Hockey Fun Fact:You can punch the hell out of an opposing player on the ice, but when you refer to his girlfriend as your "sloppy seconds" -- that's where the NHL draws the line.
The NHL suspended hockey's most hated player, Sean Avery, for talking trash to the new player dating his ex girlfriend Elisha Cuthbert.
Here's the deal -- Cuthbert's new boyfriend, Dion Phaneuf, plays for the Calgary Flames -- and during a practice session in Calgary today, Avery got the media's attention and said the following:
"I just want to comment on how it's become like a common thing in the NHL for guys to fall in love with my sloppy seconds. I don't know what that's about. Enjoy the game tonight."
Avery is out pending a hearing with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.
Amanda Beard is furious over the intimation she was bedded by a tanning salon -- for free! In a lawsuit filed yesterday in L.A. County Superior Court, the multiple Olympic medalist claims a tanning salon company in Florida used her likeness without permission, posting her picture on their website "to create the impression that Beard endorses ProSun products." Beard is asking for unspecified damages.
A rep for ProSun claims they took the photos in question at a charity event a few years ago -- and have the right to use them as they wish. We'll see who's right if this thing goes to trial.
Now that Plaxico Burress has been charged, the focus of New York cops is squarely on his teammate Antonio Pierce.
The linebacker's SUV was impounded by the NYPD yesterday to look for blood and gunpowder residue that might be inside, reports the New York Post. What's more, he didn't meet with cops for a second consecutive day, though his lawyer says he will.
Meanwhile, the doctor who treated Plax's bullet wound without calling the cops is Dr. Josyann Abisaab, who doesn't work directly for New York-Cornell Hospital but is affiliated with it. The Post reports she was summoned from home in the middle of the night to treat Burress.
TMZ has learned the New York State Department of Health has launched an investigation to determine if the hospital that treated Plaxico Burress engaged in a conspiracy to hide information.
The Department of Health -- which licenses New York-Cornell Hospital -- began its investigation after reports that hospital workers failed to report the gunshot wound, as required by New York law.
According to state law, failing to report a gunshot injury to cops is a Class A misdemeanor.
UPDATE: New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Hospital has suspended the person who didn't call the NYPD immediately, and the hospital admits not reporting a gunshot wound is a violation not just of their own policy, but of the law as well.
Michael Phelps' new girlfriend is a real hoot-er. Caroline Pal worked at the Déjà Vu strip club in North Hollywood from 2003 to 2005 -- while Mr. Phelps was busy winning his first six gold medals in Athens.
We can't say for sure if she actually stripped -- those strip club people are more tight-lipped than ... insert joke. But here's a clue -- her nickname was Sapphire.
The New York Giant who was with Plaxico Burress when he shot himself ditched the cops yesterday -- but managed to make it to a paid radio appearance. And that could spell trouble for Antonio Pierce.
Pierce was supposed to meet with cops yesterday, according to reports, but didn't appear, even though NFL officials had promised to bring him to a meeting. They want to question him about what exactly happened at Latin Quarter and the aftermath.
We're told by several sources Pierce blabbed to NFL security after the shooting without a lawyer, which could put the league in a very awkward position when it comes to the cops.
This brand new, top-of-the-line jersey finally lets you support your favorite NFL player who allegedly shot himself in the leg at a club, fled to a hospital, told docs his name was Harris Smith and then claimed he was shot at Applebee's.
Buy within the next 20 minutes and you'll get a half-off coupon for Applebee's new signature appetizer: Plaxico potato shooters!
A judge set bail for Plaxico Burress at $100,000 today and a grand jury hearing has been set for March 31. He did not enter a plea. The prosecutor had asked for a $250,000 bail due to the nature of the felony. His attorney argued that since Plax had a $35 million contract, he wasn't going anywhere. Apparently, the judge agreed.
According to court docs that detail what went down over the weekend, Plax was holding a drink in his left hand while fidgeting around his waistband with his right. A witness reported hearing a loud "pop" sound and Plax saying, "Take me to the hospital." His leg began to shake and a pistol fell out of his pant leg and onto the floor.
As for the illegal weapons charge, if convicted Plax could face as much as a 15-year prison sentence. His lawyer, Benjamin Brafman, told the judge the gun in question had been registered in Florida and even though Plax has a house in New Jersey, he spends half his time in the Sunshine State.
