Jamaican Sprinter Gets Glass Shards In Eye Before Race ... Wild Cart Crash

Jamaican runner Andrew Hudson was left with shards of glass in his eye after a freak cart crash at the track world championships ... when two vehicles collided en route to the race.

The incident happened on Thursday ... when Hudson, Team USA superstar Noah Lyles, and other sprinters were being escorted to the 200-meter semifinals at Budapest’s new National Athletics Centre.

Aerial footage shows one cart smash into another on a pathway ... forcing one passenger out of their seat.

Another video from inside the cart Hudson was in shows the 26-year-old was clearly injured ... as he's shown rubbing his right eye following the collision. According to reports, Lyles could tell Hudson was in trouble ... saying, "He thinks he got glass in his eye."

As it turns out, Hudson did have pieces of broken glass in his eye ... which medics removed prior to the race. Luckily, the Jamaican athlete was cleared to compete.

"I can't see out of my right eye, but I'm okay," Hudson said after the race. "The doctor flushed out some shards of glass."

Lyles -- who won the event in 19.76 seconds -- explained the crash in more detail, saying everyone was really worried about Hudson.

"We just wanted to make sure that he got his chance to run," Lyles said, "and everybody got their fair chance to see the hard work that they did."

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WHAT WENT DOWN
NBC

Hudson -- who's ranked 11th in the world this year -- ended up finishing fifth in 20.38 for his first world championship.

The World Athletics said everyone, including the volunteer who was thrown out of the cart, is okay, and "the Local Organising Committee is investigating the incident and reviewing the transport procedures."

Hudson will get a chance to bounce back -- he will race alongside the eight finalists in Friday's championship event.

Kroy Biermann Files for Divorce from Kim Zolciak ... Again

Kroy Biermann and Kim Zolciak just ain't meant to be -- after filing for and then calling off their divorce  -- Kroy has filed for divorce against Kim once again.

Kroy filed the divorce papers Thursday, obtained by TMZ, stating their marriage is "irretrievably broken." He wants sole legal and sole physical custody of their 4 kids moving forward, and is asking for child support as well as alimony.

What's more ... Kroy's asking for exclusive use of the marital residence, the same home he and Kim have shared through their ups and downs.

TMZ broke the story, Kim and Kroy filed separate divorce petitions back in May ... and it got nasty fast. Kim accused Kroy of smoking weed -- and being a potential danger to their kids -- and he said she had a serious gambling addiction. It was also discovered the couple owed more than $1 million to the IRS.

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IN TEARS WITH COPS

The two also had home visits from the police -- hurling accusations at each other while officers were on scene.

Kim and Kroy remained in the same home during their divorce proceedings, but had a change of heart in July when they decided to pull the divorce docs.

Leading up to the decision to pull back their divorce, we'd seen the family attend church together and other family events.

Clearly, something changed ... and Kroy's decided this time, they can't fix it.

Broadway x WNBA 'Lion King' Teams Up W/ N.Y. Liberty ... For Halftime Show

Win or lose, it's Hakuna Matata for the New York Liberty ... 'cause the WNBA squad is teaming up with Broadway's "The Lion King" to bring the hit musical to the halftime show!

The announcement was made on Thursday ... the show at intermission, inspired by the musical, will go down on September 7 when Sabrina Ionescu and the Liberty take on the Los Angeles Sparks at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Outside of the halftime show, there will be special appearances from members of the Broadway company, plus giveaways and other cool Lion King experiences at the arena.

"The New York Liberty are honored to team up with the iconic Broadway production, The Lion King, as we continue to elevate our world-class fan experience at Barclays Center," Liberty CEO Keia Clarke said.

"As two long-standing staples in the New York entertainment landscape, we look forward to our first-of-its-kind collaboration on September 7."

"The Lion King" is one of the most successful shows in Broadway history ... and has been performed across the world in nine different languages. The musical is celebrating its 25th year on Broadway and is the highest-grossing B'way show of all time (over $1 billion!!!).

Don't be surprised if you see a couple of players sneak out of the locker rooms to watch!

Stephen Strasburg Planning To Retire At 35 ... Due To Medical Condition

MLB star Stephen Strasburg is walking away from the game -- the 2019 World Series MVP is reportedly planning to retire at 35 years old ... amid a battle with a medical condition.

