'90DF' Alina Kozhevnikova Fired Over Racist Old Posts ... Used the N-Word, Etc.
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7:00 AM PT -- A spokesperson for TLC tells TMZ ... "TLC discontinued filming with Alina Kozhevnikova following the recent discovery of her past social media statements. She will not appear on the upcoming Tell All, any future seasons of the franchise and starting next month, she will no longer appear on 'Before the 90 Days.' TLC does not tolerate racism or discrimination of any kind."
Alina Kozhevnikova -- a fan fave on "90 Day Fiance" -- ain't gonna be seeing any more screen time in the future ... and it's all over old racist comments.
Sources tell TMZ ... the Russian bride-to-be, who's risen to prominence during this season of 'Before the 90 Days,' has been fired by TLC brass ... this after a handful of social media posts resurfaced showing her using the n-word and other offensive language.
One Facebook post is from 2014, where she uses the n-word at least five times to describe a party to which she was invited. Another post shows her commenting on a photo, again using the n-word ... except she replaced the Gs with Qs.
A third post references Hugh Grant and how handsome she thinks he is, while noting he'd had children with a Chinese woman and expressing dismay his kids would be "kinda Asian." There's another post where she appears to be mocking Muslim people.
These comments have all surfaced in recent weeks, and now ... we're told Alina's been booted from the franchise.
Here's the thing ... our sources tell us TLC has already wrapped filming for the season — so it's unclear if they'll edit her out of episodes yet to air. She will not appear in the Tell-All episode or any future "90 Day Fiance" shows.
Her American partner, Caleb Greenwood, has stood by her side ... insisting she's not racist, and that he knows her heart.
The Ashley's Reality Roundup first reported news of her departure.
Alina, for her part, also appears to be standing firm ... but hasn't offered any apologies for the remarks. She has claimed to have been ignorant of the n-word's meaning, but a lot of people aren't buying that.
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'RHOSLC' Jennie Nguyen Fired By Bravo!!! ... Following Racist FB Posts
Jennie Nguyen has just gotten the boot from Bravo. The Real Housewives star will no longer be a cast member on the show ... something folks have demanded, after some of her allegedly racist posts started making rounds on social media.
In an Instagram post, the network acknowledged it failed to take action once some of Jennie's offensive posts came to light ... but from here on out, execs say she will NOT be filming on "The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City".
As you know, the (now former) real housewife came under fire once her Facebook posts from 2020 began to resurface on social media. During the Black Lives Matter protests, Jennie re-shared and posted tons of photos and memes that some folks saw as a direct attack on Black Americans.
The post (above) is just one example. She also reposted and shared posts that mentioned phrases like "BLM Thugs" and "Violent Gangs" ... in other words, mocking the BLM movement.
Other housewives have come out and condemned Jennie's posts and even talk show host Andy Cohen called them very disgusting and upsetting. Now, the network seems to have hopped on that train, canceling the RH star.
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Joe Judge Needs Beer & Pizza After Giants Firing ... Gets Massive Order Delivered To NJ Home
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Forget ice cream and movies ... Joe Judge is getting over his New York Giants breakup with beer and pizza -- and a whole hell of a lot of it!!!
The former G-Men head coach -- who was canned on Tuesday following two abysmal seasons with the team -- ordered a boatload of 'za and suds to his New Jersey home on Wednesday, presumably to help drown out his newfound sorrows.
Pictures, taken by a photo agency, show the newly unemployed 40-year-old had nine boxes of pizza as well as several cases of Michelob Ultra and Coors Light delivered to his place. We're also told Judge had flowers arrive on his doorstep as well.
No word yet on if anyone is joining Judge in the pity party -- or if the massive amounts of food and booze are strictly for Judge.
But, if the latter is the case, and it seems excessive -- it quite frankly might not be.
Judge had a brutal two-year stretch as head man of the Giants -- going 10-23 -- and things got so bad, New York co-owner John Mara said Wednesday this year was his "lowest moment" with the team.
It doesn't get much rougher than this to start off the New Year ... here's to hoping the beer buzz and the pizza food coma help out!
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Ex-NFL Coach Dick Vermeil Antonio Brown's Done In NFL ... 'Can't Believe' He'd Get Another Shot
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Antonio Brown's NFL career is over -- at least, that's what legendary NFL coach Dick Vermeil thinks ... telling TMZ Sports he can't see another team giving him a shot after his wild, shirtless exit from the Buccaneers.
