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Minnesota governor threatens to undo stadium deal

Mark Dayton

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton addresses the crowd prior to an address by former President Bill Clinton at a Students for Obama rally at the University of Minnesota’s McNamara Alumni Center Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2012 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

AP

The Vikings could eventually be back in play for L.A.

As the team’s new stadium moves from blueprint to bricks and mortar, the politician who helped push the deal through a reluctant legislature isn’t happy. And he has threatened in a roundabout way to nix the project.

The problems arise from the team’s willingness to play home games in London while the new stadium is being constructed, along with the notion that a portion of the team’s contribution toward the stadium costs could be raised via season-ticket holders.

“The project’s strong support came from many regular Minnesotans, not just rich Minnesotans, because they believed the Vikings are also their team. If a new stadium were to betray that trust, it would be better that it not be built,” Governor Mark Dayton wrote in a letter to owners Zygi and Mark Wilf, via the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

“This Private contribution is yours, not theirs,” Dayton added, opting for an underline in lieu of an exclamation point. “I said this new stadium would be a ‘People’s Stadium,’ not a ‘Rich People’s Stadium.’ I meant it then, and I mean it now.”

Unless they work this out, it could end up being “No People’s Stadium.” And the Vikings could be playing at Farmer’s Field.