Connect with us

Sports

The Vikings Appear to Have Confirmed Specific Roster Strategy Before Firing GM

Published

on

Advertisement

Feb 25, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

Starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw is an exceptional player when he’s healthy. The great issue for Darrisaw is that he has often been at less than full health.

Back in 2024, the Vikings’ LT1 suffered a major knee injury in Week 8, knocking him out for the remainder of the year. The recovery took a while, keeping Darrisaw out of the lineup to begin 2025 before contributing toward him ending the season on the IR. Whether Darrisaw can play from Week 1 onward for the 2026 NFL season is a sneaky story to monitor in Minnesota, an issue that had the attention of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.

LT1 Christian Darrisaw & The Vikings’ Plan at OT

Lately, the attention around the Minnesota Vikings has been on the unsettled quarterback situation. A case could be made for Kyler Murray, Derek Carr, Geno Smith, Tua Tagovailoa, and several others.

Advertisement

In front of whoever is passing the ball will be a front five that should have a chip on its collective shoulder. Part of the issue last season was that essentially all of the starters took turns getting hurt, with newcomer Will Fries being the lone exception. After the season ended, OL Coach Chris Kuper was allowed to get away, resulting in new employment with the Eagles.

Minnesota Vikings Huddle at the Green Bay Packers.
Nov 23, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; The Minnesota Vikings offense huddles during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Christian Darrisaw pictured to the left. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images.

Consider what Kwesi Adofo-Mensah had to say when asked about the team’s confidence level in Mr. Darrisaw.

“He’s a year removed from that injury,” the former GM explained, “so time is on our side in terms of kind of getting away from that injury point. Another year of rehab, strengthening, and different things like that.” Shortly thereafter, Adofo-Mensah noted Darrisaw being very “important” while then saying that Minnesota has “gotta be more mindful of” fortifying the tackle depth.

A few ideas get tossed into Adofo-Mensah’s answer.

Advertisement

For starters, Christian Darrisaw has some more runway to get back to being himself. More time off to rebuild strength and confidence isn’t a bad thing. So, be optimistic since the starting left tackle should end up in a nice spot to compete in 2026.

But then there’s an acknowledgement of needing to beef up the OT depth. Last offseason, Minnesota did so by moving on from David Quessenberry in exchange for Justin Skule. The new OT3 would partner with Blake Brandel and Walter Rouse to give the OT spot the needed depth. Or, at least, that was the plan.

Sep 28, 2025; Dublin, Ireland; Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Justin Skule (67) during an NFL International Series game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second half at Croke Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

The reality of Darrisaw struggling to stay on the field for 2025 appears to have caught Minnesota off guard. Missing a couple of games in September? No problem, the Vikings could handle that. Ongoing absences and limited snaps throughout the year is tougher to manage, especially with confidence in Rouse seeming to disappear.

The Vikings, like all NFL teams, need the trenches to be formidable. If not, the game gets difficult very quickly. How does that reality play out after Adofo-Mensah has been fired? Note that Kuper has been fired, too.

Leading things within the front office for the Vikings is Rob Brzezinski. He’ll be supported by Kevin O’Connell and the remainder of the front office personnel since nobody else was fired alongside the former GM. Is there still a feeling that a heartier investment is needed to shore up the OT spot?

Advertisement

Starting off with Darrisaw, Brandel, Rouse, and Brian O’Neill is a reasonably strong position. In a pinch, Donovan Jackson could get shuffled over to tackle, but best to let the young fella get acclimated to left guard, his natural home.

Nov 7, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) looks to pass as offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw (71) blocks Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images.

Dipping into free agency, the draft, or both could be the way forward even if the shuffling within the front office has made things harder to predict. Adofo-Mensah basically said that was the plan back in January.

The legal tampering portion of NFL free agency begins on Monday, March 9th.


avatar

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sports

“That’s a fact”: Tyson Fury delivers verdict on Mayweather vs Pacquiao 2

Published

on

Tyson Fury has shared his verdict on the upcoming rematch between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

The boxing world was stunned last month when it was announced that Mayweather and Pacquiao will collide once again when they square off at The Sphere in Las Vegas on September 19.

Their first meeting took place back in May 2015, where Mayweather claimed a unanimous decision victory, before he eventually hung up the gloves in 2017.

