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The NFL ain't messing around with its sock policy -- hitting 2 star Pittsburgh Steelers players with $5k fines for showing too much leg during a game!

Steelers wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster and running back James Conner were both flagged by the league for breaking the dress code -- which requires players to wear their socks all the way up to their pants.

The league sent a letter to both JuJu and Conner claiming they broke the sock rule during the Oct. 25 game against the Tenessee Titans.

"Specifically, your stockings failed to cover your lower leg," the letter said. Juju later posted the note to social media.

Both players can appeal the fine ... but $5k won't set them back TOO much, even though they're both still on their rookie deals.

Socks.

Besides the dress code fines, the Steelers are on fire this season -- they're currently 7-0 (the NFL's only unbeaten team) and looking like world-beaters.

23-year-old Juju's hauled in 39 passes for 346 yards and 3 TDs so far this season.

Ahmaud Arbery's mother had a face-to-face with President Trump over the killing of her son -- but she still isn't voting for him, as she casts her ballot in the same city where her child was killed.

Wanda Cooper tells TMZ ... she's currently en route to Brunswick, GA to vote -- which is about a 3-hour drive for her. Wanda says she's still registered in Glynn County, but she doesn't live there anymore after relocating the fam in the wake of Ahmaud's death.

Brunswick is the city where Ahmaud was gunned down by the McMichaels in February -- and Wanda tells us it's important she votes there to honor him. As for who she's backing ... Wanda says she's voting for Biden-Harris, and adds Ahmaud would've done the same.

It's interesting ... Wanda actually met with Trump earlier this year to discuss Ahmaud and other race-related issues, and she had a pretty glowing review of how it went afterward.

At the time, Wanda said POTUS was compassionate and receptive to her story ... and the conference appeared to have gone well by most accounts.

But, Wanda doesn't believe he's lived up to a commitment of bridging the racial divide in this country. She says Trump's public comments on BLM and other issues pertaining to the Black community make her feel like what she said to him didn't really help after all.

Enter Biden ... whom Wanda says has won her over with his message of unity, and she believes he'll bring about real change. Moreover, she admires his backing of love and respect -- something she says Ahmaud also valued.

One last thing ... Wanda says Trump's handling of the coronavirus pandemic hasn't done him any favors, in her eyes. She says he hasn't shown remorse for those who've lost their lives -- another reason she's not backing him.

Erika Jayne and Tom Girardi's marriage is over ... or at least she wants it to be, 'cause Erika just filed for divorce.

The singer and 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' star filed divorce docs in Los Angeles County this week -- seeking a dissolution of marriage from her powerhouse attorney hubby -- who's more than 30 years her senior.

It's unclear what she's seeking at this point in terms spousal support -- if anything at all -- but we're working on getting more info. It's pretty shocking news considering they've been together for so long now ... the two got hitched in 1999. Last millennium, folks!

They share no children, but probably have a ton of assets between the both of them after all these years -- they're incredibly wealthy.

Erika became a regular 'RHOBH' cast member starting in season 6, and Tom's made several appearances as well.

Denver Broncos president John Elway has tested positive for COVID-19, the team confirms ... the latest in a string of positive tests within the organization.

"John immediately left UCHealth Training Center [Broncos practice facility] on Monday morning after experiencing minor symptoms that he quickly brought to the attention of our medical staff," the team said in a statement.

The 60-year-old NFL legend is one of two Broncos execs who tested positive Tuesday morning -- the other is Broncos' CEO, Joe Ellis.

"After not feeling 100% on Sunday morning, Joe promptly reported his symptoms to our medical team and watched Sunday's game at home as a precaution," the team added.

"He continued to work from home on Monday before receiving a positive test result this morning."

Both execs are NOT at the team facility at the moment and are following the NFL's COVID protocol.

"Other than mild symptoms, both Joe and John are doing well. They will continue to work from home in self-isolation and participate in virtual meetings while their health is monitored."

60-year-old Elway and 61-year-old Ellis both believe they contracted the virus OUTSIDE the team facility.

"There were minimal close contacts identified for each (no players or coaches), and those individuals have been notified."

The team has been dealing with COVID issues over the past week -- with offensive lineman Graham Glasgow testing positive on Friday, leading the team to cancel practice that day.

