It's a bird ... it's a plane ... IT'S A FOOT FALLING FROM THE SKY!!
A thrill-seeking double amputee lost his prosthetic leg during a jump in Vermont over the weekend -- and just when he thought it was gone forever ... A MIRACLE HAPPENED!
It all went down Sunday -- when Chris Marckres decided to go for a jump in Addison County, a popular skydiving spot.
Somehow, one of his artificial limbs became detached mid-jump -- and plummeted down to earth ... far from the designated landing spot.
"I think my adrenaline was so high and I was just so excited," Marckres told NECN ... "I didn’t realize I had lost it."
Which means he also didn't see where it landed!
Turns out, Joe Marszalkowski -- a local soybean farmer -- noticed something out of the ordinary in his field on Sunday ... THE LEG!!
"You've always got to keep an eye out," Marszalkowsk said ... "It was literally a needle in a haystack as far as trying to find it."
Marszalkowski soon learned Marckres was on the hunt for the leg -- and eventually made contact with him so he could return it.
Marckres had offered a reward for the leg -- but Marszalkowski refused.
"I can’t thank everybody enough, especially Joe," Marckres said.
"We kind of take for granted sometimes how many truly good people there still are in the world."
Here's rapper Jack Harlow showing love for his pal, Lou Williams -- just days after accidentally exposing him in a strip club incident that rocked the NBA.
Yep, it was Harlow who posted -- and then quickly deleted -- a pic of the L.A. Clippers star at Magic City last week which landed Williams in some hot water with the league.
Remember, Williams had received permission to leave the NBA Bubble in Orlando to attend a funeral in Atlanta ... and was ordered to stay away from places with a high COVID exposure risk.
LIKE STRIP CLUBS!
Of course, Williams insists he was only at the club for 20 minutes to pick up some chicken wings -- which are apparently AMAZING -- and didn't put himself in harm's way.
The "What's Poppin" rapper TRIED to lie to cover for his friend -- initially saying the pic was a throwback -- but the truth eventually emerged.
Williams is now serving a mandatory 10-day quarantine so he can get back into the bubble.
In the meantime, Harlow is now in L.A. where he was spotted in Lou's Clippers jersey.
More great news from the NBA ... a 2nd straight week with ZERO positive COVID-19 tests from players and staffers inside the bubble.
While MLB, NFL, and other sports are scrambling to figure out how to proceed safely -- the NBA seems to have it down.
The league claims that 344 players were tested and NONE of the tests came back positive for coronavirus.
There have been some issues with the bubble -- some players have violated the rules to get things like delivery food and strip club chicken wings -- but so far, the league has been able to avoid an outbreak.
There are strict protocols in place for breaches -- mandatory quarantine periods -- and judging by the numbers, it's effective.
The NBA season is set to officially tip-off Thursday night and this is the kind of news that players, staff, executives and fans were hoping to hear!!
The Huntington Beach Bad Boy is making a major career change -- Tito Ortiz is now running for political office!!!
The UFC Hall of Famer has officially entered the race to become a City Council member in Huntington Beach where he was born and raised, TMZ Sports has learned.
There are 3 seats on the City Council up for grabs at the next election -- and Ortiz clearly sees an opportunity. He'll be on the ballot in November.
Tito's formal paperwork to enter the election does not designate a political party, but Tito has been a VERY vocal supporter of President Donald Trump for years. They're actually good friends.
Ortiz has championed Trump's positions on things like border security, immigration, law enforcement and more.
The 45-year-old had been mulling a career change for a while -- recently kicking around the idea of becoming a law enforcement officer. It's obvious he's been wanting to move into public service.
The City Council position would be a big deal for Ortiz -- the governing body "is the city’s legislative authority and sets the policies under which the city operates," according to the official city website.
The Council determines everything from budgets to services and policies.
Oh, and this is also important -- the Huntington Beach mayor is selected yearly from among the sitting council members.
So, in theory ... Ortiz could become the mayor if he plays his cards right.
We've reached out to Tito for comment but haven't heard back yet.