Advertisement

He will now return to professional boxing at the age of 49, while Pacquiao is 47, though the Filipino did compete last July when he fought to a majority decision draw in a WBC welterweight title fight with Mario Barrios.

Two-time world heavyweight champion Fury doesn’t seem too impressed by the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao rematch though, after telling Gareth A. Davies that he feels the two men shouldn’t be fighting at their age.

“If you look at Pacquiao and Mayweather, they were the top boys at boxing in the early 2000s. They were the kingpins and then they had to move over and we took over [as] the heavyweights.

“Me and Wilder carried it for a long time and Joshua as well. It keeps changing. You can’t relive your youth. Grandfather time takes over.

“These guys are nearly 50-years-old. Is it for the right reasons? Probably not. What I’m hearing is it’s all financial reasons. People can pretend they’re rich. If you’re that rich and that secure, you wouldn’t want to be fighting at 50-years-old. That’s a fact.”

Advertisement

If Fury’s comments are anything to go by, it seems he has no intention of competing in his 40s, but he will return to the ring at the age of 37 when he faces Arslanbek Makhmudov at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 11.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

Jack Draper hit by controversial VAR call as Indian Wells title defence ends vs Medvedev: ‘No way it distracted him enough’

Published

on

Jack Draper‘s Indian Wells title defence ended in controversial circumstances during his quarter-final defeat to Daniil Medvedev, with a contentious hindrance call proving pivotal in the 6-1 7-5 loss.

The decisive moment arrived at 5-5, 0-15 in the second set. Umpire Aurelie Torte, after a video review, awarded a crucial point to Medvedev.

The call came after Draper, visibly weary from his victory over Novak Djokovic less than 24 hours earlier, raised his arms at a disputed line call, deemed to have distracted his opponent. This controversial decision allowed Medvedev to secure a vital break.

The California crowd made their feelings clear, booing Medvedev at the change of ends and after he sealed victory.

The two players had a long chat at the net as they shook hands, with Medvedev saying “If you’re mad at me, I’m sorry” and Draper responding “I’m not at all – but I don’t think it distracted you enough”.

Advertisement

Despite the contentious circumstances, Draper shook hands with both Medvedev and Torte before leaving the court.

The opening set had been one-sided, with Draper broken in his first service game after a net cord favoured Medvedev, who then raced to a 4-0 lead within 15 minutes.

Jack Draper gestures toward a chair umpire during a quarterfinal match against Daniil Medvedev

Jack Draper gestures toward a chair umpire during a quarterfinal match against Daniil Medvedev (AP)

Draper finally got on the board with a hold of serve to make it 5-1 but it was only a temporary reprieve as Medvedev wrapped up the set in 25 minutes.

Advertisement

The second set was a closer contest, although it was the Draper serve which was consistently coming under the greater pressure, with Medvedev telling his opponent he “didn’t feel great” about the incident which ultimately contributed to him sealing a semi-final spot at the end of the match.

British interest in the singles came to an end as Cameron Norrie went down 6-3 6-4 to Carlos Alcaraz.

The British number two fought gamely against the world number one but was eventually outclassed.

Norrie struggled to land a blow on the Alcaraz serve in the early stages while struggling to hold his own and the 30-year-old was eventually broken in the sixth game of the contest.

Advertisement
Jack Draper, looking understandably weary from his exploits in beating Novak Djokovic less than 24 hours earlier, went down 6-1 7-5 to Daniil Medvedev

Jack Draper, looking understandably weary from his exploits in beating Novak Djokovic less than 24 hours earlier, went down 6-1 7-5 to Daniil Medvedev (Getty Images)

Surprisingly that led to a temporary lapse of concentration from the Spaniard, who was broken back to love only to then force a third straight break before wrapping up the opening set.

Norrie gained an early break in the second set but his own service problems saw Alcaraz haul his way back in front.

Norrie saved the first three match points he faced but Alcaraz duly converted the fourth to set up a semi-final showdown with Medvedev.

Advertisement

In the women’s singles, Elena Rybakina overcame Jessica Pegula in straight sets and will face Elina Svitolina in the last four.

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Kimi Antonelli summoned for impeding Lando Norris during F1 Chinese GP sprint quali

Published

on

Kimi Antonelli has been summoned to the Formula 1 stewards after allegedly impeding Lando Norris during qualifying for the Chinese Grand Prix sprint race.

