General manager Ross Atkins spoke to the media on Friday and provided updates on multiple Blue Jays.
According to Atkins, relief pitcher Jeff Hoffman, who’s struggled of late, will no longer be the primary option to close games.
“We’re going to share (the closer role) across more than one arm in the short term, and we may get back to a situation where there is someone named our closer, but in the short term, that responsibility will be shared,” Atkins said.
“He will still be getting important outs, and he could be in the ninth for us, but for the most part, we are going to focus on sharing that responsibility.”
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Manager John Schneider shared the same closer-by-committee update when speaking to Sportsnet’s Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker on Blair and Barker, Friday.
“Right now, I think Louis (Varland) has gotten himself into some really high-leverage spots,” Schneider said. “It could be Louis, it could be (Mason Fluharty) turning them around right-handed. It could be (Tyler Rogers) to try and get a ground ball. It could be anybody, really.
“Louis’ definitely done his part to have all the trust in the world from me.”
Atkins also gave an update on starting pitcher Trey Yesavage, saying the team is encouraged by his progress and health, but no decision has been made on where and when his next outing will be. It is a possibility that it comes in the majors.
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Fellow starting arm Jose Berrios is also making strides toward a return, Atkins shared.
“He’s throwing a bullpen today and then will be in Buffalo to pitch there, which is encouraging. His stuff’s been really good.”
According to Atkins, outfielder George Springer is “already doing baseball activity, and he’s feeling much better, so he’s hitting, he’s running and we’re encouraged by where he is. It’s more of a day-to-day decision but obviously not active today.”
The 36-year-old was placed on the 10-day IL with a foot injury and hasn’t played since April 11.
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Meanwhile, Addison Barger is in a similar situation. He’s hitting and running, but just hasn’t seen live hitters, which is next for him.
Starting pitcher Shane Bieber is also gearing up and “not far off from where he’ll be facing hitters.” Atkins says he considers now to be the start of Bieber’s Spring Training.
AAMI Park will play host to Saturday’s
Round 8 NRL game between Melbourne Storm and
South Sydney Rabbitohs. The game kicks off at 8:10 pm with Melbourne Storm heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Melbourne Storm vs.
South Sydney Rabbitohs
game and give you our free tips and bets.
Saturday night shapes as a genuine contest, with South Sydney carrying strong attacking form into Melbourne. The Storm, traditionally dominant at AAMI Park, have shown vulnerability around the ruck and edges in recent weeks. The Rabbitohs boast plenty of strike power, led by Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker, and will look to exploit any defensive lapses. If the game opens up, South Sydney have the firepower to challenge the hosts.
Melbourne Storm vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Teams
Storm team: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Manaia Waitere 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Joe Chan 12. Cooper Clarke 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Shawn Blore 17. Davvy Moale 18. Jack Hetherington 19. Hugo Peel 20. Trent Toelau 21. Josiah Pahulu 22. Moses Leo Rabbitohs team: 1. Matthew Dufty 2. Alex Johnston 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Jack Wighton 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Bronson Garlick 10. Sean Keppie 11. Brandon Smith 12. Tallis Duncan 13. Cameron Murray 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Lachlan Hubner 16. Jayden Sullivan 17. Keaon Koloamatangi 18. Euan Aitken 19. Liam Le Blanc 20. Latrell Siegwalt 21. Thomas Fletcher 22. Edward Kosi
The 2026 Zurich Classic of New Orleans continues on Saturday, April 25, with the third round at TPC Louisiana. You can find full Zurich Classic tee times for Saturday’s third round at the bottom of this post.
Featured tee time for Round 3
Matt Fitzpatrick — and his brother, Alex — are currently on an incredible run.
Matt is now No. 3 in the world after claiming his second victory of the season at the RBC Heritage last week. Meanwhile, his younger brother Alex recently claimed his first DP World Tour title at the Hero Indian Open.