President Trump is garnering public support from some black celebrities and hip-hop artists, but Claudia Jordan and Too Short want everyone to know they're not part of that group ... despite a very misleading press release.

Here's the deal -- a press release went out Monday about Trump inviting a "prominent group of African-American actors and entertainers" to the White House in December to discuss issues facing the Black community and the President's proposed Platinum Plan.

According to the announcement, the December meeting would be attended by the stars of an upcoming documentary called "Trump vs. Hollywood" -- including rappers Eric B., Money-B, actor Isaiah Washington and the film's director, Daphne Barak. The documentary seems to be very pro-Trump.

That's where Claudia and Too Short come in, as their names are listed as being part of "Trump vs. Hollywood" alongside names of some well-known Trump supporters ... like Kid Rock, Dean Cain and Scott Baio.

It definitely reads like all of the celebs are endorsing the Prez, but as both the 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' star and the rapper point out ... that's not the case.

They both say they were asked to do an interview by Barak and agreed to it, but in no way does that mean they support Trump. Claudia says the film director presented it as talking to people on both sides of the political aisle.

Too Short adds that he's about to go vote -- NOT for Trump -- and says in the past few weeks he's also been asked to fly to D.C. to meet with Trump or hop on a phone call with someone on his team.

He says he rejected both offers and, without naming names, throws some serious shade at fellow rappers who have taken the Trump meeting for what he believes is just a photo op.

Too Short's claim echoes what Rich The Kid recently said too -- that Trump tried to send him a private jet to fly him to his Michigan rally to buy his support.

Imagine opening up Hinge, Tinder or Grindr and the other person's opening line being ... who ya voting for? That's exactly what's happening ... especially in battleground states.

Tons of people are reportedly flooding to those datings apps to get users to the polls -- and that's not a euphemism. Specifically, Hinge users/poll pushers are changing their geolocations to battleground states like Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Michigan, Texas and Arizona.

Once there, users set up their profile and do what they can to attract a match ... going as far as posting tons of pictures with furry animals, for example. Once they match, they talk voting and ask if they've settled on a presidential candidate yet. According to CNN ... users reportedly try to persuade undecided voters to Joe Biden but they also respect those who have settled on President Trump.

Some people have called this operation #DateSaveAmerica ... and while some users told CNN they've lucked out and had meaningful conversations about the election, others have said they were turned off when the convo turned to politics.

It's not the first time dating apps have turned political. Back in 2018, the Washington Post reported Tinder users had a similar plan for the midterm elections.

President Trump and Joe Biden brought in some of their famous friends to close out election eve ... but it was Trump who might need some reacquainting with his buddy, Lil Pimp ... AKA, Lil Pump.

The rapper was at DT's final campaign stop Monday night in Grand Rapids, MI -- where the President actually invited him up at one point to say a few words. The problem ... POTUS seemed to forget the guy's name -- that, or he mispronounced it on purpose.

Check it out ... Trump actually introduced him as LIL PIMP!!! And no, we're not kidding. He correctly said his name shortly afterward, as LP made his way up to the podium.

Once there, he awkwardly asked how the crowd was doing -- stopping himself from saying "y'all" and pivoting to "you guys" -- and then thanked Trump because he "brought the troops home" before riling himself and the crowd up by telling them not to vote for "Sleepy Joe."

Trump was loving it, and sorry ... but the juxtaposition of Pump and the Prez is still an odd scene.

Meanwhile, over in Pennsylvania ... the Biden-Harris campaign decided to tap Lady Gaga and John Legend, respectively, as their ultimate fighters/music acts to encourage people to vote. Gaga performed for Biden in Pittsburgh, and John piano'd it up for Kamala in Philly.

John's wife, Chrissy Teigen, was also there ... and made occasional visits to the stage to help stump with her husband. He performed "Glory" with Common, "Wake Up Everybody" and other songs, while Gaga sang "Shallow," "You and I" and more tunes of hers.

The Beverly Hills Police Dept. is mobilizing its entire force, and a lot more, and they've been out showing what they got every day since Saturday ... much to the dismay of surrounding law enforcement agencies ... that think Beverly Hills is essentially inviting violence this week.

The Beverly Hills City Council voted to pour $4.8 million into security around the election. They have hired SWAT members from Santa Paula, armed private security companies, and additional equipment to protect the city and its 35,000 residence from violence.

There is lots of equipment too, including armored SWAT vehicles, guns and plenty of them.

