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Minnesota Vikings Reportedly Not On ‘Hard Knocks’ Short List

By Dan Zinski

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It looks like Mike Zimmer will avoid having to make a return appearance on Hard Knocks.

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NFL rules say the Vikings could be compelled to appear on the popular HBO show, but a report by ESPN Cleveland indicates Minnesota is not among the teams currently being considered for the upcoming season.

The report says HBO would prefer to work with a team that willingly volunteers to be on the show (rather than one that is forced to do against its will), and says the network is currently considering three teams for this summer: Washington, Buffalo and Houston.

The Browns reportedly begged out of appearing on the show to protect Johnny Manziel as he attempts to resurrect his career. Though no details are given about the Vikings’ communication with the league and HBO on this, one can infer from ESPN Cleveland’s report that Minnesota also has expressed an unwillingness to have their training camp invaded by Hard Knocks‘ cameras.

Mike Zimmer became something of a star years ago when he and his fellow Bengals coaches were featured on the popular series, so he knows what it’s like having the extra distraction. And I’m going to guess Zimmer probably advised the organization against working with HBO.

The ongoing Adrian Peterson drama may have made the Vikings an attractive candidate to appear on the show…if you look at things from HBO’s point-of-view. From the Vikings’ point-of-view…not so much.

The Vikings are already in store for extra scrutiny this offseason thanks to the Peterson drama. No reason to make it worse by volunteering to let HBO document their entire camp for a TV show.

Next: Zimmer Has Already Threatened to Maim Danielle Hunter

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