Golden Gophers – Page 5 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Owner Agrees Wolves Are Anthony Edwards Led Team

Posted on October 24, 2023October 24, 2023 by David Shama

The Timberwolves open the regular season Wednesday night in Toronto against the Raptors and Sports Headliners recently interviewed Minnesota owner Glen Taylor about multiple topics including team leadership, expectations, and progress on selling majority control of the franchise.

Does the longtime owner agree with public perception that 22-year-old guard Anthony Edwards, about to start his fourth NBA season, is now the team leader? “The answer is yes to your question,” said the Mankato-based businessman who purchased the franchise in 1994.

Edwards, one of the most athletic and gifted players in the NBA, is on track to supplant forward-center Karl-Anthony Towns as the face of the franchise. In the last three seasons Edwards has increased his basketball wisdom while improving season scoring averages from 19.3 to 21.3 to 24.6. Presumably he will be asked to make the biggest of plays late in games to decide outcomes, while also excelling at playmaking and defense.

The maturation of Edwards was evident this summer when he played for the U.S. Men’s FIBA World’s team. He led the U.S. in scoring at 18.9 points per game and minutes (25.9) as the Americans placed fourth in the tournament. He also averaged 4.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.1 steals.

The lead role is expected to fall on Edwards, despite the greater experience of Towns, entering his ninth NBA season, and center Rudy Gobert, starting his 11^th. Both veterans earn roughly four times the salary of Edwards at $9.2 million, per ESPN.com.

Taylor’s expectations are for his players to excel this season, including the team’s two other starters, forward Jaden McDaniels and guard Mike Conley, Jr. “We should be one of the elite teams,” Taylor said after being told The Athletic predicts the Wolves will finish in a tie for third in the Western Conference.

“We have the guys (the talent),” Taylor said. “The other thing is it just appears watching them play the five preseason games that we are different this year. That the guys are more in tune. They’re playing really competitive ball right from the very beginning.

“Where in the previous years in the preseason we were always a little sloppy. We looked like we weren’t quite ready and stuff like that. And if we can just kind of keep playing…like we played in the preseason, we’ll get off to a good start. There’s no reason we can’t keep going, and then it gets down to injuries (determining wins and losses).”

Taylor is told that as a group the team came to training camp in better shape physically and with conditioning, and more prepared mentally. It appears, too, there is motivation to perform better after last season’s disappointing 42-40 record and eighth place finish in the Western Conference that was impacted by injuries.

Taylor decided in 2021 to sell the Wolves and Lynx franchises for $1.5 billion by the end of 2023, eventually giving majority control to Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez. Two payments have been made so far and it’s been an unusual installment plan for buying a professional sports franchise.

Lore and Rodriguez have apparently been financially challenged to raise the capital needed for majority ownership (Taylor will retain a minority interest). The final payment is due in December but apparently will be stretched out further, with Taylor’s approval. “I cannot see them getting it done at the end of December,” Taylor said.

Taylor hasn’t been in touch with Lore and Rodrguez for some time. “I am assuming the guys will get it done, but I have no knowledge. They don’t share anything with me so I can only assume they’ll get it done. I don’t know anything more than (when) we talked about a month ago or something like that.”

Danielle Hunter Trade Looking Less Likely by Vikings

An NFL insider thinks it’s possible the Vikings could trade sack master Danielle Hunter prior to the league trade deadline October 31 but questions the wisdom of such a move. A deal with a team like the Jaguars might fetch a first-round draft choice for the Vikings who could then have two picks in the 2024 NFL Draft and leverage their draft capital to select a coveted quarterback.

The former executive with NFL teams said a few days ago that perhaps making it more likely Minnesota hangs on to its talented pass rusher would be if the then 2-4 Vikings split their next two games. Well, the Vikings took care of the 49ers Monday night with a 22-17 win, moving their record to 3-4. Next up are the 2-4 Packers, October 29 in Green Bay.

A 3-5 record, or 4-4, with a friendly schedule ahead could well have Vikings management thinking of competing for a place in the playoffs. At 2-6 the outlook would have been more discouraging for sure and conducive to strategizing for the future.

Danielle Hunter image courtesy of Minnesota Vikings.

When healthy, Hunter has been a proven talent during his eight-year career as a defensive end and outside linebacker. “I don’t think they will trade Hunter,” the source said while speaking anonymously. “Why would you do that? He leads the league in sacks (nine). He’s only 28 years old. …He’s proven he can stay healthy the last couple years. Without him their pass rush is nothing—as far as the front people, without a blitz. He’s their best player on defense. Those pass rushers don’t come easily.

