We’ve been making the case all day, starting on KFAN in Minneapolis and continuing on PFT Live, that the Vikings need to quit being so nice about their stadium situation. Reluctant for years to say “or else,” the team apparently has wanted the media to do its dirty work, connecting the dots between the circumstances and the alternatives.
Now, the Vikings may be taking a more aggressive approach. A much more aggressive approach.
On the same day that Governor Mark Dayton responded to the apparent failure of a 2012 stadium bill by explaining that if a stadium bill isn’t passed in 2013 the Vikings will leave, the Vikings have indicated that 2013 won’t be an option.
“There is no next year,” Vikings V.P. of public affairs and stadium development Lester Bagley said, via the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
“The last governor said in 2006 we’ll come back and work on yours next year. That was six years ago. No action this year is a decision.”
He has a point. With the Vikings facing a February 15, 2013 deadline for giving the NFL notice of intention to relocate for next season, the Vikings can’t once again wait for the politicians to twiddle their thumbs and/or drag their feet through another legislative session. The Vikings need to know by February 15 where they’re going. And that means they need to start making plans for next year now.
So, Minnesota, this is your wake up call. If you want the Vikings to stay, you’ll put a deal together to keep them. If you don’t, then they’ll give your regards to the Lakers.