Team president denies Minnesota Vikings ‘toxic leadership’ claim
By Adam Carlson
After a claim of toxic leadership within the Minnesota Vikings organization, owner and team president Mark Wilf denied the accusation.
This has been a strange offseason for the Minnesota Vikings. Several familiar faces have moved on from the franchise, but the most vocal of those involved have been the parents of the exiting players.
Adrian Peterson‘s father made some statements about the offensive line, but it was the dad of Rhett Ellison who made the most waves after his son signed a large contract with the New York Giants.
Riki Ellison made the statement of players leaving being a statement on the ‘toxic leadership’ of the organization over a week ago. Today, Vikings owner and team president Mark Wilf spoke about that claim at the NFL meetings according to USA Today.
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"“None at all from an ownership (perspective),” Wilf told a few reporters at the NFL meetings Tuesday. “I’m not sure where that really even comes from. I know how close Coach (Mike) Zimmer and our GM Rick Spielman are, and how great they work together, and how great they communicate with us.”"
From the outside looking in, the Vikings organization has lost quite a few familiar faces and there is no real way of knowing what happens behind closed doors in team meetings or at closed practices.
However, many other players have openly praised the system in Minnesota. Head coach Mike Zimmer has been known as tough but fair, general manager Rick Spielman has attempted to clean up the locker room of troublesome players, and the Wilf family have promoted a team friendly environment by pushing for the new stadium.
Next: Rhett Ellison signs with Giants
This is likely not the last time fans will hear about the claim of ‘toxic leadership’ in the Minnesota Vikings organization. With both Mike Zimmer and Mark Wilf addressing the situation, it appears as though the franchise is taking this claim seriously and are looking to repair any damage done to the reputation of the team.