Ex-G-Man hired as director of security (Minnesota Vikqueens)

Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune ^ | October 16, 2005 | Kevin Seifert

[Paleo Conservative]

CHICAGO - NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue convened an emergency summit Sunday morning with Vikings owner Zygi Wilf, pledging his assistance following one of the darkest weeks in franchise history.

At Tagliabue's urging, Wilf created a new director of security position and immediately filled it by hiring Dag Sohlberg, a retired FBI agent who has worked five years as a part-time employee of NFL Security.

The Vikings have wrapped security issues into their team operations department for years, but Wilf decided to split those duties following allegations last week that players participated in a sex party Oct. 6 on Lake Minnetonka.

[Kozak]

I wasn't aware the Vikings had won a championship in the 70's. Which Superbowl was that again?

[Alberta's Child]

It's worth noting that the negative publicity surrounding this incident has pretty much put an end to all discussions among state officials about a new stadium for the Vikings.

That, in fact, is the REAL reason why the ownership of the team is all up in arms about what happened.

[leadpenny]

When this story first broke a week ago, the first two threads on the subject (out of the Star Tribune) were relegated to the General/Chat forum.

[Enterprise]

I simply can't imagine anyone caring about their conduct unless it had negative ramifications for the stadium. I think you have successfully summarized it!

Simply put, it's probably happened before, and no one cared. But now that it has probably jeopardized a new stadium, it becomes something to be "concerned" about.

[R. Scott]

I wonder if the director of security will be responsible for keeping the players in line – or insuring they don’t make the news.

[Redleg Duke]

I have been a Packer-Backer from back in the "Glory Days" of the 50s and 60s! I remember Vince Lombardi made sure that his players were role models for us kids and we looked up to all of them.

Today's players are disgusting. If it weren't for the NFL, most of them would be hanging out on street corners or pushing brooms. And they take their celebrity status as if it was their just due for being able to play a kids' game better than the rest.

Pathetic!

[marvlus]

I'm a Minnesota Viking fan also, but I'm too embarressed to wear my Viking apparel now. I also believe Mike Tice needs to go.

[E Rocc]

I don't know how much difference it will make. The Browns have had scattered player-related issues since their return, and they have the most high-powered director of security imaginable. When Secret Service Director Lew Merletti got sick of covering for Bildo's shenanigans, he took the job.

The late Al Lerner also hired Louis Freeh when he left the FBI. AFAIK, he still works for MBNA.

What it boils down to is this is largely window dressing. There's already some very high powered security people working in, or affliated with, the league.

-Eric

[najida]

In my opinion, if they don't make an example of these guys, the 'pro-athletes are immoral animals' belief will be perpetuated.

Oh, make that 'immoral animals arrogantly above the law and a threat to all who get in their path.'

OK, so maybe I'm not feeling very generous today ;)

[Alberta's Child]

According to a story floating around on a number of radio shows over the last few days, the Vikings who were involved in the incident were apparently under the impression that they could do whatever they pleased because they thought they were sailing in internatinal waters.

On Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota, mind you.

Nothing surprises me anymore.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

"International Waters" ?
The Vikes must have confused Lake Minnetonka with Mpls airport.

[TypeZoNegative]

Make no mistake. Mike Tice is no Bud Grant. I can't see why people are still thinking this man is a likable charachter when he's also as Amoral as any of the Viking players. For god's sake, he's a tax cheat. He's not a good example for the players and he will never have the players respect because he's as thuggish and amoral as them.

Personally, that's why I think Moss walked out of the game. He saw how this man couldn't control a team and he wanted to have nothing to do with them.

[martin_fierro]

(please de-pingify me -- nothing personal, just on a diet)

[Enterprise]

"they thought they were sailing in international waters."

Well, that makes sense. "Educated" in a public school, but allowed to play football. Further "educated" at a nice college thanks to a generous scholarship, but still playing football. Then, on to the NFL, still playing football, and still being an ignoramus.

[martin_fierro]

[HolgerDansk]

"The did WHAT?

[joebuck]

"....following one of the darkest weeks in franchise history."

That's a bit of overstatment. This kind of stuff was a yearly occurance when Denny Green was coach. 'Cept back then the Coach was usually involved too. Denny had a full wardrobe of sexual harrassment suits.

[Echo Talon]

It's ok to ping me about Vikings stuff, but... I'm a Bears fan. :D
Bears,(Dont like baseball that much but the White Sox rule! :D hehe), Notre Dame, Purdue, Bulls, Pacers

[Echo Talon]

Opps added all the basketball teams and college and forgot to add my AFC team... GO COLTS! :D

[notfornothing]

LOL

Obviously no Superbowl wins, but three NFC CHAMPIONSHIPS in four years is nothing to sneeze at.

So what happened to all those NFC championship trophys? Packer fan grab them to support his crank habit?

Probably the best team out of any of those great Viking teams of the 70s never even made it to the Superbowl because of that blatant pass interfence that Drew Pearson got away with in 1975 - still the worst call in NFL history.