IN THE NEWS...

[muthagoose]

NFL, Falcons could ask Vick to focus energies in court

ATLANTA -- In what has quickly evolved into a collaborative effort that includes input of officials from the NFL, NFL Players Association and Atlanta Falcons, embattled quarterback Michael Vick could be urged to take a voluntary leave of absence to focus his energy on the legal challenges from a federal dogfighting indictment confronting him, sources said.

There are, however, two critical components that must be resolved: Falcons owner Arthur Blank must be on board with a plan that has generated considerable discussion at the league level the past two days. And Vick, who might be reluctant to accept even a paid hiatus from the game, might have to be convinced that the leave could be his best option.

Blank and the Falcons might also be considering other options.

Under the leave-of-absence scenario, and given the projected timeline of any trial that could ensue from the federal indictments brought against the quarterback Tuesday, all parties would enter into the agreement, if it is consummated, with the expectation that Vick would probably miss the entire 2007 season.

While the concept of a leave has been broached conceptually to associates and advisors of Vick, it has not yet been formally presented to the Falcons' star. Vick, 27, could be briefed about the possibility of a paid leave of absence as early as Friday. He would likely be granted time to consider the suggestion, which would almost certainly have to be communicated by Blank, with a decision not coming until early next week.

It has become clear, as high-level discussions have progressed, that all the parties involved in the talks are desperately seeking a resolution to a potential public relations disaster before the Falcons begin training camp Thursday. A league source acknowledged Thursday that "something one way or the other is going to have to happen ... by the start of training camp."


As incentive for Vick to consider a leave, the union is hopeful that Blank will offer to guarantee the player's $6 million base salary for 2007. That could be a sticking point in negotiations. No one will try to bully Vick into accepting the leave, but he might be reminded that while the league and Falcons are inclined for now to allow due process to play out in the courts, that stance is not an unalterable one, and unfolding events could possibly change the approach of Blank and commissioner Roger Goodell.

Sources said that NFLPA executive director Gene Upshaw spoke directly with Vick late Thursday. A union official did not divulge details of the conversation.

Multiple sources at various levels of the ongoing discussions acknowledged that a consensus was beginning to galvanize that nobody, including Vick, will benefit by the quarterback playing the 2007 season under a cloud of suspicion and burden of the federal indictment. In the indictment, Vick is alleged to have conspired in an illegal dogfighting venture conducted on property he owns in Surry County, Va.

Intensive talks continued Thursday with Goodell, Blank, Falcons team president and general manager Rich McKay and Upshaw. They discussed the various options available to them, and those discussions are expected to continue Friday.

If convicted on all counts, Vick could face a prison sentence of six years.

Neither Vick nor his attorney or agent could be reached for comment Thursday night. Blank also was unavailable for comment, and a Falcons spokesman referred to the owner's statement released earlier Thursday in which he expressed that "we are working diligently on exploring our options."

"The commissioner is concerned about the seriousness of the charges, and he wants to make sure Vick focuses on putting up the most appropriate defense," a source said. "Vick has to be convinced that it is in his best interests to take a leave of absence ... I think it's fair to say nobody's really comfortable with him playing under these circumstances."

Even a close Vick associate acknowledged early Friday that is the case.

Said the associate: "There's been a lot of stuff going on the last day or so, but the one thing that keeps getting clearer and clearer is that they don't want [Vick] around. The Falcons, the league, they know it's a mess and it's only going to get uglier if camp starts and he's on the field. If he's not [present for camp], at least there's a little bit of 'out of sight, out of mind,' you know? It removes the source of distraction. Otherwise, it's just [untenable]."

A leave of absence would at least temporarily address several possible dilemmas for the Falcons, including how to handle Vick's contract if he does not report to camp on time. And it would enable the franchise, even if Vick doesn't play in 2007, to retain his contractual rights. Vick is scheduled for a bond hearing and his arraignment hearing Thursday, the same day the Falcons hold their initial camp practice under first-year coach Bobby Petrino.

