That was former Minnesota Twins infielder and ex-Gophers all-American Jerry Kindall providing commentary on the Big Ten Network’s telecasts of the Minnesota-Penn State games last weekend.
The Gophers will announce this morning that an individual is making a $6 million gift to TCF Bank Stadium. The $6 million commitment moves the University past its initial $86 million fund-raising goal for the new $288.5 million, 50,000-seat on campus football stadium. The gift is the 25th to the stadium at the legend’s level represented by commitments of $1 million or more, and is the largest made by any single individual to the project. Over 2,100 individuals have donated financially to the stadium, including 500 first-time University donors.
Brett Favre reportedly was going to earn about $13 million playing for the Jets this season. Given his age (40 this fall) and injured right biceps, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a potential deal with the Vikings pay him less in base salary but include incentives for performance and games played. He won’t be inexpensive and why should he be after building a Hall of Fame resume and bringing so much marketing clout he will sellout every Vikings home game before fall.
Adrian Peterson and other Vikings teammates hosted Special Olympic athletes yesterday at Winter Park for a Punt, Pass and Kick clinic. The smiling youngsters had questions, too, including asking about Favre, but Peterson told a group of media after the event he’s deferring questions to coach Brad Childress. The Vikings All Pro running back said his weight is in the 215-217 range and that although he fumbled nine times last season he’s not concerned about it going forward. He’s interested in adding about 10 pounds but it has to be in the “right places.”
The Sporting News issue of May 11 named the best sports rivalries within each of the 50 states. Gophers-UMD hockey was the Minnesota selection. St. John’s (led by legendary coach John Gagliardi) versus St. Thomas in football could have been on the final list of possibilities, too.
Former KSTP TV sports reporter Ryan Kibbe has started a church in Green Bay. Kibbe worked in Green Bay before coming here.