Liberty Football PLayer Tajh Boyd Dead At 19 ... 'Will Be Missed Dearly'
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Tragic news out of Liberty University ... freshman offensive lineman Tajh Boyd died over the weekend, the school announced. He was only 19.
"We thank God for bringing Tajh into our Liberty Athletics community and we will always remember him as a Flame. Tajh will be missed dearly," Liberty Athletic Director Ian McCaw and head coach Jamey Chadwell wrote in a statement.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Tajh's family, his teammates and friends, our football coaching staff, as well as our entire athletics department and the greater Liberty University community."
6'4", 300 lb. "Big Baby" was a three-star recruit at Oscar F. Smith High School in Virginia -- a school he helped lead to two state championships. Tajh chose Liberty over the likes of Duke, Maryland, and Virginia Tech.
Boyd joined the team in January ... and was gearing up for the start of Liberty's season the first week of September against Bowling Green.
Away from the football field, Tajh was an Interdisciplinary Studies major at Liberty and hoped to become a computer science engineer.
As you'd expect, his teammates were crushed by the news.
Fellow offensive lineman X'zauvea Gadlin Tweeted ... “It’s gone be a while before this feels real. But imma see you again. Rest easy Lil Brother.”
Boyd is survived by his mother Tanzania, and his father Dawntay.
Details surrounding his death are currently unknown.
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NASCAR's Noah Gragson Suspended Indefinitely After Liking George Floyd Meme
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Noah Gragson's getting taken out of the driver's seat after liking a meme that mocked George Floyd -- and he's owning up to the fact that he screwed the pooch.
The race car driver -- who competes professionally for NASAR's Cup Series -- was suspended indefinitely Saturday by his stock car team, Legacy Motor Club, which announced he was being benched just a day before the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway ... in which Gragson was supposed to participate.
I am disappointed in myself for my lack of attention and actions on social media.
— Noah Gragson (@NoahGragson) August 5, 2023 @NoahGragson
I understand the severity of this situation.
I love and appreciate everyone.
I try to treat everyone equally no matter who they are. I messed up plain and simple. https://t.co/PCX6iMJxRF
That ain't happening now -- Josh Berry is now taking his place. LMC denounced Gragson's social media activity by saying his actions "do not represent the values of our team."
As for Gragson himself, he's apologized ... writing, "I am disappointed in myself for my lack of attention and actions on social media. I understand the severity of this situation. I love and appreciate everyone. I try to treat everyone equally no matter who they are. I messed up plain and simple."
It's unclear when NG hit the like button for this Instagram meme, but it was pretty offensive. The image shows the live-action version of Sebastian the crab from 'The Little Mermaid,' with Floyd's face superimposed. A caption reads, "Under Da Knee, Under Da Knee."
Gragson's big in NASCAR ... he tends to place high up in the races he's been in of late.
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Cardi B Cleared in 'Mic-Throwing' Battery Case
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Cardi B is in the clear after throwing a microphone at a fan ... because the criminal battery investigation has been dropped.
Cardi's lawyers, Drew Findling, David Chesnoff and Richard Schonfeld, tell TMZ, "This afternoon we were notified by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Dept., that as a result of their investigation, there will be NO charges against Cardi. On behalf of Cardi, we appreciate the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Dept's diligent and prompt resolution of this matter."
As you know, Cardi was performing at Drai's Beachclub last Saturday when she asked the crowd to splash water on her to cool her down in the burning Vegas heat ... but when someone threw a cup with an unknown liquid and ice, she hurled the mic at the person. It ricocheted and hit another person, who filed a police report.
Cardi was then listed as a battery suspect but the case has gone nowhere. It was never ever referred to the D.A. The cops concluded Cardi did not commit a criminal offense.
We learned an audio production company that owns the mic decided to auction off the piece, with the money going to charities like the Wounded Warrior Project and Friendship Circle Las Vegas, which helps teens and young adults with special needs. FYI, the bids have hit $100,000.
We covered the story on a recent episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.
