Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah watches from the sideline on Oct. 7, 2023, at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis before the Minnesota Golden Gophers hosted the Michigan Wolverines. The executive, known for his analytics-driven approach and composed sideline presence, continues to draw attention as the Vikings navigate roster and trade decisions. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.
As the Vikings announced the Kwesi Adofo-Mensah surprise firing last Friday, I quickly asked, “How is this going to work without a new GM in place through the critical upcoming period of offseason team building via free agency and the draft?”
Owners Mark and Zygi Wilf said executive V.P. of football operations Rob Brzezinski will lead the team’s operations through the draft. So will Brzezinski make the final call on free-agent cuts, restructures, signings, and draft choices?
Or will head coach Kevin O’Connell play a larger role in the decision-making process along with DC Brian Flores, who we know has had a major impact on key defensive free agent signings, such as home-run hits Andrew Van Ginkel, Jonathan Greenard, and Blake Cashman in 2024?
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Diamond’s Perspective on the Vikings’ Seismic Move
How it’s going to work hasn’t been a focus for local media and fans as much as asking why Adofo-Mensah’s contract was extended last year and what changed the Wilfs’ thinking on their GM.
I think a few things stuck in the Vikings owners’ minds and tipped the scales against Adofo-Mensah. And it was a logical decision for the Wilfs to make, except it probably would have been beneficial to make the move right after the season to get the new hire in place now, unless their top choice is still under contract elsewhere. That’s the situation if the Wilfs want to bring back current Broncos GM George Paton, a former Vikings assistant GM, who is not being extended by Denver and is in the last year of his contract.
Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah looks on from the sideline during a matchup with the New York Giants, Dec 21, 2025, as Minnesota continued navigating the latter portion of the season. Adofo-Mensah, hired in 2022, has overseen the franchise’s roster construction and long-term vision following the departure of former general manager Rick Spielman. Mandatory Credit: VikingzFanPage–Twitter
As for the major miscues by Adofo-Mensah that cost him his job, first there was the botched 2022 draft that left the Vikings without starters other than third receiver Jalen Nailor after their top three picks—safety Lewis Cine, corner Andrew Booth, and guard Ed Ingram—all were gone by the start of last season.
Meanwhile, several excellent players the Vikings could have picked in the 2022 first round were missed out on after trading out of the No. 12 spot down to No. 32, including three-time Ravens all-pro safety Kyle Hamilton, two-time Chiefs all-pro corner Trent McDuffie, three-time Ravens Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum, and Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (twice a 1,000-plus yard receiver), who the Lions grabbed after Adofo-Mensah made a rare in-division trade with the pick.
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Adofo-Mensah’s follow-up drafts in 2023 and 2024 have yielded only a few starters and, so far, only a few true impact players, including WR Jordan Addison, all-pro kicker Will Reichard, and emerging edge rusher Dallas Turner. Of course, the jury is still out on QB J.J. McCarthy, which leads us to the next big mistake on Adofo-Mensah’s watch: the messed-up No. 2 QB situation (Sam Howell, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer) that kept the Vikings out of this past postseason.
Daniel Jones should’ve been given an offer he couldn’t refuse after Sam Darnold wasn’t franchise-tagged and left for future Super Bowl glory in Seattle. And in retrospect, a one-year deal for Aaron Rodgers, who wanted to sign here, would’ve gotten the Vikings to at least 10 wins after he played reasonably well for a playoff team in Pittsburgh. There were several better options than what actually happened.
Free agent signings worked out great for Adofo-Mensah and the team in the 14-win 2024 season, but not so well in 2025, especially at quarterback and center, where Ryan Kelly arrived with a sizable contract and an injury history (missing nine games with three concussions, which discombobulated the Vikings’ interior offensive line).
Who makes the final call in this interim period?
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Back to the initial question I raised: I believe it will be a consensus operation until the new GM is hired, and even after a new GM is in place, that person will seek consensus in major football decisions involving player acquisition.
