'Godfather Of Poker' Doyle Brunson Dead At 89
Doyle Brunson, best known as "The Godfather of Poker" and one of the most dominant figures in the game, has died.
Brunson passed away Sunday, according to his agent, Brian Balsbaugh. His cause of death was not disclosed.
Balsbaugh posted a statement to Twitter from Brunson's family ... "It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our father, Doyle Brunson. He was a beloved Christian man, husband, father and grandfather."
The message continued, "We’ll have more to say over the coming days as we honor his legacy. Please keep Doyle and our family in your prayers. May he rest in peace."
Brunson was affectionately named 'Texas Dolly' after the press misinterpreted a similar nickname, but the label stuck. With his unique moniker, Brunson won 10 World Series of Poker tournaments, second only to Phil Hellmuth's 16 victories.
Rest in Peace to the Biggest Legend of Them All. Thank you for being the consummate player and gentleman. No one will ever fill your seat. pic.twitter.com/riE35PCrQh
— WSOP - World Series of Poker (@WSOP) May 15, 2023 @WSOP
The Texas-born, cards competing icon also secured back-to-back world championships -- in 1976 and 1977 -- and was later inducted into the 1988 Poker Hall of Fame.
Brunson was the first player to ever win $1 million in poker tournaments, earning him the “Godfather” title. He also penned a popular book called, "Super System," which detailed poker strategies and was instrumental in luring people to the game.
At his last poker championship in 2016, Brunson came in sixth, but his poor performance did not stain his reputation as arguably the best player ever.
His influence even touched those beyond the poker world. Actor James Woods tweeted in part, "This one is a heartbreaker. Doyle Brunson, the greatest poker player who ever lived, has cashed in his chips. A gentleman and a genuine legend."
Brunson was 89.
RIP
related articles
Conor McGregor Could Be Bare-Knuckle Star!!! ... Says BKFC's Houston Alexander
-
Exclusive
- 131 shares
If Conor McGregor would ever throw down in a ring without gloves ... BKFC star Houston Alexander tells TMZ Sports the dude would be a problem!!!
Alexander -- a former UFC and Bellator fighter who's been brawling professionally without mitts since 2021 -- says Conor is so skilled with his hands ... he thinks there'd be no issues for The Notorious if he chose to eventually go from the UFC to the BKFC.
Of course, the topic came up because Conor sure appeared to be interested in making the switch after watching Mike Perry's BKFC fight against Luke Rockhold back on April 30.
You'll recall, McGregor stepped into the ring following the tilt ... and he seemed to be down to fight Perry without mitts at a future date.
Alexander clearly believes it'd be a great fight despite Conor's inexperience without gloves ... something that seems to be quite the compliment, considering Alexander doesn't feel that way about most MMA guys.
"If you've got MMA guys who just concentrate on just kicking or jiu-jitsu, please don't get in this type of sport," Alexander told us. "Because it's going to expose your boxing and you're going to get hurt."
As for Alexander's own fighting career ... the 51-year-old is still going strong -- he's got another big BKFC fight on May 19 against Jeremy Smith -- and he tells us he has absolutely zero desire to retire anytime soon.
"I know Father Time is undefeated," he said. "We know this already. But, until then, let me hold Father Time off a little bit, man, and enjoy me!"
related articles
Tom Brady Happy Mother's Day ... To My Exes/Baby Mamas!!!
Tom Brady isn't harboring any ill will on Mother's Day -- in fact, it's the opposite ... 'cause the guy's wishing his two exes/baby mamas a happy holiday, with photo evidence to boot.
The ex-QB threw up a post on Instagram Sunday to celebrate the mothers in his life -- including his ex-wife, Gisele Bundchen, and his ex-GF Bridget Moynahan ... who's the mother of his 15-year-old son, Jack. Gisele, of course, is the mother of his two younger kids.
He writes, "Happy Mothers Day to all these amazing women who have given our family so much throughout their lives. Thank you all for your love, compassion and kindness, and for setting such an amazing example for all of our little ones."
