MINNEAPOLIS – The Minnesota Vikings and former player Chris Kluwe have reached a settlement in his release from the team that the punter says was due to his outspoken support for the lesbian-gay-bi-transgender (LGBT) rights.
The settlement ends the possibility of a lawsuit over Kluwe’s release from the Vikings based on his claims of a hostile and homophobic environment, propagated by coaches.
Terms of the settlement were not released, but Tuesday, Kluwe said “We’ve reached a settlement with the Vikings,” and said he could disclose the following information:
- They will donate a substantial amount to five charities, several MN local, over the next five years.
- They are implementing enhanced training within the entire organization, and are committed to a zero tolerance policy on homophobia.
- The Vikings will be working to create a symposium to bring together sports and LBGTQ leaders in order to address this issue in sports.
“Also, I get exactly ZERO dollars from this settlement,” Kluwe said, adding that he believes “the Vikings are committed to being leaders on the subject of homophobia in sports, and will work to make significant change.”
In July of this year, Vikings special teams coach Mike Priefer issued an apology for disparaging remarks he had made to Kluwe.
“I owe an apology to many people – the Wilf family, the Minnesota Vikings organization and fans, my family, the LGBT community, Chris Kluwe and anyone else that I offended with my insensitive remark. I regret what has occurred and what I said. I am extremely sorry but I will learn from this situation and will work on educating others to create more tolerance and respect,” Priefer said.
Priefer is suspended for the first three games of the 2014 season.
The Vikings are expected to release a statement sometime Tuesday.
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