In my many years as Vikings GM and Titans President, I had the power to decide on player personnel moves involving free agency, the draft, and trades. But I trusted the input I received from our coaches and player personnel departments during those years when the Vikings and Titans were playoff teams in 10 of 12 seasons and Super Bowl contenders most of those years.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell watches the field during pregame moments at U.S. Bank Stadium, with the December 16, 2024 matchup against the Chicago Bears setting the stage for a late-season divisional test as Minnesota prepared its game plan and sideline communication ahead of kickoff in Minneapolis. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
As we discussed, made our plans for free agency, and lined up our draft boards, we reached consensus on the direction we wanted to go in almost every case, so I only had to break a tie a couple of times. It probably won’t happen as I expect consensus, but if there is a disagreement on a player personnel matter before a new GM is hired, will it be Brzezinski or O’Connell who has the final say?
I believe the Vikings operated with a consensus system with Adofo-Mensah in charge, and that’s how I see things playing out this offseason. The GM gets the credit or the blame in player acquisition, but there are a lot of cooks in the kitchen.
O’Connell and Flores have had significant input, and I expect them to play even larger roles, with O’Connell obviously having the most impact alongside Brzezinski during this interim period. There will likely be more changes in the player personnel department this year, especially after the draft, following Adofo-Mensah’s departure. There has to be an uneasiness among the staff at this time.
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For now, many staff members will provide input as they work with Brzezinski, O’Connell, Flores, and the rest of the coaching staff while the team identifies players to be retained or released, free-agent and trade targets, and prepares the draft board with grades for the incoming draft class.
This group of mostly behind-the-scenes staffers includes: Assistant GM Ryan Grigson (a former Colts GM), Assistant GM Demitrius Washington, Director of Player Personnel Ryan Monnens, Assistant Player Personnel Director Chisom Opara, Director of Pro Personnel Sam DeLuca, Senior Personnel Exec Jamaal Stephenson, and Director of College Scouting Mike Sholiton.
It’s obvious that this upcoming free agency and draft are extremely important for a team that must add young, affordable talent, which is usually the case for every team. With injuries so prevalent in the NFL, especially among older free agents such as Kelly, the draft has to be the lifeblood of a team, with free agency the vehicle to augment the draft in roster building.
The Wilfs
Unfortunately for Adofo-Mensah, free agency with its much higher salary cap cost took on too much importance due to not enough draft picks hitting (only four full-time starters last season were from Adofo-Mensah’s 2022-2025 draft classes—Nailor (2022 sixth round who as third WR is a virtual starter), Addison (2023 No. 1), McCarthy (2024 No. 1–10 starts as injuries cost him seven games) and left guard Donovan Jackson (2025 No. 1).
Turner (second No. 1 in 2024) started 10 games due to time missed by starters Van Ginkel and Greenard, but Turner clearly is a future starter and potential star. And Reichard was an excellent sixth-round pick in 2024.
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There just aren’t enough of the second, third, fourth, and fifth round picks on the current roster that provide starters and depth players on NFL teams, so they don’t have to be overly reliant on filling holes in free agency or keeping so many undrafted players.
The Vikings’ NFC North rival teams—especially the Packers and Lions—have fared much better in recent drafts. The Vikings are much better stocked with picks this April compared to recent years. They currently have eight picks, including the top three rounds (with No. 18 overall in the first round), and will likely gain one or two compensatory picks with a fourth-rounder likely for the Sam Darnold loss in last year’s free agency and possibly another pick or two for players such as Cam Bynum and Daniel Jone,s who both signed with the Colts.
It all shapes up as a fascinating time for the Vikings organization, with a ton of pressure on the Vikings football people to get it right with the roster over the next several months, as the Wilfs watch closely and prepare to decide on the next Vikings GM.
Jeff’s Super Bowl Pick
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I like the leaders of both the Seahawks and Patriots. I’ve gotten to know Seattle GM John Schneider over the years, and he’s a good guy who certainly ranks among the league’s premier GMs. When I left the Vikings and before joining the Titans as team president, I interviewed for the Patriots GM job with owners Robert and Jonathan Kraft, whom I knew well from our years in the league. I like them both, and their track record of six Super Bowl titles speaks to their success as owners.
The tipping point for me in who I’m rooting for on Super Sunday is Sam Darnold. Although the Vikings let him walk, which made sense after his flop in the final two games last season, how can you not hope for the culmination of Darnold’s rags-to-riches career journey that has taken him from Jets’ first-round bust to Super Bowl QB for the NFC champs? Darnold comes off a tremendous game with 346 passing yards and three TDs in the win over the Rams, who ended his Vikings season in last year’s playoffs.
