Wild – Page 60 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Claeys & Gophers Prove Skeptics Wrong

Posted on December 28, 2016December 28, 2016 by David Shama

Tracy Claeys found the resolve to lead his Gophers to an improbable win last night in the Holiday Bowl against Washington State. A friend suggested several days ago Claeys was struggling with his spirits as the team prepared amidst the turmoil of 10 suspended players and sexual assault allegations. Odds-makers made WSU a double digits favorite and skeptics suggested it was easy money to place a fat wager on the “Air Cougars” and their expected route of the Gophers.

But Claeys and his team had the resolve to hold the pass-happy Cougars to a season low 12 points in a stunning 17-12 victory. The Gophers’ head coach showed leadership in directing his team to a long sought signature victory. After Claeys took over as Minnesota’s coach mid-season last year and continuing through this fall, the Gophers couldn’t earn a front page win in a rivalry game or against a top-25 team. However, last night the Gophers won a quality bowl game versus a Pac-12 team that fought for a division championship and four times scored over 50 points this season.

Claeys is a steady leader who avoids the highs and lows. He goes home at night and when his head hits the pillow, he is out. Well, last night he could have had the best of sleep and dreams. He deserved that experience and so did his players who had to support one another in practices and games to make up for the absence of starters and top reserves.

In mid-December I wrote that the Gophers might use the adversity of the suspensions to pull together for a bowl win. A former Gopher player called me out on what he said was an overly optimistic view. Nice to be right once in awhile.

Claeys is now 2-0 in bowl games after also winning the Quick Lane Bowl last season. That makes him the only head coach in Gophers’ history to win his first two bowl games. Minnesota’s bowl record is now 7-13.

Claeys, his staff and players put more pride back into Golden Gophers football last night. The Gophers won consecutive bowl games for the first time since 2002-2004 and finished with a 9-4 record. That’s the most victories since the 2003 team won 10 games. The four losses came against top 25 teams—Iowa, Nebraska, Penn State and Wisconsin.

The win last night that ranks with Minnesota’s biggest bowl wins ever.The greatest bowl win was in the 1962 Rose Bowl when the Gophers smothered UCLA 21-3 a year after losing to Washington in Pasadena. The Gophers also had impressive bowl wins under Glen Mason against Alabama, Arkansas and Oregon. But for drama and surprise, last night’s Holiday Bowl takes a backseat only to the 1962 Rose Bowl.

Worth Noting

Despite what you may have read, Washington State coach Mike Leach was never considered for the Gophers job. Leach was unemployed when the Gophers were searching for a successor to Tim Brewster in 2010. Leach was fired at Texas Tech in 2009 amid allegations he mistreated Adam James, a Red Raider player who had suffered a concussion.

Safety Antoine Winfield Jr., one of 10 suspended players who didn’t play in the Gophers Holiday Bowl game last night, was named to Athlon.com’s first team All-Freshman defensive unit announced last week. Gophers defensive end Tai’yon Devers and linebacker Carter Coughlin made the second team.

Fox TV analyst Troy Aikman criticized Vikings’ general manager Rick Spielman’s drafting of offensive linemen last Saturday. Aikman said during the Vikings-Packers telecast Spielman has drafted only two offensive linemen during the first three rounds since 2007, and has to do better. The Vikings selected tackle Phil Loadholt in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft and used one of their three first round picks in 2012 on tackle Matt Kalil.

Vikings’ trainer Eric Sugarman stays in touch with ex-offensive coordinator Norv Turner who resigned earlier this season. They are part of a local ownership group that has two race horses, Tiger D and Skol Sister. Other owners are Scott Turner (Norv’s son and the Vikings’ quarterback coach), and offensive guard Brandon Fusco, radio play-by-play man Paul Allen and goalie Alex Stalock who plays for the Wild’s minor league Iowa affiliate.

Vikings’ defensive back Captain Munnerlyn is an unrestricted free agent next offseason. “I definitely want to be here (with the Vikings), but at the same time I know it’s a business and we’ll see where it goes,” the 28-year-old told Sports Headliners.

How much of a factor will money be in his decision next year? “Come on, man. You play this game for the love of it, but there’s nothing wrong with being compensated for what you do on the field. I feel like I am one of the best at my position—one of the best nickels in the league. I want to be treated like one, so we’ll see how it goes from there.”

Munnerlyn’s base salary this year is $4.2 million, according to Spotrac.com.