Now, the two are competing together as partners for the fourth time at the Zurich Classic, and find themselves just one shot behind leaders Alex Smalley and Hayden Springer (-16) heading into the weekend.
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The Fitzpatricks, alongside Smalley and Springer, will tee off in Saturday afternoon’s final grouping at 12:50 p.m. ET.
You can watch Saturday’s third round of the 2026 Zurich Classic from 1-3 p.m. ET on Golf Channel, followed by the CBS broadcast from 3-6 p.m. ET. PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ will provide exclusive early streaming coverage starting at 9 a.m. ET on Saturday, in addition to featured group and featured hole coverage.
Check out the complete Round 3 tee times and groupings for the Zurich Classic below.
With an ESPN+ subscription, you gain access to PGA Tour Live, where you can stream the best PGA Tour events live from wherever you want.
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2026 Zurich Classic tee times for Saturday: Round 3 (ET)
Tee No. 1
10:58 a.m. – Erik van Rooyen, Christiaan Bezuidenhout; William Mouw, Takumi Kanaya 11:12 a.m. – Aaron Rai, Sahith Theegala; Matt Wallace, Marco Penge 11:26 a.m. – Ben Martin, Trace Crowe; Matti Schmid, Seamus Power 11:40 a.m. – Brice Garnett, Lee Hodges; Adam Svensson, Adam Hadwin 11:54 a.m. – Kristoffer Reitan, Kris Ventura; Sam Stevens, Zach Bauchou 12:08 p.m. – Doug Ghim, Jeffrey Kang; Nick Dunlap, Gordon Sargent 12:22 p.m. – Eric Cole, Hank Lebioda; Matt McCarty, Mac Meissner 12:36 p.m. – Davis Thompson, Austin Eckroat; Billy Horschel, Tom Hoge 12:50 p.m. – Alex Smalley, Hayden Springer; Matt Fitzpatrick, Alex Fitzpatrick
Tee No. 10
10:58 a.m. – Matthieu Pavon, Martin Couvra; John Parry, Dan Brown 11:12 a.m. – A.J. Ewart, Casey Jarvis; Adrien Dumont de Chassart, Davis Chatfield 11:26 a.m. – Karl Vilips, Michael Thorbjornsen; Wyndham Clark, Taylor Moore 11:40 a.m. – Davis Riley, Nick Hardy; Chandler Phillips, Carson Young 11:54 a.m. – Ryan Gerard, Sudarshan Yellamaraju; Luke Clanton, Blades Brown 12:08 p.m. – Keith Mitchell, Brandt Snedeker; David Lipsky, Rico Hoey 12:22 p.m. – Lanto Griffin, Ben Kohles; Chad Ramey, Justin Lower 12:36 p.m. – Ben Griffin, Andrew Novak; Max McGreevy, Kevin Roy 12:50 p.m. – Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen, Jacob Skov Olesen
Lakshya Sen endured a tough loss but Ayush Shetty and the doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty registered wins as 2022 champions India notched up a commanding 4-1 win over Canada in their opening Group A tie of the Thomas Cup Finals on Friday. However there was disappointment in store in the women’s section as India lost 2-3 to hosts Denmark in their opening Group A tie of the Uber Cup Finals. After Lakshya’s spirited effort ended in a 18-21, 21-19, 21-10 loss to world No. 13 Victor Lai, world No. 4 Satwik and Chirag levelled the tie with a dominant 21-10 21-11 win over Jonathan Bing Tsan Lai and Kevin Lee.
The 20-year-old Ayush, runner-up at the recent Asia Championships, then outwitted world No. 33 Brian Yang 21-13, 21-17 in 39 minutes to hand India a 2-1 lead.
The second doubles pair of Hariharan Amsakarunan and M R Arjun sealed the tie for India with a convincing 21-7 21-15 victory over Ty Alexander Lindeman and Nyl Yakura.
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Kidambi Srikanth then outsmarted world No. 77 Joshua Nguyen 21-17 21-12 in the inconsequential fifth match as India wrapped up the match 4-1 to be placed second in the table behind China.
