Former Minnesota Vikings tight end Stu Voigt announces the team’s third-round selection at the NFL Draft, with Apr. 25, 2025 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin capturing the on-stage moment as fans reacted to the No. 102 pick during the second night of draft festivities. Mandatory Credit: Tork Mason-USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
You are 11 days away from learning how the Minnesota Vikings proceed in Round 1 of the NFL draft, all of a sudden an exciting event because Kevin O’Connell’s team could be quite good in 2026 with Kyler Murray in the house. Here’s a look at the main eight ways the draft could shake out on April 23rd.
Minnesota could stay put, move back, or get aggressive.
The Vikings pick 18th, though they could, in theory, trade up or down.
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The Realistic Draft Paths for Minnesota at Pick No. 18
Ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = most realistic outcome), this is what to expect from Minnesota in Round 1.
Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles (0) stands ready during game action against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium, Oct 18, 2025, as the Buckeyes defense prepares for the next snap in a physical Big Ten matchup under a charged atmosphere. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
8. Trade No. 18 for a Star — or Trade Up
Three men could be the object of the Vikings’ desire for a trade up the board:
Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame)
Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State)
Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State)
Is a Vikings trade-up for a non-premium position likely? No, it is not. Can it be ruled out? No, it cannot.
Or — another wild scenario — Minnesota could use the 18th overall pick to land a big fish via trade, like Philadelphia Eagles DT Jalen Carter or New York Giants DT Dexter Lawrence.
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For context, this option is mentioned “just in case.”
7. Trade Jonathan Greenard and Draft an EDGE
Greenard has frequented the trade rumor mill for about five weeks. Truth be told, when the Vikings’ leaders speak about Greenard, they never use words like “untouchable.” There remains a chance that Greenard is traded for a 2nd-Rounder.
Then, equipped with the 50th pick in addition, for example, interim general manager Rob Brzezinski could use his 1st-Round pick on Keldric Faulk (Auburn) or Akheem Mesidor (Miami).
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6. Draft a WR at No. 18
A Round 1 wide receiver is in play for two reasons:
a) The Vikings have no WR3 right now unless Tai Felton takes a huge summer leap.
b) Jordan Addison’s behavior isn’t necessarily reliable.
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Some mock drafts have hinted that Minnesota could pick Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson; it’s not the craziest idea, especially for a franchise now led by an offense-first head coach, Kevin O’Connell, who might be the Team CEO.
5. Draft TE Kenyon Sadiq at No. 18
Sadiq possesses a rare combination of skills — strong receiving, reliable blocking, and exceptional physical attributes — and at just 21 years old, his potential is immense.
This is particularly relevant to the Vikings’ long-term plans. With T.J. Hockenson’s recent contract rework leading him towards free agency in March 2027, the Vikings may want to secure their future at tight end. If they believe Sadiq is the best player available at pick No. 18, drafting him is absolutely in play.
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4. Draft a CB at No. 18
This is code for two players, in all likelihood:
Jermod McCoy (Tennessee)
Avieon Terrell (Clemson)
McCoy may not be available at the Vikings’ spot, but if he is, they might have to pounce. Terrell’s draft lead-up is riddled by injuries, but if Minnesota just doesn’t care, he’s in play, too.
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) celebrates with a symbolic prop after defeating the Florida Gators at Neyland Stadium, Oct 12, 2024, as the Volunteers mark a rivalry win and energize the home crowd following the final whistle. Mandatory Credit: Angelina Alcantar-Imagn Images
The Vikings haven’t drafted productive cornerbacks since Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander, so we’re talking a decade-long drought.
3. Draft a DT at No. 18
Translation? Clemson’s Peter Woods.
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Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave played over 1,300 defensive snaps at defensive tackle for the Vikings in 2025. However, that production is now gone. Minnesota moved on from both veterans a month ago after their one-year stints, creating a clear void in the middle of the defensive line.