Awesome news out of Miami ... Dolphins 1st-round pick Tua Tagovailoa has been declared fully healthy by the team -- this just months after the QB suffered a gruesome injury.
Tua -- who dislocated his hip, fractured his pelvis, broke his nose and suffered a concussion in a game last November -- has just been cleared to practice with the 'Fins.
Head coach Brian Flores made the announcement Wednesday ... saying, "He's through the physical. And when we do get to practice, you'll see him out there."
Of course, it's amazing news for the 22-year-old ... some wondered if Tua would ever be able to walk properly again -- let alone play NFL quarterback -- after the initial diagnosis.
In fact, some experts compared the injury to Bo Jackson's, which ultimately cost the former Raiders superstar his career in both football and baseball.
But, Tua's repeatedly said this offseason his hip has been healing well -- he even posted workout footage in the pre-draft buildup back in April to prove it -- and clearly, the Dolphins now agree.
Unclear if Tua will now be the opening day starter for the Dolphins when the season kicks off in September -- Flores says there will be an open competition these next few weeks for the role.
Tiffany Haddish is opening up about the idea of motherhood, but says one thing above all else scares her -- bringing a child into a racist world.
The actress and comedian discussed the topic on NBA star Carmelo Anthony's hit podcast, "What's in Your Glass?," saying everyone's always asking her when she's going to have some babies.
Her answer ... "There's a part of me that would like to do that, and I always make up these excuses like, 'Oh, I need a million dollars in the bank before I do that, I need this, I need that.' But really, it's like, I would hate to give birth to someone that looks like me, knowing that they're gonna be hunted or killed."
Tiffany teared up as she added ... "Why would I put someone through that?"
Carmelo -- who has a teenage son -- said, "It's scary to even think about that" ... and Haddish pointed out that white people don't have that concern.
Tiff attended and spoke at Black Lives Matter protests in L.A. last month, and says the movement's giving her some hope for the future -- but it's clear racism still has her second-guessing motherhood.
"Of course [COVID-19] is always a concern, but work is work. We gotta do what we gotta do."
That's NFL star Adrian Peterson admitting the looming threat of coronavirus is definitely on his mind ... but so is a paycheck.
The NFL has seen over a dozen players -- including New England Patriots stars Patrick Chung and Dont'a Hightower -- opt out of the 2020 season due to COVID concerns this week.
But, when we got Peterson out at Dulles International Airport in Virginia on Monday ... he told us he almost certainly won't be the next name on the list.
As for why ... it's pretty clear Peterson feels that's just what's required of him to earn his check in Washington.
One of his teammates, D-lineman Caleb Brantley, obviously feels differently ... the 25-year-old just opted out on Monday, becoming the first player to publicly accept the NFL's "high-risk" opt-out option.
There could be more players sitting soon too ... the league's deadline for opt-outs keeps getting pushed back -- and could ultimately fall to sometime late next week.
L.A. Chargers running back Austin Ekeler also expressed his concerns with us earlier this week ... but says he's "ready to try" to make the season happen.
By the way, we also spoke with Peterson about Washington's name change ... and he says he's happy the team is rebranding -- but he tells us he's got ZERO input when it comes to a new name.
Ex-pro wrestler Beckie Mullen -- famously known as Sally The Farmer's Daughter from GLOW -- has passed away after a long fight with cancer, TMZ Sports has confirmed with multiple family members.
We spoke with Beckie's daughter, Brittani Rabay, who tells us, "Mom had stage 4 kidney, colon and liver cancer."
Mullen was diagnosed in October and was told she didn't have long to live. She passed away earlier this week at a hospital in Palm Springs, CA.
"She fought as long as she could."
We also spoke with Beckie's mother, Jackie, who tells us her daughter was suffering and she's now confident she's moved on to a better place.
Beckie's mom tells us the wrestler was 55-years-old when she passed.
We've spoken with several former GLOW wrestlers who worked with Beckie and are devastated by the news. Beckie was clearly well-liked amongst her peers.