"I can't believe somebody would," Dick tells us. "A man demonstrates what he is by what he does and he answered everybody's evaluation questions when we saw him doing that stuff."
Here is the video from #Bucs WR Antonio Brown... leaving the field and saying goodbye. pic.twitter.com/EaR0jRqcs3
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 2, 2022 @RapSheet
Of course, Vermeil is referring to AB taking his pads and jersey off and heading to the locker room -- in the middle of Sunday's game against the Jets -- after a disagreement with coach Bruce Arians.
"I have never in my 30-something years of coaching from high school, junior college, Division I and the NFL -- I have never seen anything like that," he added.
Vermeil -- who coached the Eagles, Rams, and Chiefs -- gives Tampa Bay credit for trying to help AB get his career back on track by signing him last season ... but says the controversial star was never going to change his ways.
"I think sometimes even though you're trying to do the right thing that you bring your own problems," Vermeil said.
"You create your own problems by bringing people that have been a problem," he continued, "What makes you think that you're gonna change 'em?"
Vermeil says he never would have given AB a shot to begin with ... saying, "I try to stay away with players that had problems because you have enough problems with players who don't have problems."
"To bring somebody in with a profile like he has, you only asking for problems."
Vermeil says he respects Tom Brady for trying to help AB ... but ultimately, "you can't save 'em all!"
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Tampa Bay Bucs Officially Release Antonio Brown ... Claim He Never Indicated He Couldn't Play Vs. Jets
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10:12 AM PT -- Arians just spoke with reporters about Brown following the release ... and he insisted once more that AB never told him he was too hurt to play.
Instead, Arians said Brown was complaining about not getting the ball from Tom Brady more -- and refused to go in because "I ain't getting the ball."
10:12 AM PT -- That's when Arians said he told Brown, "You're done. Get the F out of here."
"That's the end of the story," Arians said. "And, hopefully, it ends today."
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have formally released Antonio Brown ... and in announcing the news, the team called its former star a liar.
The Bucs said in a statement after officially cutting the wideout that he never indicated to their medical personnel that his ankle was too hurt to play in Sunday's game against the Jets.
Brown, of course, said the opposite in a lengthy statement Wednesday night ... claiming he did tell the team he was too injured -- and that head coach Bruce Arians still wanted him in the game nonetheless.
"While Antonio did receive treatment on his ankle and was listed on the injury report the week leading up to last Sunday's game, he was cleared to play by our medical team prior to the start of the game," the Bucs said Thursday.
"And at no point during the game did he indicate to our medical personnel that he could not play."
The Bucs went on to say that they've asked Antonio several times this week to be evaluated by "an outside orthopedic specialist" ... but say Antonio "has not complied."
"Maintaining the health and wellness of our players is of the utmost importance to our organization," the Bucs said.
As we previously reported, Brown melted down on the sidelines of the Bucs' game against the Jets at MetLife Stadium, stripping off his pads and shirt before running into the locker room.
After the blowup, Arians suggested that Brown had quit on the team ... telling Jay Glazer that he tried to get the wideout to go into the game multiple times, but AB refused and then left.
Brown, though, said Wednesday that's not the way things went down ... writing in a statement, "I took a seat on the sideline and my coach came up to me, very upset, and shouted, 'What's wrong with you? What's wrong with you?' I told him, 'It's my ankle.' But he knew that."
"He didn't call for medical attention," Brown added. "Instead, he shouted at me, 'YOU'RE DONE!' while he ran his finger across his throat. Coach was telling me that if I didn't play hurt, then I was done with the Bucs."
Arians previously said this week that Brown did not indicate to him at the time that he was hurt.
Antonio Brown just took jersey and gear off and threw it into crowd. Celebrating and ran to the locker room. No idea what is going on. pic.twitter.com/uPALqGJGJo
— Jake Brown (@JakeBrownRadio) January 2, 2022 @JakeBrownRadio
"I didn't quit," Brown insisted in his statement. "I was cut. I didn't walk away from my brothers. I was thrown out."
Brown says on Monday he saw a specialist, who told him that his ankle injury was so bad, it'll require season-ending surgery.
"What they did know until now is that on Monday morning I had an urgent MRI on my ankle," Brown said. "It shows broken fragments stuck in my ankle, the ligament torn from the bone, and cartilage loss, which are beyond painful. You can see the bone bulging from the outside."
