Jason Kelce Gifts McDonald's Employee Signed Eagles Jersey ... & She's Lovin' It!

This is awesome ... Jason Kelce (you thought the guy couldn't be any more likable?!) hooked a local McDonald's employee up in a supersized way, giving the fast food worker a signed Philadelphia Eagles jersey as a thank you!

36-year-old Kelce, who is mulling his football future, grabbed breakfast Wednesday morning -- 2 sausage, egg and cheese McMuffins with a coffee -- and also found time to spread some serious Brotherly Love!

Jason got to know Danielle Bonham through his repeated trips to the restaurant (hey, lineman's gotta keep on the size!), and with his playing career possibly over, he hooked the woman up with the autographed threads.

“To Danielle. Go Birds! Thank You!” JK wrote on the #62 jersey. The future Hall of Famer also found time to pose for a photo from his driver's seat.

As for Kelce's decision on his football future, while it sounds like he may be done ... it's not a done deal just yet.

In fact, on his New Heights podcast this morning, Jason said it was too soon to make a decision ... despite reports he told his teammates he was done playing.

Of course, the Eagles were blown out by the Bucs on Monday, losing 32-9, ending the Philly season.

Dejan Milojević Warriors Assistant Dead At 46 ... After Medical Emergency

UPDATE

1:17 PM -- NBA commissioner Adam Silver just addressed the tragedy ... saying, "The NBA mourns the sudden passing of Golden State assistant coach Dejan Milojević, a beloved colleague and dear friend to so many in the global basketball community."

"In addition to winning the 2022 NBA Championship in his first season with the Warriors and mentoring some of the best players in the world, Dejan had a decorated international playing career and was a distinguished head coach in his native Serbia."

"Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Natasa, their children, Nikola and Masa, and the Warriors organization during this tragic time."

Golden State Warriors assistant coach and former professional basketball player Dejan Milojević has passed away. He was just 46 years old.

Milojević suffered a heart attack during dinner at a Salt Lake City restaurant on Tuesday ... and despite life-saving efforts, he tragically passed late Wednesday afternoon, the team revealed in a statement.

The Warriors were in Utah to face off against the Jazz -- a game that was slated to go down Wednesday night, but has since been postponed.

The Serbian power forward went unpicked in the 1999 NBA Draft, but he had a stellar career in Europe nonetheless -- winning ABA League MVP honors three straight times.

He also won the ABA scoring title in consecutive seasons.

Milojević's playing career ended in 2009 ... and he found success leading the bench for organizations in Serbia and Montenegro before joining the Warriors in 2021. He coached several future NBA players -- most notably two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic.

He also spent time as an assistant coach for the Serbian national team.

On the Golden State staff, Milojević focused on helping the big men on the roster ... and won a championship when the Warriors beat the Boston Celtics in the 2022 NBA Finals.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr released a statement on Milojević's passing ... saying the entire organization is "devastated."

"This is a shocking and tragic blow for everyone associated with the Warriors and an incredibly difficult time for his family, friends, and all of us who had the incredible pleasure to work with him," Kerr said.

"In addition to being a terrific basketball coach, Dejan was one of the most positive and beautiful human beings I have ever known, someone who brought joy and light to every single day with his passion and energy."

"We grieve with and for his wife, Natasha, and their children, Nikola and Masa. Their loss is unfathomable."

Richard Simmons Reiterates No Ties to Pauly Biopic ... As It Heads to Development

update

1:13 PM PT -- The Wolper Organization tells TMZ ... "While we would love to have him involved, we respect his desire to privacy and plan to produce a movie that honors him, celebrates him and tells a dramatic story."

They add, "We know he is deeply private and we would never want to invade that, how ever he is an amazing person, that changed millions of peoples lives and the effect he has had on the world needs to be recognized."

Richard Simmons wants to make it crystal clear he has absolutely NO involvement in an upcoming biopic starring Pauly Shore -- which is now officially in development and coming to a theater near you soon ... TMZ has learned.

Richard's rep reiterated to us Wednesday that Pauly's project -- which just recently got the green light -- isn't authorized, and notes Richard might not even be aware the movie's on the Hollywood conveyor belt at this point.

