Report: WNBA Star Brittney Griner Detained In Russia On Drug Charge Could Face 10 Yrs In Prison

Brittney Griner, WNBA superstar and 2x Olympic gold medalist, was reportedly detained in Russia after customs officials say they found hashish oil in the hoopers luggage ... and she could now face 10 years in prison.

On Saturday, the Russian Federal Customs Service announced they'd detained an American basketball player back in February after finding vape cartridges in her bags while traveling through Sheremetyevo airport -- about 20 miles from Moscow.

Russian customs didn't identify the person taken into custody, but TASS, a Russian news agency, citing sources, ID'd the player as Griner, center for the Phoenix Mercury.

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DETAINED IN RUSSIA
customs.gov.ru

Customs released surveillance video on Saturday appearing to show Griner, wearing a mask, going through airport security. The clip shows what appears to be a security official removing a package from the traveler's bag.

According to a statement from Russian Customs, the traveler was flying from New York to Russia. At some point, they claim a drug dog alerted to her carry-on bag. Soon after they claim they found the vapes.

The statement says Russian officials have opened up a drug trafficking investigation ... a charge that could carry a five to ten-year prison sentence, if convicted.

Lindsay Kagawa Colas, Brittney's agent, issued the following statement.

"We are aware of the situation with Brittney Griner in Russia and are in close contact with her, her legal representation in Russia, her family, her teams, and the WNBA and NBA."

Colas continued ... "As this is an ongoing legal matter, we are not able to comment further on the specifics of her case but can confirm that as we work to get her home, her mental and physical health remain our primary concern."

The WNBA also released a statement pledging their support for Griner, saying their main objective was to return her to the USA as soon as possible.

31-year-old Griner, the 1st overall pick in the 2014 WNBA Draft, is one of the best players in the league. Brittney is a 7x All-Star, 2x Scoring Champ, 2x WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, and a WNBA champion.

Despite her accolades, Griner and other WNBA players routinely hoop in Russia ... as women can earn significantly more money than what the WNBA pays.

Griner is no stranger to the country. She's won four championships with the Russian Euroleague team, UMMC Ekaterinburg.

It's not publicly known where, or if, Griner is being held ... as the detainment allegedly occurred in February.

It's a perilous time for an American to be held in Russia. Relations between the two countries are incredibly strained, as Vladimir Putin's military invaded and attacked Ukraine, and the west responded with harsh sanctions, dealing a significant blow to Russia's economy.

Story developing ...

George Takei Americans, Suck It Up on Higher Prices ... Do It for Ukraine!!!

George Takei thinks Americans need to be willing to tighten their belt and shoulder bloated checkout tallies in solidarity with Ukraine -- but he's kinda catching heat for the suggestion.

The 'Star Trek' actor took to Twitter Friday with his sentiment, writing ... "Americans: We can endure higher prices for food and gas if it means putting the screws to Putin. Consider it a patriotic donation in the fight for freedom over tyranny."

Sounds innocent enough -- fact is, there is bound to be more inflation as a result of this conflict and the sanctions President Biden has imposed ... whether we like it or not.

If anything, it sounds like GT is telling folks to have a better attitude about it rather than actually proposing they act on it ... 'cause, frankly, there isn't much to do at the moment. Now, as you can imagine ... his idea is being embraced by some, but rejected by others.

The pushback ... namely, that George is a rich celebrity, and he comes off a bit tone-deaf here telling ordinary people to chip in for a good cause -- at least in his critics' eyes. Essentially, it's sounding like an elitist POV (to them) ... and talking down to "little people."

Big picture ... this convo is turning into rich vs. poor, which is a raging debate in this country -- as it seems there's a growing hatred of the 1%, whom many feel could be/should be contributing more to help society. In this case, George is on the receiving end of that.

Of course, the flip side of this is ... who the hell knows what George may already be doing and/or donating to help the cause in Ukraine? He could be pouring tons of cash and other resources toward the effort without anyone's knowledge -- and if he is, would he still be considered an opulent snob up in the ivory tower??? If we're being honest ... probably not.

More importantly, higher prices undoubtedly affect him too. Yes, it hurts some more than others, for sure, but when the economy is squeezed ... it's not really ideal for anyone.

