The National Sports Commission has reaffirmed Nigeria’s intention to host the 2031 African Games, with officials from the African Union Sports Council expected in the country for a crucial inspection exercise.
The assessment visit is scheduled for March 30 to 31, 2026, in Abuja, representing a key stage in the country’s campaign to secure the hosting rights.
According to the Commission, Nigeria’s bid is part of a broader plan to reinforce its position as one of Africa’s leading sporting nations. It highlighted the country’s experience in staging major international competitions, alongside ongoing efforts to improve sports facilities and development programmes.
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During their stay, the AUSC team will evaluate major sporting venues, infrastructure, and the nation’s readiness to organise an event of such scale. The visit will also allow Nigeria to showcase its administrative strength, technical capability, and readiness to deliver a successful tournament.
The delegation includes top officials and technical experts tasked with reviewing bidding countries based on established hosting requirements.
Authorities believe that hosting the Games would bring significant benefits, including improved infrastructure, job creation, and increased youth involvement in sports, while also boosting Nigeria’s standing within the African sporting community.
Former ONE featherweight kickboxing world title challenger Marat Grigorian of Armenia was shocked to see a familiar face walk into his gym in Thailand.
ONE Championship bantamweight kickboxing contender Yuki Yoza visited the iconic Armenian for a sparring session, and Grigorian was left impressed.
He said in a recent clip on ONE Championship’s official Instagram:
“He never wraps his hands. I’m just surprised. How come he didn’t break his hands? Last week, Yuki Yoza came to spar in our gym. I was here in Thailand, in Phuket. And my coach called me. ‘You have some fan, he wants to spar with you.’ He showed it to me, it was Yuki Yoza.”
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Grigorian added:
“If he comes [again], of course, we will spar together. He’s doing really good. He’s a very clever fighter. A very strong-minded fighter. He’s a dangerous fighter. For his division, I think he will make it really difficult for Nabil and Haggerty.”
Grigorian will face Japanese star Kaito Ono in a three-round featherweight kickboxing match at ONE SAMURAI 1, which will take place live on Wednesday, April 29 at the Ariake Arena. That same card, Yoza will challenge ‘The General’ Jonathan Haggerty for bantamweight kickboxing gold.
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Fans in the United States and Canada can visit ONE Championship’s official website for more information on how to watch ONE SAMURAI 1 from their location.
Marat Grigorian says after Kaito Ono, Superbon has nowhere else to hide: “It’s already time for a title shot again”
Marat Grigorian is expecting to book another crack at ONE featherweight kickboxing world champion Superbon after he gets through with business against Kaito Ono at ONE SAMURAI 1 on April 29.
He said:
“Yes, it’s already time for a title shot again, I think. I always beat the top guys. After Superbon, there’s no one left. It’s more interesting if I’m going to beat Superbon, and after that, I can fight all the other guys.”
Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding Marat Grigorian’s next fight.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) is taken down in his own end zone by Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) for a safety during second-quarter action, as pressure collapses quickly around the pocket on Sep. 13, 2020, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.
The NFL Draft is 26 days away, and the Minnesota Vikings have nine picks. With the event so close, the rumor mill stays quite loud, and this is the first batch of the weekend.
The rumor mill hit Kirk Cousins, KOC, and D.J. Reader in one swing.
It focuses on a former Vikings quarterback’s connection to a rival, a hypothesis about what got Kwesi Adofo-Mensah fired, and a defensive tackle option in free agency.
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Latest Vikings Chatter Covers Three Very Different Angles
The Purple Rumor Mill for Saturday, March 28th.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) watches from the sideline during second-quarter action, tracking the flow of the game against his former team as emotions and familiarity intersect on Dec. 8, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with the Vikings controlling key moments throughout the matchup. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
Rumor: Kirk Cousins is an ideal free-agent fit for the Packers.
Matt Schneidman of The Athletic analyzed free agents for Green Bay this week, and Cousins was mentioned.