The City Council authorized the police to initiate "the full deployment of sworn and non-sworn staff to work rotating 12-hour shifts" beginning last Saturday and the Police Chief and the Mayor have said the show of force will continue through this week. The idea, presumably, is to make sure everyone sees Bev Hills means business, so people gunning for violence should stay clear of the City. As TMZ reported, there was a massive presence on the streets this weekend, with armored vehicles and armed cops everywhere.

The scene was repeated Monday with a similar show of force.

Here's the problem. High up sources from LAPD and other law enforcement agencies tell TMZ they are shocked BHPD is out on the streets with a show of force ahead of the election. As one very high up law enforcement source told us, "This is like waving a red flag in front of a bull. The City is essentially challenging people to come to the City to confront authority." That source said the City Council may have had good intentions, but the show of force will actually make the City unsafe if looting or rioting occurs.

There were big, dueling anti-fascist and pro-Trump rallies in Bev Hills over the weekend, and it got so tense cops declared the protests unlawful assembly. Police came out in riot gear to break things up.

There have been a number of demonstrations in Beverly Hills over the last 5 months, so there's reason for the BHPD to be on high alert, but law enforcement officials from other agencies say it's one thing to be ready, and another to show the world the scope of police presence with armored vehicles and cops in riot gear.

A Beverly Hills spokesperson tells TMZ, "The City of Beverly Hills has been a specific target for demonstrations and protests. The City is taking steps to ensure it remains safe."

There's deep concern for what will happen tonight and beyond in the streets of America, regardless of who wins the Presidential election, and we've learned the feds have spent millions to protect the candidates and the building they want to live in.

According to federal docs obtained by TMZ, the Secret Service has dished out $2.6 million in security expenses to protect Donald Trump and Joe Biden tonight -- money earmarked for contractors who specialize in setting up secure perimeters at political events.

One company, Arcus Group LLC, is raking in $988,788 to secure the perimeter of the White House on Election Night. Another company, Showcall Security Services will collect $1.6 mil to keep Joe Biden safe in Delaware Tuesday night.

Each company will construct barriers and walls to keep people out. As you've seen by now, the perimeter of The White House has already been fortified.

Cities across the U.S. are also preparing for the worst ... businesses from Washington D.C. to Beverly Hills have been boarded up out of fear of potential unrest. Police forces have beefed up their operations as well, bringing in additional officers and reinforcements.

Nearly 900 companies are giving employees paid time off to vote this year, making it much easier for 1 million Americans to cast their ballots ... TMZ has learned.

If you haven't noticed, the push for voter turnout has been a big deal for the 2020 election, and ElectionDay.org is one of the groups at the forefront of that effort. Since 2018, its been hitting up companies, trying to get them to pledge paid voting time for workers.

The org says the goal is not making people choose between their Constitutional right (if not, duty) and their paycheck.

They accomplished that mission at 890 businesses and institutions, which signed up to make voter's leave part of their company policies. We're told that's a huge jump from 150 companies 2 years ago when the program launched.

Though the time off varies -- some companies give employees the whole day while others provide a 3 or 4-hour break -- the list includes names like Airbnb, T-Mobile, Shake Shack, Ford, Sony, Twitter, and Hollywood talent agencies CAA and UTA.

ElectionDay.org -- which is run by Vote.org -- says its efforts will help an estimated 1 million people vote this year.

It's a good thing Russell Wilson's rich ... 'cause the Seattle Seahawks QB says he spends around $1 MILLION every year just to take care of his body!

The 31-year-old broke it down recently on "The Bill Simmons Podcast" ... saying he's investing so much in his body so he can play in the NFL until he's 45-years-old!

"I probably spend $1 million if not more, a year, just on recovery," Wilson said.

Here's the breakdown ...

-- Full-time trainer (who also works with Ciara).

-- Full-time physical therapist

-- Full-time masseuse

-- Two chefs!

Wilson says he's been investing in his body for about 5 or 6 years now -- and also has "all the toys" to keep him in peak physical condition.

"I've got two hyperbaric chambers. I've got a little bit of everything. I get in the hyperbaric four times a week, three times a week. I get treatment every day."

Russ also says he tries to workout EVERY DAY -- 365 days a year -- though he admits there might be 1 or 2 days he takes off,.

