Vikings players come to defense of Priefer following anti-gay allegations
Former Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe is standing by allegations he made against the team in an article published Thursday on Deadspin.
Kluwe accused special teams coordinator Mike Priefer of using gay slurs during the 2012 season and said he believes he was released by the Vikings following the 2013 NFL Draft because of his support for same-sex marriage. He also referred to then-head coach Leslie Frazier and general manager Rick Spielman as "cowards."
"I have witnesses," Kluwe told Chip Scoggins of the Minneapolis Star Tribune Thursday after the article was published. "I prefer not to call any witnesses unless it's legally needed because those are my friends and teammates and I'd like to keep them out of it."
Asked whether he's considering a discrimination lawsuit against the Vikings, Kluwe texted: "No idea yet. Would rather not, but that depends on what happens going forward."
Priefer, who issued a statement denying Kluwe's allegations, has received support from several Vikings players.
Punter Jeff Locke tweeted: "In my short time with the Vikings, Coach Priefer has treated me with respect and has helped me develop 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."
Safety Harrison Smith and fullback Jerome Felton also tweeted in support of Priefer:
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
— Harrison Smith (@HarriSmith22) January 2, 2014
Coach Mike Preifer has always been professional and one of the best special teams coaches I have been around! In any meeting I have been
— jerome felton (@jfelton45) January 2, 2014
In, I have never witnessed him say anything close to what's been alleged. That's just my experience!
— jerome felton (@jfelton45) January 2, 2014
Placekicker Blair Walsh chose to go a more formal route, issuing a statement on the matter:
I have been a member of the Minnesota Vikings for 2 years. I want to start off by saying I have the utmost respect for Rick Spielman, Leslie Frazier and Mike Priefer. All three, are good men.
I have had countless conversations and interactions with Coach Priefer, and I personally can attest to his integrity and character. 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.
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. 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.
I firmly stand behind Rick Spielman, Leslie Frazier, and Mike Priefer.
Blair Walsh