Bama's Brandon Miller Making Leap To NBA ... Proj. Top 5 Pick

Alabama Crimson Tide star Brandon Miller -- one of the best players in college basketball this season -- is foregoing the rest of his time in Tuscaloosa and entering the NBA Draft.

The 20-year-old freshman was a key part to Bama's success in 2022-23 ... averaging nearly 19 points, eight rebounds and two assists a game. The Tide had an early exit from the NCAA tournament, however ... with Miller scoring just nine points in the Sweet 16 loss to San Diego State.

Miller racked up several honors as a result of his performance in his lone college season ... including SEC Player of the Year and first-team All-American.

Miller's season was marred with controversy, however ... after cops stated he brought ex-teammate Darius Miles his gun the night it was allegedly used to kill Jamea Harris.

Miller was not charged with a crime, but Miles and his friend, 20-year-old Michael Davis -- the one actually accused of pulling the trigger -- are both facing capital murder charges.

The NBA prospect's attorney has adamantly denied any wrongdoing ... claiming Miller never touched the gun, was involved in giving it to Miles, nor did he know anything illegal was going to go down that night.

The incident is sure to be on the minds of NBA execs come draft day ... but regardless of the controversy, Miller is expected to go as high as #2 overall -- after French phenom Victor Wembanyama, who's been considered a lock for the top pick for months.

Run the Jewels Celebratin' 10 Years With Shows In NYC, L.A., Chi & ATL!!!

Killer Mike and El-P are hitting the road this fall to celebrate their 10th year together as Run The Jewels ... and fans in New York City, Atlanta, Chicago, and Los Angeles will reap the benefits!!!

The dynamic duo lifted the veil Wednesday on their "RTJX" tour series, which will see them playing 4 nights in each city ... and each night they'll perform a different album set.

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We're hearing plenty of special guests are expected along the way and they're making up for lost time, having performed some of the records only a few times in their 10-year existence.

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It's a big year for RTJ ... they've also collaborated with Nike for a furry, active pink SB Dunk High colorway that drops on Mike's birthday this 4/20.

We reached out to the "Banana Clipper" rappers to see what other kinds of anniversary surprises their fiercely loyal fans can expect. Let's go!!!

L.A. Police Chase Suspect Dies After Jumping Out of Stolen Cop Car

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HIGHWAY DISASTER
FOX 11
UPDATE

1:46 PM PT -- Law enforcement sources tell us the suspect has died from his injuries.

A dramatic and possibly deadly end to a wild police chase just unfolded outside Los Angeles, as a suspect driving a stolen police cruiser jumped from the vehicle as it was still moving.

The whole thing was broadcast live on FOX 11 as officers from the California Highway Patrol raced at high speeds to keep up with the suspect. The man weaved in between lanes of traffic on CA 138 toward Lancaster, and at times could be seen rummaging through the inside of the cop car.

Then, in a stunning move, and while the vehicle was still traveling at an extremely high speed, the suspect opened the driver's side door and jumped out of the vehicle.

The suspect hit his head and was immediately knocked unconscious. From there, the stolen police cruiser continued until it slammed into an electric pole.

Officers immediately pulled the man out of the road, got him in handcuffs and began to check his condition. He was clearly in bad shape because they started CPR immediately.

The suspect's current condition is not clear.

Originally Published -- 12:54 PM PT

NFL Changes Its Rules ... Players Allowed To Wear #0 Now!!!

UPDATE

12:05 PM PT -- Jacksonville Jaguars star Calvin Ridley -- who wore No. 18 when he was an Atlanta Falcon -- just confirmed he'll be taking #0 down in Florida ... tweeting Tuesday he's "excited" about the opportunity.

The NFL will now allow its heroes to wear zeros -- the league just approved a rule that will let players choose jersey No. 0 going forward!!!

Team owners voted on the rule change at the NFL's Annual League Meeting in Phoenix on Tuesday ... saying everyone except offensive and defensive linemen now can choose the digit from here on out.

The NFL had previously barred the number -- only allowing players to go as low as No. 1 -- but revisited the matter after the Philadelphia Eagles brought it to the table this offseason.

