7/20/2014
Suspended for three games, required to undergo diversity sensitivity program
The Minnesota Vikings announced Friday that they have suspended special teams coordinator Mike Priefer for making what an independent investigation determined was a homophobic remark during the 2012 season. Priefer will be suspended for three games this season and required to complete workplace training which will emphasize diversity and sexual orientation sensitivity. For the offense, the Vikings also donated$100,000 to LGBT rights advocacy groups.
In the statement released Friday, Vikings president Mark Wilf and owner Zygi Wilf explained the team’s response to news of Priefer’s offensive remarks:
In this instance, Coach Priefer fell short of what is expected. Accordingly, we have decided to suspend Coach Priefer without pay for the first three games of the 2014 regular season. In addition, he will be required to satisfactorily complete specialized workplace training that will include an emphasis on the managing of diversity and sexual orientation.If Coach Priefer completes this training and conducts himself in accordance with our workplace policies, we will consider reducing the length of his suspension by one game.
The Wilfs also stressed that going forward the Vikings will hold all team members accountable and “take the outlined critical steps to further educate everyone within our organization both individually and collectively.”
In the statement, Priefer apologized to the organization, fans, family, the LGBT community and former punter Chris Kluwe, who blew the whistle on Priefer after being released from the team.
sourceI owe an apology to many people -- the Wilf family, the Minnesota Vikings organization and fans, my family, the LGBT community, Chris Kluwe and anyone else that I offended with my insensitive remark. I regret what has occurred and what I said. I am extremely sorry but I will learn from this situation and will work on educating others to create more tolerance and respect.
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