how Hunt fits into the offensive plans.
John Dorsey acknowledges the Hunt signing is controversial -- and says the team thought long and hard before signing him.
"We fully understand and respect the complexity of questions and issues in signing a player with Kareem’s history and do not condone his actions," Dorsey said.
"Given what we know about Kareem through our extensive research, we believe he deserves a second chance but certainly with the understanding that he has to go through critical and essential steps to become a performing member of this organization, aside from what the NFL determines from their ongoing investigation."
At this point, the NFL still has not decided on a punishment for Hunt -- he could face a serious suspension.
We recently spoke with Hunt's former teammates, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, who told us they're rooting for Hunt to get a second chance and still consider him a friend.
JANUARY 2019
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Kyler Murray Picks NFL Over MLB 'I Was Raised to Play QB'
2018 Heisman Trophy winner Kyler Murray says he's "firmly committing" his life to being an NFL quarterback -- and will choose football over a pro baseball career.
Aside from being a stud QB at Oklahoma, 21-year-old Murray is also a top MLB prospect and was drafted by the Oakland A's in the 1st round of the 2018 MLB Draft.
Two major pro sports career paths -- and everyone has been wondering which sport Murray will choose.
Well, now Kyler says he's made up his mind -- and it's bad news for the A's.
"Moving forward, I am firmly ... committing my life and time to becoming an NFL quarterback," Murray said.
"Football has been my love and passion my entire life. I was raised to play QB, and I very much look forward ... to being the best QB possible and winning NFL championships."
"I have started an extensive training program to further prepare myself for upcoming NFL workouts and interviews."
"I eagerly await the opportunity to continue to prove the NFL decision makers that I am the franchise QB in this draft."
The NFL Draft begins April 25 -- Murray could be a first-round pick ... but nothing's guaranteed.
Stay tuned ...
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Baker Mayfield Goes Off On Arian Foster ... 'I Respected You Before This'
More beef for Baker Mayfield ... this time the Browns superstar is getting into it with Arian Foster -- blasting the ex-NFL RB for being "too cool to show any personality."
It all went down on Twitter this weekend ... when a video of Baker dancing his face off caught Arian's attention.
"Your QB could never," the Cleveland Browns official account tweeted.
"*would never," Arian responded.
*would never https://t.co/XgHmkjFO0P
@ArianFoster
Mayfield saw the shade from the former Houston Texans superstar ... and went off.
"Respected you before this... I get it dog, you’re too cool to show any personality. Everybody’s different, though. No need to speak on it."
For his part ... Foster tried to squash the beef -- sending out a tweet telling the QB to not take things so personally.
We're still waiting for Mayfield's response ...
The drama is the latest in a growing line of beefs for the QB ... remember, he's been feuding with his ex-coach, Hue Jackson, for months -- even taking a shot at him on a pregame show in January.
Doesn't seem Baker's too concerned about it all ... TMZ Sports got video of the dude out at Poppy in L.A. over the weekend with MLB superstar Christian Yelich.
Yeah, being rich rules.
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2019 Grammys A-List After-Parties Go Head-to-Head ... Who's Got the Biggest Fish?
After the 2019 Grammy Awards, all the biggest names in music dispersed to various after-parties -- the question ... whose party was the most poppin'???
At least five different get-togethers were going down at the same time late Sunday night all over L.A. Republic Records had a shindig, as did Universal and Sony. Even Mark Ronson threw something himself ... and don't forget the LiveXLive bash.
Each party had its fair share of big fish from the awards ceremony. Republic was able to lure a diverse crowd in Zedd, Paris Jackson, Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner as well as Scottie Pippen. UMG's rager featured Earth, Wind & Fire, Eve, Kacey Musgraves and Terry Crews ... and Sony was able to bring in folks like Usher, John Mayer, Maren Morris and Miguel.
Ronson's party was a who's who too -- artists like Lady Gaga and Katy Perry swung by. And, the LiveXLive function had Charli XCX, Rick Ross and Sheck Wes there.
From the looks of these lineups -- we might have to give it to Republic ... or Universal ... or Sony. Or all of them, actually.
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Colin Kaepernick Touches Down In Los Angeles ... While AAF Kicks Off
2/9/19
Here's video of Colin Kaepernick arriving in Los Angeles while the rest of the non-NFL football world shows out for jobs by playing in the AAF ... something Kap clearly has no plans of doing.
