Vikings – Page 164 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Zimmer to Vikes: Remain Blue-Collar

Posted on May 25, 2016May 25, 2016 by David Shama

The Vikings are going through Organized Team Activities at Winter Park this week and head coach Mike Zimmer has a message for the team this spring. The Vikings won their first NFC North title in six years last fall, and the football world is predicting more success in 2016, but today Zimmer cautioned “let’s not try to be someone else.”

Zimmer has stressed work ethic and toughness since he was hired as Vikings head coach after the 2013 season. His first team was 7-9 and often inconsistent in multiple ways including effort. Last fall the Vikings took a major step, earning an 11-5 regular season record and that division title before losing a first-round playoff game to the Seahawks.

Zimmer knows his players hear during the off-season how the team is “going to be good” but the words he spoke today while meeting with the media were to remind everyone the Vikings are expected to play hard and not be their own worst enemy with miscues. “We’re a blue-collar team that works hard and doesn’t make a lot of mistakes,” he said. …

Representatives of multiple organizations, including the Vikings, scored “points” yesterday with a knockout preview of the culinary scene planned for the new U.S. Bank Stadium opening this summer. In a presentation to the media, speakers promoted concepts and offerings that emphasize local partners and quality food.

TV personality Andrew Zimmern said U.S. Bank Stadium is going to “serve the best food” in a facility he predicted will be the “single greatest on the planet.” Andrew Zimmern’s Canteen and his AZC Rotisserie will be on the roster of U.S. Bank Stadium offerings as will Minneapolis-based purveyors such as Ike’s, Revival, and Spoon and Stable.

Michele Kelm-Helgen, chair of the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority, told Sports Headliners pricing hasn’t been determined but predicted it will be similar to food sold at Target Field and Target Center. “It will stay in line (with those facilities),” she predicted.

Interestingly, the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium opening in Atlanta in 2017 has already announced concession prices that will be a hit with Falcons fans. According to a May 23 story on Falcons.com, offerings will include $2 hot dogs, popcorn and bottled water; $3 nachos, peanuts, and pizza; and $5 12-ounce domestic beer. …

The Vikings have about 2,000 seats remaining in their personal seat licenses inventory for the new stadium, team executive Lester Bagley told Sports Headliners. They have sold approximately 47,000 seat licenses.

Single game ticket sales for 2016 begin in mid-June for the 66,200 seat U.S. Bank Stadium. …

The Twins announced today they have selected the contract of left-handed pitcher Buddy Boshers from Triple-A Rochester. Boshers, who was signed by the Twins as a minor league free agent last December, was 1-0 with a 1.42 ERA in 15 relief appearances for the Red Wings this season.

The Twins have placed outfielder Darin Mastroianni on the 15-day disabled list with a left oblique strain (retro to May 22). The club has transferred left-handed pitcher Glen Perkins to the 60-day disabled list. He was placed on the disabled list April 13 (retro to April 11) with a left posterior shoulder strain. …

It’s still not confirmed whether Apple Valley High School star shooting guard Gary Trent Jr. will return to the program for his senior season. Sources have said Trent and his father have been considering other schools. The goal might be that during 2016-2017 he could be more challenged in practice playing against elite players. National prep power Findlay Prep in Henderson, Nevada has a reputation for rosters with highly recruited players and has been rumored as a preferred place for Trent.

“It does seem like Trent Jr. and Sr. want to find a situation that works for them but I have no confirmation if they have found it,” Jadee Jones told Sports Headliners.

Jones is an assistant on the Apple Valley varsity and he expects a decision by the Trents in June after school is finished. He said with or without Trent, the Eagles expect to have a strong team next season. “I do think we have what it takes to be competitive in the state tournament,” he said.

Jones is the older brother of Apple Valley point guard Tre Jones and also Tyus Jones who plays the same position for the Timberwolves. Tre will be a junior at Apple Valley next season and is regarded as one of the better point guard prospects in the national class of 2018.

Jadee said Tre has shown progress in his game even since Apple Valley’s season ended in March, and he has added about eight pounds to increase his strength. Tre is now 6-2 and about 175 pounds. Jadee said he sees a “noticeable difference” in his brother’s ball handling and physicality this spring.

Tre, however, is inactive for awhile after breaking the thumb on his right hand. He will wear a cast for almost four more weeks.

Tyus is spending the month in Anaheim where training and medical professionals are helping him to improve, Jadee said. Evaluations and training are focused on helping the 20-year-old move better and be more explosive. Jadee said Tyus cancelled off-season leisure travel plans to improve his physical development. …

The Gophers’ opening Big Ten Tournament baseball game in Omaha against Iowa is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. tonight and will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network. Regular season champion Minnesota is the No. 1 seed in the tourney, while the Hawkeyes are No. 8.

