The Minnesota Vikings? 2005-2006 season began with the news that their coach and leader, Mike Tice, had illegally distributed Super Bowl tickets. In other words he was scalping tickets! We had the sudden demise of QB Daunte Culpepper not only on the football field, but also on a cruise ship in some sexual shenanigans involving hookers and teammates. At least he didn't get caught for .



The new Vikings owner, Zygi Wilf, was appalled and he cleaned out by unloading Culpepper and replacing Tice with former Eagles? assistant Brad Childress. Childress has enjoyed success with the Eagles and the Vikings have several talented players. When the draft rolled around, they scooped up talented linebacker Chad Greenway from Iowa and with the addition of Tank Williams at safety, the defense looked special.

On offense, the story of the 2005 season was the comeback of Koren Robinson from his stint in a rehab facility. Robinson was taken by the Seattle Seahawks in the first round of the 2001 draft and was then suspended by the NFL for substance abuse. Coach Mike Holmgrem had seen enough and sent him packing. Robinson gained 1221 yards on kickoff returns for the purple and gold and caught 24 passes for 347 yards. He was selected for the Pro Bowl and Minnesota rewarded him with a new 3 year contract including a $5.5 million signing bonus.

On Monday night during the Raiders-Vikings game commentators Mike Tirico, Joe Theisman and Tony Kornheiser commented how Robinson had returned to the rehab facility this past summer, not for treatment, but more so to remind himself of the 12 step program. That was great news and with the addition of Tony Richardson in the backfield and the return of center Matt Birk, the Vikes looked promising.

Early last week, it was reported that their new safety Tank Williams will be in the tank all year and not on the field as the result of a knee injury. Then August 16, 2006 arrived and the bad news was that 1st round draft pick Chad Greenway would miss the entire season with a knee injury suffered on Monday night.

I assume, just as Coach Childress had poured himself a stiff drink to reflect on his sudden misfortune, the call came informing him that his star offensive player Robinson had been arrested for impaired driving. With a conviction, there will most likely be a one year suspension for violating the NFL substance abuse policy.

Log on to your favorite and bet the Steelers Friday night at home to the Vikings? -4!

Bob Acton