TMZ

Pitbull may need to go by “Dale” Earnhardt, Jr. now … ’cause the party music legend is now a proud co-owner of a NASCAR racing team!! The Grammy award winner shared the big news on Friday (which also happens to be his 40th birthday) … officially announcing his partnership with Team Trackhouse and owner Justin Marks. As it turns out, Mr. Worldwide says he’s been a fan of NASCAR ever since he saw the 1990 flick “Days of Thunder” starring Tom Cruise … and now he couldn’t be more pumped to get in on the action. “This is a great way to celebrate my 40th bday, so Get Ready! Dale!” Pitbull said on Twitter. Trackhouse features star driver Daniel Suarez, who gave his new boss a shoutout shortly after the announcement was made. “Welcome to the family amigo 🤙🏼💪🏼 @pitbull,” Suarez said. “Daleeee!!!🔥🔥  Big things are happening.” Pitbull won’t just be a mascot owner — the musician is slated to be in-person to watch his team compete at the Daytona 500 next month. He’s already been active in the racing community … performing alongside Blake Shelton at Phoenix Raceway back in March. NASCAR released a statement on the big move, saying, “Pitbull is an iconic talent in the music industry and has tremendous passion for NASCAR racing.” “We look forward to working with him to further engage diverse audiences and introduce new fans to our great sport.” And, one more time, just for the hell of it — DALE!!!! Read Full Article

TMZ may collect a share of sales or other compensation from links on this page. Whether you’re a skier or snowboarder, the proper gear makes all the difference during a day in the snow … including your goggles, which can now do more than just block out the sun. If you really want to kick things up a notch, grab a pair of IceBRKR Bone Conduction REVO Ski Glasses and you’ll surely have a more exciting experience on the mountain. Not only will it keep you safer, but it’s also the world’s first ski mask with bone conduction audio. It’s the modern goggles snow sport lovers have been waiting for. It features Bluetooth 5.0 MESH Intercom technology that allows you to talk to up to 18 of your friends during your run. Beyond being able to chat and take calls, the bone conduction capability delivers a premium sound experience. For those who want to hype themselves up like Olympian Chloe Kim, this is your chance to blast your favorite tracks and have the most exhilarating time speeding down the mountain. Make your next snow adventure safer and way more fun by snagging 15% off the IceBRKR Bone Conduction REVO Ski Glasses … ’cause we have ’em on sale for just $169.99. Prices subject to change. Read Full Article

It’s far from a pizza party, but the National Guard troops stationed in the nation’s capital to keep the peace ahead of Inauguration Day are being treated to pizza on the reg … thanks to thoughtful donors. A cargo van loaded with stacks of pies was delivered to troops throughout D.C. Friday, from the popular local restaurant We, The Pizza. The pizza joint tells TMZ … it launched an initiative Tuesday for people to donate money to provide food for the National Guard, D.C. and Capitol Police and the fire department. We’re told on Thursday this resulted in about 1,500 pizzas being delivered, and the number’s at 500 and counting Friday. We, The Pizza says it plans on keeping up the pizza drive through the inauguration. Members of Congress — such as Reps. Michael Waltz and Vicky Hartzler — have been personally involved in handing out the pies in the Capitol Building this week … to show their support for protecting them. As we’ve reported … members of the National Guard have been called in to boost security in wake of the January 6 Capitol riots, which 20,000 expected to be in D.C. for Joe Biden’s inauguration. It’s been no simple task, as evidenced by exhausted troops sleeping on the hard Capitol floor. Obviously, they deserve a lot more than pizza … but it’s a good start. Read Full Article