Without an excused absence, Vick could technically be in default of his contract if he does not report to camp on time, perhaps providing the Falcons the right to attempt to recover bonus money already paid to him. There are default provisions, described by one source with close knowledge of Vick's contract as "very tight language," written into the lucrative 10-year extension he signed in December 2004. Vick advisors spent time Thursday discussing the potential default ramifications with NFLPA officials.

Members of the NFL management council, the labor arm of the league, earlier this week began closely reviewing Vick's contract to see what options might be available to Blank and the Falcons if they try to recover any bonus payments.

The 2004 extension has long been advertised as a 10-year, $130 million contract. In reality, because the final season of the contract voided as soon as Vick reached minimum playing-time thresholds, it is a nine-year deal worth about $118 million. Vick has banked more than $40 million, but $37 million of that was in bonuses -- an initial signing bonus of $7.5 million and then subsequent roster bonuses of $22.5 million and $7 million. But for salary-cap purposes, the Falcons exercised an option to convert the roster bonuses into signing bonuses.

That might seem incidental because Vick got all the money coming to him anyway. But if the Falcons attempt at some point to force Vick into paying back part of the bonus money, how the conversions are interpreted might be a point of contention. A ruling in a grievance case involving former Denver first-round wide receiver Ashley Lelie last year made it more difficult for teams to seek repayment of option or roster bonuses.

Atlanta officials might contend that the two most recent bonuses paid Vick, totaling $29.5 million, were converted to signing bonuses, and that they should be permitted to pursue a prorated share of that money. The Vick camp would likely counter that, while the money was paid as signing bonuses, it was actually earned as roster bonuses.

But any contentiousness, and a possible arbitration hearing, could be avoided if Vick accepts a proposal for a leave of absence, one in which all parties agree he will miss camp.

"It would certainly give everyone some much-needed breathing room," said one league source late Thursday night. "People could get on with their business."

Make no mistake, for both the Falcons and the NFL, there is clearly a business component attached to the Vick case.

The league faces a backlash, not only from animal-rights groups but from others, as well. And in the statement Blank released Thursday, he noted his responsibility to his sponsors. The team recently entered into an agreement with Russell Athletic in which the apparel maker will pay $1 million to $2 million annually to sponsor the Falcons' training camp. It could be a camp disrupted by protests if Vick attends.

In other developments on Friday, Michael Vick signed a document called a Return to Summons. His signature is more of a scrawl on the summons, given at the U.S. Marshall's office, where he was also fingerprinted and had his mug shot taken. Signing the summons means he officially knows he's due in court next Thursday for his bond hearing and arraignment. A spokesman in the U.S. Attorney's Office says it was highly unusual to have a defendant come to court early.

In another Vick-related matter, the quarterback's camp has begun interviewing candidates to beef up his legal defense team in the event he goes to trial. Vick's longtime personal attorney, Lawrence Woodward, is expected to remain part of the defense team, but advisors have urged that the Falcons' star to consider adding counsel with experience in federal courts.

The Vick camp has solicited recommendations and is believed to have interviewed at least one prominent defender from the prestigious Washington, D.C., firm of Wilmer Hale.

[muthagoose]

Is it me or does Carrot Top look like a cross between Fergie from The Black Eyed Peas and Patrick Stein Jewish Lawyer?

[MASON]

I don't think it's you. I think there IS a resemblance!

[chief]

yes pat and carrot top could use some help in finding a shirt that actually fits

[muthagoose]

Now that is just wrong!!!

[muthagoose]

Lindsay Lohan Busted Again for Cocaine, DUI After Car Chase

BEVERLY HILLS, California — Fresh-out-of-rehab starlet Lindsay Lohan was busted on DUI charges early Tuesday for the second time in a matter of months after she was allegedly chasing the mother of her former personal assistant — and cops said they found cocaine in one of her pants pockets.

Lohan, 21, was booked on two misdemeanor charges of suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and driving on a suspended license and two felony charges of possession of cocaine and transport of a narcotic, said Sgt. Shane Talbot.

She was then released on $25,000 bail.


