Minnesota Vikings Retain Lawyers In Light Of Kluwe’s Allegations
By Sarita Kelly
Former Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe’s allegations yesterday that he was fired for being supporting gay rights and marriage is now reaching to legal ramifications.
The Minnesota Vikings have retained two partners of Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi, L.L.P. to complete an independent review of yesterday’s allegations by Kluwe.
Sep 9, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings kicker
Blair Walsh(3) kicks a 55-yard field goal during the fourth quarter as punter Chris Kluwe (5) holds against the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Jaguars 26-23 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Former Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court Eric Magnuson and former U.S. Department of Justice Trial Attorney Chris Madel will lead the investigation.
“It is extremely important for the Vikings organization to react immediately and comprehensively with an independent review of these allegations,” said Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf.
Magnuson, who is currently a partner at Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi, L.L.P. and teaches at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, he has more than 35 years of practice, including over two years (2008-10) as the Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court.
Madel is the Chair of Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi, L.L.P.’s Government and Internal Investigations Group, and has led numerous high-profile investigations, including the extensively publicized internal investigation of the Fiesta Bowl in Phoenix, Arizona.
“This is a highly sensitive matter that we as an organization will address with integrity,” said Vikings Vice President of Legal Affairs and Chief Administrative Officer Kevin Warren. “Eric and Chris have stellar reputations in both the local and national legal community. They have handled numerous cases involving a wide range of issues, and we are confident they will move swiftly and fairly in completing this investigation.”
Robins, Kaplan’s investigation has already begun and will include interviews with current and former members of the Vikings organization.