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Think Zion and Duke will coast all the way to the title game without a hitch??? Here's Shaq to make you second-guess your bracket picks ... 'cause he says LSU CAN beat the Blue Devils -- despite the Will Wade scandal.

The Tigers head coach was suspended indefinitely before the Big Dance ... after Yahoo Sports recently reported that wiretapped conversations revealed Wade discussed making a "strong-ass" offer to a recruit.

Shaq clearly ain't sweating the investigation possibly making an impact on LSU's run at a title ... simply saying, "Not a distraction."

The Big Aristotle is probably right ... 'cause the Tigers looked pretty good against Yale on Thursday ... and all they have to do is win 1 more game to match up with the Devils (assuming Duke handles their opponents, of course).

But, with guys like Williamson, RJ Barrett and Cam Reddish -- 3 projected lottery picks in the NBA Draft in June -- LSU's going to have their hands full ... scandal or no scandal.

The ruff winter weather is heating up at the sight of these hotties with hounds ... Dig your paws into our gallery of shirtless stars with dogs to see who's treating us with these puppy day pictures!

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian got ya covered if you're thirsty for lemonade and unreleased Yeezys ... and it's all to raise money for a great cause.

Kanye, Kim and Adidas partnered with families across the country Friday to create homemade lemonade stands hawking fresh drinks, and even fresher kicks ... and all the proceeds are being donated to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

The pop-ups are operating right now ... and if you run across one, you can cop an unreleased pair of the Yeezy Boost 700 V2 "Geode" for $300. The lemonade stands are up and running in Indianapolis, Texas, Ohio, Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa and South Dakota.

Kim and Kanye are also busy building their own stand, which they'll set up in their community.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

4:00 PM PT -- R. Kelly's rep, Darrell Johnson, says the meeting was only canceled because Joycelyn insisted on it going down in Chicago, while her family was demanding it happen someplace between Chicago and Atlanta.

Sources in Kelly's camp provided this audio recording of a phone conversation Johnson had 14 days ago with the Savage family's attorney, Gerald Griggs. Take a listen, it's pretty clear both sides were going to have trouble coming to any agreement.

For his part, Griggs tells us the Savages intended to acquiesce and meet Joycelyn in Chi town, but Johnson never got back to them after the phone call. Griggs says they didn't hear back from him until AFTER Johnson was grilled Friday by the Chicago reporter.

1:33 PM -- According to Griggs, R. Kelly's team reached out to the Savages to say they're no longer going to help coordinate a meeting. It's unclear why Kelly's team pulled a 180.

R. Kelly's team is having a hard time arranging a meeting between Joycelyn Savage and her parents ... because both sides can't agree on a location.

R. Kelly's rep, Darrell Johnson, tells TMZ ... Joycelyn is not opposed to meeting with her mom and dad, but she only wants to meet them in Chicago. We're told the Savage family wants to meet Joycelyn at her grandmother's home -- which is outside the Windy City -- because Grandma's battling cancer.

The Savages have made it clear from the beginning ... they want to meet in a neutral location outside of Chicago.

So, both sides remain at a standstill ... even though it's been two weeks since R. Kelly's team agreed to set up a meeting between Joycelyn and her fam.

The Savages' family attorney, Gerald Griggs, tells TMZ ... there's no planned meeting in place, and he can't force one to happen.

Earlier Friday, Kelly's publicist was asked about orchestrating a meeting between Joycelyn and her family ... but he dodged the question.

As we've reported ... whenever the meeting goes down, the Savages plan to bring a psychologist with them to evaluate their daughter.

Joycelyn is alleged to be one of Kelly's "sex slaves" and the Savages have been doing everything they can to set up a face-to-face meeting with her.

Cardi B is suing bloggers for making some outrageous claims -- including saying Cardi's a prostitute who has herpes.

Cardi filed the lawsuit against Tasha K -- who has a blog called unWinewithTashaK. She's pissed about 23 videos Tasha's posted over the last 14 months. According to the suit, Tasha posted a vid last April saying Cardi's baby might be born with intellectual disabilities. The inference seems to be Cardi was doing drugs that would harm then-unborn Kulture.

She's also suing Starmarie Ebony Jones, who, according to the suit, posted a video in September accusing Cardi of doing Molly and cocaine ... engaging in prostitution. Jones allegedly says of Cardi, "Just a Grammy nominated prostitute running around spreading her herpes."

Latasha and Starmarie even posted a video together making more allegations of STDs and hooking.

In the suit, Cardi says she's never been a prostitute or a user of cocaine and molly. She also denies having herpes now ... or ever.

Tim Tebow has it all -- pro baseball career, 2 TV gigs AND an upcoming marriage -- but tells us what fulfills him the most has nothing to do with sports or being in front of a camera.

We had Tim on Friday's "TMZ Live" to talk about "Million Dollar Mile" ... his new competition show on CBS. He was just walking off the field from a spring training game with his NY Mets squad -- which got us wondering about which of his many, many jobs he finds more satisfying.