Nov 16, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) makes a one handed catch against Los Angeles Rams cornerback Darious Williams (31) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Pats QB Drake Maye is also a great story, the third overall pick in the 2024 draft, who has reached the Super Bowl before the two QBs selected before him—Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels. Maye had a lackluster rookie season, going 3-9 as a starter, but rebounded with an outstanding second season, leading the Patriots to a 17-3 record while posting an NFL-best passer rating of 113.5. He’s been less effective in the playoffs, but nasty weather has made it difficult, and his running has still been impactful.
Both QBs are supported by run games and defenses that ranked in the top 10 in each category for both teams during the regular season and have continued to perform well in the playoffs.
I’m excited to watch how Darnold and Maye perform on the Super Bowl stage, along with some exciting matchups such as Seattle all-pro WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba against New England’s Pro Bowl corner Christian Gonzalez, and ex-Viking and current Pats leading WR Stefon Diggs against Seahawks Pro Bowl CB Devon Witherspoon.
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Other key things to watch are whether the Patriots D led up front by stout DTs Milton Williams and Christian Barmore can contain excellent Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker and pressure Darnold into turnovers, and seeing if the Seattle defense led by vet D-linemen Leonard Williams and DeMarcus Lawrence can stop the Pats’ run game, and if star LB Ernest Jones can keep Maye from key runs.
I think Pro Bowl kick returner Rashid Shaheed gives Seattle an edge on special teams.
Both teams have had unexpected success after missing the playoffs last year (which bodes well for teams such as the Vikings, who hope to have turnaround seasons in 2026). In the final analysis, I think Seattle is the better team, and I’m picking the Seahawks 27-23 in an exciting Super Bowl.
Next Week: I’ll give my review of the Vikings’ coaching staff moves, of which there have been quite a few in the last couple weeks and probably a few more coming by next week, but the good news for the team is the principal leaders of the coaching staff—KOC and B-Flo—remain in place. I’ll also give my reactions to Super Bowl Sunday.
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Jeff Diamond is a former Vikings GM, former Tennessee Titans President and was selected NFL Executive of the Year … More about Jeff Diamond
Bayern Munich are wary of Saudi Pro League clubs targeting Harry Kane, Bernardo Silva is set to leave Manchester City and Inter Miami start talks with Manchester United‘s Casemiro.
Bayern Munich honorary president Uli Hoeness is wary of the Saudi Pro League trying to tempt England striker Harry Kane as the German club continue talks with the 32-year-old over a new deal beyond summer 2027. (Kicker – in German), external
Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva, 31, has told Manchester City that he will be leaving the club when his contract runs out in the summer. (Caught Offside), external
Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay is not talking to Saudi Pro League clubs as the 29-year-old’s focus remains in Italy with Napoli.(Fabrizio Romano), external
Barcelona will offer 37-year-old Poland striker Robert Lewandowski, whose contract at the club runs out in the summer, a new one-year deal which includes a significant pay cut and more performance-related bonuses. (Sport – in Spanish), external
Juventus are looking at the prospect of adding Lewandowski and 27-year-old France forward Randal Kolo Muani, who is on loan at Tottenham from Paris St-Germain, to their ranks. (Gazzetta dello Sport – in Italian), external
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Chelsea and France defender Malo Gusto, 22, says Liam Rosenior is a “top manager” despite criticism following their recent poor form. (ESPN), external
Inter Miami have started talks with Brazil midfielder Casemiro’s camp about signing the 34-year-old, who will leave Manchester United in the summer, but the Major League soccer side face competition from other teams in Europe and Saudi Arabia. (Fabrizio Romano), external
GUWAHATI: With Rajasthan Royals hosting a few Indian Premier League matches in their adopted home of Guwahati over the past seasons, top-flight cricket is no novelty to the Assam capital. But with an additional fixture scheduled at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium this year — amid the buzz of the April 9 state assembly elections — the excitement has risen quite a few notches.As fans gear up for the Royals’ clash with Super Kings on Monday, weather remains the only concern. Intermittent drizzle over the past week and forecasts of rain and thunderstorms on match day threaten to disrupt proceedings.On the field, both teams are desperate for a reset after disappointing IPL 2025 campaigns. Chennai Super Kings finished at the bottom of the table for the first time in their history, while Rajasthan Royals ended just above them.
