Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) secures a touchdown catch during first-quarter action against the Green Bay Packers, with the play unfolding on Sep 29, 2024 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, as Addison tracks the pass and completes the scoring play early in a divisional road matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images.
The Minnesota Vikings will embark on the draft in 26 days, scheduled to pick nine new players from April 23rd to 25th. To get you ready for April, here’s a look at the main rumblings in Minnesota’s orbit right now.
Minnesota has no shortage of storylines as the draft gets closer.
The items below are ranked in order of importance (No. 1 = most important).
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The Loudest Vikings Chatter Covers the Roster From Top to Bottom
Fasten your seatbelt for a busy Vikings-themed April.
Washington Huskies running back Jonah Coleman (1) walks off the field and heads toward the locker room, carrying the momentum of a strong team performance after a win on Sep. 6, 2025, at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington, as players begin to reset following the victory over UC Davis. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images.
Minnesota Is Scouting Early-Mid Round RBs and WRs
The Vikings are doing homework on running backs and wide receivers who are expected to be selected between Round 2 and 4, including men like Jonah Coleman (RB, Washington), Emmett Johnson (RB, Nebraska), and Ted Hurst (WR, Georgia State), to name a few.
In addition to Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jordan Mason near the top of the playmaking ticket, the “extra” guys are Aaron Jones and Tai Felton. Conventional logic suggests that’s not enough. Visiting with mid-round playmakers suggests 2nd, 3rd, or 4th (if there’s a trade) weaponry is on the way.
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After all, the Vikings have signed exactly zero new running backs and wide receivers in free agency.
Harrison Smith Will Probably Be Back
This one is straightforward: if Smith were planning to retire, why hasn’t he done it? The Vikings announced the retirements of Adam Thielen and C.J. Ham, even submitting the paperwork. There was no Smith retirement paperwork.
Every day that passes is a hint that Smith will return for one more ride. The Vikings have also signed zero free-agent safeties. If they believed Smith was a goner, they likely would’ve added a new safety, at least for depth’s sake.
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Vikings Will Probably Lock in Jordan Addison’s 5th-Year Option
Indeed, Addison’s rap sheet since turning pro is splotchy and discouraging, but he’s one of the Vikings’ few draft successes in the last half-decade. His antics may also drive his extension price tag down just a bit, and it’s all his fault.
Minnesota let Jalen Nailor walk in free agency, and as mentioned above, signed no replacements. All signs point to an Addison fifth-year contract option, while possibly leaving the extension until next offseason.
Had the Vikings inked Nailor to an expensive new deal or signed a free agent like Romeo Doubs, the Addison forecast would be different. But interim general manager Rob Brzezinski did the opposite.
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Defense Will Be on the Menu Early in the Draft
In the last three drafts, the Vikings have spent three of four eligible 1st-Rounders on offensive players: Addison, J.J. McCarthy, and Donovan Jackson. It’s probably time to even the score.
Meanwhile, Minnesota has roster needs at safety, cornerback, and defensive tackle, and those three spots could be the top priorities. So long as the Vikings don’t lean full tilt into the “best player available” philosophy with a tight end like Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq, a defensive player will likely be the first pick in the draft.
Popular names include Dillon Thieneman (S, Oregon), Peter Woods (DT, Clemson), Avieon Terrell (CB, Clemson), and Emmanuel McNeill-Warren (S, Toledo).
J.J. McCarthy Isn’t Going Anywhere
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The moment the Vikings added two new quarterbacks — Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz — some folks panicked, thinking McCarthy would be on the trade block, merely because two new players at this position entered the fold.
But then cooler heads prevailed, with the masses realizing that McCarthy is just 23 years old, he probably understands that his injury track record is concerning, and he is mature enough to handle a year behind Murray. Minnesota has spoken positively about McCarthy this offseason; it’s going to have the best of both worlds — Murray in town on an abnormally cheap contract, and McCarthy ready and waiting to re-prove himself.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell said about McCarthy in January, “J.J. McCarthy is a guy that wants to be great. I know he’s going to work tirelessly to do that. I know his teammates have a lot of confidence in what he’s going to go to work to improve on this offseason and come back and have a great offseason and be ready to hit the ground running in 2026.
“But I think a deep and talented quarterback room will only enhance his ability to do that, and I look forward to being a part of that process.”