In Big Ten games the Gophers finished 16-7 and led the conference in hitting with a .304 batting average, and also in home runs with 21. Minnesota was third in team ERA at 2.99. …

Gophers fans can follow the progress of the Athletes Village construction project at NothingShortOfGreatness.com. …

Former Gopher football player Mark Smith and his Presnap Training Academy is now in its eighth year. Counselors include ex-Gophers Lewis Garrison, Rickey Foggie, and Jay Thomas. Academy sessions are at Eastview High School in Apple Valley. More at Presnapfootball.com. …

Minnesota Wild players Erik Haula, Zach Parise, Jason Pominville, Nate Prosser, Jared Spurgeon and Jason Zucker will sign autographs tomorrow at the BMO Harris Bank at 5050 France Ave. South in Edina. They will be available from 3 to 4 p.m. to raise money for people affected by the devastating spring wildfires around Fort McMurray in Alberta, Canada.

Starting at 2 p.m. tomorrow, the first 300 fans donating $50 (only cash or credit card) will receive a ticket for one autograph from each of the six players. All proceeds from the event will go to the Red Cross to support those affected by the wildfires.

Spurgeon’s wife, Danielle, is one of thousands impacted by the fires in Alberta. Her parents lost their home to a fire in west Edmonton earlier this month. …

For the ninth consecutive school year the St. Thomas men and women are the MIAC’s All-Sports champions. During 2015-2016, St. Thomas won 15 conference championships—nine women’s titles and six men’s—and finished as the runner-up in three other sports. This is the 30th all-sports championship for the St. Thomas men, and 25th for the women. …

The Lynx, 3-0 this season, play the Mercury, 0-3, in Phoenix tonight in the first of eight televised games by Fox Sports North. Although the Lynx is the defending league champ, WNBA general managers predicted in a poll this month the Mercury will win the 2016 title.

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Mpls. on Standby for Soccer Stadium

Posted on May 6, 2016May 6, 2016 by David Shama

Minneapolis Council president Barb Johnson and Vikings’ front office executive Lester Bagley spoke to Sports Headliners this week regarding the proposed St. Paul soccer stadium, and the possibility of Minnesota hosting a future NFL Draft.

Minnesota United and St. Paul officials want to see the construction of a soccer stadium in the city’s Midway district. The facility could be the home for a Major League Soccer franchise starting in 2018 if the Minnesota Legislature approves an ongoing exemption from property taxes and a one-year exemption on sales tax for stadium construction materials. The stadium is to be privately financed but United and St. Paul officials insist tax exemptions are necessary to make the facility a reality.

Bagley, the point man at the State Capitol for years on the Vikings’ stadium effort, is optimistic about United and St. Paul leaders winning approval for the exemptions before the Legislature adjourns in a couple of weeks. “We think it’s in pretty good shape,” he said. “(But) if there is no tax bill, then this one will probably not stand alone. Bottom line—it appears to be on track—and it’s a fairly modest proposal. It doesn’t seem to be gathering too much controversy.”

Passage of an omnibus tax bill, with a number of initiatives including the soccer stadium, seems a likely path for United and St. Paul officials. If legislation doesn’t happen this spring, Johnson is interested in pursuing a location in Minneapolis.

“Well, I never say never until the shovel turns on the groundbreaking,” said Johnson who has been City Council president since 2006. “I am always open to Minneapolis being the home for these facilities. I think there are great amenities in our city.

“I’ve watched deals over the years with both the Twins ballpark and then the Vikings stadium be proposed for other sites but they landed in Minneapolis. I am willing to keep my ears open…and look at a potential deal in Minneapolis.”

Those comments could feed paranoia in St. Paul. Years ago the new Twins ballpark appeared headed to St. Paul but ultimately landed in Minneapolis. Five years back Arden Hills, St. Paul’s Ramsey County neighbor, appeared on track to have the new Vikings stadium, but in the end Minneapolis won out.

United owners were initially interested in buying private land for a soccer stadium in the Minneapolis Farmers market area. Unable to close the deal and convinced nothing else was available in Minneapolis, the United leaders found an ally in St. Paul mayor Chris Coleman and other officials from the city.

Johnson, though, suggested there are potential locations for a privately financed soccer stadium in her city including the Upper Harbor site along the Mississippi River in north Minneapolis. The 50-acre parcel of land is owned by the city and is near Interstate 94. “There’s lots of places that soccer could happen in Minneapolis,” Johnson said.

If the Legislature says no to the exemptions and building a new stadium doesn’t happen, the expectation is the MLS will withdraw the franchise offer to the United which currently plays in the less highly regarded North American Soccer League. The best case scenario for the United is to break ground as soon as possible on a stadium and initially play one year at TCF Bank Stadium or Target Field before moving into its new facility in St. Paul. ..