His answer was pure Tebow. You gotta see what he said about his Foundation and the work he's doing to change lives. Even if you weren't a fan from his NFL and U. of Florida days -- ya gotta admire him when ya see this.

Don't get it twisted, though, Tim's ALL IN for "Million Dollar Mile" too. The show, which premieres next week, is executive produced by none other than LeBron James -- and Tebow's not only the host ... sounds like he's head cheerleader. He explained why he needed some extra care during taping.

Gotta hand it to the guy -- he's juggling a lot professionally, and don't forget ... he also has to find time to plan a wedding with fiancée Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters.

Cory Booker says the future is very, VERY bright for him and Rosario Dawson ... and it'll be downright blinding if she joins him in The White House.

We got the Jersey Senator and presidential hopeful leaving NBC in NYC Friday, and when we ask him if his girlfriend will join him at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave in D.C. if he's elected Prez -- even if they're unmarried -- Cory goes into all-out dote mode.

It's hard to keep up with all the adjectives Booker drops to lovingly describe Dawson, but the bottom line -- he believes she'd be an amazing First Lady ... and the first of her kind.

We broke the story ... Rosario confirmed last week she and Cory are dating and in love, gushing about her man just as much as he does her. She didn't say much about becoming First Lady, but clearly ... the Senator can talk enough for the both of them about that.

1:19 PM PT -- Durst's attorney, Dick DeGuerin, tells TMZ, "All you have to do is file a lawsuit -- but you have to prove it. And that's where they are going to have their problem."

He also stands firm, "Bob Durst did not have anything to do with Kathy Durst's disappearance and he did not kill Susan Berman and he doesn't know who did."

Robert Durst has just been sued for wrongful death in connection with the murder of his wife.

The Estate of Kathleen Durst is suing Robert, who is currently on trial for the murder of his good friend, Susan Berman, claiming he murdered Kathleen January 31, 1982. According to the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, the Estate believes based on Durst's alleged M.O. ... after shooting her in the back of the head, he cut her body into little pieces and disposed of the remains ... which have never been found.

The Estate believes the primary motive was his then-lover, "Dear Prudence" Farrow, gave him an ultimatum ... if he didn't divorce Kathleen she would end their affair. The Estate says Kathleen was threatening a divorce and a cut of their fortune. There was also worry she would expose illegal business practices of the Durst companies.

Durst is currently locked up in downtown L.A. where he is awaiting trial in the Berman case.

Durst arguably confessed to both murders on an open mic during filming of the HBO documentary, "The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst." You hear him muttering, "You're caught ... What the hell did I do? Killed them all, of course."

1:38 PM PT -- TMZ Sports has learned Zelda is doing just fine after the incident, being taken care of by trained professionals at the SPCA of Texas.

A spokesperson for the organization tells us Zelda has received full care -- including "a ton of TLC" -- since she's been in their custody ... and is expected to be put up for adoption within the next few days.

Ex-UFC star Frank Shamrock is reportedly being investigated by cops after he tied a dog to a truck and abandoned it for 5 DAYS at a Dallas airport earlier this month.

Shamrock had to move his ailing mother out of her Texas home -- and in the process, was forced to take control of her two dogs.

Frank tells WFAA in Dallas he was able to find a shelter for one of the dogs ... but when he couldn't find a home for Zelda, the other dog -- he tied her to a truck and left her at Love Field Airport.

Shamrock admits the act was "terrible" ... and says he ran away from the dog in tears.

But, Frank also says his actions helped keep the dog alive, saying, "Here is what I guarantee, that dog is alive and safe right now and I couldn't guarantee that before I tied that dog to the truck and left."

Police seem to disagree ... and are reportedly investigating Shamrock -- and considering levying animal cruelty charges against the fighter.

For his part, Shamrock says he'll accept responsibility for it all, saying, "They can charge me with whatever. I will show up. It is what it is. I'm not hiding in any way."

"It's an unfortunate and terrible thing. I'm an animal lover and I ran away crying."

Zelda is reportedly safe and in custody of Dallas animal control.

Jussie Smollett's fighting to stay outta prison, but one of the brothers who allegedly helped him stage the infamous "attack" is fighting his ass off in the boxing ring -- and just rung up another W.

Abel Osundairo competed again Thursday night in the semifinals of the prestigious Chicago Golden Gloves Tournament at Cicero Stadium. He didn't score a first-round knockout like he did in the quarterfinals, but Abel still secured a unanimous decision -- and he's moving on to the finals, slated to go down next month.

After the match ... Abel was met by a horde of reporters. Abel didn't say much with his mouth but he did let his eyes do a lot of talking. Just ask this reporter who got a bit of a death stare.

Nevertheless ... Abel -- who wore a white robe with the American flag emblazoned on the back -- has proven he's got potential as a powerful southpaw. His vicious jabs set up a brutal knockdown in the first round. As we first said after his win last weekend ... pretty clear that Abel held back a LOT during the "attack."

