SoFi Stadium Officials Face Scrutiny ... After 49ers Fan Brutally Beaten In Parking Lot

Law enforcement officials are facing serious backlash ... after failing to inform the public about a 49ers fan who was allegedly assaulted in the SoFi Stadium parking lot during Sunday's NFC Championship game.

According to the L.A. Times, it took 3 days for authorities in Inglewood to acknowledge the incident even took place ... and Thursday, officials were met with skepticism over why they didn't tell the public sooner.

40-year-old restaurant owner Daniel Luna is believed to be the man who was the victim of the heinous assault, according to the report.

Police Lt. Geoffrey Meeks said Los Angeles County Fire Dept. paramedics found Luna wearing a Niners jersey 30 minutes after the game started ... but it's unclear when the attack actually happened.

Of course, the timing is inauspicious for Los Angeles County -- the area is set to host Super Bowl LVI in the coming weeks -- which leads many to believe that authorities weren't as quick to release information surrounding the event out of fear of a PR nightmare.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ Sports no suspects have been identified in the case ... but police launched an investigation into the matter sometime around 7 PM Sunday night, according to the report.

Officials at SoFi Stadium did, however, say they were "aware and saddened by the incident," and they were working with law enforcement officials throughout the course of their investigation.

"Our thoughts are with Mr. Luna’s friends and family during this difficult time."

Story developing ...

Steve-O, Chris Pontius Jet Ski Accident Caught On Video!! ... Lawyer Looking For Witnesses

020322_jackass_stunt_kal
STUNT GONE WRONG

There's new alleged video proof that supports a man's claim he was injured during a Jet Ski stunt gone wrong involving "Jackass" stars Steve-O and Chris Pontius.

TMZ broke the story, Michael Vicens-Segura is suing the veteran stuntmen for an incident he says, left him badly injured, suffering a gash on the side of his head.

In the video, you can see Vicens-Segura in the water between the vessels just before they take off, once the Jet-skis moved, Vicens-Segura was allegedly struck by the cable connecting the two when it snapped.

The aftermath is intense, and Michael is clearly in a lot of pain.

Michael says the whole thing happened in Puerto Rico in 2018 when the two guys and movie producers planned to do some kind of "Jet Ski Tug of War" ... which basically meant two guys would operate the jet ski in opposite directions.

Michael's attorney, John Phillips, now says ... "We provide this video looking for witnesses and people who know about the creation and execution of this stunt. If you have information, please contact us."

Vicens-Segura says he had to get a metal plate in his head and his life has been completely changed by the incident ... he is asking for more than $12 mil in damages.

"Jackass Forever" is scheduled to come out in theaters this weekend ... though it's unclear if any of the stunt will be featured in the movie.

WWE's Blair Davenport Suffers Awful Leg Injury ... Jumping Off Top Rope In Match

Scary moment during a WWE NXT UK match Thursday ... Blair Davenport suffered a gnarly leg injury after she jumped off the top rope and landed on the ground awkwardly.

Davenport was competing against fellow wrestling star Meiko Satomura in a Japanese Street Fight for the NXT UK Women's Championship ... when disaster struck.

During the match, Blair climbed to the top of a ring post, jumped, and then slammed her feet onto the back of Meiko, who was outstretched on the apron.

But, when Davenport hit the ground just after that, you can see in video, her ankle and knee crumpled below her body.

Davenport was hurt so badly, she screamed in pain. The ref then immediately ended the match.

"This is really hard to see," one announcer said. "When any competitor gets hurt, regardless of how physical this match was, it's tough to watch."

Satomura -- the reigning champ -- looked concerned the entire time while Davenport received assistance from the medical staff.

Blair posted an update on her Twitter account following the match ... showing a picture of her on crutches and in a walking boot.

"Whoops😬 BRB ✌" she said.

Unclear what the extent of the injury is or how much time she'll have to miss ... but Davenport's reputation as one of the toughest in the biz means don't count her out just yet.

Super Bowl Mask Mandate Health Officials Warn Fans ... Hurry Up & Eat!!

The Super Bowl is just 10 days away and health officials in Los Angeles are warning all you sneaky fans plotting a way around the mask mandate ... don't even think about it!!

L.A. County -- where the game will take place on February 13 -- requires everyone over 2 years old at large scale events over 5,000 people, regardless of vaccination status, to mask up ... except when chowing down.