If the Vikings stay at No. 18 and seek a young defensive tackle, Woods would be the pick.
2. Trade Down a Bit + Draft a DB, DT, or LB
Minnesota has an opportunity to sell the 18th overall pick, stay in Round 1, and stockpile a 2nd-, 3rd-, or combination of those picks, depending on how far they’re willing to drop down the board.
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Brzezinski would add another Top 100 or pick or two, and then consider drafting one of these players with a pick between 26 and 32:
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo)
Kayden McDonald (DL, Ohio State)
C.J. Allen (LB, Georgia)
Chris Johnson (CB, San Diego State)
Brandon Cisse (CB, South Carolina)
Caleb Banks (DT, Florida)
1. Draft a Safety at No. 18
Sticking-and-picking a safety remains the most plausible draft scenario for the Vikings for four reasons:
Harrison Smith may retire.
Dillon Thieneman might be the best player available at No. 18.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren would fit wonderfully in Brian Flores’s scheme.
Just two safeties are under contract for 2027: Josh Metellus and Theo Jackson.
Tucson, Arizona, USA; Wyoming running back Harrison Waylee (4) carries the ball against Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (22) during second-half action in the Arizona Bowl, Dec 30, 2023, as both teams compete for yardage in a postseason matchup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The only argument against a safety is that the position isn’t considered premium. Want an example? The Vikings could sign any one of these free-agent safeties today for cheap, and that player would do just fine in the rotation:
Jamal Adams
Ashtyn Davis
Quandre Diggs
Terrell Edmunds
Mike Edwards
Rayshawn Jenkins
Ifeatu Melifonwu
Isaiah Oliver
Jabrill Peppers
Jordan Poyer
Taylor Rapp
Justin Simmons
Xavier Woods
Donovan Wilson
General managers should only draft safeties in Round 1 if they’re confident that the rookie will be an utter game-changer — like Harrison Smith 14 years ago.
Perhaps that’ll be Thieneman or McNeil-Warren. You’ll find out in a week and half.
Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Virat Kohli vs Rohit Sharma – Sunday could not have gotten better for cricket fans. At the Wankhede Stadium, the two giants clashed in the biggest match of IPL 2026 so far. Virat Kohli played a patient knock while Phil Salt and Rajat Patidar rained fury. Kohli, though, also achieved a few major firsts. The former RCB captain is now the first batter to score 1,000-plus runs against MI. KL Rahul (977) and Shikhar Dhawan (901) are next in the list.
Kohli also surpassed Chris Gayle and Babar Azam for being involved in the most century partnerships in T20s. The 120-run stand between Phil Salt and Kohli is the second-highest opening partnership for RCB against MI in the IPL. The highest remains the 148-run stand added by Faf du Plessis and Kohli in Bengaluru in 2023.
Talking about the match, Mumbai Indians (MI) won the toss and decided to field against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Match No. 20 of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 on Sunday.
The high-voltage clash between five-time champions MI and defending champions RCB is being played at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
“We’re going to bowl first. It looks like a good track. We played the first game on the other pitch; this looks similar. It’s always good to bat second here. I think it’s a big game. Just want to come out and play our best cricket, do the things we’ve spoken about in the meetings, and enjoy the sport. We requested good wickets, and we’ve been getting them,” Pandya said.
“As long as you land the ball right as a bowler and play the right shots as a batter, you’re in the game. Over the years at Wankhede, chasing has worked for a lot of teams. Being our home ground, dew comes in later as well. So it’s good to know what you’re chasing and plan your innings accordingly. Mayank Markande and Mitchell Santner come in for Chahar and Ghazanfar,” the MI skipper added.
After losing the toss, RCB captain Rajat Patidar said that Jacob Duffy replaced Josh Hazlewood in the playing XI.
“Obviously, we would have bowled first. But as you all know, it’s a good batting track. The ball comes nicely onto the bat with good bounce, so it won’t make too much difference. We’ll try to put a good total on the board and keep them under pressure. This is our fourth game,” Patidar said.
