Drugs & Alcohol

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.

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.

"Euphoria" star Angus Cloud says his show doesn't glorify substance abuse, and insists drugs are not something to take lightly.

We got Angus Thursday leaving the Revolve Social Club in L.A., and he talked about all things "Euphoria" -- mainly, if the hit HBO dramedy is sending the wrong message to young viewers about drugs.

He thinks the claims against the series are BS ... adding drugs aren't fun and games.

Fans of the show know Angus' character, Fezco, plays an important role ... originally supplying drugs to Zendaya's Rue Bennett before cutting her off.

As we reported ... anti-drug organization D.A.R.E. recently called out the series for glamorizing drug abuse, with a rep telling TMZ the show dangerously portrays severe addictions as common in high schools.

"Euphoria" producers say all they're trying to do is accurately depict the downfalls of addiction.

Angus also addressed whether the show paints an accurate picture of modern high school culture. Watch, he gives us a very honest answer.

Renee Graziano is getting the help she needs to kick a pill addiction she's been battling for years -- and doing it side by side with another reality TV vet, no less ... Mr. Jason Wahler.

The "Mob Wives" star tells TMZ ... she recently linked up with her "The Hills" compadre and his foundation, Red Songbird, to get treatment for a number of issues she's suffered from since her 20s -- namely, being hooked on prescribed sleeping meds.

We're told just last month, Dr. Drew put her in touch with Jason -- who's since been brought into the fold over at Songbird ... which Renee says has been working wonders in getting her back to a good place.

She tells us a lot of these issues stem from anxiety, depression and former abusive relationships -- which included sexual assault -- and because of her new regimen ... her life is finally getting on track in a healthy and productive way.

In addition to having one-on-one chats with Songbird staffers to talk through her issues, RG is also delving into EMDR -- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ... allowing someone to deal with old wounds, but from a safe distance. It also gives recipients a new perspective on how to deal with the hurt.

Renee also gets therapy ... joining processing groups, anger management sessions, wellness discussions and other meetups that help keep her grounded.

We're told Renee came into treatment in California on Feb. 6, and that she's about a month sober at this point -- with no plans to leave until she feels grounded.

As for the Jason connection, Wahler has had substance abuse issues of his own in the past, with more than a dozen arrests. He said back in 2019 that at age 18-23 he was a "womanizing alcoholic" and went to 12 different rehab centers. He's now dedicated his life to helping others.

"Tick, Tick...BOOM!" star Andrew Garfield is looking to celebrate with Lin-Manuel Miranda after winning Best Actor at the HCA Film Awards ... by tripping on shrooms!

Andrew was on stage Monday night at the Hollywood Critics Association's prestigious awards ceremony ... giving thanks after being awarded "Best Actor". During his speech, he looked to  TTB director Lin-Manuel Miranda ... heaping praise on him for his direction on the project.

"That's f****** crazy ... that we get to be here while you're breathing," Andrew said to the "Hamilton" playwright.

He ticked off what they'll do together to celebrate ... notably, mushrooms! He says they'll take some caps while watching "Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar" ... quite the combo.

Andrew was up against some tough competition this year ... with Benedict Cumberbatch, Nicolas Cage, Peter Dinklage, and Will Smith nominated for the same category. In the end, his riveting portrayal of "Rent" playwright Jonathan Larson took home gold -- and rightfully so.

Michael Keaton has a new trophy for his role in "Dopesick" -- a TV drama about addiction -- a subject that hits painfully close to home and had him fighting back tears at the podium.

Michael won the Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a TV Movie or Limited Series Award Sunday night at the Screen Actors Guild Awards and dedicated it to his late nephew -- also named Michael -- who, he revealed, had died from an overdose.

The actor took several seconds to collect himself, but was still choked up as he said, "I lost Michael to drugs, and it hurts." He also dedicated the award to his sister, Pam.

Keaton's nephew reportedly died in 2016 when he OD'd on heroin and fentanyl.

In the Hulu drama, Michael plays a small-town family doctor taking on big pharma to fight the country's opioid crisis.

Watching his speech Sunday night ... you can understand how emotional he is about the role, and he made it clear winning the award had a bigger meaning for him and his family.