TB adds, "We are all so grateful for your support and helping us all achieve our dreams. I wish all the mothers in the world a special day with the people that love them the most."
Along with the caption, Tom added several family photos ... showing off both Gisele with their kids, as well as Bridget with their own. He also added pics of his own mom, Galynn, plus a ton of other family-friendly snapshots of the Brady bunch at large.
Now, as for who exactly Tom might be spending the actual holiday with in person ... it's anyone's guess. We haven't seen him anywhere near Gisele in public lately -- remember, they just got divorced a few months ago ... and she's been spending a lot of time in Costa Rica.
While they may not be hanging out a lot these days -- except, perhaps, for days like this -- the two superstars have spoken fondly of each other in the wake of the divorce ... and it seems like they're on decent terms.
As for Bridget, Tom's relationship with her ended years ago -- way back in the 2000s ... but they seem to have co-parented phenomenally since. Indeed, it's a very blended family.
Even the G.O.A.T. has to give it up for the mama bears on Mother's Day. Good stuff!
related articles
JA MORANT SUSPENDED FROM MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES ... After Flashing Alleged Gun On IG
8:43 AM PT -- The Memphis Grizzlies just announced Ja Morant has been suspended from all activities pending League review. An NBA spokesperson says they are in the process of gathering more information.
Ja Morant has set social media ablaze with another apparent gun incident ... this time flashing what appears to be a weapon Saturday during an IG Live.
Morant is having fun in a car with a friend, listening to NBA YoungBoy's album. As the camera pans toward him, you see what appears to be the Grizzlies star holding a gun ... just for a second, and then the camera turns away.
Fans recorded the moment and it's making rounds on social. What we don't know ... whether the gun's real, and whether it's his.
There was a previous incident in March with Morant and a gun ... he was at a Denver nightclub on IG Live, but later said the gun wasn't his.
This had its consequences ... Morant was suspended for 8 games without pay for the incident. However, police investigated and ended up not charging Morant with a crime. The NBA also did its own investigation and could not conclude that the gun at issue belonged to Morant. It was also unclear if he brought the gun into the club.
The 23-year-old enrolled in a Florida counseling program before returning to the court.
We reached out to a rep for the Memphis Grizzlies about the IG video taken Saturday ... so far, no word back.
Originally Published -- 6:32 AM PT
related articles
Kim Zolciak & Kroy Biermann No Open Marriage Or Cheating ... Despite Online Rumors
-
Exclusive
- 153 shares
There have been lots of theories thrown around as to what led to the downfall of Kim Zolciak's marriage to Kroy Biermann -- from rumors of cheating to claims the two had an open marriage ... but we're told all that noise is far from the truth.
Here's the deal -- the rumor mill has been going crazy since Kim filed for divorce from the former NFL star earlier this week ... with smoke online about possible affairs.
On the opposite end of that spectrum ... the anonymous gossip site DeuxMoi claimed the two had an open marriage.
However, sources with direct knowledge say that's all BS ... saying there was neither cheating nor any flexibility in the now-estranged couple's sex life.
Lots of 'RHOA' fans have also been wondering if Kim will be making her return to the show, or even if she’ll be a part of the upcoming cast of the spin-off "The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip" amid her nasty divorce -- but sources say she has no interest in the reality TV game right now, and instead is focused on her kids.
TMZ broke the story, Kim pulled the plug on her 11-year marriage at the end of April ... saying it was "irretrievably broken with no hope of reconciliation." They've got 4 kids together, and she's asking for primary physical custody of them and joint legal custody. Kroy wants sole custody -- thus, the battle.
Our sources say Kim's been laying low at home with her kids when they aren't at school since her filing -- but is still sticking to the same schedule as always with no changes to the day-to-day.
related articles
KSI KOs Fournier with Illegal Elbow ... Ref Missed It
YouTube star KSI knocked out Joe Fournier in the second round Saturday night ... and it would have been impressive except for the fact it was an illegal blow to the head, and the ref was in the dark.
The two went at it furiously at London's Wembley Arena, and KSI was landing some impressive punches in the first 2 rounds. In round 2, it appeared KSi landed a massive shot to Fournier's jaw, sending him tumbling to the canvas.