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“The way we’ve played in the last few matches, there are a lot of positives. In the last match, we were 97 for 6 and still managed to score over 200. That’s a positive sign for us. We enjoy playing here a lot. Whenever we come, we see great crowds. It’s challenging but also fun and exciting. Just one change – Duffy comes in place of Hazlewood,” the RCB skipper added
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Delhi vs Mumbai IPL 2026: Fans Flood Arun Jaitley Stadium for High-Voltage Clash
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are the main protagonists in any Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Mumbai Indians clash in IPL. Fans assembled at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday were treated to a Kohli half-century – his 65th in the IPL – which came off 37 balls. Yet, he appeared unhappy. In fact, he did not even celebrate the milestone after reaching it on the second ball of the 15th over bowled by Hardik Pandya. He departed two balls later while trying to break the shackles and looked frustrated. A strike rate of 131.58 may have been the reason. While Kohli was attempting to play the sheet-anchor role, the innings of Rajat Patidar (53 off 20 balls) and Phil Salt (78 off 36 balls) were in complete contrast.
kohli throwing his off his gloves and helmet, man he’s so pissed off by himself pic.twitter.com/8gbtBwX9tA
Virat Kohli looks disappointed after getting out , Still he has scored a half century for not like Virat Kohli’s Level.#MIvsRCBpic.twitter.com/tpDeIZvyJV
Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Rajat Patidar, Phil Salt and Virat Kohli all registered half-centuries as the defending champions put up an imposing 240 for 4 – the second-highest total this season – against Mumbai Indians in their Indian Premier League match here on Sunday.
Salt smashed a 36-ball 78, studded with six boundaries and as many maximums, while stalwart Kohli made a composed 50 off 38 balls, as the duo put on a polished 120-run opening-wicket stand.
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Salt was dismissed by Shardul Thakur in his very first over – the team’s 11th – providing a huge sigh of relief to MI.
Skipper Rajat Patidar then took over from where Salt left off, scoring a rapid 53 off just 20 balls, laced with four boundaries and five sixes, as RCB made quite a statement.
Earlier, Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya won the toss and opted to field.
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Tushar Deshpande’s Brilliant Final Act Ensures Thrilling Win For RR Over Gujarat Titans
“Just a chance that got away obviously. I was by no means kind of free and clear and was nowhere kind of close to having the job done but I was right in position,” said the Englishman, whose final-round 70 left him 10 under and two behind McIlroy, who made a successful defence of the green jacket.
“I was really in control, the first 10 holes I felt like I was and the mentality was to run through the finish line not just try and get it done.
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“I was playing great but just momentum shifted for me around the Amen Corner. That three-putt (on 13) was untimely for sure.
“I feel like with a sudden-death loss (last year) you kind of know you got to the house. You’ve done everything it took to win, then it comes down to flick of a coin at times.
“Whereas today I felt there was an opportunity to do better, so obviously that is frustrating for sure.”
The 2026 NBA playoff bracket will be finalized on Sunday night. After the night’s first batch of games, we know what the Eastern Conference side of the bracket looks like. The Toronto Raptors clinched the final top-six seed and a guaranteed playoff berth on Sunday thanks to their win over the Nets. The Raptors will be the No. 5 seed in the East and face the Cavs in the first round, as the Hawks were bumped down to the No. 6 seed with their loss to the Heat on Sunday. The Hawks will go up against the third-seeded Knicks in the first round.
The No. 1 Pistons and No. 2 Celtics await the Play-In Tournament winners in the East. The 76ers will host the Magic with the No. 7 seed on the line Tuesday, while the Hornets and Heat will play in the 9-10 matchup on Wednesday.
In the West, the biggest question is if the Nuggets can lock up the No. 3 seed and keep the Lakers at No. 4. The West’s No. 3 seed would face the Wolves in the first round, while the Rockets await the No. 4 seed.
