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2014-01-15 21:44:29 UTC
You think your big mouth might be the reason you're unemployed
now Chris?
Minnesota Vikings kicker Blair Walsh is backing special teams
coordinator Mike Priefer, whom former punter Chris Kluwe alleged
Thursday used homophobic language towards him and pushed to
release him over his stand on same-sex marriage.
"I have had countless conversations and interactions with coach
Priefer, and I personally can attest to his integrity and
character," Walsh wrote in a statement emailed to USA TODAY
Sports.
"His professionalism in the workplace is exemplary, and I firmly
believe that my teammates would whole-heartedly agree. The
allegations made today are reprehensible and totally not
compatible with what Mike Priefer stands for."
In an article posted Thursday to the website Deadspin titled "I
Was An NFL Player Until I Was Fired By Two Cowards And A Bigot,"
Kluwe also criticized coach Leslie Frazier who was fired
Monday and general manager Rick Spielman for discouraging his
activism.
But Kluwe came down hardest on Priefer, whom claimed "would use
homophobic language in my presence" in the fall of 2012 while
Kluwe was speaking out against the proposed Minnesota Gay
Marriage Amendment that would have banned same-sex marriage and
was voted down.
Kluwe, 32, closed the post by saying in part he published it in
hopes Priefer never would hold a coaching position at any level
again.
"I vehemently deny today's allegations made by Chris Kluwe,"
Priefer said in his own statement. "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."
Priefer a 47-year-old former Navy helicopter pilot who has
spent 20 years as a college and pro special teams coach
remained employed by the Vikings as of Thursday afternoon,
despite Frazier's firing three days earlier.
Walsh, who was on the team during the 2012 season and made the
Pro Bowl as a rookie under Priefer's tutelage, said in the
statement he has "the utmost respect" for Spielman, Frazier and
Priefer and firmly stands behind all three.
"As we all know, in the NFL you must perform at the highest
level and meet the performance expectations of your coaches,
management, and ownership," Walsh said in the statement.
"If these expectations, based upon past performance AND future
potential for excellence, are not met, your NFL career with that
team, is over. I believe this was the case with Chris, and it is
unfair to think that his release was anything other than
football related.
"In my time here at Minnesota, Rick Spielman and Leslie Frazier
have exemplified true leadership. Contrary to Chris' statements,
they have promoted a workplace environment that was conducive
for success. At no time did I ever feel suppressed or that I
could not be myself."
The Vikings released Kluwe on May 6, about a week after using a
fifth-round draft pick on Jeff Locke. He signed a one-year
contract with the Oakland Raiders 11 days later but lost out to
another rookie punter, Marquette King, in camp and has been out
of the NFL this season.
"In my short time with the Vikings, Coach Priefer has treated me
with respect and has helped me develop as a player and person,"
Locke posted to his verified Twitter account.
"I have never witnessed any actions or statements by Coach
Priefer similar to those described in the recent Deadspin
article."
Hours after Kluwe's Deadspin story was published, the team
released a statement saying it was unaware of the allegations
until Thursday, takes them "very seriously" and will review the
matter thoroughly, while also reiterating Kluwe was released
solely based on performance.
"As an organization, the Vikings consistently strive to create a
supportive, respectful and accepting environment for all of our
players, coaches and front office personnel. We do not tolerate
discrimination at any level," the team statement read.
"The team has long respected our players' and associates'
individual rights, and, as Chris specifically stated, Vikings
ownership supports and promotes tolerance, including on the
subject of marriage equality. Because he was identified with the
Vikings, Chris was asked to be respectful while expressing his
opinions.
"Team ownership and management also repeatedly emphasized to
Chris that the Vikings would not impinge on his right to express
his views. Any notion that Chris was released from our football
team due to his stance on marriage equality is entirely
inaccurate and inconsistent with team policy."
So he sucked as a punter then? HAHAHAHAHA! That's a liberal
for ya. A case of the sore ass because he got fired.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/vikings/2014/01/02/chri
s-kluwe-mike-priefer-special-teams-coordinator-
homophobic/4295725/
now Chris?