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Donald Trump Pleads Not Guilty For 3rd Indictment
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1:30 PM PT -- Donald Trump just entered a plea of not guilty to all charges.
Former President Donald Trump just pulled up for his latest indictment ... in which prosecutors say he tried to overthrow the 2020 election, leading to the January 6 riots.
Trump sat in the back of a black SUV Thursday in D.C. as it rolled up to the courthouse. It's tough to see him because of the vehicle's tint ... but he appeared to give a wave. BTW -- you'll be able to see him better if you hold your screen at a distance.
As we reported, DT's facing 4 new counts -- conspiracy to defraud the U.S., conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding, and conspiracy against rights (to vote).
Special Counsel Jack Smith spoke about Trump's latest indictment when it was unsealed on Tuesday ... saying Trump's involvement in the January 6 riots is a big part of their case. He was sounding pretty certain the feds have built a solid case against the former Prez.
You may recall, while President Trump was impeached for inciting the riots, he was acquitted when his case reached the Senate floor.
Trump took to Truth Social Tuesday -- before his new indictment went public -- to get ahead of the noise ... calling Smith "Deranged," saying the indictment is BS, and calling himself "your favorite President" in true Trump fashion.
Trump's already facing 2 other criminal cases ... one in NY state court about his alleged hush money payment to Stormy Daniels before he was elected, and another in federal court in Florida about his alleged efforts to conceal classified documents he took with him after leaving the White House.
His triple indictment doesn't seem to be slowing down his campaign for the 2024 election ... and we learned Trump could lose in court -- even get locked up in prison -- and still serve if elected. Imagine that.
Originally Published -- 12:59 AM PT
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Justin & Sophie Trudeau Canada's First Couple Splitting Up
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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife, Sophie, are waving the white flag -- sans maple leaf -- putting an end to 18 years of marriage.
The now estranged first couple posted joint statements Wednesday, saying, "After many meaningful and difficult conversations, we have made the decision to separate."
They add, "We remain a close family with deep love and respect for each other and for everything we have built and will continue to build."
According to a statement from Justin's office, given to CBC, they've already "signed a legal separation agreement." His office added the family is going on vacation starting next week, and despite the split, they will still all be together on the trip.
Justin and Sophie tied the knot way back in 2005 and have 3 kids together -- 14-year-old Ella-Grace, 9-year-old Hadrien, and 15-year-old Xavier. Sophie's been an advocate for things like gender equality and mental health over the years while her husband's been in politics.
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Hunter Dekkers Iowa State QB Accused Of Betting On Own Team
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Iowa State quarterback Hunter Dekkers is being accused of betting on multiple school sporting events -- including a 2021 football game -- and now, his NCAA eligibility is in jeopardy.
The allegations are laid out in a criminal complaint obtained by the Des Moines Register ... which claims a DraftKings account controlled by Dekkers executed more than 350 wagers totaling "over $2,799."
26 of those wagers, according to the complaint, were related to Iowa State sporting events ... and one was the Cyclones' home matchup against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in 2021, in which Dekkers' team won 24-21.
Dekkers -- who started under center for the Cyclones in 2022 -- did not play in the game ... as he was the backup at the time.
The outlet reports the Story County Attorney's Office is charging Dekkers with tampering with records related to the Iowa division of criminal investigation's probe into sports gambling.
It's a major issue for Dekkers -- the NCAA has strict rules against players betting on their own team and school ... and it could result in a permanent ban.
Colts' Isaiah Rodgers Suspended Indefinitely For Violating NFL's Gambling Policy
Dekkers threw for more than 3,000 yards, 19 touchdowns and 14 interceptions last season ... with the Cyclones going 1-8.
Story developing ...
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Donald Trump Hit with Third Indictment ... 2020 Election Interference Alleged
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3:31 PM PT -- Special Counsel Jack Smith just spoke about the indictment of Donald Trump. Interestingly, he emphasized the defendant must be considered innocent until proven guilty, beyond a reasonable doubt, in a court of law.