Brown is now a free agent ... and he said Wednesday night he has no plans to retire.
"Once my surgery is complete, I'll be back to 100% and looking forward to next season. Business gonna be BOOMIN!"
Originally Published -- 9:37 AM PT
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Antonio Brown Kicked Off Bucs After Shirtless Tantrum ... Rides Around With NYC Driver
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6:30 AM PT -- 01/03 -- AB didn't bolt off to the airport after his infamous exit from Sunday's game -- instead, he hit up a celebrity driver to come get him ... and the NFLer was clearly in a great mood.
The driver -- Danny Chalet -- posted videos to his Instagram account ... showing AB grinning from ear-to-ear and talking on the phone after getting picked up.
But, it appears that AB was in no rush to leave town ... with Danny hinting at AB staying in the area to party.
As for any sort of official statement from Brown, the receiver posted a short message on Instagram ... saying, "Big MAD (Making A Difference). Thanks for the opportunity"
2:54 PM PT -- AB was spotted outside MetLife Stadium shortly after his exit ... wearing the same clothes he wore when arriving to the game, and his luggage by his side.
It appears he's waiting for a car service to pick him up and presumably take him to the airport ... considering there was no way the team was gonna let him fly home on the Bucs' plane.
1:16 PM PT -- Bucs head coach Bruce Arians just addressed the incident with the media ... saying Antonio Brown's career in Tampa Bay is over.
BA addresses the status of Antonio Brown: pic.twitter.com/gC7D8Csin2
— xz - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) January 2, 2022 @Buccaneers
This is truly bizarre.
Antonio Brown just ripped off his jersey, ran shirtless on the field and headed for the locker room ... right in the middle of the Buccaneers' matchup against the New York Jets.
The incident happened just minutes ago ... with the 33-year-old wide receiver seemingly becoming upset on the sidelines in the third quarter as the Bucs trailed the Jets, 24-10.
Here is the video from #Bucs WR Antonio Brown... leaving the field and saying goodbye. pic.twitter.com/EaR0jRqcs3
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 2, 2022 @RapSheet
Mike Evans appeared to try calming Brown down, but his efforts were unsuccessful ... as AB stripped down to just his pants and cleats and waved to the fans as he trotted through the end zone and off the field.
As it turns out, MetLife Stadium security reportedly thought AB was a streaker at first ... and initially tried to stop him before realizing he was a player.
AB had 3 catches for 26 yards before leaving the game.
Of course, Brown missed several games this season ... after the NFL said he faked his COVID-19 vaccination card.
No word from the Bucs on what happened Sunday ... but this will certainly be addressed after the game.
Originally Published -- 1/2 12:47 PM PT
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Jeff Garlin Leaving 'Goldbergs' ... After Investigation into 'Abusive' Behavior
Jeff Garlin is leaving ABC's hit show "The Goldbergs" ... but it sounds like he was going to be fired on the heels of a human resources probe into allegations he'd been "emotionally abusive" and intimidating to staffers.
Garlin had one more day, at most, of shooting the current season, but won't get to finish up ... according to Deadline, which broke the story and reports a mutual agreement was reached for Garlin's exit.
In a Vanity Fair interview, Garlin talked about some of the accusations and confirmed he had been involved in HR probes -- one, in particular, about him using the word "vagina." He claimed he was just being "silly" ... as a comedian.
However, Garlin allegedly retaliated by repeatedly saying the word to the camera assistant who filed a complaint about him saying it the first time.
Other witnesses on set claimed he abused his power to intimidate, embarrass and belittle a couple that worked together on the show -- and according to Deadline that was the last straw.
We've reached out to the show's producers at Sony Pictures Television for comment.
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Britney Spears 'Toxic' Gets Teacher Booted from School!!!
A substitute teacher in Texas was given the boot after "treating" his students to a karaoke version of Britney Spears' "Toxic."
The sub was "teaching" students at Bowie High School when he dimmed the lights and broke out the karaoke machine which he brought with him from home. He then unleashed a light show and exercised his vocal cords.
It did NOT go well. Honchos at the school gave him the boot, saying he wasn't following "best practices." Unclear whether that meant not singing at all or singing "...Baby One More Time."
Hilarious that the school district noted the teacher was not arrested!!!
