Vikings Suspend Coach for Anti-Gay Remarks
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Doug Pensinger/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — The Minnesota Vikings suspended special teams coordinator Mike Priefer for three games on Friday after an independent investigation found Priefer made a homophobic comment in the 2012 season.
In a statement released by team owner Ziggy Wolf and president Mark Wilf, the Vikings apologized for the incident.
“In this instance, Coach Priefer fell short of what is expected. Accordingly, we have decided to suspend Coach Priefer without pay for the first three games of the 2014 regular season. In addition, he will be required to satisfactorily complete specialized workplace training that will include an emphasis on the managing of diversity and sexual orientation.”
Allegations over an alleged anti-gay comment came from former punter Chris Kluwe, who claimed that he was released by the organization because of his advocacy for the LGBT community. While the report found Priefer had made disparaging comments, no evidence was obtained to support Kluwe’s claim as to why he was released.
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