2009 Masters winner Angel Cabrera was arrested in Brazil and is facing extradition to Argentina on Thursday … after the golfer was accused of trying to run over his ex with his car in 2016. Police in Rio de Janeiro announced a 51-year-old man — who the Associated Press confirmed to be the PGA star — was arrested in connection with charges in Argentina … including assault, theft, illegal intimidation and repeated disrespect to authorities. Cabrera was on Interpol’s red code list, according to the report … and was considered to be a fugitive in August after failing to make an appearance with prosecutors. Earlier this month, one of Cabrera’s former partners accused the golfer of punching her in the face, making threats and trying to run her over with his car in ’16, according to reports in Argentina. Another different woman, Cabrera’s ex-wife, also reportedly filed two charges against the golfer … including assault and threats. Cabrera won the U.S. Open over Tiger Woods in 2007 and the Green Jacket in 2009 … and narrowly lost in a playoff against Adam Scott in the 2013 Masters. Story developing … Read Full Article

President Trump’s double impeachment isn’t altering some big plans he’s already making … to build and fill his Presidential Library. As Trump prepares to move out of The White House, several boxes and items were hauled out Thursday … including a few storage containers marked “Presidential Library Gifts.” The bins are clear, but it’s still hard to make out most of what’s inside them … although it looks like a mini baseball bat made the cut. Presidents rack up gifts from all around the country and world during their time in The White House, and Trump’s Republican Presidential predecessor … George W. Bush houses approximately 43,000 such gifts at his Presidential Library and Museum in Dallas, TX. Based on the labels on the storage bins … it appears Trump has a similar idea in mind. However, even though every POTUS since Hoover has had a Presidential Library, it’s no easy project … and the tale of the Barack Obama Presidential Center is a perfect example. There have been major funding and planning challenges, because all the money comes from private sources, and construction was suspended in the Fall. They’re hoping to restart sometime this year. Considering Trump’s been impeached twice and has suffered major blows to his business lately, he might face similar challenges. But, we know he’s all about having his name on buildings … so ya gotta think he’s gonna try. As we reported … along with moving boxes, a bust of Abraham Lincoln was taken out of The White House Thursday, which raised some eyebrows. The White House historical society says everything is being handled appropriately, though. Read Full Article

James Harden is saying goodbye to his home of 9 years with an emotional tribute … saying he is “forever indebted” to the city after failing to bring the Larry O’Brien trophy back to Houston. The 2018 MVP had a messy breakup with the Rockets to say the least … from asking for a trade, to partying in ATL and Las Vegas during training camp, to publicly bashing the team. But, JH put all that aside in his final message to H-Town … thanking the organization and city for taking a chance on him. “What can I write? What words can convey all the ways I feel,” Harden said Friday. “Houston you welcomed me with no guarantees. Took a leap of faith and it changed my life and the lives of my family, forever. This organization, this city has given me everything I could ask for and more.” He added … “Before the scoring titles, long before MVP, you believed. For that I am forever indebted. The city opened its arms and welcomed me and my family as one of its own and for that I am forever indebted.” FWIW — the Rockets won their first game of the post-Harden era Thursday night … beating the San Antonio Spurs 109 to 105. So, things aren’t all bad in H-Town!! The superstar continued … “I gave my mind, body and soul in hopes of bringing the glory to the city. I fell short and for that, I am forever indebted. It’s far from a goodbye, as I pay all my debts.” Now, Harden joins Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving to form a super team in Brooklyn … where he hopes to finally get that first ring. Read Full Article

The Vegas strip’s shining a little brighter to honor one of its adopted sons … lighting up the marquees to honor the late Siegfried Fischbacher. Sin City paid tribute to the legendary magician/tiger tamer Thursday night when virtually every hotel on Las Vegas Blvd. lit up its marquee to bid him farewell. The tribute started at 5 PM … and you can see Park MGM, Aria and the MGM were among the hotels that took part. Siegfried and Roy arrived in Vegas in the 1970s and performed at the Stardust Hotel, MGM Grand, New Frontier Hotel. While Siegfried got top billing at various hotels … he undoubtedly shined the brightest at the Mirage, where he and his partner, Roy Horn, built a worldwide brand from 1990 until 2003. Before their debut there, the duo described the new show to Steve Wynn as “above and beyond anything anyone had seen in Las Vegas.” Kenneth Field, the producer, told 20/20 that the new show “was probably the most expensive show in the history of the world at the time it was built.” A cool $30 million. Siegfried and Roy’s show would go on to become the most visited show on the strip. As we reported … 81-year-old Siegfried died Wednesday and just 2 days after announcing he had cancer. His death came 8 months after Roy’s passing. Siegfried died at his home in Las Vegas from pancreatic cancer. His sister said he “fell asleep gently and peacefully.” Read Full Article