We're told Pauly and Richard's team spoke last year about PS portraying him in a film, but Richard's people told the comedian the timing wasn't right for Richard to get on board.

We already knew Pauly didn't have RS' blessing for this project -- something Pauly really sought -- and now ... we know Richard's position hasn't changed, though his rep says there will come a time when Richard wants to tell his story. Pauly's thing just ain't it, though.

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RESPECT FOR RICHARD
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Remember ... Pauly told us in September he was getting a pitch ready for Richard, and now Deadline is reporting a biopic is being developed over at The Wolper Organization, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. The rest of the deets on who else might be coming aboard to help make this thing a reality are unclear for now -- but Pauly says he's "excited."

Pauly is also portraying Richard in a short film called "The Court Jester," which is premiering this week at The Sundance Film Festival in Utah.

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WHERE DID RICHARD GO?
TMZ.com

Richard has not been seen in public for years -- but, in 2022, TMZ released "TMZ Investigates: What Really Happened to Richard Simmons" on FOX and Hulu ... which drew a huge response and resulted in Richard posting a rare message to his fans.

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WHAT HAPPENED TO HIM?

Pauly and Richard have some connections ... they've known each other for decades, and Richard also knew Pauly's late mother, Comedy Store owner Mitzi Shore ... but, so far, they're not connecting for this flick.

We'll see what comes of it in the end, and whether Richard changes his tune once it's actually out. Considering his incredible story, it also sounds like an Oscar waiting to happen.

Originally Published -- 1:13 PM PT

Floyd Mayweather Sued Over Alleged Restaurant Assault

A California man is suing Floyd Mayweather ... claiming the legendary boxer ordered one of his bodyguards to beat him up during an incident at a restaurant nearly two years ago.

Eduardo Andres Torres Martinez says the incident took place at a Yard House in Los Angeles near Crypto.Com Arena on Feb. 10, 2022.

In Martinez's lawsuit, which was filed on Tuesday, he says Mayweather and his Mayweather Money Team rolled into the eatery ... and caused such a large commotion, he whipped out his phone to take videos of the scene.

But, Martinez claims when Floyd noticed he was recording ... the legendary pugilist signaled for one of his bodyguards to handle the situation.

A short time later, according to the suit, the bodyguard struck Martinez, causing him to fall to the ground. The Mayweather official then allegedly wrestled with Martinez to get his phone away from him.

Martinez alleges in the suit he suffered injuries during the incident that still require treatment. He added that he's also dealing with mental suffering and emotional distress from it all as well.

He's suing Mayweather and his company ... as well as the Yard House -- all for unspecified damages.

This is not, however, the first time Martinez has brought these allegations to public light. Martinez filed a battery report with authorities when the alleged incident first went down.

Law enforcement sources told TMZ Sports at the time, however, that a witness had contradicted parts of Martinez's story.

A rep for Mayweather, meanwhile, said Mayweather stopped by the restaurant, but left because the place was too crowded.

Floyd has always denied any incident took place.

Arnold Schwarzenegger Detained in Munich for 'Unregistered' Watch Hauled Off to ATM to Pay Taxes

Arnold Schwarzenegger's known for his gun-toting characters ... but it was actually a benign watch that caused him problems at an airport Wednesday -- and the aftermath was a freaking mess.

The actor-turned-politician was held at the Munich Airport on Wednesday after trying to take an "unregistered" luxury watch through customs ... the Terminator didn't try to fight his way out of this one ... instead being spotted calmly hanging with customs agents.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... customs detained AS for three hours for traveling with a watch he owns -- one he might auction tomorrow in Austria.

They say Arnold was never asked to fill out a declaration form, but once he got to customs he was hit with what they describe as an "incompetent shakedown."

But, the former bodybuilding champ didn't make a fuss ... agreeing to prepay potential taxes on the watch -- again, a watch he already owns -- in order to get on with his day.

Authorities tried to have Arnold use a credit card machine for an hour ... but failure after failure forced the customs agents to take Schwarzenegger to a bank so he could withdraw cash from an ATM.