“I think it’s just been ridiculous speculation that they would trade him. Now if they lose to San Francisco and Green Bay, they’re sitting at 2-6, then they might reconsider if they could get a first-round pick. But I don’t think they’re going to do it without a first-round pick. …”

Hunter, who turns 29 on October 29, is on a one-year deal in 2023 and likely will be looking for $20 million per season or more on his next contract. That could give a potential trade partner pause if that franchise has serious salary cap issues.

Before signing his one-year deal Hunter wasn’t happy with his contractual situation and appeared willing to leave Minnesota. His new contract reportedly can pay him up to $20 million. Perhaps adding to Hunter’s happiness barometer is that he’s experienced how effective he can be in the new defensive system of first-year coordinator Brian Flores.

“…I don’t think he’s anxious to get out of here,” the authority said.

Gophers Football Notes

After the Gophers’ win over the Hawkeyes Saturday the team bused home and later coach P.J. Fleck and wife Heather toasted Minnesota’s first win in Iowa City since 1999 by having a “teeny bit” of bourbon from a bottle the coach had been saving for a first victory over Iowa, having lost six straight since he became Gopher coach.

Redshirt sophomore linebacker Devon Williams has been improving dramatically and caused an Iowa fumble in the upset win Saturday. Fleck described Williams’ performance as one of the best by a linebacker he’s seen since taking over at Minnesota in 2017.

Top running backs Darius Taylor and Zach Evans didn’t finish the Iowa game because of apparent injuries. Fleck said he hopes to have one of them “in the mix” for Saturday’s home game with Michigan State.

Starting linebacker Cody Lindenberg has yet to play in seven games because of a leg injury. Fleck said it’s possible Lindenberg could play in four games and receive a redshirt season as allowed by NCAA rules.

Comments Welcome

Rowdy Fans Bad Look for Hawkeyes Yesterday at Kinnick

Posted on October 22, 2023October 22, 2023 by David Shama

And how was your bacon this morning?

To Gophers fans it tasted like filet mignon.

Down in Iowa it tasted more like cardboard.

Minnesota won its rivalry game against Iowa yesterday in Iowa City, 12-10, in a controversial affair that sent Floyd of Rosedale back to Minneapolis. The bronze pig is supposed to symbolize how tensions can be eased and sportsmanship encouraged between the two rival schools and states.

That flew out the window late in the fourth quarter when too many Hawkeye fans lost control following a review disallowing an Iowa touchdown that would have put the hometown team ahead 16-12. Cooper DeJean’s punt return for the go-ahead score was negated after officials determined that before fielding the football, he signaled an illegal fair catch.

Iowa fans reportedly threw bottles, cans, and food onto the field. The Minnesota bench was targeted with debris, forcing the players to move out of their sideline area. Players and coaches had every right to be concerned about their safety.

Justin Gaard, sideline reporter on the Gopher radio network, put this up on X (formerly known as Twitter) yesterday: “This is year 13 on the sidelines. Trying to recall if fans anywhere have ever thrown so much stuff on the field like Iowa fans did tonight. I don’t remember it ever happening like that.”

The ruckus caused a delay in the game. It was a bad look for the Iowa fanbase.

Worse was the 2002 incident in Minneapolis when anarchy surfaced after Iowa’s 45-21 win over the Gophers. Fans stormed the field and tore down a goal post. Then they attempted to carry pieces out of the stadium but were stymied trying to get through the revolving doors. The Iowa athletic department later was billed for damages.

Floyd of Rosedale photo courtesy of University of Minnesota

The creation of Floyd in the 1930s came during a time of perhaps unparalleled tensions between Iowa and Minnesota. I remember my family telling me of how whiskey bottles hurled past Gopher players while playing at Iowa in that era. There must have been a lot of truth to that because before the 1935 game Iowa governor Clyde Herring threatened the Gophers saying, “If the officials stand for any rough tactics like Minnesota used last year, I’m sure the crowd won’t.”

Minnesota governor Floyd B. Olson responded with diplomacy, proposing a bet between the two state leaders over who would win the game. At stake were prize pigs from each state. The Gophers won the game and days after Herring marched a live pig into Olson’s office.

Calm had been restored in the rivalry. But never permanently as shown again yesterday when the Gophers ended an eight-game losing streak against the Hawkeyes.

There are classy Iowa fans for sure but even they would say there are too many boorish patrons among the Hawkeye faithful.

Worth Noting

Minnesota safety Tyler Nubin committed a difficult to understand unsportsmanlike penalty late in the second quarter when after the whistle he flipped the football out of an Iowa player’s grasp. It was one of four penalties for 40 yards the Gophers committed in setting up Iowa’s lone touchdown drive of the game.

