I was going to do something on this, but it looks like VikesFaninNM already has it covered. I don't think we have too much to worry about, but hey. . .if we had a nickel for every time we thought that, am I right? -Chris

Yeah, I'm kinda confused here myself, and according to this article that popped up on me, it is very little talked about but true.

Now I know how Biggs Darklighter felt seconds before Vader iced him during the first Death Star trench run......

More after the jump

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According to a report that I just saw pop up, the Wilfs today said they are looking at adding a retractable roof at their expense. They were quoted in the article as saying "we're going to try to do it" and wanted to make it as attractive as possible to the fans, and I'm sure for other event's as well. So let's hope they get it done and make this thing kick arse!!!

Roof Article HERE!

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To quote Tom Cruise's character in "A Few Good Men" (Awesome movie, highly reccomend, it was before he went nutso)........."And the hit's just keep on coming...."

On top of the Minnesota Political game of "Should we or should we not follow the advice of the galactically stupid", comes yet more fodder for those that enjoy rubbing our noses in shite........

Apparently, former RB bust and forgetful name Micheal Bennett, along with former Giant WIlliam Joseph and some guy that never made it with the Patriots are facing charges on tax evasion and identity theft.

While a former player being a moron might not be much, with what happened last weekend, the Cook affair, stadium and what else is missing, can we possibly get dragged thru mud anymore? Now back to your Black Tuesday.

And by that, the reason why he was cut by the Vikings last year, for his offseason work ethic. And no, eating McDonalds in front of the tube does not consist of a viable work out routine, even by this guy's standards......

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On the heals of Chris's stadium post, comes this out of L.A. concerning the AEG stadium proposal.

It's about dead

Doesn't surprise me since any "plan" in L.A. has usually met with the Grim Reaper.

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According to an article by Jeremy Fowler at the Pioneer Press, the Vikings were not willing to match the offer the Redskins abundently over paid for him, 5 years for $42.5 mill. Of that, $21.5 mill is locked in. The Vikings were in the top 3 as far as signing Garcon, whom the Vikings contacted shortly after Free Agency opened up for business. And some have been mad because of the "lack" of any attempts by Speilman to sign damn near anyone at the start of Free Agency. While there is no dollar amount given as to what the Vikings offered Garcon, it was only after Garcon signed with the Redskins that Speilman shifted focused to other, and perhaps under the radar, Free Agents. It was then the Vikings signed Carlson, who does have alot of potential. Seriously, we never would have gotten Vincent Jackson with the youth movement going on the way it is.

I would have liked to have seen Garcon in a Vikings jersey, but commend Speilman for passing at a bloated price tag. Personally, a 3 to 4 year deal in the range of about $25 mill with $10 mill garuanteed would have been worth it. As the article stated, he is in our age range for the rebuilding and he would have been a solid player for a long time while Jerry Rice wouldn't have to worry about any NFL records being broken. But the Vikings were smart in not breaking the bank for the guy.

While many have been harsh on Speilman about not going out signing blank checks for players, the one thing it does tell me is this. Like him or hate him, he seems to be concentrating on young players, drafting players and in the meantime, plugging a few holes here and there with players until such time we can either draft a better player or sign someone after other, more critical needs are met. This is something that will take several more seasons to accomplish, not overnight like many have been seemingly demanding with us spending like fools in Free Agency.

While I do believe Kalil will still be our pick at #3, and the majority of the draft will concentrate on Offensive line and Defense, there are a few picks out there, please consult the many mock drafts that have been posted, that are and will be available to us. This team is heading in the right direction.

According to ESPN about 10 minutes ago, in a salary cap move that should free up about $13 million, the Vikings have cut Steve Hutchinson who would have been due a shade under $7 million of the $13 mill. Also cut was Anthony Herrera and Cedric Griffin. About the only guy I wouldn't mind seeing come back is Hutchinson, though probably unlikely. Of course, with the youth movement, it was pretty much foreseeable. Griffin, well, we know of the injuries. So long to all 3 layers, good luck and hoping the $13 Million has been ear-marked for Kalil!

No, not to kill all the golfers......

But an agreement if/when/possibly the VIkings play there during construction of the new dig's.

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So, I got a league set up for 14 teams with 2 divisions on Yahoo. Head to Head scoring, mostly Yahoo default scoring with a few added categories, but nothing outrageous. the league link is Minny Ball. If you're interested, let me know and I will email the password to you. Just make sure you have an email address on your profile or send it to me. If you know anyone else that is interested, send them this way. Will also post in Twinkie Town. Hope to see you guys there.