Authorities said they received a 911 call from the frightened mother of Lohan's former personal assistant, said Officer Alex Padilla. The assistant had just quit hours before, he said.

The woman apparently didn't realize it was Lohan who was behind her, Padilla said.

"The mother was afraid," Padilla said. "She wasn't quite sure what was going on so she called the police saying she wanted to make sure everything was going to be OK."

Police said the woman drove her black Cadillac Escalade into the parking lot of Santa Monica's Civic Auditorium, about a block away from the Santa Monica Police Department, followed by Lohan driving a Denali sport utility vehicle. Authorities arrived and saw Lohan and the woman in "heated debate," Padilla said. Lohan and the woman each had two passengers in their vehicles, Padilla said.

When police found Lohan at about 1:30 a.m., her blood alcohol level was between .12 and .13, well over the .08 legal limit in California, Talbot said.

Lohan checked out of a Malibu rehab center on July 13 after a stay of more than six weeks. She has been wearing an alcohol-monitoring ankle bracelet, going to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and receiving therapy ever since.

The "Mean Girls" star, who turned 21 on July 2, checked into the swank facility after a wild Memorial Day weekend during which she crashed her Mercedes-Benz into a curb, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and was photographed slumped in the passenger seat of a friend's car.

Last Thursday, Lohan turned herself in to police to be booked on suspicion of driving under the influence during the Memorial Day weekend car crash, police said.



Accompanied by her attorney, Lohan surrendered herself at the Beverly Hills Police Department to be fingerprinted and photographed, Officer Brian Ballieweg said.

She was booked on suspicion of a DUI with a blood alcohol level above .08, California's legal limit, and on suspicion of misdemeanor hit and run, Ballieweg said.

After the Memorial Day incident, police said she had been arrested for investigation of driving under the influence, though she wasn't formally booked on the allegation until Thursday.

The actress was released on her own recognizance. A court date was scheduled for Aug. 24.

Lohan first checked into rehab for substance abuse treatment in January. Earlier this month, her publicist, Leslie Sloane Zelnik, said the star was "doing great."

"Lindsay is working hard on her sobriety and we are all supporting her."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

[MASON]

With all of that money, you would think they could hire a limo or a LEAST a personal driver.

Not even Vince drives himself on "Entourage"

[Chick-O-Stick]

muthagoose said:

While the obvious roid useage is disturbing, I find it pretty funny that no one noticed something even more disturbing- he was at the "Roast of Flavor Flav".

[muthagoose]

Weekly World News to close... the end of a true classic.

Publisher American Media Inc. said on Tuesday it will stop printing the Weekly World News, which for 28 years gleefully chronicled the exploits of alien babies, animal-human hybrids and dead celebrities.

The company said in a brief statement it would end the print version of the tabloid newspaper next month but would maintain the online version (www.weeklyworldnews.com).



"Due to the challenges in the retail and wholesale magazine marketplace that have impacted the newsstand, American Media, Inc. today announced it will close the print version of the Weekly World News, effective with the August 27 issue. Weekly World News was AMI's smallest weekly publication," the company said in a statement e-mailed to Reuters.

Spokesman Richard Valvo declined further comment.

American Media is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, and is best known as the publisher of the National Enquirer. The company announced last month it was exploring the sale of five of its 16 magazines as part of a strategy to focus on celebrity weeklies and lifestyle magazines.

The Weekly World News, which boasted it was "The World's Only Reliable Newspaper," reveled in shocking and almost always exclusive reports about extra-terrestrials, ghosts, scoundrels and scientific discoveries, such as the cure for lovesickness found on the walls of an ancient Mexican monument.

Bat Boy, the half-bat, half-human child found in a cave, was a regular feature. After the September 11 attacks, the tabloid reported he had been enlisted in the hunt for Osama bin Laden because of his special cave-dwelling skills.

The current online version reports that Mother Nature has endorsed Al Gore for president and other recent headlines include: "Man bothered by alien telemarketers" and "Dentist uses UFO metal in patient's tooth"

AMI reported a $160 million net loss for 2006 and is struggling with $1 billion of debt and plummeting circulation. It said in an SEC filing in March that sales of the Weekly World News dropped to 83,000 in 2006 from 153,000 in 2004, while circulation of the National Enquirer fell to 802,000 in 2006 from 1.2 million in 2004.