The deadline is tomorrow for NBA contract extensions like the one the Timberwolves are trying to make with Jaden McDaniels. Owner Glen Taylor told Sports Headliners he isn’t sure if there is time to “cover the difference” between what the Wolves are offering and McDaniels wants prior to the deadline. Taylor said there is no questioning the Wolves value McDaniels, but a deal might have to wait until after the season.

“I don’t know where he’s really at,” Taylor said. “So far they have not been flexible, and I think we’ve tried to meet what we think is fair.”

That offer might be something like four years, $100 million for the 23-year-old versatile forward who the Wolves like a lot, including because he can guard at least three positions. “He’s gotta play this year, whether we sign him or don’t sign him,” Taylor said. “I mean it’s in his interest to play really well, and certainly at that point he’ll go out and try to get offers from other teams. …We have a right to match them (other team’s offers). I don’t know that it’s going to cost us any more that way than if we do it now. We’d like him to do it now because we’d like him to stay here for the long run, and we’d like him to know that.”

Predictions: John Hollinger from The Athletic has the Timberwolves tying with the Suns for the third best record in the Western Conference at 48-34. Sports Illustrated’s basketball issue out this month has the Wolves finishing No. 11 in the 15-team conference.

On the S.I. cover is former Wolves star Jimmy Butler, one of the most proven clutch players in the NBA who could lead the Heat to two consecutive NBA Finals. “…And I’m gonna whoop all y’all ass. Again,” he said in S.I.

Beth Goetz, who was deputy athletics director at Minnesota from 2013-2015, is interim athletics director at Iowa, and receiving strong support for the full-time job from school president Barbara Wilson, according to The Daily Iowan.

Honors: RB Darius Taylor of the Gophers was named a 247Sports Midseason True Freshman All-American last week. Minnesota senior safety Tyler Nubin made The Athletic’s second team for Mid-Season All-American.

The Wild is again close to 14,000 season tickets and some games are sold out, per owner Craig Leipold. Season tickets are still available for 2023-2024.

The Wild host a free open to the public outdoor practice starting at 11 a.m. Sunday, November 5 at the Recreation Outdoor Center in St. Louis Park. The event includes fan giveaways and activities. With space limited, fans are encouraged to arrive early.

Happy Birthday to Minnesota sports and entertainment icon Dick Jonckowski who turns 80 today, October 22. University of Minnesota alum and former Gopher golfer Harvey Mackay, widely known as a best-selling author and syndicated columnist, will be 91 on Tuesday. Happy birthday, Harvey.

Name, image and likeness rewards are a reality for a small number of Minnesota high school athletes. An educated guess is a dozen or so male and female athletes in the state are making money and receiving product in return for NIL.

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Secret Sauce to Beat Iowa: Huge Passion and Bib Overalls

Posted on October 17, 2023October 17, 2023 by David Shama

The football Golden Gophers have lost eight consecutive games to Iowa dating back to 2015. In the new millennium Minnesota has won just five games in the border rivalry. In the last 30 years the Gophers have claimed Floyd of Rosedale only seven times in the annual game that ranks among the most famous in college football.

This Saturday the 3-3 Gophers go to Iowa City with the intent of defeating the 6-1 Hawkeyes and breaking their losing streak. Minnesota hasn’t won in Iowa City since 1999.

Maybe the Gophers should seek counsel from former Minnesota head coach Joe Salem. The Hawkeye slayer saw his teams beat Iowa three consecutive seasons from 1979-1981 and as a quarterback hero in 1960 helped the Gophers to their biggest win since at least World War II.

A 12-10 victory in 1981 cost the Hawks an outright Big Ten championship. ”Man, that was a tough ball game,” Salem told Sports Headliners by phone on Sunday. “(Jim) Gallery kicked four field goals (in) that game. Nobody could score.”

Salem always let his players know how much passion he had for the Iowa rivalry. It was the biggest game to him, his son Brent, a former college coach, told Sports Headliners. “It starts top down. The energy from the coach matters more. This is why you come here. Every school has those games.”

Joe’s passion during Iowa game week paid off with his players performing with extra focus and adrenaline. “Oh, no question on that one,” Joe said. “We played with pretty good intensity in that game. We had some really good football games. …I would guess today the guys that played for me, that they want to beat Iowa probably worse than anything.”

It didn’t take any time at all to get the attention of his players during practice leading up to the Iowa game. Salem wore bib overalls on the practice field. Anyone acquainted with Salem knows his sense of humor and poking a little fun at the farm-focused state of Iowa just added to the rivalry.

The bib overalls gig didn’t originate in Minnesota, though. “I started that down in South Dakota (as head coach),” Salem recalled. “Of course, our rivalry was with South Dakota State and that’s an agriculture school. So I came to practice one day with the bib overalls—on a Monday. We were getting ready to play them and you know it was just kind of a fun deal.