The ref declared KSI the winner, but when you watched the replay, it was clear it was not a glove that made contact with Fournier's jaw ... it was KSI's elbow, and that's illegal.
Had the ref seen it, it probably would have resulted in an instant disqualification, but that didn't happen.
KSI said in the post-fight interview he did not strike Fournier with his elbow. But the video clearly tells a different story,
KSI also called out Tommy Fury in the ring and the 2 had to be separated. Fury had a fight of his own during the match ... getting into it with a former "Love Island" castmate.
KSI, 29, landed the bigger punches throughout the first round of the exhibition bout at London’s Wembley Arena, and he tagged Fournier, 40, with a huge overhand right in Round 2. That was followed by an attempted right hook, with KSI (real name Olajide Olatunji) instead making contact with his elbow.
related articles
Jay Glazer TB12 Will Crush It As Raiders Owner ... I Guarantee It!!!
-
Exclusive
- 2.3K shares
Raiders fans ... want to just win (baby) all the time? According to Jay Glazer, ya better hope Tom Brady gets a piece of the franchise!!!
The FOX reporter made it crystal clear to us out at LAX this week that if Brady does, indeed, complete his deal with Mark Davis to become a minority owner of Vegas' team ... he expects victories on the field to follow in bunches.
"Anything Tom touches, he's going to be successful," Glazer told us. "Any time you have Tom Brady around, it's going to help. It's not going to hurt. He's a winner."
According to reports, Brady has been working with Davis to land a small ownership stake in the Raiders for weeks ... and an agreement could be on its way soon.
Tom Brady In Talks W/ Mark Davis To Become Raiders Minority Owner
While the new role reportedly would not include any final say in roster decisions or day-to-day operations, Glazer said he expects it to make a huge impact on the franchise nonetheless.
Glazer told us Brady's work ethic will rub off on everyone ... and, if the G.O.A.T.'s able to take a peek at a QB or two and offer an opinion, Glazer said that'd obviously help as well.
As for his future at FOX, Glazer didn't expect a potential Raiders ownership to impact that at all ... telling us, "If he broadcasts with us, he'll be terrific at that too because he's just going to outwork people."
related articles
SYLVESTER STALLONE Relists $21.3 Mil Hidden Hills Home ... 3 Months After Taking It Off Market
-
Exclusive
- 477 shares
Sylvester Stallone and Jennifer Flavin are once again looking to unload their Hidden Hills property ... they just put it back on the market, only 3 months after pulling the original listing.
Real estate sources tell TMZ ... the famous couple's estate is now listed for $21.3 million, which is a $1.2 million price reduction.
Remember ... Sly and JF put the place up for sale back in December for $22.5 million, but it never sold, and in February they took it off the market.
We're told they took the home off the market in February because it was listed during the holidays, and after waiting a couple months they feel it's being relisted at a better time.
The 4-bedroom home is 10,460 square feet with 8 bathrooms ... and it's decked out with a pool, home theater, gym, horse barn and stables, plus a riding area.
The property rests on 2.26 acres with picturesque mountain views ... and there's also a pool house and a guest house, plus a koi pond, vegetable garden and 100+ avocado and citrus trees on the expansive lot.
The master bedroom stands out ... it comes with dual walk-in closets, a private balcony and a sitting area.
Sly and Jennifer are no strangers to L.A. real estate ... as we first reported, he sold his Beverly Hills home to Adele for $58 million at the beginning of last year, and then in March 2022 he and Jen bought the Hidden Hills home.
Our sources say Sylvester and Jennifer are selling the place because they spend the majority of their time in Florida, where they own a $35 million mansion in Palm Beach.
Jordan Cohen of RE/MAX ONE holds the listing.
related articles
LeBron James NBA Logoman Patch Card Hits Auction ... One Of A Kind From '16 Finals
-
Exclusive
- 63 shares
A super rare card that features an NBA Logoman patch from one of LeBron James' jerseys during his epic 2016 Finals series has just gone up for sale ... TMZ Sports has learned.