Kap wasn't saying much when we got him at LAX ... dodging questions about politics, the Super Bowl, and even what he was listening to on his AirPods.
Though Kaepernick was quiet ... his inaction is loud ... because while former NFL players like Trent Richardson, Christian Hackenberg and Zac Stacy got busy in the new upstart league, Kap didn't.
Colin has shown ZERO interest in furthering his football career anywhere other than the NFL, seemingly because he believes he's proven he's got what it takes for the league, and his absence is about politics, not performance.
As for the AAF, we gotta say it was pretty entertaining ... who knew Trent Richardson could actually play football well?
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Colts' Darius Leonard Mom Loses Her Mind ... Over New Car Gift!!!
Forget Rookie of the Year ... Darius Leonard is now the Son of the Year -- 'cause the Colts superstar just bought his mom a new car ... AND SHE FREAKIN' LOVED IT!!!
Leonard surprised his mom with a new Mercedes over the weekend ... and her reaction to the gift was priceless -- doing a FULL SPRINT to the car, followed by celebratory laps in the parking lot.
It's an amazing video.
"Ain't [nothing] like putting a smile on your mother face!" Leonard wrote of the present ... "We've been through so much and now it's like we're on top of the world!"
It's been an incredible year for Darius ... the 2nd-round pick came outta nowhere to become one of the league's best linebackers -- winning Rookie of the Year honors this month.
But, things are about to get WAY better for Leonard and his mom soon ... dude is now just 3 years away from a FAT new contract.
Which means one thing ... we can't wait for her reaction to that new house gift in 2022!!!
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Floyd Mayweather Sips from Solid Gold Chalice ... While Drippin' In Diamonds
Here's another gross display of wealth by Floyd Mayweather -- who's poor-shaming his followers by drinking out of a gold chalice while wearing a TON of diamond necklaces and bracelets.
Oh, he's also standing in a pile of money while wearing a Versace robe.
"Real Royalty," Floyd said ... "Everything I got on is real, even the cup I’m sipping out of is real gold and if you don’t like it... you’re a REAL HATER!"
"Now that’s some real sh*t."
Mayweather REALLY wants you to see how rich he is ... he posts stuff like this all the time, but it's still crazy.
Dude has reportedly made close to $1 BILLION from his pro fighting career.
Enjoy your morning coffee from your stupid, non-gold mug.
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NY Giants Co-Owner Steve Tisch AAF Will Make NFL Even More Popular
NY Giants co-owner Steve Tisch says the AAF ain't competition for the NFL ... in fact, Tisch tells TMZ Sports he thinks it'll only make his league even MORE popular!!!
We got the Giants honcho leaving Madeo shortly after the AAF kicked off its inaugural season Saturday ... and he tells us he FULLY supports the new football league.
And, why?? Steve believes it can put MORE money in his pockets ... and his league's -- 'cause it can only drive up the NFL's popularity.
"If it creates additional interest in the NFL -- which I think it will -- I think it proves Americans want to watch football 52 weeks a year."
Tisch also sees the AAF as a way for the NFL to have a minor league of sorts ... telling us he believes it'll provide a bigger player pool for the NFL to draw from.
Bottom line ... Steve -- who says he's ALREADY watched some of the action -- is one of the AAF's biggest fans.
"I hope it works!"
The fans seem to love the AAF too -- the debut games from the weekend reportedly had better ratings than nationally televised NBA games. And, EVERYBODY is talking about that monster hit on San Diego Fleet QB Mike Bercovici.
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Julian Edelman Bros Out with Russell Wilson ... at Grammys Party
Just two Super Bowl champs hangin' out in Hollywood ...
Julian Edelman and Russell Wilson found each other at a pre-Grammy bash at the Beverly Hilton on Saturday -- and seemed to get along really well!
So, what did they have to talk about? Both guys are Super Bowl champs -- Wilson led the Seahawks to a victory over Peyton Manning's Broncos in Super Bowl 48.
And, Edelman has rings from Super Bowl 49, 51 and 53 ... also, the Super Bowl MVP from 53.
Obviously, Edelman was at the Grammys to present an award and Wilson was there to support his R&B star wife, Ciara.
They weren't the only athletes on hand ... Chris Bosh was also at the party. He's got 2 NBA championship rings.
Bottom line -- lotsa winners in Bev Hills over the weekend.