Samson swaps pink for yellowSanju Samson will be the biggest attraction, arriving in Guwahati on the back of a stellar T20 World Cup-winning campaign with India. The Kerala wicketkeeper-batter will now turn out for Chennai Super Kings against Rajasthan Royals — a franchise he represented and led for over a decade.Young India U19 World Cup-winning captain Ayush Mhatre adds firepower to the top-order for CSK, while Shivam Dube will look to carry his T20 World Cup form into the IPL and add muscle to the middle. Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed and Noor Ahmad form the bowling core.Riyan Parag begins his first full season as Rajasthan Royals captain after handling leadership duties briefly last year during Samson’s injury-forced absence. The Assam all-rounder now shoulders the responsibility of leading a franchise seeking a fresh identity.Ravindra Jadeja, part of the Samson swap deal, will don pink this season and spearhead the spin attack alongside Ravi Bishnoi, while Jofra Archer leads the pace unit. With Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Shimron Hetmyer and Dhruv Jurel forming the batting core, Royals will hope for a more consistent showing.NUMBERS GAME6 – Rajasthan Royals have won six out of the last seven games against Chennai Super Kings between Oct 2021 and May 2025. Their only defeat was by five wickets at Chepauk on May 12, 2024.
Leading rider Tommy Berry stepped up to offer payment of the $44,000 late entry charge to lock in Storm Leopard’s place in the ATC Australian Derby after the gelding’s impressive staying performance in Saturday’s Group 2 $300,000 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill Gardens.
“I’ll offer to pay the late entry if they want,” Berry said.
“He’s so clean winded, he’s a real stayer. The team has done a great job with him, bringing him here in such great order.
“I only got on for the first time today so thanks to the Hayes boys for the opportunity and looking forward to hopefully riding him in the Derby.”
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According to trainer Ben Hayes, Storm Leopard featured in the early nominations for next Saturday’s Group 1 $2 million ATC Australian Derby (2400m) at Royal Randwick, but they skipped the primary acceptance fee in the gelding’s prep.
“We took him out of the ‘noms’ and were looking at the South Australian Derby but we changed plans (again) because he started to go so well,” Hayes said.”It will be a discussion we need about next week but if he pulls up well, it’s definitely something that will be considered. It is a good problem to have.”
Storm Leopard ($4.20) took full advantage of the quick early speed, powering to the front mid-straight and winning by almost two lengths in decisive fashion.
Eureka Rebel at $81 shaped nicely as a Derby prospect, rallying late for second, with $5 elect Shangri La Boy third after dictating early.
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The race was soured by favourite Arcora ($2.40) suffering a devastating near-foreleg injury mid-race.
Racing NSW officials quizzed jockey Nash Rawiller and trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young on Arcora before the colt was humanely put down.
Rawiller praised the colt’s stride which “felt amazing” prior to the incident, showing excellent control in withdrawing him.
“He got into a lovely rhythm during the race – this came out of nowhere,” Rawiller said.
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Busuttin assured stewards Arcora was the “soundest horse you could ever find” entering the Tulloch Stakes.
Ben Hayes led with empathy in his immediate post-win interview.
“I feel for the connections of Arcora,” was Hayes’s first comment. “You never want to see that happen.”
Berry revealed his initial thoughts turned to Rawiller and Arcora amid the breakdown.
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“My mind was on Nash (Rawiller – on retired runner Arcora) to make sure he was alright,” Berry said.”But then you’ve got to make sure you focus up again.”
Berry highlighted how Storm Leopard triumphed with a “lot of authority” notwithstanding some straight drifting.
“Storm Leopard got to the leader very quickly and was left in front a long way from home,” Berry said.
“I would’ve loved to have something challenge him halfway down the straight because he felt like he was floating where he was.
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“I had enough looks to make it as soft as I could late just in case he had to back up. He’s trained by a bunch of gentlemen that send their horses to Sydney in such great order so if they decided to go that way it wouldn’t be an issue.”
Storm Leopard could now become the 10th to land the Tulloch Stakes-ATC Australian Derby double, matching Quick Thinker (2020), Angel Of Truth (2019), Levendi (2018), Jon Snow (2017), Starcraft (2004), Ivory’s Irish (1995), Mahogany (1994), Durbridge (1991) and Prolific (1984).
Without prior nomination, Storm Leopard was absent from TAB Fixed Odds Derby betting pre-Tulloch, but they quoted him at $4.50 afterwards, behind $3.50 joint faves Observer and Green Spaces.