PWCC officials tell us they put the card on their auction block Thursday ... and it's truly a one-of-a-kind item.
It's a Panini Eternal piece that was created just after the trading card co. scored one of LBJ's jerseys from the series against the Warriors where he came back from down 3-1 to win Cleveland's first title.
Panini cut the NBA Logoman patch from the threads -- built it into the card ... making it a true 1-of-1.
No word on what it's ultimately expected to fetch when the final gavel hits ... but PWCC exec Jesse Craig called it "one of LeBron's best cards" ever.
"Outside of some rare booklet-style cards, this is the only series of cards I am aware of that included LeBron James NBA Finals-worn jersey pieces in them," Craig said.
"It's of interest to see it go to auction right now because of the playoff battle between LeBron and Curry. That 2016 Finals is the notorious 3-1 Golden State lead that LeBron and the Cavs overcame to secure their elusive championship. This card was constructed as a monument to the victory of King James."
Bidding on the card -- which is graded Mint 9 and features James holding the Larry O'Brien trophy with a short blurb about his legendary Game 5 performance on the back -- ends on May 25.
Good luck, bidders!!
related articles
Los Angeles Lakers Win Semifinal Matchup Against Warriors ... Hollywood Comes Out In Force
The LA Lakers trounced the Golden State Warriors on Friday night to inch closer to an NBA Championship ... and a bevy of Hollywood stars came out to support their team.
Led by The King, Lebron James, the Lakers walloped the Warriors 122 to 101 to win Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference Semifinal matchup and advance to the finals in their division.
Needless to say, the celebs loved every moment of it as they rooted for the Lakers from their courtside seats at Crypto.com Arena in L.A. Among the boldfaced names were Leo DiCaprio, Kim Kardashian, Michael B. Jordan, Jack Nicholson, Woody Harrelson, Orlando Bloom, Jack Harlow, Lewis Hamilton, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Bill Maher, Kendall Jenner and her boyfriend, Bad Bunny.
Kendall and Bad Bunny were seated side by side looking around and smiling ... Leo, as always, went incognito with his baseball cap pulled down over his face ... Jack Nicholson was enjoying the game with his son Ray ... Woody, Bill and Orlando all got together for a little chat on the sideline. And the rest of the stars were having plenty of fun, too.
Man, what a night for Hollywood and the Lakers. Next up for Los Angeles is the Denver Nuggets. Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals is slated for Tuesday.
related articles
Brittney Griner Returns To WNBA After Detainment In Russian ... Expresses Gratitude, Fans Go Wild
Brittney Griner made her long-awaited return to the basketball court Friday night after her 10-month detainment in Russia last year, but it didn't have the ending her fans were hoping for.
The Phoenix Mercury center still scored 10 points and pulled down 3 rebounds as the Mercury fell to the LA Sparks by a score of 90 to 71 in the WNBA preseason game.
Griner only played for 17 minutes, but she made the most of it, and her teammates were psyched to see her back on the court, hugging and high-fiving while also giving each other chest bumps.
Brittney Griner introduced in front of the home crowd in Phoenix…
— Eliav Gabay (@eliavgabay) May 13, 2023 @eliavgabay
I know it’s preseason, but I got chills…
BG is back.@Sports360AZ @brittneygriner #WNBATwitter pic.twitter.com/yZ8TqFFUsR
The crowd was ecstatic to see Brittney ... they erupted in applause when her name was first announced inside the Footprint Center in Phoenix.
After the game, Griner told reporters that she was "grateful" to have the opportunity to play again and would not take a single day for granted.
She also said she had a different experience hearing the national anthem before the game got underway.
“Hearing the national anthem, it definitely hit different," she said, adding, "It’s like when you go for the Olympics."
Griner was critical of her on-court performance, explaining, “Not where I want it to be, but on the right track. We’re making the right moves."
#Mercury Brittney Griner on her first game since 2021 #wnba Finals pic.twitter.com/NP5kFlueP0
— jeffmetcalfe (@jeffmetcalfe) May 13, 2023 @jeffmetcalfe
But, given what's Griner's been through, it must have felt in some way like a victory.