'Good Times' Star Johnny Brown Dead at 84

Johnny Brown, who played housing project superintendent Nathan Bookman on the massively hit show "Good Times," has died.

Johnny's daughter Sharon Catherine Brown tells TMZ, he was at his doctor's office in L.A. Wednesday getting his pacemaker checked out, and shortly after he left he went into cardiac arrest and collapsed. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he passed. She says the appointment was routine, so his sudden death was a shock.

Sharon said, "Our family is devastated. Devastated. Devastated. Beyond Heartbroken. Barely able to breathe."

Johnny was a protege of Sammy Davis Jr. Sammy scored Johnny a role on Broadway, and from there, his career soared. He starred in "Carry Me Back to Morningside Heights" ... directed by Sidney Poitier.  Neil Simon took notice and put Johnny in "The Out of Towners."

"Good Times," however, was his breakout role. He joined the show in 1975, in the middle of season 2.

Co-star Jimmie Walker tells TMZ he's hurting because he loved his compadre on the show.

Johnny racked up a bunch of credits, including 3 seasons on 'Laugh In,' 'Julia,' 'Maude,' "The Jeffersons," "Archie Bunker's Place," "Family Matters," "Sister, Sister," "Moonlighting," and "Martin."

Johnny is survived by his wife, whom he married 61 years ago, his daughter Sharon and son, John Jr.

Johnny was 84.

RIP

Ukraine IVF Clinics Under Threat Kyiv Doc Trying to Save Embryos

UPDATE

11:30 AM PT -- IVMED lab director, Birol Aydin, tells TMZ ... he was able to successfully transport all 17 tanks out of Ukraine via trucks and cars.

UPDATE

He adds ... "There are 2 reason why I did this. Firstly, of course, I am an embryologist and all (the) embryos are created by me. Any mother or father will not leave their kids easy and it's the same for me. The second reason, liquid nitrogen explosion is quite dangerous in case of fire or some other chemicals mixed up. It was best to move them safety."

UPDATE
UPDATE

Aydin finishes by saying, "We have 12.000 of patient's embryos and oocytes in these storages. Can you imagine all got damage! How I can continue to live with that? Many clinics already get damaged while they are bombing everywhere."

As Ukrainians try fleeing while Putin wreaks havoc -- one group that's been all but forgotten is ... unborn kids in the form of embryos, which some docs are fighting hard to save.

Word of a brave practitioner named Birol Aydin -- who runs an IVF clinic called IVMED in Kyiv -- has spread to the community online, and the story goes ... this man has attempted to remove a number of cryogenic tanks containing precious would-be life out of the country.

As one Yale professor puts it on FB ... Aydin supposedly tried smuggling upwards of 17 cryo tanks on day 1 of the Russian invasion, and after 5 days of travel -- he finally reached the border and was apparently able to get at least five of the tanks out of Ukraine in the first trip.

The professor, Cihan Halicigil, says he's hearing that Aydin had to go back for the rest shortly thereafter ... also noting he's a Turkish citizen, and under no obligation to do this.

As for the rest of the clinics in town, it's said to be very dangerous right now ... with a majority of the tanks being stored in bunkers with a low supply of liquid nitrogen (needed to keep them cold) and not a great outlook of viability the longer this conflict lasts.

Even more troubling is the fact that any male IVF docs and/or staffers are reported to have taken up arms in the military there to help fight ... leaving the facilities unmanned and mostly abandoned as Russia continues to move in on the capital.

Halicigil -- who's in the loop on all this from here in the U.S. -- tells TMZ ... these tanks contain anything from eggs and sperm to full-blown embryos that must remain at -196 degrees Celsius, or perish. The conflict has created a supply issue for the liquid nitrogen needed to help keep these tanks up and running -- and that the best of them can stay up and functioning for up to a couple months, assuming all other conditions are favorable.

As for Aydin, it sounds like he was able to get all 17 tanks to a safe place in a bordering country -- but Hilicigil wouldn't give that up for security reasons. Scary stuff, indeed.

Originally Published -- 11:03 AM PT

Russian Invasion Ukrainians Shoot Down Russian Chopper with Missile

Ukraine is getting pummeled by the Russian military, but not at zero cost, and this image of a Russian helicopter going down in flames is proof ... Ukrainians still have a lot of fight left in them.