Owner-trainer Matthew Smith was thrilled by Eureka Rebel’s second and Dezignation’s fifth as Derby trials. “Both horses are strong, young stayers and as long as they pull up well, I would like them to back up in the Derby,” Smith said.
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Eureka Rebel’s jockey Kerrin McEvoy expects no trouble at the Derby distance next week.
“He ran really well,” McEvoy said. “I didn’t jump like we thought but he got a nice trip around and he goes to Randwick to enjoy the 2400m,” McEvoy said.
Third-place finisher Shangri La Boy improved per rider Adam Hyeronimus, but requires refinement.
“That is not the best version of him,” Hyeronimus said. “The best version of him is jump and relax in front then show his sharp turn of foot.”
There were plenty of goals in the Nigeria Premier Football League on Sunday as Rivers United returned to the top of the table with an impressive 4-2 win over Kun Khalifat.
Coached by Finidi George, Rivers United had been away from home in recent weeks, allowing Rangers International to go top. However, their strong comeback victory helped them reclaim first place.
Aniekeme Okon opened the scoring before Kun Khalifat responded through Abdulrafiu Omolabi and Sunday Adehi. Iyowuna Douglas scored twice, while Handsome Surveyor also found the net to seal the win.
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Elsewhere, Shooting Stars defeated Rangers 3-1 in Ibadan. Sodiq Ibrahim gave the home side the lead before Chidiebere Nwobodo equalised. Late goals from Desmond Ojietefian and Mustapha Adams secured the victory.
In Lagos, Ikorodu City beat Warri Wolves 4-3 in an exciting match. Abayomi Ayodeji scored his first goal for Ikorodu City, while Tosin Oyedokun and Joseph Arumala also scored. Chisom Ogbuu scored an own goal but later got on the scoresheet for Warri Wolves, while Igbunu Evwierhurhoma netted twice.
Barau FC and Katsina United played out a goalless draw in Kano. Remo Stars, reduced to ten men, earned a 1-1 draw against El Kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri, their first away point under Usman Abd’Allah.
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On Saturday, Bendel Insurance drew 2-2 with Plateau United.
In the Abia derby, Enyimba beat Abia Warriors 2-1 in Aba. Chidera Michael scored twice, while Emeka Obioma scored for Abia Warriors.
There were also home wins for Kwara United, Bayelsa United and Niger Tornadoes against Nasarawa United, Kano Pillars and Wikki Tourists respectively.
Rivers United now lead the table with 55 points, one point above Rangers after 32 matches.
Moses Itauma has already started plotting his future following his victory over Jermaine Franklin.
Itauma extended his unbeaten record to 14-0 with a fifth round knockout win over Franklin at Co-Op Live in Manchester, doing something that Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte were unable to do by stopping the American inside the distance.
It was a dominant performance from the Brit, first knocking down Franklin in round three before securing the win two rounds later with a massive uppercut that sent his rival face flat onto the canvas.
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Attention has already turned to who Itauma could face next, but the 21-year-old has admitted that his ideal opponent isn’t achievable.
Speaking in his post-fight interview, Itauma revealed that he would have liked to face Filip Hrgovic next, but will now be unable to do so after the Croatian instead agreed to take on British rival Dave Allen.
“If I’m completely honest I wanted the Hrgovic fight but he’s boxing Dave Allen. We’ll go back to the drawing board and see who’s available and we’ll be back out soon.”
Hrgovic has claimed wins over Joe Joyce and David Adeleye in his last two contests, and will look to make it three straight wins over British opponents when he meets Allen at the Keepmoat Stadium in Doncaster on May 16.
While a fight with Hrgovic seemingly won’t be next, Itauma’s promoter Frank Warren insisted it will be a noteworthy bout.
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“He’ll be out again probably in July. He’s number one in the WBO and number one in the WBA. There’s a lot of fights happening in the next few months and don’t worry we’ll sort something out. It will be a big fight. He’s a big name and he’s a big fighter.”
A solid option for Itauma’s next bout is instead WBA Regular champion Murat Gassiev, who earned the belt with a win over Kubrat Pulev back in December.
PHILADELPHIA — Trevor Zegras wristed a sharp-angle shot past Casey DeSmith with 1:33 remaining in overtime, leading hard-charging Philadelphia to a victory over slumping Dallas.
