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Sports

Kevin O’Connell Provided a Blunt Harrison Smith Clue

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Vikings defenders speak with Seth Rollins and Dianna Russini after a game against the Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Members of the Minnesota Vikings defense, including Harrison Smith, participate in a postgame interview with WWE superstar Seth Rollins and NFL insider Dianna Russini after defeating the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Dec. 25, 2025. The nationally televised Christmas matchup featured a festive atmosphere as Minnesota celebrated the division victory in front of the home crowd. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.

The Minnesota Vikings have answered most of the questions asked over the last few months, including the identities of the QB reinforcement and the GM. One burning question remains, however: Harrison Smith’s future.

Smith, 37, has yet to make his retirement call. He received a standing ovation at the end of last season, as folks suspected a farewell could be on the horizon. In recent years, when the same mystery existed, he eventually returned for another campaign. Whether he does this year remains an unknown, but Kevin O’Connell appears to have an idea.

Kevin O’Connell greets Harrison Smith before Vikings-Bears game.
Kevin O’Connell greeted Harrison Smith before kickoff on Nov 27, 2023, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The Minnesota Vikings head coach connected with the veteran safety, wearing number 22, ahead of the NFC North matchup against the Chicago Bears as the home team prepared for the divisional contest. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.

Asked about the longest-tenured Viking, head coach Kevin O’Connell first joked: “The only update that I can give is he was in town and saw some folks. I didn’t get to see him. I was incredibly hurt by that. And then, in an attempt to play some golf with him, I was turned down. That’s the only update, kind of in an embarrassing fashion, I’m willing to give today.”

Of course, a follow-up question would come. Asked whether he still wants to play, O’Connell said, “You know what, I think Harrison Smith is going to want to play football until he’s old and gray, which, last time I checked, had not happened yet. It never quite goes away, I mean, shoot, I wish I could go play. I think it’s probably a deeper conversation than just the ‘want to’ at this point. Those conversations will take place, respectfully for Harrison, throughout the summer.”

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O’Connell added that it could be an “ongoing thing” and mentioned that how the season is going could play a role. In theory, a mid-season return is possible.

Regardless, that sounded a lot like O’Connell suspects Smith would love to keep playing, but the body has to play along.

Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings free safety Harrison Smith (22) intercepts a pass against the Washington Commanders during the second half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Thankfully, Smith revealed in December, “I’m just enjoying day by day. You know how it is, when you’re getting towards your later years, it’s harder to go to practice, harder to get ready to go every time. On gameday, I always feel ready. I’ve always been on top of my body — my nutrition. Everything. It’s not fancy or anything, but you stay on top of it — it stacks up over the years.”

Picked in the first round of the 2012 draft, Smith has been the anchor of various iterations of the Vikings’ defenses over the last 14 years, playing under three head coaches and even more defensive coordinators.

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Over the years, he has played in a bunch of games. In 2025, Smith missed the first couple of matchups due to a mysterious illness but was able to suit up for the remaining 15 games. He started 12 of them, as the Vikings slowly inserted him back into the lineup rather than giving him the full workload.

Smith used his 793 defensive snaps to register 54 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and a pair of interceptions. Though he has certainly lost a step or two, he is still often in the right position because he has seen it all in 207 regular-season games.

Furthermore, defensive coordinator Brian Flores deployed him as his quarterback, who can make calls ahead of the snap to adjust the defense to the offensive looks. The Vikings once again field one of the best defenses in football, and Smith’s voice certainly played a role.

Jakobe Thomas lies on the field after an injury during a Miami game against SMU.
Miami Hurricanes defensive back Jakobe Thomas remains on the field after suffering an injury during second-quarter action against the SMU Mustangs at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. On Nov. 1, 2025, Thomas was hurt following a defensive stop as Miami’s defense battled through a physical road matchup in Dallas. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images.

Due to the uncertainty, the Vikings kept their safety room together, led by Joshua Metellus, followed by rotational pieces Jay Ward and Theo Jackson. In the draft, interim GM Rob Brzezinski used a third-rounder to acquire Jakobe Thomas out of Miami.

We haven’t heard from Smith since the end of last season. He’s generally a private person. In previous offseasons, he eventually just showed up, or a reporter said he would. The future Ring of Honor inductee is not a man for any flashy announcements.