"That doesn't mean buy a bucket of popcorn and eat it for two hours. Actively eating and drinking," a SoFi Stadium executive said according to Fox 5 in San Diego, adding, "We are on to you."

Officials say they're ready to crack down on any of the 70,000+ fans who will ascend on the $5.5 billion stadium next Sunday ... but admitted it's a monumental task.

"It's a challenge. It's a very large building but we are prepared and ready to go," the NFL's head of live events said, continuing ... "We have had two years of experience of planning under COVID and we're extremely confident in the plans that we have in place."

Now, let's be honest ... this is a rule that is virtually impossible to enforce. How do you determine who's eating slow? What's even considered slow? And, how do you deal with the sheer number of people?

In fact, just last weekend during the NFC Championship Game against the 49ers at SoFi Stadium, California governor Gavin Newsom landed in hot water when he was caught taking a photo with Magic Johnson -- without a mask.

Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti also took a maskless photo with the Lakers legend ... but don't worry, he said he was holding his breath (he said this with a straight face).

In addition to requiring the masks, event staff will also require fans to show vaccination proof prior to entering the stadium. The stadium has also been outfitted with hundreds of hand sanitizers.

Bottom line ... Inglewood mayor James Butts Jr. says despite the pandemic, "This is going to be one of the safest, most glamorous Super Bowls in the history of Super Bowls."

'Chrisley Knows Best' Cast Member Threatens Suicide ... Todd, Savannah Desperately Try to Help

"Chrisley Knows Best" cast member Nic Kerdiles -- who at one point was engaged to Savannah Chrisley -- is alive today, because she and Todd Chrisley sprung into action as Nic was having an alleged mental breakdown ... while brandishing a gun.

The father and daughter can be heard on a panicked 911 call, obtained by TMZ, made Monday night outside a home in Nashville. Law enforcement sources tell us the call came in for a suicidal man, who had a gun to his head.

Todd and Savannah believed Nic was in the grips of a psychotic episode.

tmz_generic_audio_file_01
911 AUDIO

You can hear Savannah screaming in the background of the 911 call -- made by a friend on scene -- as she pleads, "Please, no!" You can also hear someone, who we believe is Todd, yelling, "Look at what you're doing to her!"

The caller tells the 911 operator Savannah was able to smash a window to get inside to her ex-boyfriend, but cut her hand in the process. Eventually, the Chrisleys were able to get the gun away from Nic ... and he agreed to sit in Todd's Range Rover until cops arrived.

You can hear the caller indicate Savannah's ex needed to get some help in treatment, and while cops were unable to tell us what happened once on scene ... there's no indication he was arrested.

Nic famously proposed to Savannah on an episode of "Chrisley Knows Best" a few years ago, but the relationship eventually came to an end.

We reached out to a rep for the Chrisley family, but didn't hear back. Todd, Nic and Savannah posted a video Wednesday night saying Nic had combined alcohol and medication ... which led to the terrifying incident.

Ex-Miss USA Cheslie Kryst Suffered with Depression ... Mom Speaks Out About Death

Former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst was suffering from depression before taking her own life -- this according to her mother ... who's speaking out in the wake of her daughter's death.

April Simpkins says ... "I have never known a pain as deep as this. I am forever changed," adding the family had confirmed Cheslie died by suicide last week in NYC.

She continues, "While it may be hard to believe, it’s true. Cheslie led both a public and a private life. In her private life, she was dealing with high-functioning depression which she hid from everyone -- including me, her closest confidant -- until very shortly before her death."

April goes on to say Cheslie's life, despite being short, was full of beautiful memories ... and, naturally, she'll be missed by her loved ones.

Her mother also said, "Cheslie -- to the world, you were a ball of sunshine wrapped in smiles. We talked, FaceTimed or texted one another all day, every day. You were more than a daughter -- you were my very best friend. Talking with you was one of the best parts of my day. Your smile and laugh were infectious."

She finished with, "I love you baby girl with all my heart. I miss you desperately. I know one day we’ll be together again. Until then, rest easy and in peace."

Rather than ask for flowers, her family is asking for donations to Dress for Success -- an org Cheslie held in high regard. Her mom also posted a number for the National Suicide Hotline ... encouraging anyone with suicidal thoughts to seek help.

As we reported ... Cheslie died Sunday when she jumped from her NYC apartment building. She was just 30 years old.