While we wait and see how the final seeds shake out, here’s an up-to-date look at the 2026 NBA playoff bracket, as well as the schedule for the Play-In Tournament and key dates for the next two months.
2026 NBA playoff bracket
Keytron Jordan, CBS Sports
2026 NBA Playoff Picture
NBA postseason bracket after Sunday’s East games
Play-In Tournament
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East first round No. 1 Pistons vs. No. 8 TBD No. 2 Celtics vs. No. 7 TBD No. 3 Knicks vs. No. 6 Hawks No. 4 Cavaliers vs. No. 5 Raptors
West first round No. 1 Thunder vs. No. 8 TBD No. 2 Spurs vs. No. 7 TBD No. 3 Nuggets vs. No. 6 Timberwolves No. 4 Lakers vs. No. 5 Rockets
Play-In Tournament schedule
Tuesday, April 14
76ers vs. Magic, 7:30 p.m. ET, Prime — Winner gets East No. 7 seed
Suns vs. Trail Blazers/Clippers, 10 p.m. ET, Prime — Winner gets West No. 7 seed
Wednesday, April 15
Hornets vs. Heat, 7:30 p.m. ET, Prime — Loser is eliminated from postseason
Trail Blazers/Clippers vs. Warriors, 10 p.m. ET, Prime — Loser is eliminated from postseason
Friday, April 17
76ers/Magic vs. Hornets/Heat, 7:30 p.m. ET, Prime — Winner gets East No. 8 seed, loser is eliminated from postseason
TBD vs. TBD, 10 p.m. ET, Prime — Winner gets West No. 8 seed, loser is eliminated from postseason
2026 NBA playoffs schedule
Saturday, April 18
Four first-round playoff games (times and matchups TBD)
Sunday, April 19
Four first-round playoff games (times and matchups TBD)
NEW DELHI: Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder Tim David left the umpire slightly annoyed with a playful act during their IPL 2026 clash against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.The incident unfolded in the 18th over of the RCB innings when David smashed a towering six off Hardik Pandya over deep mid-wicket. The strike was so powerful that it altered the shape of the ball, which had also become wet, forcing the umpires to call for a replacement.As the box of used balls was brought out, David picked one up and began casually playing with it. Despite repeated requests from the umpire to hand it back, the Australian continued to toy with the ball for a few moments, leaving the official visibly miffed. After a brief delay, David finally returned the ball, bringing a smile back to the situation.Rohit Sharma also joined in, sharing a light-hearted moment with David as the incident drew laughter on the field.Earlier, RCB’s top order had dominated proceedings. Skipper Rajat Patidar, along with Phil Salt and Virat Kohli, struck impressive half-centuries to power the defending champions to a massive 240/4 — the second-highest total of the season.Salt led the charge with a blistering 78 off 36 balls, hitting six fours and six sixes, while Kohli anchored the innings with a composed 50 off 38 deliveries. The pair added a fluent 120 runs for the opening wicket before Shardul Thakur provided the breakthrough.Patidar then carried forward the momentum with a rapid 53 off just 20 balls, laced with four boundaries and five sixes, as RCB stamped their authority with a commanding batting display.In reply, Mumbai Indians could manage 222/5. RCB won the match by 18 runs
NEW DELHI: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru strengthened their hold on third place in the IPL 2026 points table with an 18-run win over Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday. With this victory, RCB now have three wins and one loss from four matches, taking their tally to six points with an impressive net run rate of +1.148.
Despite the defeat, Mumbai Indians continue to languish in eighth place. They have managed just one win in four outings, with three losses, and have a net run rate of -0.772.
At the top of the table, Rajasthan Royals remain unbeaten, winning all four of their matches to sit comfortably with eight points and a league-best net run rate of +2.055.