It's great news for several college football stars who are expected to be drafted in the first round next month -- both Georgia tight end Darnell Washington and Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez rocked the jersey number at their respective colleges.

No word yet on if any current NFL star will consider switching over ... but it seems to be only a matter of time at this point.

Originally Published -- 11:45 AM PT

Gymnast Shawn Johnson Our Kids Were On Lockdown ... Due To Nashville Shooting

Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson just revealed her children's school was placed on lockdown as the Nashville shooting went down nearby ... and while her two kids are safe and back home, she's devastated for the families who can't say the same.

The former Team USA star shared the terrifying update on Monday ... saying, "I haven't been able to catch my breath since reading the news and getting a call from our school that they were on lockdown as well given the news. Shaking. Crying. Heartbroken. Horrific."

"Our babies are now home with us. I feel lucky and blessed but still so incredibly sad. No parent or family should ever have to deal with this."

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EMOTIONAL RETURN

Johnson -- who is married to former NFL player Andrew East -- detailed her chaotic experience ... saying she witnessed ambulances, police cruisers and buses full of kids being taken to safety, as well as frantic parents searching for their loved ones.

"Today has changed me," she added.

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Johnson and East have two children together -- 3-year-old Drew and 1-year-old Jett.

At least three children and three adults were killed at The Covenant School in Nashville ... as well as the alleged shooter, who is being described as a 28-year-old woman.

"Praying for the families whose baby won't be coming home from school today and the families who have lost a piece of themselves," Johnson added.

"I also pray for the children and adults who may have witnessed, first hand, the heinous acts of violence inflicted today."

Ted Nugent Homophobic Rant on Zelensky ... At Waco, TX Trump Rally

Ted Nugent kicked off Donald Trump's latest rally with a homophobic insult aimed at Volodymyr Zelensky ... falsely claiming the guy's gay while demanding a refund.

The rocker was one of the first speakers for the DT event down in Waco, TX Saturday ... and when he took the stage, he started ranting and raving about the Biden administration's spending decisions -- including where they've sent money and supplies.

He started out by saying he (as an American) didn't give the OK for JB and co. to surrender a bunch of U.S. military equipment to the Taliban ... referencing the exit out of Afghanistan.

Then, he went straight into bigotry -- saying he also didn't sign off on the government sending billions of dollars in aid to embattled Ukraine amid their ongoing war with Russia. Here's how Ted put it ... "I want my money back! I didn't authorize any money to Ukraine to some homosexual weirdo. I want my money back! I want my freedom back!"

He went on to say that the crowd might wanna write this down ... adding, "Men don't give me my rights, God gives my rights." The crowd was eating it up and cheering him on.

There's more to TN's rant. He talked about securing the border, banning abortion, etc. He even strummed his guitar a bit -- so it made for quite a speech. Oh, and Mike Lindell (the MyPillow guy) was also there ... he spoke too, calling DeSantis "Trojan Horse Ron." 😅

Rep. Matt Gaetz and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene are on the ground as well -- two of Trump's biggest defenders -- and they're decrying the supposedly looming criminal charges against him ... calling it political persecution. Those charges have yet to be announced, BTW.

Trump himself is set to arrive shortly ... it'll be interesting to see what he says. This would mark his first public appearance since word of him possibly getting arrested came down.

As for the Zelensky dig from Ted ... obviously it's completely out of line, and completely inaccurate. Not only is it laced with hate, but it's simply not true -- VZ is a married man (to a woman), and he's continuing to battle Putin for his country's sovereignty and borders.

Frankly, it's fine if Ted's not cool with the aid we've sent, and could've made his point about that without stooping to lies and conspiracy theories ... not to mention outright homophobia.

Just goes to show ... we're not out of Trump-verse just yet. Far from it, it seems.

Tyson Fury Rips Into Usyk After Fight Falls Apart ... 'S***house P***y'

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COWARD CALLOUT
Instagram / @tysonfury

Tyson Fury is LIVID with Oleksandr Usyk after their fight negotiations came to a screeching halt this week ... with the heavyweight champion calling his potential opponent a "bug-eyed, gappy teeth, ugly little rat bastard" after the two sides failed to reach an agreement.