The three-day NFL Draft and ancillary activities have become big business for the league and host cities. The event was held in New York for decades but now the NFL office is amenable to other league cities hosting the spring event where the nation watches as teams select college players during seven rounds of drafting.

The last two years the draft has been in Chicago. Reports of direct economic impact use a figure of about $44 million for the 2015 draft. Although no formal announcement has been made, it’s believed Philadelphia could host the 2017 draft.

Lester Bagley (photo courtesy of Minnesota Vikings).

Bagley said the Vikings have expressed interest in bringing the draft to Minnesota, perhaps in 2018, 2019 or 2020. “Kind of down the road a little bit. Just digging into that right now.”

No formal proposal has been submitted by the Vikings but Bagley is confident the Minneapolis-St. Paul market has the attributes to successfully host the draft. He said those attributes are the same ones that impressed league officials so much they awarded the 2018 Super Bowl to Minnesota, and include “great hospitality,” facilities, corporate leadership, transportation, hotels, bars and restaurants.

Early speculation is draft headquarters could be the proposed new Vikings complex in Eagan. The project includes a new practice facility, team offices and a 6,000 seat outdoor stadium expandable to 10,000 that Bagley said could be used by spectators at the draft. There has also been talk of building a hotel and large conference center as part of the project.

The Vikings hope to receive approval for their complex by the Eagan City Council by the end of May. Bagley believes his organization could “potentially break ground” in Eagan in June.

“We are working with Eagan to try to bring forward a major plan and development,” Bagley said. “It’s going to be very unique in the NFL. It’s going to be the best practice facility-team headquarters in the NFL. Lots of upside there to do a lot of great things—NFL Draft notwithstanding.”

That Eagan project, along with a “75-day” countdown to the opening of U.S. Bank Stadium has Bagley and other Vikings executives busy. Too busy to spend a lot of time on a future draft for Minnesota. “We’ve got our hands full,” he said.

If the Vikings and other Minnesota officials do make a formal bid to host an NFL Draft, Johnson makes it clear she wants Minneapolis, not Eagan to be the host city. “We’re where the action is. Eagan is not, and I don’t mean to diminish Eagan, but we’ve got a lot more going on here in Minneapolis,” she said.

Johnson said the Minneapolis Convention Center or U.S. Bank Stadium are locations that can host the draft. Minneapolis invested $150 million along with the Vikings and the state in the shared cost of the stadium. Asked if that doesn’t give the city leverage in discussions about a draft site, Johnson said, “Well, sure. That’s what we’re depending on is events coming into our city because we have that investment in the stadium.”

Johnson said it will be a major disappointment if the draft isn’t hosted by Minneapolis, giving the city maximum economic impact and national publicity.

“I will have a conversation with Lester,” Johnson said. “I will also talk to Mark Wilf (Vikings president/owner). He and I talk on a regular basis.”

Johnson is respected by the Vikings. She is considered a voice of reason in City Hall—a place that sometimes leaves business leaders scratching their collective heads.

“We have the highest regard for her,” Bagley said. “Some of the other interactions down at the city (hall) are not as always clean and positive as it is with Barbara. We have not had a conversation with her about the NFL Draft. Again, early stages of telling the league we’re interested in our market (hosting the draft). Then in terms of where and which facilities, we haven’t even seriously looked into that.”

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Viking Pick Promising, But No Certainty

Posted on April 29, 2016April 29, 2016 by David Shama

It was a no-brainer for the Vikings to use their first round pick in last night’s NFL Draft to select Mississippi wide receiver Laquon Treadwell. It’s far from certain, though, how much he will help the team—and how soon.

While the Vikings have needs in the offensive line and at safety, adding a quality wide receiver is the franchise’s major personnel need. The Vikings WR group caught only six touchdown passes last season.

The hope is Treadwell can help boost production immediately. The 20-year-old 6-2, 222-pound Treadwell is known as a physical pass catcher who can go up and take the ball away from defenders.

In its April 18 issue rating NFL Draft prospects, Sports Illustrated ranked Treadwell No. 1 among wide receivers. The magazine praised his ability to push around defensive backs and be dominant in the air.

After selecting Treadwell last night, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer described him as “the best blocking receiver I’ve ever seen.” General manager Rick Spielman listed several of Treadwell’s attributes including his work ethic. Indeed, the Vikings must have been sold on Treadwell’s attitude because in two seasons coaching here Zimmer has let the world know he won’t tolerate poor work habits.

What the Vikings didn’t acquire in Treadwell is speed. The call for a fast receiver to open up the long range passing game has been heard for quite awhile now, but that’s not Treadwell, who ran a slow 4.63 40-yard-dash at the NFL Combine. It could be challenging for Treadwell to get separated from quick cornerbacks in the NFL.