That should've been the end of the story ... except the ATM had too low a limit -- the taxes ended up costing AS $10,613 -- and the bank was closed too! The group headed back to the airport, and another officer brought a new, working credit card machine.

Our sources say the watch will still likely be auctioned off tomorrow for the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative -- a nonprofit dedicated to supporting clean energy efforts worldwide.

A spokesperson for the Munich Main Customs Office says it's simple, telling a local German outlet they've initiated criminal proceedings because the watch is an import staying in the EU -- it has to be declared.

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AIRPORT NIGHTMARE!!!
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As for why it took so long, the spokesperson explained the rest of Arnie's luggage had to be checked ... and that takes time.

An exhausting day at the airport for Arnold ... filled with more stress than trying to get a Turbo Man action figure!

Warriors Vs. Jazz Game Postponed ... After Dejan Milojević's Medical Emergency

UPDATE

9:03 AM -- The NBA just announced Wednesday night's Warriors vs. Jazz has been postponed in wake of Dejan Milojević's medical emergency.

A makeup date has not yet been announced.

Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojević was reportedly hospitalized Tuesday night after he suffered a serious medical emergency while out at a restaurant in Utah.

The incident, according to ESPN, happened while Milojević and other Golden State players and coaches were dining out in Salt Lake City ... some 24 hours before their Wednesday night game against the Jazz.

Further details surrounding the 46-year-old's status were not made immediately available.

Milojević became a part of Steve Kerr's staff in 2021 ... after he built up an impressive coaching resume overseas. He played pro ball Serbia, Turkey, Spain and Montenegro ... and was a star on the Serbian national team.

Story developing ...

Jorge Masvidal I'm Fighting Early This Year ... And I'd 'F***ing Whoop' Nate Diaz's Ass!

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Someone's Getting Murked

Consider Jorge Masvidal unretired ... the combat sports superstar is picking his gloves up off the canvas and will fight sometime over the next few months!

The big question ... will it be against Nate Diaz?!

39-year-old Masvidal was recently spotted outside a restaurant in Miami, when he was asked about a scrap with the 38-year-old former UFC superstar.

"I can't deny or confirm any rumors right now, but someone is getting merked early, early, early this year. I can't say the date or nothing, but I've been busting my ass," Masvidal said of his comeback, and reports he'll face Nate.

Of course, Gamebred retired in April 2023 after a loss to Gilbert Burns ... telling the hometown crowd at the Kaseya Center in Miami that he was done fighting.

Masvidal subsequently launched his own fight promotion under the Gamebred banner ... and they've already put on some huge fights.

But, it's clear Jorge got the itch to return ... and with Nate also recently going his separate way from the UFC, the matchup makes sense.

"If it was in the streets, that dude [Nate Diaz] would say hell no. He knows what happens in the streets. In an MMA ring, he already knows what happens. Maybe he would say yes to boxing. I don't know, you gotta ask that dude."

When JM says Nate "already knows what happens" in MMA, he's referring to their 2019 UFC fight for the BMF title ... which Masvidal won.

But, Diaz has spent a lot of time training with accomplished boxers like Andre Ward ... so perhaps things would go differently in a ring.

Or not.

"[Nate] already got his ass kicked in MMA. He don't want it there. He didn't want it there to whole time we were in the UFC. Maybe he will want it in boxing. You know he's been with top-notch boxers his whole life, training with them," Jorge said.

"But I got this big belief that you can live inside a garage but it don't make you a car. Know what I'm saying? I've trained with world-class boxers my whole life and that's my base. I trained with some of the best Cuban boxers growing up, to come out of Cuba since I was a child. I'd f***ing whoop his ass!"

Jason Kelce Addresses Retirement Speculation ... Too Emotional After Loss

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GETTING EMOTIONAL
New Heights / Wave Sports + Entertainment

Jason Kelce isn't ready to officially announce he's walking away from his Hall of Fame career just yet -- the Philadelphia Eagles star elected not to confirm whether he will hand in his retirement papers ... this after reports he told his teammates it was a done deal.