It appears the helicopter was cruising along when it was hit by a Ukrainian missile. You see the chopper burst into flames as it crashes to the ground.

The direct hit causes the helicopter to explode in a fireball. It looks like the video was shot from a drone. As the chopper goes down, you hear someone say "Glory to Ukraine!"

It's unclear where the incident occurred, but there are reports it's around 25 miles from Kyiv.

The type of helicopter is commonly referred to as a "flying tank" because of its size. The type of helicopter was featured in 'Rambo: First Blood Part II' and "Rambo III."

The Russians have ramped up their assault on the country, now appearing to routinely bomb civilian targets. The destruction is devastating.

LINDSEY GRAHAM DRAGGED BY NAVY SEAL WHO KILLED BIN LADEN ... Over Putin Assassination Talk

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CAN'T SAY THAT
TMZ.com

Lindsey Graham is getting dragged for saying someone in Russia should murder Putin, and by a person that knows a lot about the subject -- the Navy SEAL who shot and killed Osama bin Laden.

Robert O'Neill tells TMZ ... as a Senator, Graham shouldn't have made those comments. He notes Graham's a part of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and believes the Senator should be using those backdoor channels to get the work done instead of talking about it on news TV -- noting politicians shouldn't be worrying about ratings.

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TAKE HIM OUT
Fox News

Senator Graham took to Fox News on Friday, responding to the terrors developing in Ukraine ... saying "The only way this ends is for somebody in Russia to take this guy out. You would be doing your country and the world a great service."

Now, Robert doesn't completely disagree with Graham, telling us someone on the inside should put a hit on Putin if the madness doesn't end soon. For now, he's hoping this can all end without getting messy and one of Putin's associates knocks some sense into him!

Robert says Putin is losing his mind ... and something needs to get done quickly, as innocent people die every day in Ukraine.

As for Graham, he thinks both sides of politics have people that don't know what they're talking about.

Ye Divorce Sucks ... Here's a Poem to Prove it!!!

It's no secret Kanye West is down in the dumps about the end of his marriage to Kim Kardashian, but now he's put his pain into words ... and without lashing out at Pete Davidson.

Ye penned and posted "Divorce" ... a poem comparing the legal process to just about every bad experience you can imagine.

Just a sample: "Divorce feels like full blown Covid ... like your doctor don't know s**t ... like your walking on glass ... like you're running through a glass wall ... like you're being bullied in a class hall."

He pours out his heart even more, and seems to reference recent experiences with lines like, "Divorce feels like the first play of the Super Bowl and your ankle rolls ... feels like your kids were snatched from your control."

Not that Ye's kids have actually been taken from him, but we know he's complained about not getting the address for Chi's 4th birthday and about North being on TikTok.

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JABS AT "SKETE"
@kanyewest / INSTAGRAM

The poem's definitely a healthier, and certainly less ominous, expression of his emotions than the music video for "Eazy" ... where claymation Ye buries claymation Pete in the ground and grows flowers from his skull.

His closing lines of "Divorce" prose are pretty puzzling, though: "Michael Jackson said it best, You're a vegetable, You're a vegetable, You're the real Cosby, Not a Huxtable."

MJ famously dropped the "vegetable" line in "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" ... but the Cosby stuff, that's all Ye.

Ozzy and Sharon Taxes Are Too Damn High Here ... We're Movin' back to England!!!

Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne are done with L.A. ... in fact, they're bailing from the U.S.

Ozzy and Sharon are moving to the U.K. ... Ozzy told The Mirror it's because the tax rate is too high.  He wasn't specific if it was the CA tax rate (which is insanely high), the U.S. tax rate or both.

It's a big move ... they've lived in Bev Hills for a quarter-century.

Ozzy told The Mirror, "I am taking my recording studio with me. I am going to build a barn there and make my own studio at Welders. I will still be making music and my band will come over."

The Osbournes and Bev Hills have become synonymous ... as you know, their hit show "The Osbourne's" rooted in the mansion ran from 2002 to 2005.

As for Sharon, well she has lots of opportunities in England for sure.

Looks like they'll be doing some consulting from a distance ... there's a new flick in the works chronicling Ozzy and Sharon's relationship. Black Sabbath and some of Ozzy's solos will provide the soundtrack for the movie.

The 2 met in 1970 and things turned romantic 9 years later.

