Quarterback Koy Detmer turned out to be an expensive insurance policy for the Vikings last week.
Because of several quirks in the NFL's Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), Detmer will receive more than $90,000 for practicing three days with the team. He was released last Saturday when the Vikings determined that quarterbacks Tarvaris Jackson and Kelly Holcomb were healthy enough to back up starter Brooks Bollinger last Sunday against Green Bay.
Even though Detmer was not with the team on gameday, the CBA requires the Vikings to pay him a game check because he was on the roster for practice. Detmer is a 10-year veteran, qualifying him for a minimum base salary of $720,000 over a full season. His "game check," then, equaled $42,352.94.
In addition, the CBA also calls for termination pay based on seniority and experience level. In Detmer's case, the formula dictated that he receive another $48,000, bringing his total compensation above $90,000.
The Vikings signed Detmer after a Nov. 6 workout because Jackson still was recovering from a concussion and Holcomb was having a hard time throwing because of a stiff neck. Both players improved during the week of practice, and Vikings officials determined they were better off using Detmer's roster spot for cornerback Ronyell Whitaker, a strong special teams player who also provided depth at cornerback while starter Antoine Winfield recovered from a hamstring injury.
Etc.
• The Vikings, who had about 3,500 tickets left for Sunday's game as of Monday afternoon, will provide an update on the situation today. The team has been in talks with WCCO (Ch. 4) about helping to purchase the remaining tickets for a second consecutive home game in order to avoid a blackout.
The game must be sold out by noon Thursday or it won't be seen locally. WCCO has incentive to make sure the game airs in the Twin Cities in part because of a Vikings postgame show it's planning to air and for which several advertising spots have been sold.
• Tailback Adrian Peterson will donate the uniform he wore on Nov. 4 to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, commemorating his record-setting 296-yard rushing performance against the San Diego Chargers. Joe Horrigan, vice president of communications/exhibitions for the HOF, will be at Winter Park for a ceremony Thursday.
• Punter Chris Kluwe already has 22 kicks this season of at least 50 yards, tying him with Mitch Berger for the team record in a 16-game season.
• The Vikings worked out defensive backs Dejuan Groce (Nebraska) and Christian Morton (Illinois) on Tuesday at Winter Park.
• Peterson's 1,081 yards this season gives the Vikings back-to-back 1,000-yard rushers for the fourth time in team history; Chester Taylor had 1,216 yards last season. It is the first time, however, that the feat has been accomplished by different players.
Staff Writer Judd Zulgad contributed to this notebook.
Kevin Seifert • kseifert@startribune.com
vikings/nfl
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