Also hilarious ... a school district spokesperson said, "I've heard worse Britney Spears covers, but the lights are a bit much."
"Toxic" has become a staple at Karaoke joints for the last 15 years, and frankly, the spokesperson is right ... there have been worse versions sung.
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Chris Cuomo Accused of Sexual Misconduct ... Amid CNN Exit
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3:50 PM PT -- A rep for Cuomo tells TMZ ... "To the extent that they were sent to CNN to negate what Chris Cuomo told his audience, he fully stands by his on-air statements about his connection to these issues, both professionally and in a profoundly personal way. If the goal in making these false and unvetted accusations was to see Mr. Cuomo punished by CNN, that may explain his unwarranted termination."
It is now clear what forced CNN's hand in firing Chris Cuomo -- the guy was accused of sexual misconduct this week ... this is as he was already on thin ice.
Attorney Debra S. Katz came forward Sunday to reveal she'd been retained by a woman who wanted to go public with an allegation against the ex-anchor ... something she was apparently inspired to do after hearing about his involvement in his brother's own scandal.
NEW—> statement from Debra Katz on CNN’s firing of Chris Cuomo pic.twitter.com/RkmQG6aZgE
— Sarah Ellison (@sarahellison) December 5, 2021 @sarahellison
She says while Gov. Cuomo's mess played out in public, Chris came on the air for his own show and said, "I have always cared very deeply about these issues and profoundly so. I just wanted to tell you that." Katz adds, "Hearing the hypocrisy of Chris Cuomo’s on-air words and disgusted by his efforts to try to discredit these women, my client retained counsel to report his serious sexual misconduct against her to CNN."
According to NYT, the woman -- who is remaining anonymous for now -- is a former junior colleague of Chris' from another network, and her claims are unrelated to Gov. Cuomo.
Here's my intro to @reliablesources, laying out the timeline of the Chris Cuomo news this week, and why he was fired on Saturday night pic.twitter.com/H6YlBROUQP
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) December 5, 2021 @brianstelter
Katz goes on to describe how she contacted CNN on Wednesday -- a day after he'd been suspended -- to report her client's allegations against Chris ... and by Friday, she says she was already in discussions with the network to provide evidence and making the woman available for an interview with CNN's outside counsel.
She finishes by saying, "My client came forward at this time because she felt in sharing her story and related documentation, she could help protect other women. She will continue to cooperate with CNN’s investigation into her allegations. Given the nature of her allegations, she wishes to remain anonymous, and we ask that you respect this decision."
Statement on Chris Cuomo’s termination from CNN. pic.twitter.com/yKPwYtMznD
— CNN Communications (@CNNPR) December 4, 2021 @CNNPR
It's not yet clear what exactly the woman is alleging against Chris, but his rep says the "apparently anonymous allegations are not true." CNN says they already had cause to terminate Chris, but when they were made aware of this woman's claims, they saw no reason to delay any further.
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Chris Cuomo Canned by CNN ... He Speaks Out
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3:11 PM PT -- Chris has responded, saying ... "This is not how I want my time at CNN to end but I have already told you why and how I helped my brother. So let me now say as disappointing as this is, I could not be more proud of the team at Cuomo Prime Time and the work we did as CNN's #1 show in the most competitive time slot. I owe them all and will miss that group of special people who did really important work."
Chris Cuomo is without a cable news job -- the longtime CNN anchor just got fired ... and it sounds like there's more to the story on the help he offered his brother this year.
The network just announced Chris' termination, saying they retained a respected law firm to conduct the independent review of his conduct -- and in light of that digging, they say they found further evidence that they felt warranted kicking him to the curb.
CNN writes, "While in the process of that review, additional information has come to light. Despite the termination, we will investigate as appropriate."
Statement on Chris Cuomo’s termination from CNN. pic.twitter.com/yKPwYtMznD
— CNN Communications (@CNNPR) December 4, 2021 @CNNPR
This is a stunning turn of events, but perhaps not totally unexpected ... as the writing appeared to be on the wall here. The fact Cuomo had been suspended indefinitely raised red flags to many, who felt like his days at CNN were limited.
Of course, this all comes on the heels of an investigation by the New York Attorney General's Office ... which published its reports, plus transcripts, which suggested Chris' involvement in his bro's scandal back in the Spring was way more intricate than previously thought.
There are text messages he's purported to have sent to Andrew's staffers, including one that read "I have a lead on the wedding girl" -- pertaining to one of the ex-Gov's accusers.