He explained, “Aaron Rodgers, Jordan Love and Malik Willis have all been backup quarterbacks for the Packers. All three could be starting in the NFL come September. Green Bay really values the position, which might make it unlikely that Desmond Ridder or Kyle McCord — the only other quarterbacks on the roster besides Love — are in the No. 2 role come Week 1.”
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“The idea of adding a proven veteran like Cousins, who can at least help the Packers tread water if Love goes down, might entice head coach Matt LaFleur. Cousins might (understandably) want to sign with a team whose starter is less entrenched than Love, but perhaps the idea of reuniting with his position coach from his first two years in the NFL (LaFleur) entices him, too.”
Green Bay has also visited the recent rumor mill for an Anthony Richardson trade.
Either way, because of the Matt LaFleur connection — LaFleur was Cousins’s first quarterback coach in Washington 14 years ago — Cousins to Wisconsin cannot be ruled out.
Rumor: Kevin O’Connell was denied every step of the way last offseason at quarterback.
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Mike Florio, the boss at Pro Football Talk, led the way with this theory last week.
He said, “As I understand it, O’Connell got overruled. He wanted to have Sam Darnold or Daniel Jones or Aaron Rodgers, and he got overruled. They said no to Rodgers. Rodgers wanted to play for them last year, and they said no. They’re sticking with J.J. McCarthy. And Jones is really the one that I think gulled O’Connell the most, because I think they thought they had something special with Jones.”
“They fired the GM because he had Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones, and an interested Aaron Rodgers in the building, and he said,” No, we’re good with J.J. McCarthy, and Max Brosmer and Carson Wentz are gonna be his backups. They’re not going to make the same mistake twice.”
This one actually makes sense, especially for explaining the timing of Adofo-Mensah’s firing — five days after the Seattle Seahawks reached the Super Bowl, led by Darnold.
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Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell address media members, outlining expectations and roster outlook during a pre-training camp press conference held on July 22, 2025, as both leaders discuss team direction, player development, and goals entering another pivotal NFL season. Image Courtesy of YouTube.
Darnold silenced his doubters in Seattle, proving his strong 2024 season in Minnesota was no fluke. He led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory in 2025, a feat the Vikings have been chasing for 65 years.
In Indianapolis, Jones emerged as an early MVP candidate before his performance waned in November. A torn Achilles tendon cut his season short, and despite this, rumors surfaced that Minnesota hoped to bring him back in 2025. Ultimately, Jones chose to try the Colts, betting on a starting role under Shane Steichen — a decision that proved prescient.
Meanwhile, Rodgers guided the Steelers to the playoffs, though their run ended in the first round, marking the end of Mike Tomlin’s tenure. Despite the early exit, Pittsburgh secured a playoff berth, while Minnesota narrowly missed out.
If Florio is correct, every quarterback option O’Connell wanted would have led to success.
Rumor: The Vikings should sign DT D.J. Reader.
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Reader got the shoulder tap from Bleacher Report‘s Kristopher Knox on a late-March free-agent list, and he claimed that Reader should pick the Vikings or Dallas Cowboys for his 2026 plan.
Detroit Lions defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) lines up at the line of scrimmage, preparing for the snap and engaging the interior during defensive action against the Philadelphia Eagles on Nov. 16, 2025, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as trench battles shape the tone of the game. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images.
Knox explained, “D.J. Reader will turn 32 this summer and isn’t the sort of attacking interior pass-rusher that many teams want at defensive tackle. However, he remains a high-end starter, a legitimate force against the run, and a very durable defender. Reader would be a great addition for the Dallas Cowboys, who traded away Osa Odighizuwa and Solomon Thomas.”
“He could serve as a run-stuffing specialist behind Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams to help boost a defense that allowed 4.7 yards per carry in 2025. The Minnesota Vikings should also take a long look at their former division rival. Minnesota released defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave in cap-saving moves earlier this offseason. Best Fits: Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings.”