China, 11-time winners and defending champions, beat Australia 5-0.
The top two teams from each of the four groups will qualify for the quarter-finals.
“Really happy with the way we played today… although we were down 0-1, we’re happy that we could get a point for the team and make it 1-0.
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“We don’t want to keep so many expectations, we just want to enjoy as much as possible. It’s a long tournament, we have three days break now. There are new people who have come in, they are young and everyone is in good spirit,” Satwik told reporters.
“We just want to have some good memories in 10 days because you don’t get time. It’s a team event, let’s have some fun. We taking one day at a time.” In Uber Cup, India lost 2-3 with hosts Denmark in their opening tie of Group A.
Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu put India ahead with a tough 21-13 18-21 21-17 win over Denmark’s world No 21 Line Christophersen.
World No. 3 Unnati Hooda then produced a late fightback and saved multiple match points before going down 12-21 23-25 against world No. 26 Line Hojmark Kjaersfeldt, who won a silver medal at the 2026 European Badminton Championships early this month.
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Tanvi Sharma went down to Amalie Schulz 21-19, 16-21, 16-21 in a 54-minute contest after taking the opening game as India trailed 1-2.
In their must win rubber, the women’s doubles pair of Shruti Mishra and Priya Konjengbam missed two match points before losing the decider to Amalie Cecilie Kudsk and Mette Werge 17-21, 21-11, 21-23 in a one hour and 15-minute battle.
In the final, inconsequential rubber, Tanisha Crasto and PV registered a win after Alexandra Boje and Christine Busch conceded the match in the second game.
The Indian pair had taken the first game 21-19 and were trailing 14-17 when the Danish duo retired after 36 minutes of play.
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Lakshya vs Lai
It turned into another energy-sapping contest, reminiscent of the All England semifinal, with Lakshya and Lai locked in long, draining rallies.
Lakshya dictated early with sharp net play and smashes, doing enough to take the opening game despite Lai closing in from 14-18.
Lai hit back after the change of ends, racing to 7-2 and unsettling the Indian with clever deception and changes of pace to lead 11-7.
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A 45-shot rally sparked a brief comeback as Lakshya drew level at 12-12, but Lai held firm in the closing stages, edging a tight finish after 19-19 with a net winner and a composed duel.
The decider was one-sided as Lai surged to 4-1 and 10-3, carrying the momentum to 11-5 at the break. Lakshya struggled to keep up as the Canadian mixed precision with power to move to 16-8 before sealing the match when the Indian went long, avenging his Birmingham loss.
India next face Australia and China on Monday and Wednesday.
Sindhu vs Christophersen
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Sindhu started slowly before cruising through the opening game but was pushed into a decider by Christophersen.
The Dane raised her intensity in the second, matching Sindhu stroke for stroke from 6-6 to 11-11 and edging ahead 16-15 before forcing the decider as errors crept into the Indian’s game.
Backed by chants from the Indian camp, Sindhu relied on her deception and angles to stay in the contest.
Christophersen mixed pace well early in the third to lead 4-3, but Sindhu responded with three quick points to go 9-8 up and held a narrow edge at the interval.
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The Dane again moved ahead 15-12 but faltered with errors as Sindhu drew level at 15-15.
In a nervy finish, Sindhu held her composure, winning six of the last seven points to move 18-16 ahead before finishing with a body smash and a down-the-line winner to seal the match.
Featured Video Of The Day
Delhi vs Mumbai IPL 2026: Fans Flood Arun Jaitley Stadium for High-Voltage Clash
Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft is in the books, and it was all about protecting the quarterback. While none were taken in the first eight picks, nine offensive linemen heard their names called among the first 32 selections, starting with Utah’s Spencer Fano going to the Browns at No. 9 and ending with his college teammate Caleb Lomu landing with the Patriots at No. 28. All in all, seven tackles and two interior linemen went on night one.
