KFAN radio’s Dan Barriero told listeners after returning from Christmas vacation that Ophra Winfrey indicated on her TV show that she doesn’t wear underpants.
Former Gopher basketball coach Jim Dutcher said the University will honor his 1982 Big Ten championship team at the Gopher-Ohio State game on Sunday, February 18. Former players expected to participate in the recognition include Gary Holmes, Zeb Howell, Darryl Mitchell, Trent Tucker and Barry Wohler. Former assistant Flip Saunders may attend, too, since the NBA will have a break in its schedule for the All-Star game on February 18.
Viking kicker Ryan Longwell can look forward to playing golf with former Packer teammate Brett Favre during the off-season. Longwell lives near Orlando and Disney World where Favre brings his family for vacation. In addition to playing golf in Florida, Longwell expects to play in Favre’s annual golf tournament in Mississippi.
Vikings’ linebacker Chad Greenway, who married in July, will honeymoon in February for 10 days in Hawaii with wife Jenni.
Vikings’ coach Brad Childress answering a question about being intensely criticized: “If I don’t win enough I have no illusions.”
The Vikings have three players invited to participate in the Pro Bowl in Hawaii on February 10 and although all have been Pro Bowlers before none of them is close to former offensive guard Randall McDaniel’s club record of 11 appearances. Center Matt Birk has been named to five Pro Bowls, offensive tackle Steve Hutchinson four (three with Seattle) and defensive tackle Kevin Williams two.
Rookie tackle Ryan Cook has been a late season starter on the right side of the Vikings’ line and might be part of the solution as the team rebuilds its offense next season. Cook, a center at New Mexico, is playing tackle for the first time and admitted his new role is a learning process. During the off-season he plans to work on “athleticism” and strength while studying film.
Mewelde Moore is a born again Christian and talked earlier this fall about fellowship and chapel gatherings attended by him and other Vikings players. “We would love to have everyone come. … There’s no pressure,” Moore said. “If you want to come in fellowship, then anybody, player, coach and staff is more than welcome.”
Minneapolis native and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald Jr. flew to Chicago for Christmas where he gathered with family including father Larry Sr.