WEDNESDAY, 12:35pm: In an email to PFR’s Dallas Robinson, Halunen indicated that he and Kluwe will continue to talk to the Vikings rather than filing the lawsuit today.
“I have spoken with the Vikings lawyer Joe Anthony and we have agreed to recommend to our clients that they continue with their conversations,” Halunen said. “We will not be taking any action pending the completion of those discussions.”
Speaking to Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press (Twitter links), Halunen added that no deadline for a resolution has been set, but that he expects to determine soon whether or not further talks will be productive.
TUESDAY, 9:20am: Chris Kluwe and attorney Clayton Halunen are expected to file a lawsuit against the Vikings on Wednesday, and the veteran punter anticipates that the “protracted legal battle” that follows will result in his retirement from the NFL, according to Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
“I’m pretty sure that will end my career,” Kluwe said. “I doubt there will be many teams that want me on their roster with a lawsuit against another team at the same time. But this is something that I think is important.“
Having sat out the 2013 season and accused the Vikings of releasing him because of his outspoken views on same-sex marriage, Kluwe was perhaps already a long shot to return to the NFL, though his numbers during his last several seasons in Minnesota were respectable. The 32-year-old has stayed in shape in the hopes of continuing his career, but hasn’t heard from any NFL clubs since his allegations became public in January.
For now then, Kluwe will focus on the legal battle with the Vikings, who upset Kluwe and Halunen by not releasing the full 150-page investigative report put together by an independent firm. According to Kluwe, the suit will be for lost past and future earnings, emotional distress and defamation of character, and will seek “in excess of $10MM.” Any money the punter may be awarded would be donated to LGBT causes.
You reap what you sow, Kluwe. And you will answer to Him on that day.