Reader is a damn steady defensive tackle, similar to former Vikings defender Dalvin Tomlinson of yesteryear. He would look great in purple for a couple of seasons. Minnesota almost never showcases a true nose tackle. That would change with Reader.
Jaxson Dart opened up about his whirlwind romance with girlfriend Marissa Ayers. The New York Giants quarterback has been dating the fashion model for around six months now.
They met in October, and their romance blossomed quickly. Last week, Dart appeared at the Clarins Night of Extra on March 20, where he opened up about his relationship with Ayers and discussed their fast-moving connection in an interview with People magazine.
Thanks for the submission!
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“She’s been amazing. I mean, I can’t say good enough things about her,” Ayers said (via PEOPLE). “Things have come around so fast between us.
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“It’s really cool when you have two people who are independent what they do, but at the same time… are each other’s biggest cheerleaders. She’s amazing and she’s going to do amazing things, so I can’t wait to support her,” she added.
Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!
Before the event, Jaxson Dart made headlines after his girlfriend, Marissa Ayers, shared a glimpse of their romantic outing on her Instagram account last week. She shared a few romantic photos with the NFL star with a sweet caption
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“in our own little world,” she wrote.
For the outing, Jaxson Dart wore a black coat with a white collar. He paired it with white shoes and posed with his girlfriend, who wore a black dress.
Jaxson Dart opened up about his pilgrim robe outfit at the Clarins Night of Extra event last week. While talking to reporters, he was asked for his take. The 22-year-old shut down the trolls with his reply.
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“I thought it was a great fit,” he said. “I think, I can understand a little bit because it was a Celine outfit. The shirt kind of blended in with the pants but it was a great fit. I definitely do not regret wearing it.”
“I think there’s a lot of people who have opinions about fashion and I think that’s a great thing about this world. You’re able to wear what you want to wear confidently and I love it.”
Jaxson Dart is enjoying the offseason after his amazing rookie season. He played in 14 games in 2025 and recorded 2,272 passing yards.
Ben White endured a night of highs and lows on his return to international football as England national football team were held to a draw by Uruguay national football team in a tense friendly at Wembley Stadium.
The Arsenal FC defender, making his comeback after stepping away from the national team following the 2022 FIFA World Cup, was met with boos from sections of the home crowd when he was introduced in the second half.
However, White responded in style. With just nine minutes remaining, he reacted quickly at the near post to turn in a corner delivered by Cole Palmer, giving England what looked like a winning goal.
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The joy proved short-lived. Deep into stoppage time, White was penalised for a challenge on Federico Viñas. After a Video Assistant Referee review, Federico Valverde stepped up and fired the penalty past James Trafford to level the score.
England manager Thomas Tuchel handed full debuts to Trafford and James Garner, but the match struggled to find rhythm, turning into a physical and disjointed contest.
Uruguay were forced into an early change after Joaquín Piquerez went off following a clash with Noni Madueke, who himself was later substituted for Jarrod Bowen due to injury.
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Phil Foden found it difficult to influence the game before being forced off after a heavy challenge from Ronald Araújo. His replacement Palmer soon made an impact, delivering a dangerous set-piece that Dominic Calvert-Lewin failed to convert from close range.
White’s goal appeared to end Uruguay’s resistance, but the late penalty ensured the visitors left London with a share of the spoils.
The equaliser also ended England’s run of six consecutive clean sheets, marking the first goal they had conceded since their 3-1 defeat to Senegal national football team in June 2025.
Tiger Woods has been released on bail after being charged with driving under the influence following his involvement in a car crash in Florida.
The 15-time major winner was taken to jail after his Land Rover rolled over in a collision with a pick-up truck towing a trailer he was attempting to overtake on Jupiter Island.
Woods walked away unhurt but was described as “lethargic” by officers, questioned at the scene and later refused to submit to a urine test.
The 50-year-old was kept in jail for eight hours before being released on bond.
Martin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Woods had been released in the early hours of Saturday morning.
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Sheriff John Budensiek told reporters Woods had also been charged with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. The offences are not felonies.
