RIP

Ex-NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf believes he wouldn't be where he is today if it weren't for Matthew Perry ... crediting the late "Friends" star with playing a pivotal role in his sobriety.

Leaf -- who's approaching 12 years clean after battling drug and alcohol addiction in the past -- poured his heart out about his friend on his "Straight Line" podcast with PointsBet this week ... just days after 54-year-old Perry was found dead at his L.A.-area home.

The former No. 2-overall pick kicked off his tribute by stating Perry was "instrumental in my recovery" ... before going into detail about how the actor offered his support without hesitation over a decade ago.

"I got out of prison and when I got to Los Angeles, Matt put his arm around me immediately," Leaf said. "And he carried me for like, the first six months probably in Los Angeles, trying to learn how to be a sober person really in a public platform."

"I don't know if I’m here right now, being able to do stuff like this -- or anything -- if it weren’t for him, and him sharing his story and making me understand that you can be a guy in the public eye that everyone knows and still be sober, be humble and be about helping other people."

Leaf explained even as Perry dealt with his own drug, alcohol and mental health issues over the years, he didn't ever leave his side and continued to assist in the athlete's sobriety.

The 47-year-old said his takeaway from the tragedy is Perry was so much more than a TV star -- he was a guy who wanted to help others, and that's how he will remember him.

"There's a lot of people that I owe for the life I now have, get to live ... and he's certainly at the top of that," Leaf said.

Duane "Keefe D" Davis, the man who's allegedly responsible for the murder of Tupac Shakur over 25 years ago finally got his day in court after 2 delays.

Keefe D was present and in handcuffs Thursday morning at a Clark County courtroom in Las Vegas to face his murder charge ... he pled not guilty after being appointed a public defender.

As we reported, the 60-year-old suspect first showed up in court at the beginning of October, but his lawyer never appeared ... delaying the arraignment a couple of weeks. The second hearing was again delayed for the same issue.

After the initial hearing, Clark County D.A. Steve Wolfson said Keefe was expected to plead not guilty to the charge of murder with the use of a deadly weapon.

Remember, Keefe D was arrested near the end of September -- and the body cam footage of the arrest showed him acting pretty calmly while being put in the back of the cop car.

Las recientes publicaciones de Matthew Perry en "Matman" antes de su muerte no eran una señal de que estuviera pidiendo ayuda, esto según la mujer con la que cenó el día antes de su fallecimiento.

Athenna Crosby, la morena misteriosa vista cenando con Matthew antes de morir, le dice a TMZ que la estrella de "Friends" estaba realmente en Batman - incluso llamándose a sí mismo "Matman" y su paseo en el Batmobile.

Ella dice que era un tipo juguetón durante los meses que lo conoció y los que piensan que sus comentarios de superhéroes en línea eran mensajes subliminales acerca de su seguridad están muy equivocados.

Athenna califica sus mensajes como los de un nerd y un fan apasionado de los superéroes.

Como informamos, la modelo de 25 años de edad y reportera de entretenimiento se juntó a cenar con Matthew el pasado viernes en el Hotel Bel-Air y dijo que estaba devastada al enterarse de su muerte solo un día después de verlo.

Athenna reafirma en lo que ya nos han dicho. Básicamente que el actor estaba muy optimista y de buen humor antes de su muerte e incluso tenía proyectos.

De hecho, Athenna nos dice que ha habido un montón de especulaciones en torno a la muerte de Matthew los días que falleció. Ella solo puede hablar de su experiencia y está segura de su muerte prematura fue un trágico accidente.

There's a wild conspiracy theory floating around that Matthew Perry's recent "Mattman" posts before his death were a cry for help ... but the woman he dined with the day before he passed says that theory couldn't be further from the truth.

Athenna Crosby, the mystery brunette spotted grabbing a meal with Matthew before he died, tells TMZ ... the "Friends" star was really into Batman -- even calling himself "Mattman" and his ride the Batmobile.

She says he was a playful guy in the months that she knew him ... and the conspiracy theory he was pushing subliminal messages about his safety by using the superhero reference is way off.

Athenna playfully chalks the "Mattman" posts up to Perry being a nerd and says fans jumping on the conspiracy train are definitely getting carried away.