A week ago yesterday was the 35th anniversary of the Vikings’ last game at Met Stadium. The Vikings lost 10-6 to the Chiefs on December 20, 1981 to close out a 7-9 season under coach Bud Grant. The next year the team moved into the Metrodome and drew 57,880 fans for the first preseason game after attracting just 41,110 for the Met finale.

It will be interesting to see if Minneapolis native Rashad Vaughn plays Friday night when he and the Bucks are at Target Center for a game against the Wolves. The second-year NBA guard, who is averaging 11.9 minutes and 4.4 points, missed Monday night’s game with the Wizards because of a left ankle sprain.

Nobody can say the Wild won’t be in the holiday spirit in coming days. New Year’s Eve the club continues the tradition of the old North Stars by playing at home on the final night of the year. The Met and its famous Observatory Club once was the place to be on New Year’s Eve. The Wild, who already are 2-0 this season against the Blue Jackets, play them at Xcel Energy Center on December 31, after a home game Thursday evening against the Islanders (0-1 so far). Next Monday the public can attend a free Wild outdoor practice starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Backyard Outdoor Ice Rink at Braemar Arena in Edina.

Cynopsis.com reported last week that a record six Major League Baseball franchises have been sent luxury tax bills, including the Yankees for a 14th consecutive season. CynopsisSports said the Yankees surpassed MLB’s payroll threshold of $189 million for last season and over the years have now been taxed $325 million.

Mike Greenberg, who is heard weekday mornings on 1500 ESPN, makes more than $6.5 million a year, according to Internet reports. Greenberg is co-host (with Mike Golic) of the Mike & Mike program heard on ESPN Radio affiliates around the U.S. and also has a televised simulcast on ESPN2.

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Vikings Griffen Lauds Zimmer’s Courage

Posted on December 16, 2016December 16, 2016 by David Shama

Vikings tough guy Everson Griffen voiced admiration for coach Mike Zimmer yesterday. Griffen, a seven-year pro, has played for a lot of coaches during his high school, college and NFL career. “He’s the most courageous,” the Vikings defensive end told Sports Headliners yesterday. “He’s just a great coach to play for.”

Zimmer’s multiple eye surgeries this fall have stopped him from coaching in only one game, a loss against Dallas on December 1. Zimmer flew to Jacksonville last week and coached the Vikings to a 25-16 victory over the Jaguars. He has been wearing a patch over his right eye in practice this week but will coach against the Colts on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium.

“It was hard not to have him on the sidelines for the Cowboys game,” fullback Zach Line told Sports Headliners. “It felt like things were back to normal when he was travelling with us last week.”

What was different when Zimmer didn’t coach in the Dallas game? “I think just having your leader there changes everything,” Line said. “He’s definitely the guy we look to on the sidelines and in the locker room at halftime.”

Griffen, a 2016 Pro Bowler known for his aggressive style, finds Zimmer inspirational. “He’s a tough guy. He loves the game of football. He was going to find any solution to get back on the field with us.” …

Sam Bradford (photo courtesy of Minnesota Vikings)

Despite the team’s offensive line being in disarray because of injuries, and a running game that is among the worst in pro football, Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford has a career-best 98.2 passer rating. Bradford, 29, has thrown 14 touchdown passes and just three interceptions.

Bradford ranks eighth in the NFL in passer rating. In six of his 12 games his passer rating has been over 100. He’s given the Vikings their best passing season since Brett Favre’s lights-out 2009 season.

The offensive line didn’t allow a sack in last Sunday’s win over the Jaguars. “Those guys played great last week,” Bradford said. “They went out there and they just blocked their butts off, both in the run game and in the pass game. I thought they did a great job, and I couldn’t be more proud of those guys. …” …

Don’t be surprised if 11-year veteran Chad Greenway waits until spring before deciding whether to retire. Expect a well thought out decision by the Vikings linebacker on whether to play another season. …

When the Vikings play the Colts Sunday it will be a homecoming for Minnesota native Joe Haeg who played high school football in Brainerd. The rookie offensive tackle and guard, a fifth round draft choice, has been a surprise starter for the Colts. …

The Christmas Eve day weather forecast in Green Bay is for a high of 36 and “snow or flurries possible,” according to Accuweather.com. The Vikings-Packers holiday game at Lambeau Field begins at noon. …

Jim Carter, who is a candidate to become a University of Minnesota Board of Regent next year, attended last Friday’s board meeting on the Minneapolis campus. Carter said “about 30” demonstrators wore “Fire Kaler” t-shirts and spoke critically of University president Eric Kaler, including his hire of former athletics director Norwood Teague. The police cleared the room and broke up the demonstration after a short while, according to Carter. …

chasing-dreams1 Former Gophers football coach Jerry Kill has a book signing today at Barnes & Noble Nicollet Mall from noon to 2 p.m. Tomorrow he will be at Barnes & Noble Eden Prairie and Sunday at Barnes & Noble Mall of America—1 to 3 p.m. both days. He will be signing copies of his new book Chasing Dreams: Living My Life One Yard at a Time. …