As many may be aware, or perhaps not, Whitney Houston was found dead this afternoon in L.A. at the age of 48. A very young age if you ask me. Immediately, the first thought of her, was of the National Anthem just before Super Bowl XXV. A moment that has always wowed me, as with many others. Especially at the time, the first Gulf War. I had several cousins over there, so it hit home for me. The second memory, was when my sisters took me with them to Riverfest in St. Paul when she had a concert that evening. At the time, yeah, I kinda hoped the rest of my head banging buddies weren't there. But I will admit, I was happy to get to see her, and what an awesome voice she had. Never did thank them for that. That was a few years before the Super Bowl performance. Enjoy this little tidbit from that Super Bowl I was able to find. (With a little help from Chris) If you never saw or heard it, take a moment to now. She will always be remembered as a part of Super Bowl history.

Farewell and Godspeed Whitney

Very recently, we saw the post on how All Day had tweeted his thoughts of changing his number. Much to most of our and many others horror. Well, after looking into it a bit more, seems All Day was informed that under NFL rules, he would be liable for the jerseys already printed and the ones printed until a change was official. Reports say to the tune of over $1 million. Needless to say, Peterson has quickly changed his mind about a possible number change.

Remain calm, all is well.

I don't mean sadly as in I was entertaining the thought of him in a Vikings uniform. As per the several discussion's here on DN, most know I was pretty much against that. The sad part is, according to Yahoo Sports, it's looking very certain that Manning will not be returning to the NFL as a player. More after the jump.

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News Conference with Lester Bagley Video

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Not the community itself, but the stadium proposal, that is, if this Star Tribune article is acurate. If the article is true, the VIkings have been told, and might be realizing, that Arden Hills might not be workable, as was stated in the article. And it just might be. Since when the Arden Hills site was first made public, the Vikings had been staunchly behind the site and none others. Then, in the past few weeks, perhaps month, after meeting with legislative leaders and the Gov., Several site's in Minneapolis seem to have come back into the fore front. Could the article in the Trib be correct and that the Vikings have been slowely guided back to Minneapolis?

Personally, I would love to see the Adren Hills site developed, but must agree, financialy, it would be very tough for the local leaders to sucure the money needed. However, it does boast the needed space for future expansion as well as on site parking and tailgating. Yet, I do admit, Minneapolis does boast nearby ammenities as well as less money being spent towards adding or rebuilding the local infustructure. Unless of course, the VIkings and Ramsey county decide to change the proposal to make it more appealing, as the article suggests.

While the odds are now, and probably have been all along, that the stadium will be built in Minneapolis, whether at the Dome site, Farmers market or near the Basillica, I do hope the Vikings do give a little, which at times they have before during this entire debate, while Minneaplis and state leaders also back off and help find a location that does allow for onsite parking/tailgating so both parties, and the fans, can enjoy things AT the stadium, not several blocks away.

To quote C-3P0 and a few other from the Star Wars saga......."Here we go again".......

Apparently, if this article is indeed true, the Vikings might be taking another look at Minneapolis, but not the Metrodome site. According to sources, they are taking a look near the Basillica of St. Mary's. So that would rule out anything right next door. And those that have been going for Minneapolis, throws a monkey wrench as it would still not have all the stadium infrastructure in place like a rebuilt Dome site, so a start from scratch site much like Arden Hills. I don't know how serious this site will or could become when put against Arden Hills, But Minneapolis just may have gotten back into the fray of things. Or perhaps this is just being done to "appease" the new powers to be in the St. Paul?

Vikings considering Minneapolis site for stadium

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So, I decided to cruise google chrome and check up on the latest of the Vikings Stadium efforts. At the bottom of the 1st search results page was the "Archives" section. Then I noticed a few dates, first of all being from 1974. Describing the Vikings win over the then St. Louis Cardinals. Not too mention the interview with the now legendary Bud Grant. Of course, in an article and picture next to it, you see a former grounds keeper clearing snow off the Old Met field.........Ah the day's of yore! So while things are chaotic right now, perhaps a nice little diversion and a small dive into Vikings history for your reading pleasure.