As we reported, the 25-year-old model and entertainment reporter grabbed a bite to eat with Matthew last Friday at the Hotel Bel-Air ... and said she was devastated to learn of his death just a day after seeing him.

Athenna doubles down on what we've been told already -- the actor was extremely optimistic and in great spirits leading up to his death ... and he even had projects lined up.

In fact, Athenna tells us there's been a lot of speculation surrounding Matthew's death in the days since he passed away ... and while she can only speak from her experience, she's certain his untimely death was a tragic accident.

Legendary college basketball coach Bob Knight has passed away, his family announced Wednesday. He was 83 years old.

"It is with heavy hearts that we share that Coach Bob Knight passed away at his home in Bloomington surrounded by his family," a statement by Knight's loved ones said. "We are grateful for all the thoughts and prayers, and appreciate the continued respect for our privacy as Coach requested a private family gathering, which is being honored."

"We will continue to celebrate his life and remember him, today and forever as a beloved Husband, Father, Coach, and Friend."

Knight -- AKA "The General" -- is one of the most successful coaches in NCAA history with 902 Division I wins ... leading the bench for three programs (Army, Indiana and Texas Tech) from 1963-2008.

Knight was a three-time champion as the Hoosiers' head coach ... winning it all in 1976, 1981 and 1987. He also went to the Final Four five times during his time in Bloomington.

Before becoming a coach, Knight played at Ohio State, where he helped the Buckeyes win a national championship in 1961.

At 24 years old, Knight took over at Army ... where he would coach future Duke Blue Devils legend Mike Krzyzewski. Coach K also served as Knight's assistant before going to Duke.

Knight became the Hoosiers' head coach in 1971 ... spending 29 seasons with the program, including 24 NCAA tournament appearances and 22 20-win seasons.

The Hoosiers went a perfect 32-0 en route to a national title in the 1976 season ... the most recent team to ever do so.

Knight also coached Team USA to an Olympic gold medal in 1984.

Knight -- known for his hot temper -- infamously got ejected during a game against Purdue in 1985 after getting angry over a foul call.

Knight's time in Bloomington ended in controversy -- after he was captured on video choking former player Neil Reed in 1997, the school implemented a zero-tolerance policy toward the coach ... and he was fired after student Kent Harvey accused Bobby of grabbing him by the arm for referring to him as "Knight."

Knight was hired as the Texas Tech head coach in 2001 ... where he would lead the Red Raiders to a Sweet 16 appearance in 2005.

He retired from Texas Tech in 2008 ... and his son, Pat, took the reins.

Knight coached several future NBA stars during his career ... including Isiah Thomas and Mike Woodson.

After retirement, Bobby worked for ESPN as an analyst until 2015.

Knight was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1991 ... and the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.

Knight was hospitalized back in April with an "acute illness" ... and the Indiana program asked his supporters to pray for him.

El legendario entrenador de baloncesto universitario Bob Knight ha fallecido, anunció su familia el miércoles. Tenía 83 años.

"Es con el corazón encogido que compartimos que el entrenador Bob Knight falleció en su casa de Bloomington rodeado de su familia", decía un comunicado de los seres queridos de Knight. "Estamos agradecidos por todos los pensamientos y oraciones, y apreciamos el continuo respeto a nuestra privacidad, ya que el Coach solicitó una reunión familiar privada, la cual está siendo honrada".

"Seguiremos celebrando su vida y recordándole, hoy y siempre como un querido Esposo, Padre, Entrenador y Amigo".

Knight  —AKA "The General"— es uno de los entrenadores más exitosos en la historia de la NCAA con 902 victorias en la División I, liderando el banquillo de tres programas (Army, Indiana y Texas Tech) de 1963-2008.

Knight fue tres veces campeón como entrenador jefe de los Hoosiers, ganándolo todo en 1976, 1981 y 1987. También fue a la Final Four cinco veces durante su tiempo en Bloomington.

Antes de convertirse en entrenador, Knight jugó en Ohio State, donde ayudó a los Buckeyes a ganar un campeonato nacional en 1961.

A los 24 años, Knight se hizo cargo del Arm, donde entrenaría a la futura leyenda de los Blue Devils de Duke, Mike Krzyzewski. El entrenador K también sirvió como asistente de Knight antes de ir a Duke.