Last night ESPN draft analyst Jon Gruden had another word of caution. “He’s got to catch the football better to be great,” Gruden said. “There’s just too many times he lacks concentration.”

The months and years ahead will show what Treadwell can do but Vikings fans can feel some optimism looking back at the influence of Speilman. The franchise has made 11 first round selections going back to 2007 and 10 were starters in their rookie seasons, seven were All-Rookie picks, and four were Pro Bowlers as rookies.

Worth Noting

There’s speculation that next season will be Adrian Peterson’s last with the Vikings because of his advanced age and compensation for a pro running back. It’s been thought for awhile he might end his career with the Cowboys but that seems unlikely after Dallas used its first round draft choice last night to select Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott. With his power and speed, Elliott could be an AP clone.

Elliott, chosen No. 4 by the Cowboys, was one of three Buckeyes selected in the top 10 last night. A total of five Ohio State players were chosen in the first 20 selections.

Minnesota sports trivia master Dave Mona e-mailed that despite successes as college running backs, ex-Gophers haven’t gained a lot of rushing yards in the NFL. He researched 15 prominent U runners going back to the 1960s and learned the following: “Six of them had no NFL carries. That group includes Thomas Hamner, Tellis Redmon, Amir Pinnix, Garry White, Chris Darkins and Barry Mayer. The leading rusher, by far, is Marion Barber III with 4,780 yards and 53 touchdowns. His college running mate, Laurence Maroney, was second at 2,504 and 21.”

Darrell Thompson, the Gophers all-time leading career rusher, ran for 1,641 yards and seven touchdowns during five years with the Packers. His totals placed third on Mona’s list behind Barber and Maroney.

Multiple media reports during the last several days have Benilde-St. Margaret’s offensive lineman Eric Wilson verbally committing to Harvard and declining offers from other schools including the Gophers. Wilson will be a high school senior next fall and is a Rivals.com three-star recruit.

Tickets are available for the Jerry Kill Roast & Toast May 6 at Jax Café. The event starts at noon and is sponsored by the Minnesota Minute Men. Proceeds benefit the Chasing Dreams program for children through the Epilepsy Foundation. Jim Carter, Dave Lee, Joel Maturi, Mike Max and Ron Stolski will be among those roasting the former Gophers football coach. Dick Jonckowski will emcee. More information is available at Minutemen.com, or by calling Claud Allaire at 952-913-6502.

Former Gophers football coach Jim Wacker, who died in 2003, would have been 79 yesterday.

A memorial service for former Gophers All-Big Ten linebacker Bill Light will be held tomorrow (Saturday) starting at 11 a.m. at Westwood Community Church in Chanhassen, 3121 Westwood Drive. A lunch at the church will follow. Condolences to Bill’s wife Julie, children, other family and many friends.

Former Gophers basketball trainer Roger Schipper and his wife are relocating to Naples, Florida.

Some fans attending this evening’s Twins-Tigers game at Target Field purchased Wrestling Night VIP Packages. Perks include a Twins wrestling mask, and private meet and greet with pro wrestling legends “Jumpin” Jim Brunzell, Greg Gagne, Larry “The Axe” Hennig and Baron Von Raschke.

Glenn Caruso, who coached the Tommies last year to the Division III football title game, is proud his team placed first among 3,500-plus national student fundraising groups generating monies to support Memphis-based St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. His team raised nearly $40,000 in donations in 2015-16, a record total, according to Tommiesports.com. The website reported the total tripled the UST amount from the previous school year and is the most any single organization has generated for the national effort called Up ‘Til Dawn that raises money for St. Jude.

Former Timberwolves president Bob Stein told Sports Headliners when he was assembling a staff for the Minnesota expansion team years ago he wanted Scott Layden to be the franchise’s first general manager. Layden was working for the Jazz in the late 1980s and declined Stein’s offer. Last week Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor hired Layden to become his GM, taking him away from the Spurs where he was assistant general manager.

It might be a couple of weeks before new Wolves coach Tom Thibodeau decides on his assistant coaches and other staff. A sentimental choice with the public, of course, is Ryan Saunders who was hired as an assistant by his late father Flip two years ago. It will be a surprise if Ryan isn’t given a continued assignment with the franchise.

The Lynx are considering multiple sites in the metro area for playing home games in 2017 while Target Center is renovated. The WNBA team will be able to work around arena renovation this summer for its 2016 schedule.

Horse racing analyst Kevin Gorg guests on the KARE 11 Saturday show tomorrow morning about 9:35 a.m. and will talk about the May 7 Kentucky Derby, a popular wagering day at Shakopee’s Canterbury Park. Nyquist might be an early favorite for winning the Derby.

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