She first appeared on "Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling" back in 1986 -- the inaugural season.
There has been renewed interest in GLOW after Netflix launched a scripted series based on the wrestling promotion starring Marc Maron and Alison Brie.
After her wrestling career, Beckie scored some acting roles in Hollywood -- appearing on shows like "Married with Children," "MadTV," "Renegade" and "Pacific Blue."
She was also featured in the 1991 music video for Van Halen's "Poundcake."
Jake Pauland Nate Robinson have signed the dotted line to fight in Sept. -- but they're already throwing verbal haymakers ... and the video is amazing!
23-year-old Jake is taking on the 36-year-old ex-NBA player on the undercard of the big Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr. fight after a war that started on TMZ Sports.
Long story short ... Nate called out Jake after watching the YouTube star beat up a couple of social media influencers in his first boxing matches.
Jake saw Nate's comments and challenged him to put his money where his mouth is -- and he did! Fight date is Sept. 12 on PPV and the Triller app.
We spoke with both guys at the same time -- and right off the bat, the insults were flying!!!!
Jake called Nate a washed-up old man. Nate said Jake is a fraud who's never fought a real athlete.
In fact, Nate says he's gone up against NBA legends like Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson -- and says Jake is a BUM compared to those guys.
Nate has never had an amateur or pro boxing fight -- and Jake says he's simply biting off more than he can chew.
"You're not ready, you haven't even sparred yet," Jake said. "you don't even know what it's like to spar, buddy."
"Shut up, Jake ... with your bird head ass," Nate barked back. "Listen, come September 12, bro, you said you was gonna knock me out. Just make sure you're a man of your word."
Jake added, "This is the only thing you have going for you ... where was Nate Robinson before this? ... I'm like a doctor with the shock pedals reviving your career!!"
Even Robinson's bud and ex-NBA star, Matt Barnes, got in on the fun ... saying he wanted to go after one of Jake's friends!!
The guys did settle down for a bit to talk about the opportunity to fight under legends like Tyson and RJJ ... and they both understand it's a once in a lifetime opportunity.
"All the stars have aligned and it's honestly an honor to be a part of the Mike Tyson card," Paul tells us. "Like, seriously, a dream come true. I can't even believe it."
Nate says he's tapping Floyd Mayweather -- as well as other boxing greats -- to help him train for the big event.
"I've been working with guys like Floyd Mayweather out here in Vegas," Robinson says.
"I've been working with Ron Johnson, David Benavidez, the brothers ... I'll be working with Terence Crawford and a couple of other guys getting ready for this fight. I can't wait."
The NFL is buying TV airtime to run a PSA about Stephon Clark -- an unarmed Black man who was wrongly shot to death by cops in his grandmother's backyard, TMZ Sports has learned.
It's the latest in the NFL's Inspire Change initiative -- which aims to raise awareness about the need to create positive change and end systemic racism.
Clark's story is heartbreaking -- cops believed he had been breaking car windows in the area ... and tried to hide out in his grandma's house.
Multiple officers entered the home and opened fire -- believing Clark was brandishing a weapon.
Turns out, all he was holding was a cell phone. No gun. No weapon.
Clark was shot 8 times -- 6 of those shots struck him in the back.
Stephon's mother Se’Quette Clark tells his story in the new PSA -- walking the audience through that horrific night in the hopes of forcing major changes that will help prevent tragedies like this in the future.
Aaron Rodgers says he turned to booze to help him get through the shock of Green Bay's shocking 1st-round draft pick last April ... pouring "four fingers" of tequila after the Jordan Love selection!
Oh, Rodgers also says he sees the writing on the wall -- admitting it's highly unlikely he retires as a Packer.
The NFL star made the revelation on Kyle Brandt's "10 Questions" podcast ... saying once Green Bay chose the Utah State QB with the 26th overall pick -- he turned to the liquor cabinet.
"I love scotch but I've been drinking some, sippin' tequila lately as well," Rodgers said. "And, once I got that text, I went to the pantry, I poured myself about four fingers, and I knew it was going to be one of those nights."