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NEVER EVER AGAIN
TMZ.com

Sharon and Ozzy were at Erewhon market late last month in L.A. where our photog asked whether Whoopi Goldberg's suspension, which was less severe than Sharon's, would make her reconsider going back to "The Talk" if CBS asked her. Her response ... "I would never go back to that show because CBS sucks big time d***."

Josh Flagg, Bobby Boyd Divorcing After 5 Years of Marriage

"Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles" star Josh Flagg and his husband have decided their marriage isn't working, so, after a lot of talk, they're ending it.

Josh tells TMZ the split is amicable ... he posted on Instagram, "This was not a rash or impulsive decision.  We have been very thoughtful before coming to this conclusion."

Josh and Bobby Boyd married 5 years ago.

As for why the split ... Josh said, "It was not a lack of love but rather the two of us growing in different directions and wanting very different things for ourselves. I care deeply about Bobby and have nothing but love and respect for him. I want how we separate from each other to represent that."

Apparently, there's a way to take a little of the sting out, because Josh posted his divorce statement from a super-exclusive island in French Polynesia called Tetiaroa ... it's was once inhabited by Marlon Brando.

Boyd says the divorce talk was going on for a few months ... "The last 6 years of my life I wouldn't change for the world. 6 years ago, I met and fell in love with my best friend. From the first date we were inseparable and took off at lightning speed. Josh and I had a whirlwind of a love story that I will forever be grateful for. We have both taught each other so much and have learned so much about ourselves throughout our relationship."

Short story ... it seems like they're parting on more than good terms.

The relationship has definitely had its speed bumps. A few years ago on 'MDL,' there was a pretty nuclear argument on the show over some conflict involving co-star Josh Altman.

TikTok Chemical Peel Victim I'm Taking Legal Action Against Atlanta Spa, Didn't Do This for Clout

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MAJOR DAMAGE
TMZ.com

Neyo White went viral after a trip to a Georgia spa turned into a trip from hell ... and now he says he's taking legal action.

In the video, Neyo details what went down Feb 17 ... and how he ended up with burns all over his face after going to a Buckhead spa for a chemical peel. He also makes two things clear -- this isn't a stunt for clout, and he absolutely plans to sue.

Neyo says he had gone to the spa before, to get other facial procedures, to help with discoloration and evenness ... but he wanted to try something a little stronger, so he went in for a chemical peel.

Neyo says he felt burning during the process, but the woman doing the peel assured him that everything was fine. Well, things were not fine ... and 4 days later he ended up with burns and a completely discolored face.

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SEVERE BURNS

It looks pretty painful, to say the least ... but luckily, we're told he is slowly recovering.

As far as the folks at the spa, Neyo says they haven't responded to him and have denied his Cash App request for a refund on the chemical peel ... so, now he plans to take matters into his own hands.

Neyo plans to sue for his legal bills, medical fees, and Uber payments for his hospital trips. He also wants to be refunded for the $150 chemical peel.

For now, though, he says he is taking his time ... in order to find the right attorney and has started a GoFundMe page.

Stars and Scars You Be the Judge

Putin's galvanized the world -- against him -- as Zelensky emerges as a world leader and war hero ... and what's Kanye gonna do now that he and Kim are divorced? So, we gotta ask ...

Sen. Lindsey Graham Urging Russians To Assassinate Putin ...

I Fear Nuclear War ...

Kanye Is Threatening Pete Davidson's Safety

Whose Side You On?

More Likely To Tie The Knot ...

I'd Pay $6 A Gallon To Support Russian Boycott ...

My Level Of Oscars Interest ...

Aretha Franklin's granddaughter ...

The 'Tinder Swindler' Is Hot ...

UFC Star Kamaru Usman Says Colby Covington Has The 'Edge' In Fight ... W/ Jorge Masvidal

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COLBY MIGHT TAKE THIS
TMZSports.com

In case you were wondering who's going to win the highly anticipated bout between Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal, look no further ... 'cause fellow UFC star Kamaru Usman tells TMZ Sports Covington is going to walk away with the W.

We spoke with 34-year-old Usman, and he tells us the fight on Saturday at UFC 272 is a close call, but the difference in skillset will be the reason Colby emerges victorious.