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At this point, it’s just a guessing game, but reading between the lines, the Vikings might be cautiously optimistic that he’ll be back at some point.

Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.

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Janik Eckardt is a German sports nerd, who likes numbers and stats. He chose the Vikings to be his … More about Janik Eckardt

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Blue Jays respond to significant challenge vs. Braves after eventful week

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3 minutes ago

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5 June 2026

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ATLANTA – All things considered, this has been quite a week for the Toronto Blue Jays.

They’ve played seven games since they left Toronto last week, winning three and losing four. On the surface that sounds pretty normal. In reality, however, that’s not the case.

There have been many firsts, like the first career home run for Charles McAdoo, the first career save for Braydon Fisher, the first career start for Adam Macko and the first career appearance for Chad Dallas.

The trip has also included low points, like a painful blown save by Jeff Hoffman in Baltimore, a fan throwing a baseball off Jesus Sanchez’s hand and struggles from the likes of Austin Voth and Hayden Juenger, both jettisoned from the roster before they could get lockers at Rogers Centre.

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But while the trip included its share of emotional lows, there were some encouraging moments and few if any were bigger than the win over Chris Sale and the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park Thursday to take the series finale 7-2 and head back home 30-33.

Clearly, there’s more work ahead – and the upcoming homestand against the Orioles, Phillies and Yankees will provide immediate tests for a team still rolling with a three-man rotation and two bullpen games.

But give the Blue Jays credit on two fronts Thursday. Not only did they find ways to get to Sale for three runs on ten hits, they limited the NL’s best team to only two runs on a bullpen day built around Dallas making his MLB debut.

Offensively, McAdoo drove in the first run of the game with a single up the middle against Sale, the future Hall of Famer who entered play with a 2.01 ERA. Soon afterwards, Myles Straw drove in two with another single to centre and the Blue Jays had a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.

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As for Dallas, he impressed in a bulk role following opener Mason Fluharty, covering 3.2 innings while allowing one run on two hits and recording the first two strikeouts of his career. It’s been an unusual week for the 25-year-old right-hander, but he responded well to the challenge.

After Dallas left the game, the Blue Jays turned to their leverage relievers and Tyler Rogers, Hoffman, Fisher and Louis Varland combined to allow just one run – a Mauricio Dubon solo shot off Fisher – in four innings.

As for the Blue Jays’ rotation, reinforcements are on the way, starting with Simeon Woods Richardson, the former Blue Jays prospect who was acquired from the Twins Wednesday. While Woods Richardson was a credible back-end starter from 2024-25, he has a 7.74 ERA this season and opposing hitters are batting at least .315 on each of his three most-used pitches.

The Blue Jays may look to nudge Woods Richardson away from his splitter – the worst pitch in MLB this season, according to Baseball Savant’s pitch run values – but it’s possible he’s more than one adjustment away.

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Thankfully, Dylan Cease continues pushing closer to the majors with Max Scherzer and Shane Bieber not far behind him. Pitching in a rehab outing at triple-A Thursday, Cease threw 75 pitches while allowing five runs on six hits and striking out six.

Still three games under .500 the Blue Jays are not yet where they need to be, but they return home knowing they responded well to a significant challenge Thursday.

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England retro football shirts heavily reduced with special discount code ahead of 2026 World Cup

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16 minutes ago

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5 June 2026

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The deal can be accessed using the discount code RETRO20, though it expires on June 11

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

England supporters are rushing to take advantage of a 20% discount on retro shirts ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Sport retailer Kitbag has launched an exclusive offer ahead of the tournament’s kick-off on June 11, slashing 20% off its entire England retro range.

The deal can be accessed using the discount code RETRO20, though it expires on June 11. Those who act before the deadline can unlock savings across the Score Draw England Retro collection, which features more than 15 iconic shirts dating back to 1966.

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Among the highlights is the England 1990 World Cup Finals Third Shirt (£32) — the legendary blue jersey worn during Italia ’90 that was immortalised by New Order’s World Cup anthem, World in Motion.

Also available is the England 1996 European Championship Shirt (£32), which made its debut the year England hosted the tournament for the first time. Worn by icons such as Alan Shearer and Paul Gascoigne, it will stir memories of Gazza’s iconic goal against Scotland and the infamous dentist chair celebration.

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Kitbag is knocking 20% off its entire England retro shirt collection when fans use the code RETRO20 by June 11.

