We know that rookie punter Jeff Locke had very little time to interact with Chris Kluwe before Kluwe was released by the Vikings, and also had very little time to see special teams coordinator Mike Priefer interact with Kluwe. Blair Walsh, who just finished his second season with the team, did spend a full season working with Kluwe and was presumably around during some of Kluwe’s alleged scenes of verbal abuse and bigotry.
Both Locke and Walsh, however, stood by their coach following Kluwe’s allegations posted at Deadspin.
Locke took to Twitter to lend his support.
“In my short time with the Vikings,” he wrote, “Coach Priefer has treated me with respect and has helped as a player and person. I have never witnessed any actions or statements by Coach Priefer similar to those described in the recent Deadspin article.
As transcribed by Kevin Seifert at ESPN, Walsh was a little more combative with his words, and it looks like he may be a tad upset with his former holder.
“I have had countless conversations and interactions with coach Priefer, and I personally can attest to his integrity and character,” Walsh said in a statement he released directly to reporters. “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 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.
“I firmly stand behind Rick Spielman, Leslie Frazier, and Mike Priefer.”
Some will aplaude Kluwe’s bravery for posting the article and exposing his coach. Others will say Walsh and Locke were brave for standing up for their coach despite certain criticism from a significant portion of society. The debate is sure to be emotional and heated. Kluwe, however, reiterated on Thursday night that he is not worried about the fallout while talking with Chip Scoggins at the Star Tribune.
“It’s one of those things where this is what happened,” he said. “I realize there will be people that say, ‘This is just sour grapes. He’s upset that he got cut.’”
View Comments
Kluwe is wrong to run his mouth. Even if Mike Priefer said these things. All this does is put his ex teammates in a bad spot, guys that didn't have anything to do with it.
IF Priefer said that, then it's a terrible thing to say. But I don't hear any other players telling the world about it, and there is good reason not to.
And to call Frazier and Spielman cowards is crap.
If it's not true...I don't get it. Why make that up? What's to gain?
Either way Kluwe is...a moron.
Kluwee is such an idiot. He just loves the attention. Who cares? This is football, not some gay rights rally. GTFO of here. Who cares what you think? Alot of people don't share his passion about oppressed homosexuals. Give me a break!! He runs to the press like a big loser who in the old days would get his ass kicked and thats what he deserves.
Kluwe is a hypocrite. I offered to give him a "ride" in my tow truck and he turned me down. He said he didn't like my hairy arms. Gay pride my ass!
Man the world is way too sensitive now a days. People are called bigots and losing their jobs for saying they believe gay marriage and homosexuality is wrong. It's now uncool to have strong morals and be christian(or almost any other religion because none I know of approve homosexuality)?
I'm not even a very religious person but it seems like thanks to the media and Hollywood it's more acceptable to be gay than religious. Constantly people are insulted for religious views see Sarah Palin(I'm not a fan but she is constantly ridiculed for her religious beliefs) but if you say it's a sin to be gay your a bigot and terrible person.
Just for the record I'm neutral on the subject but I hate the way the media handles these situations.