Ludacris Rocks Big Arms For First Pitch ... At Braves Game

Ludacris has throws in different area codes -- the rap legend gave a memorable first pitch at the Atlanta Braves game on Wednesday ... proving he's really got an arm (or in this case, two).

Luda elected to rock the comically large limbs from his iconic "Get Back" music video for the ceremonial toss prior to the matchup against the Colorado Rockies ... as well as the giant Nike Air Force 1s from his "Stand Up" visuals for good measure.

Despite the prosthetics, Luda was able to hurl his pitch relatively close to the strike zone ... resulting in a pretty respectable effort.

UFC's Gilbert Burns Downplays NFLer's Brazil Concerns ... 'It's Not That Crazy'

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BIGGER THAN PEOPLE THINK
TMZSports.com

NFLers wringing their hands over Friday night's game in Brazil need to relax ... 'cause Gilbert Burns -- a UFC superstar who's from Rio De Janeiro -- tells TMZ Sports the athletes are going to be just fine in his native land.

The issue has become quite the talking point ever since the NFL announced the Eagles would take on the Packers in a São Paulo season-opening showdown -- especially after Philadelphia corner Darius Slay blasted league officials this week for planning the contest in a place with a reported high crime rate.

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I'M STAYIN' INSIDE!!!
Big Play Slay

But, when we spoke to Burns about what the guys can expect when they finally touch down in South America -- he said it straight up will NOT be "that crazy."

TMZ TV HOT TAKES TRUMP THANKS BRITTANY MAHOMES ... Plus Jenn Tran, Flau'jae

Donald Trump is thanking Patrick Mahomes' wife, Jenn Tran is getting dumped, and Flau'jae Johnson is recruiting Adele ... all this on today's TMZ TV Hot Takes.

TMZ Live

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THANKS FOR THE LOVE!!!
TMZ.com

First up on "TMZ Live," Harvey and Babcock break down the love fest between Trump and Brittany Mahomes.

49ers' Ricky Pearsall Teen Shooting Suspect Hit W/ 3 Felony Charges ... 'Very Sorry' For Actions

UPDATE

3:31 PM PT -- The 17-year-old accused of shooting Ricky Pearsall over the weekend said through his attorney on Wednesday he was "very sorry" for his actions.

Deputy Public Defender Bob Dunlap told reporters following a court hearing for the boy that his client feels "genuine, genuine remorse" about what happened. He added the suspected gunman's family, too, is apologetic.

According to the Associated Press, at the hearing, the teen looked right at the judge -- and never turned toward his parents, who were also in the courtroom.

He remained in custody following the proceedings, as prosecutors continue to decide whether or not to try him as an adult.

Washington Commanders Fire Content VP ... After Controversial Comments On Players, NFL

UPDATE

9/5 9:01 AM -- Rael Enteen's remarks just cost him his job ... as the Commanders decided to fire him after a brief investigation.

The Commanders have suspended vice president of content Rael Enteen ... this after the employee made wild accusations about Washington players and fans, the NFL and some of the most important figures in the league.

Enteen's comments were captured on a hidden camera during a presumed date with an undercover O'Keefe Media Group journalist ... when he was asked his opinion on numerous topics regarding his gig.

Enteen claimed the majority of Commanders players were "very low-income African-Americans" who have homophobic beliefs ... and most fans of the sport are "high school-educated alcoholics," even referring to them as "mouth breathers."

Travis Kelce Didn't Say Neigh to Racehorse W/ Swift in the Name!!!

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SWIFT PURCHASE
New Heights / Wave Sports + Entertainment

Travis Kelce is shedding light on his decision to enter the racehorse business ... confirming the animal's Taylor Swift-inspired name played a role in his decision to purchase.

The NFL star -- who bought a racehorse named Swift Delivery last week -- addressed his big purchase on a new episode of the "New Heights" podcast ... after his cohost and brother, Jason Kelce, asked him point-blank if the name influenced the sale.

As Travis put it ... he felt like the stars did "align" when he was presented with the opportunity to become part-owner of Swift Delivery.

Bill Belichick Gets An IG Account ... 'I've Joined Instaface!!!'

The NFL season kicks off in a little over 24 hours, but Bill Belichick might have just stolen the spotlight from the league -- as the eight-time Super Bowl champion shockingly announced he's joined Instagram!!!

The second-winningest coach in NFL history made the bombshell announcement on Wednesday's "Pat McAfee Show" ... this after living in social media oblivion for YEARS.

In true Belichick fashion, he screwed up the name of the app while telling Pat of his new endeavor.

Ex-NFL Star Adrian Wilson Cuts Deal In Dom. Violence Case

Former NFL star Adrian Wilson has struck a deal with officials to close out his domestic violence case -- ensuring if he completes a series of conditions ... the whole thing will be behind him in a matter of months.

Scottsdale, Ariz. court records show the five-time Pro Bowler cut the pact with prosecutors on Tuesday -- agreeing to enter into a pretrial diversion program to eventually rid himself of the disorderly conduct charge he had been facing.

