Minnesota Vikings to introduce zero tolerance for homophobia policy
The Minnesota Vikings NFL team will implement a zero tolerance policy for homophobia, as part of a legal settlement with former player Chris Kluwe.
Kluwe had alleged that assistant coach Mike Priefer in 2012 made homophobic remarks. Priefer was suspended for three games following the investigation.
The former punter announced the lawsuit against the team earlier this year, but last week the two parties reached a settlement.
In a statement yesterday Kluwe revealed: “We’ve reached a settlement with the Vikings. Terms I can disclose as follows.
“1. They will donate a substantial amount to five charities, several MN local, over the next five years.
“2. They are implementing enhanced training within the entire organization, and are committed to a zero tolerance policy on homophobia.
“3. The Vikings will be working to create a symposium to bring together sports and LBGTQ leaders in order to address this issue in sports.
“I believe the Vikings are committed to being leaders on the subject of homophobia in sports, and will work to make significant change.
“Also, I get exactly ZERO dollars from this settlement, so if you sent me a nasty message over the past months, go mainline bleach.
“Looking forward to seeing the strides the Vikings and the rest of the NFL will make on homophobia going forward. Still work to be done.”
