The Minnesota Vikings have hired two big-time lawyers in Minnesota to perform an independent investigation into allegations by former punter Chris Kluwe that he was released for his pro-gay stances and that a coach made terribly evil anti-gay comments.
This is great news and shows the team (and in all likelihood the NFL itself) is taking the matter very seriously.
From the Vikings:
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 Chris Kluwe.
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, is highly-regarded in Minnesota and throughout the country. 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. Madel has also been selected as the Minnesota Lawyer's "Attorney of the Year" for 2011, 2012, and 2013, and is the first attorney to win the award for three consecutive years.
"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.
