< Links of the day | Main | Blah >

July 6, 2004

Not moving

Just to reiterate, the Vikings are not moving to LA. I wrote about this a few days ago, and since then more reasons have come forth which strengthen the argument that Red is doing little more than bluffing.

• According to the Viking Update article above, Red is, at best, fourth in line to move our team to LA. First in line is the Chargers. Secondly we have the Saints whose Superdome lease expires next year. Finally we have the Colts who have already proven they have the guts to move to another city. Red has not been in "the club" long enough to be given the lucrative LA market. No way.
  
• A more subtle reason, however, suggesting the Vikings will never move is the NFL's current divisional alignment. The NFL just realigned to four divisions in each conference, and most people agree that the placement of the teams is pretty good. In fact it is really good. One division I know the NFL is proud of is the NFC North. Truly, the NFC North is the NFL's most perfect division. Four natural rivalries and four really football crazy cities. Moving the Vikings would mess all of this up and create the same problem the NFL had when the Buccaneers were in the NFC Central. This may sound like a weak reason, but the NFL takes this stuff seriously.
  

The Vikings sell out every home game, they have natural, healthy rivalries in the area, and the have a tradition of support from their home state. The NFL does not want another Cleveland on its hands. No way. Compared to the Chargers, Saints, and Colts, the Vikings have not been begging nearly as long for a new stadium. In the NFL ownership circles I'm sure the general feeling is Red hasn't earned and he doesn't deserve LA.

I tell you, if Red dares show his face to the Metrodome crowd this season I will boo like I have never booed before. First of all, he is making the worst bluff in the history of stadium politics I have ever seen. Does he think we are all rookies at this? Secondly, he is a moron. There are more tactful ways of getting a stadium built. Plus it is obvious he hasn't learned anything from the Twins stadium battles. Do not threaten Minnesotans with a move we know will never happen! Red, we will never build a stadium for you! Sell the team!

Posted by snackeru at July 6, 2004 8:57 AM | Vikings

Comments

I am so glad that as a fan of the greatest team anywhere, the Packers, I don't have to worry about this moving garbage. I feel sorry for you that you have to deal with this, Shane.

Posted by: Cheesehead Craig at July 6, 2004 3:16 PM