Bud Grant was happy to receive Christmas Gifts from Cards

NOTE: I was informed that Thor had already posted this, so props to him. I missed the original post he did and in no way try to detract or upstage.

While we wade through a sewage infested swamp of a season, some times bickering to out right fighting amoungst ourselves with the whole stadium issue, what players should stay or go or should we already jettison the coaching staff after one season (most of which I personally have taken a back seat in order to save myself a trip to the E.R. getting worked up! No, I have no medical issues, just a smarta$$ crack, though a few Mondays ago, my g/f had doubts about me surviving the night without such trip, or a trip to jail as I was ready to slaughter anyone I saw in green.), I spotted this story and read through it.

Now, I will admit right here, this is not my story, I am not plagarizing and so forth, but will include the link at the end of my rambling. Infact, I think this is the most I have written on the D.N. since the season started. But the story couldn't have come at a better time I believe. Especially the way things have turned out this year. It just put a smile on my face, and for a few moments, made me forget the crapfest this year has turned into. Kinda nice, considering the time of year.

So, please read through folks, hopefully it will put a little light into a dark Vikings season. While we spit and pi$$ vinegar each others way, there are others who have gone or dealt with that makes a bad season, or even a stadium issue seem very small in this very large world. Hope everyone has a great Holiday Season.

Vikings’ Raymond shows incredible perseverance

We are 3 teams short of the necessary 14, it's on yahoo, 2 divisions. Not your ordinary league however. While only some minor differances in scoring, the big change is this........

If you beat your oppenant for the week, you can force a trade for one of his non-franchised players of the same position. (i.e. QB for QB, WR for WR and what not). This is the 4th year I've done this with good core of returns. There are a few from the DN that are in there starting last year and we are looking to fill some vacancies. If interested, the link is below with the password.

Football Fight League

ID = 202199

Password = nolockout

If there is any problems, shoot me an email. Official league rules posted after the jump.

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While he never played for the Vikings, he was what many considered a great guy, as well as an enjoyable actor after his NFL career was over. He was drafted in 1967 by the Colts, winning the Superbowl with the 1971 team, and finished his career with Oakland then Houston. He routinely was double teamed, but was still able to be a force to be reckoned with during his career. He was enshrined in the college football Hall of Fame in 1988. He still deserves to be in the NFL Hall of Fame.

He was also a fairly recognizable actor, playing Officer Hightower in the Police Acedemy films, the 1st which was about the only decent one to watch. I still laugh with him "learning to drive" in a Honda Civic.........with the front seats torn out so he could fit. Also started with fellow former NFLer Dick Butkus in the TV version of "Blue Thunder", no where near as succesful as the film version staring the late Roy Shieder.

Anyways, I thought it would be appropriate for a tip of the hat to someone from a by gone era, and what many called a gentle giant.

Bubba Smith 2/28/45 - 8/3/2011

According to a report from ESPN, it could very well be. It appears that Tim Leiweke may have given a July 31st deadline for the L.A. Council to give a go ahead for $350 million in bonds to help construct the stadium, if it ever happens. This would not be the first time a supposed imminent stadium has died off in L.A.. Also, via a L.A. Times report, there is a deep distrust between L.A. and the NFL, let alone a perceived "misunderstanding" of what the stadium details seem to be. 

So, with the downtown L.A. proposal seemingly in it's last days and the one in Industry still dragging on and more rumors of the Chargers moving, it does lessen some of the fears I've had, or would hope too. Though by any means, we are not out of the woods. One would hope that Wilf would stay where there is a sure thing until something is worked out instead of gambling on something not as of yet, a done deal. Hopefully, with the progress made the last few months, much more so then previous Governors, Wilf will give things a little more time to "Get 'er done" if you would.

Just keep the fingers crossed that something gets done and fairly soon before it does become "too late". 

Christian Ponder seems to be jumping into the team leader category right off the bat. According to Dave Campbell of the A.P., He invited several players down to Florida, including fellow QBer's Webb and Bomar, for a mini workout. And a few more then recognizable names showed up and are expected to show up as well. No matter if he does or doesnt become our QB of the future, at least he is showing the drive to be a leader.

I guess that shoots down Ray Lewis and his being an ass.......er, his assessment that the NFL will turn into the NBA and become the Hell's Angels of professional sports because there is nothing to do.

