Steelers player destroys Ribs before game

The Pittsburgh Steelers aren't just hungry for a win tonight -- they're also hungry for BBQ ... and TMZ has learned three stars, including RB Rashard Mendenhall just inhaled a massive pregame meal at a Cincinnati rib joint ... and then left a stellar tip.

Mendenhall (left) -- along with backup QB Byron Leftwich (right) and nose tackle Casey Hampton stuffed their guts this afternoon at Montgomery Inn -- a famous rib joint less than two miles from Paul Brown Stadium in Cin city.

We're told the three NFLers threw back a rack of the restaurant's famous barbecued choice pork loin back ribs ... one order of the pork chops and one pulled pork sandwich.

The guys also tackled an assortment of sides including onion straws, sweet potatoes and potato chips.

Even though the guys were in enemy territory -- we're told they left an 80% tip on the bill ... and were extremely nice to the staff.

Oprah to homeless man -- you get a $100 bucks...!!!

 



















Oprah Winfrey's generosity isn't restricted to the studio -- TMZ has learned the talk show queen just forked over some big bucks to a homeless man in the mean streets of New York.
Oprah was leaving the SoHo House in the Meatpacking District this weekend -- when she spotted a panhandler ... stopped her car ... and handed the guy five $20 bills. 

Heidi & Spencer -- $100,000 to stay out of the U.S.

Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt are considering taking a high-paying gig that could save their disastrous finances -- but there's a catch ... they would have to leave the country for a while.
With Speidi recently admitting that they're practically dead broke -- a betting website called YouWager.com has offered the couple real life jobs -- with a real big salary -- if they would relocate to Costa Rica.

Here's the deal -- Heidi and Spencer would get a cool $100k to "manage the odds and lines surrounding the entertainment sector ‐- ranging from celebrity news and pop culture to music and movies."

Sources close to Spencer tell TMZ, he's considering the gig -- but in light of the recent political turmoil between CR and Nicaragua ... he's "looking into how he can legally own a firearm over there so that he can protect himself."

Katherine Jackson -- Joe not forcing MJ kids to sing

Michael Jackson's mom says Joe Jackson isn't controlling MJ's kids ... or forcing them to be the next Jackson singing group -- and she thinks that came across in the Oprah interview.



The Jackson family rep tells TMZ Katherine Jackson believes Prince, Paris, and Blanket "expressed their own desires to be in the entertainment business" during the sitdown with O.

Katherine also says she hopes fans "don't think anyone like Joe or the family is pushing the kids" ... a not-so thinly veiled reference to Joe infamously pushing Michael and his brothers to do that whole Jackson 5 thing.

Katherine and the kids watched Monday's Oprah together -- and we're told Mama Jax was particularly happy she got to talk about, "Never Can Say Goodbye" ... her tribute book to Michael.

Lil Wayne -- Banned from Wynn Las Vegas

Lil Wayne joined Drake on stage at The Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas on Saturday night .... but sources tell us Weezy was a no-show at the after-party located in the Wynn Las Vegas ... and it wasn't his choice.

We're told a rep for the Wynn informed a member of Drake's entourage that Lil Wayne would not be allowed on the property -- and if he tried to enter, he'd be removed.

As for why Wayne was persona non grata -- sources tell us Wynn execs didn't want any trouble ... knowing Wayne is on a very short legal leash, i.e. no booze for three years.

The ban never became an issue ... a rep for Weezy tells us he chilled at the Palms Casino Resort and was not "scheduled" to appear at any events.  A rep for the Wynn had no comment.

Mel was cheating on me....?

TMZ knows of no evidence Mel had relations with any women while he was with Oksana much less any evidence he was violent.

Nevertheless, Oksana's attorney, Dan Horowitz, tells TMZ his team has hired an investigator to track down at least four women whom Oksana believes may have had secret relations with Mel.

We're told Oksana's team wants someone to come forward and say Mel was violent toward them.  The end game for Oksana -- trying to prove Mel is far too dangerous to be around 1-year-old Lucia.

The judge in the custody case has been unmoved by Oksana's arguments to date and has given Mel full visitation rights.

And get this ... Horowitz tells TMZ he's provided a soundtrack to keep his investigator motivated ... complete with the song, "Looking for Love In All the Wrong Places."

Darren Aronofsky, rachel weisz split after 9 years

Aronofsky -- who directed "The Wrestler," "Requiem for a Dream" and "Pi" -- and Weisz -- who starred in "The Mummy," "The Constant Gardner" and "The Fountain" -- were together for nine years. They never married.

Reps for the former couple tell TMZ, "Rachel Weisz and Darren Aronofsky have been separated for some months. They remain close friends and are committed to raising their son together in NYC."

Sources tell us the couple will seek joint custody of their 4-year-old Henry Chance.

And sources tell TMZ Rachel has been linked to "James Bond" star Daniel Craig for months.  They worked together on the upcoming flick, "Dream House," in February and March of 2010.