Punjab Kings follow in second place with three wins from four matches, accumulating seven points and a net run rate of +0.720.
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Behind RCB, Delhi Capitals occupy fourth position with two wins and two losses, earning four points and a net run rate of +0.322.
Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants are placed fifth and sixth respectively, both with identical records of two wins and two losses from four matches.
However, Gujarat Titans have a slightly better net run rate (-0.029) compared to Lucknow (-0.427).
Sunrisers Hyderabad sit seventh with just one win in four matches and a net run rate of -0.024.
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Below Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings are ninth with one win and three defeats, struggling with a net run rate of -1.532.
At the bottom of the table, Kolkata Knight Riders are yet to register a win, with three losses and one no-result, giving them just one point and a net run rate of -1.315.
Rohit Sharma, batting on 19 off 13 balls, walked off the pitch during Mumbai Indians’ chase of 241 against Royal Challengers Benglauru at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday during an IPL 2026 match. MI needed Rohit to stay for long to chase down the target, but an unbeaten Rohit walking off the pitch raised a massive concern. According to reports, Rohit Sharma was struggling with is hamstring and decided to walk off. However, by his facial expression, it did not look like it was a minor issue. If that was the case, it can be safely presumed that Rohit would not have left the field.
Even Virat Kohli faced an ankle issue and did not field for RCB. Ultimately, MI failed to chase down a 241-run target and lost the match by 18 runs.
Earlier, star India and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Virat Kohli continued his love affair with Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Wankhede Stadium as he became the first-ever batter to hit 1,000 runs against the five-time champions on Sunday.
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During the high-octane match against MI, Virat held one end steady as Phil Salt and skipper Rajat Patidar fired massive sixes, scoring 50 in 38 balls, with five fours and a six, at a strike rate of over 131.
Now against MI, Virat has scored 1,030 runs in 36 innings at an average of 32.18 and a strike rate of 129.23, with a best score of 92* and seven fifties.
In his four innings in this edition of the season so far, Virat has made 179 runs at an average of 59.66, with a strike rate of 162.72, including two fifties and a best score of 69*.
In 23 matches and innings at Wankhede Stadium, Virat has made 888 runs at an average of 55.5, with a strike rate of 148.49, with nine fifties and a best score of 92*.
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Virat also had a century partnership with Phil Salt, registering his 47th century partnership in T20s, the most by a batter in T20s, outdoing Chris Gayle, who was involved in 46 such stands.
A 120-run stand between Salt (78 in 36 balls, with six fours and six sixes) and Virat and a 65-run stand between Virat (50 in 38 balls, with five fours and a six) and skipper Patidar (53 in 20 balls, with four boundaries and five sixes) and later some brutal hitting from David (34* in 16 balls, with two fours and three sixes) pushed RCB to a massive score of 240/4 in 20 overs.
With agency inputs
Featured Video Of The Day
Tushar Deshpande’s Brilliant Final Act Ensures Thrilling Win For RR Over Gujarat Titans
Back-to-back Masters champion Rory McIlroy was delighted to have his parents at Augusta National to witness his triumph after they missed out a year ago.
Mum Rosie and dad Gerry were back home in Northern Ireland when he completed the career grand slam 12 months ago and he admitted they had doubts about flying over for his defence.
Tondela and Gil Vicente bring round 29 of the Portuguese Primeira Liga to an end when they square off at the Estadio Joao Cardoso on Monday. Both sides head into the game off the back of contrasting results, with the Gilistas claiming a comfortable home victory over AVS.
Tondela dropped three more points at the wrong end of the Primeira Liga standings last time out when they suffered a 5-0 hammering at the hands of Vitoria de Guimaraes.
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With that result, Goncalo Feio’s men have failed to win 10 of their most recent 11 matches, losing five and picking up five draws since kicking off the year with a 3-1 victory over Arouca on January 3.