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Jonathan Greenard Likely to Stay Put
Greenard’s recent social media activity — posting pictures and videos of himself in Vikings gear making plays — has fueled speculation about a contract extension. A photo he shared from inside the team’s headquarters in Eagan further intensified this speculation, as it seems unlikely he would be spending time there if a trade were imminent.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) sets his stance on defense, scanning the offense and preparing for the snap during postseason action on Jan. 13, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, as Minnesota battles the Los Angeles Rams in an NFC Wild Card playoff matchup. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
The internet has since been abuzz, analyzing every detail to determine Greenard’s future with the team. The prevailing sentiment is that Minnesota intends to retain its 2024 Pro Bowl pass rusher and finalize an extension.
This outcome seemed plausible even when trade rumors initially surfaced. The Vikings’ acquisition of the aforementioned Murray wasn’t a cost-cutting measure indicative of a roster purge. Instead, it signaled Minnesota’s belief that they can contend for a playoff spot in 2026 and potentially achieve even greater success.
If that is indeed the plan — as many within the organization have indicated — contending teams typically don’t trade away their top pass rushers.
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Reportedly, Minnesota’s asking price for Greenard in trade discussions was a 2nd-round pick, but no deal materialized. As it stands, a return for Year 3 in Minnesota appears to be the most probable scenario.
Of course, should circumstances change, Dallas Turner, following his late-season breakout in 2025, is waiting as a potential replacement for Greenard.
Mexico and Portugal played out a 0-0 draw at the Estadio Azteca on Saturday in a friendly to mark the stadium’s reopening ahead of the World Cup.
The match doubled as a test event for the revamped stadium, drawing a festive crowd eager to sample the atmosphere ahead of the June 11 to July 19 global football showpiece, which Mexico is co-hosting with the United States and Canada.
“It’s the best possible scenario, as I’ve said; to play here, you’ve got to have guts, because the fans are demanding and want to win and see good football,” Mexico coach Javier Aguirre told reporters.
“The players gave it their all right to the end against Portugal, who are not an easy team. They’re a top-10 side, a really solid team.”
Portugal’s Joao Felix went close in the 14th minute before Goncalo Ramos struck the post midway through the first half.
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The visitors continued to look the more dangerous side after the break, with Bruno Fernandes firing just wide.
Tensions briefly flared between Pedro Neto and Jesus Gallardo, while the introduction of Toluca’s Portuguese striker Paulinho was met with loud cheers from the home crowd.
Mexico almost claimed a late winner through substitute Armando Gonzalez but the forward’s header went wide.
“I think we had 10 shots on goal, which isn’t far off what we were aiming for,” Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said.
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“What isn’t good is the number of shots on target; we lacked accuracy. Success or failure isn’t just about the score. There are many more factors at play these days. I think that, after 90 minutes, the team is better prepared for the World Cup.”
Mexico, who were booed by sections of the crowd at the final whistle, face Belgium in another friendly on Tuesday, while Portugal take on the United States the same day.
Scott McLaughlin, driving the Team Penske Chevrolet during the NTT IndyCar Series’ Children’s Of Alabama Indy Grand Prix March 27, 2026, at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala. (Brett Farmer/Lumen via Getty Images)
A view from inside of McLaughlin’s car showed McLaughin bringing his hands to his head when he began to lose control.
McLaughlin was able to walk away from the wreck on his own.
McLaughlin has seven victories to his name, including two in Alabama in 2023 and 2024. He also finished in third place at the race last year.
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Scott McLaughlin during the NTT IndyCar Series Children’s Of Alabama Indy Grand Prix March 27, 2026, at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala. (Michael L. Levitt/Lumen via Getty Images)
His best finish in the Indy 500 was sixth two years ago after earning the pole position. Last year, he crashed during the pace laps and finished 30th.
Scott McLaughlin during the NTT IndyCar Series Java House Grand Prix of Arlington March 13, 2026, in Arlington, Texas. (Perry Nelson/Lumen via Getty Images)
McLaughlin has finished in third in the IndyCar Series twice, doing so in 2023 and 2024. He made his IndyCar Series debut in 2020 at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
NEW DELHI: Sam Curran has opened up on the groin injury that ruled him out of IPL 2026, admitting the issue had been building for a while before finally forcing a “tough decision” to withdraw.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The England all-rounder, who was set to represent Rajasthan Royals after a trade move, pulled out just ahead of the tournament following the T20 World Cup, where England reached the semi-finals.
