Vikings – Page 166 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

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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U Boosters Voice Concerns to Governor

Posted on April 25, 2016April 26, 2016 by David Shama

Jim Carter thought it was an idea going nowhere. Carter’s friend Jim Brunzell told him a few weeks ago he requested a meeting with Governor Mark Dayton to talk about University of Minnesota athletics.

Not only did the Governor’s office respond but a lunch meeting was scheduled with Brunzell, Carter and Alvin Ray Hawes. Last Friday the three U alums met with Dayton at the Governor’s residence in St. Paul. Shannon Patrick, Dayton’s senior policy advisor for higher education, was also there.

Brunzell, Carter and Hawes played football together at Minnesota in the late 1960s. They and many other Gophers boosters have been concerned for some time about the school’s leadership in athletics, and the performances and reputations of football, and men’s basketball and hockey—the highest profile sports at the University and major producers of revenues contributing to a $100 million annual budget supporting 25 men’s and women’s sports.

Carter came to the meeting with a list of facts and concerns including how long it’s taking to find a permanent athletic director, how fundraising is stalled on the $190 million Athletes Village project, the missed opportunity to place former football coach Jerry Kill in a high level position within the Athletic Department, how department monies have been used inefficiently, and how the revenues, culture and image of the department could be much better.

“We just wanted the Governor to know how frustrated we are,” Carter said of the meeting. “How frustrated we’ve been with the lack of pursuit of excellence in athletics at the University. With the long time—almost a year now—to put an athletic director in place. What we see with continuing issues in the Athletic Department that make us wonder where the tradition of the Golden Gophers has gone. We shared that with the Governor.

“It was very positive (the discussion), not mudslinging. We talked with him…and discovered he’s got the same love for Golden Gophers football, hockey, basketball, and many of the sports that we all do.”

The Governor, 69, is about the same age as Carter, Brunzell and Hawes. A Minneapolis native, Dayton grew up in Minnesota and loved hockey. He was an all-state goalie for Blake and followed Gophers hockey and football teams. “He seemed to be one of us,” Carter said.

Carter said during lunch Dayton expressed similar concerns to what his visitors voiced. Dayton also recalled an offer he made to former Gophers athletics director Norwood Teague and later to interim AD Beth Goetz. Dayton is willing to use his residence to help the Athletic Department, including to host Gopher donors. While Teague didn’t take him up on the offer, Goetz has scheduled a dinner.

What may transpire from the meeting last Friday? “I think the only thing that we could expect for him to do would be to use influence,” Carter said. “Not financial necessarily but he speaks with the president of the University. He speaks with people over there.”

Vikings & NFL Draft

The Vikings have eight selections in next week’s NFL Draft and a priority should be finding a speed receiver who runs disciplined routes. At least that’s the opinion of former Viking Bob Lurtsema who remains close to the franchise.

Lurtsema is an admirer of third-year quarterback Teddy Bridgewater who he said “can throw the ball” but doesn’t receive enough praise from the media. Bridgewater ranked No. 22 in the NFL last season with 3,231 passing yards. The 23-year-old had a just okay 88.7 passer rater.

Teddy Bridgewater (photo courtesy of Minnesota Vikings).

It takes awhile for young quarterbacks to establish themselves but Lurtsema believes Bridgewater’s numbers and the perception of him would be more positive if his wide receivers ran better routes than they did last season. Bridgewater, he said, often made superior judgments compared to his targets.

“They (wide receivers) would come off the routes,” Lurtsema said. “They weren’t reading the same (as Bridgewater). A lot of it is the responsibility of the receiver.”

Lurtsema hopes to see improvement among the wide receivers next season. “You talk to the players themselves and you talk to them off the record, they tell you all the little things that Teddy Bridgewater can do,” Lurtsema said.

The first of the Vikings’ eight selections comes Thursday night when Minnesota has the No. 23 pick in the first round. Mock drafts frequently project the Vikings will use the selection on a wide receiver, perhaps TCU’s Josh Doctson, Notre Dame’s Will Fuller or Ohio State’s Mike Thomas. All three have first round credentials but on their NFL.com profiles none draws praise for route running.

The Vikings will also draft No. 23 in rounds two through five, then No. 5 in the sixth round, and 19th and 23rd in the seventh and final round. The first round begins at 7 p.m. CDT Thursday. Rounds two and three start at 6 p.m. Friday, while rounds four through seven begin at 11 a.m. Saturday. All three days of the draft from Chicago will be televised by ESPN and the NFL Network.

Vikings general manager Rick Spielman meets with the media tomorrow (Tuesday) to preview the draft.

Lurtsema talking about 33-year-old linebacker Chad Greenway who has decided to play an 11th season for the Vikings and whether a player that age slows down: “You might lose a half a step but your experience picks up a half a step—so you’re still a pretty good athlete.”

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