Now, Day 2 is underway, and we’ll track every selection as it happens, with analysis of the most notable picks and a full team-by-team breakdown of all 257 selections throughout the draft.
2026 NFL Draft essentials
This page updates live throughout the draft.
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NFL Draft picks by team
Arizona Cardinals (7 picks)
Round 1, pick 3: Jeremiyah Love — RB, Notre Dame
Round 2, pick 34: Chase Bisontis — IOL, Texas A&M
Round 3, pick 65
Round 4, pick 104
Round 5, pick 143
Round 6, pick 183
Round 7, pick 217
Atlanta Falcons (5 picks)
Round 2, pick 48
Round 3, pick 79
Round 4, pick 122
Round 6, pick 215
Round 7, pick 231
Baltimore Ravens (11 picks)
Round 1, pick 14: Olaivavega Ioane — IOL, Penn State
McDonald Jones Stadium will play host to Sunday’s
Round 8 NRL game between Newcastle Knights and
Penrith Panthers. The game kicks off at 2:00 pm with Penrith Panthers heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Newcastle Knights vs.
Penrith Panthers
game and give you our free tips and bets.
Penrith continue to set the benchmark with their composure under pressure and defensive resilience. Even when challenged, the Panthers find a way to execute in key moments, a trait that remains unmatched. Newcastle have been competitive this season, particularly in effort areas, but may struggle to break down Penrith’s disciplined defence. Expect the Panthers to control the tempo and capitalise when it matters most.
Newcastle Knights vs Penrith Panthers Teams
Knights team: 1. Fletcher Sharpe 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Fletcher Hunt 5. James Schiller 6. Sandon Smith 7. Dylan Brown 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Trey Mooney 11. Francis Manuleleua 12. Jermaine McEwen 13. Mathew Croker 14. Harrison Graham 15. Pasami Saulo 16. Cody Hopwood 17. Elijah Leaumoana 18. Asu Kepaoa 19. Kyle McCarthy 20. Peter Hola 21. Lachlan Crouch 22. Wilson De Courcey Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Paul Alamoti 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Freddy Lussick 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Luke Garner 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Jack Cogger 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Kalani Going 17. Billy Phillips 18. Izack Tago 19. Jack Cole 20. Luron Patea 21. Billy Scott 22. Sione Fonua
Rio Ferdinand moved his family to Dubai last summer after leaving England following his departure from TNT Sports over a decade after becoming a television pundit
Rio Ferdinand’s seven-bedroom Kent mansion is up on the market eight months after the former Manchester United player moved to Dubai.
Ferdinand, 47, is said to have paid around £2.7million for the property back in 2008, the year he won the Champions League and a third Premier League title. Approaching two decades on, its guide price is £10.5million.
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Selling at that price would see Ferdinand make almost £8million in profit on a house the family no longer lives in. They – his wife, Kate, 34, and children Cree, five, Shae, two, and Tia, 14 – relocated from Orpington last summer.
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The 12,500 sq ft property is in a gated enclave of Farnborough Park inside the M25, and its entire plot is around 1.5 acres. Despite the Mail stating that Ferdinand bought it in 2008, online listings state that Durtnells built it four years later, in 2012.
Inside is a gym and studio as well as an indoor pool complex. However, any new owner would need to reinstate the latter feature after Ferdinand went away from the original design.
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He spoke about tax rises in the UK contributing to their move last year. Ferdinand even appeared on LBC to talk taxation.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
The pundit said: “If things like the health service, for example, were absolutely flying and working perfectly well, then I think people wouldn’t mind paying tax.
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“But when there arethere’s things that are falling apart and going wrong in the country, then I sit there and go, ‘we pay towards tax, and is it really going towards the things that are actually benefiting the people that live here?’
“And that’s the big question that needs answering, I think a lot of us know the answer to that.” Ferdinand also spoke about the move being for their children.
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He added: “In Dubai, it feels like they’re valued, and the lifestyle means that they’re happy and vibrant with good energy for the kids. Lifestyle, safety, weather – it’s just a new life.”