The Mercedes driver was going slowly on the inside of Turn 1 causing Norris to back off, before reporting to his McLaren team that “I was going to push that lap” during SQ2.

Advertisement

Both progressed from the session regardless and Antonelli eventually qualified second behind team-mate George Russell for Saturday’s race, while the reigning world champion took third.

Advertisement

After the session, Antonelli said: “Yeah, the pace is very strong. Just didn’t put the lap together at the end on the soft. So, yeah, still work to do. But obviously, congrats to George and all to play for tomorrow.”

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

If he is found guilty then the usual punishment is a three-place grid drop, which would push Norris onto the front row with the second shared between Lewis Hamilton and Oscar Piastri.

Advertisement

Antonelli would therefore start fifth ahead of sixth-placed Charles Leclerc, but the Italian teen would be expected to progress quite quickly given the superiority of the Mercedes.

Advertisement

The Silver Arrows took a 1-2 in both qualifying and the race at last weekend’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix, having absolutely nailed the switch to these all-new 2026 machines.

“I’m feeling good in the car,” said Antonelli. “So, there obviously is more about details trying to put all together. But yeah, tomorrow we try to have a good start and then try to have a good quali.”

Read Also:

F1 Chinese GP: George Russell takes sprint pole in Mercedes 1-2

To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Marathon WNBA labor talks stretch past 14 hours with still no CBA deal

Published

on

NEW YORK — The WNBA and its players’ union met for more than 14 hours during a third straight day of negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement.

The session that began at 11 a.m. EDT Thursday continued into early Friday morning. The two sides have met for more than 36 hours since first getting together in-person Tuesday – the day the league had said there would need to be at least a handshake agreement for the season to start on time.

The sides exchanged more proposals Thursday and the main sticking point remains revenue sharing.

The executive committee players in the bargaining session — Nneka Ogwumike, Breanna Stewart, Alysha Clark and Brianna Turner — all left around midnight, while union leadership including executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson remained to continue discussions.

Advertisement

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said Wednesday that the last proposal from that night was a “real historic and transformational deal” for the players.

“Huge gains and salaries, benefits, everything you’re seeing, but beyond that when you see the whole thing, huge, huge benefits,” she said. “We’re proud of the deal we have on the table. I think it’s, again, huge gains for the players, while again, balancing that with the health of the league.”

The proposal Wednesday night from the league increased its salary cap offer for the first year to $6.2 million — up from $5.75 million in previous negotiations, a person familiar with the talks told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the discussions.

Last year, the salary cap for each team was $1.5 million. Average player salaries were $120,000, and that figure stands to increase to $570,000 in the first year and $850,000 by the sixth year, according to the person. The maximum salary in the first year would be more than $1.3 million and nearly $2 million by the final year.

Advertisement

The league had said that at least a handshake agreement on a labor deal would need to be done by Tuesday to start the season as scheduled. Ogwumike said Wednesday night the union never saw the deadline from two days ago as a real thing.

“We haven’t ever really considered that as a timeline that’s been something to prioritize on our side, because we have always been negotiating in good faith,” she said.

When a deal is reached in principle, the league has said it would need a few weeks to finish off the CBA. After that work is done, the expansion draft for new franchises in Portland and Toronto would be held sometime between April 1-6, according to a timetable obtained by the AP.

Free agent qualifying offers, including franchise player tags, would be sent out April 7-8. Teams would then have three days to negotiate with the more than 80 per cent of players who are free agents. The signing period would take place from April 12-18.

Advertisement

Training camps would open the next day and the season would be able to start on May 8.

But for any of that to happen, the two sides have to figure out a revenue sharing model. The union’s proposal from a week ago had asked for an average of 26 per cent of the gross revenue — revenue before expenses — over the course of the CBA. That would include only 25 per cent in the first year. The league has said that number was unrealistic.

The WNBA’s last few proposals have offered more than 70% of net revenue, with that number going up as the league continues to grow.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

Jack Draper beats Novak Djokovic in three sets at BNP Paribas Open | Other Sports News

Published

on


Defending champion Jack Draper beat five-time champ Novak Djokovic 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (5) in the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open.


