The Minnesota Vikings have launched an independent investigation into former punter Chris Kluwe's allegations that he was fired for his activism.
According to the statement from the Viking's PR department:
Former Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court Eric Magnuson and former U.S. Department of Justice Trial Attorney Chris Madel will lead the investigation.
“It is extremely important for the Vikings organization to react immediately and comprehensively with an independent review of these allegations,” said Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf.
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“This is a highly sensitive matter that we as an organization will address with integrity,” said Vikings Vice President of Legal Affairs and Chief Administrative Officer Kevin Warren. “Eric and Chris have stellar reputations in both the local and national legal community. They have handled numerous cases involving a wide range of issues, and we are confident they will move swiftly and fairly in completing this investigation.”
Robins, Kaplan’s investigation has already begun and will include interviews with current and former members of the Vikings organization.
Kluwe is standing by his allegations, telling USA Today "Let the investigation begin."
I found the interview to be a bit maddening, with questions such as, "The issue here seems to be, for all stuff you've done to try to serve what you perceive as the greater good, this seems to be all about Chris Kluwe." And "Is it not possible Priefer has less problem with your social views than the fact you're a veteran who thinks he has it all figured out and can't be coached up like a young guy?"
Kluwe answers them in the Kluwe way that made so many of us root for the guy.
Q: Here's the thing that bothers me here. You wrote the reason you published these allegations is because you never want Mike Priefer to coach in the NFL or anywhere else ever again. To me, that comes across as petty. It comes across as you're trying to ruin somebody's life.
A: I would phrase that in the form of a question: Who's no longer punting in the NFL?
Q: That's you.
A: Yes. That's correct. So, whose life was already ruined by the actions of one person?
Q: Well, your career is ruined. With Mike, it is his life. Now he's forever painted as a homophobe …
A: Because he is a homophobe. That's the whole point: Actions have consequences. If I was allowed to do my job, if I was allowed to finish out my contract – I had punted well for the Vikings for eight years. I only had one year left on my deal. How hard is it to just be like, 'OK, yeah, Kluwe said some stuff, but he can still punt the football? Let him finish out his deal and be like, no, we're not renewing your contract.' Fine. Whatever. I can respect that. But no, it had to be, we're getting rid of Chris. We don't want Chris anymore. And again, with the whole Priefer thing, the fact that I don't want him to coach in the NFL is because coaches in the NFL are role models. This is a guy that people are talking about potentially being a head coach, and frankly, from what I experienced with him, I don't want someone like that being a role model for children. I don't want someone like that being a role model for grown adults, because he doesn't teach the right lesson.
The investigation will be interesting, and I look forward to comments by kossacks more familiar with Minnesota politics than I am to fill me in on the lawyers that the Vikings retained. His
Wikipedia entry states that Eric Magnuson was an appointee of Tim Pawlenty, but that "
On May 5, 2010, Magnuson authored a 4-3 decision of the Minnesota Supreme Court, ruling that Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty had overstepped his authority by rescinding funding passed by the Minnesota legislature. The ruling was notable in that Pawlenty was Magnuson's former law partner."
Whatever happens with this investigation, the whole matter has put a spotlight on homophobia in the NFL, and for that Kluwe should be applauded.