With his hands cuffed firmly behind his back, Plaxico Burress just left a NYC police precinct after turning himself in on a felony weapons charge. He'll be arraigned sometime this afternoon, we're told. As he was placed in handcuffs, sources say Plax "looked really, really down ... shellshocked."
Plaxico Burress just went into the 17th Precinct of the NYPD. Dressed in a suit, Burress arrived in an SUV with his lawyer. He's expected to enter a not guilty plea to one charge of illegal possession of a weapon, a felony, once he's arraigned.
Plaxico Burress walked into the 17th Precinct just moments ago to turn himself into cops.
As TMZ reported yesterday, Burress will enter a plea of not guilty to one charge of illegal possession of a weapon, a felony, once he's arraigned. We're told he may also be charged with reckless endangerment.
Burress' lawyer Ben Brafman just said Plax is going to be arraigned at 100 Centre Street at 1 PM today, and will plead not guilty to the felony possession charge.
As with so many misdeeds, the coverup is worse than the crime itself ... especially injecting Applebee's restaurant.
We're hearing the same things the NYC papers are reporting today: After Plaxico Burress accidentally shot himself in the leg, he scrambled to concoct a phony story. When he belatedly went to the hospital, he claimed to hospital admissions staff he was shot at an Applebee's restaurant.
According to the NY Post, Burress used the alias Harris Smith, but staffers recognized him and blew his cover.
The Post says New York-Cornell Hospital did not report the gunshot to cops.
Also, club owners didn't call the cops after the incident, and may have cleaned up before the NYPD arrived, according to the paper.
Looks like Michael Phelps has at least as many girls as gold medals.
We showed you pictures of Caroline Pal, the Palms Las Vegas cocktail waitress he supposedly took home to Mom for Thanksgiving, but according to the Chicago Sun-Times, she's not the only galpal he's got. "Michael is having a great time. He's been dating a number of girls and is just enjoying his celebrity,'' says a family pal.
The friend also says Phelps is too sensitive about his corporate image to exclusively date someone who, well, looks like this.
TMZ has learned the NYPD paid a visit to Plaxico Burress' house this afternoon, and retrieved what appears to be the gun that triggered this whole mess.
The cops arrived with a manila envelope, but a search warrant was NOT inside.
We're told Burress was not there, but authorized someone inside his home to give police the gun that apparently fell down his leg at a nightclub Friday night and accidentally fired.
It would appear reports that he dumped the gun somewhere in New Jersey are not accurate. As we reported, Burress will surrender tomorrow, and plead not guilty to a felony weapon charge.
Plaxico Burress' lawyer, Ben Brafman, just told us they were making arrangements for Plaxico to turn himself in tomorrow morning.
Ben said Burress will enter a plea of not guilty to one charge of illegal possession of a weapon, a felony.
Sources tell TMZ Burress could also be charged with reckless endangerment.
Ben Brafman tells TMZ his client "Intends to address the charges in a responsible manner as a true professional," adding, "I would hope that his fans reserve judgment in this matter until all of the facts are developed."
Brafman just left Plaxico's New Jersey home, where the wide receiver has been holed up since the shooting.
Now that Plaxico Burress has been charged, the focus of New York cops is squarely on his teammate Antonio Pierce.
TMZ has learned the New York State Department of Health has launched an investigation to determine if the hospital that treated Plaxico Burress engaged in a conspiracy to hide information.
The New York Giant who was with Plaxico Burress when he shot himself ditched the cops yesterday -- but managed to make it to a paid radio appearance. And that could spell trouble for Antonio Pierce.
This brand new, top-of-the-line jersey finally lets you support your favorite NFL player who allegedly shot himself in the leg at a club, fled to a hospital, told docs his name was Harris Smith and then claimed he was shot at Applebee's.
Plaxico Burress walked into the 17th Precinct just moments ago to turn himself into cops.
As with so many misdeeds, the coverup is worse than the crime itself ... especially injecting Applebee's restaurant.
Looks like Michael Phelps has at least as many girls as gold medals.
TMZ has learned the NYPD paid a visit to Plaxico Burress' house this afternoon, and retrieved what appears to be the gun that triggered this whole mess.
Plaxico Burress' lawyer, Ben Brafman, just told us they were making arrangements for Plaxico to turn himself in tomorrow morning. 