Mama June's ex, Geno Doak, seems to be turning his life around, and taking a lot of weight off his shoulders, literally ... cause he's lost around 70 pounds!!!

Geno tells TMZ ... when he and June split up last August he was around 285 lbs. Fast forward 6 months, and he's down to a much slimmer 215 lbs., and he's crediting his time in rehab for the healthy turnaround.

Geno says the treatment facility he's in has helped him stay on track with getting fit. He tells us the folks there prepare his meals, which also keeps him on a better eating schedule.

As far as eating out and snacking at night, Geno says that's a thing of the past. He says he now eats a lot healthier, cutting out foods like pasta and bread. Instead, he's eating a lot more tuna and chicken.

He's also trying to work out more, but says eating better was the biggest reason for his amazing results.

As we first told you ... Geno checked into rehab last September, after he tried to take his own life by chasing 90 blood pressure pills with lots of booze. After the incident, Mama June actually recommended a rehab center in South Carolina.

Jonathan Rhys Meyers has cut a deal in his DUI case ... and he's going to get the same treatment as an average Joe -- no jail time, as long as he keeps his nose clean.

According to new legal docs obtained by TMZ ... the actor copped a plea deal and was sentenced to 1-year summary probation. He'll pay a $500 fine and must complete an alcohol ed and counseling program.

TMZ broke the story ... Jonathan was arrested for misdemeanor DUI back in November 2020, after cops said he crashed his car in Malibu.

JRM was eventually hit with 3 charges — 2 DUI-related charges and 1 for reckless driving. As part of the deal, he ended up pleading no contest to the reckless driving charge, and the other two charges were dropped.

Jonathan's struggled with substance abuse problems over the years, going to rehab several times.

Americans and Canadians are banding together to kick a bad habit -- chucking Russian vodka by the liter in protest of Putin's invasion of Ukraine ... in hopes of sending a message.

Of course, President Biden and other world powers are already imposing sanctions against Russia as a way to deter Putin from continuing his takeover -- but if that wasn't enough ... local liquor stores and restauranteurs are doing their part as well with a heavy pour.

And, we're not talking about ones for a shot either -- business owners from Oregon to Vegas and Vermont -- and, perhaps, soon even in Virginia -- are draining their Russian-based spirits down the sink and into the streets ... just to show solidarity with Ukrainians.

Bill McCormick -- who runs the Pine Tavern Restaurant in Bend, OR -- did an interview with KTVZ21 to talk about why he was nixing brands like Stolichnaya and others ... saying he doesn't wanna support any facet of the Russian regime, even if it means one less drink sold.

Ditto for the guys over at the Evel Pie pizzeria in Vegas ... who posted a photo of themselves emptying bottles of Russian Standard, among other brands, right onto the curb. The folks over at the Magic Mountain Ski Resort in Londonberry, VT are also following suit.

Another place that's speaking out ... Southern Spirits in Fort Mill, SC -- which posted something to Facebook declaring they would be avoiding promotion of Russian products.

They write, "We will sell down the inventory we currently have but will be moving the displays from the floor. Instead, we will continue to promote and carry Kozak which is an outstanding vodka from Ukraine. Thank you for your understanding."

Like we said ... Canada is getting in on the boycott too, with provincial powers that handle a good majority of liquor imports and sales announcing bans in their own backyard.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation expressed exactly that, writing ... "The Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation, along with other Liquor jurisdictions throughout Canada, has made the decision to remove products of Russian origin from its shelves. These include Russian Standard Vodka and Russian Standard Platinum Vodka."

There are Canadian officials that are joining the chorus as well, like Ontario's Minister of Finance -- Peter Bethlenfalvy -- stating his support of bans in the area of Russian vodka.

Mama June's ex, Geno Doak, says he tried to overdose on pills and booze ... but he's in a better place now because June helped him get into treatment.

Geno tells TMZ ... he tried to kill himself back in September by chasing 90 blood pressure pills with a liter of Jägermeister while at his Florida home.

He says he was feeling down over everything going on in his life, explaining he had been miserable for a long time leading up to the attempted suicide.