"You little slimy f***er," Fury (33-0-1) said in the scathing clip on Thursday. "Tried all week to get out of it, begging for a rematch [clause] like a little girl. You got your rematch [clause] and didn’t even want to fight at that."

Fury and Usyk (20-0) were initially slated to fight on April 29 ... but that ain't happening now, after both sides couldn't see eye-to-eye over how to handle a potential second bout.

Fury claims his team presented the best possible outcome ... but ultimately, Usyk never wanted to fight him in the first place.

"You little shithouse p***y," Fury added. "Always know, p***y, that you were never man enough to tangle with the Gypsy King ever in your life, you little s***house. You little 14-stone coward. You little s***bag, you rat little bastard."

Fury wasn't done there ... but you get the gist.

There's still hope the fight between the two undefeated boxers -- which would have been a four-belt unification bout -- can still happen ... but fans will have to wait.

Pacers' Buddy Hield Fined $25,000 For Flipping Birdie ... During Hornets Game

Buddy Hield has just been fined $25,000 by the NBA ... and it's all 'cause he flipped off someone during the Pacers vs. Hornets game on Monday night.

League Exec Joe Dumars announced the punishment for the Indiana star on Wednesday afternoon ... after he was spotted shootin' the bird not once, but twice while on his team's bench.

The incident occurred with 11:30 left in the second quarter of the game ... as Hield was sitting next to Tyrese Haliburton.

Cameras showed Buddy appeared to be locked in on something ... before he discreetly tried to flash his left middle finger. Eventually, he just let the single-barrel salute fly.

Unclear who Hield was flipping off or what caused him to make the gesture ... but he seemed to crack a sly smile in the video, so it's possible it was all in jest.

Nevertheless, the NBA caught Hield red-handed ... and now, they're making the sharpshooter pay up for his actions.

'Rick and Morty's Justin Roiland Domestic Violence Case Dismissed ... Following Adult Swim Firing

The criminal case that put "Rick and Morty" co-creator Justin Roiland out of a job has just been dismissed.

The domestic violence case against Roiland was dismissed Wednesday morning in Orange County. A spokesperson for the District Attorney tells us it was dismissed because there was insufficient evidence to prove beyond reasonable doubt.

Justin says, "I have always known that these claims were false – and I never had any doubt that this day would come. I’m thankful that this case has been dismissed but, at the same time, I’m still deeply shaken by the horrible lies that were reported about me during this process."

He continues, "Most of all, I’m disappointed that so many people were so quick to judge without knowing the facts, based solely on the word of an embittered ex trying to bypass due process and have me “canceled.” That it may have succeeded, even partially, is shameful. However, now that the legal case has ended, I’m determined to move forward and focus both on my creative projects and restoring my good name.”

Roiland's attorney T. Edward Welbourn tells TMZ ... "I commend the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for conducting a thorough review of the facts and deciding to dismiss the case against Justin. I’m thankful justice has prevailed."

For those unaware, Roiland got in hot water earlier this year after NBC News revealed he was arrested and charged back in 2020 ... although the details leading to his arrest are unknown. Officials only noted there was an incident with an unnamed woman he was dating at the time.

After his case came to light, other people came forward to allege they too had been victims of Roiland -- including 1 anonymous Twitter user who claimed he joked around with them while they were underage about going into sex slavery.

Ja Morant I Don't Have An Alcohol Problem ... First Interview Since Rejoining Team

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DEALING WITH STRESS

Ja Morant is adamantly denying he has a drinking problem after the NBA concluded he was intoxicated when he flashed a gun on Instagram earlier this month ... telling reporters alcohol was NOT the reason he entered a counseling program.

Morant spoke publicly for the first time since rejoining the Grizzlies this week -- and the Memphis superstar was asked if alcohol played a role in his decision-making that ultimately led to his eight-game suspension.

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MORANT ON LIVE

"Never had an alcohol problem," Morant said. "I didn't go there for alcohol. I went there for counseling. To learn how to manage stress and cope with stress in a positive way, instead of ways how I tried to deal with it before that caused me to make mistakes."

