Usher’s mom named in police claim. A driver who formerly freelanced for the mom of singer Usher at her transportation company says she never paid him. Georgia detectives are reportedly checking into the matter that allegedly took place during an October BET awards show. The driver claims Jonetta Patton didn’t cut the $1,668 check he’d earned. But a spokesperson for Patton’s company says the allegation is groundless: “The drivers were hired as independent contractors and are paid 30 to 45 days net when working on special events of the magnitude of the BET Hip Hop Awards that took place on Oct. 18. They were hired…and are disgruntled that their services are no longer being used by the company as a result of the unprofessional nature of the fired employee.”

Ex-label head is serious about his ear attire. If you were wondering what to buy former Death Row Records boss Suge Knight for Christmas, wonder no more. Barely a week after word of the burly ex-football player’s lawsuit against rapper Kanye West after Knight lost an earring at West’s 2005 party, he’s got another beef: Cali cops who had him in custody in 2005 allegedly let his diamond stud out of their sight. Knight claims in his U.S. Bankruptcy case, which led to Death Row’s slip from his control, that the cops are responsible. He’s hoping a court will award him $135,000 over the bling he lost at Kanye’s gig, where he was shot in the leg. Apparently, it’s less than gangsta to walk around with bare lobes.

Tyrese says he and Brandy are like siblings. Despite being spotted publicly with the recently reclusive star, actor Tyrese Gibson says he and singer Brandy are just pals. “Brandy and I have been the best of friends since we were 14 years old,” Gibson tells Usmagazine.com. “I would never date her. It would be like dating my sister.” Brandy, who only recently emerged from a low profile after her involvement in a fatal car wreck, reportedly says she hasn’t dated in three years. Police found that she was not at fault for the accident.