Travis Konecny scored in regulation for the Flyers, who are 8-1-1 in their last 10 games. With 86 points, they pulled within two of both Columbus — which is in the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference — and Pittsburgh — which is in third place in the Metropolitan Division. Samuel Ersson made 17 saves.
Rookie Arttu Hyry, playing his sixth game since being recalled from Dallas’ AHL affiliate, scored the lone goal for the Stars, who are in second place in the Central Division but have lost five of their last six. DeSmith finished with 28 saves.
NEW YORK — Adam Sykora broke a scoreless tie early in the third period and Igor Shesterkin made 26 saves and the New York Rangers defeated the Florida Panthers 3-1 on Sunday.
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Sykora, a rookie who was a second-round pick in 2022, scored his second goal of the season at 5:10, tipping Adam Fox’s shot past Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky.
Conor Sheary then scored his fifth of the season — on a short-handed breakaway — at 11:14 before Fox added an empty-netter at 16:06.
Sykora also scored in the Rangers’ 6-1 win against Chicago on Friday. The Rangers are just 11-18-7 at home this season.
Florida’s Mackie Samoskevich scored with 40.2 seconds left to end Shesterkin’s shutout bid.
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NASHVILLE — Jake Guentzel had a goal and two assists while Corey Perry broke a third-period tie to give Tampa Bay a victory against Nashville to move into first place in the Atlantic Division.
Brandon Hagel also scored for the Lightning, who improved to 6-0-2 in the past eight games. Guentzel has scored in four consecutive games.
Jonas Johansson finished with 29 saves.
Joakim Kemell and Filip Forsberg scored for the Predators who hold the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference despite three consecutive losses. Justus Annunen finished with 25 saves.
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CANADIENS 3, HURRICANES 1
RALEIGH, N.C. — Nick Suzuki scored two goals and had an assist to lead Montreal to a win over Carolina.
Suzuki fueled a three-goal second period for the Canadiens, who have won five straight and won all three regular-season games against the Eastern Conference-leading Hurricanes.
Cole Caufield added a goal and assist for Montreal and goalie Jakub Dobes made 34 saves in his third win of the season over the Hurricanes.
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Andrei Svechnikov scored for the Hurricanes, and Frederik Andersen stopped 15 shots.
BRUINS 4, BLUE JACKETS 3, SO
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Viktor Arvidsson scored the decisive goal in the shootout and had three assists in the third period as Boston rallied from a three-goal, third-period deficit to defeat Columbus.
It is the ninth time in franchise history the Bruins have posted a three-goal, third-period comeback, and the first since March 13, 2018, when they defeated Carolina 6-4.
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Fraser Minten also scored in the shootout for the Bruins, who have won three straight and five of six. The victory also kept Boston in the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference with 92 points.
Pavel Zacha had two power-play goals — including the tying score with 11 seconds remaining — and an assist while Charlie McAvoy had a goal and an assist. Jeremy Swayman stopped 21 shots.
NEWARK, N.J. — Dougie Hamilton and Jack Hughes scored 19 seconds apart late in the third period and Jake Allen made 28 saves as New Jersey rallied to defeat Chicago.
With New Jersey trailing 3-2, Hamilton scored at 14:32 before Hughes scored at 14:51 to put the home team ahead and electrify the Prudential Center crowd. Hughes — who also had two assists — added his 22nd goal of the season into an empty net with 31 seconds left.
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Connor Brown and Simon Nemec also scored for New Jersey, which has won six of its last eight games.
With the Blackhawks on a 5-on-3 advantage, Frank Nazar rifled a pass from Connor Bedard past Allen at 10:51 of the third for his second goal of the night. Ilya Mikheyev also scored for Chicago, which ended its four-game trip with a third-straight loss after resounding defeats to the Flyers and Rangers.
Aryna Sabalenka beat Coco Gauff in the Miami Open women’s singles final 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 on Saturday.
The world No. 1 overpowered fourth-ranked Gauff in the first and third sets with sizzling groundstroke winners and became the first player to accomplish the “Sunshine Double” – winning Indian Wells followed by Miami in the same season – since Iga Swiatek in 2022.
It was Sabalenka’s second straight title at the Miami Open, Gauff’s hometown tournament, and put her ahead of Gauff in their head-to-head record, 7-6.