The 36-year-old Super Bowl champ addressed his NFL future in the latest episode of his "New Heights" podcast with his brother and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis on Wednesday ... and he explained he was really in his feels after his team was booted from the playoffs at the hands of Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

"I just don't think you're in a position after a game like that to really make that decision," Jason told Taylor Swift's boyfriend.

The All-Pro center said he isn't trying to keep people on the edge of their seats with his vagueness ... but admitted he wasn't in the right mind space to reach a conclusion following the loss.

"There's too much emotion in the moment. There's too much going down in the moment to really fully grasp that decision."

Jason was adamant he isn't trying to be "dramatic" ... adding, "It's just something that I think, when it's time to officially announce what's happening in the future, it'll be done in a way that's definitive and pays respect to a lot of people and individuals that have meant a lot to me and what has led to the career I've had."

Jason was super emotional talking about his conversation with the Eagles' locker room after the game ... saying he told the players to embrace every moment.

It certainly sounds like we may very well have seen the end of #62 on the field ... but Philly fans will have to wait just a bit longer to find out whether it's really the end of an era.

Phoenix Suns Puppy Goes Potty At Halftime ... Right On Court!!!

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PUPPY PEE PUDDLE
Phoenix Suns

Kevin Durant and Devin Booker had to wait a few extra seconds to get their second half started on Tuesday night ... and it's all 'cause a puppy peed on their court.

Fur real!!!

The hilarious moment went down as the Suns brought out a gaggle of young dogs to race during the halftime break in Phoenix's matchup against the Sacramento Kings at Footprint Center in Arizona.

The contest started out innocently enough -- the pups cutely loitered around the starting line ... before one of the doggos was lured out by some cheerleaders with toys.

As they tried to get the puppy to cross the checkered finish, though, he had to paw-se to relieve himself!!

The race still continued despite the puddle near halfcourt ... before, mercifully, one of the furry friends finally touched the finish line.

While it took a few beats to get the area all cleaned up ... Durant and Booker were ultimately able to take the floor again -- and it's a good thing for the Suns, because they helped the team storm back from a deficit to win the game, 119-117.

Of course, the team is kind of used to overcoming these messy halftime moments ... just a year ago, a dog did the same thing during the same race!

But, hey, if it keeps leading to wins ... howl could you change it?!

Colts Owner Jim Irsay Found Blue, Unresponsive in December ... OD Suspected, Cops Say

UPDATE

The Colts released a statement on Jim Irsay's health ... saying he is still recovering from his "respiratory illness."

"We will have no further comment on his personal health, and we continue to ask that Jim and his family's privacy be respected."

Jim Irsay was found laying in his bed unresponsive, cold to the touch and gasping for air during a suspected overdose in December ... this according to police in Indiana.

Carmel Police Department documents, obtained by TMZ Sports, show cops were dispatched to Irsay's Carmel residence on Dec. 8 at around 4:30 AM ... after someone said they had found the Indianapolis Colts owner unconscious on a bathroom floor with a blue skin tone.

When police first arrived on the scene, they say Irsay had been moved to his bed ... where he was struggling to breathe and had a weak pulse and constricted pupils.

Police say in the docs an attempt to wake him with a sternum rub was unsuccessful. They added, though, that after administering one dosage of Narcan -- a drug commonly used to revive people in opiate overdose situations -- "he responded slightly."

Cops say they were prepared to attach an AED to Irsay -- but paramedics arrived and "took over lifesaving efforts." Irsay was eventually transported to a nearby hospital via an ambulance.

Officers noted in the documents that a caretaker provided them a list of the medications Irsay had been taking ... though they wrote in the report, "At this time, it is unknown what Mr. Irsay had ingested prior to our arrival." They classified the incident in the docs as both "overdose" and "overdose/poisoning."

Irsay had not been seen around his Colts' team in the weeks following the incident ... and on Jan. 9, the team announced he'd been dealing with a "severe respiratory illness." The Colts explained in a statement that he would miss a scheduled appearance in Los Angeles with his "Jim Irsay Band" while receiving treatment for the ailment.

"He is receiving excellent care and looks forward to returning to the stage as soon as possible," the Colts said. "We'll have no additional information at this time and we ask that you respect the privacy of Jim and his family as he recovers."

