UPDATE: Vikings Have A Change Of Heart

It turns out that the Minnesota Vikings care more about their public image (and resulting loss of fans and $$) than they did about taking Troy Williamson's paycheck.

Updating my previous post, Vikings Coach Brad Childress announced to reporters today (yes, that's before their game tomorrow) that the Vikings have decided to give Williamson back the $25,000+ check they docked him for missing a week of practice and a game following the death of his grandmother who raised him.

Said Childress of the reverse of course:

"I think the important thing is everybody grieves differently. That's the thing that I learned, or we learned, in this," Childress said. "In the end, it's not important to be right, but to get it right."

Perhaps I am a little cynical, but I think the end of that quote is "so we don't lose any more fans and money." I don't like the implication that they think they are "being" right in this situation, but I'll take it.

And trying to ensure his spot as Nicest Athlete of the Year, Williamson has decided to give the check to charity in his grandmother's honor. Bravo to Williamson for making the decision to be more than just right. Having a heart counts for something, AND it will definitely win you more fans.

Take note, Vikings organization.

The Old and The Heartless

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Troy Williamson was docked pay (approximately $25,000) for missing a game to attend the funeral of his grandmother (she raised him, so really, she's his mother).

Now, I'm sure there's something in the collective bargaining agreement that says that players don't get paid if they don't play for a variety of reasons, but this just seems ridiculously unfair.

First off, Williamson's not making millions of dollars, he's making about a half million this year. Which is definitely a lot. But $25,000 then turns out to be a lot of money to a guy not making a half million.

Even if this was the policy, I think the team should dig in their fat pockets and give the man his money back. I know this is a business and they don't play that many games to begin with, but even I get paid for missing work sometimes.

He's appealing the decision. I really hope he wins.