It's interesting ... that happened right around the time he and Mama broke things off, but Geno told us that wasn't the reason he tried to kill himself. Watch the video ... he says it was the cumulative effect of untreated issues that began before June.

Luckily for Geno, a friend was at his house the night he popped all those pills and noticed the empty bottle. He says she called 911 and paramedics ultimately saved his life. After that he ended up in a mental health facility ... and when he was released, June offered a helping hand.

The way Geno tells it ... June came over to pick up some of her belongings, and when he told her about the OD, she referred him to a rehab center in South Carolina.

Since going through treatment, Geno says he's been going through the 12 steps and learning a lot about himself, and what put him in a "dark place."

It sounds like Geno's doing a lot better now -- but explained why he's no longer in touch with Mama June.

Medina Spirit has been stripped of his 2021 Kentucky Derby title ... officials announced Monday the horse has been officially disqualified following a hearing last week.

In a statement, Kentucky horse racing stewards said Medina Spirit did have the banned substance betamethasone in his blood on race day -- a huge no-no -- and announced second-place finisher Mandaloun will now be recognized as the race's winner going forward.

Officials also announced Bob Baffert, Medina Spirit's trainer, has now been suspended 90 days from all Kentucky racing facilities and fined $7,500 because of the findings.

Baffert will have the opportunity to appeal the ban -- which officials said will last from March 8 through June 5.

The ruling means Baffert will now have to win another Derby title to regain the crown of winningest trainer in the race's history (Medina Spirit's victory had given him seven total).

Delonte West is back on the basketball court ... and TMZ Sports has learned the ex-NBA star is training for a chance at playing in Ice Cube's BIG3 league!!

Sources tell us the 38-year-old has been training at the Pat The Roc Basketball Academy in Gaithersburg, Maryland every single day for the past month ... in hopes of making a huge comeback.

We're told despite everything that's happened recently, West hasn't lost his touch ... and looking at footage that surfaced online this week, it's true.

In video posted on social media, the guy is able to hit several shots ... and his handles look great as well!!

Not only has West been training hard for his return, we're told he's also been speaking to the kids at the academy and shelling out advice on hoops.

Remember, DW -- the 24th overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft -- played 8 seasons in the league for the Mavs, Celtics, Cavaliers, and SuperSonics ... but fell on hard times with mental struggles and substance abuse.

With the help of his family and Mavs owner Mark Cuban, he entered rehab in 2020.

Ronald Bruner Jr. -- ex-drummer for Suicidal Tendencies -- was arrested in Burbank, CA for public intoxication after getting pissy, if you will ... with his rideshare driver.

Burbank PD tells TMZ the driver called cops on Sunday to complain about Ronald getting difficult during his ride. When officers arrived, they say they found the rocker wasted in the back of the vehicle, and worst of all ... he's apparently a fan of the "Wiz!"

Yep, he allegedly urinated all over the backseat.

Bruner was arrested and booked for public intoxication -- and about 12 hours later, cops released him with a citation and a court date.

RBJ started professionally playing drums at the age of 15, jumping from band to band until landing a spot in the punk rock group Suicidal Tendencies, and jammed with them for 7 years. He also played with the Stanley Clarke Band, which earned a 2010 Grammy for Best Contemporary Jazz Album.

Former Angels staffer Eric Kay has just been found guilty of distributing the drugs that led to the death of ex-MLB pitcher Tyler Skaggs.

The jury just announced the verdict ... finding Kay guilty of one charge of conspiracy to possess fentanyl with the intent to distribute and one charge of distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death.

Kay is now facing life behind bars. Sentencing has been set for June 28.

According to The Athletic's Sam Blum, who was in the courtroom for the Kay trial this week, Skaggs' mother and wife broke down in tears and hugged following the verdict.

As we previously reported, Kay -- who had worked as the communications director for the Angels for several years -- had been accused of supplying Skaggs with the drugs that ultimately led to his overdose death before an Angels game in Texas in June 2019.

Skaggs was just 27 years old.

Story developing ...