Strasburg -- the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 MLB Draft -- last played in June 2022 ... pitching just four innings after having surgery to treat thoracic outlet syndrome a year prior, which resulted in having a rib and two neck muscles removed.

According to the Washington Post, a press conference is scheduled for Sept. 9 before the Nats host the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Strasburg was one of the most-hyped prospects after a stellar career at San Diego State ... but unfortunately, the ace dealt with multiple injuries over the course of his career.

The report says Strasburg is still dealing with "severe nerve damage" as a result of his condition ... and struggles with everyday tasks like opening doors and lifting his children.

FYI, according to the Mayo Clinic, TOS is "a group of disorders that occur when blood vessels or nerves in the space between your collarbone and your first rib are compressed" ... which results in shoulder and neck pain, as well as finger numbness.

Strasburg spent the entirety of his career in the nation's capital ... racking up a 113-62 record with 1,723 strikeouts and a 3.24 ERA.

Bryce Hall I Want To Avenge McBroom Loss ... After Shocking BKFC Win

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I'M MCDOWN
TMZ Verified

Bryce Hall is riding high after his huge Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship victory earlier this month ... but there's one thing that's still leaving a bad taste in his mouth -- his loss to Austin McBroom.

The internet superstar joined Wyld and Stephanie on the "TMZ Verified" podcast this week ... and while he made it clear he wants to relax for a bit before getting back into fight talks, he said he has an idea of what he wants to do next.

"Austin McBroom again," Hall said. "Even though he doesn't have the draw. I would just say that for my own personal ... like, I know what I can do now."

Of course, Hall fell to McBroom via TKO at Social Gloves' YouTubers vs. TikTokers event back in 2021 ... with the former admitting after the bout that he wasn't much of a fighter.

Things are drastically different now -- Hall is fresh off beating Gee Perez via second-round TKO at BKFC 48 ... and it's safe to say he feels a rematch with McBroom would go in his favor a second time around.

"I can take Austin McBroom again."

There's more -- Hall also revealed some big names hit him up in the DMs after his win over Perez ... including Jake Paul's most recent foe, Nate Diaz, who gave him props for beating a then-undefeated fighter.

Hall also said fellow internet star Deji has been in his DMs ... which is no surprise, 'cause he hasn't shied away from making his intentions known on social media.

But, don't expect his next event to get announced anytime soon -- Hall said he'd love to have a month to soak in his victory before entertaining the growing list of public callouts.

Blueface Arrest in Stabbing Incident ... Son Wants Him to Quit Gym!!!

UPDATE

11:49 AM PT -- Brandon Henry Snell posted bond on Thursday and has since been released from jail.

Blueface was stabbed during his boxing workout yesterday -- but we're told cops now have the man who they think is responsible for the attack in custody.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ Hip Hop, 36-year-old Brandon Henry Snell was arrested and booked for felony assault with a deadly weapon Wednesday afternoon after turning himself in ... and is currently sitting in jail.

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THE ALLEGED INCIDENT
Instagram / @bluefasebabyy

You can see in the video, Blueface and a man get into a physical fight ... with the man's Rottweiler jumping in the background along with the action.

The animal never got involved in the fight. For what it's worth, we're told the dog was with Snell when he surrendered ... and it hung out at the police station until a family member came to retrieve it.

As we previously reported, Blueface was inside the Kaminsky Boxing Gym in L.A.'s San Fernando Valley when he was accosted ... with the "Thotiana" rapper describing the incident as similar to being attacked by a "boogieman."

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WISE ADVICE

Blueface got on IG Thursday to update fans on his recovery process, where his 5-year-old son offered up some valuable life advice ... suggesting his dad hang up his gloves, at least in that particular gym.

The kid may have a point ... someone bringing a knife to a fistfight is totally cause for concern.

Originally Published -- 9:53 AM PT

Roberto Clemente MLB Legend's 1964 Silver Bat Award ... Up For Auction!!!

Roberto Clemente didn't only personify greatness off the field ... the Hall of Famer was a problem at the plate, winning countless awards throughout his Hall of Fame career, including the 1964 Silver Bat Award for leading the league in batting average!

Lucky for baseball fans, the award, which looks absolutely awesome, is now on the block at SCP Auctions.