Rodgers says he hoped Green Bay would draft a top-flight WR with its first-round pick -- eyeing LSU's Justin Jefferson, Arizona State's Brandon Aiyuk and Clemson's Tee Higgins
So, when the team went with a QB instead, Aaron admits he "wasn't elated."
In fact, 36-year-old Rodgers says he believes the draft pick will likely mean he won't wrap up his NFL career in Green Bay.
"Just look at the facts," Rodgers said of his future with Green Bay. "They traded up. They drafted him. I would say they like him. They want to play him."
As for the comparison between when Rodgers was surprisingly picked toward the end of Brett Favre's career in the 1st round and now ... A-Rodge says they're two completely different scenarios.
Rodgers says Favre had been hinting at retirement for years before the Packers took Rodgers ... while Aaron has consistently said he wants to play into his 40s.
Rodgers also said he fell into the Packers' lap during the 2005 NFL Draft ... while he notes the Packers TRADED UP from #30 to #26 overall to pick Love.
Regardless, Rodgers says he's still planning to be cordial to the rookie and help the QB through the whole process. He even called Love to talk things out the day after the draft.
"I understand it's a business," Rodgers said. "I understand the nature of the business. I'm not here advocating my spot by any means, that's not going to happen."
Devastating news ... PGA golfer Camilo Villegas has revealed his 22-month-old daughter has died after battling brain and spine cancer.
Mia Villegas passed away on Sunday in Miami, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan confirmed. Mia is the only child of Camilo and Maria Villegas.
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Mia was initially diagnosed in March -- and underwent surgical procedures to try and remove the cancerous tumors found on her brain and spine.
Just last month, the family said Mia was set to undergo a second round of chemotherapy.
Unfortunately, the treatments just weren't effective enough.
"The PGA Tour is deeply saddened having lost a member of our family, Mia Villegas," Monahan said.
"We grieve with Camilo and Maria and our thoughts and prayers are with the Villegas family."
Back in May, Maria wrote an emotional note on IG to her daughter -- saying, "Being your mom has been the greatest gift in my life!"
"I thank God every day for this experience that we are going through together. Yes, it has been the most difficult challenge I have ever experienced but it has also been the most beautiful."
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"I am thankful for the lessons. You are the strongest warrior and I am so proud of you, of us."
38-year-old Camilo joined the PGA Tour in 2004 -- and the Colombian golfer has 4 tournament wins on the PGA Tour since turning pro.
1:22 PM PT -- 7/28 Marquise Goodwin just issued a video statement explaining his decision -- and it's emotional stuff.
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"Three years ago I made a decision that affected my whole life. I chose to leave my wife at the hospital, after prematurely birthing our first baby which resulted in a fatality to play in a football game."
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"I felt like I had to prove to my coaches and new team that I was dedicated to winning and i wouldn't let anything keep me from that goal, not even my family."
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Long story short, Goodwin says he will never again feel pressured into leaving his family in uncertain times.
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10:21 AM PT -- 7/28 Philadelphia Eagles receiver Marquise Goodwin is opting out of the 2020 season out of concern for his family's health.
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Goodwin and his wife have a 5-month-old infant daughter and decided it wasn't worth the risk to play football -- family comes first, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
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Goodwin and his wife suffered 3 miscarriages before their child was born -- and it took a tremendous emotional toll on them.
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Now that they have a healthy child, they're not doing ANYTHING that could pose a risk to their health ... including playing football.
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Goodwin just signed a 1-year contract with the Eagles earlier this year.
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The wideout -- who was traded from San Francisco to Philly this offseason -- just had a daughter a few months ago.
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8:40 AM PT -- Another Patriot is choosing to sit this season ... star safety Patrick Chung just told ESPN he's planning to opt out as well.
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5:53 AM PT -- Dont'a Hightower -- a 3-time Super Bowl champion and one of the leaders of the Patriots' defense -- has also chosen to sit out this season.
