Tapeh's homecoming is short-lived

The former St. Paul Johnson and U star joined the Vikings in the offseason but was dropped after being inactive four games in a row.

By CHIP SCOGGINS, Star Tribune

Last update: October 17, 2008 - 1:49 AM

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Thomas Tapeh called it a "blessing" to return home and play for the Vikings after signing as a free agent.

"I still can't put it into words," the former Gophers and St. Paul Johnson standout said during training camp.

Tapeh's happy homecoming didn't last long. The Vikings released the fullback Thursday to make room for linebacker Napoleon Harris, and the team could try to recoup some of the bonus money it gave Tapeh.

Vikings coach Brad Childress revealed this week that Tapeh had a procedure performed on one of his knees a few weeks before the team signed him to a five-year, $6 million contract that included $1.25 million in guarantees.

Expected to be the successor to Pro Bowl fullback Tony Richardson, Tapeh was inactive the past four games and found himself in the middle of a controversy.

"Toughest part of the job, particularly with a long-standing relationship," said Childress, who was the offensive coordinator in Philadelphia when Tapeh played for the Eagles.

Tapeh could not be reached for comment, and his agent has not returned calls and e-mails. Both sides became vague after Childress announced Monday that Tapeh failed to inform the team that he had a knee "cleaned up" in February.

Childress declined to say how much that situation influenced the decision to release Tapeh.

"I'm not really going to get into all that," he said. "Thomas and I had a conversation. It was hard enough as it was."

Both Childress and Tapeh said Wednesday that they were handling the matter "internally." Childress also indicated the team was working with Tapeh's agent to resolve the issue. That fueled speculation that the Vikings will try to recoup some of the guaranteed money they gave Tapeh, who received a $700,000 roster bonus, a $500,000 signing bonus and $50,000 workout bonus.

Childress declined to say whether Tapeh and the team reached a settlement.

A spokesman for the NFL Players Association said it didn't appear Tapeh's representatives contacted them about filing a grievance, but it's still early in the process. If a grievance was filed now, it likely wouldn't be settled until next spring or summer.

Asked how Tapeh handled the news, Childress said: "Like a man. It wasn't easy for him or I. I'm sure tougher on him."

Tapeh started the season opener before losing his job. Childress said Tapeh was healthy enough to play, but Naufahu Tahi performed better and gives the team more special-teams production.

"Good football teams have competition, and it just turned out that Fahu did more things than [Tapeh] to make himself valuable," Childress said. "I would have to commend Fahu and not take anything away from Thomas."