Vikings Dispatch Lawyers to Probe Chris Kluwe Matter

Aug 30, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe (5) punts against the Houston Texans in the second quarter at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The Vikings announced through a release that they have retained a pair of high-powered attorneys to investigate allegations of workplace discrimination and use of bigoted language leveled by former punter Chris Kluwe against current special teams coach Mike Priefer. The release states:

The Minnesota Vikings have retained two partners of Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi, L.L.P. to complete an independent review of yesterday’s allegations by Chris Kluwe.

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.

Magnuson, who is currently a partner at Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi, L.L.P. and teaches at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, is highly-regarded in Minnesota and throughout the country. He has more than 35 years of practice, including over two years (2008-10) as the Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court.

Madel is the Chair of Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi, L.L.P.’s Government and Internal Investigations Group, and has led numerous high-profile investigations, including the extensively publicized internal investigation of the Fiesta Bowl in Phoenix, Arizona.  Madel has also been selected as the Minnesota Lawyer’s “Attorney of the Year” for 2011, 2012, and 2013, and is the first attorney to win the award for three consecutive years.

“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.

Several Viking players have already gone on record in defense of Priefer including kicker Blair Walsh who said in his own statement:

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.

Priefer has vehemently denied the allegations leveled against him by Kluwe in an incendiary article published by the website Deadspin. Kluwe charges Priefer and the Vikings of cutting him from the team for politically-motivated reasons. Kluwe has been an outspoken proponent of gay rights, and believes this political stance was behind his 2013 dismissal.

Kluwe also accuses Priefer of using highly bigoted language as part of a bullying campaign against him.

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