Budensiek said: “The DUI investigators came to the scene and Mr Woods did exemplify signs of impairment.
“They did several tests on him. He did explain the injuries and surgeries that he’s had and we did take that into account, but they did some in-depth roadside tests.
“When it was determined, he was placed under arrest and taken to the Martin County jail.
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“At the Martin County jail, and even on scene, we were really not suspicious of alcohol being involved in this case and that proved to be true.
“Mr Woods did a breathalyser test with triple zeros, but when it came time for us to ask for a urinary analysis test, he refused and so he has been charged with DUI, property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test.”
Budensiek added officers believed Woods was “impaired on medication”.
He said Woods had been driving at “high speed” and his vehicle tipped on to its side and then “slid for a pretty decent space before he came to a stop”.
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The speed limit on the road in question was 30mph.
The driver of the other vehicle, who had been slowing to turn into a driveway off the two-lane road, was also unhurt.
Woods underwent emergency surgery after suffering multiple leg injuries following a serious car accident in California in February 2021.
He was sidelined for 15 months and his appearances since have been sporadic due to numerous other injury setbacks.
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He was also arrested on suspicion of DUI offences in 2017 after being found asleep at the wheel of his car in Jupiter, Florida. He later pleaded guilty to reckless driving after it emerged he had had five prescription drugs in his system at the time.
In 2009 he crashed his car into a fire hydrant and tree outside his home an incident that led to a spectacular unravelling of his private life.
This latest accident comes after Woods returned to competitive action for the first time in over a year on the final night of play in the indoor TGL competition on Tuesday.
Woods had said afterwards that he hoped he would be fit enough to play at the Masters next month.
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Commenting on the crash, United States president Donald Trump told reporters: “I feel so badly. He’s got some difficulty.
“There was an accident. That’s all I know. He’s a very close friend of mine, he’s an amazing person, an amazing man.”
It has been an open secret in the tight circle around Tiger Woods for years: If you want to have a serious conversation with Woods — about his charity and architecture work; about the future of the PGA Tour; about his 15 wins in Grand Slam events — you do it in the morning. Woods, famously, is a poor sleeper and an early riser. The broad picture you get, from people in position to know, is that if you’re in the circle, you can get him early. As his days wear on, Woods becomes less available and less predictable. This is not idle, mean-spirited speculation. More like observations borne in care, if not worry.
At around 2 p.m. Friday, Woods flipped his Range Rover on narrow, two-lane Beach Road, near his home on Jupiter Island, in South Florida. He “blew zeroes,” in the parlance of DWI investigations — he had not been drinking. He refused to submit a urine sample but police officers surmised that he was on prescribed drugs to address the pain from his many surgeries and back issues.
The officers saw what they saw and heard what they heard. Woods was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence — the influence of something. He was taken to the Martin County jail, where he spent at least eight hours, as county law requires in these scenarios. At around 10 p.m., Woods’s mug shot began circulating on social media.
As the Martin County sheriff described the accident scene with clear-eyed professionalism, Woods tried to pass a truck towing a pressure-washer heading north on narrow residential road with no shoulders and a 30 mile-an-hour speed limit. The truck driver was about to turn into a driveway. Woods, in the sheriff’s description, caught a back corner of the trailer with the passenger side of his Range Rover, causing the SUV to rollover 90 degrees, so that the driver’s side doors were face down on the road. Woods escaped the vehicle by way of the passenger door. There were no injuries. Had the vehicles been going in opposite directions, “this could have been a lot worse,” said the sheriff, John Budensiek. Both for Woods and the other driver.
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If this all sounds depressingly familiar, it’s because it is. In 2017, Woods was arrested by Jupiter Police department in South Florida at about 3 in the morning on a DUI charge. He was found asleep and incoherent on the side of four-lane road, about 10 miles south of the scene of his Friday crash. He spent that night in the Palm Beach County Jail. A breath test that night revealed that Woods had not been drinking but a blood test revealed he had five prescription drugs in his bloodstream.