Having gained promotion from the second tier last season to end a three-year absence from the top flight, Tondela find themselves in the fight to avoid relegation, as they sit 17th in the Primeira Liga table with just 20 points from 27 games, five points away from safety.
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Meanwhile, Gil Vicente cruised to a 3-0 victory over bottom-dwellers AVS at the Estadio Cidade de Barcelos last time out to rekindle hopes of securing European qualification.
The Gilistas had failed to win their previous five matches, losing three and picking up two draws while conceding 10 goals and scoring six across the five matches.
Gil Vicente have picked up 45 points from their 28 Primeira Liga matches so far to sit sixth in the standings, seven points behind fourth-placed Braga in the UEFA Conference League qualifying spot heading into the final six games.
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Tondela vs Gil Vicente Head-To-Head and Key Numbers
Gil Vicente hold the upper hand in the history of this fixture, having won five of the last nine meetings between the two teams.
Tondela have picked up two wins in that time, while the spoils have been shared on two occasions.
Gil Vicente have won just one of their most recent nine away matches, while losing three and claiming five draws since the start of November.
Tondela are on a run of six consecutive home games without a win, losing twice and claiming four draws since January’s 3-1 victory over Arouca.
Tondela vs Gil Vicente Prediction
Buoyed by their win over AVS, Gil Vicente will look to put together solid late-season form as they eye the Conference League ticket.
The Gilistas are up against a floundering Tondela side who have struggled to impose themselves in the big leagues, and we are backing them to come away with all three points.
Prediction: Tondela 0-2 Gil Vicente
Tondela vs Gil Vicente Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result – Gil Vicente to win
Tip 2: Over 2.5 goals – No (There have been fewer than three goals scored in five of the last seven meetings between the two teams)
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Tip 3: Over 4.5 cards – No (There have also been fewer than five cards issued in five of their last six clashes)
After 36 years at ESPN, announcer Mark Jones took the mic on Sunday for his final broadcast with the network, calling a season-finale matchup between the Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic.
Before tipoff, Jones was the subject of multiple tributes.
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Jones joined the “Inside the NBA” pregame show, where he received a standing ovation from hosts Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal.
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“I have a very full and a very heavy heart today as I say goodbye to the only place that I’ve really worked in network television,” Jones said in response. “I’m just thankful for all the friends that I’ve made along the journey.
“They talk about it being not about the destination but the journey. And my journey’s been outstanding.”
When the broadcast shifted to TD Garden for game coverage, Jones’ announcing partner, Doris Burke, paid tribute.
“After spending more than half your life calling games for this network, tonight is it,” Burke said. “I just want you to know, everybody involved, in the truck, here courtside, we are honored to be here with you.”
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Jones, choked up, responded:
“I love you Doris,” he said. “We’re gonna have some fun and document the game and do it the way it’s gotta be done. Brought some seasoning with me tonight, folks.”
Jones’ decision to leave ESPN
Jones, 64, has worked at ESPN since 1990, calling NBA and college football games. He announced on Instagram Friday that Sunday’s game would be his last with the Network.
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“It’s been a memorable journey these decades with the ABC/ESPN family, but I have decided that it’s time to move on,” Jones wrote. … “As I move on to my next chapter, I believe my best work is yet to come. I’ll be out there cookin’ hotter than fish grease!”
Jones also declined elaborate on his “next chapter” in his statement. He’s worked for years as the local play-by-play voice of the Sacramento Kings on NBC Sports California and confirmed to the Sacramento Bee on Friday that he’ll continue in that role.
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“My plan is to be here for a long, long time,” Jones told the Bee. “I love it here, and I’ve been warmly received by the Kings.”
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ESPN released a statement thanking Jones for his contributions to the network following his announcement.
“Mark has made an enduring impact at ESPN since 1990, serving as a signature voice primarily within our NBA and college football coverage and across nearly all of our platforms,” ESPN said. “We’re grateful for Mark’s countless contributions and we wish him continued success.”
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