The company has no publicly traded stock but its bonds are publicly traded.

[muthagoose]

Peter Greene busted for buying rock...

Peter Greene, the actor who so memorably rogered Ving Rhames in "Pulp Fiction," got popped Monday in New York for allegedly buying crack -- in broad daylight!

Sources say that Greene was "observed" buying two bags of crack cocaine in a hand-to-hand deal in Manhattan's Alphabet City around 5:50 PM on Tuesday. What's more, the arrest report says that a police officer recovered "two plastic bags ... from defendant's front jeans pocket." Greene was arraigned, spent Tuesday night in jail, and plead guilty to criminal possession yesterday. Today, he's a free man, having been sentenced to time served.

Apart from Zed, Greene also played Redfoot in "The Usual Suspects" and a corrupt narcotics officer in "Training Day." His arrest was first reported by the New York Daily News. His is most notoriously known for his brilliant work in the cult classic "Judgement Night"!

[muthagoose]

Michael Vick: NFL "Sacks" Sales of His Jersey
Vick No. 7 joins "Ron Mexico" as a banned item

I wandered on to NFLShop.com to do my daily check on everything Michael Vick and I noticed something strange. I couldn't find Michael Vick No. 7 jerseys anywhere.

So I called the NFL and asked them why they had made this decision. "We have suspended sales of Vick-related merchandise on our official league e-commerce site, NFLShop.com," said NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy. "This includes Vick jerseys and collectible items such as autographed balls and other memorabilia." McCarthy said the decision was made because it was "not appropriate under the circumstances." The suspension will take place for the immediate future.



I'm surprised the league moved so fast on this. Judging from yesterday's court appearance--in which Vick pleaded not guilty--the Atlanta Falcons quarterback apparently still has fans.

UPDATE: This is not just an NFLShop thing. We just got a news release from Reebok, the league's jersey supplier. They're saying that they are not even distributing Vick jerseys at retail. This is the statement:

"Although Reebok does not have an individual endorsement or marketing relationship with Michael Vick, we are the official supplier of apparel and equipment to all 32 NFL teams and the league’s 1,800 active players. While we respect the legal process we find the allegations against Mr. Vick too disturbing to ignore, therefore, we have decided to immediately suspend selling Vick NFL product, both at retail and on-line through the Reebok website. In addition, Reebok has honored retail cancellations of Vick NFL jerseys."

[MASON]

Very interesting things going in the news "nowadays." It seems that some people are trying to make a positive statement.

Case in point, Weekly World News is nothing more than a tabloid that claims to have "true" stories. Printing those lies and reading them are a waste of everyone's time, and judging by the loss of money over the years, it seems that Americans are no longer interested in their garbage. Perhaps there is hope for this country yet.

Michael Vick. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty, but it does not look good for the Pro Quarterback. It seems that the NFL, Reebok, and other agencies are taking a step back from endorsing a person who possibly has bad morals. Before you folks start getting upset at me, let's take a look at the man. Anyone remember the story of "Ron Mexico"? This man has a questionable character at best.

Now, hopefully he can learn from his mistakes and move on and become a better person. The media should not condem him, (the authorities will if indeed guilty) BUT there will be repercussions to every negative action. It is called "Karma." Look into it folks.

[muthagoose]

Man Claims He Was Beaten For Taping TED NUGENT's RIDGEFEST Concert

Duaa Eldeib of Chicago's Daily Southtown reports that Jim Volpe ended up in an emergency room Friday night after he began taping Ted Nugent's performance at Chicago Ridge's Ridgefest.

Volpe was taking pictures and recording brief portions of the show with his camcorder when someone — who does not appear to be affiliated with Nugent — informed him filming wasn't allowed.

"This guy, out of nowhere, just walked up and said, 'Give me the camera,' " said Volpe, who lives in Chicago Ridge.

