Vikings Launch Independent Investigation Of Chris Kluwe's Claims

Yesterday, the Vikings promised a review of Chris Kluwe's allegations that he was released in part due to his public comments supporting gay rights, and that assistant coach Mike Priefer used homophobic language in team meetings. Today the team revealed more details, and they're bringing in the big guns to investigate.

In a statement, the Vikings announced that the investigation will be led by Eric Magnuson, a former chief justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court, and Chris Madel, a former DOJ trial lawyer. Madel was involved in the investigation of the Fiesta Bowl for illegally forcing its employees to make campaign contributions, a probe that led to six guilty pleas.

"It is extremely important for the Vikings organization to react immediately and comprehensively with an independent review of these allegations," said Vikings president Mark Wilf.

The investigators will speak with former and current Vikings players and personnel, which sounds fairly straightforward, at least as far as Priefer's alleged comments go. Whether Kluwe's release was due to football, politics, or both, seems destined to remain a matter of opinion, unless someone was dumb enough to leave a paper trail.