This is one of those situations where everyone is lying and everyone is telling the truth. Kluwe is trying to make himself out to be a martyr and the Vikings are trying to pretend his views didn’t help push him out the door.
The reality is he was an average to good punter that spoke on controversial topics that contributed to him being cut and not picked up by any other team.
Kluwe is doing what he needs to do to keep himself in the news as I pointed out in this piece and the Vikings are trying to protect themselves against a potential lawsuit by making this statement courtesy ofPro Football Talk.
“The Minnesota Vikings were made aware of Chris Kluwe’s allegations for the first time today. We take them very seriously and will thoroughly review this matter,” the team said in a statement. “As an organization, the Vikings consistently strive 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. The team has long respected our players’ and associates’ individual rights, and, as Chris specifically stated, Vikings ownership supports and promotes tolerance, including on the subject of marriage equality. Because he was identified with the Vikings, Chris was asked to be respectful while expressing his opinions. Team ownership and management also repeatedly emphasized to Chris that the Vikings would not impinge on his right to express his views.”
“Any notion that Chris was released from our football team due to his stance on marriage equality is entirely inaccurate and inconsistent with team policy. Chris was released strictly based on his football performance,” the statement said.
The fact Kluwe took his beef to Deadspin and not the NFLPA or the Vikings, where the matter would have been handled more privately tells you where his head is at.