Author: David Shama

Adrian Peterson told Jim Brown, the legendary former Cleveland Browns running back, that he’s not sure if his Vikings coaches fully understand his ability.   Peterson, who led the NFL in rushing last season and has gained 3,101 yards during his first two pro seasons, was interviewed by Brown in the August 3 issue of the Sporting News Magazine.

Brown, who even during his playing days in the 1960s was outspoken, entertained Peterson at his California home for an extensive and direct interview.  Among Brown’s questions and Peterson’s answers were: 

“Do your coaches understand and contribute to your ability the way you would like them to?  And do they give you the plays that you would like?” 

“I would say they understand my ability, but I don’t know to what extent.  Our running backs coach, Eric Bieniemy, understands the potential that I have but that I still have room to grow and get better.  We talk about some of the plays, not really in the running game but more spreading me out and finding other ways to put the ball in my hands.  I pressure him to get me out on reverses and stuff like that.   But I feel like they do a pretty good job.”

“You know why I’m asking you these questions, don’t you?  People think that coaches are always right, but it’s difficult to teach a runner with your special ability how to run.  Sometimes it’s kind of hard for a coach to make those adjustments. Is that why you have that smile?” 

“Yes, sir.  You hear all that stuff about getting out of bounds, or if two guys are roughing you up and your forward progress is stopped, you might as well go ahead and fall down.  That’s not really my mindset.”

Late last month, when training camp opened, Peterson talked about goals for this season. He said the “ultimate goal” is to have the Vikings repeat as NFC North champions. “My goal is doing whatever I can to contribute, whether that is on special teams or punt return; anything to make this team the best team when we step on the field.”

Peterson wants to improve his “route running” to be a bigger contributor to the team’s passing game.  How about rushing for 2,000 yards or more?  “It is something I think about and dream about,” he said.  “I don’t focus on it because you’ll never accomplish it that way. That’s my bar, it will always be 2,000 or more.  I hope to accomplish that some day.”

League MVP?  “Yes, that definitely fits in the category of my personal goals,” he said.

The success of Hazeltine National Golf Club in attracting championship tournaments is something that wouldn’t have happened without the ambition of Minnesotan Totton P. Heffelfinger who saw the opportunity about 50 years ago to push for such a course.  Heffelfinger, who once was president of the United States Golf Association, wanted the Minikahda Club in Minneapolis to relocate but when that didn’t happen Hazeltine was developed in Chaska and opened in 1962.

Hazeltine, site of this week’s PGA Championship, has been host to a surprising number of national tournaments considering its relatively young age.  Hazeltine, which will host the prestigious Ryder Cup in 2016, has been the site for one previous PGA and two U.S. Opens.  It has also been home to two U.S. Women’s Opens and the U.S. Senior Open.

Vikings offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, after being asked on Monday at what point he decides on a starting quarterback: “We haven’t decided. That’s not my job to come in here and tell you who the starting quarterback is.  Coach (Brad Childress) will tell you.  We are in the process of talking about it, getting the exact reps in with each and every guy and have it exactly how we want it to play out. I am sure coach will tell you pretty soon.”

Nick Tow-Arnett came to the Gophers as a walk-on and he’s never been a full season starter but coach Tim Brewster thinks his senior tight end could be the best at his position in the Big Ten this season.  Brewster said it’s “amazing” how hard Tow-Arnett has worked to prepare for this season.

Minnesotans Zac Budish, Jake Gardiner, Danny Kristo, Nick Leddy, Mike Lee, Aaron Ness, Jordan Schroeder and Derek Stepan are among 29 of the remaining original 42 invitees to the USA Hockey National Junior Evaluation Camp. The players are auditioning for a roster position on the U.S. National Junior Team that will participate in the International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship, Dec. 26, 2009-Jan. 5, 2010, in Saskatoon and Regina, Sask.

After last night’s 14-6 loss to Kansas City, the Twins are 2-8 in their last 10 games and winless four consecutive home games.  They are 9-14 since the All-Star break.  Last night was the fourth consecutive home game in which the Twins allowed 10-plus runs. The pitching staff has an ERA of 6.23 in 23 games since the All-Star break and has allowed 260 hits (11.3 hits-per-game).

Joe Mauer is batting .348 since the All-Star break and had his 13^th three-hit game last night. Orlando Cabrera (1-for-4) extended his hit-streak to a career-high 20 games. He is batting .364 (32-for-88) during that period.

An announced crowd of 15,128 attended Canterbury Park’s “Extreme Race Day” last Sunday, the largest gathering of the year at the Shakopee race track.  The day included camel and ostrich racing (non-wagering events).

Mark Madsen never hesitated last week when asked direct questions by Sports Headliners about Kurt Rambis, reportedly the next Timberwolves head coach.   Madsen has known the 51-year-old Rambis, the Lakers’ assistant coach, since Madsen was in college at Stanford.

“When it comes to professional experience and knowledge of the game, it’s very difficult to find anyone better,” said Madsen, the former Timberwolf traded to the Clippers earlier this summer.  “His offensive philosophy is influenced by Jackson and Riley.  He knows how to relate to guys. …”

Rambis, of course, played on NBA championship teams as Pat Riley’s “do the dirty work” starting power forward.  He’s been an assistant to Phil Jackson on title clubs for part of this decade.

Madsen said Rambis was his coach at an NBA scouting combine after he finished playing at Stanford.  Then Madsen played three seasons in Los Angeles where Rambis was beginning his now 10 season duty as a Lakers’ assistant.

While the Lakers environment includes four world titles since 2000, the Wolves have floundered at times during this decade including the last two seasons when they’ve won 46 of 164 games.  Under new president of basketball operations David Kahn, the Wolves find themselves starting over (again).

“I think he could be an unbelievable fit as Minnesota’s coach,” Madsen said.

The Wolves’ roster has 10 players with three years or less of NBA experience.  Madsen said Rambis’ attributes include teaching and player development.

No franchise becomes successful without the ability of its players to execute defensively.  Last season Jackson put Rambis in charge of the team’s defense and the Lakers went on to win a 15^th world title.

Madsen said Rambis, who long ago became a fan favorite because of his hustling playing style and Clark Kent type glasses, will excel in community relations, too, with his personality.  “Kurt Rambis is beloved in Los Angeles and the Laker organization,” Madsen said.

The announcement of who the next Wolves coach will be is expected this week.  If a guy jumps out of a phone booth at the press conference, we’ll know it’s Rambis.