I'm sure everyone has heard of the recent most offensive allegations of the behavior of the NFL's Minnesota Vikings. At the same time they are begging for state tax money to subsidize a billionare owner and build them a palace, they let these idiot players loose on our streets!
Once upon a time the Vikings and professional athletes in general were people that displayed commendable and admirable behavior. They were respected and participating members of the community and contributed something to society. Bud Grant ran this team for nearly 20 years and kept it a class organization. However, things soon changed on his departure in 1985, and the organization's lack of discipline and class has been a scurge on our local society for the past 20 years. Here are just the highlights in a laundry list criminal record that would make most serial killers jealous:
* Between 1986 and 1990, nine Vikings were arrested for drunken driving, and receiver Buster Rhymes was treated for cocaine dependency.
* In 1988, citing "overwhelming negative response" from the public, the Vikings released convicted sex offender Mossy Cade.
* In 1994, Joey Browner is charged with third-degree rape in Minneapolis. Charges are later dismissed.
* In 1995, running back Keith Henderson pleaded guilty to three counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct.
* 1995, Star Minnesota Vikings quarterback Warren Moon is arrested in Houston and charged with misdemeanor assault after he slapped his wife, choking her "nearly to the point of unconsciousness." Moon is later acquitted after his wife refuses to testify. A few months previously, Moon had been charged with sexual assault by a Vikings cheerleader in a case that was settled out of court.
* That year, Moon allegedly struck his wife in the head with an open hand and choked her to the point where she almost passed out, according to police in Missouri City, Texas.
She did not press charges and, although the case went to trial anyway, Moon was found not guilty.
* In 1995, the Star Tribune reported that the Vikings paid $150,000 to head off a sexual harassment suit against Vikings assistant coach Richard Solomon, coach Dennis Green's closest friend on the staff.
* In 1996, James Harris, Minnesota Vikings defensive end, pleads guilty to third-degree assault for beating his wife.
* In 1999, safety Orlando Thomas was disciplined by the NFL after pleading no contest to the misdemeanor charge of simple battery on his wife.
* In 2002, receiver Randy Moss knocked a traffic cop to the ground with his car, then was charged with drug possession. He later reached an out-of-court settlement with the officer.
* In 2002, two women claimed to be sexually assaulted at the team's Arctic Blast fundraiser.
* In 2004, linebackers E.J. Henderson and Michael Nattiel and tight end Steve Farmer were arrested after officers said they saw the players assaulting a man outside the Tabu nightclub in Minneapolis.
* In 2005, running back Onterrio Smith was suspended by the NFL for a year for violating the league's substance abuse policy, two months after being caught at an airport with The Original Whizzinator, a kit designed to circumvent drug tests.
* Also in 2005, coach Mike Tice was fined by the NFL for scalping Super Bowl tickets, and defensive tackle Kevin Williams was arrested on charges of domestic abuse.
* Last week a contingent of Vikings chartered two boats, then allegedly engaged in such lascivious behavior that charter employees feared for their safety.
(this previous part was lifted from Jim Souhan's article in the Star Tribune on 10/13/05)
The list continues, from my own recollection with documentation:
* Wide receiver Kelly Campbell driving a stolen SUV high with a stolen and weapon, with 16 grams of marijuana
Real Footbal 365.com
* On Randy Moss's bio on ESPN.com:
"30-day sentence for savagely kicking a high school classmate, a boot from Florida State for marijuana use, an arrest for roughing up his girlfriend."
* Daunte Culpepper's SUV involved in drug arrest
drug-rehabs.com
* Details of the arctic blast:
Union Eagle (local paper) report
Former running back Ted Brown was indicted by a Mille Lacs County grand jury in late 2003 on first-and third-degree criminal sexual conduct charges after an incident at a team function on Lake Mille Lacs. He remains free on bail.
Brown is charged in a February 2003 incident during the Vikings' annual Arctic Blast event at Eddy's Resort. Prosecutors allege that Brown forced sex on an intoxicated woman who was unable to consent.
Wcco.com
* Tommy Kramer DUI
* Donald Igwebuike involved in drug trafficing
* Robert Tate threatening to have the mother of his child beaten up by his cousin
* Kenny Mixon not 1, not 2, but 3 DUI's while with the team
* Former Executive Mike Kelly getting a DUI going to bail out players at the Arctic Blast
* Denny Green Sexual Harassment Allegations
* EJ Henderson DUI
* Signing recently released from jail Koren Robinson
All found in Mike McFeely's Column
Yes, the Vikings have spent the past 20 years orchestrating what appears to be a highly organized campaign to ruin their image and disgust their fans. Any fans for that matter.
If you can think of any others, and I know there are several more incidents, please send them in!
The only good thing is that I limited my ranting just to the Vikings and didn't move on the NBA!
Posted by amoravec at October 13, 2005 12:53 PM