One way to read that is ... Smith is confident the case the feds have built.
Donald Trump has another criminal case on his hands -- another grand jury has indicted him, this time for attempting to undermine the 2020 election with his actions on, before and after January 6, 2021.
The ex-President's been hit with 4 new counts -- conspiracy to defraud the U.S., conspiracy to obstruct and official proceeding, obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding and conspiracy against rights (to vote).
Trump took to Truth Social to beat the feds to the punch, announcing he would be indicted before the feds could drop the bombshell. Trump wrote, "I hear that Deranged (Special Counsel) Jack Smith, in order to interfere with the Presidential Election of 2024, will be putting out yet another Fake Indictment of your favorite President, me, at 5:00 P.M."
He adds, "Why didn’t they do this 2.5 years ago? Why did they wait so long? Because they wanted to put it right in the middle of my campaign. Prosecutorial Misconduct!"
Remember, Trump has two other criminal cases that are currently pending -- one pertains to his alleged hush money payment to Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election, and another is tied to his classified documents scandal post-presidency down in Florida.
In both instances, Trump has pleaded not guilty. Ya gotta assume, he'll do the same here.
Trump was impeached over his role in the Jan. 6 riot -- but was ultimately acquitted in Congress when the proceedings reached the Senate. He very memorably encouraged protesters that day to head on over to the Capitol, and was slow to tell them to stand down.
Interestingly, Trump's been full steam ahead on the campaign regardless of his legal woes -- he continues to hold rallies, including one this past weekend, as the 2024 election nears.
Trump has been summoned to appear in federal court Thursday in D.C. to face the new charges.
Originally Published -- 2:56 PM PT
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Gilgo Beach Serial Killer Rex Heuermann 1st Court Appearance ... Faces Judge On 6 Murder Charges
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Suspected Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann is making his first appearance in a New York court … this after he was accused of killing 3 sex workers and is the prime suspect in a fourth slaying.
The hulking Heuermann was in handcuffs as he was led by uniformed officers Tuesday into the Suffolk County courtroom to face a judge on 6 murder charges, three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of second-degree murder, which could send him to prison for the rest of his life.
Heuermann remained mostly stone-faced as he entered the courtroom.
As we reported, Heuermann was arrested in July and indicted on charges he murdered three prostitutes -- Melissa Barthelemy in 2009 and Megan Waterman and Amber Lynn Costello in 2010. He was also linked to the 2007 killing of a fourth woman, Maureen Brainard-Barne, but he hasn't been charged yet in that case.
Prosecutors say Heuermann stuffed their bodies into burlap sacks and dumped them near Gilgo Beach on Long Island.
For over a decade, the murders went unsolved, but then investigators caught a break in 2022 when they followed up on a lead from years ago, tying Heuermann to a pickup truck allegedly involved in the Costello homicide.
Investigators put Heuermann and his family under surveillance at their Massapequa Park home, rounding up discarded trash for DNA testing. Detectives got a match for Heuermann off a DNA sample found on a pizza crust in a Manhattan trash can. Testing also revealed Heuermann's hair follicle was discovered inside a burlap sack containing one of the victims.
Cell phone records and witness descriptions were also used to tie Heuermann to the crimes. Police believe Heuermann could be responsible for up to 11 murders, but he has denied any wrongdoing. The former NYC architect is married with 2 kids, although his wife recently filed for divorce.
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Jennifer Hudson Common is 'A Beautiful Man'! ... Addresses Dating Rumors
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Jennifer Hudson is sending some love Common's way ... saying he's quite the looker and, at least, strongly hinting all the speculation about them being an item is true.
We got Jennifer leaving Il Pastaio in Bev Hills Monday, and when we let her know the 2 of them make a damn cute couple, she didn't deny the love connection.
Here's the thing ... sources tell TMZ they've been together for months, but when we ask her to confirm, she's mostly mum about their relationship -- but check out the glowing compliment she gives the guy.
As we reported, Jennifer and Common first sparked dating rumors in February when they went to Nobu in Malibu together ... and they were spotted hanging out here and there in the months before.