“You’ve pushed me to be a better player,” Sabalenka said during the ceremony, before adding about the crowd, “You always bring a full stadium.”
The match lasted 2 hours, 11 minutes and ended on Gauff getting broken for the fourth time with a wide backhand.
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Gauff fought back to force the third set, but couldn’t maintain the momentum she appeared to get from the deafening crowd supporting her.
“It sucks not to come out with a better result but I had a lot of joy this week,” Gauff said to the crowd. “You guys brought energy every day this week.”
Sabalenka at times was frustrated by the fan noise, including when someone yelled “out” during a long rally. She used a curse word at the fan and the chair umpire warned the crowd, but also gave a code violation to Sabalenka.
“I shouldn’t be that rude, but come on, you cannot do that,” Sabalenka said at the ceremony. “So let’s agree we were both wrong, so sorry.”
Gauff’s off-and-on serve created seven double faults while Sabalenka registered none.
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Sabalenka broke Gauff in the first game of the third set, helped by a Gauff double fault and an unforced error. On break point, Sabalenka crunched a backhand winner.
“I was disappointed about that first game of the third set up 30-0 with momentum,” Gauff said. “It was an important game to win in that moment.”
The match was attended by Kai Trump, President Donald Trump’s granddaughter and a golfer at the University of Miami. She posted a photo with Sabalenka at the tournament on social media Friday.
Sabalenka, who earned her 24th pro title, said before the match she was happy Gauff had found her best tennis in her home tournament at which she had never gotten past the fourth round.
Amnesty International warned this summer’s football World Cup, spread across three North American countries, risks becoming a “stage for repression” in a report published Monday.
The London-based human rights organisation’s report — “Humanity Must Win” — called on both FIFA and host countries the US, Canada and Mexico to take urgent action to protect fans, players and other communities.
FIFA has promised a tournament where everyone “feels safe, included and free to exercise their rights”.
But Amnesty said that pledge sits in “stark contrast” to conditions on the ground in all three host nations, especially the US, which hosts three-quarters of the 104 matches.
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Amnesty described the US as facing a “human rights emergency” under the Trump administration, marked by mass deportations, arbitrary arrests and what it called “paramilitary-style” Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.
The acting director of ICE said last month the agency will be “a key part of the overall security apparatus for the World Cup”.
This comes despite anger at the killing of two American citizens who were protesting aggressive ICE raids in Minneapolis in January.
Amnesty said none of the published host city plans address how fans or local communities will be protected from ICE operations.
Fans from four nations taking part this summer — Ivory Coast, Haiti, Iran and Senegal — face US travel bans and LGBTQ+ fan groups from England and across Europe have said they will not attend matches in the US, citing risks to transgender supporters in particular.
“This World Cup is very far from the ‘medium risk’ tournament that FIFA once judged it to be, and urgent efforts are needed to bridge the growing gap between the tournament’s original promise and today’s reality,” the report said.
FIFA said earlier this month the 48-team tournament — the biggest World Cup in history — will proceed “as scheduled” with all teams taking part, despite uncertainty over Iran‘s presence due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
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The global football governing body, which has been heavily criticised over its decision to award a newly created “Peace Prize” to President Trump in December 2025, stands to earn $11 billion from the tournament cycle.
“While FIFA generates record revenues from the 2026 World Cup, fans, communities, players, journalists and workers cannot be made to pay the price,” said Steve Cockburn, Amnesty’s head of economic and social justice.
“It is these people — not governments, sponsors or FIFA — to whom football belongs, and their rights must be at the centre of the tournament.”
The World Cup kicks off on June 11 at the Mexico City Stadium with the final scheduled for July 19 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The UConn Huskies needed to dig themselves out of a hole in the second half against the Duke Blue Devils, and behind Braylon Mullins’ clutch 3-pointer and Tarris Reed Jr.’s high-percentage scoring, they were able to pull off an incredible comeback victory to advance to the Final Four.
The Huskies were able to effectively pressure the Blue Devils into a turnover with less than seven seconds left. Caden Boozer had his pass deflected and the ball got into Mullins’ hands.
UConn guard Braylon Mullins (24) celebrates after a basket against Duke during the second half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
UConn guard Braylon Mullins, right, celebrates his game winning basket with guard Malachi Smith (0) during the second half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament against Duke, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
The freshman was well beyond the 3-point line when he chucked up the ball. His prayer was answered as the ball went through the back of the net. UConn’s 19-point comeback was complete as the Huskies’ bench jumped in jubilation.
