Reached by ESPN.com, Kluwe said he didn’t approach the team, the NFL or the NFL Players Association about Priefer’s comments at the time because doing so is “something that ends careers.”
According to Kluwe’s piece, which was posted Thursday and titled “I was an NFL player until I was fired by two cowards and a bigot,” Priefer criticized the punter throughout the 2012 season for his support of same-sex marriage, allegedly saying in a November team meeting that “we should round up all the gays, send them to an island and nuke it until it glows.”
Priefer released a statement Thursday night, denying Kluwe’s allegations.
“I want to be clear that I do not tolerate discrimination of any type and am respectful of all individuals,” Priefer said. “I personally have gay family members who I love and support just as I do any family member. …
“The comments today have not only attacked my character and insulted my professionalism, but they have also impacted my family. While my career focus is to be a great professional football coach, my number one priority has always been to be a protective husband and father to my wife and children. …”