We also got pics of them taking a stroll in a Chicago suburb in May -- total relationship vibes.
You'll recall, Common was dating Tiffany Haddish before Jennifer, but they split in 2021. While Common called the breakup "a mutual thing," Tiffany says that's BS -- saying he was drifting away before it ended.
But, everyone moves on, including Common ... and Jennifer sounds like she's damn happy about it.
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Angus Cloud 'Euphoria' Star Dead at 25 ... 911 Call for 'Possible Overdose'
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5:13 PM PT -- Police say the cause of death is unknown at this point and they've launched an investigation.
3:30 PM PT -- We've learned Oakland PD and Fire Dept. responded to a 911 call made around 11:30 AM Monday by Angus Cloud's mother. She reported a "possible overdose," and said Angus did not have a pulse. He was eventually pronounced dead on the scene.
A source close to the family tells us Angus had been battling severe suicidal thoughts after getting back from Ireland, where they laid his father to rest. We're told he was staying with his family as he tried to work through overcoming the grief.
Angus Cloud -- famous from "Euphoria" -- has died at his family's home in Oakland ... TMZ has learned.
The actor's family tells us ... "It is with the heaviest heart that we had to say goodbye to an incredible human today. As an artist, a friend, a brother and a son, Angus was special to all of us in so many ways."
They continue, "Last week he buried his father and intensely struggled with this loss. The only comfort we have is knowing Angus is now reunited with his dad, who was his best friend. Angus was open about his battle with mental health and we hope that his passing can be a reminder to others that they are not alone and should not fight this on their own in silence."
And finally, AC's family says this ... "We hope the world remembers him for his humor, laughter and love for everyone. We ask for privacy at this time as we are still processing this devastating loss."
The family isn't saying anything yet about the exact nature of his death, they seem to be suggesting it had something to do with his struggle to cope with his father's passing.
Angus was a rising star in Hollywood, and will perhaps best be remembered for his breakout role in the hit HBO series -- from 2019 to 2022 he starred as Fezco, the sometimes drug dealer/guardian angel for Zendaya's character, Rue Bennett.
His other credits include roles in movies like "The Line," "North Hollywood" ... to mention appearances and cameos in music videos from artists like Becky G, Karol G and Juice WRLD. He's got 2 projects that are due to come out.
The last time we talked to Angus was in March 2022, when he was staunchly defending his show against accusations that it glorified drug use. In his view, he felt like "Euphoria" only showed the brutal reality that teens and young adults are dealing with in modern-day America.
Angus was just 25.
RIP
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
Originally Published -- 2:38 PM PT
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'Euphoria' Star Javon Walton Tribute to Angus Cloud ... 'Rest Easy Brother'
Angus Cloud's on-screen brother, fellow "Euphoria" star Javon Walton, is saying goodbye to his late castmate... and it's clear he considered Angus family outside of their work.
Javon, who played Ashtray on the hit HBO show, paid tribute to Angus shortly after we reported he died Monday at his family home.
In an Instagram post featuring an old photo of Angus and Javon hugging, Javon writes ... "rest easy brother" ... adding emojis for a heart and a dove.
Javon is also remembering Angus with an IG story ... sharing a photo of them shaking hands with the caption, "forever family ❤️."
TMZ broke the story ... Angus' family says he died Monday at their Oakland residence ... and police and fire responded to a 911 call from his mother, who reported a "possible overdose" and said Angus had no pulse.
As fans of "Euphoria" already know ... Javon's character, Ashtray, sacrifices himself to save his brother, Angus' character Fezco, in the season 2 finale.
It's one of the most powerful scenes in the show's 2 seasons -- and, it comes across as a pretty eerie fact now, but Javon told Esquire the original script called for Fezco to be killed in that scene. The change was made the night before filming.
We covered it all on the latest episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.
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Moscow Ukrainian Drone Blows Up in Capital Explosion Caught on Video
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Volodymyr Zelensky has said Ukraine is taking the fight in the ongoing war to Russia's doorstep -- and now, it appears like that's manifesting ... in the nation's capital, no less.