Originally Published -- 2:26 PM PT
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Portland Trail Blazers Fire GM Neil Olshey After Toxic Workplace Investigation
The Portland Trailblazers have fired general manager Neil Olshey almost a month after the team opened an investigation into toxic and hostile work allegations made by employees.
56-year-old Olshey -- who's been the GM since 2012 -- was accused back in November of bullying, intimidating and making expletive-filled rants towards staff members over his time with the team.
The Blazers immediately launched a private investigation into the allegations ... and a firm spoke with several employees on the abuse that is said to have led to "mental and physical stress."
After a review of the findings, the organization fired Olshey.
"The Portland Trail Blazers are committed to building an organization that positively impacts our colleagues, communities and the world in which we live and play," the org. said Friday.
Statement from the Portland Trail Blazers pic.twitter.com/W9j4V3nNl2
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) December 3, 2021 @trailblazers
"Following the conclusion of the independent review of concerns and complaints around our workplace environment at the practice facility, the Portland Trail Blazers organization has decided to terminate General Manager and President of Basketball Operations Neil Olshey, effective immediately due to violations of the Portland Trail Blazers’ Code of Conduct."
The team says they will not release any information on their investigation out of respect for those who came forward and look to make improvements in the office.
"We are confident that these changes will help build a more positive and respectful working environment."
The Director of Player Personnel, Joe Cronin, will take over as interim General Manager.
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Illinois Fans Chant 'Fire Nagy' During Game ... Days After Bears Win
Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy can't catch a break ... 'cause even after winning a game on Thanksgiving Day, fans in his own backyard still want him gone.
It all went down Monday night -- Notre Dame was trailing Illinois in the second half of action when "Fire Nagy" chants broke out from the packed fans in attendance.
This has gotta be tough for Nagy, considering he just picked up a win against division-rival Detroit ... right as rumors of his impending firing were making waves.
Of course, this isn't the first time we've seen fans voice their displeasure with the Bears play-caller -- chants of "Fire Nagy" erupted as the Bears lost a last-minute thriller to the Ravens a few weeks ago.
On top of that, an Illinois high school recently apologized to Nagy after "Fire Nagy" chants were directed towards him ... as he was in attendance to watch his son's high school football game.
Below is a statement regarding the recent Cary-Grove vs. Lake Forest 6A high school football game: pic.twitter.com/cUjUfJduDk
— Cary-Grove H.S. (@CaryGroveHS) November 23, 2021 @CaryGroveHS
Nagy -- now in his fourth season as coach -- has been in the direct line of fire from fans across all sports in the state of Illinois this season ... and it's clear even coming up victorious can't make it stop.
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Jon Gruden Madden 22 Pulling Coach From Game ... After Email Scandal
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More fallout for Jon Gruden over his email scandal ... EA Sports just announced it's removing the former Las Vegas Raiders coach from its ultra-popular Madden 22 video game.
EA put out a statement Wednesday saying it's in the process of pulling the virtual coach after it was revealed the 58-year-old sent racist and anti-gay emails from 2011 to 2018.
"EA Sports is committed to taking action in maintaining a culture of inclusion and equity," reps from the video game company said.
"Due to the circumstances of Jon Gruden's resignation, we are taking steps to remove him from Madden NFL 22."
EA added Gruden will be replaced by a "generic" AI ... with the full removal expected to take place in a title update "in the coming weeks."
The news is the latest in a long line of blows for Gruden ... who lost his job with the Raiders on Monday -- and then lost an endorsement with Skechers on Tuesday.
Gruden was also pulled from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Ring Of Honor in the wake of the scandal.
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Jon Gruden Out As Raiders Coach ... Allegedly Used Homophobic Slurs In Emails
7:28 PM PT -- Gruden released a statement minutes ago ... saying, "I have resigned as Head Coach of the Las Vegas Raiders."
"I love the Raiders and do not want to be a distraction. Thank you to all the players, coaches, staff, and fans of Raider Nation."
"I’m sorry, I never meant to hurt anyone."
6:15 PM PT -- Gruden is OUT as coach of the Raiders after his email scandal.
According to multiple reports, Gruden met Monday with Raiders owner, Mark Davis, and he's no longer coaching the team.
It's somehow getting worse for Jon Gruden, because his emails don't just include racist language ... now there's a report he also used homophobic slurs aimed at Roger Goodell.