UConn was able to get the ball into Reed many times over the course of the game and for nearly half of the second half, the Huskies were in the bonus. Reed finished with 26 points on 10-of-16 from the field with nine rebounds. He was 6-of-9 from the free-throw line.
Duke guard Dame Sarr celebrates a basket against UConn during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Duke was up three points with 28 seconds to go. UConn guard Silas Demary Jr. was fouled and went to the free-throw line for two shots. He missed the first and made the second. The second free throw enabled UConn to set up its press defense and force the turnover in the end.
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The Huskies outscored the Blue Devils 44-28 in the second half after being down 44-29 in the first half.
Cameron Boozer led Duke with 27 points and grabbed eight rebounds.
UConn forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) dunks during the second half against Duke in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
UConn is back in the Final Four for the third time in three years. The Huskies will be looking to get back to the national championship after winning two titles in the last three years. UConn will take on Illinois and Michigan will go up against Arizona in the Final Four.
Bubba Wallace was at the center of the biggest wreck of the Cook Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway. Fans online reacted strongly after a late-race crash triggered by the 23XI Racing driver caused a multi-car pileup and ended the race for three cars.
Wallace spent much of the race hovering around the middle of the field, struggling to move forward on a track where passing often comes down to tight, physical racing. Martinsville’s nature means bumpers are constantly in play, especially in congested traffic. But this time, what initially looked like routine contact escalated.
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Wallace made repeated contact with Carson Hocevar while entering Turn 4 and through the corner. With limited space on the outside lane, Hocevar was forced up into Zane Smith. The contact sent Smith hard into the outside wall and triggered a stack-up behind. Within seconds, the track had over a dozen cars piled in with nowhere to go.
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The crash involved Austin Dillon, Daniel Suarez, Chris Buescher, Erik Jones, Connor Zilisch, Riley Herbst, and others. Wallace spun in the incident, ending his race along with Herbst and Ty Dillon. Smith retired initially but returned later. The incident drew strong reactions from fans online, many of whom placed the blame squarely on the No. 23 driver.
Some comments on X did not hold back, pointing to what they felt was excessive aggression from Bubba Wallace in a tight corner.
“Bubba Wallace, what an F-ing joke,” a fan wrote.
Bubba Wallace, what an F-ing joke.
“Retard wrecks half the field bc he got passed,” another one commented.
Retard wrecks half the field bc he got passed.
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Others echoed the sentiments.
“Didn’t mean to?? He plowed him 4 times in 1 turn 🤣🤣,” someone wrote.
Didn’t mean to?? He plowed him 4 times in 1 turn 🤣🤣
“Bullsh*t, he hit him three times. What a disgrace,” another one chimed in.
Bullsh*t, he hit him three times. What a disgrace.
“Awww little man baby, trying to avoid a penalty. Nice try. Can’t wait to see what that penalty is,” a fan tweeted.
“Awww little man baby, trying to avoid a penalty. Nice try. Can’t wait to see what that penalty is.”
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Others questioned whether the move was avoidable, especially given the lack of space Carson Hocevar had on the outside. While the language varied, the overall sentiment remained consistent, as many viewed it as a preventable incident.
Bubba Wallace reacts after crash ends his race early: “I misjudged”
Bubba Wallace (23), Ross Chastain (1), and Carson Hocevar – Cook Out 400. Source: Getty
After being released from the infield care center, Bubba Wallace addressed the incident and accepted responsibility for the contact with Carson Hocevar. His explanation pointed to a misjudgment rather than intent, though the result had already reshaped the race.
“I misjudged. I didn’t appreciate the three-wide in (Turn) 1 fine, and then I misjudged the center of the corner. Didn’t mean to turn him… What a frustrating day, man,” he said.
“So much expectation coming here, favorite track, Hardee’s on the car. Just wasn’t the day we wanted. We really really have to figure out what it is at this place. We can win Saturday in practice, just don’t show up on Sundays. I hate it for our team,” he added.
It marked another setback for Bubba Wallace in what has otherwise been a strong start to the season. The 23XI Racing No. 23 finished inside the top 11 in the first five races. However, a DNF at Darlington followed by this crash at Martinsville has now dropped him nine places in the standings.
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