Kate said at the time: “A new chapter, a fresh start — because if we don’t try, we’ll never know. Ahhh!”
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“We’ve talked about this for so long, and now it’s finally real… we’re here, we are making a new home in the place we met! Missing some of our specials already & a bit scared, excited & nervous — but more than anything, ready for fresh starts and new beginnings
Former Super Eagles defender Sam Sodje has shared his thoughts on the Nigeria Football Federation’s move to attract William Osula to represent the national team.
The Nigeria Football Federation has reportedly opened talks with the Denmark-born striker as part of efforts to strengthen the Super Eagles following recent setbacks.
Osula, 22, has represented Denmark U21 and Denmark U19, but he is yet to play for the senior side. This leaves him free to switch allegiance, with Nigeria hoping to convince him to commit ahead of upcoming fixtures, including the Unity Cup and friendly matches against Poland national football team and Portugal national football team in June.
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Nigeria have already boosted their squad with the addition of Arthur Okonkwo, whose international switch from England was recently approved by FIFA.
Sodje backs move but calls for local development
Sodje, who was born abroad but chose to play for Nigeria during his career, believes the NFF are right to pursue Osula. However, he also stressed the importance of developing players within the domestic league.
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“It’s always good to bring in top players if they are eligible to play for Nigeria,” Sodje said. “But at the same time, we must continue to build and support talents from our local league.
“He’s Nigerian, so I don’t see why he shouldn’t be invited. He will improve the team and give more strength in attack. It’s a good step, but we should also give home-based players the same opportunity.”
Osula’s rising profile
Osula is gradually establishing himself at Newcastle United under manager Eddie Howe. The forward has impressed this season and recently scored in a 2-1 victory over Manchester United.
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Despite his progress at club level, the young striker is still eligible to play for multiple countries, including Nigeria, Denmark, France, and England.
Should he choose Nigeria, Osula could become a key figure in the team’s rebuilding process under head coach Eric Chelle. However, the final decision on his international future remains in his hands.
Florida’s Sam Bennett took home the Conn Smythe Trophy last season — the trophy awarded to the most valuable player of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
With the Panthers out of the postseason, a new player will take the crown in 2026.
Who will it be?
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Let’s take a look at the odds at DraftKings Sportsbook as of April 24, along with a look at the winners over the last 20 years.
This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.
The Favorite: It’s no surprise that Colorado center Nathan MacKinnon is the favorite in this spot. Since getting drafted by the Avalanche with the first pick of the 2013 NHL Draft, he’s tallied 126 points in the postseason, including 24 in 2022, when the Avalanche last hoisted the Cup. While he’s never won the Conn Smythe Trophy, some of his career accolades include the Ted Lindsay Award (NHL’s most outstanding player in the regular season), NHL First All-Star Team and the Hart Trophy (regular-season MVP trophy).
Ones to Watch: Cale Makar and Connor McDavid are ones to watch in this market. McDavid won this award in 2024, despite the fact his Edmonton Oilers were on the losing side of the Stanley Cup Final that year. Makar — MacKinnon’s teammate — secured the trophy in 2022 when the Avalanche won it all. Currently, Makar & Co. are up 3-0 on the Kings in the best-of-seven Round 1 series. McDavid and his Oilers are tied 1-1 with Anaheim.
Past NHL Conn Smythe Trophy winners
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2025: Sam Bennett, Florida Panthers 2024: Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers* 2023: Jonathan Marchessault, Vegas Golden Knights 2022: Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche 2021: Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay Lightning 2020: Victor Hedman, Tampa Bay Lightning 2019: Ryan O’Reilly, St. Louis Blues 2018: Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals 2017: Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins 2016: Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins 2015: Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks 2014: Justin Williams, Los Angeles Kings 2013: Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks 2012: Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings 2011: Tim Thomas, Boston Bruins 2010: Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks 2009: Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins 2008: Henrik Zetterberg, Detroit Red Wings 2007: Scott Niedermayer, Anaheim Ducks 2006: Cam Ward, Carolina Hurricanes
* Asterisk indicates that player was a member of the losing team in the Stanley Cup Final
The Athletic reported Friday that Jim France is stepping down as NASCAR’s CEO, and his replacement will be the first non-France family member to run the ship.
