The Minnesota Vikings apparently have severed ties with fullback Thomas Tapeh. According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Tapeh’s locker is empty and his name plate is gone.
Tapeh, a former Eagle who signed with the Vikings early in 2008 free agency, became the subject of significant scrutiny after coach Brad Childress disclosed on Monday that Tapeh failed to tell the team that he had knee surgery only weeks before signing a multi-year deal, which included $1.2 million in guaranteed money.
More recently, there were reports of a possible settlement between Tapeh and the team, which presumably would entail a partial refund of the signing bonus he received.
If/when Tapeh is released, he’ll first be subject to the waiver system. If unclaimed, he’ll become a free agent.