In 2021, about 22 months after his stirring win in the 2019 Masters, early on a dry weekday morning in Southern California, Woods drove off a rural road, over a median, across two lanes and down a ravine. His vehicle was stopped by a tree, pirouetted and flipped. Woods’s injuries were extensive and his golfing life was permanently compromised. Asked once in a press conference to explain the incident, Woods said tersely, “It’s all in the police report.” But police reports revealed nothing about Woods’s state of mind in the single-vehicle crash. A report did indicate that, per the car’s black-box recording device, Woods had the gas pedal virtually floored through the incident, driving well over 80 miles an hour in a 45-mph zone. Los Angeles County police officials did not test Woods for drugs or alcohol and no arrest was made.
In 2008, in the middle of a night during the Thanksgiving weekend holiday, Woods ran over a hydrant outside his home in the gated Isleworth housing development. There were no tests for drugs or alcohol in that incident, either. The crash rendered Woods bleeding and unconscious. In the weeks and months to come his private life was exposed for the world to see.
Looking at these four incidents, it is easy and convenient to say what Woods needs is a full-time driver. That may be true, but Woods is a deeply controlling person. You almost never see Woods as a passenger. Leaving and arriving from hundreds of tournaments over the years, Woods is almost always the person doing the driving. It’s hard to imagine Woods with a chauffeur, and he’s been incredibly lucky not to have hurt others in these incidents. But when you do some rough human math on these four events, you reach the same conclusion again and again: It’s not easy, being Tiger Woods.
It’s not easy being an inherently shy person who is one of the most famous people in the world. It’s not easy leading a public life when your private life has been revealed to the world. It’s not easy being a single father even when you have all the financial resources in the world. It’s not easy becoming singularly talented at one difficult thing — playing tournament golf like nobody before has ever played it — and then to have to find meaning in your life when that chapter of your life is over.
There is unlikely to be a consequential legal event here, as a result of this Friday arrest. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Woods still show up at the Champions Dinner at Augusta National in less than two weeks. His m.o. has always been move on, move on, move on. Tiger Woods is 50 years old. Like all of us, he has no promised tomorrows. He is in charge of his own life as all of us are in charge of our own lives. He’s always putting up a brave front. There are holes in it. We can see them. It doesn’t matter what we can see. What matters is what he can see.
NEW DELHI: Young batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has made headlines time and again – and for good reason. With his swashbuckling batting style, brute power, effortless six-hitting, and ability to dismantle bowling attacks, he has become a fan favourite in no time.The past year, in particular, has been remarkable for the youngster. And heading into IPL 2026, there is a significant change – he is no longer 14.
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Impact Player Rule: Game-changer or all-rounder killer?
Sooryavanshi turned 15 on Friday (March 27), celebrating his birthday just a day before the start of IPL 2026.Is he eligible to play for Team India (senior team)?Questions like – Is Sooryavanshi eligible to play for India’s senior team? Will he break into the side? When will he make his debut? – have been asked repeatedly.Now, with the youngster officially turning 15, he is eligible to feature in senior international cricket as per ICC’s player eligibility regulations (Article 4).According to INTERNATIONAL CRICKET COUNCIL PLAYER ELIGIBILITY REGULATIONS ARTICLE 4, ELIGIBILITY ON THE BASIS OF AGE 4.1 states, “ARTICLE 4 ELIGIBILITY ON THE BASIS OF AGE, “A Player will only be eligible to represent a National Cricket Federation in an International Match (including ICC Events and U19 Events) if he/she is aged 15 or over on the relevant squad submission date (in the case of ICC Events including U19 Events) or on the date of the first match of the series/tournament to the played (in the case of all other International Matches). “Following the introduction of these regulations in November 2020, the ICC made 15 the minimum age requirement for participation in international cricket (U19 level and above), keeping in mind the welfare and physical safety of minors, including during travel.Will an India call-up come soon for Sooryavanshi? That remains to be seen.The youngster grabbed global attention with his stellar performances in his debut IPL season in 2025.In just his second IPL match, he smashed a sensational 100 off 35 balls.His heroics in the U19 World Cup 2026, along with impressive outings in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 and the Ranji Trophy 2025, were outstanding.Following his IPL success, Sooryavanshi was drafted into the India U19 setup, where he continued to shine.U19 World Cup 2026 (Player of the Tournament): Sooryavanshi led India to their sixth title, highlighted by a stunning 175 off 80 balls (including 15 sixes) in the final against England.Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26: He became the youngest player to score a List A century at 14 years and 272 days. During a blistering 190 off 84 balls against Arunachal Pradesh, he broke AB de Villiers’ record for the fastest 150 in List A cricket, reaching the milestone in just 59 balls.Ranji Trophy 2025-26: Named Bihar’s vice-captain at 14, he scored his maiden first-class fifty with a 67-ball 93 against Meghalaya, narrowly missing out on becoming the youngest Ranji centurion.Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26: He continued his white-ball dominance with an unbeaten 108 and a composed fifty (50 off 34 balls) against Maharashtra, showing improved maturity in pacing his innings.Rising Stars Asia Cup (Doha): Representing India A, he smashed a “whirlwind” 144 off 42 balls against the UAE.
Tiger Woods has been charged with driving under the influence following a car accident in Florida, according to local authorities.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the 15-time major winner also faces charges of property damage and refusing to take a lawful test after the incident.
The crash happened on Beach Road in Jupiter Island on Friday afternoon. Woods was reportedly driving at speed when he attempted to overtake a vehicle and struck a pressure cleaning truck, causing his car to overturn.
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Police said the golfer had to exit the vehicle through the passenger side. Fortunately, no injuries were recorded.
Authorities revealed that Woods passed a breathalyser test at the scene, showing no trace of alcohol. However, he declined to undergo a urine test, which led to an additional charge.
Speaking at a press briefing, Sheriff John Budensiek explained that officers observed signs of possible impairment and carried out several roadside checks before deciding to arrest Woods. He noted that although alcohol was ruled out, the refusal to complete further testing means investigators may not determine what caused the impairment.
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Woods was later taken to a local jail, where he is expected to remain for several hours before being released on bond. Officials confirmed that the charges against him are misdemeanours.
Reacting to the development, Donald Trump expressed concern for the golfer, describing him as a close friend and wishing him well following the accident.
President Donald Trump addressed the daytime rollover crash involving Tiger Woods Friday that resulted in the 15-time major winner being arrested on a DUI charge after authorities suspected he was driving impaired.
Speaking to reporters after arriving in Miami, the president spoke briefly about Woods. He said he was only aware of the accident at the time he made his remarks.
Golfer Tiger Woods stands by his overturned vehicle in Jupiter Island, Fla., Friday, March 27, 2026. (Jason Oteri/AP)
“I feel so badly. He’s got some difficulty,” Trump said. “There was an accident, and that’s all I know. Very close friend of mine. He’s an amazing person, an amazing man, but some difficulty.”
Woods is in a relationship with the president’s former daughter-in-law, Vanessa Trump.
He competed in the TGL championship earlier this week, where Vanessa Trump and her daughter, Kai Trump, were spotted in the stands. It was Woods’ return to competitive golf after he ruptured his Achilles last year ahead of the Masters.
Trump previously spoke out about the pair’s relationship, saying he gave Woods his blessing when they first spoke about it.
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President Donald Trump presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Tiger Woods during an event at the White House in the Rose Garden. (Scott Taetsch/USA Today Sports)
“He told me about it, and I said, ‘Tiger, that’s good, that’s good. I’m very happy for both.’ But they just let them both be happy. Let them both be happy. They’re both great,” Trump said in March 2025.
Woods was charged with DUI, property damage and refusal to submit to a test after law enforcement said his vehicle collided with another vehicle Friday afternoon while he was driving impaired.