When Volpe said he'd give him the tape rather than the $600 camera, Volpe claims the man said, "It's too late for that now."

"He got me in a headlock, and the rest is history," Volpe said.

Volpe's girlfriend then grabbed the camcorder, and when the man dropped Volpe and looked at her, she started running through the crowd with the camera, Volpe said.

"This guy was scary looking," 49-year-old Volpe said. "She told me she was scared to death of this guy."

Read the entire article at www.dailysouthtown.com.

[muthagoose]

TV Hulk Ferrigno Now an Anti-Terror Cop, Cast in New Hulk Film

That would be Sheriff Incredible Hulk to you. Lou Ferrigno, actor and former Mr. Universe has become a Los Angeles Reserve Deputy Sheriff Level II, having graduated anti-terrorist and advanced weaponry training.

His increasing duties as a Deputy Sheriff may seem as unlikely a career twist as the other actor/Mr. Universe, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ferrigno will still act when duties permit. He has been cast for an unspecified role in the feature film “The Incredible Hulk,” starring Ed Norton as Bruce Banner and Liv Tyler as Betsy Ross. It is another Marvel Comics property from creator Stan Lee (Spider-Man) and Universal has the $125 million-budget feature scheduled to open wide on June 13, 2008.

For those who remember Ferrigno’s speech and hearing problems that made him awkward for some acting roles, he has apparently solved both with advanced surgery to correct his hearing – without which he could not be a sheriff in the field.



Ferrigno has been required to complete at least twenty hours of service per month this past year on top of his training and study time. He has been assigned to the Sheriff’s Reserve Forces Bureau, Headquarters Unit and works on the recruitment of new deputies. He also works with the Sheriff’s Youth Activities League (YAL) and the Special Victims Bureau, which works with abused children. He has become an Ambassador of good will and opportunities from the Sheriff’s Department to a generation demographic of young city kids who had never thought before of getting involved in law enforcement.

Ferrigno was a two-time Mr. Universe, author of three books and has a line of fitness equipment. He continues his successful personal training business that includes such star clientele as Mickey Rourke, Michael Jackson, and Chuck Norris. Ferrigno, a dance enthusiast who incorporates dance elements in his workout routines, has contacted “Dancing with the Stars” producers about appearing on the show.

Ferrigno and wife Carla currently have a recurring role as the new neighbor in ” King of Queens”, one of the nation’s highest rated network TV programs which is about to go into syndication.

[muthagoose]

R Kelly to be tried for child pornography, faces up to 15 years in jail if convicted

CHICAGO - Grammy Award-winning R&B singer R Kelly will go on trial Sept. 17 on child pornography charges, five years after the accusations were first made, prosecutors said on Wednesday.

Kelly, 40, whose real name is Robert Kelly, faces up to 15 years in jail if convicted of videotaping himself having sex with an underage girl. Prosecutors have said the girl could have been as young as 13, but defense attorneys have disputed her age and whether Kelly is on the tape. The underground videotape was widely circulated.

Kelly pleaded not guilty to the charges and in the interim has released hit songs, gone on tours, and released a DVD set of “hip-hopera” skits.

Cook County Judge Vincent Gaughan said jury selection would begin Sept. 17.

The trial was delayed, in part, by arguments over when the video was made. It was also pushed back because the judge fell and broke bones and needed to recuperate.



Mason Says: Remember, people are innocent until proven guilty. Even when they are clearly on videotape peeing on an underage girl.

[muthagoose]

Henry Rollins rants about Internet freedom

Former Black Flag frontman and inveterate ranter Henry Rollins did a serious tear on the systematic attacks on the Internet from government and corporations. The video is fantastic, profane and inspiring.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ut9-hgFbJWs

[muthagoose]

Woodstock's famous farm on the market

BETHEL, N.Y. - The famous farm near the alfalfa field that drew 400,000 people to Woodstock for three days of sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll is up for sale.

The asking price: $8 million.

Roy Howard, the current owner, is packing it in after years of tangling with local officials over permits for reunion gatherings to mark the 1969, three-day Woodstock music festival that helped ignite a generation.