The 24-year-old Draper, who is coming back after missing eight months due to an arm injury, advanced to the quarterfinal round and will face Daniil Medvedev, who beat Alex Michelsen 6-2, 6-4 in the round of 16 to advance. 


Djokovic led 6-5 in the third set before Draper rallied and forced a tiebreaker.


“I still don’t feel like I’m playing anywhere near the way I want to play,” Draper said. “I came out here and I won that match through determination.” 
In addition to his win at Indian Wells last year, Draper won the Stuttgart Open and the Vienna Open, both in 2024.

Advertisement

 


The 38-year-old Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, won at Indian Wells in 2008, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016. Djokovic nearly won an 11th Australian Open title earlier this year, but lost to Carlos Alcaraz.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

NFL Network’s Jamie Erdahl opens up about family health issue

Published

on

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Sports television host and reporter Jamie Erdahl is opening up about her absence from the NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football.”

In a social media post Thursday, Erdahl said her break from discussing the latest NFL news each weekday morning stemmed from what she described as a “tragic health situation” involving a family member.

“Since curiosity is mounting I’ll share what I feel comfortable with: I have been away from @GMFB due to an extremely personal + tragic health situation of an immediate family member,” Erdahl wrote on X.

Advertisement

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Jamie Erdahl at an NFL game

NFL Network host Jamie Erdahl during a Houston Texans-Los Angeles Chargers game Dec. 27, 2025, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. (Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Erdahl added she will return to the airwaves.

“I want to thank my leaders at the NFL for allowing me this time at home. I’ll be back on Monday.”

HALL OF FAMER TONY DUNGY ANNOUNCES NBC LET HIM GO AFTER 17 SEASONS ON ITS PREGAME SHOW

Advertisement

Erdahl’s update follows the death of her dog, Toby. Last month, she announced Toby had died after a bone cancer diagnosis.

Jamie Erdahl interviews Puka Nacua

NFL Network reporter Jamie Erdahl interviews Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) after a game against the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium Dec. 28, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)

Kyle Brandt and former NFL player Manti Teʻo co-host the network’s morning program with Erdahl. NFL Network reporter Sherree Burruss also contributes to the show and steps in as a fill-in host when Erdahl or others are away.

Erdahl joined “Good Morning Football” in 2022 and was named co-host in 2024 after the show relocated from its New York studio to the network’s headquarters in Los Angeles.

Jamie Erdahl interviews a Los Angeles Chargers player

NFL Network sideline reporter Jamie Erdahl interviews Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. (3) prior to an NFL game between the Houston Texans and the Los Angeles Chargers on Dec. 27, 2025, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. (Greg Fiore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Erdahl has praised the show’s laid-back tone, contrasting it with what she described as the often “angry” and overly technical style of some sports television.

Advertisement

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“Some sports TV can get really angry and get technical. It can be, like, way too buttoned up at times, and we are essentially opposite all those things,” Erdahl told Deadline in 2022. 

“We like the messy parts of TV. We like when there’s people that walk into our studio. We like imperfections, and I hope that we are allowed to keep being that way.”

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Advertisement

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

Elliot Anderson transfer update as Man United stance on £100m move emerges

Published

on

Elliot Anderson is wanted by a series of top clubs after his performances for Nottingham Forest and England with Manchester United keen on the midfielder

Elliot Anderson remains a top target for Manchester City in the summer transfer window, with Manchester United also reportedly interested in the midfielder.

Both teams are expected to prioritise a new central midfielder at the end of the season. Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Anderson is at the top of the shortlist, though nothing has advanced as of yet.

Advertisement

United have been keen on signing Anderson since last summer. His breakthrough season at Forest has been followed by another fine campaign, with the 23-year-old expected to be part of the England World Cup squad.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba are also said to be among United’s midfielder targets. Casemiro will leave the club at the end of the season when his contract expires, meaning at least two midfielders could be signed.

Nottingham Forest’s position in the Premier League means a move for Anderson is more likely to happen in the summer. Vitor Pereira’s side are currently indulged in a relegation scrap and are only outside the bottom three on goal difference.

Relegation to the Championship would almost guarantee a move away from the City Ground. However, the Midlands outfit are still expected to demand a mega fee.

Speaking on In the Mixer, brought to you by Sky Bet, Joleon Lescott explained why he believes the former Newcastle United star could go for around £100million. When asked on who he thinks will go down alongside Burnley and Wolves, he said: “I think Forest. I think West Ham get out of it.”