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Hightower, according to NFL Network's Michael Giardi, just had a baby this month ... and his mom also has type 2 diabetes.
The opt-out is a big blow for the Pats, Hightower recorded 71 tackles and 5.5 sacks for New England last season ... but he's also now one of FIVE Patriots choosing to forego the season.
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Pats running back Brandon Bolden and offensive linemen Najee Toran and Marcus Cannon have also joined Hightower and fullback Danny Vitale in sitting out 2020.
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There could be more on the way as well ... players still have until next week to make opt-out decisions.
At least five NFL players will NOT participate in the 2020 season over COVID-19 concerns ... with the Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots and more losing players on Monday.
Several teams just announced the opt-outs ... with the most notable, Baltimore Ravens returner and wide receiver De'Anthony Thomas, coming early Monday morning.
Other players joining the former Oregon Ducks star Monday included: Cowboys cornerback Maurice Canady, Washington D-lineman Caleb Brantley, Seahawks O-lineman Chance Warmack and Patriots fullback Danny Vitale.
Of course, the fivesome joins Chiefs offensive lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif ... who opted out over the weekend, choosing instead to use his doctorate background this year to help fight coronavirus.
The NFL -- as part of its collective bargaining agreement for this season -- is allowing players to opt out this year if they feel uncomfortable playing amid the pandemic.
The league says players deemed to be at "high-risk" of being affected by coronavirus can make a $350,000 stipend for opting out. The rest, meanwhile, can make $150,000 in a salary advance if they choose to sit.
Per the agreement between the NFL and NFLPA, the players opting out will have their current contracts toll into next season.
10:51 AM PT -- Turns out ... MLB might not even need the Nats-Marlins series to complete its season -- according to New York Post baseball insider Joel Sherman.
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League officials, per Sherman, are kicking around the idea of having total winning percentage determine playoff seeding ... which would allow some teams to play a full 60-game slate, while others could play just 50.
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MLB has previously used the winning percentage model back in 1981 ... when a strike-shortened season forced teams to play a different number of games.
The Washington Nationals players have VOTED against traveling to Miami to play a 3-game series with the Marlins in the wake of a COVID outbreak ... and ya gotta wonder, is this a wrap for MLB?!
The Nats were scheduled to play a 3-game series with the Marlins beginning Friday and ending on Sunday.
But, after 15 Miami Marlins players and 2 coaches tested positive for coronavirus, the Washington players decided it was just too damn risky.
The players took a vote -- and the majority of the team felt strongly AGAINST playing.
The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal says the MLB now has to figure out what to do ... but if the players don't feel safe, how can you force them to play?
As for the Marlins, they are still in Philadelphia -- where they wrapped up a series against the Phillies.
They will be cleared to return to Florida following a series of negative tests -- but who knows how long that could take?!
The 2020 MLB season seems to be in danger -- though Commissioner Rob Manfred said Monday night he thinks the league will be okay ... and insists they have protocols in place for a reason.
Patrick Mahomes is the king of Kansas City -- the Chiefs superstar is now a part-owner of the Royals, the team announced Tuesday.
Just weeks after inking a 10-year, $503 million deal with the Chiefs, Mahomes is now in business with the city's MLB franchise -- joining the Royals ownership group.
We know what you're thinking -- Mahomes is already spending that fat new contract -- but right now, we don't know how much he paid or what percentage of the team he owns.
That said, both Mahomes and the Royals are stoked about the partnership.
"I'm honored to become a part-owner of the Kansas City Royals," Patrick said. "I love this city and the people of this great town. This opportunity allows me to deepen my roots in this community, which is something I'm excited to do."
Royals chairman and CEO John Sherman added, "We are very proud and excited to have Patrick as our partner in the ownership group of this franchise."
"Consistent with the entirety of our ownership group, he has a deep commitment to Kansas City and a real passion for the game of baseball – dating back to his childhood."
Patrick's connection to MLB is well-known -- his father, Pat, was a pitcher in the big leagues for 11 seasons.
The move makes 24-year-old Mahomes the youngest owner in MLB history.
