David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

A.P. in L.A. Might be California Dreamin’ But…

Posted on September 16, 2011November 27, 2011 by David Shama

With a Beverly Hills smile and Hall of Fame promise, Adrian Peterson would be a welcome addition to the Hollywood scene in southern California. The odds seem unlikely the Vikings will relocate to Los Angeles anytime soon, but an expiring lease at Mall of America Field and new stadium uncertainty in Minnesota encourages all kinds of speculation about the franchise’s future.

Peterson’s reputation as the NFL’s best running back and his personal charm would cast him perfectly as a celebrity in Los Angeles. Southern California thrives on the star system and has been entertained by some of the classic names in sports through the years, from Sandy Koufax to Kobe Bryant.

An L.A. NFL team would need a box office draw and even on a bad team Peterson will command adulation from fans and sponsors. A superstar like Peterson means butts in the seats and eyeballs on TV.

That’s part of the reason committing Peterson to a seven year contract that practically guarantees the 26-year-old running back will play his entire career in Purple was a smart move by the Vikings. So, too, was signing linebacker Chad Greenway, 28, to a new deal. Owner Zygi Wilf has committed over $140 million in contract money to Peterson and Greenway.

Savvy business decisions. The Vikings, 12-4 two years ago, appear to be rebuilding. Keeping Greenway and Peterson around sends a message the Vikings aren’t interested in fire sales. Just the contrary. Ownership wants to win and build a Super Bowl contender.

That’s a good mantra to send fans, business supporters and legislative backers for a new stadium. But the commitment to Greenway and Peterson, both of whom agreed to deals just last week, brings clout beyond the Minnesota constituency.

If the Wilf family wants to sell or relocate the team, player personnel assets add to value. Peterson and Greenway won’t have their names on the company year-end financial statements but their presence on the roster has value in determining the worth of this franchise ─ wherever it’s located.

Could it be L.A.? The NFL doesn’t like relocating existing franchises, and Los Angeles has been without a team since 1995 when the Rams left for St. Louis. Through the years it almost seems like a “flavor of the month” has been the norm regarding new stadium ideas in southern California. And still there’s nothing finalized on a new venue for a Los Angeles team.

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U Coordinator: ‘Don’t Blow Anybody Off’

Posted on September 16, 2011October 9, 2011 by David Shama

No doubt the Gophers football team would love a mulligan for last Saturday’s disappointing showing against New Mexico State. Minnesota was a three touchdown favorite against the Aggies, a program with no bowl appearances since 1960 and a combined 5-20 record during the 2009 and 2010 seasons.

The Gophers lost 28-21 in a game that looked like it could be the easiest on the 12 game schedule. Maybe the Aggies will turn out to be one of the surprise teams in college football but for now 1-1 New Mexico State has plenty to prove, just like Minnesota. Tomorrow the Gophers will be favored to win again but this time by only about a field goal playing against Miami (Ohio), a team that ranks with the favorites in the MAC to win the championship.

The Gophers didn’t look motivated against the Aggies and Minnesota defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys said players can be affected by what the outside world thinks about opponents. Did the Gophers not take the Aggies as seriously as they should have?

“I think it’s a struggle every week in college football now,” Claeys said. “With all the media and everything, I think kids compare scores. I think they try to make up their mind before the game is played. I believe that.

“So we harp all the time: It’s not who you play, it’s how you play. You got to go through that process every week. Everybody has scholarships so everybody has some decent players. You can’t blow anybody off.

“We’ve been in that situation, playing underdog on the road. The longer that game goes, the more confidence you get out of it. I don’t think there’s any question, that’s a part of learning how to win. You got to go through that process to prepare yourself no matter who you play or what the score was last week.

“So that’s all part of changing the culture (at Minnesota) and learning how to win. But, yeah, I think there’s a good possibility that’s what happened.”

Gophers’ linebacker Mike Rallis, though, said he and his teammates didn’t take the Aggies “lightly” or fail to prepare, but acknowledged Minnesota needs to play better. “We knew they were very capable of coming in and beating us. But we need to come out and play up to our abilities right from the start,” Rallis said.

The Gophers bandwagon hit a big pothole in the road last Saturday. A hope-filled offseason led by new coach Jerry Kill and the promise stirred by only a 19-17 loss to nationally ranked USC in the opener had almost everyone in town convinced the Gophers would win big against the Aggies.