FYI, the Silver Bat (different from today's Silver Slugger award) was given to the player with the highest batting average in both the National and American League during Roberto's era. Clemente won four NL batting titles with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Silver Bat was modeled after Clemente's Louisville Slugger bat. The 34-inch long award is actually made of 55.6 Troy ounces of silver (that's worth over $1,300 in silver alone). Despite being almost 60 years old, SCP says the bat is still in excellent condition with only a few blemishes.

The award is inscribed with ... “BATTING CHAMPION 1964 NATIONAL LEAGUE B.A. .339.”

"Clemente is one of the most prolific hitters in major league history, batting .317 in his career and reaching the prestigious 3,000 career hit milestone," SCP said.

"This history trophy wonderfully commemorates the season in which Bob had a career-best 211 of those 3,000 hits."

The 211 hits were good enough the lead the league. Clemente was also named an All-Star in '64 (one of 15 All-Star appearances), and earned a Gold Glove (one of 12 he won) for his spectacular defense in the outfield.

As great as RC was on the diamond, he was known just as much for his charitable work away from the field.

Tragically, Roberto died in an airplane crash while trying to deliver aid packages to earthquake victims in Managua in 1972. He was only 38.

The Silver Bat Award auction ends Saturday, but it's not too late to bid, however, it won't come cheap. The bat already has a bid of over $97k.

SCP expects the SB Award, which comes with a letter of provenance from the Clemente family, to ultimately sell for around $350k.

Happy bidding!

Kobe Bryant Statue To Be Unveiled In Feb. ... On Symbolic Date

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LAMENTING THE LEGEND

Kobe Bryant's long-awaited statue finally has a release date -- the Lakers legend's wife, Vanessa, just announced the five-time champion's tribute will be unveiled outside Crypto.com Arena on a special date -- 2/8/24.

"As you know, Kobe played his entire 20-year NBA career as a Los Angeles Laker," Vanessa said in a video from the team facility.

"Since arriving in the city and joining the Lakers organization, he felt at home here playing in the City of Angels."

"On behalf of the Lakers, my daughters and me, I am so honored that right in the center of Los Angeles, in front of the place known as 'The House That Kobe Built,' we are going to unveil a statue so that his legacy can be celebrated forever."

Feb. 2, 2024 is truly symbolic -- Kobe wore Nos. 8 and 24 during his Hall of Fame career ... and his daughter, Gigi, donned No. 2 throughout her time on the court.

There are rumblings Gigi may be honored in some capacity as well ... although renderings of the project have not been released.

Kobe will join fellow Lakers superstars like Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O'Neal and more ... who have gotten their own statues outside the venue in years past.

Kobe and Gigi tragically died in a helicopter crash in Jan. 2020 ... and fans have been wanting a permanent tribute outside the arena for years.

The ceremony -- which will take place before the Lakers host the Denver Nuggets -- will undoubtedly be an emotional one.

Jimmy Butler Scores Point Off Carlos Alcaraz!!! Silly Moment During U.S. Open Charity Match

The best tennis player in the world is no match for Jimmy Butler -- the NBA superstar proved he's got serious skills on more courts than just the hardwood ... by scoring a point off Carlos Alcaraz during a U.S. Open charity event!!

The Miami Heat hooper was serving as an honorary ball boy for the Spanish star's contest against Frances Tiafoe at the Stars of the Open at Louis Armstrong Stadium on Wednesday ... when all of a sudden, he decided to step in and show off his tennis game.

Okay, so Butler might not be the next Federer ... but he certainly held his own as he rallied with the No. 1-ranked Alcaraz, who was obviously taking it easy on the six-time All-Star.

At one point, Butler asked Alcaraz to hit him with a fast serve so he could prove he could successfully return ... but didn't get his wish, as his opponent put in about 5% power on his attempt.

But, it was Jimmy Buckets who got the crowd roaring by the end of the point ... sneaking a shot past Alcaraz to come out on top!!

They don't call him Himmy Butler for nothing.

Jerry Jones Williams 'Maturing' After Arrest ... He's Down 34 MPH!!!

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is finding the silver lining after Sam Williams was arrested again over the weekend ... saying the defensive end is showing signs of "improvement," because he wasn't driving nearly as fast as the last time he got in trouble.

Jerry spoke with reporters about Williams' most recent run-in with police on Wednesday ... and he admitted his spin on the situation may sound a bit "hollow," but he's seeing it as a positive.