We do not know if Irsay's recent hospitalization is related to the December incident at his home.

Irsay -- who's been the owner of the Colts since 1997 -- said in an interview with Andrea Kremer back in November, he's battled addiction to alcohol and pain pills during his life, requiring at least 15 trips to rehab. He also told Kremer he previously suffered an overdose after he "was trying to detox myself."

"All of a sudden I started slurring my words and then code blue, I stopped breathing," he told Kremer of the OD. "And they revived me, and the doctor goes, 'Jim, you're one lucky man because I had signed, virtually, the death certificate.'"

We've reached out to Irsay, but no word back yet.

Originally Published -- 12:30 AM PT

Knicks' Isaiah Hartenstein Expecting Baby W/ Model Wife ... Announce Pregnancy W/ Assist From 'The Garden'

Isaiah Hartenstein and his model wife Kourtney Kellar have a little bundle of joy on the way ... and the soon-to-be momma used her Knicks center hubby's office -- Madison Square Garden -- to make the announcement!

Kellar posted video from the floor at MSG, showing an ultrasound image and number 55 onesie (Hartenstein's #) draped over one of the courtside seats ... while Stevie Wonder's Signed, Sealed, Delivered played in the background. KK captioned the IG post, "Baby boy due June 2024 💙"

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

She also wrote "7 FOOT BABY LOADING..."

(Here's hoping the baby does most of his growing after birth.)

Hartenstein and Kellar first met back in 2019, when the young NBA hooper slid into the ring girl's DMs. Isaiah complimented her smile ... which Kourt thought was sweet.

After a few FaceTime dates the two decided to meet up in Houston (her future hubby was playing for the Rockets at the time).

It was smooth sailing from there ... and after about 3 years, the couple announced their engagement on a beach in Malibu!

Isaiah and Kourtney tied the knot in August 2023.

While Hartenstein's known for his game on the court (he's having a nice year for the NYK, averaging over 8 rebounds a game), Kourtney’s a star in her own right.

In fact, back in 2021, she went viral working as a ring girl for the Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley fight, helping her amass over 715k followers on IG alone.

Congrats to the growing fam!

Ryan Clark ATL Should Go After Belichick, Fields ... It'd Be A Helluva Match!!!

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This Changes Things
TMZSports.com

Ryan Clark tells TMZ Sports if the Atlanta Falcons are looking to get better quickly ... acquiring both Justin Fields and Bill Belichick would be a heck of a place to start.

Of course, the Falcons appear to be exploring the idea of bringing both guys on board this offseason ... and Clark made it clear to us this week he'd have no qualms with either addition.

"I could see that being a match in Atlanta that would work not only for a coach," the 44-year-old ex-Steelers defensive back said, "but also a player."

As for how possible it'd be ... it seems it could very well go down. After all, the Falcons have already interviewed Belichick for their vacant head coaching role ... while Fields appears to be available via trade in Chicago after the Bears locked up the No. 1 overall draft pick through the Carolina Panthers.

Clark seems confident Belichick would want Fields under center, too ... knowing the coach loves to acquire talent that's previously performed well against him.

"Justin Fields played absolutely out of his mind against Bill Belichick last year," Clark said.

As for the rest of the coaching carousel around the NFL, Clark said he could envision Jim Harbaugh landing in L.A. ... and he told us he could also see big shakeups coming in Dallas and Philadelphia too.

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You Can't Find This Anywhere Else
TMZSports.com

Meanwhile, Clark was pumped for this week's episode of "Inside The NFL," which airs Tuesdays on The CW ... telling us there are some mic'd up moments from this weekend's wild card games he's super excited to bring to viewers.

Tom Brady & Irina Shayk Big Apple Dining ... Romantic Dinner, He Gets the Check!!!

Tom Brady and Irina Shayk are still seeing each other when they can -- 'cause they just grabbed dinner last night ... and wouldn't you know it, the G.O.A.T's a true gent.

TB12 and Bradley Cooper's ex got together Monday evening in NYC -- where they chowed down at a fancy shmancy place in Lower Manhattan ... kinda by the water, in fact. It's a French restaurant called Brasserie Fouquet's New York -- and they had a table to themselves.