Up for sale is the 2,000-square-foot house that belonged to dairy farmer Max Yasgur, along with a larger farmhouse, a barn and 103 bucolic acres about 80 miles north of New York City.

Included are a gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, double convection ovens, Viking stove, antique soapstone sink, 22-foot vaulted ceilings and expansive views of the Pocono Mountains. There's also a double whirlpool tub, steam shower and bidet.

The nearby alfalfa field where the concert was held isn't included in the sale. It's owned by cable magnate Alan Gerry, who turned it into the 4,800-seat Bethel Woods Center last summer.

Yasgur lent out the alfalfa field for the concert after promoters were rejected by officials in the nearby town of Woodstock. About 400,000 people packed the field Aug. 15-17 for the festival that drew the biggest names in music — Jimi Hendrix and the Who among them.

Yasgur and his farm were celebrated in Joni Mitchell's song "Woodstock," popularized by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young with the line: "I'm going on down to Yasgur's farm. I'm going to join in a rock 'n' roll band."

Sullivan County Treasurer Ira Cohen, who was at Woodstock, helped organize reunions during the 1990s and said the sale will end an era.

"The reunions were a way to keep the music going," he said.

[muthagoose]

'Monster Ballads Xmas' Featuring SKID ROW, TWISTED SISTER, QUEENSRŸCHE, FASTER PUSSYCAT

Inspired by the success of the platinum-certified, best-selling "Monster Ballads" collections and last year's surprise Christmas hit, TWISTED SISTER's "A Twisted Christmas", Razor & Tie Entertainment is proud to announce a must-have for any rock and roll fan — "Monster Ballads Xmas". Featuring such hair metal icons as WINGER, QUEENSRŸCHE, DOKKEN, TWISTED SISTER and many more, the album contains rockin' versions of Christmas favorites – both old and new. New recordings by SKID ROW, WINGER, NELSON, QUEENSRŸCHE and members of CINDERELLA and WARRANT are available for the first time ever on this super-charged Christmas collection.

"Monster Ballads Xmas" is co-executive produced by TWISTED SISTER guitarist Jay Jay French, a man who knows a thing or two about metal. French commented, "'80s bands are more popular than ever. The 'Monster Ballads Xmas' CD will bring the party vibe into the holiday season with enough hairspray to further enlarge the hole in the ozone layer above the North Pole." "Monster Ballads Xmas" is available in stores beginning September 11.

"Monster Ballads Xmas" track listing:

01. "Jingle Bells" - SKID ROW
02. "Happy Christmas (War Is Over)" - WINGER
03. "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" - Jani Lane of WARRANT
04. "I'll Be Home For Christmas" - TWISTED SISTER with Lita Ford
05. "White Christmas" - QUEENSRŸCHE
06. "Run Rudolph Run" - L.A. GUNS
07. "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree" - FIREHOUSE
08. "Naughty Naughty Christmas" - DANGER DANGER
09. "Blue Christmas" - Tom Keifer of CINDERELLA
10. "Jingle Bell Rock" - NELSON
11. "Silent Night" - FASTER PUSSYCAT
12. "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" - DOKKEN
13. "Happy Holiday" - ENUFF Z'NUFF
14. "Winter Wonderland" - STRYPER
15. "Christmas Love" - BILLY IDOL

[muthagoose]

Michael Vick plea agreement: I Was Part of a Group That Killed Dogs

TMZ has obtained the plea agreement in the Michael Vick case. In it, Vick "admits the facts set forth in the statement of facts."

A portion of the summary of facts reads "Vick agreed to the killing of approximately 6-8 dogs that did not perform well in testing sessions ..." It continues, "All of those dogs were killed by various methods, including hanging and drowning."

The plea agreement reads, "the defendant agrees to forfeit all interests in any and all dogs involved (in) an animal fighting venture that the defendant owns or over which the defendant exercises control ... including but not limited to the approximately 54 pit bulldogs recovered from the residence ... "

The agreement also states that Vick will plead guilty to charges of conspiracy and sponsoring a dog in an animal fighting venture. He's also admitted to providing funding for dog food, medicine and purse fees for dog fighting competitions.

