The problem with the Cleveland Browns hiring Mike Priefer goes beyond football.
The reason why the Browns hire of Mike Priefer is an issue is not production related, it is not X’s and O’s related. It is an issue with remarks from the former Vikings coordinator that are completely awful. Former Vikings punter Chris Kluwe brought to light the insensitive remarks from Priefer, which were later confirmed.
“We should round up all the gays, send them to an island, and then nuke it until it glows.”
These types of remarks are completely unacceptable. Now quickly after the hire of Priefer was made these quotes resurfaced. Predictably people were quick to defend Priefer. Making terrible excuses of people change and these comments are from years ago. Regardless of when Priefer said the indefensible comments, they are absolutely vile. Priefer is a grown man and statements as awful as this do not just magically disappear. Priefer most likely holds the same views but no longer vocalizes them. Well at least no one has come forward with information regarding a similar incident.
This is not a situation where an apology makes things better. The fact of that matter is Priefer advocated for and supported the death of an entire demographic of people. There is not an excuse for these comments.
The error of the Cleveland Browns and the NFL
The Cleveland Browns made a major error. Although Mike Priefer has a history of being significantly better than the previous special teams coordinators, the team chose to overlook the obvious issues with his hire. Bringing the Cleveland native on to the coaching staff is a feel good story. After looking into his past this feel good story turns sour real quick. Rather than hiring someone without Priefer’s anti-LGBT history, the team overlooked an obvious issue and hired him anyway.
The NFL often plays games when it comes to morality. This is not solely a John Dorsey issue. The league and teams often choose to look the other way in certain areas. The nuking of gays needs to be an area that is not looked away from. Statements like Priefer’s should have resulted in immediate termination and excluded from further coaching forever. Instead the Browns have their new special teams coordinator.
It is not realistic to expect the Cleveland Browns to dismiss their new hire, even though they should. The NFL stepping in and stopping the hire is also unrealistic as the league allowed Priefer to keep his previous job in Minnesota. All Priefer experienced was an all too brief suspension, not nearly enough for how terrible his comments were.
Mike Priefer should not have been able to continue coaching in Minnesota. Mike Priefer should not have been eligible for a position with another team, but the reality is the NFL and the Browns do not care. The hire of Priefer only further solidifies the commitment to insensitivity from teams, the NFL and acceptance of bigotry as long as it results in more money for the people at the top.