Knight se convirtió en el entrenador en jefe de los Hoosiers en 1971, pasando 29, incluyendo 24 apariciones en el torneo de la NCAA y 22 temporadas de 20 victorias.

Los Hoosiers lograron un perfecto 32-0 en su camino hacia el título nacional en la temporada de 1976, el equipo más reciente en lograrlo.

Knight también entrenó al equipo de Estados Unidos que ganó la medalla de oro olímpica en 1984.

Knight, conocido por su temperamento, fue expulsado durante un partido contra Purdue en 1985 tras enfadarse por una falta.

El tiempo de Knight en Bloomington terminó en controversia luego de que fue capturado en video estrangulando al ex jugador Neil Reed en 1997, la escuela implementó una política de tolerancia cero hacia el entrenador y fue despedido después de que el estudiante Kent Harvey acusó a Bobby de agarrarlo por el brazo por referirse a él como "Knight".

Knight fue contratado como entrenador en jefe de Texas Tech en 2001, donde llevaría a los Red Raiders a una aparición Sweet 16 en 2005.

Se retiró de Texas Tech en 2008 y su hijo, Pat, tomó las riendas.

Knight entrenó a varias futuras estrellas de la NBA durante su carrera, incluyendo Isiah Thomas y Mike Woodson.

Tras su retirada, Bobby trabajó para ESPN como analista hasta 2015.

Knight fue incluido en el Salón de la Fama del Baloncesto en 1991 y en el Salón de la Fama del Baloncesto Universitario en 2006.

Knight fue hospitalizado en abril con una "enfermedad aguda" y el programa de Indiana pidió a sus seguidores que rezaran por él.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has come under fire for his son's "insensitive" headless Halloween costume ... with followers pointing out how tone-deaf the PM is given the situation in the Middle East.

In snaps shared to Instagram Tuesday, the PM gleefully posed with his nine-year-old son Hadrien, whose head pops out of his black robe to give the illusion of him carrying his own severed head in his hands.

Justin joked about nothing stopping Hadrien from trick-or-treating, even though he "seems to have misplaced something," -- but users on the platform argue it's Justin whose forgotten something -- that a few weeks back, babies and others were beheaded.

Political commentator Tyler Popp labeled Justin's post as "tone-deaf," while Toronto-based Saba Khan, who runs the page @fictionallyflawless, said online that her "heart says this is the most tone deaf thing he can do at a time when children are getting their heads blown off in Palestine."

Others branded Justin's Halloween snaps as "disgusting, insensitive and disrespectful" as well as "mightily inappropriate" and "callousness is beyond belief."

Some folks weren't as disapproving ... criticizing those who turned Hadrien's Halloween costume into something political.

This isn't the first time Justin has come under fire for an insensitive costume. We all remember his apology tour in 2019 when snaps emerged of him sporting a darkened complexion in an Aladdin costume back in 2001.

Offset y Quavo están honrando a su hermano caído de Migos, Takeoff, en el primer aniversario de su muerte, compartiendo una mirada retrospectiva de sus mejores días juntos.

Offset publicó sobre Takeoff el miércoles, justo a un año de que le dispararan afuera de un bowling en Houston. Él escribió: "Los tiempos que pasamos no tienen precio, lo que construimos en este juego, nunca quisieron darnos las flores que influimos en el mundo."

Junto con el conmovedor video, Offset agregó: "Te amo Take, sigues aquí con nosotros, estoy seguro que sí!!!! Migo 4Life!!!!!!"

Quavo también honró a su difunto compañero de banda y pariente, con una foto de Takeoff y el comentario "No puedo olvidarlo, no lo olvidaré, NUNCA lo olvidaré 🚀♾️ ¡Recuerdo!"

También ha compartido obras de arte suyas en sus historias de Instagram.

Offset and Quavo are honoring their fallen Migos brother, Takeoff, on the one-year anniversary of his fatal shooting ... sharing a look back at their better days together.

Offset posted about Takeoff Wednesday, which marks a year since he was shot outside a bowling alley in Houston. He wrote, "The times we spent is priceless what we built in this game they never wanted to give us our flowers we influenced the world."

Along with the touching video, Offset added, "I Love you Take you still here with us I just know you are!!!! Migo 4Life!!!!!!"

Quavo also honored his late bandmate and relative -- sharing a pic of Takeoff with the caption, "Can’t forget it won’t Forget It NEVER Forget it 🚀♾️ I Remember!"

