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So now we've heard from the two primaries in the matter of Kluwe v. Priefer, and over the course of the last hour or so, a lot of members of the Minnesota Vikings have stepped up to support Priefer via Twitter. Among them have been punter Jeff Locke, safety Harrison Smith, and fullback Jerome Felton.
Coach Mike Preifer has always been professional and one of the best special teams coaches I have been around! In any meeting I have been
— jerome felton (@jfelton45) January 2, 2014
In, I have never witnessed him say anything close to what's been alleged. That's just my experience!
— jerome felton (@jfelton45) January 2, 2014
Since I've had the privilege of playing for Mike Preifer he has been nothing but a class act coach and a respectful human being. #Vikes
— Harrison Smith (@HarriSmith22) January 2, 2014
(1/2) In my short time with the Vikings, Coach Priefer has treated me with respect and has helped me develop as a player and person.
— Jeff Locke (@jefflocke18) January 2, 2014
(2/2) I have never witnessed any actions or statements by Coach Priefer similar to those described in the recent Deadspin article.
— Jeff Locke (@jefflocke18) January 2, 2014
One of the players that has a closer relationship with Priefer than most, kicker Blair Walsh, has gone so far as to release his own statement.
I have been a member of the Minnesota Vikings for 2 years. I want to start off by saying I have the utmost respect for Rick Spielman, Leslie Frazier and Mike Priefer. All three, are good men.
I have had countless conversations and interactions with Coach Priefer, and I personally can attest to his integrity and character. His professionalism in the workplace is exemplary, and I firmly believe that my teammates would whole-heartedly agree. The allegations made today are reprehensible and totally not compatible with what Mike Priefer stands for.
As we all know, in the NFL you must perform at the highest level and meet the performance expectations of your coaches, management, and ownership. If these expectations, based upon past performance AND future potential for excellence, are not met, your NFL career with that team, is over. I believe this was the case with Chris, and it is unfair to think that his release was anything other than football related.
In my time here at Minnesota, Rick Spielman and Leslie Frazier have exemplified true leadership. Contrary to Chris' statements, they have promoted a workplace environment that was conducive for success. At no time did I ever feel suppressed or that I could not be myself.
I firmly stand behind Rick Spielman, Leslie Frazier, and Mike Priefer.
Kluwe and Walsh seemed to have a pretty good relationship during their one season together with the Vikings, from everything I had seen.
Naturally, the sentiment is going to be that current players aren't going to say anything back about coaches that are currently under contract, and I tend to agree with that. We're just attempting to bring you as much coverage and/or information as possible about this story, as it has become a pretty big deal.