A viral video shows an explosion that went down in Moscow Sunday -- right in the heart of the financial district, it seems -- and it's pretty wild to see. You hear a woman who's filming, and she's got her camera aimed at a bunch of skyscrapers off in the not-too-far distance.
Babe wake up, drones are attacking Moscow and I need more popcorn pic.twitter.com/yJVB4joIT8
— Saint Javelin (@saintjavelin) July 30, 2023 @saintjavelin
Suddenly, you see a massive ball of fire erupt near one of those buildings ... and it absolutely shocks the bystanders, who start to scream in a panic ... and even cry.
The Russian Defense Ministry is saying this was actually a Ukrainian drone ... and it was apparently just one of three that they say they took down before they could make impact. In this instance, RDM says the drone blew up near skyscrapers that housed government offices.
Footage showing the 2nd Building in the Russian Capital of Moscow which was Struck this morning by a Ukrainian “Kamikaze” Attack Drone with this Building appearing to have suffering much more Significant Damage than the “IQ-Quarter” Mixed-Used Center. pic.twitter.com/9hoXnRqlzQ
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) July 30, 2023 @sentdefender
The Russian government also says there were no injuries or casualties here ... only minor damage to the façade of the two buildings. Still, people on the ground are reeling from this. BTW, this is the second reported attack on Russian soil in a week ... so they're escalating.
During a Sunday address, Zelensky is quoted as having said ... "Russian aggression has gone bankrupt on the battlefield. Today is the 522nd day of the so-called 'special military operation,' which the Russian leadership expected to last for a week or two. Ukraine is getting stronger. Gradually, the war is returning to the territory of Russia — to its symbolic centers and military bases, and this is an inevitable, natural, and absolutely fair process."
As you know, Russia has been on the attack in Ukraine for well over a year now ... and countless lives have been lost. Now that Zelensky is encroaching into Russia -- time will tell if Putin changes his tune.
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Carlee Russell Charged for Fake Abduction Tale
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11:31 AM PT -- Carlee Russell's attorney, Emory Anthony, tells TMZ ... "What we're dealing with is a young lady who made a huge mistake. She's been arrested and she's been charged and she's eager to finish up and be through with it. She's dealing with some issues."
He concluded, "We will look forward to going to court."
Carlee Russell is now facing criminal prosecution, and it's all because police say she completely fabricated that wild kidnapping story ... prompting a massive, and expensive, search.
Prosecutors in Hoover, Alabama just charged Carlee with 2 misdemeanors -- false reporting to law enforcement authorities and falsely reporting of an incident. Each charge carries up to one year in jail.
Hoover Police Chief, Nick Derzis, said Carlee turned herself in and was released from jail Friday after posting $2,000 bond.
As you know, Carlee called 911 earlier this month when she was driving down the interstate to report a toddler wandering alone on the roadside. She got out of her car and then disappeared for 2 days ... before showing up at her parents' house without so much as a scratch on her.
Since then, police have said their investigation shows there was no toddler on the highway, and Carlee was not abducted -- as she and her parents claimed -- and then Carlee finally admitted it was all a phony story.
Prosecutors tell us they still don't know where Carlee was during the roughly 48-hour period she was off the grid -- ditto for police, who spent tons of money and resources searching for her.
After Carlee copped to the load of BS, her boyfriend slammed her for her lies, and said he's now her ex-BF -- a move that came after he initially defended her, as he also bought her kidnapping lie.
Originally Published -- 11:15 AM PT
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Randy Meisner Cofounding Eagles Member Dead at 77
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Randy Meisner, one of the original members of the Eagles, is dead.
The legendary band's former bassist and singer died Wednesday in Los Angeles as a result of complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a statement issued Thursday by the Eagles.
Randy was the OG bass player for the Eagles, and he's famous for co-writing and singing their famous ballad, "Take It To The Limit."