Now, in terms of what went on and whether they were showing any PDA -- we're told they didn't put on explicit signs of affection during the meal ... but they were definitely cozy.

Tom and Irina were there for a total of 2 hours -- and we're told TB said something about the burger and how it good it was. If he did, in fact, grub on that ... he dropped a cool $30 for that bad boy, 'cause that's how much this joint charges for ground beef in a bun!

Anyway ... they walked out of there together, we're told, and lo and behold -- Tom paid.

Couple things ... nice to know Tom isn't one to go Dutch, even with somebody who's as loaded as Irina and who could presumably cover herself. They're both wealthy -- but when it comes down to it ... Tommy's old-fashioned, and willing to pick up the tab for his lady.

Also, this just goes to show Tom and Irina are still in one another's orbit -- not only evidenced in this outing ... but the fact they got together last month in Miami during Art Basel.

Remember, Tom and Irina were first spotted hanging out last summer ... and it seems they're keeping each other around as we go into 2024 -- suggesting they got a good thing.

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GRABBIN' BURGERS WITH BRADY
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Hard to tell how serious this is ... but on its face, they seem to get along and then some.

Shedeur & Shilo Sanders Deion Sanders' Sons ... Strut Their Stuff In LV Fashion Show!!!

Deion Sanders' sons, Shedeur and Shilo, just proved yet again they've got game both on the field and off of it ... killin' it as models at the Louis Vuitton Men's Fall-Winter 2024 Show!!

The two University of Colorado football stars hit the runway in Paris on Tuesday to show off some of the pieces Pharrell designed for the luxury brand this year ... and they performed just as well at the show as they usually do on the gridiron.

Shilo walked first ... donning a graphic puffer jacket with a plaid shirt underneath. Shedeur followed seconds later, wearing an orange vest and an over-the-shoulder bag.

The two clearly took the gig seriously ... sportin' some stoic model faces as they made their way around the room.

Pharrell, of course, had some time to chat with the bros before they had their big moment ... and he praised them for the "amazing" work they've been doing.

Then, he doled out some wisdom ... telling Shilo both he and his brother have already proven they're way more than just college football stars.

"If I were you, I would change that language," the singer told Shilo after the Buffs defensive back said he wanted to be multidimensional. "'I am multidimensional.' You know what I'm saying? Let them know you're already that!"

Pharrell also promised to get out to Boulder to catch one of their games this season ... ensuring, once more, Deion and his sons will be must-see TV again in 2024!

IShowSpeed Mistakenly Calls Stray Kids' Bang Chan 'BTS' ... During Stream

It appears IShowSpeed needs to brush up on his K-pop knowledge ... 'cause the popular gamer and YouTuber recently referred to Stray Kids member Bang Chan as "BTS" -- and the whole awkward moment played out in front of thousands of viewers.

18-year-old Speed -- who has tens of millions of followers across all platforms -- was scrolling through videos on his phone as his loyal fanbase tuned in to the stream earlier this week ... when he stumbled upon a clip of the popular group's leader discussing his admiration for the internet superstar.

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BTS BLUNDER

"Speed is so funny," Chan said in the vid ... adding he has "mad respect for him."

"I feel like the effort he puts out to what he does is just phenomenal. I think it's just really, really cool."

Chan even revealed he watches Speed's vids with fellow groupmate Felix "all the time."

Speed was understandably pumped about the shoutout ... and asked those watching if Chan was a member of BTS before tracking down his Instagram page.

Speed then slid into the DMs ... leaving him a personal video as a "thank you" for the kind words.

"Yo brother Bang Chan, BTS, bro. I just seen the video that said you was a big fan of me, bro," Speed said ... also including some words of encouragement to "keep grinding."

Despite several people in the chat trying to correct Speed on his flub -- and the fact Chan clearly lists "Stray Kids" in his bio -- it was too late ... and he hit "send" on the video message.

STAY (the group's fanbase) quickly got wind of the mistake ... making jokes about Speed's confusion and how Chan would react to it.

Others didn't take it lightly ... pointing out the fact Speed assumed Chan was a member of BTS could be considered racist.