Vick could face up to 5 years in prison along with a substantial fine.

[muthagoose]

Dogs Rescued from DMX's House, Suspected Drugs, Weapons found

PHOENIX -- Deputies searching the home of rapper DMX during an investigation into claims of animal cruelty found about a half-pound of suspected illegal narcotics, the Maricopa County sheriff said Saturday.

No charges have been filed or arrests made. Sheriff Joe Arpaio said the investigation into alleged animal cruelty was ongoing, and the suspected drugs were being tested to confirm their content.

Friday's search was prompted by reports that pit bulls kept by the rapper at the home in rural north Phoenix were not being given enough food or water. A dozen pit bulls were seized, the bodies of three dogs were dug up in the yard and a variety of assault-style weapons were taken from the home, Sheriff Joe Arpaio said.

DMX, whose real name is Earl Simmons, was not at home and his lawyer said he hasn't been there for two months.

Arpaio said there was no indication the dogs were used in fights.



Reached Saturday, attorney Murray Richman said he had no knowledge of any narcotics. The dogs were looked after by a caretaker and "all sorts of people" had been staying at the home, Richman said.

"Why doesn't the sheriff call me?" Richman said. "I spoke to him yesterday _ and rather than make these allegations in the press why doesn't he call me?"

Arpaio said witnesses placed the 36-year-old rapper at the home within the past three weeks, but Richman insisted that he has not been there for 2 months.

The weapons are being checked to see if they are legal, the sheriff said. Richman said Simmons has no felony convictions that would prohibit him from owning weapons.

In 2002, Simmons pleaded guilty to animal cruelty, disorderly conduct and possession of drug paraphernalia in New Jersey. Police said they found pipes for smoking crack cocaine, a pistol and 13 pit bulls at his home in 1999.

His albums include "It's Dark and Hell Is Hot" and "Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood" and "Year of the Dog ... Again."

[muthagoose]

Hulk Hogan's Son Injured in Car Crash

Police in Clearwater, Florida say a car crash has injured the son of pro-wrestler Terry "Hulk Hogan" Bollea, according to local reports.

Witnesses say the yellow sports car careened out of control and hit a palm tree in the raised median of the four-lane road.

The car reportedly belongs to Nicholas Alan Bollea, also known as Nick Hogan. He's one of the stars of the reality show "Hogan Knows Best."

Paramedics and firefighters had to cut both occupants of the car from the wreckage. The car was destroyed by the impact.

[muthagoose]

Report Confirms Owen Wilson Attempted Suicide

A "call to service" report from the Santa Monica Police Department, obtained by the television show "EXTRA," shows that the 911 call from Owen Wilson's home was made because the actor tried to commit suicide.

The call was received shortly after noon on Sunday and was "cleared" some five hours later. "EXTRA" is reporting that it was Owen's brother Andrew who found him. Owen was rushed to St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica and later moved to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Owen Wilson released this brief statement to TMZ through his rep: "I respectfully ask that the media allow me to receive care and heal in private during this difficult time."

[muthagoose]

Owen Wilson Drops Out of Movie
Amid Report That He Was Hooked on Drugs

LOS ANGELES — Owen Wilson dropped out of the upcoming ensemble comedy "Tropic Thunder" as a report swirled that he was hooked on heroin and cocaine before his apparent suicide attempt.

Wilson will not appear in the DreamWorks movie, already six weeks into production in Hawaii, Daily Variety and The Hollywood Reporter said Wednesday, citing sources they didn't identify.

The decision was characterized as a mutual agreement between director Ben Stiller and the 38-year-old actor, who was taken to the hospital Sunday after police responded to the report of a suicide attempt at his Santa Monica home.

The Hollywood Reporter said Wilson had a minor part in the movie, which stars Jack Black and Robert Downey Jr. and revolves around a group of actors who find themselves in the middle of a war.

Wilson's part was to be filmed in just a week, the trade paper said.