"[The] only problem with me right now is just getting into a space mentally that I'm very comfortable in and I feel good at. That's why I made the decision to take time away and go to counseling. That helped me learn a lot of things."

Ja said he contemplated stepping away from the NBA before he was engulfed in drama ... admitting he was afraid to leave the team. But the two-time All-Star says he's glad he made the decision to address his mental health.

Morant -- who was on the bench for Memphis on Monday, but didn't play in the game against the Mavs -- said now that he's back around his teammates, he's focused on improving himself and working toward getting back out there on the court.

Memphis head coach Taylor Jenkins told reporters Tuesday he anticipates Morant will play Wednesday night against the Houston Rockets -- but the 23-year-old phenom described his status as "still in the air."

Europa League Fan Banned 40 Years For Storming Pitch, Punching Player ... During Match

The fan who stormed the pitch and attacked a player during a Europa League match last month has been hit with a massive ban ... with Dutch club PSV announcing the intruder is persona non grata for the next 40 YEARS.

Remember, the spectator interrupted the PSV vs. Sevilla match at Philips Stadium in the Netherlands on Feb. 23 ... when he ran onto the field and punched Sevilla goalkeeper Marko Dmitrović in the face.

PSV said in a statement the culprit -- currently serving a two-month prison sentence -- is not only banned from the club for four decades, but he's also forbidden from entering the area around the stadium for two years ... and is facing a possible fine imposed by UEFA.

PSV also added that the 20-year-old man should have never been allowed to enter the stadium to begin with ... as he was already serving a ban for a prior incident, but he was able to get through the gates with a friend's ticket.

Of course, prison time and a 40-year ban wasn't the only thing the guy walked away with -- he also got his ass beat, as Dmitrović leveled him with one punch after the ambush, dropping him to the ground.

The intruder tried to put up a fight ... but security, with help from players from both sides, was able to escort him off the field.

The incident has sparked internal discussions within PSV ... as the club hopes to come up with better ways to enforce stadium bans moving forward.

Mercyhurst Univ.'s Carson Briere Charged Over Wheelchair Push

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DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY

College ice hockey player Carson Briere -- the son of Philadelphia Flyers GM Daniel Briere -- was hit with three criminal charges on Monday ... after he was seen on video pushing a woman's wheelchair down a flight of stairs earlier this month.

According to court records, Briere was charged with criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, and conspiracy to commit criminal mischief. The records show he's due in court in May for a hearing on the matter.

In court documents, obtained by the Associated Press, Erie City Police allege Carson -- a junior center on Mercyhurst Univ.'s hockey team -- put people at risk when he shoved a wheelchair down stairs at a bar near Mercyhurst's Pennsylvania campus on March 11.

The AP reports the woman who owned the wheelchair, Sydney Benes, told police she had just bought the chair for $2,000 a year ago ... and Carson's push left it significantly damaged.

According to the AP, Mercyhurst Univ. lacrosse player Patrick Carrozzi was also hit with criminal charges for his alleged role in the incident.

Carson fessed up to pushing the chair after video from the bar went viral ... saying in a statement last week he was "deeply sorry" for his behavior. His father added in a statement that Carson's actions were "inexcusable."

Carson has been suspended from Mercyhurst's team as the school investigates the matter. The bar, meanwhile, has banned him.

A GoFundMe created for Benes after the incident has raised over $8,000. Benes has said she plans to use the money to fix her chair ... and then donate the rest to others in need.

Ja Morant Returns To Grizzlies ... Coach Hopeful Star Plays Wednesday

Ja Morant is officially back with the Grizzlies following his gun video suspension ... and his head coach said if everything goes according to plan, the superstar will suit up for Memphis as early as Wednesday.

The 23-year-old, who had been away from the Grizz for nearly three weeks, was reunited with his teammates on Monday ... and Memphis head coach Taylor Jenkins called it "a good first day back," adding Ja addressed his teammates and coaches upon his return.

Morant vowed to seek help following his latest controversy ... and the two-time All-Star kept his word when he checked into a counseling program in Florida.