"He is 34 miles per hour less this year than last year -- 98 to 66," Jones said. "So that’s improvement. We will get it down. We will keep working. We will get it down."

Of course, Jones is referring to Williams getting busted for reckless driving last year ... when the 24-year-old totaled his Corvette after ramming into another vehicle. Cops said Williams was driving close to 100 MPH prior to the accident.

Jones added he has all the information about Williams' most recent arrest ... and while he didn't say much about the substance and weapon charges, the owner did reveal he doesn't see the legal trouble impacting his playing time.

Kevin Hart I'm In Wheelchair After Muscle Tears ... Injured Racing Ex-NFL RB

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THIS IS 40
Instagram / @kevinhart4real

Kevin Hart says he needs to sit his butt down in a wheelchair because he can't walk anymore ... the result of trying to race an athlete and tearing some core muscles.

The movie star and comedian posted a hilarious video detailing his latest injury ... a torn lower abdomen and adductors ... which he says he suffered as a 44-year-old man running the 40-yard dash.

Kevin says he thought he could beat his friend in a race ... but the guy he was up against is former NFL running back Stevan Ridley, and now he's regretting even entertaining the thought he could actually outrun a pro athlete.

Sitting in a wheelchair on his porch, Kevin says the injury is one of the dumbest things he's ever done in his 44 years on earth ... and he says it's a sign he needs to slow down and act his age.

Kevin's hilariously questioning why he even raced Stevan in the first place ... joking he was trying to be the fastest man at the BBQ, and the comment section is filled with celebs chiming in.

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TOUGH JOURNEY

The fact Kevin's laughing about it makes it seem like he's not too concerned with his torn muscles ... after all, he's had serious back issues from a near-fatal car crash and went through a grueling rehab.

Still, Kevin's giving himself the title of the "stupidest man alive."

Aaron Donald's Wife Gets Own Version Of SB LVI Ring ... Hoping To Start New WAG Trend!!!

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ONE FOR THE LADIES
Instagram / @moediamonds

Aaron Donald's wife just got her own version of a Super Bowl LVI championship ring ... and the bling commemorating her hubby's 2022 title is so sweet -- TMZ Sports has learned the jeweler is now hoping it starts a new trend among wives and girlfriends of pro athletes.

Erica Donald hit up celeb icemaker Moe Diamonds last year with the idea that she should have a piece similar to Aaron's -- after the Rams superstar got his for beating Joe Burrow and the Bengals in February 2022.

Moe says he was hoping it'd come out so nice, it'd start a new WAGs fashion statement. And, after he delivered it to her, he seems pretty sure it'll stick.

Moe says the ring is filled with VS-VVS diamonds, yellow and blue sapphires matching Rams colors ... and it also has an F-color marquise center diamond that looks just like a football.

The iced-out item also features Donald's initials, his No. 99 jersey number, the letters SBLVI, and palm trees to represent Los Angeles.

Moe added that the bling holds approximately 3 carats of diamonds -- and has been appraised at $17,000!

Moe -- who's made several pieces for the Donalds over the years -- said he's pretty confident this could now spark a movement amongst champion WAGs going forward.

"I created a lady's Super Bowl ring," Moe said. "Aaron Donald's wife was the first person to receive it for the Super Bowl the Rams won."

"We are working on making it a trend for the wives/girlfriends to get a ring."

Lord knows the women definitely deserve it!

Stan Van Gundy NBA Coach's Wife Dies Suddenly At 61

Kimberly Van Gundy -- the wife of former NBA coach and analyst Stan Van Gundy -- tragically died last week, the family announced.

She was 61.

Stan, who coached the Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons and New Orleans Pelicans over the course of his career, met Kimberly at Castleton State College in Vermont in the mid-1980s ... where he was the head coach of the men's basketball team at the time.

Kimberly and Stan got married on May 28, 1998 ... and celebrated their 25th anniversary earlier this year.

"I lost my big sister Kimberly Abbott Van Gundy on Wednesday," Kimberly's sister, Catherine, said in a statement last week. "She was one of my favorite people and I will forever miss her. Rest in peace, Kim."

Kimberly's obituary page reads ... "Kimberly's kindness and love for all around her was shown through her charitable works and activism."

A cause of death was not announced.

Kimberly leaves behind her husband and four children -- Shannon, Michael, Alison and Kelly.