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IPL 2026 should be audition for the next India T20I captain
Curran revealed he had been carrying the injury through the global tournament. “It’s an injury that I’ve kind of been battling with a little bit. It has gradually got fractionally worse,” he said, in a conversation with BBC.ALSO READ:‘Two-year ban not working’: Sunil Gavaskar calls for stricter IPL pullout rulesPost-tournament scans confirmed the extent of the damage. “I went for a couple of scans, and it showed reasonable damage, so I had to make the tough decision. It was hindering me quite a bit,” he added.The 27-year-old said missing the IPL was particularly frustrating given his excitement about joining a new franchise. “To miss the IPL was very disappointing… but now I have a rehab block of trying to get strong and fit,” he noted.Focus shifts to recoveryCurran is now undergoing rehabilitation in England and admitted that his return timeline remains uncertain. “It’s all going to come down to symptoms. It is obviously still a way off from that,” he said, casting doubt over his participation in upcoming domestic assignments.He is also unlikely to feature immediately for Surrey and remains unsure about leading the side in the T20 Blast. “It is probably my first time to do a bit of rehab back in England,” he said.Despite the setback, Curran remained pragmatic. “It will be tough to watch the IPL because I know that I’d like to have been there, but injuries are part of sport,” he added.Rajasthan have since named Dasun Shanaka as his replacement for the season.Curran’s withdrawal adds to a growing list of high-profile absentees this year, underlining the physical toll of a packed cricket calendar.
Aug 30, 2025; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver KC Concepcion (7) after returning a punt for a touchdown in the first quarter against the UTSA Roadrunners at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Sean Thomas-Imagn Images.
April arrives on Wednesday, which means draft month is near, and we asked VikingsTerritory writers to get together for a collaborative mock draft to close out free agency month. Using NFL Mock Draft Database’s simulator, here’s what the panel came up with for the purple team.
One more seven-round Vikings forecast before April starts scrambling everything.
No trades were executed in the interest of simplicity and may be scarce in the first place because Kwesi Adofo-Mensah no longer works for the Vikings.
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Projecting Minnesota’s Best Pre-April Draft Blueprint
Our first writers swerved to start the festivities.
Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver KC Concepcion (7) breaks free on a punt return, racing downfield for a touchdown during the second half, Oct. 25, 2025, at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, against the LSU Tigers as coverage collapses and the sideline erupts during a pivotal moment in the game. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images.
Round 1 (Pick 18) KC Concepcion (WR) | Texas A&M The Mock Drafter: Wes Johnson
Drafting should be about the best player available (BPA), and then need, so Concepcion checks both boxes.
With the recent contract extension of Seattle Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, averaging a bit over $42 million a year, the indicators are pretty clear: WR is considered a premium position by the NFL. Looking further into the Vikings, they are a team in need of a WR3 on the 2026 roster, and delving deeper, they will need to add to their pass-catching group in 2027 when the contracts of Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson expire.
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Enter Concepcion, who is a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands.
He has the size to play the Z, but would be eased into the offense in the slot. I’ve got Concepcion over Jordyn Tyson here because Tyson struggled to separate in college, something I feel Kevin O’Connell’s offense depends on. Concepcion reminds me a bit of Addison, and should the Vikings decide to move on, Concepcion will slot right in.
Round 2 (Pick 49) Lee Hunter (DT) | Texas Tech The Mock Drafter: Kyle Joudry
Saying no to running backs in Round 2 is painful, but it’s the DT. Lee Hunter is the pick. Trenches still matter, so snagging a promising player for the defensive line is the move.
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Round 3 (Pick 82) Mike Washington Jr. (RB) | Arkansas The Mock Drafter: Janik Eckardt
After impressive testing results, including a sub-4.35 forty-yard dash — a particularly notable time for a 225-pound running back — Washington Jr. has rapidly climbed draft boards.
Washington’s burst, acceleration, and big-play ability give him significant home-run potential, making him an attractive option for the Vikings, who are seeking to inject speed and explosiveness into their offensive scheme with youth at RB.
Round 3 (Pick 97) Genesis Smith (S) | Arizona The Mock Drafter: Adam New
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The Vikings need a safety, and in Genesis Smith, they get one of the best coverage safeties in the draft with great play-making ability. Smith is a steal at 97.
Round 5 (Pick 161) Hezakiah Masses (CB) | California The Mock Drafter: Steven Hoikkala
With the Vikings adding Masses, they gain a corner with decent size at 6’1 who ran a 4.46 40 time and has good ability to flip his hips in coverage. He gives Minnesota depth at corner, and could turn into a starter with his ability to also take the ball away after showing off his hands with 5 INT’s in 2025 for California.
