This is way too funny! "Vikings organize T.V Boycott"
<DIV =firstP>EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) - Minnesota
Vikings players have encouraged teammates to boycott a local TV station in response to a report Thursday night related to the infamous boat party.
At least 10 signs - reading "Boycott Channel 5" above a red circle/slash through the KSTP-TV logo - were posted in the locker room Friday.
After getting a tip that offensive tackle
Bryant McKinnie and running back
Mewelde Moore were seen dumping garbage at a construction site near their Eden Prairie homes, KSTP reporter Kristin Stinar rummaged through the dumpster and discovered trash belonging to McKinnie.
Remnants of a party were found, including a list of several female names and incoming flight times handwritten on
Vikings stationery. But McKinnie said the garbage was a result of a gathering he had at his home two weeks before the infamous cruise. Moore said he ran out of room for his trash in his own bin.
"It was just a lame way of getting viewers to watch the show," McKinnie said.
The
Vikings were angry about an invasion of privacy. McKinnie was interviewed at his front door, and Stinar approached Moore in his garage.
"We don't condone boycotting any media outlet," vice president for public affairs Lester Bagley said, "but we understand the players are upset.
"This organization, from ownership on down, was upset with the tactics of KSTP. ... Digging through someone's garbage and ambushing them at their door is harassment. It's not journalism."
KSTP news director Chris Berg stood by the story.
"It was fair, accurate and balanced," he said.
KSTP, an ABC affiliate, has an hourlong pregame feature program on Sunday mornings during the season, and coach Mike Tice has an exclusive contract to appear on a half-hour wrapup show each week after the games.
"We're disappointed ... but we will continue to treat the Minnesota
Vikings organization and players fairly, the way we have always done," Berg said.
The investigation into allegations that several players were involved in sexual misconduct has been going on for nearly a month.
Moore is the only player who has publicly acknowledged being on the boat, but he has denied that there was any wrongdoing. The crew's lawyer has said some players apologized for behavior, which allegedly included visible sexual activity. Owner Zygi Wilf has vowed to hand out appropriate punishments.
