Posted Jan 9th 2009 4:41PM by TMZ Staff
It was only a matter of time until Charles Barkley's DUI arrest had serious repercussions for the NBA star.
Barkley will take a leave of absence from TNT for a minimum of several weeks with no return date set, a source told the AP. David Levy, president of TNT Sports, released a statement that reads in part, "When I spoke with Charles, he was apologetic for the events that transpired and it was obvious he understands the significance of the situation. This is an important time for Charles as he deals with the legal and personal issues that confront him. Charles is a valued part of the Turner Sports organization and we are concerned for his well-being."
It was revealed today Barkley had a blood alcohol level of .149 -- nearly twice the legal limit in Arizona.
Filed under: Talk Sports
Posted Jan 9th 2009 4:00PM by TMZ Staff
Attention Target shoppers: Zac Efron is airborne in the parking lot.
The 21-year-old "High School Musical" star did research for all his upcoming teen roles by acting like a ten-year-old.
In Hollywood, it's all about staying young.
Filed under: Paparazzi Photo, Kids, Celebrity Checkout
Posted Jan 9th 2009 3:45PM by TMZ Staff
Robert Loggia and Tom Hanks killed when they played "Heart and Soul" and "Chopsticks" on an oversized keyboard in the classic "Big" scene -- 20 years later, Loggia may look the same, but he definitely ain't as spry.
Filed under: Wacky & Weird
Posted Jan 9th 2009 3:30PM by TMZ Staff
Patrick Swayze has checked himself into the hospital after he came down with pneumonia.
Swayze was supposed to take part in a presentation for his show, "The Beast" -- but when he couldn't make it, the president of the A&E network informed reporters about the situation, at Patrick's request.
"He asked us specifically to go forward with today's panel. We wish him the very best with his recovery."
Swayze revealed last year that he is battling pancreatic cancer.
Filed under: Nurse!
Posted Jan 9th 2009 3:21PM by TMZ Staff
With "American Idol" starting up again next week, good friends Simon Cowell and Ryan Seacrest snuck away for a little quality alone time -- on his & his Jetskis -- in the Caribbean together.
Not that there's anything wrong with that.
Filed under: Paparazzi Photo, American Idol, Hot Bodies, Ride Me
Posted Jan 9th 2009 3:05PM by TMZ Staff
TMZ has obtained an audio tape of an irritated and drowsy Charles Barkley failing a sobriety test on the night he was arrested for DUI in Arizona.
On the audio tape captured by Gilbert P.D., Barkley can be heard counting his steps during the "walk-the-line test," losing his focus during the "raise-your-leg-and-count-to-30 test" and sternly refusing to take a breath test because he claimed his bodyguard told him not to.
The audio tape also captured that special moment when a cop reads Sir Charles his Miranda rights.
Barkley's infamous "oral sex defense" is not on the recording, but there is a moment where a woman in high heels can be heard walking away from the scene.
Filed under: Talk Sports
Posted Jan 9th 2009 2:45PM by TMZ Staff
Seann William Scott made one thing abundantly clear this morning in London -- if anyone sees his "Role Models" co-star Paul Rudd around, ask him to flash his "big, fat, man vagina."
If we get a shot, we'll be sure to let you know.
Filed under: Nurse!
Posted Jan 9th 2009 2:43PM by TMZ Staff
Tonight on TMZ TV -- Ashlee Simpson and her pops hang out with her ex-boyfriend Ryan Cabrera, while Pete Wentz is nowhere to be found, Weird Al proves he's just as famous now as he ever was, and TMZ examines the phenomenon that is 2 Girls, 1 Cup.
Check your local listings.
Posted Jan 9th 2009 1:45PM by TMZ Staff
Britt Ekland is probably best known for playing Mary Goodnight in the 1974 James Bond film "The Man with the Golden Gun." Guess what she looks like now?!
Filed under: Movies, Beauty, 'Memba Them?!
Posted Jan 9th 2009 1:30PM by TMZ Staff
Dressed like a geriatric Zac Efron, Larry King, 75, perused the early bird specials at Juicy Couture in L.A. on Thursday.
They're having a big sale on replacement hip huggers and orthopedic sneakers.
Filed under: Paparazzi Photo, Fashion Police, Style Insider
Posted Jan 9th 2009 1:05PM by TMZ Staff
When he wasn't being mistaken for Mickey Rourke, KISS rocker Paul Stanley informed us about a body part that could compete with Gene's long tongue -- he also knew he'd "get arrested" if he whipped it out.
Filed under: Wacky & Weird
Posted Jan 9th 2009 12:42PM by TMZ Staff
Charles Barkley had booze in his blood on the night he was busted for DUI, this according to the cops who nailed the basketball star last month.
Cops say Barkley's blood alcohol level was .149 -- nearly twice the legal limit in Arizona.
The BAC number came from a blood test taken in the field, when Barkley refused the Breathalyzer.
He's due back in court January 20.
Filed under: Celebrity Justice, Talk Sports
Posted Jan 9th 2009 12:25PM by TMZ Staff
Michelle Obama's fashion sense has definitely come under fire -- 'memba that butcher dress? -- but does "Project Runway" guru Tim Gunn think the First Lady-elect has what it takes to "make it work?"
Filed under: Full Throttle Fashion, Barack Obama
Posted Jan 9th 2009 12:15PM by TMZ Staff
Ryan O'Neal pled guilty to one count of felony possession of methamphetamines in a Malibu courtroom today.
The actor was sentenced to 18 months in a drug rehabilitation program. If he completes the program, the charge will be wiped from his record.
As part of the judges ruling, O'Neal is not allowed to possess any controlled substance and can't associate with anyone known to be a drug user -- except for his son, Redmond.
Redmond was also in court today facing the same charge -- he had his case continued until February 20.
Filed under: Celebrity Justice
Posted Jan 9th 2009 12:10PM by TMZ Staff
... he still buys actual compact discs.
At this point his masked, netted safari/funeral garb is just standard uniform for the former King of Pop, but the fact that he went to a brick and mortar record store and bought his own CDs is just plain strange.
Who knew anyone had purchased a Michael Jackson album in the last 15 years?!
Filed under: Paparazzi Photo, Music, Wacky & Weird, Michael Jackson