Lisa Vanderpump Not Getting Back on the Horse!!! Ken Todd Weighs in As She Has Surgery

020122_ken_todd_kal
ACCIDENTS HAPPEN
TMZ.com

Lisa Vanderpump's hubby, Ken Todd, says the 'RHOBH' star will likely never ride a horse again ... after her last ride ended with a badly broken leg.

We caught up with Ken on Tuesday, just as Lisa was having surgery to repair the shattered bones. Ken confirms she broke her leg in 3 places, and will have a bunch of new hardware by the time you're reading this.

He says he's not completely sure how long it will take Lisa to fully recover, but he's guessing about 8-10 weeks.

One thing at least he's sure of ... LV's riding days are over. Ken says the horse she was riding Sunday was a gentle and amazing animal, and despite the ol' saying, it doesn't sound like he wants his wife to risk it by getting back on the horse. Of course, we'll have to see what Lisa thinks once she's recovered.

As we've previously reported, the 'Real House Wives' star was riding in L.A. when her steed apparently got scared, reared up and bucked her off.

Ken saw it happen, and was in complete shock -- he says Lisa immediately knew something was broken.

No hard feelings with the horse, though ... KT called it just "one of those things" that happens in life.

Simon Cowell E Gads!!! Crashes Another E-Bike Lands in Hospital with Broken Bones

Simon Cowell did it again ... he crashed his e-bike and landed in the hospital with broken bones.

Sources tell TMZ ... Simon was tooling around on the bike in London last Thursday when he turned a sharp corner ... or at least he tried to turn. The road was wet and the tires went out from under him and he crashed to the ground.

We're told Simon broke his left arm and badly bruised his cheek. He may have also have suffered a concussion.

Simon went to the hospital where he was treated and released the same day, sporting a bright yellow cast.

As we reported, this was not Simon's first crash ... in August, 2020, he got a brand-spankin' new e-bike and literally got on it in his driveway and it lunged forward, crashing and as a result, Simon broke his back in 3 places.

Now, if Simon happens to read this ... wear a helmet, dude!!! He wasn't wearing one in either crash, and but for the grace of God, he could have suffered way more severe injuries.

When you fall off a horse you get back on ... maybe the same should NOT be true with an e-bike.

MSNBC's Steve Kornacki Shocked by COVID 'Is Over' Poll Results ... Hard to Get Consensus!!!

020122-steve-kornacki-kal
THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN
TMZ.com

Steve Kornacki certainly knows his way around stats, but says a poll asking if we should get back to normal -- as it pertains to COVID -- isn't as clear as the numbers make it seem.

We talked to NBC's go-to data journalist at LAX about a recent Monmouth University poll which posed the question: "Time to Accept Covid and Move On?" The responses were somewhat surprising.

The overall consensus seems to be yes, we oughta just learn to live with COVID and start getting back to normal, but as SK points out to us here ... that means different things for different people.

While Monmouth's poll indicates a majority of Americans agree with that general sentiment about the virus, Steve notes it's a bit ill-defined as to what folks might consider "normal" these days. He even suggests a more precise poll question would net further splintered results.

012422_bari_weiss_kal
I'M DONE!!!
HBO

As you might know, there's a growing chorus of opinions that we should do away with all 'rona-related mandates -- masks, vaccines, etc. -- and literally go back to how we lived our lives pre-2020 ... which has been echoed by the likes of Bill Maher and his guests.

Of course, there are just as many people who continue to be wary and insist we're still very much in the midst of a deadly pandemic.

While numbers don't lie, Steve's point here is they're not always 100% clear either.

US Skier Kai Owens Suffers Gnarly Eye Injury In Fall ... During Olympics Training Sesh

The 2022 Olympics haven't begun yet, but they're already off to a not-so-hot start for USA skier Kai Owens, who sustained a gnarly eye injury during preparation for the Beijing event on Tuesday.

The 17-year-old Owens was practicing for the Winter Olympics at Genting Snow Park in China ... when photographers captured her falling on the slopes.

Kai needed medical care from personnel on hand ... but, fortunately, she was able to stand up on her own. Photos from the scene, though, showed she did suffer a black eye in the fall.

Thankfully, it does not appear she sustained any further serious injuries.

It's not exactly the start Owens was hoping for ... remember, she told us out at LAX just a few days ago that she was pumped for the Games, particularly considering the location of it all.