Round 6 (Pick 196) Pat Coogan (CB) | Indiana The Mock Drafter: Dustin Baker
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Indiana players Pat Coogan (78), Riley Nowakowski (37), Charlie Becker (80), and Aiden Fisher (4) celebrate together on the podium after winning the College Football Playoff National Championship, Jan. 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens as confetti falls and teammates gather following the title-clinching performance. Mandatory Credit: Rich Janzaruk-Imagn Images.
In this scenario, the Vikings will roll into 2026 with Blake Brandel or Michael Jurgens as the starting center after Ryan Kelly’s retirement — probably Brandel — and add Coogan as a mid-to-late-round hopeful.
NFL Draft Buzzon Coogan: “Coogan has started 41 games across two Power 4 programs, called protections in a national championship game, and improved his grades every single season. He will earn trust quickly in a meeting room because he knows his assignments, communicates clearly, and plays with discipline.”
“In the right gap or power-heavy scheme, there is genuine starting potential here. He is the kind of interior lineman who may not test his way into a roster spot but will absolutely play his way into one.”
Round 7 (Pick 234) Eli Heidenreich (WR/RB) | Navy The Mock Drafter: Dustin Baker
Heidenreich offers the versatility, special-teams value, and roster flexibility that Minnesota can’t ignore in Round 7.
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His role at Navy transcended that of a traditional fullback. He lined up in multiple positions, including the backfield and slot, and frequently motioned to create mismatches against linebackers. The adaptability would translate well to a modern NFL offense that values unpredictability. For Minnesota, Heidenreich could be an affordable asset, adding offensive variability in short-yardage or play-action situations.
His primary appeal, however, lies on special teams. Players drafted in the later rounds often secure roster spots through special teams contributions, and Heidenreich possesses the requisite size, toughness, and discipline for coverage units.
Heidenreich also provides depth. Considering the Vikings’ offensive injuries in 2025, a player capable of filling multiple roles — H-back, emergency tight end, or situational runner — would offer the coaching staff greater flexibility without requiring additional roster spots.
Indiana defender Mikail Kamara (6) celebrates on the field following the College Football Playoff National Championship victory, Jan. 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens as emotions spill over and teammates surround him after securing the program’s biggest win on the national stage. Mandatory Credit: Rich Janzaruk-Imagn Images.
We were surprised to see the board allow this, Kamara falling to Round 7. Most mock drafts perceive him as a 5th-Rounder. It was a no-brainer to pounce in Round 7, adding the National Champion EDGE to the roster as an OLB4 or OLB5 contender as early as this fall.
Thorson is considered the top punting prospect among 2026 rookies. Given the recent signing of Johnny Hekker, why not invite Thorson to Eagan this summer to compete for the team’s punter position? After all, Hekker was a middle-of-the-road punter in 2025.
News of Tiger Woods’ DUI arrest on Friday sent ripples through the golf world. Those closest to the game and to Woods have been sharing their reactions over the last 24 hours. On Saturday, one of those responses aired on national TV. It came from NBC Sports’ Kevin Kisner, Brad Faxon and Dan Hicks during the network’s third-round coverage of the Texas Children’s Houston Open. You can watch in the clip below.
NBC booth addresses Tiger DUI arrest (though that was not specifically mentioned) at top of their broadcast.
Kevin Kisner: “Very disturbing. He was really working hard on his game, trying to practice and get back in shape. He signed up for the U.S. Senior Open yesterday. He was… pic.twitter.com/Gt3UZIZ5FR
“Very disturbing,” Kisner said. “He was really working hard on his game, trying to practice and get back in shape. He signed up for the U.S. Senior Open yesterday. He was trying to do anything he could to come back and try and help our TGL team, get ready, hopefully try and play the Masters.”
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“Just a really unfortunate incident,” he continued. “The only positive is that is nobody was injured in the incident and we can all move forward and hopefully help him get better.”
While Kisner’s remarks conveyed concern and disappointment, they also showed support for a teammate and friend. Brad Faxon echoed those sentiments.
“He’s the biggest needle mover in our sport,” Faxon said, “You know, where we live in that area, that Jupiter area, whenever Tiger goes to play or practice, it gets around pretty quickly.”