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MORANT ON LIVE

Since leaving the program, Morant sounded like he's focused on putting the drama behind him -- telling Jalen Rose in a sit-down interview that the gun in that IG video did not belong to him.

"I made a bad mistake and I can see the image I painted over myself with my recent mistakes," Ja told Rose. "But, in the future, I will show everybody who Ja really is, what I'm about, and change this narrative."

Ja told the ex-NBA star his time spent away from the NBA helped to put things in perspective ... and he better understands the responsibility he has to represent himself and his family in a more positive light.

Morant's potential return to the hardwood Wednesday night against the Rockets comes at a perfect time for the Grizzlies, who will look to make a deep playoff push in an open Western Conference.

MMA Fighter Iuri Lapicus Dead At 27 ... After Motorcycle Crash In Italy

MMA fighter Iuri Lapicus -- who recently fought ex-UFC star Eddie Alvarez -- has died following a motorcycle crash in Italy last week, ONE Championship announced Monday.

He was just 27 years old.

The 14-2 fighter lost control of his motorbike in Northwest Milan on Friday, according to Milano Today, and was thrown several feet from the crash site. He was taken by helicopter to a hospital, the outlet reported, and had remained in a coma ... until he tragically succumbed to his injuries on Monday.

One Championship, the org. Lapicus began fighting for in 2019, said following the news of his passing that it's "heartbroken."

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones at this difficult time," the org said in a statement to ESPN.

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INVESTIGATING FLIGHT 23

Lapicus had fought five times in the ONE Championship, logging a 2-2 record. His April 2021 bout against Alvarez ultimately ended in a no-contest.

His last fight was against Zebaztian Kadestam on Aug. 26, 2022 ... but the Modolvan-Italian fighter lost, going down in Round 1 via KO.

R.I.P.

Justin Thomas Signs OnlyFans Model's Boob ... 'You Made My Year!'

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BUSTY AUTOGRAPH

Justin Thomas got REALLY close with one of his biggest admirers at the Valspar Championship over the weekend ... when he signed a female fan's boob -- and it was all caught on video!!!

The hilarious moment went down as social media influencer/OnlyFans model Karin Hart attended the event in Florida ... when she explained on her Instagram story she wanted the two-time major championship winner to autograph her chest.

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Hart's big opportunity came about an hour later when JT was signing items for fans ... and she pleaded with the golf star to fulfill her wish.

"Yeah, baby, come on ... sign it, sign it!" Hart said with a big smile on her face. As it turns out, JT was down to grant her wish ... 'cause after some initial hesitation and laughter, he signed her chest!!! (By the looks of it, this may have been a first for JT).

Hart was over the moon about the interaction ... later saying it made her year.

JT would finish the tournament tied for tenth place, earning a score of -1 through four days.  He would walk away with a total earning of $181,575 for his performance -- and one truly unique highlight.

XXXTentacion 3 Men Found Guilty of Murder

The 3 men accused of killing XXXTentaction have just been found guilty of murder in the 2018 shooting.

The verdicts came in Monday for Michael Boatwright, Trayvon Newsome, and Dedrick Williams. The decisions follow the jury's deliberations, which started March 8.

As we reported, 20-year-old XXX was at a South Florida motorcycle dealership almost 5 years ago when prosecutors say he became the victim of a robbery -- getting shot while in his vehicle. They say the men ran off with $50K in cash and a Louis Vuitton bag.

The 3 were charged with first-degree murder with a firearm and armed robbery ... and in closing arguments last month, defense attorney Joseph Kimok claimed evidence clears all 3 men from the crime -- saying the DNA found on the rapper's body and necklace didn't belong to them.

You'll recall, a 4th man named Robert Allen was also arrested in connection to the killing ... but he pled guilty last year to second-degree murder and agreed to testify against the other 3 suspects, adding he was hesitant about the robbery and even asked the others to ditch the idea in the moment.

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FINAL MOMENTS
WPLG

In a discovery and bail hearing for Allen back in 2018, surveillance video from the dealership was shown -- which appeared to show the entire thing going down in real time.

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INVESTIGATING FLIGHT 23

The death of XXX shocked the rap community, with tons of fans still mourning his loss today.