The outlet noted that France, who will remain NASCAR’s chairman, will be replaced by NASCAR resident Steve O’Donnell.
President Donald Trump is greeted by NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France and Sen. Rick Scott before the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Feb. 16, 2025.(Chris Graythen/AFP)
France’s father founded NASCAR in 1948, and it has grown into the most popular motorsport in the United States.
Ben Kennedy, France’s great-nephew, will also be promoted from executive vice president and chief venue and racing innovations officer to NASCAR’s chief operating officer.
All the changes are expected to be announced on Saturday at Talladega Superspeedway, where the Jack Link’s 500 will be run on Sunday.
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Jim France, chairman and CEO of NASCAR, and team owner Rick Hendrick celebrate as the No. 24 NASCAR Next Gen Chevrolet ZL1 finishes the 100th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans at the Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans, France, on June 10, 2023.(Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
France took on both roles in August 2018, shortly after his nephew, Brian, stepped down.
France’s 54% ownership stake of NASCAR will remain unchanged. Kennedy’s mother owns the other 46%.
This is hardly the first seismic change for NASCAR this year. Steve Phelps announced in January he was stepping down as commissioner after two racing teams, including one owned by Michael Jordan, filing an antitrust lawsuit against the company.
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The suit unearthed inflammatory text messages Phelps sent during contentious revenue-sharing negotiations. Jordan’s 23XI Racing and NASCAR settled their suit in December.
He was named NASCAR’s first commissioner last season after a courting process for the same role by the PGA Tour. The opportunity with the PGA was revealed during December testimony in the trial.
NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France congratulates NBA Hall of Famer and 23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan in victory lane after Tyler Reddick won the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Feb. 15, 2026.(Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
France, however, is reportedly insistent that the lawsuits had nothing to do with his decision to step down, and it has been a thought for a long while.
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Fox News’ Jackson Thompson and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Jan 1, 2026; New Orleans, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling (1) celebrates on the field after defeating the Georgia Bulldogs during the 2026 Sugar Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images.
Night No. 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft is in the books, as the Minnesota Vikings shocked the world by selecting Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks. Now, it’s time for Rounds 2 and 3 on Friday night, and VikingsTerritory‘s writers have recommendations.
The board still offers value. Minnesota needs the right fit.
We asked our staff to name one player the Vikings absolutely cannot leave Friday night without, and here’s how they replied.
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Day 2 Brings Minnesota a Chance to Balance the Roster
Need Vikings-themed draft recommendations for Friday night? We got ’em.
Maryland defensive lineman Christian Teague (91) drives upfield during the second half at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, on Dec 30, 2023, battling Auburn offensive lineman Connor Lew (75) as he works to pressure the pocket in a physical matchup between the Terrapins and Tigers. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports.
1. Connor Lew | C, Auburn
Recommender: Henrique Gucciardi
I initially didn’t like the Banks pick, but I feel better about it after sleeping on it. If they are comfortable enough to pick Banks coming off an injury-riddled season, then selecting Lew at either 82 or 97, who, to me, is the best center in the Draft, coming off a torn ACL, is a likely scenario.
2. A.J. Haulcy | S, LSU
Recommender: Adam New
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Haulcy lands the Vikings the true deep safety that they desperately need. Getting to 49 would be a great result.
3. Malachi Fields | WR, Notre Dame
Recommender: Brevan Bane
I have been pounding the table all offseason for the big-body WR out of Notre Dame, and the Vikings passed on Makai Lemon in the first round. Fields would give the Vikings a loaded WR room without the first-round investment some were scared of this year.