The discussion then turned to Forest star Anderson, with Lescott adding: “He’s a £100million player, isn’t he? Especially after he plays at the World Cup. You’re not going to sell him before, are you? You’re going to sell him after the World Cup. [If Forest go down] they have to sell. But then there are more teams interested.

Advertisement

“They go down, more teams come in. Because if he’s in the Premier League, it’s, ‘He’s not leaving unless it’s £100m.’ Then there are only two or three teams.”

FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FB PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

2026 Rosehill last roll for Golden Slipper juveniles

Published

on

A bunch of two-year-olds, led by top prospect Warwoven, will get their ultimate shot at Golden Slipper qualification via the Magic Night Stakes and Pago Pago Stakes.

Warwoven, the colt currently 18th in line, stands to gain with expected late scratchings of two ahead and automatic slots for Saturday’s two trial winners, so trainer Bjorn Baker refuses to take chances on omission.

Having been controversially pulled from the Gold Coast’s Magic Millions Classic in January over lameness concerns from Racing Queensland vets, he ran a brave fourth in the Skyline Stakes (1200m).

Baker trains both this horse and Paradoxium, the Todman Stakes winner from last weekend who shares Golden Slipper favouritism, and he predicts Warwoven will peak now.

Advertisement

“He is going to come on, no doubt about it,” Baker said.

“He’s probably even got a touch more improvement from where Paradoxium is at the moment.”

Gai Waterhouse alongside Adrian Bott enter four across the card: Tulloch Lodge’s By Choice and Lumbini in the Magic Night Stakes (1200m) for fillies, Plagiarism and Drumfire in the Pago Pago Stakes (1200m) for males.

By Choice has placed in each of her four races, with a standout third in the Sweet Embrace Stakes (1200m), and Bott indicates she thrives in fast-run affairs.

Advertisement

“She is going to appreciate high-pressure races, and appreciate a bit further in time,” Bott said.

“But she has been so honest throughout her career. She’s tough, she puts herself up on pace and she has drawn to do so again.”

After being blocked for a run when unplaced last out in that race, Lumbini should step up, but Bott wants a strong showing to justify a Slipper tilt.

Plagiarism mirrors this, always competitive in three outings, fifth and narrowly behind Campione D’Italia in the Skyline Stakes (1200m).

Advertisement

“I’d like to think we’re seeing nice, gradual improvement from him at each stage of the prep and he’s another one, he’s on a path to give himself a potential opportunity to have a look at a Slipper,” Bott said.

“All those three would be outside the field at present and would need to be winning their way in, and we’d be wanting to see the right performance from them as well to be starting.”

Drumfire arrives fresh off a Muswellbrook debut success last Sunday, and Bott is positive on the quick backup.

“It’s different form lines, and he is a really natural two-year-old type,” he said.

Advertisement

“He did it pretty easily at Muswellbrook and he’s open to nice improvement. He has pulled up really well and that gave us a chance to have a look at Saturday.”

Check sports betting options for the Magic Night Stakes on racing betting markets.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Lagunanini targets McGaw feat in 2026 The Showdown

Published

on

Lagunanini, under the guidance of Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young, pursues an unusual milestone at Caulfield.

She intends to mirror her brother McGaw by capturing the $1 million The Showdown (1200m) on Saturday.

In common, McGaw and Lagunanini had maiden successes entering The Showdown – his from Pakenham, hers from Sale – but their resemblances diverge after shared ancestry.

The Brownes, Emma-Lee and David, got McGaw for $14,000, while Busuttin and Young invested $160,000 in Lagunanini.

Advertisement

The steep price, more than 10-fold the Brownes’ spend, appears judicious now that McGaw is a Group 2 champion, lifting Lagunanini’s future broodmare worth.

“He was very athletic and raw whereas she was solid and looked like a real runner,” Young said.

“We loved her the first time we saw her. She’s got a great body on her, and she’s done nothing wrong since coming into the barn.

“We gave her that first prep and then tipped her out and gave her a bit of a long break.

Advertisement

“The penny has dropped this time and she’s handling the pressure.”

Caulfield on Saturday presents the test, with Young trusting the filly’s poise to aid her progress.