Gophers athletics director Mark Coyle speaks to the CORES lunch group Thursday, January 12 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Bloomington, 1114 American Blvd. Vikings executive Lester Bagley talks to the group on March 9. More information is available by contacting Jim Dotseth, dotsethj@comcast.net. …

Mark Ritchie said via email the Minnesota World’s Fair bid for 2023 will place emphasis “on all aspects of how we keep ourselves healthy, including sports, fitness, exercise and how we return to fitness if sick or injured.” The president and CEO of the Minnesota Expo 2023 project announced yesterday that his group has met the Bureau of International Expositions bid deadline. He also told Sports Headliners in an email the anticipated site for the fair will be on land between TCF Bank Stadium and Surly Brewing Company. Others competing to host the fair are Argentina, Brazil and Poland. …

Fans wonder about new 33-year-old Twins baseball boss Derek Falvey working with 60-year-old manager Paul Molitor. That’s a 27 year difference in age but when Falvey was in the Cleveland front office he collaborated with 57-year-old manager Terry Francona. Molitor has long been known for his high baseball I.Q. and that was developed because of his willingness to learn. Expect Falvey and Molitor to be curious about each other’s ideas this offseason. …

Until the Timberwolves pull toward a .500 record, legitimate questions will nag at the franchise that hasn’t made the playoffs since 2004. The Wolves have a talented young core of players but management hired a coach who made his reputation handling veteran players. In Chicago as head coach and Boston as a key assistant, highly regarded Tom Thibodeau was known for leading stingy defenses. He also had physical players—enforcer types—but the Wolves are a finesse team with some of their best players being stylish performers like Andrew Wiggins, Zach LaVine and Ricky Rubio. …

Marv Wolfenson and Harvey Ratner, the deceased founders of the Timberwolves and the Northwest health clubs in Minneapolis, were tennis advocates including boosters of the Gophers program. A recognition plaque is on display at the University of Minnesota Baseline Tennis Center, and February 3 at the Gophers-Dartmouth match the contributions of Wolfenson and Ratner will be honored. …

Former Gophers guard Blake Hoffarber, who won a 2005 Best Play ESPY Award for his amazing three-point shot in the state tournament while in high school, is a business insurance risk consultant for Marsh & McLennan in Minneapolis. …

The Minnesota Wild and other sponsors will celebrate Girls Hockey Weekend Saturday and Sunday at Xcel Energy Center. Natalie Darwitz, the Olympic medalist and women’s hockey coach at Hamline, will say “Let’s Play Hockey!” at the start of the Wild-Coyotes game Saturday afternoon. There will be promotion of girls and women’s hockey at the game. Post-game, fans can attend a chalk talk featuring Darwitz and two other hockey authorities, Laura Halldorson and Kristen Wright. Hockey clinics for girls and women will be held on Saturday and Sunday. More at Wild.com/girlshockey. Darwitz also skated with the Wild at practice this morning, becoming the first female to suit up with the team.

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No Yips for Vikings New Kicker Forbath

Posted on December 12, 2016December 12, 2016 by David Shama

A weekend full of notes starting with the Vikings.

New placekicker Kai Forbath, who was signed as a free agent last month, kicked four field goals in yesterday’s 25-16 Vikings win over the Jaguars. He is 10 for 10 in four games with Minnesota.

Forbath replaced Blair Walsh who missed the infamous 27-yard goal that cost the Vikings their opening playoff win against the Seahawks last January in Minneapolis. Walsh was out of sync this fall, particularly struggling with extra points. Forbath has converted on four of six attempts but his one miss yesterday can be forgiven because a penalty had put the ball at the Jaguars’ 38-yard-line.

Walsh may have had the yips this year, but Forbath isn’t admitting to any extreme nervousness impacting motor skills. “I’ve always told myself if you’ve missed, to move on from it,” he told Sports Headliners. “Not try to overcorrect it. …”

Forbath reportedly was let go by the Redskins in 2015 because he didn’t hit the ball deep enough on kickoffs. With the Vikings he has produced 13 touchbacks in 22 kickoffs. Walsh, who missed four extra points and made 12 of 16 field goals, had 19 of 41 kicks resulting in touchbacks this season.

