Mike Zimmer Brings Hammer Down On Penalty-Prone Rookies

Mike Zimmer came to the Vikings with a reputation as a hard-nosed guy who doesn’t put up with a lot of nonsense.

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So far in 2014, we hadn’t seen much in the way of strong disciplinary action from the no-nonsense Zimmer, who clearly has decided to take a patient approach with so many rookies on the roster.

But that changed today. Zimmer’s patience finally ran out on at least one of his rookies.

After being active for every game so far this year, rookie Antone Exum is inactive for today’s game against the Redskins. Zimmer has brought the hammer down on Exum after four special teams penalties in just eight weeks.

Zimmer expressed dismay during the week about repeated special teams mistakes from Exum and fellow rookie Jabari Price (via Star Tribune):

"“We have to learn how important field position is, especially when we’re playing good defense,” Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer said. “ It was disappointing. …It’s even more disappointing, the penalties we had in the kicking game. …We got a punt return and we got a penalty on it. All these young guys, I’m just about fed up with it.”"

Price too is inactive for Sunday’s game but was listed as questionable on the injury report and may just be down for injury.

Exum’s deactivation is purely to send a message: clean up the penalties or you won’t play.

Zimmer has called out his team verbally on several occasions this year, and reportedly fined multiple players for missed meetings, but this is the first time he’s flat out sat someone.

Given his reputation, it should come as no surprise that Zimmer would bring the hammer down on Exum. Now we’ll see how the rookie responds.

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