“It will be a big day, different atmosphere, but I think she will handle it, no problem,” Young said.

“We can’t question her professionalism. Beau (Mertens) knows her, he won on her, and she’s usually very sensible at the races and trials beforehand.

Advertisement

“She doesn’t get too worked up, but it is a two-year-old race, and you never know what can happen.”

Plans for a Tuesday gallop at Caulfield were shelved in favour of wrapping up at Cranbourne.

Lagunanini holds her spot in Rosehill’s Golden Slipper next Saturday week, is accepted for the Magic Night Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill Saturday, and nominated to ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Randwick April 4 plus Percy Sykes Stakes (1200m) next.

“We put her in up in Sydney as well, just in case we drew wide, as we just wanted another option, but we’ll head to Caulfield after getting the ace draw,” Young said.

Advertisement

“There’s Stakes races coming up interstate that may suit her, but we’ll get through Saturday first and see where we go.”

Betting fans can check online bookmakers for The Showdown opportunities featuring Lagunanini.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Falcons player charged in domestic violence incident with WNBA star

Published

on

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr., a 2025 first-round pick, was charged with three felonies by the Miami-Dade (Florida) State Attorney from a Feb. 7 incident involving WNBA player Rickea Jackson. 

Court documents revealed Pearce was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police and resisting an officer with violence to his or her person, all of which are felonies. 

A fourth charge of felony aggravated stalking was changed to a misdemeanor, while a charge of aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer was dropped. 

Advertisement

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

James Pearce warms up for game vs Patriots

Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. warms up before a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium Nov. 2, 2025. (Brian Fluharty/Imagn Images)

Pearce, a finalist for Defensive Rookie of the Year after a successful 2025 season with the Falcons, was arrested near Miami last month after allegedly fleeing officers and crashing his car after what police called a domestic violence incident with Jackson, a 2024 All-Rookie team honoree with the Los Angeles Sparks

Jackson was the fourth overall pick of the WNBA Draft out of Tennessee, and she has had early success in her career. 

WNBA PLAYER ‘WILLING TO TESTIFY’ AGAINST EX-BOYFRIEND JAMES PEARCE JR AFTER ALLEGED DOMESTIC DISPUTE

Advertisement

Pearce is alleged to have crashed his car into another vehicle being driven by Jackson and struck a police officer while he tried to flee law enforcement, ESPN reported, citing a criminal complaint from the Miami-Dad State Attorney’s office. 

Jackson told police she noticed Pearce was following her in a white luxury vehicle, and when she stopped at a red light, the Falcons rookie tried to open her car. Jackson said she started to drive toward the Doral Police Department while Pearce was allegedly following her. Then, as she got closer to the police station, she alleged Pearce cut her off and collided with her head on.  

An officer reportedly pulled a gun on Pearce once Doral authorities responded to the incident in an attempt to force him to get on the ground. However, he allegedly got back into his car and drove away. 

After crashing his vehicle and being accused of resisting arrest, Pearce spent a night in jail before posting a $20,500 bond and being released on Feb. 8. 

Advertisement
James Pearce Jr. at State Farm Stadium

Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium Dec. 21, 2025. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)

Jackson has since filed an injunction for a protective order against Pearce in Miami-Dade County. She wrote that she was in fear for her life, and if the court didn’t intervene, “James will kill me.”

Jackson also alleged previous verbal and physical abuse from Pearce occurred “on more than one occasion.” She claimed he threatened to kill, harm and injure her, according to court documents. 

Pearce’s attorneys said last month their client “maintains his innocence and urges the public to understand that while allegations have the power to shape a narrative, that it is hardly the full, complete story.”

“We look forward to vigorously defending our client and remain confident that he will continue contributing positively to both his team and the community he serves so well,” the attorneys added at the time. 

Advertisement
James Pearce Jr after a game

Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. is interviewed after a game against the New Orleans Saints Jan. 4, 2026, in Atlanta.  (AP Photo/Danny Karnik, File)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

A permanent injunction hearing is scheduled for April 21 after the court initially granted Jackson her request for protection. Pearce is not allowed to have contact with Jackson or be within 500 feet of her home or place of employment or 100 feet from her vehicle. 

Pearce played all 17 games for the Falcons, racking up 10½ sacks, 26 combined tackles and five passes defended. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Advertisement

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025