“And the fact that he was getting ready to practice, you know, at his home club, and thinking maybe he’s going to play the Masters. Everybody was kind of hoping for that and we’re hoping for the best wishes for Tiger now as he goes forward,” he said.
Singer Lee Hi (Lee Hae-yi) and Dok2 (Lee Joon-kyung) have finally confirmed their romance, with their connection dating back to the MBC reality program, Infinite Challenge. Over time, the pair had maintained a steady bond through collaborative music projects. Also, as reported, they had been together since late 2022.
This now marks their fifth year as a couple. At the same time, both artists acknowledged their relationship on social media, referring to each other as “MY MAN” and “MY LADY.” As fellow musicians, they also share a six-year age gap. Lee Hi was born in 1996. Meanwhile, Joon-kyung was born in 1990. Lee Hi debuted in 2012 after finishing runner up in the 2011 SBS audition show K-pop Star season 1. Dok2 debuted earlier in 2005, gaining recognition through the program Show Me the Money.
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Here’s more about Lee Hi and Dok2’s relationship
Looking back, the origin of Lee Hi and Dok2’s relationship traces to the 2016 broadcast of Infinite Challenge‘s Great Heritage. During that episode, Joon-kyung teamed up with Yoo Jae-suk. Together, they released the track Like. Soon after, Lee Hi joined the project as a featured vocalist. This moment, in turn, marked the beginning of their connection.
Even before this, Joon-kyung had already worked with Lee Hi. He appeared on FXXK WIT US (Feat. DOK2), a track from her album SEOULITE. From then onward, they maintained steady creative exchanges. For example, Lee Hi later featured on Joon-kyung’s March 2017 album Rborn, contributing to the track On & On (Feat. Lee Hi).
On March 28, the pair officially confirmed their romantic relationship by releasing their first joint single, You & Me. As attention grew after the release, the couple chose to directly address their relationship. Lee Hi shared a couple of photos on social media, writing,
“To my one and only DOK2 and 808HI, happy birthday. It’s been a long journey, and finally, this day has come. Congratulations on your birthday, my person (MY MAN) Dok2. This is our celebration. Turn up the music and celebrate the start of our journey together.”
The mentioned ‘808 HI RECORDING’ is a label co-established by the two. The name “808” links to Joon-kyung’s brand. Meanwhile, “HI” comes from Lee Hi’s name. A photo of them holding hands was also shared. Meanwhile, he also posted,
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“Have you all been listening closely? More songs are coming soon,” referring to Lee Hi as “MY LADY.”
Along with it, an image showed Lee Hi with an arm around her waist. On the same day, Lee Hi appeared with Dok2 during a live broadcast. At one point, both said, “Well done.” Lee Hi also said, “Happy birthday,” as the rapper marked his birthday. Then, while addressing viewers, Lee Hi added, “Today is (the ax) birthday. Please wish me a happy birthday.”
Their relationship was already known within the hip-hop scene. After the rumors spread, rappers Sleepyand DinDin reacted by leaving “likes” on posts sharing the news. In particular, Sleepy commented, “Let’s get married.”
Golf analyst Brandel Chamblee opened up about Tiger Woods’ future in golf after his arrest. The American golfer turned 50 in December 2025 and is now eligible to play on the Champions Tour.
He had been away from the greens for a while. Chamblee opened up about Woods’ future this week.
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“He’s done his work in the game of golf,” Chamblee said. “Nothing he’s going to do on the Champions Tour, with all due respect, to senior golf, we all love it, but it will add nothing really to his legacy.”
“And you know, it’s clear that since 2021 when he’s come back, he can’t play at a competitive level on the PGA Tour….His body just won’t let him do what his talents have previously let him do. That seems like the only circumstance that would alleviate this problem. Beyond that, you just hope that he gets the care and the help that he needs.”
Tiger Woods has not played in any tournament on the PGA Tour since his last outing at the Open Championship 2024. That season, he played in five events and withdrew from the Genesis Invitational. He missed the cut in three majors and settled in 60th place at the Masters.
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Tiger Woods opens up about plans to play at the Masters
Tiger Woods is expected to play at the Masters 2026. He played in the TGL final game on Tuesday, and at the event’s press conference, he talked about his plans to play in the major.
“As I said, I’ve been trying,” Woods said. “Just this body is — it doesn’t recover like it did when it was 24, 25. It doesn’t mean I’m not trying. I’ve been trying for a while. I’ve had a couple bad injuries here over the past years that I’ve had to fight through and it’s taken some time.