012622-kai-owens-kal
FOCUSED ON THE GAME
TMZSports.com

Owens was abandoned by her birth parents in China as an infant and was adopted by a Colorado couple when she was 1 year old.

She told us the plan is to solely focus on the Games for now ... and then potentially try to find out more about her Chinese roots at a later date.

Mojo Muhtadi Making Return To Wrestling After Nearly Dying From COVID-19

013122-mojo-muhtadi-kal
RETURN OF THE KING
TMZSports.com

Mojo Muhtadi is making a return to the ring ... 19 months after the professional wrestler (and TMZ Sports TV show co-host) says he contracted a terrible case of COVID-19 that was so serious it nearly killed him.

35-year-old Muhtadi talked about his battle with the virus on Monday's episode of the show (airs weekdays on FS1) ... and it sounds incredibly harrowing.

"I've been struggling with a 19-month fight with COVID, actually. I got it last June 2020, far back as that. Really had a rough go. Had to go the hospital, I had a fever of 104 for quite some time and I developed a really bad lung injury out of it somehow." Mojo says.

"I guess that's just kinda the nature of COVID. My lungs are just in bad shape. I couldn't lay on my back or my side for a long time because it was suffocating me. Tight shirts were challenging and there were just days I couldn't speak. I couldn't get in enough air to talk, couldn't leave the house. Kinda had to shut down everything and just focus on literally every single solitary breath at a time to try and make it through the day. It was a really challenging thing."

Of course, Muhtadi is a former WWE Superstar ... wrestling under the name Mojo Rawley. He was a 7x WWE 24/7 Champ during his tenure in Vince McMahon's company.

Now, Mojo isn't ready to step foot back in the squared circle right away ... but he's ramping up his training, and getting closer to a return by the day.

"I'm feeling better. I'm definitely not out of it yet. I'm still having some issues. I even had some yesterday, but we're feeling good enough to start training again and start lining up some matches to start really test this thing out."

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Mojo says the time away was tough ... so hard he had to stop watching wrestling.

"Honestly, it was brutal. I had to stop watching for a long time. I was getting too jealous. I was hating from my couch."

But, the days of watching from the couch are about over. Stay hyped!

Christian Eriksen Makes Soccer Comeback ... 7 Months After Cardiac Arrest During Game

Danish soccer star Christian Eriksen is officially back -- the midfielder has announced his return to the pitch just 7 months after suffering cardiac arrest during Euro 2020.

"Happy to announce that I've signed with Brentford Football Club," Eriksen said Monday via IG.

"I can't wait to get started and hopefully I'll see you all very soon."

Last June, the midfielder lost consciousness and fell to the ground during the first round of Denmark's UEFA European Championship match.

Medics gave him CPR on the field ... and he was carried off on a stretcher and transferred to a local hospital.

Danish doctors later confirmed Eriksen suffered cardiac arrest ... and the 29-year-old would need an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (a type of pacemaker) to prevent further episodes.

Because of his heart device and Italy's medical laws, Eriksen was unable to play ... and he agreed with Inter Milan to terminate his contract in Dec. 2021.

Fast forward 7 months ... and Eriksen has signed a 6-month deal with Brentford.

013122_chris_eriksen_kal_1
HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE...
@chriseriksen8 / Instagram

"We have taken an unbelievable opportunity to bring a world-class player to Brentford," head coach Thomas Frank said.

"He hasn’t trained with a team for 7 months, but has done a lot of work on his own. He is fit but we will need to get him match fit and I am looking forward to seeing him work with the players and staff to get back towards his highest level."

Eriksen is Denmark's 7th highest goal scorer of all time ... and has earned a record 5 Danish Football Player Of The Year awards.

Joe Rogan Apologizes ... 'I'll Balance Controversial COVID Theories With Mainstream Science'

013122_joe_rogan_kal
FINDING MIDDLE GROUND

Joe Rogan vowed to do better in the wake of criticism his podcast is spreading COVID misinformation ... and he says he knows how to make things better and more responsible.

Rogan broke his silence Sunday ... this after Neil Young and others yanked their music off Spotify in protest.

Rogan said he's down with Spotify's disclaimer when guests go against prevailing science ... a disclaimer urging folks to talk to their physician. The disclaimer will also note the views discussed are contrary to those of experts.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

But, Rogan went further, acknowledging he should have done more ... like immediately after saying goodbye to a guest who goes against the grain, he'll bring on someone with mainstream views. He says he will do that from now on.