While BTS is undoubtedly the most famous male K-pop group to crack into massive mainstream success in the States, Stray Kids has gained momentum in their own right ... even performing at the Billboard Music Awards in November.

In other words, if Speed didn't already learn the difference ... he'll know sooner than later.

James Dolan Sued You Trafficked Me to Weinstein!!! So Claims Masseuse

MSG and Knicks owner James Dolan allegedly trafficked a massage therapist to Harvey Weinstein in the 2010s -- and also taking advantage of her himself -- but he's pushing back on her claim as BS.

According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Dolan is named as a defendant in a suit alleging he partook in outright sex trafficking after taking a young masseuse under his wing between late 2013 and early 2014 ... while he was performing on the road.

The plaintiff, Kellye Croft, claims she was initially hired to be the traveling massage therapist for the Eagles in 2013 ... but after some trouble with the touring staff, she says she ended up meeting Dolan, whose own band was the opening act.

Croft says she opened up to JD about her woes, and afterward, he apparently got involved to alleviate her issues ... and, she alleges he started pushing a sexual relationship with her.

While she doesn't straight up accuse Dolan of sexual assault, Croft does say she felt pressured to engage in sex acts with him ... throughout the rest of the tour.

Fast-forward to January, when Croft claims Irving Azoff's company -- which she says was handling the Eagles tour at the time -- flew her out to California to do more massage work ... only this time, she claims it became clear it was at Dolan's request.

Basically, she alleges Dolan simply wanted her on the road with him for sex -- and during this stint in L.A., she claims she had an ugly run-in with Weinstein ... who she says was good friends with Dolan, and who she alleges sexually assaulted her at a hotel.

Croft claims she actually ran into Weinstein at the hotel where she was staying -- and once he learned she was Dolan's massage therapist, she alleges he tried to rope her into giving one to him right then and there -- which ended in a chase down the hallway.

Croft claims Weinstein pursued her to her room, and pinned her down and sexually assaulted her ... only to be saved by a phone call from Dolan.

Once Weinstein realized Dolan was on the other end, Croft claims he backed off and said to her ... "Well, you know Jim and I are best friends. He’s going to be very disappointed that you led me on, this won’t look good for you." She claims he then left, and it was over.

Afterward, Croft claims she relayed all this to Dolan himself -- and she says he simply brushed it off ... allegedly noting that he and everyone in Weinstein's circle knew he was a "troubled person" who had "serious issues," and that his pals had tried to get him help.

Croft also points out a song she claims Dolan sent to her other associates years after the fact -- with lyrics that she claims nod to the Weinstein scandal that broke in 2017. It's a real song from his band, called "I Should've Known."

Croft says the lyrics -- which touch on a friend who falls from grace -- are actually a reference to Weinstein, but she claims Dolan knew about him for years.

Croft is alleging she was sexually trafficked, claiming Dolan flew her out to L.A. to continue the sexual relationship, and allowed her to be put in the situation with Weinstein ... an allegation which seems to have opened the door for a federal complaint to be filed.  Of course, she wants major damages.

Dolan is calling this entire suit pure fiction, with an attorney for the mogul telling TMZ ... "There is absolutely no merit to any of the allegations against Mr. Dolan. Kellye Croft and James Dolan had a friendship. The references to Harvey Weinstein are simply meant to inflame and appear to be plagiarized from prior cases against Mr. Weinstein."

His lawyer adds, "These claims reflect an act of retaliation by an attorney who has brought multiple cases against Mr. Dolan and has not won, and cannot win, a judgment against him. Mr. Dolan always believed Ms. Croft to be a good person and is surprised she would agree to these claims. Bottom line, this is not a he said/she said matter and there is compelling evidence to back up our position. We look forward to proving that in court."

Weinstein's own attorney, Jennifer Bonjean tells TMZ … "Mr. Weinstein vehemently denies these meritless allegations and looks forward to litigating these claims in court of law where the truth will be revealed."

A rep for Azoff tells us ... "Irving Azoff is not a party to this lawsuit. Neither he nor his companies had any involvement in any alleged misconduct by others."

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