Vikes to investigate Kluwe’s harassment allegations

MINNEAPOLIS— The Minnesota Vikings have retained a former chief justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court and a former U.S. federal trial attorney to conduct an investigation into Chris Kluwe’s allegations he was released from the team due to his support of gay marriage.

Former Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court Eric Magnuson and former Justice Department attorney Chris Madel will lead the investigation.

“It is extremely important for the Vikings organization to react immediately and comprehensively with an independent review of these allegations,” team president Mark Wilf said in a statement Friday, one day after Kluwe penned an article alleging that special teams co-ordinator Mike Priefer made anti-gay comments during team meetings.

Priefer denied Kluwe’s allegations, and the Vikings said they take the matter “very seriously.”

The Vikings said the investigation is already underway and interviews are being conducted with current and former members of the organization.

Kluwe said he is pleased to see the team is taking the matter seriously. Several players have come out in support of Priefer, but Kluwe did say he has witnesses who will corroborate his claims. He reiterated his hope that bringing this issue to light would discourage the Vikings or other teams from employing Priefer.