Rogan was contrite, telling Spotify he was sorry the platform has taken heat over his podcast. Joe also said he's a huge Neil Young fan and has no hard feelings toward him.

That said, Rogan began by saying the term "misinformation" is relative ... he says some of what was considered irresponsible to say early on in the pandemic has become a conventional point of view.

The theme of Rogan's post is that he acknowledges he makes mistakes and says he's frankly shocked he finds himself in the position he's in ... with millions who listen and many who are influenced by what he says.

Blake Shelton Brings Fan Needing Heart Transplant On Stage ... Sings 6-Year-Old's Fav Song

013122_blake_shelton_kal
SINGIN' WITH SHELTON
Harley McKee

Blake Shelton made a dream come true for a 6-year-old fan who is waiting on a new heart, bringing him up on stage to sing a song together ... and the video is awesome.

The wholesome moment went down Saturday night during Blake's concert at Choctaw Casino & Resort in Durant, OK ... with little Wyatt McKee getting the experience of a lifetime.

As you can see, Wyatt's sitting next to the stage with some signs about his condition, and Blake notices and starts reading ... and when he learns Wyatt is waiting on a heart transplant, he gives the kid a guitar pick and invites him up on stage.

The cherry on top ... Blake and Wyatt sing the kid's favorite song, "God's Country," and the crowd goes wild.

Wyatt's mom, Harley, tells TMZ ... her son was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a condition where the left side of the heart does not grow, and Wyatt's already had 2 open-heart surgeries.

She says Wyatt's a huge Shelton fan and they brought the signs hoping Blake would see them and come say "hello."

Check out the video ... Blake and Wyatt made sure there wasn't a dry eye in the building.

Lisa Vanderpump Bucked Off Her Horse ... Hospitalized with Broken Leg

Lisa Venderpump got thrown for a loop on the horse she was riding ... and she ended up in the hospital with broken bones.

'The Real Housewives' star was riding her horse Sunday at The Paddock in the Los Feliz part of L.A., when the equine apparently got spooked, reared up and bucked her off. An eyewitness tells us she flew over the horse's head and landed squarely on her back.

Lisa was in a lot of pain, and for good reason ... we're told she broke her leg in 2 places, just above the ankle. She also has bruising on her back.

She was taken to the hospital by ambulance. Hubby Ken Todd followed behind and he's with her at the hospital now. We're told she'll undergo surgery. Our Vanderpump sources say once she's all healed, she'll be fine.

The horse is no stranger to Lisa ... they've been together for 6 years. Some friend!!!

You know what they say about getting back on the horse ...

Dr. Oz Rushes To Help Unconscious Man ... Who Fell at Caucus Meeting

Dr. Oz drew on his medical background for a medical emergency at a political meeting ... jumping in to help a man who fell unconscious.

Sources close to the situation tell TMZ ... Oz was next in line to speak at Saturday morning's Pennsylvania Republican Caucus Meeting outside Pittsburgh when suddenly a state committee member collapsed.

We're told Dr. Oz rushed over and quickly lowered the man to the ground ... tending to him while he appeared to suffer a seizure and lost consciousness.

Our sources say Oz also helped move the man to a flat surface outside the meeting room, where another seizure-like episode occurred.

We're told EMS eventually arrived and transported the man to a local hospital, and the guy was conscious and conversing with Oz as EMS took him away.

Our sources say Dr. Oz went on stage for his scheduled remarks after the incident ... and following the caucus, he got in touch with the man and learned he's in stable condition at a hospital.

113021_dr_oz_kal
PUTTING AMERICA FIRST

As you know ... Dr. Oz is running for a U.S. Senate seat in Pennsylvania, switching gears to politics after a successful career as a TV doctor.

Dr. Oz tells TMZ ... "I am a doctor first and always will be, so I responded immediately to a call for help when a nearby man collapsed. Following the lessons learned from a life in medicine, I did my job until EMS arrived to transport him to a nearby hospital."

030221_dr_oz_kal 3/2/21
DR. OZ TO THE RESCUE
TMZ.com

It's not the first time Oz has been in the right place at the right time for a medical emergency ... as we first told you, he saved a man's life at an airport in March using CPR and a defibrillator.