Well, if this year hasn't been F'ed up enough, it's getting more so now. Karl Dunbar, Vikings Defensive Line coach, has been served/filed agianst with a restraining order. The filed complaint alleges that he has visited a woman several times since an alleged assault in April. However, via his attorney, he is cooperating with the investigation.

One can hope that this isnt true, but with a restraining order being filed, certainly does not bode well. Not the type of headline we need as there seem's to be plenty of negative ones that past year from "Weeniegate", "Deflategate", "Mossgate" and who knows what else.

Here is the story

This isn't about Minneapolis kicking and screaming like a spoiled rotten kid who can't get his way, but does deal with another person who has been known too act like that.

Vince Young

I'm already pulling out my hair!

 
A few day's ago, it was reported that Adrian Peterson, among many others, were down in Houston working along with Vince Young to stay in shape during the lockout. As I saw the headline and read the article, I started whincing. My first thought......going to be a week top's before some A-hole comes up with the Young to the Vikings rumor. Well, it took only a few days for my worst fears to be realized! The rumors have already started, just because A.P. is down there. Yahoo is stating the NFL.com has reported that there is a desire to have a veteran come in to help Ponder, Webb of whoever winds up being our QB. Though "league sources" have said Vince is not in the fold. I can only hope.

Either case, it was only a matter of time before the Vikings QB drama would start up again, and I had a feeling Young as soon as A.P. was practicing with him. For all the talk of Ponder being the best Pro ready QB avalable and Webb working his heart out, am I the only one getting frustrated with the QB this, QB that, to the Vikings?

Link to the Story

So, now it seem's that Minneapolis is trying to weasel their way back into things again after claiming no money, as Chris said in the post this morning. While they said no to the Farmers Market area, had really no plan as what to do for the Metrodome site............Well, shazam........just like the Rocky and Bullwinkle Show........Hey Rocky, watch me pull a plan out of my a$$, alot of of things up my sleeve and PRESTO........they have a miracle plan. Why does this just seem to me to be another ploy not to let the Vikings escape and do anything to scuttle someone elses plan like they did a few years ago? Why do I see this as another "filabuster" by Minneapolis and if the Vikings walk away from Ramsey, Minneapolis pulls the "Woops, we really can't do this" crap again?

Oh well, what are the pro's and con's of each site? The Arden Hills site I am personally familiar with as I grew up in Lino Lakes, not far from there, and my Mom actually worked there in the filing area as a kid. Yet, there are advantages to downtown as well, minues the boneheaded politicians. Let's take a look:

Arden Hills Site:

PRO'S:

Open Space allowing development around the stadium

Onsite tailgating

Instant access to 35W

More likely open air stadium for those that want it

Possibility of central location of stadium and front offices if so chosen

CON'S:

No infrastructure

Some reworking of ramps to 35W and surrounding roads

Superfund site which the cost goes to the Fed's to clean up

Not a central location as some stated (Though no one had issues going to Bloomington for 20+ years)

No development so far.

No public transit

Metrodome Site:

PRO'S:

Infrastructure already in place

Public Transit in place

Hotels nearby

Central location

CON'S:

No Tailgating onsite

Lack of development after 30+ years

Limited parking onsite

While some would see the Metrodome site as more beneficial....is it really? Yes, Arden Hills has nothing out there, but because of the open space, there would seem to be more opportunity fro growth not only for the Vikings, but for the area as a whole. No, there is no light rail out there as from what I can gather, but like the rest, I believe that would change. While you have that already downtown, you also have limit space tow work with. As demonstrated by some folks who would love tailgating on stadium grounds. If I was still living there, that would be my preference. Right now, after what they did in the past, I don't trust Minneapolis. If there are other pro's and cons you can see, post them!

According to report being published on ESPN, some agents have stated that they have been contacted by several teams about players they represent. Of course, there is a grain of salt just with the fact ESPN is reporting this. We all know the "stellar" job of making up stories reporting they sometimes do. None the less, as well all know, any contact between teams and players, whether signed, free agents, drafted or undrafted rookies is prohibited. At this time, no teams have been named. However, some agents have claimed the calls were via cell and not thru team phones. According to the report, it's alot more difficult for the NFL to acquire cell phone info then phone info from team headquarters. If this report proves true, my guess there may be some severe penalties coming down the line. Or, if some certain teams, the usual smack on the hand and "shame on you" per S.O.P.