A Florida substitute teacher who was caught on video telling students Antifa was responsible for the Capitol riot has been fired … TMZ has learned. Dr. Damien Moses, principal at Bok Academy in Lake Wales, FL., tells TMZ … the teacher’s conduct was immediately dealt with following the incident from earlier this week. Moses said, “We met with her and she has been dismissed not only from our school, but also from the Lake Wales Charter School System.” A student at the academy started recording the substitute teacher’s rant during a middle school language arts class in which she falsely claimed 3 Antifa members were paid to storm the Capitol in last week’s failed coup, and were solely responsible for the violence. Remember … the FBI has said there is no indication Antifa played a role in the mob that stormed the Capitol. The substitute teacher was referencing a Washington Times story from last week with the headline “Facial Recognition Claims Antifa Infiltrated Trump Protesters who Stormed Capitol.” The story has since been retracted … after the Singapore-based XRVision tech company refuted the report, adding the company was never in contact with the outlet. You can hear the student recording the video tell the sub rioters were seen wearing MAGA hats and Trump flags … but the sub fired back saying, “When they’re paid to be there and cause a riot they wanna make it look like Trump supporters so they wear Trump hats and carry Trump flags.” You can sense the discomfort in the room … and one student asked for permission to leave, while another said, “I don’t care about your opinions.” The principal told us, “We have spoken with the students twice, and plan on speaking with them again. We had a conversation about the situation, and just relayed that we do not discuss politics on our campus.” Read Full Article

Kyrie Irving has been hit with yet another fine this season … this time, the Brooklyn Nets superstar will have to cough up $50,000 for violating the league’s health and safety protocols. As we previously reported, the NBA was investigating video of a maskless Irving attending a private birthday party for his sister earlier this week, which is against the league’s COVID-19 policy. The rule states players cannot attend indoor events exceeding 15 people. The Association handed down its punishment Friday … and while KI was hit with the $50k fine, he will also forfeit game checks for the 2 games he missed following the party, which amounts to $816,898, according to insider Bobby Marks. It’s not the first time Irving has had to pull out his wallet this season … he was fined $25k for refusing to speak to the media. The latest development adds to the drama-filled season for Irving — who went MIA on the Nets last week for “personal reasons.” Irving will be able to return to the team as early as Saturday — as long as he continues to test negative for COVID — but whether he actually shows up is a different issue. Read Full Article

The insurrectionists who breached the U.S. Capitol absolutely had murder on their minds … according to federal prosecutors who want one of the most notorious rioters to remain in custody. In docs, obtained by TMZ, the feds say there’s strong evidence supporting that “the intent of the Capitol rioters was to capture and assassinate elected officials in the United States government.” That disturbing statement refers to the case of Arizona man and so-called “QAnon Shaman” Jacob Chansley — the bare-chested rioter with animal horns and face paint who stormed into the Capitol. Prosecutors say an FBI investigation revealed Chansley — who was photographed standing at Vice President Mike Pence’s desk in the Senate chamber — also left a threatening note for the VP saying, “It’s only a matter of time, justice is coming.” The feds say Chansley’s own words support the rioters’ intentions were much more nefarious than simply occupying the Capitol Building, and warn that “the insurrection is still in progress.” Chansley is due in court Friday, and prosecutors argue he should remain detained because he poses a flight risk. As we reported … he’s facing charges of knowingly entering/remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority, violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. Read Full Article