“I told them (his players) …we’re playing the farmers, so I wore my bib overalls. And so then we won the game, and…I thought, hell, it worked last year, might as well try it again. We won five straight. I just kept doing it.”

Salem, who grew up in Sioux Falls and still lives there at age 85, left his position at South Dakota after the 1974 season. Then he was head coach at Northern Arizona for four seasons before taking the Minnesota job starting in 1979.

“When I came back to Minnesota, I thought, hell, I’ll try it here (the bib overalls), just for the hell of it. It was more a fun deal, was the way I looked at it. Everybody got a kick out of it. It was just kind of the way we did things.”

Iowa coach Hayden Fry got the last laugh, though. After his Hawkeyes beat Minnesota in 1982, Fry showed up at the postgame news conference wearing bib overalls and a cowboy hat. A writer told Salem about it, and he laughed. “Tell Hayden I wore mine before the game. I didn’t have to see what the score was,” Salem responded.

Brent was nine when he and his brothers started attending practices and games in Minnesota in 1979. Brent loves football rivalries and he texted about how his dad once angered the Iowa fanbase the Friday before the Hawkeyes came to Minneapolis. Talking on local radio Joe showed his dry wit with this zinger: “There’s 20,000 Iowans coming to the game on Saturday. They will have a $20 bill and one clean pair of underwear. They won’t change either one of them all weekend!”

Joe Salem photo courtesy of University of Minnesota

Joe, who couldn’t believe all the mail he received from Iowa fans after he stirred up the rivalry, formed his passion for beating the Hawkeyes as a player with Minnesota. He learned about the heated rivalry after transferring to Minnesota from Iowa State in 1957. Gopher head coach Murray Warmath and Iowa head coach Forest Evashevski didn’t get along, Joe said. After the Gophers defeated Iowa in Warmath’s first season of 1954, the Hawkeyes went on to win every year through 1959.

Things changed in dramatic fashion in 1960. Iowa came to Minneapolis No. 1 ranked in the country. The Gophers were No. 3 and both teams were undefeated going into the November 5 game played before 65,610 fans at old Memorial Stadium.

Salem was a reserve on the team but after Iowa scored early in the third quarter to take a 10-7 lead, Warmath told Joe he was going in the game. “I was a third team quarterback and I never played unless everything was going to hell, and then he’d put me in and he’d just say, ‘Well, you try it.’ … “

On that magical Saturday almost 63 years ago Salem lit a spark in the Gophers, leading them to two second half touchdowns. Minnesota won the game 27-10, bedlam ensued all over the state and the Gophers went on to be 1960 national champions.

Salem became an assistant coach at Minnesota starting in 1961 and that only continued his passion for the Iowa conflict. “It wasn’t a hatred deal. It was just a rivalry. It’s one that (I) kind of grew up with. I would say I still carry it today.” …

Athletic director Paul Giel fired Salem after the 1983 season when the Gophers’ 1-10 record followed a previous year of disappointment at 3-8. Salem’s success against Iowa, winning three and losing two, is memorable for sure but his favorite game was upsetting Ohio State 35-31 at home in 1981. “It was, because Minnesota doesn’t beat Ohio State very often.”

The victory is one of just seven Minnesota has earned over the blue-blood Buckeyes. “We should have beat them in ‘79. …We had over 500 yards on them,” Salem said about a late game 21-17 loss.

The Gophers unveiled the novel run-and-shoot offense for the 1979 game. “It was a tough offense to defend and, of course, they didn’t know we were running it and so that helped,” Salem said.

The pass-focused attack befuddled the Buckeyes that day in 1979 and again in 1981 when quarterback Mike Hohensee threw five touchdown passes, including three to tight end Jay Carroll (father of 2023 Minnesota starting offensive tackle Quinn Carroll).

A friend might ask Salem to wear those old bib overalls this week but that isn’t going to happen. “I have no idea where they ended up,” he said.

Salem didn’t take the bait either when told former Gopher record breaking runner and now radio analyst Darrell Thompson eats bacon the week leading up to the battle for the bronze pig (Floyd). “My wife is in a nursing home, and I am sitting here by myself, and I am not cooking anything,” said Salem.

The old coach’s heart, though, will be with his alma mater. “Yeah, I’d love to see them beat Iowa and I don’t care what sport. I just like to watch it.”

Dick Jonckowski Update

Minnesota icon Dick Jonckowski reports he is no longer scheduled to join the Midas Touch band at Mancini’s Char House on October 20. “The Polish Eagle,” who turns 80 on October 22, was at Mancini’s last Saturday and played two trombone kazoos with the band and received birthday greetings from patrons.

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