Minnesota Vikings kicker Blair Walsh is backing special teams
coordinator Mike Priefer, whom former punter Chris Kluwe alleged
Thursday used homophobic language towards him and pushed to
release him over his stand on same-sex marriage.
"I have had countless conversations and interactions with coach
Priefer, and I personally can attest to his integrity and
character," Walsh wrote in a statement emailed to USA TODAY
Sports.
"His professionalism in the workplace is exemplary, and I firmly
believe that my teammates would whole-heartedly agree. The
allegations made today are reprehensible and totally not
compatible with what Mike Priefer stands for."
In an article posted Thursday to the website Deadspin titled "I
Was An NFL Player Until I Was Fired By Two Cowards And A Bigot,"
Kluwe also criticized coach Leslie Frazier who was fired
Monday and general manager Rick Spielman for discouraging his
activism.
But Kluwe came down hardest on Priefer, whom claimed "would use
homophobic language in my presence" in the fall of 2012 while
Kluwe was speaking out against the proposed Minnesota Gay
Marriage Amendment that would have banned same-sex marriage and
was voted down.
Kluwe, 32, closed the post by saying in part he published it in
hopes Priefer never would hold a coaching position at any level
again.
"I vehemently deny today's allegations made by Chris Kluwe,"
Priefer said in his own statement. "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."
Priefer a 47-year-old former Navy helicopter pilot who has
spent 20 years as a college and pro special teams coach
remained employed by the Vikings as of Thursday afternoon,
despite Frazier's firing three days earlier.
Walsh, who was on the team during the 2012 season and made the
Pro Bowl as a rookie under Priefer's tutelage, said in the
statement he has "the utmost respect" for Spielman, Frazier and
Priefer and firmly stands behind all three.
"As we all know, in the NFL you must perform at the highest
level and meet the performance expectations of your coaches,
management, and ownership," Walsh said in the statement.
"If these expectations, based upon past performance AND future
potential for excellence, are not met, your NFL career with that
team, is over. I believe this was the case with Chris, and it is
unfair to think that his release was anything other than
football related.
"In my time here at Minnesota, Rick Spielman and Leslie Frazier
have exemplified true leadership. Contrary to Chris' statements,
they have promoted a workplace environment that was conducive
for success. At no time did I ever feel suppressed or that I
could not be myself."
The Vikings released Kluwe on May 6, about a week after using a
fifth-round draft pick on Jeff Locke. He signed a one-year
contract with the Oakland Raiders 11 days later but lost out to
another rookie punter, Marquette King, in camp and has been out
of the NFL this season.
"In my short time with the Vikings, Coach Priefer has treated me
with respect and has helped me develop as a player and person,"
Locke posted to his verified Twitter account.
"I have never witnessed any actions or statements by Coach
Priefer similar to those described in the recent Deadspin
article."
Hours after Kluwe's Deadspin story was published, the team
released a statement saying it was unaware of the allegations
until Thursday, takes them "very seriously" and will review the
matter thoroughly, while also reiterating Kluwe was released
solely based on performance.
"As an organization, the Vikings consistently strive to create a
supportive, respectful and accepting environment for all of our
players, coaches and front office personnel. We do not tolerate
discrimination at any level," the team statement read.
"The team has long respected our players' and associates'
individual rights, and, as Chris specifically stated, Vikings
ownership supports and promotes tolerance, including on the
subject of marriage equality. Because he was identified with the
Vikings, Chris was asked to be respectful while expressing his
opinions.
"Team ownership and management also repeatedly emphasized to
Chris that the Vikings would not impinge on his right to express
his views. Any notion that Chris was released from our football
team due to his stance on marriage equality is entirely
inaccurate and inconsistent with team policy."
So he sucked as a punter then? HAHAHAHAHA! That's a liberal
for ya. A case of the sore ass because he got fired.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/vikings/2014/01/02/chri
s-kluwe-mike-priefer-special-teams-coordinator-
homophobic/4295725/