As for Jussie's fight -- he's pled not guilty on the 16-count indictment, and is awaiting trial.

BTW ... the Chicago Golden Gloves Tournament is arguably the most elite amateur tournament in the country. It's been around since 1923 and some of its past champions include Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis and Sonny Liston.

Terrell Owens has a new, MUCH BETTER gig in retirement life -- personal photog for an insanely hot bikini-clad woman at the beach ... and TMZ Sports has the pics!!

The 45-year-old Hall of Fame receiver hit up the beach in Miami on Thursday ... lounging around with the mystery woman and catching some rays, laughing and taking pics on his phone.

We haven't been able to ID the beach babe yet ... but we're working on it.

While TO doesn't budge from his spot (why would he??) ... the mystery lady doesn't hesitate takin' a dip in the water to cool off. We take it he was snappin' pics for her the whole time.

Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott appear to be on the path of total reconciliation ... grabbing dinner together with their daughter.

The billionaire, Travis and Stormi hit up Sweet Chick -- co-owned by Nas -- Thursday night in L.A. It's the first time we've seen the famous unit together since Kylie accused Travis of cheating, triggering an epic blowup. The couple didn't say much as they left the restaurant and piled into a car.

It appears Travis and Kylie were headed to another spot, because Travis loaded Stormi into a different vehicle ... apparently sending his daughter home for beddy-bye as they hit the town.

TMZ broke the story ... Kylie allegedly found evidence last month on Travis' phone that he was unfaithful after the rapper made a surprise visit home. Travis canceled a show in Buffalo in an attempt to calm things down, but if it worked it did so only marginally.

Sources close to the couple told us, while they never officially split over the fight, their relationship was strained ... and they'd need time to figure things out.

As for Kylie and Jordyn ... looks like they're never gonna figure it out.

Glad to see Kylie and Travis back on track.

Adam "Pacman" Jones has agreed to a plea deal in his casino cheating case that will put him behind bars -- and also ban him from drinking booze for a YEAR AND A HALF ... TMZ Sports has learned.

The 35-year-old was arrested in an Indiana casino last month after authorities say he cheated while playing a table game ... and then went ballistic on officials after he was confronted.

The former NFL star was hit with a bevy of charges ... including felony intimidation, felony battery against an officer and several misdemeanors.

But now, Jones has agreed to a plea deal that will send him to jail.

According to court docs, Jones will enter a guilty plea to one count of felony cheating at gambling and one count of misdemeanor resisting law enforcement.

In exchange, prosecutors have agreed to drop all remaining charges against the defensive back.

The terms of the deal would require Jones to spend 10 days behind bars ... while also serving a probation period that will bar him from drinking booze for a year and a half.

Jones also cannot possess a firearm or dangerous weapons without permission from his probation officer during that time frame ... and he's also been banned from the Rising Star Casino.

The agreement is not set in stone ... all parties still have to appear in court and a judge has to sign off on it -- but that's usually just a formality.

Jones is currently scheduled to be back in court next month.

Papa John's is hoping Shaquille O'Neal can do the same thing he did for the Lakers ... return them to prominence ... by adding the Big Man on as a member of their Board Of Directors.

Shaq announced the move moments ago on his Instagram with a statement talking about his future with the company, and his enthusiasm for their pies.

"I am so excited to be joining the Papa John’s family as a member of the Board of Directors, a soon-to-be investor in nine Papa John’s franchises in Atlanta and an ambassador for the brand."

This is HUGE news for Papa John's ... the company has been embroiled in controversy ever since founder John Schnatter stepped down after he admitted to using the n-word during a conference call with executives last May.

Since then, the company has been hit with boycotts by some members of the Black community, leading to declining sales 5 quarters in a row according to CNN business.

Shaq is a beloved figure in the community, and you have to believe PJ's is hoping adding him will get them back on the good side of those who think the company is racist.

"I know that behind every large company, there are thousands of people that put their heart and soul into the business. Papa John’s is no different, and it struck a chord with me that the company is putting in the work to do better within its walls and in the communities it serves across the country."

BTW -- this deal also comes with 9 franchises for Shaq in the Atlanta area ... and that means free pizza ... pace yourself, big guy.

Zachary Levi felt a grown man seeking his autograph got a little too up close and personal ... so he told him to beat it.

The "Shazam!" star arrived at LAX Thursday night to a swarm of fans and graphers wanting him to sign their merch. Levi was happy to oblige ... except for the guy in sunglasses shoving a photo in his face.

Check out the clip -- the DC Comics superhero argues with the bearded man about his intentions ... then scolds him for pushing people around. The autograph hound disagrees on both accounts.

Zachary also appears to deny a fan a selfie before hopping in his getaway ride, but it's a lot more friendly.

Unclear how many of these fans said the magic word ... "please."

BTW ... "Shazam!" stars Levi as the adult superhero version of a 14-year-old foster kid who transforms into him when he shouts the film's title. It comes out April 5.