Kluwe rips Frazier, Spielman, Priefer

[dead_poet]

Full statement from Priefer: http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikin ... 19931.html

Vikings special teams coordinator Mike Priefer issued a statement to a few beat writers. Here is his full statement:
I vehemently deny today’s allegations made by Chris Kluwe.

I want to be clear that I do not tolerate discrimination of any type and am respectful of all individuals. I personally have gay family members who I love and support just as I do any family member.

The primary reason I entered coaching was to affect people in a positive way. As a coach, I have always created an accepting environment for my players, including Chris, and have looked to support them both on and off the field.

The comments today have not only attacked my character and insulted my professionalism, but they have also impacted my family. While my career focus is to be a great professional football coach, my number one priority has always been to be a protective husband and father to my wife and children.

I will continue to work hard for the Minnesota Vikings, the Wilf family and all of our loyal fans.

[tmscr]

I can understand not saying it publicly while he was still an employee of the organization, but did he go to ownership and say these things? It would appear not. Had he done that and it fell on deaf ears, THEN say it publicly. He had an entire offseason to say it, but didn't because it would have affected his ability to get another job. That doesn't sound like selfless activism to me. He waited until it was convenient for him.

I'm not saying anyone needs football for survival, but it's a living for the entire roster and staff. It's my opinion, and maybe I'm wrong, that he sort of tuned out during the 2012 season. His activism and causes SEEMED to be more important (i/e I don't need this game) than his on field performance. To now say, eh I didn't want to bring the team down during this season, is a little disingenuous to me.

Just my opinion.

[The Breeze]

The plot thickens.

[HornedMessiah]

This is seriously such backwards thinking it's ridiculous.

Agreed. If you really believe what you wrote, King James, I feel bad for you. Truly backwards thinking.


Been a real good week for the Vikings, eh? Frazier fired, Henderson popped for DUI, and now this. Great!

[dead_poet]

Jeff Locke ‏@jefflocke18 3m
(1/2) In my short time with the Vikings, Coach Priefer has treated me with respect and has helped me develop as a player and person.

(2/2) I have never witnessed any actions or statements by Coach Priefer similar to those described in the recent Deadspin article.

[The Breeze]

Thank you.
I can relate. I was once the same way.
I see you as pretty steady so perhaps you don't 'oscillate" as much as you think. On the other hand, you are a fan...

Sorry, I was groaning at that joke as I wrote it.

[Crax]

Harrison Smith ‏@HarriSmith22 now

Since I've had the privilege of playing for Mike Preifer he has been nothing but a class act coach and a respectful human being. #Vikes

[dead_poet]

Seifert's take: http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/ ... llegations

[saint33]

Seifert's take: http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/ ... llegations

very good article

[The Breeze]

It seems to me that Priefer is obligated to sue if he did not say those things.

I'll be interested in reading Kluwe's memoirs now, and after the incognito thing......the NFL sounds like a real whacky institution.

[tmscr]

Seifert's take: http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/ ... llegations

"I suppose we can note that Kluwe's advocacy had its limits; he wasn't willing to risk his job (or cause further distraction) by going public with the quotes immediately"

Exactly.

[Raptorman]

Full statement from Priefer: http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikin ... 19931.html

One thing I noticed, he doesn't say he didn't say it. The comment about the island and nuking it. Just a thought.

[saint33]

"I suppose we can note that Kluwe's advocacy had its limits; he wasn't willing to risk his job (or cause further distraction) by going public with the quotes immediately"

Exactly.

Exactly what though? Does this prove that Kluwe's fabricating the story? Does it change the impact of what was said?

Whether or not Kluwe was acting completely altruistic or not is hardly the story here. If the story is true, who cares when it was exposed?

[The Breeze]

If he did in fact say it in front of witnesses, he will gain nothing by going to court.
The Vikings as an organization won't look good either.

Unless ownership, or the league uncovers something substantial, nothing will happen except damage control.

I wonder how thoroughly these allegations will be looked into?

[DanAS]

If what he wrote IS accurate, it certainly makes Priefer sound awful.

I have no idea what Priefer said or what Frazier and Spielman believe regarding homosexuality. But I am sickened by the fact that there has still never been an openly gay player in any locker room of any major American team sport. That is frankly a disgrace to American sport/society.

Kluwe was a marginal punter. But I am always interested in what he has to say because he generates discussions about topics that need to be discussed -- including Ray Guy's candidacy for Canton.