Griner was detained in Russia for nearly 300 days after getting caught with hash oil at Moscow Airport in February 2022. She was charged with smuggling drugs into the country, but was later released in a prisoner swap in December.
related articles
Fernando Tatis Jr. Motorcycle Accident Ad Airs During At Bat ... Not Intentional
-
Exclusive
- 124 shares
No, the motorcycle accident advertisement that aired during Fernando Tatis Jr.'s at-bat earlier this week was not done intentionally ... TMZ Sports has learned.
Our sources tell us that even though it may have looked like purposeful shade thrown at the Padres star during the game ... it was nothing more than a mere coincidence.
If you missed it, the incident happened during the broadcast of Minnesota's tilt against San Diego on Wednesday ... when Tatis Jr. stepped into the batter's box in the top of the third inning.
No way this was a coincidence pic.twitter.com/0ZBfwMTqIL
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 11, 2023 @TalkinBaseball_
As he dug in ... an ad flashed across the bottom of the screen, and it read, "Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?" It then provided a number for LawTigers.com, a law firm specializing in motorcycle accident cases.
At the moment, it seemed like some kind of diss on Tatis Jr. ... who had reportedly been injured in a motorcycle accident in his native Dominican Republic in 2021.
But, despite the optics, our broadcast sources are adamant it was all "absolutely unintentional."
One pitch.
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) May 11, 2023 @YahooSports
One home run.
Fernando Tatis Jr. opens the scoring in a HURRY 💥pic.twitter.com/CY356NvCQJ
Tatis Jr. didn't seem bothered by it either way ... he hit a home run in the Padres' next game on Thursday.
related articles
Floyd Mayweather Gets Special Juneteenth Belt ... For John Gotti III Fight
-
Exclusive
- 1.1K shares
A one-of-a-kind belt will be presented when Floyd Mayweather and John Gotti's grandson meet in the ring next month ... with the World Boxing Council designing a special Juneteenth-themed keepsake for the exhibition.
TBE and John Gotti III are slated to fight on June 11 in Florida ... which falls just over a week before the federal holiday.
Given the historic significance of Juneteenth, we're told the WBC wanted to commemorate the day as part of the weekend's festivities by presenting the unique belts to Floyd, as well as Robert Smith, James McNair, and Deon Taylor for their contributions to society.
WBC president Mauricio Sulaimán spoke with TMZ Sports on the move ... saying "Juneteenth is a national holiday and Floyd Mayweather is the best representative for success and glory through hard work and dedication."
"The WBC will thank and support these four great men who make life better for all every single day."
The belt features broken chains and hands shaking ... as well as the usual "WBC World Champion" etched on the front with "Juneteenth" underneath.
The whole boxing match, put together by Floyd's friend Jona Rechnitz, will be a celebration ... with Ozuna and Lunay set to bring the vibes.
Of course, there won't be an actual winner declared ... so Floyd's going home with the belt regardless.
related articles
Anthony Smith Win Over Johnny Walker Sets Up Fight W/ Alex Pereira
-
Exclusive
- 12 shares
Anthony Smith, the 5th ranked UFC light heavyweight, is fighting 7th ranked Johnny Walker this Saturday ... and while he doesn't think a win will earn him an immediate title shot, "Lionheart" believes it'll put him on a collision course with Alex Pereira, and set him up for a crack at the elusive belt!
"Two months ago I would've told you the winner gets a title shot. Alex Pereira really throws a wrench in that for all of us. I'd like to be able to tell you a win here gets me a title shot, but it probably earns me a fight with Alex Pereira."
Of course, 35-year-old Pereira, the former middleweight champion, recently lost his UFC rematch to Israel Adesanya ... and announced shortly after he'd move up to the 205 lb. division, where making weight will be significantly easier.
Pereira has not yet been added to the UFC's light heavyweight rankings (he's still #1 at middleweight) ... but it's clear Smith believes Alex is going to be fast-tracked to the front of the line.