RIP

Blueface Some Dude Stabbed Me!!! Gym Confrontation Captured on Camera

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THE ALLEGED INCIDENT
Instagram / @bluefasebabyy

Blueface is nursing fresh wounds suffered in the boxing gym when a guy whipped out a knife and stabbed him during an altercation that started on video.

The rapper, and pretty successful amateur boxer, was training Wednesday morning at a gym in L.A.'s San Fernando Valley when the attacker came into the gym. Security footage posted on Blue's IG shows the trainer, David Kaminsky, trying to get in between the man and Blueface.

It appears there was an argument about something, and Blueface decided he was through talking and hit the guy with several punches -- but then he appears to take something out of his pocket and charge back at Blueface ... the video cuts off before the stabbing.

Kaminsky tells TMZ Hip Hop ... things got heated quickly because the unknown attacker immediately started barking, "I'm gonna kill you" to Blueface as soon as he charged into the gym.

He tells us the guy stabbed Blueface in the leg, and then fled. Witnesses say the guy was in a black Tesla Model S and had a Rottweiler with him.

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Blueface's injuries don't seem life-threatening -- paramedics did show up on scene -- but he says he won't be able to compete in a boxing match he had scheduled for October 14.

Story developing ...

Terry Funk Wrestling Legend Dead At 79

Wrestling legend Terry Funk -- a WWE Hall of Famer -- has died ... Ric Flair announced Wednesday.

"In My Entire Life," Flair said in revealing the passing of his good pal, "I've Never Met A Guy Who Worked Harder. Terry Funk Was A Great Wrestler, Entertainer, Unbelievably Fearless, And A Great Friend!

"Rest In Peace My Friend."

Flair did not reveal a cause of death.

Mick Foley added in a tribute on his Instagram page that Funk's daughter had confirmed to him the devastating news earlier in the day.

"WE JUST LOST A LEGEND," Foley wrote. "There will never be another like him. May God bless Terry, his friends, family and all who loved him. RIP my dear friend - it was an honor to know you."

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Funk initially broke into the wrestling world in 1965 -- and went on to perform in rings all over the world for the next five decades.

He competed in a bunch of different promotions in his career -- including All Japan Pro Wrestling, the WWE, the WCW and the ECW. He held various championship belts at times in most of the orgs too.

"No One Will Ever Replace You In The World Of Professional Wrestling!" Flair added in his statement Wednesday.

Funk also enjoyed a career on the silver screen ... earning a significant role in Patrick Swayze's classic, bar-brawling action film "Road House."

RIP

Reggie Bush Sues NCAA ... 'Pay-For-Play' Comment Defamed Me!!!

Reggie Bush is going to war with the NCAA yet again ... he's now suing the org. -- claiming a comment it made about him back in 2021 defamed him.

Bush's attorneys Ben Crump and Levi McCathern filed the lawsuit on Tuesday ... alleging that a statement that an NCAA official released to media outlets two years ago was flat-out false.

According to the suit, the comment was initially issued by NCAA spokesperson Megan Durham ... after a reporter had asked her whether or not the NCAA would reconsider the previous sanctions it had imposed on Bush in wake of its new NIL rules allowing college athletes to begin receiving compensation for the use of their name, image and likeness.

"Although college athletes can now receive benefits from their names, images and likenesses through activities like endorsements and appearances, NCAA rules still do not permit pay-for-play type arrangements," Durham said, according to Bush's lawyers. "The NCAA infractions process exists to promote fairness in college sports. The rules that govern fair play are voted on, agreed to and expected to be upheld by all NCAA member schools."

Even though the statement itself doesn't include Bush's name, his attorneys say in the docs it was made in direct response to a question about the sanctions on Bush --- and therefore clearly refers to him. They then called the "pay-for-play" portion of it "false, defamatory, and made with malice."

The attorneys claimed the ex-SC star had never been paid by the Trojans to play for the school -- while adding that the NCAA never found that he had received funds to suit up for the football team either.

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"DOES HE EVEN WANT IT BACK?"
TMZSports.com

They're now asking for unspecified damages over it all.

Bush and his attorneys further elaborated on the suit at a press conference at USC's Coliseum on Wednesday afternoon.

"[This lawsuit] is about truth, getting the facts out and holding the NCAA accountable," Bush said during the meeting with reporters.

Bush also talked to media members about his desire to get his Heisman Trophy back.