"The reality is Christmas -- depending on the circumstances, but usually I do because we usually have a game around then -- and Thanksgiving. I'm in between 363 and 365 amount of work that we do every day, something around the work I do."

"I'm trying to play until I'm 45, at least. For me, my mentality is that I'm going to leave it all on the field and do everything I can to take care of myself."

Celebs are giving the term "Mailing it in" a whole new meaning for the 2020 election ... 'cause that appears to be their preferred way to cast their vote.

Karlie Kloss, Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, Zoe Kravitz and Ken Jeong are among the throngs of celebrities who made it known loud and clear they've made their choice in what promises to be an unparalleled presidential election in modern history.

Ryan Garcia says he isn't fazed by that explosive Gervonta Davis knockout -- telling TMZ Sports he's lickin' his chops to get a crack at Tank.

"I'm extremely confident I'd beat that boy down," Garcia tells us ... "He's just a big bully."

Garcia and Davis are 2 of the top young boxers in sports and it seems like it's only a matter of time before they meet in the ring.

Garcia tells us straight up he'd rather fight Tank sooner than later.

"We all know we can both knock people out. We all know we can put people to sleep that don't belong in the ring with us. But, one day we got to step up and go against someone who can also get slept. And, that’s what I'm trying to do. I'm trying to get in there and give fans a fight they’ll remember for the rest of their lives."

Garcia says he gives Tank props for that monstrous 6th-round knockout of Leo Santa Cruz this past weekend -- but he's not scared 1 bit.

"It didn't even make my pulse go up."

Garcia even has a message for Davis -- "Don’t run away from the specialness. I can hit like that too. I can hit like that too."

East Coast environmentalist and political activist Ralph Nader became a household name in 2000 after he accepted the nomination as the Green Party Presidential candidate alongside his running mate, Winona LaDuke, as the Vice President nominee.

While they only received 2.7 percent of the popular vote ... Nader and LaDuke became a big part in the election after they were accused of taking votes away from Democrat Al Gore in Florida ... ultimately helping George W. Bush win the highly disputed presidential election.

Nader went on to contribute both politically and personally and can be heard on his weekly Ralph Nader Radio Hour.

Jeffrey Epstein's old home is getting an extreme makeover ... the infamous compound where he sexually assaulted many of his young victims will be torn down.

Here's the deal ... Florida real estate developer Todd Michael Glaser says he inked a contract to buy the waterfront property from Epstein's estate, and once it closes next month he's planning to demolish the home and build a new 14,000-square-foot mansion ... according to the Wall Street Journal.

As we reported ... Epstein's infamous Palm Beach pad went on the market back in July for a whopping $21.9 million.

Glaser reportedly got it for just $18 million. Talk about your pricey teardowns!

The neighbors will probably be happy with the demolition ... remember, the pad was vandalized this summer when someone painted "GONE BUT NOT FORGIVEN" in blood-red letters on the front gate.

The new owner's getting a nice piece of land to work with though  ... the compound is about a mile away from Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago club, and the property features waterfront views in the renowned Estate Section on El Brillo Way. It's also got views of the Tarpon and Everglade islands.

As you know ... this is the home where Epstein recruited young girls for the sole purpose of sexually assaulting them, luring them in with money. He pled guilty in 2007 to state prostitution charges. The compound is heavily featured in the Netflix docuseries, "Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich."

President Trump has a thought or two about big-name music acts who perform for Joe Biden these days -- especially Jon Bon Jovi, whom he claims is a total brownnoser.

POTUS rallied Monday in Avoca, PA and talked about the fact Lady Gaga is set to perform for Joe Biden at a dueling rally in the Keystone State later today. He claimed to know "a lot of stories" about her, suggesting she's not so "good" -- whatever that means.

As you might've heard, Gaga's doing a show for the Democratic nominee on the eve of the election ... something she also did for Hillary Clinton, as well, back in 2016. Guess Biden's not superstitious.

Trump also went after Bon Jovi, who performed at a Biden drive-in rally last week, and claimed the dude kisses his ass in private. Yep, the President actually said that.

BTW, Jon also performed for Hillary in 2016 -- and in keeping with that theme ... Trump even took some shots at Jay-Z, another one of Hillary's marquee music acts that year. His performance was a little controversial at the time because he used explicit language.

He made sure to remind everyone about Jay dropping f-bombs ... which apparently has DT clutching his pearls.