He's also been reposting artwork of the guy on his IG story.

La mujer con la que Matthew Perry fue visto por última vez en público ha sido identificada y ella dice que el difunto actor estaba de buen humor durante su charla el día antes de fallecer.

Athenna Crosby, una modelo de 25 años y reportera de entretenimiento, se ha presentado como la morena misteriosa con la que Matthew salió el pasado viernes en el Hotel Bel-Air, revelando que "tuvo el honor de conocer a Matthew personalmente".

Athenna escribe: "Estoy tan devastada por su muerte, pero sentí que era de mal gusto hablar de ello públicamente ya que la atención no debe estar en mí, sino más bien en él y su legado. Él era una persona extremadamente reservada y siempre respeté eso en nuestra amistad".

Ella dice que Matthew estaba de "muy buen humor" cuando cenaron juntos, añadiendo que habló con ella "con entusiasmo sobre las cosas que tenía por delante en su vida. Estaba tan feliz y vibrante".

Mientras que algunos pueden especular que esta cita fue romántica, Athenna nos asegura que no lo fue, diciéndole a TMZ que solo eran amigos y se conocieron a través de un amigo en común hace unos meses.

Ella también nos dice Matthew fue muy positivo durante la charla, emocionado de perder peso y con ganas de dirigirse a la cancha de pickleball el sábado. Como ustedes saben, fue encontrado sin respuesta en su jacuzzi después de pasar horas en la cancha.

The woman Matthew Perry was last seen with out in public has been identified ... and she says the late actor was in good spirits during their talk the day before he passed away.

Athenna Crosby, a 25-year-old model and entertainment reporter, has come forward as the mystery brunette Matthew went out with last Friday at the Hotel Bel-Air ... revealing she "had the honor of knowing Matthew personally."

Athenna writes, "I am so devastated from his death but felt it was in poor taste to talk about it publicly as the attention should not be on me but rather on him and his legacy and he was an extremely private person and I always respected that in our friendship."

She says Matthew was in "extremely good spirits" when they dined together -- adding he talked with her "enthusiastically about the things that he had coming up in his life. He was so happy and vibrant."

While some may speculate this date was romantic, Athenna assures us it wasn't ... telling TMZ they were just friends and met through a mutual friend a few months ago.

She also tells us Matthew was very positive during their chat ... excited about losing weight and looking forward to heading to the pickleball court on Saturday. As you know, he was found unresponsive in his jacuzzi after spending hours at the court.

BTW, Athenna shared a look at the signed copy she has of Matthew's memoir, 'Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing' -- in which he called her "the number 1 girl."

Courteney Cox was spotted out for the first time since losing her "Friends" costar, Matthew Perry ... appearing downcast while leaving dinner with her boyfriend and some pals.

The actress and her BF, Johnny McDaid, left Nobu Malibu Monday night ... jumping into their ride after dining with friends.

Courteney didn't look to be in the best spirits, and rightfully so -- TMZ broke the story, Matthew passed away over the weekend at his Pacific Palisades home, being found unresponsive in his hot tub.

Courteney and her "Friends" co-stars Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer all released a joint statement after Matthew's passing -- saying they're "utterly devastated" and were "going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss."

While a full toxicology report could take anywhere from 4-6 months, an initial test revealed Matthew didn't have any fentanyl or meth in his system ... there were prescription drugs found at his house, all prescribed to him.

LAPD's Robbery Homicide Division is investigating Matthew's death, despite there being no evidence of foul play ... but the LAPD told us it's common for detectives to take the lead on high-profile cases like this.

More details have emerged surrounding the sudden death of "General Hospital" star Tyler Christopher ... it was a friend who discovered the actor dead inside his home.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ officers responded to Christopher's apartment in San Diego Tuesday morning around 9:30. We're told a friend went to check in on Tyler after being unable to get in touch.

Our sources say the friend was able to gain access to Tyler's locked apartment with a key they had been previously given by the actor.

Once inside, we're told the friend discovered Tyler deceased in his bedroom and called 911. Our sources said it appeared he had been dead for some time.

As we reported, Tyler's "General Hospital" costar, Maurice Bernard, broke the news of the actor's death, writing, "a truly talented individual that lit up the screen in every scene he performed and relished bringing joy to his loyal fans through his acting."