4. Sam Hecht | C, Kansas State
Recommender: Cole Smith
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There are several positions the Vikings should address, but I’ll be shocked if they don’t end the night with a new center. I think Kansas State’s Sam Hecht is their preference, but Florida’s Jake Slaughter, Auburn’s Connor Lew, and Iowa’s Logan Jones are viable options as well in the third round. It’s Hecht for me.
5. Germie Bernard | WR, Alabama
Recommender: Sean Borman
Bernard has sure hands, can line up anywhere, and can get after it in the open field. Giving Kyler Murray 3 legit WR’s and Hockenson (and maybe a rookie TE) to target is a good way to ensure you’ll be able to move the ball consistently on offense. Not to mention the Jordan Addison insurance.
6. Treydan Stukes | DB, Arizona
Recommender: Josh Frey
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The Vikings added a big-body to their DT room last night, but there’s still work to be done on the defensive side of the ball. Treyden Stukes can serve as the new free safety for the Vikings, and this is a team that is still trying to find a replacement for Camryn Bynum.
7. Jonah Coleman | RB, Washington — or — Jaishawn Barham | EDGE, Michigan
Recommender: Dustin Baker
The Vikings cannot delay the young running back predicament any longer — they need one. Jadarian Price would’ve been a sweet prize in Round 2, but the Seattle Seahawks ruined that.
Washington running back Jonah Coleman (1) pushes through traffic against Maryland at SECU Stadium in College Park, Maryland, on Oct 4, 2025, leaning into contact as he advances upfield while the Huskies rely on their ground attack during a competitive game against the Terrapins. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images.
Minnesota should draft Coleman in Round 3, either at pick No. 82 or 97. He’s the best pass-blocking tailback after Jeremiyah Love in this class, meaning when he morphs into the RB1, he won’t have to come off the field on 3rd Down.
If Coleman isn’t an option, the Vikings should draft Michigan EDGE Jaishawn Barham at No. 82. Andrew Van Ginkel will be a free agent in 2027; let’s plan for his possible off-ramp.
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t8. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren | S, Toledo
Recommender: Tony Schultz
After last night’s surprise pick of Caleb Banks, the Vikings need to address the best player available and a position of need. He may be the third choice at the position, but let’s hope that McNeil-Warren is still on the board.
Taking him will patch a lot of the hurt that fans think they have endured for not following everyone’s mock drafts. He can make it to 49 because the path is pretty clear, with the number of good corners available and the team’s needs ahead of him. If they can add Sam Hecht and Emmett Johnson, that’s just icing on the cake.
t8. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren | S, Toledo
Recommender: Janik Eckardt
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Everyone sent safety Dillon Thieneman to the State of 10,000 Lakes in mock draft season, but the Vikings went in a different direction. Some, however, thought Toledo’s McNeil-Warren would be an even better fit. Safety remains a need for Minnesota, and McNeil-Warren is one of the top players on the board. It remains to be seen if he’s falling to 49; it might be time to call some other front offices to move up a little.
t10. De’Zhaun Stribling | WR, Mississippi
Reccomender: Kyle Joudry
Size, speed, and blocking. Looks like a very good option to compete at WR3.
t10. De’Zhaun Stribling | WR, Mississippi
Reccomender: Wes Johnson
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Mississippi wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling (1) lines up against Miami during the College Football Playoff semifinal at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Jan 8, 2026, taking part in the Fiesta Bowl as both teams battle for a spot in the national championship game. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
The Vikings need to come away with some combination of the following at the end of day 2 (WR, C, and S). Luckily, many players fit that bill. The Vikings have flirted with later-round WRs over the past few years, but let’s face it, historically, WRs taken after pick 60 are rarely anything more than serviceable.
The Vikings need impact after losing Jalen Nailor to the Raiders this offseason. Enter Top 30 prospect Stribling from Ole Miss. Stribling has been a late draft riser, and many view him as a plug-and-play pro. He’d be a can’t-miss selection in the 2nd or 3rd round.
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