LGBT Ally Chris Kluwe: “I Got Fired From The Vikings Because Of My Gay Marriage Activism”

LGBT Ally Chris Kluwe: “I Got Fired From The Vikings Because Of My Gay Marriage Activism”

by Will Kohler

"Hello. My name is Chris Kluwe, and for eight years I was the punter for the Minnesota Vikings. In May 2013, the Vikings released me from the team. At the time, quite a few people asked me if I thought it was because of my recent activism for same-sex marriage rights, and I was very careful in how I answered the question. My answer, verbatim, was always, 'I honestly don't know, because I'm not in those meetings with the coaches and administrative people.' This is a true answer. I honestly don't know if my activism was the reason I got fired. However, I'm pretty confident it was. [snip]

"It's my belief, based on everything that happened over the course of 2012, that I was fired by Mike Priefer, a bigot who didn't agree with the cause I was working for, and two cowards, Leslie Frazier and Rick Spielman, both of whom knew I was a good punter and would remain a good punter for the foreseeable future, as my numbers over my eight-year career had shown, but who lacked the fortitude to disagree with Mike Priefer on a touchy subject matter. (Frazier was fired on Monday, at the conclusion of a 5-10-1 season.) [snip]

[One time] As we sat down in our chairs, Mike Priefer, in one of the meanest voices I can ever recall hearing, said: "We should round up all the gays, send them to an island, and then nuke it until it glows." The room grew intensely quiet, and none of the players said a word for the rest of the meeting. The atmosphere was decidedly tense. I had never had an interaction that hostile with any of my teammates on this issue—some didn't agree with me, but our conversations were always civil and respectful. Afterward, several told me that what Mike Priefer had said was "messed up."

One of the main coaching points I've heard throughout my entire life is, 'How you respond to difficult situations defines your character,' and I think it's a good saying. I also think it applies to more than just the players." - Chris Kluwe, (Do yourself a favor and read the whole posting over at Deadspin

Knuckle-dragging bigotry in the NFL?  Now there's a shocker.

I absolutely believe Chris.  He's handled this whole thing with class and grace. No malice, despite everything they were putting him through with the Vikings.  He's a good man and an excellent ally to have on your side and I thank him.

As for the Minnesota Vikings..... FUCK YOU!

Will Kohler