LATEST REPORT: Vikings Deny Shocking Rumor Linking Head Coach Kevin O’Connell to Bizarre Ban on Will Fries
In a headline that raised more eyebrows than a fourth-quarter Hail Mary, the internet lit up this morning with a bizarre and unfounded claim: that Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell — somehow confused with St. Louis Blues (an NHL team!) — had banned offensive guard Will Fries from team activities due to an internal dispute.
But let’s set the record straight: it’s all false.
A spokesperson for the Vikings confirmed early today that there is “zero truth” to the report, calling it “completely fabricated, absurd, and not based on any internal events whatsoever.” The rumor, which first surfaced on a fringe social media account, somehow conflated two different sports, two different franchises, and a narrative pulled straight from fantasy.
What really happened? Nothing. Will Fries is healthy, active, and fully participating in all offseason programs as the Vikings continue building toward what they hope will be a breakout year under O’Connell.
But the strange part? The rumor spread like wildfire.
Within hours, fans were tweeting conspiracy theories, speculating about locker room fights, NHL-NFL coaching crossovers, and imaginary suspensions. Even Blues fans were scratching their heads: “We didn’t know Kevin O’Connell coached hockey?”
The mix-up was so dramatic, it sparked responses from both camps. O’Connell, in his usual composed tone, brushed off the nonsense:
> “I don’t know how I ended up coaching the Blues or banning one of my own players… but I guess that’s offseason Twitter for you.”
Bottom line? Will Fries is just fine. Kevin O’Connell still coaches football — not hockey. And Vikings fans can rest easy knowing no one’s been banned, benched, or bewildered.
Except maybe the internet.