Well, that is according to Sid Hartman, someone who can be a little more loonier then Mel Gibson & Charlie Sheen on a all nighter together. But nonetheless, this does seem to be more encouraging. While there have been rumors as far back as early December that something would have been introduced by early Jan., this seem's to have been pushed back more and more. Now that we are in lockout and deadlocked in the player vs. owners vs. fans dispute, Let's hope the whineticians......er......politicians don't bury their head in their asses.....um.......meant in the sand, per S.O.P.

Dayton will push for stadium this session

According to a poll of about 1,600+ personnel, Heinz field was voted as worst natural grass field, followed closely by Oakland, Miami and our friends in Chicago. Of the artificial kind, the Metrodome was voted worst field. Of course, the last decade, the Dome has been voted or deemed worse in everything else anyone could vote on. I wonder if they are thinking of a "weather related collapse" category. Of course, I think we are about the only one's still in that category as well.

On the other end of the spectrum, University of Phoenix was voted as best grass and Lucas Oil Field was voted best plasti-grass.

Also, a 69% majority preferred playing on grass the turf.

In this article via National Football Post, officials appeared willing to host the Vikings at TCF if needed. A departure from a few weeks ago when it was said that they really never had plans to host the Vikings. I wonder, what does this mean with a seemingly public turn around on the thought of the Vikings playing there? Does it mean someone got an ass reaming for saying TCF was not thought of in hosting the VIkings, or perhaps the state piping in, privately, and saying open the doors? Hmmmmm Oh well, maybe my brain is going to fast with all the coffee.

Just like the Road Warrior, always wandering, fighting for survival. Never giving up. Well, unless the teams in the Super Bowl you really don't care about.

Or maybe because it's of my dog that I posted this pic. A Blue Heeler just like "The Road Warrior", or as our friends Down Under called it, "Mad Max 2". I have a Blue Heeler mix, just as the movie, but with a bobbed tail sadly, named "Boba Fett". Yes, as in the Star Wars character. Hence my profile picture. Ever since owning him, it's extremely hard watching the movie when the bad guys "off" Max's dog. Let alone any movie that is with a scene like that. For those that never owned a Blue Heeler, I would recommend one, especially if you have kids or are high energy. These dogs are awesome in that regards, or at the very least, they are extremely smart andextremely loyal. As my neighbors Pit Bull mix found out the hard way. And Boba was only 5 months old at the time.

Sorry, got sidetracked! So, it's the Packers and Steelers in the Superbowl. Why is it I'm already making plans to do something else other then watching the sport I love the most? First, it has to do with a team that's been there way to many times before. The Steelers. Sure, I do give them respect, the team that is. But being down here in New Mexico, I've run into more belligerent fans as much as Raiders fans. Yeah, so what, I know we have lost 4 Superbowls, but you know what, I'm still proud of this team, what it has done and the fact it has been to 4 Superbowls. No matter how moronic the other fans can get. So bite me!!!!

Or how about our Divisional rivals. Up until last year, I would have rooted for the Packers or the Bears in the Superbowl. Having done so in 1997 for the Packers. Or a few short years ago with the Bears against he Colts. But no longer. Not only on here, but locally, did I receive the brunt of the finger pointing and laughing, especially after last years NFC Championship game.  "GlenYanks" is a prime example this season. While a few others from ACME and Windy City have been cordial and non-idiotic, the majority, whether here or locally in my case, have been other then. Yes, sadly I know there have been those of us that have been just as stupid as well. For that I apologize. But sadly, it seems more the other way against us then naught.

To that end, this year, will be the first year that I can remember, I will personally be not watching, nor caring about who wins. Not because it so much the teams themselves, but how the fans have laughed at us in the past. Yeah, some will say "waaaaaaah". But, when you see comments of  "Hope they get blown out 41-0 again like 2000" like I saw in ACME last year, or "Insignificant team" in Windy this year or the general attitude of alot of Steelers fans, well, I really don't give a flying Fuuuuuuuudge who wins. 

Though, something tells me I'm not alone. So, this year, I plan on movie night, whether at a theater or here at my house, with the woman I've started dating. And yes, both of us are football fans. Though she is an Oklahoma Sooners fan, since she is from there originally. What is your take on this Super Snooze Bowl this year?

DISCLAIMER: Before a few folks get their panties in a wad, this was done mostly as tongue and cheek. Though yes, I do feel that way about fan's being less the cordial and I am serious, I have no plans on watching the Super Bowl this year.