Maurice added, "Tyler was a sweet soul and wonderful friend to all of those who knew him. Tyler was an advocate for better mental health and substance use treatment who openly spoke about his struggles with bipolar depression and alcohol."

Tyler was most known for his work on "General Hospital" -- appearing in 1,153 episodes from 1996 to 2016 -- and for his role as Stefan DiMera on "Days of our Lives."

Courteney Cox fue vista por primera vez desde la muerte de su coprotagonista de "Friends", Matthew Perry, y en las fotos se la puede ver abatida mientras sale a comer con su novio y algunos amigos.

La actriz y su novio, Johnny McDaid, salieron del restaurante Nobu Malibu el lunes por la noche para irse de inmediato al carro después de la cena con sus amigos.

Courteney no parecía estar en el mejor estado de ánimo, y con razón. TMZ publicó la noticia, Matthew falleció durante el fin de semana en su casa de Pacific Palisades, tras ser encontrado sin respuesta en su bañera de hidromasaje.

Courteney y sus compañeros de reparto de "Friends" Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc y David Schwimmer emitieron un comunicado conjunto tras el fallecimiento de Matthew diciendo que están "completamente devastados" y que iban a "tomarse un momento para llorar y procesar esta pérdida insondable".

El informe toxicológico completo podría tomar entre 4 a 6 meses, pero una prueba inicial reveló que Matthew no tenía rastros de fentanilo o metanfetamina en su sistema. Sí se encontraron medicamentos recetados a su nombre en su casa.

Más detalles han surgido en torno a la repentina muerte de la estrella de "Hospital General" Tyler Christopher, fue un amigo quien descubrió al actor muerto dentro de su casa.

Fuentes policiales le informan a TMZ que los oficiales respondieron al apartamento de Christopher en San Diego el martes por la mañana alrededor de las 9:30. Nos dicen que un amigo fue a ver a Tyler después de no poder ponerse en contacto con el actor.

Nuestras fuentes dicen que el amigo fue capaz de acceder al apartamento de Tyler con una llave que se les había dado previamente el actor.

Una vez dentro, nos dicen que el amigo descubrió a Tyler fallecido en su dormitorio y llamó al 911. Nuestras fuentes dijeron que parecía que había estado muerto durante algún tiempo.

Como informamos, el coprotagonista de Tyler en "Hospital General", Maurice Bernard, dio la noticia de la muerte del actor el jueves, escribiendo: "un individuo verdaderamente talentoso que iluminaba la pantalla en cada escena que interpretaba y disfrutaba llevando alegría a sus fans leales a través de su actuación".

Maurice añadió: "Tyler era un alma dulce y un amigo maravilloso para todos los que lo conocían. Tyler era un defensor de una mejor salud mental y el tratamiento de uso de sustancias que abiertamente habló de sus luchas con la depresión bipolar y el alcohol".

Tyler era más conocido por su trabajo en "General Hospital" —apareciendo en 1.153 episodios desde 1996 hasta 2016— y por su papel como Stefan DiMera en "Days of our Lives".

Matthew Perry's death was not the effect of a fentanyl or meth overdose, at least that's what initial tests indicate ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ investigators ran a less-in-depth test on Perry which revealed he did not have fentanyl or meth in his system. However, it's important to note, more in-depth tests are still being conducted as part of toxicology to analyze whether any other illegal drugs present in his blood -- and if the levels of any prescription meds were at harmful doses.

Those results will likely take anywhere from 4-6 months to be returned, and once all that data is gathered, the coroner will determine the cause and manner of death.

As we first reported, the prescription drugs found in Matthew's house were all prescribed to the actor for his various ailments, and stored in proper bottles.

If something illicit were to come back in his autopsy results, LAPD's Robbery Homicide Division would continue to investigate.

RHD's involvement initially had people scratching their heads, especially as there's currently NO evidence of foul play ... however, it's common for detectives from that division to take the lead on high-profile cases because of its experience and dedicated manpower.

As TMZ first reported, Matthew was found unresponsive in his hot tub Saturday at his home in the Pacific Palisades after playing pickleball for a couple hours earlier that day at Riviera Country Club.

While it appears he died from drowning, the Coroner will have the official word, once all the testing is complete.