As part of the agreement, officials dropped the other two counts against him -- domestic violence assault and domestic violence damage to property.

Artem Chigvintsev DV Case Turned Over to D.A. ... Charges Could Be Coming

Artem Chigvintsev's domestic violence arrest is moving along ... 'cause the Napa County Sheriff just turned the case over to the D.A. -- and, formal charges could be coming.

Napa County D.A. Spokesperson Carlos Villatoro tells TMZ ... their office is currently reviewing the case, and no decision has been made yet on charges the pro dancer may face.

We're told the D.A. will make a decision after a thorough review of the case and will then make a public announcement.

Eagles' Darius Slay Apologizes For Brazil Comments

Philadelphia Eagles star Darius Slay is issuing an apology -- but not to any one person -- rather to an entire nation ... saying he's sorry to Brazil for comments he made about the country ahead of his team's upcoming game in São Paulo.

The 33-year-old cornerback took to his X account to make the mea culpa on Tuesday night -- just days after he said he did not want to travel to Brazil for the Eagles' season-opener against the Packers at all.

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I'M STAYIN' INSIDE!!!
Big Play Slay

Slay said on his "Big Play Slay" podcast he was concerned about the country's crime rate -- before he asked straight up, "NFL, why do y'all wanna send us somewhere where the crime rate is this high?"

Donald Trump Thanks 'Beautiful' Brittany Mahomes ... Amid Show Of Support

Donald Trump is heaping praise on Brittany Mahomes ... days after the wife of NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes made headlines after seemingly throwing her support behind the former president.

"I want to thank beautiful Brittany Mahomes for so strongly defending me, and the fact that MAGA is the greatest and most powerful Political Movement in the History of our now Failing Country," #45 posted on Truth Social Wednesday morning.

Trump wasn't done ... he then gave Patrick a shout-out.

Travis Kelce's Reps 'Breakup Plan' Is a Forgery ... Love Story W/Taylor 100% Real

Travis Kelce's reps are on the ball when it comes to shutting down this viral Taylor Swift breakup rumor ... even enlisting legal help to tackle the drama head-on.

Here's the skinny ... an alleged "Comprehensive Media Plan" from the NFL star's reps at Full Scope Public Relations made the rounds online Tuesday night, seemingly suggesting Travis and Taylor's "Love Story" was all fabricated for press -- and that there was even a plan to break up on September 28.

It didn't take long for the one-sheet to go viral online ... especially since so many Swifties believe the pop star has finally found "The One" with the Kansas City Chiefs tight end.

GLEN POWELL Touchdown As Chad Powers!!!🏈

Glen Powell's on fire -- not just in Hollywood but on the field too -- showing out as he filmed his new sports TV comedy, "Chad Powers."

The actor's stepping into the cleats of Oregon Ducks college quarterback Russ Holliday -- and you can see him stretching out before the cameras roll in Atlanta ... featuring him dodging Georgia Bulldogs defenders and charging toward a winning touchdown.

These scenes are all about reliving his character’s glory days, with Glen rocking a youthful mullet, compared to the shaggier look he’s been sporting on other filming days.

Johnny Gaudreau's Wife Emotional Note To Late NHL Star ... On Third Anniversary

Johnny Gaudreau's wife is commemorating their third wedding anniversary with a truly heartbreaking message ... just days after the NHL star and his brother tragically passed away.

"I never post this much but John deserves it," Meredith said on Instagram on Wednesday. "3 years ago today I became yours forever. One of the best days of my life, including the night we got engaged and the days we brought our babies into the world."

Meredith -- who shared pictures of their ceremony and honeymoon with the emotional note -- explained she knew from the moment she met the Columbus Blue Jackets star she would end up being his wife ... and their relationship only got better as time went on.

Rajon Rondo Pleads Guilty To Gun Charge ... Gets Probation

Rajon Rondo just a cut deal with prosecutors to close out his recent criminal case -- reaching an agreement that will ensure he won't have to spend further time behind bars ... if he keeps his nose clean for the next several months.

According to court records, the former NBA star pleaded guilty in an Indiana court room on Tuesday to a misdemeanor count of unlawful carrying of a handgun ... and in exchange, the two other charges he was facing -- possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia -- were dropped.

As part of the deal, Rondo was sentenced to 180 days in jail ... but the sentence was suspended, meaning he'll instead spend the time on probation. If he has a brush with the law in the next half a year or so, he could find himself behind bars ... but he won't have to serve any hard time if he stays out of trouble.

Argentina Biker Collision 4 Dirt-Bike Pile-Up in Race Caught on Video

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CRAZY COLLISIONS
Jam Press

A dirt bike race in Argentina caused quite the calamity ... a stuck bike resulted in multiple collisions during the competition -- though organizers say riders only sustained minor injuries.

Video shows how the crash at Enduro del Invierno in Mar del Plata, Argentina went down ... beginning after one moto rider got himself and his bike stuck in beach sand -- and he frantically waves to keep other racers from plowing into him.

A few bikers just barely miss the competitor ... before one runs right through rider and bike alike.

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