Nick Saban brought up former Alabama star Henry Ruggs in an emotional speech last month ... saying if Ruggs' friends were better leaders, they could have prevented his tragic accident.

Saban led a discussion at the Alabama Football Coaches Association convention ... and at one point, explained how players care "more than ever before" about what others think of them -- and how it's affecting their opportunities to be a role model.

The Crimson Tide coach used two examples to get his point across -- one being Ruggs' serious fatal DUI crash in November, in which 23-year-old Tina Tintor died.

"Well, if there was a player in Las Vegas who was drinking at 3 o'clock in the morning with his buddies and his girlfriend and somebody would have taken his keys away," Saban said, "[it] probably would have pissed him off, probably would have made him mad. [He] probably wouldn't have thought very much of you for doing that."

"But would he be better off now, or is he better off where he was going 156 MPH and running into the ass-end of somebody and killing 'em?"

Saban explains Ruggs had zero issues in Tuscaloosa and is a "good kid" ... but now, his career is in jeopardy and he faces a mountain of legal issues.

While he's not saying Ruggs wasn't responsible for his own decisions, it's clear Saban believes someone close to him could have helped during a moment of weakness.

"So what kinda friend were you?" Saban asked. "What kinda leader were you when you allowed the guy to do it? But nobody wants to do it because they're afraid of what somebody's gonna think of you."

Saban's quotes are getting mixed reviews on social media -- with some saying it's Ruggs' fault and his alone, and others claiming the coach is spreading invaluable knowledge.

In another strange twist ... controversial Russian skating star Kamila Valieva fell to the ice multiple times and failed to medal in the women's free skate event.

15-year-old Valieva -- the best skater in the world -- was heavily favored to win leading up to the competition, but ended up finishing fourth after suffering one of the worst performances of her young career.

Kamila has been at the center of a firestorm of controversy ... after it was revealed last week that she failed a drug test in December. Valieva was popped for a performance-enhancing drug named trimetazidine. The drug helps blood flow and endurance.

Valieva was ultimately suspended for the positive test by Russian drug officials ... who then quickly reversed course, un-suspending her just a day later.

Other Olympic entities appealed the lifting of the suspension ... so the decision went to an organization called the Court of Arbitration (CAS), who ruled Valieva should be allowed to compete, despite seemingly being caught cheating.

One of their reasons? It'd cause "irreparable harm" to the 15-year-old skater.

Although Kamila didn't medal in Wednesday's event ... she did win a gold medal last week. It's still unclear if she will get to keep her medal.

Ricky Williams is expanding his marijuana empire ... just months after launching his own cannabis brand, the All-Pro's collabing with another big-time pot company -- and all the proceeds go towards mental health.

TMZ Sports recently talked to the 44-year-old Heisman winner about his company, Highsman (great name), who linked up with Jeeter to produce a new Indica strain of marijuana called "Sticky Ricky" ... as well as apparel to go with it.

FYI, Williams says he earned the nickname Sticky Ricky once his teammates discovered he loved to smoke.

"100 percent of the proceeds from this collaboration are going for 'Athletes For Care' to support mental health initiates, and I think that's extremely important," Williams told us.

A4C is a non-profit organization founded by former athletes dedicated to assisting fellow athletes ... with everything from mental to physical health.

It's a worthy cause ... and one that's close to Ricky's heart.

In fact, RW says smoking pot has improved his mental health, and in ways been a substitute for professional therapy, by allowing him to examine himself and make changes where necessary.

"When we go talk to a therapist," Ricky says, continuing, "We're reviewing stuff with someone else and reflecting and I found that when I was consuming cannabis, and still, it's like self psychotherapy."

Williams' professional football career (10,009 rushing yards, 68 rushing TD's, 2,606 receiving yards, 8 receiving TD's) was marred by incredibly stringent marijuana rules -- which have now been changed or relaxed -- resulting in 5 suspensions throughout his 11 seasons in the NFL.

Ricky missed 2 full seasons as a result of the failed drug tests.

"When I was growing up, we were always told, coaches said if you smoke pot you're gonna be a loser," Ricky says, "And in my experience, that's actually not true. And that's the message I'm trying to get out in the world."