Instead it looks like hold your breath mode tomorrow against a RedHawks team that was impressive in its opening game two weeks ago, losing 17-6 at Missouri. Miami hasn’t played since and the extra time to prepare for a game is a positive not found every month on a team’s college football schedule.

The RedHawks, like other teams in the MAC, have a roster filled with players that were passed over by Big Ten schools. It’s not a new motivation, but the RedHawks wouldn’t mind proving tomorrow that they can beat a Big Ten team.

Looking at the New Mexico State-Minnesota film all week won’t hurt the RedHawks confidence.

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Worth Noting

Posted on September 16, 2011November 27, 2011 by David Shama

It will be Bruce Smith Day tomorrow for the Gophers game at TCF Bank Stadium. A bust by Faribault artist Ivan Whillock immortalizing Smith, a Faribault native and the only Gopher ever to win the Heisman Trophy, will soon be on permanent display in the Hall of Fame at the stadium. The bust will be presented by Bruce Krinke and other Smith admirers to University president Eric Kaler and athletic director Joel Maturi between the first and second quarters. Smith trading cards will be given out to fans and the bust will be on display near the stadium plaza before the game.

The Gophers-Miami (Ohio) game tomorrow afternoon will be telecast by the Big Ten Network and the broadcast crew will include former Minnesota coach Glen Mason.

North St. Paul mayor Mike Kuehn told Sports Headliners he supports a referendum in Ramsey County regarding the proposed Vikings Stadium in Arden Hills. He said “several cities” in Ramsey County, including his, have seen their councils approve resolutions opposing the use of a half cent sales tax increase to help fund a facility on the Twin Cities Army Ammunition site.

Kuehn said the resolution passed in North St. Paul recognized the Vikings as a community asset and stated no preference for stadium location but objected to the county being a partner dedicating a half cent sales tax increase. Kuehn said the sales tax percentage increase is too large and the county and his city have too many other pressing needs.

Ted Mondale, Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission chair, will be the First Friday speaker on October 7 at the University of St. Thomas. The commission and Metropolitan Council are expected to issue a report in October about the feasibility of the proposed stadium in Arden Hills.

The Bucs team that plays the Vikings at Mall of America Field on Sunday lost 27-20 to Detroit in the opening regular season game for both teams. Sports Illustrated predicted in its September 5 issue the Bucs will finish behind the Saints and Falcons but ahead of the Panthers in the NFC South.

Vikings defensive end Jared Allen will be trying for his third consecutive regular season game with one interception and one sack.

The attendance of 114,804 in Ann Arbor last Saturday for the Michigan-Notre Dame game was the largest crowd ever to watch a college or professional game. After two weeks Big Ten home games have attracted more than 1.4 million fans, but Illinois followers don’t seem too excited about coach Ron Zook’s 30-45 career record in Champaign. Illinois has drawn home crowds of 45,154 and 42,212 in its first two games.

Don’t think the Big Ten hasn’t been hurt by the demise of Michigan and Ohio State. The conference has four teams in the A.P. top 25 including league newcomer Nebraska. The highest ranked team is Wisconsin at No. 7, followed by No. 10 Nebraska, No. 15 Michigan State and No. 17 Ohio State.

Hopkins coach John DenHartog said via email that his much recruited wide receiver Andre McDonald has better speed and strength after “hard training” in the offseason. “Andre has made himself into the best blocking WR on our team,” DenHartog wrote.

The Lynx open the Western Conference playoffs tonight against San Antonio at Target Center and not only is there optimism about winning a WNBA championship this fall but the future beyond could see more titles. The Lynx produced a league best 27-7 record and standout players are 30 or younger. Included are Rebekkah Brunson, No. 3 in league rebounding, and Lindsay Whalen, the WNBA’s assist leader, who are both 29, and the league’s best rookie, Maya Moore, 22. Seimone Augustus, 27, was eighth in the WNBA with a scoring average of 16.2 during the regular season.

The Klas family, dedicated for decades to helping people with developmental and learning disabilities, holds its women’s charity golf tournament on Monday. The Tapemark Charity Women’s Golf Event at Southview Country Club is open to all women amateur golfers.

Five St. Thomas teams came into the week ranked nationally in Division III polls. Football is ranked fourth and in the top 10 for the 20th consecutive poll. Volleyball is seventh and has been ranked in 72 of the last 73 polls. Women’s soccer is ranked No. 21, men’s cross country No. 30 and women’s cross country No. 34. St. Thomas is the only Division III school with nationally ranked and unbeaten teams in both football and volleyball.

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