Punter Chris Kluwe says he will sue Vikings for discrimination

Former Minnesota punter Chris Kluwe plans to sue the Vikings for discrimination, Kluwe and his lawyer said Tuesday at a news conference in Minneapolis.

Kluwe and attorney Clayton Halunen also said the team backed out of a promise to release the details of an internal investigation into the punter’s allegations of anti-gay conduct by a coach.

“I think it’s just important that everyone is able to see what’s there,” said Kluwe, who added he might reconsider the lawsuit if the investigation details are released. “Yeah, it’ll probably hurt. These things always do. But the only way we’re ever going to fix it is if we acknowledge that.”

Kluwe has accused special teams coach Mike Priefer of using slurs and taunts toward him after Kluwe started speaking out in favor of same-sex marriage. He has also stated the Vikings knew of Priefer’s behavior and that Kluwe’s views were a reason for his release from the team.

The Vikings, who started the investigation after Kluwe made the accusations on Deadspin.com in January, released a statement Tuesday saying they never promised to release the findings of their investigation but planned on meeting with Kluwe’s attorney Thursday “to discuss next steps.”

Halunen said Tuesday that there had been hopes of a settlement and that any money gained by Kluwe would go toward LGBT causes.

“He’s never been in it for the money,” Halunen said.

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