“But I keep trying. I want to play. I love the tournament. I’ve loved being there since I was 19 years old. It’s meant a lot to me and my family over the years. I’m going to be there either way with The Loop that’s going up there, as well as the Champions Dinner,” he added.
However, before he could make a comeback, the American golfer had an unfortunate accident. Tiger Woods crashed his car on Friday near his house in Jupiter Island, Florida. He was arrested for driving under the influence and also for property damage.
He was jailed for a few hours before being released on bail. Now it would be interesting to see how things unfold for the American golfer in the future. The 2026 Masters will start with its opening round on April 9 and conclude with its final round on April 12.
Shields and Thurman have history and it doesn’t appear to be a friendly relationship. Just two days before the fight, Thurman responded to Shields calling out Rolly Romero and saying that she can beat him. He called her “a female with an erection,” and cautioned her not to venture into fighting professional male boxers.
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What’s the History Between Shields and Thurman?
This isn’t their first dust up. Shields said she was “a better boxer” than Thurman back in 2024. The beef traces back to the morning of the Spence-Crawford fight, when Shields called Thurman out on social media and he responded on the red carpet.
Thurman has maintained that while he respects what Shields has accomplished in women’s boxing, the comparison between men’s and women’s competition isn’t realistic. Shields has never backed down from the claim.
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What Did Shields Say After the Fundora Fight?
On Saturday night, when Thurman was being beaten by Fundora, Shields didn’t hide that she was rooting for the Mexican champion to win. After the TKO came at the end of round six, Shields took to X to twist the knife.
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Fundora’s length and combination work overwhelmed Thurman from the opening bell. The stoppage was inevitable by the sixth round with Thurman’s face battered and bloodied.
Is Shields’ Criticism Fair?
Truthfully, the two fighters are in different worlds. We don’t have intergender professional boxing. However, Thurman, even through his inactivity has faced far stiffer competition than Shields — especially of late since she moved up to heavyweight where the pickings are slim for fighters on her level.
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That said, all is fair in war. When two people aren’t fond of one another, there’s liable to be fiery darts. Along with the punches from Fundora, Thurman ate more from Shields on Saturday.
Arsenal currently lead the way in the fight for the Premier League title with the chasing Manchester City their last true competition
Arsenal have just seven league games left this season as they remain frontrunners for the Premier League title. Manchester City are still in the fight but face a tougher run of games.
Both sides will do battle once again during the Premier League run-in, but one faces an easier path to glory. The Manchester Evening News evaluates which of Arsenal and City have been handed the more difficult final few fixtures.
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If we use the Fixture Difficulty Rating (FDR) which Fantasy Premier League players utilise, it is clear which of the two title contenders has an easier end to the season. This rating ranges from 1 to 5, with the higher number indicating a more difficult game.
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League leaders Arsenal host Bournemouth next and this clash holds an FDR of 3. Then, City away (5) is on the agenda. They then welcome Newcastle United (3) to the Emirates followed by another home match against Fulham (2).
The Gunners end their campaign with a trip to West Ham (2), a home fixture against Burnley (1) and a journey to Crystal Palace (3). City on the other hand, not only have an extra game to play but have been bestowed with tougher matches.
Guardiola’s men return from the international break to visit Chelsea (4) and then host Arsenal (4). They later travel to Burnley (2) and Everton (3).
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City will go on to host Brentford (3) before an away clash with Bournemouth (3) and a home battle with Aston Villa (3) and there is still the game against Palace (3) at the Etihad to be rearranged.
With City playing an extra match, we can look at the averages of these last fixtures and determine that they have a harder run-in. Arsenal’s average FDR is 2.7, while City’s is 3.1. Despite getting the better of their title rivals in the Carabao Cup, manager Guardiola does not think that trophy success will have any impact on the league scrap.
He said after victory at Wembley: “I would like to be nine points in front of Arsenal, but I don’t know if I’d change a trophy to fight for the Premier League.
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“I don’t think it will have an impact, different competition and they will be more concerned when they come to the Etihad. That title will help us a lot for the [FA Cup] quarter-final against Liverpool at home with our people.
“Today all our side was fully Blue, I’m so happy being together and celebrating. Maybe it will help us for that game but the Premier League is in their hands, they punished us a lot.”
England’s 2026 World Cup kits
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England and Nike have launched the new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. You can get free delivery on all orders with the code: ENGFREEDEL
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