Chris Kluwe continued his media tour on Friday, just one day after he said he was fired by Vikings special teams coordinator Mike Priefer for speaking out in support of same-sex marriage.
In an article that went viral on Deadspin, Kluwe called Priefer a “bigot,” and also described former head coach Leslie Frazier and current general manager Rick Spielman as “cowards.”
In an interview with KFAN-FM 100.3 Friday morning, Kluwe sent a message to Priefer:
“If Mike Priefer feels that I slandered his name I strongly encourage him to bring forth [the law suit.]" – @ChrisWarcraft
— KFAN1003 (@KFAN1003) January 3, 2014
“I think I would be [a Viking still if Priefer were for gay marriage]… – @ChrisWarcraft
— KFAN1003 (@KFAN1003) January 3, 2014
Hours after Kluwe’s article was published on Thursday, the Vikings issued a statement saying the organization consistently strives “to create a supportive, respectful and accepting environment for all of our players, coaches and front office personnel. We do not tolerate discrimination at any level.”
That was followed up by a statement from Priefer, who “vehemently” denied Kluwe’s allegations.
“I want to be clear that I do not tolerate discrimination of any type and am respectful of all individuals,” Priefer said in the statement. “I personally have gay family members who I love and support just as I do any family member.”
On Friday, the Vikings released a statement informing the public that an independent review is already underway to determine the validity of Kluwe’s allegations. 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.
Per an NFL spokesman, the #Vikings did contact the NFL and have kept the league informed. "We have no plans to conduct a separate review."
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 3, 2014
In the Deadspin article, Kluwe wrote that he hopes Priefer is never allowed to coach any level of football again.
Why so harsh? Kluwe explained:
[Priefer] would ask me if I had written any letters defending “the gays” recently and denounce as disgusting the idea that two men would kiss, and he would constantly belittle or demean any idea of acceptance or tolerance. I tried to laugh these off while also responding with the notion that perhaps they were human beings who deserved to be treated as human beings. Mike Priefer also said on multiple occasions that I would wind up burning in hell with the gays, and that the only truth was Jesus Christ and the Bible … I felt uncomfortable each time Mike Priefer said these things. After all, he was directly responsible for reviewing my job performance …
He clarified that message during Friday’s KFAN interview by saying he’s not out to destroy Priefer’s career.
“I’m not out to ruin his career, I just don’t think he should coach in the NFL,” Kluwe said. “I don’t think he’s an appropriate role model for children or adults to watch. Honestly, it’s about treating people the right away. It’s about not firing someone simply because you don’t believe the same things they believe.
“What kind of society would we live in if that is the goal of people, where if you don’t believe the same things someone else does, then you’re like, ‘Ok well, you’re done. You’re fired.’ And it happens all the time in our society … and it’s messed up.”
Kluwe wouldn’t clarify which of his former teammates he said heard the same vile language he alleges Priefer used during team meetings. But he hinted those players would defend him if it comes to it, adding that the unnamed players he mentioned in the article have not tried to get a hold of him since
“If it comes down to it, then we’ll do what we have to do,” he said.
The full interview starts at the 35:00 mark of the player below.
