Vikings Coach Blasted by Kluwe Denies He’s a Bigot (UPDATED)
Mike Priefer is the Minnesota Vikings assistant coach (his title is Special Teams Coordinator) blasted yesterday by former Vikings punter Chris Kluwe, who accused him of making anti-gay comments such as “We should round up all the gays, send them to an island, and then nuke it until it glows.” He responded to the allegations Kluwe made later in the day:
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.
“I have gay family members” is like saying “Some of my best friends are black,” and saying “Some of my best friends are black” is the last refuge of the bigot.
Related - Former NFL Punter Chris Kluwe explains why he was fired by the Minnesota Vikings
More: Mike Priefer Denies He Is a Bigot
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Vikings kicker Blair Walsh has come out fully in support of Preifer:
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