"Man, I think it's an incredible fight," Usman said. "I think both guys are skilled and both guys know each other. I just think Colby has a little bit more tools to be able to win."

Kamaru went on to say Masvidal does have an advantage in the speed department, but preceded that comment by saying Colby has the edge in wrestling, cardio, and striking.

Usman fought both Covington and Masvidal two times each on separate occasions -- scoring victories over both men -- so he knows what each guy brings to the table.

The feud between Colby and Jorge -- who used to be best friends at one point -- is well documented, with Covington going as far to call it a "blood feud."

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FUNERAL, NOT A BAPTISM
TMZSports.com

Both fighters have made it clear when they collide in the Octagon come Saturday, they're gunning to hurt each other.

DMX's Fiancée Says Son's Already into Music ... On 'It's Tricky with Raquel Harper'

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JUST LIKE DAD
It's Tricky with Raquel Harper

DMX's Fiancée Desiree Lindstrom says their son, Exodus, is the apple that doesn't fall far from the tree -- he could follow in his dad's footsteps -- but for now, he's staying strong after X's passing.

Desiree was on "It's Tricky with Raquel Harper," when she opened up about whether her 5-year-old might become a rapper ... and turns out he's flashing some skills. She told Raq, "He loves to sing. I was like, 'Is my son gonna be an R&B singer?'"

She says Exodus can beatbox pretty well too, sooo ... place your bets.

As for the traumatic loss of his father -- Desiree says Exodus has been very strong, even comforting her when she gets down. If she starts tearing up, her little boy reassures her DMX is always watching over from Heaven.

She tells Raq he's eager to learn, too -- choosing to write over playing with toys! She couldn't be prouder of who he's becoming, and knows X would feel the same way.

Make sure you follow "It's Tricky with Raquel Harper" on Apple, Spotify, Google -- or wherever you get your pods -- so you don't miss an episode.

Celebrity Mustaches Hollywood's Growning Trend?!

It's March and every year the upper lips of millions of eager growers sprout a lack-luster attempt at a lip warmer for Mustache March.

Move over Steve Harvey, Hulk Hogan and Dr. Phil ... there's a new batch of iconic celebrity soup strainers that have begun to grow on the top lips of some of your favorite famous faces.

Jacob Elordi's euphoric growth, Justin Bieber's pop of color, Tom Holland's webbie whiskers, Pete Davidson's hilarious stubble and Anderson .Paak's pencil-thin style are just a few of the biggest ... and baddest ... crumb catchers in the game.

Now it's up to you to weed your way through the whiskers and make the final call ... should the celebs grow ... or NO!

Brooklyn Beckham & Nicola Peltz Find Buyer For Bev Hills Mansion ... 'We're moving to MIA!!!'

Brooklyn Beckham and his fiancée, Nicola Peltz, are one giant step closer to taking their talents to Miami ... cause the couple just found a buyer for their $11 mil L.A. mansion.

The couple's unloading their 5-bedroom, 7-bathroom pad -- less than a year after buying it -- as they reportedly shop around for a more humble abode on the west coast and also a home in MIA.

Once the deal is made and the keys are handed over, the buyer will definitely be able to let his/her hair down -- the place has a ton of zen.

There's a white crystal quartz massage room, sauna, heated pool, spa, steam room and a rooftop made for meditation.

Might we add, it also comes with a pretty amazing view that overlooks a portion of L.A.

BTW, 22-year-old Brooklyn's mom and pop, David and Victoria Beckham, have already snagged a penthouse in Miami ... and Nicola has some family in Palm Beach. So, the South FL move will put them closer to family.

The couple got engaged back in July 2020 and moved into the mansion back in summer 2021.

As they gear up to tie the knot, looks like they are keeping family at the forefront of their mind.

Carl Gambino of Compass held the listing.

What's The Big Frigin' Difference?!

Pull up a seat and bask in the detailed decorations that fill this tabletop shot of Rashida Jones while poppin' a squat at an immersive experience going down in New York City ... then study the cluttered shots to find the differences between the seemingly identical photos.

Please proceed with caution as you peruse the tricky pics because these candid shots of the "Parks And Recreation" and "The Office" star will have you Jonesin' for the answer to the puzzling pictures.

Are you good enough to look past Rashida's timeless beauty to spot the challenging changes?

**HINT: There Are THREE differences in the above photographs!**

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