Gruden, who already apologized for a racially insensitive email he fired off in 2011, reportedly referred to the NFL Commissioner as a "f*****" and "clueless anti-football p****" ... according to emails obtained by The New York Times.
Gruden also reportedly wrote Goodell should not have pressured former NFL coach, Jeff Fisher, to draft "queers" in 2014 ... referencing Michael Sam, the first openly gay player drafted into the NFL.
The alleged homophobic language might not sit well in Gruden's locker room ... he's currently the coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, who have defensive lineman Carl Nassib on the roster, the first active player who is openly gay.
According to The New York Times, Gruden fired off the emails from 2010 to 2018, when he was out of pro football and working as an analyst for "Monday Night Football" on ESPN.
Gruden reportedly aimed homophobic slurs at Goodell in several instances, as well as using other offensive language to describe NFL owners, coaches and media.
Even Barack Obama and Joe Biden were reportedly mentioned in Gruden's emails ... with Gruden ripping Obama during his 2012 re-election campaign and referring to Biden as a "nervous clueless p****."
As we reported ... Gruden's been on the hot seat since a 2011 email was uncovered, where he says NFL Players Association president, DeMaurice Smith, had "lips the size of Michelin tires."
Gruden apologized for the racist email a second time Sunday, after his team lost to the Chicago Bears, saying he doesn't "have an ounce of racism in me."
The new report also says Gruden mocked Caitlyn Jenner in his emails, after she received an award from ESPN in 2015 following her transition.
Gruden's currently in the 4th year of a 10-year, $100 million contract to coach the Raiders ... and it's unclear if he faces any discipline.
Originally Published -- 6:11 PM PT
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L.A. County Sheriff's Dept. Deputy Who Allegedly Banged at Universal ... That's a Wrap for His Job!!!
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The cop who allegedly had too good of a time at Universal Studios Hollywood is now looking for work -- turns out, being accused of banging while on the clock will do that for ya.
Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... the deputy who got caught on a hot mic apparently doing the dirty late last year -- near the Bates Motel, no less -- has been given his walking papers. After the brass at L.A. County Sheriff's Dept. looked into the incident, we're told they found he'd violated policy.
We're told the guy can appeal the firing if he wants -- but for now, he ain't gonna be reporting back to work anytime soon.
We broke the story ... cops say the deputy was ignoring calls from dispatchers, who were trying to tell him they could hear him having sex in or around his squad car -- with what sounds like a woman's moans audibly coming through loud and clear.
The Sheriff's Dept. says, "The administrative investigation has concluded regarding this incident. The administrative process is still unfolding and we are unable to share further detail at this time, but what we can say is Sheriff Alex Villanueva takes allegations of misconduct very seriously and expects peace officers to hold themselves to the highest moral and ethical standards."
There's a lesson here, folks ... sometimes risking it for the biscuit is NOT worth it.
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'15 Minutes of Shame' Documentary From Essential Employee to Pariah ... Canceled for Fidgeting with My Fingers!!!
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'15 Minutes of Shame' documentary subject Emmanuel Cafferty says he was canceled after fidgeting with his fingers got misinterpreted as him throwing up the "white power" hand gesture ... and he says his life's been derailed ever since.
Cafferty joined "TMZ Live" Tuesday ... 16 months after he was unceremoniously axed from his dream job at the San Diego Gas & Electric company, mere hours after someone took a picture of him while his arm was hanging out the window of his company truck.
The picture, Cafferty says, caught him cracking his knuckles one by one and fidgeting with them -- but the person who took the picture posted it, accusing Cafferty of making the "OK" sign that's been adopted by white supremacists.
The picture was also taken less than 2 miles from a Black Lives Matter protest, and just days after George Floyd was killed.
Cafferty, who is Mexican-American, says he was swiftly suspended without pay before ultimately getting fired. He says he's furious this all happened even after the person who originally posted the photo deleted his account along with the picture, and later admitted he might have misinterpreted the gesture.
The ordeal Cafferty, and many other people, have gone through is the subject of the new HBO Max documentary produced by Monica Lewinsky. It's an in-depth look at what she calls the public shaming epidemic ... aka cancel culture.
As for Cafferty, he's left to swallow a very tough pill -- going from essential employee during a pandemic to a total social outcast, simply because he was fidgeting with his fingers.