To the NFL's first black owner. I wonder how this affects where the team goes, if anywhere.
Reports: Vikings near historical sale
Associated Press
2/14/2005
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The Minnesota Vikings are on the verge of being sold in a deal that would transfer the franchise from Red McCombs to the NFL's first black owner, Arizona businessman Reggie Fowler, according to several media reports.
Phoenix radio station XTRA-AM first reported Sunday that Fowler had reached an agreement to buy the team for $625 million US and an announcement would be made Monday at the team's headquarters.
Minnesota Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor, who has also made an offer to buy the team, said on Sunday he hasn't heard from McCombs since his proposal nearly two weeks ago.
"I was given a message that they were going to respond and then they didn't," Taylor said before the Timberwolves' game against Chicago. "That's when I started to assume that they already had something with Reggie. ... And I've heard and I think some other people have heard, that it's 625 and our offer was not in that area."
Vikings spokesman Bob Hagan said Sunday night he knew of no plans for an announcement. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello didn't immediately return a call seeking comment.
The agreement was also reported on ESPN.com, KSTP-TV in the Twin Cities, and the Star Tribune's Web site.
McCombs and Fowler have been silent since beginning a short-term agreement to negotiate exclusively, but Taylor has spoken frequently and openly about his recent push. Taylor inquired about submitting another bid once the period of exclusivity had begun and was told by the McCombs camp it was OK.
"We gave them a number of alternatives and said if none of these work out with you, come back with how you would change it," Taylor said. "We weren't like, 'This is the last or final offer."'
But with no response from San Antonio, where McCombs has his office, Taylor sounded resigned to Fowler buying the team.
League rules require 24 of the 32 owners to approve a sale, and the NFL also mandates that a general partner must put down 30 percent of the cash portion of any franchise purchase.
Little is known about Fowler's personal wealth, but the Arizona Republic reported Saturday that he's worth more than $400 million.
McCombs bought the Vikings in 1998. Since then, they've sold out every home game and have made the playoffs in four of the seven seasons he has owned the team - twice advancing to the NFC championship game.
KFFL.com wrote:Vikings | Sale of Team for $625 Million Worked Out; Approval Pending - from http://www.KFFL.com Sun, 13 Feb 2005 17:44:49 -0800
Mike Jurecki, of XTRA Sports 910, reports Arizona businessman Reggie Fowler has reached an agreement with Minnesota Vikings owner Red McCombs to purchase the Vikings for $625 million. The Vikings are expected to make an announcement of the deal from team headquarters Monday, Feb. 14. The investment group is made up of Fowler and three businessmen from New York, with Fowler serving as the general partner. The deal is still pending league and owner's approval.
...and from some Minnesota news site...
Sky Max 5 wrote:Both Fowler and Hecker have said in the past that they plan on keeping the Vikings in Minnesota.
'CUNA-MANIA IS RUNNING WILD! "You will be a king here, instead of a peasant at the Cafe."
Canacuna wrote:...and from some Minnesota news site...
Sky Max 5 wrote:Both Fowler and Hecker have said in the past that they plan on keeping the Vikings in Minnesota.
As long as they stay in Minnesota, Barney the Purple Dinosaur could own the team.
16-team PPR Keeper League QB: T. Romo, V. Young RB: M. Turner, B. Wells, T. Hightower WR: A. Johnson, J. Ford, N. Burleson, A. Roberts, J. Simpson TE: D. Clark, J. Cook K: R. Gould D/ST: Cardinals
Canacuna wrote:...and from some Minnesota news site...
Sky Max 5 wrote:Both Fowler and Hecker have said in the past that they plan on keeping the Vikings in Minnesota.
As long as they stay in Minnesota, Barney the Purple Dinosaur could own the team.
Hey kids, let's sing our special "I love you" song to Randy! He looks like he could use some love right about now. It would be super-deeeeee-duper!!!
lol, where's Flocker, that should get some serious Flocker points
16-team PPR Keeper League QB: T. Romo, V. Young RB: M. Turner, B. Wells, T. Hightower WR: A. Johnson, J. Ford, N. Burleson, A. Roberts, J. Simpson TE: D. Clark, J. Cook K: R. Gould D/ST: Cardinals
If this is true, Vikings fans finally got their wish. Now lets see if the new owner unleashes a spending spree in free agency that would make Daniel Snyder look frugal.
maddog60 wrote:If this is true, Vikings fans finally got their wish. Now lets see if the new owner unleashes a spending spree in free agency that would make Daniel Snyder look frugal.
Actually, my wish was that the team be sold to Glen Taylor. He would be the perfect owner.
16-team PPR Keeper League QB: T. Romo, V. Young RB: M. Turner, B. Wells, T. Hightower WR: A. Johnson, J. Ford, N. Burleson, A. Roberts, J. Simpson TE: D. Clark, J. Cook K: R. Gould D/ST: Cardinals
maddog60 wrote:If this is true, Vikings fans finally got their wish. Now lets see if the new owner unleashes a spending spree in free agency that would make Daniel Snyder look frugal.
Actually, my wish was that the team be sold to Glen Taylor. He would be the perfect owner.
agree 100%
spent 15 years in the mankato area, he's a good guy... but oh well... his bid wasn't high enough... i can't believe the vikes went for about $625 mil... doe sthat guy have ANY money left? must be nice!
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by portisfan24 » Mon Feb 14, 2005 1:02 am 