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Kacey Musgraves' Producer Are You Ready for Some Football?! (I've Got the Shoulder Pads)
Here's a guy who REALLY misses football already -- Kacey Musgraves' producer Shawn Everett who decided to grab some full WR shoulder pads and rock 'em to the Grammys.
Everett is a stud producer -- he's worked with huge stars like John Legend, Alabama Shakes, The Killers, Weezer and more. He's kind of a big deal (which is why he was onstage while Musgraves accepted Album of the Year).
He's also got an interesting sense of style ... and went full CTE chic to the award show -- dressing up his shoulder pads with a full-length skirt, corset, gloves and boots.
As for the pads -- we found 'em online (in case you're looking to recreate the look) -- Adams VS500 Varsity Football Shoulder Pads ... and you can get 'em for around $80.
Of course, Everett ain't the first star to fuse football pads with fashion -- the WWE's legendary tag team Legion of Doom was rockin' the look back in the '90s!
WHAT A RUSHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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MMA's Josh Copeland Horrific Arrest ... Allegedly Punched Wife In Face
MMA fighter Josh Copeland -- who just fought (and lost) in the $1 MILLION match at PFL 11 -- was arrested for domestic violence after allegedly punching his wife so hard in the face, he left her bloodied and bruised.
It's all detailed in the police report obtained by TMZ Sports ... law enforcement in Adams County, Colorado raced to the couple's home on Feb. 2 after reports of an attack.
When they arrived at the home, Copeland's wife had "an obvious bruise on her left eye, a cut and was bleeding. There was blood down the front of her face and neck."
Copeland's wife said the two had been arguing -- when 36-year-old Josh pushed her so she pushed him back.
The two continued to attack each other -- with Copeland's wife admitting she slapped him in the face multiple times.
Finally, Copeland's wife said the 6'1", 265-pound fighter "then punched her in the face" and threw her on the bed. She says Copeland also took her phone so she couldn't call for help. Cops say they later found her phone in Josh's pocket.
Cops say Josh had redness and blood on his face -- but did not remember punching his wife.
Copeland's wife was transported to a nearby hospital. Josh was arrested and booked for second-degree assault, obstruction and child abuse ... since the whole incident allegedly took place in front of their child.
Copeland is due back in court next week.
Copeland is 18 and 6 as a pro-MMA fighter -- and even had a stint in the UFC in 2014 and 2015.
He fought his way into the $1 MILLION championship fight in the PFL heavyweight tournament -- but ultimately lost to Philipe Lins on Dec. 31, 2018.
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Marilyn Monroe & Joltin' Joe Japan Honeymoon ... Pics Going to the Highest Bidder!!!
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EXCLUSIVE
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Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio's marriage only lasted 9 months, but the memories of their honeymoon live on ... and you can own the photos!!
Hollywood's "it" couple for a hot minute in the '50s eloped in San Fran in January 1954 and took a plane to Japan shortly afterward to celebrate ... but there was also some baseball business to handle.
Their photo album from the trip features several shots of the couple, but there's also a running storyline of the MLB legend -- who was a few years retired at the time -- and his old baseball buddy, Lefty O'Doul, trying to get baseball up and running in Japan.
Looks like Lefty didn't mind being the third wheel either.
All in all, there are 30 honeymoon pics in the velvet-bound album, with each photo measuring 7x9 inches or larger. It hits the auction block on February 22 at Heritage Auctions with a bid of $5,520 to kick things off, but it's expected to fetch over $10k.
Start saving up!
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Dr. Oz I Can Ball in NBA's Celeb Game ... Here's How I'll Prove It
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EXCLUSIVE
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Dr. Oz says his inclusion in the NBA's Celebrity All-Star Game is no fluke because he's got serious game ... which he's modeled after another famous doc.
We talked to Oz about his name showing up on the home team of the celeb roster, and he says there's a perfectly good explanation for why he was tapped ... his history with the game. Oz says he played ball for his high school and even balled up a bit during his college days at Harvard.
As we reported, 2 Chainz was pissed his name was left off the roster of celebs hitting the hard court ... especially because he actually played college hoops at Alabama State.
But, from the sound of it, Dr. Oz is a natural-born athlete, and he says he'll prove it on All-Star weekend. We pushed for how exactly he'll contribute, and he told us his value might not necessarily be scoring.
Check out the clip ... he even compares himself to another famous Dr. in the game.