In the months before his apparent suicide attempt, the actor was hooked on heroin and cocaine, struggling with depression and hanging out with the wrong crowd, according to a new report.

Wilson's drug use was so frequent, it was even the cause of his Memorial Day breakup with Kate Hudson, according to the report.

And his friends are placing the blame squarely on Wilson's newfound best buddy, British actor Steve Coogan, with whom he starred in several films, according to exclusive interviews in US Weekly magazine.

"I went through it with Steve," Coogan's former girlfriend, rocker Courtney Love, told US.

"I was just out of rehab, and he was right there with the drugs. I tried to warn Owen. I tried to warn his friends. I hope from the bottom of my heart that Owen stays the hell away from that guy."

Many Hollywood insiders believe Wilson's setback will be short-lived and that he will continue to enjoy big-screen success.

"He's loved," Bernie Brillstein, a veteran Hollywood manager who worked with John Belushi and Chris Farley, said Tuesday.

Brillstein said the apparent suicide attempt is "serious, but it's a singular case. Anyone can have a bad day, a very bad day."

Wilson's box-office track record — "Wedding Crashers" topped $200 million, "Cars" brought in almost $250 million — plus his on-screen image as an affable everyman who can charm the ladies while boozing with the boys has made him a favorite with both filmmakers and filmgoers.

Wilson's public perception is "very positive," industry analyst Paul Dergarabedian of Media By Numbers said Tuesday. "Owen Wilson has a really good reputation and people in general really feel bad for him right now."

However, the actor's emotional issues could have "a deep impact on his future employability and the ability to obtain insurance," said longtime publicist Michael Levine.

[muthagoose]

WWE suspends 10 Wrestlers
Performers allegedly violated drug test policy

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) -- World Wrestling Entertainment has suspended 10 performers for violations of a policy that requires drug tests, the company said Thursday.

Stamford-based WWE says it issued suspension notices based on independent information received from investigators from the Albany County New York District Attorney's Office.

WWE spokeswoman Jennifer McIntosh would not identify the performers or specify how they violated the policy. She referred other questions to the district attorney's office, where a message seeking comment was left.

Under the wellness policy, which requires tests for steroids and other drugs, a wrestler faces a 30-day suspension for a first violation, a 60-day suspension for a second violation and firing for a third violation.

In June, pro wrestler Chris Benoit killed his wife and young son and hanged himself. Investigators say Benoit had a steroid and other drugs in his system at the time.

Earlier this month, WWE officials met with New York prosecutors investigating illegal steroid sales.

At the time, McIntosh confirmed the meeting but declined to comment on what was discussed.

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NONPOINT, SKINDRED, ANKLA, KARNIVOOL: First Tour Dates Announced

Bieler Bros. Records has announced the launch of "The Great American Rampage" tour. Created to be an annual touring event, this year's inaugural jaunt will take place in the United States and will run from October through December, and is set to feature a power-packed lineup of bands.

Co-headlining "The Great American Rampage" this year will be metal fan favorites NONPOINT, and the kings of ragga-punk-metal SKINDRED. Supporting the "Rampage" headliners will be none other than Latin metal monsters ANKLA and KARNIVOOL. "The Great American Rampage" will also feature a series of prize giveaways and opportunities to interact with the bands.

"The Great American Rampage" initial tour dates:

Oct. 26 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Revolution
Oct. 27 - Tampa, FL @ Guavaween
Oct. 30 - Myrtle Beach, SC @ House of Blues
Oct. 31 - Jacksonville, NC @ Hooligans
Nov. 02 - Baltimore, MD @ Recher Theatre
Nov. 03 - Cambridge, MD @ The House Sports Bar and Grill
Nov. 04 - Huntington, WV @ Monkey Bar
Nov. 06 - Flint, MI @ Machine Shop
Nov. 07 - Flint, MI @ Machine Shop
Nov. 09 - Madison, WI @ Barrymore/Orpheum
Dec. 01 - West Palm Beach, FL @ Buzz Bake Sale
Dec. 07 - Ft Myers, FL @ Ricochet Night Club