For Anthony (who's won 3 of his last 4) to be the one to get the Alex fight, and presumably secure an opportunity to earn a title fight by beating him, Smith must defeat the 6'6" Walker, who is coming off two straight wins (Ion Cutelaba in 2022, Paul Craig in 2023).
Smith believes he's got the clear skills advantage over Walker, who at one time was considered a lock to be champ, but Anthony says that doesn't always equate to a win in the Octagon (check out the clip -- Anthony previews the matchup).
Lionheart also joked ... "Only in the UFC is your reward for beating Johnny Walker a tougher fight with Alex Pereira."
Despite Pereira's incredible power and kickboxing, Anthony is pumped for the would-be fight.
"I like it. I like Alex. I'm a fan. I think he has obvious holes in his game and I think that those are going to be exposed a little more at 205. But looking at it from the outside, I'm a fan of that guy. I love the style. I love his aura. He's got this serial killer aura."
First things first ... Smith vs. Walker goes down Saturday afternoon on ABC! 👊
There's more -- we also chatted with Jairzinho Rozenstruik ... who is headlining the card against Jailton Almeida.
related articles
Rolly Romero Channeling Orange For Fight ... With Frank Ocean 'Pyramids' Shoes
-
Exclusive
- 11 shares
Frank Ocean's Coachella performance didn't put a bad taste in Rolly Romero's mouth ... 'cause the boxer will be showing love for the singer during his fight against Ismael Barroso on Saturday!!
TMZ Sports is told ... the lightweight fighter is a huge Ocean fan, so he hit up his go-to guy, Aztek Kustoms, to create boxing shoes featuring the Simpsons-inspired cover art of his favorite song -- "Pyramids."
The finished product is dope ... you can see the Nike Machomai 2 shoes are covered in orange paint with "Channel" stitched with rhinestones on the back -- paying homage to Ocean's Channel Orange album.
There's also a portrait of the 14-1 boxer in "Simpson" form with a female on the bed -- just like the song's cover -- showing him rockin' the same fur coat he wore during his press conference with Gervonta Davis last May.
10 years ago today, Frank Ocean released his song ‘Pyramids’ onto his official SoundCloud account. pic.twitter.com/C4HhH1dxND
— Odd Future (@OddFuturePage) June 7, 2022 @OddFuturePage
"These took me roughly 20 hours," Aztek said. "Both of the portraits are hand-painted. And, of course, they wouldn't be Rolly's without the rhinestones."
FYI, Aztek has created custom shoes featuring musicians for Rolly before -- last May, he made "Purple Rain" shoes with Prince on them for the Davis fight.
"These are both mine and his favorite pair so far," Aztek said. "Just because we had a lot more time to actually talk about the design and put more detail into them."
Aztek said the shoes were delivered a few days ago, but he's stoked to watch Rolly show off his design during the 12-round match at The Cosmopolitan for the vacant WBA super lightweight title.
BTW, Romero told us he's looking for a rematch with Tank ... after he takes down Barroso.
related articles
Kanye West I'm Not Done Yet ... YZY 'Sock Shoes' Coming Soon???
-
Exclusive
- 33 shares
Kanye West has lost his appeal with a lot of people and companies ... but that doesn't mean he's stopped creating, as evidenced in a recent trademark filing.
Ye's Mascotte Holdings Inc. recently filed for "YZY SOCK SHOES." The documents, obtained by TMZ, were submitted May 4 -- and while there's not a whole lot of detail -- there is an identification that reads, "Socks; socks with leather soles."
Of course, Kanye's no stranger to shoe design ... and he was actually spotted wearing what appeared to be a sock shoe-type design back in 2019, so it's possible he's bringing the product to the masses.
As for a retail partner, that's where Ye might have some troubles ... as you know, Adidas cut ties with him after his countless attacks on Jewish people and his praise of Hitler.
He could always sell through his Yeezy brand, but it's currently unknown what sort of infrastructure still remains behind the scenes of the company.
Earlier this week, Adidas announced it planned to sell off the remaining $1 billion+ in Yeezy shoes it still has in stock -- Kanye will get 15% of sales -- and some of the money will also go to charities.