The Vikings signed Forbath to a two-year contract but it’s not guaranteed. “I’ve been going through that my whole career so nothing new to me,” he said. …

With three games remaining in the regular season, first round draft choice Laquon Treadwell is still a non-contributor to a Vikings offense that has struggled most of the season. While coaches and teammates have insisted Treadwell’s lack of playing time and success isn’t concerning, fans and media have a different view.

The Vikings’ rookie wide receiver has one reception this season and didn’t catch a pass in yesterday’s win over the Jaguars. He plays a position that is not a project process like offensive line and quarterback, but yet he has hardly seen the field despite playing on an offense that has gone begging for big plays.

While the 6-2, 215-pound Treadwell seems to have the size and hands to succeed at wide receiver, questions persist about his speed and ability to separate from defenders. Right now he is part of a suspect 2016 draft class that also includes fourth round offensive lineman Willie Beavers who hasn’t been able to earn significant playing time despite the injury epidemic on the O-line.

Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen insists Treadwell has the skills to play in the pros. “You see it everyday in practice. He’s got the size, got the speed. He’s got the athleticism. It’s just putting it all together.

“It’s a tough (offensive) system. It’s a long season. It’s just not easy to come in, and step in, and make plays. You gotta earn your right, you gotta keep getting better.”

Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who turned heads as a rookie last season, is a believer in Treadwell, too. “He’s doing everything in his power to become the player that he wants to be.”

Diggs likes Treadwell’s attitude. “He has that want to. He wants to do well.” …

Instead of three regular season NFL games in London as in the past, four will be played next year. The Vikings last played in London in 2013. The use agreement the franchise signed with the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA) in October of 2013 allows only three Vikings home games to be played internationally during a 15-year period. So, as of now, the Vikings can move only two games from U.S. Bank Stadium to an international site.

The NFL teams participating in the 2017 London game are expected to be announced tomorrow. …

The Vikings are paying $10 million to the MSFA in this their first season at U.S. Bank Stadium. That amount increases by three percent per year in the future. The club also pays what the use agreement terms “direct and incremental operating expenses” for Vikings events at the stadium. The Vikings receive all revenue from various sources for their events including but not limited to tickets, naming rights, suite licenses, sponsorships and signage. …

A hockey source told Sports Headliners he believes the Minnesota Wild has a leadership issue but offered only praise for goalie Devan Dubnyk and new coach Bruce Boudreau. “Who are the leaders (among players)?” the source asked. “There needs to be leaders that push the young players, police the locker room and make sure everyone is rowing the boat together.”

The Wild has been inconsistent and lost too many close games this season, although the club has won four consecutive games, is in third place in the seven-team Central Division and is a playoff contender. The source said Boudreau has done a “good job” but he has been taken aback at times by the team’s lack of effort, and that relates to the players’ leadership issue.

Dubnyk leads the NHL in goals against average per game at 1.63, save percentage at .946 and shutouts with four. He is the team MVP so far and is playing like he did two seasons ago when he rallied Minnesota to the playoffs. How come?

“Goalies are creatures of habit like pitchers,” the hockey man said. “Sometimes they’re hot and sometimes they’re not.”

At what level has Dubnyk been playing? “I think he is as good a goaltender as there is the NHL,” the source said. “He just hasn’t (consistently) had the support.” …

Five voices familiar to local fans have been nominated for Minnesota State Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sports Media Association (NSMA). They are Mike Grimm, Alan Horton, Anthony LaPanta, Cory Provus and Mark Rosen. …

The Gophers and Washington State play on December 27 in the National Funding Holiday Bowl, and both are led by head coaches who didn’t play college football—Tracy Claeys and Mike Leach. Sports Headliners reader Mike Wilkinson wonders if that has ever happened before in major college bowl history? He also wrote in his email that Gophers basketball coach Richard Pitino didn’t play college basketball. He asked if a major college athletic department ever had football and basketball coaches like Claeys and Pitino who didn’t play their sports while students in college? Anybody have answers? …

Two Twins minor leaguers made the Arizona Fall League (AFL) top 25 prospects team announced last week by MLB.com. Shortstop Nick Gordon was fourth in league average at .346, while also leading players at his position in total chances and assists in 21 games. Catcher Mitch Garver was second in the AFL in home runs with four, while batting .229 in 19 games. Gordon was listed as the No. 2 prospect along with Yankees’ minor leaguer and shortstop Gleyber Torres. Garver ranked No. 23. …

Condolences to friends of Edina attorney and Hobey Baker supporter Jack Carlson who died last Wednesday night. Jack was an avid sports fan with a passion for University of Illinois athletics.

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