“DUI investigators came to the scene here, and Mr. Woods did exemplify signs of impairment. They did several tests on him. Of course, he did explain the injuries and the surgeries that he had. We did take that into account, but they did do some in-depth roadside tests,” Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek said during a news conference Friday.
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This photo provided by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office shows skid marks near the overturned vehicle in a rollover crash involving Tiger Woods in Jupiter Island, Fla., Friday, March 27, 2026. (Martin County Sheriff’s Office via AP)
“We really weren’t suspicious of alcohol being involved in this case, and that proved to be true at the jail. … But when it came time for us to ask for a urinalysis test, he refused. And, so, he’s been charged with DUI, with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test.”
The five-time Augusta National winner was noncommittal about playing at this year’s Masters recently, but Trump said during an interview on “The Five” Thursday that Woods would be at Augusta but would not play.
Fox News Digital’s Ryan Morik contributed to this report.
The 19th edition of IPL 2026 will kick off on Saturday, March 28. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will lock horns with the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the season opener at their fortress – M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
The Rajat Patidar-led side will have a challenging game as they are without their premier bowler, Josh Hazlewood, for their opening game. Meanwhile, Yash Dayal is unavailable for the entire season due to personal reasons. There are also question marks about Nuwan Thusara, who is yet to receive a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) due to fitness issues.
Similarly, SRH will be without their regular captain and ace pacer, Pat Cummins. They recently replaced injured Jack Edwards with David Payne. In this article, we take a look at three bowlers who might emerge as the leading wicket-takers in the opening game of the 2026 season. Take a look below:
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Harshal Patel
Harshal Patel – Source: Getty
Harshal Patel is often known as Purple Patel owing to his promising record in the IPL. The speedster has scalped 151 wickets in 119 matches at an economy rate of 8.86. The 35-year-old is only third active pacer to bag more than 150 wickets in the tournament after Bhuvneshwar Kumar (198) and Jasprit Bumrah (183). Notably, Patel took 32 and 24 wickets in the 2021 and 2024 editions for RCB and Punjab Kings (PBKS), respectively.
Harshal is known for his ability to vary pace, which yields him the results, particularly in the death overs. The Gujarat-born pacer took 16 wickets in 13 matches at an economy rate of 9.80, including two four-fers in IPL 2025. Against RCB, he has scalped seven wickets in six games at an economy rate of 10.91, including 3/38. The SunRisers retained for INR 8 crore ahead of IPL 2026 auction.
Krunal Pandya
Krunal Pandya – Source: Getty
Krunal Pandya proved to be one of the Most Valuable Players (MVPs) for RCB last season. The left-arm spinner picked up 17 wickets in 15 matches at an economy rate of 8.23. With 3/29 against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), he made an impressive debut for the Bengaluru-based franchise before returning with career-best figures of 4/45 against the Mumbai Indians (MI).
Pandya is equally effective in the powerplay as in the slog overs. With 93 scalps in 142 games, he’s on the verge of completing his 100 wickets in the T20 league. The 2025 champions retained him for INR 5.75 crore ahead of the IPL 2026 season.
Shivam Mavi
Shivam Mavi – Source: Getty
SRH bought Shivam Mavi at a steal of INR 75 lakh at the IPL 2026 auction. The medium pacer has established a solid experience during his stint with KKR from 2018 to 2022, picking up 30 wickets in 32 matches at an economy rate of 8.70. He then warmed the bench with the Gujarat Titans (GT) before an injury cut short his stint with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in 2024. As a result, Mavi will be keen to make the most of his comeback. Earlier this year, he picked up 7/59 against Vidarbha in a first-class match.
Besides IPL, Mavi has also tasted international experience. In addition, he has represented India in six T20Is, picking up seven wickets at an economy rate of 8.78. With skipper Cummins ruled out of the first matches for the SunRisers, Mavi might be Harshal’s new partner in crime in the fast-bowling department. While Harshal will try to create pressure from the other end, Mavi could be one bearing the fruit.
;)
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