For those wishing to look even further back, the England 1982 World Cup Finals Shirt (£32), donned by the likes of Kevin Keegan and Bryan Robson at that year’s tournament in Spain, is also included in the offer. The England 1982 World Cup Finals Away Shirt (£32) is equally part of the deal.

Fans who grew up watching the ‘Golden Generation’ could go for the England 2004 European Championship Shirt (£32). This jersey was worn by a then 18-year-old Wayne Rooney when he made his unforgettable first appearance on the international stage in Portugal.

Other standout options include the vintage England 1966 World Cup Final Away No6 Shirt (£32), England 1996 European Championship Away Shirt (£32) and England 1998 World Cup Finals Shirt (£32). The Kitbag sale comes as England touched down in the USA on Monday (June 1) ahead of their two pre-World Cup friendlies in Florida.

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Thomas Tuchel’s squad will take on New Zealand on Saturday (June 6) and Costa Rica on Wednesday (June 10). They will subsequently travel to their World Cup headquarters in Kansas before their tournament begins against Croatia on June 17.

Ahead of the tournament, retailers including the England Official Store and Sports Direct are offering the full range of England’s 2026 World Cup kits. Prices start at £64.99 for kids and £89.99 for adults, for the new Nike home, away and goalkeeper jerseys.

For those browsing Kitbag’s retro sale, the retailer has garnered thousands of favourable reviews from customers on Trustpilot, with one commenting: “I ordered an England kit for my son, I found the website easy to navigate around and helpful when it came to sizing. I was kept up to date via email and received my package within a week of ordering and everything was in an excellent condition.” One review reads: “Seven-year-old very happy with his new England gear. Great communication around shipping information, product arrived within promised timeframe and exceeded our expectations. Would purchase from Kitbag again.”

A four-star review noted the sizing was ‘smaller than needed’, with the buyer commenting: “Was exactly as expected, slightly smaller possibly than needed, I should have checked size before ordering.” Elsewhere, another five-star review states: “Good quality England kit for toddlers. Retro as well, he looks so cool in it thank you.”

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Fans split over NBA’s decision to issue lifetime bans following the Game 1 incident 

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26 minutes ago

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5 June 2026

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The NBA announced the punishment they issued to the fan who ran through the court in Game 1 of the Finals. The incident happened with 6:28 remaining in the fourth quarter, with the New York Knicks leading 92-86 against the San Antonio Spurs.

One fan ran into the court holding a phone and tried to get a selfie with Spurs star Victor Wembanyama. The play had to be stopped as security got hold of him and dragged him out of the Frost Bank Center.

According to the league, the fan who ran onto the court was handed a lifetime ban from all arenas. Additionally, a second fan who had involvement with the incident will also receive a lifetime ban, according to an NBA spokesperson.

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After it was confirmed that the league would ban two fans, most people were split about the decision. Here are some of what the other fans said about the punishment.

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“Stupid kid, no other way to put it,” a fan said.

“Wonder how much he bet on Kalshi beforehand that somebody would rush the court in Game 1,” another fan commented.

“the way one impulsive decision can create a lifetime consequence will never stop being wild to me,” one fan said.

Others believed that since he did not actually inflict any harm, the sentence was excessive.

“This is ridiculous at least he didnt hurt nobody why needed to be banned for good? Smh,” someone commented.

“I get the protocols and standards but it ain’t like he brought a 🔫 or something 🤧🤧,” a comment read.

“The NBA banning a dude for life over a blurry selfie is soft as hell. Fans built this league, not suits scared of a tall French guy. Free him,” one fan commented.

Victor Wembanyama Addressed the Fan Incident at the NBA Finals

One of the goals of the fan who ran onto the court was to get Victor Wembanyama’s attention and a selfie. When it happened, the replay on the broadcast showed Wembanyama’s delighted reaction to the fan.

The NBA star was asked about his thoughts after the game.

“I’ve never been in that situation,” Wembanyama said. “I didn’t know how to act. It really surprised me, almost as much as that time (when) a bat crossed the court.”

Wembanyama referred to an incident that happened in 2009, during a Halloween game between the Spurs and the Sacramento Kings. A bat flew inside the arena, and the game had to be stopped. Hall of Fame star Manu Ginobili swatted the bat with his hand before the game could carry on.

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Ginobili also had to receive vaccination shots for potential rabies.