Along with Glenn Frey, Don Henley, and Bernie Leadon ... Randy contributed to the band's biggest albums, including "Hotel California" and "Desperado," as well as "Eagles," "On The Border" and "One of These Night."
Randy was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame way back in 1998 with the rest of the Eagles.
The band is remembering him as "an integral part of the Eagles and instrumental in the early success of the band" ... and they say his vocal range was "astonishing."
Randy was born in Nebraska but spent a lot of time in L.A., where he got started in music.
The last time we got Randy on camera was back in April 2015, when he set the record straight on allegations his wife was keeping him in a constant drunken state ... and he also recounted the infamous 1977 backstage brawl with Frey, which lead to Randy quitting the group.
Before forming the Eagles in 1971, Randy played bass for the band Poco ... and was also the bassist for Rick Nelson's Stone Canyon Band.
He was 77.
RIP
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Bronny James Discharged From Hospital
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Great news ... Bronny James has been discharged from the hospital -- and he's now back home resting comfortably.
Cedars-Sinai Medical Group doctor Merije Chukumerije announced the positive update in a statement just minutes ago ... revealing LeBron's oldest son has shown very encouraging signs of recovery the past few days after suffering sudden cardiac arrest during a workout at USC on Monday.
"Although his workup will be ongoing," said Chukumerije -- a team physician/consultant for the NBA, NHL and MLS, "we are hopeful for his continued progress and are encouraged by his response, resilience, and his family and community support."
The doctor added in his statement that despite Bronny's scary collapse ... he arrived at Cedars-Sinai "fully conscious, neurologically intact and stable." He called the overall treatment for the cardiac arrest successful.
As for Bronny's dad, LeBron said in a statement of his own on Thursday morning he, his son, and the rest of his family are "doing great."
"We have our family together, safe and healthy, and we feel your love," the Lakers superstar said. "Will have more to say when we’re ready but I wanted to tell everyone how much your support has meant to all of us!"
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Tyreek Hill Video Shows NFL Star Swatting At Man ... During Boat Altercation
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Video from Tyreek Hill's June run-in with a fishing boat employee has finally surfaced ... and it shows the NFL star did take a swipe at the man during their altercation.
The surveillance footage, obtained Wednesday by Andy Slater, was captured in a Miami marina at around 6:45 p.m. on June 18 ... and you can see Hill is clearly upset with the boat company worker.
SLATER SCOOP: Video of Tyreek Hill’s incident at a Miami marina. pic.twitter.com/eaoS8XqSaB
— Andy Slater (@AndySlater) July 26, 2023 @AndySlater
The Miami Dolphins wideout -- wearing a light grey shirt, shorts, and white shoes -- is being held back from the man ... when he swats at the guy's head/neck area. The man then recoils as if he'd been hit -- before Hill is ushered away from the scene.
But, the video shows Hill then seemingly attempting to go after the guy again ... however, thankfully, some of the football player's friends hold him back.
Police did investigate it all ... but prosecutors said on Wednesday no charges would be filed -- saying in a statement to TMZ Sports, "The individual who would have been termed a victim if there had been a filed case, came into the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office, met with Assistant State Attorney Robert Fiallo and signed a notarized Non-Prosecution Form indicating that he did not wish to press criminal charges."
Tyreek Hill Won't Face Criminal Charges Over Fishing Boat Altercation
"On the form, he also indicated that no threats, promises, or coercion played a part in his decision."
As for any civil matters, reps for Hill and the alleged victim told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Monday they'd reached a settlement.
For Hill's part, he spoke briefly about the situation with media members on Wednesday ... saying, "I just can't make bonehead mistakes like that."
Tyreek Hill says his situation is “resolved” and he’s “not worried about it” and “l can’t make any more boneheaded mistakes.” pic.twitter.com/xeXtj2XW0r
— Five Reasons Sports 🏀🏈⚾️🏒⚽️ (@5ReasonsSports) July 26, 2023 @5ReasonsSports
The NFL, meanwhile, has not yet announced if it will punish Hill.