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Dr. Oz wasn't aware of Chainz calling out the NBA for allegedly blacklisting him, but he offered some advice for how to get into the game. The rapper says he's gotten the cold shoulder ever since 2013 when someone in his camp insulted a woman at the game.
The NBA might have no love for 2 Chainz ... but he's definitely getting some from Oz here.
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Patrick Mahomes Dad Begged Him To Quit Football ... 'Luckily He Didn't Listen!'
Sometimes it's GOOD to defy your parents -- just ask Patrick Mahomes Sr. who says he REALLY tried to get his son to give up football back in the day to pursue other sports.
THANK GOD HE DIDN'T LISTEN!!!
Pat Mahomes Sr. made the shocking revelation to us ... saying he was convinced Pat had a better shot at going pro in baseball and basketball -- especially since the Univ. of Texas was recruiting him to play DEFENSE!!
"They were recruiting him as a safety. And, I was telling him, 'Why don't we quit this and let's just concentrate on the other two?'"
"I said, 'We're just wasting time with this football thing.'"
Pat's suggestion wasn't exactly misguided ... the elder Mahomes was an MLB pitcher for more than a decade -- and says his son showed clear talent to be a future pro in BOTH baseball and hoops.
But, the QB didn't listen to Sr. ... and said, "Dad, I want to be out there with my teammates. I want to be out there with the guys I've been playing with forever."
Turned out to be a pretty good decision ... Mahomes starred at Texas Tech -- and is the best young quarterback in the NFL right now.
BUT ... it does make ya wonder -- what IF Mahomes had decided to step off the gridiron and focus solely on the other two sports??
Something tells us we'd be seein' a whole lot of this in the NBA right now ...
The goat came out to ball tonight. What can he not do?! @PatrickMahomes5 🐐@espn @BleacherReport @YahooSports @SportsCenter pic.twitter.com/JOmL8NwFz6
@Faiz_Jiwani
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Adrien Broner 'F*ck Jim Gray' ... 'Jim Gray A Bitch!'
How much does Adrien Broner hate Jim Gray??
"F*ck Jim Gray. Jim Gray a bitch. You a bitch!"
Yeah, that much.
The boxing star famously got into it with the broadcaster after a loss to Manny Pacquiao last month ... and it's clear -- their beef ain't going anywhere anytime soon.
ICYMI ... Broner got the snot beat out of him against Pacman on Jan. 19 -- and when Gray tried to interview him about it afterward -- Adrien got testy.
"I'm 3-3-1 in my last seven [fights], but I'd be 7-0 against you!"
The clip went viral ... with tons of people blasting Broner for the comments -- and Adrien STILL hasn't forgiven Jim for the whole incident.
In fact, when we got A.B. out at LAX on Friday and asked if an end to the beef was anywhere in sight ... he responded simply, "F*ck Jim Gray."
Broner also seemed to threaten the guy ... telling us he can't "talk about on camera" what he would do to Gray if he saw him out on the streets.
For his part ... Gray still seems to think the whole altercation was insane -- telling TMZ Sports when we got him out Craig's earlier this week, "He was way off in his assessment."
'What Are Those' Meme Creator Accidentally OD'd Cocaine, Ecstasy, Codeine Found in His System
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EXCLUSIVE
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Brandon Moore -- the man who created the viral "what are those" meme -- died after a night of ingesting a bunch of drugs, including cocaine and ecstasy ... TMZ has learned.
According to the Contra Costa County Coroner's report ... the exact cause of death was polypharmacy -- meaning he died as a result of ingesting multiple drugs. The coroner says Moore's blood tested positive for cocaine, morphine, codeine, methamphetamines and ecstasy.
What's more ... the report says Moore's wife, Noonie, told authorities he drank and possibly ingested cocaine the night before he was found dead. According to the report, there's no evidence to suggest Moore ingested the drugs with the intent to harm himself ... and lists the death as an accidental overdose.
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As we reported ... Brandon's wife told us his heart stopped while he was sleeping in their Northern California home ... and now we know why.
The internet comedian, known as Young Busco, made a huge splash in 2015 after mocking a police officer's shoes as a joke. You'll recall, while his friend was being arrested, Brandon joked about the cop's clunky boots, saying, "What are those?"
The meme caught fire online ... and the catchphrase even appeared in "Black Panther." Michael Jordan was also jokingly asked, "What are those?" during a Q&A session at a basketball camp.
Brandon, who was a father of 9, was 31.